Thursday, 17th March 2016I stayed wary of my boss for the next few days. Something about his previous rebuke had caused such a deep feeling of hurt, I just couldn't understand it.They were just words. I kept reminding myself to no avail.I realised then that, his opinion of me mattered… a lot. I was uncomfortable and unsettled whenever there was friction between us like back in Abuja.There was a knock on my office door and I called for the person to come in without looking up. I expected it to be Melody or Bayo. It turned out to be Simon, Daniel’s brother."You don't look too pleased to see me," he chuckled."No, no it's not like that. You're welcome, I just wasn't expecting you.""Well, I decided to stop by after seeing Daniel."My expression dropped a notch when he mentioned his brother. "I'm sure he must have told you about cancelling the contract?"I sighed as I remembered how very eloquently he had put it."Yes but, it all seems very strange to me."He nodded."Yes it seemed
Why on earth did I agree to this? I lamented silently as I sat across from my newly acquired acquaintance, Chukwudi. Chuks, as he liked to be called. He was a fair-complexioned man with a serious deficiency in height, not judging or anything, but I would’ve liked a heads up before I wore stiletto heels for the outing. His beady eyes stared with an intense look, as if he was peering under my skin.I smiled politely at him before I turned an accusing glare at Lara who sat to my right. She winked at me and gave an encouraging smile. I rolled my eyes in return.Chuks seemed to be quite…smitten by me… unfortunately. He discreetly slid a piece of paper across the table and I took it in confusion. Why didn’t he just speak?How about we ditch the others and go somewhere private? Just you and me, obim.Despite the term of endearment he tacked on at the end, it held no appeal for me. I looked up to see him smiling lewdly at me. His eyes boldly roamed the length of my body. I gasped in disbelie
Saturday, 26th March 2016The day of Akin’s wedding had arrived and I was in panic mode.What was I thinking when I agreed to attend his wedding? Could I still skip it or was it too late to feign a terrible illness? The previous day, Lara, Hadiza, Sarah and I had gone out for some beauty treatment and returned with new hairdos, pretty manicures, pedicures and glowing skin. The girls had also helped me find a pretty dress to wear. But there I was, pacing my bedroom floor at 3am in the morning with all that aftermath of beauty.I didn't even have a date. I hoped that I would not have to fall back on Chuks, but I sent him running out of the restaurant, I was sure he wasn't too happy with me. I collapsed unto the bed and didn't even know when I finally drifted off to sleep.“Ugh….” I muttered as I grabbed my phone which had been ringing persistently. I put it up to my ear lazily.“Hello…?” I yawned.“Eniola, are you still sleeping?” Lara's voice resounded in my ears, sending shock waves
When we arrived, his hand settled lightly on my lower back as we approached the doors. Once again, I waited to observe my reaction to his gesture. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that there was no aversion, in fact it was the opposite. Bassey had managed to make me feel comfortable with him in less than 3 hours of us meeting.“Are you alright?” He glanced at me with concern.“Yes, I'm fine.” I replied with a reassuring smile.Just wondering where you’ve been all my life?The ceremony had begun by the time we arrived and I couldn't be more glad that I wouldn’t have to stay for longer than necessary. After all, the later we arrived, the less time we would have to spend. We were ushered to a table where many people sat but I didn't recognise most of them.I assumed they were friends of the bride. They could also have been friends Akin had that I wasn’t aware of but I knew most of his friends, so I doubted that. I saw familiar faces at nearby tables and boy, did they looked shocked
As I listened in on their conversation, I couldn't help but feel threatened. The second woman was at least twice my size and of course, a bouncer was twice of her size and pure muscle!Lara took my hand and dragged me out before they looked too closely at us."Calm down, I'm sure no one knows who exactly the mysterious ex is." She whispered as we hightailed it out of there.I hoped to God that was true. In fact, I felt like I had overstayed my welcome. I decided to look for Bassey and take him up on his escape plan. So many guests began to leave their seat and I realised the reception was about to take place. I stiffened when I spotted the newly weds heading towards my direction. As they walked across the room, well wishers stopped to greet them. I tried to change direction but it was too late, there were too many people in the way and the newly wedded couple had already seen us"Eni…you came." Akin grinned. “This is my wife, Funmi.”That smile… the one that made me let my guard down
When the two of them walked to where I stood, I locked gazes with the man. It was then I realised that yes, it definitely could get worse. In fact, it just did. "Eni, this is my date-" I quickly signalled for her to come closer. "Lara my head just started pounding like crazy. I think I need to go home." Her expression melted into one of complete concern. "I think all the stress of today is getting to you, let me-" "Don't worry, I'll just find Bassey and let him know." I smiled faintly at her date and walked away. I am pretty sure what was meant to be a smile came out as a grimace. Bassey offered to take me home and I gladly accepted. Anything to get out of there. During the ride back to my apartment, Bassey kept casting curious glances my way. “What is it?” I asked. “I didn’t want to bring it up if you’re not comfortable but…” “But…?” I prompted. “First of all, what’s with the strange vibes I got at the wedding?” I sighed and shook my head. “Are you ready for this long st
Sunday, 27th March 2016 I was anxious all morning. I barely got any sleep and my thoughts drifted far even during church service. I had just left church and was limping slightly in my sandals. I had cleaned the wound on my foot the previous night but it still stung a little. My phone rang as I tried to flag down a taxi. “Hello?” I answered without checking the caller ID. “Hello, Eniola. It’s me, Simon.” “S-Simon…?” “Have you heard the news?” His voice was subdued. “I heard…but I don’t want to believe it.” “The car was completely wrecked, Bode didn't make it. He gave up the ghost before they got them to the hospital. Daniel is still in a coma.” “Oh no… no, no, no. Simon, I’m so sorry.” “None of this is your fault. The accident… no one saw it coming.” “How… how did it happen?” “The trailer driver was drunk.” Simon clenched his jaw. “Bode and my brother had to suffer for his actions.” Simon’s words hit me like a fright train. I felt numb. Maybe I did see it coming. Back at his
Monday, 28th March 2016Simon and the other company executives ran the company in my boss's absence. I assisted them with paperwork and retrieving files since I had worked closely with Mr Daniel. Simon came by my office a few times to check that all was going as it should. The employees were distraught over the news. For several years, Mr Daniel had been a permanent fixture in the company.Ever since he built the company back up to where it was now, his presence had always been felt by everyone. According to those who worked at Legacy longer than I had, he had never even taken a sick day off, always in the office on time and he still monitored the company activities even when he was away on business trips."I can't believe it. I mean, he's the Daniel Jacobs," Melody said as she waved a piece of fried yam on her fork, up in the air. We were out of the office on our lunch break."He is still human you know, I just want him to regain consciousness.""Same here, my dear," she sighed sad
Wednesday 1st June, 2016Daniel helped me out of the car when we arrived at the venue.The Maxwell Charity Foundation gala was bigger than I imagined. Maybe I thought so because I hadn’t attended one before. There was a red carpet leading into the building. The Press was there, reporters and cameramen covered nearly every angle of the event. Photographers and videographers milled about as they interviewed the elegant guests.I stiffened subconsciously and Daniel sensed the change because he turned to look at me.“Are you okay?”“Um, yeah. Just a bit nervous.”“Darling, you will turn heads, trust me.”“Hm, for more reasons than one.” I muttered under my breath.As we approached the building, the paparrazi turned their attention to Mr Jacobs and inevitably towards me. I froze at the onslaught of lights and winced. A warm hand gripped mine tightly and I felt reassurance in his grip. I blinked severally as my eyes adjusted to the lights and took a deep breath.“Mr Jacobs. There are rumour
Sunday 29th May, 2016Long after Lara had left, I was alone in my apartment that night when there was a knock at the door. I hesitated for a moment before I got up to check who it was.“Eniola, are you home?”I threw the door open at the sound of his voice and launched myself into his arms for a warm hug. He laughed and the sound sent vibrations through his body that I felt through the thin layers of my clothes.“Well, this is a nice welcome. I should travel more often.”I dragged him into the apartment and shut the door.“I thought you would be back earlier,” I gripped his hand in mine, unwilling to let go.“I’m sorry, the meeting took longer than I expected and the traffic was terrible. My mom and Simon send their greeting by the way.”“I hope they are fine?”“Yes, they are.”He leaned in and kissed my forehead then tilted my chin up to look at my face. He stared at me carefully and a frown caused his eyebrows to crease together.“Is something wrong?”“W-why would you say that?” I c
Saturday 28th May, 2016When a storm hits, it wrecks everything in its path.Pictures of Daniel and I flooded the internet the following day. They were taken during our date. I realized that the flashes I kept seeing that night were from a camera. Someone had followed us and taken those pictures.I stared in horror at the headlines on the blogs.“This sultry seductress has captured the heart of Legacy CEO, Daniel Jacobs.”There was a close up photo taken of us as we left the restaurant. It was dark but those who knew me could possibly identify me. A peek at my notifications confirmed my worst fear. Several messages had popped up on my phone from friends and family asking if the gossip blogs were true.It was one thing to take down a gossip forum that didn’t even have any pictures for evidence. However, it was an entirely different ordeal to shut down the gossip backed with pictures that were spreading like wild fire.Entertainment websites and social media pages all wanted to know one
Friday 27th May, 2016I was nose-deep into a new novel and snuggled up in my nightwear as I sipped from a mug of tea. No, I did not have a ‘hot date’ that evening. Daniel was away for a family meeting, his mother was in town and wanted to see her sons. Even though he had invited me, I was way too terrified to meet his family just yet.“But they would be ecstatic to meet you. I heard from Simon that you already met my mom at the hospital. A second meeting can’t be that hard,” he had said the previous day.I had done my best to postpone it so that I could gather my wits.My phone rang, it was Bassey. I hesitated before I picked up the call.“Hello Bassey,” I said.“Hi Eniola, I haven’t heard from you in a while.”“Sorry, I’ve just had a lot going on.”“Oh I understand.” He paused for a moment then continued. “Have you thought about what I said or shall I give you some more time?”I took a deep breath and bared my mind.“Bassey, honestly you’re an amazing guy.”“But…” He drawled.“But I
Wednesday 25th May, 2016I felt like I was floating on clouds. It was like God was smiling down at me and peace coursed through me at the decision I made to be with Daniel.No longer, did I feel guilty about loving him. In fact, everything felt right. Sometimes, it all felt too good to be true but I banished such thoughts from my mind.That morning, I prepared for work as I hummed a love song. I twirled around as I checked myself out in the mirror.Uh oh, was I putting in too much effort that day?I shook my head and shrugged off the idea. I deserved to look good. I grabbed my purse and stepped out of my apartment.“Ah!” I yelled when I ran straight into someone.I blinked severally to be sure my vision was correct.“Lizzie?” I muttered in confusion.“Hiiiii, it’s been ages!” Lizzie grabbed me and pulled me into a bear hug. Despite her petite frame she sure did have a lot of energy. Must be all the gym hours she used to put in.“Wow, yes. I heard you travelled.” I turned to lock my ap
I fiddled with my fingers for a moment before I looked up at Daniel. I wasn’t sure whether to ask the question that suddenly popped up in my mind or not.“Um, can I ask you something though?” I licked my bottom lip nervously.“Go ahead,” Daniel nodded encouragingly.“What did you think about me then, when you heard about it?”Daniel smiled softly as he looked at me. It was such a gentle look that nearly melted my nervousness away.“I thought you were cute to admit it.”“What, cute? That’s just disappointing.”“Let me finish.” He scolded. “I also thought you were bold to do something that seemed so out of character for you. I was a bit annoyed that the lady, Lizzie, I later learned her name, had taken you out and brought you back in such a vulnerable state.”My lips widened in a silly smile as I realized he had cared even back then.“Though you are my personal assistant, I realized I did not know much about you because you rarely spoke about your personal matters. A part of me wanted t
The lipstick tube glided across my lips one final time as I spread the dark red hue evenly on my top and bottom lip. I smiled into the mirror as I applied some perfume and smoothened out my hair one more time.I had taken out my braids the previous weekend, so my hair was in a low afro bun that gathered just above the nape of my neck. It had taken some effort to pull the thick, long, curly strands into submission but it was worth it.Daniel was waiting outside. He had sent a message some minutes ago that he was at my apartment.I rubbed my hands together to stop them from shaking. The dress was black and silky, with an asymmetrical neck and bell sleeves. It was simple yet stunning. A pair of gold earrings, watch and heels complimented the outfit.I grabbed my black purse and phone. I was ready. After a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway.My breath hitched in my throat at the sight of Daniel who stood about three steps away. He wore a snug black turtleneck an
Tuesday 24th May, 2016After the CEO’s general meeting, I remained numb in my seat until the hall was empty. I was startled when I felt someone tap my shoulder. It was Melody.“Are you okay?” Her eyes were full of concern.I forced a smile and nodded even though I felt horrible.“No, you’re not.” She grabbed my shoulder and pulled me in for a side hug. I lay my head on her shoulder, closed my eyes and sighed.“Whoever put that up on the forum is just a jerk who doesn’t know what they are talking about. Besides, no one really knows anything they are all just speculating. Just don’t worry about those gossips.”“I just hate this.”“I know. You both have a right to your private lives and you are both adults.”I raised my head and looked at her.“So, you don’t care if anything is going on?”She gripped my shoulders.“In all honesty, I think you’re a smart woman who knows what she is doing.”“I don’t always feel smart,” I sighed.“Listen, Eni. People have the right to fall in love, you don’
BONUS CHAPTERDANIEL (CEO)Wednesday 4th May, 2016Daniel stared at the woman who stood before him. Why, after so many years did she decide to show up at that very moment? “What are you doing here, Claire?” He asked as he suddenly felt very tired. He wished Eniola had not left. He had tried to communicate his plea for her to stay with his eyes but she had dashed off like hot coals of fire were under her feet. She barely even looked at him after Claire arrived. “I told you, sweetheart. I heard about what happened and I simply had to get here immediately,” Claire said. “Can you cut it out with the terms of endearment. We both know I don’t mean anything to you. As you can see, I am fine. Thanks for your visit," he said curtly as he stood up. Claire sighed and waved her manicured fingers in the air. “Daniel, please. It's been years. Are you still bitter about it?” Daniel scoffed.Bitter? He was freaking livid! He couldn't believe that she didn't understand.“I wore my heart on my s