So he continued.
Smoothly.
"Once again," he said, his voice filling the hall, "welcome to the University of Benini."
The students responded warmly.
Applause followed.
Heads nodded.
Smiles spread.
The speech was working.
Inspiring.
Motivating.
Exactly as intended.
Back in their seats, Olaedo let out a small sigh.
Chibuzor noticed immediately.
"What's wrong?" he asked, glancing at her.
"I missed part of it," she admitted, a hint of regret in her voice.
"If I had known going out there wouldn't lead to anything…" she shook her head lightly, "…I would have just stayed."
There was no anger.
Just quiet disappointment.
And somehow, that hit harder than anything else.
Because for him?
The speech had meant little.
But for her?
It had been something she looked forward to. But had missed.
Now she was unhappy.
And that…
Didn't sit well with him at all.
"That's alright. Don't be sad," he said gently.
"I can get him to give you the speech all over again."
