AGAINST ALL ODDS

Chapter One The market was a living, breathing thing. It pulsed with movement, voices rising and falling in a chaotic symphony—traders shouting over one another, children laughing as they darted between stalls, the occasional blaring horn of a danfo struggling to squeeze through narrow paths. The smell of ripe fruit, roasted corn, and frying akara hung heavy in the air, mixing with the scent of sun-warmed earth. Audrey wiped a bead of sweat from her brow with the back of her hand, adjusting a pile of mangoes at the front of her stall. The sun was kinder now, dipping lower in the sky, casting everything in a soft golden glow. She liked this time of the day. It meant the heat would soon loosen its grip, and the evening breeze would carry away some of the exhaustion. She was about to call out to a passing woman to check out her fresh oranges when something unusual caught her eye. A black car. Not just any car—sleek, polished, with tinted windows that reflected the sun like a mirror. It stood out like a misplaced puzzle piece in the rough, dusty environment of the market. Cars like that didn’t belong here. At least, not in this part. Audrey wasn’t the only one who noticed. Some traders turned their heads, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Others barely spared it a glance, too preoccupied with their hustle. She adjusted her apron and turned back to her fruits. It wasn’t her business. Then the door opened. And he stepped out. Tall. Clean-cut. The kind of presence that turned heads without trying. His white shirt was crisp despite the heat, the sleeves slightly rolled up in a way that seemed effortless. He walked with the kind of confidence that came from a life untouched by struggle—the way people did when they had never had to chase after a moving bus or count coins at a roadside kiosk, hoping it would be enough. He was out of place here, yet somehow, he didn't seem uncomfortable. Audrey pretended not to notice him as he approached her stall, her hands busy rearranging some oranges that were already perfectly stacked. "Good afternoon," he said, his voice smooth, his tone neither rushed nor hesitant. She looked up, surprised. Most people like him didn’t talk to people like her—not unless they had to. "Good afternoon," she replied, her tone cautious but polite. His gaze swept over the stall, scanning the neat arrangement of fruits before settling on a bunch of bananas. "How much for these?" She told him the price, expecting him to argue it down like most customers did. But instead, he nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling out a crisp naira note. When he handed it to her, she realized it was far more than the actual price. "This is too much," she said immediately, looking at him with narrowed eyes. "Keep the change," he said, his tone light, almost dismissive. Audrey’s fingers tightened around the note. "I don’t take charity." His brows lifted slightly, as if he hadn’t expected that response. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "It’s not charity. I just don’t like carrying change." She studied him for a moment, then finally took the money. She placed the bananas in a small black nylon and handed it to him. "Thank you." He took the bag, but he didn’t leave right away. Instead, he glanced at her again, his gaze lingering—not in an uncomfortable way, but with curiosity. "You’re always here, aren’t you?" he asked. Audrey crossed her arms. "I sell here. Where else would I be?" His smile deepened. "Fair enough. What’s your name?" She hesitated. "Why do you want to know?" His laugh was soft, rich. "Because I’m curious." She studied him for a moment before finally answering, "Audrey." "Audrey," he repeated, as if testing how the name felt on his tongue. "Nice name. She shrugged. "And you?" "Adrian." She gave a small nod, storing the name away even though she was sure she wouldn’t need it. People like him didn’t come back. But as Adrian walked back to his car, he found himself glancing at her one more time before driving away. Adrian drummed his fingers against the steering wheel as his driver maneuvered through the chaotic streets leading away from the market. His gaze flickered to the rearview mirror, catching one last glimpse of the lively stalls, the people moving like waves, and—without meaning to—her. Audrey. A name he hadn't expected to carry with him beyond that moment, yet here he was, repeating it in his head like an unfinished melody. He exhaled, tilting his head against the seat. He had gone there for nothing more than an impulsive distraction—one moment away from the suffocating expectations that trailed him wherever he went. Yet, somehow, he had walked away with more than just a bag of bananas. Her eyes had been sharp, guarded. She hadn't looked at him with awe, like most people did when they realized who he was. She hadn't even seemed impressed. If anything, she had been indifferent, as if he were just another customer. It had been refreshing. As the car pulled up to the grand entrance of the imperial estate, Adrian let out a slow breath. Back to reality. The air inside the estate was cool, perfumed with the faint scent of fresh lilies. A large crystal chandelier hung above the marble floors, its glow reflecting off the polished surfaces. Too perfect. Too controlled. "You’re late." His mother’s voice cut through the silence like a blade. Adrian turned toward the grand staircase, where Empress Vivienne stood, draped in an elegant royal-blue gown. Her posture was impeccable, her gaze sharp and assessing. "I didn’t realize I was being timed," Adrian replied smoothly. "Your father has been asking about you. The council meeting ended hours ago. Where were you?" "I went for a drive," he said simply. The empress arched a delicate brow. "Through the market?" Adrian’s jaw tightened slightly. Of course she knew. "You know how dangerous it is to be seen in places like that. You are not a commoner, Adrian. You are a prince. Your presence in that market will spark whispers, and whispers turn into rumors. Rumors lead to scandal. And we do not entertain scandals." "Is there anything else, Mother? Or can I go?" "Tomorrow, we will be having dinner with the Delacroix family." Adrian stiffened. "The Delacroix?" His mother nodded. "Princess Isabella will be joining us. It’s time you start thinking about your future." Adrian’s fingers curled into a fist at his side. "I already have." But as he strode toward his wing of the estate, his mother’s voice followed him. "Then choose wisely, my son." And for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t sure what that meant.