Namisa saw me start to sweat. She smiled. “Don’t worry, my dad is very grateful. He’s a bit paranoid but harmless.”
I relaxed… a little. “Okay, but how is it you aren’t surrounded by bodyguards?”
“Oh, I am,” she chuckled. “There are at least three in sight range, probably one or two more on patrol. Since the ‘incident,’ I’m never unsupervised. They keep their distance, but they’re always around.”
I marvelled at her calling the attack an incident. It made me wonder if she was that strong or just in denial.
“Hey.” She reached out and touched my arm. “Where did you go? I’m sitting here talking, and you’re somewhere else.”
“I’m just, well, you seem to be…” I was looking for the right words.
“I’m managing,” she whispered. “The first few months were tough. I looked terrible and worried it would last forever. But as I healed and the bruises faded, I recognised myself again. I might look a bit different now, but I’ve learned to accept it.”
“Well, you look beautiful,” I complimented.
“I really should go before my dad gets worried,” she smiled. “I had a lovely time. I’d like to see you again, maybe dinner at my home? I’m sure my dad would want to thank you in person.”
“I… I’d like that,” I stammered. “As long as you’re sure it’s okay.”
She came around the table and pecked me on the cheek. “Give me your number. I’ll text you. Nice meeting you, Mofe.” She said with a wink.
“You too, Namisa,” I replied as she walked away. I noticed two men standing up and leaving right after her.
As time passed, and Namisa didn’t contact me, I assumed she wasn’t interested.
Until now, I hadn’t been in a serious relationship. I focused on my career, especially during med school. With my talent for surgery, I found my path in plastic and reconstructive surgery. At 32, I was respected in my field and earning good money. It felt like the right time to think about a relationship, even if not with Namisa.
One evening, after my shower, I heard my phone ring. It was an unknown caller. I reluctantly answered. “Hello?”
“Mofe, It’s Namisa.” She said. “Sorry it’s been so long, my dad has been out of town.”
“Hey,” I replied. “Good to hear from you, I thought you’d forgotten me.”
“Can’t get rid of me that easily.” She laughed. “You busy tomorrow night?”
“Is this the part where I play hard to get?” I teased.
Namisa snorted. “This man. Is 8 pm good for you?”
“That’s fine,” I answered.
“The chauffeur will pick you up, see you tomorrow.”
“Great, bye Namisa.” I hung up smiling.
The next night, the car arrived right on time as Namisa had promised. I was taken to a mansion that looked like something out of a mafia movie, with fancy gardens and a big fountain. The driver dropped me off and I walked up to the front door. Just as I was about to ring the bell, the door opened, and a well-dressed older man greeted me.
“Dr. Mofe?” He asked.
I nodded.
“Please follow me.” He indicated.
When we got inside the house, my first impressions remained the same. It was dimly lit, quiet, and filled with expensive wood and marble everywhere. It felt like stepping back into a palace in the 20th century.
“Finally, we got to a room that looked like a living room. The man showed me a big, comfortable chair. “Please, sit down. The General and his daughter will be with you soon.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I was in a room that was almost as large as my entire apartment, and as I looked around, I noticed there was a lot of wood and marble. The walls were adorned with fancy artwork, most likely original and of very high quality. It was clear that the person who decorated the room had excellent taste in art. I knew that there were wealthy people in Lagos, but I had never thought this kind of wealth existed.
I was surprised when I heard a cough off to my right.
“Hello, Jeff.” Antonia smiled. “Nice of you to come. This is my father.”
General Hameed Aliko-Baju stood in front of me. I had seen his picture many times but meeting him in person was quite intimidating.”
“Good evening, sir.” I greeted him.
He shook my hand and thanked me for helping his daughter.
“Thank you, sir,” I replied. “I’m glad both of you are happy with the outcome.”
“My little girl is happy.” He beamed. “That’s all that matters.”
Namisa smiled and kissed her father on the cheek.
The cook announced that dinner was ready, and Namisa and I followed her father to the dining room.
After we sat down, the domestic staff poured wine and served the different courses of the meal. We made small talk, but nothing serious.
However, the conversation took a different turn once dessert was served.
“Dr. Mofe,” Gen Baju said, “I’m thankful for what you’ve done for my daughter, but I must ask, what are your intentions for her?”
My heart skipped a beat…
Buy Oniranu Books on Selar.co from anywhere in the world
This post has already been read 10526 times!
