THE MAN I LOVED WHO HID HIS CROWN

Chapter 5

A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door. I glanced through the small upper glass on the door-and it was Chike. My heart skipped a beat.

I quickly set down the juice I was drinking and opened the door. As soon as he saw me, he smiled. He was dressed so simply, yet he looked amazing.

He wore a long-sleeved white and black shirt with white trousers and black shoes.

That shirt instantly stole my heart-it had large, well-arranged patterns, not chaotic at all. He had unbuttoned the last two buttons, revealing his chest.

Then he said, snapping me out of my daze,

"Hey baby girl, are you going to hug me or just keep staring at me like that?"

He opened his arms, and before I could even think about it, I found myself wrapped in his embrace.

My God, I don't know what spell this guy has put on me-but it's definitely a sweet one. He whispered,

"You look stunning, my fashion killer."

I laughed, but right then, someone pushed the door. I let go of Chike but he held onto my shoulder as we stood there. It was the doctor-actually, Archie.

He glanced at Chike with a not-so-happy expression and then forced a smile as he greeted him. Archie, always composed, handed me the bill. I paid using my phone and he left.

Chike said teasingly,

"He just came to interrupt us-at least give me another hug to make up for it."

I tapped his chest playfully and said,

"You're such a thief-trying to steal another hug?"

He whispered,

"You're like a magnet, baby. You're killing me here."

I laughed and said,

"Go on, keep dreaming."

He pleaded,

"Please baby..."

I looked at him and laughed again. Honestly, I could never get tired of hugging him. I leaned in for another hug. But just then, Liam walked in, startling me.

I quickly stepped away from Chike. Liam stared at Chike with suspicious eyes-oh no, I knew that look. He was going to hit him. But Chike remained calm and clueless, like nothing was wrong.

Liam asked,

"Who is this guy?"

I replied,

"This is Chike."

He pushed me aside and walked straight to Chike. Instead of fighting him, he hugged him and said,

"Thanks, bro, for saving my sister. I owe you big time."

Chike responded,

"No worries. That's what friends are for."

I laughed nervously. Liam handed me my handbag and clothes I'd left at Zaddy's place and said curiously,

"Don't worry-I didn't touch anything if that's what you're wondering."

I didn't quite believe him-this is Liam, after all.

He added,

"Zaddy was unconscious-apparently attacked by some unknown guys. I couldn't hit a sick man."

I chuckled and exchanged glances with Chike.

Liam turned to Chike and asked,

"But bro, how exactly did you rescue her?"

Chike looked nervous, clearly making something up. He laughed and said,

"I jumped over the gate like a superhero. As soon as Tiana came out, I grabbed her and we ran."

Liam said seriously,

"I hope he didn't touch you-because I'll beat the life out of him."

I shook my head and denied it. Suddenly, a hospital security guard walked in and told Liam,

"You parked your car badly-it just got hit."

Liam rushed out. I looked at Chike who gave me that charming, genius-like smirk.

Outside, Liam ran into Alicia, Leyna, and Sandy. He greeted them quickly and went to check on his car. Turns out, it was a small white car parked behind his. It hadn't hit his Range Rover hard-but still, not something you'd ignore. He knocked on the window furiously.

The girl in the car stepped out-and Liam was stunned. She was beautiful. He recognized her instantly. Even though they'd never met in person, she was one of Tiana's friends, and he'd seen her in her TikTok videos and photos. His anger flared again. He slammed her car door and then slapped her across the face.

She screamed,

"How dare you slam my door like that?!"

Liam held his cheek in disbelief. She looked at him again-and realized it was her crush. Liam, Tiana's older brother-the one she always chatted with even though he mostly left her on seen. She covered her mouth in embarrassment.

Liam almost hit her again, but stopped himself and said,

"I don't hit girls."

He got back into his car, parked it properly, and went back inside.

Paula (the girl) was left outside in shame, regretting everything. After gathering herself, she walked into the hospital.

Meanwhile, Tiana was facing an interrogation.

"What exactly happened? Why was Chike there?"

She explained,

"I left work at 4:30. It was raining. I called a taxi, but before it arrived, Zaddy pulled up and offered me a ride. I got in, but the car reeked of alcohol-he had bottles everywhere..."

She continued telling the story while Chike and Liam stood nearby.

Liam asked,

"How did Zaddy even know you were late coming home?"

Chike replied,

"There are only two possibilities: either one of your friends told him, or your manager set you up."

Sandy shouted,

"Wait-are you saying we betrayed our friend? Watch your mouth, guy."

Paula chimed in,

"Yeah, bro, I feel like slapping you."

Liam added,

"Do it and I'll enjoy hitting you back."

Tiana tried calming them,

"Can we tone down the drama, please?"

Leyna asked,

"At least tell us he didn't touch you, babe."

Alicia added,

"Didn't you hear the guy came in and saved her immediately?"

She looked at Chike and smiled.

Sandy said,

"No way I'm letting this slide. Apologize for accusing us of betrayal."

Chike and Tiana laughed. Tiana gave Chike a side-eye, and he smiled. Liam noticed and stood up,

"Let's just go home-I'm exhausted."

Sandy offered,

"You're coming with me."

Alicia said,

"No, I'll drive her."

Leyna protested,

"I'm the one who always drives her!"

Paula jumped in,

"No, I'm taking her!"

They kept arguing until Liam finally said,

"None of you is taking my sister. She's coming with me-and my car is the best."

Sandy scoffed,

"Your car? Come, let me show you a real B.M.W with class."

Liam replied,

"It's not better than mine, my dear."

Leyna bragged,

"I drive a 2023 Rav4-brand new!"

Paula snapped,

"Stop lying! That's my car-and it's not even a month old!"

Tiana and Chike just laughed-it had turned into a comedy show.

Sandy turned to Chike and asked,

"Where's your car?"

Everyone looked at him.

Chike answered,

"I came by natural transport."

(implying he walked)

Sandy scoffed,

"So... you don't even own a car?"

Paula added mockingly,

"And Tiana's dating someone who walks? Wow."

Tiana felt embarrassed. She said,

"Okay, yeah-Chike doesn't have a car. And neither do I. If that makes us less than your definition of friends, fine. You can all leave in your fancy cars. We'll take a taxi or a moto."

Everyone went quiet, realizing they'd gone too far.

Tiana stood from the bed, held Chike's hand, and they walked out.

The rest scrambled to grab their stuff and followed. Liam tried to pick up his bag but bumped into Paula. They stared at each other before Liam snatched it and said,

"Don't bring your slay queen drama into my sister's life."

Paula was hurt. She let go and walked out silently.

Tiana took Liam's car keys and drove off with Chike. Chike teased,

"Hey now, don't be mad-it doesn't suit you."

Tiana said,

"When something upsets me, I feel it. I won't bottle up my emotions."

Chike replied,

"But they didn't lie. I really don't have a car. Why let it get to you?"

Tiana said,

"Because you're my friend-and no one insults my friends."

Chike smiled,

"We're friends, huh?"

Tiana said,

"We weren't before, but I want us to be. Will you be my friend?"

Chike laughed and said,

"Let me think about it."

Tiana tapped him playfully and he laughed,

"Alright then, I accept."

Tiana said,

"Thank you, Mr. Chike. But that doctor back there-he looks a lot like you."

Chike asked,

"You mean Archie?"

Tiana was surprised-Archie never told her his name.

"Wait-how do you know his name?"

Chike froze-then quickly said,

"We just have similar features "

Tiana asked, "Wait, how did you know his name?"

Chike was startled but replied quickly, "He shares his name with his hospital. And in this city, he owns many clinics. I once did an bricklaying job at one of them. Honestly, no one doesn't know Doctor Archie. He's a billionaire."

Tiana widened her eyes, "A billionaire?"

Chike nodded, "Yes, he's incredibly wealthy and a top specialist in surgery. He's truly brilliant."

Tiana said, "Wow... he didn't seem that extraordinary. I mean, he's so humble. But honestly, I noticed you two kind of look alike."

Chike laughed, "Now you're falling for me? You think I look like a billionaire? Just tell me the truth, Mon Bébé."

Tiana playfully hit his shoulder and they both laughed.

Meanwhile, Liam came out to find that Tiana had taken his car, and the other girls had already left-except Paula, who was still around. As Liam was about to leave, Paula grabbed him.

He looked at her coldly, and she gently said, "I'm sorry. "

Liam said, "Let go of me."

Paula replied, "Okay, then come with me in my car."

Liam hesitated but realized there was no point in staying angry. He eventually agreed, and they drove to Tiana's place.

As they entered the house, they were welcomed by Sandy's loud complaints, saying she wouldn't apologize to Chike. But in the end, she did, knowing full well that when Tiana is angry, it could mean the end of your relationship.

They all hung out, had fun, and ate together. Paula and Liam kept throwing flirty comments at each other before they left, allowing Tiana to rest. Only Chike stayed behind with her.

Tiana told him, "Thanks for staying with me, but you need to rest too. You stayed up all night. There's a guest room Liam usually uses-you can go rest there. We'll talk later this evening. I'm going to bed now."

Chike put down the book he was reading and walked over to her. He took her hand and asked, "But really, why don't we sleep together?"

Tiana blinked. "What did you say?"

Chike clarified, "I mean... sleep in the same bed."

Tiana gasped, "Get out of here, you seducer! And to think I let you sleep in my house-shame on you."

Chike laughed, "That means you like me."

Tiana said, "Maybe I'm just being grateful."

He then wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Tiana looked into his eyes and said, "Fine, give me a thank-you kiss and I'll forgive you."

She playfully hit his chest when he leaned in, "Forget it, I'm not giving you any kiss."

Chike pleaded, "Please, Tiana..."

She laughed and narrated:

> "The way my heart was beating when we were close-I don't even know if it was good or bad. But the way he touched me, smiled at me-it felt like ten years of happiness. I wanted to kiss him, but I was too shy. I lowered my head!"

He gently lifted her chin with his fingers and whispered, "Queen Tiana, please..."

I closed my eyes, expecting him to kiss me-but instead, he let go and laughed. I opened my eyes confused as he dropped onto the couch, laughing like a maniac. I glared at him. I was wearing a long dress with my headscarf and falling over my back. At least I still looked cute in my outfit, but I was furious. I grabbed a cup and asked, "What's so funny?"

Chike, still laughing, said, "You were totally ready, ma cherie. Let's be honest-you were about to kiss me."

I was filled with shame and stormed off to my room, slamming the door. I dove into bed and covered myself. I felt so embarrassed-but thank God I didn't kiss him. How could I kiss someone who's not even my boyfriend? I fell asleep.

When I woke up, the smell of food filled the air. I wondered who was cooking, then remembered Chike was still here. I checked the time-10 AM-and jumped into the shower, got dressed in my favorite oversized yellow T-shirt, and sat in the living room with a book. I didn't want to go to the kitchen, but the smell was too tempting.

Chike walked in and saw I was awake. He greeted me, "Hi, Queen Tiana."

I responded coldly without looking up, "Hi, Chike."

He kept talking, but I answered him without interest. He went back to the kitchen. I turned to peek and saw him wearing Liam's jersey. They were the same size. I laughed. He was definitely showing off.

He set the table and called me, "Come eat."

I replied, "I'm not hungry."

Chike laughed, "Are you sure?"

I said, "Very. Eat by yourself. I don't even think it tastes good."

He teased, "It's actually delicious. But how can you eat if you're not hungry? Come sniff it to get an appetite."

I replied, "Trying to tempt me with food I won't eat?"

He said, "Then I'll bring it over, because I can't eat without looking at you."

I finally said, "Okay." I joined him at the table and kept reading my book while pretending not to be interested.

But the smell overwhelmed me. I stole a glance at his plate-he was eating happily, throwing me a teasing smile. I couldn't take it anymore. I put the book down and said, "Is that really tasty?"

Chike responded, "Mmm yes! I thought I wouldn't finish it, but now I think I need more."

I said, "Are you going to eat it all?"

Chike answered, "These portions are tiny. Thank God you're not hungry-it wouldn't be enough for two."

I gave in and said, "Let me try one bite."

He tried not to laugh but failed. "Just one bite?"

I said, "Why only one?" I snatched the plate and ran into the living room. He chased after me-we ran around the furniture, laughing and hitting each other playfully.

When we calmed down, I said, "There are seven pieces. I'll eat four, you eat three."

Chike said, "Nope. I'm eating four, you take three. You're a girl-you'll get fat."

I said, "I'll eat four. If I gain weight, I'll deal with it."

Chike agreed, "Okay, we both eat three, and split the last one."

We quickly finished our portions, leaving one piece. I grabbed it.

Chike said, "C'mon, share it with me."

I teased, "Let me taste it first. I'll leave you some."

He kept watching me eat, sipping his drink. Every time he reached for it, I'd pull it back. Finally, I pretended I'd give it to him, but popped it in my mouth instead.

"I ate it! Sorry."

Chike said, "That was mine!"

I ran to his room. He caught me, and we wrestled on the bed, laughing until silence fell. He looked deep into my eyes-I almost kissed him. He held my hands and intertwined his fingers with mine.

"You look so good," I whispered, my eyes locked with his. "I love the way you look at me... Do you enjoy being with me like this?"

But then I quickly added, "All of this... it doesn't even matter, because you and I... we're not even really..."

Before I could finish, he kissed me.

I felt my whole body freeze for a moment. I wanted to push him away-but not because I didn't want him. It was because deep down, I wanted more. I craved it. But I couldn't bring myself to act on it just yet.

He stopped, looking into my eyes with fire and softness all at once. And just like that-I leaned in and kissed him back, slowly at first, but then we melted into each other. His lips were warm, his breath hot against mine. I started touching his chest, lightly, almost shyly, and he suddenly lifted me into his arms.

"Blood of Jesus," I gasped, caught off guard. I didn't even know he was strong enough to carry me like that.

He gently laid me on the bed and kept kissing me, slowly, teasingly, like he was savoring every moment. His fingers trailed across my chest-so soft, so controlled. He didn't rush. He didn't even pull off my shirt yet, and still, it drove me wild.

He was calm. Focused. Not desperate-just present. And yet, the way he looked at me... it was dangerous.

I slipped off my bra, and he slid his hand under my shirt. When he touched me there, so gently, my breath hitched. He slowly lifted the shirt up, pausing to stare at me, his eyes full of heat. I was only wearing a small pair of shorts now. He kissed me again, lower this time, heading for my breasts.

I let out a small sound, trembling. "Why'd you stop?" I asked, panting.

Chike looked at me, voice thick. "Are you sure, baby? You really want to do this?"

In my heart, I wanted him-completely. But something deep inside pulled me back. I'm a woman who respects herself.

So I whispered, "No."

I slowly pulled my shirt back on and moved close to him. I kissed him gently, and he responded with a touch I couldn't even explain. My mind was spinning. My breath was fast. It was all too much, yet not enough.

But then, I heard my own voice inside my head:

"Tiana, you're a smart girl. You know your worth. You know what you want. You respect yourself. How could you sleep with someone you barely know?"

I froze.

I pulled away from him.

He looked confused and concerned. "Baby, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I can't do this."

He pulled me into his arms. "There's no need to apologize, baby. It's okay."

I cupped his cheek, touched by how gentle he was. He helped me put my shirt back on. I calmed down.

He put on his own shirt and lay beside me. I curled up, knees close to my chest. He said nothing. He just lay behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist. I took his hand and placed it gently on my stomach. He held me tighter.

Then he whispered, "You're not weak, baby. What you did? That was powerful. You just honored yourself. That's strength."

I giggled and kicked him playfully. He laughed.

But then his voice turned serious.

"Would you ever love me?" he asked.

I was stunned. Shocked.

Did I love him?

I asked back, "Would you love me?"

Chike chuckled, then said, "Nah. I couldn't love you... You're out of my league. I'm just a wild guy from the streets. I'd ruin you."

I smiled, shaking my head.

"Well," I teased, "maybe I like a little danger."

"So you can never love me?"

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