A week had passed since the mysterious fire that reduced Hannah's bedroom to ashes.
The incident remained one of London's greatest mysteries. Despite the investigations, no one could determine how the fire started. There were no signs of forced entry, no electrical fault, and no reasonable explanation. It was as though someone had deliberately erased every trace.
Hannah, however, refused to ignore the warning.
She never returned to the Charles Mansion after that night.
Instead, she checked into one of London's finest luxury hotels, occupying a private executive suite overlooking the city. It became both her temporary home and her office. From there, she attended board meetings, managed Luxora Group, and quietly continued preparing for the marriage arrangement with Ridwan.
Mr. Charles visited her several times, pleading with her to return home.
Each time, Hannah politely declined.
The mansion no longer felt like home.
It felt like a place where someone wanted her dead.
Besides, there was nothing left for her to return to. Every personal belonging she had treasured had been consumed by the fire. Rather than mourn what was lost, she chose to begin again.
Days turned into a week.
Meanwhile, Hannah and Ridwan maintained only the communication necessary for the marriage arrangements. Their conversations were brief, formal and completely devoid of emotion. Neither attempted to build a relationship beyond the agreement they had signed.
Eventually, both families agreed on a date for the traditional family introduction—the first official meeting between the Charles and the Badmus families before the wedding preparations would begin.
It was a meeting everyone anticipated for different reasons.
Chief Badmus and Mrs. Badmus looked forward to welcoming a new daughter into the family.
Mr. Charles hoped the gathering would finally restore peace between the two households.
Hannah simply wanted everything concluded as quickly as possible.
Mrs. Charles...
She had an entirely different plan.
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(Sunday morning. The Charles Mansion stands majestically beneath the warm London sun. Every corner of the estate has been carefully prepared for the arrival of the distinguished guests. Fresh flowers decorate the entrance. Servants move gracefully through the mansion, ensuring every detail is perfect.)
(Outside the mansion, a convoy of luxurious black vehicles slowly drives through the grand gates before coming to a gentle stop.)
(The doors open one after another.)
(Chief Badmus steps out first, dressed in a richly embroidered navy-blue agbada, complemented by a matching cap and a finely carved walking cane. Beside him, Mrs. Badmus appears in an elegant lace iro and buba, adorned with tasteful gold jewelry that reflects quiet sophistication rather than extravagance.)
(Ridwan follows shortly after, dressed in a perfectly tailored traditional senator outfit with a matching cap. His appearance is simple yet undeniably distinguished, carrying himself with the confidence and discipline of a man who values dignity above display.)
(The servants at the entrance exchange discreet glances, clearly impressed by the elegance and grace of the Nigerian family.)
Maid: (Softly to another.) They carry themselves like royalty.
Second Maid: Wealth has a language... and they speak it effortlessly.
(The butler steps forward with a respectful bow.)
Butler: Welcome to the Charles Mansion. Mr. Charles has been expecting you.
(He gestures politely toward the entrance.)
Chief Badmus: Thank you.
(The family is escorted into the magnificent living room, where refreshments have already been arranged. Moments later, Mr. Charles enters with a welcoming smile.)
Mr. Charles: Chief Badmus...
(The two men shake hands warmly.)
Mr. Charles: Welcome to London. It is truly a pleasure to finally meet you in person.
Chief Badmus: The pleasure is ours, Mr. Charles. Thank you for receiving us.
Mr. Charles: Please... make yourselves comfortable.
(Everyone takes their seats as light conversation begins.)
Mr. Charles: I've always admired the warmth of Nigerian culture. The sense of family... the traditions... they're truly remarkable.
Chief Badmus: Every culture has its own beauty. Ours simply teaches us that family is wealth beyond money.
Mrs. Badmus: And today, by Allah's grace, we're here to unite two families.
(Mr. Charles smiles warmly.)
Mr. Charles: We couldn't have asked for a greater honour.
(Footsteps approach from the hallway.)
(Hannah walks into the living room dressed in an elegant champagne-colored gown. Her composure remains unchanged as she greets everyone politely.)
Hannah: Good morning.
(Mrs. Badmus smiles warmly.)
Mrs. Badmus: Good morning, my dear. You look beautiful.
Hannah: Thank you, ma'am.
(Ridwan briefly lifts his eyes toward Hannah.)
(His expression remains indifferent. To him, this meeting is merely another obligation. He quickly looks away, clearly wishing the day would end as soon as possible.)
(Chief Badmus notices immediately.)
(Without saying a word, he gently taps Ridwan's knee beneath the table and gives him a subtle look that says everything.)
(Ridwan understands.)
(He exhales quietly, straightens his posture, and forces a polite smile before offering Hannah a respectful nod.)
(Hannah notices the forced courtesy but says nothing. She expected nothing more.)
(The atmosphere settles once again as everyone prepares to begin the formal introduction...)
(Just then... the elegant sound of high heels echoes from the grand staircase.)
(Every head slowly turns toward the staircase)
(Mrs. Charles appears at the top of the staircase, dressed in a breathtaking sky-blue designer gown that drapes elegantly to the floor. A matching diamond necklace rests delicately around her neck, while a pair of sapphire earrings sparkle beneath the morning light. Every step she takes is graceful, calculated and commanding.)
(A warm smile rests on her face... but Hannah immediately recognizes it. It isn't genuine.)
(Mrs. Charles reaches the last step and gracefully walks toward the guests.)
Mrs. Charles: (Extending her hand to Chief Badmus.) Welcome to the Charles Mansion. I must apologize for keeping such distinguished guests waiting.
Chief Badmus: Not at all. We understand preparations can sometimes be demanding.
Mrs. Charles: (Smiling.) You're very kind.
(She exchanges greetings with Mrs. Badmus before taking her seat opposite the Badmus family. Sophia politely greets everyone before sitting beside her mother.)
Sophia: It's a pleasure to finally meet all of you.
Mrs. Badmus: The pleasure is ours, my dear.
(A brief silence follows.)
(Mrs. Charles slowly scans the Badmus family from head to toe before resting her eyes on their traditional attire.)
Mrs. Charles: I must admit... your traditional clothing is... quite fascinating.
(She smiles politely.)
I've seen photographs before, but seeing them in person is rather... different.
(Mr. Charles immediately senses the direction of the conversation.)
Mr. Charles: Honey...
(Mrs. Charles ignores him.)
Mrs. Charles: London rarely sees such... colorful displays of culture.
I suppose that's one of the many things that makes Africa unique.
(Another uncomfortable silence settles over the room.)
(Mrs. Badmus calmly places her teacup on the table before looking at Mrs. Charles with a gentle smile.)
Mrs. Badmus: Indeed.
Our culture is one of our greatest treasures.
We wear our traditions with pride because they remind us where we come from.
(She pauses briefly.)
True elegance is never determined by geography...
It's determined by character.
(Chief Badmus smiles quietly, understanding exactly what his wife is doing.)
(Mrs. Charles lets out a soft chuckle.)
Mrs. Charles: Well... everyone has their own definition of elegance.
Mrs. Badmus: They certainly do.
Ours simply doesn't depend on the colour of one's skin or the country printed on a passport.
(The room falls silent.)
(Mr. Charles quietly clears his throat, desperately trying to rescue the conversation.)
Mr. Charles: I believe today is meant to celebrate two families coming together.
Let's not waste such a beautiful occasion discussing differences.
Chief Badmus: (Smiling warmly.) I couldn't agree more.
After all...
Respect is the finest language any family can speak.
(Mrs. Charles forces another smile, though the irritation in her eyes is impossible to hide.)
(Hannah remains silent throughout the exchange. She watches Mrs. Charles carefully, knowing this is only the beginning. If her stepmother appeared this composed... then she was certainly hiding something.)
(Beside Hannah, Ridwan sits quietly. He notices the tension filling the room but chooses not to interfere. The sooner this gathering ends, the better.)
(The atmosphere gradually relaxes as both families conclude the formal discussion. Documents are set aside, tea is served once again, and the two patriarchs exchange another firm handshake.)
Chief Badmus: By the grace of Allah, everything has gone smoothly.
Mr. Charles: Indeed. I believe we've reached an understanding that benefits both our families.
(They smile politely before taking their seats again.)
(Across the room, Mrs. Charles quietly studies Ridwan. A faint smile curls at the corner of her lips, as though she has been waiting patiently for the right moment.)
(Mrs. Badmus notices the look immediately but remains silent, watching just as carefully.)
(Ridwan sits with his phone in hand, briefly replying to a business message while Hannah quietly waits for the meeting to conclude.)
(Mrs. Charles finally breaks the silence.)
Mrs. Charles: Mr. Ridwan...
(Ridwan lifts his head politely.)
Ridwan: Yes, ma'am?
Mrs. Charles: I hope you don't mind my observation.
(He places his phone on the table.)
Ridwan: Not at all.
Mrs. Charles: Throughout this meeting... you seem rather detached.
Almost as though you'd rather be somewhere else.
(The room grows quiet.)
(Everyone's attention shifts toward Ridwan.)
(He adjusts slightly in his seat before responding with calm confidence.)
Ridwan: I apologize if I gave that impression.
Business demanded my attention for a moment.
As you know, some matters simply cannot wait.
(He glances briefly at Hannah before looking back at Mrs. Charles.)
Besides...
This arrangement is exactly what Miss Hannah and I agreed upon.
There is no cause for concern.
(Hannah gives a small, composed nod.)
Hannah: He's right.
We're both aware of our responsibilities.
(Chief Badmus smiles with quiet approval.)
(Mrs. Charles nods politely, though the smile on her face suggests she isn't entirely convinced.)
Mrs. Badmus: Speaking of family...
I've been wondering.
Is Hannah your only daughter?
I recall hearing that you also have another daughter.
I was expecting to meet her today.
(Mrs. Charles lets out a soft laugh.)
Mrs. Charles: Sophia?
Oh...
She's far too occupied building her own future.
Unlike some young women, she has little interest in discussions about marriage.
She prefers focusing on her career.
After all...
Marriage can wait.
Success cannot.
(The remark hangs in the air.)
(Hannah quietly lowers her eyes. She understands perfectly that the words were never meant for Sophia alone.)
(Before anyone can respond...)
(The grand doors open.)
(Every head turns.)
(Sophia walks into the room with effortless confidence. She is dressed in an elegant, fashion-forward outfit that immediately commands attention. Her appearance is striking without appearing careless, and every step she takes reflects someone fully aware of the effect she has on those around her.)
Mr. Charles: Sophia...
(She smiles casually.)
Sophia: Sorry I'm late.
I hope I haven't interrupted anything important.
(Without waiting for an answer, she walks around the room greeting everyone politely.)
Sophia: Good afternoon.
It's lovely to finally meet all of you.
(She stops beside Ridwan.)
(A faint smile crosses her face.)
Sophia: So...
You're Ridwan.
(She lightly touches his shoulder in greeting before extending her hand.)
I've heard quite a lot about you.
(Ridwan immediately lowers his gaze out of respect, avoiding looking directly at her.)
(He gives her hand a brief, formal shake before withdrawing politely.)
Ridwan: It's a pleasure to meet you.
(Sophia notices his restraint and smiles to herself before taking a nearby seat, deliberately choosing one directly opposite him.)
Sophia: So...
What have I missed?
(Ridwan quietly exhales and looks down for a brief moment.)
Ridwan: (thinking) Ya Allah...
What a complicated family.
(Hannah notices everything in silence, while Mrs. Charles watches with quiet satisfaction, as though another piece of her plan has just fallen into place.)
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