The calendar flipped another page, and half a month had passed. Audrey took three days off from school to prepare for her upcoming 18th birthday. As it was her birthday, her parents suggested she rest before the big day.
Chioma knew that Felix would be at his sister's birthday party, so to avoid bumping into him, she decided not to go. The mention of Felix attending the party sent a tremor through Chioma. Though Felix was bossy and domineering, the images of forced conversations and strained interactions were just her imagination. They flickered in her mind, tightening a knot of apprehension in her stomach. Determined to avoid the discomfort, she decided against attending.
However, Audrey insisted on inviting Chioma in person, so she requested Chioma's address, which Chioma sent via WhatsApp. Audrey wanted to hear Chioma's decision directly, rather than receiving a message on WhatsApp declining the invitation.
In order to avoid appearing unprepared when Audrey arrived, Chioma went to the market with Chisom and purchased a beautiful yet affordable handbag for her.
Through the window, Chioma caught sight of Audrey's arrival. She took a deep breath and hurriedly went to open the door for her.
'Audrey, please come in,' Chioma greeted her with a smile, admiring Audrey's stunning outfit—a black and white polka dot blouse paired with black skinny jeans, and heeled booties. Audrey completed the look with a luxurious cream Dior coat.
Chioma offered Audrey a seat and then went to the kitchen, returning with a hot cup of tea, which she placed on a side table next to Audrey. She then went to the bedroom and came back with a colourfully wrapped bag she had bought for Audrey.
'Madam Audrey, I hope you'll pardon me as I won't be attending your birthday,' Chioma said, handing Audrey the bag. 'Please forgive me.'
Audrey's infectious laughter filled the room, instantly putting Chioma at ease. She graciously accepted the gift from Chioma, not knowing what was inside. 'Chioma, I won't accept your silly excuse,' Audrey chuckled, pulling out a luxury bluish pink lace invitation box with a rhinestone clasp from her bag and giving it to Chioma. 'You're my close friend,' she paused, taking a sip of her tea. 'I hope you come. If you're busy, you can leave early. I insist that you come. I still need to invite Chisom and Daniel. I should go. See you at my 18th birthday.'
Audrey stood up to leave, urging Chioma to send her the home address of Chisom on WhatsApp so she could personally invite them and ask Daniel to be her escort.
Before Chioma could respond, Audrey was already at the door, her smile lingering as she turned back one last time. 'And Chioma,' she added with a wink, 'don't forget to send Chisom's address on WhatsApp. Goodbye... and be there.'
Chioma bit her lower lip, forcing a smile, and replied, 'Okay.'
Audrey pushed the door open and left.
The sleek lines of Audrey's car glinted in the morning sun as she steered it towards Chisom's house the following day. She was dressed in a red sweater with a scalloped neckline, paired with beige wide-leg trousers. Adding red pumps, gold earrings, and a Chanel handbag, she looked elegant in her outfit. This was her second time being in a neighbourhood like this. Yesterday, she had visited Chioma. Although the area appeared less affluent, Audrey could sense the excitement and warmth emanating from the community. She truly enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of such neighbourhoods.
As Audrey held the luxury invitation boxes in her hand, she pondered how Daniel would react if she showed up unannounced. It had been half a month since she last saw him, but she had reason to believe he was home since Chioma had recently asked him without disclosing the purpose. Daniel didn't enquire further, knowing that Chioma was a frequent visitor and had become like a member of the Onuoha family. Therefore, Daniel had no reason to be suspicious when Chioma asked if he was at home.
A thrill shot through Audrey as she pictured herself extending the invitation to Daniel, her birthday looming on the horizon. He was, without a doubt, the only person she envisioned by her side on that special day, and would ask him to be her escort. A radiant smile bloomed on her face, chasing away the nervous butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
Audrey turned off the engine of her car and stepped out with grace. Her heart thumped like a drum as she walked to the door and knocked. It opened, revealing Daniel's face. Surprise, joy, and a blush that spread like wildfire filled his expression.
'Audrey,' he whispered, his voice so soft it tickled her ears. It sent shivers down her back.
'May I come in? I need to talk to you,' Audrey said, her voice filled with sincerity. 'But first, I want to apologise for coming without letting you know.'
Daniel's initial surprise melted into a warm smile. 'Please, don't apologise,' he chuckled, ushering her inside. 'I should have brought you here sooner. I'm sorry.'
'No, I should have called you. I'm sorry too.'
'I'm glad you came. I've missed...' Daniel paused, leaving his sentence unfinished.
The air crackled with unspoken emotions as they stood there for a moment, their gazes locked. Daniel's unfinished sentence hung heavy in the air, However, Audrey understood immediately what he wanted to say, and a sweet smile graced her lips.
'Come in, please,' Daniel gestured, opening the door wider.
Audrey stepped inside, her beautiful face radiating with joy. 'I've missed you,' she expressed her feelings.
Yes, Audrey had missed him, and Daniel was filled with love and happiness as he heard those words from her.
'Have a seat. I'll get you some iced cola,' Daniel's words were soft and gentle, making Audrey smile even more.
Audrey sat quietly in the living room, taking in the cosy atmosphere. Daniel walked into the kitchen to retrieve the iced cola from the fridge.
'Daniel?' Beatrice, his mother, exclaimed in surprise upon seeing him still at home. He was supposed to go to his shop to meet an important client, so why was he back? 'What are you still doing here? You could lose your customer if you stay here to drink iced cola.'
Daniel, dressed in smart pale blue attire, held his peaked cap beneath one arm. 'Mama, Audrey came to visit,' he said awkwardly.
'Oh, the rich princess you fell in love with?' Beatrice smiled.
'Mmm,' Daniel nodded, closing the fridge with his leg. He returned to the living room, with Beatrice following closely behind, curious to see Audrey in person.
Audrey smiled warmly at Beatrice, standing up and extending her slender hand. 'Ma'am... I've been looking forward to meeting you.'
'You wanted to see me? Why didn't you say it louder? I'm sure Daniel, who had been looking forward to bringing you over, would have been on cloud nine,' Beatrice said jovially as she shook Audrey's hand delicately, as if it were made of porcelain.
'Mum...' Daniel blushed and lowered his head, unable to meet Audrey's gaze.
Audrey couldn't help but smile at Daniel. She knew right away that his family had already accepted her. She was pleased to see the warm reception, even though she hadn't informed them of her visit.
Chisom emerged from her room, heading for the kitchen, when she caught a glimpse of Daniel. She noticed how happy he looked, so she playfully punched him in the chest without thinking.
'What's with that smile on your face? Did Audrey invite you to her birthday? I'm sure she's the reason for your recent happiness...' Chisom's voice trailed off when she noticed the presence of Audrey in the room. She froze on the spot. 'A... Audrey,' Chisom stuttered, feeling foolish for speaking without realising Audrey was present.
Audrey offered a gentle smile, her voice soft and inviting. 'Chisom, how lovely to see you. How have you been?'
Chisom, still flustered, managed a shy nod. 'I'm good, thank you.'
Beatrice chuckled, her warm demeanour putting everyone at ease. 'Chisom, you're lucky to have Audrey as your friend,' Beatrice said, signalling to Chisom to gather the cups from the floor by the centre table.
Chisom readily obliged, her earlier awkwardness fading as she busied herself with the task. Beatrice turned to Audrey, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
'Please, take a seat, dear. I'll leave you and Daniel to catch up,' Beatrice said, her voice laced with a knowing smile. With that, she gracefully exited the room, leaving a comfortable silence in her wake.
Audrey sank back into the sofa, her eyes lingering on Daniel. 'Thank you for the warm welcome,' she began, her voice sincere. 'Actually, I came here with a favour to ask.'
Daniel leaned forward, his full attention captured. 'Anything,' he replied, his eagerness evident in his tone.
Audrey took a sip of her drink, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Reaching into her designer handbag, she retrieved two exquisite invitation boxes, their delicate lace and rhinestone clasps hinting at the grandeur within.
'Since we've become good friends,' she started, pausing for effect, 'I was hoping you'd consider attending my birthday celebration... and I'd also love for Chisom to come.'
A chuckle escaped Daniel's lips. 'Is that all you needed?' he teased, his gaze flitting between Audrey and the exquisite invitation boxes in bluish pink. Delicate lace adorned with rhinestones framed the misty-rose coloured card, boasting gold trimmings and a clasp, hinting at the grandeur of the event. Everything about the invitation exuded marvel and elegance, befitting someone like Audrey.
'There's one more thing,' Audrey declared, placing the empty bottle down and meeting his gaze directly. 'I'd be honoured if you would be my escort.'
Daniel looked up at her, a lovely smile playing on his lips. 'Me? What about the princes of Abuja…?' He was surprised that among all the wealthy and influential men Audrey had encountered in her life, she had chosen someone of his humble status. It pleased him as well.
'It's my birthday,' she said, her voice soft yet firm. 'And to me, you're the only prince I see.' Standing up, she offered him a dazzling smile. 'I'll have someone bring you a suit that befits the occasion.' She walked closer, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her feelings. Then, she reached out and gently placed her hand on his. 'So, Daniel, will you be my escort?'
The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Daniel's heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of surprise and elation washing over him. He longed to embrace her, to express the depth of his feelings, but something held him back.
Sensing his hesitation, Audrey took the initiative. She pulled him into a gentle embrace, the warmth of her touch igniting a spark within him. He reciprocated her affection, holding her close for a moment before reluctantly letting go.
'I should probably head out,' Audrey murmured, letting out a small breath as she stepped away from Daniel, holding his hand a beat too long. She looked out the window. The bright sky had turned dark and cloudy, like it was about to rain heavily. 'Seems like it's going to rain soon,' she said softly, a little sad.
With a final smile, she made her way towards the door, leaving Daniel standing there, his heart overflowing with a newfound hope.