Chapter 21: Shifting Loyalties
1304words
"So, Ayo," Yemi's voice, smooth like glass that has been polished so carefully, broke the silence. "Did you think about my offer?"
Ayo moved uneasily in his chair. He still remembered well how Eki had spoken with a lot of excitement about their new project, which Yemi softly called 'unrealistic.' Yet, the allure of Yemi's prestigious firm, the promise of financial security, was undeniable.
"It is... a tempting offer," Ayo admitted, his voice not confident. He did not like seeing the unsure look in Yemi's eyes and how her smile changed just a small amount.
"Tempting?" Yemi raised an eyebrow. "Think of it as putting money into your skills, Ayo. It is an opportunity to work on important projects with people who value what you do."
Her words sounded sweet, but Ayo still sensed the subtle criticism of Eki's small business. He felt a strong pang of guilt, yet Yemi gazed at him with unwavering confidence in her eyes.
"Eki's a good friend," Ayo finally managed, feeling the need to defend her.
Yemi leaned back in her chair, eyes looking sharp. "Friendship is a good thing, Ayo." But loyalty misplaced can hold you back. Don't you want more? More than a shoestring budget and daydreams?"
Ayo's cheeks become red. He indeed likes the creative freedom Eki gives, and he feels very much meaning in creating something together with him. But Yemi's words resonated with his insecurities and his yearning for stability.
The quiet was there for a long time, only the regular noise of the air conditioner could be heard. Ayo's phone vibrated on the table; it was a message from Eki: "Client meeting!" Need you here!"
He looked quickly at the screen and then back to Yemi. Her smile changed now, a little bit of winning was on her lips.
"No need to rush, Ayo," Yemi said with pretend worry in her voice. "Your friend will get it." This is a big decision, one that deserves careful consideration."
Ayo's fingers hovered over his phone, both feeling guilty and curious about what could happen. Yemi's words echoed in his mind – 'loyalty misplaced." Was that truly how Eki saw his hesitation?
Suddenly, a memory came to mind – Eki always being there for him when his previous company told no to him. He remembered their late-night conversations with coffee and laughter as they thought of ideas together. He felt a lump in his throat. Loyalty was always at the centre of their friendship, and this is why he had doubts about Yemi's suggestion from the start.
He looked up and saw Yemi's eyes, and for a very short moment, he noticed a little surprise in her normally calm face.
"Thank you for the offer, Ms. Ajayi," he said with a strong voice. "But I am sorry, I must say no."
Yemi's smile went away, changing face with cold calm. "This is a mistake, Ayo," she said in a few words. "But one you'll undoubtedly come to regret."
Ayo stood up, feeling new determination making him stronger. He took his phone and walked to the door. "I don't think so," he said, pushing open the door.
He walked into the hallway, taking a big breath to let go of the stress from talking. But feeling better did not stay for a long time. His phone vibrates again, showing a message from a number he does not know.
"Congratulations, Mr. Akintola," the message says. "Your application for the Senior Architect job at Ajayi Designs is accepted." Welcome aboard."
Ayo saw the message and felt his heart beat quickly. He did not try to get a job – neither with Yemi's company nor any other place. A fear of cold began to grow in his belly. Someone, somehow, chose him without asking.
And that person, he thought, might use the new job at Yemi's company to hurt Eki and their new design business. He had said no to Yemi's offer before, but now fate—or maybe something not so good—had given him a problem he didn't want to deal with.
As he rushed to meet Eki, his mind was crowded with many different feelings. His loyalty battled against a rising sense of unease. He needed to tell Eki about meeting Yemi, but the unexpected job offer seemed like a trap, making him feel like he wanted to control his decisions.
When he arrived at the crowded office, he noticed Eki leaning over a blueprint with an unhappy expression. The room was bustling as always before a meeting, but when Ayo entered, it seemed like a shadow had been cast over everything.
"There you are!" Eki exclaimed, relief colouring her voice. "We were starting to think you got lost."
Ayo forced a smile. "Sorry," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "Traffic was…"
"Crazy?" Eki finished for him, a playful nudge in her voice. She hadn't noticed his turmoil. "Alright, spill the beans. What did Yemi want?"
Ayo stopped for a moment, feeling nervous inside. Should he tell her everything, including the job offer that came even though he didn't apply? He did not want to make her more stressed before the meeting, especially because he had nothing concrete to present about the surprise proposal.
"Just... trying to take away my best friend," he laughed, hoping to make the situation not so serious. "No worries, I told her I'm not interested."
Eki raised an eyebrow, scepticism shimmering in her eyes. "Really? That doesn't sound like Yemi. Always looking to expand her empire."
Ayo felt strong guilt inside his heart. He was not saying untrue things, but hiding the truth made him feel like he was cheating on someone. He decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Anyway," he said, forcing a smile. "Let's focus on this meeting. We've got this."
Eki nodded, her lingering gaze leaving him uneasy. The meeting unfolded in a blur. Ayo was doing things like a machine, his mind going over and over the talk he had with Yemi about that frightening job offer.
When clients go out, the room becomes very quiet. Eki looks at Ayo with a face that is hard to read feelings from.
"Alright, Ayo," she said, her voice low. "Let's talk."
Ayo sighed, bracing himself for a confrontation. He deserved it. But before Eki was able to start asking anything, her phone buzzed. She picks it up and looks at the screen; when she reads the message, all colour disappears from her face.
"What's wrong?" Ayo asked, a knot forming in his stomach.
Eki's voice was trembling when she gave him the phone. On the display, there was a photo of their office with smoke coming out from windows. The caption below read: "Welcome to Ajayi Designs, Mr. Akintola."
It felt like the world was turning in a new way. Ayo's phone buzzed again, displaying another office address and a strange welcome note from Yemi himself.
He said no, and was very clear he did not want to. But Yemi decides to try a new way. This game just got very bad for her. Eki's office was on fire, his loyalty was under question, and they were caught in the middle of Yemi's strong ambitions. The seriousness of the situation felt like a heavy weight on them, making it tough to breathe. Ayo took Eki's hand and held it tightly, promising something without words. He had made up his mind to join, no matter if good or bad times come; they will face everything together.
