Chapter 328: The truth only she knew

''Is he going to be drinking coffee as food now? Well, Lisa needs to eat to be able to strong enough to make coffee, since she has become his official coffee making machine'' Paula pouted her lips dissatisfied.

Andy looked at her and picked a few dishes on to her plate and said to her, ''my love, eat more''

''Only you love me the best, unlike someone else who is clearly biased''

''I heard that''

''I said it so you could hear it'' Paula retorted back. She knew she was being petty but so what? He was being biased towards her.

Lisa smiled and shook her head. She was actually wondering how long Paula was going to keep up at playing the good cop.

The three men at the table stopped eating and stared at Paula, each with their own shocked expression.

Leslie was the first to burst into a hearty laughter as he pointed at Paula, ''you are quite bold and interesting''

Andy smiled and touched her hand and she turned to look at him.

''Andy, I will always be against this woman, how could she be so bold?''

''Father, is it not because she seems so much like you that you can't stand her?'' Leslie asked and Mr. Bassey frowned.

He still remembered the first time he went to meet Paula. The way she had spoken to him was so boldly to him that he couldn't believe her guts but still, he couldn't help but be fascinated by her. even after finding out that she was the younger sister of Mali, the woman who had hurt his son, he didn't want to oppose their relationship. His investigation has proven that she was a genuine person. But, he wasn't about to tell all that to Paula's face. The woman was too proud for his liking.

Paula stared back at the old man with unwavering gaze. It was like they were on a staring contest. The table became tense as none of them wanted to back down.

''Paula is right. Your attitude towards her is bad, Mr. Bassey'' Lisa broke the ice and Paula looked at her and smirked. Lisa heaved a relief. She felt that Paula was waiting for her to support Mr. Bassey and their friendship would be over. Luckily she supported her friend.

''What?'' Mr. Bassey turned to look at Lisa.

''Paula is a wonderful person. If you get to know her, you would realise that she is very sweet. Right, Andy?'' Lisa asked looking at Andy.

''Yes, father. Paula is a wonderful person and I love her. You shouldn't be biased against her when she hasn't even done anything to you. You were the one who approached her first and threatened her, but she has forgiven you, right darling?'' Andy smiled looking at Paula.

''I do hold grudges but if he promises to be impartial towards me, then, we are good to go''

''She is giving me an ultimatum. She is the younger one, shouldn't she give in to me first?'' Mr. Bassey asked dissatisfied.

''Then, let's agree to be cordial to one another. I am someone who treats people the same way you treat me, life has taught me that being nice all the time won't get you anyway, so I'd rather not pretend''

''Let's eat'' Mr. Bassey suddenly said and picked a piece of meat from the centre and placed it on Paula's plate surprising everyone.

''That's his way of saying he approves of you. My father doesn't like fake people either; it could be said that you made an impression on him'' Andy whispered into Paula's ears.

Paula smiled and also picked the water jug and poured some water into the empty glass of Mr. Bassey saying, ''uncle…''

'Uncle?'' he asked looking at her.

''No, I meant to say… father have some water'' Paula said and sat back. why was it even difficult to deal with him now that the air was cleared between them? she thought to herself.

...

After walking and leaving Leslie's apartment. Paula and Andy went to a local beachside, taking a water while holding hands.

''Why did you make us come here?'' Andy asked her as they stopped to look at the water.

''You wanted to meet my father, right?'' Paula walked closer to the water and pointed at it saying, ''he is probably over there, right? It has been a long time now. Do you still think he is somewhere there? His body wasn't even found''

Andy clenched his fist as he stared at her for a while before going over to hug her, ''Paula, why didn't you tell me this earlier? I didn't even know how he died and always teased you''

''It' alright. It happened a long time ago'' Paula said as he wiped her tears and took her hand, walking with her back to the shore.

''How did it happen?''

''My parents used to live closer to this place because Mali and I always loved to play by the sea. Every weekend, we would always come here with our parents to play. My mother travelled one time and Mali and I wanted to come here and play. We left a note on our table and came here with our ball and started playing.

Mali kicked the ball and it went into the sea. She wanted to go and retrieve it but that day the waves were so high. I tried to stop her but she still went ahead. After getting the ball, she was returning when suddenly the water started taking her away.

My father happened to arrive at that moment and he went inside to save her without wearing any safety garments. He saved Mali but the water took him away.

Not even the navy could find his body. It was like he never existed, then everything changed. By the time my mom returned, Mali was so traumatised that she refused to accept that because father went into the water to save her that he didn't make it. She told my mother and everyone that I was the one who went into the water.

That was the beginning of my estranged relationship with my family, my mother hated me. She sent me to my grandparents and only sent my money for expenses. Even till now, she still blames me for his death. I guess my existence is a constant reminded that she lost her beloved husband because of me''

''Why didn't you tell her the truth?''

''I was young and I foolishly thought that taking the blame would make Mali recover but now that I know that wasn't the case. She did what she did to survive. She knew that she would be hated when the truth came out, so she faked her trauma. I realised that a little too late''

''Your mother needs to know the truth. If not she will continue to hate you. I know that your relationship is beyond repair at this state but she still needs to know the truth. He was your father and her husband. Mali is using that against you. She won't stop if you don't stop her. This is your family matter, but you are my woman and I can't stand by and watch them hurt you every time. She is taking advantage of the fact that you will never reveal the truth to act this way''

''The thing is… will she believe me? My mother has come to love and depend on Mali so much. She trusts her a lot''

''If we don't try, we would never know, right? And even if after we tell her the truth and she still decides to believe Mali, then that won't be your business anymore. You know that, at the end, you did your best and know this. I will be with you all the way; I won't let you do this alone. We are in this together''

''Why do you love me so much?''

''Because you deserve to be loved. You are lovable''

''Andy…'' Paula turned to face him as they sat at the shore.

''Yes, my love''

''Let's get married''

''Huh?''

''I said let's get married. I want to be with you. You will be my new family''

''I am always your family. The marriage, let's do it when you want. You just said that because you want to do something for me. Paula, I don't want you to feel like you owe me something in return for loving you. Even if we hadn't met that day at the café, we would have met either way and I would have fallen for you either way. Though, I found you likable and cute that first day when instead of taking the letter, you shook my hand''

''I was so embarrassed when you pointed that out. I guess I was distracted by your handsomeness. You are the best, Andy and I am not asking you to marry me because I want to pay you back. I am ready to take that step with you''

''Then, let's go and meet your mom tomorrow. Then we can go and get our certificate afterwards''

''Lisa is going to be surprise'' Paula said and leaned against his shoulder.