The promise between us

Chapter 12

Aurex Technologies, Maitama, Abuja

Zayn's POV

I had been staring at the same page on my laptop for almost ten minutes, The words were there but my mind wasn't.

Ummi's voice kept replaying in my head.

"I think I've found someone."

For the first time in years, I had no idea what my next move was.

A knock sounded on my office door.. Before I could answer, two familiar faces walked in.

"Permission denied!" Ayomide announced dramatically.

"But we entered anyway," Adibayo finished, dropping onto the sofa like he owned the place.

I sighed.

"Do either of you know how to knock?"

We knocked, but You just ignored us so we helped ourselves.

I rubbed my forehead…I regret meeting both of you.

Ayomide gasped, After everything we've been through?

You wound me baby. Adibayo place his hand on his chest, with a fake pout.

"I'll recover," I replied without looking up.

The twins burst into laughter,"You've been frowning since we walked in," Adibayo observed.

"Who offended our CEO?"

"No one."

Ayomide narrowed his eyes.

"Liar."

"I said no one."

He leaned forward, "Your left eyebrow twitches whenever something is bothering you."

I looked up, My eyebrow twitches?

Yes It does.

It doesn't.

It does.

Adibayo nodded seriously, I've known you since we were fifteen, trust me your eyebrow twitches.

I couldn't help letting out a small laugh..Happy now?

"There he is!" Ayomide pointed at me, I knew our robot could still laugh.

"I'm not a robot."

"That's exactly what a robot would say."

I shook my head, Both of you are impossible.

The laughter faded.

Adibayo became serious.. So...What is it?"

I leaned back in my chair.

"My mother wants me to get married."

Silence.

Then…

Ayomide jumped to his feet "Alhamdulillah! It's finally happening!

Adibayo threw a pen at him, Sit down.

What? I've been praying for this day.

"You've been praying for free food at the wedding."

"That too."

Even I smiled.

"My parents have someone in mind, I continued, But I haven't met her.

Adibayo folded his arms, And?

I don't know how I feel about it.

Ayomide tilted his head, Do you trust your parents?

"I do."

"Then what's the problem?

"I've always believed marriage should come naturally, I don't want someone to marry me because they feel they have no choice.

The room became quiet.

Adibayo nodded slowly, That's a fair concern.

Ayomide, surprisingly, didn't joke this time, You know… Our parents never had the chance to choose.

His smile faded slightly.

We never even got to know them,A heavy silence settled over the room.

I met the twins almost fifteen years ago, Father and Ummi had taken us to an orphanage during Ramadan to donate food and clothes.

Most children accepted the gifts, clothes and food but these two…

Were fighting over who had cheated during a game of football. Even then, they were loud.

Years later, Father quietly paid for their education.

When they graduated from university, we started building businesses together.

Today…

Adibayo and Ayomide Abioye weren't just my business partners, they were my brothers.

Not by blood, But by choice.

Ayomide broke the silence first "If she's a good woman.. Give her a chance and if she isn't no one can force you to marry her.

Adibayo nodded, Meet her first, Judge her yourself, not her family, not her background but her.

I looked at the two men sitting across from me.

Sometimes…

Wisdom came from the people you'd least expect.

I smiled, Thank you.

Ayomide immediately stood, Good now that we've solved your love life…

"Who's buying lunch?"

I laughed, You two haven't changed.

"We're not planning to

The three of us left the office together For a little while…

The weight on my shoulders didn't feel quite so heavy.