As the meeting concluded, Obinna headed out of the room and made his way towards the elevator.
Jamal, who had carefully taken notes throughout the meeting, walked beside him. 'Here's the post-meeting action plan, with all your inputs included,' he said smoothly, handing over a neatly compiled document.
The elevator, reserved strictly for the CEO, was ready. Today, Jamal was allowed to ride along since he was accompanying Obinna to his office. On any other day, he took the public elevator like everyone else.
Obinna took the document, his gaze appreciative. 'You're always five steps ahead, Jamal.'
Jamal offered a faint smile. 'It's my job, sir.'
'I'm going to pick up my daughter from school,' Obinna said as he pressed the top-floor button. The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped in.
Jamal turned to him. 'Isn't her personal driver supposed to do that?' Concern filled his eyes.
'I need to do it today,' Obinna said, his tone softening. 'She's my daughter. No matter how tight my schedule gets, I must always make time for Erimma. She's my world.' A gentle smile tugged at his lips at the thought of his five-year-old daughter.
'Then let me drive you there,' Jamal offered as they stepped out of the elevator.
'I'm not too tired to handle the wheel,' Obinna replied with a light chuckle. He walked into his office with Jamal trailing behind. 'My schedule is done for the day. Obinna Hospital has capable hands holding things down.'
He picked up his tablet, phone, and a few documents before heading out. At the private parking lot, he chose a blue Maserati. The car was shiny and smooth, with a polished body that sparkled under the late afternoon light. Its leather seats looked soft and comfortable, and the engine purred quietly as he turned it on. Obinna drove out of Obinna Hospital, heading towards Nightengale Academy.
As the blue Maserati rolled through the school gate, Obinna scanned the compound. Just ahead, near the waiting area, a few children waited quietly, and there she was.
Little Erimma stood with her backpack snug on her shoulders and her water bottle swinging at her side. A teacher stood nearby, keeping watch over the last group of pupils waiting to be picked up.
The moment she spotted her father behind the wheel, her eyes lit up like fairy lights.
Obinna pulled into a parking spot and stepped out of the car just as Erimma came running.
'Daddy!' she squealed with joy, her tiny feet skipping across the polished walkway as she dashed towards him.
She threw herself into his arms, and he laughed, catching her with ease.
'You came!' she said, her small arms wrapped tightly around his neck.
'I did,' Obinna whispered, holding her close. 'How could I not?'
She pulled back just enough to look at his face. 'I told Adaugo and Chinaza that my daddy would come today to pick me up. I just knew it!'
Obinna smiled. 'Then I guess I'm right on time.'
He opened the passenger door for her, and she climbed in, humming to herself and kicking her legs happily.
'Can we get ice cream on the way home?'
'We just might,' he replied, settling back behind the wheel.
As they pulled out of Nightengale Academy's pristine grounds, Erimma kept humming, occasionally glancing out the window at the city's afternoon bustle. Obinna glanced at her, his heart full.
'Vanilla and strawberry swirl?' he asked.
'With rainbow sprinkles and a cherry on top!' she chimed in, her eyes sparkling.
Minutes later, they pulled up in front of Paradise, an upscale artisan ice cream parlour tucked into the heart of the city, a favourite among Abuja's elite. The entrance was lined with potted orchids, and a valet stepped forward the moment Obinna's Maserati came to a gentle stop.
'Good afternoon, sir,' the valet greeted, opening the passenger side first for Erimma, who stepped out in her polished black shoes and perfectly pressed school uniform. Despite being only five years old, she had somehow managed to stay spotless all day. No dirt on her crisp white shirt, no smudges on her skirt, looking every bit the little princess she truly was.
Inside, the parlour was elegant, with marble counters, gold accents, and a slow, soulful tune playing low in the background. The attendant at the counter recognised them instantly and offered a polite bow.
'The usual, Miss Erimma?'
She grinned proudly. 'Yes, please!'
Moments later, she was seated in a velvet booth, legs swinging, enjoying her favourite treat—vanilla and strawberry swirl, crowned with rainbow sprinkles and a single red cherry. Obinna sat opposite her with a double espresso gelato, watching her contentedly, not glancing at the notifications popping up on his phone. He knew that the moment he started reading them, he might not have time again, so he decided to ignore them and focus instead on his adoring daughter.
'Did you behave well in school today?' he asked.
'I did,' she replied, licking a drip off her spoon. 'Even when Adaugo tried to cut in line during reading time, I remembered what you said and stayed calm.'
He smiled, clearly impressed. 'That's my girl.'
'Mrs Adeyemi told me that you and Mum would come for the Family Day,' she said cheerfully, looking up at her father.
Hearing this, Obinna paused mid-air, his spoon still holding a scoop of ice cream. He knew Vanessa wasn't going to be there.
'You're confused?' Erimma teased, reaching out her tiny hands to pinch his cheeks.
Obinna laughed and finally spooned the ice cream into his mouth. 'Mum will surely come,' he said gently, though he silently wondered how such a miracle would happen.
Hearing that, Erimma stood from her seat, walked over to her father, and hugged him sweetly. Obinna lifted her into his lap, holding her close as he fed her a spoonful of ice cream, then took one for himself. The scene was tender, so touching that a few people who had just walked in stopped for a moment to admire the joyful bond between the father and daughter.
After their treat, the valet brought the Maserati back around. Obinna opened the passenger door for Erimma himself, and she climbed in with a soft sigh of satisfaction. As they drove, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden streaks across the cityscape.
Soon, they turned into the long, tree lined driveway of their grand mansion, a sprawling estate with tall wrought iron gates, a fountain centrepiece, and manicured hedges sculpted into elegant shapes. The mansion itself stood proud, with white painted walls, wide balconies, and high arched windows that gleamed in the evening light.
'Home sweet home,' Obinna said, pulling to a stop.
'Thank you for picking me today, Daddy,' she whispered.
Obinna kissed her forehead. 'Anytime, my butterfly. Anytime.'
'If I'm your butterfly, then I will soon have wings and begin to fly,' she sweetly said.
'Then fly high, my butterfly, but always find your way back to me,' Obinna said with a soft smile.
Then he walked around the car, opened the door for Erimma, and gently lifted her into his arms. The butler and a few uniformed staff stood at the entrance, bowing slightly as they welcomed them with reverence.
Obinna carried Erimma through the grand double doors, her small arms looped lazily around his neck, her head resting on his shoulder. The marble floor gleamed beneath their steps, and the soft scent of lavender floated in the air from the fresh bouquet arranged near the spiral staircase.
'Up we go, princess,' he murmured, taking the staircase slowly, one arm firmly supporting her while the other balanced her backpack.
They reached the upper floor and turned down the hallway lined with framed family portraits and pastel-coloured walls. Obinna pushed open a door painted with delicate butterflies and pink roses, the entrance to Erimma's princess bedroom.
The room was every little girl's dream. A canopy bed with sheer drapes stood in the centre, decorated with fluffy pillows and stuffed animals. A crystal chandelier sparkled overhead, sending soft reflections dancing across the walls. The room was a blend of pinks, lilacs, and gold accents, with a play area on one side and a storybook shelf on the other.
Obinna set her down gently on a velvet bench at the foot of her bed.
'Let's get you out of that school uniform,' he said softly.
Erimma giggled, raising her arms dramatically like royalty. 'Yes, Daddy. Dress me like a real princess!'
Obinna laughed quietly and began unbuttoning her school shirt with gentle fingers. He removed her navy skirt, folded it neatly, and set it aside. Then, from her closet, lined with dainty hangers and pastel dresses, he picked out a pink floral dress trimmed with lace and tiny pearls.
'This one?' he asked.
'My favourite,' she beamed.
He slipped the dress over her head, careful not to disturb the matching bow in her hair, then gently smoothed the fabric with his hands, making sure it sat neatly on her. The dress shimmered under the chandelier light, swishing at her knees like flower petals.
'There,' he said, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. 'Fit for royalty.'
Erimma twirled happily, her bare feet gliding over the soft carpet.
'Now,' Obinna said, sitting on the edge of the bed and smiling at her, 'shall we read a story or go down for dinner?'
Erimma shook her head with a soft grin. 'I want to finish my homework first.'
Obinna chuckled softly at his daughter's sweet, independent spirit, his heart swelling with pride. He stood from the bed, brushing his hands off on his suit trousers. 'All right, my little scholar, I'll leave you to it. But don't hesitate to ask if you need any help.'
Erimma nodded enthusiastically, her small hands already gripping her notebook and pencil. Obinna placed a kiss on her forehead before he turned to leave.
He walked down the hallway to his own bedroom, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the grand corridor. His bedroom was a sanctuary of comfort and opulence. The king-size bed was framed by rich, dark wood, and the walls were painted in a soothing deep blue with accents of gold. A luxurious chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm, welcoming light.
He removed his jacket and tie, hanging them neatly in the closet, then stepped into his luxurious bathroom. It was a masterpiece of modern elegance, with polished marble floors and countertops, a deep soaking tub surrounded by candles, and a large walk-in shower with glass doors. The shower featured multiple rain and wall-mounted showerheads, offering the ultimate in relaxation.
Obinna stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading over him. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the steam rise around him, feeling the soothing heat on his muscles as he took a deep breath. The day had been long, filled with surgery, meetings, and ward rounds, but now he could focus on winding down.
After a few minutes, he stepped out of the shower, drying off with a soft towel. He dressed in comfortable clothes: an easy pair of joggers and a simple, well-fitted T-shirt, and ran a hand through his damp hair.
He checked the time. It wasn't quite dinner yet, and Erimma would likely still be working on her homework. With a smile, Obinna made his way back down the hallway to her room, where he paused at the door, leaning against the frame.
Through the slightly open door, he saw Erimma sitting at her little desk, her brow furrowed in concentration as she wrote in her notebook. The crystal chandelier sparkled above, but it was the soft glow of her desk lamp that lit her workspace, casting a gentle halo around her focused face.
He stepped inside, making his presence known by clearing his throat lightly. 'How's the homework going, princess?'
Erimma looked up and beamed. 'I'm almost done, Daddy! You can sit with me if you want.'
Obinna walked over, sitting on the chair beside her desk, glancing at her neat handwriting and the math problems she had already solved.
'That's my girl,' he said softly. 'You're doing great.'
Erimma smiled proudly. 'I told you I can do it myself. No need to help.'
Obinna chuckled, watching her work. 'I'm just here to cheer you on.'
He stayed by her side, occasionally glancing over the work she was doing. Remembering he had an appointment with his best friend, Tunde, who was also a doctor but worked at a different hospital, he decided to leave.
'Erimma… I have to meet with Uncle Tunde,' he said gently.
'You're free to meet him,' Erimma replied cheerfully. 'I'll have Mrs Lola bring me dinner when I'm ready.'
Obinna smiled at his understanding daughter. 'If there's any emergency, you know how to reach me, right?'
'Yes, I'll dial your number,' Erimma said, pointing at her phone on the table.
'Good.' Feeling assured, Obinna stooped down, kissed her cheek, and headed out.
***