Binary Hearts

70| A Stir of Emotions 😻💛

As the evening descended over Lagos, the streets were bathed in the soft golden glow of sun. Adaora found herself standing in front of Tunde's house, the familiarity of the place now tinged with an unsettling tension. She hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door, her mind racing with thoughts of their last conversation and the missed calls she had yet to explain.

The door creaked open, and standing there was Adeola, dressed casually, but her presence alone sent a shiver down Adaora's spine. The memory of their previous encounter flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of discomfort. Adeola's eyes met hers, and for a split second, Adaora wondered if she had come to the right place. The unease was mutual, but Adeola quickly masked it with a polite smile.

"Good evening, Adaora," Adeola greeted, her tone a mixture of warmth and something more guarded. "I'm glad you came. Tunde's been waiting for you."

Adaora nodded, forcing a smile as she stepped inside. The living room was warmly lit, but the atmosphere felt colder than usual, perhaps because of Adeola's presence. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was intruding on something more intimate. As they walked further into the house, Adeola suddenly turned to her.

"I want to apologize for the other day," Adeola said, her voice sincere yet tinged with something Adaora couldn't quite place. "I didn't mean to come off as rude or intrusive. It's just... Tunde and I go way back, and sometimes I forget my boundaries."

Tunde, who had been waiting in the living room, looked up as the two women entered. His eyes softened when they met Adaora's, but there was a noticeable tension in his posture. He seemed relieved at Adeola's apology, but the undertone of the exchange wasn't lost on him.

"It's alright," Tunde interjected, trying to ease the tension. "We're all good here, right?"

Adaora nodded, though she couldn't ignore the way Adeola's eyes lingered on Tunde for just a moment too long before she excused herself.

"I'll leave you two to talk," Adeola said, her voice sweet but carrying an undercurrent of something Adaora couldn't decipher. As she disappeared into her room, the door closed with a soft click, but Adaora had a feeling that Adeola was far from done.

Tunde turned his attention fully to Adaora now, his expression softening as he moved closer. "I tried calling you earlier. I was worried when you didn't pick up."

Adaora sighed, gathering her thoughts. She knew this conversation wouldn't be easy. "I'm sorry, Tunde. I didn't know my phone was on silent. I just... didn't hear it."

Tunde exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I was really angry, you know? But where were you, Adaora?"

Her heart raced as she stood there, caught between the urge to be honest and the fear that telling the truth might push him away. She hesitated before finally speaking, trying to maintain her composure. "Actually, I went to get something at the supermarket."

Tunde's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion creeping into his gaze. "Oh my God, so it's true?"

"What's true?" Adaora asked, confusion evident in her voice.

"You're cheating on me, aren't you?" Tunde's tone was laced with accusation. "I know you went to the Okoye's house. Now you're even lying to me."

Behind the door of her room, Adeola pressed her ear against the wall, her heart racing as she strained to hear every word of the conversation unfolding outside.

"Tunde... see..." Adaora began, her voice trembling as she tried to explain, but Tunde cut her off.

"Don't 'Tunde' me at all!" he snapped. "Have you realized that all our fights are because of that mother fucking Chidi Okoye?"