She wanted to know him—not as a stranger in a uniform, but as the man who had saved her in more ways than one.
The next morning, Ifyoma went back to Adaku Holdings, this time on purpose. She wore the same hoodie and faded jeans. No makeup. No expensive heels. No shiny jewelry. She did not want to look like an heiress. She wanted to look like herself.
She sat by the fountain again, pretending to read a book but really just waiting, her heart beating nervously.
Sure enough, Tunday appeared, checking the west gate and writing on his clipboard, his face serious but calm.
When he glanced at the fountain, their eyes met.
Ifyoma gave a small, shy smile.
Tunday nodded politely and kept walking.
He was not being unfriendly, just careful. He had learned not to bother residents unless they called for him, especially when they seemed different from the rest.
Ifyoma’s heart sank.
His respectfulness made it harder to start a conversation.
She needed a reason, something small and natural.
When she saw him making his rounds again, she called out, “Excuse me.”
Tunday turned instantly, alert but calm.
“Yes, miss?”
“Could you help me with something?” she asked, lifting her phone. “I can’t connect to the building’s free Wi-Fi.”
It was a harmless lie. She knew how to connect. She could probably run the tech department herself, but it was the only thing she could think of.
Tunday walked over, keeping a respectful distance.
“Let me see,” he said, crouching beside her.
He took her phone and tapped through the settings. Ifyoma watched quietly. His hands were steady, his movements gentle, with no sign of arrogance or judgment.
“There,” he said after a moment, handing the phone back. “You’re connected now.”
“Thank you,” she said with a smile.
He stood up, looking slightly embarrassed.
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