Chapter Seventy-Five

At Richie Villa the following day, the sun's first light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting soft, golden shades across the elegant marble floors. The villa was still, the morning air crisp and cool, tinged with the dry dust of Harmattan. Outside, the garden appeared hazy as a fine layer of dust hung in the air, softening the edges of the trees and flowers.

In the master bedroom, Richie and Night lay peacefully, their breaths in sync, wrapped in the gentle embrace of sleep.

As the clock struck 6:30 a.m., Aura detected the first signs of dawn. The sleek device, positioned discreetly on a bedside table, came to life with a soft, warm glow, like the gradual rising of the sun. Its sensors, attuned to Richie and Night's sleep patterns, detected that they were starting to wake up.

'Good morning, Richie and Night,' Aura greeted in its soothing, melodic tone, accompanied by a gentle orchestral piece that filled the room like a whisper. The curtains glided open slowly, revealing the villa's lush garden bathed in the soft, golden glow of early morning light. Outside, the air was still and cool, with a faint dustiness in the breeze that was characteristic of Harmattan. 'The weather is clear, with a morning temperature of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, typical of Harmattan's cool mornings. A high of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius is expected later in the day, as the heat intensifies. Would you like me to start your day with a cup of almond milk or bamboo tea and a playlist of your favourite morning tunes?'

Night stirred first, her eyelids fluttering open. 'Yes, please, Aura, I'd like to have a cup of almond milk, while Richie has his bamboo tea,' she responded, her voice groggy but content. The gentle hum of the villa's automated systems began, as Aura sent instructions to the kitchen. The tea kettle whirred to life, and the speakers in the room adjusted to play soft, invigorating melodies to match the peaceful morning.

Richie stretched beside Night, turning to press a kiss to her forehead. 'Did you sleep well, Best?' he asked softly.

'Perfectly, my lord,' she smiled, reaching to brush her hand over his cheek. 'Aura, what's on our schedule today?'

The holographic display above Aura flickered on, projecting a detailed itinerary for the day into the air. 'Richie, you have a meeting with the CEO of Richie Corporation, Chinonso Mba, at 10:00 a.m. Night, your writing workshop with the young authors' club begins at 2:00 p.m. Shall I prepare a light breakfast for both of you?'

Richie glanced at the hologram and nodded. 'Yes, that would be great, Aura. Also, send a reminder to Chinonso Mba about the meeting.'

'Reminder sent,' Aura confirmed with a soft chime. The device seamlessly transitioned to activating the kitchen appliances, and moments later, the aroma of freshly brewed bamboo tea and almond milk wafted into the bedroom.

Night slipped into her robe and walked into Wealth's room, where he was still fast asleep, surrounded by his favourite stuffed animals. As she tucked the blanket around him, Aura detected her presence. 'Would you like me to wake Wealth gently at 7:30 a.m. for his morning exercise?' it enquired.

'Yes, please, Aura,' Night whispered, smiling as she watched her son's peaceful face.

Then, she made her way to the nursery to check on her twins. The room was a serene haven, designed to perfection. The walls were painted in soft, calming hues of pastel cream and sage, adorned with hand-painted murals of whimsical clouds and butterflies. A grand crystal chandelier cast a soft, golden glow over the room, complementing the recessed lighting tucked into the tray ceiling.

Each twin slept soundly in their custom-designed cots with intricate carvings and plush bedding, monogrammed with their initials in gold thread. Between the cots stood a marble-topped changing table, stocked with every necessity.

Night paused for a moment in the cosy corner of the room, where a plush rocking chair and an ottoman sat ready for late-night feedings. The far end of the room featured a large window draped with elegant, sheer curtains, overlooking the estate's expansive gardens. Beneath it, a soft rug marked the play area, scattered with an assortment of carefully chosen toys.

As soothing lullabies played gently through hidden speakers and the faint aroma of lavender lingered in the air, Night smiled at the sight of her beautiful creatures. She leaned over to adjust a blanket on one of the twins, whispering softly before leaving them to their peaceful slumber.