-----PRINCE's POV-----

Hurrray! We have Prince's POV here! Let's hop in and see things through Prince's eyes.

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"Miss," I called out. "So why do you care if I drink?"

"Your handsome. Duh! I can't allow such beauty to be wiped out easily," Anita replied.

"So if I decided to commit suicide, what would you do?"

"Knock some sense into your head. That's what I will do," She said with a determined look that startled me.

"You are a strange person. Do you know that?"

"The fact is that I don't support the idea of alcohol drinking. I'm saving your life. You can thank me later. I have seen patients die because of this. It's not a joking matter," she said in all seriousness and sighed. "I know why I am saying this".

"Death?"

"Yeah! A lot of people die because of it. It's either their drunk state puts their life in danger or the alcohol damages important organs in their body," I replied.

"Be rest assured! You now have a converted soul," I smiled and beat my chest. "I don't think I have the mind to drink after hearing that".

I recalled all this. It was on replay in my head. It had happened at a friend's party. This was my second time of meeting Anita. Yes, I assured her I won't drink but today would be different. I picked the glass cup filled with whiskey and sipped from it. I was perturbed. I had always been in control of my emotions and everything around me. My dad taught me to always be in control. That's how my life would get great. Well, my dad has got some explanation to give because what's happening to me has left me in a mess.

My jaw set in fury as my body boiled up. Where was the cool and calm demeanor in me? Why the sudden loss of rationality? Why had I lost control of my emotions and reasoning?

My head did a replay of the first time I laid my eyes on Anita. I should have know I was in danger. A kiss on our first meet?

Maybe I shouldn't call it a kiss. We just bumped into each other and for the first time in my life, my brain had actually stopped working. It took great effort for me to pull my phone out and focus on my work. Then again, we met at a party and the best thing that came to my mind, quite foolish, was to sign a contract with her and have her as my girlfriend. Nice plan, Prince! It just backfired.

This situation would have not been tough if only I was more comfortable and straightforward with the opposite gender. Anita has invaded my thoughts and have decided to stay forever. I can't even go one minute without thinking of her. I have loads of work waiting for me because I decided to sit and plan out how I would ask her to be my real girlfriend. The plan backfired because I would have to deprive myself from sleep to get it done. My transformation to a zombie might finally be complete.

I'm just burdened. All the responsibilities of my family rest on me, the first born and first son. I am to take care of both my closest and extended family. Why did my dad have to be the kind that love to have debts?

Everyone has their eyes on me and my bank account. From a tender age, my dad would beat me blue black just because I was too playful and as he would say– childish. He wanted me to grow up fast. My books were my bestfriend, girlfriend and enemy all at the same time. My dad's tyrannical reign was successful on me because no matter how I tried, I was not the rebellious type. I saw reason in all that he told me because I knew my mom would only be happy if I pleased him. My mom's joy was my energy.

I can't deny, I'm Mama's boy.

I obeyed my dad because my grandma wanted to see me succeed and her joy was also my strength. I can be selfless when I choose to be and I choose to be that way all the time. My religion - Christianity - had a part to that. Love your neighbor as yourself.

I love my family dearly but right now....I'm beginning to think that they are taking advantage of that love. This thought always breaks my heart.

My brother told me following all my dad's advice was sheer stupidity and I would regret it. For my success and first-class in my university, I would admit my dad's advice helped in that. However, for my love-life, he destroyed it into bits and I don't know how to fix it. Fear! Fear has consumed me. When I'm presented with a chance to start a relationship with someone, fear makes me choose to reject and run away. Just like a coward.

My dad told me ALOT. He discouraged me from women and as a naive child, I believed every words. My fear and irritation increased when married women begged to play a role as my sugar mummy. It happened during my days in university and presently, in my workplace. I never asked for a sugar mummy. Probably, my look pulled them to me. I knew deep down that I'm an attractive man and I knew that I could easily have my way with any woman. However, my fear made me shut the doors to my heart and put a sharp line between me and the opposite gender: females. When they came to me, I ran as fast as my legs could take me.

Running away was very easy due to the fact I never had feelings for them. Not even a little. With Anita, it's different. Tremendously different! I like her a lot. No matter how far I can run, I know my heart will be with her.

So why run? A voice in my head asked. I sighed, trying to let my emotions out with a breath. Fear! Fear has consumed me and it doesn't want to let go.

She is the first woman to draw strong emotions from me. Emotions I didn't know exist. I have given up on love but she gave me hope. And I'm scared my workaholic ways may chase her away, maybe my family or perhaps I will flop since I know nothing about relationships. I don't even know the rules. Worst of all is that I don't think I'm ready for a heartbreak. Most times, people only relate and sympathize with women when it comes to heartbreak but men can get their hearts broken too. I have so much responsibilities that I don't even want to imagine my heart shattered in pieces.

My phone vibrated inside my trouser pocket and I groaned. I pressed the cold glass cup to my lips, sniffed its content and shut my eyes. Please, let it not be a relative begging for me. I have alot of bills to pay I don't want more.

My phone kept ringing. I downed my drink and slammed the cup on the counter. It drew the attention of everyone around me and a hard glare from the bartender. I placed a few naira notes beside the cup and I saw his lips twitched in excitement.

My phone was stilling ringing as I beerily thrust myself in the air. I wavily made my way out of the bar and towards a corridor. My dad was the first son and child of his family. His family looked up to him for help and he effortlessly passed the responsibilities to me. I sighed and pulled my phone from my pocket. I clenched my fingers around the cold metal and stared at the caller's ID, sweet mom.

I leaned on the wall and tapped on the ACCEPT CALL button. My mom's shrill voice echoed as she yelled, "Hello?"

"Good evening, mum" I greeted, my weary eyes taking in the calm, cool sight of the moon elegantly hung in the dark sky. The glass window allowed the silver illumination to filter in and spread around my face.

"Where are you, Prince?"

"Abuja," I drawled icily.

"Why?"

I tried to maintain that calm side of me but the alcohol wasn't ready for that. "Mum, it's my life and not yours so I can be where I want to be whenever I want".

"Ah! I am your mother. Is it wrong to know my son's whereabouts?"

"You are too nosy, mother. Keep yourself busy with other things than intruding into your son's life," I snapped.

She gasped. She had a right to. I haven't spoken to her like this for a while now. I hardly do this. In fact, I did it once two months ago because of the marriage my family planned to force on me.

"Prince, are you drunk?"

Bam! My mom knows me well.

I let out a sigh. "A little"

"But you promised me you would never do that again"

"I promised someone else too. I guess I am so unreliable"

"Go to your bed now and sleep. We can talk tomorrow"

"No way! Let's talk now. I have somethings to say to you, mother. I am so angry with you right now that I can't bottle it up anymore"

Where is this courage coming from?

"Prince Obinna Arinze!" my mum yelled my full name. "You are drunk. Go to bed. We can talk tomorrow".

"No way!" I growled. "I am tired of being controlled like a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a money making machine. I don't pluck money from trees either. Tell dad's sister that I am not sending one million to her. She and her family should go work their own cash. Why is everyone in the family so inconsiderate? Also you, mother. I am starting to doubt you ever loved me. I guess I am just a puppet in your eyes".

"Stop saying rubbish, son" my mom hissed. "We all love you. I know you feel pressured but it's your responsibility to take care of your family. You know your dad is unemployed and indisposed to take any job. He is an old man. Have mercy. Send the money to your aunt. She needs it for her medical checkup".

"I should send the money?" I asked drly, my head banging at every side.

"Yes!" she replied. "And also, Amarachi's birthday is next week. What do you have planned for her?"

"Amarachi?" I inquired, my eyes traveling to the ceilings. Why is my family so....so....so selfish?

"Yes! Her father is throwing a party for her. I dare not miss that party. Ah ahan! A billionaire's daughter? Ah! Me I like fun oo"

"Wow!" I added, my voice mixed with a good doze of sarcasm. "Marry her for the money, right?"

"No na! We both know she loves you for who you are. Not like other women that might love you for your money. She already has the money so she loves you. That's why and how I know she is the right woman for you"

"Really?" My tone had sunk to sadness. I slid against the wall and sat down. My knees bent to touch my chin. I wasn't alone in the corridor. People passed once in a while and sent questioning looks at me. Freddy had lodged in this hotel and Anita decided to lodge here too. I don't mind paying the bills as long as she is happy, I'm happy.

"Yes! The wedding planner has picked a venue"

"So if I don't marry this woman, what will happen?"

"You have to marry her. She is the right woman for you. Your best half!"

"I told you I have a girlfriend, right? I still do"

"Mtchew! Don't ever mention that woman. Abeg! Who she be? You just picked anyhow woman and brought her to our house. Have shame, my boy. She is not of our class"

"Really?" I drawled.

"Yes!"

"Guess what?" I said, anger seeping back into my voice. "My present girlfriend is far beautiful, hardworking and better than the spoilt, lazy and shameless woman you want me to get married to. You and Dad can get married to her. I see you two are so interested in the marriage".

"This my son wants to kill me. Prince, do you want to see your mother's corpse? Do you want to see me dead?" she cried. Before, her tears could move me but now, it doesn't.

"Right now, I am convinced nobody in that family has my interest at heart. You all have forgotten I have feelings and I am a human. You have forgotten that I too wish to smile and be happy. I deprive myself from sleep just to put a smile on your faces and now that I need you all the most, you all throw your needs at me and force a marriage on me. Thanks and goodbye. Tell others they won't see me in a while. Who knows....maybe a year too. Tell Dad he has full liberty to run the business however he wants. I'm done. Goodnight".

"Prince, what are you– " I cut the call.

I rose to my feet and steadied my ragging breath. Just then, I got a glimpse of Freddy heading my way. And like the human robot I have been for awhile, I faked a smile. He waved at me as he drew closer.

"Prince," he extended a hand  to me and I shook it. "How are you this night?"

"Cool!" I nodded.

"I'll like to talk to you. Are you busy?" his voice pitched in an accent I fancied.

"Yes!"

"Oh!" his voice lowered. "Okay! How about tomorrow?"

"Sure!"

"Can I have your number?" he asked and pulled his phone from his pocket.

I cocked a brow. "Sure?" my response came out as a question. "But why?"

He chuckled. "Why not?"

"Hm..."

"Dude, you seem like a friend I can talk to. Besides, you are Anita's boyfriend, right? I need to know you well too. She's like a sister to me"

My jaw tightened as I recalled how cowardice my actions were. How foolish of me to choose to deny my feelings for my precious Angel. I'm a fool.

"What's the nearest country a coward can run to?" I asked.

Freddy's face went blank. He pondered on it and shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe Togo"

"You sure?"

"Nah! Is this some kind of riddle?"

"Um..." I trailed off. "Yeah! Something like that"

His face lit in amusement and he chuckled. "You picked the wrong guy to play that game with. My brain ain't for riddles, bro".

I smiled at that. He's quite funny.

"Hey guys!" Anita's voice echoed and my eyes snapped to her. She stood beside me with a broad smile. "Have you guys eaten? I'm hungry. Prince? Have you?"

"I...um..." I took some steps away from her. I don't want her to know I drank today. "Yes!" I lied.

"When?"

"Just an hour ago"

My heart drummed against my chest. It hurt to lie to her.

Both Anita and Freddy sent a questioning look at me. I forced a smile. I shouldn't have. Anita could read me in ways I still don't understand. Around her, I feel free and I let my emotions out. Maybe not all but I know I smile wholeheartedly around her.

She tilted her head to the side and regarded me. "Are you okay? Your eyes seem red and..." She sniffed the air. Her eyes narrowed at me and she took slow steps to me.

My throat bobbed and I averted my gaze to Freddy. He seemed amused by what's about to unfold.

"Were you drinking?"

"I...umm..."

"Answer the question!" she sneered and placed her hands on her hip.

"Yes!"

"Why?"

I heaved a bereaved sigh. "I am tired of my life. That's why".

Her eyes softened and she asked, "Why? What happened?"

My calm side was fading away and I could see the vulnerable me about to come to light. I shut the doors closed and smiled at my angel. "It's nothing serious. Just office".

"Just office?" she asked with a frown. "You're lying to me".

"Angel, I don't want to talk about it right now. I'm exhausted. Goodnight," I voiced and took large strides away from them.

"Prince?" she called out.

I ignored and kept moving, my heart aching from the sudden distance. Before I successfully walked out of the main exit door, an arm crashed on my shoulder and the sharp smell of a male cologne tickled my nostrils.

"Freddy? What are you doing here?"

"I can see the Prince of a certain Kingdom is troubled and as the generous man I am, famous for my kind heart and good listening skill, I shall keep you company till you are ready to spill your guts. I'm your friend. I know Anita is worried and I can see you aren't ready to open up to her yet. Let's talk man to man"

I shook my head in disagreement as we walked to the parking lot.

"Don't shake your head. I have questions that you need to answer"

"Questions?"

"Yes!"

Curiosity ate at me. What does this man that I just met today, wish to ask. "What's your question?"

He slipped his hand out of my shoulder and dug them into his pockets. His jaw clenched and through gritted teeth, he asked: "Why are you hurting Anita? I don't know if it's intentionally but your actions are breaking her hearts, so why?"

That literally destroyed my heart for today. I just froze unable to utter any words.

Am I hurting the woman I adore?

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Omo! What do you think of this chapter? Did you enjoy it? Prince's POV😝😝

What do you think of Prince's family?

What about is reaction to everything happening to him?

What advice can you give him? Do you think he will ever summon the courage to confess his feelings to Anita?

Can Freddy give him an advice to boost his courage?

Do you feel bad for Prince's stressful life?

Thanks for reading! God bless y'all. Vote and comment. 🥺🥺

That's right,
Itz Mabel.♥️♥️❤️