AFRO TO HIS BEATS

CHAPTER 23

TOLANI'S POV

It's a quiet Sunday morning in Lekki. I'm lying in bed, my eyes fluttering open to the soft light that's filtering through my bedroom curtains. I exhale slowly, my heart already humming with the anticipation of today's service. Sundays are always special for me—my time to reconnect, refocus, and recharge spiritually. I've always believed that it's not just about showing up for church but showing up for God in every moment.

I glance over at my phone on the nightstand and see a few messages from Rema. A small smile creeps onto my face as I scroll through his texts. He's been sending me photos from tour—him on stage, him in the studio, him doing the most random things with his crew. It's sweet, but I miss him. Six months feels like forever, but I keep reminding myself that God's timing is perfect, and everything will work out. Plus, Michael is returning next week for Nkechi's delivery, so the house will be busy again soon. Nkechi's been such a trooper—heavy pregnancy and all, still full of energy and excitement.

I roll out of bed, stretching as I walk over to the window. The view of our garden and the distant skyline of Lekki always calms me. The seven-bedroom mansion feels massive on quiet mornings like this. My roommate, Adetola, is still asleep, probably recovering from her late-night creative session. She's a genius with her photography and design, and though we both live busy lives, our friendship is rock-solid. God blessed me with her, I swear.

I grab my journal from the nightstand and sit by the window, opening to today's scripture. I flip through the pages and land on a passage I've been meditating on this week: Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." I sit with that verse for a while, letting it sink in.

I whisper a quick prayer, thanking God for His goodness, for this home, for my friends, for Rema, for the strength to keep going. I pray for Nkechi's delivery, asking for God's hand over her and Michael as they prepare for the baby's arrival. And then, with a deep breath, I start getting ready for church.

An hour later, I'm in my closet.

The soft hum of gospel music plays through my speakers as I sift through my dresses. Sundays call for something elegant but modest. I add a touch of makeup, something light, just enough to highlight my features. As I finish my look, I hear Adetola knocking on my door.

"Tolani! Are you almost ready?" she calls from the hallway.

I open the door, smiling. "Yeah, I'm almost done. You're coming to church today, right?"

Adetola leans against the doorframe, dressed. "Of course."

We take my car—a sleek black G-Wagon that Michael insisted I get when we moved into this mansion. He said it suited me. We ride through Lekki's smooth streets, talking about everything from work to Nkechi's pregnancy to the latest updates from Rema and Michael's tour.

"Can you believe Michael's actually going to make it back in time?" Adetola says, scrolling through her phone. "It feels like he's been away forever."

"I know, right? I miss having him around," I reply. "Plus, Nkechi's getting more anxious as the days go by. I'm glad he'll be here for the birth. I can't imagine going through that without him."

Adetola nods. "She's strong, though. But yeah, it's different having your partner there."

I honesestly wish Rema could also be back in time for the deliver, but he is the headliner of his show and you know what they say the show must go on.

The conversation turns quieter as we approach the church. I pull into the valet service outside the grand entrance of The Life Church, one of the most exclusive churches in Lagos. The building itself is stunning—modern, with high glass walls and an inviting atmosphere. This is where some of the most influential people in the city come to worship, but what I love most about it is that despite the high-end look, the presence of God is always undeniable here.