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Lad Movies Series, Okene (2026)

09/09/2025

Wanderlust (S2 E6) The Storm Is Near

*BENJAMIN*

My house has been unusually noisy for weeks because of Ava. Everywhere is full of notebooks and textbooks all in the name of preparation for WAEC. I was about entering my room when I heard voices from her room. Ava's laughter carried over, mixed with a deeper male voice. Curious, I walked in. There she was, sitting on the sofa, and jotting down notes. Beside her sat a young man, maybe seventeen or eighteen, tall, sharp eyes, too calm for his age. He leaned close, pointing at her physics assignment.
"Ah, daddy, welcome!” Ava's face lit up. "Meet my classmate. He’s been helping me prepare for WAEC. Without him, I’d have died in calculations by now." The boy stood, polite, his voice steady.
"Good evening, sir. I’m Daniel." I forced a smile. "Welcome, Daniel. Thank you for helping her. I'm glad she put her head down to learn." Daniel gave a small smile.
"She exaggerates. She’s brilliant already." It was nothing unusual. Just classmates helping each other to pass.
"Well, Daniel, you’re always welcome here. But know this, if Ava fails, I’ll hold you responsible." They both laughed it out. Well, I trust my daughter anyways. I walked to my room.

*NGOZI*

Lucas gave me an address to his secret hideout in case I want to reach out to him. Now, I found us sitting together.
"You were right. Chidinma is the betrayal." I said.
"Lad think he is untouchable right now, because he surrounds himself with loyal people. But even the strongest walls fall if you find the right crack. Right?" I nodded my head in agreement even though I'm still curious what his plan is.
"And..... where is this…... crack?" Lucas leans forward, his voice lowering like a man sharing forbidden knowledge.
"Sophia." I laughed so hard as I heard that.
"That girl? She is too weak and dull. I don't think she can be fit for this revenge." Lucas shakes his head slowly.
"Weak, yes… but not dull. Her greatest weakness is the easiest to exploit: she trusts too easily. She believes in people. That’s why she fell for me, and that’s why she’ll fall for you." My eyes sharpen with interest.
"So you want me to—what? Be her friend?" Lucas smirks.
"Not just her friend. Be her confidante. Let her believe she finally has someone who understands her. Gain her trust, and once you’re in… you’ll guide her steps exactly where I want them to go." I think for a moment, then nod slowly.
"And what exactly do you want me to lead her into?" I asked.
"To betray her people, of course. The same way Chidinma did to us. De Rodina is the crown of Artful Travel Company. Once it’s in my hands, Lad will crumble… and Sophia will never even realize she was the one who handed me the knife. Right now, everyone including Lad trust her and they don't think she can do something like that. That's where the Crack will come from." His expression darkened.
"And what if she did not fall? Do you have plan B?" I asked.
"Our last born is in town. I brought him from village. He is already operating in Benjamin's house as a study partner with his daughter. Before they know, it will be too late." I was left speechless. If Lucas had planted his brother in Benjamin's house, then the war had already moved closer than I imagined. Lucas is not just coming for revenge, he is now dangerous.

*ALI*

I’ve faced board meetings with professionals, I’ve carried Lad’s burdens without pressing me down, and I’ve witness many fatal accidents, But nothing, absolutely nothing terrified me more than the thought of telling Zahra how I felt. She wasn’t just 'Lad’s friend' to me anymore. She had become the one person whose smile made the longest day bearable. Whenever she walked into the office, the place brightened. Even her silences spoke volumes I could never decode. But I had seen the way she looked at Lad once upon a time: like he was the only man in this Company. And that scared me. I saw her sitting alone with her head bowed over her phone, I knew it was now or never. I approached her politely.
"Zahra." She looked up, her lips curving into a small smile.
"Ali. You scared me for a second." I rubbed the back of my neck, suddenly regretting every decision that led me here.
"Sorry. I… I just needed to talk to you." Her brows knitted with concern.
"Is something wrong?" Everything. Nothing. My heart, my pride, my fear. I forced a laugh.
"Not wrong, exactly. Just… important." She put her phone aside, giving me her full attention, and that made my palms sweat. "Zahra,” I began again, slower this time. "I’ve watched you for a long time. I mean… I’ve admired you. Your strength, the way you stand tall even when people doubt you, the way you care. And I know I’m just, me, Ali, Lad’s secretary. But I can’t pretend anymore." Her eyes softened, and I couldn’t tell if it was pity or something else. "I like you, Zahra. More than I should. More than I’ve been able to admit. And I was wondering if… maybe… you could give me a chance?" Silence stretched between us like a tight rope, threatening to snap at any moment. Zahra finally breathed, her voice quiet. "Ali… I don’t know what to say." The words stung, but I pushed on.
"You don’t have to say yes. I just... needed you to know. Keeping it inside was eating me alive." Her hand reached out, resting lightly on mine. The touch nearly unraveled me.
"You’re brave for saying this. I was just shocked because I was not expecting it. You are a very good guy and a good friend to me. Coming down here to tell me means you have battled with your emotions several times and you could not hide it anymore. Let me think about it. Please." I nodded, my chest heavy but lighter than it had ever been. For once, she knew. And for me, that was a start.
©Adams Abdulbasit A.

08/09/2025

Wanderlust (S2 E5) Test Of Loyalty

*MIA*

I had been carrying it in my chest for days: the dream, her face, her voice. Every time I looked at him, I felt the weight of her message pressing harder against my lips. But I hesitated. How do you tell a man that his dead mother came to you in a dream? Would he believe me? Would he think it was just my imagination? But today, watching him sit silently by the window and staring at the sky, I knew I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
"Honey," I said softly, stepping closer. He didn’t turn immediately. "I know you can’t stop thinking about her, about the lies you fed her, and everything. Each time you try to be happy, you felt like you don’t deserve it, because she never saw the truth." I sat beside him, sliding my hand over his. My heart pounded as I took a deep breath. "There’s something I need to tell you. Something… about your mother." His head snapped toward me.
"About my mother? What do you mean?" I swallowed hard, my eyes locking into his.
"She came to me...... In a dream." He froze, staring at me as if I had grown wings.
"Mama," that's the name he used to call his mother when she was alive. After our wedding, he started calling me that. I love it when he called me that because it carries respect. His mother was the only person he listened to, and now he had put me in that position. "don’t... don’t joke about that." His voice cracked on the last word.
"I’m not joking, I saw her." His eyes were searching mine for any sign of a lie.
"What did she say?"
"She said she was never disappointed in you. That she didn’t need a wedding to believe in your happiness. She only wanted to know you wouldn’t walk through life alone. She told me to tell you she is proud of you. That she loves you." His lips parted, but no words came out. His hand gripped mine so tightly it almost hurt, and then, slowly, his whole body trembled.
"Mama… don’t lie to me. Please."
"I swear on it with my life. She really said it. She saw your pain. And she has forgiven you." Tears flowed from his cheeks as he hugged me so tight.
"I’ve been waiting my whole life to hear those words again, and you… you brought them to me." We stayed like that, holding each other, the silence filled with his tears and my heartbeat. And in that moment, I realized that dreams weren’t always just dreams. Sometimes, they were messages: bridges between two worlds. And I had been chosen to carry this one.

*NGOZI*

My heart still hadn’t settled since my encounter with Lucas. His words echoed in my mind like a warning bell. Chidinma was the one who betrayed us. I wanted to dismiss it, to believe it was bitterness speaking. But deep down, I knew Lucas hadn’t been lying. Still, I needed proof. I needed to look into Chidinma’s eyes herself and test the weight of her loyalty. I arranged to meet her at her favorite restaurant. The place was quiet, with only the hum of a ceiling fan and the faint chatter of a few customers. When Chidinma walked in, she looked radiant as always, her dress neat, her smile quick to appear, her voice warm as she greeted.
"Ngozi! You didn't tell me about this meetup earlier. I just had to pick a dress and come." She said, sitting on the chair opposite me. I forced a smile.
"Nothing is wrong with the dress, Chidinma. I actually called you so we could have good times together and talk in private." I ordered drinks, exchanged small pleasantries, and for a while, everything felt normal.
"Wow, so what could that be?" I watched her closely. Finally, I leaned forward.
"Chidinma, can I ask you something."
"Sure, go ahead." She looked very calm.
"With the way Lucas was caught during the process of stealing De Rodina, I think someone among us revealed our secret. The one where we all agreed to protect the East’s mission and plans at all costs?" Something flickered in her eyes, just for a second. But then she chuckled.
"Of course, I thought that too. What we discussed in that meeting was not supposed to be heard outside. And look at how things turned out, I feel sorry for Lucas." I nodded.
"Who do you think is responsible?" I asked quietly.
"Why did you ask that? Lucas was the one who paid for the price. He’s the guilty one. The matter is settled. Besides, why are you concern about knowing the betrayal?
"Why am I concerned? Chidinma, where is this coming from? You sound like you know the betrayal and trying so hard to protect him or her."
"I don't know about anything, I just feel it's not necessary anymore. If this is why you call me here, it's time to call it a day." She stood up and was ready to leave.
"I heard Lad hired a new cook for you. I guess that's why you have abandoned your favorite restaurant." That statement hit her so hard. She froze for a moment, and then she turned to me.
"If you know anything, say it directly to me. Stop beating around the bush."
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. But one thing is certain: truth has a way of rising, no matter how deep you bury it." She forced a smile. I watched her leave. This made me believe so much about what Lucas said.

*ZAHRA*

I never thought I could healed from heartbreak so easily, but here I am looking strong and happy. I accepted my faith because I was rejected long time ago even before his wedding. I was just too foolish that I kept forcing myself on him. Just as I was about closing my laptop, the gentleman came into my office.
"Mr Lad, Oh sorry! Mr President." My voice broke down. He has become so matured. I could not even look directly into his face.
"Zahra..... I prefer you call me by my name. I'm sorry I was not able to come here all this while. My days are becoming very tight for me."
"I understand. Especially now that the whole work of ATC is on your head. You need time to balance all the mess and damages that has been done." I spoke with so much confidence. "So, what brought you here on a hot afternoon?" I asked.
"I had an encounter with Miss Chidinma. I was finding it difficult to believe what she told me." I cut in fast.
"That Lucas will return?" He looked surprised.
"Zahra, how did you know about that?" He asked.
"I know men like Lucas don’t accept defeat easily. Especially when he realized someone from his tribe must be involved. No one could know what they discussed in the meeting, if someone did not leak the information. He will take time to know the betrayal, and see how he can fight back." Lad leaned back, exhaling slowly.
"You knew all this and you did not tell me."
"I'm sorry. I don't want you to be like I'm still forcing myself on you. Besides, if you had heard it from my mouth first, you won't take it very serious." I rose to my meet, trying so hard not to break down in his sight.
"Zahra, don't be like that. You were never forcing yourself on me. And by the way, I always honour and believe your words." He replied. I noticed something has changed about him. He is not proud anymore, thanks to his wife.
"That’s all I’ll say for now. Just… be careful. The arrow might be strike from where you least expect." With that, I left slowly.
© Adams Abdulbasit A.

07/09/2025

Wanderlust (S2 E4) Lucas Return

*NGOZI*
Before I crossed to the other street, I heard a voice called my name from the other end.
"Ngozi." I froze. The voice was familiar. Too familiar. Slowly, I turned, and my heart nearly leapt out of my chest.
"Lucas?!" I screamed. His eyes were looking sharp. "Everyone said you had gone back to the village after... after they sacked you." A bitter smile displayed in his face.
"That’s what they wanted everyone to believe. That Lucas had crawled back home in shame. That I had vanished quietly, carrying the weight of their betrayal. But no, Ngozi. I didn’t leave. I’ve been here, watching and planning." My impulses quickened. I took a cautious step closer, with my voice trembling.
"Planning? Planning what?" He looked around, as if making sure no one else was near, before locking eyes with mine. His tone dropped, but heavy with anger.
"Chidinma." He said.
"What about her?" Lucas face tightened.
"She’s the one. The one who leaked everything. The one who carried the East’s secret straight to Lad. That’s why I was sacked. That’s why my name was dragged in the mud. And everyone… everyone laughed at me." My lips parted in shock.
"What?! Lucas, are you sure of what you’re saying? Chidinma? But she… she was in the meeting with all of us. And we all swore with our own mouth that we would protect the secret no matter what." Lucas laughed bitterly, shaking his head.
"Swore? People don't really swear genuinely. They just do it to get your trust, and still go behind to stab you at the back. Some swear for eye service, to avoid arguments and let things go. While we were busy planning, she was feeding Lad every single detail."
"Ha! Chidinmaaa!" My mind raced. I tried to deny it, but her sudden change started fitting together. Her sudden closeness with Lad, the way she always seemed to know more than she admitted, the way she avoid us, the East, and the way she avoid certain questions. Lucas stepped closer, his voice low but burning.
"I lost everything because of her, Ngozi. My position, My respect, and My name. But I swear, Chidinma will pay for what she’s done. Lad may think it's over. But soon.... just very soon, he will realize Lucas is not the kind of person you mess with." I stared at him for long, in between fear and pity. Seeing Lucas again, angrier, sharper, and almost very dangerous.
"Lucas… what are you planning to do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked at me, his eyes were hard, and for a moment, the silence was heavier than words. Then, with a cold smile, he said:
"Let’s just say… the East isn’t finished yet." And with that, he turned and walked into the night, leaving me trembling in the fading light, my mind was spinning with the weight of what I had just heard.

*LAD*

After the meeting ended, the executives left the boardroom one after the other. Some slowly, while some hurrying to get back to duty. Just as I was about to head into my office, I noticed her. Chidinma. She wasn’t like the others, lingering with laughter. She stood quietly by the glass wall, her file pressed tightly against her chest as if she was shielding herself from something unseen. I walked over, smiling.
"Miss Chidinma." She looked startled, almost guilty, before her face softened with a small nod.
"Mr president."
"Drop the ‘president’ for once, abeg." I said, lowering my voice. "It’s Lad. Just Lad. Especially since you’re the reason I can even sit on that chair with my head still attached to my body." Her eyes flickered: the kind of look people give when they want to smile but something heavy is holding them back. "I don’t think I’ve said this enough," I continued. "Thank you for everything you have done for me. If you hadn’t told me the truth, Lucas’s plan would have crushed me, maybe even destroyed this company."
"I only did what was right." She replied making attempt to leave.
"Right," I echoed, watching her. "But doing what’s right isn’t always easy. Especially when it means standing against your own people." Her silence spoke louder than words. I leaned closer, dropping my tone into something softer, more personal. "You saved me, Chidinma. Don’t think for a second I don’t see it. Don’t think I’ll forget." She exhaled.
"You shouldn’t thank me yet." That threw me off.
"What do you mean?" She glanced around the empty hallway, then back at me. Her voice dropped, almost a whisper.
"You think it’s over? Lucas is not the type to give up just like that." A smile ran through me, and then she continued. "He was humiliated in front of his people. Men like him don’t disappear quietly. They wait, they plot, and then strike when you think you’re safe." I studied her face. She wasn’t warning me out of malice. There was fear there, genuine fear. She sounded so sure.
"Do you know something?" I asked carefully. Her lips parted, then closed again. She shook her head.
"No details. Just instinct. And instincts are sometimes more dangerous than facts." For the first time, the laughter from the boardroom meeting turned into doubt. The “no more tribalism” speeches now felt like fake to me. I need to be guarded.
"Thank you, Chidinma," I said quieter than before. "Not just for saving me… but for reminding me that the war is not yet over." She gave the faintest nod and turned, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she walked away. I stood there for a long time, still clinging to her words, 'Lucas isn’t the type to give up', And in my heart, I knew she was right.

*BENJAMIN*

The Curtain was half opened as I saw the stars through my window. It reminded me of the time I went to the conference meeting with Lad when he was still cool headed. I remember telling him each star represents a soul and he asked me which was his own star? The silence was broken when the door open without a knock.
"Ava" I said without looking at her direction. I knew she was the only person who can enter my room without knocking.
"Yes daddy." She answered with her sweet cadence voice.
"You’re supposed to be in tutorial, or at least preparing to. So, what are you doing here?" She walked a bit closer dragging a chair and then sat right opposite of me.
"The tutorial is boring. And besides, someone has to be checking on the great Mr Benjamin, the CEO of Artful Travel Company, the man who frowns more than he smiles at his children." I gazed at her for minutes, I was not expecting someone as little as Ava to make those comments.
"You talk too much, Ava. Go get your bag, I'll drop you off." She obstructed my move.
"That’s why big brother call me chewing gum, isn’t it? Huh.... I'm just sad he finally got married. He has less time for me these days. You should be happy I stick to you, dad." She said gumming her body on mine. I almost smiled, but I cleared my throat instead.
"Please go and spend your vacation with either Olivia or Lad. I'm sick and tired of your disturbance." She rolled her eyes.
"Olivia? She’s too strict and overprotective. And Lad…..." She paused, tilting her head. "Well, I would love to visit him, but he has Mia now. He doesn’t need me around anymore." I raised my brow.
"And..... no classmates to disturb?"
"Dad!!!" She cut deep into the conversation. "Let me enjoy your time while you are still alive. I didn't get to spend much time with mum before she died." Those words pierced through my heart. Sometimes, I wonder if she was really the one saying all that. I leaned back in my chair, removing my glasses slowly.
"I'm tired of pretending. Every single day, I still miss your mum especially the fact that she wasn't alive to witness her son's wedding." I said, controlling my voice.
"Her son? Isn't he your son too?" I smiled, not because of her question but because I knew exactly that she was going to ask that question. "Dad, when are you going to tell him that you are proud of him?" She added.
"Your brother is a man now, Ava. He is doing well in life. He doesn’t need those soft words from me. What he needs now is Strength and Support." Ava frowned.
"That's the problem. You judge him easily. Even if it's once, not because he is the president, but because he is Lad, your son, and for all the pains and battles he has overcome. Don’t you think he deserves to hear it directly from you?" I stared at her, silent for a moment. She was young, but her words had weight. For a moment, I saw my wife in her.
"Ava, you're just like your mother. I will tell him when he least expects it." She smiled and then skipped out, leaving me with my own thoughts.
© Adams Abdulbasit A.

06/09/2025

Wanderlust (S2 E3) Back In Office

*MIA*

I found myself in a place that was neither night nor day. The air was sweet, almost too perfect, carrying a peace I had never known, and then I saw her. A woman in white, standing with her back to me. Her shape was familiar even though I was yet to see her face. Slowly, she turned around, and my breath caught in my throat. It was her: Lad’s mother.
"Mia," she said. I couldn't move at first when I heard her call my name. I was trembling. "You are the one my son chose. You visited my grave. I heard his voice. I felt his tears." Suddenly I felt safe. "He thinks he failed me. He believes he deceived me with that lie of marriage. But what he doesn’t know is..... I never needed the ceremony. All I wanted was to know he wouldn’t end this life alone. That he would find someone who truly loved him." Tears welled in my own eyes. She stepped closer, placing her hands gently on mine. "Tell my son this, I was never disappointed. The place I am now, I can see he is happy, he is loved, he is safe. That is all a mother ever wanted. Be his anchor, Mia. He is strong, but even strong men drown in silence. Remind him he does not need to carry every burden alone." The sparkling light grew brighter, swallowing her. I felt panic rise in me as she began to fade.
"Wait!" I cried, reaching out. Her final smile lingered, and then she was gone. I gasped awake, sitting up in my bed, my heart hammering. The room was dark, the only sound I could hear was the soft rhythm of Lad’s breathe beside me. I touched my face and realized my cheeks were wet. It was from Lad's sweating cheat. Carefully, I lay back down, curling into him, listening to his heartbeat as if it would take me back to his mother. I closed my eyes again, carrying the weight of her message like a secret treasure, waiting for the right moment to give it to him.

*LAD*

Walking back into Artful Travel Company as a president and not Director of Welfare, I felt so good and strange. Not bad strange, but that kind of strange when you’ve been away for a few months, the walls look the same, but somehow you feel like a visitor. This was the same room where I had faced some of my darkest days: battles with Lucas, whispers of tribal divide, board members doubting me. But today was different. Today, I was coming back not just as Lad, but as a married man, and a President ready to lead. I stepped into the boardroom where we hold our monthly meeting. I could see the smile on their faces. Leo took his book as he stood up.
"Good morning everyone, and you are all welcome to the first meeting. Here is what I have on my list. Welcome back speech from the Vice President, financial updates from the director of sales, reports from our clients by the media manager, and then Appreciation speech from the President. Thank you." Leo concluded, and when he was about taking his seat, Ngozi raised her hand.
"What about Observation?" She asked.
"This is the first meeting. Observation will start from our next meeting." Leo replied her. The Vice President, Sophia, stood up first. Her booming voice carried a smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I know why you’re all staring at him like that." She said, gesturing toward me. "It’s not because he’s our President, it’s because he managed to finally say I do! Even with all his stubbornness." Laughter rippled around the table. I shook my head, chuckling.
"You’ll pay for that one, VP." She grinned.
"On behalf of everyone here, welcome back, President. We’re glad to have you and we’re even gladder that you didn’t extend the honeymoon for six months like some of us would have. I have nothing much to say. I just want to use this moment to tell you that, we are all happy to have you back, Mr President." The executives clapped as she took her seat. The director of sales, Aisha stood up.
"Our numbers for the last quarter exceeded projections by 12%. Demand from West African partners has grown steadily, particularly in the manufacturing sector. However, we noticed a dip in retention with two of our Eastern distributors, a matter we’re already addressing with incentives and stronger follow-ups." Murmurs of approval followed. I made a mental note to revisit the distributor issue later. Next came our Media Manager, Ryan. He stood with a confident smile, clicking his tablet.
"Our brand presence has seen an increase in client satisfaction reports. Ninety percent of our clients rated us ‘excellent’ in communication. We did, however, receive concerns from one or two clients regarding delayed response times, which we’re already correcting with a 24-hour feedback system."
"Good job," I said, nodding. "Clients are the lifeblood. Let’s keep their trust." I was impressed by his hard work. I never thought someone could manage the platform better than Clark. When he got sacked, part of me was down. Thank God we have Ryan now. And then, it was my turn. I rose slowly, feeling all eyes settle on me. My heart raced, not from nerves, but from a strange swell of pride.
"First, thank you everyone. Each of you has worked hard in my absence, and from the reports I’ve heard, you’ve done it with excellence. I want to assure you marriage hasn’t softened me. It has only given me a stronger reason to fight for this company. This company isn’t just numbers, charts, or documents, it’s people, it’s us. And as long as I sit in this seat, I will do everything within me to ensure ATC is not just a company, but a family." Applause filled the room. Then something happened. Ngozi, one of the strongest voices from the East, slowly rose. Her expression was firm.
"Mr. President, We, the East, want to speak today. During your absence, whispers of division have shadowed this boardroom. Rumors has been spreading in this office because of what Lucas did few months back. We want you to know that we trust and support you. And there will be no more tribal lines in this company. Only one line, which is progress." I was silent for a moment, stunned. Slowly, others from the East nodded in agreement, voicing their assent one after another. Something in me loosened, like a knot untying.
"Thank you very much guys. I promise, I will never betray that trust.” The applause this time wasn’t just noise, it was a heartbeat. A heartbeat of unity. And for the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to believe it. The rest of the meeting flowed smoothly, filled with lighthearted jokes and easy exchanges. As we wrapped up, I leaned back in my chair, smiling to myself. Maybe, just maybe, the storms were finally over. But deep down, in the quiet place of my heart, I wondered if this unity was real or just another mask waiting to crack?

*NGOZI*

I walked down the quiet street that evening after we closed from office to get some ingredients for my dinner. The sun had nearly disappeared. Before I crossed to the other street, I heard a voice called my name from the other end.
"Ngozi." I froze. The voice was familiar. Too familiar. Slowly, I turned, and my heart nearly leapt out of my chest.
"Lucas?!" I screamed 😬😳

©Adams Abdulbasit A.

05/09/2025

Wanderlust (S2 E2) At Her Resting Place

*MIA*

Lad walked slowly with his hand clasped tightly in mine to the cemetery, the place where his mother was buried. His steps were heavy, and every steps feels like a reminder of self guilt. Finally, we stopped before a modest white marble stone.
"Here lies Mrs Elizabeth Benjamin, Dreamer, Guiding Light, and Beloved Mother." We looked at the words written on the marble. He knelt down slowly, brushing his hand across the stone. His voice trembled.
"Mom… it’s me. Your Lad." I stayed a step behind, silent, letting him speak. "You always dreamed of seeing me walk down the aisle. You used to say it was your last wish: to see me married, settled, and happy. But, I..... I lied to you." His voice grew heavier. "I brought a girl home, pretending she was my wife. I thought I was buying time. I thought you’d live long enough for me to make it true. You believed me, Mum. You looked at me with so much pride that day… and I let you carry that lie to your grave. How wicked could I be?" His eyes were burning and tears rolling down his cheeks. I stepped closer to him, knelt down beside him, and gently patting his shoulder.
"Honey..." I tried to comfort him but he shook his head immediately.
"I should have let her see the truth. Even when she was dying, I still refused to tell her the truth thinking I didn't want to break her down completely. Instead, she died believing in an illusion I created." He said as he bowed his head against the stone. I have never seen him like this before.
"Don’t punish yourself forever." I whispered. "Your mother’s hope wasn’t wasted. She didn’t need a crowd or a wedding gown to know her son was capable of love. What mattered to her was the vision of you settled, smiling, and building a family. And now, you are that man. You’ve fulfilled her dream. Just….. later than she expected." He turned his face to mine, for the first time, he let himself lean into me.
"Do you think she forgives me?" he asked, his voice was totally childish. I smiled.
"She is your mother. Mothers don’t carry grudges. She loves you always, regardless of the situation. So my dear husband, let's go home. Your mother is resting, so should you." I slid my hand into his again, squeezing it. Together , we rose, walking away slowly. Lad’s heart felt like the closing of an old wound that got peeled again.

*LAD*

I received a call from my dad earlier today that there will be a private dinner between the Lad's family and Mia's family. Mia leaned on my shoulder while I drove home to get changed.
"I think I might actually enjoy tonight. No drama. Just food, soft music, and peace. It will be full of excitement" I chuckled.
"I know right." I replied, as I focused on my driving.
"You don't look excited." She raised her head and turned to face me. "Is it because of Olivia?" She asked.
"She is always annoying. I hate to see her face."
"Zahra!"
"What?"
"What is she doing here?" She asked, as I looked up to see. Yes, Zahra, She was standing by the entrance of my house.
"Zahra is always welcome here. So, don't be surprised to see her. Let's go down and talk to her." We approached her.
"Our wife,” she said smoothly, extending her arms for a hug.
"I’ve heard a lot about you from my husband. You are a wonderful woman. Thank you for always being supportive, and I appreciate everything you have done for us in this wedding." My eyes widened slightly. I could not believe I was hearing that from my jealous pretty Mia. The one who hates to see Zahra's face.
"It's just a token for what you have done for me. I would have not been alive if it wasn't for you." Zahra replied with a bright smile.
"No Zahra, you risked your life just to save the Benjamin's. Everyone is very proud of you. You don't deserve to die. You're a hero, Zahra. Continue to be that fearless woman." They continued like that with a warm smile on their faces.
"We might end up sleeping outside if you guys continue like this. Where is the key I need to enter inside." Mia dipped her hand into her bag and brought out the key.

*BENJAMIN*

Lad and Mia had been invited to my private dinner. It was meant to be a quiet evening, a chance to relax after weeks of tension. They agreed to be here in five minutes, but this is taking longer than expected. Everyone including Mia's family were seated waiting for the newly wedded couple. Soon, they arrived.
"And... What's Zahra doing here? I didn't expect to see her here." Olivia asked.
"I didn't expect to be here either. Mr president insisted." Zahra replied.
"Dad, are you sure this is a good idea?" Olivia asked. She sounded like she wanted to cause trouble.
"There's nothing wrong for Zahra to be part of us here. After all, I still owe her an appreciation for saving us. Everyone is welcome. Let's eat and celebrate the moment." She watched them take their seats. The mouth settled, allowing the spoon make the noise. In few minutes, Zahra finally spoke.
"I think I'm making them uncomfortable. I need to go home." She said to Lad almost in a whisper.
"Let your eyes be on me." Lad's voice was calm. I cleared my throat and decided to say something serious.
"Lad, what's your goal and vision for Artful Travel Company? Now that you are the new President, all eyes on you." He paused for a moment.
"I imagine you want to answer it yourself." He said softly. "The other night, you said something about my executives hiding their intentions. You still think there is an accomplice?" His voice hardened.
"Lad, this is not the place to talk about this." He interrupted me immediately.
"You asked for my vision for the company. Is this the right place to talk about that?" I thought he has changed. Mia's lips parted slightly.
"Keep..... Quiet!" Lad nodded. That was the first time seeing Lad listen to someone. He played the perfect gentleman.
"I'm sorry, dad." He said calmly.
"It's fine. You were right, I shouldn't have brought a topic that will spoil our feast." I smiled it away and the day went delightful.
©Adams Abdulbasit A.

Lad Movies Series

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