Episode 5

Episode 7 – Unspoken Truths

Shola's POV

The morning light filtered through the curtains as I opened my eyes, memories of the previous night rushing back in waves.

I smiled to myself.

"I just hope last night wasn't a dream," I murmured, stretching lazily.

A soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.

I got up to open it.

And there she was.

My woman.

"Good morning, sir—"

Before she could say more, I pulled her inside, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her deeply.

When she pulled back, I saw the surprise in her eyes.

So, I wasn't dreaming after all.

I pulled her close again, this time inhaling the scent of her hair.

"Don't ever leave me," I whispered against her neck.

She didn't respond, but the way she held me tighter said enough.

I led her towards the bed.

"Lay with me," I said softly.

She shot me a suspicious look, her brows raised.

Reading her thoughts, I chuckled.

"Don't even think about it—that's not what I meant."

She sighed in relief, smiling as I pulled her into my arms.

Ayobami's POV

Lying on the bed with him, I felt a peace I hadn't known in a long time.

Shola had somehow given my life a new direction.

I didn't want this moment to end.

I didn't want to leave his arms.

But reality had other plans.

The sound of his phone ringing pulled me back from my dreamlike state.

I groaned as he reached for it.

Shola's POV

"Hello, baby… How are you?"

I sat up properly.

"And that man who refuses to get old?"

I smiled at my mother's voice.

"Umm, okay, dear—wait, what? Really? But you never told me—alright then, bye."

I hung up and turned to see Ayobami watching me curiously.

"Hope all is well with your parents?" she asked.

I smirked.

"And how do you know it was my parents?"

"I just know, jor."

She pouted, and I chuckled.

"Aww, I was planning to make you jealous," I teased.

"And you failed!" she said, laughing.

Then I got serious.

"They're in Paris."

Her smile faded.

"Uh! And they're coming over this evening."

Her eyes darted towards the door, her body tensing.

She was nervous.

I could see it.

She reached for my hand, gripping it tightly.

"Shola, what will they say about us? They might think I forced myself on you, or—"

I shook my head.

"I think we should keep things cool and calm until they leave," she said, now turning to face me.

Her words hit me hard.

Was she ashamed of being with me?

I stared at her, unable to hide my disappointment.

"Why would you say that?"

She looked away.

"Ayo, are you not proud of me or what?"

She gasped, eyes wide.

"Shola, that's not what I meant—"

"Please, Ayo, get serious. I'm not here to play with you."

Frustration gnawed at my chest.

Without another word, I got up and headed for the bathroom.

Maybe a cold shower would calm me down.

Ayobami's POV

I sat there, watching him walk away.

He was hurting.

I could see it in his eyes.

Had I said something wrong?

I needed space.

So I left the room to clear my head.

Evening – The Unexpected Guests

The hotel's intercom buzzed.

"Bonsoir, Monsieur," the attendant greeted.

"Sir, Mr. & Mrs. Williams are here. Are you expecting them?"

Shola exhaled.

"Yes, send them in."

The door opened moments later.

"Mum, Dad!"

He beamed, hugging his mother tightly.

"What are you two doing in Paris?"

His mother rolled her eyes.

"At least let us sit first!" she scolded playfully.

His father chuckled.

"Well, one of my friend's daughters is getting married tomorrow."

Shola frowned.

"Wait—Stella?"

His mother gave him a knowing look.

"Don't act like you didn't know she was getting married."

He sighed.

"I knew… I just didn't check the location."

His father raised a brow.

"Oh, how would you? When you were the one who broke the girl's heart?"

Shola groaned.

"Hanhann, Father! She left me!"

I was about to turn back when I realized they weren't alone anymore.

I had just walked into the room.

"Oh! I'm so sorry—" I stammered upon seeing them.

Mrs. Williams turned sharply.

She didn't look pleased.

"Young lady, you should be sorry! Why would you barge into—"

"Mom, she's my secretary. We came together for work," Shola interrupted, his tone firm.

"And so?" she countered.

"Does that mean she should just barge into your room like this? It's such—"

"Mother," Shola cut her off again.

"I was the one who told her to check on me this evening. We have somewhere to be."

His mother eyed him curiously, then shifted her gaze to me.

A smile slowly spread across her lips.

"Okay, then."

I exhaled in relief.

"We should be on our way," Mr. Williams said, standing up and hugging his son.

As they left, Mrs. Williams lingered beside me.

Her voice was soft but firm.

"Take care of him. He is very precious."

She smiled knowingly before walking out.

An Unplanned Outing

Shola turned to me, his expression unreadable.

"Do you have a dress for the wedding?"

I blinked.

"Wait—what?"

Before I could argue, he grabbed his wallet and took my hand.

"Shola, I—"

"We'll talk about that later," he said, leading me out of the hotel.

To God knows where.