It was evening, and Julie had just returned from the office. After a quick shower, she slipped into her robe, ready to rest when the doorbell rang.
She shut her eyes, exhausted. Please, not now.
But it rang again.
With a groan, she dragged herself out of bed and headed downstairs.
"Coming!" she called out, just as it rang once more.
She opened the door — and there stood Elizabeth, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, baby girl!" Elizabeth said cheerfully.
Julie's lips curved into a tired smile. "Hey, babe. Come in."
Elizabeth stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. The moment they entered the living room, Elizabeth gave her friend a once-over — from head to toe — and gasped dramatically.
"Wait… you're not dressed?" she exclaimed. "Don't tell me you've forgotten! We're going out tonight. It's Friday, babe!"
Julie groaned softly. She had forgotten. The week had been long, and her body ached for rest.
"Do we really have to go anywhere?" she asked, rubbing her temple. "We could just hang out here, talk, maybe order food?"
Elizabeth stared at her like she'd lost her mind.
"You and who?" she retorted. "Like this? Babe, abeg go and wear something fine. We're hitting the bar tonight — no excuses."
Julie sighed in defeat. There was no escaping now.
"Okay, okay… fine," she said, trudging toward the stairs.
"Let me follow you before you go and wear bongo!" Elizabeth teased, trailing behind her with a laugh.
A few blocks away, Arinze and Esther sat at one of the most elegant bars in town. The lights shimmered, the music pulsed, and laughter rippled through the crowd.
Just then, Julie and Elizabeth walked in — heads turned instantly. The two women looked stunning in their fitted mini dinner gowns, their presence commanding the room's attention.
They settled at the counter and ordered drinks.
From the moment Julie entered, Arinze's gaze was locked on her. He couldn't look away. Something about her calm confidence, her quiet poise, drew him in.
He had seen countless beautiful women — London had shown him plenty — but there was something magnetic about this one.
Julie, meanwhile, sat quietly beside Elizabeth, sipping her drink and scanning the room. With so many faces and flashing lights, she didn't notice the man staring at her.
Arinze finally stood, excused himself from his sister, and walked toward the counter.
"Hey, beautiful ladies," he greeted with a charming smile.
Elizabeth's eyes sparkled. "Hi," she replied warmly, instantly captivated by the tall, handsome stranger.
Julie didn't even glance at him. She kept her eyes on her drink, pretending he wasn't there.
Elizabeth pinched her under the counter, but Julie swatted her hand away and frowned. Elizabeth laughed awkwardly, embarrassed.
"Uh… don't mind my friend," she said apologetically. "She's not always like this."
Arinze smiled knowingly. He'd met women like this before — the ones who played hard to get. They were usually the most fun to chase.
"That's fine," he said easily. "May I join you?"
"Sure," Elizabeth replied before Julie could protest.
"Thanks."
He took the seat beside Julie. She turned slightly away, sipping her drink with deliberate calm. He smirked.
"My name's Arinze," he said. "What's yours?"
Julie ignored him completely.
"I'm Elizabeth," her friend said quickly, filling the silence. She reached out a hand, smiling.
Arinze shook it gently. "Nice to meet you."
"Same here," she replied, chuckling softly.
Then, without warning, Elizabeth stood.
"Excuse me for a moment," she said lightly, turning to Julie with a mischievous smile. "Babe, take care of yourself, okay?"
She winked. "You two have fun."
Before Julie could say a word, Elizabeth walked off, leaving her alone with the stranger.
Julie sighed inwardly. Seriously, Elizabeth? What are you up to this time?
She avoided Arinze's eyes, pretending to be interested in the drink before her. But she could feel his gaze on her, steady and unrelenting — like he could see straight through her defenses.