Then came some of the foreign dignitaries, Mr. and Mrs. Kabanda, along with their charming daughter, Malaika. The Kabandas were foreign dignitaries with deep ties to the continent diplomatic circle.
As the couple approached the Kabandas, a waiter passed by with a tray of champagne. Chibuzor's hand reflexively reached out. Before he could grab a glass, Olaedo intercepted, giving him a subtle pinch on the wrist.
"Remember," she whispered through a tight smile, "we agreed, no drinking even milk. Bad optics."
Chibuzor's smile remained in place, but the corners of his mouth tightened. "Maybe if I had known you were taking over my PR, I would have added a 'milk drink escape' clause to the contract."
Olaedo leaned in as though sharing a romantic joke, her voice saccharine. "Smile. You're scaring the Kabandas."
"Chibuzor," Mr. Kabanda greeted, his smile genuine. "Your family knows how to host a spectacular evening. And Mrs. Arinze, you are a vision."
"Thank you, Mr. Kabanda," Olaedo replied graciously.
Malaika's laughter rang out as she extended her hand. "I've always wanted to meet the woman who could tame this man," she teased. "He was quite the elusive one, wasn't he?"
Olaedo laughed lightly. "I would say he chose the right time to stop being elusive."
Next was Dr. Malik, a prominent businessman from across the continent, who had made no secret of his admiration for Olaedo during her single days.
"Chibuzor," Dr. Malik greeted warmly, though his eyes flickered briefly to Olaedo. "You've always had an eye for treasure. And Mrs. Arinze… no words can do you justice."
"Thank you, Dr. Malik," Chibuzor said, his tone cool. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."
Dr. Malik inclined his head. "Immensely. Though I must admit, seeing Mrs. Arinze tonight has brought back fond memories."
Chibuzor's expression hardened, but Olaedo stepped in smoothly. "We're honored you could join us tonight, Dr. Malik."
'Fond memories my foot,' thought Chibuzor furiously as they walked away. He couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Fond memories? If he stares at you like that again, he'll need a new invitation."
Olaedo chuckled, squeezing his arm. "Let them look. In every sense, you've already won. Our act is flawless you know."
As the night kept unfolding, similar encounters, veiled insults disguised as compliments, lingering gazes of envy, and the heavy weight of unrealized dreams.
The ballroom was alive with whispers and scheming glances, but Olaedo's composure remained unshaken. Each exchange was a subtle assertion of her place not only as Chibuzor's wife but as a force to be reckoned with.
The couple's circuit through the ballroom grew more crowded. At one point, Chibuzor misjudged his step and accidentally trod on the edge of Olaedo's gown, causing her to stumble lightly into him.
Her professional mask slipped for half a second as she whispered, "Are you trying to ruin my evening or my dress?"
Chibuzor, catching her by the waist to steady her, replied with a wry grin, "Neither. But maybe next time, wear a train shorter than the river Nile."
Through every interaction, whether a forced smile, a curt reply, or a moment of subtle defiance, the contract's terms loomed in their minds.
Each awkward exchange was a reminder of the boundaries they had set, yet the unspoken harmony they displayed to their audience hinted at something deeper.
"Gosh! She's dazzling, isn't she?"
"Yes, but did you see how she leans on Chibuzor? Clearly marking her territory. Definitely not an ordinary woman!"
"She'll do well," one guest murmured as she passed. "Better than anyone expected."
Olaedo caught the murmurs but focused forward, her composure unshaken. Chibuzor, noticing, leaned in. "You're doing better than they deserve."
She raised her glass slightly, her smile calm but triumphant. "Let them watch. This is only the beginning."
The evening wore on, with similar exchanges blending into a seamless dance of diplomacy.
Yet, beneath the polished surface, not all was as harmonious as it seemed. Some eyes watched Olaedo with thinly veiled suspicion, while others masked envy behind polite smiles.
Chibuzor, ever perceptive, noted these looks but said nothing, instead keeping his focus on guiding his wife through the labyrinth of society's expectations.
Unaware of the quiet plotting at the edges of the ballroom, Olaedo continued her rounds, her steps sure and her smile unwavering. Each interaction solidified her position as not just Chibuzor's wife, but as a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
The hum of conversation swelled again, the room alive with ambition and subtle intrigue. Yet in the midst of it all, one thing was clear, the evening belonged to Chibuzor and Olaedo, a duo whose combined presence commanded both admiration and unease. All their weekend training was paying off.
Olaedo, seated with perfect posture at the table reserved for Young Madams, noticed the way some servants smiled at her in passing. Their initial skepticism of her had been replaced with admiration throughout the evening.
As Olaedo gracefully accepted a drink from one of the servers, the girl leaned in slightly, her voice a low whisper, "Young Madam, I just came from my rounds, and most of the guests love you. Keep doing great!"
Olaedo's brows lifted slightly in surprise. She hadn't asked anyone to check, yet this girl seemed eager to share her findings. It was clear she admired Olaedo enough to have purposefully eavesdropped on the conversations of the high society elite.
Her words warmed Olaedo's heart more than the drink in her hand.
While the whispers of approval floated in the air, she couldn't ignore the undercurrent of resentment. Many of the single, younger ladies glared daggers at her, their envy practically radiating across the ballroom.
The thought of losing one of the most eligible bachelors in the world had clearly left their pride wounded. Their parents, no less ambitious, wore tight smiles, masking their disappointment.
Still, there were those who had gracefully admitted defeat, and even some who openly praised her with sincerity. Their acknowledgment carried weight, and for that, Olaedo was grateful.