One Month Later
Time flies. It felt like only yesterday I said yes,
Tunde had been nothing short of perfect. Despite his demanding schedule, he picked me up from work every evening. We laughed more, talked more, even started cooking dinner together. It was like we were already married.
One evening, as we drove home, he gently laced his fingers through mine and kissed the back of my hand.
"Baby, we'll be having a family dinner next weekend," he said, eyes still on the road. "I want to officially introduce you to my family. I want you there."
Just like that, my palms went sweaty. I tried to hide the nerves behind a small laugh.
"Are you nervous?" he asked, glancing at me.
"No... I'm just... I don't know."
He chuckled softly. "No need to be scared. My family is lovely. And who wouldn't love a pretty queen like you?" He squeezed my hand. "Just stay by my side. I'll lead you through the dinner."
And just like that, the nerves faded. I smiled, nodding.
"Okay. I'll go with you."
His smile lit up his face. He looked so proud, like he already saw me as one of them.
📅 The Week of the Dinner
Monday morning came with its usual chaos, and I arrived at work later than I'd planned. I rushed straight to the boardroom today was our staff meeting,
I slipped in quietly, hoping no one would notice. But just as I took a seat at the back, a deep, commanding voice sliced through the room.
"Who are you?"
The question echoed like a thunderclap.
I froze, Without daring to look up, I replied quickly, "I'm sorry I'm late. My name is Bernice. I'm from the designing department."
My heart raced.
The CEO was here in person. And apparently, he didn't tolerate mistakes.
I slowly raised my head and froze.
A tall, sharply dressed man stood at the head of the table, sending me a cold stare that could slice through glass. My heart dropped.
That's him. The CEO.
Before I could blink, he looked away and said calmly, "Let's continue."
I quickly lowered my head, avoiding any further attention.
The meeting dragged on for two painfully long hours, but the CEO left before anyone else. When it finally ended, I sat frozen in my chair until I felt a soft nudge.
"Aren't you coming? We've got work to do."
It was Chris my colleague and one of the few friendly faces in the office. I gave him a nervous smile and nodded.
Back at my desk, I threw myself into work. I had a lot of designs pending. I was so focused I didn't even realize the entire office had cleared out for lunch. By the time I looked at the clock, I had barely ten minutes left before lunch break ended.
I powered down my system, gathered my files, and rushed out. On my way to the cafeteria, a message notification from Tunde popped up. I fumbled to check it
THUD!
I collided hard into someone. My phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor. Before I could react, a passerby accidentally kicked it even farther. No. No. No. I darted toward where it flew, but I couldn't find it.
⏳Later That Day
Outside, Tunde was waiting for me. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw him.
"Hi. I'm sorry I didn't reply to your message. I bumped into someone, and I think I lost my phone," I explained.
He frowned. "So you didn't get the message?"
"No, I'm really sorry." I quickly told him everything.
"You should've called me. I would've brought you lunch," he said, gently brushing my hair from my face.
I smiled. "What was the message?"
He brought out his phone and showed me a series of dress options.
"I wanted to know which of these you'd like to wear for the dinner with my family."
I blinked. "Oh no, Tunde. I have a few decent dresses I can wear from my wardrobe." Because I didn't want him spending money on me, considering his current financial status
"I know, but I want you to wear something new."
I didn't argue. I picked a dress, and he grinned with satisfaction.
"I'll get your phone replaced tomorrow," he promised, dropping me off at home.
📅 The Next Day
I got to work earlier than usual, determined to make up for yesterday.
But something felt... off.
When I got to my department, my manager called me into his office.
"Did you offend the boss?" he asked, looking unusually serious.
"No, sir..." I replied cautiously. "Why do you ask?"
He sighed. "He asked to see you. Personally. Said you should report to his office the moment you arrive."
His words hit me like thunder. I felt my stomach twist. Is this it? Am I getting fired?
"Follow me."
I obeyed without a word, my heart thudding wildly.
We entered the CEO's office. The room was modern, minimalist, but powerful just like the man standing at the tall window with his back to us.
"You can leave," he said to my manager, who quickly stepped out, closing the door behind him.
Now it was just me and him.
He finally turned around, his eyes piercing.
"I've reviewed the work from your department."
I stood still, palms sweating. I had no idea what was coming.
"Yours," he continued slowly, "was the most detailed. Smart. Clean. Structured." He paused. "I'm impressed."
I blinked.
"Thank you, sir," I managed to say, heart still hammering.
He nodded once, then continued, "I'll be attending an event in lagos this weekend. Since your work shows a strong grasp of creative vision, I want you to accompany me. We leave Thursday."