Returning to Abuja, I dove straight back into business. The meetings with Mr. Adebayo and his associates were intense but promising. We were finalizing plans to set up a second estate, identical to our flagship project, in Lagos. They had found a prime location at Banana Island, and negotiations to acquire the parcel of land were in the final stages. The project sounded lucrative and opened up more opportunities for me to be in Lagos - close to Angel and...Eva.
Eva.
Her name lingered in my mind like a soft echo. The time we spent together had left an indelible mark on me. I couldn't shake her from my thoughts, day or night. Her laughter, her resilience, the way she spoke with passion about her dreams - it was all-consuming.
But I restrained myself. I deliberately avoided overwhelming her with texts or calls. I feared crossing a line, scaring her off, or - worse - giving away the truth of my feelings. How could she possibly handle it if I confessed? That her ex-son-in-law was falling for her.
No, not just falling. I was in love with her.
It felt inexplicable, even to me. When did it start? Was it when I first laid eyes on her, years ago, in that photo Tessy had posted on her WhatsApp status? I remember it vividly - Eva, strikingly beautiful, poised with an aura of confidence that belied her quiet demeanor. I was still dating Tessy then, but that image of her mother lingered in my mind. There was something captivating about her elegance and grace, so unlike her daughter.
Later, as Tessy and I prepared for marriage, Eva played a significant role in coordinating the ceremonies. Tessy often said it was her mother who had convinced her father to accept me. Eva had a quiet strength about her - managing every detail of the wedding, ensuring every guest was catered to. Even my uncle, who represented my late father, was impressed by her effort and dedication.
Over the years, I came to see the sacrifices Eva made for her family. She endured her husband's arrogance and abuse, always putting her children first. I often wondered how she managed it, where she found the strength.
Then there were the darker days of my own life. After making a disastrous investment that wiped out everything I had worked for, providing for my young family became a herculean task. Tessy didn't hold back her anger, berating me endlessly for my carelessness. She refused to help support the family financially, leaving me to scramble for survival.
It was Eva who stepped in. Quietly, without judgment, she tried to mediate, urging Tessy to be patient and supportive. Her efforts were in vain, but she didn't stop there. Twice, she discreetly handed me money she had saved to help me provide for my pregnant wife. I would never forget those moments. Eva saved me - not just financially but emotionally.
Despite her efforts, my marriage crumbled. And when it ended, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
Now, as I sat in my office, staring out at the Abuja skyline, my thoughts kept circling back to Eva. Her strength, her compassion, her beauty. How could someone endure so much yet remain so selfless?
The memory of our recent conversations warmed me. She spoke so passionately about her dreams, her plans to pursue a career in counseling or sex therapy. Her courage to rebuild her life inspired me. And it deepened my resolve. I was determined to be by Eva's side.
Whether she ever returned my feelings or not, I would stand with her. I would protect her, care for her, and - if necessary -love her silently. Because she deserved nothing less. And because, even if she never knew it, she had become the center of my world.
Three months flew by in the blink of an eye, and it was finally time for me to return to Lagos to kick off the foundation-laying ceremony for the fifty houses in Banana Island. The excitement coursing through me was palpable - I couldn't wait to see my beautiful ladies again. Although I stayed in constant communication with Angel and Eva, there was something special about seeing them in person.
Before leaving Abuja, I called Tessy to announce my arrival and inform her of my intention to pick Angel up for our usual outing. True to form, she responded with her typical dismissive tone, giving me a casual go-ahead. For three years since our separation, Tessy and I had avoided each other like the plague. We existed in two completely different worlds now. She had no idea what I was doing with my life, nor did she seem to care.
Upon arriving in Lagos, I checked into my hotel and immediately sent word to Tessy's house so Angel could be dressed and ready when I came to pick her up. I had purchased a sleek Mercedes GLE Jeep for easier movement around the city - no more cabs for me. The car symbolized not just convenience but a new chapter of stability and success in my life.
That Sunday evening, I drove to the house with a renewed sense of purpose. When I arrived, Angel, ever radiant and full of life, ran out to greet me, her face lighting up as she saw me. She wore a pretty floral dress that complemented her youthful exuberance. Holding her hand, I escorted her to the Jeep, opening the back door for her like a true gentleman.
As we were getting settled, Tessy's car pulled into the driveway. She stepped out, looking rushed, only to freeze when she caught sight of us. Her eyes scanned the scene: me in a finely tailored agbada, my Valentino shoes gleaming under the soft glow of the evening sun, and my composed, confident demeanor as I guided Angel into the car.
The expression on her face was priceless - shock, disbelief, and something else I couldn't quite place. Her usual bravado seemed to evaporate as she stood there, momentarily speechless, clutching her car keys. I could feel her eyes burning into my back, but I refused to acknowledge her.
Without a word, I climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine, and drove off, leaving her standing there in stunned silence. As the Jeep glided smoothly through the streets, Angel chartered excitedly about her week, her voice a soothing melody against the backdrop of my thoughts.
Tessy's reaction didn't matter to me. It was nothing more than a fleeting moment of awkwardness. What mattered was the time I had with my daughter and the growing excitement in my heart about seeing Eva again. This was my life now, a life of purpose, peace, and genuine connections. And I wasn't going to let anything or anyone take that away.
I had carefully planned this moment, and I knew just the place to take Angel - a place I was certain she would love. Eva's apartment. The idea had filled me with excitement all week, envisioning the looks on both their faces when I brought them together. While Eva knew I was coming, she had no idea who I was bringing along.
As I parked the Jeep outside her modest but charming apartment, I felt a nervous anticipation bubbling in my chest. Angel was oblivious to my plans, her innocent chatter filling the air as we walked up to the door. When we arrived, I knocked lightly, holding my breath as I clutched Angel's small hand.
I waited, the seconds feeling like an eternity. My pulse quickened as I heard the sound of footsteps approaching from inside. Then the door swung open, and there she stood - Eva.
I froze. For a moment, I was rendered speechless, utterly stunned by the sight before me.