Boxing Day dawned with Beatrice eager to surprise her friend Shola with a homemade cake for her birthday celebration later in the evening. The scent of festivity still lingered in the air from Christmas, and Beatrice, with her culinary skills, aimed to add a sweet touch to the holiday cheer.
As Beatrice embarked on her baking endeavor, the kitchen became a hub of activity. Her younger sisters, Tina and Evelyn, emerged from their holiday-induced stupor, seeking early morning sustenance in the form of leftover turkey. The trio navigated the kitchen space, each with their own agenda for the day.
Beatrice, accustomed to the holiday chaos, swiftly prepared turkey sandwiches with stuffing for her sisters, ensuring they were adequately nourished for the day ahead. With the duo settled in a corner, munching on their early morning bites, Beatrice seized the opportunity to focus on her baking project.
The kitchen, adorned with the remnants of Christmas feasts, became a pl
Yvonne's brisk approach carried with it a sense of urgency and concern as she asked Beatrice about the girl in the red mid-length dress across the room. Trying to get a clear view, Beatrice vaguely recognized the face—a girl with long hair to her shoulders and heavily made up. Curiosity piqued, Beatrice questioned Yvonne's inquiry. "Why do you ask?" Beatrice wanted to know. In response, Yvonne began recounting an unsettling encounter. She had recognized one of her customers in the group and decided to greet her. However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when the topic of the cake came up. According to Yvonne, the waiter, responding to inquiries about the cake's origin, had revealed that Beatrice not only brought it but had personally crafted it for Shola's special day. As Yvonne continued her account, disbelief and frustration colored her tone. "Would you believe this girl took that simple answer and assassinated you?" she exclaimed. According to Yvonne, the
The clock struck 4:00 AM, signaling the early hours of a Friday morning on Camden Street. A group of impeccably dressed young men emerged from Studio 39, exuding an air of sophistication that set them apart from the ordinary crowd. Their tailored suits and confident demeanor were unmistakable signs of power and affluence, providing a glimpse into a world beyond the average. Among this group of individuals was Yomi, a man who had recently assumed the title of Captain. Having arrived just a few days earlier, Yomi was deliberately maintaining a low profile, strategically navigating the landscape as he sought to integrate into the new environment. Though dressed unassumingly, the group carried themselves with an inherent sense of authority and wealth, a silent proclamation of their status. Yomi, once a familiar face back home in Nigeria, now preferred to go by a different moniker, embracing the identity he had crafted for himself. Today's rendezvous held significant impo
Stepping out of the boat club, Rachel and her friends formed a lively cluster of about ten people, preparing to head home. George had gone to retrieve the car, and as Yvonne and Beatrice emerged, ready to leave, Beatrice couldn't help but notice the girl in the red dress. Determined to clarify if they had any acquaintances, Beatrice decided to approach her.Walking past Rachel, who still exuded a brash confidence, she heard a voice calling, "Hi, Beatrice!" Turning towards Rachel, Beatrice responded with a raised eyebrow, "Do I know you?" Rachel, seemingly undeterred, retorted, "Oh, now you don't know me. If I knew you were here, I would have come over to say hi."Beatrice, maintaining her composure, smiled and scoffed, "Oh, you didn't know I was here to say hi, but you had the guts to fabricate all those lies about me, Shane, Shandie, and James. If you knew I was here, which of your lies would you have retracted? Or what else could you have added? That I was having an
The morning sun heralded a new day for Beatrice, and she awoke with an abundance of energy that seemed to exceed the requirements of the moment. Festive Glitz, her budding hamper business, had received a handful of new orders, and business was expected to settle into a quieter phase, or so she had initially thought. However, the night had been anything but restful for her. Opportunities loomed large in her mind, each one beckoning her entrepreneurial spirit.With less than six weeks on the horizon, Beatrice saw a window of opportunity that demanded meticulous planning and swift action. Unable to contain her excitement, she leaped out of bed and embarked on a mission to organize the impending venture. The first order of business was drafting a comprehensive list of cakes to be featured in the upcoming offerings. The array included delightful flavors such as strawberry and chocolate, vanilla and chocolate, lemon drizzle, and the perennial favorite, red velvet.As she del
Beatrice turned to her phone and read the text: Dear Beatrice, I want to sincerely apologize for the hurtful and baseless stories I fabricated about you, alleging that you caused the breakup between Shandie and James. I falsely claimed that you were notorious for chasing men and had numerous sugar daddies funding your lifestyle. I am deeply remorseful for my actions, and I want to set the record straight. The truth is, I was jealous of your relationship with James and Shane, and I let that jealousy cloud my judgment. I honestly don't know what got into me, and I deeply regret my senseless actions. I understand the gravity of the lies I spread, and I am committed to correcting my mistakes. I am following every instruction to publicly apologize to you on all platforms that carried those false claims. I am prepared to label myself a stupid fool and a nobody seeking clout because that's the reality of my actions. I acknowledge the pain I've caused you, and I am sincerely sorry. I appe
In the quietude of the following morning, a rare moment of tranquility allowed Beatrice the opportunity for a heartfelt conversation with her mother. Seated in the coziness of their home, surrounded by an atmosphere of familiarity and warmth, Beatrice decided to share the intricate details of her personal life and the ever-expanding canvas of her burgeoning business endeavors. During her stint at school, Beatrice's mother had not merely been a distant observer but an active participant in the intricacies of Festive Glitz. Her unwavering support had been a cornerstone of the venture's success, ensuring the seamless fulfillment of orders and contributing to the growing reputation of Beatrice's budding enterprise. Recognizing the depth of her mother's involvement, Beatrice felt compelled to elevate her acknowledgment from an implicit understanding to a more formal recognition. With gratitude and a sense of responsibility, she broached the subject of placing her mother on the pa
Beatrice, now with a slight shift in demeanor from the previous lighthearted banter, turned to Shola with a businesslike expression. "Are you ready to talk business now?" she inquired, her eyes gleaming with the anticipation of discussing a venture close to her heart.Shola, however, couldn't resist a hearty laugh at Beatrice's immediate transition to business mode. "This girl is just about business 24/7," she thought, amused by her friend's unwavering dedication to her entrepreneurial pursuits. "Okay," Shola acquiesced, "let's talk business."Beatrice, always the astute entrepreneur, began by expressing her gratitude for the impromptu birthday celebration. "Thank you once again for embarrassing yourself as my friend," Shola teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "All these years, you never thought to make me a cupcake, and now you bring that amazing cake for everyone to share? What kind of friend are you?" Shola asked, injecting humor into her mock accusation.Wi
In the vibrant heart of East London, where the city's pulse beats with the rhythm of its diverse inhabitants, Studio 39 emerges as a magnetic hub drawing in individuals from all walks of life. As the sun dips below the horizon, signaling the commencement of the city's nightly symphony, Studio 39 becomes the epicenter of excitement and connection, offering a haven for those seeking both social indulgence and avenues for professional networking.Thursdays through Sundays mark the zenith of anticipation, as Afro beats infuse the air, setting the dance floor ablaze with infectious energy. The ambient lights cast a kaleidoscope of hues, creating an atmosphere of exhilaration and camaraderie. Studio 39 isn't just a club; it's a sanctuary where friendships are forged and business networks intertwine seamlessly.The club's allure lies not only in its pulsating beats but also in its meticulously crafted ambience. The interior is a manifestation of contemporary aesthetics, an am
The soft glow of the phone illuminated James's face as he read Shandie's text. "Hey babes, I am missing you too and can do with a bear hug now," he replied, a tender smile playing on his lips. Shandie, always eager to bridge the distance that physical separation imposed, suggested, "How about I come down tomorrow?"A moment of hesitation lingered in James's response. Shandie, sensing his reservation, quickly retracted her offer, her intuition attuned to the nuances of his emotions. James, apologetic for the brief pause, explained, "I want to be sure I would have enough time to make your visit worthwhile." Yet, Shandie, perceptive to James's inner workings, knew there was more on his mind."Babe," she said gently, "you sure you don't have something bothering you?" James, caught in the crosscurrents of his thoughts, seized the moment. "I actually do. You know me too well," he admitted, the weight of the unspoken revelation pressing on his conscience."What is it?" Shandie inquired, her
As James drove away from Gloria's house, a cloud of contemplation hung over him like a heavy fog. Returning to the flat, he found Jide anxiously awaiting news, curiosity etched across his face like an open book.James, in need of a moment to gather his thoughts, prepared a cup of Irish coffee and settled into a chair with his head leaned back. The weight of responsibility weighed heavily on him, especially considering the potential implications of Gloria carrying his child. The baby, an innocent party in this unfolding drama, was a consequence of either negligence or fate, and James was resolute in acknowledging and addressing his responsibilities.Sipping his coffee, he reflected on the mess that had unfolded, contemplating the complexities of the situation. He recognized the gravity of the matter at hand; if Gloria was indeed carrying his child, he was prepared to take responsibility. However, he wasn't willing to be manipulated or coerced by an unknown woman claimin
As Gloria led Yomi into the small living room of the flat, she gestured for him to take a seat on the sofa. To her surprise, Yomi waited for her to have her seat first, and instead of settling on the sofa as expected, he chose the wooden coffee table, positioning himself to face her. The subtle nuances of this action didn't escape Gloria's notice; there was an unspoken dynamic at play. "How are you?" Yomi inquired, a smirk playing on his face. Gloria, attempting to project an air of calm, replied, "Fine," almost feeling a surprising sense of ease. It seemed as though the encounter might be more straightforward than she had initially thought. Yomi, maintaining his enigmatic expression, questioned, "What is your name again?" Gloria, momentarily puzzled, deduced that he likely sought her full name. "Gloria Bright," she answered. "So, I heard things that were unclear to me from Jide," Yomi began, an air of mystery surrounding his words. "You went to Jide because
The call connected, and Yomi's familiar voice came through the phone. Obviously, since he had gotten the number from Jide earlier, it was saved on his phone. As Yomi greeted her with a simple "hello," Gloria found herself lost for words. Uncertain of how to broach the delicate subject, she stumbled over her words, attempting to speak but only managing to cough.Yomi, on the other end of the line, picked up on Gloria's struggle. With a tone that carried a mix of nonchalance and amusement, he said, "Gloria, when you finish coughing, you can call me back because apparently I am a baby daddy." A chuckle followed his words. "Or better still, come over here when you are ready to talk, and let's thrash this out."Gloria, still coughing and taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, couldn't get a word in as Yomi continued to speak. Before she could gather herself, he dropped the call, leaving her in a state of shock. The sudden revelation that Yomi not only knew her number
Gloria pushed the door of her flat open, greeted by the concerned face of Kemi. "There has been this ringing sensation in my ears all morning," she sighed, a hint of worry etched across her face.Kemi, ever the empathetic friend, quizzically inquired, "What kind of ringing sensation? Like a telephone call or a bell ringing?"Gloria paused, searching for the right words. "Well, more like someone is talking about me somewhere. And honestly, I shouldn't be surprised."Kemi arched an eyebrow, concern deepening. "Gloria, you need to take better care of yourself. You look like an old wife whose husband ran away with the maid. What happened?"With a resigned expression, Gloria confessed, "Anxiety is what it's called, and I don't know if you fully grasp what it means. Ever since I told Jide about the pregnancy, I haven't heard anything from him. He just said he would discuss it with Yomi, but I have yet to hear anything. It's been one whole week today. I'm worrie
James burst into laughter, a genuine, almost incredulous sound that echoed through the room. Jide, who had been harboring concern, couldn't help but be taken aback by the sudden outburst. "Jide, my friend, are you serious? You've been worried about this?" James chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Come on, man, we go way back. You know me better than that." Jide, still trying to gauge James's sincerity, questioned, "You're telling me you had nothing to do with Gloria? She's claiming you're the father, James." James leaned back, still amused, and started recounting the encounters. "Alright, let me set the record straight. Yes, I've been with Gloria once, and yeah, I was careful. The other time, she claims we were together. I woke up, and she was in my room, but nothing had happened. I don't even remember going out with her the night before she showed up." He continued, a smirk playing on his lips, "Tell her, categorically, to dream on. If she thinks she can tie me down with som
Yomi walked into the shared flat in London, his heart still dancing in the euphoria of his rekindled relationship with Shandie. The warmth of the past week lingered in his smile, and he felt a renewed sense of joy. Little did he know, the atmosphere was about to shatter."Welcome back to reality, Romeo," Jide remarked with a sly grin. Yomi chuckled, saying, "I didn't realize how much I missed that girl, I swear." He paused, reflecting on the past. "But that's all history. She's back for keeps now."Jide, eyebrow raised, regarded him quizzically. "Is she? Seriously?" he questioned skeptically. "Well, time will tell."Confused by Jide's cryptic response, James pressed for clarity. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, a note of urgency in his voice. "Why are you talking like this, Jide? Spill it, man. What's going on?"Jide, sensing the gravity of the situation, advised James to take a seat. Uncertain but intrigued, James complied and settled in, bracing hi
As they go for a long walk, catching up on old times, the air is filled with a palpable sense of nostalgia and unspoken emotions. Delight radiates from their faces, grateful to have found each other again after all these years. The pavement beneath their feet echoes with the rhythm of their shared history, a melody of memories that once seemed lost. They stroll back to studio 39, the place where James parked his car, the tangible connection to the present moment. The city around them buzzes with life, but in their bubble of conversation, time seems to slow. James, with a glint of sincerity in his eyes, suggests taking Shandie back home. However, there's a subtle twist in the plan—it's not to her home but to his. A smile plays on Shandie's lips, a silent agreement forming between them. As they drive through the city streets, the glow of streetlights paints fleeting images on their faces, emphasizing the shared laughter and exchanged stories. The car slows to a stop in
Jide stepped out into the vibrant atmosphere of the bar, scanning the room for Yomi. Spotting him at the general's table, Jide observed a relaxed and contented Yomi. He was surrounded by a group of people with laughter echoing in the air. As Jide approached, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness for his friend, who seemed blissfully unaware of the impending paternity issue that loomed over him. The weight of the secret burdened Yomi's thoughts, creating a stark contrast to the carefree ambiance of the bar. Drawing nearer to the general's table, Jide's understanding deepened as he noticed the source of Yomi's joy. Shandie, Yomi's ex-girlfriend of many years, graced the gathering with her presence. She exuded an undeniable allure, radiating confidence and beauty. The two of them appeared at ease, sharing laughter without any apparent reservations and relishing the camaraderie of the moment. Yomi's fixation on Shandie, however, raised concerns in Jide's mind. The familiar narra