Chapter 23: A Stolen Spotlight
774words
Eki, her heart hitting very fast like a drum inside her chest, stood hiding behind the stage. She felt nervous and excited at the same time but also worried that she couldn't forget. Though they both collaborated on the design, all promotional materials featured only Dapo – a famous architect and heir of the Olumide family. It was difficult to accept this situation, but asking for equal recognition would seem petty during such an essential evening.
Dapo, looking very handsome in his tuxedo, adjusted his cufflinks without seeing the conflict inside Eki. "Ready for your big night?" he asked, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.
Eki gave a small smile back, feeling a mental taste in their mouth. "Big night for us both, yes?"
Dapo's smile faltered for a brief moment, then returned. "Absolutely." He offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
They went together onto the stage, greeted by a lot of clapping and many camera flashes. Dapo, who always feels relaxed in the spotlight, enjoyed all the attention as he began his opening speech with a smooth and confident voice. Eki stood beside him, a silent partner in their success.
But when Dapo talked about the project's vision, saying it was a "fresh yet timeless approach," Eki felt irritated. She believed her design had these qualities; Dapo mostly just put in technical skills. She forced a smile, the applause sounding hollow in her ears.
Suddenly, the stage lights flickered, then died completely. Gasps rippled through the crowd. A hush fell, punctuated only by the frantic whispers of technicians scrambling around.
Eki felt a rush of worry. The presentation relied on visual aids – her carefully crafted architectural models and detailed designs. Without light, it was all rendered useless.
Dapo, not worried at all, cleared his throat. "Sorry for this technical problem," he spoke into the darkness. "But the smart design of this project already has enough praise." He began discussing technical details, and with every boring point he brought up, people in the audience felt less interested.
Eki closed her eyes tightly, feeling frustration growing more in her chest. Dapo was trying to save the presentation, but without pictures, it felt empty and not important.
Then, a voice cut through the darkness.
"Perhaps a different kind of illumination is in order?"
The people in the crowd turned their heads to look at Yemi standing by the stage, smiling cleverly. Two big security guards were next to her, each holding a large black case.
Eki felt very worried. Yemi would not come unless she had a plan, and it probably meant trouble.
In quick motion, Yemi opens cases with flair. Inside no security gear but two very strong lights.
"Tonight, let's see what brilliance we are celebrating, okay?" she said with a little evil shine in her eyes.
The lights moved here and there, casting a bright white glow on one part of the stage. In that glowing area stood a large and detailed model showing the Omoremi Cultural Center in 3D.
Everyone in the crowd made a sound of surprise together. But this feeling of surprise turned into whispers of admiration when they could see the small, detailed pieces of the design. There were many balconies, a sun-filled atrium, and designs that seemed like Yoruba art – you could see Eki's idea in every place.
Dapo froze, his confident facade crumbling. Eki, however, felt a surge of vindication. Her design, which was hidden in the shadows, suddenly started showing to everyone. This did not happen because she wished for it but due to Yemi's strange game.
The people started to clap loudly, and the tiny details of the model made them start excited conversations. Eki felt both relief and anger mixing inside her as she quickly glanced at Yemi. The younger woman no more had malice in her smile; it transformed into an unclear look of... satisfaction.
Before Eki could know what Yemi desired, a booming voice echoed from the back of the room. "Hold on just one moment! This design… it's stolen!"
The people became very silent. All of them looked at the speaker, a tall person with strong eyes that felt like they could see inside you. Eki felt very scared. It is Ayo, his face looking pale with shock and feeling betrayed.
