DECEPTION

Ch. 1 The Man from the Mercedes Benz.

As I trudged home from school, lost in thought, a sudden splash of clay water from a passing car drenched me, leaving my only school uniform stained and soggy. I shrieked in dismay, my eyes fixed on the driver emerging from a sleek Mercedes Benz. Expecting an apology, I was taken aback when he smiled warmly and approached me instead. Glancing at his wristwatch, he noted the time before focusing on me, suggesting I visit a nearby laundry to clean up. To my surprise, he pulled out his wallet and counted out 5,000 naira, offering it to me with a gentle smile.

Though I knew he intended to help, I refused the money, insisting he apologize for ruining my uniform instead. His laughter caught me off guard, but I stood firm, trying to maintain my composure despite feeling embarrassed and frustrated. He begged me to accept the money and leave, but I suggested he donate it to orphans, asserting I wasn't a beggar. With a sense of determination, I turned to walk away, despite feeling self-conscious about my stained clothes.

However, I quickly realized I couldn't face my mother in that state, and I needed a plan to avoid worrying her. Pausing, I turned back to the man, who was still smiling, and asked him to drive me to my friend's house instead. He raised an eyebrow, inquiring why, but his smile never wavered as he gestured for me to get into the car. I hesitated for a moment before sliding into the passenger seat, trying to collect my thoughts as we drove off.

As we journeyed towards my friend's residence, the man casually mentioned the need to refuel his vehicle, and I acquiesced without hesitation, my mind preoccupied with the impending encounter at my friend's house. I pondered the sequence of events that would unfold - the explanations, the justifications, the apologies. But my introspection was abruptly interrupted by the breathtaking sight before me, shattering my reverie and jolting me back to reality.

The car had pulled up to a magnificent, opulent mansion, its colossal scale and extravagance leaving me utterly astonished. The sheer grandeur of the estate was overwhelming, its beauty and luxury unlike anything I had ever seen. Before I could even process my thoughts, the man had already exited the vehicle and opened the door for me, gesturing for me to emerge. I disregarded his courtesy, opting instead to open the door on the opposite side and step out of the car, my eyes widening in wonder as I took in the mansion's splendor.

My mind raced with questions, each one tumbling over the other in a frenzied attempt to make sense of the situation. Was this his residence? I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present moment, and turned to face him, demanding an explanation.

"What is happening?"

I asked, my voice firm but laced with a hint of trepidation.

"Why have you brought me to this extravagant estate?"

I stood there, awaiting a response, my eyes locked on his, searching for answers, searching for clarity in a situation that seemed increasingly surreal. The man's smile, enigmatic and knowing, only added to the mystery, leaving me with more questions than answers.

Before he could respond,the man strode inside, scanning his ID card to unlock the glass door. I felt compelled to follow him, uneasy under the gaze of his guards. I lost sight of him as I stepped into the grand mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and trepidation. The opulent interior, with its lavish furnishings and exquisite artwork, seemed to transport me to a world far removed from my humble reality. But my awe was short-lived, as I soon realized I had lost sight of the man who had brought me here. I stood still, scanning the vast space, but he was nowhere to be found.

My confusion was compounded by the eerie silence that filled the mansion. The only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioning, which seemed to whisper secrets in my ear. I felt like an intruder, a trespasser in a domain that was not my own.