Chapter 2 A strict warning from the General

Mitah got to Dino's place, A nice mansion of four bedrooms. The interior and exterior had exclusive designs and everywhere speaks luxury. The appliances and furniture inside the house were made of pure Gold and one did not have to think twice before knowing it as a house of a wealthy person. After the Gate security opened the gate for Mitah, she met his sister just stepping out. Amanda was happy to see her. They exchanged pleasantries and she asked where Dino was Amanda told her he was indoors. Mitah proceeded into the sitting room and found Dino reading a magazine.

Dino was glad and surprised to see her as she didn't inform him she was coming. However, he didn't fail to acknowledge her beauty and also notice her new hairstyle.

"Wow! You look stunning" Dino said rising and beaming at her, his hands stuck in his pockets.

Mitah with a blush "Thank you", Mitah said sitting down

"So what would you like to eat? I will tell my sister to prepare it." Dino said.

"No Dino. Thanks, I 'm alright. I just wanted to see you. Come on, it's always your sister. You should try cooking for me too". Mitah said jokingly. Dino laughed. "You know my cooking sucks dear. I'm just not good at it. But for you, I'll try and learn." He said playing with her hair and he cuddled her: "Bring those sexy lips over here"

"For what?" Mitah teased him "you will start paying me for kissing my lips" Dino just giggled and playfully brought her lips closer to kiss her.

"So, if you won't want anything to eat what would you like to drink? I have champagne, vodka, iced tea.." Dino said already standing up ready to be at her service

"Uhm, do you have juice?" Mitah cut in as she didn't want feel like drinking any of what he listed

"So. It's juice we doing today uhmm?.." Dino asked raising his eye brows teasing her. Mitah laughed

"Oh, and you are so Lucky!." He marvelled as if remembering something " I made a fresh Pineapple Juice

yesterday night!. It's in the freezer. It's very tasty. Trust me" He said staring into her eyes as he leaned down towards where she was sitting.

"Are you sure about that?" Mitah asked laughing

"What insolence! Are you now doubting my juice- making skills too?" He said trying to put on a serious look but both of them knew he was joking.

"I am not!" Mitah replied jokingly. "You know what, just bring it already. I am thirsty and I can't wait to drink your personally made Juice!

"Of course. It will be here in a jiffy. Your highness" Dino said spreading his arms forward like a steward as he went ahead to the freezer. Mitah just smiled . "You are hilarious" she said

Mitah loved his presence than any other person and whether her father liked it or not, she wanted to end up with him.

Nopaz, Mitah's persistent admirer, was with his friend, Ali in a Bar. He had lately been fed up with Mitah's refusal to give in to him. It was obvious that it was affecting him.

"You need to give up on that girl. I mean, she isn't the only girl in the world. What's so special about her anyways?" Ali said to him, already irritated by his friend's headstrong keenness towards Mitah

"Shut up Ali. I love her. You wouldn't understand. You don't even have a girlfriend It's either Mitah or no one else." He smirked, gulping a full glass of vodka at a go. He beckoned to the waiter to get them their bill. Ali shook his head and smiled

____________________________________________'

General Rafa was Lati's superior in office. Lati was the second in command in the army. But one thing about General Rafa, he wasn't one to go to the war fronts. He only always dealt with administrative matters and he was so good at it

"I must commend you for a job well done. Without you, I don't think we could have won this recent war. I don't think I can stand Zerafi taking over and owning our men! Thanks to you. General Rafa said after summoning Lati to his office. Lati bowed and sighed. "It is my duty Sir." He said

. "And how is your daughter fairing? General Rafa asked. Lati answered that she was doing well. Soon, General Rafa dismissed him but not without handing over his PROMOTION LETTER to him. Lati got promoted to the General in command of the Liba Army. He was no more a deputy, as his superior, General Rafa, would be retiring the next two days. The ceremonial handing over would take place in a week's time. He got home and was very anxious to tell his daughter about his promotion. Mitah was also happy to hear the good news.

"Wow Dad! I'm so happy for you.

You're really good at what you do". She said filling her father's cup with wine. "I know right. " Lati said smiling but suddenly his smile faded. "I just wish your mother were here to witness my success every time".

"Same here Dad. I miss her so much, even though I was still a kid when she passed on". She said sadly.

"It's okay. Come here" he said as he hugged her sideways, a minute later, they released each other from the embrace

"Hmm. Where is Lupam? Tell her to serve my dinner. Lati said.

"Oh on the contrary, Dad. I cooked dinner today and it's your favourite, pasta and green vegetables". She said beaming happily

"Wow! Let's see then, that's so sweet of you." Her father said. Mitah went ahead to bring the food she prepared and she served him.

After her father had eaten and gone to his room, Mitah was told by her maid, LUPAM that she had a letter from the postman. She went ahead to give Mitah the letter. Mitah smiled upon receiving it. She knew it was from Dino. She was smiling and grinning from ear to ear while reading the letter when

Lati appeared unexpectedly." Hand over that letter to me" ... her father retorted. Mitah was shocked, but all the same didn't want to give her father claiming it was personal to her. Angrily, Lati snatched the letter from her. He read the contents and screamed at her "you are still seeing that boy. Haven't I warned you to stay away from him? You will be shocked at what I will do if you do not desist!" .... and with this he stalled out leaving Mitah in distress.

Lati left his house and went straight to Dino's house to threaten him that he should leave his daughter alone otherwise he should be ready to face the consequences. But Dino was courageous enough to tell him that he wasn't afraid of him anymore and he loved his daughter and would not give her up." I love your daughter very much and cannot imagine my life without her. Why can't you just understand that Sir?"

....

Lati raised his hands and slapped him. "I can't understand because you're from a family of criminals!... let this be the last time I see you with her". He said holding his throat firmly. "Or I will kill you! "... With this he left. Dino was unsettled and angry. He slammed the door and entered the house. Amanda who had overheard their conversation dropped the fruits she was slicing and faced her brother. "Dino I think you should let go of her".

"That can't happen. Amanda Mitah is my life. I have never loved any other woman like her.." Dino said with a genuine mind and bitterness in his voice. Amanda argued that she did not want anything bad to happen to him, especially considering the fact that Mitah's father is a soldier, reminding him of the fact that they had no parents already.

"I will be careful. I promise" Dino said.

Amanda heaved a sigh." Clara, our neighbour, came this morning when you went for a work out, it skipped my mind actually. She said she had been vomiting and feeling very cold. She wanted you to prescribe for her some antimalarial drug".

"I have told her to go to a hospital for a test first. I am not a medical doctor but a pharmacist. If it's positive, then I can treat her." Dino said, frustrated from Lati's actions a while ago. Amanda told him Clara said she had no money for hospital. Dino sighed tiredly, grabbed a pen and wrote her a combination of malaria medications, antibiotics and pain killers.

"Give her this please. Tell her to give them at my pharmacy. She shouldn't bother about paying" Dino said giving her sister the prescription.