"CEO Adesina, good evening," Chibuzor greeted with a polite nod as they approached a distinguished looking man dressed in a finely tailored agbada. "Wonderful to have you here. Allow me to introduce my wife, Olaedo."
"Pleased to meet you, sir," Olaedo said, her voice calm yet warm, accompanied by a gracious nod. Her poise was flawless, her smile soft but confident.
The CEO, a man of sharp eyes and calculated words, chuckled. "Ah, so this is the woman everyone has been whispering about. A pleasure indeed, Mrs. Arinze. I must say, the rumors about your grace and beauty don't do you justice."
"Thank you, sir," Olaedo replied with modesty, her eyes meeting his steadily. "It's kind of you to say."
As they moved on to the next set of guests, whispers followed in their wake.
"She's stunning, isn't she?"
"Yes, but did you see how she carries herself? She's no ordinary woman."
Chibuzor caught fragments of the murmurs but remained focused on his duties, his firm grip on Olaedo's hand both a reassurance and a silent declaration of their partnership.
Meanwhile, Olaedo stayed composed, greeting each guest with sincerity, though her mind worked to match names to faces in a crowd she was only just getting to know.
They approached another group, where an elderly couple stood surrounded by younger relatives. Chibuzor inclined his head respectfully. "Mr. and Mrs. Balogun, a pleasure to see you again. I hope you're enjoying the evening."
"Oh, immensely!" Mrs. Balogun gushed, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Olaedo. "And this must be your lovely wife. My dear, you are a vision!"
"You're too kind, ma'am," Olaedo replied, her tone warm. "It's an honor to meet you."
A boisterous aunt from the Balogun family, evidently thrilled at the event's success so far, lunged forward to envelop them both in a hearty embrace. Olaedo instinctively stepped back, momentarily forgetting their rehearsed dynamic.
Chibuzor recovered swiftly, sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her close.
"I've got you," he murmured under his breath, his tone more irritated than comforting.
Her professional smile didn't waver, but her whispered reply was sharp. "Don't get used to it."
The elder woman nodded approvingly, unaware of their short exchange, whispering to her husband as they walked away, "She'll do well. Mark my words."
As Olaedo and Chibuzor continued their rounds, the atmosphere around them subtly shifted.
As they worked through a series of introductions, Olaedo maintained her polished exterior, but inwardly, her patience wore thin. If one more person tells me I'm 'prettier in person,' I might scream.
Chibuzor, on the other hand, maintained his stoic demeanor but found amusement in her subtle exasperation. 'She's actually enjoying this. I should let her handle all our social events after tonight.'
The couple moved with effortless grace, but the mingling guests carried their own silent narratives of regret, envy, and intrigue.
Their next stop brought them to the Olanrewajus. The matriarch, Mrs. Olanrewaju, clung tightly to her daughter Nifemi, a statuesque beauty with a haughty gaze. Nifemi's emerald gown shimmered under the chandeliers, but the tension in her stiff smile was unmistakable.
"Mr. and Mrs. Olanrewaju," Chibuzor greeted. "Good evening. It's been a while."
"Ah, Chibuzor," Mrs. Olanrewaju replied, her voice smooth but brittle. "It's been far too long. And this must be your wife. Quite… unexpected."
Olaedo smiled, undeterred. "Mrs. Olanrewaju, a pleasure to meet you. And Miss Nifemi, you look stunning tonight."
Nifemi's gaze flicked between Chibuzor and Olaedo, lingering on Chibuzor. "Thank you," she said, her voice saccharine. "I hear you're still adjusting to all this."
"Quickly, I hope," Mrs. Olanrewaju added. "Nifemi, as you know, just completed her MBA in London. We were hoping to discuss some partnership opportunities with your family. Perhaps at another time?"
"We're always open to discussions," Chibuzor said evenly. "Do enjoy the evening."
As they moved on, Mrs. Olanrewaju whispered sharply to Nifemi, "You'll have your chance. He can't stay in love with her forever."
Next, they approached the Amadis, with their daughter Chisom standing elegantly by their side. Mrs. Amadi, a commanding presence, was known for her sharp opinions, and tonight was no exception.
"Chibuzor," she said, her tone clipped, "it's been a magnificent evening. Your family always knows how to host. And Mrs. Arinze, finally, we meet."
"A pleasure," Olaedo replied smoothly.
Mrs. Amadi, ever the strategist, brought up her daughter Chisom's new startup, angling for collaboration. Chibuzor began to respond, but Olaedo preempted him with a perfectly rehearsed pitch about synergies and future partnerships.
Mrs. Amadi arched a brow and smirked. "It's clear who wears the business hat more in this union."
Without missing a beat, Chibuzor deadpanned, "Only in public."
Olaedo's practiced smile didn't falter, though her elbow jabbed into his side. "Teamwork is our motto," she said smoothly.
Chisom stepped forward, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "It's nice to see who finally claimed the prize," she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
"All good things, I hope?" Olaedo countered.
"Of course," Chisom replied. "Though it's curious how destiny works."
"Well," Chibuzor said, his tone firm as he drew Olaedo closer, "destiny worked in my favor."
His actions resulted in an internal frown from Olaedo 'This is getting more and more uncomfortable!' But she didn't dare show it on her face.
Toward the center of the ballroom, they met Mr. Ofor, a widower with ties to Anozie holdings through business. His son, Obinna, stood beside him, a proud but silent presence.
"Ah, Chibuzor," Mr. Ofor said, his handshake firm. "And Mrs. Arinze. I must say, I hadn't imagined this union. Not that it's unwelcome, of course."
Olaedo's smile didn't falter. "We're glad you could attend tonight, Mr. Ofor. Obinna, it's good to see you."
Obinna nodded, though his gaze betrayed a hint of longing. His father interjected, "Obinna had such high hopes for the Anozie partnership, you know. Now, we'll just have to see how the cards fall in the future."
"I'm sure there will be opportunities for everyone," Olaedo replied, her voice steady.