Hidden Cracks

The power outage and cleared browser history left me uneasy for the whole weekend. I tried to convince myself it was just NEPA wahala and my own paranoia. But deep down, I knew something was not right. Still, the flowers from Emmy were sitting pretty on my centre table, and every time I looked at them, small smile dey come.

Monday morning, I threw myself into work to distract myself. My boss gave me a big task — handling PR for one of Emmy’s companies. The brief came from his office directly. When I saw the email, my stomach turned. Was this coincidence or him trying to pull me closer?

I decided to go to his office in Victoria Island for the briefing. The building was fine — glass everywhere, big reception with expensive art. When I entered his office, Emmy was on a call. He waved me to sit, his eyes lighting up when he saw me.

The meeting was professional at first. We discussed the campaign, timelines, and budget. But after the secretary left, he leaned back in his chair.

“I’m glad it’s you handling this, Ada. I trust your touch.”

We talked beyond work. He opened up small about the pressure of running big business in Lagos — fake friends, family expectations, and how lonely the top can be sometimes. For the first time, I saw small crack in his perfect image. He looked tired, like someone carrying heavy load.

As I was about to leave, he said softly, “Ada, be careful out there. Not everybody is as nice as they seem.”

Those words followed me home. That evening, I decided to ask the security man small question.

“Uncle, how long have Chief Nwosu and his wife been living here?”

“Almost four years. Very good people. Although, before Ifeoma, there was another lady. But e be like say things no work out.”

I pressed gently. “What happened?”

The man shrugged. “I no know details. But after that time, Chief become more private. Just focus on your work my daughter. This estate get ears and eyes.”

His answer only made my curiosity stronger. That night, I continued my search on Adanna Okeke. This time I used my phone data instead of Wi-Fi. I found an old blog post from 2021. It said Adanna was a banker who suddenly left the country after her engagement to Emmy ended. No explanation. Just “personal reasons.”

My heart was racing. What if there was more?

Around 10:30pm, I heard a soft knock on my door. I open am small and see Emmy standing there in casual wear.

“Sorry for the late visit. I saw your light on. Can I come in for five minutes?”

Against my better judgement, I let him in. We sat in the living room. He looked troubled.

“I know you have been asking questions about me,” he said quietly. “I don’t blame you. But Ada, some things are better left in the past. My marriage to Ifeoma… it’s complicated. There are things I can’t explain easily.”

Before I could reply, he took my hand gently. The touch sent small current through my body. “I enjoy talking with you. You make me feel seen. Just… be patient with me.”

We talked for almost one hour. Real talk. No pretence. When he finally stood up to leave, he hugged me lightly. His scent lingered even after he left.

The next morning, I woke up to a missed call from an unknown number and one WhatsApp message from a strange account.

“Curious girls don’t last long in this estate. Last warning.”

Attached to the message was a photo — the same old picture of Emmy and Adanna, but this time with red ink crossed over Adanna’s face.

My hands were shaking as I stared at the screen. This was no longer small gossip. Someone was seriously watching me.

To be continued…