Ray of Hope For A Pained Heart

Author’s Note: For a Better reading experience of Ray of Hope for a Pained Heart; Read the Betrayal first.

Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, whistling along to Mary Mary’s, Take the shackles off my feet. Dapo couldn’t be happier as he navigated his way to work; even the usual Monday morning traffic had nothing on him as his thoughts kept reverting to a beautiful lady he had met on the beach the previous day.

Is it possible to feel so strongly attracted to a woman with whom you only exchanged a few words? He wondered. Some people have such an effect; you meet them briefly, but their impact stays with you for a long time; that’s what meeting Jadesola is doing to him now. He couldn’t get rid of the picture of her reclining on the beach chair with her hat askew. Remembering her expression elicited a chuckle from him.

His phone rang, and he tapped the screen on his dashboard.

It was Dele, his brother.

“Hey, bro, how are you doing?”

“You sound unrecognizably excited this morning. Do you have any good news regarding a donor for that young girl? I know that’s about the only thing that thrills you these days. Work!” Dele asked him, ditching the pleasantries as usual.

Dapo sighed, “Unfortunately, No! And I know I have been a bit of a workaholic. You know how I feel about my work. And as for Mabel, I’m still hoping for a miracle.”

“Did you say a bit of a workaholic?” Dele’s voice resounded in his car.

“I understand that I have been working long hours, but I can’t seem to stop, especially when those little angels are helplessly dependent on my expertise for a chance at life.”

“But how can you help them when excessive work has burned you out?” Dele’s tone was perturbed on Dapo’s behalf.

“Anyway, work is not the reason for my great mood this morning,” Dapo responded to his brother’s worried tone. “I met a woman!”

“Really? That’s good news. Who is she? Where is she from?…. Who are?….”

“Hey, Dele, would you stop with the fifty questions already?”

“I’m excited for you, man.”

“Yeah, I get that, but I don’t know a thing about her except her name. Jadesola!”

“You mean you are gushing over a lady you know nothing about except maybe her name. Do you even know if she is married?”

Dapo scratched the stubble that was beginning to grow on his usually clean-shaven cheek pensively. ” You sure know how to put a damper on a good mood. I doubt she is married. I felt this indescribable pull when our eyes met for the first time. She couldn’t be married; I hope she is not.” Dapo murmured uncertainly.

“If you weren’t a medical Doctor I would say you should get yourself checked out and probably get a second opinion in the process.”

“I’m serious, Dele. I have never felt that way about any woman in my life. It is as if I have been waiting for her a long time. You know I have been praying about the woman of my dreams. Maybe this is God connecting me to my missing rib.”

“Well, whenever, or if ever, you locate this missing rib again. I want to meet with Jadesola. She must be something to have turned my ever-logical brother into someone whose sanity I’m beginning to question.”

“That’s the problem, though. I don’t know how to locate the girl.”

“So you didn’t get her number?”

“I was too enthralled to do that; I doubt she was the type that exchanged numbers with strangers. However, I should have tried to get her contact.”

“Well, not to worry, you can just look her up on the internet.”

“Do I know where to start on those social media apps?”

“If you weren’t so engrossed with your work, you would at least know how to use Instagram, Facebook, even TikTok. You can legit find anyone anywhere these days.”

“Whoop!” Dapo threw a victory punch in the air. “I guess I’m finally ready to activate social media apps.”

“I just hope your bubble won’t burst when you finally locate her and discover she is married with a half-dozen children; you know you can’t tell married and single women apart these days.”

“Don’t be a spoil-sport, Dele.”

Dapo could hear his brother’s laughter. “Like seriously, Dapo, I pray the best for you, Man. Also, I pray you are not delusional,” Dele interjected.

“Well, being delusional is a remedy. Seeing a desired future through your mind’s eye is the new solution.”

“Alright, I wish you the best of luck, bro!”

“Yeah, man, thanks.”

And with that, Dele was off the phone.

Dapo got to work, and every thought about the woman of his dreams took a backseat in the face of little Mabel, who was on the waitlist for a kidney transplant.

“How is my little angel doing today?” he asked Mabel’s mother, who sat by her sleeping child’s bed.

“I believe she is better today.”

“Great!” Dapo scanned Mabel’s chart to see if there had been any development while he was off duty. He was glad to note that nothing alarming occurred in his absence. They still needed a donor and sponsorship for his foundation to help sick children whose parents could not afford medical bills.

Mabel’s case was the first that his foundation was taking up, and he desperately hoped to see Mabel safely on the other side of health, bouncing with life and vitality.

Dapo’s way of giving back to society as a doctor was to establish a foundation to foot the medical bills of children like Mirabel without any financial strain on the struggling parents.

As of six weeks ago, Dapo’s foundation, which he named after his late Mum- Victoria Benson, was only a figment of his imagination. The dream has been on hold for a while, but it finally came to be when Mabel’s single mom ran to the hospital in tears, pleading with them to save her child.

Dapo felt compassion, but hospital policy prevented him from acting. It was hospital policy to take an initial deposit before admitting any child. Mabel’s Mum paid the initial deposit but broke down when she heard her child’s diagnosis. Kidney failure treatment was way beyond what she could afford on her salary as an elementary school teacher.

Mabel’s sickly body and Her Mum’s emotional breakdown were all Dapo needed to take a leap of faith.

He told the management that his foundation would be responsible, even though he had nothing to save for his monthly income. It would take several months of hunger for him to help complete Mabel’s treatment, yet something within him pushed him to take on Mabel as his first benefactor. Thankfully, he already registered it as an NGO, and being a medical doctor made it easy for him. His selfless act earned him commendation, but that was all he had received as donations. Maybe taking on Mabel in faith would push him to do the work necessary to get his foundation up and running. He knew it would not be a walk in the park combining his duties with an NGO; however, he would do whatever was necessary to get Mabel all the medical and financial help she needed.

But for now, he was grateful that Mabel was undergoing hemodialysis while they waited for a miracle. Dapo prayed silently for God to keep Mabel and provide a donor and financial support. If God didn’t answer his prayers and soon a lot could go wrong.

********

“What smells delicious in here? I perceived the aroma from my room.”

Jade announced as she padded gently down the stairs into her parent’s pristine kitchen.

“Yeah! That’s because I want to ensure I fatten you so much that your colleagues won’t recognize you when you resume work.” Jade’s Mum giggled as Jade placed a peck on her Mum’s cheek before kneeling to greet her.

“Good Morning, Mum.”

“Good Morning, dear child.”

“How have you been enjoying your holiday with us, Jade?”

Her Mum asked as she placed a glass of freshly squeezed juice in her hand.”

“Mum, truthfully, you are spoiling me silly with all your delicacies. I hope I fall easily into my routine when I get home.”

“You couldn’t imagine my excitement when you called and said that you were coming to spend your vacation at the house. It’s been a long time since we bonded.”

“Mum, we always bond over the phone.”

“That’s not the same thing as bonding physically, Jade. Plus, you can help me taste-test all my new recipes.”

“You won’t hear me complain about that, ” Jade smacked as she sipped her juice.

Jade’s Mum was a chef in a 5-star hotel before she retired. She would have opened a restaurant at least, but it was an agreement between her and her Dad that the rigors of operating a restaurant might be too much for her Mum. Mum isn’t keen on running a business, either. She just wanted to be locked in a kitchen with all the ingredients and spices you can find, and she was fine. Now, all her Mum does is help people by writing several recipe books without gate-keeping to help chefs and anyone interested in cooking. She has successfully published three books ranking as bestsellers on Amazon and other platforms. Another book is on the horizon, and pre-orders are already rolling in. And she couldn’t be more prevalent on social Media.

“Jade,” Mum’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Yes, Mum.” Jade became apprehensive at her Mum’s sudden somber tone and gave her undivided attention.

“You know you are my only child and it is my prayer that you live happily and find a man that would treat you just as your Dad treated me or even better than he did. There is no perfect couple, but I tell you for free that I would choose your father again if I had a do-over.”

“You and Dad are my models. I appreciate what you both share. Hopefully, I will get to experience the same.”

“Of course, you will, and I’m glad to hear that our relationship has set a standard of what to expect in a marriage. Don’t settle! Even if you have to wait longer than your peers. Besides, marriage is not a race. It is better to be late and get it right. Please pray well and be sensitive to subtle behaviors in a man. The signals are always there. Only women are emotionally carried away by the attention and facade of affection without paying the necessary attention to signs of danger.”

“You are right, Mum. If I learned anything from my last relationship, the signs are always there, but only if you ignore them. It’s so challenging to meet a man who shares the same values as me.”

“I agree with you that relationships nowadays are different from back then.”

“Mum, can you believe that on every date I have had, the guy is intimidated by my success or ready to exploit me? As a result, I can’t help but be cynical about every guy I meet. And let’s remember what Kunle and Anita did. I have forgiven, but I have to tread carefully.”

“I understand your fears, darling. But you can’t because of one rotten egg, so throw out all the other eggs in a basket. You got to open yourself up and, I can’t say this enough, pray about every guy you date.”

“Mum, I’m praying, seriously.”

“Everything will be alright, so come here and hug your old mum.”

Jade walked into her embrace, “Mum you know you are not old at fifty-six and we look more like sisters than mother and child.”

“Grace and good genes, darling.Thank God for both.”

“What are your plans for today, Jade?” Her Mum asked once they were done hugging.

“I have a dentist appointment, and I might check on Mama Grace to see how she’s doing after that nasty fall she had.”

“Kind of you to check on poor Mama Grace; she would appreciate it. She was the kindest neighbor we ever had.”

“Mum, Mama Grace was our only neighbor and landlady.”

“I really miss her, but I can’t say I do not enjoy the convenience of being my landlady.”

“I miss her too; she was the grandma I never had while growing up. Thankful that you guys still share the same street.”

“And she cherished you too. It is a blessing that we got this property close to her house; it makes it easy to visit her often, especially now that she needs people around. I see your day is cut out for you. I don’t want you to be bored.”

“No, Mum, I can’t be bored. I have many things to keep me company, even if I wasn’t going out.”

“Alright, then. Enjoy your day, but only after enjoying this delicious delicacy, I made for breakfast. I also packed a plate for your Dad. All he had before leaving the house was a cup of green tea. I need to drop by his office so he could at least have a decent lunch.”

“We could visit him together before going my own way. But Dad works too hard. He should slow it down now that he is close to his sixties.”

“I know he should. Whenever I mentioned anything to your Dad, he always responded that his profession is a calling, not just a career. I know his achievement is quite a feat and a responsibility to be listed as one of the top three transplant nephrologists in the country, but sometimes I worry for him.”

“You don’t need to worry; Dad is as tough as a nail.”

“He is my inspiration for writing my next book, healthy recipes for the older generation.”

“You see, a silver lining, Mum.”

And they both laughed.

*******

“Hello, Doctor”

“Hey, Mabel, how is my favorite patient doing today?”

“I’m doing well, I’m just sad I will not be able to participate in the school quiz competition scheduled for next week.”

“You have a quiz competition coming up?”

“Yes, I was selected along with three other pupils to represent the school at the national quiz competition.”

“Whoa, I didn’t know that. I wish I could do something, but you will take the quiz next time.”

“Only there might not be a next time for me.”

The edges of Dapo’s mouth tightened, and he felt his heart break into a million pieces at the sad look on the child’s face.

  Mabel’s eyes were dull, the spark of hope long extinguished, replaced by a tired emptiness. Her lips trembled, “I heard you discussing the severity of my situation with my Mum the last time. And I know I might die soon.”

Dapo’s gaze met Mabel’s mother’s. Her eyes were wide and wet, brimming with unshed tears, the pain in them impossible to hide. She didn’t speak, but the desperate plea in her eyes was louder than words—begging him, pleading for him to do something, anything, to save her child.

Dapo dropped his chat and sat beside Mabel on the bed, a determined look on his face, “I don’t want you to talk that way, ever. You are a strong and brave girl, and I know you can get through this. All you need to do for me is keep faith. Alright?”

Dapo was relieved when Mabel became hopeful again. He strengthened his resolve to do all within his power to help Mabel.

He started by strategizing how to ensure Mabel was moved up the list of patients awaiting donors. The girl is such a brilliant child, and her health is gradually deteriorating. He shuddered to think of what would happen to her if he didn’t take the necessary action.

It is common knowledge that the Chief Medical Director could influence the list, but the problem is getting to see the Man. And even after that, how would Dapo convince him to prioritize Mabel? What if there are children who are in worse shape than Mabel? He only hoped that was not the case and that God would honor his desires and prayers.

Dapo sat at the reception of the Chief Medical Director; his hands dangled between his legs, his head bent, waiting for the CMD’s summons and the harsh hum of the hospital’s fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. The receptionist barely spared him a glance as she clicked away at her keyboard, but Dapo had been there enough times to know that the chance of an audience with the director was slim. It could be slimmer than he cared to admit.

His stomach churned at the thought. The Chief had the power to make or break Mabel’s chances—everyone knew that. But how could he get in front of the Man? How could he make him see that Mabel needed the treatment more than the others on the list? Was there a child out there in worse shape? There probably was.

Dapo rubbed his hands together, staring at the floor. His mind raced, imagining the hundreds of patients waiting for help. What made Mabel different? Why should the Chief listen to him, to her?

He muttered a silent prayer, his fingers tightening around the hem of his jacket as if clutching at hope itself. “Please,” he whispered, though he knew the words meant little. He could only hope that the right words would come when the time came. And that somehow, the Chief would see Mabel’s face, not as just another patient, but as someone worth saving.

The CMD office door opened, and two women stepped into the reception area; they had striking resemblance, but one was younger, and both were laughing at something someone said. They were both followed by the director. The younger woman was the woman Dapo was gushing about earlier that morning. What a small World!

Dapo stood to his six-foot height with his shoulders squared and approached them; even though he kept clenching and unclenching his fingers as he did so, they didn’t seem to be having a serious conversation.

Each step took him closer to the trio, and simultaneously, a light bulb went off in his head; Doctor Dabira Coker must somewhat be related to Jadesola, and He, Dapo, is about to take advantage of the situation.

“Good Day, sir.”

“How are you, Dapo Benson?”

“Very well, Sir.”

“And good afternoon, Ma’am,” Dapo nodded briefly at the older woman before his eyes found the younger woman’s eyes. Dapo could swear that the world around him stood still, and he could hear his heartbeat. He quickly regained his composure, eliciting the best smile he could muster. “Good afternoon, Madam Jadesola Coker.”

*******

Jade knew he met him before, but where? His face is the kind that sticks with you for a long time. Then she remembered precisely where, but not about to give him the satisfaction. She was well acquainted with men like him, who are overconfident, charismatic, proud, pompous, and arrogant, expecting the world to dance around them because they are enigmas. She could see it in his eyes. Judging by the stethoscope in his hand, he must be a staff member of the National Hospital, maybe a doctor, which is another reason to think the world revolves around him. And the fact that he called her Madam did not sit well with her.

“I’m sorry… I don’t think I know..”

“Oh, we met last weekend with my nephew, remember? His smile was unwavering; if anything, it got brighter, and his eyes took a teasing gleam like he knew she was pretending not to remember him. He quickly re-introduced himself, “I’m Dapo Benson.”

“Yeah, I think I get that part.”

Mum elbowed her slightly and stepped between them, “Oh, it is a pleasure meeting you; by the way, I’m her Mum. We should be on our way and allow you gentlemen to return to business.”

“Whoa, I couldn’t have guessed ma’am. You practically looked like sisters.”

Mum chuckled and flattered, which got Jade more reeled.

“I do like him,” Mum announced, thinking the rest of the group was oblivious to the secret wink she gave her husband before placing a peck on her Dad’s cheek and whispering something to him that made him smile. She pulled Jade along as they found their way out of the enormous edifice.

Dapo stepped aside.”A pleasure to meet you, Ma’ams.”

There he goes again, referring to her as Ma’am like she was one old lady.

********

Dapo stopped himself from turning his head to watch Jade and her Mum walk out of the hospital. His attention was strictly on CMD, who looked at his wife’s retreating as if his sun rose and set with her, which might be the case judging by the big grin on his face.

“So you wanted to see me?” The CMD’s attention was back on Dapo, all professional, and he thought he had imagined the grin on his face. He was once again the intimidating Man they all knew at work.

“Yes, sir.” He discussed his mission at length.

“Why should Mabel be prioritized?”

Once again, Dapo explained how brilliant Mabel was and how she had no one except her mother, who was struggling.

“Besides, my foundation is ready to take on the financial responsibilities.”

“That is a huge commitment young man.” The CMD said, his expression inscrutable.

“I know sir. I feel the need to do this sir.”

“I must say that is chivalrous of you. Let’s see how things unravel. I must see this girl.”

Dapo was relieved at Dr. Cocker’s disposition towards Mabel’s situation.

“I think I have a clear schedule for now, shall we visit little Mabel?”

Dapo could hardly curtail his enthusiasm. “I would like that very much, sir.”

“Shall we then?”

Dapo scrambled to his feet and preceded the CMD out of his office.

“Hello. You must be Mabel.”

“Am I so famous that every doctor in this hospital knows my name?” she said in a weak but humorous voice.

The CMD, Dapo, and Mabel’s Mum laughed.
“You are not only famous but you are special too.”

Mabel hid a smile, “Doctor D said you are the big Doctor around here, can you make me better?”

“I will do all within my power, and that’s a promise.”

---

“I might not be able to drop off your dad’s food because of my book cover photoshoot later today; could you drop lunch for your Dad today at his office?” Jade’s Mum was offloading the laundry while Jade helped fold the clothes.

Jade….” Her Mum called. She looked like she was in another world until her Mum nudged her. “A penny for your thoughts, young woman.”

“Sorry Mum, what did you say again?”

“I asked if you could drop lunch for your Dad later.”

Jade’s heart leaped at her Mum’s suggestions. She could run into the handsome Doctor again.

“Yes, Mum, I could.”

“Does your zoning out have anything to do with that handsome doctor we met yesterday?”

“Wha..t! Mum!”

“I saw the way you looked at each other.”

“Seriously! Mum, I don’t know what you are talking about?”

“But that Man is very handsome, and what your Dad told us about him wanting to help that poor young girl made him even more endearing. Only a special man could take on such a project.”

Jade marveled at her Mum’s ability to read her so accurately. She has been thinking about the Doctor and that young girl, wondering how she could help. Jade must admit that her Mum was right about the Doctor. He is not only attractive but also kind enough to have chosen to help Mirabel. Jade could not deny that she had thought of nothing but the Doctor since yesterday. She kept seeing his teasing yet intent gaze in her mind’s eyes. How he looked at her in that split second sent a yearning to her soul. She would be more than happy to see Doctor Benson again.

She quickly said a prayer in her heart… Lord, I have learned my mistakes from my previous relationships, and I don’t want to be moved by what I see. Doctor Benson appeals to the eyes, but I want to avoid being led by sight. Help me trust you; I want to help Mabel however I can. Please give me a sign if Doctor Benson and Mabel are part of your plans for my vacation; in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!

Jade felt as she always feels after talking to God: peaceful, happy, and energized.

“Mum, I should go get ready.”

“Okay, hurry back in time for my photoshoot. We are shooting in the kitchen.”

“shoot starts at 5:00 pm. right?”

“Yes, but the crew should be ready for setup by 4:00 pm.”

” I should be back by then.”

She meditated and prayed as she drove to the hospital, asking God for confirmation, “You know what, God? Can I run into Dapo Benson as a sign that you want me to be involved? Because I can’t seem to shake the feeling that I need to do something, I don’t want to be led by my emotions. I never want to be taken advantage of again, so I need a little intervention here, Lord.

She drove into the hospital parking lot, took out the basket containing her Dad’s healthy meal lovingly prepared by her mother, and continued to the entrance. She looked to her right side and saw Dapo leaning on a car minus the coat and stethoscope, his hands folded on his chest, patiently waiting for someone, she guessed.

My oh My! God, you do work fast. Considering how rude she was the last time, and since running into him was a sign from God, she decided to be pleasant. Jade plastered a smile on her face and walked towards him.

“Hey, there.”

But she was met by a blank look. “Hello,” Dapo responded, but his eyes lacked the humor she remembered from their last two encounters. Something about him was different; in fact, he seemed distant.

She watched his expression shift, and his face took on a radiant smile.

“Fancy seeing you here.”

“Yes, I brought lunch for my old man.”

“Great…hmm..” before he could continue, his phone rang. “Excuse me, I’ve got to pick this call.”

He turned his back to her and started conversing on the phone.

Jade was disappointed. Their meeting lacked their usual banter, and she felt flat talking with him; unlike the last time, she could tangibly feel the spark between them.

She nodded with a forced smile, not allowing her disappointment to show on her face. She concentrated on her mission and went straight to her Dad’s office.

***

Jade finished visiting with her Dad and could not wholly ignore the feeling that something changed about Dapo. As she was about to enter the elevator. she heard his voice; “If it was not Queen Jadesola who distinguishly graced us with her appearance.”

She turned to the direction, and there he was, looking dashingly handsome, and the glint was back in his eyes.

Still slightly disturbed by their early encounter, Jade took on a guarded expression. “Dr. Benson, Yay! We meet again.” She announced, sarcasm and feigned enthusiasm dripping from her voice, and she made a funny gesture with her hands up in the air like she was cheering her favorite artist.

She was oblivious to the hilarious stance she presented; hence, she was equally surprised when Dapo burst into laughter. The sound of his rich, uninhibited laughter did something to her stomach.

“You are funny, you know?”

Her initial disappointment dissipated before his laughter. “I didn’t know that till now. Nobody ever told me I was funny.”

His laughter was contagious as Jade could not stop the corners of her lips from turning slightly upward at the corners.

“Really? That’s a shame because I find you funny, amongst many other things, madam Jadesola.” His beautiful teeth flash in a bright smile that rocks her to her core.

There the look was again. That intent look that Jade felt right down to her toes. It was as if he was trying to communicate some deep things with his eyes that his mouth couldn’t find the words for. How does one respond intelligently to that, especially given how he looked at her?

“Can you please just call me my name without the Madam?”

“Only if you promised to call me by my name without the Mister or Doctor.”

He stretched his hands out to her, “Deal?”

Jade tore her eyes away from his compelling eyes to his outstretched hand, then back to his eyes. “Okay,” she slipped her hands into his palm.

His palm was soft and dry, but his grip was firm—as she liked.

Is there anything repulsive about this guy? No! Jade was yet to find one thing.

“Great!” he said enthusiastically and reluctantly released her hand. “I was just on my way to get lunch, do you mind joining me for a bit?”

“You want me to join you for lunch? Jade asked hesitantly. It was difficult to believe this was the same Man she interacted with at the parking lot.”

He smiled his maga waltz smile, which was gradually becoming her undoing.

“I promise you. It is not a date. When we eventually go on a date, it would be proper, not to visit a next-door cafe to grab a sandwich and cocoa.”

“When? Such arrogance.”

“Maybe not arrogance per se but confidence.” He winked at her.

Jade’s heart melted, and she was practically bursting with excitement.

“So what do you say we grab a bite?”

” Okay, I have something to discuss with you anyway.”

“Great, then.”

Jade checked her wristwatch and mentally calculated the time to avoid missing her Mum’s shoot.

*******

“I’m all yours!” He said with his arms outstretched once they were both seated.

“How did you end up a Doctor? When you should be a comedian.”

“That makes the two of us,” Dapo said with a goofy smile and wiggled his well-arched brows; he meant it to be funny, but Jade did not find it hilarious but endearing in a cute way.

There is no dull moment with Dapo, Jade concluded with a smile she was unaware remained plastered on her lips.

“What made you choose medicine?”

***

It was all Dapo could do to maintain a funny stance. Jade’s smile was doing things to him. I’m in trouble, but I like this trouble. He watched every move of her facial features to commit them to memory and ruminate over later.

He sat straight and looked deep into Jade’s eyes.

“Passion!”

The air between them became thick. They looked lost in each other’s eyes before Jade broke the spell.

“Hmm…hmm.. so do you care to explain?”

He smiled and assumed a serious tone, “I have a passion for helping people, especially children, right from when I was younger. What other way to exert my passion other than to help children in need? It hurts me to see people suffer, children especially.”

“So you are an empath?” Jade asked, ignoring the food the waiter had placed before them.

“What is an empath?”

“Rather who is an empath? He or she is a person who easily feels the pain of others and wants to do anything to help.”

“Hmm..” Dapo nodded, munching on his sandwich. “I like the sound of that. So tell me about yourself.” He asked after swallowing.

“Well, I’m an event planner on a well-deserved break.” Jade took a sip of water from her glass. “And that’s the reason I needed to see you.”

He pushed his plate aside and leaned forward with his hands folded on the table. “I meant it when I said I’m all yours,” he said between seriousness and humor. “How could I be of help?”

“Dad told me about that young girl and how you planned to help her. I could come up with a plan to raise funds for her. You know, as an event planner I could work something out.”

Dapo was silent, and his expression was inscrutable, which Jade must have misinterpreted because she quickly added, “I mean, I don’t mean to intrude, not that you requested my help or anything.”

Dapo watched her as she shielded her eyes with her long lashes. Are those natural? He wondered.

While he was lost in thought, wondering about her lashes, she continued

“I mean… I couldn’t sit still when Dad told me all about Mabel and her Mum’s inability to foot her medical bills. Just like you, I need to do something to help.”

“So that makes you an empath too.”

“Yeah, but that’s not important, what’s important is doing all within my power to help that child. And I was told she is so smart too. So, what do you say we join force?”

If Dapo thought she was beautiful before, she became a frigging goddess right before his eyes. He could only thank God and bless the day she crossed his path.

Jade threw him with her suggestion. He wasn’t expecting this at all. Dapo was too moved to say a word and placed his hand palm up, on the table. “Deal?” he muttered, his eyes roaming her face much more intently now that he had just experienced another side of her. In order not to scare her, he smiled and winked.

“Yes, deal!” for the second time that day, their hands touched, and this time, Dapo held her hand loosely, giving her a chance to withdraw her hand if she wanted, but she didn’t, which pleased him very much. Dapo got a view of her ring finger and did a mental happy dance when he saw no ring or any ring indentation on her finger.

“Jadesola Cocker, you are something alright.”…

To be Continued……