SECRETS AND SURPRISES
I was preparing for Iyke's arrival from the U.S. It had been months since I last saw him, and I had a lot to discuss with him. The wedding arrangements had been put on hold because he wanted to see the venue in person. He had initially proposed a wedding in Dubai, but knowing my family—and how they would love to invite all their friends, close and distant relatives—I simply couldn't agree. Personally, I would have had no objections to a small, intimate wedding with just close friends and family, but my family's expectations were a different story altogether.
I was the only daughter of Chief Oscar Ajayi Atkins, owner of the Atkins Conglomerate. I had a twin brother, and I was grateful for that because he had to take over the family business while I pursued my dream of owning a fashion house. As much as I had been "saved" from my father's constant supervision, I couldn't say the same for my mother. Weddings in our family were not just celebrations—they were grand, extravagant, social gatherings of elites. Even though I was getting married in a few months, I was still very much an Atkins, and according to my dad, "An Atkins has never been known to throw a small party."
I had put everything in place and was rounding up, preparing Iyke's favorite meal: pounded yam and egusi soup, when my phone rang. It was Ariel, my ever-efficient personal assistant.
"Ma'am, Adrian is on his way to the office," she said.
I took this as my cue to leave home. I hurried to the office, not wanting to be late for my first photoshoot with Vogue's finest—and my annoyingly charming friend, Adrian Williams, whom I had been begging to model for my brand for ages. What kind of first impression would it be if I started my showcase late? I couldn't allow that.
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As soon as I arrived, I headed straight for the studio. The photographer, hairstylist, makeup artist, and Ariel were already there, waiting. I brought in my new, exclusive clothing line—a limited collection I intended to sell only to the elite. My clientele demanded uniqueness; custom-made, exclusive pieces were the only acceptable standard.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed—a message from my receptionist letting me know Adrian had arrived. I nodded, directing him to the studio. Within moments, he walked in, and the room seemed to brighten instantly. His presence was magnetic, commanding attention without even trying. I noticed whispers and glances from everyone in the room—even Ariel looked impressed. But really, could you blame them? Adrian was tall, well-built, with piercing blue eyes, naturally curly hair, and a smooth caramel complexion. Every movement he made was effortless, and even his laugh—soft, melodious—could disarm anyone.
"Hi Hopey! Adrian reporting for duty!" he said with a cheeky salute, the kind that always made me roll my eyes. He had a way of lightening any mood, no matter how tense.
"Very well, Adrian… you may proceed as planned," I said, trying to keep my composure.
He stepped forward and pulled me into a tight hug, whispering, "We have a lot of catching up to do." Then, without another word, he immediately began preparations for the photoshoot.
Hair and makeup didn't take long—Adrian didn't need much, naturally. I dressed him in my exclusive outfits, one after another, and each one fit him like they were made for him. He looked divine. The photoshoot stretched over a few hours, full of laughter, teasing, and the occasional serious glance as we posed the pieces to perfection. The runway showcase was scheduled for the following day, and I knew we'd impress even the most critical eyes.
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After the shoot, I led Adrian to my office, where my secretary offered him a drink. I hadn't even had a chance to settle when he began bombarding me with questions.
"So a little bird told me your fiancé is coming back this weekend. Are you guys resuming your wedding plans? Should we be expecting an invitation soon? Are you finally going to take the next step?" he asked, leaning back on the couch with his legs casually resting on the table.
"Whoa! You really have to chill," I laughed. "Besides this little bird, does it happen to be Izzy?" I asked, knowing she was the only person I had told about my upcoming wedding.
"That's not important," he shrugged. "Seriously though, what are your plans, girl? Or are you suddenly developing cold feet?"
"Of course not. You know I love Iyke… you'll get all your answers when you meet him. I'm just not in the mood to chat right now."
"Is something bothering you?" he asked, moving closer, concern etched on his handsome face.
I hesitated. Revealing my true thoughts felt risky, but since the news about Luke had already leaked, I decided I might as well share.
"Well… it's this guy," I began.
"A guy, huh?" he smirked.
"Cut it out, Adrian… I'm serious," I said, lightly slapping his arm.
"Okay, okay… go on," he laughed, raising his hands in surrender.
"As I was saying… a partner of mine, Luke Adams, who I'm supposed to work with for a year, is going through a lot of stress. His mother has to undergo surgery for liver cancer."
"Wait… isn't that Luke Adams, the son of Judy Adams, owner of the famous boutique Zarah's Collection?" he asked, eyes widening.
"Yes, that's him. But how do you know her?" I asked, curious.
"I've modeled for her company before. She's such a lovely woman… extremely intelligent… and it's so sad. I hope she'll be alright," he said quietly.
"I hope so too," I sighed.
"So are you just being a concerned partner, or is there something more to this?" he asked, searching my eyes, a playful smirk forming on his lips.
"You know what?" I said, standing. "I think I'm done with this conversation."
"Oh, come on! You always tell Izzy everything… just tell me this once!" he pleaded, giving me those puppy-dog eyes I'd grown to find impossible to resist.
"I'm not falling for that this time. Meanwhile, speaking of Izzy… when are you going to tell her you like her?"
"Wait… what? How did you know?" he asked, stunned.
"Oh, please… you can't fool me. I've known for a long time. The way your eyes linger on her… it's obvious," I said, laughing. "But seriously, you need to step up your game. Word on the street is, she kinda likes you too."
"No kidding?" he asked, disbelief and hope mingling in his expression.
"No jokes, dear. You'll never know unless you try," I encouraged him.
He paused, as if gathering his courage. "Thing is… I've always been scared of rejection. I felt like if I told her how I felt and she didn't feel the same, it would ruin our friendship."
Hearing him speak so vulnerably made me feel a warmth I hadn't expected. Adrian was always confident, always hiding his emotions—but now, he was letting me in.
"Well, you'll never know unless you take the chance. And I promise you, the reverse could be true as well," I said softly, giving him a reassuring nudge.
"Thanks, love," he said, standing. "I have to get going… I have a shoot in an hour."
"Okay, bye," I replied, hugging him tightly before sending him off.
---
I stayed in my office, working on my latest project until the early hours of the evening. Then my phone rang—it was Iyke.
"Hey, babe… I just got to the airport. I'm on my way home," he said, his voice bubbling with excitement.
"Okay, babe… I can't wait," I replied, closing my laptop and files. I quickly left the office and headed home, eager to see him.
Once home, I hurried through a quick shower, knowing he'd be arriving any minute. I had just stepped out of the bathtub when the doorbell rang. Wrapped in my bathrobe, I hurried to the door.
"There's the love of my life!" he exclaimed, lifting me up and swinging me around before planting kisses on my cheeks.
"Someone's overly excited," I teased, laughing as I tried to regain my balance.
"You have no idea how much I missed you… what's it been, months? Years? Feels like forever. And I love the bathrobe welcome you're giving me," he winked.
"Whatever you say, babe," I laughed, leading him to the living room.
"So, tell me, what have you been up to lately?" he asked, settling into the couch.
"We'll discuss that after you shower and eat… I love you, but seriously—you need to clean up first," I ordered.
"Okay, but you have to promise you won't change from the robe," he teased.
"Keep talking, and I might have to reconsider," I shot back, laughing.
---
I left the kitchen to heat up his favorite meal, but the doorbell rang again. Curious, I hurried to open it. And there he was—Luke Adams—standing at the doorway of my apartment.
My heart skipped. I hadn't expected this.
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Thank you for reading!
Why is Luke Adams at Hope's door?
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