Chapter 4(The Union)
“How...did...you...get...my number?" I stammered into the phone, struggling to make sense of this unexpected call.
"I'm sorry, I saw it on your card, ma’am,’ a smooth, silky voice replied. It was a voice I recognized all too well. Tony.
'Wow...’ I breathed, my mind racing with questions.
Even though a part of me wanted to hang up, I couldn’t. Tony’s voice was like a siren song, irresistible and enchanting.
I found myself lost in conversation, captivated by the smooth timbre of his voice. We talked for a while, our conversation flowing like a gentle stream.
When the call ended, I clutched my pillow, drifting off into a daydream. But reality quickly intruded.
****************************
A few days later, bursting with excitement, I called Tony. The money had been returned, and I couldn’t wait to share the good news.
'Hello!' I said, a smile evident in my voice.
"I was just about to call you, ma’am!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with joy. "I got the alert! You’re a lifesaver".
‘Haha,’ I chuckled.
“Ma’am, please, can I know who the culprit was?" he pressed.
"Mr. Tony, let’s just be grateful that you got your money back" I replied, deflecting his question.
"Yeah, yeah" he said, his tone hinting at his lingering curiosity. "Ma’am, I have another request, if I may".
"Go on" I said, my voice laced with anticipation.
“I'd like to show my gratitude, please can we meet for dinner tomorrow?" he asked.
‘Alright,’ I replied, a grin spreading across my face.
‘Wow!’ he exclaimed, clearly surprised by my swift acceptance. "I’ll send my driver to pick you up".
‘Bye…’ I said, ending the call.
That was so quick,Right? Who could say no to a dinner with their crush? I sang to myself, my heart fluttering with anticipation for the next day
"Is this love?’' I whispered, grinning to myself.
Eager to share my exciting news, I grabbed my phone and dialed Esther’s number.
"So, you’re still living and breathing, I see" she quipped.
"And you can't greet" I fired
"Good evening, Ma" she said, sarcastically
"I’ve tried calling you, but you’ve been incommunicado. I even stopped by your place last week, but you were not at home" I explained.
"Sorry, babe, I've been busy" she replied
"With Femi right?" I teased, my grin widening.
"Oh please, babe" she chuckled, "so what’s been happening?"
"I’ve gotten myself a new apartment!" I announced, excitement radiating in my voice.
"Oh babe!" she squealed. "Congratulations, darling! At least now I’ve got a second home".
Our conversation flowed like a gentle river, but I decided to keep my new-found crush under wraps, at least for now.
I ended the call
Thoughts of Tony danced in my head as I lay in bed. My mind racing, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for us.
****************************
It was a beautiful Friday morning. As I prepared for work, I couldn’t help but dread the notorious Lagos traffic.
I arrived at the office and made my way to Mr. Adewale’s office, eager to share the good news about Tony’s money being returned.
After the close of work, as I was heading out of the office, my phone rang. It was Tony, informing me that his driver was waiting at my place.
I rushed out of the office. Spotting a car in front of my apartment, I knew it had to be Tony’s driver. I approached him, and asked for a few minutes to change, to which he agreed.
I quickly picked an outfit that accentuated my curves, adding a little extra flair. Admiring myself in the mirror, I smiled.
"I look pretty stunning" I thought, my confidence growing.
I stepped into the car, which took me to a location that seemed plucked right out of a fantasy novel. As I got out, I saw Tony, approaching me with a charming smile.
The sight of him took my breath away, he look like a Greek god
"You look good" he said, extending his hand toward me.
“Thank you,’ I replied, taking his hand.
We walked to the table which was set with a level of elegance.
"Looks like a dinner date" I teased, a light laugh escaping my lips.
Tony laughed, too. "Thanks for coming" He pulled out a chair for me and I sat down.
He ordered drinks and looked at me, his gaze lingering on my cleavage.
"I love your dress" he said, his voice low and seductive.
I blushed, trying to adjust my dress. Our eyes met, and his smile broadened.
‘Oh…’ I thought, feeling embarrassed. He saw that, right?
I cleared my throat, trying to divert the conversation. "So, what do you do?" I asked.
“I’m a business tycoon" he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I studied business administration at the University of Nigeria".
"Wow, that’s impressive" I replied, raising my eyebrows in surprise. "And when did you graduate?"
‘2008' he replied.
My mouth dropped open.
‘2008?’ I asked, my eyes widening in disbelief.
We shared playful banter, our connection deepening with each conversation.
The weeks flew by, and Tony started paying regular visits to my apartment. When he was with me, I felt completely at ease, like I’d known him my whole life.
Six months flew by, and Tony proposed. My heart sang with joy—this was the happiest day of my life.
We visited my parents. As I introduced them to my fiance, my mum's excitement was infectious.
She began dancing and I couldn’t help but join in, though I gave her a sideways glance.
My father’s blessing was the final piece of the puzzle. As we left, I was filled with joy and a sense of relief.
"We have to pop a bottle of champagne" I said to Tony, my eyes dancing with happiness. 'Our dream is finally a reality.’
He wrapped me in his arms, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.
"This is just the beginning, my love." He affirmed.