After Chioma arrived home, she peeled off her sweaty clothes, tossing them into a laundry basket, the fatigue of the day settling in her bones. She trudged outside, the weight of the bucket heavy in her hand as she filled it with water. Back in her room, a bar of soap awaited, already cut into thin slices to make it last. Grabbing the laundry, she headed to the bathroom to wash. Just as she dipped a shirt, her phone buzzed on the stool where she had left it. A spark of joy, a rare treat lately, lit her face as she saw Michael's name. Dropping the soap back in the basket, she grabbed the phone quickly.
'Hello?' she answered, a breathlessness escaping her lips.
Michael's voice, smooth and rich, filled her ear. 'There you are, Chioma,' he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his tone. 'Did anyone give you any trouble today?' Michael asked from his office. He was wearing a pale blue shirt, and the sparkling diamonds on his cuffs were eye-catching.
'No, Sir,' Chioma replied, choosing not to mention Sharon's visit and her request to change the order against Jessica.
At that moment, there was a knock on Michael's office door. He instructed the person to enter, and Robert stepped in carrying a file. Michael, with a gentle and affectionate look in his eyes, turned away from the window. Robert sensed that the tender expression on Michael's face was likely due to his conversation with Chioma on the phone. Placing the file on the desk, Robert quietly exited the office.
'Are you prepared for Saturday?' Michael asked with determination.
Saturday? The day felt impossibly far away moments ago, but now a knot of unease tightened in her stomach. 'We'll see,' she hedged, the words barely a whisper.
A low chuckle rumbled through the receiver. 'It's all settled then,' Michael assured her.
'Huh?' Chioma furrowed her brow, confused. She peeked at her phone's calendar and realised today was Tuesday. The confusion etched lines on her forehead. Before she could voice her concerns, Michael spoke again, his tone surprisingly gentle.
'And Chioma,' he continued, a hint of amusement back in his voice, 'don't forget your warm milk before bed tonight,' he reminded her.