Episodes 3

Episode 6 – A Shift in Power

"O.M.G. Can this day get any worse?"

I dropped everything in my hands and rushed toward him, checking his nose for any serious injury. His face was tense with pain, and I hurriedly grabbed an ice pack from his fridge, pressing it against his nose.

Fear gripped me. I hadn't realized how close I was to him until he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

I tried to step back, but he pulled me even closer, staring into my eyes.

His deep blue eyes.

God, he's so handsome.

"Ayo… have dinner with me," he murmured.

My breath caught in my throat, and I immediately withdrew my hand, moving to the chair opposite him.

"No, sir."

He smirked. "You are one tough woman."

"It's just dinner, that's all."

I didn't reply, only looked down at my hands.

"Fine then," he said, his tone shifting.

The cool, calm man I had just touched suddenly turned cold and irritated.

I stared at him in disbelief. He's angry?

"Anyway, I was coming to inform you that we'll be traveling tomorrow on a business trip."

I blinked in confusion. "Uh… but sir, I wasn't informed about any trip—"

"Are you saying you don't know your job involves traveling with me?"

"But sir—"

"No buts. That will be all. Take the rest of the day off and prepare."

"Sir?"

"Good day, Miss Ayobami Petal."

I clenched my fists and walked out.

Was he trying to get back at me?

I sighed, annoyed, and began packing my things to leave the office.

Shola's POV

I wasn't originally planning on taking her on this trip.

But damn, she's arrogant.

I needed to remind her who was in charge.

And judging by the way she stormed out of my office, it worked.

Packing for the Trip

I got home and started packing, grumbling to myself.

"It's just two days. I'll survive."

As I tossed my clothes into my suitcase, Oke walked in.

"Ayo! What happened? Why are you home so early? Abi they sack you ni?"

I shot her a blank stare.

"Oya, sorry," she laughed. "So what's the problem? And why are you packing?"

"Shey that's what you should have asked first, bad mouth. I'm going on a trip."

Oke raised an eyebrow. "Umm… with who?"

"My boss, of course."

"Ehn ehn? Ummm."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I eyed her suspiciously.

"Did I say anything?" she smirked.

"Bad mind oshi."

She burst into laughter.

"When did you arrive?" I asked, changing the subject.

"A few minutes ago. Came to pick up some stuff."

She paused. "By the way, what's up with the new apartment? Have you found one?"

"Not yet. Been too busy."

"Ahn ahn. You're acting like you're in the '80s. Get with the program."

"Oke, leave me alone. Did they send you to torment me this evening?"

She raised her hands in surrender. "I'm going. Just make sure you get something for me from your trip, o!"

"Whatever."

"Where is the business meeting taking place, sef?"

I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my emails.

Then I froze.

Oke noticed my reaction. "Where now?"

My voice barely came out. "Paris."

Oke's mouth fell open.

Welcome to Paris

"Bienvenue au Mandarin," the doorman greeted.

"Je vous remercie," Shola replied effortlessly in French.

I trailed behind him, feeling completely out of place.

He speaks French?

I watched as he approached the desk clerk, smoothly handling our check-in.

"Bon après-midi," the receptionist greeted.

"Afternoon to you too. My room has been booked," Shola responded.

"Sir, your name, please?"

While he provided our details, I stood there, watching everything unfold.

"So they speak English too? Then what was with all the French flex just now?" I muttered under my breath.

Once our rooms were assigned, a porter came to take our bags.

I was in Room 204, and Shola was in Room 205.

The resort was breathtaking. Everything about it screamed luxury.

Lost in thought, I almost missed Shola's voice.

"Be ready by 8 PM. We're attending dinner with our associates," he instructed before disappearing into his room.

I sighed. I had been angry with him since we left Nigeria.

Let me just sleep before I start overthinking this trip.

I flopped onto the bed, resting my back against the soft mattress.

And before I knew it, I was out cold.

Disaster Strikes Again

The constant ringing of my phone yanked me out of my sleep.

I groggily reached for it and checked the time.

Jesus!

8:05 PM.

I wasn't dressed.

I hadn't even showered.

I was so done for.

The phone rang again, and I picked up in a panic.

An angry voice greeted me.

"Come out."

The line went dead.

I rushed to the door and stepped out, my head hanging low.

"I overslept, sir," I mumbled. "I'm so sorry."

His voice was calm, but the anger was evident.

"Miss Ayobami, are you telling me you are not capable of doing your job?"

I swallowed hard.

"You'll join the dinner later. A driver is waiting."

And just like that, he walked away.

Shola's POV

How can she just do whatever she feels like?

I clenched my jaw as I entered the event.

I couldn't even bring myself to yell at her.

Am I not her goddamn boss?

Or… should I go back and set her straight?

Shola, why do you always lose words when she's around you?

I needed to get a grip.

The Dinner Party

I finally arrived at the event.

Wearing cream heels and a black fitted gown, I felt both official and elegant.

My hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail—a look that balanced professionalism with sophistication.

I scanned the room, looking for my boss.

"Hello, Miss," a voice said behind me.

I turned around, locking eyes with a stranger.