Meanwhile at Diamond Gardens, as the morning sun peeked through the sheer curtains, painting playful stripes across Audrey's eyelids, a smile tugged at her lips. The most delightful aroma tickled her nose—freshly baked croissants and exotic fruit salad, a delightful prelude to the morning feast awaiting her. Rising from her luxurious four-poster bed, she gracefully made her way to the dining hall.
Sunlight flooded through the expansive windows of the grand dining room, its rays illuminating the sleek dining table adorned with a crisp white tablecloth and gleaming silver cutlery. A crystal pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice sparkled beside a silver pot of steaming hot chocolate, completing the elegant tableau. The centrepiece, however, truly stole the show. A platter of smoked salmon, artfully arranged to resemble a sunrise, sat atop a bed of fluffy scrambled eggs, adorned with glistening caviar. To complement the international flair of the meal, a side dish of jollof rice, fragrant with spices and rich with tomato goodness, added a touch of Nigerian luxury to the breakfast spread.
After enjoying breakfast with her family, Audrey took a bath and changed into a collared shirt, which she paired with a blue and white pleated skirt. As she headed out of her room, she bumped into Isabelle by the stairs. Isabelle was dressed in a grand Valentino metallic brocade dress, carrying a rose gold clutch and wearing nude heels and a cream coat. Her hair was neatly styled as she prepared to go to work at the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, the foremost and apex financial institution in the country.
'Mum, take care,' Audrey said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. 'Dad has already left for work.'
'There's an emergency sitting at the upper house of the National Assembly, which is why we didn't leave together,' Isabelle explained.
'Okay,' Audrey nodded with a smile. 'Since I'm not going to school today, I decided to go to the gardens.'
'All right, dear,' Isabelle replied, giving her daughter's hand a gentle squeeze. 'Enjoy your time, and remember, the staff is always there if you need anything.'
With a graceful wave, Isabelle turned and headed out, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor as she walked with a confident stride. Audrey watched her mother leave, a small smile playing on her lips. She turned and made her way towards the gardens, where she planned to enjoy the morning sun and the basket of fruits and wine brought over by a maid.
The warm sun kissed her skin as the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Finding a quiet marble bench, Audrey settled onto its exquisitely polished surface. The marble, veined with delicate swirls of cream and gold, radiated a gentle coolness that contrasted beautifully with the sun's embrace. Its sleek, smooth texture gleamed softly under the sunlight, adding an air of opulent luxury to the tranquil garden setting. The bench, an elegant centrepiece of refined elegance, offered a serene retreat where Audrey could savour the peaceful morning and her leisurely thoughts.
Nearby, a beautifully arranged fruit basket awaited her. The basket, a luxurious creation woven from delicate silver threads and lined with plush velvet, held a radiant assortment of exotic fruits. Mangoes, papayas, and starfruits, their colours vivid and inviting, nestled among sprigs of fresh mint. A bottle of chilled sparkling non-alcoholic wine stood elegantly beside the basket, its glass catching the sunlight and casting a playful glimmer.
Audrey picked a succulent slice of mango, its sweetness bursting with each bite. The non-alcoholic sparkling wine, crisp and refreshing, complemented the fruit perfectly, adding a touch of effervescence to her relaxing morning. As she enjoyed the feast, the tranquil beauty of the garden and the luxurious details of her surroundings made the moment feel all the more indulgent.
Pulling out her phone, a thoughtful expression crossed her face. She opened WhatsApp and created a new group chat with Chioma and Chisom, naming it 'Three besties.' A playful grin spread across her lips as she sent a single love emoji to the newly formed group.
On the other hand, at Star Restaurant, the clinking of plates and the buzz of conversations filled the air. Chioma, focused on her job, balanced a tray of steaming akara and akamu, a traditional Nigerian breakfast. A notification chimed on her phone, momentarily breaking her concentration. Glancing down, she saw the unfamiliar group name 'Three besties' and a single love emoji from Audrey. Her gaze darted towards Chisom, who was wiping down a table across the room.
Chioma subtly lowered her head, placing the tray on a nearby counter, then glanced down at the screen, her fingers tapping out a quick reply, 'Madam Audrey, I'm glad you're in love.'
Returning the phone to her pocket, Chioma picked up the tray and carefully carried the akara and akamu to the waiting customer. With a genuine and warm smile, she greeted the customer, saying, 'Good morning.' After serving the customer, she went to the counter, where she began refilling condiment bottles and straightening the napkin dispenser, her hands moving automatically as she prepared for the next wave of customers.
Seeing Chioma's message flash in the group chat, Chisom raised her head and glanced briefly towards her friend. A knowing smile played on her lips as she quickly typed, 'Chioma's in love too!' Sending the message off, she kept her gaze on Chioma, the smile deepening slightly.
The scene shifted to Audrey, a playful grin spreading across her face as she received Chisom's message on the group chat. 'Chioma's in love too!' it read. Audrey's smile widened, assuming Chisom was referring to her brother, Felix. Finally! she thought, her heart brimming with joy for Felix. She sent a dancing emoji and a quick message to Felix, 'It seems your wait is over!'
Back at the restaurant, Chioma's phone buzzed with a private message from Chisom, 'This is the right time to tell her about you and Michael.'
'Okay,' Chioma replied to Chisom. But before Chioma could share the news about her and Michael with Audrey, she received a message from Felix thanking her for finally acknowledging him as her man. To add to Chioma's shock, Felix called. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the name 'Felix' flash on the screen. Chioma, with a frown furrowing her face, placed the phone face down on the counter. Despite putting the phone down, she couldn't help but steal a glance at it, and her breath hitched as she saw Felix's name still flickering on the screen. He must have called again while she wasn't looking. Chisom, noticing Chioma's reaction, raised a concerned eyebrow.
Chioma stared at Felix's name on the flickering screen, a displeased look etched on her face. Sighing, she hung up the call.
'Why did you hang up on him? You should have rejected his love,' Chisom said firmly. 'If he calls again, don't hesitate to tell him.'
Chioma nodded, placing the phone on the counter. As she was about to attend to a customer who waved to get her attention, the phone started ringing again.
'F... Felix...' Chioma stammered as she answered the call.
'We're having our first date tonight.'
This guy was too domineering. He wouldn't take no for an answer and didn't give her a chance to speak. He was bossy. Furious, she added Felix's number to the blacklist and deleted his contact from her list. She had saved his number after Audrey pleaded with her during their chat earlier today, but now she felt she had no choice but to block him.
Is Felix really going out with me? If he comes here, then I'm finished, Chioma thought as she headed towards the customer and accidentally bumped into a table, nearly falling down.
Chisom hurried to Chioma's side, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. 'Woah there, careful!' she chuckled, her fingers brushing Chioma's arm in a light touch. 'Girl, you may not consider yourself very beautiful, but you're definitely attracting attention from every man here in Abuja.'
Chioma forced a smile, the bitter taste of frustration lingering on her tongue. 'I tried to tell him I'm not interested, but he just declared a date,' she mumbled, her voice thick with emotion. 'What if he shows up here and causes a scene? Michael might think I'm cheating on him. And I'm worried about Audrey's interpretation too. She might think I'm playing with her brother's feelings.' Chioma's voice trembled slightly, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.
Chisom placed a comforting hand on Chioma's shoulder. 'You're a good girl,' Chisom said softly to Chioma. 'I know you would never do anything to intentionally hurt others.' She paused for a moment. 'If you don't get the chance to tell Felix about Michael, then you should tell Michael about Felix. That way, you'll protect yourself.'
Chioma nodded, a flicker of hope replacing the worry clouding her eyes. 'You're right. Thanks, Chisom.'
'When you get home, take a moment to calm down and explain everything to Michael,' Chisom suggested.
With a sigh of relief, Chioma steeled herself. Explaining things to Michael wouldn't be easy, but it was the best option.