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...
Tunde couldn't stop smiling as he drove Adeola home after their eventful day with her parents. The evening air was cool, a refreshing contrast to the heat of the day. He glanced over at Adeola, her face glowing with happiness.
"Your parents are amazing," Tunde said, breaking the silence. "I was so nervous at first, but they made me feel so welcome. Especially your dad-he's tougher than he looks, but I respect that."
Adeola laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "I'm so glad it went well. I was worried about how my dad would react, but he seems to like you. And my mum, well, she's already smitten." She smiled, turning to him, her heart full.
Tunde chuckled, "Your mom is lovely. I didn't expect to feel this...at home with them. It's like things just fell into place."
Adeola felt a rush of affection for Tunde. She wanted to hug him, to share this moment, but as she leaned in, Tunde's calm composure and effortless charm stopped her. He maintained his steeze, his cool demeanor unwavering. She smiled inwardly, admiring how he never lost his sense of self.
As they reached home, the joy of the moment was quickly interrupted. Tunde's phone buzzed-a message from his team at Spark Technologies. He glanced at it and his eyes widened.
"The demand for the gas measurement system just skyrocketed," he said, disbelief coloring his voice.
Adeola looked at him, concern crossing her face. "Isn't that a good thing?"
"It is," Tunde replied, "but right now, we're tight on funds. This could be a problem if we don't have the capital to meet the demand."
For a moment, he thought about panicking, but then his mind drifted to the meeting he had lined up with Adeola's father tomorrow. He exhaled, a small smile creeping onto his face. "No, it's fine. Tomorrow's meeting will sort everything out."
He turned to Adeola, his smile growing. "This calls for a celebration, even if it's just a little one for now."
Later that evening, he, Sam, and Adeola toasted their small win at his apartment. The mood was light, and the evening full of laughter, but there was an undercurrent of anticipation in Tunde's heart. Tomorrow would be a big day.
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The next morning, Tunde dressed sharply, his suit crisp and dark, exuding confidence. He left Adeola at home and drove straight to Victoria Island, to the mansion of Adeola's father.
As he pulled up to the gates, he was struck by the grandeur of the estate. The mansion was majestic, its modern architecture blending seamlessly with the lush gardens that surrounded it. Armed foreign bodyguards, towering in stature, stood watch, their gazes sharp as they observed him.
One of the guards approached his car. "Good morning, Mr. Adeyemi. You're expected."
Tunde nodded, feeling a surge of nerves but keeping his expression calm. He was led inside the mansion, and as he stepped in, the luxury overwhelmed him. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the sunlight that streamed through tall windows. Expensive art lined the walls, and the faint scent of imported cologne filled the air.
He was escorted to a private elevator that whisked him up several floors. As he ascended, Tunde's nerves kicked in again. He wiped his palms on his trousers, mentally rehearsing what he would say. This meeting was too important to mess up.
The elevator doors opened, and Tunde was led into Adeola's father's office. The room was immaculate-sleek black furniture, a wide desk with a state-of-the-art laptop, and a massive bookshelf that took up an entire wall, filled with leather-bound books. The soft hum of air conditioning added to the cool, calm atmosphere.
Adeola's father sat behind his large desk, dressed in an impeccably tailored navy blue kaftan, the smooth fabric catching the light just enough to highlight its quality. His hands rested on the desk as he adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his expression calm and unreadable as he looked up to meet Tunde's gaze.
"Tunde, good morning," he said, gesturing for him to sit.
"Good morning, sir," Tunde replied, trying to hide his nerves. He sat down, feeling the weight of the moment. This wasn't just a casual meeting-this was about his future, about Spark Technologies' survival.
The conversation started formally, with both of them exchanging pleasantries. Tunde laid out his business proposal, explaining the surge in demand for the gas measurement system and how this investment would push Spark Technologies to new heights. Adeola's father listened intently, occasionally asking pointed questions that made Tunde feel like he was being tested.
After what felt like an eternity, Adeola's father leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful.
"I like what I'm hearing, Tunde. I believe in what you're doing," he said slowly. "I'll invest, but I'm not looking for equity. This will be a profit-only deal."
Tunde's heart raced. It was exactly what he had hoped for.
"Thank you, sir," Tunde said, his voice full of gratitude. "I won't let you down."
They signed the necessary documents, and with a firm handshake, the deal was sealed. Tunde left the mansion with a sense of relief and triumph washing over him. It felt surreal-his company was now secure, and he had Adeola's father to thank for it.
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Instead of heading home, Tunde decided to share the good news with Adaora. He knew she would be at work, but that didn't stop him. He drove straight to Paystack HQ.
As soon as he stepped into the building, heads turned. Employees whispered among themselves, shocked to see the CEO of Spark Technologies walking through their office. "That's Tunde Adeyemi," one of them murmured, awe in their voice.
He didn't respond to the greetings of "Yes, sir" from the staff, focused solely on reaching Adaora's office. Bam Bam, one of the managers, led the way, and before long, Tunde found himself standing at her door. He knocked softly.
"Who's there?" came Adaora's voice from inside.
"Surprise," Tunde said as he pushed the door open.
Adaora looked up and her eyes widened in shock. "Tunde! What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, jumping up from her seat and rushing over to him.
Without hesitation, Tunde lifted her into his arms, spinning her around. Adaora laughed, hugging him tightly, her joy infectious. Bam Bam, who had been watching from the doorway, bit her lip in silent jealousy.
"I have news," Tunde whispered as he set her down.
Before he could continue, a ripple of gossip swept through the building. Word of Tunde's visit had already reached Chidi Okoye, who sat in his office, his heart pounding. What was Tunde Adeyemi doing here? His mind raced with questions, and he knew one thing for certain-he needed to find out what was going on. And fast.
