CHAPTER THREE
396 Words
CHAPTER THREE
First Impressions
Lola smiled as she opened the door wider.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said pleasantly, inclining her head. “Good afternoon, ladies. How may I be of help to you?”
She paused, eyes flicking over them thoughtfully.
“Because I don’t remember asking for a cleaning service yet.”
Silence.
“What?” Vanessa snapped. “Did you just call us cleaners?”
“Yes,” Lola replied calmly, still smiling. “And rude ones at that. Who shows up at someone’s house unannounced and still can’t greet or even respond to a greeting?”
Tara blinked. Dami shifted awkwardly.
“Well,” Tara said quickly, forcing a laugh, “we saw some cars outside and thought—hey, that must be our new neighbor.”
“Obviously,” Lola said lightly. “Thanks to my husband.” She beamed. “He got me this house for our second wedding anniversary. Isn’t he just the cutest?”
Vanessa’s smile tightened.
“A house?” she repeated. “Cute.” She lifted her chin. “My husband got me a house in the Bahamas for our first anniversary. But of course, it’s good to appreciate the little things.”
She took a breath, straightening. “Formalities. I am Mrs. Vanessa King—wife to Honorable Kunle King, international business mogul.”
She gestured briefly. “These are my friends, Tara Bello and Dami Oja.”
Dami stepped forward quickly, eager to soften the tension. “I have to say,” she said warmly, “I absolutely adore your outfit.”
Lola brightened instantly. “Aww, thanks girl. It’s Motella Atelier.”
Vanessa’s brows lifted. “Oh my goodness,” she said dramatically. “You won’t believe this—I almost wore the same outfit yesterday.”
She chuckled to herself. “Thank goodness I didn’t. Imagine having to share the same outfit with someone from a… lesser class.”
Lola tilted her head, eyes sparkling.
“Well, that’s strange,” she said sweetly. “I didn’t even know they made this in 3XL.”
Tara choked on her breath.
Dami’s eyes widened.
Vanessa froze—smile stiff, champagne glass trembling slightly in her hand.
From upstairs, Nnamdi leaned against the banister, listening, a slow grin spreading across his face.
Ah, he thought.
This estate has no idea what just moved in.
- Writer
