ROOTS OF DESTINY

"Wow, such a handsome guy... Can we be friends?"

Just as she was about to hug him, a sudden knock interrupted the moment.

Knock! Knock!

Lila jolted awake, her heart still racing. OMG, was I dreaming? she thought, rubbing her eyes.

"Lila, it's your mum! You're late for breakfast!" her mother's voice called from outside the door.

She sighed. "So sorry, Mummy! I'll be down right away!"

She flopped back onto her bed for a moment, groaning. "Gosh, why did she have to wake me up? What a dream man..." she muttered before heading to the shower.

Downstairs, Zoe was deep in conversation with their father.

"Dad?" Zoe called, twirling a strand of her hair.

"Yes, Zoe?"

"I want to change my school," she declared.

"But why? Your school is really good," their father questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"No, Daddy, most of my friends have transferred to British International School. I want to go there too, please," she pleaded.

Their father smiled, shaking his head slightly. "Okay, baby, your wish is my command."

Just then, Lila walked into the dining room, stretching.

"Lila, why are you just waking up?" their father asked.

"Sorry, Daddy. I slept late," she replied, stifling a yawn.

"No problem, baby. Come and have your breakfast," he said warmly. "And after that, freshen up—I have a surprise for you guys."

"Surprise?" Lila's eyes lit up. "Wow! I'm so excited!"

Their mother, who had been watching the exchange, laughed softly. "Honey, I've been waiting for this present. I can't wait!"

"Lila, take the dishes to the kitchen and go get dressed," their mother instructed. "You all have ten minutes."

Lila went upstairs to get dressed, slipping into a cute dress just like Zoe.

Downstairs, their father clapped his hands. "Is everyone ready?"

"Yes, Daddy!" both girls responded in excitement.

"Okay, I'll get the car. Zoe, tell the gateman to open the gate," he instructed.

As they settled into the car, Zoe bounced in her seat. "Dad, I'm so excited to see the surprise!"

Her father chuckled. "Be calm, Zoe. You'll be left speechless very soon."

Their mother smiled. "Wow, honey, I can't wait."

On the way, Lila turned to her father. "Daddy, can we stop by ShopRite to get some snacks? I'm hungry."

"No problem, baby."

"Thank you, Daddy!" she beamed.

"You're welcome, dear."

A few minutes later, as they neared their destination, their father spoke again. "We're close now. I see some clothes up ahead, so I want you guys to blindfold yourselves."

Lila and Zoe giggled but followed his instructions.

"Now, carefully step out of the car… and follow me," their father guided them.

They entered the building, and their father finally said, "Okay… open your eyes!"

Lila's mother gasped. "My love… what is this?" Her voice was filled with disbelief.

"Don't tell me this is our new house?" she asked, turning to him with wide eyes.

Her father grinned. "Yes, sweetheart."

The whole family stood in awe, staring at the massive mansion before them.

"It's so big and beautiful! I love you, baby!" their mother hugged her husband tightly.

"That's not all," he added with a knowing smile. "I also bought you your dream car."

Her mother's hands flew to her mouth. "OMG! I'm so blessed to have a husband like you."

"Daddy, this is amazing!" Lila and Zoe chimed in. "Thanks, Daddy!"

"You're welcome, my loves."

Lila looked at her parents and thought, I hope my dream man will treat me the way my dad treats my mum.

Just then, her father turned to her. "Lila, I have a surprise for you too."

Lila's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really?"

He pointed to a sleek new car parked in the driveway. "This is yours. You can take it to school, shopping, or anywhere you want to go."

Lila squealed in excitement, jumping on her father. "Thank you, Daddy! I love you!"

"I love you more, dear."

Zoe folded her arms playfully. "Daddy, what about me?"

Her father laughed. "Zoe, when you get older."

Everyone laughed as they made their way into the mansion.

The house was a breathtaking mansion with six spacious rooms, a grand living room, a modern kitchen, a master bedroom, and a room for the girls with a balcony. At the back, there was a large swimming pool, and upstairs, a private cinema. Each room even had its own mini kitchen.

Lila's mother looked around in amazement. "This is wonderful."

"Yes, dear," her father said proudly. "Thanks to Almighty God for blessing me with a new job."

"We truly thank God," her mother agreed. "We should throw a party on Saturday."

Her father nodded. "Yes, and I'll be inviting my best friend and his family. We'll also go out together, so I want you girls to go shopping and get whatever you want."

Lila's face lit up. "Daddy, I want a new wig, shoes, and clothes!"

"No problem, Lila. I'll send you ₦1 million for you and Zoe to shop."

"Thanks, Daddy! You're the best!"

Her mother smirked. "Hmm… what about your wife?"

He chuckled. "Of course, we'll go shopping together, my love."

"Thank you, dear," she smiled.

Their father checked his watch. "It's late now. Everyone, go to your rooms, freshen up, and get some sleep. You have a long day tomorrow."

"Daddy, what about our clothes?" Zoe asked.

"Don't worry, Zoe. I've already sent the driver to get everything you need."

"Okay, Daddy. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight, my loves. Sweet dreams."

"You too, Daddy," they replied before heading off to their rooms, excited for what lay ahead.