NOT MY USUAL WORLD Novel Chapter 3

NOT MY USUAL WORLD
EPISODE 3
The phone rang sharply. Aderonke’s dad picked up.
It was Anthony.
He wanted to set up a dinner. At the best restaurant in Victoria Island.
Aderonke did not get a say. By the time she arrived home, her father had already dressed her, giving instructions, and insisted she go.
Ronke, he said quietly in the car, just… try to be polite.
She rolled her eyes but stayed silent, biting back words.
The restaurant glittered with lights and polished tables. Anthony was already there, perfectly dressed, hair neat, aura of control radiating.
Why do you always go through my dad to get me? she asked once they were seated.
Because you’re always turning me down, he replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair.
I always turn you down because of your attitude. You and I both know I don’t love you, but you keep forcing things.
Anthony’s lips curved slightly. You will love me later.
She shook her head, almost laughing in disbelief. That word later felt like a cage.
The waiter arrived with the first dish. Anthony tasted his food, and his face darkened immediately.
How can you make such a simple mistake? he snapped.
Before anyone could react, he slapped the young waitress across the face.
The restaurant went silent. Forks clinked. Patrons froze.
Ronke’s chest tightened. Anger surged like fire. She stood immediately, chair scraping loudly against the polished floor.
You see why I don’t like you? she shouted.
Anthony’s face reddened. His eyes narrowed.
Is it because I slapped a stupid, classless, poor waitress? he barked, voice sharp.
Yes! she shot back. She’s a human being! You had no right!
She dared to make a mistake, he growled, voice low, dangerous.
You see, Ronke, she is part of this world. You are not. And you think everything is free. You think your words fix things. Your father raised you soft. I want to raise you for reality. That is why you don’t understand.
She took a deep breath, fists clenched. You don’t understand anything, Anthony. You slapped a human being. A human being! And you think that is acceptable?
He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, she grabbed her clutch purse and stormed out.
Of course, Anthony had already called her father.
Back home, her father was pacing when she arrived, fury and concern in equal measure.
Anthony told me you embarrassed him today because of a mere waitress, he said.
Of course he did, she snapped. And you forgot the waitress is a human being too.
Yes, but she could have delivered the job perfectly, he replied calmly.
I don’t even know what you see in Anthony, she shot back. I don’t like him for anything. He is rude.
The older man’s face hardened. The earlier you start liking him, the better for you. I promised his family this marriage since you were fifteen. You’ve been groomed for him. You had your engagement party a few months ago. Soon the wedding will follow. Besides, Anthony can never treat you badly.
Ronke crossed her arms. Because he knows what his family stands to lose if he does. And besides, I don’t even give him the chance to.
Perfect, her father said. That means you don’t have any problems with him.
Ronke turned sharply and left the living room, stomping toward her bedroom.
She grabbed her phone and dialed Tobe.
No answer.
Hours passed. Finally, her phone buzzed.
I’m sorry, he said quietly. My uncle had a small accident and was rushed to the hospital.
She asked for the address and promised to come in the morning.
They talked for some time. Laughing quietly, sharing thoughts, the world outside fading away.
Goodnight, she said finally.
Goodnight, Ronke, he replied.
She put her phone down and curled under her blanket, feeling a warmth her engagement dinner had not given her.
What she didn’t know was that her father was standing just outside her bedroom door, listening.
And somewhere in the quiet of the night, Anthony’s words and actions lingered in her mind. She was certain of one thing: she would never be like him.
Yet… Tobe’s name kept slipping between thoughts, soft and persistent, like a comforting echo.
To be continued.