26/02/2024
HUSTLE REALM
Episode 9
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The boys continued their Internet business afterwards.
Later on, Gozie enrolled in a short-term driving course. He was attending driving school alongside running his business with ease.
He continued interacting with the client who paid the huge amount.
Some days later, he stopped going to the driving lessons because he assured his instructor that he had learnt how to drive and devoting more time to it was a waste of time for him.
As soon as Gozie stopped going to the driving lessons, he started driving his new car around.
He had changed his wardrobe and as well his look. He had short dreads with undercut hair, he wore designer clothes with matching accessories.
A few days later, before noon, Gozie was preparing to leave the house.
Kosi walked up to him.
"My G, where to?" Kosi asked.
"I wan go see my colleague at my former workplace," Gozie answered.
"Okay, it's necessary. They need to see that you weren't playing when you decided to leave them."
Gozie smiled.
"See you later then."
"Alright," Gozie said and left the house.
He then entered his car and drove off.
Some minutes later, he arrived at the factory.
He brought out his phone and called Helen to come outside the gate.
In no time, Helen came outside the gate and looked around but didn't see him.
She then called his number but he didn't pick up. As she was about to go back to the factory Gozie opened his car door and alighted.
Helen turned immediately and shouted.
"Chineke meeeh!! Gozie!!"
She rushed and hugged him.
"You look good, whose car is this?" she said looking inquisitive.
"Mine," Gozie said and smiled.
"Jisos! Gozie is now a car owner oo. I'm happy for you. The car is beautiful," she said as she walked around the car admiring it.
"Thank you, Helen."
"Let's go inside the factory."
"No please."
"Why?"
"I don't want oga to see me. He's around, right?"
"Yes, he's in his office. I want him to see you."
"I would have entered if he wasn't around. It will look like I came to show off, I don't want him to start asking questions, remember what I told him when I resigned. I only came to see you."
"I would have loved everyone in the factory to see how rich you have become."
"No, I don't that. I just came to appreciate you, you are part of my success story."
"Awwwwn, I had to do it because your mates are making money and you were here suffering."
"Thank you so much."
"You are welcome, it's almost lunchtime. You will take me out oo."
"Pick any outlet of your choice, let's go. "
"Yes, oo. Odogwu m. Let me get my bag and also tell oga that I've gone for a lunch break," she said and rushed inside the factory.
Gozie went into his car and waited for her.
She later came out with her handbag. She then got into the car and they drove off.
A few minutes later, they drove into the most expensive restaurant in that area.
Gozie parked the car and they both alighted.
They entered the restaurant and sat.
The waiter came and took their orders, and brought them later.
They ate and drank to their satisfaction. Helen ordered extras that she would take home. They were brought for her.
Gozie paid all the bills and they left the restaurant.
They discussed as they drove back to the factory.
"Lest I forget Gozie, my birthday is around the corner."
"When?"
"In two weeks, 23rd to be precise."
"That's on Sunday."
"Yes, workfree day for me."
"Where would you like to celebrate it?"
"I don't know yet."
"Whichever way you want it, all bills are on me."
"Odogwu goo goo!!!! thank you so much. I'll tell you my plans later. I need to take my time."
"Okay."
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Not yet."
When they got to the factory, Gozie gave Helen a bundle of money.
She was so excited that she quickly pecked him on the cheek.
Gozie felt special but pretended like nothing happened.
Helen then alighted and bade him goodbye as he drove off.
Some days later, Gozie prepared and left for the village.
He had earlier bought some foodstuff and ingredients, some wrappers of different grades, cartons of wine and some snacks.
As he drove into his village, he saw a young, pregnant woman looking unkempt and carrying a gallon of water on her head.
He pitied her and drove close to her to help her.
He stopped and alighted.
"Good day madam," Gozie said.
The woman turned and greeted him.
Suddenly, it seemed they both recognised themselves.
"Chioma!"
"Gozie, is this really you?"
"Yes, Chioma, what.. what are you doing in the village?"
"We live here," she said looking embarrassed.
"Let me help you," he said trying to carry the gallon of water from her head.
"No, I don't want my mother-in-law to shout at me."
"What about your husband?"
"He had gone back to the city. Let me be on my way," she said and left immediately.
Gozie got back into his car.
He wasn't happy seeing her in such a condition.
"But D**e is rich, why is Chioma looking unkempt? What happened?" he thought as he left for his father's compound.
TO BE CONTINUED....
By Ayogu Oluchi Eze.
