Chapter 1
As they strolled through the bustling streets of Paris, Mr. Oluwole's phone rang, breaking the rhythm of their conversation. He glanced at the caller ID and answered quickly.
"Hello?" Mr. Oluwole greeted, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Tuade watched as Mr. Oluwole's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. Whatever the voice on the other end of the line was saying seemed to grip him deeply.
"Yes, I understand," Mr. Oluwole said, nodding as he listened. "Thank you for letting me know. Please send me the address."
Tuade's heart raced as he waited for Mr. Oluwole to hang up the phone. "What is it? Did they find Baba?" he asked, unable to contain his excitement.
Mr. Oluwole nodded, a mixture of relief and worry etched on his face. "Yes, they found him," he replied. "He's in a public hospital. They're sending me the address now."
Without hesitation, Mr. Oluwole hailed a passing taxi, his movements urgent. "Come on, Tuade," he said, motioning for him to join. "We found your father. Let's go get him."
Chapter 2
Mr. Oluwole and Tuade hurried through the corridors of the hospital, their steps echoing off the sterile walls. The weight of worry hung heavy on their shoulders as they searched for Baba Adewale's room.
Finally, they reached the room where Baba was admitted. The door was slightly ajar, and they peeked inside to find him sleeping fitfully in the hospital bed.
Tuade's heart clenched at the sight of his father, his face etched with worry lines even in sleep. He looked so frail and vulnerable, a stark contrast to the strong and vibrant man he once knew.
"We need to speak with the doctor," Mr. Oluwole whispered, his voice tinged with urgency. "Let's find out what's going on."
They made their way to the nurses' station, where Mr. Oluwole approached the nurse on duty. "Excuse me, we need to speak with the doctor in charge of Mr. Adewale's case," he said.
The nurse nodded and directed them to the doctor's office. They entered the small room, where a weary-looking doctor was going over some patient files.
"Doctor, we're here to inquire about Baba Adewale's condition," Mr. Oluwole said, his tone firm but concerned.
The doctor looked up, his expression serious. "Ah, yes, Mr. Adewale," he said, motioning for them to take a seat. "He was brought in a few days ago. He was found on the streets, suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition."
Tuade's heart sank at the doctor's words. He knew his father had been struggling, but he hadn't realized how dire the situation was.
The doctor continued, his voice grave. "Unfortunately, Mr. Adewale also has severe liver problems, most likely due to alcohol abuse," he said, his tone tinged with disdain.
Mr. Oluwole's jaw tightened at the doctor's words, but he remained composed. "What can be done for him?" he asked, his voice steady.
The doctor sighed, his expression sympathetic. "Well, to be honest, there's not much we can do for him here," he admitted. "Our resources are limited, and we don't have the facilities to treat his condition adequately."
Mr. Oluwole nodded, his mind racing. "Can you recommend the best hospital in Paris for his condition?" he asked.
The doctor hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, there's a private hospital not far from here," he said. "But I must warn you, it's very expensive."
Mr. Oluwole's gaze hardened. "Money is not an issue," he said firmly. "Please make arrangements to have Baba transferred there immediately."
The doctor nodded, his expression surprised but grateful. "Of course, Mr. Oluwole," he said. "I'll arrange for the transfer right away."
With that, Mr. Oluwole and Tuade left the doctor's office, their hearts heavy with worry but determined to do whatever it took to help Baba recover.
Chapter 3
The door to Baba Adewale's hospital room creaked open, and Tuade and Mr. Oluwole stepped inside. The room was quiet, save for the soft beeping of medical equipment.
Baba Adewale lay in the hospital bed, his eyes closed, as if lost in a troubled sleep. But as soon as he heard the door, he opened his eyes, and they were filled with tears.
"Tuade... I... I never wanted you to see me like this," Baba Adewale choked out, his voice thick with emotion.
Tuade rushed to his father's side, his heart aching at the sight of his father's tears. "Dad, it's okay," he said, taking Baba's hand in his. "We're here for you."
Baba Adewale shook his head, his sobs growing louder. "I've messed up, Tuade," he admitted, his voice breaking. "I blew all the lotto money. I'm broke... and broken."
Tuade's heart clenched at his father's confession, but he squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Dad, it's okay," he said gently. "Right now, all that matters is that you rest and recover. We're here for you, no matter what."
Baba Adewale wiped away his tears, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, son," he whispered, his voice barely a whisper.
With a deep breath, he looked up and noticed Mr. Oluwole standing by the door. Confusion flashed across his face as he tried to place the man's identity.
Mr. Oluwole stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. "Hello, Mr. Adewale," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Oluwole, the man who flew all the way to Paris to come ask you if I could marry your daughter."
Baba Adewale's eyes widened in surprise, and then he broke into a smile despite his tears. "Ah, yes... Nkechi's suitor," he said, his voice filled with relief. "It's good to finally meet you."
Mr. Oluwole took Baba's hand in his, his grip firm but gentle. "The pleasure is mine," he said sincerely. "And please, call me Oluwole."
Chapter 4
The private chartered plane soared through the skies, carrying Mr. Oluwole, Tuade, and Baba Adewale back to Lagos. Inside the luxurious cabin, they relaxed in plush leather seats, savoring the comfort of the flight.
Baba Adewale gazed out the window, marveling at the expanse of clouds below. "I've never been on a private plane before," he remarked, his voice tinged with wonder.
Tuade nodded in agreement, a smile playing on his lips. "I never even dreamed I would be on a private plane," he admitted.
Mr. Oluwole chuckled, adjusting his seat slightly. "Believe it or not, I looked into buying my own plane once," he confessed. "But I could never justify the cost."
Baba Adewale laughed heartily. "And now you're marrying a woman who can justify any cost as long as there's an expensive label on it," he joked, nudging Mr. Oluwole playfully.
Mr. Oluwole joined in the laughter, shaking his head. "Indeed, Nkechi does have a keen eye for luxury," he admitted.
Tuade raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Speaking of Nkechi, tell us more about this professional shopper arrangement," he said, leaning forward.
With a smile, Mr. Oluwole leaned back in his seat, ready to share his tale. "Well, it's quite simple, really," he began. "The more Nkechi shops, the more her friends shop in my shops. After two weeks Nkechi returns everything she bought. Her shopping sprees have become very profitable for me."
Baba Adewale and Tuade exchanged impressed looks, applauding Mr. Oluwole's ingenuity. "You're a genius, Mr. Oluwole," Baba Adewale declared, admiration shining in his eyes.
Mr. Oluwole waved off the praise modestly. "Oh, it's nothing, really," he said. "Just good business sense."
As the conversation shifted, Baba Adewale turned to Mr. Oluwole with a serious expression. "On a more serious note, Oluwole," he began, "I think Nkechi has found the perfect husband in you."
Mr. Oluwole's eyes softened with gratitude, and he reached out to clasp Baba Adewale's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Adewale," he said sincerely. "I promise to always cherish and care for your daughter."
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