THE MAN I LOVED WHO HID HIS CROWN

Chapter 6

Chike looked at her and said, "I couldn't possibly love you. I'm just a street guy, a nobody. I would only bring you shame in your friends."

Tiana countered, "And how am I supposed to love you if you won't love me back?"

"It's because even if I love you th I know you won't love me," Chike replied.

"How can you be so sure?" Tiana asked.

"Because I am not worthy of you, Queen Tiana. I can't even compare myself to you or imagine being in your league. I am a simple man. Love isn't my priority right now, but I value our friendship more than my own life. That's why I'd never make a mistake that would make you feel 'cheap' I respect you, baby. And... thank you for the kiss."

Tiana gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. "I'm hungry," she announced.

"Let's go cook then," Chike suggested.

"No way," Tiana sighed. "I'm exhausted, and it's already 10:00 PM."

"Well, I guess we're sleeping over then."

"Promise me nothing will happen," Tiana said firmly.

Chike smirked. "Let's do what we want before we sleep."

"And what would that be?"

"I really want to kiss you," Chike admitted.

"And I'd kill you instantly," Tiana joked.

"Please? I won't do anything else."

Tiana looked at him skeptically. "Are you sure I won't do anything?"

"Would I ever make you do something you didn't want to do?" Chike asked softly.

"It's not you I'm worried about," Tiana confessed. "It's my own self-control. I might just give in."

"Then let me just hold you. I know you'll fall asleep like a baby in my arms."

Tiana burst into laughter. "In those arms? Your future kids are going to use your chest to practice writing broken lines!"

"That's an insult!" Chike joked, acting hurt.

"Oh my god, my Chike is angry!" Tiana laughed, playfully pulling his cheeks until he broke into a smile.

Later, Tiana reflected: I didn't realize how much this guy had won me over. I didn't regret it because I felt peaceful and free. Slowly, I was changing my perspective. I was starting to live as Kamikazi Tatiana, rather than just the daughter of Kalimu and Leatitia.

They talked nearly all night while she stayed in his arms. He didn't try anything, and eventually, she drifted off to sleep before him.

I woke up the next morning to find myself alone. Liam's jerseys were hanging up, but Chike's clothes were gone. I walked into the dining room and found breakfast already prepared with a note:

"Morning, Queen Tiana. I woke up early to make you breakfast before heading to work. I don't need to eat; the kiss you gave me is enough to keep me full! Hahaha. I'll miss you. Also, the guys who rescued us said they won't charge me because we're friends-so I won't charge you either. Eat well, look beautiful, and don't wear too much makeup; you look better without it. Go to work with a smile. If you miss me, call me. See you Tuesday evening. Bye, baby girl."

I couldn't help but smile. This guy is crazy, but man, he can cook.

After eating, I showered and picked out my outfit: a tight white dress that hit the knee, a black blazer, white heels, and a black handbag. I smiled at my reflection and headed out. Before I could leave, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. I almost ignored it, but something told me to pick up.

"Good morning, Tiana. How are you?" a voice asked.

"I'm fine. Who is this?"

"Oh, right! It's Doctor Archie, from Archie's Medical Clinic."

I froze for a second. "Oh, sorry! I didn't have your number saved."

"Understandable. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I'm just heading to work now."

"I see. Would you be free after work tomorrow to grab some tea and talk?"

I remembered my plans with Chike. "Oh... I actually have plans with a friend tomorrow. What about today?"

"Today? That works! Tell me when you're off and I'll come pick you up."

"No need to pick me up, my friend is driving me. Just send me the address."

"No problem. Honestly, Tiana, ever since I saw you, I can't get your face out of my head. I've missed you."

I chuckled, wondering if he actually liked me. Just then, I saw a call waiting from my mother. "Archie, let me go-my mom is calling."

"Fine. Have a great day, and call me later."

I hung up and answered my mom. "Hi, Mom! How are you and Dad?"

"Your father is fine and misses you," she said, her voice dropping, "but I am not doing well."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I want you here this evening."

"Mom, I can't just drop everything. I have work early tomorrow. Maybe this weekend?"

"No. Today. And remember, next weekend is your birthday. Liam told me he's in Gisenyi. I want an answer to my question today."

"Okay, okay. I'll tell Liam to pick me up and we'll come together."

"Thank you, honey. I love you, my daughter."

"I love you too, Mom. Don't worry, I'll give you a good answer."

I sighed and headed out, feeling a mix of emotions. Leyna was waiting for me by her car, looking sharp in black trousers and a white sleeveless blouse.

"Look at you, copying my style!" I joked, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Haha! I dressed first, so you copied me! How are you, Bestie?"

"I'm great! I'm glowing, can't you tell?"

"I see it. So, who's the guy behind that smile?"

"Nobody! ...By the way, have you ever met Archie?"

"Doctor Archie?" Leyna asked. "The owner of the clinic?"

"Yes."

"Of course! Mr. Fernandez, the owner of our company, is Archie's father."

"What?!" I gasped. "How did I not know this company was linked to Archie?"

"He's a specialist doctor and works abroad a lot. He's rarely around."

As we drove, Leyna showed me a photo of a wealthy Nigerian guy who was interested in her. "Look at him, isn't he handsome?"

"He's okay," I said distractedly, "but he's no Chike."

"Chike?" Leyna blurted out.

I realized my slip of the tongue immediately. "I mean... Archie."

"Wow, what a mix-up! You're comparing Archie to Chike?"

"Mistakes happen!" I tried to recover. "Anyway, Leyna, I'm meeting Dr. Archie this evening. Can you drop me off after work?"

"Sure, but... do you actually like him?"

I spaced out, thinking of my night with Chike. "Yeah... I think I love the way he smiles. My heart races when we're together. When he's gone, I feel empty. I think about him every second, and I never get tired of his hugs..."

I caught myself. Leyna was staring at me through the rearview mirror with wide eyes. I had just described exactly how I felt about Chike while pretending to talk about Archie.

"Are you really talking about Archie?" Leyna asked suspiciously.

"No... I was just... describing a dream I had about him."

"Tia, don't lie to me. I saw the way you looked at Chike. You love him."

"I don't love him, Leyna! If I ever fall in love, you'll be the first to know."

"I don't know," Leyna mused. "He is handsome. Those dimples! But what does he even do for a living?"

"He's a... laborer. A bricklayer."

"A bricklayer?! Tiana, aren't you embarrassed to be seen with him?"

"Why should I be? A person's job doesn't stop them from being a good friend."

"You've changed," Leyna sighed. "But seriously, what can he offer you? He couldn't afford your perfume if he worked for a year!"

"I don't love him like that! And don't forget, he's the one who saved me from Zaddy."

"True," Leyna conceded. "Maybe you should give him a job at your factory when it's finished."

"Shhh!" I hissed as our manager, Claude, approached the car.

Leyna, ignoring my warning, hopped out to hug him. They even kissed. I watched with disgust, knowing he was the one who betrayed me. As I tried to walk past, he grabbed my arm.

"Aren't you going to tell me how your weekend was, Rihanna?" Claude smirked.

"Let go of me, Claude."

"Don't use my name. I'm your best friend's boyfriend, remember? So, Leyna, tell me about that night."

"Leyna, let's go," I snapped. "I'm going to make sure this pig gets kicked out of this company."

Claude laughed. "Leyna loves me. As for you, you little bitch, I've already decided your fate."

Before he could finish, Leyna slapped him across the face and kneed him in the stomach. "Do whatever you want," she growled, "but never call my friend a bitch again."

She grabbed my hand, and we walked into the office with our heads held high. Inside, our colleagues-Alicia, Paula, and Sandy-were gossiping as usual.

After some back-and-forth about office drama, I went to my office. Leyna and I handle Management and IT for the branch. I earn 800k, she earns 600k. But Claude was making things difficult. I had to find a way to stop him before he fired Leyna.

During lunch, I called Chike.

"Hi, my Queen. I missed you," Chike said warmly.

"I missed you too. Thanks for the breakfast."

"You're welcome. You owe me a kiss for that."

"You're crazy! I don't know what you've done to me."

"I just wanted to taste those chocolate lips again," he teased.

"Stop, you're making me blush!"

"You weren't blushing last night," he laughed. Then his tone shifted. "Are you okay, Tiana? You sound upset."

"It's just work. The manager is being a jerk."

"What happened?"

"I found out he was the one who set me up with Zaddy. He even bragged about it."

"Are you serious? Why are you being so quiet about it?"

"Who am I supposed to tell? He's harassing all the girls here. Leyna stood up to him today, and now she's terrified of losing her job."

"He harasses the girls? Did he touch you?" Chike's voice went cold.

"No, I handled him. But he's threatening my friends."

"I swear, if he touched you, I would... never mind. This isn't over. I have to get back to work. I'll talk to you later. Bye, baby girl."

I felt a bit better after talking to him. I immediately emailed the Chairman, Mr. Fernandez, reporting the harassment in the office. When I stepped out later that evening, I saw Claude leaving Leyna's office with a smug grin. I rushed inside and found Leyna in tears.

"What happened? What did that pig do?"

"Tia, look," she sobbed, pointing to a letter on her desk. "He fired me."

"Don't cry over this. Your life isn't over."

"It's not just the job! He said he's going to fire Paula, Sandy, and Alicia one by one unless I come to his house and beg for forgiveness on my knees."

"Don't you dare. I've already contacted the Chairman. We're in this together. Five Angels Forever, remember?"

"Five Angels Forever," she repeated, wiping her eyes.

"That's my girl. Now, let's go. You're dropping me off for my date with the 'Billionaire' Archie, and then you're meeting your Nigerian guy."

"You really do like Archie, don't you? He's smart, rich, and he chose you."

"Whatever," I blushed.

As we walked out, we saw Paula on her phone. Leyna teased her about the time she hit my brother Liam's car and slapped him.

"And does Tiana know you're still talking to Zaddy?" Paula shot back. "And that you're planning to meet him today?"

I froze. "What? Leyna, is that true?"

"Don't listen to her!" Leyna said quickly.

"Oh yeah? Rihanna, check her phone," Paula challenged.

"Why would I need to check her phone? I trust her," I said, though doubt was creeping in.

"Fine," Paula shrugged. "I'm staying out tonight anyway. Bye!"

Leyna and I got into the car. The silence was heavy until Leyna finally spoke.

"Tiana... what Paula said is true. I have been talking to Zaddy."

"How could you? He's my enemy, Leyna!"

"Here," Leyna said, handing me her phone. "See for yourself..."

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