Back at Diamond Gardens, Celine, in her pyjamas, lounged across from her parents in the luxurious living room. Weekend newspapers and magazines were splayed out on the coffee table like a battlefield. Nicholas, trying to project a calm demeanour, began, 'Celine, you know better than anyone the consequences of courting media attention. Diamond Snow values humility and social responsibility. This flaunting display...'
Celine, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, interrupted. 'But Prince and I... we planned it all. We wanted to create a... a scene.'
Isabelle, sighed. 'A scene, Celine? You are putting your entire future, your education, at risk for a fleeting moment of fame. Remember, true elegance lies not in what you wear or how much you spend, but in your character and how you choose to use your privilege to make a positive impact.'
Celine countered, a playful smile dancing on her lips. 'Oh, Mum, come on. We help the poor, make sure that justice is being served. And if I want to spend something on myself or create a buzz, there is nothing wrong with that. I mean, why can't people mind their own business? Should I not take care of myself just because my family is the popular Njemanze family?' Celine glanced at her parents, her voice firm. 'People will always talk, whether you spend or not. Audrey almost fell, and it was captured by social media. As long as the Njemanze family is concerned, we will always be in the news. And I am sure many of those who openly criticise me and Prince are silently wishing to be us. About 99 percent of people who criticise others for their lavish lifestyle secretly wish they could live like that. So, don't mind these critics. They do this because they have always wanted to spend lavishly like me but are unfortunate with money. And they will never have the money to spend like me if they keep criticising me for doing nothing to them.'
'Celine, I can't beat you in an argument, especially not when you've got that glint in your eye. But remember, there's a difference between enjoying life and flaunting your wealth. True elegance, as your mother said, comes from using your resources to make a difference.'
'You know you can't beat me in an argument, why go ahead to fight a losing battle?' Celine chuckled, stealing a glance at the newspaper and magazine headlines, and she let out a smile. 'We do a lot of charity work that nobody knows about. Maybe... maybe this can be a chance to turn things around. We could use this attention to promote one of our causes, like donating to orphanages and offering more scholarships to underprivileged students.'
Isabelle's eyes lit up. 'That's a brilliant idea, Celine! You could use your platform to inspire others to give back. It would be a great way to counter this narrative of extravagance.'
Celine grinned. 'See, Dad? We can have our cake and eat it too. We get to keep the excitement going, but this time with a positive message.'
Nicholas chuckled. 'All right, all right. You win. But no more outrageous shopping sprees, promise?'
Celine winked. 'No promises, Dad. But how about a trip to the local art market to support local artisans? Does that sound more acceptable?'
Isabelle playfully nudged Celine. 'You're impossible, you know that?'
Celine laughed, a genuine, carefree sound that filled the room. As they continued their conversation, the weight of the media frenzy seemed to lift. The Njemanze family, despite their wealth and the drama that often followed them, found a way to navigate the situation with wit and a genuine desire to do good.
While the media frenzy painted a picture of a perfect high school sweathearts living a life of unimaginable luxury, the truth, as always, remained hidden beneath the glossy veneer. The meticulously crafted public image served its purpose, keeping Celine and Prince at the forefront of Abuja's number one high school sweathearts. However, behind the scenes, they were just two students trying their best to make sure that they remained top of their class, yearning for some peace and quiet amidst the constant cacophony of public attention.