Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.— George Eliot

They say time flies. Fola could testify to the validity of that statement. Two days had flown past since the visit of her sister and the disappearance of Nora. 

Life returned to normal a few hours after the departure of her sister. Nora reappeared, bossing Fola around like she always did.   Fola's mind drifted to the conversation they had after her reappearance. 

                         Flashback

 After having breakfast, the two sisters returned to Fola's room where they shared stories about their lives.  Kala shared stories about her school life while Fola told stories of her job and office. She remained invasive when questions rose about her personal life.  

In between their discussion, they snacked on chocolate cookies Fola found in the refrigerator in the corner of her room. The refrigerator harbored her guilty pleasures.  Things hidden away from the hawk eyes of Nora. 

Finally, Fola bid Kala farewell in the early hours of the afternoon. Tears welled in her eyes as she closed the door behind her sister. The warmth she felt with her sister's presence faded away and she was left with the daunting remainder of her present life.  

Armed with her sketchbook, she retired to the smallest living room in the house.  A room that temporarily tucked her away from her harsh reality.  Although, this time she couldn't enjoy the tranquility that lived in the room.  

The sounds of heels on the tiles bounced against the walls and caused the hair on Fola's neck to rise. Fola drew in a breath as a familiar floral fragrance filled her senses.  She drew in a breath and looked up.  Nora stood at the doorway in all her glory with a smirk playing on her lips.  

Fola narrowed her eyes and blurted the only question she had. "Where were you?" 

Nora's smirk grew and she strutted into the room. "I was attending to business."

"What business?" Fola's brows wrinkled. 

Nora looked at her with dark eyes and shook her head. "You wouldn't want to know so drop it."

Fola's brows rose and curiosity welled within her but she obeyed and didn't prod for more information. Although her curiosity remained, she consoled herself that in some situations, ignorance is bliss. 

                            End

The clearing of a throat brought Fola out of her daydream. Her eyes darted to the scowling face of her husband. 

"Where were you lost? You just ignored  my presence." His forehead creased. 

Fola lowered her eyes as embarrassment washed over her. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "I got lost in some thoughts.,"

He grunted.  "Save it," he said in a cold voice.  

Fola stopped herself from flinching at the harshness of his voice. His bitterness towards her increased as the years went by and Fola was gradually getting used to it.  She gazed at him from under her lashes. Wrinkles marred his face and strands of gray hair covered parts of his hair. All evidence of the age difference between them.  

A thought swirled in her head as she stared at him.  "Why are you here?" She blurted but immediately regretted it as a deep scowl marred his face. 

"Uh..sorry…I mean…" She scrambled for words to salvage the situation, "what work do need me for?" She held her breath as she waited for his response. 

He slowly turned to her with a menacing look. He hooked his fingers together and leaned forward. "First of all, don't you dare ask me such a question again.  I can come and go as I please. Don't forget the company is in my name." He tossed her a glare.  

"And two, you are not useful to me. You couldn't do the work I gave you and now I have to get someone else." He scowled and shook his head. 

Fola's breath hitched and she rasped out, "What do you mean?" Her eyes widened. 

"That's for me to know and for you to find out." He smirked and leaned back in his chair.  

Terror surged through Fola and a queasy feeling glided in her stomach. Various thoughts flooded her head and left her dumbfounded.  Her eyes darted back to her husband as he leaped to his feet.  

He pinned her with a cold stare.  "Be ready by 6 pm. We have an event to attend." He arranged his cap on his head and ambled out without waiting for a response.  

Fola remained in her seat, quaking in agony. Her eyes darted to the clock and she read the time. She only had three hours to get home and be ready.  With that in mind, she returned to the pile of files in front of her.  

                              ★★★★★

Lady luck seemed to be on Fola's side because she was able to round up all her office work in an hour and return home for Nora to deck her up.  

Now, at fifteen minutes to six, Fola sat in the biggest living room stationed downstairs. The room served as a place for receiving guests. Chief Naade ensured that the decor was top-notch. However, the glitter and glamour repulsed Fola.  

Fola's legs bounced in agitation as she waited for her husband to descend from his room. The bodice of her dress dug into her chest and cut off her circulation which made her unable to properly breathe. The cold air from the air conditioner slapped at her bare arms and a shiver coursed through her.  She wrapped her arms around herself but the chill still seeped through. 

Her eyes darted to the side and she spied a look at Nora who sat on the parallel couch reading a fashion magazine. She was tempted to ask the older woman if the air conditioner could be turned off. However, past experiences taught her that her requests would be turned down.  Nora or should she say Chief Naade had an obsession with all the air conditioners being on.  They claimed it kept the air fresh.  

The sounds of approaching footsteps resonated through the house and Fola's eyes perked up.   Chief Naade clambered down the stairs. He had shed his native attire for a well-tailored navy blue suit that clung to his body.   

"You can go," Nora said in a commanding voice.  

Fola immediately obeyed and leaped to her feet.  She sucked in a breath as she swayed on her feet. The heels of her 5-inch stiletto shook beneath her, threatening her balance.  

"Be fast. You can't afford to keep him waiting." Nora said in an annoyed voice.  

Fola swallowed hard and took a few steps forward while battling to keep her balance.  She held up her dress to prevent the hem from tripping her. Her steps steadied as they walked. Finally, they arrived at the grand lobby of the house. 

Three huge chandeliers covered part of the ceiling and the other furnishings dotted around reeked of wealth. Chief Naade stood by the side of the huge entrance door with his hands tucked away in his pockets.  

As she reached him, his gaze swept over her and approval gleamed in his eyes. 

"We should be on our way," he said and pushed the huge oak door open.

 He marched out and Fola strived to keep up with his quick strides. However, her long dress and uncomfortable shoes slowed her down.  A black Range Rover car waited for them a few distances from the house. The driver opened the car door; Chief Naade slid in and Fola followed next.  

The harsh fragrance of Chief Naade's Cologne engulfed the car and nearly choked Fola. The engine of the car roared to life and the car zoomed out of the compound.  

Although a huge gap sat between Fola and Chief Naade, Fola pressed herself into the door. Every now and then she felt eyes on her but she didn't bother to look up. Her eyes remained glued to the window.  She watched as they flew past other cars and pedestrians walking along the sidewalks.

She did wonder where the event was taking place and what it was all about but she didn't bother to ask because she knew Chief Naade won't reveal anything. Her back stiffened as the feeling of being watched returned but this time it was more intense.  

"Relax," Chief Naade demanded. "I can't have my friends and prospective investors think I am holding you at gunpoint."

Fola withheld a scoff and inwardly thought.

There is not much difference between being held at gunpoint and being helplessly bound.  

She bit her cheek to keep her words at bay.  However, to avoid his insistence,  she forced herself to appear relaxed.  The car continued down the highway until at it finally slowed down in front of a brightly decorated building.  

Knots formed in Fola's stomach as she stared at the building with gold lights wrapped around the front of the building. Nervousness filled her as luxurious cars lined up beside them and expensively dressed men and women slipped out of the cars. 

Suddenly, she didn't want to leave the car. She feared that the people might not be different from sharks prepared to sink their sharp teeth into her flesh. 

"Are you going to sit there the whole evening?" Chief Naade asked from beside her. 

She turned to him with bleak eyes and saw annoyance shine in his eyes. Her little knowledge told her that if she didn't act fast then his annoyance would turn to anger. And she didn't want that. So she pushed the door open and slid out of the car. A shiver rushed through her as a cold breeze whipped at her arms and face.  

Chief Naade came to her side, picked up her hand, and placed it in the crook of his arm. Fola didn't feel any surprise at his actions. It was all a facade of a happy marriage. A ritual they performed once they were in the public eye.  

Fola let him guide her to the entrance of the hall.  Her eyes roamed around and she soaked everything in.  They stalled at the entrance of the hall and presented an access card to the security guards stationed at the door. After going through the procedure and security check, they were given entrance into the hall.  

Light music drifted through Fola's senses as they stepped inside. Gorgeously dressed men and women chatted with each other while sipping on their glasses of wine.  

A squeeze on her hand drew her attention and she looked up.  Chief Naade looked down at her with a drawn expression.  

"Remember, not one mistake." His eyes darkened.  

Fola jerked her head in acknowledgment as a lump lodged in her throat. She remained silent as he led her to a group of men clad in expensive suits.  He released her to exchange hugs and handshakes with the men. Her back stiffened as his arm snaked around her waist.  

"Everyone, meet my wife, Mrs. Folake Akande." A smile graced his lips.  

Fola forced a smile on her face because it was the expected thing.  The men sent her grins which she reciprocated but she couldn't wait for it to be over.  

One of the men beamed. "It is good that many of our wives are here. Many of them are friends already but they won't mind a new member." 

"Yes, yes.  I agree. It would boost our reputation if our wives are friends," another man said.  

 "It will do my wife some good if she makes some friends," Chief Naade said and squeezed Fola's waist. 

Fola knew he didn't mean that but she remained silent and let him drag her towards a cluster of women sitting around a table next to the men's table. She withheld a grimace as her eyes scanned the women's faces.  Heavy makeup covered their faces, making them look older than their age. As they reached the table, the women rose and curled their hands around their husbands' hands.

The men began the introductions. Fola struggled to keep up with the different names and similar but different faces. She sent a smile to each woman as they were introduced. The women returned her smile but they seemed forced just like hers.  After the introduction ended, the men departed, leaving Fola with curious eyes peering at her.  

Fola shuffled on her feet. It became more difficult to stand in her shoes and she prayed one of the women would be nice enough to offer her a seat. Her wish was granted because a few seconds one of the women smiled and gestured to the empty chair. 

"It's so nice to meet you. Have a seat."

Fola offered her thanks and quickly slipped into the seat. Relief surged through her as the throb in her feet dulled a little.  Silence loomed over the table and Fola grew nervous. All her life she had never been good at socialization so she couldn't bring herself to start a conversation with the women.  

"So…Mrs. Fola Akande," the lady who offered her the seat broke the silence. "Your own that famous fashion house, right?" 

Fola nodded in response. 

"Well, it's nice to meet you. I have procured several of your dresses and I wear them for only special occasions," the woman said with a prideful smile. 

"Thank you for your patronage. I am glad you find them worthy of special occasions." Fola sent the woman a genuine smile which the woman returned. 

"I also purchased a dress from you," chimed another lady.  "It was a light blue dress with a beaded bodice and a sweetheart neckline." She grinned.  

Fola smiled in recognition of the dress. It was a dress from their star collection last December. 

"I love the dress. It fits my color tone perfectly." Her smile widened. 

Fola sent the lady an appreciative smile. "Thank you so much. I am glad you like it."

Fola basked in joy as the other women had a word of compliment for her work.  She soaked up their praises.  Because to her, her work wasn't just a job but her passion, a distraction, and most of all, a reason to live.  

A hush fell over the group but the silence was not as awkward as before. However, the peaceful ambiance was shattered after what happened next.  

Someone cleared their throat. "So tell me, Fola, how did you and why did you become Mrs. Naade Akande?" 

Fola looked at the woman who she believed was named Clarissa. The woman stared at her with a condescending expression.  Her breath hitched as the words of the woman played repeatedly in her head.  

"I am sorry, what do you mean?" Fola asked with confused eyes. 

The woman smirked.  "You know what I mean." Her smirk broadened. "You should be at least in your late twenties or early thirties and Chief Naade turned 50 two months ago. So tell me, what did such a young and talented woman see in such an older man?" Her eyes bore into Fola while the sly smirk continued to play on her lips.

"Was it the money or do you have a thing for old men?" Mockery gleamed in her eyes.

Fola's stomach churned and her heart lurched as the woman's words struck a painful chord in her heart. Her head filled with thoughts of the answers only she knew.  

                        ★★★★★

Hmmm, what do you think Nora is up to? 👀🤔

And in your opinion what answer should Fola give to the lady?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

And I also look forward to seeing your votes. So don't hold back😁

Until next time, attend a party  😂