EPISODE 17: THE OLD LOVEBIRDS 

All the youngsters were chatting in the garden when Rita’s phone started ringing. She said it was a call from Amaka.

Amaka had studied in college with Tunde, Olamide, and Rita. Tunde was not only handsome but also very rich and popular. Naturally, girls were crazy about him and Amaka was one of them. Tunde usually ignored most girls, but since Amaka was Rita’s good friend, they often interacted. Amaka never missed a chance to flirt with Tunde.

Rita stepped aside to take the call.

Meanwhile, Gold whispered into Bukola’s ear, “Who is Amaka?”

Bukola replied, “She’s Rita’s friend. She studied with my brother and everyone in college. She used to visit our house with Rita sometimes and she was always looking for opportunities to flirt with Tunde.”

Gold responded, “Oh…”

“I don’t like her. She looks like a walking makeup store,” Bukola said, making a face.

Gold didn’t say anything, but she didn’t feel good hearing all this.

A little while later, Rita came back to the group.

“Guys, Amaka is in Egypt with some of her friends, and she wants to meet me. I accidentally mentioned that I was here at your place. Now she knows you both are here too, and she wants to hang out with us. I told her I’d ask everyone and get back. So, what do we do?”

Tunde replied, “That’s no problem. Call her over. It’ll be more fun with everyone.”

Olamide smirked. “Yeah, of course, because she’s always running after you. It’s fun for you, isn’t it?”

Tunde shrugged. “Well, what can I do? It’s my personality. Not my fault.”

Olamide glared at him. “Don’t forget you’re married now. Your wife—your lawful wife—is standing right here.”

Tunde glanced at Gold whose face had fallen slightly, then quickly looked away. “Come on, it’s just a marriage. It’s not like we’re a real husband and wife. And Gold won’t mind if they come, right? Isn’t that true, Gold? Tell everyone,” Tunde said casually.

Gold felt terrible hearing this because she did mind. Every little thing about Tunde mattered to her a lot, but she didn’t want to show it in front of everyone. So, she forced a smile and said, “Why would I mind? It’s fine.”

Rita said, “Alright, I’ll call her and finalize the plan. I’ll also ask how many friends she’s bringing.” Rita stepped aside to make the call.

Bukola leaned towards Gold and whispered, “Why didn’t you say no, sister-in-law? Now that clingy lady will come and start hanging onto Tunde again.”

Gold said nothing, just forced a fake smile.

Meanwhile, Olamide scolded Tunde quietly, “What nonsense were you spouting earlier? ‘Not a real husband and wife’? Don’t forget your marriage is real, with real rituals and responsibilities. When will you understand this?”

Tunde waved him off. “Let it go. Don’t start this again.”

Olamide could see that Tunde wasn’t willing to listen. He felt bad for Gold, thinking her life might be getting ruined with Tunde. But he was determined to try his best. He and Bukola hadn’t forgotten the mission they had taken on together.

Rita returned after finalizing everything on the call.

“They’re four people—Amaka, her friend Joyce, Joyce’s fiancé, and Amaka’s cousin Dave.”

Olamide frowned. “The one who always carried a guitar and serenaded girls?”

Rita nodded. “Yes.”

Olamide muttered under his breath, “Why is he coming?”

“He’s Amaka’s brother, so he’ll come. Do you have any problem?” Rita asked.

“So much problem,” Olamide muttered.

“What did you say?” Rita asked.

“Oh, nothing,” Olamide quickly covered up.

“Nowadays, he just says random things. Ignore him. Now hurry up and get ready. We’ll leave at 3 PM after lunch,” Tunde said and dragged Olamide inside.

The truth is that Dave was a very flirty guy. He was always surrounded by girls, but Rita was the only one who never paid him any attention. That’s why he was so attracted to her. He always tried to get close to her.

Now you understand why Olamide was upset, don’t you?

Meanwhile, Bukola yelled, “Why 3 PM? That’s so late. Let’s go now!”

Olamide replied as he walked away, “We have many days to explore Egypt. No need to do everything in one day.”

Rita, Gold, and Bukola looked at each other.

“Alright, see you at 3 PM,” Rita said before leaving for her house.

Gold and Bukola also went to their rooms to get ready.

Tunde was scrolling through his phone in his room while Gold was getting ready. She was deep in thought and couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Can I ask you something, Panla face, if you promise not to get angry?”

Without looking up, Tunde replied, “If you call me Panla face one more time, I will get angry.”

“And what’s new about that? You’re always angry,” Gold said nonchalantly.

Tunde gave her a sharp look. “Does my anger not affect you at all?”

“Of course, it does. That’s why I’m asking. Can I ask my question now?” Gold asked innocently.

Tunde felt his resolve melting but still said, “What if I say no?”

“I’ll ask anyway,” Gold shot back instantly.

“Fine. What’s your question?” Tunde asked.

“Does Olamide love Rita?”

Tunde was startled. “Who told you that?”

“No one. It was obvious from his eyes. I can see his love. And I think Rita likes Olamide too,” Gold replied confidently.

“How can you say that?” Tunde asked.

“I’m a girl. I can understand another girl’s feelings. So, is it true?”

Tunde sighed. “Yes.”

“Oh, that’s great news!” Gold said, her face lighting up before turning serious. “But then, why are they so cold towards each other? Bukola told me you three have been close friends since childhood. So why this distance now?”

Gold had many questions. Tunde usually didn’t discuss this with anyone but for some reason he wanted to tell Gold. Maybe because she had noticed in one day what even their family hadn’t in years.

Tunde trusted Gold to help, so he told her everything about what had happened between Olamide and Rita. Gold felt sad hearing it.

“We should do something. They can’t live without each other. Look at their eyes; they’re full of love even now,” Gold said.

“I know,” Tunde agreed.

“When Rita left for London, Olamide was devastated. The day of her flight, she sent him a message saying she was leaving his life forever but would stay if he stopped her. We rushed to the airport, and we were on time, but… Olamide couldn’t stop her. He had his reasons. We just watched her leave. That night, Olamide cried all night. I’ve never seen him like that. He loves her more than his own life.”

“Why didn’t you convince Olamide to stop her?” Gold asked.

“I tried but he wouldn’t listen. Rita thinks Olamide didn’t care enough to stop her, so she doesn’t want anything to do with him now. But now that they’ve met again after so many years, I want to end this distance between them. I can’t see my brother in pain anymore, and I need your help.”

“I’ll definitely help. But you still haven’t told me—what was the reason Olamide couldn’t stop Rita?”

Tunde fell silent and just as he was about to reply, Bukola entered the room.

“Brother, sister-in-law, come down! Lunch is ready, and everyone’s waiting.”

Tunde told Gold they’d talk about it later. She nodded, and they both went downstairs for lunch.