Samuel's jaw was tight as he unlocked his phone. The security guard had tested his patience, but Stephanie's soft voice in his ear had kept him from snapping. He took a slow breath, then tapped Raymond's name.
The phone rang once.
"Ray, are you home?" Samuel asked quickly. "I'm at the gate. They're asking for a pass. I didn't even know I needed one."
"Not home," Raymond replied, unbothered. "But give me a sec—I'll generate one for you now."
"Thanks, man."
A minute later, his phone buzzed.
Name: Samuel Davis
Apartment: Block B2
Security Pass: 45421
Valid for: 2 hours 58 minutes
Samuel walked up to the guard and held out his phone.
"Hold on while I verify," the man said, tapping on his device. Moments later, the electric gate slid open with a low hum.
"You may proceed, sir."
Samuel gave a faint nod, then took Stephanie's hand and walked through without another word.
---
Inside the estate, everything felt… different. The air was calmer, scented faintly with flowers. Palm trees lined the walkways, hedges trimmed so neatly they looked painted, and fountains whispered softly in the distance.
Stephanie's eyes widened, but she said nothing—just took it all in.
They stopped in front of a sleek grey building with a gold plate that read Block B2. Samuel unlocked the main door, stepped inside—then coughed immediately.
Dust. Stale air. Months of neglect.
"When was the last time you came here?" Stephanie asked, covering her nose.
Samuel rubbed his neck, embarrassed. "Honestly? I forgot it even looked like this."
The apartment itself was stunning—high ceilings, marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows—but dust clung to everything.
"It's fine," Stephanie said with a shrug. "I'll clean it up… but not for free." She flashed a teasing smile.
Samuel chuckled. "How much do you charge?"
"Depends on how generous you feel."
Their laughter filled the empty space—until his phone buzzed again. Simon.
"Where the hell are you?" Simon's voice was sharp. "I've been waiting over an hour. Customers could walk in any second and nothing's ready."
"I'm on my way. Twenty minutes," Samuel said.
He ended the call and turned serious. "I need to get to the shop. Do what you can here. I'll be back tonight."
He pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to her. "Groceries, cleaning supplies—whatever you need. If you don't want to go out, order online. Call me if there's an issue."
Stephanie hesitated. "You don't have to—"
"I want to," he said simply.
Her eyes softened. "Thank you, Samuel. I'll make this place shine again."
He gave her a quick tour of the three bedrooms, two baths, and the modern kitchen before heading out.
---
Later That Morning – Maryland, Lagos
The new pizza shop buzzed with opening-day tension. Simon was at the counter, chopping onions like they'd wronged him.
"Finally," he muttered without looking up. "We open in an hour."
"I'm here," Samuel said, slipping on gloves.
Their small team trickled in just before 11:30. By noon, the "Open" sign glowed, and customers poured in—locals, office workers, even delivery riders.
The kitchen became a battlefield of flour, sauce, and sizzling cheese.
By 8:30 p.m., they were sold out. The team collapsed into chairs, sweaty but grinning.
"We actually did it," Simon said. "I thought we'd crash by lunch."
"It was a good day," Samuel replied.
Then Simon's expression shifted. "You said you're staying at Seaside for the week?"
"Yeah. Stephanie's helping clean the place."
"You left her there? Alone?"
"She's fine. It's temporary."
"Samuel, she's pregnant. If something happens—"
"I know what I'm doing, Simon."
Simon didn't argue, but the frown stayed.
---
That Evening – Back at Seaside
The long drive back to Lekki melted away the moment Samuel stepped into the apartment.
And froze.
The place sparkled. Floors gleamed. The air smelled faintly of lavender. Counters were spotless, cushions fluffed, curtains tied back. Stephanie was curled on the couch in an oversized hoodie, asleep.
She stirred when the door clicked shut. "Welcome back," she murmured.
"You did all this?" Samuel asked, still stunned.
"I stocked the fridge too. Didn't know what you liked, so… a bit of everything."
He checked—fruits, vegetables, eggs, drinks, snacks.
"Stephanie… this is incredible."
She smiled shyly. "If we're staying here a while, might as well make it livable."
"Can I even afford your cleaning fees?" he teased.
She laughed softly.
He grabbed a drink and sat beside her. "Sorry I didn't bring you anything. We were slammed."
"How was the opening?"
"Sold out."
"That's amazing! Can I come tomorrow?"
"You've done enough. Rest," he said.
They talked for a while, easy and unforced, until her head rested against his shoulder and her breathing slowed.
Samuel looked down at her. Not love—not yet—but something protective had taken root.
He leaned back, sipping his drink, wondering just what he'd gotten himself into.