Title: Careless LoverSeries: Lover and Relationships
Published by: Wale Adewumi
Pages: 254
Mary was twenty-nine years old—poised, graceful, and self-aware. She carried herself with the kind of elegance that drew eyes without demanding them. A polished professional, she worked at one of the reputable commercial banks downtown.
Her career matched her composure perfectly, a blend of beauty and brilliance. Many men regarded her as the complete package—what some would call an asset. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was intelligent, articulate, and full of life. It was clear to anyone who observed her: Mary was destined to make a mark in her world.
But it wasn’t only her achievements or appearance that made her stand out. Mary had been raised with values—well-mannered, deeply respectful, and grounded in faith. It was as though God had spent a little extra time crafting her. Everything about her radiated purpose, excellence, and quiet strength.
And yet, there was a wall.
Mary was twenty-nine years old—poised, graceful, and self-aware. She carried herself with the kind of elegance that drew eyes without demanding them. A polished professional, she worked at one of the reputable commercial banks downtown.
Her career matched her composure perfectly, a blend of beauty and brilliance. Many men regarded her as the complete package—what some would call an asset. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was intelligent, articulate, and full of life. It was clear to anyone who observed her: Mary was destined to make a mark in her world.
But it wasn’t only her achievements or appearance that made her stand out. Mary had been raised with values—well-mannered, deeply respectful, and grounded in faith. It was as though God had spent a little extra time crafting her. Everything about her radiated purpose, excellence, and quiet strength.
And yet, there was a wall.
Mary was twenty-nine years old—poised, graceful, and self-aware. She carried herself with the kind of elegance that drew eyes without demanding them. A polished professional, she worked at one of the reputable commercial banks downtown.
Her career matched her composure perfectly, a blend of beauty and brilliance. Many men regarded her as the complete package—what some would call an asset. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was intelligent, articulate, and full of life. It was clear to anyone who observed her: Mary was destined to make a mark in her world.
But it wasn’t only her achievements or appearance that made her stand out. Mary had been raised with values—well-mannered, deeply respectful, and grounded in faith. It was as though God had spent a little extra time crafting her. Everything about her radiated purpose, excellence, and quiet strength.
And yet, there was a wall.
Mary had chosen, deliberately, to present herself as a sophisticated, almost untouchable woman. She carried herself like royalty—graceful, but distant. Many men found her intimidating. Her calm self-possession often created the impression that she was simply out of reach.
It seemed she enjoyed the air of mystery, the almost mythic status she carried in social circles. Some jokingly referred to her as the “goddess of the Mouton family.” Still, there was no denying her warmth and charm. Beneath the cool surface was someone deeply likeable—if one ever got close enough.
Without ever saying a word, Mary communicated that she wasn’t available for just any man. She was in a class of her own.
Over time, most men stopped trying.
This story unfolds in one of those moments—when another man nearly talks himself out of the idea of loving Mary.
Felix, John, and Abraham were all members of the same church as Mary—City Light Church, a vibrant congregation filled with young professionals.
Felix stood out, not only because of his quiet strength but because of what he had built. He was a calm, soft-spoken entrepreneur with a razor-sharp mind. Though only thirty-one, he was already a tech magnate. Many didn’t know the full extent of his success, but rumours swirled. He had founded Experon Payment System Ltd at just twenty-four, and it had since grown into one of the country’s leading financial tech companies.
Some whispered that he was richer than several managing directors of major banks. The truth wasn’t far off.
Felix had worked relentlessly through university and beyond. Leisure was a luxury he never allowed himself. While other young men were exploring relationships and social adventures, Felix was building his empire. Now that Experon had gone public and stronger hands had come onboard, he had finally exhaled.
And what did he want next?
Not more money. Not more fame. He wanted a wife. A real partner. A woman of substance. After years of tireless effort, Felix desired a relationship built on trust, peace, and mutual respect. His family, pastor, and close friends were eager for him to settle down. But he remained cautious.
On one bright Saturday afternoon, the three friends—Felix, John, and Abraham—sat beneath a tree outside the church, chatting casually about life, politics, and work, when Felix abruptly changed the course of the conversation.
“I think I’m in love with Mary,” he said, his voice calm but certain.
John turned with a smirk. “Which Mary?”
“Mary Mouton,” Felix said, his gaze steady. “Elder Mouton’s daughter. She’s exactly the kind of woman I’d want to marry.”
John and Abraham burst into uncontrollable laughter. It was the kind of laughter that made Felix feel instantly awkward.
“What?” Felix asked, slightly thrown. “Is something wrong with her?”
Abraham wiped tears from his eyes and said, “Mary? She’s the Praying Mantis. That’s the problem.”
More laughter.
“Praying Mantis?” Felix asked, visibly confused. “What does that even mean?”
John leaned in, shaking his head. “Bro, we’re just saving you time. Let me break it down.”
“You know your schedule at Experon doesn’t allow you to keep up with all the happenings in our social circle,” Abraham added.
“Mary Mouton—also known as M Square—is the dream girl of every guy in church,” John began. “Every eligible bachelor has, at some point, tried to win her heart. It’s like an unspoken tradition.”
“Exactly,” Abraham nodded. “Every guy with a decent job or a big vision has queued at her metaphorical doorstep.”
“And you know what we all get?” John continued. “The same line: ‘I’m still praying about it.’ I spent nearly two years trying. Two years! And all I got was silence, Scriptures, and that line—‘I’m still waiting on God.’”
Felix raised an eyebrow, amused.
“How about you, Abraham?” he asked with a grin.
Abraham sighed. “Same story, my brother. Eventually, we started calling her the Praying Mantis. Not because she’s dangerous—far from it. But because she’s always in ‘prayer mode’ whenever the subject of relationships comes up.”
John added with a chuckle, “She’s the perfect wife material who can’t seem to find the perfect husband material.”
It was common knowledge in City Light Church that Mary was the most admired woman. Suitors surrounded her like bees to honey, but none had ever succeeded.
“Felix,” John said in a more serious tone, “all the brothers have given up. Don’t waste your time. She’s in a different world.”
But Felix only smiled, his eyes twinkling.
“Well,” he said, standing up and brushing dust from his jeans, “then tomorrow, I begin my exploration of the world of Mary.”
John and Abraham exchanged glances, amused but concerned.
“Are you serious?” Abraham asked.
Felix nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve faced bigger challenges. If Mary’s heart is locked away in prayer, then I’ll wait outside that prayer room.”
The breeze picked up slightly, carrying laughter and distant worship music from the church auditorium.
Whether Felix would succeed where others had failed was a question time alone could answer.
But one thing was certain: the chase had begun.
Would Felix break through the fortress of the Praying Mantis? Or would he, like the others, find himself gently but firmly turned away?
Only time—and perhaps prayer—would tell.
CHAPTER 2: THE SEEKER
"Mary, the Praying Mantis," Felix said with exaggerated drama as he drove to the office, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He chuckled at the nickname he and his friends had recently coined. It amused him more than it probably should.
As his car rolled into the company premises, a quiet reverence followed. From the security staff at the gate to the senior managers at the entrance, greetings poured in like a royal procession. Felix nodded occasionally, barely acknowledging them. It was clear he was the sovereign of Experon Payment Systems Limited—respected, admired, and feared.
But something was off that day.
Once inside his expansive office, the man who usually ruled his domain with omnipresent focus and untiring energy seemed... distracted. This wasn’t the typical Felix—the master of productivity, the pioneer of payment tech, the boss who could be in five meetings at once and still answer emails before lunch. No. This Felix had been hit by something powerful—something invisible and irrational.
Love.
The workaholic Felix, known to outlast even the most committed team members till 6:00 p.m. or later, sat at his desk staring blankly at the monitor. He shuffled papers he had no intention of reading. Calls went unanswered. Emails stayed unopened.
His secretary peeked in around midday, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. One of the project managers followed soon after, concern etched on his face. But Felix waved them off with a faint smile. "I’m fine," he said. They didn’t believe him, but they didn’t press either.
Out in the corridors, whispers spread like wildfire.
"The boss is down."
"Cupid must have hit him."
"No work today. Something’s up."
They weren’t wrong.
Felix had been struck—pierced by an arrow from Cupid himself, if such things still happened in the modern world. It had started subtly: a vague admiration for Mary Mouton, the elegant banker from the neighbourhood, often seen at City Light Church. But after a conversation with his friends the previous night—where they'd labelled her "the Praying Mantis," hard-to-get and emotionally elusive—his fascination had evolved into something more fierce, more consuming.
Mary had always seemed out of reach. Untouchable. A goddess among mortals.
And that only fuelled Felix’s interest.
After all, Felix had always been drawn to the impossible. As a young university student, he'd managed the largest eatery on campus while juggling his studies and teaching himself the ropes of online business. He had built Experon from the ground up, succeeding where others had failed. The more difficult the challenge, the more it drew him in.
Perhaps that's what Mary represented—a personal Everest. A beautiful, mysterious mountain calling to him.
By 4:00 p.m.—an unheard-of time for him to leave work—Felix picked up his car keys and walked out of the office without his usual driver. Staff members glanced at one another in disbelief. No jokes. No meetings. No work-related pep talk. Just silence and a mysterious departure.
"The CEO left early… again?"
"What’s going on?"
He didn’t care what they thought. His mind was elsewhere. His heart had taken him to a familiar place—City Light Church.
He arrived long before service began, parking near the entrance. The air conditioning in his car hummed softly, but it couldn’t cool the heat of nervous energy that built up in his chest.
He knew Mary never missed a midweek service.
Sure enough, about thirty minutes later, her car pulled in. She stepped out gracefully—Mary Mouton, the regal beauty of the neighbourhood bank. Everything about her exuded class and quiet confidence. Her heels clicked against the pavement like the rhythm of a song only she could hear.
To Felix, she looked like a queen stepping out of a dream.
And just like that, his courage failed.
Though his car was still cool inside, sweat gathered at the nape of his neck. His fingers gripped the steering wheel as though it were an anchor. The sight of her stole his breath. She looked too majestic—too out of reach.
He, the same Felix whose name opened doors in corporate circles, who was treated like royalty in tech and finance, suddenly felt dwarfed—like a timid boy seeing his crush for the first time.
She walked into the church, unaware of the storm she had stirred in the heart of Experon's CEO.
Felix eventually stepped out of his car, feeling small. He slipped quietly into the service, where worship had already begun.
“God who moves mountains…” the choir sang.
Felix let out a soft, ironic smile. He knew his mountain. And it had a name: Mary.
The worship refreshed him, granting him a strange, silent strength. Pastor Ralph Badjo, seasoned and passionate, spoke with fire. His words seemed custom-made for Felix—words of courage, of stepping out in faith.
Felix sat through the entire service, soaking it in like a thirsty traveller under fresh rain. But even as the final prayer echoed, he didn’t see an opportunity to speak to her.
As he lifted his head after the "Amen," he saw her again—this time walking past him, arm-in-arm in conversation with another man. The stranger seemed eager, talking quickly as he tried to keep up.
Felix didn’t interrupt. He couldn't.
He respected boundaries, and it wasn’t in his nature to muscle in on someone else’s moment. Maybe the man was a friend. Or maybe a suitor. Whatever the case, Felix chose not to interfere.
Still, he was grateful.
Grateful just to have seen her again. Grateful for the quiet encounter. To him, it felt like catching a glimpse of something divine—like the brush of angel wings.
Their eyes met, if only briefly.
And whether she registered his presence or not didn’t matter. The moment was sealed in his heart.
Back in his seat, he knelt and bowed his head again—not out of custom, but out of deep longing.
“Lord,” he whispered, “I need your help. I love Mary. I don’t want to lose her.”
For the first time in a long while, something had genuinely humbled him. Not failure. Not competition. Not market losses. But love.
He lingered in the church long after the service ended, sitting silently as the crowd dispersed. Then slowly, like a man carrying a precious burden, he made his way back to his car and drove home—his heart full, his mind spinning, and his resolve quietly growing.
CHAPTER 3: THE TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
“Hello, Jide. I won’t be able to make it to the office today. There’s an important project I need to attend to. I’ll reach out as soon as I’m through. Please handle everything at the office as though I’m there.”
“Always at your service, sir,” Jide replied cheerfully. “I’ll make sure everything runs perfectly—trust me.”
Felix ended the call and gave a faint smile.
Today wasn’t a business day for him—it was something far more personal. He had resolved to confront the matter of his heart with the same intensity and focus that had made him successful in business. In his world, marriage wasn’t a mere social arrangement; it was a project—sacred and worth his full commitment.
His upbringing had ingrained that truth deep within him. Marriage, like any major life endeavour, required vision, prayer, and planning.
He reached for his Bible, his morning companion, and spent a few minutes meditating and praying. He asked God for wisdom, favour, and courage. Afterwards, he glanced through the morning news on his phone, half distracted, then ate his breakfast. As he finished, he checked his watch again—for the umpteenth time.
“It’s time,” he murmured, a mix of excitement and nerves in his voice.
He picked up his phone and called Agnes.
“Hello? It’s Felix. Could you send me the address?”
Agnes sent the details promptly. By 11:00 am, Felix was already driving downtown. His thoughts buzzed as his hands steered the car, engine humming beneath his fingertips. He wasn’t just going to meet Agnes—he was embarking on a journey that might shape the rest of his life.
He pulled into Oyster, a popular fast-food joint known for its quiet ambience. Parking, he straightened his blazer, took a deep breath, and stepped inside. Almost immediately, he spotted Agnes.
Tall, graceful, and around twenty-eight, she waved as soon as she saw him. He smiled and walked over to her table.
“Good morning, Mr Felix,” she greeted politely. “Hope all is well, sir?”
Felix chuckled as he sat down. “Well, not exactly. I’ve been bitten—by the love bug. I need help.”
Agnes raised an eyebrow, curious and amused. Felix leaned in slightly, sincerity flooding his tone.
“Agnes,” he began, “I’m here because I need to know more about Mary Mouton. I know you’re close to her, and I trust you to be honest with me.”
Agnes sighed. “Hmm. I should probably ask why you’re suddenly interested in her. I know you as the sharp CEO of Experon Payment Systems, not as a romantic investigator,” she teased with a smirk.
Felix managed a small laugh, but his eyes held a quiet desperation.
“Agnes, I love Mary. I’ve not been myself lately. I can’t eat properly. I haven’t slept well in days. It’s like… she’s in my thoughts every minute. And the strangest part is—I’m convinced she’s the woman I’ve waited for my whole life. Please, help me understand her.”
Agnes’s playful expression softened. “Well, now that you’ve bared your heart, I’ll speak plainly.”
She leaned back, her gaze reflective.
“Mary Mouton is rare. She lives in her own world—peaceful, solitary, but not lonely. She loves reading and is exceptionally intelligent. In many ways, she’s spiritual. She’s deeply committed to Christ and actually walks the talk. She’s not your average church-goer.”
Agnes paused for effect, then continued.
“Because of who she is, vain men don’t find her attractive. She’s too deep for surface-level living. I need to be honest, sir. People like you—wealthy men, powerful men—don’t often do well in real relationships. At least not without a lot of sacrifice and patience. Mary is delicate, Felix. Emotionally, she can’t handle noise or drama. So please, if this is just a passing interest—”
“No, it’s not,” Felix interjected firmly, holding her gaze. “That’s why I’m here. I want to do this the right way. I want to honour her heart.”
Agnes looked down at her hands. She was visibly moved. “Okay then.”
Just as she began to gather her things to leave, Felix reached across the table and held her hand, gently but earnestly.
“Please stay a little longer. Tell me how I can approach her. Honestly, I’m clueless in matters of love. I’ve tried to speak with her a few times, but each time, my courage melts away like shea butter under the sun.”
Agnes smiled at the imagery. “You, the powerful CEO, afraid of one lady?”
Felix nodded sheepishly. “When it comes to Mary, yes.”
“Sir,” Agnes said with a chuckle, “you’re not going to ask me to speak to her on your behalf, are you?”
“No, not quite,” he said, shaking his head. “Talking to you like this is already helping me build courage. All I ask is that you let her know I admire her. Tell her we spoke. That’s all—for now.”
Agnes considered for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. I can do that.”
“Before you go,” Felix added, “please share her phone number with me.”
Agnes scribbled it down on a slip of paper and handed it over.
As she stood to leave, she paused and looked over her shoulder. “Just so you can’t say I didn’t warn you—Mary Mouton is like an angel. But she’s hard to reach. And… she has an unspoken fear I’ve never been able to define. Be gentle. Try your luck, sir.”
With that, she walked out of Oyster, disappearing into the sunlight.
Felix stared at the paper for a long moment, then picked up his phone. His fingers hovered over the dial pad before he took a deep breath and pressed “call.”
The line rang once. Then twice.
“Hello?” came a soft, female voice.
Felix’s heart did a flip. “Hi, this is Felix Danule… a brother from church.”
There was a pause.
“Is this an official matter, sir?” Mary asked, her tone calm but cautious.
“Um… no,” he replied, his voice faltering slightly though he steadied himself.
“Sorry, sir. It’s office hours. I’ll call you back after work. Thank you.” With that, she hung up.
Felix slowly lowered the phone and smiled.
That was it.
The first step.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step,” he whispered.
Then louder, almost shouting, he exclaimed, “Yeah! The journey has begun!”
A few nearby diners turned in surprise, but Felix didn’t mind.
He walked to his car, his steps light with the thrill of anticipation. Unlocking the door, he whistled as he slid into the seat and started the engine.
As the car hummed to life and pulled out onto the street, Felix knew this was no ordinary pursuit. It was the start of something sacred—something that would require faith, patience, and heart.
The journey had truly begun.
CHAPTER 4: SHE CALLED
Felix was lying in bed at home, supposedly enjoying a siesta. Since noon, he had been alone—having left Agnes’ company earlier—and hadn’t felt like doing anything at all. It was strange for him. He wasn’t used to idling. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he had spent an afternoon without a task to complete or a problem to solve.
He had never loafed around like this since childhood.
Then the phone rang.
He glanced at the screen—and bolted upright. His heart skipped a beat as he stared in disbelief.
Without thinking, he muttered aloud, his voice still half-caught in his subconscious haze, "Good evening, my angel."
On the other end, Mary smiled. Her voice, calm and sweet, echoed through the speaker. "I’m calling to keep my promise. Good evening to you too. How’s your day been, sir?"
"Not so fine," Felix admitted, sitting upright now. "But I believe it’s better now that I’ve heard your voice. Honestly, I was panicking a bit—afraid you might not call back."
"Why would I do that?" she replied warmly. "It would be impolite to ignore you after all."
Felix exhaled, relieved. "I’ve learned not to act based on assumptions or on what people say. That’s why I held onto my conviction to reach out. And truly, you’ve surprised me in the best way."
She laughed softly. "By the way, you never told me why you called earlier during office hours."
Felix hesitated for a second. Then he said, almost stammering, "I’d like to see you, Mary."
"I’m available, sir," she said gently, offering the assurance he needed.
"Please, choose where we can meet," Felix responded.
"The daughters of Mouton don’t go on outings with men," she said with a teasing firmness. "Come to my father’s house."
"That’s perfectly fine by me," he said, smiling into the phone. "Would Saturday work for you?"
"It’s a deal," she replied. "Good night, sir."
"Good night, my angel." Felix held the phone to his chest a moment longer, then kissed it before falling back onto the bed with a sigh of pure relief.
It was only Wednesday. Yet, the days that followed felt like the longest of his life.
What gave him some comfort was how friendly and accommodating Mary had been. Still, fear lingered in the background—fear that it might all be a façade. Everyone had a different perception of Mary Mouton. To many, she was distant, ultra-spiritual, and too reserved to be approachable. But the woman he had spoken with defied all those assumptions. The story he had always heard about her seemed intimidating. The reality was disarming.
When Saturday finally arrived, Felix woke up early. He prayed about the meeting with an earnestness he hadn’t known he possessed. Afterward, he called Mary to confirm the time to come.
He dressed in a sky-blue brocade with a matching cap—a subtle but intentional choice. Without fail, he always found himself reaching for blue whenever the occasion was special. And today, it certainly was. Sliding into polished shoes, applying his favourite cologne, and gripping his car key, he stepped out of the house like a man going to battle—confident, yet cautious.
At the Mouton residence, he was welcomed warmly by Mary’s father, Elder Mouton, who embraced him with the affectionate familiarity of a father greeting a son.
"Darling!" the elder called out. "Come and meet Mr Felix."
Mary’s mother soon emerged, flanked by two of her daughters—Mary’s sisters. Finally, Mary entered the room.
She looked graceful and elegant in her modest outfit—ever the poised banker. To Felix, she carried herself with the air of both nobility and humility.
"Hey, officious banker," he joked, reaching out his right hand to shake hers.
He managed to keep his hand steady, though he was keenly aware of how close he was to losing his composure. She took the handshake politely, her eyes briefly meeting his before trailing to his feet.
The burden of being a man, Felix mused silently. So much was riding on composure and courage. His heart threatened to jump out of his chest.
Mary’s parents and sisters soon excused themselves, leaving the pair to settle into a smaller sitting room designed for more intimate gatherings.
"Hum-hum," Felix cleared his throat awkwardly. "Did your dad ever imagine a day like this would come?"
Mary smiled, amused. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I just love everything about you and your home."
"Hey, bros!" she teased. "What exactly is your business here?"
Felix laughed. "I didn’t know you were this funny, Mary."
"And I didn’t know the CEO of Experon Payment Systems would have time to visit a small girl in her father’s house."
"I thought you didn’t know me, Mary?"
"Mr Felix, the Moutons don’t pretend. So, when I tell you something, I mean it. Every girl in City Light Church knows the one and only guy who never had time for ladies."
Felix chuckled. "Just like every guy in church knows the praying m—" He paused midway, catching himself.
"Praying what?" Mary folded her arms playfully. "I know what you’re about to say. You can start leaving, please."
He grinned sheepishly. He’d heard the nickname from some of the guys—“The Praying Mantis.” But he hadn’t intended to bring it up. Not now.
"Seriously, Mary, those are actually the things I admire in you. And I’m here because I’m interested in everything called Mary."
"Mr Felix, are you trying to woo me already without even asking whether I’m in a relationship?"
"Please forgive me, my lady," he said earnestly. "I love you deeply, and I think that’s why I’ve lost my composure. Also, I believe in being direct about my intentions. I don’t like to beat around the bush. So, tell me—are you in a relationship?"
He smiled, though nerves shimmered beneath the surface.
"Wait here," Mary said suddenly and dashed out of the room.
She found her mother and sisters in the kitchen. They saw her and immediately burst into knowing winks and giggles.
"Wife!" her sister Helen teased.
"Get out of the way," Mary laughed. "Where’s my visitor’s food?"
She carried the tray herself, brushing off her sisters’ playful nudges and returned to the sitting room with a composed expression.
They ate together, each from their own plate, talking as they chewed. Their conversation grew deeper and more revealing. Felix learned that Mary was indeed single—without any serious romantic entanglements. She was aware of the many suitors who had expressed interest in her, but she had turned them all down.
"I told each one that I’m still praying," she said plainly.
Felix paused and then asked, "Now that you’re not committed to anyone, will you consider giving me a place in your heart, my angel?"
"Ah ah, man, you’re rushing me o," she replied in Pidgin, laughing. "Take it easy. Good things require time, Mr Felix. Let’s give it time."
"You want to put me on the prayer list?" Felix groaned, half-joking. "I don’t think I have the strength for that suspense."
"I don’t mean it that way," she assured him, reaching for his hand. "I won’t hurt you. You’re different. But I still can’t do anything without prayer."
Her gesture was warm and sincere, and it steadied him more than she could have known.
"I’ll call you again," he said softly. "Thank you for your kindness—and extend my thanks to the entire family."
He stood to leave.
"Dad, Mum," Mary called out, "he’s leaving!"
Everyone came out again, and they all saw him off with gracious smiles and heartfelt warmth. The Moutons exuded a rare kind of humility.
Felix drove away, his heart full.
Back inside, Mary’s sisters surrounded her and burst into an impromptu song:
Our dear sister has found her man,
The one with royal blood she’s waited for.
Oh Mary, don’t pray and pray till he’s gone—
Don’t let our prince lose hope before dawn.
Mary rolled her eyes and walked briskly into her room. The sisters were stunned. She had never reacted that way before.
"Ah-ah," Helen said, nudging the other.
"Mary is falling in love."
Indeed, sometimes the risk of love is worth taking. Like Felix, love may have been waiting at the threshold all along—ready for those brave enough to knock.
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