It was a quiet Saturday morning in Abuja -Nigeria, one of those mornings where everything felt soft, slow, and expensive. The kind of calm that only exists in places where money speaks without making noise. The air itself carried a certain richness, fresh, clean, almost scented with luxury.
Tucked within this elite part of the city stood an exclusive eatery, the kind only the wealthy even knew about, let alone afforded. It wasn’t loud or flashy, no. Its beauty was in its silence, in the polished glass, the neatly arranged outdoor seating, and the quiet confidence of a place that didn’t need to beg for attention.
---
A deep black Rolls Royce Phantom, the 2024 edition, glided to a smooth stop right at the entrance. The body shimmered like polished obsidian, reflecting the tall glass buildings around it. Every line of the car spoke of authority and wealth that did not need to be explained. Even the engine settled into silence like it understood the kind of presence it carried.
The driver stepped out quickly, dressed in a neat suit, moving with quiet urgency. He walked around the car and reached for the rear door.
But before his hand could fully touch the handle, the door opened from inside.
ARidwan stepped out.
There was no rush in his movement. No need for assistance.
He wore a clean, well pressed jalabiya, simple in design but rich in presence. The fabric moved lightly with the morning breeze, giving him an air of calm dignity. A traditional cap sat perfectly on his head, completing the look of a man grounded in faith yet surrounded by wealth.
He adjusted his sleeves slightly, then paused.
His gaze lifted.
In front of him stood the tall buildings covered with glass, stretching into the sky, glass catching the sunlight in quiet brilliance. For a moment, he just stood there, taking it in. His eyes were steady, thoughtful, carrying a depth that hinted at more than what was seen on the surface.
He drew in a slow breath.
Not just air, but something heavier. Something that settled deep within him. There was calm on his face, but beneath it, something else lingered. A quiet tension. The kind that comes when a man is about to face something important. Or someone.
He exhaled gently and began to walk.
Each step was measured, composed. The driver fell back respectfully as Anas made his way toward the entrance. The glass doors opened almost instantly, as though they had been waiting for him.
Inside, the atmosphere remained soft and controlled.
A waitress approached him with a warm, professional smile, her voice gentle as she welcomed him. There was a subtle shift in her tone, the kind reserved for someone she knew was not just another guest.
He acknowledged her with a slight nod.
He was led to a table, one positioned just right. Not too hidden, not too exposed. A place where he could see without being seen too much.
He sat.
Straight. Composed.
His hand moved to his wrist, adjusting his watch slightly before his eyes dropped to it. He checked the time, then leaned back just a little.
His expression hardened, not in anger, but in focus.
Ridwan: (muttering under his breath) what’s taking her so long…
(He exhales softly, adjusting his seat. His fingers tap lightly on the table, controlled but impatient.)
(He checks his wristwatch again, this time holding the look a bit longer. His jaw tightens slightly.)
Ridwan: (whispers) or maybe she just doesn’t want to come
(Pause. He leans back, trying to stay composed, but his eyes shift toward the entrance for a brief second.)
(Cut to outside. His driver sits patiently in the car, hands on the wheel, watching the entrance through the side mirror. Still. Waiting.)
(Cut back inside. Ridwan straightens slightly, adjusting his sleeve.)
Ridwan: (quiet, firm) she will come
(He picks up his phone, glances at it, then drops it back on the table, uninterested.)
------
An hour later
Outside, three sleek black cars were parked in a perfect line, latest models, spotless, their bodies gleaming under the soft morning sun. The kind of cars that didn’t just transport people, but announced status.
The door of the first car opened almost immediately, and two well built men stepped out, sharp suits, dark shades, alert eyes. Without wasting a second, they moved swiftly to the second car.
One of them opened the door.
The other bowed slightly.
Then she stepped out.
Hannah.
One leg first, then the other slow, deliberate, controlled. She wore a perfectly tailored royal blue suit that hugged her figure with quiet elegance. Nothing about her was loud, yet everything about her demanded attention.
Her heels touched the ground with a soft, confident click.
She straightened.
And in that moment, it was impossible not to look at her.
Her skin, light, smooth, almost glowing under the morning light. Her sunglasses rested effortlessly on her face, adding just enough mystery to her already striking presence. She didn’t rush. She didn’t need to.
She simply moved.
Gracefully. Confidently. Like someone who knew exactly who she was and knew the world knew it too.
The guards fell in step behind her immediately as she walked toward the entrance. A few steps back, her personal assistant hurried along, clutching a tablet, followed by two other subordinates trying to keep pace without looking like they were trying too hard.
(The glass door opens. Hannah walks in. Her presence shifts the atmosphere instantly. Conversations slow down. A few heads turn. Her heels echo softly on the polished floor as she walks with calm authority.)
(She pauses slightly, scanning the space… then she sees him.)
(At the same moment, Ridwan lifts his head, his brows tightening slightly as if tracing the sound of her steps.)
(Their eyes meet.)
(Ridwan freezes for a brief second. He takes her in. The suit. The confidence. The way she carries herself.)
(He is surprised… but not completely.)
(He slowly gets on his feet.)
(Hannah walks toward him, steady, unapologetic.)
(She stops in front of him. A brief silence.)
(She pulls back, removes her sunglasses, and looks him over from head to toe before taking her seat.)
(Ridwan watches her for a second… then sits.)
Ridwan: (calm, but firm) that was rude
(Pause)
Ridwan: I didn’t expect you to be this… dismissive
(Hannah looks away, uninterested.)
Ridwan: we agreed on a time (Pause)
Ridwan: and you’re not the only person in this world to....
(Hannah slowly turns back to him, her expression sharp.)
Hannah: (dry) oh please…
(She leans back slightly, crossing her legs.)
Hannah: I was wondering why you chose to dress like this
(She gestures lightly at his outfit.)
Hannah: are you from a poor background… or is this some kind of extremism?
(Pause. Ridwan remains calm, watching her.)
Hannah: (cold) anyway… we’re here for business (Pause) let’s not waste time
(She leans forward slightly.)
Hannah: but first… (She stretches out her hand toward him.)
Hannah: (formal, but with an edge) formalities...how about we start with introductions
(Pause. Ridwan’s eyes drop to her hand, then back to her face.)
Hannah: (slight smirk) my name is Hannah Charles
(She holds her hand there, waiting.)
(Ridwan looks at her hand for a moment… then slowly raises his gaze.)
Ridwan: (calm, steady) I don’t shake women
(Pause.)
(Hannah’s expression shifts—shock, then disbelief.)
(She lets out a short laugh, withdrawing her hand.)
Hannah: (shaking her head) wow…
(Pause)
Hannah: you’re even ruder than I expected
(She leans back, studying him.)
Hannah: (low, with meaning) but don’t worry…
(Pause)
Hannah: this is just the beginning.
Hannah: (thinking, a faint, dangerous smile) if only you understood what is coming… you, and everything tied to your name… consider today the beginning of your undoing
Ridwan: (thinking, studying her) if I had known this was the kind of woman she has become… I would never have agreed to this meeting… what if my family has placed me directly in her path… (speaks) by the way, my name is....
Hannah: (cuts in smoothly) spare me! (She raises her hand slightly.)
(Her assistant steps forward at once, placing a sleek file into her hand.)
(Hannah places it on the table with quiet authority.)
Hannah: this is a contract (She leans forward just a little.) and I would advise you not to waste my time pretending you have a choice (She extends her hand. A pen is placed into it. She drops it before him.) sign it.
(Ridwan looks at her, then at the file, disbelief flickering across his face. He opens it and scans through.)
Hannah: (calmly) it is a marriage contract
(Pause)you and I will be entering a formal arrangement
(She leans back, completely composed.)
Hannah: do not misunderstand me… I have no personal interest in you, this is purely strategic
Ridwan: (sits upright, stunned) I beg your pardon… what exactly did you say? Marriage?
Hannah: (slightly impatient) I do not have the luxury of repeating myself ( puts on her sunglasses.) I owe you no explanation
(Pause)
Hannah: sign it, and we can both move forward
Ridwan: (lets out a short, disbelieving laugh) this is absurd (He rises to his feet.)
Ridwan: I will not be part of this nonsense (He turns to leave.)
Paula: (steps forward, offended) excuse me, you cannot simply walk away from....
Hannah: (softly, without looking) leave him... l
(She rests back calmly.) Let him go (Pause) he will return
----------
FEW MINUTES LATER (INSIDE RIDWAN’S CAR)
(Ridwan stands beside the car, phone to his ear, his tone controlled but firm.)
Ridwan: father… I need you to explain what exactly this arrangement is supposed to be
(Pause. He listens.)
Ridwan: a marriage? with her?
(His expression hardens.)
Ridwan: with all due respect, that is not a decision you get to make on my behalf
(Pause)
Ridwan: I have a reputation to uphold
Ridwan: how do you expect me to enter such an arrangement for business?
(Pause. He exhales sharply.)
Ridwan: I should have realised this was orchestrated
(Pause)
Ridwan: no… I will not be signing anything
Ridwan: and I would appreciate it if this matter ends here (Pause) and that is final!
-----
10 MINUTES LATER
(Hannah sits elegantly, focused on her iPad, speaking into her phone with calm authority.)
Hannah: terminate his contract immediately
(Pause)
Hannah: I am not interested in excuses… replace him with someone competent
(She notices Ridwan returning but does not react immediately.)
Hannah: and ensure it is handled today
(She ends the call and looks up.)
Hannah: well… that was quicker than expected
(Ridwan sits, his expression controlled but filled with tension.)
Ridwan: let us be very clear… I have no interest in you
(Pause)
Ridwan: not personally, not otherwise
Ridwan: you are entirely not my preference
Hannah: (cuts in, calmly) that is quite enough
(She leans forward slightly.)
Hannah: I am not here to entertain your opinions
Hannah: I am here to conclude business
(She taps the file lightly.)
Hannah: pick up the pen and sign it
(Pause. Her tone lowers, more dangerous.)
Hannah: do not compel me to repeat myself, or your company may begin to experience certain… difficulties
(Pause)
Hannah: you have already taken more of my time than necessary
(Ridwan’s fist tightens. He stares at the document.)
(Long pause)
(He picks up the pen slowly… hesitates… then signs.)
(Paula steps forward instantly and retrieves the file.)
Ridwan: (quietly, to himself) unbelievable…
(Hannah rises smoothly, adjusting her suit.)
Hannah: I will be in touch when necessary
(Pause. She looks at him directly.) prepare yourself. this arrangement will not be comfortable
(She turns to leave.)
Waitress: what would you like to order ma'am?.
Hannah: (scans her from head to toe disgustly) Paula
Paula: this way, ma’am
(Her security moves swiftly, opening the door for her.)
(Ridwan watches as she exits and drives off.)
(Pause)
Ridwan: (low, shaking his head) who raised this brat? Subhanallah…
Comments
Post a Comment