Episode 6

A Night to Remember

Ayobami's POV

It was already late as we walked down the quiet lane leading to the resort.

Shola held my hand firmly in his left while carrying the dress we bought in his other.

I had begged him to take a cab, but he refused.

I was exhausted.

I had tried on almost every dress in the store before finally choosing the one he held.

Was he punishing me?

Was this his way of getting back at me for what happened?

Making me walk this long distance just to stress me out?

I was fuming.

I couldn't wait to get indoors and give him a piece of my mind.

But he never uttered a word to me.

Only to the stupid person he had been on the phone with for the past few minutes.

The most frustrating part?

They were speaking French.

We were almost at the entrance when he suddenly said, "Go ahead, I'll catch up."

"What?!" I thought, glaring at him.

I didn't bother arguing—I just stormed off into the reception.

Then—

"SURPRISE!!!"

The entire room erupted in cheers.

I nearly had a heart attack.

The reception was beautifully decorated with birthday wishes.

I covered my face, overwhelmed.

How could I have forgotten my own birthday?

Tears welled in my eyes as I scanned the room for him.

I knew he was behind all this.

Shola's POV

I remembered her birthday.

But with everything that unfolded today, she had completely forgotten.

So, I planned something special.

I had been intentionally getting on her nerves, knowing it would make the surprise even more unexpected.

Now, watching her stand there—stunned, emotional—I knew it had worked.

I walked up behind her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and whispered sweet words in her ear.

She turned around—

And kissed me.

Right there.

In front of everyone.

The intensity, the passion, the love in her kiss—it consumed me.

At that moment, nothing else mattered.

Later that night, we had a video call with her friends.

I had told them earlier not to send her birthday messages.

They agreed.

Now, she sat on the bed, tears streaming down her face as she spoke to them.

It was all so emotional.

When the call ended, I walked her to her room.

Then—

"I love you so much, Shola."

Her voice was soft but firm.

It was the first time she had ever said it.

And my heart nearly stopped.

"You make my heart race without reason… you, you—"

I silenced her with a kiss.

A deep, passionate kiss.

She trembled in my arms, her tears mixing with our kiss.

She held me tighter, pulling me closer.

I pulled away, staring into her deep brown eyes.

"Why did you stop?" she whispered.

I ran a hand through my hair.

"Ayo… you might not like where kissing me like this will lead."

She placed her hands on my face, her touch warm and firm.

"Shhh… Make love to me, Shola."

I lifted her into my arms, her legs wrapping around me.

The rest… was history.

The Next Morning

Shola's POV

Her hair was spread across the bedsheet, her bare skin glowing under the morning light.

A stupid smile played on my lips as memories of last night filled my mind.

I traced my fingers over her eyebrows, down to her nose, and then her lips.

She blinked awake, giving me a small smile before covering her face with her hands.

I chuckled.

"Guess who's shy now?" I teased, kissing her forehead.

I stood up—fully naked.

"Shola!" she gasped, covering her eyes.

"Put something on!"

"No," I smirked, lifting her out of bed.

She squealed, hitting my chest.

"Shola, put me down!"

"Not until we shower," I said, carrying her toward the bathroom.

She kept struggling, but I wasn't letting go.

"We have a wedding to attend, Miss. And a flight back to Nigeria."

I kissed her again.

She gasped.

"Oh my God—I have a job! That's true—I work for you!"

I grinned.

"And don't you forget it."

I carried her into the shower, ready to make the most of our last morning in Paris.

Back in Nigeria

Simbi & Oke's POV

"Did Ayo tell you when she'll be back?" Oke asked.

"Yeah. But what do you think about her relationship with her boss?" Simbi raised an eyebrow.

"Me? I don't know oh!" Oke shrugged.

"All I'll say is, she should take things slow and steady. But honestly, I'm happy for her."

"Umm, okay. So, what should we prepare?"

"Let's make fried rice. You know how she gets when she sees fried rice—she'll probably jump on the roof!"

They both laughed.

"Ehen, Oke—when are you moving your things?"

"Maybe next week."

"Cool then."

"What about the wedding preparations?"

"Ah! My dear, Tony doesn't want me to stress. All I have to do is pick the colors and go for my bridal shopping next week."

"Ehen! So who's going with you?" Simbi smirked.

"See question! You and Ayo, of course!"

"Ehen! God save you!" Simbi teased as they continued chatting.

Ayobami's Arrival

A loud knock sounded at the door.

"That should be Ayo!" Oke ran to open it.

"My favorite best friend! How was your trip?!"

She hugged Ayo tightly.

Simbi stood behind, watching.

"Hanhan, Oke, let her breathe," she scolded.

Ayo laughed.

"Don't mind her."

"Boo-boo!" Ayo hugged Simbi next.

"We have so much to gist about!" Oke said, dragging Ayo toward the couch.

Ayo kicked off her shoes.

"We go gist tire! I have Monday and Tuesday off, so we have two whole days to talk!"

She stood, stretching.

"But first—food!"

Simbi rolled her eyes.

"I knew that's where you were heading first!"

Oke laughed.

"I wonder how Shola has been coping!"

Ayo shook her head, smiling to herself as she walked toward the kitchen, ignoring them.