On the other side, Michael had a cold and distant expression on his face. Robert, who had coincidentally been at the same barbecue stall as Chioma, had informed Michael about seeing her there.
'Michael, I baked this chestnut cake myself. Please have some,' Patricia said, gently balancing a beautifully decorated cake as she entered his room. Her pink jumpsuit was draped with a duster, adding a touch of charm to her appearance.
'Mum, I'm not in the mood,' Michael replied flatly, his gaze fixed on the wall.
Concern etched Patricia's features as she studied her son. 'What's troubling you?' she asked softly.
Michael's silence lingered, his expression distant.
'Don't you like the cake? I can have the maids make you any cake you want,' she offered.
'Just go away. I'm not in the mood for cake,' he replied dismissively. He turned away and moodily lay on his bed, thinking about Chioma and how he had almost kissed her earlier. Restlessness consumed him, and he couldn't help but wonder if a simple peck on her lips would have eased his restlessness. The thought of Chioma being at a barbecue stall with her friends instead of being with him saddened him. He felt a tinge of jealousy and an overwhelming desire to protect and treasure her, keeping her away from anyone else. For the first time in his life, he felt selfish.
Meanwhile, Andrew and Chioma, back home, enjoyed a hearty dinner of jollof rice and fried eggs. Chioma cleared the dishes, placing Audrey's gifts on the table.
'Open them!' Andrew urged, curiosity gleaming as he emerged from the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist.
Louisa was in the living room, knitting a pink sweater. She occasionally sipped her cup of steaming achara tea and glanced at the TV playing an Indian drama, showing little interest in the drama.
Chioma glanced at Andrew, who was now drying his hair with a white towel he had recently purchased from a street vendor. She smiled. 'Beautiful boxes,' she admired, holding one to her ear and playfully shaking it. Carefully, she lifted the lid.
'Just pull it right off,' Andrew suggested as he changed into his pyjamas, which Chioma had laid out on the sofa for him.
'What if it's a bomb?' Chioma teased.
Andrew rolled his eyes. 'Then we die together.'
'Andrew! I meant I don't want to ruin the box,' she pouted.
'Doesn't matter,' he replied nonchalantly.
'No,' Chioma insisted, 'it's too pretty.' She meticulously removed the lid, surprised and delighted to find an exquisite white rose-patterned dress folded neatly inside. A moment of awe passed before she reluctantly picked it up. 'Andrew...'
'The dress is beautiful. Must have cost a fortune,' Andrew complimented, walking over to sit next to Chioma.
'As they say, it's good to be rich,' Chioma remarked, examining the Dior label.
'What brand?' Andrew asked curiously.
'Look,' she pointed. 'It's Dior.'
He glanced at the box, eyes widening. 'But how did she afford it?'
'How else but through online shopping?' Chioma found Andrew's questions amusing. 'As for Audrey, you know with her family background, she can afford anything! Chisom told me you can order from the biggest brands overseas and have them sent to Nigeria via private planes. Audrey must have shopped for these items while she was at Star Restaurant. Looks like this Dior brand is even available here, though I'm not familiar with online shopping and prefer going to the mall to do my shopping.'
Andrew furrowed his brow as his eyes focused on the box in front of him. He picked it up curiously and opened it, causing a blush to creep onto his face. Inside the box, he found a pair of black laced panties.
While Chioma was still admiring the dress, she glanced over and noticed Andrew attempting to pick up the panties from the box. Blushing, she quickly reached out and snatched the box away from him.
'Big brother Andrew, when did you become a pervert?' she teased.
Andrew chuckled. 'Are you not my sister? Can't I joke with you a little?' He pinched her cheek lovingly, causing her face to flush even redder. 'I'm sorry. I know it's your intimate clothing, and it shouldn't be held in a guy's hand.'
Chioma tucked the box away, the blush lingering on her cheeks.
'So, do you like them?' Andrew asked, a playful lilt in his voice.
Chioma returned a coy smile, leaving the question unanswered. But the genuine appreciation for the lacy Dior panties was evident in her eyes.
Moving on, she carefully unwrapped the third box, revealing a white jacket with gleaming silver buttons. Holding it up, she admired the intricate details.
'Wow! Sterling silver buttons!' Andrew exclaimed, impressed. 'Looks like your friend is rolling in dough. Can I be her next conquest?'
Chioma arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. 'Tempting offer, but would you abandon Chisom for mere riches?'
'Never,' Andrew declared, shaking his head firmly.
'Just kidding,' she chuckled, slipping into the jacket with a contented sigh, the smooth fabric enveloping her in comfort, eliciting a delighted shiver down her spine.
'The colour complements you perfectly,' Andrew observed, then added after a short pause, 'You like it, don't you?'
'Of course I do,' she admitted readily, 'but...' A hint of uncertainty clouded her voice. 'What are her motives?'
Andrew let out a thoughtful sigh. 'You raise a valid point. Grand gestures like these rarely come without strings attached. Remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch...'
His words were interrupted by Chioma's excited discovery. 'This note might hold the answer!' she exclaimed, pulling out a neatly folded piece of paper. Taking a deep breath, she read aloud:
I understand you might have doubts about these gifts, but please believe they come from a sincere heart. You deserve more. Can you be my friend? I know you already have Chisom as your bestie, but I want to be your friend too...
Touched by Audrey's heartfelt words, Chioma carefully folded the note back into the box. While Andrew remained silent, a knowing glint in his eyes suggested he, too, believed Audrey's intentions were pure.
'Try it on,' he urged, curiosity bubbling over.
'Not yet,' Chioma countered, a playful grin replacing her earlier uncertainty. 'A bath first, then perhaps some modelling for my dear brother.'
'It doesn't matter. Try on the jacket. I want to see how you look in it,' Andrew insisted.
With a mischievous wink, she slipped on the jacket, the sleeves slightly long but easily adjusted with a button flick. As she twirled around, catching his admiring gaze, Andrew let out a whistle.
'Wow, Chioma! You look stunning, like a movie star straight out of Hollywood!'
Chioma smiled and took off the jacket. She carefully folded it and placed it back inside the box. Carrying the three boxes, she headed to her room.