chapter seven

I looked at him with a puzzled expression, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. "I don't quite understand you, sir," I replied, seeking clarification.

He elaborated, explaining that there were numerous places where I could obtain anything I needed without incurring any expenses. He emphasized that returning home to pack would only cause a delay. I nodded, helping him with his bag as I trailed behind him to the rooftop.

As we ascended, I refrained from asking questions about our destination, preferring not to appear nosy. However, upon reaching the rooftop, I was taken aback by the sight that greeted me. A pilot stood beside a sleek private jet, awaiting our arrival. My eyes widened in astonishment, and I felt momentarily stunned.

I had been aware of Mr. Alex's wealth, but the sheer scale of his riches hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't help but think about my own humble circumstances – I didn't even own a bicycle, let alone a car or a private jet.

As we boarded the jet, I felt a sense of awe wash over me. The luxurious interior and state-of-the-art amenities were a far cry from my ordinary life. We took off, embarking on our journey to Africa.

For nearly six hours, we traveled in silence, each of us engrossed in our own world. Mr. Alex worked on his laptop, while I scrolled through my phone. The atmosphere felt slightly awkward, but I tried to focus on the excitement of the journey.

As I glanced at my phone, a message caught my eye. I dismissed it as spam and continued browsing. However, a few minutes later, Mr. Alex's demeanor changed. He looked pained, and his expression was etched with concern.

"Are you fine, sir?" I asked, noticing the sudden shift in his mood.

He nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on his phone. "Oh yeah, I'm fine," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of sadness.

Then, he posed a question that took me aback. "Erm, are you in a relationship?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern. His eyes were cast downward, studying his phone as if searching for answers.

I responded instinctively, without giving the question much thought. "No, I'm not," I said, trying to sound casual despite the surprise I felt.

As I looked at Mr. Alex, I noticed a vulnerability in his expression that I hadn't seen before. It was a side of him that I wouldn't have suspected, given our brief acquaintance.

Feeling a pang of sympathy, I asked, "Do you need anything, sir?" I moved closer, sitting beside him, and awaited his response. To my surprise, he didn't rebuff me. Instead, he seemed to appreciate my concern.

As Mr. Alex shared his concerns about his girlfriend ignoring his messages, his voice conveyed a sense of desperation, and his words spilled out rapidly, as if he was eager to unburden himself. I listened intently, my eyes widening in surprise, fascinated by this unexpected display of vulnerability.

"I'm taken aback by your situation, sir," I said, attempting to sound calm despite my own astonishment. "But don't worry, I'm sure she'll respond to your messages soon. Perhaps she's just busy."

As I returned to my seat, a realization dawned on me – I was the one who had been ignoring his messages. I quickly checked my phone and was shocked to discover that the message I had dismissed as spam was indeed from him. The 'I love you' message seemed out of place, as I had forgotten that I was even in a relationship.

I responded to his messages and pinned the conversation for later. Mr. Alex's face lit up with an irresistible grin as he exclaimed, "Oh wow, she's responded! She said she's been busy and that she's fine."

His joy was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for my earlier neglect. As I looked at him, I realized that he couldn't recognize me physically. It was then that I understood why – he had fallen in love with my old picture, and I looked completely different now.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "Wow, that's great news! How did you meet your girlfriend, sir?" Mr. Alex's smile turned sheepish as he replied, "I met her through a friend of mine. She's quite beautiful."

I felt a twinge of awkwardness, realizing that he was indeed talking about me. As I struggled to process this revelation, I asked, "Can I see a photo of her?" Mr. Alex agreed, and as I took a glance at his phone, I was shocked to see my old picture as his wallpaper.

The rest of the journey passed quickly, with Mr. Alex and I engaging in conversation and growing closer. However, I made a conscious decision not to reveal my true identity as his girlfriend.

After a lengthy seventeen-hour journey, we finally arrived at our destination. As we stepped out of the plane, the sweltering Nigerian heat enveloped me, and the cacophony of sounds assaulted my senses. Despite the initial culture shock, I was fascinated by the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

As we navigated through the chaotic traffic, I marveled at the breathtaking views and intriguing cultural practices. Finally, we arrived at Mr. Alex's majestic mansion, nestled in the heart of Banana Island. The grandeur of the estate left me speechless – the rustic stone exterior, the elegant ivy crawling up the walls, and the stunning arched windows all contributed to the mansion's majesty.

As we entered the mansion, I was struck by the breathtaking interior – the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and priceless artworks all combined to create a sense of awe. Mr. Alex led me to my room, instructing me to choose any room downstairs. As I settled in, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, particularly since we were alone in the vast mansion.

I decided to call my best friend, filling her in on the day's events and expressing my concerns about Mr. Alex's intentions. She reassured me, stating that she trusted him and that he wouldn't harm me.

As I attempted to rest, the sudden ringing of the nearby telephone shattered the silence, jolting me out of my relaxation. I rose from my seat reluctantly, my movements slow and deliberate, as I made my way to answer the call. The voice on the other end was unmistakable - Mr. Alex's deep, commanding tone instructed me to report to the sitting room.

I made my way to the sitting room, my footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. As I entered the room, I cleared my throat gently to announce my presence, not wanting to startle Mr. Alex. "Here I am, sir," I said, my voice even and respectful.

Mr. Alex's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes piercing and intense. "I came here for personal reasons, and I shouldn't have brought you," he began, his voice low and serious. "However, I am your boss, and you won't do anything against my command." He paused, his eyes never leaving mine, as if daring me to disobey.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I replied, "I'm listening, sir." My voice was calm and composed, but inside, I was growing increasingly uneasy. The conversation was taking a turn that I had been dreading, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.