𝗭𝗔𝗥𝗔

𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥

Zara continued in every possible way to frustrate Kunle. Every day she found a new reason to make his work harder. She questioned his reports, demanded new drafts at the last minute, and pointed out the smallest mistakes; mistakes most people wouldn’t even notice. Sometimes she would call him into her office just to ask why he didn’t do something her way, even when his way was clearly correct.

Yet, no matter how sharp she was with him, Kunle took it all. He listened calmly, nodded, and did the work without complaining. His patience only annoyed her more. The manner in which he carried himself, his steady posture, the way he stayed polite, the way he never raised his voice or let irritation slip onto his face. It was as if her attempts to shake him simply bounced off him.

When she returned a file to him with unnecessary corrections, he accepted it quietly. When she dismissed his suggestion in a meeting only to accept the same idea from someone else, he didn’t react. When she changed deadlines without warning, he adjusted without a word.

And somehow, the more graceful he remained, the more it irritated her.

She wanted him to break, to show even a little sign that her attitude was getting to him.

But Kunle Lawson carried himself with a quiet pride that refused to bend. His calm confidence stood firm in the face of every sarcastic comment and every unfair criticism. And that, more than anything, drove Zara insane.

It didn’t take long before the rest of the office noticed the tension between them. It was almost impossible to ignore. People saw the way her sharp eyes followed him, the way she questioned him more than anyone else, and how her tone changed whenever he stepped into the room.

At first, the staff tried to act normal. They exchanged quiet glances, raised eyebrows, and whispered behind their computer screens. But soon, the atmosphere became too obvious to pretend. Some avoided being around when Zara called for Kunle. Others paused in the hallway, listening for any sign of trouble. Even the interns learned quickly to step aside when they saw Zara marching toward Kunle’s desk.

It went on for weeks until he (Kunle) could take it no more. Zara was in her office, flipping through a file like it had personally offended her. When Kunle walked in with the updated reports, she didn’t even look up.

“Put it down,” she said flatly. “Let me guess — there’s another mistake?”

Kunle set the file on her desk. “Everything is correct now.”

“Oh?” She finally raised her head, one brow arching. “You’re sure this time? Because I don’t want to babysit your work again.”

Kunle inhaled slowly. “With respect, Zara—”

“Ms. Adeyemi,” she corrected sharply, leaning back in her chair.

His jaw tightened. “Ms. Adeyemi,” he repeated. “I think you should check the reports before assuming something is wrong.”

Zara gave a small, mocking laugh. “Assuming? Kunle, the last two drafts had mistakes a child could spot.”

“They weren’t mistakes,” he said calmly. “They were adjustments based on the new numbers you sent.”

She blinked. “Are you trying to argue with me in my own office?”

Zara folded her arms. “So now I’m the problem?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You implied it.”

“No,” he said, voice firm, “but I won’t let you keep talking to me like I’m incompetent.”

The room fell completely still. Zara stared at him, surprised, then she stood up. “Watch your tone, Mr. Lawson.”

“And you watch your words,” he replied. “You’ve been tearing into me for weeks, and I’ve taken it. All of it. I’ve redone reports, stayed late, fixed things that weren’t even wrong. I did it because I respect this company and I respect your position.” His eyes met hers—steady, unflinching.

Her fingers tightened slightly on the edge of the desk. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” he said simply. “If you have an issue with my performance, tell me clearly. If you’re trying to test me, just say it. But don’t keep treating me like I’m beneath you.”

Zara let out a slow breath, her face unreadable. “You’re feeling bold today.”

“I’m feeling honest,” he said.

“And you think honesty will protect you from consequences?”

“No,” he answered. “But silence never does either.”

She didn’t respond. For the first time, Kunle had pushed back without flinching, without raising his voice, and without losing his professionalism. He stood there; calm, tall, collected, showing her he wasn’t someone she could break. She glared at him and the silence stretched.

Finally, she sat back down. “Leave my office, Mr. Lawson.”

Kunle nodded once, turned, and walked out with quiet confidence.

Zara stared at the closed door long after he left, anger burning in her chest.

————————————————————————————————

𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

By the time the lunch break arrived, Kunle needed air—fresh, clean, Zara-free air. He wondered what she was going to do to him next, seeing how he stood up to her.

𝘈𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘪'𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘣, he thought.

He left the building, walked two streets down, and stopped at Oasis Corner Café, a small spot tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. The place always smelled like cinnamon, roasted coffee beans, and soft jazz drifting from hidden speakers. Light spilled through big glass windows, giving the café a warm, lazy afternoon glow.

Kunle chose a seat outside under a green umbrella, the Lagos breeze brushing his shirt lightly. A few minutes later, Tolani arrived.

Tolani always moved like she was dancing to a rhythm only she could hear. Today she wore a mustard-colored blouse tucked into black palazzo pants, her braids pulled up into a high bun. She had the kind of face that looked friendly even when she wasn’t smiling, and today she looked extra curious.

She dropped into the seat opposite him.

“Kunle… you look drained. What happened?”

Before he could answer, another figure approached—Femi.

Femi worked in their department too. Tall, dark-skinned, and always looking like he ironed his clothes with extra care. He wore a navy blue shirt with sleeves rolled just above his elbows, showing off a wristwatch he polished at least twice a day. He carried his tray with exaggerated gentle steps.

“Una don start without me?” Femi asked, dropping into the third chair. “Abeg, gist dey?”

Tolani grinned. “Gist plenty. Kunle wan faint because of Zara.”

Femi’s eyes widened dramatically. “Again?”

Kunle let out a long exhale. “Yes. Again. And at this point, I think she’s doing it on purpose.”

Tolani folded her arms. “Oya talk. Wetin she do this morning?”

Kunle chuckled weakly. “You know the report I spent half the night editing? She looked at it, sighed, and said—and I quote—‘Is this the best your skill set can produce?’”

Femi gasped like someone hearing breaking news. “Ah! Omo!”

Tolani slapped the table lightly. “This woman no get joy!”

“I’m telling you,” Kunle said. “Before I even responded, she added, ‘We can’t afford mediocrity at this level.’”

Femi shook his head slowly. “See as she dey talk like say you dey slack. That report was perfect.”

Tolani leaned in with narrowed eyes. “Did you annoy her in your past life?”

Kunle dropped his face into his hands. “I must have. Because honestly, why is she on my case?”

Femi pushed his glasses up. “Me I think she dey see you as threat.”

Kunle raised his head. “Threat? How?”

Tolani shrugged. “Simple. You no dey look nervous. You no dey bow. You no dey shake when she talk. People like her, dem no dey like that kain confidence.”

Femi added, “Plus you fine small.”

Kunle stared at him. “Femi, what does that have to do with anything?”

Femi threw his hands up. “I’m just saying! Beautiful people annoy some people naturally!”

Tolani burst out laughing, nearly spilling her drink. “True! Maybe she look you and the annoyance just enter her spirit.”

Kunle managed a tired smile. “You two are not serious.”

Tolani softened. “But seriously, don’t let it get to you. You’re good at what you do. Most people in the office can see she’s picking on you.”

Femi nodded. “Exactly. And we dey your corner. If she frustrate you today, you go meet us here tomorrow for debriefing.”

“Group therapy,” Tolani added proudly. “Sponsored by Oasis Café and emotional damage.”

Kunle laughed genuinely for the first time that day. “Thank you. I honestly needed this.”

Femi lifted his drink like a toast. “To survival. And to Kunle, the only man that can survive Zara Adeyemi and still look fresh.”

Tolani chimed in, “Amen! Because if na me, I for don cry since.”

They all burst into laughter.