Saturday, 20th February 2016.
I stared down at the envelope I held in my hands. I couldn’t believe that he had the nerve to ask such a thing of me.
“Please, I want you to think about it. We were friends once before we tried to be more. We can remain friends, can't we?” He pleaded.
Sunday, 21st February 2016.The Murtala Mohammed Airport was full of travellers that day. When we got through luggage check and had gotten our boarding pass, I waited anxiously for the time to board the plane. “Attention please, this is the last call for all passengers headed to Abuja, please proceed to the gate.”
Monday, 22nd February 2016.The following day, I was up bright and early. Dressed in a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans, I made my way downstairs where I spotted Mr Jacobs in one of the restaurants. He was also casually dressed so I didn’t feel out of place.“Good morning, sir,” I said as I took a seat.“Good morning Miss Fayola, did you sleep well?” He smiled and I blinked in surprise.Well, he looked happy that morning. “Y-yes sir,” I stuttered. “Did you?”“Best sleep I’ve had in a while.”Oh, that explained his cheerful mood. I guessed being away from the office worked wonders for him. Once we had breakfast, we discussed the schedule for the day. The plan was to accompany him to inspect an apartment building under construction. By noon, we arrived at the site where we were given protective gear before w
Tuesday, 23rd February 2016.The following day, I got in touch with my family. I was even more worried to hear that dad’s condition was worse and he was running out of time. I was on my way to the shower, my towel was tucked tightly around my body when my phone rang. I glanced at the Caller ID. It was my neighbour, Mama Tope.“Eniola, I have some important news to tell you.”I frowned when I heard the serious tone in her voice. Her next words were spoken with a sense of urgency that immediately made me reel in shock.“No,” I whispered. “It’s not possible.”“Hello, dear. Are you still there?”I could not find the strength to reply and next thing I knew, I blacked out.#I woke up with a pounding headache.I slowly opened my eyes and waited for them to adjust to the dark surrounding. I recognised my hotel room easily but something was o
I stopped a few steps away from the table and waited for a reaction but he turned his attention back to his coffee like I simply did not exist. I gulped nervously but moved forward. I quietly slid into the opposite chair and greeted him.There was no response, not that I expected one. He handed me a brown envelope before he set down his mug and walked away.My shoulders sank in disappointment.I was done for but how could I blame him though?I accused him of something terrible without checking the facts first. He had been nothing but patient with me all the while and that was how I repaid him. I had to find out what happened the previous night.I stared at the dish the waiter placed before me and picked at the meal. I forced myself to eat because, despite my lack of appetite, I knew I needed some food. I had been unconscious for most of the previous day and already felt the pangs of hunger when I woke up.Besides, it might be th
He finally came to his senses and replied. Thankfully, he focused on the conversation afterwards and kept his eyes to himself. I was relieved when the meeting was finally over.“Thank you for your time gentlemen,” Mr Jacobs said as they shook hands.“Why not have a match on the golf course. We should make proper use of our environment after all,” Mr Philip said jovially.Mr Jacobs agreed to it and went with him. I followed uncertainly behind him. I did not have the slightest idea how to play golf but they probably did not expect me to play.“Would you like to take a turn?” Mr Philip asked me.“I...well. No, thank you.”“Mr Philip, let us have a friendly match. My assistant needs to recuperate." Mr Jacobs gestured for them to get moving.“Oh, well in that case. You can sit this one out.” Mr Philip said as his eyebrows lowered in disappointment. “I hope you feel bet
Thursday, 25th February 2016.The following day was the fifth day of our stay with only two days to go so I made a resolve to speak to Mr Jacobs. We could not return to Lagos that way. It would only make working together difficult, more than it already was.I dressed quickly and made my way to the breakfast area.He had taken a seat in a corner so I quietly made my way over to him from behind. He was busy with his phone.“Good morning, Mr Jacobs,” I said.“Who’s that behind you, Daniel?” A voice said from the phone.It was a video call. He looked up from his phone and glanced at me.“She’s my assistant, Miss Fayola.”“She’s pretty-”“I have to go now, bye.” He ended the call.I stood awkwardly behind him till he gestured to the seat across him.“Sit.”My mood plummeted with guil
Sunday, 28th February 2016.It was when we arrived in Lagos that I began to worry.Should I go to my parents’ house, although I hadn’t given any notice? I knew mom would worry when she saw me with my luggage, straight from the airport. It also occurred to me that, all that I had in these two small bags were most likely what was left of all my belongings.Or I should go to Lara? That was it!I was sure Lara would take me in. I was about to dial her number when Mr Jacobs spoke.“I have gotten you a place to stay.”Say what now?“Why do you look surprised? I already told you that I would handle it.”“I...sir...”Minutes later, Bode arrived at the airport to pick us up but I was still too stunned to speak.#From the calibre of homes, I saw as we drove into the residential area in Lekki Phase 1,
Monday, 29th February 2016.The following day, I made a list of things to do before work resumed on Tuesday. Luckily, Mr Jacobs took Monday off so I was free too. I freshened up, got dressed and went downstairs dressed casually in a black hoodie and denim shorts. The weather was quite good that day.I called mom to let her know I arrived safely. I learned that dad was doing a bit better than before but I knew I had to go home and see for myself. I later got on the phone with Lara.“What, a fire incident?”“My house is gone, Lara. I feel horrible.”“Do you want to come to my place? You know you’re always welcome here.”“It’s fine, I’ve got a place to stay till I get back on my feet.”“Oh, where’s that?”I wondered if I should tell her or not. She might overreact.“Um, my boss got me a place.”
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