Chapter 321: Doing everything to protect her

''How do I tell her? Where do I start? This is wrong from all perspective''

''You two are innocent. Neither one of you knew about this. Instead of trying to hide it, why don't you just expose it and see how you can manage the situation. One is bound to get hurt. Andy, pain is pain no matter how you want to define it, but emotional pain is the worse because there is no wound to show. If you don't know something about this, then things might get out of control. Betty was the first to find out, right? Now, Betty is the last person you can trust to keep it a secret because she likes you and would use any means to separate you two from each other. Would you rather, Paula found out from a third party that the man she loves is actually her sister's ex-boyfriend? Remember, her finding out wouldn't be what would hurt her, but knowing that you knew and didn't tell her is what will hurt her''

''You think so?''

''Andy, I don't know you to be a weak man who can't protect his woman. Act like yourself and salvage the situation. If Mali is back because of you as I am predicting, then, it means that it is only a matter of time before the two sisters fight over you. Is that the kind of man you are? A man who allows two women to fight over him?''

''Where is Paula?'' Andy asked as he began to think clearly.

''I left her at the hospital with Lisa. Give her a call and arrange a meeting with her but you must do it today itself''

''I will do that''

''Do that. If you are sure that Paula is the one, then now is the time to fight for her'' Leslie hugged Andy for a while.

…..

Paula felt mentally more exhausted than she did physically, so the last thing she needed was someone bothering her again as she arrived home to rest but even that was her wishful thoughts as the first person she saw in front of her apartment turned out to be Betty.

She stood there in her mini dress and high heels with nails that looked like the ones that Cardi B did for her WAP music video.

When she saw Paula, she gave a sly smirk and held her tote bag closely by her side and walked closer to her.

''Well, well, isn't this our chubby girl. I haven't seen you for a while and it seems that you've lost so much weight. Things not going well in paradise?''

''What do you want?'' Paula asked feeling mentally drained. She just wanted Betty to disappear from her sight.

''So, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. Does it? I still can't believe this'' Betty smiled and asked, ''Paula, guess what I found out about you a few days ago?''

''Can you just say whatever you came here to say and get lost? I am really not in the mood to chat with you'' Paula felt dizzy and her body temperature was rising. She was feeling sick already. Everything that had happened took a toll on her body.

''Mali, does the name ring a bell? She is your elder sister, right?''

''So what? Betty I don't have all day, so whatever is it you want to tell me. Please can you make it fast?''

''Hm, how do I put it, Paula? I really hate to be the one to deliver this bad news but I figured out that hearing it from me will lessen the pain''

''Excuse me'' Paula stepped forward ready to leave and Betty held her hand, stopping her.

''Did Andy tell you about the woman who dumped him ten years ago? well, I guess he didn't, judging from your face right now. I will tell you how everything happened ten years ago then, since I was there and saw everything clearly''

''Let go of my hand. Stop hurting me with those nails or I will rip you apart, you slimy bitch'' Paula said and pushed Betty hard and the latter fell to the ground with a loud thud and a scream.

''You dared to push me? I am Betty, do you know what I am capable of?'' Betty managed to stand on her feet as she sneered angrily.

Paula coughed and felt her head swelling up. She was beginning to see things incoherently. She sighed in pain and touched her head as she stepped back.

''I told you to leave me alone'' Paula managed to say and Betty chuckled.

''You pushed me down, how about you experience it too?'' Betty said and was about to rush at Paula when a large palm pulled Paula into its owner's embrace.

''Paula, are you alright?'' Andy asked with a serious gaze.

''Andy, she… she started it first. she was the one who hurt me first. look at my body'' Betty said as she tried to touch Andy.

Andy flunked her aside and turned, protecting Paula in his embrace as he said to Betty, ''I told you, if you cross the line you will regret it, right? Now, you are going to regret for messing with my woman'' Andy carried Paula and turned back towards his car as Betty stood there watching.

After Leslie left the villa, he had wanted to call Paula but thought it was better to come and look for her, so Andy decided to come to Paula's apartment. He was glad he did because Paula was really sick.

Betty bit her lips and clenched her fists tightly. She cussed and went back to her car.

Andy's villa.

Andy's bedroom.

''Doctor, how is she doing?'' Andy asked the doctor who had come to check on Paula's condition. She had fainted on the way, so he had to call a doctor.

''She is fine. She must be under a lot of stress. I will prescribe her some medicine, make sure she eats them and gets enough rest. If possible, don't let be exposed to stressful situations''

''Alright, I will do whatever you say''

''After the IV is completed, she will be fine''

''Alright, I will see you off'' Andy and the doctor walked out. He sent the doctor all the way out to his car and waited for him to leave before he went back. after the doctor's car disappeared out of the main gate, Andy was about to go into his villa when he saw another car entering his side and he paused.

The car pulled over and a slender figure dressed in a blue off shoulder dress got down from the car. She stopped by the car and smiled at Andy as she spoke.

''Hi, Andy''

''Mali, what are you doing here?'' Andy asked in a not so pleasant tone.

''Andy, hi'' Mali aid shyly, feeling nervous.

''What do you want here?''

''I came to see you. can I go in?''

''No, you can't. my girlfriend is currently inside and she is not feeling well. I am taking care of her''

''Your girlfriend?'' Mali clenched her fist tightly against her bag.

''Yes, moreover, if you have something to tell me, then do that during the day and at the office. I don't want my girlfriend to misunderstand us''

''I see. then, when are you free? I want us to talk''

''I am only free during work hours. Mali, I will appreciate it if you stop visiting me at my house especially late at night. I don't want people to think that we have something going on and I don't want my girlfriend to be unhappy about it. I get hurt when she is hurt''

''This... your girlfriend, do you love her that much? Maybe you are just confused about her. I will make your realise that you are mistaken about her. I will leave tonight since she is not feeling well. maybe you can arrange a dinner date, I want to see just how good this woman is''

''I'm sorry but I won't do that. You are my ex and I shouldn't have anything doing with you. Let's just remain cordial and formal towards one another, excuse me'' Andy didn't spare her another look and went inside his villa. He closed and locked the door afterwards.

Mali who was left all alone screamed and stumped her foot on the ground before getting into her car again and drove out.

When Andy returned to the room, he saw that Paula was now awake and he went closer to her. He got into the bed and sat beside her asking, ''how are you feeling, my love?''

''Andy, is this really you?'' Paula stretched her hand and touched his face.

''Yes, this is me. How do you feel?''

''I am fine. What happened to me? the last thing I remember is being with Betty and she was trying to tell me something''

''You fainted and I brought you to my place. The doctor said you've been under a lot of stress. Can you tell me what is wrong with you?''

''Andy… I love you'' Paula suddenly said, surprising him as she sat up to hug him with tears in her eyes.