Binary Hearts

12| Unraveling Tensions 🤬

Chidi Okoye gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove home, anger boiling within him. When he arrived, the scene was no better. His stepmother was in the midst of a tantrum, breaking anything within reach, while his father pleaded with her to calm down. Ignoring the chaos, Chidi walked past them with a bottle of whiskey in hand, heading straight to his room.

He poured himself a glass of whiskey, each sip doing little to ease his frustration. The thought of Adaora staying with Tunde Adewale gnawed at him. In a fit of rage, he hurled the glass against the wall, the shards scattering across the floor. Determined to find out more, he searched for Tunde Adewale on X (formerly Twitter) and was dismayed to see Spike Technologies trending for their new product. His anger intensified.

Grabbing his phone, he dialed a number. "I want you to keep an eye on Adaora Okafor," he instructed, his voice cold, before hanging up.

*************************************

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains as Tunde and Adaora woke up, finding themselves wrapped in each other's arms. Tunde's hand was around her waist, while Ada's hand rested on his. Realizing their position, they quickly untangled themselves, both feeling the awkwardness of the moment.

"Good morning, Tunde," Adaora greeted, her voice a bit shaky.

"Morning, Ada," Tunde replied, equally uneasy, as he made his way out of her room.

Tunde was already dressed and ready for the day. He had a busy schedule ahead with interviews for new employees at his company. "Ada! Are you done?" he called out, impatience creeping into his voice.

"Almost! Wait for me," Adaora replied hurriedly.

Just as she finished getting ready, they both heard a loud horn from outside. Adaora rushed out, thinking it might be a surprise from Tunde, but was taken aback to see Chidi Okoye's blue Audi parked outside.

"Hey! Morning," Chidi greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, Sir," Adaora replied, nervousness evident in her tone.

"I noticed your car was still at the company, so I thought I'd give you a lift," Chidi explained. Just then, Tunde joined them outside.

"Long time no see," Tunde said, his tone cold, his eyes fixed on Chidi.

"What's up, Tunde?" Chidi forced a smile. "I came to pick up my new staff. Didn't know you two knew each other."

Tunde drew Adaora closer, holding her hand firmly. "Thanks for the offer, but I can take my girl to work myself," he said, leading Adaora back inside. The tension was palpable.

"You don't have to be so mean like that," Adaora said to Tunde once they were inside.

"Let me take you to the company quickly so he won't have any excuse to bother you," Tunde replied, avoiding the confrontation.

"What about where we were going?" she asked.

"Let's do it another time," he said. They drove to the company in silence, the air heavy with unspoken words. Upon arrival, Tunde informed Adaora about his plans to return to the mainland for a couple of days to sort out some work-related issues. Adaora nodded in understanding, and they bid each other farewell.

*************************************

Back at Spike Technologies in Ojo, Lagos, Tunde prepared for the interviews. He was focused and determined to find the right talent for his growing company. The candidates filed in, each eager for an opportunity to work at the rising tech firm.

Tunde sat through the interviews, asking probing questions and assessing each candidate's potential. By the end of the day, he had identified ten promising individuals. He hired them on the spot, informing them that they would start the next day.

"Welcome to Spike Technologies," Tunde said, shaking hands with the new employees. "I expect great things from each of you."

As the day came to an end, Tunde felt a sense of accomplishment. Despite the tension with Chidi and the complicated feelings he had for Adaora, he knew his focus needed to be on building his company and supporting the people who believed in him. He was determined to prove himself, not just to the world, but to Adaora as well.

The chapter closes with Tunde standing at the window of his office, looking out at the bustling city below. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with Adaora by his side and a team of dedicated employees, he felt ready to face whatever came next.