Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Tiana used to be so protective of Simon, never allowing anyone to speak ill of him. She hadn’t even noticed that she had just defended Enoch.
Snapping back to reality. Tiana pushed Enoch away with a huff. “You’re just trying to take advantage of me she accused, thinking him a sly and cunning bodyguard.
Enoch just laughed at her flustered state, a smirk playing on his lips. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “We’re supposed to see your grandmother today, right?”
Tiana slapped her forehead. “Shoot! I have to visit Grandma today.”
Tiana slipped into a form–fitting dress that accentuated her figure, her hair falling in soft waves and her lips a bold red. She was back to being the striking woman everyone was used to. Glancing at Enoch, who was clad in his usual black, she frowned. “You’re looking a bit too bodyguard–ish. Let’s hit the mall.”
At the mall, Tiana picked out a casual outfit for Enoch: a simple white tee and blue jeans. Once he changed into them, he looked like a mature, yet energetic college guy. “You’re always in black. It makes you seem older,” she commented.
Enoch responded with a nonchalant hum, “Thanks for styling me, honey.
Tiana shot him a sharp look. “Don’t call me that.”
He let out a soft chuckle, “Got it, wifey.”
She felt like kicking him. Through gritted teeth, she asked, ‘Enoch, when did you become so shameless?”
His gaze was steady. “I didn’t know you purred like a kitten when you’re tipsy either.”
Tiana was at a loss for words. He is bringing up that night–fantastic. She hurried towards the mall’s exit. After waiting for what felt like forever in the car, she was about to lose her cool when Enoch finally emerged.
“Enoch, you’re slacking on the bodyguard duties!” she complained. She was used to being followed closely, without any delays.
He held up what he was carrying. “Your grandma has a sore neck, so I got her a massager. And since she loves jewelry, I picked out this emerald bracelei—”
Tiana raised a hand to stop him. “Wait! How do you know my grandma’s preferences so well?” She eyed him suspiciously. “Enoch, are you secretly spying on me?”
His expression darkened because of her word choice. After a pause, a mischievous smile played on his lips. “I just want to take care of my girl”
Tiana bit her lip, “Don’t spoil me too much. I might get guilty.”
Enoch’s grip on the gifts tightened momentarily, but he didn’t say anything. He stowed the items in the trunk and then drove to Tiana’s grandma’s house
Vivienne Maple, Tiana’s grandma, resided in a cozy little town on the outskirts of Novavista. Tiana had tried to convince her to move to the city, but Vivienne, a woman of tradition, was adamant about staying put in her beloved town.
Chapter 8
The town had a quaint, peaceful charm with a hint of old–world elegance. Vivienne’s home was on a narrow, winding street where cars couldn’t pass, so Tiana and Enoch had to walk the final stretch.
As they walked, Tiana noticed Enoch’s silence. She wondered if her earlier words had stung, but she stood by them. Love was a tiring game, and she wasn’t interested in playing it again. She didn’t want to get close to anyone, and she was sure Enoch wouldn’t change her mind, so he shouldn’t be so attentive.
Upon arrival, they found Vivienne in her yard, knitting away with a contented smile. When she spotted Tiana and Enoch, her face creased into a delighted grin. “My dear Tia, you’re here!”
Tiana sprinted over and embraced her grandma, feeling a youthful pout on her face. “Grandma, I’ve missed you miss me?”
“Absolutely, my dear!” Vivienne beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness
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In the past, when Tiana’s mom had eloped, it had strained the family ties. Since then, Tiana’s dad, Cedric, had cut off contact with Vivienne. He held Vivienne accountable for her daughter’s departure and thought the relatives were too impoverished and disconnected. He’d always pushed Tiana to distance herself from them
That ongoing tension was a significant factor in the deterioration of Tiana’s relationship with her dad over the years. When Tiana got engaged recently, Cedric had barred her grandma and her side of the family from the festivities.
Vivienne peered over her reading glasses at the tall figure by the gate, his arms full of packages. “And who have we here?” she inquired.
Tiana gestured for Enoch to come closer. “Grandma, meet Enoch. Remember you always wanted me to settle down? Well, we got hitched yesterday.”
With that, Tiana flashed the marriage certificate. Vivienne examined the photo, then looked Enoch over. The man, usually as cool as a cucumber, seemed a bit on edge, his eyes flickering with a touch of anxiety.
“I thought you were with a Simon fellow. What became of him?” Vivienne questioned.
Tiana felt a twinge of sorrow thinking about her decade with Simon but put on a brave smile for her grandma. “Simon and I didn’t work out. Enoch’s a good guy; he’s kind to me and he’s bringing you all these gifts.”
Enoch, noticing Tiana’s struggle to hide her feelings, stepped forward and started laying out the presents.
“Enoch, you really didn’t need to go to all this trouble. Just make sure you take care of Tia from now on,” Vivienne said, teasingly shooing Tiana away. She settled back into her chair and invited Enoch to sit with her.
Enoch took a seat next to Vivienne, who studied him intently. His features were sharp, his nose strong, and his lips thin, giving off an impression of steadfast honesty. Despite his aloof demeanor, Tiana had seen the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her.
“Do you love my Tia?” Vivienne asked.
Enoch’s stern expression eased, and his voice was low and earnest. “Yes, I do,”
Vivienne took Enoch’s hand, patting it gently. “You strike me as more dependable than that Simon. I have a good feeling about you; if you’re genuine, Tia will come to love you in time.”
Tiana came back with the groceries her grandma had asked for and found Enoch hunched over, chatting quietly with Vivienne. They both broke into wide grins. Intrigued, Tiana asked, “What are you two whispering about?”
“Nothing much,” they chimed in unison.
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Chapter 8
Tiana’s brow furrowed. She thought they were hiding something
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As noon approached, Enoch took over the kitchen, and Tiana hurried over, prodding his back. “What’d you say to Grandma? She hasn’t smiled like that in forever.”
He
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un around, capturing her wrist and tugging her close until she was pinned against the counter. “Call me ‘hubby, and I’ll
spun
