Adaora, a brilliant yet self-doubting programmer from Ifo, Nigeria, faces the harsh realities of life when her mother falls ill. Armed with exceptional tech skills but struggling with low self-esteem, she ventures to a city in Lagos seeking for job...
As Tunde Adeyemi delivered his heartfelt speech after winning the Best Entrepreneur of the Year award, his words resonated deeply with Adaora. Each phrase seemed to echo her own feelings, especially when he mentioned missing someone important in his life. Adaora knew, without a doubt, that the person Tunde was referring to was her. The realization left her standing still, the excitement of the event dimming as she processed the emotions surging within her.
She wanted to go to him, to offer her congratulations and perhaps, find a moment to talk about everything that had been left unsaid. But before she could reach him, she watched as Tunde moved through the crowd, a brief smile here, a handshake there, before he made his way out. By the time she gathered her thoughts and hurried towards him, Tunde had already hopped into his sleek new Audi Q7.
Outside the event venue, a convoy of luxury cars lined up in preparation for departure. Tunde sat in the driver's seat of his SUV, Sam beside him, as they prepared to lead the way. Mide followed closely behind in his gleaming Mercedes Benz C-Class, while Hack Sultan eased into his 2019 Lexus, the engines roaring in unison as they moved out in style, the headlights cutting through the night as they left in a synchronized convoy.
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The night was far from over as Tunde and his team headed straight to the newly completed Spark Technologies headquarters in Lekki. The building, a testament to Tunde's vision and hard work, was bathed in soft, celebratory lights. It was the perfect occasion for the grand opening of the company, a dual celebration that marked both the award and the beginning of a new chapter for Spark Technologies.
Inside the HQ, the atmosphere was one of triumph and camaraderie. Drinks flowed, toasts were made, and the team reveled in their collective achievement. Tunde's mind, however, kept wandering back to Adaora. Even as he smiled and nodded along with the conversations around him, a part of him felt the weight of what had transpired between them.
Chidi Okoye, standing by the window, looked out at the celebration without a trace of envy. He wasn't upset about losing the award to Tunde. In fact, he believed that he didn't deserve it this year, especially considering how his father had wronged Tunde in the Nigerian Information Technology Awards (NITA). Chidi accepted his fate, understanding that Tunde's success was well-earned and inevitable.
Meanwhile, back at her apartment, Adaora couldn't shake off the night's events. As soon as she walked through her door, she picked up her phone and dialed Tunde's number. The phone rang twice before he answered, his voice calm and reserved.
"Congratulations, Tunde," Adaora said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Thank you, Adaora," Tunde replied, his tone polite but distant.
There was a pause, the silence stretching out uncomfortably between them.
"I was hoping we could meet and talk," Adaora ventured, her heart pounding in her chest.
Tunde hesitated. He didn't want to seem harsh, but his feelings were conflicted. "Alright," he said finally. "Tomorrow."
Adaora's face lit up with relief. "Thank you, Tunde. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Goodnight, Adaora," Tunde replied simply before ending the call.
After the celebrations at the HQ had wound down, and just before Mide left for the night, Tunde pulled him aside for a private conversation. The two friends walked outside, the cool night air providing a welcome contrast to the warmth of the building.
"I need to tell you something, Mide," Tunde began, his voice heavy with the weight of what he was about to share. "I broke up with Adaora. I couldn't take it anymore."
Mide's expression shifted to one of concern. "You broke up with her? Tunde, why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"
Tunde sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated. She's been hanging out with Chidi Okoye, and the media's already starting to talk like they're a thing. I just... I can't stand it."
Mide shook his head, trying to reason with his friend. "Tunde, she might not know how to escape that. Chidi is her boss, after all. You can't be too hard on her. She might feel like she owes you because of everything you've done for her. Are you sure she really loves you? Or does she just feel indebted?"
Tunde frowned, considering Mide's words. "I don't know, Mide. Maybe you're right. I'll find out tomorrow."
The two friends continued their walk in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The night was still, but for Tunde, there was a storm of emotions brewing inside. He knew that tomorrow's meeting with Adaora would be crucial, not just for their relationship, but for his peace of mind.
