After a scrumptious breakfast, Audrey and Celine left the dining room and headed out. Felix and his parents stayed behind to finish their breakfast. Felix, dressed in a casual yet stylish blue outfit, ate his food while flipping through the financial pages of the daily national newspaper he had brought with him. He seemed to have no plans of going to Moon Corporation today. Isabelle, already dressed for work in a purple silk suit with a sequined bustier, and Nicholas, looking dashing in a grey suit, were both ready for their day at work and would leave after they finished their breakfast.
Meanwhile, Audrey and Celine made their way to the spacious garage. Audrey took the driver's seat, fastened her seatbelt, and waited patiently as Celine opened the car door. Dressed in a beautiful white gown adorned with polka dots and a ribbon belt cinched at her waist, Audrey exuded both smartness and elegance. This was one of the dresses she had purchased online the day before. Her long, shiny dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, adding to her simple yet classy look. She also carried a Dior white handbag, further complementing her chic appearance. Audrey possessed undeniable beauty, even bearing a slight resemblance to Korean celebrities despite having no Asian heritage. Some might mistake her for someone who had undergone plastic surgery, but Audrey's beauty was entirely natural, as she had never resorted to such measures. Her lips, charmingly adorned with pink lipstick, made her truly resemble a movie star.
Celine, looking sharp in her school uniform with her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, grabbed her pink rucksack from the floor beside the passenger seat and settled in, fastening her seatbelt.
With Audrey starting the engine, their dazzling sports car swiftly pulled out of the garage.
'Audrey, why are you giving that girl three boxes of your shopping?' Celine enquired, unwrapping a lollipop as the car drove on.
Audrey smiled. 'Because I like her.'
'Like her? Is that a good enough reason? Does she deserve your affection? Will she appreciate your kindness?' Celine popped the lollipop into her mouth, clearly more interested in the candy than the conversation.
'She's a good girl,' Audrey replied simply.
Celine shook her head. 'Being good doesn't earn you a trophy. So, your explanation isn't convincing. Besides, it seems like you're trying to set her up with big brother Felix. Why would you do that? Big brother Felix is perfectly capable of finding his own partner. Just like big brother Michael, countless girls are vying for his attention.'
Audrey chuckled. 'Celine, can you just let me be?' She turned to Celine and added, 'Maybe you don't want me to drive you to school? I won't hesitate to make you jump out.'
Celine pouted and retorted, 'Audrey, if you don't drive me to school, am I supposed to hitch a ride on my own? Do you want me to jump out of the car? You're dreaming!' She rolled her eyes at Audrey. 'If you give me one of those boxes, then I'll forgive you for wanting to throw me out.'
Audrey laughed and, after a moment, said, 'Celine, you already have more than enough.'
They were approaching the school now. The massive gates of the school could be seen in the distance. The school was splendid, and even foreigners attended. Diamond Snow Secondary School was not only the best secondary school in Nigeria but also one of the top schools in Africa.
'How many love letters do you receive in a day?' Audrey playfully teased Celine.
'I'm a new transfer student from an American high school. How can I receive love letters already? I just returned last month in September,' Celine blushed, pretending not to have received any love letters from boys at her new school. Back in America, Celine had attended a prestigious high school where she was constantly bombarded with love letters from handsome boys. Despite their wealth and influence, she had turned them down and only agreed to be friends. She was transferred to Diamond Snow Secondary School to take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and become eligible for admission to Nigerian universities if she decided to continue her education here. The exam, administered by the West African Examination Council, was only available to candidates in Anglophone West Africa. Celine had returned to Nigeria in September because her parents wanted her to obtain the WASSC certificate.
Although she was a new transfer student, many boys at Diamond Snow were eager to befriend her and sit next to her in class. Technically, Celine hadn't taken the entrance exam and shouldn't have been a student at Diamond Snow. However, she was granted admission because her father was the acting chairman of the school, which was part of the Moon Corporation and renowned for its high teaching standards and enrollment rate in Abuja.
Celine was in the SS3A class, which comprised students from super-rich backgrounds or those with outstanding academic performance. The other classes were for students from mere affluent families, designated as B, C, D, and so on. Before Audrey could tease her further, Celine said, 'Stop here. I feel like walking today.'
'Okay,' Audrey complied, stopping the car without questioning Celine's decision to walk instead of letting her drive her into the school premises.
Celine stepped out of the car, bag slung over her shoulder. She waved a quick goodbye to Audrey before slamming the passenger door shut. Audrey smiled but stayed parked, observing Celine with amusement. Her smile widened when she saw Celine catching up with a handsome boy who stood at approximately 185 centimetres tall. He exuded intelligence and sophistication, clearly coming from an upper-class family. He was wealthy, but hadn't gained admission to Diamond Snow through a scholarship. Perhaps, he was also considered the school's heartthrob. Walking side by side, talking and laughing, bringing a picture-perfect high school romance scene to life.
'He's my sister's crush,' Audrey murmured, a playful lilt in her voice. She watched them reach the school gate, flashing their student IDs to the security guards before disappearing inside. With a satisfied smile, Audrey started the car and drove away.
Audrey arrived at Star Restaurant, meeting Emeka at the entrance. She handed him the exquisite-looking boxes for Chioma, leaving him to deliver them before dashing off to her early lecture at Baze University, where she studied Mass Communication.
Emeka carried the boxes inside, placing them on the counter, curiosity swirling in his mind about their contents. He stole a glance at Chioma, busy serving customers with her usual energetic grace. A warm smile touched his lips as he admired her. When their eyes met, he beckoned her closer with a subtle head tilt. Despite her simple black dress and neatly tied red scarf, Chioma had an aura as if she had stepped out of a painting, captivating Emeka's attention. He couldn't help but stare, warmth radiating from his eyes.
'Chioma, you have admirers too. You're likable and wonderful,' Emeka praised, his voice laced with genuine admiration.
Blushing slightly, Chioma bit her natural, smooth, pink lips and softly replied, 'Thank you, sir.'
As Emeka faced this unique lady who seemed to radiate charm, he felt an impulse to stroke her face, as smooth as a pearl. But he knew it was inappropriate since she was nothing more than his employee. 'Audrey gave these to you,' he said, gesturing to the boxes.
Chioma's surprise was evident. 'She did?'
Emeka nodded. 'Yes, she did.'
'Has she already left?' Chioma asked, scanning the restaurant for Audrey's presence.
'Yes, she has,' Emeka confirmed.
'I'll take them to the storage now,' Chioma said, picking up the boxes and heading towards the side room. Emeka followed closely behind. She opened the door, placed the boxes on a table near the window, and turned to leave. However, she was startled to find Emeka standing by the door, his arms folded across his chest. Something seemed to be bothering him.
Chioma remained silent, studying his expression for a moment before letting out a small cough.
'Chioma...' Emeka began, his voice trailing off.
'What is it?' Chioma looked up, her curiosity piqued.
'I know that you have suitors who wish to be with you. What I'm about to say may sound foolish and silly, but...,' Emeka's voice grew softer. 'But it feels to me that your arrival here, working with us, was destined for me to get to know you better. Now I understand why you got a job here. I know I can't offer you much... I just wanted to tell you that...' He paused, struggling to find the right words. He was gathering his courage to express his feelings for her.
'What?' Chioma was puzzled by Emeka's words.
'Haven't you guessed?' Emeka replied. 'I have fallen in love with you, Chioma...'
Emeka hadn't anticipated uttering those words until that moment, but as soon as he said them, they became undeniably true.
Speechless, Chioma struggled to find the right words to respond. He was her boss, and she needed to be careful not to anger him with her words. 'Sir...'
'I understand,' Emeka interrupted gently. 'But I can't help how I feel. I know your heart belongs to another, even if you don't say it. You're kind, and every day, you're all I can think about. I wish it were me that you loved...' Emeka paused, his voice filled with longing. 'I just wish it were me.'
Chioma remained silent for a moment, turning away slightly. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft, 'Boss...'
'Don't call me boss. It's just the two of us here,' Emeka smiled.
Chioma smiled awkwardly, turning back to him with shyness in her eyes.
'It's okay if you don't have my heart. We can still be friends,' he smiled.
'I'm sorry, boss. I wish I could love you back as much as you love me,' Chioma met his gaze, sincerity in her voice. 'You're a good person.' She smiled at him. 'You may not be my beau, but you will always be my friend.' Chioma gently patted his shoulder, as if he were an old friend.
Emeka's face lit up with happiness at Chioma's touch. His smile resembled that of someone witnessing snow for the first time.
With a final, lingering glance, he turned and walked away, leaving Chioma standing alone. She let out a shaky breath, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. She didn't have a beau and should have accepted Emeka, who genuinely cared for her. Instead, she had been hoping for Michael to come into her life.
Needing a moment to gather her thoughts, Chioma decided to step outside. Perhaps a breath of fresh air would give her the courage to face her boss, who was now at the counter, engrossed in calculations with his calculator. She wanted to get a drink from the water dispenser, which happened to be close to where Emeka stood. She was thirsty and needed water. What was she going to do?
In a moment of quick thinking, she sent Chisom a WhatsApp message, asking her to get her some water. Hearing the beep from her phone, Chisom, who was carrying a tray of hot steaming noodles to a customer, picked up her phone from a nearby table and read the message, glancing around the restaurant for Chioma.
Chioma stood outside, waiting for the water that Chisom hadn't delivered yet. Sensing that Chisom was busy, she decided not to bother her again and turned to head back inside.
At that moment, someone handed her a bottle of Eva water. Without looking up, she took it and said, 'Thank you, Chisom.' When she turned her head to take a sip, she was surprised to find Michael standing there, his presence as captivating as a shooting star.
'It's you...' Chioma's voice reflected both surprise and happiness.
Michael smiled. 'Are you disappointed to see me?'
'No,' Chioma replied.
'You look both surprised and happy,' he remarked.
Chioma took another gulp of water. 'What I think or feel isn't your business.' She turned to leave, but Michael's elegant hand quickly grabbed hers. 'I want to make money to support my family. So let me go.' She tried to brush his hand off, but Michael didn't let go. He held her hand firmly. Chioma took another sip of water.
'I won't let you go until you become my wife,' he declared.
Hearing his words, Chioma nearly spewed out the water she had just drunk. It didn't seem like Michael was joking. He found Chioma interesting. She was genuine, and most importantly, she was the woman of his dreams.
'Can I please go in? I have customers to attend to,' she pleaded, subconsciously licking her lips.
That small act caught Michael's attention. He couldn't help but gaze at her lips, imagining the softness and sweetness he would experience if their lips were to touch. Her lips were as cute as cherries, and he desired to savour their sweetness. His heartbeat quickened, and he found it difficult to tear his mesmerising gaze away from her lips. He had never kissed before, but with Chioma, he yearned to taste the sweetness of a kiss.
This god-like man actually wanted to kiss this slummy girl? He nearly leaned in for a kiss but quickly restrained himself.
Chisom, who had come to give Chioma a cup of water, paused in her tracks, watching the scene unfold. She gazed at this man with outstanding charisma and god-like features. Chisom struggled to find the right words to describe his excellence. He appeared even more handsome in real life than in magazines or on TV. She had always believed that men as beautiful as Michael only existed in dreams, fantasies, or romance drama series. She froze at the sight of him, wondering if it was a dream or if she was truly seeing Michael.
Chioma came from a humble background, and Chisom wished that her best friend wouldn't face hardships because of this man. She had witnessed countless love stories with tumultuous paths, bringing forth buckets of tears. Chisom hoped that Chioma wouldn't embark on such a difficult journey.
'Please... let me go,' Chioma pleaded, her voice filled with a mix of emotions.
'What about being my woman?' Michael persisted.
'Maybe next time we can have a proper conversation about it. I still have work,' Chioma brushed him off, trying to focus on her responsibilities.
But Michael took her hand again, determined to make her understand his feelings.
'Please...' Chioma's voice quivered, tears welling up in her eyes as she pleaded with him.
Michael didn't want to let her go, but as he turned his head and saw her on the verge of tears, he realised that holding her against her will could jeopardise her job and potentially make her resent him. Reluctantly, he released her hand, his expression devoid of any emotion.
'I'll give you one week to give me your answer,' Michael declared, his tone serious and unwavering. He didn't appear to be joking. With that, he turned away gracefully and walked off.
Chioma stood there, watching him leave, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. Chisom quickly walked over to her, observing her from head to toe.
'He's the guy? The man you fell in love with the moment you met him?' Chisom asked, seeking confirmation.
Chioma glanced at her and nodded in affirmation.
'I feel blessed to be your friend,' Chisom remarked as they made their way back inside. 'He's known to be aloof and arrogant. I'm surprised that you managed to capture his attention. Who would have thought that someone as regal as Michael would pursue a lowly woman like you?' Chisom expressed her genuine admiration for Chioma. Instead of giving her the water, she drank from it herself.
Chioma smiled but remained silent, keeping her thoughts to herself.