Chapter 3 ~Chapter 3~

Her eyes were fixated on the tall figure heading towards her direction, that she bumped into someone. "Are you blind?!" Sola yelled, finally removing her eyes from the figure. " Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?!" The lady said, as she offered to pick her up from the floor. " Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to yell a you like that." "Oh it's fine, really. I just hope you're not hurt." "Uhmm, yes, I am uh... I'm fine. Thanks." Sola felt really sorry about the way she reacted.She stared as the lady walked away, wondering who the beautiful lady was.

Two years of working in a prestigious company, Sola now lived a somewhat comfortable life. She had now been able to maintain a stable financial source, which she used to take care of herself, as well as her mother and sister in Ogbomosho. Things seemed like they were falling into place. She even furthered her education and is currently doing her Masters, while working of course. Life has truly tested her, but she met a few good people along the way, who impacted her greatly. Her sister is also completing her programme at the University soon, and she couldn't me more prouder of their growth as a family. Her father remained as he was, incompetent.

Nathaniel, the figure Sola wouldn't stop staring at, was the company's newly employed CEO. He had only been there for a week and Sola already took a liking to him. Well, who wouldn't? Nathaniel was the most wanted guy in the company, all the girls were dying to speak with him. They all fantasized about him whenever he passed by, or spoke to anyone of them. He was rich, tall, dark and handsome, apparently fitting the description of all Sola wanted in a man. She wanted someone who would make her feel vulnerable and baby her, without the need to do anything, and Nathaniel seemed like he meets these criteria.

"Gather round please, everyone." The moment she heard his voice, she went running from her desk to wherever the voice was calling from. No sooner, everyone was gathered around the table, some listening from their work desks. "I'd like to formally introduce you to our new HR (Human Resources), who has just returned from abroad after 3 years of studying in a prestigious school. She'd also be controlling the training of our new interns." Nathaniel smiled at her, as if telling her to go ahead and introduce herself. "Good afternoon guys, I am Chinaza Oche. And it's really a pleasure for me to be here. I do hope we all corporate towards the betterment of this company." Her smile beamed across the room. Sola took a closer look at her and realized she was the lady that bumped into her earlier. "Oh my Goodness." She quietly whispering. "What am I going to do now with that being her first impression of me?" She thought to herself.

"It's a pleasure to have you here as well, ma'am." Razaq, the Assistant manager replied, stretching his hands out for an handshake. "Thank you." She said as she shook his hands. Everyone were in awe of her. She was really glowing with the wide smile she wore on her face. "I'll show you to your new office." Nathaniel said and gazed into her eyes, returning her smile.

* * *

Nothing feels better than being back in your hometown, after spending three and the half years out of it. It is a breath of fresh for me. The US was fun, but how I missed my country so much. Finally I'd be celebrating my twenty- fourth birthday in Nigeria, and most importantly, with my family. No sooner had I arrived than my father placed me in this company. "It's a little welcome-back gift from us my darling." He said. I see this as an opportunity, don't get me wrong, but not this soon. I need a break. The company is not to that bad afterall. Nothing too hard for Chinaza to fix; I thought. The people are amazing as well, especially that... "Kpom kpom kpom!" My room door was banged so hard that I gasped. "Mum, you know you don't need to knock that hard, come on in." I said, stretching like a pregnant cat in a litter box. "Asanwa, my beautiful daughter. You know it's been years since we stepped out together, as a mother and daughter duo. So I was thinking ehn, why don't we do that today, since you'd be going to work tomorrow, leaving me all alone again, why not spend time with me today?" She said, whining like a little child begging for a candy. "But mummy, you know how much rest I need, to be able to process tomorrow's activities. This won't do, let's reschedule mummy." I said, avoiding her convincing eyes. "Okay, it's fine. I have accepted the neglect from both my husband and daughter. It is well." She stood up, attempting to leave, having guilt trapped me. "Mummy you just know how to tick my boxes. I'll get ready, you do so as well." I said dragging my feet to the shower. "Thank you my beautiful daughter, I knew you wouldn't refuse me, you sef want some alone time with mummy." She said, dancing, as she darted out of the room.