Chapter 14: Farewell Party and Hidden Hostility

1227words2026-01-19 05:15

The Olumide mansion, a very large and elegant place, was where Eki moved through its broad hallways. Her footsteps became silent on the thick Persian carpets that were lying on these floors. The bright light from shiny golden chandeliers spread across the marble floors, making reflections of serious family members in old pictures. It seemed like they were watching every step she walked. The room had a powerful odor of old furniture and polished wood, quite unlike the usual smell of her own apartment.

Luxury, yet not comfortable. Eki was feeling this when she walked about the suite. It seemed needed to agree with Dapo's idea of staying here – a chance to become more linked with the history of Moonlight Glow project. But now, surrounded by these remnants from old times; she feels like a person who does not belong - just observing what others have created.

When strong shaking impacts the house, she feels surprised. Then, loud bass music began to pound from below her feet. Eki follows this noise, and it takes her to the entrance of a large terrace with a broad view. She sees city lights glowing down below. Ayo, her close friend and trusted companion, is standing in the middle of a lively crowd. The eyes of Ayo are filled with playfulness.

"Eki! There you are!" He talked loudly over the music, his arms wide open. "Welcome to your farewell party, amazing architect!"

He gave her a very strong hug, and she felt safe even though these people were new to her. The terrace was full of life; architects, artists, and important social people from Lagos all having cocktails while moving with the music playing around them. She sees Dapo at the bar; his smile does not look natural when he talks with a group of men wearing fancy suits who appear very sophisticated.

"So," Ayo called out, trying to be heard over the booming music, "tell me everything! What is it like now living a luxurious life with your new billionaire backer?"

Eki did not enjoy the word. "Yes, it's... unique," she said while taking a tiny sip from her champagne glass that had become warm now.

"Different good or different bad?" Ayo pressed, his eyebrows raised.

Eki slowed her steps. She did not want to feel the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach that always comes when she sees the Olumide paintings. "It's simply… much to comprehend. The history, the pressure…"

Ayo walked closer and spoke quietly, "Speaking of stress, have you heard about The Board? It looks like they don't have a reputation for being easy to deal with."

Eki's stomach clenched. "I've heard rumors."

"Yes, well," Ayo continued softly, "there are whispers that they wish to manage every tiny aspect. You might end up making a shopping mall instead of a cultural center."

Eki forced a smile. "We'll deal with it," she said, her voice lacking conviction.

All night long, music beat and people continued chatting. Eki took part in talks about the project. There was a curious blend of enthusiasm and wariness in these discussions. Some architects expressed worry about The Board's involvement; they spoke softly, but it was easy to notice their deep concern.

In the same moment, next to Eki a woman showed up. She was very tall and wore very nice clothes, giving off an impression of cool elegance. Her eyes had color like cold gray stones; they watched Eki with sharpness that made her feel chilly inside.

"Eki Bassey, correct?" the lady said while extending her hand that it was very neatly maintained. "I'm Yemi Olumide, related to Dapo."

Eki, feeling a little uncertain, reached out and took her hand. Yemi's grip was firm and had some authority in it, which made Eki feel a bit uncomfortable.

"So," Yemi said, her voice very proud, "you are the person Dapo chose for taking care of our family's history."

Eki's opinion on the idea was simple. "This is not about legacy," she said, staring directly at Yemi. "It's to create a place that counts for our community."

Yemi's mouth curved into a small smile. "Community, ideals… very good, Ms. Bassey. But must not forget one very important thing: this is, after all, a business deal." The Board also has a special vision which says "profit comes first... feelings come later."

The secret warning started to show more clearly. Eki's anger began to rise, thinking that this woman in her fancy dress, looking so calm, could not understand the deep passion Eki had for this project.

"Okay Ms. Olumide," Eki said with much confidence, "I assure you my plan for Moonlight Glow is not just about feelings. It is bold, it is creative, and will benefit the entire community like we aimed from the beginning."

Yemi's smile paused for a moment, surprise appearing in her eyes. She quickly composed herself, the smile returning but now with a touch of coldness.

"Initial project, you say? It's an interesting term to utilize. Is it possible that you don't possess the full understanding of...history intricacies?"

Eki narrowed her eyes. "Intricacies? What do you mean?"

But, just when Yemi started to explain more, another voice broke into the music and stopped the conversation.

The audience became quiet, waiting with much excitement. A lady, skinny and with hair now turned to silver and neatly put in a tight chignon, came out from deep inside the door. Her face, marked by events of her life, showed tired power and resistance. She was Abeni Olumide.

Eki's heart suddenly leaped. This is the woman in the picture, who originally started the Moonlight Glow project! But, something seems different. Her eyes, which usually show lots of energy and excitement, now have a deep sadness in them that feels very heavy.

The smile on Yemi's face disappeared, and now she looked calm. She said "Mother," with a short voice. "I didn't expect you'd show up."

Abeni did not notice her because she was paying attention to Eki. A tiny hint of recognition showed up in her eyes right before she started speaking with a low, gruff voice. "Eki Bassey," she said, her words filled with emotion. "There's much you don't know. More than you can even imagine."

People made a surprise sound. Many faces turned to Eki, their look showing curiosity and puzzling. She felt a thrill of excitement. What was Abeni talking about? How does she know my name? Why does it connect with the Moonlight Glow project?

Abeni's eyes locked with Eki's and for a brief moment, their looks stayed linked. It felt like a quiet agreement that some big secret is about to be known soon. After making a deep breath, like she has many years inside her sighs, she goes to the terrace. Her speaking begins to all people gathered there with a strong voice but also very calm.

"Once, a woman said: 'Sometimes the past wishes to speak. Truth must be told, even if it causes pain.'"

The room became quiet, and everyone watched with interest. Eki felt a strange feeling in her stomach. She knew her life would become very different soon. The goodbye party, which was at first made to celebrate a new beginning, changed into the start of a new story that mixed with her present life. This might change Moonlight Glow's plan and perhaps even Eki's destiny.