Episode 9

Episode 17: Unspoken Tensions

Shola's Apartment

Ayobami carried two plates of food from the kitchen to the dining table, setting them down carefully. The delicious aroma of fried rice and grilled chicken filled the air, but Shola barely looked up from his phone.

"You know you shouldn't be doing this," he said, glancing at her with a teasing smirk.

"But I want to," she replied, sliding into her seat.

Shola let out a small chuckle. "Okay then." His fingers continued scrolling through his phone before he suddenly stopped. "Media can be so funny, you know?"

Ayobami raised a brow. "And why is that?"

Without a word, he turned his phone screen toward her.

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

There, plastered all over social media, were countless pictures of them—every moment captured from the time they left Nigeria until their return. Some were harmless: them walking through the airport, sharing a quiet dinner, or getting into a car together. But others? The ones where Shola had pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist? Those were the ones fueling the headlines.

"Youngest Billionaire, Shola Williams, Spotted with Mystery Woman—Is She the One?"

"Billionaire Love Story? Shola Williams and His Secret Lover Caught in a Romantic Embrace at the Airport!"

Ayobami groaned, placing a hand on her forehead. "This is so crazy!" She shot him a sharp glare. "I told you not to hold me like that at the airport, but did you listen? No. And now, look at the headlines!"

Shola simply leaned back in his chair, arching a brow. "Tell me you don't like it when I hold you like that." His voice was low, teasing.

Ayobami stared at him, lips pressed into a firm line, refusing to dignify that with an answer. Instead, she picked up her spoon and stuffed a large bite of rice into her mouth.

Shola let out an amused sigh. "So, you're not going to say anything?"

"No," she mumbled, still chewing.

"Hmm." He tapped a finger on the table, eyes twinkling with mischief. "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, narrowing her eyes at him. "Anyway, I need to start looking for an apartment."

Shola shrugged. "Great. Let's go." He grabbed his phone. "Wait, let me call my agent."

Ayobami rolled her eyes. "As Your Lordship pleases," she said in a mockingly formal tone, giggling.

Weeks Later – At the Office

Shola leaned back in his chair, his phone pressed against 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, and immediately, a slow, knowing smirk spread across his lips.

She knew that smirk.

And she wasn't in the mood for whatever he was thinking.

Ayobami's POV

"Good morning, sir," I said, deliberately keeping my tone professional, pretending not to notice the mischievous glint in his eyes.

He arched a brow, as if daring me to keep up the act.

"Sir?" he repeated.

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.

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, his voice deep and rich.

Heat crept up my face, and I quickly pushed his hand away playfully. "You could want to listen to your meeting schedule," I countered, hoping to steer the conversation back to work.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

His smirk widened. "Follow me to my parents' house. That would be the perfect meeting schedule."

I froze, blinking in disbelief. "And if I go, I'd be going as… what, exactly?"

Shola shrugged lazily. "My woman?"

I opened my mouth, then closed it. Was he serious?

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

"We can do that later," he said smoothly.

"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.

His eyes were on 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 grand family house.

"I'm right here!" his mother's voice echoed from her bedroom.

She emerged, elegant as always, smiling 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.

"Alright then, I'm listening."

"Do you remember Lilian?"

Shola frowned. "Which Lilian?"

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

Shola leaned back, rubbing 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 expression 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.

Minutes Later…

A knock sounded at the door.

I grinned mischievously as I sauntered toward it, resting one hand on the frame, twisting my body slightly.

I batted my lashes, smiling up at him.

Shola tilted his head. "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.

Everything was perfect.

Until he said, "Ayo, I need to tell you something."