Chapter 3: meeting Grandfather

Chapter 3: Meeting Grandfather

The Cole estate in Ikoyi was not a house. It was a palace.

The gates alone were taller than Amara's entire house in Yaba. As the G-Wagon drove inside, Amara saw three fountains, a garden full of white roses, and six cars parked in a perfect line. Everything shone. Everything whispered money.

Amara held Jayden's hand so tight her nails dug into his skin. Her new designer dress felt too tight around her chest. The huge diamond ring on her finger felt too heavy, like it would pull her hand down.

"Relax," Jayden whispered as they walked into the massive living room. The marble floor was so clean she could see her own reflection. "You are squeezing the life out of me, Mrs. Cole."

"I am scared," she whispered back. Her voice was shaking. "What if he knows I am lying? What if he knows I am just a market woman's daughter?"

"You should be scared," Jayden said, but his voice was softer now. "My grandfather built this empire from nothing. He started with one shop in Onitsha. Now he owns half of Lagos. He can smell a lie from miles away. So do not lie. Just act."

Chief Edward Cole sat in a large leather chair by the fireplace. He was 80 years old, but his eyes were sharp like an eagle's. He wore a white agbada with heavy gold embroidery. Two huge bodyguards stood behind him, not moving. The whole room smelled like old wood and power.

"So this is the girl you married without telling your family?" Chief's voice was deep and loud. It filled the whole room. He looked at Amara from head to toe, slowly. "You are the charity girl Jayden told me about?"

Amara swallowed. Her throat was dry. Jayden had told her exactly what to say.

"Good afternoon, sir," she said, bowing her head low. "My name is Amara Okoro."

"She is beautiful," Chief said to Jayden, but he was still staring at Amara. "But beauty does not build a home, my son. Beauty fades. Character stays. Where is your family? What does your father do?"

"My father is late, sir," Amara said softly. The memory made her eyes sting. "He died when I was twelve. My mother sells Ankara fabric in Yaba market. She is sick. She was very sick."

Chief raised one eyebrow. He looked surprised. "A market woman's daughter? Jayden, you have many rich girls chasing you. Daughters of governors, ministers, oil men. Why her? Why did you choose a poor girl?"

Jayden put his arm around Amara's waist and pulled her close. She could feel his body heat through her dress. Her heart started beating fast, not from fear this time, but from his touch.

"Because she is real, Grandpa," Jayden said. His voice sounded so honest that even Amara almost believed him. "Other girls want my money, my name, my cars. Amara did not even know who I was when I met her at the charity gala last week. She insulted me. She told me I was arrogant and rude. No woman has ever spoken to me like that."

Chief stared at them for a long second, then burst out laughing. Loud, deep laughter that made the bodyguards smile.

"She insulted you? My Jayden? I like her already! Finally, someone who will put you in your place."

He stood up slowly and walked to Amara. He took her hands in his. His hands were wrinkled but strong.

"My grandson has been cold since his parents died in that accident. He trusts no one. He loves no one. He thinks love is a weakness. If he trusts you, if he brought you here, then you are family. Welcome to the Cole family, my daughter."

Tears filled Amara's eyes. She did not expect kindness. For a moment, the lie felt real. The warmth felt real. She wanted to cry.

"Thank you, sir," she said, her voice breaking.

"Call me Grandpa," Chief said, patting her cheek. Then his face turned serious. He turned to Jayden. "Your 90-day contract idea is nonsense. I heard you on the phone with your lawyer. I am not stupid. If you marry her, it is forever. There is no 90 days. No divorce. If you divorce her, you lose everything. I will write it in my will tonight and give it to my lawyer. You will stay married."

The blood left Amara's face. The room started spinning.

Ninety days was supposed to be the end. Ten million naira and she would go back to her life. Now it was forever? She would be trapped forever?

Jayden's face turned white. His jaw tightened. He looked at his grandfather like he wanted to shout.

"Grandpa — you cannot —"

"I can and I will," Chief cut him off. "I am 80 years old. I want great-grandchildren before I die. I want this girl to give me great-grandchildren. Do you understand? No more talk."

He clapped his hands. "Dinner is ready. Let us eat as a family. Amara, come and sit next to me. Tell me about your mother."

Amara and Jayden looked at each other across the room. Their eyes met. For the first time, his cold mask cracked completely. He looked just as trapped, just as shocked, just as scared as she was.

The contract had just changed forever.