Chapter 4

CHAPTER 1 The night was young, and Lagos was alive. Music pulsed through the streets of Ikoyi, where Aisha stood outside the grand ballroom of the Eko Hotel, adjusting her silver heels. She was the best event planner in town, but tonight was a crash – literally. Her car had decided to "take a nap" on the expressway, and now she was fashionably late to her rival's big night. Aisha slipped into the crowded ballroom, scanning the sea of designer suits and aganas. The Okonkwos were hosting, and their daughter's wedding was Lagos's event of the year. That's when she saw him – Tayo, standing by the bar, laughing with the groom. His eyes met hers, and for a beat, the music faded. Tayo Adeleke was no stranger to fancy events, but this wedding was family. His best friend, Ifeanyi, was marrying the love of his life, and Tayo was honored to be by his side. As he handed Ifeanyi a whiskey, he noticed her – the woman in red, slipping in like a breeze. Her eyes locked onto his, and he felt the jolt. Aisha wangled her way through the crowd, aiming for the bride's team. Tayo beat her there, offering a charming smile. "Lost, or crashing?" he whispered. Aisha raised an eyebrow. "Depends. Is the groom hot?" Tayo laughed – deep, throaty – and extended a hand. "Best man here. Tayo." Aisha took his hand, and the spark was undeniable. "Aisha, event planner. Car trouble." Tayo's grin widened. "Lucky me. Now you've got a ride." As they danced under twinkling lights, Lagos's energy pulsed around them. No one knew they'd meet again, but fate had plans. Tayo spun Aisha on the dance floor, her laughter mingling with the music. "You’re not from around here, are you?" he asked, pulling her close for a slow song. Aisha leaned in, smelling his colombo cologne. "Lagos born, but I hide well." The night swirled – food, laughter, Ifeanyi's speech. Tayo never left Aisha's side. As the clock hit 2 AM, he whispered, "Want to get out of here?" Aisha nodded. Outside, Lagos’s night air was a balm. They drove through Marina, toward the bridge. Tayo parked by the water, view of the island glittering. "You okay with this?" he asked, turning to Aisha. Her smile was answer enough. They talked – work, dreams, fears – the night shrinking to just them.