~~~

The dining room was spacious, easily accommodating fifty people with ample space to spare.

I scanned the dishes on the beautifully set table, unsure what most were, except for the familiar jollof rice topped with caviar and gold sprinkles. Chef Collins' enthusiastic explanations made me feel like I was at a fancy restaurant. I wouldn't have known caviar was fish eggs if he hadn't shared that.

Emma's mention of a "formal dinner" had led me to expect a large gathering, but it was just me, Mr. and Mrs. Innoson, Nathaniel, and a man with tribal marks on either side of his face, dressed in traditional Hausa attire. He introduced himself as Mr. Abdulkarim Yusuf, the chief officer of customs. The intimate gathering was a relief.

As the adults chatted, I discreetly pushed aside the caviar and gold and enjoyed the smoky jollof rice. Nathaniel sat across from me, making it impossible to ignore him. I tried, but my gaze kept drifting back.

He looked flawless, as always. His clothes were impeccable, yet he wore them effortlessly. A faint frown creased his face, and I wondered what annoyed him. He looked up from his plate, and our gazes met. For a moment, he did nothing but stare at me – hard, in the eyes, with an intensity that robbed me of breath and left me unable to look away.

The air seemed to thicken as we locked eyes, the chatter around us fading into the background. What was he thinking? Why was he looking at me like that?

"I haven't seen her around before. What's the story?" Mr. Yusuf's question cut through the air, jolting Nathaniel and me back to reality.

What was that? Even Nathaniel blinked numerous times, looking confused.

Mrs. Innoson smiled warmly. "She's my niece. She attends Nathaniel's school and is staying with us for the holidays while her mother works."

As the spotlight shifted to me, I slid down my chair, attempting to shrink away. Mrs. Frown's disapproving voice echoed in my mind: "That spine isn't straight." But Mr. Yusuf's piercing gaze held me captive.

"What's your name?" he asked his deep voice commanding attention.

I straightened up, my throat parched. "I... My... I..."

Mr. Yusuf's expression turned playful. "Where I come from, people who stammer are burnt alive."

My eyes widened, and for the second time that night, I struggled to breathe. Then, laughter erupted around the table, and I realized he was joking.

Relieved, I took a sip of water, cleared my throat, and introduced myself. "My name is Olivia Ike."

"How old are you?" Mr. Yusuf inquired.

"Seventeen, sir."

"What class are you?"

I hesitated, unsure of the point of this interrogation, but replied, "SS2, sir."

Mr. Yusuf chuckled. "Ever High is fiercely competitive. You must be brilliant to be seventeen in SS2. I was still struggling in JSS3 at your age."

The room filled with laughter, and I smiled.

Mr. Innoson teased, "Yusuf was famous for failing tests. Every teacher's nightmare."

Mr. Yusuf laughed heartily. "That's not entirely true, Chukwuma."

As Mr. Yusuf turned his attention back to me, I felt a flutter in my chest.

"Where do you live?" he asked.

"Imo State, sir."

He leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "You look familiar. Does her father work in the company?" he asked Mr. Innoson.

My heart sank. Discussing my dad was always painful.

I looked down, gripping my spoon tightly as the room fell silent.

"Her father doesn't," Mr. Innoson replied simply.

Mrs. Innoson added, "He's an interstate trader."

Grateful for the white lie, I fought back tears.

"I see," Mr. Yusuf said, finally shifting his attention away.

The adults returned to discussing business, leaving out Nathaniel and me. I was grateful for the diversion. Nathaniel's eyes met mine before the night ended and with the number of times Mrs Innoson had stated we were like family, I felt guilty that I warmed under his gaze.

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