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 Adaora finished her last set of stretches, she sensed someone approaching her from behind. Turning slightly, she saw Chidi. He had a hesitant smile on his face, the kind that said he knew he had messed up but wasn’t quite sure how to fix it.
“I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said, standing just behind her. “I know you’ve already guessed I wasn’t going to show up.”
Adaora sighed, turning to face him fully. “It’s fine. I wasn’t even expecting you, to be honest.”
Chidi scratched the back of his neck, a boyish grin slipping onto his face. “I have a surprise for you. Seriously, just delay going home today.”
Adaora raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “As per what? My boss? Or...?”
“Anyone sha, just trust me.” He flashed that mischievous smile before walking off, leaving Adaora standing there, mildly intrigued but determined not to show it.
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The exercise session ended not long after, and Adaora noticed the shift in the office atmosphere. Most of her colleagues were walking back inside, energized. The ones who weren’t in the best shape were clearly exhausted, dragging their feet as they returned to their desks.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, Mrs. Adeyemi was proudly taking Tunde around, introducing him to everyone who mattered. Her aura was commanding, and as they met with different stakeholders, Tunde kept the charm alive, smiling and nodding at the right moments.
At one point, Mrs. Adeyemi’s friend brought out a selection of fine jewelry. Among them was a beautiful, simple silver necklace that caught Tunde’s eye. Mrs. Adeyemi nudged him playfully. “Buy it for your girlfriend, hmm?” she teased.
“I don’t have one,” Tunde said, trying to sound nonchalant. “We broke up recently.”
“Oh dear, I’m sorry about that,” Mrs. Adeyemi replied. “But don’t worry, Tunde. You’ll find someone who loves you for you. Build a family, you’re not getting younger, you know?”
Though Tunde pretended not to care, he couldn’t take his eyes off the necklace. It was classy, understated—exactly the kind of gift that would mean something special. He knew it wasn’t necessary, but something about it pulled him in.
“You like it, don’t you?” Mrs. Adeyemi’s friend said, noticing his lingering gaze. “It’s perfect. Take it.”
Tunde hesitated, but after some more persuasion, he caved and bought it. He also picked up a pair of earrings for his stepsister, Zara. With the transactions completed, they parted ways, and Tunde headed to his hotel—The Hilton Abuja—where his stepmom had already reserved a room for him.
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Back at Paystack, the evening was creeping in, and Adaora was still waiting like Chidi had asked. She pretended to be engrossed in a video game, though her mind was buzzing with curiosity. Hannah hadn’t left either, and at one point, she went into Chidi’s office.
“Let’s hang out tonight,” Hannah suggested, leaning against Chidi’s desk.
Chidi smiled, but it was strained. “I’ve got a meeting with a business partner tonight. But hey, here’s my house key. Go home and wait for me. When I’m done, we’ll explore Lagos.”
Reluctantly, Hannah accepted the key and left.
Paystack was almost silent now, the few remaining workers packing up and preparing to leave. Bam Bam was still seated, tapping away at her phone. When she noticed Chidi coming out of his office, their eyes met, and she stood up, approaching him.
“I need to talk to you,” she said, her voice low.
They retreated into his office, and Bam Bam, without a word, seductively sat on his table and widen her laps in front of him , a clear attempt to tempt him. Chidi was furious.
“What the hell are you doing?” he hissed. “Have you lost your mind?”
Bam Bam’s expression turned pale, fully aware that she had crossed a boundary. But she couldn't hold back. “What was last time all about? You were touching me, and we had sex—what did that mean? I want more,” she exclaimed, her voice intense. Chidi, his demeanor cold and unyielding, handed her his house key. “Go wait for me at my place,” he ordered tersely. Without hesitation, she left, thrilled at the thought that tonight would be even more exciting.
Moments later, Chidi made a call, and not long after, a sleek white limousine arrived at the front of the building.
He walked to Adaora’s office and found her still pretending to be absorbed in her game. He chuckled softly, knowing she was waiting for him. “It’s time,” he said, leaning on her doorframe.
Adaora looked up, feigning surprise. “Time for what?”
Chidi grinned. “A date.”
Adaora hesitated. “I didn’t prepare for a date. I should go home and change.”
“You look fine. Trust me.”
They stepped outside, and Adaora was met with the sight of the limousine. “How many cars do you have, bayii?” she asked, eyebrow raised.
Chidi smirked. “As many as you can count.” He opened the door for her, and they drove off.
Their first stop was a boutique. “Pick whatever dress you want,” Chidi said, his smile widening.
Adaora wandered around, finally settling on a stunning red gown. She held it up for Chidi to see. “Is this okay?”
“It’s perfect.”
From there, they headed to a Chinese restaurant in Victoria Island, a cozy yet high-end spot nestled in the heart of Lagos. Over dinner, Chidi became serious, his voice dropping to a lower tone. “Adaora, I know I’ve asked you this before, and I’ve been turned down more times than I can count. But I won’t give up. Will you be my girlfriend?”
Adaora sighed deeply, thinking of Tunde. “I just broke up with Tunde. I’d like to see where this goes with you, but I can’t jump in right away. Let’s go on a trial first.”
Chidi’s face lit up with relief and excitement. “A trial is good enough for me.”
After the meal, he dropped her off at her place. Before leaving, Chidi leaned against the car and said, “I don’t feel like going home. I’ll stay at a hotel tonight.”
Adaora smirked. “Why not sleep here instead?”
Chidi’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re offering me that?”
“Don’t get too happy. You’re sleeping in the living room,” Adaora teased.
“Accepted, ma,” Chidi replied with a grin, following her inside.
The gateman cleared his throat as they passed, clearly disapproving. He was never a fan of Chidi, who hadn’t even tipped him once, despite all his wealth.
That night, Adaora and Chidi sat together, gisting and watching movies. As things got tense, Adaora looked at him seriously. “How will I know you’re loyal to me? You’re rich, and you’re handsome. Girls will be all over you. How will I feel secure?”
Chidi leaned closer, brushing a strand of her hair back. “You’re the only one for me. That’s why I keep my cold CEO persona so no other woman even gets the chance. They don’t care about me like that. You’re different.”
The night ended with a kiss—a deep one, sealing a promise between them.
