Chapter 86: A Test of Trust
1094words
Dapo, with very strong determination, decided to return to Olumide mansion. Even though it was highly dangerous, he kept feeling that something was not right and this made him go there again. Possibly, secrets are hidden within the family's old house.
As he walked on the dusty paths, a feeling of déjà vu came to him. He remembered his first time discovering the hidden room and how it felt like a place full of mystery and shadow. Filled with renewed hope, he began to inspect his surroundings.
After many hours, he at last found what he was looking for. Behind one of the boards that could move, there was a tiny journal hidden away. It had a leather cover and inside, were unusual symbols and drawings. But one page looked very interesting; it showed a detailed sketch of the room that was difficult to locate. The place is situated right in the centre of the mansion's maze-like structure.
He felt a shiver go down his back. This room was the same one Kunle talked about when we met quickly at Ile-Ife. Suspicion hit him like a wave. What was Kunle hiding? What was his true connection to this place?
He felt like a big weight fell on him. Kunle has not been honest; his coming to Ile-Ife was not by accident. He was on a mission, he carried secret plans. These plans bring danger to everything we create.
Dapo returns to the gallery, with sadness deep in his heart. Eki is already there and worry shows on her face. The query forming in her eyes was readable: an unspoken plea for solace.
He stopped for a moment, finding it difficult to believe what was happening. "I think Kunle does not tell us all things," he began talking quietly.
Eki's face paled. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Dapo discussed what he found, the hidden room and strange book. Eki listened silently, her mind thinking fast. She wanted to think Kunle was getting better, but many things made it difficult for her to have faith in him.
A big argument started, and voices got loud showing anger and irritation. Trust, which was the main part of their relationship, began to break. Eki was assisting Kunle, wishing he had changed into a different person. Dapo, filled with uncertainty, started to doubt everything they once believed to be true.
The relationship, which once felt the same as a perfect music concert, now turned into a war zone. Even love got trapped in the battle. As the argument gets more heated, they feel without hope. Before, facing many troubles together over time was usual for them, but now this trouble seems like testing differently.
The night ended, and a deep silence followed their intense fight. Eki and Dapo went to opposite sides of the room because they were feeling very sad in their hearts.
The future is never sure, the path ahead is always not unclear. Secret society is still a threat; they were betrayed within and now we must face dangers waiting for us - if not united, we might lose everything.
The day after the big argument, morning arrived with a sense of sorrow. It felt like the gallery, which used to be lively and full of energy, now looked as troubled as their hearts inside. Eki and Dapo were sitting facing each other; it was clear to see there was tension between them. The air felt heavy with unspoken words, a silence that felt very intense.
'We need to talk," Dapo began, his voice barely a whisper.
Eki moved her head up and down with a sad but strong look in her eyes. She knew what would happen soon.
"Dapo said, "I must understand why you support him. Kunle is also involved, Eki. I can feel it." "
Eki felt pain in her heart; she wanted to trust Kunle, but it was not easy for her. However, the evidence against him continued growing more and more. "I know it's difficult to accept, but I think he has changed," she said with her voice trembling.
"Changed?" Dapo laughed, his words tinged with bitterness. "He's a chameleon, Eki. He can alternate roles, changing himself depending on the situation. But deep inside, his centre, his real self stays steady."
A silent struggle took place between them, each firmly believing in their truth. Eki felt torn because she still had emotions for Dapo but also carried a small hope for Kunle. Dapo, filled with doubt, started to lose trust in Eki.
At the most intense time, someone made a knocking sound on the door. A young man who looked very nervous appeared at the entrance. He tells us he is a journalist and knows some things about this secret group.
Their thoughts were a mix of curiosity and doubt. They had encountered many others who spoke similar words, but those individuals often weren't genuinely helpful; they concealed their true intentions instead. Yet there was an uncommon sensation about this man that set it apart.
They allowed him to come in, staying wary. Alex, the journalist, began speaking. He said he was a secret agent acting undercover for the group and had been gathering information from inside their organization. He saw how terrible they were and chose to help bring them down.
Eki and Dapo watched with care, their doubts lessened by hope. Alex appeared genuine, his fear was easy to notice. He said about a secret base - somewhere the remaining people of this hidden group are planning their next moves.
They feel a bit hopeful now. Maybe this is their chance to finish things with the secret group. But they must watch out. Alex could be a spy and may be sent by enemies as a trick.
They trusted their instincts. They intended to verify Alex's statements but also prepared for the worst possible outcome. The future had many dangers ahead, however they were determined to face it head-on.
When night arrives, Eki and Dapo sit close together and hold hands. Everything about the future is not clear – hope blends with worry, but it is fine because they have each other. They would face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.
