The wheels of Moses’ plane touched the tarmac in Lagos, screeching against the runway as the plane jolted to a halt. He barely noticed the humid, suffocating air of the city as it surged through the plane’s opened doors. His phone was already in hand, pressed to his ear, his voice taut with urgency. “Ola,” he barked, “any updates?”
Ola’s reply was clipped and tense, words tumbling over static. Segal and his team were closing in, only a few hours behind, but Moses couldn’t afford to wait. Time was a blade at his throat, and Dunni was out there—lost, vulnerable, and in the clutches of God-knows-who.
He shoved his way through the airport terminal, ignoring the crush of people and the cacophony of shouting voices. His cab—hastily hailed when Ola’s driver got stuck in Lagos’ infamous traffic—smelled of stale leather and sweat. The city outside was chaotic: swarming markets, honking horns, the metallic screech of brakes. Moses sat rigid, his heart pounding like a war drum. He’d been running on adrenaline since the distress call, and the edges of his vision were blurring from exhaustion. Sleep was a luxury he couldn’t afford.
As the cab screeched to a halt in front of the office, he flung a fistful of cash at the driver and bolted inside. The staff greeted him with a mixture of concern and awe—faces that had been colleagues now watched him like a general marching into battle. He barely nodded back, his mind too consumed to acknowledge their strained smiles.
In Ola’s office, the stench of stale coffee and stress hung heavy in the air. The dim light caught the cluttered desk, littered with maps, files, and a half-eaten meat pie. Ola was hunched over his phone, his voice sharp and brittle. When he finally hung up and looked up at Moses, his face was lined with exhaustion.
“I’ve got bad news,” Ola began, his voice low but trembling with frustration. “The tracker Tade gave Dunni? Found. In Nasarawa. Four hours from Abuja. But…” He paused, his jaw tightening. “It was with some random guy who bought it off someone else. A dead end. The federal security’s been no help. Even the president’s speech has done nothing. We’re on our own here.”
Moses’ gut twisted, and he couldn’t breathe for a moment. His hands gripped the edge of Ola’s desk. “Send everything we have to Segal,” he ordered. “He’s landing in three hours. Once he’s here, we move.”
The hours dragged like a slow bleed. By the time Segal and his team arrived, the tension in the room was so thick it seemed to choke the air. Segal was a hulking presence, his piercing eyes sweeping over the gathered intel with practised efficiency. He worked like a machine, dissecting details, issuing orders, and refusing to work with an external party who’d contacted him. “Trust is everything,” Segal growled. “This mission can’t afford leaks.”
Still, despite Segal’s expertise, there was no ransom demand, no claims of responsibility. Theories were swirling like a dark fog, but none felt concrete.
By Day 3, Moses was unravelling. Every passing second felt like a noose tightening around his neck. The air in the office allocated to Segal and his team was suffocating, filled with the hum of computers, the murmur of voices, and the bitter smell of stale coffee. Then, Segal’s team uncovered a faint thread of hope.
“Drone footage picked up a group moving further up north,” Segal announced, his voice crackling with restrained intensity. “Cross-referencing coordinates from the bomb site… This could be it.”
Moses’ heart leapt to his throat as the room erupted into a frenzy of action. The air buzzed with urgency, commands flying back and forth. Maps were marked, and plans laid. He felt like an outsider in the chaos, a spectator to his nightmare. Segal’s glare silenced his questions at one point, and Moses retreated, swallowing his frustration.
Then, Segal’s shout shattered the air: “Matza Otah! Get the helicopter—we’re moving out!”
Moses lunged forward, his voice rising over the chaos. “I’m coming with you.”
Segal turned, his face dark with disapproval. “No,” he snapped. “It’s too dangerous. You’ll slow us down.”
“I’m not staying behind!” Moses roared, his fists clenched. “I can’t sit here waiting for scraps of information while Dunni is out there! I’m coming!”
Segal stared him down, his expression stern and unyielding. Finally, with a grunt, he relented. “Fine. But you stay in the helicopter, wear a vest, and do not step out unless I tell you. Do you understand?”
Moses nodded, his jaw tight. “Let’s go.”
By 1:30 AM on Day 4, the helicopter’s blades roared to life, slicing through the stillness of the night. The cold metal of the bulletproof vest pressed against Moses’ chest, and the thrum of the engines vibrated through his body. Outside, the darkness stretched endlessly, punctuated only by the faint glow of distant fires.
This was it. The rescue was beginning—and failure wasn’t an option.
Dunni and Lana have been holding their hands during the bus ride. They journeyed all day, stopping at intervals for the women to pee. Some were brave enough and escaped in the bushes, but one lady was not too successful, and for the second time in the same day, they encountered another lady shot in cold blood. “anyone who tries escape again will be killed,” he locked his gun, and they shuddered with fear. The bus came to a stop, and they were asleep to file out, being stripped of every form of jewellery they had on them and led into the bush. As they walked, most women had to take off their heeled shoes as it was almost impossible to walk in the forest with them. A cold chill washed over Dunni when the jewellery with the tracking device was taken off her. She hoped the guy taking the jewelries off them stayed with the group, they would be fine. Her hopes were dashed when he returned to the bus, and they watched the bus drive off, killing every hope of being found. “I need to take my diabetes shot,” she heard Lana talking to one of the guys who looked at her blankly. She pointed to her bag, removing the injection and gesturing to her upper left arm. Another guy was screaming to keep moving, but Lana stood her ground and repeated what she said earlier. He nodded. She rolled her sleeve upwards, hitting her arm and administered the dose. “When is the next one, Dunni asked worriedly. “Tomorrow, same time. How many do you have with you? 7 days’ worth. I always carry it in my bag. Dunni did know the obvious show of relief on her face. “We’ll be out before you know it.” She encouraged her friend as they resumed walking, rushed by the guy with them to join the others. Dunni was struggling to remain optimistic. Every iota of hope diminished by every step into the forest.
They had walked for the better part of the day, they were not allowed to rest, Dunni could see the exhaustion on the other womens face giving her a glimpse of what hers looked like. The perfectly made face of some of the women all disappeared beneath a cake of brown powder smeared with sweat, others had trickles of black kohl forming a path below their eyes, nose and disappearing to their chin. Just about that time, Dunni felt she could no longer go on. One of the guys leading them backed the order to stop. They were approaching a settlement, and another town dog hope was rising. This could be their deliverance of escape; instead, everyone did their duties as if they had not noticed the strange entourage arriving, and the women almost dropped due to exhaustion. He gestured with his guns that they should sit, looking around at the bare floor of red sand with no chairs. He backed, “ ku zauna” gesticulating with his gun. The women all sat down while a middle-aged woman from nowhere came up to them with a clay pot of water that she passed to the women, who took sips and passed it to the next, an untold understanding that the water was all they would have and the importance that everyone had some to get their strength back. Dunni looked into the woman’s eyes, wondering whether they could get any help from her. She skirted her eyes above them, looking everywhere but hers. While she was still trying to take in the environment, looking for landmarks to know where they were, another of the men was barking at others to stand up. Dunni wondered what was happening back at home, whether her mum or siblings had heard, she could not entertain the idea that she would not make it back home and choose to keep her hope alive that not matter what they would be found and rescued.
Dunni and Lana held hands tightly during the endless bus ride, their palms slick with sweat but refusing to let go. The bus was packed with fear and silence, interrupted only by the occasional sobs of women who couldn’t mask their despair. The journey stretched through the day, punctuated by hurried stops where the women were ushered out to relieve themselves. Some, driven by desperation and bravery, attempted to slip into the surrounding bushes, hoping for freedom. But freedom came at a cruel price.
The first attempt ended with a gunshot that echoed through the trees. Now, for the second time that day, Dunni saw another woman fall. Her lifeless body crumpled into the dirt as the rest of the women stood frozen in terror.
“Anyone who tries to escape again will be killed,” the man with the gun barked in surprisingly impeccable English, his voice devoid of emotion as he locked the weapon. The metallic click sent a shiver through the group. No one dared to look directly at him, but every head nodded in terrified compliance.
As the bus finally halted again, the women were rudely awakened and ordered to file out. Bleary-eyed and stumbling, they were stripped of their jewellery—rings, necklaces, bracelets—anything that glinted. Dunni felt a cold dread seep into her bones as her bracelet and necklace with the hidden tracking device were taken. Her heart clung to a desperate hope that the man collecting the items would stay with them. But her hope crumbled when he returned to the bus, taking their last tether to the outside world. The bus roared to life and drove off, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust and despair.
“I need to take my diabetes shot,” Lana’s voice was soft yet firm, addressing one of the armed men. He stared at her blankly, his dark eyes narrowing in confusion. She pointed to her bag and mimed injecting her upper arm. Another man yelled for them to move, but Lana stood her ground. Her unwavering defiance drew a nod of reluctant approval, and she quickly retrieved the syringe, rolling up her sleeve.
Dunni watched as Lana administered the dose, her movements steady despite the palpable tension. “When is the next one?” Dunni whispered, her voice trembling with worry.
“Same time tomorrow,” Lana replied, stuffing the syringe back into her bag. “I have seven days’ worth. I always carry it with me.”
Dunni exhaled, the relief on her face impossible to hide. She squeezed Lana’s hand. “We’ll be out of here before you know it,” she said, her tone resolute even though her heart wavered. Lana nodded, but neither woman fully believed it.
The group was hurried along again, their captors shouting and waving their guns. The forest swallowed them as they trudged forward. For hours, they marched through the unforgiving terrain. The ground was uneven, roots and branches snagging at their feet. Many women abandoned their heeled shoes, walking barefoot despite the sharp stones and thorny underbrush.
Dunni’s legs burned with every step. Exhaustion weighed on her like an anchor, but she forced herself to move. Around her, faces that had been carefully made up now bore streaks of sweat and grime. Tears carved paths through smudged eyeliner, and the forest air clung to them, heavy and oppressive.
Just when she thought she could go no further, a barked order from the front halted their progress. They stumbled to a stop, gasping for breath. Ahead, a small settlement came into view. Hope flickered faintly in Dunni’s chest. Perhaps this was a village where they could be helped or at least noticed.
But as they entered the settlement, her heart sank. The villagers moved about their tasks as though the group didn’t exist. Women hauling water pots and men tending to livestock avoided eye contact, their faces carefully blank.
“Ku zauna!” one of the armed men commanded, gesturing with his gun. The women obeyed, sinking onto the bare, sunbaked earth. The red sand clung to their damp skin.
A middle-aged woman emerged from one of the huts, carrying a clay pot of water. She moved silently, passing the pot from one woman to the next. Each woman took a small sip, the unspoken understanding of scarcity preventing anyone from taking more than their share. When the pot reached Dunni, she hesitated, meeting the woman’s eyes. There was something there—sympathy, perhaps—but the woman quickly looked away, her expression hardening.
Dunni’s mind raced as she scanned the settlement. Were there any landmarks or signs showing where they might be? Her thoughts drifted to home—her mother and her siblings. Had they noticed her absence? Had they sounded the alarm? She couldn’t let herself think otherwise.
“Stand up!” a voice barked, dragging her back to the present. The group rose shakily, their bodies protesting every movement. As they were herded further into the forest, Dunni clung to one thought: they would be found. They had to be.
Tade hunched over the operating table, the midday sun filtering through the high windows of the hospital’s theatre. The light streaked across the sterile floors, starkly contrasting the chaos brewing beyond his bubble of precision and calm. He moved with the steady focus of a surgeon profound in his craft, oblivious to the storm that had just begun.
Miles away, in the dim glow of a surveillance room, MI Bello stood rigid, his eyes fixed on a flashing red alert on the secure dashboard. The notification was unmistakable: a breach involving a device linked to Tade. His breath hitched, and his jaw tightened.
Grabbing his phone, Bello barked, “Get me Tade’s location. Now.” A clipped voice responded, “He’s in the theatre.” “Keep him there,” Bello snapped, his tone ice-cold as he bolted out of the room. Keys in hand, he gunned the engine of his black SUV, weaving through the snarling Lagos traffic. Every second of delay coiled the knot in his gut tighter.
“Trace that signal,” he barked into his phone as he sped. “I need every detail. Don’t lose the coordinates.”
At the hospital, Bello stormed into Tade’s eerily quiet office. His sharp eyes scanned the space, cataloguing every detail, searching for the slightest anomaly. Nothing looked out of place. He began mounting his equipment while waiting for Tade.
Halfway across the globe, Moses jolted upright, the shrill chime of his phone slicing through the night. His pulse thundered as he saw the blinking notification. Not now. Not her. With trembling hands, he swiped the screen.
Dunni.
“No,” he whispered, his chest tightening as he dialled her number. The call failed. He tried again. Nothing.
“Come on, Dunni,” he muttered, voice cracking into a prayer.
Desperate, he scrolled through his contacts, calling Ola.
“Moses,” Ola answered on the first ring, his voice taut. “I was about to call you.” “Where is she?” Moses demanded. Ola did not need to ask. Moses had also received the distress call. “She’s at the Women’s Centre in Abuja,” Ola said quickly. “We’re looking into it. It might be a false alarm.” Moses exhaled sharply. “It better be. Because if it isn’t—” He left the threat hanging, his tone razor-sharp.
Minutes later, a message confirmed his worst fear: a bomb had exploded at the Women’s Centre.
Moses’s chest burned with frustration. He tried calling Ola back, but his phone was engaged, which was no surprise. His calls to other staff and contacts went unanswered, the seconds stretching into agonizing eternities. When he finally reached Dupe, the receptionist, his voice lashed like a whip.
“Dupe put Ola on the line. Now.” “Oga Moses! No greeting?” “Emergency,” he snapped. “Now!”
Ola’s voice was shaky when he finally came on. “There’s been an explosion, Moses. We can’t locate her yet.” “Not good enough,” Moses said, his tone venomous. “I’m going to Abuja.” “Moses, let us—” “No.” His voice cut through the protest like steel. “I will contact a security agency I know here who may have links in Nigeria and book the next available flight to Abuja.”
The hours blurred as Moses’s plane streaked across the night sky. His jaw clenched, his mind racing through worst-case scenarios. Reports were scattered and unreliable. Dunni’s name was conspicuously absent—neither among the injured nor the dead. The silence gnawed at him, each second tightening the noose of dread.
The trending hashtags painted a grim picture: #BringBackOurWomen, #AbujaBlast. The chaos felt insurmountable, but Moses had no patience for despair. He’d already mobilized Benesh Segal, the elite and secretive security firm renowned for solving the unsolvable. If anyone could find Dunni, it was them.
Back in Lagos, Tade walked into his office, his movements brisk, only to find Bello barking orders into a comms unit. The air in the room was electric and tensioned.
“What’s going on, Bello?” Tade demanded, his voice sharp. “Did my mother send you?”
“No, sir. There’s been a distress signal from one of your devices.”
Tade froze, his blood turning cold. “Is the location Abuja?”
“Yes,” Bello confirmed grimly.
“It’s Dunni,” Tade said, his voice barely above a whisper. “The architect.”
Bello’s eyes hardened. “We’re on it,” he said, rattling off orders to his team.
Tade’s hands trembled as he dialled Dunni’s office. Ola picked up after what felt like a lifetime.
“Ola, what’s happening?” Tade asked, forcing calm into his voice. “We picked up her distress signal. There is a confirmed bomb- blast, but Dunni has not been found.
“My security details also picked up a distress notification from a piece of jewellery I gave her. They’re following the coordinates.”
“Send me their information,” Ola said. “We must coordinate this as we have engaged the services of an external security detail. This information you provided is the best news I have had all day.”
“Done,” Tade replied.
As Bello’s team sprang into action, they contacted Ola’s team immediately. Tade’s resolve hardened. He wouldn’t let the gnawing dread consume him. Not yet. They would find her. They had to.
Dunni feels a profound connection with Lana at the leadership conference until chaos erupts from an explosion. They face terrifying uncertainty as masked men take them away, leading to fear and despair.
It was Day 2 of the 21st Century Belle Leadership Conference, and though Dunni had given her presentation on Day 1, she was already counting down the days until she could return home.
The sessions were engaging, and every speaker brought something fresh, real, and relatable, weaving in stories from their own lives that hit home for Dunni. Yet, despite enjoying every moment, she missed the familiar rhythms of Lagos—the sounds, the streets, the comfort of her own space. The conference was thoughtful, with breaks that let her stretch her legs and chat with others, a welcome change from the typical back-to-back presentations that drained you more than they inspired. This one felt human.
She had found an unexpected friend in Lana, a strikingly beautiful woman from Lagos who, like her, had left a young child behind to attend. Lana was magnetic, the kind of woman whose beauty stopped people in their tracks—effortless, commanding attention wherever she went. But it wasn’t her looks that bonded them; it was the immediate sense of kinship, the ease of their connection like they had known each other for years.
As Dunni entered the conference hall, she spotted Lana waving her over, a seat saved with a warm smile. It brought back memories of school days when saving a seat for a friend felt like an unspoken promise of loyalty. She waved back, feeling the comforting embrace of sisterhood. They were in their early thirties now, their lives busy and complicated, but here, in this moment, the connection felt as pure as those simpler days.
Just as Dunni settled into her seat beside Lana, an ear-splitting blast ripped through the hall, shattering the tranquil hum of conversation. The noise was deafening, a sudden explosion of sound that rattled the walls and sent glass raining down like jagged shards of terror. Screams tore through the air, blending with the harsh shatter of windows as the hall erupted into chaos. Dunni’s breath caught in her throat, her heart seizing as a thick cloud of dust surged from the east entrance, swallowing the space where Lana had stood just minutes before.
Time seemed to slow as her mind struggled to process the nightmare unfolding before her. The dust was suffocating, its gritty taste filling her lungs. The cries of the wounded echoed, mingling with desperate shouts for help. She locked eyes with Lana, their shared terror flashing like lightning. They reached for each other, but their hands never met in the madness.
Then, through the choking fog, a group of men stormed in. They moved with a chilling precision, their bodies clad in military camouflage, faces hidden behind masks. The glint of guns in their hands made Dunni’s blood run cold. The panic was overwhelming, a thick, palpable fear that hung like smoke. The men’s voices, calm yet commanding, cut through the cacophony. They ordered the women to stand and leave the hall. They claimed it was for their safety that they were being taken to a safer part of the city.
But Dunni’s gut twisted with doubt. Their tone was too calm, too rehearsed, like a predator lulling its prey. Covered in dust and trembling, she followed Lana as they were herded into a shiny, new 50-seater bus. The metallic scent of blood lingered in the air, mixed with the smell of dust and sweat. The rest of the women—those still able to walk—stumbled behind them, the fear etched deep into their faces.
Dunni’s heart raced as the bus doors slammed shut behind them, the sound final, like a trap closing. The distant screams from the hall echoed in her mind, growing faint as the bus pulled away. Her mind spun with a thousand questions. Was this a rescue, or were they walking straight into something far worse? She could feel Lana’s hand brushing against hers, a silent plea for reassurance, but Dunni had none to give. They were now locked in a fate neither could control, hurtling toward the unknown.
As soon as the bus rumbled to life, a tense silence fell over the passengers, broken only by the soft hum of the engine. Then, piercing through the stillness, one of the masked men barked an order, his voice sharp as a whip. “Submit your phones!” The demand echoed through the bus, leaving confusion and fear etched on the faces of the women. A murmur of disbelief rippled among them, their wide eyes darting in uncertainty.
One woman hesitated, her hand trembling over her phone. The man’s impatience snapped—without warning, a gunshot rang out, deafening and brutal, slicing through the air like a violent scream. The metallic scent of gunpowder mixed with the acrid stench of sweat and fear. The woman slumped forward, and suddenly, the cold reality crashed down on Dunni with the weight of a thousand stones. This wasn’t a rescue team. They were being kidnapped.
Seated at the very back, Dunni’s pulse pounded in her ears, her heartbeat deafening in the thickening tension. Her hands moved quickly, almost on instinct. Before she could second-guess herself, she sent the emergency code to Ola and Moses, her fingers flying across the screen. The code they had devised for life-or-death situations was simple, but she had never imagined she would need to use it. Yet, despite the terror freezing her bones, she was surprised at how clearly it came to her. A number to press on repeat.
Her fingers shook as she reached for her necklace, feeling its familiar coolness against her skin. It was still there. Relief washed over her, but only for a moment. Her bracelet—she felt for it next. Intact. She turned to Lana, sitting on her left, her eyes wide with fear. Without a word, Dunni slipped the bracelet from her wrist and fastened it onto Lana’s right wrist. Lana stared at her, puzzled, but Dunni’s voice was barely a whisper as she leaned in close.
“For whatever it is worth, don’t take it off until you are safely home.”
Before Lana could respond, the masked man loomed over them. His presence was suffocating, his gaze cold. Without hesitation, he ripped the phones from their hands, his rough touch burning like fire against Dunni’s skin.
As he moved on, Lana’s tears began to fall, slow at first, then unstoppable. Her chest tightened, her breath shaky as her mind spiralled.
“My son…” Her voice cracked, barely a whisper beneath the suffocating weight of despair that hung in the air. “He didn’t want me to come.”
Dunni reached out, gently clasping her trembling hands. No words were needed between them. Yesterday, their world had been filled with light—talking, laughing, full of life and possibilities. But now, the silence between them was heavy, thick with fear.
“You will see your son again and hold him in your arms,” she reassured her new friends, even though their grim reality suggested otherwise
Dunni grapples with Moses’ absence while distancing herself from Tade, who seeks reconciliation after his dishonesty. As they reconnect over shared experiences, Dunni contemplates moving forward while navigating her emotional turmoil and safety.
Days blurred into weeks. Then they turned into months. The absence of Moses lingered in Dunni’s life like the slow, painful removal of a bandage from a raw wound. Every word, every moment, was a reminder of him. Moses seemed to be everywhere—his name would pop up in casual updates from Ola. At first, Dunni had taken his calls, but soon she stopped, and Moses, catching on, gradually disappeared until there was nothing left of their connection.
She threw herself into work, continuing her volunteering with young artists, and added volunteering at a women’s shelter she had recently found. Anything to fill the void he had left behind. One would have expected her to make up with Tade, but still, she couldn’t bring herself to answer any of his calls or see him, no matter how many messages he left. Even when she saw Toni at the art club, Dunni ensured she was always occupied with another parent when he showed up. One would think Tade would get the message, but the more she avoided him, the more persistent he became, his calls multiplying as if he could wear her down by sheer insistence.
Dunni tried to rationalize his actions, to understand why he’d hidden his family’s wealth from her. But no explanation eased the sting of betrayal. She had always despised being blindsided, which had shaken her to the core this time. How could she trust Tade again after this?
She reluctantly agreed to dinner with a fellow volunteer from the women’s shelter tonight. She was exhausted, her mind clouded with too much to do, but she had run out of polite excuses to cancel. While waiting for Joy, she distracted herself by scrolling through her phone, aimlessly flipping through old pictures. Then she saw a photo of her, Moses, and Ola taken in their first year together. The three looked so young, confident, and certain they could conquer the world. Her heart clenched painfully at the sight of Moses’ face. What would her life have been like if things had been different?
She dropped her phone on the table, frustrated with herself. Why was she torturing herself like this? For every step she took to push Moses out of her mind, she seemed to take ten steps backwards, dragged back into the aching void he had left behind. She had lost her best friend.
Looking around the restaurant, she saw strangers laughing and smiling, their faces bright with joy. But how many of them, she wondered, were carrying their own silent burdens, masking their pain with laughter and busy schedules?
She sighed, lost in her thoughts, when she suddenly felt a presence beside her. She looked up, and Tade was standing in front of her.
“Can I sit?” he asked.
“I’m expecting someone,” Dunni replied, her tone clipped.
“No worries. I’ll leave as soon as she comes,” Tade said, ignoring the cold edge in her voice.
It was on her lips to ask how he knew her dinner companion was a woman, but she held back. The sooner he left, the better.
“Tade, I don’t want to do this here,” she said, her voice weary.
“I’ve tried so hard to see you, and you’ve made it impossible. I didn’t realize it could be harder to meet you than the governor of Lagos.” He chuckled at his own joke, but Dunni wasn’t amused.
“I can’t be bought,” she said, her tone flat.
“I know,” Tade replied, his voice soft, filled with remorse. “I’m so sorry. Tell me what I can do to make it right.”
“You can’t just walk back into my life, apologize, and expect everything to be fine,” she snapped. “It’s not fine. I almost lost myself in this relationship, only to find out you lied to me.”
“Tade, it’s over. I can’t go back to what I thought we had.”
Tade nodded, his expression one of deep regret. “I understand. I should have told you the moment you said yes. I wanted to, but things kept happening, and then time passed, and I was scared. I could tell you afterwards if we married quickly, but that was wrong. I should never have taken that choice from you—it was yours to make.”
He paused, looking at her with a vulnerability she hadn’t seen before. “All my life, I’ve been judged by my family’s wealth, and I wanted to be known for what I’ve achieved, not for what my mother’s money could buy. I loved that you wanted me for me, not for my status. When I realized you didn’t know who I was, I wanted it to stay that way. Every day, I fell deeper in love with you.”
His sincerity and the raw emotion in his eyes chipped away at the walls Dunni had built around her heart. But she wasn’t ready to let him in. Not yet.
“I don’t know if I can return to what we had,” she whispered.
“Please, just think about it,” Tade pleaded gently. “I’m willing to wait.”
Dunni glanced at her watch, wondering out loud what was keeping Joy.
Tade hesitated, then with a sheepish grin, he confessed, “About that… I kind of arm-twisted Joy into setting this up. She’s my cousin’s best friend.”
Dunni couldn’t help but laugh at his boyish grin. “So, if Mohammed won’t go to the mountain, the mountain comes to Mohammed?”
“Exactly,” Tade said, his grin widening. “So, can I join you for dinner?”
“Do you need to ask, considering you’ve already invited yourself?” Dunni teased, a small smile playing on her lips.
Dinner was surprisingly pleasant. Tade opened up about his family, his upbringing, and how he’d built his hospital after returning from the U.S. He shared stories about his first marriage, the grief of losing his wife, and how he had struggled with widowhood. Despite his wealth and the seemingly perfect life he portrayed, Dunni realized that Tade had faced his own challenges, and things weren’t as glamorous as they appeared from the outside.
They fell into a routine, meeting for dinner once a week and catching up on life. While Tade was still trying to win her back, Dunni had moved on emotionally. She wasn’t interested in rekindling their romance—friendship was all she had to offer now.
During one of their dinners, Dunni ran into Dr. Larry B., the doctor who had delivered her as a baby.
“Good evening, sir,” Dunni said, curtsying like any well-mannered Yoruba girl.
“Ah, Adedunni Adesida! How are you? And how’s your mother? And your siblings?” Dr. Larry B. asked warmly.
“They’re all fine, sir. I thought you were in America?”
“I am, but I’m here for my annual free medical service initiative. How nice to see you!”
Dunni realized she hadn’t introduced Tade as he was about to leave. “Oh, Dr. Larry, meet my friend, Tade Braithwaite.”
Dr. Larry’s interest was immediately piqued. “Braithwaite, from Lagos?”
“Yes,” Tade replied, sensing the curiosity in the doctor’s tone. “My late father was Olanrewaju Braithwaite, and my mother is Molade Thomas. Do you know them?”
Dr. Larry’s face paled as if he’d just seen a ghost.
“Are you alright, sir?” Dunni asked, concerned.
“I… I have to go,” Dr. Larry stammered, his voice shaking. “My guests are waiting.”
And with that, he hurried off, leaving them both in stunned silence.
“I thought that was weird,” Dunni commented, her brow furrowing. “Do you think he knows your parents?”
Tade shrugged, his eyes scanning the bustling restaurant around them. “A lot of people know my family. I hope he isn’t one of those with an axe to grind. The business world can be ruthless, not for the faint-hearted. I didn’t know much about my father, but my mother and grandfather. They were cut from the same cloth—strictly business, no room for sentiments.”
Dunni leaned back in her chair, the candlelight flickering between them. “I’m in the business world too, remember? And it’s not as bleak as you’re making it. Sure, it’s tough, but there is always a way.”
Tade raised an eyebrow. “It depends on what that way is. Try bidding for and executing government contracts. Now, that’s a whole different beast—lucrative, yes, but it’s not just about your expertise. It’s all about connections. Friends and family turn on each other all the time. Betrayal is a currency. Sometimes, people don’t just lose money—they lose their lives. The pressure breaks them, heart attacks, strokes. It’s not uncommon.”
“Our experience at Architex Designs seems to be different.”
“You architects must have it easy. From what you’ve told me, your contracts seem to come purely from recommendations. You don’t have to wade through the murky waters.”
Dunni smirked. “Moses got our first government contract through a recommendation, yes. From a job we did for a bank. Ola and Moses used to handle the contract chasing, but now it’s all on Ola. I keep offering to help, but he always refuses.”
Tade shook his head, his tone serious. “Let him handle that side of things. You might be shocked at what really goes on behind closed doors.”
“If that was supposed to scare me, it hasn’t,” Dunni said, eyes gleaming with challenge. “If anything, you’ve just lit a fire under me. I’m going to ask Ola again.”
Tade groaned, rubbing his temples. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I can see the wheels turning in your head already. I’ve just set you on your next contract mission, haven’t I?”
Dunni bit her lip to keep a straight face, but her mischievous grin broke through.
“I’m not buying that innocent look, Dunni. I know you too well now.”
She laughed, her shoulders shaking. “You’re catching on fast. But seriously, I’ll be in Abuja next week for a conference. Maybe I’ll try my hand at some lobbying while I’m there.”
Tade’s expression shifted, concern clouding his features. “Drop the details of your conference location for security reasons. When do you leave? I’ll get a bracelet sent over, nothing flashy, but something to track your location without drawing attention.”
Dunni tilted her head. “Tade, I’m going to Abuja, not a war zone. Yeah, there’ve been some bomb blasts, but the government has it under control.”
Tade’s eyes narrowed. “What news do you listen to, baby girl? If your government has it as ‘under control’ as you say, we must live in different countries. Wear the bracelet. It’ll help me sleep better at night, knowing I can track your coordinates if anything happens. Phones can be taken or smashed, but no one notices cheap jewellery.”
Her mind flashed back to a memory—Moses had once given her a necklace with a small heart pendant embedded with a chip for emergencies. He was always cautious, especially after the abduction of foreign workers from a construction site in Northern Cameroon a couple of years back. He’d insisted she wear it whenever she travelled, citing incidents of kidnappings by MEND militants in the southern part of the country.
“I actually have something similar,” Dunni said, tapping her chin. “Moses gave me a necklace with a tracker. He was paranoid back then, too, after that kidnapping of the oil workers. It hasn’t left my drawer in years, but I think I’ll take it on this trip.”
Tade nodded approvingly. “Good. Take the necklace, and I’ll send the bracelet as a backup. Wear both.”
Dunni chuckled and raised her hand in a mock salute. “Yes, sir. Anything else, Commander?”
Tade smiled, but his eyes held a seriousness that lingered as they finished their dinner.
Dunni tossed and turned all night, sleep eluding her. Tade’s betrayal gnawed at her—he had hidden his family’s wealth, a truth he had kept from her. His calls had been relentless, but she couldn’t answer. And today, Moses was leaving, the thought of it tearing her apart. He had been away six long months out of the country, but this felt different. It felt final. Their strained relationship only deepened the ache in her chest, and she couldn’t understand why it had come to this. Moses had been a constant in her life for so long that she couldn’t imagine a world without him.
As the first light of dawn crept into her room, she was almost grateful. She scrambled out of bed, moving slowly as she readied herself for work. Today was packed with meetings, and she was determined to wrap them up by 3 p.m. so she could rush to the airport to see Moses off. The plan was to meet Ola and Moses at the airport after sharing a farewell dinner at Cactus Restaurant the night before. She had gone through the motions of that evening, trying to maintain a facade of normalcy, pretending that everything was as it should be.
But the day slipped away from her faster than she anticipated. After her last meeting in Lekki, she raced to her car, eager to beat the traffic and get to Murtala Mohammed International Airport. But as she hit the Third Mainland Bridge, the standstill traffic stopped her. A tanker accident had blocked the road, and despite no casualties, the wait for it to be cleared felt like an eternity. Desperation clawed at her as she realized she wouldn’t reach the airport in time. She texted Ola, heart heavy with disappointment, and reluctantly turned her car around.
But halfway through her retreat, something inside her snapped. She spun the car around again, determined to get to that airport no matter how long it took. If she missed Moses, it wouldn’t be because she didn’t try; it would be because fate had decided it wasn’t meant to be. But at least she would know she had given it everything.
At the airport, Ola stayed by Moses’s side while waiting for check-in. Moses kept glancing at the entrance, his eyes betraying the anticipation he couldn’t hide.
“Dunni’s been stuck in traffic for four hours,” Ola informed him, his voice heavy with the weight of the situation. “She had to turn back.”
Moses’s shoulders slumped, disappointment etched on his face.
“You need to let her go,” Ola said gently but firmly.
“I know,” Moses replied, his voice low, staring into the distance. He could fix anything—anything but this. His heart clenched at the mere mention of Dunni’s name, a pain he knew would only dull with time. Until then, he would wear his grief like a heavy cloak, carrying it with him as he moved forward.
He hugged Ola tightly before walking to the boarding gate, not daring to look back. He would have seen Dunni walking through the revolving door if he had.
She arrived just as Ola was leaving. “You made it,” he said, a touch of surprise in his voice.
“Yeah,” she replied, her tone hollow. “But what good did it do? He’s already gone through the gates.”
“Yes,” Ola confirmed, watching her carefully, trying to gauge her emotions. She simply shrugged, her voice empty. “I made it, though.”
Ola handed her the small pair of dice Moses had left for her. “He asked me to give you this,” he said softly.
And that was when Dunni’s composure shattered. The tears came, a torrent of grief she had been holding back for too long.
“I’ll walk you to the car park,” Ola offered, knowing no words could ease the pain between these two friends who were so clearly meant to be together yet were now worlds apart.
Dunni slipped back into her four-inch heels, discarding the comfortable ballerina flats she’d worn for her lunch break. As she sank deep into her chair, the urge to scream clawed at her throat. Tade’s deception gnawed at her, a raw wound she couldn’t ignore. Why did he feel the need to hide his family’s wealth? Was it some kind of twisted test? The thought that she was on the verge of calling off their engagement was no longer just a fleeting notion; it was a real possibility. Trust was sacred to her, a non-negotiable foundation, and he had shattered it. Maybe he’d hidden his wealth because he was tired of being pursued by women only interested in his money, but that was no excuse. Not for her.
She paced across her office, momentarily forgetting that the walls were glass. The world outside could see her turmoil, but she didn’t care. The tension inside her was boiling over.
Grace walked in, breaking Dunni’s spiralling thoughts. “I just sent your presentation for the Abuja trip,” she said.
Dunni halted in her tracks, trying to shift her focus back to work. “Thanks, Grace. I’ll go through it.”
But as Grace left, Dunni found herself standing there, unable to shake the frustration gnawing at her. When had her life become so complicated that even her work, once her sanctuary, was now under threat? She had always prided herself on keeping her personal life separate from her work, but here she was, embroiled in a lover’s spat in the middle of a Monday afternoon. She rolled her eyes at herself, feeling the weight of her tangled emotions pressing down on her.
“Are you good?” Moses strolled in, his voice casual, but his eyes searched her face with concern. He was just as he’d always been, her steady rock, but something between them had shifted. The friendship they once shared felt distant now, almost foreign.
“It’s…” Dunni began, but the words stuck in her throat. She and Moses were no longer in that space where she could pour her heart out to him. “Never mind. It’s just something silly, but I’ll be fine.”
Moses nodded, but his eyes didn’t leave her. “I came to get you for the strategic meeting. You’re 15 minutes late.”
“Oh dear.” Dunni’s heart sank further. No wonder Moses was concerned—she was never late. Ever. It just didn’t happen. She wanted to crawl somewhere and cry. Nothing was the same anymore. She couldn’t share her frustrations with Moses, couldn’t let him tease her until she felt better, couldn’t let him reassure her that she was just overthinking things.
“I’ll be right behind you,” she said, grabbing her laptop. She hurried to the meeting room, pausing just outside the door to take a deep breath, pull her shoulders back, and force a calm she didn’t feel.
“You’re just in time for the Kakawa Housing update,” Ola said as she entered.
Dunni forced a smile and began her presentation. The project was on track, despite a few setbacks, and the team was working hard to meet the deadline. Her words were crisp, professional, but her mind was far from the task at hand. She threw a grateful glance at her assistant for ensuring the presentation ran smoothly, even as her own thoughts were in chaos. Dunni prided herself on her work ethic. Being a partner in the firm wasn’t a license to slack off; it was a call to excel. But today, everything felt off balance.
As the meeting wrapped up, Ola cleared his throat. “We have an announcement to make. One of us is leaving Architex.”
The room fell silent. The staff exchanged confused glances. With an attrition rate of zero over the last year, the news hit hard.
“Moses, one of our senior partners, is leaving us,” Ola continued. “Tomorrow will be his last day in the office, though he’ll work remotely to close out his projects and hand over responsibilities within the next month.”
The shock rippled through the room, a collective gasp followed by Dupe, the receptionist, bursting into tears. But Dunni felt paralysed. Moses… leaving? She turned to look at him, but he avoided her gaze, staring at anything but her. The revelation slammed into her like a freight train. She had thought about leaving, sure, but she had never imagined Moses would be the one to go first. The thought twisted her insides, leaving her breathless.
“Moses is relocating to the US for a new role,” Ola added, his voice a distant echo in Dunni’s ears.
A pain settled in her stomach, sharp and unrelenting. It wasn’t just a colleague leaving; it was like losing a part of herself. She remembered the first day they all met, their National Youth Service year, the shared dreams that led to the birth of Architex, the late nights and hours of unending work that brough Architex to the outstanding company that it was. It has always been the three of them. But Moses had been her anchor, her closest friend, the one constant in a life full of change. How could she imagine a life without him? Every memory she had of the company, of her growth, was intertwined with Moses. He was the common thread in the tapestry of her life.
The staff began to share their memories of Moses, each one more emotional than the last. Dunni barely heard them, her thoughts a blur. When Ola had made the announcement, Moses had finally looked at her, and the raw pain in his eyes mirrored her own. But then he quickly looked away, and she could feel the distance between them grow even wider. Moses loved Dunni with a depth he knew he could never feel for anyone else. He was certain that no one would ever come close to stirring his heart the way she did. He would carry the regret of not seizing the moment 16 years ago—or even just two years ago—when he had the chance to tell her. Instead, he let her slip away, hidden in the fog of their friendship
Finally, it was Dunni’s turn to speak. She stood, her hands trembling as she faced the room, but her eyes sought out Moses. “We all will miss Moses,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wish you only the best.”
The words were simple, but they carried the weight of everything she couldn’t say. Moses and Ola knew she wasn’t taking it well. But Dunni would never admit just how much she would miss Moses. In another world, in another life, she might have told him the truth, but here, all she could do was put on a brave face and hide the storm raging inside her.
As she listened to others recount stories of Moses’ kindness—the cinema tickets that saved a marriage, the lunches he bought for his team, the quiet acts of generosity she had never known about—Dunni felt her heart break a little more. How could she live without him? Moses was her confidant, her true friend, the one person who understood her better than anyone else. The last two weeks had been difficult, but this… this was unbearable. She was drowning in a pain she had never known.
When the meeting ended, the staff left the room slowly, leaving Dunni, Moses, and Ola behind. Ola quickly explained that he had only found out that afternoon and then excused himself. Ola knew what Dunni needed without her saying a word. knowing they needed this time. They had been in each other’s lives for so long.
Moses and Dunni stood there, the silence between them thick with all the words they couldn’t say. Ola watched them, puzzled that Dunni couldn’t see it—that Moses was her lifeline, the air she unknowingly depended on. Their connection was so seamless that everyone else just assumed they were together. Yet, life had its own way of twisting their paths, leaving Dunni too stubborn, or perhaps too scared, to admit that her feelings for Moses went beyond mere friendship. Some bonds, no matter how deep, were simply not destined to be anything more.
She had so much she wanted to say, but instead, the words tumbled out almost carelessly, “When did you know you were leaving?”
“Does it matter?” he replied, his voice steady, his gaze fixed on her, hands buried deep in his pockets as if to anchor himself.
“Were you planning this when you visited my place two weeks ago?” she asked, her voice quivering with the weight of everything left unsaid. She didn’t want to revisit the painful memories, the way their once unbreakable friendship had vanished like smoke in the wind.
“No,” he said, his tone flat, almost distant. “I had the offer months ago but turned it down. I only reconsidered yesterday when Solutions Experts contacted Ola, questioning if our company was in trouble because one of our partners was seeking work with them.” His words were matter of fact, but they hit her like a blow.
Dunni felt a pang of guilt and looked down. “I was upset,” she admitted quietly. “It had become difficult to work together, and I thought it would be easier for everyone if I found somewhere else.”
“You don’t have to anymore,” he replied, his voice softer but tinged with finality. “I won’t be around to bother you. I have to go—I have a lot to do before my flight leaves tomorrow night.”
Dunni’s heart raced with everything she wanted to say, but the words wouldn’t come. She wanted to plead with him to stay, to promise she’d end her engagement if that’s what it took—anything to make him change his mind. She wanted to cry, to run into his arms and find comfort in the safety of his embrace. But she did none of those things.
Moses gazed at Dunni, his eyes lingering as if trying to capture every detail, every expression, to carry with him for the rest of his life. The thought of never seeing her again tore at him, a pain he could barely contain. But the moment shattered as Dunni whispered, “I have to go,” her voice trembling. She turned and quickly walked out, desperate to escape before her emotions betrayed her.
By lunchtime, Moses had signed the paperwork, officially committing to start with the American firm in two weeks. However, he was leaving the following evening, with plans to work from the US and return later to sort out his house and other belongings. The weight of this decision hung heavily on him, a bittersweet mix of anticipation and sorrow that gnawed at his insides.
He dropped by Ola’s office, trying to keep his composure. “All done, boss.”
“Who is your boss? You’re leaving me because of a woman.” Ola’s voice was tinged with a hint of playful reproach, but his eyes betrayed concern.
Moses managed a small smile, one that barely touched his eyes. “It’s for the best, and you know it.”
“That’s why I’m not making your life more miserable and going easy on you,” Ola replied, more concerned about betraying his features than he wanted to admit.
“I’m willing to offer my shares to you and Dunni,” Moses said, his voice tight with the strain of holding himself together. He could feel the weight of his decision pressing down on him, threatening to crush the fragile control he was desperately clinging to. “If we call in the lawyer, we can get that sorted.” He tried to sound businesslike, but the words came out uneven, the pain he was drowning in clawing at the edges of his resolve.
“Not so fast, bro,” Ola cut in sharply, his tone a mixture of firmness and concern. “You may not be working for us, but you’re still a part of us—and a shareholder too. Resignation, yes, but no selling of your stake in the company.”
Moses shrugged, his gaze drifting to the window. “You’re the boss,” he muttered, staring out at the sprawling city of Lagos. He had never imagined living outside the country, but it was either that or drowning in the despair and pain that threatened to consume him. This resulted from waiting too long for the perfect moment to propose to Dunni instead of seizing the moment many years ago.
A knock on the glass door startled him. Dunni peeked through, her face bright with a smile. “Can we come in? I have someone to introduce to you guys.”
The man with her was clearly visible through the glass. “Finally, we become worthy to meet the mystery man,” Ola commented dryly, his tone masking the underlying tension.
Moses shot Ola inquisitively, then walked over to Tade and extended his hand. “Moses Akale, soon to be ex-partner at the firm. Pleased to meet you.” His voice was steady, but inside, a storm raged.
Dunni glanced at Moses, puzzled by his introduction. The last she knew, he was simply a partner, nothing more. She tried to catch his gaze, but Moses refused to meet her eyes, focusing all his attention on Tade.
“Pleased to meet you,” Tade responded politely, unaware of the undercurrents in the room.
Ola stood up to greet Tade. “We finally meet the mystery man. Happy for someone to take her off our hands.”
Moses shot Ola a death glare, but Ola merely shrugged, unperturbed. “You must be used to all the publicity with the recent blog posts.”
Moses observed a shift in Tade’s demeanour, noticing the discomfort that flickered across his face when the blogs were mentioned. Moses made a mental note to find out more about this man.
“Don’t tell me you read those blogs,” Dunni interjected, her tone light as she tried to defuse the situation. “Miriam sent it to me—our girl moving in billionaire circles.”
“You wish,” Dunni teased. “If Tade is a billionaire, I’m a zillionaire, and you all are zillionaire-plus.”
“I’ll see you guys later. I’m off for lunch.” Dunni’s tone was casual, but inside, she was determined. She wasn’t about to let Ola and Moses have their way, not with Tade. She didn’t trust them—no guy who’d ever come near her had met their impossible standards. “Do you want me to get you anything?” she added, her eyes already on the door.
Both men declined, and without another word, Dunni grabbed Tade’s hand and led him out, leaving an uneasy silence in their wake.
“Pleased to meet you, Dr. Tade Braithwaite. We hope to see you around,” Ola called out, his voice echoing in the room as the door closed behind Tade and Dunni.
Once outside, Moses quickly googled Tade Braithwaite. What he found made his heart sink further: Son of the richest woman in Africa, Molade Thomas. Lost his wife early this year to cervical cancer. Rumoured to have been engaged to Made Brown, a family friend, but the engagement was broken off. Made is still unmarried, and they hope they’ll get back together. Tade is a doctor who works solely for Lekki Consultants Hospital and is not involved in the family business run by his mother.
“Wow, our girl snagged a billionaire,” Moses muttered to himself, the words laced with bitterness. “Maybe that’s why I never stood a chance. I don’t have that kind of money.”
“You’re being a dickhead now,” Ola snapped, cutting through Moses’s self-pity. “Dunni’s never been about money, and you know it.”
Moses chuckled, though the sound was hollow. “You better not repeat that nonsense to Dunni. You’ll never be forgiven.”
“Yes, boss,” Ola replied, his tone softening. “When are you telling her you’re leaving?”
“I don’t know,” Moses admitted, his voice thick with uncertainty. “Don’t we have the strategy meeting later today? We can announce it to the team.”
Meanwhile, Dunni and Tade made their way to the car park. “There’s a decent restaurant within walking distance. Let’s try that,” Dunni suggested, her tone light, though she was secretly relieved they wouldn’t have to deal with Lagos traffic.
“Not expecting us to drive somewhere due to traffic?” Tade teased, raising an eyebrow.
Dunni smiled, though her mind was elsewhere, weighed down by the workload she could barely manage. She also had a conference in Abuja where she was a speaker, and the preparation was looming over her. She hesitated to mention work as an excuse, feeling guilty knowing how often she’d chided Tade for working too hard and not taking enough time to rest. “It’ll be easier for you to get back to work quicker without having to bring me back and then find your way,” she said instead, which wasn’t a lie.
Tade raised his hands in surrender. “You drive a hard bargain, Miss Adesida. Warn me not to negotiate with you in the future. Any hope to win is dead on arrival.”
When they arrived at the restaurant, Dunni sank into the soft chair, savouring the cool air from the air conditioner and the soothing classical music playing in the background. The calming decor, with its mix of browns and greens and the lively presence of plants, made the space feel almost like an oasis. The wide windows let in natural light, softened by the draperies to avoid any harsh glare from the sun.
A waiter soon approached, and Dunni ordered a Chapman while Tade opted for water. The vibration of her phone pulled her attention away. “One second,” she said, her eyes pleading as she glanced at Tade, who excused himself, mouthing “gents” as he left the table.
It was Emma on the other end. “Hey, girl, not a good time to talk,” Dunni said, trying to keep her voice light.
“Check your phone,” Emma insisted. “You’re trending.”
“I know,” Emma responded drily, tired of people referring to the blog post. “Don’t pay attention to all the lies.”
“What lies? What are you talking about?” Emma asked, confused.
“Read the link I sent you. It makes sense now that you choosing Tade over Moses. The lie in being the son of the richest woman in Africa.”
Dunni’s heart pounded as confusion turned to dread. “I don’t know what you’re saying. I’ll get back to you,” she replied, her voice shaky. When the call ended, she opened the link Emma had sent.
Her eyes widened in shock as she saw a picture of herself taken from her company’s website, accompanied by a profile. “Latest love interest to Tade Braithwaite, son to Molade Thomas, the richest woman in Africa,” the headline blared. Hurt, anger, and disappointment twisted into a knot in her stomach. Betrayal sank deep, cold and heavy. Tade had hidden this from her. They’d been engaged for two weeks, and he hadn’t thought to tell her this crucial piece of his identity. She couldn’t understand why he had kept something so significant from her.
Tade returned, immediately noticing the change in Dunni’s expression. Her face was a mask, devoid of the warmth he was used to. “Who is Molade Thomas?” she asked, her voice cold, almost unrecognisable.
“My mother,” Tade answered without hesitation, though he felt his heart sink. There was no point in denying it or trying to downplay the situation. It was time to come clean.
“When was I going to be told?” Dunni’s voice trembled with restrained fury. “Did you enjoy fooling me? Why did you hide that important fact from me?”
“It’s complicated,” Tade began, but Dunni cut him off.
“Please, uncomplicate it for me.” She kept her voice low, not wanting to cause a scene but barely holding back her rising anger.
“I didn’t want to be judged by my family’s wealth. I’ve worked hard for everything I have today—my degree, the hospital, my career—without relying on my family’s wealth or influence.”
“You lied to me, Tade. By not telling me, you lied. You took me for a ride,” Dunni’s voice wavered, but her resolve remained firm. “I joked so many times in the last 24 hours about becoming a zillionaire if you were a billionaire, and not once did you set me straight. You had all the time in the world, Tade, but you chose to keep me in the dark.”
“I was going to tell you today.”
“Was that why you said I shouldn’t read anything online? You had no plan to tell me and were only doing so because the news was out there. Was our engagement a lie, too?”
Dunni grabbed her bag, standing abruptly. “I’ve lost my appetite. I can head back to the office. You don’t need to miss your lunch on my account.”
Tade reached for her hand, desperation seeping into his voice. “Dunni, please don’t go. Let’s talk.”
But Dunni was resolute. “I’m not in the mood right now to talk. There’s nothing to say. Your actions have said it all.”
Tade let his hand drop to his side, his heart heavy with regret. The laughter of two young girls passing by only deepened his misery. “You should run after her,” the shorter one offered sympathetically, trying hard to stifle her laughter. The other old back burst into merciless giggles and nodded in agreement.
He sat down, needing a moment to breathe and gather himself. The last thing he wanted was advice from anyone, let alone two young girls who knew nothing about the complexities of life. Dunni had never been one to mince words or speak in riddles. When she said yes, she meant it with every fibre of her being. He would give her the time she needed.
Returning to work, Dunni felt she was stepping onto a battlefield, and her power dressing was the armour she needed. She chose a white three-quarter sleeve, flowery Hawes and Curtis shirt, perfectly tucked into a black pencil skirt that hugged her curves. Her eye makeup was flawless, with kohl-lined eyes that made her gaze sharp and commanding. A final touch of plum lip gloss, and she was ready. Satisfied with her reflection, she knew she needed her confidence at its peak to face, Moses, after what had happened two weeks ago.
She didn’t know what to expect but had already decided to inform them she would be leaving at the end of the month. It was the best decision for everyone. She doubted they could ever work together as smoothly as before, and she wasn’t sure their relationship could return to the easy banter and seamless collaboration they had once enjoyed. “I can do this,” she told the woman, staring back at her in the mirror. Nothing was holding her back now, not Moses, not even Tade.
Slipping into her four-inch black Louboutin heels—though she wished they were six-inch so she could tower over everyone—she grabbed her phone, checked her messages, and headed out, driving into the usual Lekki-VI traffic. Tade had sent a reminder about meeting her for lunch, which brought a small smile to her face. He had never visited her office before, always picking her up and having her car sent home. But today, she was glad he would be there. Introducing him to Moses and Ola seemed like a good idea, a subtle way of showing Moses that she was serious about her relationship with Tade.
Parking in her reserved spot, Dunni gathered her Michael Kors bag, laptop bag, and a thermos flask of tea, juggling them all as she locked her car and walked up the stairs to the reception. Sarah, the receptionist, greeted her with a broad smile, gushing with congratulations on her engagement. Dunni noticed a slight shift in Sarah’s demeanor, almost like she was dealing with a celebrity. She brushed it off, thinking it was just her paranoia after being away from the office. Even the security guard was more attentive than usual, making her wonder if her absence had caused this.
Her heels echoed in the hallway as the elevator doors opened on the first floor. She walked to her office, setting down her bags and debating whether to change into flats, but decided to keep the heels on for the extra height she felt she needed today. Instead of turning on the air conditioning, she opted to open the windows, craving the freshness of natural air.
She called Gladys, the junior architect assigned to her, who appeared in her office almost before she had finished dialling.
“Welcome back, ma!” Gladys greeted her, again showering her with congratulations. Dunni looked at her, puzzled. “Was my engagement circulated in the weekly update on the intranet? Why does everyone know I got engaged?” Gladys looked equally puzzled. “It wasn’t on the intranet, ma’am.” “Then why does everyone know about it?” Gladys hesitated before answering, “The blog.” A triumphant smile spread across her face as she said it. “Oh, that,” Dunni replied dismissively. “Don’t believe everything you see there.” But the look on Gladys’s face made Dunni pause. “You don’t know, do you?” Gladys asked, her voice laced with disbelief as the reality of the situation dawned on her. “Know what?” Dunni waved her hand dismissively. “Let’s focus on work and ignore those bloggers who make a living off lies. If Tade is a billionaire, then I’m a zillionaire,” she joked, laughing as she turned to her laptop and began the day’s work.
Meanwhile, down the hall, Ola shared the blog link his wife had sent him with Moses. Moses was unprepared for the wave of pain that hit him when he saw the picture of Dunni in her fiancé’s arms. Something about it felt wrong, tearing at him in a way he hadn’t expected.
“Mystery woman revealed. Lagos billionaire bachelor Tade Braithwaite, son of Molade Thomas, is set to tie the knot for a second time after the devastating loss of his wife,” the blog read.
Moses handed the phone back to Ola, trying to mask his emotions. “You can’t believe everything these blogs say. They peddle lies for clicks. At least now we have a name for the mystery guy. Dunni’s been keeping this from us—makes you wonder if she had something to hide.” He tried to smile, but it was forced. “I guess we’ve been too hard on her in the past. She’s always complained that we scare off her suitors before they even get a chance, and now, the one she keeps secret proposes.” Moses smiled ruefully. “Man, I’m seriously considering that offer in America. I don’t think I can keep working like this. Seeing her daily will constantly remind me of what I’ve lost.”
Ola looked at his friend, understanding the depth of his pain. As much as he wanted Moses to stay, he knew the daily grind of seeing Dunni would tear him apart. “You have my blessing,” Ola said softly. “Some companies have already reached out, asking if we were in trouble,” Ola admitted. “Why?” Moses asked, concern lining his voice.
“Dunni’s been applying elsewhere,” Ola said, the reality sinking in. “That’s not good for us,” Moses agreed. “Let me call to accept the US offer and start the paperwork. I’ll try to arrange for an immediate start if possible. That way, Dunni does not have to leave.”
Dunni knew she had to return to work, but the mere thought of facing Moses overwhelmed her with dread. She’d taken a week off, and in the second week of her self-imposed exile, she desperately sent out her CV to architectural firms across the country—firms far smaller than hers. But at this point, size didn’t matter. She just needed to be somewhere, anywhere, that put a safe distance between her and Moses. The idea of being around him, of continuing in the same space, was unbearable.
Meanwhile, she had told Tade she couldn’t agree to the December wedding dates he had suggested. The decision, she insisted, had to be mutual. Their first real argument followed soon after. She accused him of disregarding her feelings, as though he still wanted his late wife to have a presence in their marriage, and she wasn’t willing to enter a marriage where the ghost of another person lingered. It wasn’t just about the wedding anymore—it was about asserting herself, about not losing her voice in the process of planning her future. She realised with a jolt that she had almost allowed Tade to make the decisions without her input.
Tade had apologised sincerely, explaining that his fixation on the original wedding date was due to his terrible memory, not a lack of respect for her opinions. He promised they would pick a date that worked for both of them and together, they decided to push any wedding plans to the following year. They barely knew each other in the midst of their hectic lives and needed more time to meet each other’s friends and family. Yet, despite the compromise, doubts gnawed at Dunni, although she kept them hidden from Tade.
Tade was disappointed by the delay but was willing to go along with Dunni’s wishes. After all, she had said yes to his proposal, and that had to mean something. But he hadn’t introduced her to his mother yet—a meeting he dreaded, worried that it might cause Dunni to rethink everything. His mother wasn’t the easiest person to get along with, and he knew the introduction needed to happen soon before Dunni started wondering why it hadn’t already.
When Dunni booked her flight to Johannesburg, she told Tade she needed a few days away and would return by Sunday. She accepted his offer to drive her to the airport. She also informed Ola and Moses that she’d return to the office the following week. Her time in Johannesburg was quiet, but she appreciated the solitude. She barely left her hotel room, burying herself in work. Talking to Tade every night kept her grounded, reaffirming her decision to marry him, even as a persistent voice whispered that she still had time to change her mind. She kept contact with her partners to a minimum, only responding to essential emails.
When Dunni finally returned to Lagos, she felt a sense of relief, though she wouldn’t call it rest. The distance had given her clarity about what she needed to do next. She’d received offers from smaller firms she would never have considered but knew she couldn’t afford to be choosy now. Tade didn’t understand why she was so eager to leave her position as a partner and a core part of the business to become just another employee elsewhere. She couldn’t bring herself to explain the situation with Moses—she didn’t want to burden him with that part of her life. In the early days of their relationship, Tade had asked many questions about her partners, especially Moses, whom she frequently mentioned. He had noticed the history they shared, but the fact that Ola was also part of the mix seemed to ease his concerns. Still, he was more curious about Moses than Ola, and with Moses away for six months, his questions had lessened. Dunni had become more cautious, almost evasive, when talking about Moses, sensing Tade’s discomfort. She hadn’t even mentioned to Tade that Moses was back.
When Dunni’s plane touched down, and her phone reconnected to the network, she was inundated with messages. One caught her eye—a link to a blog. Her heart nearly stopped when she opened it and saw her picture, taken that morning as she was leaving Lagos. The headline blared: “Mystery Woman Spotted with Lagos Billionaire Bachelor.” The photo showed her back, with Tade’s face clearly visible in a warm embrace. The article speculated about Tade’s new love interest, suggesting that other women vying for his attention should step aside. There was even a promise to reveal the “mystery woman” identity soon.
“Lagos billionaire, indeed,” Dunni muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. These blogs were notorious for their inaccuracies. But a small part of her couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity—they had at least gotten the “wife” part right. If Tade was a billionaire, then she must be a zillionaire. Laughing, she forwarded the link to Tade with a message: “You’ve got some publicity here. You’re a billionaire? Guess that makes me a zillionaire.” She took a taxi home, turning down Tade’s offer to send a driver since he was busy with work.
Tade, about to head into surgery, nearly dropped his phone when he saw Dunni’s message. Panic surged through him—he needed to talk to her before she found out things from others that he should have told her himself. He had to fix this before it spiraled out of control. “Don’t go online, please. We need to talk. I’ll come by the house tonight if I can, or I’ll see you at the office tomorrow morning,” he texted back, urgency bleeding through the words.
Dunni laughed at his response, quickly typing back, “Calm down. I’m definitely not going down this rabbit hole of lies from some blogger, though I do like the sound of it. It’s your face out there, not mine—maybe you should watch your back on the streets unless you want to get mobbed by people thinking you’re a billionaire. Oh, and please send my Maserati first thing tomorrow. LOL.”
Tade ended up finishing surgery late that night and sent her a quick text, asking if they could meet for lunch at her office the next day, urging her once more to stay away from the blogs.
21stcenturybelle 