By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
At the home of Chioma, everyone had made or purchased something for the others. Michael and Felix had already come with enough, so even though they weren’t aware of the coming of Chioma’s friends and old neighbours, what the brought was enough for everyone. Everyone was excited, and as soon as the afternoon turned into evening, a magical peace seemed to fall into the room. Chioma was they most happy of everyone here. She couldn’t resist the urge to keep on smiling. With the help of Chisom, the room was lit with candles. Then, together they sang a number of Christmas carols as Michael and Felix watched happily.
Just as it was getting late, Audrey and Stanley arrived, causing the whole place to be filled with another bag of excitement.
‘Well everyone,’ Audrey giggled as she pulled off her cashmere coat and hung it on a hook by the door of the living room, ‘I want you all to be the first to know Daniel will marry me the coming year.’
Andrew almost spat out the juice in his mouth, then he took a glance at Chisom who subconsciously turned to him.
‘This is so wonderful,’ Louisa said happily to Audrey. ‘Have you fixed the date yet?’
Audrey turned to Daniel who was surprised at the announcement but he was still pleased that she regarded him as her husband. ‘Daniel, tell them that we are going to give them the invites.’
Daniel nodded with a smile even though he seemed shocked with the news.‘Yes…I will make sure to bring invites to you all.’
‘Well, Audrey,’ Chioma finally said, after all the congratulations had been said, ‘I never dreamed that I will be in a high-end wedding, but now that I have the opportunity, I must not let it slip.’
Michael looked at Chioma but didn’t say anything. He only smiled.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘To see my queen.’
‘I am here to wash the dishes.’
‘Silly girl, how could you be the only one to wash the dishes?’Michael curled his lips.
‘Oh, you’re here to wash the dishes with me or to mess around?’
Michael laughed. ‘What’s wrong with that?’ Michael’s voice was mesmerising.
‘I don’t want people to say that I am not a good friend,’ Chioma complained as she pouted her lips.
‘I don’t care what people say,’ Michael said with a charming smile. Chioma couldn’t stop laughing. She hugged Michael’s neck. Michael returned the hug as well as he greedily drank from her unique scent. He looked at her with his charming smile, wanting to keep her by his side and constantly have her in his embrace. He wanted to see her all the time and kiss her whenever he wanted. That day was coming soon, he thought with a winning smile.
Then, Chioma softly said, ‘Thank you for bringing me happiness and laughter. Today’s the best Christmas ever.’
Michael smiled as he kissed Chioma on the forehead.
At Imo State Government House, and inside Emmanuel Nnaji’s luxurious office, he was sitting at his desk dressed in a professional-looking navy suit as he smiled at Ambrose, ‘I asked you to contact Kizito Newman to defame Chioma, what was the result?’
‘I contacted him, but…it seems Kizito wouldn’t write anything to defame anybody. His is a reputable journalist and doesn’t believe in slandering others. Although he didn’t agree I know of a person that could do the job,’ Ambrose answered with caution and care.
‘That makes sense. Kizito is a journalist without any stain to his profession. He doesn’t like to defame anyone,’Emmanuel responded. ‘Since this is the case, then let it be. Contact that journalist that you know and lavish him with Brown envelopes.’
‘Yes…his excellency,’ Ambrose breathed a sigh of relief.
‘We are still in the festive mood, so it will make sense to ruin her happy moment…I have a special gift for her New Year,’Emmanuel smirked.
He had asked the Lagos State governor to do him the favour of demolishing most of the buildings in Ajegunle, especially the street where Chioma lives with her family. He had also threatened Charlie to fire Chioma- all these would be her New Year gift.
‘Oh yeah, tell my secretary to remind me of the charity event slated on third of January, 2021.’
‘Haven’t you always hated events like this?’
‘I
have no choice; all the governors will be there. You know how I can’t offend
other governors…I should be there.’ Emmanuel rubbed his temples.
At the same time, one of the newest magazines in Lagos State belonging to Rose FM has just released their third publication. The front cover of Rose Magazine was of Chioma enjoying Christmas with her family and friends in their Ajegunle little home.
Originally, according to Rose Magazine position in the market, the director wasn’t expecting the appearance of Chioma to make much difference to the magazine sales. Even so, looking at the front cover, the director couldn’t still help but doubt the possibility of Chioma’s face levitating the magazine company. He had put Chioma as the front cover because of Michael had asked him to do it. Honestly, he had wanted to object to this, but how could he resist a man like Michael Njemanze.
Due to the fact that Rose Magazine was new in the market, many newsstands did not stock the magazine. However, any news- stand where the magazine appeared, with one glance, people bought it. This was because the cover was the photo of Chioma Chima, her smiles were mesmerising, revealing her adorable dimples, coupled with the look in her eyes and the aura that emanated from her body, she effectively displayed the heart and soul of the festive period. No one was interested with the other magazines, and because of the rush in buying the magazines, most news-stand that rejected Rose Magazine called the publishers, placing some orders.
Of course, this was all thanks to Michael. He knew that the face of Chioma would bring people to buy the magazine, because most people are curious to know about Chioma Chima since she moved to Lagos State. This cover had opened the doors for Chioma to a whole world of resources. She would receive lucrative job opportunities. His motive was that even if Chioma doesn’t want to work for Moon Corporation, she could get a job somewhere bigger and not in this poor area of Ajegunle.
This
particular edition was sold in other parts Nigeria, because most people
volunteered to sell the magazines to those states.
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