Subdued (18+)✔️ [A Nigerian Romance]

65~Running Away

"I can't believe you called a lawyer," Aunty Ndidi wailed. She tapped her foot and shot pitiful glances at Aria. "I thought we were family, Nkem."

Aria could barely hold her laugh. The transformation from how her aunt and uncle were days ago to the sighing mess they were now amused her. After a short meeting with Azu, they'd gotten the message clearly. Now that they knew she was not to be toyed with they were changing tactics.

"We should tell her," Aunty Ndidi said suddenly. Her husband who'd been quiet for the most part of the meeting shook his head. "Nkem is not wicked, nnam. I'm sure if she knows why we're doing this, she'll help us."

"Ndidi, let's not drag her into our problems. She has made her decisions and we now know where we stand with her as a family. One day, she'll need us and it's only then she'd regret what she has just done." Uncle Udoka dusted his native and walked out, leaving his wife behind.

"Nne, your cousin is sick. He's been in the hospital and the bills are too much. That's why we need the money for the house."

"So you think emotional blackmail would work better than your threats?" Azu asked the older woman, a cold smile playing on his face.

"No o. It's not like that. I am really sorry about before," she pleaded.

"Aunty," Aria called out. "You can't sacrifice my mom for your son now. Ah ah! It's not done. If you had said the truth from day one, I'd have helped in any way I can."

"And now?" Aunty Ndidi asked.

"I'll see what I can do."

"You'll sell the house?" The older woman's eyes widened, making Aria question the story about her son being ill.

"She said she'll see what she can do," Azu replied. "I'm sure this conversation is over. I'd like to talk to my client alone."

Aunty Ndidi looked from Aria to the lawyer and then back before gathering her purse. "Please help us," she said again before exiting.

Aria looked at the man beside her, surprised at how cold and unmoving he'd been throughout the meeting, it was a contrast to the easygoing Azu she knew. She'd always wondered how he'd be good at his job if he was always this playful. Now that she'd seen him at work, she could finally understand how he got his ruthless reputation.

"Madam, are you still with me?" He nudged her gently but the action still made her jump. "Sorry." He smiled. "Your mind wandered. Thinking about your mom? Or is it my boy that's got you like this."

Aria shook her head to both options. "Thank you so much for today. I can't imagine how I'd have handled it without you."

"I'm sure you'd have managed. You seem to be quite tenacious." He patted her knee then began gathering the documents he'd laid out on the table.

"How do we go about the payment?"

He looked at her from over his shoulder, offering her a small grin. "It's already been taken care of."

"Kachi paid—"

"It was Chike actually, he paid for everything, including my transportation and accomodations at a hotel."

"Oh." She snapped her mouth shut in surprise.

She'd immediately assumed Chike had talked to Kachi, so the unexpected twist left her feeling somehow. Kachi had stopped texting or calling since she spoke to Chike and she couldn't help but admit she missed the onesided conversations. She'd expected Chike to tell him and then Kachi would swoop in like he usually did and try to fix everything. It was a little disappointing to hear that Chike had respected her wishes and kept it to himself. She made a mental note to call him and thank him.