Chapter Four

Chapter Four 

The car cruised through the quiet streets of Abuja, its engine humming softly against the

stillness of the December night. The streetlights cast a golden glow on the deserted roads,

reflecting on Angela's pensive face. She sat behind the wheel, her hands gripping the

steering with a delicate but firm touch. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, replaying the

evening's events over and over again—Kunle's confident demeanor, his charming smile, and

the way he had looked at her, as though she were the only one in the room.

Beside her, Bella lounged comfortably in the passenger seat, her face lit with the satisfaction

of a well-spent evening.

"I told you!" Bella said suddenly, nudging Angela with a playful grin. "When you finally leave

your comfort zone, magic happens. Guys like Kunle don't just fall into your lap, you know."

Angela's lips curved into a small smile, her mind lingering on Kunle's effortless charm. "He

seemed... different," she admitted softly. "There was just something about him."

Bella turned to her, her brow raised. "Different, abi? Babe, let me remind you: men like that

are usually taken. If he's single, then the gods have smiled on you!"

Angela's stomach sank at the thought. "Why do you have to spoil it, Bella? I haven't even

gotten to know him yet."

Bella's laughter filled the car, loud and carefree. "Ah, Angela! With the way your father keeps

you locked up, I'm surprised you even remember how to flirt. You've been living like

Rapunzel in Garki!"

Angela shot her friend a look, but the truth in Bella's words stung. Her father's protective

nature had always shaped her life, but tonight felt like a step toward something new.

The sudden ringing of Angela's phone shattered the moment. The sound was sharp and

insistent, and when she glanced at the screen, her heart sank.

"Oh no, it's my dad," Angela murmured, her face draining of color.

Bella rolled her eyes. "Ignore it, joor! Let him think you've gone to bed already."

Angela shook her head firmly. "You don't ignore my dad. He'll send the entire estate security out looking for me."

She pulled the car over to the side of the road, her fingers trembling slightly as she

answered.

"Good evening, Daddy," Angela said, her voice soft and apologetic. "I'm sorry I didn't pick up

earlier. My phone battery died."

Her father's deep, commanding voice came through the line. "Angela, I've been calling you

for hours. Where are you? I've even sent Olatunde and Olakunle to check the house."

Angela exhaled slowly, trying to keep calm. "We went out to celebrate Bella's birthday,

Daddy. I just got the phone charged."

Her father was silent for a moment before he spoke again, his tone slightly less stern. "It's

too late to drive back home. Stay at Bella's place tonight. It's safer that way."

"Yes, Daddy. I will. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, my baby girl. Be safe."

As the call ended, Angela slumped back in her seat, relief washing over her.

Bella chuckled, shaking her head. "You're such a daddy's girl. Do you know that?"

Angela managed a faint smile. "Maybe. But at least he cares. Not every father does."

When they finally arrived at Bella's cozy apartment, Angela was reminded of how vibrant and

full of life her friend's space always felt. The purple-accented walls and neatly displayed

rows of wigs gave the small home an unmistakable personality.

Angela's stomach growled audibly, making Bella burst into laughter.

"There's jollof rice in the kitchen," Bella said, pointing toward the microwave. "Oya, help

yourself!"

They sat at the dining table, eating and chatting about the night. Bella couldn't resist teasing

Angela about Kunle, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"You like him," Bella said, her tone sing-song. "You're even glowing. It's written all over your

face!"

Angela blushed but didn't deny it.

As the night wore on, they settled into their respective sleeping spots. Angela stretched out

on the couch, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. Every time it buzzed, her heart skipped

a beat, hoping it was Kunle.

Bella, already in bed, peeked over with a knowing smile. "Relax, babe. If he's serious, he'llcall. Now sleep!

Angela nodded, but sleep eluded her. Just as she was drifting off, her phone buzzed again,

and her heart leapt when she saw the name on the screen: Kunle.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she answered. "Hello?"

"Hi, sunshine," came Kunle's smooth voice. He sounded tired but calm. "Did I wake you?"

Angela shook her head, though he couldn't see her. "No, not really. Is everything okay?"

There was a brief pause before Kunle spoke again. "I was robbed tonight," he said, his voice

steady despite the gravity of his words. "They took my car."

Angela gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my God! Are you alright? Did they hurt

you?"

"No, I'm fine," he reassured her quickly. "They just wanted the car. I didn't fight them—it's not

worth my life. I just wanted you to know, in case I seem a bit off tomorrow."

Angela exhaled shakily, relief flooding her. "Thank God you're okay. Did you report it to the

police?"

Kunle chuckled softly, the sound warming Angela's heart. "A car is just a car. What matters is

that I'm safe... and that I didn't lose your number. That would've been the real tragedy."

Angela's cheeks flushed, and she found herself smiling despite the situation. "You're really

calm about this," she said softly.

"Because I got to hear your voice," he replied. "That makes everything else easier."

Angela's heart fluttered at his words. "Thank you, Kunle. Let's talk tomorrow, okay?"

"Alright, Angela. Goodnight, sunshine."

"Goodnight, Kunle."

As the call ended, Angela sat in the darkened room, her thoughts swirling with concern and

something deeper—something she couldn't quite put into words.

Bella stirred from the bed, her voice groggy but amused. "Was that Kunle?"

Angela nodded. "Yeah. He lost his car, but he's okay."

Bella studied her for a moment, then smirked. "You really like him, don't you?"

Angela didn't answer, but the soft glow in her eyes said it all.