EPISODE 8

FINDING HER VOICE

She hadn’t seen her family in years and deep down she really wanted to go alone without Ibrahim, but she didn’t really know how to communicate it to him, considering the heat of things between them at the moment. She was scared she would be forced to remain in Enugu, thereby loosing everything she had worked for and grown over the years.

She thought things through and decided to open up to both Ibrahim and Amara.

“Hey you” she called Ibrahim sounding kind of nervous

“Hey Em, how you doing” Ibrahim asked rather concerned

“I’m good, I need to tell you something… can you come over this evening? that’s if you’re free though” Emily asked.

“Yea, sure I can, anything for you” Ibrahim was ready to give up anything just to do right by Emily.

“Alright, see you by 6?” She asked.

She also had to call Amara over too. “”Amy baby, how far? you fit come my side this evening? kind of urgent ” She didn’t give Amara space to talk because she could swear Amara would want her to come over instead.

“Hian! oya nau, shaa cook oo” Amara said sarcastically.

Before evening, they both showed up at her apartment almost worried because of how she sounded over the phone. She hugged the both of them so passionately like it would be her last hug with them.

“Em, you’re beginning to scare me, spilllll” Amara said feeling concerned

“Are you alright? you know you can talk to us right? “Ibrahim seconded.

“Yes, I’m fine, I just called you to tell you guys that I’ll be traveling tomorrow morning, I received a call from home, it sounded serious and I’m scared it may cause me to remain in the east so this is just like a farewell visit” Emily said.

” Ok? but we’re going together right? Ibrahim asked curious

“Yea, that was why I called you over. Ibrahim, I feel the need to go alone. I think my family needs me, I need to go first to know the condition of things first, I hope you understand” She tries to explain to Ibrahim holding his hands.

“Emily is this a breakup? is it because of what happened earlier? I said I’ll sort it out” Ibrahim tries explaining.

“Oh no Ibrahim, it’s far from it. I’m going home to sort out things with my family, that’s all” Emily still trying so hard to convince him.

“Alright, if you say so then. I’ll miss you” Ibrahim said as he tried so hard to control his emotions as a man. He just hugs her so passionately.

“Amara my love” she jumps on Amara, teasing her

“Leave me alone biko, you want to travel and you’re telling me few hours before you  travel “Amara said almost crying

“ I’m sorry, it was impromptu” Emily pleaded, cleaning her tears.

” What’ll happen to everything you own here in Abuja, what will you do?” Amara asked Emily

“That’s why I have you, that’s where you come in. I need you to manage it for me till whenever I’m back, don’t forget we both run the business so it’s in your hands now” Emily said hugging Amara like it was her last. Both Ibrahim and Amara decided to spend the night at her apartment to make it memorable for her as well as help her gather her stuff for the trip. Due to the exciting/emotional night/morning, she decided not to sleep in order not to miss her flight which was a 6am flight, so at exactly 5am, Ibrahim and Amara dropped her at the airport and bid her farewell.

She got to Enugu in less than an hour, boarded a cab to drop her home as she saw what her overwhelmed her. Her father was dying. Her father lay frail in bed.

“Emily, I’m sorry,” He whispered.

“For what?” Emily asked.

“For not supporting your dreams, for not being there when you needed me ,for not being honest,” He replied.

“Daddy it’s fine, but honest about what? “She asked holding her father’s hands with tears in her eyes and curiosity too.

“About their family’s past and the company’s secrets”. He said, handing Emily a folder containing documents. “Everything you need to know about the company, our rivals.”

Emily scanned the papers, her eyes widening. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Emily asked.

“Protection,” He replied. “I didn’t want you involved in the family business or the rivalry, even though I wanted you to take over from me, i still needed to protect you from the truth so you do not get hurt.”

Family Secrets

Emily discovered her family’s company was built on contested land, their rivals, the Smiths had been seeking revenge for generations.

Her father’s mistakes:

He fueled the rivalry in other for the land to be abandoned by both parties for him to take ownership of it.

Emily felt overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. She needed to take charge. Emily took the reins of the company and began to unravel the tangled threads of family secrets. She prioritized communication and transparency.

Two months after the company was handed over to Emily, her father passed away leaving Emily the sole heir to the family legacy.

Emily must come to terms with her new role and the weight of her family’s secrets but for the main time she needed to focus on building up the company to what it used to be and even better before she left years ago and because of this, she decided to hold on on the reconciliation she had in mind to do with the Smiths and Ibrahim’s Family… But will this work? She had no idea but she had to take the risk.

Emily’s writing and art became her solace after her Father passed. Of course, she didn’t stop writing. She found a way to process the emotions and stress. She learned to balance business and creativity. She scheduled time for writing and art and made space for love,  because she realized that in order to face the battle ahead of her squarely without sentiments she had to judge without her emotions. She wasn’t being unfair but she just wanted to take control of her life so she had to subdue all feelings she must have felt in the past for these 2 men.

James, a tall, dark and handsome guy, with a banging body structure happened to be at the office the day she was to start work as the new CEO of her father’s company after months of going through some rigorous trainings and research to understand the company and the best way to improve things. She couldn’t help but stare at God’s amazing creature as she gave her speech at the board meeting which he also attended. After the meeting, she had to, she just had to make the move.

“Hey, I’m Emily” she brought out her hands to shake him smiling like she saw an angel.

“Hey, I’m James and yes i know you’re Emily, daughter of the founder of this company and my boss” he says, returning the handshake and smiling like he just met an angel too ” I’m in the legal team of the company” he added.

” Ohhh really, that’s beautiful. It will be my greatest pleasure working with you” She just couldn’t stop smiling.

” Of course, the pleasure’s all mine, maybe we can hangout sometime?” He seemed interested in her.

” Sure, absolutely ” she was overwhelmed. The both exchanged contacts.

They went on countless dates, weeks turned into months and their friendship blossomed into romance. He supported Emily’s passions and helped her navigate the company.

Emily’s company flourished under her leadership with the help of James who she eventually made a partner of the company.

Emily’s writing and art gained recognition, her family’s legacy was reborn, She had finally found her balance between business, creativity love and family. Wondering why she ran away in the first place, maybe her father would still be alive. At last she regretted leaving the way she did but then the deed had already been done so she had to move on. That phase of her life still made her the resilient woman she is today.

Emily sat in her father’s office, now hers. The folder containing family secrets was closed, deep down she knew she might be going about it the wrong way but she was happy with the new beginning and her new life and did not want to stir up trouble as it seemed that everything was calm now. Her pen moved across the page as she wrote her next story, the one about her journey, Home and Growing Success.

Emily’s company continued to thrive under her leadership, she expanded into new markets and forged partnerships with other businesses.

Emily’s writing and art gained recognition with the help of James of course, she published several books and showcased her art in galleries.

James and Emily grew closer, their love supported each other’s passions. Emily’s company continued to thrive under her leadership. James helped Emily navigate business challenges.

“Emily, you’re natural, you do all these effortlessly “James said.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Emily replied.

James smiled: “Proud of you. Your art is stunning.”

“Thank you James,” Emily said.

“You’ve always supported me. “Emily said giving him a teddy hug

Emily encouraged James to pursue his dreams.

***

A few years had passed and  a rival company emerges as a threat to Emily’s business, led by a ruthless CEO who’ll stop at nothing to destroy Emily’s company.

Emily discovers more secrets about her family’s past and the company. She must decide now whether to reveal the truth or keep the secrets buried.