Chapter 11: Negotiating for Control
1447words
"Okay, Eki," Dapo started with a smile that seemed forced. "This is it. The Moonlight Lease proposal, fresh and prepared."
I looked again and again between the man and the briefcase. The serious message from Iya Wura made the room feel very heavy. This project, which looked easy at the start, now felt difficult and old-fashioned. Yet, I also had my dream. It was about a cultural center that would stand right in the heart of the city.
"Okay, now it's your turn. Say what you want to say," I finished with a strange calm voice.
Dapo opened the briefcase in a very dramatic style, showing holographic blueprints that looked like mirages under the afternoon sun. He gestured for me to come closer, and I saw his eyes shining with pride.
"Look!" he shouted, opening up the holographic screen. "This is the Moonlight Glow Cultural Center, where old and new come together."
The picture starts moving, showing a scene of water falling and tall glass buildings with detailed Yoruba symbols on them. Gardens full of bright colours are blooming, giving a peaceful place in the middle of a busy city.
It was very beautiful, showing Dapo's great skill in building. But deep inside, a small worry kept troubling me. This place was not just a cultural center; it felt like a symbol of the Olumide family's power. Would I be another pawn in their game?
"It is… quite something," I had to say, doing my best to be fair. "But this kind of creative control…"
I trailed off, a pointed look aimed at the blueprints. Dapo, however, seemed oblivious.
"Creative control?" he echoed, his voice smooth. "Eki, now the time has come to show what you can do. This is not just building; this is your dream becoming real."
"Is it my thinking, or maybe the Olumide family's?" I said out loud, feeling my voice getting stronger. "I need more than only freedom to be creative. I also desire assurance that the project does not change and remains honest to its first goal."
Dapo's smile turned a bit uncertain. "I get it, what you're saying seems correct," he nodded while reaching for a glass of water on the table. "But the Olumide family is giving support to this project. Their money, their power, are very important for it to succeed."
"And what exactly is in it for them?" I pressed, my gaze unwavering.
He hesitated, the silence stretching uncomfortably between us. Finally, he sighed.
"Family, they try... change how people see them," he said honestly. "The Moonlight Lease project gives a chance for a new story." A way of saying 'look, we care about community.'"
His words felt like they had no meaning. Was he trying to make up for what he did, or was it just a show to look good in front of others? I felt irritation in my stomach, making it tight. This project needed more than just good plans; it required self-dependence.
"Ok," I said to him without any fear in my eyes. "Allow them to do their kind act." But I need full control for creating and carrying out this plan."
Dapo's face had many wrinkles from displeasure, and a quick flash of irritation showed in his eyes. "Full control?" Eki, that's… quite a power to give away."
"And you want me to risk all my career, my reputation, with less control?" I asked louder. "Project will be successful based on what I observe happening inside, not only money from the Olumide family."
A quiet and tense feeling was in the room. Dapo's eyes moved from one side to another, with a storm growing inside him. It was not only about the project; it also included things like power, self-assurance, and the various dreams of two very keen architects.
"Okay," he agreed, at last, his voice tight. "But the contract is usual. Five years and we can extend it."
"Five years?" I scoffed. "This is not just another building, Dapo. To make a place full of culture needs more than just building walls." It involves making connections with artists, building a strong presence in the community and other things that need time to grow. Five years is not too much."
He looked at me for a long time, the air feeling thick with quiet disagreements. Then he surprised me by saying:
"Ten years," he suggested, his voice becoming quieter. "Ten years, and it can extend on its own if results are good and community feedback is positive."
A small bit of hope started to form in my mind. Ten years is a long period, a big promise, and an opportunity to create something that can last for a very long time. But still, there was a little doubt. What caused this sudden change in thinking? Was it truly supporting the project's main goal, or was there some other reason behind it?
"Alright, Dapo," I said, my voice cautious. "Ten years. But there's one more condition."
He raised an eyebrow, a flicker of wariness in his eyes. "One more?"
"Transparency," I said with confidence. "Full transparency about the past. The very first Moonlight Lease, Iya Wura's part… all of it."
He felt a tiny twitch in his body, and the smile went quickly. The room seems to get colder, with the hologram picture of the cultural center shaking strangely because of sudden stress.
"Eki, that is... not a good idea," he said with hesitation. "You need to understand that the past is a place we should leave alone." It has no concern with what will happen ahead."
"No way," I said, getting closer. "Past can give us good lessons so we don't repeat the same mistakes." If we want to make something important that truly respects the community, then it is very necessary to build with eyes fully open."
Dapo remained silent, his lips pressed firmly together. He understood that I was right, and this realization seemed to weigh heavily on his mind. It is not just about negotiating; it involves confronting the legacy of the Olumide family.
The quiet stayed, full of all the words that nobody spoke. Finally, Dapo took a deep breath and let it out slowly; his face showed he had given up.
"Okay," he said in a quiet voice, almost like a whisper. "I will... try my best." But there is no sure promise." The family is… protective of their secrets."
A little success helped calm my nerves. I did not expect him to share everything, but gaining a small advantage felt like a good beginning. Taking in a big breath, I reach out and hold his hand over the table.
"Okay," I replied, my voice showing new determination. "We will build a great structure together." A cultural center that honours history, enjoys present moments and brightens future days.
Dapo held my hand for a short time, and in his eyes, I saw hope where before was sadness. But just when we begin to feel a little trust growing between us, suddenly there is a loud knocking that breaks the quiet moment. We both got frightened by this unexpected interruption.
"Dapo Olumide!" a harsh voice boomed through the closed door. "Open up! We know you're in there!"
My heart was pounding in my chest. Who could it be, asking for Dapo? Was this about the Olumide family secrets I had just made a deal for? My skin began to feel damp with sweat as Dapo stood up. There was an unsure look on his face.
"Stay," he said forcefully, his voice sounding like a rush. "No answer to the door." Do not allow entrance for anyone."
Before I could ask, he quickly went to the door with movements that seemed both nervous and determined. I tried to listen to their conversation, but their voices were unclear and very quiet. A wave of fear came over me.
Who were these people? What was their aim with Dapo? Was I searching for truth only to open a Pandora's Box filled with dangers? The handshake, which was supposed to begin something fresh, seemed like it held great risk. Confined within my flat, I nursed feelings of fear and confusion.
The message was clear: the fight for Moonlight Glow's future had just begun, and now, the boundaries between wishes, traditions, and hidden truths would dangerously intertwine.
