Chapter Thirty-Five

On Sunday, Stella and Night went to the grand opening of a modern art gallery in the quiet and upscale district of Asokoro, Abuja. The gallery sat on a peaceful street lined with trees, close to embassies and luxury homes, giving it an exclusive feel. Its glass walls sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting the greenery around it. They parked the black Bentley that Night had driven to the event in the nearby lot. As they walked towards the building, the modern architecture beautifully blended with the natural environment. Tall palm trees bordered the entrance, and a smooth stone path led them to the large glass doors.

Inside, the hallways were brightly lit, highlighting each piece of art like a precious display. The shiny marble floors and tall ceilings gave the space an open, elegant feel. The simple but stylish design, with large windows and clean lines, provided beautiful views of the green hills of Asokoro, making the gallery a peaceful and inviting place for art lovers.

Many of the guests were high-class men and women. The men wore suits, while the women looked stunning in evening gowns. Waiters moved around with glasses of wine, and the room buzzed with conversations about the paintings, each person finding their own meaning in the art.

As Stella and Night explored the gallery, they were drawn to the variety of paintings, each more thought-provoking than the last. One painting showed a poor young man kneeling to propose to his rich girlfriend, highlighting the contrast between love and social class. This piece, titled Against All Odds, could be imagined as created by Yusuf Grillo, known for using beautiful colours to express deep emotions. Another painting depicted the busy life of a tenement building, with clotheslines hanging across a crowded courtyard. This piece, called Dreams of a Simple Life, reminded viewers of the works of Mudiaga A. Eke, who captures everyday life beautifully.

There was also a lively jungle scene full of lush greenery, a serene view of Millennium Park, and a peaceful painting of children sailing toy boats on a river. Each artwork told a unique story. Stella and Night happily discussed their thoughts on the paintings.

After admiring the paintings, Stella chose Against All Odds, which showed a poor man kneeling before his wealthy girlfriend, holding out a simple ring. The background had mansions and luxury cars, but the couple was painted in rich, bright colours, focusing on the strength of their love. Stella admired how the painting captured love overcoming obstacles.

Night picked a painting called Dreams of a Simple Life. It showed a tenement building with faded walls and clotheslines hanging across a courtyard where children played. The warm colours and delicate details reminded Night of simpler times and the beauty in everyday moments.

While Stella and Night were at the art gallery, Richie and Peter had their own plans for the weekend. They decided to keep it simple by having a relaxed barbecue and watching a football match at Richie's house. They just wanted to enjoy each other's company and unwind.

Richie had transformed his expansive backyard into a luxurious retreat. The scent of marinated chicken wings and the rich spices of suya filled the air, drawing attention to the grill, which was set in a sleek stone patio surrounded by lush greenery. The immaculate garden was framed by tall hedges, offering both privacy and an air of elegance. Several plush, designer lounge chairs were arranged under the shade of an ancient mango tree, creating an intimate gathering space. Soft Afrobeats music played from a high-quality speaker, adding to the peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere.

Nearby, Richie's four-year-old son, Wealth, was playing football with an advanced robotic dog that barked and chased the ball with impressive precision. His laughter filled the garden, bringing energy to the peaceful surroundings. Next to him was a bowl of crispy fried chicken, one of his favourite snacks, ready for him to enjoy whenever he took a break.

One of the family's maids sat on a beautifully carved wooden bench under a pergola draped with flowering vines, reading a leather-bound novel. Her eyes occasionally lifted from the pages to check on Wealth, ensuring he was safe while enjoying his playtime.

'Hey, man,' Peter greeted, giving Richie a firm handshake. 'Looks like you've got the setup all ready.'

Richie grinned, flipping the chicken wings on the grill. 'Of course, you know I don't play when it comes to food. Grab a drink from the cooler, we've got some time before the match starts.'

Peter picked up two bottles of cold, perfectly chilled beer from the ornate cooler. He handed one to Richie, and they clinked their bottles together in a toast that felt both casual and fitting for the luxurious surroundings. 'To weekends,' Peter said with a smile.

'To weekends,' Richie echoed, taking a long sip.

They spent the next half-hour catching up on life, talking about drones, autonomous cars, music, and other random topics. Richie shared updates on a new track he was working on, while Peter talked about new markets expansion and the project the company was going to launch after the expansion. Their conversation flowed smoothly, mixing fun jokes with more serious thoughts.

When the food was ready, they filled their plates with succulent grilled wings, spicy suya, and the delicious fried rice Night had prepared before leaving for the art gallery. As they ate, their attention shifted to the football match. Richie had set up a high-quality projector in the backyard, showing the live game on a large screen against the pristine wall of the villa. It was a Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City, and the villa's open space, complete with plush seating, offered the perfect environment for an afternoon of football. The combination of luxury and relaxation made it an afternoon both memorable and effortless.