Mask Of Dusk: Chapter 1

Timi Adebanjo sat at his cluttered desk, surrounded by architectural drafts and models, when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his heart skipping a beat at the name flashing across it: Adaeze Okafor. It had been years since he’d heard from the influential businesswoman. Their last interaction was at a charity gala where she had admired his work but expressed doubts about his commitment to large projects.

Taking a deep breath, Timi answered the call. Adaeze’s voice was warm, tinged with a hint of urgency. “Timi, I have an opportunity for you. I need your expertise for a new wing at my estate. Can you meet me tomorrow to discuss the details?”

Timi’s career had been on a downward spiral, marred by a series of unfortunate events and a personal scandal that left him desperate for redemption. This could be his chance to rebuild his reputation. “Of course, Adaeze. I’ll be there,” he replied, masking his eagerness with professional detachment.

The following morning, Timi drove through the bustling streets of Lagos towards the outskirts, where the Okafor estate lay. The estate, a sprawling mansion hidden behind high walls and lush greenery, exuded an air of mystery. As he drove up the winding path, the grandeur of the mansion came into view, its architectural elegance both imposing and inviting.

Adaeze greeted him at the entrance with a radiant smile. Dressed in a flowing white gown, she exuded an aura of grace and power. “Timi, it’s good to see you. Please, come inside.”

He followed her into the mansion, admiring the intricate details of the interior. The hallways were adorned with art pieces and artifacts from around the world, each telling a story of its own. As they walked, Adaeze explained her vision for the new wing. “I want something unique, something that stands out yet blends seamlessly with the existing structure. I believe you’re the perfect person to bring this vision to life.”

They entered a spacious room where a detailed blueprint lay on a large oak table. Timi’s eyes widened as he examined the plans. “This is... ambitious,” he said, noting the underground chamber that was to be part of the design. “What’s the purpose of this underground section?”

Adaeze’s expression remained calm, though her eyes flickered with something Timi couldn’t quite place. “It’s for storage and a private gallery. My husband, Chidi, is an art collector. He needs a secure place for his collection.” Timi said hello to Chidi but he was given a cryptic nod by Chidi in return.

Timi nodded, suppressing his unease and faced Adaeze. “I’ll need to make some adjustments, but I think we can make this work.”

They spent the next few hours discussing the project in detail, Adaeze’s enthusiasm contrasting with Timi’s growing apprehension. As they concluded their meeting, Adaeze placed a hand on his shoulder. “I trust you, Timi. I know you’ll create something extraordinary.”

Leaving the mansion, Timi couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. The contract he had signed seemed straightforward, yet the underground chamber nagged at him. He brushed aside his doubts, attributing them to his overactive imagination.

That night, as he lay in bed, the events of the day replayed in his mind. He tried to focus on the design, but his thoughts kept drifting to Adaeze’s enigmatic smile and the strange noises he had heard while touring the mansion. Just as he was about to drift off to sleep, a loud thud echoed through the house, jolting him awake.

Timi sat up, his heart pounding. He listened intently, but the noise didn’t repeat. Shaking his head, he lay back down, convincing himself it was just the house settling. Yet, as he closed his eyes, the unease lingered, casting a shadow over his thoughts.

Unbeknownst to Timi, the true nature of the Okafor estate was far darker than he could have ever imagined, and his decision to take on this project would lead him down a path of secrets, danger, and the ultimate test of his resolve.