|POETIC INTRO|
I have it all but nothing
I have it all but a smile
They want it all but my reality
If only they know the chains that came with these jewelries
How is it love if you are everything that glitters?
How do you know you are loved if you are a cake baked before their arrival?
Does she love black guys or the black card I hold?
She is an exception
She was there when I was naked
She loved me before I exist
She was real while I was a clown
She was me before I was me.
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
LST {Breaking News}
In a significant turn of events earlier this morning, Mr. Achebe was formally inaugurated into the highest echelons of power following a hard-fought political campaign. The culmination of this journey was only made possible due to the remarkable recovery of his running mate, Mrs. Author Lolade. Mrs. Lolade, notably the sole offspring of the esteemed Chief Balogun, had been incapacitated for an extended period due to a grievous gunshot wound. Her revival from a comatose state marked a turning point not only for her health but also for the AUG party, which has now successfully established its political supremacy over the federal republic of Nigeria.
Today's events were nothing short of historic, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape. The AUG party, which had been tirelessly vying for power, was finally able to grasp the reins of authority. The culmination of their efforts, marked by Mr. Achebe's swearing-in, signifies a paradigm shift in the country's leadership dynamic.
The triumphant journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, from the intense campaign battles to the agonizing days during which Mrs. Lolade lay in a state of unconsciousness. Her recovery serves as a testament to resilience and has come to symbolize not only personal triumph but also a collective victory for the AUG party and its supporters.
As the federal republic of Nigeria transitions into this new chapter of....
"Kate switch of the flat screen"
CHIEF BALOGUN
You are aware I was watching that, right?
MRS K BALOGUN
You mean torturing yourself?
Williams, I know losing is not something you are used to, but honestly, you have to let this go.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He turns to Kate)
What's that supposed to mean?
MRS K BALOGUN
Let Lolade be!
She is your daughter; you can't and shouldn't harm her.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Who said anything about harming her?
MRS K BALOGUN
I know you, Williams.
You won't let this go, but I won't let you hurt my daughter either.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He gets up)
Lolade has taken a lot of strange actions that might lead to complicated consequences in her life, and whether I get involved or not, she will and must pay the price for them.
MRS K BALOGUN
What are you talking about?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Don't play dumb, Kate.
I know your instinct as a mother will always be prioritized over the reality of life, but we both know your love for her won't stop Ayo and his supposed late wife from coming for her.
MRS K BALOGUN
Late wife?
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He grips Kate by the neck and pins her to the wall)
Don't make me look like a fool, Kate.
I know you saved Adebisi from the car accident and assisted her in changing her identity.
___________________________________
Mr. A BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Adebisi walks into Ayo's home office"
ADEBISI
Have you seen the news?
Mr. A BALOGUN
What are you doing here?
What if Bisola sees you?
ADEBISI
I don't see how that should stop me from seeing you when I want to. Besides, legally, I'm your first wife and have the right to see you whenever I please.
Mr A BALOGUN
I know, but right now, you are Miss Agnis, the billionaire next door that my wife already suspects I'm having an affair with.
ADEBISI
"The billionaire next door?"
Wow, so that is all that I am to you?
(She turns to leave)
Good night.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Adebisi, you know that is not what I mean. You are my first love and will always be the one I truly love, but you know we can't do this right now.
ADEBISI
Fine, I get it.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Please sit!
What news were you talking about?
ADEBISI
That of your sister achieving her political goal.
Mr A BALOGUN
Do you mean the swearing-in event?
ADEBISI
Oh yes.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Can we not talk about that right now?
ADEBISI
Come on, Ayo, this is a good thing.
Now we can execute our plans and get revenge for everything she took away from us.
Mr A BALOGUN
She is the vice president now, don't you think she would find a way around your plans?
Lolade has a lot of power right now.
ADEBISI
I'm aware of that, and it's exactly what we need because she would self-destruct, I promise you.
_____________________________________
"Taiwo walks into the room"
TAIWO
Dad, where is Maria?
Mr A BALOGUN
You should be more worried about your contract with the Abiola's.
Let Maria be for now, son.
TAIWO
I won't repeat myself again.
Where the hell is Maria?
I know you took them along when leaving.
"Maria walks into the office with some appetizers earlier sent for by Ayo"
MARIA
Sir, I couldn't find apples; our suppliers said they would bring in some tomorrow.
(She places the tray on Ayo's glass table)
TAIWO
(Tears roll down his eyes)
Maria!
(He pulls her to himself)
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Kate struggles to catch her breath"
Mrs K BALOGUN
Williams, it's not what you think.
Please, let me go; you are hurting me.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He pushes her to the floor)
What are you up to?
Mrs K BALOGUN
Nothing!
I just had to save her life.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Then why did you keep such a huge secret from me?
Mrs K BALOGUN
Because I knew a day like this would come when you would find weaknesses to use against Lolade.
CHIEF BALOGUN
And it didn't occur to you to stop and think of how this will affect Ayo?
MRS K BALOGUN
(She gets up from the floor)
Oh yes, I did. That is why I didn't tell him at first.
CHIEF BALOGUN
At first?
He knows?
Mrs K BALOGUN
Yes, he does.
CHIEF BALOGUN
And you think he would just sit there and let her be?
Why did you tell him?
Mrs K BALOGUN
What do you want from me, Williams?
I don't get you.
First, you are mad that I didn't tell you or Ayo about it; now you are mad that I told Ayo.
CHIEF BALOGUN
I am mad because you didn't trust him enough to tell only me!
I should know, not Ayo!
Mrs K BALOGUN
Oh please,
So that you will use it against Lolade?
Hell no.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Now I know how she was able to buy shares at the company with little or no effort.
You helped Adebisi become this powerful.
Mrs K BALOGUN
(She walks closer to Chief)
Yes, I did.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Why?
What is your gain in all of these?
Mrs K BALOGUN
To take back what is rightfully mine.
That company was founded by both our families, but you married me and kept all of it to yourself.
CHIEF BALOGUN
So you used Adebisi and your children to get to me?
Mrs K BALOGUN
I am no saint, Williams, but my hands are not stained with blood like yours are.
I want a divorce.
_____________________________________
Mrs. ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|
"Tony walks into the residence and finds Mrs. Adesoji in tears"
TONY
Mummy, what is it?
Is everything fine? Why are you crying?
Mrs. ADESOJI
Have you not seen the news?
TONY
Yeah, Lolade and the president-elect were sworn in today, right?
Mrs. ADESOJI
Not that, Tony.
DANIEL
(Walks into the sitting room)
Stella's corpse was found in a shallow grave at that warehouse.
TONY
(He turns to Daniel)
What?
That's not true.
DANIEL
I found that hard to believe too.
Who could have done that to her?
TONY
Oh God
(He drops his bag and sits beside Mrs. Adesoji)
Calm down, Mummy, everything will be fine.
Mrs. ADESOJI
Don't tell me to calm down, Tony.
Your sister, my only daughter, is dead, and you are asking me to calm down?
Hell no!
Whoever did this to her will pay with their lives. I swear on your father's grave.
TONY
I know, mother.
But you have to calm down first for your health's sake, at least.
DANIEL
How can you ask her to do that, Tony?
Are you even bothered about her death and who could have done this to us?
TONY
Of course, I am, but there are better ways to deal with issues like this.
DANIEL
Better ways?
How else should we deal with death?
Or else there is something you are not telling us.
TONY
Are you stupid?
What's that supposed to mean?
DANIEL
You know what I mean, Tony.
Mrs. ADESOJI
That's enough.
Both of you, stop it, please!
Your sister is dead, and all you care about is finding ways to argue.
DANIEL
You know I blame you for this!
I learned she left the house because you got rid of Chinaza.
TONY
One more word from your mouth, and you wouldn't like what I would do to you.
DANIEL
What would you do?
Kill me?
Mrs. ADESOJI
(She slaps Daniel)
I said enough.
Go to your room, now!
DANIEL
You know if you were a better mother, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
Your support for Tony's evil deeds landed us in this position we are in right now.
Both of you did this to Stella.
(He walks out of the scene)
TONY
Mum, do not listen to any of what he has said.
He is just letting his emotions cloud his common sense.
Mrs ADESOJI
Daniel is the least of my problems as of the moment.
We need to do something about your sister's death.
I want justice.
I want you to use all the resources at our disposal to find out who did this.
TONY
(He picks up a bottle of wine)
Consider it done, Mum.
_____________________________________
Mr A BALOGUN'S RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Taiwo grips Maria by the wrist"
MARIA
Taiwo, let me go, please.
We can't do this.
TAIWO
Just listen to me, please.
MARIA
What do you want?
TAIWO
I want you, Maria!
MARIA
We both know this can't work out.
You have a contract to protect, and I have my grandmother to protect. I was a fool to believe I could be with you.
We both exist in worlds that are far apart.
I do not think we can find common ground, sir.
TAIWO
Maria, we can do whatever we want.
I don't care about the stupid contract; I just want to be with you.
MARIA
You should care, Taiwo.
Besides, I still feel a lot of guilt for hurting Auntie Simi. She was good to me.
(Tears roll down her eyes)
TAIWO
I know we hurt her, but to love one, you must hurt another.
MARIA
Taiwo, stop, please
(She turns to leave)
TAIWO
Maria, please.
"Mrs Aisha walks into the room"
Mrs AISHA
Let her go, Taiwo.
"Maria walks out of the room"
TAIWO
Nanny, I really want to be with her.
Mrs AISHA
(She drops her right palm on his cheek)
Haven't you done enough?
Look, Taiwo, I love you like a son, but don't push me!
Stay away from Maria, please.
I take God beg you.
Focus on your marriage and let her be.
TAIWO
I know I have lost your trust in me, but I can't let go.
She is the one thing that makes me happy.
My whole life I have lived by Grandpa's rules, but for the first time, I want a life for myself, one with Maria in the picture.
Mrs AISHA
I believe you, Taiwo.
Of course, I raised you myself, I can see your intentions for her are genuine, but we both know you are not meant to be.
TAIWO
Why?
Because I'm a married man?
Mrs AISHA
Because leaving Simi will affect a lot of people. Your union with her is an exceptional one, Chief has made it clear that it can't be tampered with.
(She turns to leave)
TAIWO
What advice would you give to someone in my shoes who wants to be free like a bird?
Mrs AISHA
(She turns to Taiwo)
I don't know, Taiwo.
This is beyond me.
_____________________________________
Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|
"Mr Achebe dines with his family at his residence"
Mr ACHEBE
Good morning, children.
CHIBUIKE
Good morning, Mr. President.
"The room is filled with laughter"
NNAMDI
(Smiles at Mr. Achebe)
Congratulations, Dad.
EJIRO
Congratulations.
BUKOLA
Finally, you have become your dream.
I'm proud of you.
ADAORA
My president, you know I love you, right?
Mr ACHEBE
Thank you all for your love and support.
I know we have all had our differences, but here we are dining as one, and I want it to stay that way.
Mrs ACHEBE
Of course it will if everybody knows their place.
(She rolls her eyes at Bukola and Ejiro)
Mr ACHEBE
Alright, as you all know, I will be stepping down from the chairman position at the company, and I have chosen my next of kin.
"Chibuike and Adaora adjust their seating positions"
CHIBUIKE
I trust you will make the right and best decisions for the company.
Mr ACHEBE
(He smiles)
Chibuike!
CHIBUIKE
Yes, Dad.
Mr ACHEBE
You have shown me that you are indeed a dedicated worker, but Adaora has stayed longer with the company. She has the experience to push the company forward.
CHIBUIKE
What does that mean, Dad?
Mr ACHEBE
I am saying you should give your sister all the love and support that she needs while she fills the Chairmanship position.
I want both of you to work together.
(He turns to Nnamdi)
As for you, Nnamdi, you have shown me that you want to be independent, so I will let you run your own bank, but under one condition.
NNAMDI
What would that be, Dad?
Mr ACHEBE
It would be a subsidiary of the company.
That doesn't mean it isn't yours. I just think for now there is still a lot you need to learn from Adaora and Chibuike, so I want you linked with them.
You all should work together.
NNAMDI
Hmm, I understand, Dad.
I am fine with it.
CHIBUIKE
I don't understand what just happened.
(He turns to Mr. Achebe)
Dad, why would you pick her over me?
I won't accept this!
Mr ACHEBE
My decision is final, son.
Time is certainly of the essence.
You will understand soon.
CHIBUIKE
(He turns to Mrs. Achebe)
Mom, say something!
Would you allow this?
"Mrs. Achebe walks out of the scene"
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Taiwo walks into Chief's Office"
TAIWO
E kaaro, sir.
You sent for me.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Yes, I did!
Please sit down.
TAIWO
(Pulls out the chair opposite Chief)
I'm seated.
CHIEF BALOGUN
I won't beat around the bush. I will go straight to the point.
(He drops some documents in front of Taiwo)
TAIWO
What's this for?
(He picks up the documents)
CHIEF BALOGUN
Documents for your new residence in New York. You will be leaving with your wife next week.
TAIWO
I don't understand.
Why?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Because it's the best for both of you.
Besides, it will be an opportunity for you to manage the family business overseas.
"Bayo eavesdrops on their conversation"
TAIWO
If this is your plan to separate me from Maria, it won't work, Grandpa.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He smiles and takes off his glasses)
If I were you, I would think twice before I reject this offer. I want you to be my next of kin. But there is no way I'm letting you take over the company if you break the contract we have with the Abiola's just to chase Maria.
TAIWO
I am not and have never been interested in taking over from you. Left to me, I wouldn't work for the company.
So bribing me with your chairmanship position won't stop me from going on with my plans.
(He gets up and turns to leave)
CHIEF BALOGUN
You know I can make that little girl disappear, right?
Maybe that will solve everything.
TAIWO
(He walks up to where Chief is seated)
When will you come to the realization that you are losing the family you claim you are working so hard for?
You weren't on good terms with Eniola before she passed away, Temi despises you, and I wouldn't hesitate to join the list if you harm Maria.
I promise you, you will lose me.
(He walks out of the office)
_____________________________________
"Taiwo walks into his room"
SIMI
Taiwo, where have you been?
TAIWO
Simi, please do not start.
E jor.
(He folds his clothes into a black bag)
SIMI
What are you doing?
Where are you going?
TAIWO
Like I said earlier, I'm done. I can't do this anymore. I know I have hurt you a lot, but I can't betray myself and my desires just to make you happy.
I wish I could be the one for you, but sadly, I can't.
SIMI
Taiwo, please don't go.
Malo.
(She drops on her knees as tears stream down her cheeks)
TAIWO
(Hugs her)
I'm sorry, Simi, but I have to leave.
I wish I could stay, but there is a life I want for myself that you do not fit into.
Please try and understand me.
(He gets up to leave)
SIMI
Is this because of that Maria girl, right?
TAIWO
(He turns to Simi)
Simi, please.
Don't involve Maria in this.
SIMI
So what do you expect me to do?
I told you I'm with child. So you are just going to abandon both of us because of that little rat?
TAIWO
(He walks up to her)
There is no proof that you are pregnant!
And let's assume you are, then I will take responsibility for the child. But that is the most I would give.
You can't stop me from being happy.
(He walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
FESTAC OIL AND GAS HEADQUARTERS|
"Chike walks into Bayo's office."
CHIKE
So, this is where you guys are hiding.
KEN
Hey, I'm trying to stop Bayo from publishing that article.
CHIKE
What article?
KEN
The one about Taiwo and Maria. Seriously, man, what were you thinking?
CHIKE
Oh, please, don't mind me.
(He sits down)
I thought you decided not to publish it, Bayo.
BAYO
Well, I've changed my mind.
CHIKE
Why? What's the reason?
BAYO
Chief has chosen his heir.
CHIKE
Let me guess. It's Taiwo.
KEN
Exactly. But this article won't just hurt Taiwo; it will affect the entire family and the company.
BAYO
Don't you get it, guys?
I'm on the brink of losing everything I've worked so hard for.
I can't and won't allow it.
CHIKE
But, man, are you sure this will change Chief's decision?
BAYO
Trust me, it will.
KEN
What if Chief finds out you're involved in it?
BAYO
At this point, I don't care.
If I can't have it, neither should Taiwo or anyone else!
Besides, I deserve it, not Taiwo or anyone!
CHIKE
Okay, okay, just relax, bro.
BAYO
Don't tell me to calm down!
(He dials Veronica's number)
KEN
Who are you calling?
"Bayo ignores the question."
CHIKE
Bro, don't do anything stupid.
BAYO
Hello, Veronica. It's time.
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|
"Bisi walks into the dining room."
BISI
Olamide, guess what?
OLAMIDE
What?
BISI
Nnamdi's bank has been listed as a subsidiary of his father's bank, and he will be moving to Lagos.
OLAMIDE
Wow, that's good.
I'm happy for him. Finally, both of you can be together.
BISI
Be together, you mean?
OLAMIDE
Well, it's obvious you are in love with him, and he probably feels the same way.
BISI
You think so?
OLAMIDE
What? Your feelings for him or his feelings for you?
BISI
Both!
OLAMIDE
I'm certain of your feelings for him, but I can't speak for him, my dear.
BISI
How do I know he feels the same way?
OLAMIDE
Well, the truth is that you never really know if someone feels the same way for you.
People can pretend to love and care about you.
BISI
So you are saying there is no way to know if someone loves you or not?
OLAMIDE
There are signs and actions that reflect people's intentions for you, but reflection isn't certainty.
Only the one who loves can validate his or her feelings for another.
BISI
Wow, then it's pointless to love someone?
OLAMIDE
(He smiles)
Why?
BISI
Because you can't know for sure that they feel the same way.
OLAMIDE
Who said you have to be certain of it?
BISI
Then what am I to do?
I can't just give my heart to someone who I'm not certain feels the same way.
OLAMIDE
Yes, you can.
That is where faith, trust, and the benefit of the doubt would be most useful to you.
It's not in your place to validate people's thoughts and feelings towards you. The most you can do is guide, support, and trust that they would do it themselves.
LOLADE
Enough of the love talk.
Eat your food.
ROBERT
Let them be.
They are young; it's their time.
LOLADE
Love can wait; the food can't.
So eat!
BISI
Yes, Mrs. Vice President.
_____________________________________
ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Ayo walks into Adebisi's office."
Mr. A BALOGUN
What's so urgent that we all have to gather here at this time?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Thank you for coming, son.
Mr. A BALOGUN
It's not like I had a choice.
TEMI
So what is it, Granny?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(She sighs)
Your Grandpa has dug out some of my secrets that might affect us.
TAIWO
What's that?
Mrs K BALOGUN
He found out that I was involved in saving Adebisi from the car accident and that Agnis is Adebisi.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Are you serious?
TEMI
Wow, this is serious.
TAIWO
How did he take it?
ADEBISI
That's good news.
(She smiles)
Mr A BALOGUN
How is that good news?
This might spoil your plans, you know that, right?
ADEBISI
I don't see how it would.
Mrs K BALOGUN
Still, you should be cautious.
Chief is a very dangerous man.
Mr A BALOGUN
Chief?
That's the first time I've heard you call him that.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I and your father might be going our separate ways.
TEMI
Hmm, didn't see that coming.
TAIWO
(turns to Kate)
Are both of you not too old for that?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(Turns to Taiwo)
Are you not too young to be getting a divorce?
Mr. A BALOGUN
Don't bother saying anything, son.
She got you right there.
CHIEF BALOGUN'S RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Maria walks to the entrance door to answer the doorbell."
MARIA
Good evening, Ma.
Taiwo isn't here.
(She avoids eye contact with Simi)
SIMI
I didn't come for Taiwo.
I came here for you.
(She pulls out a black pistol from her bag)
MARIA
(Screams out)
Ma, don't do this.
SIMI
Shut up your mouth.
You think you can get away after taking everything from me.
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
Mrs. Aisha rushes into the scene.
Mrs. AISHA
What is happening here?
Jesus!
Simi, what are you doing?
SIMI
Stay out of this or I will gun you down too.
"Bayo walks into the scene."
BAYO
Maria, who is at the door?
Simi, what are you doing?
SIMI
Getting back what was stolen from me.
BAYO
And somewhere in your subconscious, you think killing her would make Taiwo love you?
SIMI
I don't care about Taiwo's feelings.
All I know is that they can't be happy together.
(She points the gun toward Maria's direction and pulls the trigger)