Chapter One

'All it takes to meet your soulmate in life is a small, tiny, single moment. You may meet your soul mate and not even realize you've found them'

********

Lekki

Late January.

Denola Mayfair.

'Denola call me later, I'm sorry. Please let me explain' a feminine voice filled the car as Denola played the voice note his ex girlfriend had sent earlier in the day over and over again.

He closed his eyes and dropped the phone on the passenger's seat. She was sorry, how could he forgive her? Denola had been stupid enough to trust her and had shared his business plans with her only for her to share them with his business rival.

The contract he had worked hard for for over an entire year was lost to him now, simply because he'd trusted Teniola.

'How could you be so stupid?!' his grandfather had raged when he'd heard the news, his father had also been disappointed.

He'd not just lost the contract, he'd lost his promotion, his grandfather's trust and confidence.

Damn! Everything was lost to him now because he'd trusted Teniola. Even with her  betrayal, he couldn't bring himself to hate her or forget her.

She was the love of his life, the both of them had been friends as children, best friends as teenagers and lovers as adults.  Why had Teniola betrayed him?

Denola parked his car in the parking lot before getting out of the car. To take his mind off his current situation,  his best friend Hakeem had offered to take him out to his favorite bar to brighten up his mood.

Denola wasn't a fan of bars but tonight he really needed a drink,  he needed company before he lost his mind.  Teniola had moved her belongings from their three room condo before he came home, she'd clearly planned everything out in her head before betraying him. Smart woman.

He scoffed lightly Teniola had always been smarter than he was, it made him love her even more. He hated empty headed women who had nothing to offer but their bodies.

He took his silver colored VIP card out of his pocket as he walked to the entrance of Hakeem's bar. The bouncer at the door studied him critically before he presented his card.

"Welcome sir" the bouncer's  menacing glare transformed into a grin.  Denola ignored the man and brushed past him into the bar.  Without taking in the activities of the bar downstairs, he headed to the VIP section upstairs. Displaying his card again to another bouncer, he was granted access into the VIP section.

His best friend and business partner Hakeem was sitting on a chaise lounge and he was surrounded by variety of women.

Unlike Denola, Hakeem was a ladies man. His heart had been broken a long time ago and he swore he was going to use women however he pleased rather than to love again.

Denola briefly wondered if he could be like Hakeem,  to use various women rather than sticking to one. Could he?

"Deno, my man!" Hakeem called in a loud voice when he sighted Denola. Denola walked over to him but didn't sit close to him because the ladies around him were smoking.

"How long have you been here?" Denola asked looking at the numerous empty bottles on the table.  Hakeem shrugged "All day, living la vida loca. You only live once Denola, loosen up man" Hakeem said.

Denola shook his head at his friend's behavior, no one would know Hakeem was a married man.  His wife was pretty meek and tolerant, she always put up with his ways. The woman was probably a saint.

"Ladies meet my nigga, Denola Mayfair. He's loaded with lots of money to throw around. Be good to him if you want to get a dose of that money" Hakeem announced crudely.

Denola winced as a few girls scrambled to sit beside him. "Hello... I'm Pinky but you can call me pink for short" one of the ladies who was dressed in an outrageous outfit whispered in his ears.  Denola resisted the urge to push her away as Hakeem winked.

"Nigga loosen the fück up!  What do you want to drink? You need to get drunk Denola, you need to get really drunk. Smoke pot, get high and forget that slüt" Hakeem said.

Denola winced at the language, he was mad at Teniola.  What she had done was terrible but that didn't make her a slut. He didn't like Hakeem's language but he made no comment about it. He was Hakeem's guest here and it would be wrong to offend the host.

He felt a soft body pressed against him and turned to see a dark and curvy beauty "So what will you be having Mister Mayfair?" she licked her lips. "Dark, finger licking chocolate or Sexy vanilla?" The dark one gestured to her fair friend.

"You can have both of us too" the fair one offered. Denola was about to reply when a lady stormed into the VIP section  with two bouncers right behind her.

"Where's the owner of this shitty establishment?" She shouted and headed towards Denola. 

Denola's eyes accessed the angry woman, she was extremely fair. Her skin like those people who were said to have escaped albinism. She was all creamy and tall, her skin was  gleaming under the multi colored lights and it was no exaggeration to say she looked unreal. Like a photo shopped image taken out of a magazine.

The only thing that marred her perfect body was her face. Though bare without make up,  her lips were curled in disgust and her face scrunched up in an ugly frown.

Hakeem whistled as he took in the angry woman. She was fuming, her hands on her hips,  her shoulders straight and long neck cocked sideways.

Denola assumed she was a client from her outfit because unlike Hakeem's workers who were indecently dressed, this woman was dressed in a grey, sleeveless, ankle length jumpsuit that only heightened the fairness of her skin.

"Boss,  we couldn't stop her. She had a VIP card" One of the bouncers explained. Hakeem nodded and ordered them to leave.

The woman was narrowing her eyes at Hakeem now.

"How may I help you ma'am?" he asked.

"I asked one of your stand by chauffeurs to park my car for me when I came in here. Only for me to go out now and see that my car has a scratch on it!" The woman yelled.

"Ma. Please calm down, why don't we go downstairs and I'll handle it" Hakeem said calmly and stood up.  He walked over to the woman and placed his hand on her shoulder.

The woman shrugged him off. "Don't try to placate me,  you or your chauffeur. I don't care which one of you, but one of you will pay for the fixing of my car" she said and walked away.

Hakeem shook his head and looked at Denola. "Come with me please, you know how I hate to deal with these kind of troublesome women" Hakeem pleaded once the woman was out of sight.

Denola who had been looking for an escape from chocolate and vanilla jumped at the opportunity and immediately left his seat.

He briefly wondered what Hakeem saw in these women.  He certainly had a better woman at home, why was he with these crazy girls?

*

When the angry woman had said 'scratch' she'd said it like it was a minor thing. The chauffeur had not only dented the passenger's door but he'd also damaged her side mirror.

"Sir...I swear to God who made me,  I didn't scratch her car or spoil her mirror. No be today I don't dey park people car for here" The chauffeur maintained.

"Are you calling me a liar?!" The angry lady sparked again. "My car was in good condition when I came here.  I only gave you my keys because you said there were many cars in the building and I wouldn't be able to park properly" she yelled.

Denola sighed as he watched the scene. Why couldn't the chauffeur just admit his mistake? He probably didn't want a decrease in his salary or a sack letter.

Hakeem sighed "Look ma, it's fine.  I'll pay for the damage. It can't be that expensive, my mechanic guy will handle it. As a matter of fact I'll call you a cab now and tomorrow you can pick up your car. Trust me" Hakeem said to the lady.

The lady shook her head vehemently "No way,  I don't trust you or your mechanic. I'll have to call my auto repair man" she said and took out her phone from her clutch.

She walked away from the trio and went to phone the mechanic man.

Hakeem shook his head again "Women and their wahala" He spat and turned to the chauffeur.

"As for you,  I'll let the HR handle you. Get out of my sight" Hakeem said furiously.

This was not how he expected his night to go.  The chauffeur nodded and hurried away.

Denola sighed "That's quite a dent, what do you think he hit?" Denola asked. "Probably the gate, hopefully not another car" Hakeem shrugged.

"And the mirror too,  are you sure the chauffeur was not drunk?" Denola commented again as he took in the damaged Honda accord.

"I should probably fire him but he really needs this job" Hakeem rubbed his jaw. Denola smiled at Hakeem. Despite his hard guy exterior, he cared a lot about everyone around him.

"Why are you smiling?" Hakeem asked gruffly. "You're just a big softie" Denola laughed.

Hakeem rolled his eyes and turned back to the lady who was a few steps away from them. "Fair women are trouble" Hakeem muttered.

Denola studied him. "Your wife doesn't seem like she gives you a lot of trouble" Denola joked.

Hakeem's expression hardened. "My wife...she's a good actress. Everyday is a movie set or a stage play to her" Hakeem muttered. Denola was about to ask him what he meant when the lady returned.

"I've phoned my mechanic . He's coming to see the damage, I'm not leaving till he gets here" she said.

"Lady this is my club. I'm not running anywhere, it's late. I'll call you a cab and we can sort this out tomorrow. Where are you heading to?" Hakeem asked.

The lady huffed looking very offended. "Fine,  just  give me your card so I can give my mechanic your number. He'll call you when he gets here" The lady said.

Denola watched the scene quietly as the duo exchanged numbers and names. Her name was Amanda, beautiful name.

"Man I have to leave now" Denola said.

"Why? you've barely spent thirty minutes here" Hakeem said. "I had a hectic day, I need to be in bed" Denola said.

"Alright, Man. Amanda where are you heading?" Hakeem asked.

"VGC" Amanda responded. 

Hakeem turned to Denola and whispered. "Best way to get over one woman is  to be with another. This one looks like a good catch" Hakeem suggested.

Denola shook his head, he didn't want to get over Teniola with another woman.  He and Teni weren't even officially over.

Denola turned to the beautiful Amanda and sent her a small smile.  "It was nice meeting you Amanda,  I'm sorry your night was ruined" Denola said courteously.

Amanda turned her attention to him and smiled a little. "Thanks, goodnight. Mr?" Amanda asked.

"Denola" he said before turning to leave. Denola walked back to his car, once he was in his car, he played Teni's voice note again.  He couldn't get over her.

•••

"Their first meeting was a mistake, their second a coincidence. What if the third was fate?"

********
Early February

Lagos

Amanda

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Davina asked. Amanda straightened the hem of her ankle length black trousers and turned to her friend.

"Of course, I know what I'm doing. I have a meeting with a client in about thirty minutes. I'm getting ready for the meeting" Amanda replied with a smirk.

Davina rolled her eyes "Very funny smartäss.  I know you're having a meeting but you know what I'm talking about" Davina responded as she watched her friend adjust her tie.

"Davina sweetie...I have no clue" Amanda replied and pulled on a teal colored blazer.

"Amanda this is the first time you're taking on a client.  You've not been in the business since you graduated, are you sure you can pull this off? You don't have to do this" Davina said.

Amanda sighed and placed her hand on Davina's shoulder. "I may not have the experience but I'm fully qualified to take on this job.  Have faith in me sweetheart, I will not ruin your reputation. If your clients are not pleased with my job,  I'll refund them" Amanda promised as she stepped into her black heels.

"Alright, I have faith in you.  I know you're good at this but I really wish I could come with you.  You understand that I really have to be in Abuja today " Davina explained.

Amanda nodded before picking up her phone and bag.  "Enjoy Abuja with your boyfriend and his family. I have a feeling that he's going to propose this weekend. You guys totally deserve this vacation, honestly you work too hard. Go have some fun" Amanda said encouragingly.

Davina smiled "Okay, let me know all about the meeting when it's over. I'll phone you when I get to Abuja" Davina said leaning up to kiss her cheek.

Amanda pulled her into a big hug.  "Alright bye,  I don't want to be late" she said letting go off Davina and rushing out of the room.

*

'How wonderful Lagos would be without Traffic' Amanda mused as she fiddled with her phone in the car. It was twenty five minutes already and she was still stuck in traffic.

Apparently a trailer had broken down somewhere in front and everyone was trying to squeeze over to the other side. Her phone pinged and her heart skipped as she saw the notification.

'You still haven't called, when am I going to hear from you?'

Amanda swallowed hard, she read the text over and over again before deleting it. Her finger hovered over the block icon, she clicked it before dropping the phone in her bag.

She was still deep in thought when she heard a blaring horn from the vehicle behind her.  She struggled for composure before turning on the ignition.

"Olori werey, Ja kpa jor!" the crude conductor yelled in her direction as the bus overtook her car. Amanda sighed and rolled her eyes. "Will I ever get used to this city?" she asked herself as she drove.

She was already twenty eight minutes late when she got to Mayfair Towers.

She quickly unfastened her seat belt, took her bag and hurried out of the car. She straightened up her outfit and rushed to the entrance.

She was in such a hurry that she missed a step and almost tripped. If he hadn't caught her, she would have fallen to the ground, ruined her outfit and probably sustain an injury.

Amanda let out a breath of relief and met the eyes of her saviour. A frown formed on her face as she regained her balance. It was the man from the other night at the club. What was his name again, Debola or Demola?

She straightened her blazer. "Thank you, I'm not usually this clumsy. I'm just in a hurry" Amanda explained.

Denola smiled at her "We meet again, what a coincidence" He said.

Amanda shrugged "Well you know what they say....it's a small world. Thank you very much Demola, that fall would have been a disaster" Amanda said gratefully.

Denola nodded not bothering to correct her  mistake. He probably would never see her again so what's the point in telling her it was Denola and not Demola.

"Have a lovely day miss" he waved before walking away. Amanda adjusted her tie and walked into the building.

*

"What do you mean by he is not around?! I was supposed to have a meeting here with him at eight thirty. I know I'm late but it's a brief meeting" Amanda protested with a groan.

Her first job in years and she was about to lose it. Wow, tough luck.

"I see you penciled in here Miss but my boss doesn't tolerate lateness. He was expecting you by eight thirty, the appointment  was cancelled when you failed to turn up ten minutes later" The receptionist said in a sassy tone.

"So what does this mean, should I come tomorrow or he won't be needing my services anymore?" Amanda asked with a hopeful voice.

The receptionist rolled her eyes and shook her head  "Honestly my boss works with serious people, he won't be needing you ever again" she said bluntly.

Amanda sighed "I am a very serious person, I was stuck in traffic. A trailer broke down around that..." Amanda was explaining when the receptionist cut her off.

"Ma I don't  care,  I'm just the receptionist. My boss doesn't need your services anymore. I suggest you leave, would you rather I call security?" the receptionist asked.  Amanda scoffed at the rude receptionist.

"Screw you and your boss,  I'm the best interior designer in town. If your boss doesn't want my services, that's  his loss.  Have a good day" Amanda hissed before walking  out of the reception.

She texted Davina immediately, feeling like a failure as she typed the words. 'Didn't get the contract'.

She could already tell that Davina would be disappointed, they had really wanted this contract.

Davina had started up 'Vina decors' a year after leaving college. All she had was the  money she'd saved while working the previous year and her passion for the job.  She'd started Vina decors with a low budget. She was still running on that low budget when Amanda moved in with her.

Amanda decided to use the last of her savings to invest in Vina decors. They had no more money, Davina was broke and Amanda was even more broke.

How were they going to pay the staffs this month? Probably with the money for their house rent. Then they would get kicked out of their house.

Davina was an independent woman, she'd never ask her boyfriend for help but at least Davina had someone she could move in with in case the entire thing failed. She on the other hand would be homeless and penniless till she sold her car.

Her tummy rumbled and she groaned. Her stomach needed breakfast, she yawned hungrily before heading to her car.  

Davina's text came in when she was already settled into her car.  'What, how?!'

'I came in late, the traffic had me hooked. I'm really sorry Vina, I'll do my best to get us something else. Where are you now?' Amanda texted back.

'I'm on the mainland heading to the airport. I'll think of something while on the plane. Be safe for me okay?' Davina responded.

'Okay, bye.  Say hi to Tim for me.  Love you both' Amanda texted before dropping her phone.

She sighed as she noted that she was running out of fuel already. Why was life being so hard on her.

She was a few seconds from giving up, nothing was working for her. She could feel her hard exterior breaking.

If her walls shattered, then she would be ruined. Her insides could not handle her problems, she was too fragile.

Way too fragile, even though she tried not to show it.