Velvet chains

The Return** The moment Damian stepped off the plane at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the heat of Lagos hit him like a heavy weight. It was like a slow punch that just wouldn’t let up. Even though he was decked out in his sharp navy suit, the humidity clung to him, almost like it was part of the city’s welcome. With every step he took, memories flooded his mind—raw and sweaty, crashing in at the most inconvenient times. Getting into the backseat of his sleek black Mercedes-Maybach, he felt the plush leather under his fingers as he adjusted his cufflinks. Out of the tinted windows, he caught sight of Victoria Island sparkling with shiny glass buildings and well-kept streets. But the vibe of the city—full of ambition, potential danger, and the pulse of life—felt very much the same as he remembered. He let out a long breath, staring straight ahead. The thought crossed his mind—she won’t make this easy. His jaw clenched as he braced for whatever was waiting for him. “Sir?” The driver’s voice was calm but attentive, pulling him back to reality. “Nothing. Just take me to Adeyemi Innovations,” Damian replied, keeping his tone steady. It had been six years. Six years since he had left without so much as a proper goodbye to Zara or a word to explain his sudden disappearance. Now here he was—back in Lagos, but not for nostalgia or to seek comfort in familiar places. No, this time, he was here because business demanded he show his face. But somewhere under all the corporate deals and legal jargon, there was still that restless feeling in his chest—a feeling linked to unfinished business. --- Inside the shining glass building of Adeyemi Innovations, Zara stood tall and confident in four-inch heels. She wore a crisp white silk blouse tucked neatly into her sleek black pants. Her hair was styled into locs pinned up high, giving her the air of a queen. Her eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the room, radiating an undeniable strength. The red lipstick she wore wasn’t just a style statement; it served as a warning to anyone thinking about crossing her. “He’s here,” Amara whispered from the corner, her voice barely above a hum, as if sharing a secret. Zara felt her jaw tighten but didn’t turn her head. “Let him wait,” she replied, keeping her voice calm, though there was an undeniable edge to it. “But he’s—” “I know who he is,” Zara cut her off before Amara could finish. She didn’t need to see Damian to feel him, to sense the weight of his presence filling the room. He was the one man who had kissed her with a fiery passion and then left her life like a storm, leaving chaos behind. And now, he was back and wanted to join their companies. She let the silence linger in the air—a silent challenge of sorts. He’d better show up with more than just a charming smile an d pretty promises this time.