James stood at the edge of his room, staring out the window as his thoughts spiraled. He pressed his cellphone against his ear, listening to his mother's anxious voice on the other end. Yet his mind wasn't entirely present.
*I can't tell her. I can't let her know that Dad has broken his promise again, this time with a new sugar baby,* he thought, clenching his fist. *But I swear, I'll find out who she is and what's going on.*
"James? Are you there?" his mother's voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to the moment.
"Yes, Mum, I'm here," he replied, keeping his tone calm despite the whirlwind inside. "Don't worry yourself too much. Dad's just got some very important work to do in Abuja, so he'll be staying a few extra days."
There was a pause on the line before his mother let out a resigned sigh. "Alright, James. I'll speak to you later," she said, her voice weary before ending the call.
James dropped his cellphone onto the desk and ran a hand through his hair. He couldn't bear the thought of his mother being hurt again, especially after the countless promises his father had made to her. Yet, here they were again, a storm brewing in silence.
Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel suite across the city, Sandra stepped into the bathroom, humming a tune as she turned on the shower. The warm water cascading over her skin brought a smile to her face as she thought about her plans.
*This is the perfect time to ask for that car,* she mused, her lips curling into a sly grin. *But first, I need him to upgrade my cellphone. A new model would do nicely.*
Sandra emerged from the bathroom minutes later, her expression deliberately downcast. Her shoulders drooped, and she let out a dramatic sigh as she walked back into the room.
Mr Coca, reclining on the plush sofa, looked up and frowned. "What's wrong, my dear? Why do you look so sad?"
She pouted, crossing her arms. "It's my cellphone, Mr Coca. My old one is outdated. All the big girls are using the latest models now. I need an upgrade. I can't keep using this."
Mr Coca chuckled, shaking his head. "Is that why you're looking so miserable?"
"Yes, Mr Coca," she said, her tone tinged with exasperation. "And it's not just the phone. I need a car, too. And I've been thinking—I want to start a business. I don't want to rely on anyone else. I want to be a boss lady on my own."
Mr Coca leaned forward, a soft smile on his face. "You don't need to worry. We'll get you the cellphone today. As for the car, once we're back in Lagos, we'll sort that out as well. And for your business, just let me know what you want to invest in, and I'll transfer the funds to your account."
Sandra's eyes lit up with excitement as she threw her arms around him. "Thank you so much, Mr Coca! You're such a darling. I love you so much."
She quickly got dressed, slipping into a short, figure-hugging gown that left little to the imagination. As she turned to face Mr Coca, his eyes lingered on her, admiration clear on his face.
"You look stunning," he said, unable to hide his smile.
Sandra giggled and took his arm. Together, they left the suite, the driver already waiting by the car. He opened the door, and the pair slipped inside, heading for the mall.
---
At the mall, Sandra's excitement was palpable as she browsed through the electronics section. She finally settled on the model she wanted for her new cellphone.
"Do you like that one?" Mr Coca asked, standing beside her.
"I love it," Sandra replied with a bright smile.
Mr Coca didn't hesitate, paying for the phone before following Sandra as she indulged in a shopping spree, picking out clothes, shoes, and accessories for herself. As they were about to leave, she turned to him, her eyes sparkling.
"Mr Coca, can we go to a nightclub? I feel like dancing tonight," she said.
Mr Coca shook his head, his expression apologetic. "I don't think there's time for that, my dear. We'll be booking the first flight back to Lagos. I've received an urgent call, and I need to be there early tomorrow."
Sandra's face fell. "But you said we were staying for a week. Why the sudden change?"
"I know what I said, but this meeting is very important. I promise, once I'm free in Lagos, we'll go to the club together. Is that alright?"
She hesitated before nodding. "Is that a promise, Mr Coca?"
"It's a promise," he said, and they both smiled.
Later that evening, their flight landed in Lagos. At the airport, Mr Coca turned to Sandra. "I need to head home now. You can order a ride to take you back to your place."
Sandra nodded, though a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "Alright. I'll see you later."
As Mr Coca's car pulled away, Sandra ordered a ride and headed home. Back at her house, her mother greeted her with a disapproving look.
"You're back early. I thought you said you'd be staying longer," her mother said.
Sandra shrugged, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Mr Coca had an urgent meeting to attend tomorrow morning, so we had to return early. But guess what, Mum?"
Her mother's frown deepened. "I'm not interested in guessing, Sandra. I've told you before, I don't approve of this lifestyle you're living."
Sandra rolled her eyes. "Even if you don't want to guess, I'll tell you anyway. Mr Coca just got me a new phone, and he promised to buy me a car and even fund a business for me. Isn't that amazing?"
Her mother's face darkened with disappointment. "Sandra, what do you want me to do with this information? Should I jump for joy that my daughter, who was raised in a Christian home, is running around with a man old enough to be her father? I'm ashamed of you."
Sandra crossed her arms, unfazed by her mother's words. "Mum, you should be happy for me. Soon, I'll have my own business and be independent. Don't worry—you'll be proud of me one day."
Her mother sighed deeply, shaking her head as she walked away.
---
At the same time, Mr Coca arrived home to find his wife waiting for him in the living room, her expression a mixture of anger and hurt.
"Why didn't you answer my calls? You couldn't even call me back," she said, her voice trembling.
"I'm sorry," Mr Coca replied softly. "I was very busy. Please forgive me."
She folded her arms. "James told me you said you wouldn't be back until next week. What happened?"
"Yes, I said that," he admitted, "but an important meeting came up, and I had to return early."
"Does James know you're back?" she asked.
"No, not yet. I'll call him now."
Mr Coca dialed his son's number, and James picked up almost immediately. "I'm back," Mr Coca said.
"When did you get back? I thought you weren't coming home until next week," James said, suspicion creeping into his voice.
"I had to return early for an important meeting," Mr Coca explained.
"Alright, Dad. I'll check on you tomorrow after your meeting. We need to discuss the company," James said before ending the call.
Mr Coca sighed as he put down his cellphone. The weight of the lies he carried pressed heavily on him, but he brushed the feeling aside. There were other matters to focus on, matters he hoped wouldn't come crashing down too soon.