Chapter Forty-five

Bummi

During lunch break...

"300 million what?" Can someone please tell Lola to keep it down? We're in a restaurant, and she's drawing way too much attention. "Babe, if you don't stop starving that guy, I will. He's worth the compensation, you know."

Oh, I get it. "Just like you were kissing that random guy at the bar yesterday?"

Her lips purse in response. Did I hit a nerve? "It was a random guy—plus I was drunk, B."

"Exactly!" Ojo jumped in. It's not fair.

"Great," I cross my arms. "But that sounds more like 'compensation' to me. You kissed a random guy while drunk. Not my problem."

"Babe, tell me that 300 million naira isn't real." Ojo stares at my phone in disbelief. I pinch him, and he winces. "Ouch!"

"Just trying to make sure you know this is reality," I smirk, snatching my phone back.

And why is Lola looking at me like that? "What?"

She stirs her drink, eyes fixed on me. "Billions of women would risk everything for a chance with him. You have the opportunity to be married to him, and you're acting like this. Bummi, don't let him slip away. You better hold on tight."

"Oh please," I retort. "Spend one night in that house and see for yourself. He's just annoying."

"Really? Annoying?" Ojo raises an eyebrow. "You must be blind. He gave you a credit card for personal expenses. Men like Damian are rare. Even Jimmy can't compare. You're the one who should pay for lunch today. Plus, he just put 300 million naira into your account and gifted you a brand new Lamborghini last week. And you call him annoying? Come on."

Fine. I give up. I knew they'd take his side. "But I'm making a refund—"

"You will not!" They practically shouted in unison.

I stare at them, incredulous. Are they seriously considering selling me off for luxury?

What kind of friends do I have?

"His father was at our place today and wants us to have dinner at his tomorrow night." I drop the bomb, and they gape at me.

"You're joking, right?"

I roll my eyes. "Does it sound like I'd joke about something that expensive?"

"Yes!" Ojo and Lola high-five each other.

"Wait, why does this feel like a plan?"

Lola flicks my forehead. "It's dinner with a former president! Cici!"

Damn it! I call myself a journalist and can't even remember Damian's father's name. "Guys, chill. I'm struggling to breathe thinking about it."

"Why?" they ask in unison.

"It's a dinner with his parents! What if they start asking when we're having babies? That lie Damian told about me being someone else's wife might've been more useful for this."

"Whether you like it or not, the bombshell has dropped. Don't wait for it to explode, B." Ojo adds.

Holy crap, I can't imagine having babies with Damian. Gross.

After lunch, I return to my office to tackle the mountain of files on my desk. I'm exhausted.

As soon as I shut the door, I notice something on my desk that wasn't there earlier.

What is that?

I approach and find a small white box wrapped with a red ribbon.

Looking back at my door, I touch it cautiously.

Today is August 15, not February 14. Who sends gifts like this?

I lean closer, eager to see what's inside.

A little note greets me first. I read it quickly:

*Hi, hope you're having a great day at work? I sincerely apologize for what happened this morning. I only said what I did for reasons I can't explain. Please forgive me and accept this little token. I love you. See you soon.

P.S: Damian.*

Aww, that's sweet. Did he really had to do this?

I've never seen him as the apologetic or romantic type.

So much pride and arrogance, yet here he is, softening his demeanor to make me happy.

I can't help but smile.

Quickly, I unwrap the shiny paper, and my jaw drops.

"Oh my God, an iPhone 15 Pro Max?" I cover my mouth to stifle a scream.

I've been craving this phone for ages, but it's so expensive. Even five years of my salary wouldn't cover it.

Someone just gifted me the iPhone 15 Pro Max as an apology?

This can't be real.

Damian is every woman's dream man. Hashtag: One in a million.

I hold the box tightly against my chest, my heart racing.

Wait, how did he know I wanted a new phone?

Did he send it? No way. Unless...

Did Max or Simon say something? I've been using their phones to contact him.

I grin at the thought.

Or is he a spirit who knows everything?

I can't believe this.

As I admire the phone, I find a SIM card nestled in the box. Did he put it in himself?

This guy…

Why is he doing all this when he knows our relationship is just a game?

How can I repay him? I have nothing to offer once the deal ends.

At 7 PM, my shift ends, and the evening crew arrives. I'm not a popular journalist, but I've been climbing the ranks for the past two years.

When Ojo and Lola come to get me, I'm still working on my tasks.

"You'll work yourself to death, girl," Ojo peeks in.

Lola bursts in like she owns the place. "Come on, let's go!"

"I need to finish this for tomorrow's paper," I insist.

"Bummi, don't be boring! It's just a few hours," Ojo argues.

"Yeah, but you two don't go my way. Simon picks me up," I say.

"Whatever, let's go! We'll still be here tomorrow," Lola says, rolling her eyes.

After they leave, I resume working. I don't have anyone waiting for me at home. But I don't think I'll sleep early tonight—my new phone is too exciting.

Just as I finish my last document, my new phone chimes.

An unknown number flashes on the screen but shows #Lagos, Nigeria.

I pick up. "Hello?"

"Hi, are you done? I'm downstairs."

It's Damian's deep voice.

What's he doing here?

Did he put his number on the phone?

"Um, yeah…" I respond, biting my lip. "Simon will drive me home—"

Before I can finish, he interrupts. "I already sent him and Max home. I'll be waiting outside."

Did he really have to go out of his way for me?

This is starting to feel like a different game.

Moments ago, I resisted going home with Ojo and Lola, and now I'm dying to ride with Damian.

I pack up and head outside.

When I spot him leaning against a white Mercedes—AMG EQE SUV—my heart races.

He's on a call, but when he sees me, he hangs up and smiles.

God, what a sight.

His smile makes me blush.

He walks over and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. My heart skips a beat. "Hi," I manage to say.

"Hello, angel."

Why is my heart pounding? "Hope you had a great day?"

"Yes, of course."

He smiles and nods, then reaches for my hand, leading me to his SUV.

He opens the passenger door for me before getting in himself.

This feels surreal.

I buckle up as he starts the engine and we hit the highway.

The atmosphere feels charged, and I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and awkwardness.

I turn my gaze to the window, trying to collect my thoughts.

I need to break the silence. "About the gift…thank you."

He smirks without looking at me. "That's nothing compared to your worth. You deserve more."

Worth?

His words linger in my mind.

Is it true?

He continues, "Sofia mentioned you skipped dinner last night and breakfast today. So, I thought we could have dinner together."

Wait, is he taking me on a dinner date?

I nod, a smile breaking across my face. "Okay, no problem."

He's such a gentleman. I see no reason to fight anymore.