Chapter Forty-Seven

On the other hand, Richie drove his son, Wealth, to school. In the backseat, Wealth perched like a young prince, his eyes wide with excitement as he gazed out the window. His tiny school backpack, decorated with colourful superhero characters, sat beside him. He looked handsome in his neat school uniform.

'Daddy, are we there yet?' Wealth asked, his voice brimming with curiosity.

Richie chuckled, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. 'Almost, handsome. You excited for school today?'

Wealth nodded eagerly, his face lighting up. 'Yes, Daddy! Miss Oluchi said we're going to learn about animals! And I'm going to show her my new drawing!'

Richie smiled, pride swelling in his chest as he listened to his son's enthusiasm. 'I bet she'll love it. You're getting really good at drawing.'

Wealth grinned, holding up his hands as if framing an invisible masterpiece. 'I'm going to draw a lion next! The biggest lion ever. Like the one in The Lion King movie.'

'That's my little genius,' Richie praised.

Wealth frowned. 'I hate that!'

'Oh, I'm sorry, my big genius,' Richie chuckled, correcting himself.

'That sounds good.'

'Wait, Wealth. You're little, yet you don't want to be called little?' Richie glanced at him through the rearview mirror.

'That's because what you confess is what you are. I'm a genius, a very big genius!'

Richie chuckled. 'Do you mean to be huge like Dwayne Johnson?'

Wealth shook his head with a serious look. 'I mean to be intelligent beyond my age. As for being huge… I want to be slim and tall, just like you. Of course, I like Dwayne Johnson, but I don't want to save the world. I'd rather go to the animal kingdom and be their hero!'

Richie laughed, delighted by his son's vivid imagination. 'That's a noble goal, Wealth. You'll be a great hero one day.'

Wealth grinned, his eyes sparkling as if he could already see himself standing among lions and elephants. 'Yes! Hero of the animals.'

Richie laughed, shaking his head. 'At least you won't have anyone fighting you for the throne.'

Wealth nodded, his little fingers drumming excitedly against the seat. 'I just hate the game of thrones... all that fighting and arguing over who should be king makes me sick. People are always battling for power, trying to take the throne from each other. But in my animal kingdom, it will be peaceful. I'll be the only king, and no one will fight over it. And I'll draw all the animals I save. Every single one!'

Richie chuckled, glancing back at his son. Wealth's eyes were now fixed on the passing scenery, a dreamy look on his face as if already venturing into the animal kingdom, imagining every creature he'd rescue and sketch.

Richie's chest swelled with pride. Watching his son grow—so curious, so intelligent—was like witnessing a masterpiece in progress. Each day brought something new, deepening his appreciation for the joy of fatherhood.

Being a dad, Richie thought, was the coolest job in the world.

They reached the school gate just as other parents were dropping off their children. The morning buzz of activity filled the air as kids, clutching their colourful, high-end backpacks, walked hand in hand with their parents towards the magnificent school building. Richie parked his Rolls-Royce and hopped out, moving around to help Wealth out of his car seat.

As soon as his feet hit the ground, Wealth beamed up at his dad, adjusting the straps of his tiny backpack. 'Can I run to class, Daddy?'

Richie knelt to straighten his son's uniform shirt, his eyes soft with affection. 'Hold on, big man. I know you're excited, but let's walk together. You don't want to trip and fall, do you?'

Wealth looked up at his father, considering for a moment, then nodded seriously. 'Okay, Daddy. Let's go. We match like soldiers.'

'That's right, genius.'

Richie took his son's small hand as they walked towards the school entrance. Other parents smiled as they passed, recognising him as the popular musician whose songs filled the airwaves and the owner of Richie Corporation, one of Nigeria's leading billion-dollar companies. But today, he was just a dad, dropping off his son at school, soaking in the simple, precious moments that made fatherhood the greatest gift of all.

At the door to Wealth's classroom, Miss Oluchi greeted them with a warm smile. 'Good morning, Wealth! Good morning, Mr. Richie.'

Wealth grinned, waving to his teacher. 'Good morning, Miss Oluchi! Look at my drawing!' He pulled out a crayon sketch from his backpack, proudly holding it up for her to see.

Miss Oluchi knelt, admiring the colourful artwork. 'Wow, Wealth, that's amazing! I'm excited to see what else you'll create today.'

Richie gently patted Wealth's hair. 'He's been talking about lions all morning. I think you'll have a zoo by the end of the day.'

Miss Oluchi laughed. 'I'll make sure we're prepared for that.'

Richie crouched down, giving Wealth one last hug before heading off. 'Be good today, okay? I'll see you after school.'

Wealth wrapped his small arms around his father's neck. 'Okay, Daddy. I love you.'

'I love you too, big man,' Richie said, feeling warmth spread through him. As Wealth joined his classmates, Richie stood by the door for a moment, watching him settle in with a smile.

Driving away from the school, Richie couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. These were the moments he cherished most: the quiet mornings, the school drop-offs, and seeing his son grow with every passing day. Wealth was his greatest treasure, and no matter where life took him, this simple, beautiful routine was something he wouldn't trade for the world. Being a father and a husband was the best gift he had, and he was so grateful.