Chapter 3:"If I Say Yes…"
I walked to my car with quiet steps, heels clicking against the pavement. As soon as I got in, I let out a long breath and rested my head back against the seat.
"Ma, do you want to go anywhere else?" my driver asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
"No," I replied tiredly. "Just take me home. Elena is waiting for me."
"Okay ma," he said politely.
I looked out the window, irritated. That boy... Who does he think he is? I hissed quietly under my breath, folding my arms as the car pulled into the driveway of my house.
I stepped out, shutting the door behind me with a soft thud, and made my way inside. The scent of fresh lavender greeted me—a scent Elena always loved to fill the house with.
"Hello Jules," Elena's familiar voice called out as soon as I walked in. She was already lounging on the couch, holding a glass of wine, her legs crossed like a queen waiting for her gossip fix.
"Are you planning to sleep there?" I asked with a playful scowl, tossing my bag on the table.
Elena pouted dramatically. "I'm sorry, okay? But seriously, what happened today? That idiot of a boy just trying to destroy your mood again?"
I plopped down beside her, kicking off my heels. "Ugh. Don't even get me started. Just the sight of him annoys me."
She laughed softly, raising a brow. "You know, the way you talk about him sometimes makes me wonder if you secretly like him."
I turned to her sharply with mock horror. "God forbid, Elena! I can't imagine myself dating someone like him. That would be the biggest disaster of the century."
She giggled, "Okay, okay, if you say so. So, tell me—why did Mr. Vale call you? Any juicy collaborations? A new campaign?"
I sighed and leaned back into the couch. "Not exactly. He wants me to design a dress for an upcoming event. And here's the weird part—he wants me to attend the event with him."
Elena gasped, her eyes widening like a child on Christmas morning. "OMG! That's huge! When are you going?"
"I'm not," I said, already regretting how it sounded.
"What do you mean you're not going? Jules, this is Mr. Vale we're talking about. He has serious connections! Juliet, why would you want to miss something like that?"
I turned to her, more serious now. "Because my brother's birthday is next week. I promised to be there. I'm flying back to Nigeria."
"I get it," she said, lowering her voice. "But just think about what this opportunity could mean for you. You could still go and then fly back for the birthday. Imagine the exposure, the contacts, the growth. This could take your brand global."
"I know," I said quietly. "But I don't want to chase connections like I'm desperate. I want things to happen naturally."
She nodded, but her eyes were still pleading. "I get that. But sometimes opportunities don't come naturally—they knock once, and if you're not ready, they move on."
I sighed again, rubbing my temples.
She softened her tone. "Just think about it, Jules. You could always fly back after the event and spoil your brother with gifts. He won't even remember you missed it when he sees what you brought him."
I was quiet for a moment, then gave her a small nod. "Okay… maybe. I'll think about it."
Elena's face lit up instantly. "Now you're talking!" She leaned forward, wiggling her brows. "Soooo… guess who went on a date with X Don last night?"
I gasped dramatically. "Wait—X Don? The X Don? As in, music icon, billionaire, Mr. Smooth Voice himself?"
She grinned like a cat who got the cream. "Yes girl! We had dinner at this rooftop restaurant—so romantic. And… he asked me to be his girlfriend."
"Damn girl!" I shrieked, hugging her tightly. "That's huge! The X Don is dating my baby girl? Oh gosh!"
She laughed, cheeks flushing. "I know right? And girl, his voice? It's even smoother in real life. And he's such a gentleman. Tall, hot, rich—and he smells like heaven."
I burst into laughter. "Of course he does. You're about to go even more viral than before. He's probably completely bewitched by your unearthly beauty."
"Awwwn, Jules. You're the best," she said, squeezing my hand.
Then her smile shifted slightly, and she tilted her head. "Now, speaking of guys… let's talk about Joshua."
I groaned instantly. "Elena…"
She grinned mischievously. "What? He keeps bringing you flowers, always complimenting your work, hanging around like a love-struck poet… You're telling me he's just your art teacher?"
"He is," I said firmly. "Besides, he has a girlfriend."
"Girl, that Cynthia girl is not his girlfriend. She's just forcing herself on him, and everyone knows it. Joshua likes you, and he's from a wealthy family. I mean, come on—how many hot art teachers drive Teslas and wear Dior cologne?"
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not looking to date anyone right now."
She groaned dramatically. "Why are you like this? You're drop-dead gorgeous, insanely talented, and every guy with working eyes wants you. And you're acting like your heart is locked in a vault."
I chuckled. "Maybe it is."
She crossed her arms. "Okay, but if anyone dares hurt you again, I'll ruin them."
That sent me into another fit of laughter. I laughed so hard I had to hold my stomach. "OMG girl, take it easy!"
She joined in, her laughter filling the room like sunshine.
"Okay, okay, I'll think about it," I finally said, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.
"That's my girl."
I stood up, stretching. "I need a shower. Wait for me."
"Of course, baby girl," she said, flopping onto my bed.
I headed to the bathroom, removing my wig and letting my natural hair breathe. After a refreshing bath, I slipped into my nightdress and returned to the room.
"Are you staying the night?" I asked.
"I wish I could," she said, standing up reluctantly. "But I have so much work to do at the company."
I nodded. "Of course. Let me walk you to the car."
We walked together to the parking area. I gave her one last tight hug. "Bye, love."
"Bye! And don't forget what I told you," she said with a wink.
I rolled my eyes, smiling. "I won't. Now run along before I lock you in here."
She laughed. "See you, babe!"
"See you."
I stood there for a moment, watching her car disappear into the night. Then I walked slowly back inside, climbing into bed and staring up at the ceiling.
The stars glimmered through my window like little secrets.
Maybe I should go.
Maybe this opportunity isn't as scary as I think.
Maybe it's exactly what I need.
I smiled softly to myself, finally feeling a quiet peace settle in my chest.