Chapter 9: Internal Conflict and Iya Wura's Warning
1654words
In my head, it was like a war zone. One part softly talked about being secure with finances and getting the chance to follow my dream in architecture without being held back by those who only chase after money. The glowing light of the moon as a symbol of our cultural past could turn into something real - it might represent the lively essence of Lagos. However, another perspective filled with worry brought up how much this dream would cost. Marriage, which is viewed as a sacred connection, now seems more like an agreement – this idea does not feel right to me.
Can I create a partnership with Dapo, a person who is not very well known to me? Can we have an authentic relationship even when we both aim for the same objective? The doubt continued, persistent and potentially disruptive.
I remember my hard times, many nights I stayed up working at the drawing board, driven by love for my job and eating just ramen. This project lets me make a big impact on Lagos and shows that all my hard work pays off; should I let it go because of worry over an unusual contract?
Something was moving fast. At the place where moonlight touched the boundary, a person emerged from the shadows. Iya Wura, with her recognizable bent posture yet showing determination, approached us cautiously.
"Eki Bassey," she said to me, voice soft but also rough as if hiding a secret under the noise of ocean waves. She looked at Dapo and I saw a small sign that she knew him, then her old eyes became hard like they were made of steel.
The beach was quiet, but one could feel the tension in the air. Dapo made a slow nod with his face showing no particular emotion as if to give respect. Iya Wura appeared to gaze through him, her eyes penetrating deeply into years of concealed history.
She began to speak with a thick voice, very solemn. "This evening, the moon shines brightly," she told me straightly. "But remember, its light might cause long shadows that conceal truths."
I felt very strong emotions as if my heart was hitting hard against my chest. The caution given by Iya Wura filled me with a feeling of waiting for what would come next. What secrets were waiting to be found? Could the Moonlight Lease be something beyond a simple contract?
Dapo cleared his throat to get attention and speaking with much respect, he said, "Iya Wura, we are here because we need your wisdom for our problem."
She watched him for some time, her face hard to read. "This contract has a price," she said with a warning in her voice, "that your family may not want to pay again, Dapo Olumide."
Dapo's complexion became somewhat lighter and his expression showed discomfort. My puzzlement grew - what other cost could there be besides agreeing to a marriage lasting just one year? Was there a concealed darker background linked with Moonlight Lease?
Iya Wura, with her hand that has wrinkles, is holding my hand softly. She speaks in a quiet voice, "Eki Bassey," and tells me the past is returning to us. Search for the truth before deciding on a path that could lead to unpredictable outcomes.
Her words touched something inside me, starting a strong feeling of wanting to succeed. Now it wasn't only about the project anymore. A hidden mystery, as suggested by Iya Wura's words, required investigation.
I moved away from Dapo, with the ring still in my hand and out of sight. Looking into his eyes, I noticed a change from hopefulness and anxiety to a small hint that he understood; it seemed like he was also struggling to understand the hidden meanings in Iya Wura's mysterious words.
"Dapo, we require to understand," I spoke with an effort to sound confident though my heart was shaking. "We need clarity on the Lease and how your family history is connected with this project." Without them, I can't… I can't go ahead."
Dapo tilted his head a little, squeezing his jaw firmly. It appeared he was fighting an internal battle, caught between wanting the project to do well and handling old memories that were very strong.
He at last confessed, "You do not know many things; my father has secrets."
I began to feel anger growing within me. It appeared that keeping secrets was a normal characteristic among the Olumides. Is it possible for me to place my trust in this project and partnership that is built on necessity when there's no underlying base of truth?
A person stepped out from the dark, very tall and slim with eyes that reflected Lagos's lively night. He walked like a hunter moves; it gave me shivers down my spine.
"Dapo," said the man, his voice was deep and it echoed around. "I notice you are mixed up with... strange people."
Dapo's muscles tensed up, and he gripped his jaw tightly. "Uncle Femi," he said, a tone of defiance in his words. "This is Eki Bassey, the architect."
Femi looked at me very closely, his eyes showing no friendliness. He said "The architect" again, sounding not sure of himself. "And what brings you to this...moonlit negotiation?"
Before I had the chance to respond, Dapo continued and said, "Uncle Femi, we discussed the project - it's called Moonlight Glow. Eki has some... not complete trust in the Moonlight Lease."
Femi scoffed. "Reservations? Luxury often has a cost, nephew. Are you rethinking your promise?
In his speech, there was a hidden warning that displayed the power of the Olumide family and what could happen if someone decided to withdraw their support. I felt a strong anger rising inside me. This wasn't merely about opulence; it pertained to the cultural centre's destiny.
I have a strong commitment to our project being truthful, I said with clear belief. But this Moonlight Lease creates more questions than gives answers.
Femi's eyes narrowed into slits. "Questions? What questions could there possibly be? The contract is clear. Marriage in exchange for a year's control. A simple arrangement."
"Simple?" I countered. "Iya Wura's words hinted at a darker history, a hidden cost."
Femi looked at the old woman who was still under the light of the moon. Many lines were carved into her face over time, which made it hard to understand what she felt. Iya Wura trusts in these kinds of beliefs, he said while waving his hand like it was not important. Do not let her stories make you question your choices.
I ceased to accept stories that suited me alone. The odd forecasts, the strain existing between Dapo and his uncle, everything seemed to indicate a truth being intentionally concealed.
I speak, the truth is that what this project lacks. It requires honesty. Without that, we cannot proceed with true dedication."
Femi's smile, not too warm from the start, went away for a short time. It seemed like he was considering his words carefully, trying to figure out how much they could discuss without risking their strategy too much.
After a while, he agreed but with less confidence in his voice; he observed there were many complexities. Yet, he believes the family should deal with these challenges. Those who are not part…
He stopped and didn't finish his words, but what he meant to say was clear even without speaking. They looked at me like I didn't belong, a woman who had no ties with the Olumide family's past; I could challenge their well-known story.
Dapo is beside me, and from his straight standing before all the people, you can see he has a big willpower. He says that Eki does not belong to just one place. Her contribution is very important for our project to succeed. If it is a task for the family, then we need to make sure we are being honest and transparent with one another.
Femi glanced at me before turning her attention to Dapo. They were competing quietly but with determination beside the sea, and the evening atmosphere was so charged with tension that breathing felt almost difficult.
I was thinking maybe he would give up, but then Femi raised his head and laughed with much joy. "Okay," he spoke in a voice that appeared a bit keen. "You want some answers? Then perhaps it's time for a visit to the Archives."
Hearing his speech, a feeling of surprise grew in me. The Archives, an ancient place filled with dust that holds the history of the Olumide family, is concealed and seldom visited by many. Might I discover the solutions that I seek inside these old walls?
"The Archives?" Dapo asked again, expressing both nervousness and curiosity. "But it is…"
Femi stopped him with a quick movement. "When times are hard, we must take extreme actions, nephew." If this lady is ready to commit, then she should be told everything. But you must know," he said, looking at me again, "the past can sometimes come back to cause trouble."
After giving us that dark warning, Femi turned around and walked back into the shadows, while we stayed on the beach lit by the moon, feeling his words press down upon us like a thick coat.
Dapo looked at him, his face showing worry. I faced Dapo with my heart beating fast and strong in my chest.
"The Archives?"
