Chapter Twelve: The Other Woman
Alexander walked into his office that morning, only to be greeted by someone he hadn't seen in months—Vanessa Adeyemi. Beautiful. Bold. Ruthless.
And his ex-fiancée.
She was seated in his chair, legs crossed, sipping from a porcelain teacup like she owned the place.
"I see your taste has… shifted," she said, placing the cup down gently. "From penthouse princesses to roadside charity cases?"
Alexander's jaw tightened. "Vanessa. Why are you here?"
"Because the board is talking. Investors are whispering. And the press is already chasing shadows." She stood, walking toward him. "You think you can hide a secret lovechild forever? Lagos doesn't sleep, Alex."
He stepped past her, heading to his desk. "It's none of your business."
"But it is," she snapped. "I was supposed to be your wife. We were meant to build something together. And now you're risking it all for some woman who used to serve plantain in a third-rate hotel?"
Alexander stood still, fists clenched.
"She's the mother of my child. And more of a woman than you'll ever understand."
Vanessa scoffed. "So what happens next? You marry her? Bring her to business dinners? Introduce her to governors and CEOs?"
He faced her. "If I have to."
She laughed bitterly. "You're a fool. And she'll bring you down."
Then she walked out, heels echoing like gunshots.
Later that day, Alexander sat in his car outside Maria's apartment, watching Junior draw pictures by the window. He smiled, but his mind was heavy.
He hadn't told her about Vanessa. Or the threats from the board.
He wanted to protect Maria's peace.
But his world was closing in fast.
And secrets didn't stay buried forever.