He places some money on the table to cover the bills.
"Suit yourself", he said as he was about walking out
"Ohh Tade!!, You'll surely regret this, I'm not giving up easily"
"Take care, Aisha ", he said as he walked out of the restaurant shoving his hands into his side pockets, feeling relieved and determined . He knows he can't let anyone detect for him, not even his mother, how much more Aisha and certainly not in matters that concerns the heart.
Tade walked in through the front door, thrilled.
" that young lady is really funny", he smirked deeping his hands into the side pocket of his well tailored senator.
He walked through to the kitchen hoping to see Anwana, he opened the kitchen door and got disappointed as the sparkle on his face dimmed.
He tried to wrap his head round the situation,
what family emergency could it be , he thought to himself as he took a bottle of water from the refrigerator, took a huge gulp and walked to the door.
Immediately, the door swung open as Anwana walked in , in an apron , looking all stressed out as she wiped her cheek .
" Oops" ,she gasp " I'm sorry" , she apologized as Tade held his hands in pain , " it's just a scratch , " he said, masking his pain in a lovely smile.
" You....emm, how's the emergency?" , he asked as curiosity got the best of him. His eyes fixed on her's, waiting for an answer.
" It's good, I.. I actually handled the situation, you don't need to worry,emm.." she moved into the kitchen, straight to the sink
" I have something's to tidy up, lunch will be ready soon" she said as she started washing the dishes in the sink.
He stood there, staring at her as she washed.
"Emm..." , she started breaking his strong stare , his eye's wide open, waiting to hear what she has in mind.
" Mr Tade , what do you want for lunch? " , she asked moving her head back to the sink.
"Well... huh.. just melon soup will do " ,he said as a smile formed through his thick lips, he rubbed his tummy in a hilarious manner ,
" Alright " , she said not noticing his hilarious movement, she focuses on the dishes.
Tade turned the door knob, ready to leave the kitchen as some thought ran through his head , he paused , turned around.
" How about my mom?", he asked
" Ohh , I .. served her already, emm I mean she ate a bit to early this afternoon before she dashed out and Amara is out" , she replied adding Amara so he wouldn't ask anymore questions.
" O..Kay " , he whispered as another thought ran through him
The differences between her and the senators' daughter filled his thoughts.
" Can I ask a question?" , he asked
" You're already asking one" , she replied as her eyes meet his , tension!!
Her heart racing, his warm eyes stared deep into hers'
Blood running through her veins , as she swallowed hard
The thought of what's in his mind ran through her , is he about to discuss us?
She thought hard.
" You're so formal" , He said breaking the silence as he folded his arms .
His lips curved in a warm smile as he leaned against the door .
" Formal?", she asked, her eyes widened in surprise as she opened the cupboard where plates are usually stacked.
"Mr Tade?" , she asked," That's it " , he said staring at her
" Ahh, Tade " , she exclaimed moving her body closer to his.
" No , you're so formal," he paused and swallowed hard , trying to figure out how to construct the original question .
"I...I.. really want to know what I did wrong, ju.." ,
she snapped in, " no Tade , I'm not ready for this " , she said , her hands on her temple as if his words were aching in her head. She moved away to focus on his lunch.
He stood , amazed," wow! really? " , his gaze on her damped face as if he was a problem.
" I'll leave, you don't need to drive me away, I understand you don't want to talk about us , for now I'll let it slide" , his hands in his side pocket as it used to whenever he feels his masculinity and ego ," I won't drop this case , we'll have to talk about it anytime soon", he said authoritatively, like he had the powers to make her speak whenever he wanted her to.
" Please Tade!!" , she yelled, he could sense fury in her eyes , " I really don't want to loose my job, abeg!!," her hands clapped together as she pleaded, " I need this job "
He could feel the pain in her voice
He turned the door knob and dashed out , feeling hurt.
"Tadee!!!", Remi yelled from the front porch, her solitore heels in her hands as she pulls off her gele from her head in anger .
She walked to the stairs, straight into Tades' room.
" Tade!!" , she screamed.
"Mom, please tone down I'm having a Skype meeting with our new investors" , he said.
The bedroom was a cozy retreat, reflecting his personal style. A king-size bed with a sleek, dark wood frame dominated the space, adorned with crisp, white linens and plush pillows. A large, flat-screen TV hung on the wall opposite the bed, connected to a gaming console and streaming devices. A stylish, minimalist wardrobe stood against one wall, with designer shoes neatly arranged below.
On the bedside table, a smartphone charger and a book on Nigerian history and a bestselling novel lay next to a modern alarm clock. Framed photos of loved ones, travels, and inspirational quotes added a personal touch to the walls.
A subtle scent of citrus or woody fragrances wafted from the diffuser on the dresser, complementing the fresh, clean aroma of his laundry detergent. The air was crisp, with a hint of his signature cologne lingering near the pillows.
The room was well-lit, with warm, ambient lighting from table lamps or string lights. A ceiling fan or air conditioner kept the space cool and comfortable.
He sat on a furnished couch, his laptop on his lap as he whispered to his mom signalling her to be calm.
She stared at him in fury , murmuring some words in Yoruba language and dashed out.
Amara walked into the sitting room, famished as she collapsed into the cushion feeling it's softness.
Her phone buzzed as she took it out of her black porched bag .
She inhaled , it was the rehabilitation center
" Hello", she said, her voice cracking as thought flooded her mind.
" Your mom's not getting any better, she's been having nightmares lately, screaming Amara before she wakes, " the lady over the phone explained.
Amara inhaled, " what..." , her voice shaking as tears rolled down her cheek," she's never had nightmares"
" I think you need to visit, she's been longing to see you , I think that will help with her treatment", the lady said as their conversation ended and Amara hanged up.
Her heart racing, the tears kept pouring. How can she not get better, she was recovering properly the past weeks
Thought flooded her head
" Hey" , Anwana walked in , hugging her tote bag
" I'm in a rush , I'll be leaving, dinner has been served , I'll take care of the dishes tomorrow , so you don't need to clean them up" she explained as she dashed out the front door.
Thought clouded Amaras' mind , she couldn't process the information regarding her mom.
She moved sluggishly up the stairs as she tried taking it in .
Tades' Room,
The knock on the door woke him up as he rolled out of bed to reach the door.
"Mom", he called as he opened the door.
He ushered her in , she sat on his king sized bed , her gaze on him.
He sat on the couch , his arms folded.
"I know what this is about", he started giving his mom a firece look.
" Tade, you know, yes I know you know, but why?, she asked concerned," Tade you want to be single forever, ehh!! , Aisha is a good lad...",heyyyy!!" , he snapped in
" Mom , don't bring in that word when describing her," , he made it clear
" Ahhh!! Tade, it's not fair oo , you're Soo rude!!" , she said, her tone calm as ever," hmmm," he exclaimed rubbing his head.
" You flinged the cash on her face like she doesn't deserve better" , Remi continued , her tone raising, her hand swung in demonstration as she gave a disgusted look.
" Hmm , I'm sorry maa , I was wrong. She's not just the on..." ,ahah!!" Remi yelled cutting him short
The Hospital,
Anwana walked through the hallway, the sharp scent of disinfectants filling the air. She held Victor gently, making sure he was comfortable in every possible way.
She bent to meet his eyes.
"Mummy is sorry for leaving you alone. I'm really sorry, and I promise I'll make it up to you," she whispered, smiling as her hand caressed his soft brown curls.
Victor, about five years old, stirred slightly. His caramel-toned skin contrasted the stark white bandages around his leg. His brown hair framed his round face and big, expressive eyes—eyes that shimmered with a mix of sadness and silent strength.
Despite the accident, his spirit remained unbroken. A faint smile curled on his lips as he looked around, searching for comfort.
"Okay, mummy," he replied softly.
"Umm... how about Uncle Ekere?" he asked, tilting his head with innocent curiosity.
Ekere Anwanas' older brother, fair skinned he's charming looks like a great aura .
He took Anwana into his care the moment thier parents passed away, at that time she was just in her senior secondary school in Uyo.
Ekere had filled in the position of a father and mother to her all these years.
As a thirty - eight year old man ,who is able to take care of the bills , he couldn't stand the sight , the fact that his sister whom he raised ended up as a small cook .
"No, we won't bother Uncle for now," she replied with a smile. "For now, I'll pick you up from school myself. Mummy's got you. Uncle will be busy with his family."Mr. Ekere spotted them from a distance and hurried toward her, his hand on his waist.
"I do not like this, young girl!" he yelled. Fear gripped her heart.
"No, brother... I can handle Victor. Please," she said quickly as he grabbed the blue travel bag from her hands.
"If you really want to stay with your son, then resign! That family has already caused too much damage. I can support you financially—Grace won't mind," he said firmly.
"Grace? Your wife is never the problem," she replied, taking the bag back.
"I can't quit, brother." She swallowed hard. "Please... allow me to handle my life. My son will be safe. You don't need to worry about us."
"Really? I shouldn't worry?" His voice rising, anger and frustration boiling over.
"My beloved sister has been through hell, and the people who hurt her are living free. And now she wants to go back to the same house that ruined her? Really?"
He paced, breathing heavily. "I'm sick of all this. Honestly."
Tears welled up in Anwana's eyes. "I'm sorry. I know I'm a disappointment," she said, burying her face in her hands.
"No... that's not …. what I meant," he stammered, his voice softening. He pulled her into a hug, wrapping one arm around her waist and gently stroking Victor's hair with the other.
"It's going to be fine," he said soothingly.
"I'm just scared. If you take Victor there after school, it might cause chaos. What if Tade thinks Victor is his?" he said with concern.
Anwana stepped back. "I put my son first. Tade and I are over. We broke up years ago. You don't need to worry. I've already secured an apartment."
Ekere exhaled, rubbing her back. "If you need anything, let me know". Anwana nodded, holding herself together. But the memory of that night clawed at her.
The night everything fell apart.
She had been just twenty. Standing timidly in the Adebanjos' lavish sitting room. Mr. Femi Adebanjo, tall, dark-skinned, and imposing, sat at one end of the brown couch, his wife Remi at the other.
"You know, I see Tade all over you," Mr. Femi began. "He's only twenty-two, and he's losing focus."
Anwana swallowed hard. She knew where this was going.
"He has a legacy to protect," he continued, pouring a glass of whiskey. "I don't know how long I have left—my tumor is worsening. But I need my son back on track."
Remi nodded in agreement, her expression unreadable.
"I want you to back off. The boy won't let go, but you must. If you can leave town, I'd appreciate it," he said.
Anwana's lips trembled. "Sir, you mean I should leave completely? I'm still in school—"
"You wouldn't understand our world," he snapped. "And if you don't leave, I might be forced to take action."
"But I'm just in my semi-finals. I need to complete my cooking classes," she pleaded, her voice cracking.
Days passed. Despite the warning, Anwana didn't leave. Her brother insisted she finished her education.
Tade, unaware of the secret meeting, proposed to her publicly—an act that triggered chaos.
In a fit of fury, the Adebanjos sent men to warn her. But the warning turned into a nightmare.
Anwana was raped by one of the hired thugs.
The pain. The shame. The trauma.
It drove her to the edge of suicide.
Her brother had no choice but to take her back to Uyo, their hometown.
There, she began to pick up her shattered pieces one breath at a time.