At exactly 7 a.m on a Sunday., a sleek black limousine glided smoothly into the grand entrance of one of the most prestigious hotels near Lifetime College. The morning sun was just beginning to cast golden hues over the city skyline, reflecting off the polished marble and glass of the building. Cameras flashed sporadically as reporters and bystanders caught sight of the high-profile arrival.
Stepping out of the car was Mr. Stephen Adedayo, a powerful, wealthy politician known for his influence and meticulous attention to security. Flanking him were two tall, sharply dressed bodyguards who moved with silent precision, scanning the surroundings carefully. His personal driver held the door open and discreetly positioned the luggage nearby.
Security personnel guarded every entrance, and discreet cameras dotted the hotel's façade, capturing every movement with relentless vigilance. The atmosphere was electric, the presence of Mr. Stephen was impossible to ignore.
Inside, the hotel staff quietly ushered him through the elegant lobby, their eyes briefly meeting his with a mixture of respect and awe. He moved with calm confidence, accustomed to such attention, yet carrying the weight of his responsibilities.
Once inside the privacy of his suite, a luxurious space. Mr. Stephen finally reached for his phone. He had been trying to contact his daughter Bella since he landed but had only reached her Kathy so far.
He dialed Kathy's number again, and after a few rings, her voice came through, still tinged with sleep.
"Hello dear ," he said with a warm but measured tone. "I've just arrived and am settled now. I've been trying Bella, but I couldn't reach her. Is she okay?"
Kathy's voice brightened instantly, now fully awake. "Good morning, Mr. Stephen! Bella's asleep. She was so busy with the matriculation preparations that she turned her phone off."
He smiled quietly, eyes gazing out toward the campus below. "That's good to hear. Please tell her I'm here and proud. I'll make arrangements so you both can come meet me at Nobel hotel."
"We will. She'll be so happy to hear you've arrived safely."
The call ended, but Mr. Stephen remained by the window, watching the world stir to life outside. Despite his power and stature, his thoughts were fully with his daughter, eager to support her on this important day, quietly determined to make up for the years apart.
****
The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the room. The quiet hum of the fan filled the space until it was interrupted by a loud, excited voice.
"Bella! Bella wake up!" Kathy's voice was full of energy as she practically bounced on the bed.
Bella groaned softly, still wrapped in her covers. "Ugh... what time is it?" she mumbled sleepily.
"It's past 9, and your dad called! He's here, Bella! He landed safely and is already at the hotel!" Kathy beamed, holding up her phone.
That woke Bella up instantly.
She sat up abruptly, eyes wide. "Wait, what? Are you serious?!"
Kathy nodded excitedly. "He said he tried calling you, but your phone wasn't going through, so he called me instead. He's in Noble Hotel, Bella! The Noble! Just a few drives from campus!"
Bella's sleepiness disappeared in seconds, replaced by sheer excitement. A wide smile stretched across her face. "Oh my God! I can't believe he's actually here!" she said, grabbing her phone and checking her missed calls.
She quickly dialed her dad's number, and after two rings, he picked up.
"Hello, Bella," came the familiar, warm voice of her dad.
"Hi Dad," Bella said, her voice soft but excited. "Thank God for your safe flight. Kathy told me everything!"
"I've been trying to reach you," he said with a chuckle. "I figured you were asleep."
"I was," Bella admitted, smiling. "It feels so surreal that you're here."
Mr. Stephen's voice was calm, yet there was a quiet joy in it. "I'm just glad to finally be close by. I'll send my driver and the boys to come pick you and Kathy tomorrow after your classes as I won't be stepping out today, cameras are everywhere already, and I want to keep it low until matriculation."
"Okay, Dad. That's fine," Bella replied, understanding completely. She knew how public his life could be, especially as a well-known politician in Nigeria. "We can't wait to see you."
"I can't wait either," he said. "I'll call later. Take care."
They ended the call, and Bella fell back on the bed, covering her face with a soft squeal. "I can't believe this is really happening. After all these years…"
Kathy leaned against the dresser, smiling. "It's happening, babe. He's here. You're going to finally see him."
Bella looked up at her best friend, grateful. "I'm so happy. He's missed so much, but he's really trying now."
"You deserve it," Kathy said, coming to sit beside her. "And you know what's crazier?"
"What?"
Kathy pulled out her phone again and grinned. "Your dad is trending. Like… on TV. Look!"
She opened a news app, and there it was, a live coverage still running on one of the national channels. Footage played of Mr. Stephen stepping out of a luxury black SUV as it pulled up in front of Noble Hotel. The camera zoomed in slightly, he was dressed immaculately in a navy blue traditional outfit, tailored to perfection. His presence commanded attention.
The hotel gates opened as uniformed staff ushered him in. His personal security followed closely behind, men in black suits, earpieces, sunglasses. His driver walked just ahead of him, while another man wheeled his luxury luggage. The building behind him, Noble Hotel, stood tall and prestigious, its glass walls glistening in the morning light.
The news anchor's voice cut in, "Respected political figure and business tycoon, Mr. Stephen Adedayo, has just arrived in the city. Sources reveal he checked into Noble Hotel this morning. His purpose for visiting remains unknown at this time."
Kathy clicked into the live comment section below the video, reading aloud:
"Money is speaking loud and clear."
"Heard his daughter schools here. I stan rich dads."
"Noble Hotel? Say less. He's not here for jokes."
Bella's jaw dropped. "I didn't know he'd cause this much attention. I thought it'd be lowkey!"
Kathy laughed. "Girl, your dad walked into that place like he owns it. What were you expecting?"
They both laughed, and Bella looked out the window, her heart swelling with emotion. Her father wasn't perfect, but this effort, being here for her,?meant more than anything else. The years of living apart, the distance, the phone calls that never seemed long enough… for once, she felt seen.
"I can't believe tomorrow we'll be riding in one of those black cars with bodyguards," Bella said, half-joking.
"Bella, tomorrow, we slay royally," Kathy replied with a grin.
Kathy leaned over and whispered dramatically, "Wait till they see your dress."
Bella smiled. "And yours."
The countdown to matriculation had never felt more exciting.