Meanwhile, at Diamond Gardens, the grand house stood enveloped in the evening light. Soft music drifted from open windows, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Inside, Felix emerged from the turquoise-tiled indoor pool, sunlight filtering through a large skylight overhead and casting dappled patterns on the water's surface. Water droplets clung to his skin, glistening like tiny crystals, making him look like a model straight from the cover of a fashion magazine.
Celine, swaying playfully in a flowing floral sundress, approached him with a sweet smile. Her dress fluttered gently with each step, the vibrant colours of the fabric complementing the serene backdrop. In her hand, she held a pristine white towel, freshly plucked from the rack beside the pool. She moved with an effortless grace, her cascading hair shimmering under the soft glow of the evening light.
Unwrapping her strawberry lollipop with a delicate flick of her fingers, Celine offered the towel to Felix. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she tilted her head and enquired, 'Fancy joining us for a movie?' Her hopeful gaze lingered on his face, a blend of innocence and charm in her expression. She exuded an air of effortless elegance, her brown pumps tapping lightly against the tiled floor.
Felix wiped his body with the towel, considering her invitation. 'Nah, I think I'm too old for that. Go ahead with Audrey,' he replied, waving a dismissive hand. 'Seems a bit childish,' he added, his disinterest clear.
'Childish?' Celine arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with playful challenge. 'Did you know Chioma is going too?' She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
Felix scoffed, a flicker of interest igniting in his eyes. 'Chioma is going as well?'
'Not only Chioma,' Celine pressed, sensing his shift in attention, 'big brother Michael is also attending.' She watched as Felix's expression changed, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her lips.
Felix chuckled, the sound devoid of humour. 'Michael? He's having a candlelit dinner date with his girlfriend. Do you really think you can convince me that easily?' His interest waned as he realised Celine was merely speculating. 'Tell your boyfriend to go. I'm sure he wouldn't mind being ripped off.'
'Audrey didn't get him a ticket,' Celine retorted, a playful defiance sparking in her eyes.
Felix scoffed, the arrogance dripping from his voice like honey. 'Tickets? Please. The Njemanze family waltzes wherever we please. We're so affluent that we don't need tickets or invitations. We could stroll into the White House if we fancied a movie night with the President. Tickets are for mere mortals, my dear.'
Celine bit her lip, unsure if he was serious or simply toying with her. 'So, Prince can come too, right?' she ventured, despite feeling her question was silly, with a hint of hope flickering in her voice.
Felix's smirk widened. 'Of course, the Prince of Abuja deserves such an honour. Besides, his father practically runs the country.'
'But I want you to come too,' Celine pleaded, her voice laced with a hint of desperation.
'No, I'm not a big fan of boring events like watching movies in a stuffy theater,' Felix drawled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. 'I have access to any film I desire at the snap of my fingers. You can't tempt me that easily, my dear.'
'You're so boring,' Celine lamented, a hint of playful exasperation lacing her voice.
Felix shrugged, a careless smirk twisting his lips. 'You're welcome,' he retorted, his tone dripping with feigned offense.
Celine sighed, unable to convince Felix to join them. She had hoped to tease him a little if he agreed. Popping the lollipop into her mouth, she turned to leave.
Audrey was in the living room playing games, waiting for Celine. When she saw Celine return without Felix, she knew he had declined. She put down her phone and looked at Celine, expecting confirmation.
'He refused to go, didn't he?' Audrey enquired.
'He asked me to bring Prince instead,' Celine replied, frowning. Then, she sat down on the couch, crossing her long legs gracefully.
Audrey smiled. 'We don't need to go with either of them. Just the two of us will be fine.' She stood up, dressed in a red flowing chiffon dress, matching pumps, and a red floral hat. 'Let's go.'
'No, I don't want to go anymore,' Celine pretended, feigning dismay.
'Why?' Audrey asked, concerned.
'Because...' Celine paused, breaking into a sweet smile.
Audrey mirrored Celine's smile, both reaching for their phones on the couch. Celine bit into her lollipop, the candy crunching audibly as she broke off a piece. She chewed it with delight, savouring the burst of sweet, fruity flavour that spread across her tongue. The sugary treat seemed to enhance her already cheerful mood.
With a shared look of excitement, Celine and Audrey rose from the couch in unison. Their movements, almost in slow motion, were perfectly synchronised, exuding a sense of harmony and purpose. As they walked, the scene had a cinematic quality, their steps purposeful and graceful, their expressions brimming with anticipation.
The soft evening light cast a golden hue over their surroundings, enhancing the moment's warmth. Their laughter, light and melodic, seemed to hang in the air, adding to the sense of joyful expectancy. Celine's hair flowed behind her, catching the light with each step, while Audrey's flowing red chiffon dress draped elegantly, swaying subtly with her graceful movements.
Together, they headed towards the garage, their movements a blend of elegance and excitement. Even though they were just going to watch a movie, the simple act of preparing for an evening outing made the moment feel special. The anticipation of their outing was palpable, making it feel like the beginning of a delightful evening together.
The peaceful hush of the evening shattered with the sudden screech of tyres. Celine and Audrey whipped around to see their parents, Nicholas and Isabelle, emerging from their limousine, adorned in their opulent finery. They had just returned from a lavish banquet at the Paradise Hotel.
'Mum! Dad!' the girls greeted in unison, their voices filled with genuine delight.
Isabelle raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over their attire. 'You're going out?' she enquired, her tone laced with disapproval.
'Just heading to see a movie,' Audrey replied casually.
'Your birthday is fast approaching, Audrey,' Isabelle began, her voice laced with subtle concern, visible in the creases at the corners of her eyes. 'It's not advisable to be out at night to avoid any potential scandals.' Isabelle, dressed in a turquoise dress, black pumps, and carrying a Chanel clutch, offered her advice. Nicholas, standing beside her in a navy blue suit, looked dashing. 'After your birthday, you'll be free to go out at night.'
Audrey furrowed her brow, a tinge of sadness in her voice as she responded, 'But I've already bought tickets.'
Isabelle's remark seemed unrelated, 'There's nothing wrong with discarding a dress that doesn't fit.'
'Mum, what does this have to do with a dress?' Audrey's sadness was evident. She looked up at her father with a pitiable expression. 'Dad, we're both your daughters. Can't you let us go?'
'Fine, I'll allow both of you to go, but after your birthday,' Nicholas replied, then he and Isabelle headed inside. Turning back to look at Celine, Nicholas said, 'You just told the world about doing a charity event. Why not focus on that instead of wasting your time watching 'Daniel Guidotti and Katerina Alcantara'?'
He was referring to a Filipino drama series, Walang hanggan translated in English as My Eternal. The names were the only thing Nicholas could remember in the film. He had one sunny Sunday afternoon watched the film with his wife and daughters to relax the day here in the house, and since then, the two names, Daniel Guidotti and Katerina Alcantara, he never forgot.
Isabelle smiled at the way Nicholas had playfully called the names, adding, 'Nicholas, you know you secretly enjoyed that movie!'
Nicholas chuckled. 'Well, if Daniel Guidotti and Katerina Alcantara can survive all that drama, I'm sure our girls can handle a night in.'
Their laughter echoed as they headed inside, leaving the girls behind, both amused and exasperated.
Audrey didn't know whether to cry or laugh. With no other choice, she walked back inside with Celine.