The trio reclaimed their seat and sat watching intently as the host, Mr Duncan took his place at the stage and stood in front of the podium.Mr Duncan cleared his throat and tested the microphone by making funny sounds that made the guest laugh.Angela returned to her seat-now vacant from whosoever was seated on it earlier-and gave her friend an affirming smile that she was fine.Sophia was puzzled earlier, she was worried about her friend's whereabouts and was about to call her phone. She gave her friend's fingers a small squeeze and gave her full attention to the host.Mr Duncan cleared his throat again and addressed his guests."Good evening everyone. I want to start by appreciating every ambitious man and woman seated here, who left their busy schedules to assemble in my humble abode. I am highly honored".He made a deep bow and continued. "Also, I want to thank the main reason we are gathered here. The Investor, who generously provided funds to make this party a reality. Thank yo
"Thank you Aunt Meredith, you are the best!" Sophia went in search of her dearest Aunt after exchanging contact with James.If not for her sweet Aunty she would probably be at home doing unproductive things and lose the chance to be reunited with her teacher."See reasons why you should always attend parties, you never know who you might meet", Aunt Meredith winked.Aunt Meredith never had children, not that she couldn't but she never saw the need to. She believes that there are more than enough children in the world that need parents and a family. She is busy taking care of orphans. She runs an orphanage and also renders caregiving services for free. She loves to take care of children and sees Sophia as her own true firstborn child.Sophia is an orphan who left Nigeria at age four and grew up with her uncle as her only guardian. At the time Meredith was courting her husband, Sophia was twelve. She rarely talked to anyone and was very cold to Meredith.In all honesty, Sophia thought
"He wouldn't even answer his phone", Hilda panicked as she re-dialed Joseph's phone. Words could do no justice to explain the emotions she felt. She couldn't even sleep last night as she took so many turns and was restless.The party she thought would be to her advantage turned out to leave a bitter taste in her mouth. She was hoping that her son would come closer to her if he got selected among the other business men and women who the Investor would pick.She got her RSVP directly from Mr Duncan himself. He told her of the party himself and even persuaded her son to come as well as a rich Investor looking for brilliant ideas to support with his money would be in attendance.She never thought that the rich investor would turn out to be James. She should have not attended or even told Joseph to attend. She had brought this upon them.She paced the room desperately hoping to hear her son's cold voice on the other end. "Let the boy be," Mr Benjamin muttered calmly as he watched her. H
CHAPTER FIFTEEN "And then we add vegetable oil in drops", he raised the oil bottle and did as he said, "Around the edges, so it doesn't get sticky".Joseph expertly lifted the omelette to allow the oil spread better."Wow, this looks mouthwatering", James commented behind the camera.He suggested that they make a make a cooking video, Joseph volunteered to cook leaving James to be the cameraman."Raise your omelette with the spatula well, so it doesn't get burnt, see? Like this", Joseph smiled as he continued his task."Wow, our omelet is taking thirty minutes already but I'm still hungry", James commented again as he rubbed his tummy.Joseph flipped a few times, adding more oil as he answered, "It's taking a long time because a pro is making it"."Oh you mean a pro as in productive", James laughed hard."No, a pro as in professional, old man", Joseph explained as he laughed as well."And now, ladies and gent the meal is ready! Dad turn off the camera, it's time to eat!" Jo
James went outside and opened the door for his guests. Sophia gave him a hug at once and asked series of questions concerning his wellbeing."How are you Tea? How was your night? Have you eaten? What did you eat? Hope you ate something fresh?"James answered her questions one after the other and turned to her friend who stood looking at the ground akwardly.He offered her a small smile as he said, "And you beautiful miss are?"As Angela raised her head to greet, avoiding his eyes.A thought slipped into James mind.She would be perfect for Joseph.He didn't know why he made such a conclusion and shrugged it off.Angela extended her hand for a shake but was pulled in, out of the blue for a hug."If you are friends with my sweet Sophia then you are like a daughter to me too", James concluded as he patted her back lovingly.Sophia watched their interaction in happiness."What is your name?", James asked her."My name is Angela. Angela Davis"James nodded his head in approval, "My name is
The trio were happy as they examined their work. It was past one in the afternoon but the result was worth all the time they spent in the kitchen.They made Jollof rice and crispy chicken for lunch with little puff puff to snack on after the meal. Sophia went further to make a drink made by infusion of Hibiscus in hot boiling water, commonly known as Zobo drink in Nigeria.Joseph joined in carrying utensils to the table too. He refused to show his face in the kitchen after Sophia called him a crybaby. Maybe he was too ashamed to face Angela, the boy had made a lovely entrance to shock Angela to her bones and was very happy when her face became pale but his happiness was short lived by Sophia's comment.After the table was set, he excused himself that he wanted to ease himself and made everyone groan, except Angela.He came back a few minutes to see everyone seated. With James at the head of the table, Sophia and Angela sat side by side with Sophia sitting next to James. Common sense d
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN "Ha! And I thought you got fired bro", Omar joked as he entered the room with Fyodor following closely behind.Omar hugged him and patted his back energetically, he gave Joseph's ass a small smack "How is your old man, is he well?".Joseph patted his back awkwardly as he silently begged Fyodor for help.Fyodor shuddered, the scene before him reminded him of the slaps he received from time to time. He waved his hands and made himself comfortable.Omar smiled at his friend's uneasiness and sat too. He could not remember the last time so much happiness radiated from Joseph. He could feel his friend's happiness all the way to where he was sitting."What would you like? Coffee, tea?"Joseph questioned as he was about to press the intercom to inform his assistant."Or beer", Omar said quietly but audible for everyone in the room to hear."Dude! It's like nine in the morning!" Omar made his point clear as he smacked Omar's hand."Ouch! That hurts like a bitch!"Omar re
The trio made their way to a nearby bakery. They took a seat for five by the left, one of the best spot the bakery offered, a little secluded but offered a clear view of the entrance. Joseph's friends tried to lighten his mood, although, he said little to their conversation but the men knew that he would come around with time.The jingling sound of the entrance bell caught Joseph's attention, he involuntarily shouted and waved the newcomer to their table."Angie!" His sudden change of mood amazed his friends as they watched him happily welcome the woman to their table.Angela smiled when her eyes landed on me, his presence no longer caused uneasiness. To be honest, she felt a little bit nervous around him, unlike before but he no longer made her become pale whenever she saw him.She hesitated a few seconds before she headed to his table. Apart from the two other seated which made her nervous at once, the person she came with might not like to be seated with him."Hi Joseph, good morn