It drove her to the edge of suicide.
Her brother had no choice but to take her back to Uyo, their hometown.
There, she began to pick up her shattered pieces one breath at a time.
ANWANAS' NEW RESIDENCE
The front door creaked as Anwana stepped in, holding Victor gently on her hip, his tiny arms wrapped around her neck. The scent of freshly painted walls and newly cleaned floors greeted them. The apartment was small—just a sitting room, a kitchen tucked into a corner, one bedroom, and a tiny bathroom. But to her, it was a new beginning.
Victor looked around, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Mummy, is this our house?"
Anwana smiled, sitting him down carefully on a throw pillow placed in the corner of the room. "Yes, baby. Just ours."
A single curtain fluttered in the evening breeze from the open window. The floors were tiled, though a bit chipped at the edges, and the walls were a soft cream. Anwana rolled up her sleeves, determined to make the place feel like home before nightfall.
She unpacked slowly, humming a lullaby as she worked. She laid out the soft mat in the center of the room, placed Victor's toys in a small basket near the wall, and spread a colorful bedsheet on the mattress in the bedroom corner. She positioned his school bag by the wardrobe and carefully hung their few clothes inside.
In the kitchen, she arranged the pots and utensils on a single shelf. She placed the tiny gas cooker on a sturdy wooden counter, setting aside rice and a few spices in plastic containers.
Victor, watching her the whole time, finally spoke. "Mummy, can I sleep beside you every day?"
She paused, turning to him with a gentle smile, "Always."
He grinned, his small teeth showing as he reached for his stuffed toy. "Then I love this house."
Anwana knelt beside him, brushing his hair softly. "Me too."
There were still things to fix—curtains to hang, groceries to buy—but for the first time in a long while, Anwana felt a flicker of peace.
ADABANJO MANSION,
" Good morning Mr Tade" , his assistant greeted taking his suitcase into his sleek black SUV with tinted windows.
Tade stood by waiting for the door to be opened as he spotted Anwana as she greeted the gateman Mr Emeka .
Some scenes of curiosity filled in , he wanted to talk to her , stay beside her , his eyes yearned for more than just a Chef, his heart racing, despite her rough looks .
She hurried towards him as she breathed heavily, panting
" Mr Tade , I'm so sorry", she pleaded , her hands on her knees
" What's going on ?", he asked curiously, his brows raised
", you're literally panting", he said
" It's eight thirty", she replied, her gaze on her wrist watch
"I'll send your breakfast to the office immediately it's done", she said still panting as she hurried into the house.
His Curiosity got the best of him
What's going on with her , she's never late. He thought within himself
Later That Afternoon
The scent of baked bread filled the kitchen as Anwana finished arranging the lunch trays . She glanced at the clock 2:45 PM. School would be out soon.
By 3:30 PM, the estate gate opened again, this time with the soft rumble of a tricycle pulling up near the back entrance. Anwana stepped out, holding Victor's hand. He wore his navy blue uniform and clutched a water bottle tightly, eyes wide as he looked around the massive compound.
"Wow… this house is big, mummy," he whispered.
"Be quiet, and stay close," she whispered back, her eyes scanning quickly. She hadn't wanted to bring him here, not yet
Just as she slipped through the back door with Victor, Tade rounded the corner, car keys in hand.
"Who... who is that?" he asked, stunned.
Anwana's heart pounded. "This is my son, Victor. His school closed early. I... I didn't have anywhere else to take him."
Tade blinked. He looked at Victor again, trying to mask the shock in his expression. A knot formed in his stomach.
Before he could say anything, Mrs. Remi Adebanjo from the hallway eyes narrowing as she took in the sight.
"A child?" she snapped. "You brought a child into my house? Without asking?"
Anwana lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry ma. It was an emergency. He'll stay in the kitchen with me until I'm done."
"No, no—this is unacceptable," Remi said coldly, walking closer. "You didn't think to mention that you're a single mother? How dare you bring your child here like it's your family home?"
Tade stepped forward, brows furrowed. "Mum!!"
"I need to speak with you. Privately," she said, grabbing his arm and dragging him into her room.
Once the door clicked shut, she turned to him. "Are you seriously considering anything with that girl again? A single mother? You think the Adebanjo name can carry a woman with baggage?"
"She's not just anyone, mum," he said firmly. "And her son... I don't even know what to think."
Remi's voice dropped to a hiss. "Think wisely. She's playing you. She was trouble five years ago, and she's worse now."
Tade's jaw clenched. Outside, in the hallway, Anwana stood silently, holding Victor's hand, her heart sinking.
The compound was quiet as Anwana stepped out of the back entrance, holding Victor's small hand. The boy limped slightly, his school bag slung over one shoulder. The evening breeze ruffled her scarf as she adjusted it and glanced around.
Tade leaned casually against his SUV, arms folded, watching them. She hadn't seen him when she stepped out.
"disapearring before my return? Is that your specialty?" He asked brows raised
Anwana paused, startled. "I didn't mean to."
He glanced at Victor, who was now curiously staring at the shiny SUV. "You're heading home?"
She nodded, clutching Victor's hand tighter. "Yes."
"Let me drop you off."
She blinked. "No, sir....Tade, it's fine. We'll get a cab."
" No sir?", he smirked,"I'm sir now?" He asked eyes wide open
"Don't argue," he said, his voice soft but firm. "He's limping. I'm not letting you drag him through Lagos traffic."
Before she could say more, he opened the back door. Victor looked up at her, hopeful. She sighed and nodded, helping the boy into the car.
Inside, the ride was quiet at first. Victor hummed softly, playing with the seatbelt while Anwana stared out the window. Tade stole a glance at her through the rearview mirror.
"He looks happy," he said suddenly.
She turned to him. "He is. He's all I have."
"You're doing a good job." His tone was sincere, low. "I mean it."
Their eyes met briefly in the mirror, something unsaid hanging between them.
And just like that, something shifted.
The car hummed softly as it rolled through the quiet streets. Victor had dozed off in the back seat, his head resting against the window, his little chest rising and falling peacefully.
Tade kept his eyes on the road, but his mind was racing. The silence between them was too familiar—too much like five years ago.
He finally spoke.
"You disappeared, Anwana," he said quietly. "One day we were planning the future, and the next… you just vanished."
She stiffened, her fingers tightening around her purse. "Tade…"
"I'm not asking to hurt you," he added quickly. "But I deserve to know why. I understand you may have not loved me anymore, you didn't even say goodbye."
She looked out the window. "I couldn't."
"Because of him?" he asked, glancing at the boy through the mirror.
She turned to him, her eyes steady. "Victor's not your son."
He didn't respond immediately. Just drove in silence, his grip tightening on the wheel.
"I know we never… not even once," he said after a moment. "But still. When I saw him… I just thought maybe...."
"He's not yours," she repeated, her voice softer now. "I wasn't with anyone while we were together. You know that."
Tade nodded slowly, processing. "Then why did you leave?"
Her gaze dropped to her lap. "It's… personal. Not something I can say here."
Tade sighed, frustrated but understanding. "You still run from the truth, Anwana."
"And you still chase things you're not ready for," she whispered.
They didn't speak again until he pulled up in front of her house.
"I'll carry him," he offered, already reaching for Victor.
She looked at him, surprised, but nodded.
As he lifted the sleeping boy carefully in his arms, something shifted again ,quietly, deeply.
And this time, Anwana didn't stop him.
Tade slid back into the driver's seat, the door shutting with a quiet thud. He didn't start the engine right away. He just sat there, hands resting on the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the dim porch light of Anwana's modest home.
His chest was tight.
Victor's not your son.
The words echoed in his mind, over and over again. A part of him had already known. Logically, it made sense they'd never crossed that line. But the hope… the strange, sudden hope he didn't even know he had… it hurt to let go of.
He leaned back in his seat, sighing deeply.
"She left… not because of him. Then why?" he muttered to himself.
His fingers tapped against the steering wheel as flashes of their past ran through his head—her laugh, her stubbornness, the way she looked at him like he meant something more.
She was in pain back then, he realized. And I didn't see it.
A knot formed in his stomach. Not jealousy. Not anger. Just… regret.
He rubbed his face with one hand, then finally started the engine. As the SUV purred to life, he stole one last glance at the house. The lights were off now.
But something had shifted.
He wasn't just curious anymore.
He needed to know what she was running from—and maybe, just maybe, if he understood, he could help her stop.
REHABILITATION HOSPITAL CENTER
Amara walked in coldly into the rehab center side by side with Mrs Remi , her aunt.
The rehab walls were cold and sent a shivers as the walked in side by side the hallway with different rooms lining up the hall as Amara stared at the windows, patients each in their wards handling thier traumas and depressions.
What a sad world Amara thought to herself clungung to her new designer bag .
The rehab hallway was quiet as her heels made its own sound slowly as the approached a wooden door
" Hmmm, " Remi hieved a sigh as she stared at Amara who was nervous as she press her thumbs tightly on her hand bag.
" You're ready to handle this , right?" , she asked, giving Amara an encouraging smile.
Amara nodded as she turned the door knob and they walked in .
Remi slowed her steps, then finally sighed. "I shouldn't have waited this long. But I miss her," she said quietly, surprising Amara.
"She's been waiting for you, Aunty," Amara said gently. "Every time I come, she asks if you're okay."
A woman sat by the window, humming a soft hymn, her eyes closed in peace. Mama Erioluwa ,Amara's mother.
"Mummy," Amara whispered, voice cracking as she stepped forward.
Erioluwa opened her eyes, smiled, and slowly stood. "My baby," she whispered, holding Amara in a tight embrace. "I told them you'd come today."
Remi watched, silent for a moment, before stepping in too. "Eri, it's me… Remi."
The sisters stared at each other for a beat, then hugged.
"I'm sorry I have not been coming " Remi said " I made sure he paid for his crimes " she said hovering a faint smile at the corner of her lips
"You're here now," Erioluwa said with a tired but forgiving smile. "That's enough."
They sat together.
Amara, holding her mother's hand, finally asked, "Do you ever think of him?
Daddy?"
Her mother's face darkened a little. "He's in prison for what he did. I don't hate him… but I've let him go."
Amara nodded, tears slipping quietly. "I just wanted to hear it from you."
"You're strong, Amara. You didn't turn out like him. You carry your own light."
" That man caused you alot of pain, humiliated you for reasons he has a part in, he definitely is the problem here mom " , she said assuring her mom .
Erioluwa sighed," I know dear, but I forgive him , it's lack of ignorance, "
" Lack of wetting?" , Remi snapped, her voice raced " that traditional man almost killed you , because of ignorance? , what kind of ignorance is that , after test has been conducted that he has a low sperm count and is the reason why you guys couldn't have more children , you say ignorance!!", she said her eyes wide that one could sense the fury in it.
" I'm glad you put an end to it Aunty Remi", Amara said .
After an hour of spending time with her mom it was time to leave the rehab as Amara gave Erioluwa a good bye kiss .
" Mom, " she said her voice shaking as tears formed at the corner of her eyes
" I love you " , she said
" I love you too " , her mom replied as she waved goodbye.
BOARDROOM – ADE'S OIL & GAS TOWER, IKOYI
The polished table stretched across the room like a battlefield.
Tade sat at the head, jaw clenched, tie slightly loosened. Around him, senior executives shuffled papers, some whispering among themselves.
"We've lost another contract to Artech Petroleum," Mr. Bamidele, the COO, announced, sliding a report forward. "That's the third in two months. They're offering better rates and faster turnaround times."
"And our public relations? The media keeps dragging your name into every rumor about your private life," another board member added, side-eyeing him.
Tade leaned back, exhaling sharply. His mind flicked unexpectedly to Anwana's tired face that morning, the softness in her voice.
"I'm aware of the setbacks," he said calmly. "We'll restructure the logistics team and push our refinery timeline forward. Maybe we will use the Short term projects to cover up loses, Give me a week."
"We don't need promises, Tade. We need results, and how is it possible to use short run projects to recover this losses?, you just promised the new investors days ago that we will win the project" Mr. Bamidele said firmly.
Tade's gaze hardened. "Let me handle this , you need results,? you'll get them."
But as the meeting continued, the pressure built. Even Tade, the man known for having everything under control, felt the weight on his shoulders.
After the meeting and the day's work Tade hurried home. The pressure was intense, his head spinning as his mom walked through the hallway to meet him.
"Tade!!!" She yelled
As her steps increased.
" What's that small ...or.. short run rubbish I heard you talked about in the meeting today?"
Tade!!," she snapped, "tell me I didn't just hear you turned down a chance to reclaim the contract."
Tade stood steal , his slik suit on his shoulder, his eyes tired but calm.
"We don't have the manpower right now. I had to make a call that protects the company long-term."
"By turning your back on a billion-naira project?"
she flared, arms crossed. "Do you know how many men would kill for that contract? This isn't a bakery, Tade .
it's Ades' Oil and Gas!"
He stood, voice firmer now.
"I know exactly what it is, Mum. And I know what it means to lose investor trust. I'm not risking another failed delivery. Smaller projects will rebuild our reputation first and can help recover losses so our investors don't lose trust".
Remi's eyes narrowed. "And what about pride? Legacy? What about the family name?"
Tade sighed. "Legacy doesn't pay penalties, Mum. Strategy does."
Remi paused, eyeing him sharply. Then, she dropped the real reason
"You know, Senator Bankole called me this morning. He said Aisha mentioned you haven't been picking her calls. That girl is ready to be by your side ,and her father can still pull strings , he can put a word or two for the company to get back the contract .
You need help? Marry smart."
Tade flinched. "This again?"
Remi didn't blink. "Yes, this again. Because I will not watch you throw away this company like you're throwing away your future, chasing after a cook with a child she dragged into my house without permission."
Tade's jaw tightened. "Don't bring Anwana or her son into this."
She raised a brow. "Then make a decision. Either find a way to fix this or step aside and let people who understand power handle things."
Tade said nothing for a moment. Then he turned away, his voice quiet but firm.
"I'll fix it. My way."
Remi stared at him for a heartbeat longer, then turned and left, her perfume lingering long .
He walked into the house, his heart racing, his mind drifting. Could he really recover the company's losses and win back the trust of his investors, especially the newones?
The thought circled him like a storm cloud, relentless and suffocating, until a soft voice called from behind the stairs just as he placed one foot on the steps.
"Welcome, sir," she greeted gently.
She stood there in her apron, her bonnet slightly tilted to one side, making her look unintentionally adorable. He let out a short laugh ,despite the situation at hand.
"What's that on your head?" he asked, pointing at the bonnet, amusement briefly warming his face.
She furrowed her brow, lips twitching into a confused smile. "What's funny? You look tense. What would you like for dinner?"
Her voice was soft, calm, like aloe on a fresh wound.
"Anything light will do... An..." he began, but the buzz of his phone interrupted him.
"I have to take this," he muttered, already reaching into his pocket and ascending the stairs without waiting for her reply.
"Yes, and what does that have to do with my company?" His voice snapped the moment the call connected.
"Tade," Aisha's voice purred through the line, "if we got married, don't you think it would benefit us both? My dad can fix this for you. That contract you lost... he can get it back. Your company can stand strong again."
He paused for a breath. "Wow. You've really figured it all out, haven't you?"
There was silence on her end, hopeful.
"Unfortunately for you, it won't work out," he continued, voice growing firmer.
"See, I'm a very determined man. I don't need charity or influence dressed up as love. Especially not from someone like you."
"Tade....", she began
"Let me finish. Tell your dad I appreciate his concern. But selling his daughter won't help my company. And you..." his voice dipped lower, firmer
"you'll find someone who'll love you for who you are. But it's not me. It will never be me."
With that, he ended the call, tossing the phone onto the bed as he exhaled, hands tightening into fists. The storm in his chest had found its voice.
***
Downstairs, the kitchen was filled with the soft clatter of cutlery and the faint aroma of steaming vegetables. Anwana hummed quietly as she arranged the plates. She glanced toward the stairs when she heard footsteps measured, slower this time.
Tade appeared, his face unreadable but calmer than before.
"Your food is ready," she said, offering a soft smile, brushing her hands on a kitchen towel.
He sat at the table without a word, watching her quietly as she brought the tray forward. The gentle aroma of seasoned chicken and stir-fried vegetables floated toward him, pulling a small sigh from his lips.
"You didn't have to make it look this good," he murmured, eyeing the well-plated dish.
"I always do," she replied with a shrug, tying her bonnet tighter. "Even when no one notices."
He picked up his fork and took the first bite. Then another. And another.
Silence settled between them, warm and unhurried. Tade chewed slowly, eyes fluttering shut as the flavors sank in. For the first time that day, something felt right.
"This is good," he muttered.
"Thank you," she said, clearing a space beside him and sitting down. "Rough day?"
He nodded but said nothing more.
She didn't push. Instead, she poured him a glass of warm water and set it beside him.
There were no speeches, no false comfort, just presence. And in that moment, it was enough.
Tade looked at her, really looked, her focus on the food, her quiet way of showing care,and for a brief moment, the weight on his shoulders eased.
He didn't want to think about contracts or investors or threats dressed as marriage proposals.
He just wanted to eat... and sit quietly with her.
He smiled, briefly.
Some moments later Anwana had to tidy up for the day and headed home.
***
Tade sat at the head of the table, leaning slightly forward, a hand on his glass, his shoulders a little less tense than earlier. Across from him, Amara twirled her fork lazily, her head tilted as she studied him.
"She dismissed for today , right?" Amara asked.
Tade nodded without looking up. "Yeah."
"She's strong," Amara said, eyes soft. "Too strong, sometimes."
Silence stretched a moment before Amara leaned in slightly. "So... what happened today?"
Tade let out a dry laugh, pushing his glass away. "We lost the bid. A major one. Investors are on edge, and my mother...." he gave a tired chuckle, "..well, you can imagine how that went."
"I heard her," Amara said, her voice dry. "Half the house probably did."
"She brought up Aisha again," he added. "Said her father could save the company , helping us get the contract back"
"And you said no, of course."
"Of course," Tade echoed. "I'd rather rebuild slowly than sell myself out."
Amara gave a proud nod. "I respect that."
There was a small pause before she shifted, resting her elbow on the table.
"Well… I went to the rehab today. With Aunty Remi."
Tade looked up, his gaze sharpening.
"She saw Mum," Amara continued. "They hugged, they talked. It was... emotional."
"Wow." He blinked. "She finally went?"
"Yes. After years." Her voice trembled slightly. "Mum said she forgave him."
Tade leaned back in his chair, watching her.
"I still don't understand it, Tade. After everything he did , she just let it go. Like peace was more important than the pain."
"Maybe it is," he said quietly. "Or maybe it's how she chooses to survive."
Amara nodded, her throat tight. "She told me I carry my own light. That I'm not like him."
"You're not," Tade said firmly. "You're nothing like him, Amara."
She smiled then, tears glistening but not falling. "Thanks."
They sat for a moment, the silence no longer heavy, just… full. Full of things unspoken, wounds in the process of healing.
"Maybe we're all trying to survive something," Tade added, his voice low.
Amara stared at her half-finished plate, then looked up at him. "Yeah… maybe we are."