Song of the Day: Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran.

Sewa thanked the Lord for melanin, finding her face growing hot at the naughty thoughts that glazed her mind. He was being kind and there she was acting like a pervert. He probably did not see her in that way at all.

She tried to act as normal as she could without making things awkward. Perhaps it all started when he opened the door earlier that day, teasing her nose with that incredibly nice scent. Or was it his gentleness despite his tall frame? Or his insistence at seeking her approval with his cooking? Her heart definitely flew from her when he lifted her with the strong arms she kept noticing.

He brought out the teenage girl who only had interest in the fictional boys who only existed in the books and television.

Before she left his apartment, he stopped her and handed her a thick brown envelope. He gave her a bow and an apologetic smile.

"I should have done this a long time ago. This belongs to you. I know you told me to forget about it but I couldn't. I'm really sorry."

The heat cooled off as she tried to make sense of what he placed in her hands. She knew what it was but did not want to acknowledge it. It felt like a slap to see reality. This was the man that ruined her reputation. He made her a thief and a liar. What was she thinking?

She could only nod and turn away, wanting to leave. He let her leave. He said nothing else. She wished he did not do this so she could mindlessly have a crush on him. Yes, a stupid crush. Why was she having a crush at her age when there was a perfect man like Will? Will is handsome, a good conversant and has lots of money. What more could she ask for?

When she returned home, she placed the envelope on her table and watched it. This was the start of the whole thing. This money brought him into her life. She peered inside it and sighed at the wad of cash, knowing it would be the exact amount. What could she possibly do with this?

When a knock came to her door, she placed the envelope inside her bag and hurried to answer the door. Expecting her mother to be at the door, a greeting sat on the tip of her tongue. Instead, Funmi stood there, crying. Shocked, Sewa ushered her in.

"What happened?"

"I'm getting married."

"What?!"

"I know. It's crazy. My parents set me up in an arranged marriage for goodness' sake. Who does that shit anymore?"

She pulled Funmi close to her, gently rubbing her back. "I'm so sorry."

"They said it's some rich man. Who flipping cares? I bet he's old and has ten wives."

"He does not deserve you. You deserve happiness and all the love this world has to offer," Sewa soothed.

"I hate my life. I mean, I felt bad no one wanted to marry me, even if I encouraged the idea of being a rich single aunty until the day I die. I thought my happiness would come at a later time. People get married in their forties these days, you know? Why would they do such a thing without considering my feelings?"

Sewa said nothing, wiping Funmi's tears. What would she say? What would she do? What would make Funmi a bubbly person again?

"They set a date for me to meet him this weekend. I don't want to but I have to."

"He might not be wrinkly old and have many wives."

"You're terrible at being optimistic, Sewa."

"If he were old, it means he'll die soon and you can go back to being single."

"I think you should shut up now." Funmi sighed, pulling away and slouching on the couch. "Is it possible to find the love of my life before weekend? What if I bring a fake boyfriend and introduce him to my parents? Should I use Niyi too?"

Sewa tensed, torn between agreeing and disagreeing with Funmi's crazy idea. "Are you sure you want to do that?"

"Niyi is my only hope now. He's the only other person my parents will approve of, if they look away from his interesting past."

"I don't think we should be using Niyi as we please. We should consider his emotional health."

"Are you saying that because you care about me or your crush on him?"

"I don't have a crush on him." The firm statement brought back the thought of the envelope in her bag. "I can't have a crush on him."

"So you do have a crush on him," Funmi chuckled, the light returning in her eyes. "And what is so wrong with that?"

"He is a thief."

"He was," Funmi corrected. "He turned a new leaf. Sewa, do you like Niyi for who he is or for what he does?"

"Can we not talk about this?"

"Yes, we can. While my love life is in flames, yours is the only one I can tend to. You have a blooming garden you don't want to tend to because of what happened in the past."

"It's not easy for me to just move on. Don't you remember how hard it was for me to recover it all. The loans, the debts, the things I had to sell." She fished out the envelope and showed it to her. "He gave me this today. Tell me, what will I do with this?"

Funmi turned serious as she looked into the envelope. "I can't and will not tell you what to do. You are the only one that can decide what choice to make. If you wish to return it or use it, fine. And if you want to use this to define your relationship with him, I have nothing to say. You know what you want."

"That's a crazy thing to say when you are indecisive yourself."

"Say all you want about your life choices while I wonder when the two of you realise that you love each other but focus too much on your initial meeting to do anything about it."

"Wait, what?" Niyi loves her? The heat returned, settling in her throat, and made her aware of how fast her heart beat.

"You heard me. How is it obvious to me but you two? Look, babe, if you really don't want to be with Niyi, make it clear before his affection grows deeper. I don't want either of you to get hurt."

A/N: Anyone else interested in a spinoff with Funmi's love story or just me?