Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Shortly after breakfast, the atmosphere in the grand house brightened further as the eldest

son, Olatunji, arrived home. His father's face lit up with pride and joy as he welcomed his

firstborn. Their mother, equally thrilled, enveloped him in a warm embrace, while Angela

giggled and flitted around him like an excited child. Olatunji's return always brought a spark

to the household; his jovial nature was infectious and a welcome contrast to Olatunde's often brooding demeanor.

After settling in, Olatunji retrieved a bag filled with gifts. He handed his mother an elegant

scarf, his father a new leather wallet, and Angela a delicate bracelet that glimmered in the

sunlight streaming through the windows. Everyone expressed their gratitude warmly, their

happiness palpable.

"I came back from Lagos yesterday," Olatunji began, settling into a chair in the living room. "I

decided to stop by and check on everyone before I get swamped with work again."

"You're always welcome, son," their father said with a proud smile. "By the way, I'll be

traveling for that business trip I mentioned next week. I'll be gone for close to two months."

"Two months?" Olatunji repeated, his eyebrows rising slightly. "That's quite a while. I pray

everything goes smoothly, Daddy."

"Thank you," their father replied.

Angela, ever the playful one, decided to tease her big brother. "So, Olatunji, did you meet

anyone special in Lagos? Two months is plenty of time to find love!"

Olatunji chuckled, shaking his head, but before he could respond, Olatunde shot Angela a

sharp look. "I knew it! Bella's influence is rubbing off on you," he said, his tone stern. "What

do you even know about love? Just let me catch you with any unserious man."

Angela rolled her eyes, unfazed by her brother's criticism.

Their younger brother, Olakunle, who had been silent for most of the morning, saw an

opportunity to provoke Olatunde. "You, Mr. Expert in Love, why don't you show us how it's

done? Oh wait—you're still hung up on that mystery woman. I'm telling you, even if you meet

her again, she'll probably be a grandmother by then!"

Olatunde's face darkened as anger flared in his eyes. Without a word, he shot up from his

seat, ready to confront Olakunle. But the younger brother had anticipated this reaction and

bolted towards his room, laughing all the way. Olatunde stormed after him, and the sound of

hurried footsteps echoed through the house.

Their mother's voice rose above the commotion. "Olatunde, leave him alone! He's just

teasing you. You'll find your love, my son. Stop letting him get under your skin!"

Angela, standing at the foot of the stairs, added her own taunt. "You'll never find her!" Then

she dashed to her room and locked the door, laughing at her brothers' antics.

Later that afternoon, Olatunji and Olatunde found themselves sitting together in the garden,

the tension from earlier completely dissipated.

"I ran into an old schoolmate in Lagos," Olatunji began casually. "He's getting married in two

months and invited me to the wedding. You know him, but you probably don't remember—it'sbeen years. Would you like to come with me?

Olatunde shook his head. "You know I'm not a fan of weddings. I don't think I'll go."

"You never know," Olatunji said with a teasing smile. "You might meet her there."

Olatunde's expression softened, though it remained tinged with melancholy. "I doubt it. If she

were still in Nigeria, I think we would've crossed paths by now. None of our old friends have

heard from her either. But I'm not giving up. I'll keep waiting."

Olatunji nodded thoughtfully. "I saw someone recently too," he admitted. "It was during a

hold-up in traffic, just before my flight. We didn't speak, but there was something about

her…"

"Why didn't you get down to talk to her?" Olatunde asked, frowning slightly. "Why waste time

like I did? Don't repeat my mistake."

"I couldn't," Olatunji said, his voice filled with regret. "But I'm hopeful. Maybe fate will bring

her back into my life."

"Then we're both hopeful," Olatunde replied, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

The brothers shared a quiet moment, their bond evident in the unspoken understanding

between them.

Later that day, after Olatunji had left, their father called Olatunde into his study.

"Your sister mentioned she met someone," their father began, his tone calm but serious. "I

need you to keep an eye on her and guide her wisely. Don't be too harsh—you know she's

still young and naive. Be someone she can trust and confide in."

Olatunde nodded, taking in his father's request. "Did she tell you anything about him? How

they met?"

"No, I didn't press her for details," their father admitted. "But you can ask her yourself. Do

some discreet digging. I want to make sure this man is worthy of her."

"I'll take care of it, sir," Olatunde promised.

As he left the study, Olatunde couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility settling on his

shoulders. Angela's happiness was important to all of them, and he was determined to do his part to protect her.