~AUNTY VALERIE'S POV~
I had just sent Tiara off to her school costume party feeling that she deserved some happiness. With everything that's going on, I know she misses her parents terribly, but they had to leave to get a better medical treatment. As I headed back inside, my phone rang. It was my husband, who had been managing the family business in Abuja for a month now. I hated that he had to be away for so long, but I understood he had to fill in for his brother while he was away. I just hoped that the troubles would pass soon so our lives could return to normal. I enjoyed having Tiara with me, but she also needed to be with her parents. At least now they would allow her to visit us more often.
"Hi dear, how are you?" I heard him crying on the phone, and I started to panic.
"What's wrong? Please calm down and talk to me."
"He's dead," he said, and I was shocked beyond belief. Dead? Oh my God, no, no, God, why?
"What do you mean he's dead? Didn't you say he started responding to treatment just this week?" I began to shed tears.
"He relapsed. My brother died a few hours ago. Aunty Tara just called me," he said.
"This is so unfortunate," I said, bursting into tears. Uncle Tunde had been so kind to us. God, why? He had been suffering from a heart condition for months now. He had to be flown to the United Kingdom for intensive care, and he made sure Tiara didn't know about it. He just didn't want her to worry about him. We had thought he would get better in the United States and come back. He had been responding to treatment, which is why I was so shocked to hear that he was dead.
"Where is Tiara now?" he asked.
"She is still at her school party," I said. "Go and pick her up and bring her home. She needs to know the truth now."
~TIARA'S POV~
"Aunty Valerie, what's happening?" My aunt came to pick me up from school, but she wasn't saying anything. She just kept sighing. God, I hope nothing bad has happened. I hope my parents are fine.
"My dear, we'll talk about it when we get home," she said.
"Aunty, no, tell me now. I can't wait. Aunty Valerie, please," I pleaded. She burst into tears.
"Tiara, I'm so sorry, but your dad didn't make it," she said and hugged me tightly.
"What do you mean my dad didn't make it? What are you talking about?" I asked, already shedding tears.
"Tiara, your daddy had a heart condition. He had to fly to the UK for intensive care, but... but he died in the hospital today."
"My dad had a heart condition? He had to fly to the UK? My dad is dead? I didn't even know he was sick..." I burst into tears, shocked, and started gasping.
"Stop the car, Adamu. She needs some air," my aunt said to the driver. She brought me out of the car, and I sat on the ground as I started taking deep breaths while she rubbed my back.
~Mrs. Omotara Wellington's POV~
It's been a week since we laid my husband to rest. With Henry, my husband's brother, by our side, I don't know how I would have coped. Tiara, my daughter, has been distant since my return. It's time for us to leave, but Henry convinced me to let Tiara stay with them until she finishes her secondary education. Knocking on Tiara's door yielded no response, so I entered.
"Tiara, my dear," I began, seeing her engrossed in a book.
"What is it, Mum?" she replied with a sharp edge to her tone.
"Tiara, I understand your anger, but please, listen to me," I pleaded.
"Mum, I just want to be alone right now. I don't want to talk," she dismissed.
"Alright, dear. I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving for Abuja tomorrow to manage the business. Your uncle has done a great job, but he's needed here in Lagos. Tiara, your dad left his business to you in his will. He loved you till the end, and I'm sorry we didn't tell you about his condition, but it was his wish. We didn't think he'd pass away. I promise," I said, tears welling up as I hugged her. After a moment, she hugged me back.
"I miss him so much Mummy" she cried, I held her closer and we both stayed like that for a while mourning our loss.
Tiara agreed to stay, realizing it wasn't wise to leave with just two terms left and she said she loves it more in her new school, I feel relieved but sad also to leave my beloved daughter again.
~Jason's POV~
I felt relieved that Tiara and I were finally getting along at the school party. She looked stunning in her dress, and I was completely captivated by her. However, I couldn't find her anywhere at the after-party, and no one saw her leave. I felt a pang of sadness; I had hoped we could continue our conversation. It had been so enjoyable talking to her earlier.
The next day, the principal called a meeting with the school executives and informed us that Tiara's father had passed away. My heart sank for her; I knew firsthand the pain of losing a family member. I, along with Folu and two other executives, were assigned to attend the funeral.
At the funeral, Tiara appeared distant, surrounded by adults and friends offering condolences. Janet insisted we visit her, but I felt she needed space to mourn. Still, I longed to see her, to offer my shoulder for her to cry on, to reassure her that everything would be alright. School had resumed for two weeks, yet Tiara hadn't returned. I grew increasingly worried.
As I played video games in my room, Janet entered, wearing a downcast expression.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, pausing my game.
"Paula mentioned that Tiara might not come back to school. She might go back to Abuja with her mother," Janet said sadly.
"Did Tiara say that?" I inquired, feeling a sense of alarm.
"Not directly, but it seems plausible. She only came to Lagos because her parents were abroad. Don't you think she'd go back home now?" Janet reasoned.
I pondered her words. The thought of Tiara leaving filled me with sorrow; despite spending only a term together, I had grown fond of her. I knew I had to see her before she left.
"Get ready, we're visiting Tiara," I declared, determination in my voice.
"Really?" Janet exclaimed, rushing off to prepare.
"Yes," I affirmed. I grabbed my jacket and called the driver to take us.
