NOT MY USUAL WORLD Novel Chapter 5

NOT MY USUAL WORLD
EPISODE 5
Morning came with silence.
But not peace.
Chief Adebayo was already seated in his private study before sunrise. A cup of untouched tea sat on the mahogany table beside him.
Across from him stood a man in a dark suit.
Chief, here’s everything about the boy.
He placed a brown envelope on the table.
His name is Tobechukwu Okoko. From Anambra State. Works part-time at a music lounge in Ikoyi. No strong financial background. Lost his parents early. He stopped schooling after his WAEC. Lives in a boys’ quarters in Ikoyi with his uncle, who manages a property because the owner lives abroad. He also assists his uncle in a mechanic workshop. No political ties. No scandals.
Chief Adebayo’s jaw tightened slightly.
Music lounge? Mechanic?
Yes, sir.
Chief leaned back in his chair.
Okay. You may go.
When the door shut, he opened the envelope again and stared at Tobe’s picture.
A mechanic…
He smiled slowly.
Two days later.
Ronke returned home from work.
The moment she stepped into the living room, she froze.
Anthony was seated comfortably.
Beside him were two of her close friends.
What is going on? she asked cautiously.
Ifeoluwa smiled awkwardly.
Your dad made us promise not to tell you. He said it’s a surprise.
Ronke’s expression turned cold.
It’s not my birthday.
What is my dad planning?
Before she could think further, footsteps echoed behind her.
She turned.
And her world tilted.
Her father walked in.
With Tobe.
Both of them spoke at the same time.
What are you doing here?
Tobe answered first, still confused.
Chief reached out to our workshop for a home service for one of his cars.
Ronke muttered under her breath.
Trap.
She looked at her father.
But you only use auto dealers.
Then she turned to Tobe, her voice low.
This is my house.
And Chief… is my dad.
The color drained from Tobe’s face.
Before he could process it, Chief cleared his throat.
Everyone, meet Tobe. He’s my new mechanic… and Ronke’s friend.
The emphasis was deliberate.
Tobe, please, join us for dinner.
Before he could decline, Chief placed a firm hand on his shoulder and steered him toward the dining room.
At the dining table, the atmosphere was thick.
Crystal glasses. Polished cutlery. Expensive silence.
Tobe sat stiffly.
He couldn’t touch his food.
Anthony leaned back in his chair, studying him.
A mechanic, huh?
Ronke, I didn’t know you make friends with such people.
Her friends giggled comfortably.
Chief said nothing.
Anthony continued.
So, Tobe… Anambra, right? What school did you say you attended after WAEC?
I didn’t.
You didn’t?
More laughter.
Oh… so this is raw talent then?
And your family? What do they do?
They’re late.
Oh.
And money? Music and mechanic work pays well?
The laughter grew louder.
Each question came like a slap.
Education. Background. Status. Worth.
They dissected him like he wasn’t even sitting there.
Tobe kept answering politely.
Yes, sir. No, sir. I try my best. We manage.
The word manage seemed to amuse them the most.
Anthony smirked.
Ronke, so this is your friend?
That was it.
Ronke stood up so abruptly her chair screeched against the floor.
Enough!
The entire room fell silent.
Her chest was rising and falling.
Her eyes were burning.
You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
She turned to Tobe.
I am so sorry. For this humiliation. For this embarrassment.
Her voice softened.
You are free to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Anthony laughed sharply.
No, you will not see him again.
She turned slowly.
Says who?
Chief’s voice came calm. Final.
Says your fiancé.
Your husband-to-be.
The words hit like iron.
Ronke stared at her father in disbelief.
Without another word, she turned and ran upstairs.
Her friends rushed after her.
Inside her room, the door slammed.
Ronke, calm down, Ifeoluwa pleaded.
You are making a mistake. Anthony is your best option. Don’t throw your future away for a pauper.
Ronke’s eyes flashed.
Don’t ever call him that again.
You don’t understand, they tried again.
No. You don’t understand.
I will never marry Anthony.
The room fell silent.
Get out of my room.
They hesitated.
Get out!
They left.
Downstairs, Tobe stood near the entrance.
Chief adjusted his cufflinks.
I hope you understand now.
Tobe didn’t respond.
Anthony walked past him deliberately.
Know your level.
The words were quiet.
But they cut deep.
Tobe walked out without another word.
That night, he did not sleep.
He replayed everything.
The laughter. The questions. The word mechanic spoken like an insult.
He wiped his face roughly.
For the first time in years… he felt small.
And somewhere in the darkness, a thought formed.
Maybe they are right.
Maybe I am not enough.
But then he remembered her standing. Shouting. Defending him.
His jaw tightened.
No.
They will not define me.
Not him. Not Anthony. Not her father.
If they want to measure worth…
He will give them something to measure.
He sat up.
Tomorrow changes everything.
To be continued.