Nneoma's uncle, Chief Okoro 2, listened intently as they recounted Chief Ademola's ultimatum.
His expression darkened. "I'll not let that man destroy our family's legacy."
Tayo's determination deepened. "We'll find a way, sir."
Chief Okoro nodded. "I have an idea. But it's risky."
Nneoma's eyes narrowed. "What is it, Uncle?"
Chief Okoro leaned forward. "We'll need to retrieve a valuable document hidden in our ancestral home."
Tayo's eyes locked onto Chief Okoro's. "What document?"
Chief Okoro's voice dropped to a whisper. "A contract that proves Chief Ademola's fraud."
Tayo's mind raced with the possibilities. "Let's do it. We can't let Chief Ademola win."
Nneoma nodded resolutely. "I'll get the keys to the ancestral home."
Chief Okoro handed Tayo a worn map. "Be careful. The document is hidden in a secure room."
As they prepared to leave, Tayo's phone buzzed.
A text from Ebere:
"Meet me at the coffee shop. I have info on Amaka's plans."
Tayo showed the message to Nneoma.
"Go," she said. "I'll meet you at the ancestral home."
Tayo rushed to the coffee shop, his heart pounding.
Ebere waited, her eyes serious.
"Amaka's hired thugs to sabotage your mission," she revealed.
Tayo's grip on his phone tightened.
"I won't back down."
Ebere handed him a folder.
"Proof of Amaka's dealings. Use it wisely."
Tayo's eyes scanned the documents Ebere handed him.
"How did you get this information?" he asked.
Ebere leaned in. "I have contacts in the financial sector. But we need to move fast. Amaka will cover her tracks if she finds out."
Tayo nodded, determination burning within.
"Let's get to the ancestral home. We need that document."
Ebere handed him a small device. "Take this. It'll help you navigate the security system."
Tayo pocketed the device. "Thanks, Ebere. You're a lifesaver."
As he stood to leave, Ebere grasped his arm.
"Be careful, Tayo. Amaka won't hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in her way."
Tayo's jaw clenched. "I'll protect Nneoma and her family."
With that, he headed to the ancestral home, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Upon arrival, Nneoma waited, her eyes locked onto his.
"Ready?" she asked.
Tayo nodded.
Together, they entered the ancient house, secrets and danger lurking within.
As they ventured deeper into the ancestral home, Tayo activated Ebere's device.
The security system beeped, and lights flickered.
Nneoma's eyes sparkled. "Ebere's gadget works!"
They navigated through cobweb-covered corridors, avoiding creaky floorboards.
Suddenly, a door slammed shut behind them.
Tayo's heart raced. "We're trapped."
Nneoma examined the door. "It's an old puzzle lock."
Tayo's eyes met hers. "Can you solve it?"
Nneoma nodded. "My father taught me."
With nimble fingers, Nneoma worked the puzzle.
Clicks echoed, and the door creaked open.
Beyond the door lay a hidden room.
Dust-covered files and documents filled shelves.
Tayo's eyes widened. "This must be Chief Ademola's secret archive."
Nneoma smiled. "The document we need might be here."
As they searched, Tayo's phone buzzed.
A text from an unknown number:
"You shouldn't have come here."
Tayo's grip tightened.
Amaka's presence lingered.
Tayo's eyes locked onto Nneoma's, concern etched on his face. "Amaka's watching us," he whispered, showing her the text.
Nneoma's expression turned resolute. "We can't let her intimidate us. We're close to uncovering the truth."
Tayo nodded, tucking the phone away. "Let's focus on finding that document."
They combed through the dusty files, their fingers scanning pages yellowed with age. Nneoma suddenly stopped, her eyes scanning a particular document.
"Tayo, look!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.
The document, dated 20 years prior, revealed a shocking truth: Chief Ademola had been involved in a contentious land dispute with a rival family, the Odemelus.
"This must be it," Tayo said, his eyes scanning the pages. "The dispute led to the fatal accident that killed Nneoma's father."
Nneoma's face set in determination. "We need to find more evidence."
As they delved deeper into the archives, creaks echoed through the room. Tayo's instincts screamed warning.
YOU ARE READING
Bound by fate. (Completed)
RomanceA story about a couple Tayo and Nneoma as they pass through many hurdles to attain love, but will they really see love🤔 will fate let them be?
