Binary Hearts

23| An Evening of Rivalry 😤

Tunde was waiting impatiently at Ada's house. He couldn't contain his anxiety, so he called her, but Ada, nervous and preoccupied at Chidi's house, couldn't pick up. As she watched Chidi finish his meal, she told him she had some urgent matters to attend to. Chidi appreciated her gesture and escorted her back outside, where she quickly left, heading home with her thoughts racing.

Upon arriving home, Ada anticipated a barrage of questions from Tunde about her whereabouts, but instead, he welcomed her warmly. "I've been anxious to taste your cooking," he said with a smile.

Ada rushed to the kitchen and dished out the Edikang ikong soup with semo for Tunde. "Oh my God!" Tunde exclaimed as he tasted the rich, flavorful dish. "Let me finish this meal before I comment," he said, savoring every bite, licking his fingers in pleasure, and even biting his tongue in delight.

Tunde expressed his gratitude and love for Ada once more. "Have you eaten yet?" he asked, concerned.

"No, I haven't," Ada replied.

"Oh my! We should have eaten together," Tunde said, feeling sorry.

"It's fine," Ada reassured him, dishing out her portion. As they ate, they talked about business and love. Tunde mentioned he would stay for two days before leaving, but Ada wanted him to stay longer. Tunde agreed, and their conversation drifted to deeper matters.

"Tell me about Chidi Okoye. You seem to be on bad terms," Ada asked.

Tunde hesitated but eventually opened up. "Chidi and I were classmates and best friends in high school. We shared a passion for business and planned to start a company together. Even in university, we continued working on projects, eventually co-founding Paystack. But things got complicated when my dad married another wife, and I started struggling financially."

"So, did you two fall out over a girl?" Ada asked, curious.

"Not exactly. Chidi had a crush on a girl on campus, but he didn't have the courage to approach her. I helped him out, and they started talking, but the girl was more interested in me. I tried to steer Chidi away from her that she doesn't have feelings for him, but he was still infatuated. One day, she asked me to meet up, and I informed Chidi to follow me but he insisted I go alone. During the meeting, she kissed me, and Chidi saw us."

"Is that why you two have grudges?" Ada asked, sensing there was more to the story.

"It's more than that," Tunde said, but he was interrupted by a call from Mide, informing him that his company had been nominated for the Nigeria Technology Awards (NITA). Excitedly, Tunde shared the news with Ada.

"Is she there with you?" Mide asked, curious about their progress.

Tunde handed the phone to Ada. "Iyawo wa," Mide teased, his voice filled with playful warmth.

"Hello Mide!" Ada responded, smiling. "Yes, I'm here with him."

"That's great to hear," Mide replied. "So, how's everything going between you two? I hope Tunde is treating you well."

Ada laughed softly. "He's been wonderful. And we're both excited about the nomination."

"Good to know," Mide said. "Make sure you both celebrate this moment. It's a big achievement."

"We will," Ada assured him. "Thank you, Mide."

"Anytime," Mide said. "And Tunde, keep making us proud."

Tunde took the phone back, grinning. "You know I will. Thanks, bro."

"Talk to you later," Mide said, ending the call.

Ada and Tunde exchanged happy glances, the excitement of the nomination filling the room.

After the call, Ada received a notification that her company had also been nominated for NITA. Overjoyed, she jumped up, making Tunde feel a pang of jealousy.

"Who are you rooting for now?" Tunde asked.

"My heart is with you, but professionally, I have to root for my company," Ada replied, making Tunde blush and see sense in her words.

That night, as they lay in bed, Tunde and Ada shared deep, romantic conversations that brought them even closer. The room was dimly lit, with soft moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on their faces.

Tunde turned to Ada, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "Ada, I can't express how much you mean to me. Every moment with you feels like a treasure. Your kindness, your strength, and your love have changed my life in ways I never imagined."

Ada smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "Tunde, you have no idea how happy you make me. Being with you feels like a dream. I never thought I could find someone who understands and supports me the way you do."

They lay there, holding hands, their fingers intertwined. "I want to build a future with you," Tunde continued, his eyes reflecting his sincerity. "I want us to achieve our dreams together, to support each other in every step."

Ada's eyes glistened with tears of happiness. "I feel the same way. Together, we can face anything. I believe in us, Tunde."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, moving from dreams of the future to fond memories of their past. They laughed about the silly moments they shared and spoke about their aspirations and hopes. Every word was a testament to the deep bond they shared.

As the night grew deeper, Tunde leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Ada's. "Goodnight, my love," he whispered.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," Ada replied, her voice barely above a whisper. They shared a sweet, lingering kiss, sealing their promises and dreams with love.

They finally drifted off to sleep, their hearts full, knowing they had each other to face whatever the future held.

On the day of the awards, the excitement was palpable. The venue was lavishly decorated, with notable companies arriving with their teams. Paystack, led by Chidi Okoye, arrived to a flurry of interviewers. Chidi, confident despite knowing Tunde had more supporters, was asked about his feelings on the nomination and his chances of winning.

When Spark Technologies arrived, Tunde was also swarmed by interviewers. Humble as always, he attributed his success to God's grace and expressed his hope of winning, appreciating everyone for their support.

As the award ceremony progressed, the atmosphere grew tense filled with the industry's elite, all waiting in anticipation hoping for Tunde Adeyemi to win. When the moment came to announce the winner, the room fell silent.

The host took the stage, holding the envelope that contained the winner's name. "And now, for the most anticipated award of the evening, the Nigeria Technology Award for Best Innovation," he began. "Our finalists are Paystack, represented by Chidi Okoye, and Spark Technologies, represented by Tunde Adeyemi. Both have presented groundbreaking projects: the Paystack payment solution and the electric gas measurement system."

The judges, seated prominently at the front, nodded in approval as they reviewed the highlights of each project. The audience held their breath, waiting for the final decision.

"The winner of the Nigeria Technology Award for Best Innovation is..." The host paused for dramatic effect, letting the tension build in the room. "...Paystack!"

The hall erupted in applause and cheers from the Paystack supporters while other was engulfed in silence. Chidi Okoye and his team leapt to their feet, hugging each other in celebration. Chidi, beaming with pride, made his way to the stage to accept the award.

As Chidi gave his acceptance speech, thanking his team and supporters, Tunde sat frozen in his seat. His heart sank as he watched the jubilant scene unfold. He glanced over and saw Ada among the cheering crowd, her face lit up with excitement for Paystack's win. The sight cut deep, and a wave of disappointment washed over him.

Feeling a mix of heartbreak and betrayal, Tunde quietly stood up and made his way out of the venue. The grand celebration behind him only amplified his sense of loss. He exited the building, the night air cool against his face, and walked away, grappling with the outcome and Ada's reaction.