Led to Mr. Billionaire

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Adeyemi's POV

"I can't believe it took an emergency for you to come meet up with me." I rolled my eyes at Olutayo's form of hello, but smiled a little when he slumped down on the bar stool beside me.

"Stop being a crybaby" I deadpanned as I took another swing of my glass filled with red wine.

He, on the other hand, stuck out his lower lip and slouched his body on the chair he sat on before staring at me with a certain angry glint in his eyes. He still looked the same even after all these years. His thick beard accentuated his dark skin and brown eyes. The black rolled-up shirt and black pants he wore just made him look like he was in the mafia. 

"I've been in Nigeria for almost a month, and you didn't even bother to check on your favorite best friend slash brother. I'm hurt, you know? So, you're gonna have to make it up to me." his eyes held another glint, and I knew that look.

He suddenly smirked and waved his hand to the waiter.

"Tayo, no." I knew he wouldn't listen to me, but it was worth a try.

The male waiter appeared and just like I knew he would, Tayo ordered the most expensive champagne they had. I couldn't complain. I had not had the time to hang out since he arrived in Nigeria and toppled with the endless amounts of mergers and contracts the company just signed, I didn't even have time for myself. Luckily, I had the best girlfriend in the world.

"So, spill. Why did Mr. forget about his best friend suddenly want to see his forgotten best friend?" Tayo said, and I undoubtedly noticed his thick accent.

Olutayo had lived in England long before I did, so it was safe to say that it was his home.

The waiter returned with the whole bottle of sparkling champagne, and I just sighed because even I knew I was going to need it. Pouring a minimized quantity into our glasses, the waiter left, and I turned to stare at my so-called best friend seriously.

"Oh, c'mon man, don't tell me you missed me that much?" I wiggled my brows to tease him but he just held out his tongue as though he was disgusted.

"Eew, never. I would rather be on my five hundred thousand Naira bed, with this bad boy by my side, and maybe Netflix, but no, I'm in a lanky restaurant that charges a hundred and thirty thousand Naira for one bottle of champagne. What's in it, holy water?" he complained while holding the bottle and swinging it suggestively.

"You ordered that bottle, and you're gonna pay half. Why would you complain about the price of the bottle when you're sleeping on a five-hundred-thousand-Naira bed? What did they use to make it, gopher wood?" he shot me a warning look before it eased up into a full-on smile.

"So, I know you didn't call me here to make fun of me. Spill it! I know something's up," I sighed, knowing I could never hide anything from him.

"It's about Darasimi, I-" I started but was cut off by Tayo as he put his hands over his mouth and gasped.

"Oh my God, Ade, don't tell me you've messed it up. Why? Did you think you saw someone better than her? I doubt it. Remember how long it took for you to make her comfortable with your presence before she even liked you. I can still recall when you woke me from my sleep just to get information about her family, and now, you are tired of it. C'mon, man, don't try it. You may be my best friend, but I'd kick you in the groin if you break her heart-"

"What, no! I want to propose to her." I silenced his rambling.

His mouth fell open as he gaped like a fish. I huffed at his initial thoughts. Why in heaven's name would I break Dara's heart? I even knew it was too hard to get to, just nonchalantly let go.

"You're going to what? You of all people?" Tayo's voice held surprise and disbelief.

Was it so startling that I wanted to get married?

"What? What's wrong with me?" I asked while giving myself a once-over. I was wearing a brown matching hoodie and pants paired with black sneakers. 

Why would he be surprised?

"What's wrong with you? Wow, I can't believe this. Are you sure you are the same socially awkward guy who lived in England? You didn't hit your head hard, did you? Hold on, are you sick? Is that why you can interact freely with people?" I raised my brows at his rant and folded my arms in annoyance.

I took a small look at my best friend, who actually looked concerned, and dropped my head down before smiling a bit.

Before coming to Nigeria, I had a strict schedule that consisted of things that didn't allow me to have time to meet new people. I was socially awkward right from boarding school, and it got worse in college.

My career as an artist was also planned, and I loved going along with my schedule, so I never really wanted to meet new people except those with whom I worked. I chuckled a bit. Dara has no idea how much she has helped me overcome that obstacle, and I didn't even realize it until the first time I asked her out. Wanting to take her out of her comfort zone ended up bringing both of us out of our silent pits.

"Hmm, you are the same person. Gosh man, you have changed and I can see that that woman has finally brought out the best in you. I'm happy for you, man," his sincerity made me smile.

"But just one question; why do you want to marry her?" I squinted my eyes in confusion at the question.

Why?

"For the first time in my life, I can see something other than a schedule. I knew I came to Nigeria for someone, but I never knew it would be a person as broken as her. I never knew how to approach someone first, but I did it to her. Time and time again, I would just try to initiate a conversation because her smile was worth it. Why do I want to marry her? Well, because I'd be a fool if I lost her to someone else. I know it, in my heart, that she is the one I need for where we are both going," my friend's mouth hung open at my words.

"Wow, you're whipped, man. I am happy for you. I never thought I'd see the day when the small boy who was afraid of any interaction would grow into a man," I rolled my eyes at his analogy and shook my head.

I poured myself another glass of champagne and raised it to my lips.

"But how are you going to propose?" The glass stopped midway through as I stared at my best friend in confusion.

"What do you mean? I would just go down on one knee and ask her, Will you marry me? Isn't that what they do?" Tayo's smile turned upside down at my words.

"I knew something would be up," he just shook his head, tsked, and drank from his glass.

I didn't understand.

What else was there to a proposal?