Chioma had decided to surprise her brother, Andrew, at his workplace and also share the news of her acceptance of Michael's proposal to be his girlfriend. Even though everything had happened so quickly that she was somehow still in shock that she was definitely Michael's girlfriend, she still felt pleased about it. She left work early and headed to the garage where Andrew worked, just a few yards down the street. Andrew had initially been working at a garage closer to their house, but due to his exceptional skills, Ali, the owner, had decided to transfer Andrew to the larger garage, which was conveniently situated near Star Restaurant. However, Andrew had requested this transfer to stay closer to his sister and provide her with protection, though he occasionally still worked at the garage near their house.
Upon arriving at the garage, Andrew was engrossed in working on a car. Alerted by his co-worker about Chioma's presence, he looked up. 'Chioma?' His expression instantly changed. 'Did your boss fire you?'
'Not at all,' Chioma replied, surprised by his assumption. 'Why would he?'
'Well, because you refused to return his love,' Andrew teased, wiping his oily fingers with a rag. 'If it's not about losing your job, then what brings you here?'
'Just visiting. Why jump to the worst?' Chioma frowned playfully.
'Come on, let's grab a snack,' Andrew said, draping his arm around her shoulder.
'What about your work?' she asked as he led her towards a nearby snack shop.
'The boss won't mind. I can take a few minutes off, especially since the president's son visited our shop today. I was the one who repaired his car,' Andrew proudly informed his sister. He guided her through the door, and Chioma paused, taking in the inviting aromas and sights of the bustling shop.
'This place looks amazing. Aren't you afraid I might take advantage of you?' Chioma teased.
'The president's son is treating, so order whatever you crave,' Andrew joked, gesturing towards Prince, who sat in a corner, savouring his snack and a glass of wine while completely engrossed in his phone. 'Oh, by the way, I heard he's dating Audrey's younger sister, who recently returned from the States.'
Chioma didn't say a word; she simply smiled and took a seat in an empty chair while Andrew placed their snack order.
'You can give me your first paycheck. That would make me proud,' Andrew joked, pulling up a chair and joining her. 'I've ordered a few snacks. Now, tell me, what did you want to share?'
As Chioma was about to speak, the waiter arrived with their snacks and left. Chioma took a few bites of her croissant, disregarding any concerns about gracefulness. Then, in between mouthfuls, she recounted the events of Michael's behaviour at Star Restaurant.
'Acting in a romantic scene now, are we?' Andrew remarked, sliding her a glass of watermelon juice. 'Drink this; maybe it'll help you see the potential enemy you've made. Jessica won't take this lying down.'
Chioma followed his advice and took a sip of the delicious juice. It felt as if she were tasting Michael himself. She didn't care about the judgments of the world; she had accepted the man of her dreams and wouldn't let him go.
'Do you see things clearly now?' Andrew asked.
Chioma paused, contemplating the question as she sipped her juice. 'I know Michael's proposal caught me off guard, but I truly love him,' she finally replied. Then, glancing at Andrew, she added, 'Just because Jessica has money doesn't mean I'll back down.'
'So, you're going to spend the rest of your life with him?' Andrew probed, a smile playing on his lips.
'I would like that, even though I can't predict what the future holds,' Chioma responded.
'I'm always here for you,' Andrew assured Chioma with a warm smile.
'Thank you,' she replied, appreciating her brother's support. She opened her mouth to share her conversation with Daniel, but hesitated and decided against it.
Andrew noticed her change in demeanour. 'Something else on your mind?' he asked, reaching for her hand across the table. Sensing her reluctance, Chioma stood up, and he followed suit, leaving money for the bill.
'Daniel confessed his feelings to me today,' Chioma finally revealed.
Andrew chuckled and teased, 'You must have charmed him to make him confess. I envy the attention you've been getting from men lately. Looks like the witch from your village has finally left you.'
'Does that mean you'll leave Chisom for other women?' Chioma questioned, a hint of worry in her voice.
'Why would I do that?' Andrew frowned, glancing at her. 'No witch is after me,' he muttered, dismissing the notion.
As they left the shop, Chioma wrapped her arms around her brother, hugging him tightly. She breathed in the scent of cars and oil, mixed with the faint aroma of the CR7 perfume he had worn that morning. Despite the oily smell, she found comfort in his embrace, feeling warm and secure. She was proud of her brother.
'Here,' Andrew said, pulling out his wallet. 'Take this.'
'You're the best. I don't know what I would do without you,' Chioma expressed her gratitude, accepting the money.
'Just give me your paycheck,' he joked, and they both laughed. 'Off you go,' he said playfully, shooing her away.
Chioma hailed a taxi and headed home, feeling joyful. When she arrived, she found her mother cooking dinner in the kitchen. After greeting her mother, she went to her room. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she felt grateful to have a loving and protective brother. Thoughts of Michael declaring himself as her man crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed away any worries about Jessica's possible actions. She refused to believe that she would lose to Jessica.