Binary Hearts

14| Trust and Turmoil ❤️💔

As Adaora drove down the dimly lit street, her mind was filled with worry and uncertainty. She glanced over at the unconscious Chidi, lying slumped in the passenger seat. She suddenly realized she had no idea where Chidi lived. "Chidi! Where's your address?" she called out, but there was no response. Panic began to rise in her chest. She had no choice but to go back to Spike Technologies, where she was staying, even though she feared Tunde Adeyemi's reaction.

Turning the car around, she headed back. When she arrived, she gently got out of her car and knocked on the door, hoping Tunde would answer. There was no response. She realized the door was locked. With a sense of relief mixed with apprehension, she unlocked it and went back to fetch Chidi from the car. They both went inside, Chidi slowly regaining consciousness as Adaora prepared some honey water in the kitchen.

"Take this and drink. It'll help you sober up," Adaora said, handing the cup to Chidi, who was now sitting up and rubbing his temples.

"Thanks," Chidi replied, taking the cup gratefully.

Adaora finally sat down, the weight of the night's events pressing on her. She was confused and sad, her mind racing with thoughts of how she would beg Tunde for forgiveness. Chidi, noticing her distress, asked, "So what are you going to do now?"

"Do what?" Adaora replied curiously.

"I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I made Tunde think there's something between us," Chidi said with sympathy on his face.

"No, no! Don't say that, jhoor. It's not your fault, really," Adaora replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "I'll handle it," she added, though she had no idea how.

Chidi looked around the room and asked, "So...is this where you live all this while?"

"Yeah, any problem?" Adaora replied defensively.

"Uhmmm...I'm thinking...if later Tunde chases you out, take this...it's your new house at Lekki," Chidi stammered, handing over a house key to her.

"Oh my God! Are you serious? You really want to give me a house?" Adaora was shocked.

"Sure! Keep it a secret," he said with a small smile, standing up and heading toward the door.

"Where are you going this late at night?" Adaora asked, concerned.

"It won't be nice if I sleep here. Tunde will be mad if he ever finds out. I'm sorry, I didn't know you guys were dating," Chidi said as he opened the door.

"Wait! I understand you, but we are not dating, sha," she replied, and Chidi smirked.

"Can you lend me your car to take me home? I'll return it to your house before tomorrow," Chidi asked, and Adaora handed him her car key.

"Take care," she said as he left.

That night, Adaora couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind racing with thoughts of Tunde. The events of the evening replayed in her mind, each moment adding to her worry and regret. What would she say to Tunde? How could she explain everything?

Meanwhile, Tunde finally arrived at Spike Technologies in Ojo around 12:44 AM. He made his way inside, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. He went to his fridge to get a Fearless drink and then retreated to his office. As he sipped the energy drink, his anger seemed to fuel a burst of inspiration. He picked up a pencil and began sketching Sam's suggested improvement to the gas measurement device: a pushable handle.

Back at Spike Technologies Ikeja, Adaora lay awake, her mind racing with thoughts of Tunde and Chidi. She wondered how she would face Tunde the next time, knowing how hurt and angry he was. Her heart ached at the thought of losing his trust and respect. She glanced at the clock; it was well past midnight, and sleep seemed impossible.

In his office, Tunde worked furiously, the sketch taking shape under his skilled hand. The handle, designed to make the gas measurement device pushable, was a brilliant idea. He could see the practicality and convenience it would offer users. As he worked, his mind drifted back to Adaora. Despite his anger, he couldn't deny his feelings for her. He wanted to trust her, but the sight of her with Chidi had shattered his composure.

As the first light of dawn crept into the room, Tunde put down his pencil and leaned back in his chair, staring at the completed sketch. His anger had transformed into a burning determination to succeed, to show everyone, especially Adaora, that he could rise above the pettiness and focus on what truly mattered.

Meanwhile, Adaora finally drifted into a fitful sleep, her dreams haunted by the events of the night. She saw Tunde's angry face, Chidi's drunken smile, and the house key Chidi had given her. She woke up feeling drained and uncertain, but she knew she had to face the day and whatever it would bring.

As she got ready for work, she couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change. She took a deep breath and stepped out of her room, determined to face Tunde and make things right, no matter how difficult it would be.

Tunde, on the other hand, was already in his office, still brooding over the previous night's events. His mind was a storm of emotions, but he forced himself to focus on the task at hand. The sketch was done, and it was time to turn it into reality. He would channel his anger into his work and prove to himself and everyone else that he was not to be underestimated.

Adaora called Tunde's phone with trepidation, her heart pounding in her chest. Tunde finally picked the call and there was a tense silence before Tunde's voice called out, "hey!"

"Tunde, can we talk?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Tunde leaned back in his chair. "What is there to talk about, Adaora?" he replied coldly.

As she was about to respond, there was a knock at the door. "Ada! It's me, Chidi," his voice called from the other side. Tunde's frustration deepened at the sound of Chidi's presence.

Shocked, Ada hung up the call abruptly. "Be quiet!" she whispered urgently as she opened the door for Chidi. "Sorry, I was on the phone with Tunde," she added quickly, trying to explain.