BONDS AND BEGINNINGS
The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the small but cozy home as the old woman carefully poured two cups, her movements slow yet deliberate. Ebimene sat across from her, watching with quiet admiration. There was something grounding about the woman's presence, a warmth that felt strangely familiar despite the short time she had known her.
"Drink, my child," the old woman said, pushing a cup toward her. "It will calm your spirit."
Ebimene wrapped her hands around the delicate porcelain, inhaling the herbal aroma. "Thank you, Mama Ife."
The elderly woman smiled, deep wrinkles creasing around her kind eyes. "You always thank me, but kindness does not need repayment."
Ebimene hesitated before speaking. "That's not what the world taught me."
Mama Ife studied her, her gaze probing but gentle. "The world has been unkind to you."
Ebimene nodded, staring at the swirling liquid in her cup. "It took everything from me."
The old woman reached out, covering Ebimene's hand with her own. "Not everything. You still have yourself. And strength, child, is not just in fists or intelligence, but in knowing when to keep fighting."
Ebimene swallowed the lump in her throat. In all the years of struggle, no one had spoken to her like this—not with pity, but with understanding.
A knock at the door startled them both. Ebimene placed her cup down and stood, but Mama Ife gestured for her to sit back down. "Relax, I know who it is."
The door creaked open, revealing Ebi-Adein's elegant form, her long, sleek hair cascading over her shoulder. She wore a simple yet expensive dress, her presence almost too refined for the humble home. But when she spotted Ebimene, her face lit up with a genuine smile.
"There you are," Ebi-Adein said, stepping in. "I thought I'd find you here."
Ebimene smirked. "You've been looking for me?"
Ebi-Adein waved a dismissive hand. "I wanted to check on you. And, well… I might have brought food."
At that, Mama Ife chuckled. "Good girl. Food is the key to a weary heart."
Ebi-Adein set down the package she was carrying, revealing steaming containers of assorted delicacies. Ebimene's stomach betrayed her, grumbling at the sight. She hadn't had a proper meal since the last time Ebi-Adein dragged her to an expensive restaurant.
As they ate, Ebi-Adein observed her. "You're always so guarded, Ebimene. But I see the way you care, even if you don't admit it."
Ebimene scoffed, wiping her lips with a napkin. "What makes you think that?"
Ebi-Adein tilted her head. "You saved me. You come here to see Mama Ife. You act like you're untouchable, but deep down, you want to protect people."
Ebimene went silent. She wasn't sure how to respond to that.
Mama Ife, ever watchful, interjected, "It is not weakness to care, my child. Even the strongest warriors have hearts."
For the first time, Ebimene allowed herself to consider that maybe—just maybe—she didn't have to be alone.
---
The days that followed were a blend of quiet moments and unspoken understanding. Ebi-Adein, despite her wealthy upbringing, seemed fascinated by Ebimene's resilience. She found excuses to visit, bringing books on business, economics, and strategies.
"You're brilliant," Ebi-Adein told her one afternoon as they sat in a quiet café, their notebooks spread across the table. "You absorb knowledge like a sponge."
Ebimene arched a brow. "Are you surprised?"
Ebi-Adein chuckled. "Not at all. But I am curious—why business intelligence? Why not something easier?"
Ebimene exhaled slowly, gripping her pen. "Because knowledge is power. And power ensures that no one can take from me again."
Ebi-Adein leaned forward, her gaze intense. "You're aiming for more than just success, aren't you?"
Ebimene met her eyes. "I'm aiming to become untouchable. A force so great that even nations will have to acknowledge me."
A slow smile spread across Ebi-Adein's lips. "Then you're going to need a partner."
Ebimene hesitated. "You?"
Ebi-Adein shrugged. "Why not? I have resources. You have the brains and drive. Together, we could be unstoppable."
Something unfamiliar stirred in Ebimene's chest. It wasn't just gratitude. It was something deeper—an understanding, a rare connection she hadn't felt in years.
---
Their partnership deepened over time, with Ebi-Adein introducing Ebimene to elite circles, influential mentors, and high-profile investors. Ebimene soaked up knowledge, learning the art of persuasion, business manipulation, and strategic decision-making. Late nights turned into early mornings, with them poring over financial charts and predictive models, refining their plans.
One evening, as they walked by the riverbank after an intense discussion, Ebi-Adein sighed, looking at the city skyline. "You know, my father always told me that money is a tool, not a goal."
Ebimene folded her arms, watching the glistening water. "And what do you believe?"
Ebi-Adein glanced at her. "I believe power is what you make of it. And you, Ebimene, are going to be more powerful than you can imagine."
Ebimene felt a chill run down her spine. Not from fear, but from the certainty in Ebi-Adein's voice. For the first time, she wasn't just surviving—she was building an empire.
And with Ebi-Adein by her side, she was no longer walking alone.