Chapter Fifty-Three

Meanwhile, at Richie Villa, the dining table overflowed with a spread of Nigerian delicacies. Night chose to enjoy ofe eju with akpu, while Richie opted for ofe egusi with garri. As is customary, each took a small mound of their akpu or garri, moulded it, and dipped it into the soup with relish, savouring each bite before swallowing. The rich aromas of ofe eju and ofe egusi filled the air, mingling with the scents of other dishes.

At another spot on the table, a bowl of ofe akwu, the traditional Nigerian stew, sat alongside a dish of basmati rice, which Wealth eagerly enjoyed with a spoon. The warm stew combined perfectly with the rice, creating a comforting meal that balanced the rich flavours of palm nut stew with each spoonful.

On the table were also crispy fried chicken, garnished nkwobi, and abacha adorned with fried fish and kpomo. A crystal decanter of palm wine sparkled in the soft light. While Richie took occasional sips, Night and Wealth enjoyed their refreshing orange juice. In the centre, a large bowl of fresh fruits added a splash of colour to the table.

As Night savoured her plate of ofe eju, her phone buzzed, and she glanced down. Curiosity piqued, she reached for it, her eyes widening in shock and delight as she read the message.

Richie glanced over, his brows furrowing. 'Best, why are you smiling?' he asked, tilting his head, intrigued.

Night's face lit up as she met his gaze. 'Finally, Stella and Peter are doing it tonight…' She rubbed her swollen belly, her hand resting gently on her almost-due bump. She felt a rush of happiness, imagining the twins swimming in her stomach like little fat worms and fishes.

'Doing what?' Wealth piped up, his wide eyes reflecting his innocent curiosity.

Night hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words for her perceptive four-year-old. Richie exchanged a knowing look with her before turning back to Wealth. 'You're a genius, right?' he teased.

'Of course, Dad!' Wealth responded proudly, puffing out his chest.

'Then, piece it together,' Richie encouraged, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Wealth shook his head, clearly in deep thought. 'No, Dad. I don't have time for that. I'll just ask Aunt Stella to explain what she and Uncle Peter will be doing tonight.'

'What?' both Night and Richie exclaimed simultaneously.

'Then, what does it mean?' Wealth pressed, his brows knitted in confusion.

'Well…' Night trailed off, trying to find the right answer that wouldn't give too much away.

'Best, why are you thinking so much about this?' Richie said, pretending to be serious. 'Stella and Peter are getting married…'

'Tonight?' Wealth's eyes grew even wider as he reached for his phone. 'I'm going to call them and ask why they're getting married without inviting us!'

Night and Richie shared a panicked glance, unsure of how to navigate the situation.

'No, Wealth, don't disturb your aunt just yet. When she comes here, you can ask her, okay?' Richie reasoned, his voice calm but firm.

'Are you sure they're getting married tonight, or are you just trying to hide the real meaning behind 'doing it' tonight?' Wealth pressed, suspicion flickering in his young eyes.

'They'll come here. You should question them face-to-face, okay?' Night suggested, hoping to steer the conversation.

'Why should I do that, Mum?'

'Because every genius loves facts. Looking them in the eye, you'll know if they're telling the truth or lying.'

Wealth nodded thoughtfully. 'Yeah, just like you both are lying now.' He shook his head, putting his phone down. 'Anyway, I'm too busy to worry about what those two are doing tonight. I should focus on my food.'

Night and Richie exchanged looks, struggling to decide whether to laugh or cry.

'However,' Wealth continued, taking a sip of his juice, 'I wish them future bliss.' He turned to Richie, curiosity shining in his eyes. 'Dad, can you remind me when my plus-minus is?'

'What do you mean by plus-minus?' Richie asked, genuinely curious.

'It means the more you add in age, the more you lose it. For instance, if today is your birthday, it's a plus to your age, and a minus to how many years you have left to live. So instead of wishing me a Happy Birthday, it's better to say, Happy Plus-Minus.'

'Best, when is our son's plus-minus?' Richie asked Night, a chuckle escaping him.

'Wealth's plus-minus is on the 25th of December,' Night replied, her smile brightening the room.

'Good. I'll set a reminder.' Wealth grabbed his phone again and tapped the screen, determination in his voice. 'Remember to make it lavish. I'll invite my friends over to celebrate.'

'Yes, big man,' Richie said, pride swelling in his chest.

Wealth resumed eating, his focus shifting back to the delicious spread before him. Night and Richie watched him with awe, their hearts swelling with pride as they wondered what incredible things lay ahead for their little genius.

***

On the other hand, Stella and Peter, both a little tipsy, decided to use a designated driver to get home safely. Peter arranged for a driver to take them to Mark Villa, while his own car would be picked up later from the restaurant.

As they arrived, Mark Villa looked enchanting to Stella, with its lights all aglow, beautiful gardens, fountains, and a shimmering lake. Everything excited her; the clear, starry sky, the leaves swaying gracefully in the cool breeze, and Peter's hand in hers as he led her out of the car. He guided her to his luxurious home, which sparkled beautifully in the night, with robots and humans working tirelessly to keep the villa pristine for her arrival.

In a week, she'd be twenty-eight. Had things worked out differently, she might have been married with children by now. Yet she was still a virgin, but not for much longer. Tonight, she was ready to give herself to Peter.