Tomorrow? That wouldn't do at all.
"Isn't there any other way to get me on that flight?" Olaedo demanded, her voice edged with urgency. "I'll pay whatever it takes."
The receptionist, overwhelmed, quickly called the manager. In minutes, the Flight Operations Manager had appeared, calm and courteous, offering a solution.
"Ms. Anozie, I think we might be able to help with your situation. Please, follow me."
As she walked across the terminal with him, her heels clicking against the floor, she could feel the stares of some travelers who recognized her.
A young woman nudged her friend, her voice a hushed whisper of excitement. "That's CEO Anozie! One of the youngest billionaires in the world!"
"Isn't that CEO Anozie? She's practically the face of the banking world!" someone else whispered, pointing excitedly.
Once on board, the manager relayed the situation to the pilot, who announced over the intercom: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a passenger in urgent need of a seat. If anyone is willing to give up their seat, we would be very grateful and happy to accommodate you."
"That's the woman who manages almost half of a country's wealth!" one passenger murmured, nudging his wife.
Olaedo glanced around, hopeful. After a moment, a man seated near the front rose and offered his seat without hesitation. Relief washed over her, but just as she reached out to thank him, another man beside him stood up as well.
"Sir, please keep your seat," the second man said calmly, turning to Olaedo. "I just remembered something I forgot to settle, so I can't leave the country yet." He offered a slight smile. "Let her have mine."
Olaedo took a moment to study this second man, wondering if he had invented the excuse to help her out.
He was tall, athletic, and wore his mixed heritage in his warm brown skin and wavy dark hair. His features, a blend of two countries heritage, caught the light as he nodded.
"Thank you," she said, her tone warm with gratitude. "Please leave your number with my secretary, he'll arrange any compensation you need."
The man nodded, his small smile deepening before he turned and walked off the plane.
With a relieved sigh, Olaedo settled into her seat, exhaustion flooding over her. She closed her eyes, letting out a small sigh that caught the attention of the man beside her, the one who first offered his seat.
"Rough day?" he asked, his voice warm and smooth.
Olaedo opened her eyes, her gaze landing on him.
With his deep brown complexion, closely cropped hair, and dark eyes, he had a presence that instantly held her attention. He sat with an ease that made him stand out, and something about his intense, observant eyes hinted at intelligence and confidence.
"Do you like what you see?" he asked, smirking slightly.
Caught off guard, she felt her cheeks warm and quickly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, scrambling for composure.
Had she really been staring?
'Since when did anyone make me shy?'
With her cheeks still a soft shade of pink, she lifted her chin with confidence, yet her gaze drifted anywhere but into his steady eyes.
"Yes, but I'll take care of it as soon as I get home."
Maduabuchi nodded thoughtfully. "Good luck. I hope everything works out well for you."
For hours on the flight, their conversations flowed with an ease she had never known. By the time the first seven hours had slipped by, it felt as though they had known each other for a lifetime.
When he noticed her exhaustion, he gently urged her to rest for the remainder of the journey.
17 hours later...
Olaedo strode off the plane, her steps brisk as she scanned the area for Maduabuchi.
Not seeing him, she quickly turned and headed for her waiting driver and second secretary. Her only thought now was to reach her mother as soon as possible.
On her way to the hospital, her phone pinged.
She read the message with a sigh of relief, her mother had undergone surgery and was already showing signs of improvement.
Leaning back into the seat of her limited edition sports car, Olaedo sank into its plush leather, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders.
As she dialed her best friend Nnenna, Maduabuchi's face flashed through her mind again, bringing a faint blush to her cheeks. She wondered if she should mention him to Nnenna, who would no doubt be thrilled.
Nnenna had warned her many times, "You're practically married to your work! At this rate, you won't find a husband till your sixties!"
For so long, work had been Olaedo's world. Even after her faith became a deeper part of her life, business remained her first love. "Money answereth all things," she often reasoned.
Being one of the youngest billionaires in the world at just 19 had meant endless late nights and chains of espresso shots, but the rewards were undeniable.
Her best friend's voice broke through her thoughts. "Hey girl! Back in the country?"
"Yes," Olaedo replied, holding back a grin. "Just heading to the hospital. Are you still there?"
She heard the sound of a door opening. "Yep! Just fed your mom. Told your brother he could head back to campus since I'll be here till you arrive."
Olaedo's face softened. "You're the best, Nnenna."
"Pfft, it's nothing. Now, spill! How was the trip?"
As Maduabuchi's face flickered in her mind again, her heartbeat quickened. Twisting a lock of hair around her finger, she whispered, "Nnenna, I think I'm in love."
----------------------------------------
"CEO Anozie…CEO Anozie! Madam!"
"It's time for the board meeting!"
The voice jolted Olaedo back to the present. A bitter smile replaced the light blush that had spread across her cheeks. The world that had felt so bright and warm now felt cold and hollow.
Taking a deep breath, she braced herself. Time to face the sharks.
"I'll be out in five minutes," she called.
As she organized her notes, Maduabuchi's face lingered in her mind, that gentle smile that had once made her heart flutter.