RESOLVE

Chapter Twenty Six.

A few months later...

~Somi's POV~

"I just got off a call with her. She's scared of travelling by air." I said, my voice hushed as I made my way down the dusty street. The sun blazed overhead, casting a warm, yellow glow across my face.

I was on FaceTime with Adams, who was still on his Paris work trip from 2 weeks ago. His image on the phone screen was grainy from my bad network, but I could still make out the exhaustion etched on his face. We were discussing my grandma, who was en route from Port Harcourt to Lagos, for my and Sarima's convocation ceremony happening later today.

It has already been 2 weeks since I was physically with him.

Adams smiled warmly, but concern flickered in his eyes, "Where are you going?"

I looked up, realising I had reached the entrance of my compound. "Just returning from the laundry shop where I went to pick up my convocation gown," I replied.

Adams nodded, "Wale will be waiting to pick her up at the airport once she lands. He's on his way already."

I couldn't help but notice the bags under his eyes as he leaned back, trying to relax wherever he was seated. "Have you had anything to eat this morning?" I questioned him worriedly.

He chuckled, "I'm good, stop worrying yourself."

I glared at him playfully, but the worry for his well-being lingered in the back of my mind.

"I like your hair-do." He complimented my long butterfly locs.

I flipped an imaginary strand and made a face at him.

"When did you say you were having the final meeting with the associates again?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

Adams checked his wristwatch, "In about 30 minutes."

"Oh, I'd wanted you to go and catch some sleep," I said, my voice laced with concern.

"I want to sleep on your thighs," Adams whispered, his voice lowering to a playful tone.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the laughter bubbling up in my throat. "Old man," I teased, shaking my head at his antics.

As I stepped into the compound, I couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me. Today was a big day, not just for Sarima and me but for my grandmother as well. She'd toiled all these years with everything that's happened to see us through school in any little way she could. Sacrificing her own needs for ours. Today, I wanted to see her smile with pride and feel her love in every hug she gave.

"Why are you smiling?" Adams' voice on the phone interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the present as I climbed the stairs leading to my room.

I shook my head. "Just thinking."

"I want to start preparing," I said, half-sad that he wouldn't be with me today.

Adams studied me closely, his eyes searching for any hint of what I was thinking. "What is it?" he probed, his gaze unwavering.

I was already at my door but remained outside, resting on the balcony.

I hesitated, not wanting to burden him with my emotions. "It's nothing," I said finally, but he didn't seem convinced.

He continued to stare, and for a moment, I wondered if the network was glitching. "Stop," I said, feeling a little self-conscious. "I have to go."

Adams nodded, but I could tell he wasn't satisfied with my answer. "Don't forget to spam me," he said with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood.