Beneath His Wings

Chapter 15 The Invitation

The morning sun poured over Eden’s City, glinting off the newly completed five-storey apartment complex. Beauty crouched near a corner where electricians were carefully connecting the final rows of wiring. Her hands were steady, guiding them with precision, her sharp eyes noting even the smallest misalignments. Though her attire was simple—a worn but tidy blouse and skirt—her aura radiated authority and diligence. At twenty-two, she carried the poise of someone who had learned early in life to take responsibility, to manage not only herself but the work of others, without complaint or hesitation.

“Be careful with that, Beauty,” one of the electricians said, adjusting a wire. “This could spark if not properly connected.”

“I know,” she replied calmly, brushing a strand of cornrowed hair behind her ear. “Just follow my lead. We only finish it right once; no shortcuts.”

The workers nodded, exchanging glances, impressed with her natural leadership. Even in a place as humble as this construction site, Beauty’s presence had a quiet authority that was respected, unspoken but understood.

As she straightened up and surveyed the nearly finished building, the sound of a sleek black vehicle pulling onto the dusty access road caught her attention. It was unusual—visitors rarely came to this part of the site. A man stepped out, sharply dressed in a tailored suit, sunglasses reflecting the morning sun. He walked with an assured stride that immediately demanded attention.

Beauty instinctively straightened, brushing her hands against her skirt. “Good morning,” she greeted politely, kneeling slightly as she had been taught since childhood, a gesture of respect deeply ingrained in her.

The man removed his sunglasses, revealing dark eyes that were alert, focused, and strangely unreadable. “Good morning, Miss Beauty,” he said in a calm, neutral tone. “I’m here on behalf of a client who has requested your presence tomorrow evening.”

Beauty blinked, her mind racing. “My… presence? For what?”

“I cannot disclose that,” he said evenly. “All arrangements have been made. You will be picked up from your residence, and everything you need has been sent ahead. Dress appropriately for a formal meeting.”

Her heart skipped. “Formal… meeting? But… who—what kind of meeting?”

The man, who introduced himself as Aiden, only offered a professional smile. “Please do not worry. You are only to prepare. I will return later with the necessary items. Your parents will be informed formally, so there is no cause for alarm.”

Beauty’s knees felt weak as she glanced back at the building, the sun glinting off the freshly painted walls. Panic and curiosity warred within her. Who could this be? What could this meeting involve?

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At home, the news of the meeting spread tension quickly. Mrs. Ola’s hands fluttered over the kitchen counter as she prepared a modest lunch. “A meeting? For Beauty? At this hour?”

Mr. Ola, returning from his civil service office with a tired gait, frowned. “Who is arranging it? Why would anyone send a formal invitation directly to our daughter?”

Beauty, sitting on the edge of a chair, tried to calm her parents. “Mama, Baba… I don’t know who it’s for. He—he said everything is arranged, I just need to go. I don’t even know who to expect.”

Mrs. Ola wrung her hands. “Beauty, be careful. You can’t just attend meetings without knowing the person. These people… sometimes they trick young women for their own advantage.”

“I understand, Mama,” Beauty replied softly, kneeling slightly to show respect, though her mind was racing. She had grown up facing harsh realities, yet the sudden secrecy unnerved her.

Mr. Ola placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We will trust that this is legitimate, but we need more information. Ask him—Aiden, was it?—to tell us what’s expected, at least in terms of timing and dress.”

Aiden, when he arrived later, maintained a professional demeanor, placing a neatly folded box on the dining table. “Evening gowns and shoes have been delivered, carefully selected. Your parents are informed of the pickup arrangements, the timing, and all details. You only need to prepare.”

Beauty’s eyes widened as she lifted the lid, revealing the elegant, flowing gown and matching heels. She ran her fingers along the fabric, feeling the soft texture. “All… for me?”

Aiden nodded. “Everything has been arranged to ensure you present yourself appropriately. No further instructions are required. The vehicle will arrive promptly, and your parents will accompany you until departure.”

Mrs. Ola relaxed for the first time that day, observing the professionalism and care with which Aiden treated the arrangements. “If it is as he says, then perhaps it is safe. But Beauty, stay vigilant. Observe everything.”

Beauty nodded, still kneeling slightly in respect. Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation. She could feel the significance of this meeting, though its nature remained a mystery.

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Throughout the afternoon, Beauty prepared meticulously. Her mother plaited her cornrows neatly, ensuring that every strand was perfectly aligned. The gown, elegant yet understated, lay across the bed, awaiting the moment she would slip into it. Her shoes gleamed in the soft light of the room, perfectly polished.

Mr. and Mrs. Ola hovered nearby, ensuring she was ready, offering guidance on posture, manners, and comportment. Beauty’s hands trembled slightly as she tried on the gown, adjusting it with care. She had never been in such formal attire before; the weight of the situation pressed heavily on her.

Aiden returned as promised, checking the details once more. “The vehicle will arrive at precisely 5:30 p.m. sharp. I will accompany you and ensure your safe arrival. Your parents have been fully briefed.”

Mrs. Ola exhaled, visibly relaxing. “Very well. Beauty, my child, this is your chance. Remember to be confident, respectful, and alert.”

Beauty nodded, kneeling briefly to express her gratitude. Despite the tension and mystery, a sense of destiny stirred within her. She was stepping into a world far beyond her daily struggles, and though fear mingled with excitement, she resolved to face it with poise.

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Later that evening, Aiden drove Beauty to the venue, a secluded estate just on the outskirts of the city. The gate opened to reveal a sprawling property, manicured gardens reflecting the golden glow of the evening sun. The main building loomed elegantly in the distance, its white walls and tall windows exuding luxury without ostentation.

Inside, the space was even more breathtaking. High ceilings, polished marble floors, and subtle lighting created an atmosphere of exclusivity. A long hallway led to a single, grand room—spacious, tastefully decorated with minimalist furniture, soft carpets, and an elegant chandelier. The room was reserved for just the two of them, a setting that exuded intimacy, privacy, and anticipation.

Beauty paused at the entrance, taking in the grandeur. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. The soft hum of the air conditioning mingled with the faint scent of fresh flowers arranged on a side table. The room was quiet, serene, yet charged with expectation.

Aiden stepped aside, offering a polite bow. “The space has been prepared for the meeting. I will ensure your comfort until your host arrives. Everything is arranged as per instructions.”

Beauty nodded, clutching the edge of her gown. Her pulse quickened. Who is this person? Why such secrecy? Why me?

Aiden, sensing her apprehension, offered a reassuring tone. “Trust the arrangements. Your only task is to be present. Everything else has been managed.”

She took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of her gown, and glanced at her reflection in the tall mirror. Her melanin skin glowed under the soft lighting, her cornrows neatly aligned, figure poised and elegant. She looked every bit the young woman she had grown into: hardworking, resilient, and composed despite life’s challenges.

The clock ticked steadily. With each passing minute, anticipation and nerves intertwined within her. She could only imagine the grandeur, the power, and the significance of the person she was about to meet. The unknown hovered, a mixture of dread and excitement, while the preparations—a gown, shoes, and a private venue—hinted at something far beyond her ordinary life.

As she waited, kneeling slightly in respect to herself and the world she had yet to fully encounter, the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow across the spacious room. Outside, the city began to glitter with evening lights, signaling that tomorrow evening, her life could change forever.

And in that quiet, elegant room, Beauty steeled herself, unaware that the meeting would mark the beginning of a connection capable of altering both her destiny and the course of Ethan Obi’s meticulously constructed empire.