CHAPTER 4
The Conflicted Heart
Very well spent, the weekend of blossomed friendship and a romantic encounter that left both Olu and Ajoke speechless and full of uncertainty.
On Monday morning in Lagos, it was very busy and chaotic as usual. With Monday morning restlessness. But for Olu and Ajoke, it was a different story entirely.
The weekend's gentle glow had faded and turned into the structural walls of their offices, where unspoken words and emotions are ruled by formality.
Yet, every glance and stolen seconds shared still carried the echo of that subtle kiss. A quiet reminder that something had forever shifted between them.
Pretending to be working on his computer, his mind, however, betrayed him. Remembering the softness of her voice and warmth of her lips. He spent years building his reputation as a calm, disciplined, and responsible leader. But now, a lady.... the one he couldn't stop thinking about had unsettled the balance.
A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he said.
Ajoke came in, holding a file. Her tone of voice was polite, and her posture professional... But her eyes say different things entirely.
"Good morning, sir," she began.
That, sir, again. A wall built in a single syllable.
"Morning, Ajoke. Please have a seat."
She gave him the file, her fingers brushing his for a moment.....a flash of electricity they can't ignore...
Trying to stay composed, he opened the file. " Everything is in order," he said.
"Thank you, sir," she replied gently. Her gaze was fixed on the floor.
The air was heavy, thick with everything left unsaid.
Finally, he spoke in a very low tone of voice. "About Saturday....
She stood still....
He looked up, meeting her eyes. " I shouldn't have done that."
"Please," she interrupted gently. "Don't apologise."
" This thing just caught us unaware, " she continued. "It wasn't planned. I don't regret it. But maybe..... we should be careful subsequently."
With her voice trembling, her words were calm.
"You are right," he said after a moment of thought. "But how do I pretend as if nothing happened?" Ajoke?"How can I undo what has been done?"
"How do I walk into this office and not feel what I'm feeling?" He continued.
The heart wants what it wants.....
Her lips opened and closed again. She had no answer. She felt it, too.
At last, she got up. " You're my boss, Olu. People talk.... You know how this place is better than I do.
He nodded slowly, " I know."
She turned to leave his office, and before she could reach the door, he called out to her... "Ajoke,"
She turned again.
"Sincerely, I meant what I said on Saturday," he said softly.
"I'm drawn to you, and I don't think that's going away anytime soon."
She wanted to say something, but there were no words to say. Words completely failed her. So, she just nodded and walked away. Leaving him with his heartbeat and thoughts.
That evening, Ajoke sat on her small balcony at home. She started to ruminate about her new life. Her work and new relationship. She also thought about how it's going to affect her opportunity and prospects.
She knew what people would say and what would cost her.
She also concluded that whatever happened between them was no longer something she could deny.
Here comes a professional journey they did plan for.
Very early in the morning, the sun spilt across Murtala Muhammed Airport. Ajoke stood near the boarding gate with her luggage. Her heart was beating faster than normal.
She had travelled before, even for professional conferences, but not with Olu, the MD.
Olu arrived a few minutes later, impressively dressed in a navy-blue suit. When he saw Ajoke, something gentle flickered between them.
"Ready for Dubai?" he asked slowly.
"Yes, sir," she replied softly.
Their company, Maga Medical Solutions, was one of the sponsors of an international healthcare conference. Olu, as the managing director, was to present on innovative health outreach models in Africa. And Ajoke, ever efficient and detailed- oriented, had been chosen to accompany Olu as his assistant for the event. Olu didn't choose her. But the choice was made by the head of HR, leaving Olu and Ajoke speechless and no option but
to fly with the plan.
As the plan soared high above the clouds, Lagos faded beneath them.
He sat by the window reviewing notes on his tablet, but his gaze often drifted to her.
The flight attendant passed by offering drinks. He ordered coffee for both of them.
Dubai, a city of glass and gold, greeted them that evening.
Their hotel was very close to Marina Mall. Ajoke stepped onto her balcony,
"Knock on the door"
She rushed to open. It was Olu, her boss. Olu stood there, without his usual formality. A simple white shirt, sleeves rolled up, a softness in his eyes.
"Come in please," she said
Olu stepped in majestically.
"I wanted to check if you have finally settled in," he said.
" I have," she replied gently with a captivating smile.
"The view is... breathtaking."
He stepped closer to the balcony to see for himself, glancing out. "You're right, it is."
For a few seconds, both of them stood side by side, watching the glow of the city.
"It's strange," he said at last, in a very low voice. "We're thousands of miles away from Lagos, and still feel closer to you than ever."
Her breath caught. "Olu...."
He looked very close to her, "Don't bother to say anything."
He paused for a second.....
"I have been trying to stay professionally focused, to keep the line very clear. But every time I see you, it's difficult not to draw close to you. I find the line fading"
She looked up at him, her heart skipped. "Seriously, you have always been professional and kind, she said softly," That's what makes this so hard."
Olu moved closer to her and held on to her waist from the back.....
"Olu....uuu" said Ajoke softly.
"I should stop?" Asked Olu with a romantic voice.
Ajoke stayed mute.
There was complete silence in there for a while....
They kissed again.... this time, it was very deep and captivating.
Ajoke quickly pulled out of Olu's harm all of a sudden,
"This is not right,".....
"I'm sorry, please forgive me. He said gently.
"Let's just enjoy the conference, Ajoke. We both know what's at stake."
She nodded, with a faint, wistful smile playing on her lips.
Olu turned to leave but hesitated.
"Dinner?" He asked.
"Yes, it's very important," she replied.
Ajoke asked him to go ahead.
"I should be there in a moment," said Ajoke.
At the restaurant downstairs, the table looks so fascinating and captivating at the same time. With candle lights and little waterfalls at the sides.
Their conversation stays mostly professional at first. ...
Slides, schedules and talking points. But as the evening deepened, so did their tone.
They laughed over a shared joke, talked about their first project together. And for a few seconds, they both ceased to talk.
The waiter arrived with dessert.
A slice of chocolate fondant, and one plate of spoons.
" I guess we're sharing," Olu raised a brow.
She laughed softly, "There's love in sharing," she replied.
Their hands brushed over and over again. Neither pulled away.
The air between them felt charged like never before. With warmth, quite understanding and something slowly unfolding.
They shared a compassionate hug as they moved to the elevator.
At the door, he turned to her.
"Good night, Ajoke."
She met his gaze, heart full.
"Goodnight, sir."
"Sir,"? Olu replied!!
"Olu," she said softly.
Even in the foreign land, Lagos activities continued....