Binary Hearts

24| Aftermath 🪖

Adaora felt a chill run down her spine when she realized Tunde Adeyemi had left the event. The jubilation around her felt distant as she tried to call him, but his number wasn't reachable. Panic mixed with worry gnawed at her as she quickly left the celebration, her mind racing with thoughts of how Tunde must be feeling.

Meanwhile, Tunde stormed back to Adaora's house, anger pulsing through his veins. The memories of how Paystack began haunted him, especially the part of his sketch that Ada had borrowed. Though he didn't accuse her then, the betrayal stung even more now. As he paced through the house, he found himself drawn to the kitchen, the aroma of Edikang ikong soup hitting his nostrils. Unable to resist, he prepared some rice, his impatience growing with each passing second.

When the rice was finally ready, Tunde dished it up with the soup, heading back to the sitting room. With each spoonful, he felt his anger dissipating, the rich flavors soothing his turmoil. He savored every bite, licking his fingers in pleasure and even biting his tongue slightly in his haste to enjoy the meal.

Chidi Okoye, despite the festive mood, couldn't stay with his team. He slipped away to his G-Wagon and drove home. One by one, the guests and team members dispersed until Adaora too went home, her thoughts heavy with concern for Tunde. Upon arriving, she knocked gently on Tunde's door. When he opened it, she immediately began to console him about his loss.

"Tunde, I'm so sorry," she began, her eyes reflecting genuine remorse.

Tunde's face was a mixture of anger and hurt. "Ada, I saw you celebrating with them. How could you?"

"I had to be professional," Ada explained softly. "It's my job to support my team, but that doesn't mean I'm not with you."

Tunde sighed, his expression softening. "Every spoonful of your soup calmed me down, Ada. Your food has a way of making everything better."

Ada smiled, a tear escaping her eye. She leaned in and kissed him gently, a gesture of appreciation and love.

Meanwhile, Chidi Okoye arrived home, his mind clouded with thoughts of the night. As he walked through the living room, his father's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Thank God you didn't celebrate your win," his father spat, his tone dripping with disdain. "Because you know for sure that the award was for Tunde."

Chidi turned slowly, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "What do you mean?" he demanded, already suspecting the truth.

"Just get the hell out of here," his father barked. "Next time, I won't be there to save your ass."

Chidi's frustration boiled over. "Don't you dare interfere in my matters or I'll step down!"

"In your matters? This is my matter!" his father shouted back. "This is my company, and I won't let you ruin it!"

Chidi clenched his fists, realizing the full extent of his father's involvement. "I promise you, next time you interfere, I will step down," he said, his voice low and determined, before storming off to his room.

The next day at Paystack, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Everyone eagerly awaited the CEO's arrival. When Chidi finally walked in, his demeanor was neutral, his face betraying no happiness. Ada noticed this and was determined to talk to him, but the opportunity never arose.

When she got home, the tension melted away in Tunde's arms. They shared a quiet, intimate evening, their conversations filled with love and dreams for the future. Despite the chaos of the past day, Ada knew that as long as they had each other, they could face anything together.