When we were through, I glanced at my watch and saw that it was past 9 p.m. Laide was still at home and I wanted to check on her.
“Are you ready to leave?” Vincent asked.
“Sure,” I replied.
Monday, 4th January 2016.I had only seen David once since work resumed in the new year and he went in the opposite direction as soon as he saw me. I just finished clearing my desk when Mr Lanre showed up."I see you're all set, Miss Fayola, please follow me," he said.
I finished arranging my belongings in the new office. When it was past noon, the landline rang. I sat up and answered it."Eni, I didn’t see you downstairs for lunch today, where are you?" Melody asked.I stifled a yawn as I replied. I must have dozed off.
I froze when my boss turned to speak to me.“Did you write that down?” Mr Jacobs asked with his gaze focused outside the tinted windows. I couldn’t open my mouth to speak for fear of losing the little control I had over the nausea. I mumbled something which I hoped sounded affirmative.
Friday, 8th January, 2016.I received a call from my mother. I rarely received calls from her on my personal line when I was at work so I was surprised. "Good afternoon, maami."
I sat up in my chair and wondered if he was about to announce their divorce. I couldn’t say that it would come as a surprise to me but I wondered how Laide would cope. I took in a deep breath and slowly released it. “I’ve been diagnosed with Hepatitis, it is a liver infection.”Dad and mom glanced at each other before he continued.
Saturday, 5th February 2016.I could not bear to suffer alone in silence at my house anymore. I decided to visit Lara, she lived not too far from my place. I laid on her sofa with my head on her knees as I cried miserably. I told her about my father’s diagnosis and she was just as shocked as I was when I first heard of it. “I don’t e
Meanwhile, somewhere in Lagos.Bayo ignored the first few rings of his mobile phone and focused his attention on the TV screen. His phone rang again and he groaned in annoyance. “What is it, Tega?” He growled when he picked up the phone.
Wednesday, 17th February 2016.I had walked as far as possible but I couldn’t find her. I hoped Laide would come to my place that night but I couldn’t just sit around and wait for her to show up. I sighed and ran my hands over my face as I fought back tears. I couldn’t imagine where she could be. She didn’t go out often so there weren’t many places she could’ve gone to.
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