Episode 8

Episode 17: Unspoken Tensions

Shola's Apartment

Ayobami walked from the kitchen to the dining table, carefully placing two plates of food in front of them.

"You know you shouldn't be doing this," Shola said, watching her.

"But I want to," she replied simply, taking a seat.

"Okay then," he muttered, scrolling through his phone. A smirk formed on his lips. "Media can be so funny, you know?"

"And why is that?" Ayobami asked, leaning forward.

Shola turned his phone toward her.

Her eyes widened. "O. M. G.!"

Every single picture of them from the moment they left Nigeria until they arrived back was splashed all over social media.

"This is so crazy!" she gasped, shooting him a sharp look. "I told you not to hold me like that at the airport, but you wouldn't listen. Now, look at the headlines!"

Shola arched a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Tell me you don't like it when I hold you like that. Hmm?"

Ayobami kept silent, shoving a spoonful of fried rice into her mouth.

"So you're not going to say anything?" he pressed.

"No," she mumbled, still chewing.

Shola chuckled. "Should we make it official then? I could call the press and tell them the truth—I own you."

Ayobami choked on her food, coughing as she reached for water. "I know you're just joking," she said, standing up. "Anyway, I need to start looking for an apartment."

"Great, let's go. Wait, let me call my agent," Shola said, grabbing his phone.

Ayobami rolled her eyes playfully. "As Your Lordship pleases," she teased, giggling.

Weeks Later – At the Office

Shola leaned back in his chair, phone pressed to his ear.

"Hello, Ma. Yes, I'm back… Tomorrow? Alright, it's the weekend, so that works. Love you, Mom."

He hung up just as Ayobami walked in.

His lips curled into a smirk.

They had been doing more than just office briefings these past few weeks.

Ayobami's POV

"Good morning, sir," I said, purposely ignoring his ridiculous smile.

I knew exactly what he was thinking.

Not today.

"Sir?" he repeated, arching a brow.

I almost laughed at his expression, but instead, I let out a small, awkward chuckle.

Before I knew it, he was walking toward me.

"Not again," I thought, stepping back slightly.

Shola perched on his desk, reaching out to gently trace his index finger across my cheek.

"Now, tell me… what more could I possibly want than you?" he murmured.

I blushed, pushing his hand away playfully. "You could want to listen to your meeting schedule," I countered, trying to regain my composure.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

He smirked. "Follow me to my parents' house. That would be the perfect meeting schedule."

I pulled back, narrowing my eyes. "And if I go, I'd be going as… what, exactly?"

Shola shrugged casually. "My woman?"

I stared at him, speechless.

"Besides," I added quickly, "I have things to do this weekend—like getting stuff for my apartment, remember?"

"We can do that later," he said.

"No, we can't."

"Alright, Miss Stubborn. But don't call me later telling me you miss me, because I won't listen."

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head.

He was impossible.

I continued briefing him, but soon realized he wasn't listening.

He was just staring at me.

I shot him a serious look. "What?"

"You're so hopeless," I sighed, grabbing my files and walking toward my office.

Mr. & Mrs. Williams' Residence

"Mom! Mom!" Shola called out as he entered the house.

"I'm right here!" his mother's voice came from her room.

She emerged, smiling warmly as he pulled her into a tight hug.

"You're all dressed up," Shola observed. "What's the occasion?"

"I have a meeting to attend, sweetie, so I have to be brief." She gestured for him to sit beside her on the Italian leather couch.

"Alright then, I'm listening."

"Do you remember Lilian?"

Shola frowned. "Which Lilian?"

His mother sighed. "My friend's daughter. Lilian Otunda."

"Oh." He rubbed his temples. "Yeah, I remember. What about her?"

"She's coming to Nigeria today."

"And?" Shola prompted, already feeling irritated.

"She asked if she could stay with you during her visit."

Shola's eyes darkened. "And you said?"

"I said no problem."

Silence.

His mother shifted uncomfortably. "I know I should have asked you first, but she insisted you'd be happy about it, and since you two know each other, I thought—"

Shola stared at her blankly.

"Oko mi, say something now," she pleaded.

He exhaled slowly. "You already planned this before asking me, didn't you?"

"No, it's not like that—"

"It's fine," he cut her off. "How long is she staying?"

"A week."

"Alright then." He stood up. "Send her my address."

"Shola—"

"Mom, it's fine. Just a week, right?"

She nodded hesitantly.

Without another word, he stepped out of the house, pulling out his phone as he got into his car.

He dialed a number.

"Hello, beautiful."

Ayobami's Apartment

"Umm, don't tell me you're missing me already," I teased.

"I am not missing you at all," Shola replied, chuckling. "And that's the truth."

"I see."

"Can I come over? I don't miss you, I just want to kiss you. And maybe…"

"Maybe what, hmm?" I teased, smirking. "Spoilt child."

"That settles it then. I'm on my way."

The line went dead.

I shook my head, laughing as I rushed into the kitchen.

He was so unpredictable.

One minute, he was going out.

The next, he was coming over.

I smiled to myself, imagining us together.

Minutes Later…

A knock sounded at the door.

I grinned mischievously as I sauntered toward it.

Resting one hand on the frame, I twisted my body slightly, angling myself seductively.

I fluttered my lashes, smiling up at him.

Shola tilted his head, eyes scanning me.

"Ayobami," he said slowly, stepping closer. "What are you trying to do?"

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

"I think it's called flirting," I whispered.

He smirked before capturing my lips in a deep kiss, pulling me inside and leading me to the couch.

I cuddled against him, sighing contentedly.

"Ayo," he murmured.

"Yes?"

"I can't think straight when you're this close."

I giggled. "Well, Mr. Shola, that's the goal."

He ran his fingers through my hair, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

Then, his tone shifted.

"Ayo, I need to tell you something."

I sat up slightly, sensing the seriousness in his voice.

"Okay, I'm listening."

He hesitated before meeting my gaze.

"A friend will be staying at my place for a week."

I raised a brow. "Okay… why does that sound like a problem? I was beginning to wonder if you even had friends."

Shola exhaled.

"It's a female friend."