The Gala takes place in a luxury hotel grand bouquet hall.
The space is decorated with opulent furnishings , chandeliers and floral arrangements .
Soft ambiance lightning creates a warm , inviting atmosphere.
Sophisticated background music plays as guests are dressed in luxurious attires that reflects high status.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception, dinner than an entertainment, then the fundraising auction , recognition and awards.
"Tade, ahh , I've been waiting to introduce you to some special guest", Remi Adebanjo said as she held her son's hands with pride.
"Hey, champagne!", Tade called, as the waitress with a tray of champagne glasses passed by.
He held it and took a huge gulp, already bracing himself for her inevitable parade.
"Mr Bankole, meet Tade Adebanjo, Tade meet Mr. Bankole and Aisha , his daughter", Remi introduced as the exchanged pleasantries.
The parade never ended, as Remi introduced Tade to many of her special guest.
In the Car, After the Gala
Remi Adebanjo sat beside Tade in the back seat, her expression tight with annoyance. She turned to him, her voice clipped. "Tade, I don't understand why you looked so bored tonight," she began. "The senator's daughter is exactly the kind of woman you should be with well-bred, beautiful, and from a family that can elevate ours."
Tade sighed, keeping his eyes on the passing streetlights. "I didn't ask you to arrange this, Mother."
Remi's eyes narrowed. "You need a wife who adds value, Tade, not some… cook. This girl, Anwana, is not what I want for you. You have to think of your future, our family's future."
Tade clenched his jaw, a familiar frustration rising in him. "Maybe I should get to choose who makes me happy."
Remi demanded the driver should stop the car .
Remi shook her head. "Happiness, Tade, comes from making the right choices. And I'm making sure you do."
" Can you let me make this right choice on my own. Honestly mother, I don't know who told you I'm ready for marriage and I never told you I'm getting married to Anwana, we still have unsolved issues " he said angrily.
"Unsolved issues, Tade?..., Can't you see that she's not for you , don't tell me you've been talking about getting back with her?" Remi's eyes widened as she gazed at Tade.
" Mom, can you stop"
" This is a girl you literally proposed to" Remi said
" You shouldn't arrange things like that for me, I understand you are concerned about the future. Let Anwana be, she hasn't done anything, mom please, just give the lady some space , she's just working."
"And you defend her " , Remi added in disappoinment, " I wonder what you see in a girl that's literally hungry for your money"
Those words sank into Tade's heart like a sharp arrow.
"Mom!!" , He yelled," I'm out" , he said as he pushed open the door.
"Tade, Tade!!!" , She called but he didn't care to look back.
Tade walked down the street as he pulled his phone and called his driver to come pick him up.
"I'm done with her ruthlessness!!" , He said angrily.
His driver pulled up some minutes later and drove him home.
At home,
"Ahh , Tade , what's going on?" ,Amara asked placing her laptop on the couch.
"She's back , I know" , he said
"I'm really speechless",Amara said already filled in by Remi .
"Honestly, Amara , I'm done with this".
He walked out.
Tade walked into his kitchen, the night was still young as the Gala lasted three hours.
His footsteps echoing on the marble floor.
The space was sleek and modern with gleaming white countertops and a large central Island . Dark oak cabinets lined the walls , and the stainless steel stove and double refrigerator added a professional touch, soft light spilled from overhead fixtures casting a work glow over the room.
The scent of freshly baked bread lingered in the air making the room more inviting .
He finally worked in .
Anwana dressed on a lingerie silky night gown and an apron on.
"You're still here?" ,Tade asked as he took a bottle of water from the refrigerator taking huge gulps.
"You Weren't around during dinner" , she said softly
He faced her immediately, realizing her purple silky night gown.
"Don't tell me that's the reason you're still here ?", He asked eyes wide open.
"Your mom wanted fresh baked bread ", she replied
He felt relieved but some sense of hurt lingered in his heart
He couldn't tell why , if it was the argument he had earlier, the fact that his mom still wants Anwana here because of her good skills or the fact that she wasn't up for his sake.
"Okay " he said
The aroma of the bread was breath taking that he swallowed hard .
He stood there, staring at her as she brought the bread out of the oven. He walked towards it , he couldn't help
" I..., these are really nice" , he complimented
"Want some?" ,She asked as she sliced one into two equal partitions.
His pride got the best of him, he stomach rumbled , leaving him embarrassed.
Her lips curved into a small amused smile.
"Cut the crap , stop pretending", she handed over the slice to him , reaching out to get the slice, their fingers brushed and a jolt ran through him.
"I'll take a piece", he murmured trying to sound casual
He wondered if he was the only one who got feelings.
"Good" , she replied, her voice barely like a whisper.
Her phone rang, as she picked immediately.
She hanged up, her heart pounding as fast as ever, her breath, fast and deep.
"What's wrong?", He asked
" Could you serve your mom , tonight, I have to rush out.", She said breathing heavily.
In confusion,
"What's wrong?" , He asked again but she hurried out immediately.
Tade walked into Remi Adebanjo's bedroom, a wide room with white walls , revealing it's luxurious appearance.
The scent of feminine Fragrances lingering in the air as he closed the door behind him.
"Mom, I got your bread", he said, his gaze fixed at the windows to avoid meeting her eyes.
She quietly got the tray .
"Wait" ,she commanded, her voice authoritative as ever.
"This bread is too milky", she began
"Mom ,its perfect," he snapped back.
" Tade, you defend her and it worries me ," she continued, underrated " taste the bread, I told her I needed something...."
"Maa!!!,". His voice rising " You needed what exactly? , But you're keeping her. If she does not meet your standard , the gala is over, then just fire her. You have your reasons. I have files to sort out , good night" ,he walked away , shoving his hands in his pocket , his pride and anger simmering.
"Ahh, what's gotten into him.? " , She murmured, shocked.
Anwana at LASUTH , Lagos State University Teaching Hospital , rushing through the busy emergency room.
" Where's my son? He was involved in an accident.." she asked the Nurse at the reception.
" Can you calm down ma'am, please fill out this form, we'll get you to the area. He's currently getting medical attention " ,she said encouragingly.
Anwana filled out the form , giving the appropriate details required.
Back in the Adebanjo's.
Tade wakes up the next morning, still worried about Anwana's sudden departure.
He constantly checks his phone for her call or message, but finds none. After some contemplation, he calls her.
" Anwana, are you okay?, you just hurried out last night ", he asked concerned
"Tade, it's nothing, just family emergency, I'm fine " ,she replied softly assuring him.
"Okay, ... just be careful ", he concluded and hanged up.
His door swung open.
"Mom!!, You should know I'm grown now, stop barging into my room", he said, his voice rising as he walked into the bathroom.
"Wow!, "She said
"While,"she begun,", You're meeting with the senators daughter as been scheduled this afternoon, twelve on the dot",she said raising her head with pride , her voice authoritative as ever.
He paused
"What?", He said astonished
"You must be joking Maa, you're not my assistant "
"Suit yourself, I'm off", she walked out banging the door behind.
He ran his hands through his thick black African curls as he smirked.
"Fine boy like me, Aisha Bankole", he laughed out loud
"She's definitely not my type, mom shouldn't get her hopes high" , he said to himself admiring his well built physique, staring at the mirror.
"Way to handsome for that", he giggled.
A FANCY RESTAURANT IN IKOYI, LAGOS.
Tade , dressed in a well tailored senator dress, checks his wrist- watch , feeling the weight of obligation pressuring down on him . He agreed to this date only to appease his mother , who seems determined to match him with Aisha Bankole.
Aisha walks in wearing a designer dress that hugs her figure , her smile bright as she spots Tade. Unlike their first meeting at the gala,, she exudes confidence , certain that the date is just the beginning of their relationship.
"Tade, I hope I didn't keep you waiting to long?"she says with a sweet but slightly condescending tone.
"No, not at all", he replied swiftly
"As,if, mtchhwww", he said within him, masking his anger with a sweet smile.
"Good ," she said taking her seat
"I most say, I was surprised your mom suggested we meet like this , but pleasantly so."
Aisha talks alot about her social engagement, her father's political marathons and successes, dropping hints that she finds Tade attractive.
"You know,Tade, a man like you deserves to be with someone who understands your world , someone with the right connections.... like me".
Tade nods, feeling the discomfort growing.
His thoughts drifts back to Anwana, imagining her reaction to Aisha's self- importance. He can't help but smile at the thought of Anwana's straightforward honesty.
Aisha notices his smile, "I'm glad you're finding this amusing.
I think we make a great pair, don't you?"
"I'm not sure, I think we have different views on... things ", he replied.
Aisha leans forward, she's not used to being turned down , her eyes narrowing slightly as she picked on Tade's reluctance.
"Tade, I know you're a busy man but you should give us a chance". ,she suggested.
"You'll see we're perfect match ", she concluded.
Tade forced a smile. He knows Aisha is interested but he feels sparked and irritated.
The waiter walks to take their order, Aisha picks the most expensive dish while Tade a simple dish.
"You know, Tade, my father is planning a big event next month, I'd like you to be my date"", she suggested with a touch of eagerness.
"I'll think about it", he responded trying to to keep the conversation light , but he feels the weight of her expectations.
Aisha continues talking, convinced she can win Tade over but Tade's thought are miles away. He's thinking about Anwana , remembering her smile and the way she never tried to impress anyone.
"Aisha, you're very direct and I like that. But I think it's important to be honest. I don't see this going where you want it to".
Aisha's face freezes for a moment , her confidence faltering but she quickly recovers.
"Come on Tade, I know you just need time"
"Maybe I don't think this is the right fit for me ", he replied as he stood up checking his watch .