Talk To Me

26. Time To Let Go

"My dear Todo, I must say I was rather surprised you booked an appointment to see me here, considering we could have met at my place," Swalha remarked as she settled into her chair. Todo had insisted on meeting in her office for privacy, citing the sensitive nature of the matter he wished to discuss, particularly given Cherry's current state.

"Well, with your distressed friend staying at your residence, I didn't think it prudent to have her overhear this conversation. Especially since it involves her as well," he replied with a serious look.

Swalha, intrigued, leaned back in her chair, curious to hear what Todo had discovered. Cherry had indeed returned that very morning, bringing her belongings back to Swalha's home after claiming she had broken up with Wale. "You've got me for two hours before my next patient, so I'm all ears," she said with a hint of impatience.

Todo dove straight in. "I met with Wale the day before yesterday. I left his hideout that same day," he began, noting the slight widening of Swalha's eyes. "He contacted me for a private meeting, and I agreed. The reason I'm telling you this is that I can't discuss it with Kind—it was strictly business. And as you're all connected to Wale in some way, you deserve to know."

Swalha gestured for him to continue, intrigued by where this was going. Todo paused, ensuring she was following. "Wale asked me to investigate his family. Some of them hold rather high positions in the country, and they're business partners with my family as well. This information could be highly useful to me in the future, but here's the twist—I fear Cherry may be involved."

Swalha's eyes narrowed, but she didn't seem entirely surprised. "Cherry mentioned she hasn't spoken to Wale's family in five years," she responded.

"Yes, that part is true," Todo confirmed, "but Wale's family has been using someone close to Cherry to gather information about Wale—his plans, his whereabouts. I suspect that's part of why Wale vanished."

Swalha leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What are you talking about? How could she be in contact with them if she's not speaking to them directly?"

Todo's expression grew graver. "Cherry has an older sister. Apparently, she's been the one passing along this information. Cherry confides everything in her, including details about her relationship with Wale, his movements, and plans. Her sister has been feeding that information to Wale's relatives, who've been using it for their own purposes."

Swalha's brows knitted in confusion. "I've never even met Cherry's sister, but I know she's been abroad for years. How could she be involved?"

Todo explained, "Cherry's sister may be physically distant, but she has access to Cherry's accounts and communication. For the past five years, she's been gathering details and using them to extort money from Wale's family, all without Cherry's direct involvement."

Swalha stood and paced, needing to process this new information. "So, Wale's been in hiding to protect himself from his own family, and yet, it's someone close to Cherry who's been the weak link?"

Todo nodded. "Exactly. Cherry may have been kept in the dark, but her sister's actions have made things very complicated. Wale's family is powerful, and they've been taking advantage of this situation, but they're not directly harming him—because if anything happens to Wale, they lose access to his inheritance. That's likely why nothing catastrophic has happened yet. They need him alive."

"So, we're safe for now?" Swalha asked, her voice betraying a hint of unease.

"You're safe, at least for the moment. Wale's parents had loyal people looking out for him, people who are likely still operating in secret to protect him—and by extension, you and anyone close to him," Todo assured her.

Swalha let out a deep breath, the weight of the situation sinking in. "And what do we do with all of this information?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Todo took a moment before responding. "I'll help Wale. My family's company can assist with the search for his assets. My mother, who runs the company, seems to have known Wale's parents, which might explain why she's keeping a lot of information about them classified. I'll handle the investigation, but it'll take time—and it puts everyone involved, including you, in a precarious position."

Swalha shook her head, still struggling to grasp the enormity of the situation. "And what about Kind? He's still with Wale, isn't he?"

Todo chuckled lightly, more amused than angry now. "You know, Wale's always had a way of getting what he wants. He's likely keeping Kind for longer than just a day. I should've known better than to trust him on that front."

Swalha laughed softly, throwing a playful punch at Todo's shoulder. "I could've told you that! Wale's been glued to Kind for years. You really walked right into that one."

Todo smiled but then his expression turned serious. "I'm worried, Swalha. About me and Kind. I thought I loved him enough, but I keep finding myself conflicted. He suggested early on that if I ever felt hurt, I could leave—and he'd understand. He took responsibility for that pain before it even happened. But now, I'm hurting, and I don't know what to do. I want to fight for him, but it feels like I'm losing already."

Swalha's heart softened. She could see how deeply Todo was struggling. "I get it, I really do. I used to be in love with Kind myself, back in university. But he was always in love with someone else."

Todo stared at her in disbelief for a moment, then laughed. "You too? I should've known!"

Swalha joined in the laughter, shaking her head. "He's got a way of pulling people in, doesn't he?"

"Pity us both," Todo grinned, giving her a playful nudge. "But hey, you moved on, didn't you? Maybe I can too. Kind's a wonderful person—too wonderful sometimes—but maybe Wale's the one who'll always take that bullet for him."

They both burst into laughter again, picturing the absurd scenario. "Wale's an idiot," Swalha agreed.

"He always has been, and always will be," Todo added.

As their laughter subsided, Todo glanced at the clock. "I should get going—you've got an appointment soon."

Swalha glanced at the time and jumped up. "Goodness, how time flies!" she exclaimed, bustling about to prepare for her next patient. "But you can stay a bit longer if you need to."

Todo shook his head. "I'll be alright. But you know what, Swalha? Kind's the best boyfriend I've ever had. He's... well, let's just say he knows how to be both gentle and rough when I need it." He smirked, expecting a reaction.

Swalha's eyes lit up, leaning in with excitement. "Oh, do tell more! I always assumed you'd be the top—it's so fun hearing the details!"

Todo laughed heartily. "You're a cheeky one, aren't you?"

"Always!" Swalha grinned. "Now don't hold out on me—spill the rest!"

The two of them shared a lighthearted moment, the tension between them lifted for the time being. But deep down, they both knew the complexities of the situation weren't going anywhere anytime soon.