The room feels colder than usual, or maybe it's just me. I'm sitting at my desk, phone still clutched tightly in my hand, Nse's words echoing in my head like a bad song I can't shake.
After the call dropsi get a text from the same unknown contact saying...
Kola is not who he says he is. He's my ex-husband .
I read the text again, hoping the words will change. But they don't.
What was I even thinking when I married Kola it now feels like I was bewitched or something.
I pace around the room, tracing patterns on the glass window, trying to think. Trying to believe everything Nse Ikpe said was nothing but a lie. An elaborate prank. A mistake.
But deep down, I know better.
I thought I knew Kola. The quiet calm that steadied me. The easy respect he showed me. The man I married in secret, away from the cameras, away from the public eye.
What if it was all a lie? What if I woke up and it was nothing but a nightmare?
I desperately hoped it was and Kola would wake me up and comfort me as he always does.
I lean back, close my eyes, and breathe in slow. The scent of my tea still lingers hibiscus, tart and sweet. The contrast feels fitting.
This is my life now. A business empire built on grit and sweat, threatened by a man I invited in and shared everything including my soul with .
My phone vibrates again.
Gloria.
> The private investigator just called. He's found something. Says it's urgent.
I grab the number and call immediately.
"Hello?"
"Mrs. Amadi? This is Mr. Ojo."
"Yes, Mr. Ojo. What did you find?"
"There's a man registered under the name Kolade Akinola, born 1984 in Ibadan. Formerly convicted of fraud, identity theft, and impersonation. Served three years in Kirikiri Prison."
I close my eyes and swallow hard.
"More?"
"Yes. The name 'Kola' appears to be a shortened form of 'Kolade.' He was paroled last year but his records show multiple aliases. One of his known associates is an Ada Nwankwo, listed as co-conspirator in one case."
My world tilts again.
"So, it's true."
"Yes, ma'am. It appears your driver is the same Kolade Akinola with multiple fraudulent identities."
I hang up, heart pounding so loud I'm sure the walls can hear it.
The man I trusted with my life, my heart, and my company is a criminal.
And his ex-wife is right behind him.
I stand and stare at the city outside. Lagos doesn't care about my pain or betrayal. It's a beast that feeds on power and weakness alike.
I have two choices: crumble or fight.
I'm not built to crumble.
I grab my coat and phone.
"Gloria," I say, voice steady, "prepare for an emergency board meeting tonight. Everyone needs to be on alert. And get me Nse's contact information. I'm going to call her."
Gloria nods, concern flickering in her eyes.
"Do you want me to cancel your dinner with Mr. Lawal?"
"No," I say. "He's part of the solution now."
Tonight, the queen begins her counterattack.