Damian had just gotten back from his business trip. The trip had left him drained. Weeks of moving from one city to another just to secure and close deals, smiling like he meant it just to gain the client's trust, and he didn't have time to have fun with any chick while on his trip. All he could think about was taking a hot shower, maybe crawling into his bed. The driver navigated the familiar streets quietly, and Damian barely noticed the city and its usual noise—he couldn't just wait to sleep, so he could gain his energy back.
When Damian got to the house, he noticed that the men of his family were already gathered in his grandfather's study, their voices low and serious as if they were arguing about something, but he refused to join them. Not yet. He was exhausted from his travels, and all he wanted was a shower and a few minutes of peace, so they could continue their discussions without him.
He was about to take his shower when the door to his room swung open without a knock.
"Ever heard of knocking?" he said, half-scolding his younger sister.
Emily grinned, leaning against the door's frame. "Please. You should be happy to see me. Mum says you should come down for dinner. Everyone's waiting."
He shook his head but couldn't hide a small smile. "You're so difficult to handle."
"Mummy says to wash up first," she added, already turning away.
Downstairs, the dining room buzzed with loud chatter and clinking cutlery. His mother glanced up as he entered. "Finally. I was about to drag you down myself. Go wash your hands properly before you sit."
Damian obeyed, slipping into his chair afterward. The first few minutes were light—questions about his trip, business. He answered in short sentences, not in the mood for long talks
Then his father cleared his throat. The room went a little quieter.
"Your grandfather's will," he began, his tone heavy. "It's time we talk about what it means for you, Damian, or you don't want to inherit it because we all know how hard you have worked to grow Dangote company to what it is now."
Damian gets tense. He had known this moment would come, but he was too stressed for this conversation now. He reached for his glass, buying himself a few seconds.
Damian's father leaned back in his chair. "The will is clear. Your grandfather wanted the family line to be steady. That means you need to think about marriage, Damian. What is your plan?"
Damian's glass paused halfway. "I just got back, Dad. Can we not discuss this now?"
His mother nods her head softly. "He's right about one thing, but not about the timing. Rushing into marriage is how mistakes happen, and that is how you got married to Tosin Ethan's mother, all in the name you want to please your father, almost ruining our family for that."
Damian's father stayed quiet, focusing on his food rather than risk reminding his wife of his selfish choice he had made years ago. Emily picked up the tension at the table and smoothly changed the subject,
Emily smirked, swirling her drink. How is your girlfriend Caroline?"
Damian shot her a look. "Emily." His voice shot a warning.
But she only shrugged. "What? I'm just asking. That girl was a nightmare. Always dramatic, too extra wants everyone and everything to submit to her command, always acting as if the father is the president of the nation. I wonder who she thinks she is."
"I never liked her," their mother cut in. "Pretty face, yes, but nothing is kind about her. She was like fire waiting to burn this house down or tear our family apart."
His father frowned. "She may have had her flaws, but she comes from a good family. I'm sure she is a good girl ."
Emily laughed. "A crazy woman from a rich family is still a crazy woman; better be careful before she cuts off your balls one day."
Damian said nothing. He just pushed his food around his plate, wishing Caroline's name hadn't been mentioned in the room.
After dinner, Damian excused himself before the table was cleared. He climbed the stairs slowly; his mind was not on the will that was discussed, but on the name that Emily mentioned. Caroline.
He shut the door behind him and leaned against it, staring blankly into the dimly lit room
Caroline wasn't new to men like him. She had dated several influential men—footballers, artists, wealthy heirs. The girl really knows how to pick her game well. Damian had met her at Jazz's birthday party, when a mutual friend thought it would be a good idea to introduce them. She had walked in like she owned the party, acting all mighty at first. He thought she was unique. He should have known then that she was chaos waiting to happen.
She cheated on him, of course. Damian didn't even bother to confront her when he found out. He wasn't surprised. To be honest, he hadn't really cared enough before, all he wanted was a quick fuck…..so why would Caroline be any different?
And yet, he felt disappointed. Not because she betrayed him, but because a part of him had thought, just maybe, she could be the one to last longer than the rest.
Now, sitting on the edge of his bed, Damian let out a laugh. "A crazy woman with a good family," he muttered, repeating his sister's words. If only his family knew half of it.