Bound by secrets

Riches in Disguise

The campus buzzed with the usual energy that came with the beginning of a new semester. Suitcases rolled across the pavement, greetings echoed through the halls, and laughter spilled from the common areas of dormitories. Among the flurry of returning students, chloe stood out, not because of her outfit or luggage, but because of her barely contained excitement, not minding that she did not return home.

Her best friend, marvis, was returning that very day after spending the holidays in her hometown, and chloe had been counting down to this moment since the break began. Without waiting for any formalities, chloe made a move to marvis’s off-campus apartment. She wanted to be the first face her friend would see.

She reached the familiar door, knocked once, then twice, before realizing she had the spare key. Slipping in, she placed a welcome-back card on the table and flopped onto the couch, heart racing with anticipation.

When the door finally creaked open two hours later, chloe sprang up like a coil. “marvis!” she squealed, throwing herself into a hug.

Marvis laughed, nearly dropping the tote bag in her hand. I knew you’d be here!

After the hugs and happy screams died down, marvis set down a nylon bag full of goodies from her hometown,groundnuts, chin chin, suya spices, and little wrapped treats. You know I wouldn’t return empty-handed, she said, winking.

They settled in, snacks spread before them, and began the catch-up session that had waited all holiday.

“So how was the your people at home?” chloe asked, munching on chin chin.

Chaotic but beautiful. My grandma made me home dishes every day. And the network was so bad, I barely escaped boredom.

Chloe grinned. Meanwhile, I had the most amazing holiday ever. Guess who I spent it with?

Marvis raised a brow. No. You don’t mean…..

Yep, chloe interrupted, eyes twinkling. William. My crush since forever. I had no body to spend the holiday with, and somehow… we started hanging out. It was magical, marvis. He even bought me things.

No way! Marvis’s mouth dropped open. Tell me everything. From the beginning.

And so they talked. They shared stories of late-night bonfires in her hometown, awkward family dinners, and first-time feelings. Laughter filled the apartment, mingling with the aroma of the snacks and the comfort of long-awaited company.

By the time they glanced at the clock, the sun had long disappeared, replaced by a moon that watched over them through the window. It didn’t matter. The new semester had begun, and with it, the promise of more stories,together.

It had been nearly a month since resumption, and chloe had heard nothing from william. No calls, no texts, just silence. Their magical holiday hangouts felt like a distant dream, and though she wanted to believe he had simply been busy, a quiet worry began to settle in her chest.

Her days were packed with lectures, assignments, and impromptu group meetings. She hadn’t even stepped foot into the club where he worked. Still, her curiosity and hope refused to die. She needed answers or at least, to see him again.

Then she remembered the small card she had once glimpsed in his wallet during one of their outings over the break. It was his ID, and on it, neatly printed, was an address. She hadn’t meant to memorize it, but her brain had done the job for her.

Now, she’s beside marvis in a car as they rode toward the outskirts of town. You sure this is a good idea? Marvis asked for the third time, adjusting the strap of her handbag.

Chloe nodded. I just want to surprise him. Maybe he lost his phone, or something happened. I don’t know. I just want to see for myself.

The car stopped in front of a tall black gate attached to a massive, cream-colored mansion. It was elegant, too elegant. A black SUV was parked neatly in the driveway, and a manicured garden flanked the sides of the building.

Marvis’s eyebrows shot up. Chloe are you sure this is the address?

She hesitated, staring at the gate, her heartbeat growing louder. Yes. I’m sure. That’s the house number.

Marvis crossed her arms skeptically. This guy is a bartender, chloe. No offense, but this mansion doesn’t scream ‘bartender vibes.’ Are you sure you didn’t misread the address?

Chloe swallowed hard, suddenly unsure of everything. The pieces didn’t fit, the humble way william dressed, the simplicity in his stories. And yet, here they were, standing in front of what looked like a politician’s residence.

Just then, a gatekeeper peeked out from behind the iron bars. Yes? Who are you looking for?

Chloe’s voice caught in her throat. She hesitated, then said, william. William…um, brown skin, tall, huge works at the Club.

The gatekeeper squinted, then nodded slowly. Ah, Oga william. He dey inside. You wan see am?

Marvis’s mouth opened in shock. He lives here?!

Chloe could only nod faintly as the gates creaked open.

Whatever answers she thought she had, they were about to be rewritten.

Still processing the shock of the gatekeeper’s words, chloe and marvis exchanged a nervous glance before stepping through the now-open black gates. Their cover shoes crunched against the interlocked stones of the long driveway, and the scent of freshly watered grass hung in the air.

Maybe he works here, marvis whispered, trying to make sense of it all. As what, though? A personal bartender?

Chloe didn’t respond. Her thoughts were tangled with confusion and curiosity. They reached the main entrance and pressed the bell mounted beside the door.

Moments later, the door swung open, and standing before them was a huge man in black. Muscular, with a square jaw and expressionless eyes, he looked more like a bouncer than a housekeeper.

Good afternoon, chloe began, trying to keep her voice steady. We’re looking for someone. Mr. Williams… Does he live here?

The man’s expression didn’t change, but he gave them a hard stare before pulling out his phone. Hold on, he said, stepping aside slightly and dialing a number.

The girls stood awkwardly in the silence that followed. The bouncer spoke in low tones, occasionally glancing at them as he talked. Finally, he ended the call and gave a nod. Come in. He’s inside.

They followed him in, and it was like stepping into another world. The air was cool, laced with subtle perfume. The walls were painted in soft cream with accents of gold. Chandeliers glittered from the ceiling, reflecting off the marble floor. Every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a luxury home magazine.

Marvis’s jaw dropped as she looked around. Chloe she whispered, what is this place?

I don’t know, chloe replied, just as stunned. I thought I did.

They were led into an open sitting room with high ceilings and wide windows that gave a view of the backyard pool. The decor was clean and elegant, dark wood, plush cushions, and abstract art framed in glass.

Please wait here, the bouncer said. Boss will be with you people shortly.

As he turned to leave, a well-dressed young man appeared, offering a slight bow. Would you like something to drink while you wait? Juice, wine, soft drinks?

The girls quickly shook their heads. No, thank you, chloe said.

They didn’t want to let their guard down, not until they knew exactly where they were… and who this Mr. Williams truly was.

The silence between them now was filled with questions neither could voice, and only one person had the answers.