When Mitah got in, Dino was surprised to see her. She didn’t inform him she would be coming over. Mitah walked over slowly to where he was seated. Her face, remorseful. She didn't know how to start her words. She began fumbling with her fingers
“You look stunning” Dino remarked rising to his feet and beaming at her, his hands stuck in his pockets.
On hearing this, Mitah got amazed and relieved; "Really? She asked with a blush. "Thank you”,
She sat down with a smile on her face, he didn't react awkwardly as she feared. Dino sat back down. Beside her. 
"Dino, I really want to apologize for my Dad's actions. I know you are hurt but Pay no attention to his words" She uttered with a sad look. 
Dino exhaled loudly and he seemed like he had been bothered about the issue but only trying to react neutrally
, It's humiliating when it happens.....I am not even a bad guy and he keeps......" He stopped as he became short of words. Now he is looking quite outraged
"I know but Come on babe" Mitah said holding his hands tightly. "I thought you promised not to pay attention to his words anymore" 
"Uhh... it's okay. I think I am used to it already. I am sure he will come around. I am not ready to lose you either. We have been together for four years Mitah. I wouldn't let all of that go to waste"
"Thank you...I was really troubled when I saw your Sister minutes ago. She was furious at me. She barely wanted to talk to me. I have never seen her like that"
"Well, she was worried about me that's all, when I returned from your place, three days ago, I got home and I broke down so bad" Dino said looking devastated. 
"I am really Sorry babe" She said running her hands over his face "but please speak to her on my behalf. Let her know I love you guys and I do not mean for all these to happen" She said looking into his eyes. 
"It's okay. Mitah. Be less worried. Would you like to take anything" He said shoving off the Conversation. Despite all that has happened, the last thing he wanted was for her to feel guilty. 
"I will tell the cook to prepare it. Name it" Dino added
“No dear.  Thanks, I ‘m alright. I just wanted to see you. Come on, it’s always the Cook or your sister. You should try cooking for me too!”. Mitah uttered teasefully
Dino grinned. “You do know my cooking sucks. I’m just not good at it. But don't worry, for you, I‘ll try and learn. Infact I have been learning” He replied his hands roaming over her dark long hair
Mitah giggled and Dino cuddled her passionately
“Hey..Bring those sexy lips here” He teased in an attempt to run his lips over hers
"You know, you should start paying me for each kiss"
"Oh..shut up" he muttered jokingly rolling his eyes. He locked his lips with her passionately. 
“So, if you don't want anything to eat, how  about drinks?  I have champagne, vodka, iced tea..” Dino offered, standing up and ready to be at her service
“Uhm, do you have juice?” Mitah cut in. She didn’t feel like drinking any of what he listed
“So. It’s juice we are doing today uhmm?..” Be teased raising his eye brows.
"Of course!" Mitah replied cheerfully
“Oh wait, you are one Lucky girl!” Dino marvelled "I made a fresh Pineapple Juice yesterday. It’s in the freezer and It’s very tasty. Trust me. Would love you to have a taste"
“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 yet to recover from her laughter “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 gesturing with his hands like a steward as he walked towards the freezer
Mitah Smiled; “You are hilarious” 
Mitah loves his presence than any other Man. Dino is a caring guy with a lovely accent,strikingly handsome and soft spoken. He makes her laugh and happy. She was not ready to give that up. Not even for her father.
Both of them had been friends since they were teenagers. They started dating during Mitah’s second year in the University. Mitah as well is a charming, averagely tall and slim young lady. She has long dark hair that further complemented her beautiful phsique. She had been at the top of beauty peagants organized in her School. She definitely had lots of male admirers but Dino is the man her heart desires. 
She believed he understands her more than any other person can, recognizes her strength and her weakness
Of all Mitah’s admirers, there was a guy who wouldn’t give up, always at her throat and that's- Nopaz, her former classmate. Nopaz is a spoilt brat and son of a Minister, with an entitled personality. He is arrogant and his father's wealth/influence makes him misbehave irrationally
Mitah just got back from Dino's. She stumbled on her bed tiredly when her telephone rang. It was Nopaz, trying to woo her as usual. When is this guy going to stop? Mitah thought. She picked up the telephone
"Hi" she muttered tiredly
"Thank heavens! You finally picked my call after many days of trying" Nopaz uttered in his thick voice
"Nopaz do me a favour and stop calling me. Please"
"I can't Mitah. I am really in love with you. Look, I think about you all the time. When are you going to be mine?. A beauty like you should be with me. Not anybody else" He said with a flirty tone. 
“Nopaz Can you stop talking about this? We are only friends and that’s what we will ever be! I have a boyfriend whom I am in a serious relationship with. I have told you this severally! We are friends. Let it remain that way!" Mitah raised her voice. She was tired of his persistence 
“I really want to know that your jerk of a boyfriend. Who is he? I have lots of money. Are you a fool Mitah?!" He asked his tone desperate
 However, Mitah told him blankly she does not need his money.
“If you must know he is rich too! Stinkingly rich!" she added and hanged up on the telephone. What a pest! She muttered under her breath.
Nopaz Smirked: “Well, let’s see how it goes. No one else is going to have you except me. Mitah. No one" he said talking to himself. 
Shortly after, Nopaz was chilling out with his friend, Ali in one of the most exotic bars in Town. Candidly, he was fed up with Mitah’s refusal. No lady ever refused him. Instead they all gush over his cuteness and cash. Why would she be an exception?  It was obvious 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” He said gulping the whole glass of whiskey at a go, having consumed the whole bottle already. He beckoned at the waiter to get him more of it. Ali shook his head and grinned at his friend's vulnerability. That was his second bottle. 
"Just don't get drunk. I won't drive you home" 
********
General Rafa was Lati’s superior in office and the Commanding General of the Liba Army whom Lati Deputized. General Rafa already clocked Sixty- Eight and does not go to war fronts anymore. He dealt mostly with administrative matters and gives expected orders. He would be retiring soon. 
He had called Lati to his Office.  
“I must commend you for a job well done.  Without you, I don’t think we could have won against Zerafi. I don’t think I can stand Zerafi taking over and owning our men! Thanks to you. You made me relieved" General Rafa remarked. The war had been a long anticipated one that caused anxiety even for the Soldiers. 
Lati bowed and gave a salute “It is my duty Sir.” He said standing firmly
"How is your daughter fairing?" General Rafa asked. Lati responded that she is doing well. After speaking with him shortly,  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 astonished after reading the letter. He opened his mouth to ask questions before General Rafa spoke with a smile. 
"Save the stress. I am retiring in two days"
"Sir...I...I...thought it wouldn't take effect till a month's time" Lati stuttered 
"You are right. But I need to leave for Europe next week. I have an Ear surgery scheduled over there and I will be staying for two months because of the post surgical treatments. So why don't I tender my retirement now? I already wrote a letter to the Head of State's Office. " He uttered pursing his lips. 
"Sir...this is....I'd be forever honoured to take up from where you stopped and follow your directions" Lati said overwhelmed. 
General Rafa nodded with a satisfactory expression
"And...I hope your surgery goes well Sir. I wasn't aware you have been undergoing treatments for your Ear"
General Rafa shrugged: "Yeah...For a while now"
"Wish you the quickest recovery Sir" 
**************
Lati arrived at the house and was anxious and elated to tell his daughter about his promotion. Mitah was about opening a letter she had received from Dino when she saw her father enter the house. She quickly tucked it in the edges of the chair.
"Hey Mitah. Are you alright?" Her father asked noticing her fidgetiness
"Oh..Yes. I am fine Dad. I am just tired",she muttered trying to fake a smile. Her father beamed a smile at her and handed over the letter to her
"Open it"Lati said sitting down
Mitah opened up the letter, and read the contents
"Oh Wow...Dad! I’m so happy for you! . You’re really good at what you do. You deserve this Dad". She marvelled elated at her father's Master progress.
“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. I miss her so much, even though I was a kid when she left us”. She said sadly. "But I remember our beautiful memories"
“It’s okay. Come here” he said giving her a quick hug
"This calls for a toast" Mitah said. She immediately stood up, got into the kitchen to get two wine glasses. She poured her father a cup
They toasted and cheered happily to more achievements. But after Lati had a gulp he muttered with dissatisfaction; "Uhh. This doesn't do. I feel I need some soar taste"
"You can't do without beer can you?" Mitah teased rolling her eyes
Lati laughed that off.
“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" Lati replied amusingly. Mitah brought the meal she had prepared to the dining table and invited her father over.
After Lati had eaten and gone to his room, Mitah quickly picked the letter Dino had sent from where she hid it. 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