After more than ten hours of flying from Casablanca to Washington, the contestants and crew finally landed. The weather was bright, and the air felt different — warm and familiar.

As soon as Dayo stepped out of the airport, he was met with a huge crowd waiting behind the barriers. Some held banners with his name, others waved flags and signs that said things like "We're sorry, JD!" and "Welcome home!"

For a moment, Dayo just stood still, taking it all in. This was his home ground. The United States — the place where everything began.

He smiled faintly as he looked at the faces in the crowd. Many people were shouting his name, some even crying, saying they were sorry for not believing him during the scandal. Others just wanted to see him up close, cheering and calling out, "We love you, JD!"

It felt good. Not because of the noise or the cameras, but because he could finally feel the love again.

The organizers didn't rush anyone this time. They allowed the contestants to greet their fans properly. Dayo took pictures, signed autographs, and shook hands with a few people near the front. He even shared a short hug with a young girl holding a "Justice for JD" poster.

After some time, the group finally moved to the buses waiting for them. They were taken straight to one of the most prestigious hotels in Washington — a tall glass building with golden lights shining across its entrance.

The moment Dayo got to his room, he threw his jacket on the couch and sat down with a tired sigh. He picked up his phone and called home.

His mother's voice came first, warm and soft. "Dayo! My son! You've landed?"

"Yes, Mom," he said, smiling. "We just got here. The flight was long, but we made it safely."

His siblings jumped on the call next, shouting and laughing. "Big bro! We saw you on the news! Everyone's talking about you again!"

Dayo laughed quietly. "Yeah, yeah, I know.

Janet asked, "So did you get it for me ?"

Dayo smiled, "Hehe, of course I did, and many more."

"Hoho, this is why you're the best bro ever."

Dayo's junior brother, Jeffery, asked playfully, "Heyy Janet, I thought I was the best big bro. You said that yesterday."

Janet smiled innocently, "Hehe, that was yesterday, today is today, but you can always be the best when you do the needful."

The whole family laughed at Janet's antsy behaviour.

They spoke for a while about everything.

"So where is Dad ?"

"Oh, he went to a gathering and would be back late," Abisola answered

"Tell Dad I'll call him later, okay?"

After the call ended, he leaned back, looking out the window at the busy Washington skyline. "Home," he said quietly. "Finally."

Right after that, another call entered— Luna.

She said almost instantly. "Hey, superstar," she said playfully. "You finally made it?"

"Yeah, we just got to Washington," Dayo replied, smiling.

"Oh, really? Took you long enough," she teased.

"Haha, come on, it was a long flight," he said. "Anyway, guess what? We're staying at the Ritz Grand."

Her tone brightened. "Oh, that's close to my place."

"You should come over," he said simply.

There was a short pause before she replied, "Okay… I'll book a room there. I'll text you when I check in."

"Perfect," Dayo said softly. He was excited; it had been more than a month since he last saw Luna.

***

A few hours later, it was late now, and the hotel lobby was quiet except for the sound of soft music being played. Luna walked in wearing a white hoodie and dark jeans, trying to keep a low profile.

At the reception desk stood Emily. She looked up, blinked twice, and gasped.

"Wait… are you Luna?" she asked, her voice shaky with excitement.

Luna smiled kindly. "Yeah, I am."

"Oh my God! I'm such a big fan," Emily said quickly. "I love your songs, especially 'Echoes of You'!"

Luna laughed softly. "Thank you, that means a lot."

They chatted for a short while before Luna waved goodbye and headed toward the elevator. Emily stood there, smiling to herself — until she noticed someone else walking across the lobby.

The man moved fast, wearing a cap low over his head. For a second, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her.

"Wait… is that Dayo?" she whispered to herself.

He walked past her quietly and entered the same elevator Luna had taken.

Emily froze for a few seconds, staring. "No way," she murmured, half smiling. "Luna and Dayo?"

Her mind went blank for a while before realizing, "Damn, so it was true all along, no wonder even when Maya pushed, he never reciprocated, he was in a relationship with Luna."

"Dayo, you are indeed full of surprise."

She muttered and shrugged and decided to ask him later, for now, she wanted to meet Misha and Maya to brag on seeing Luna.

And of course, she wouldn't mention seeing Dayo; that was his business.

---

Later that night, in another part of the city, Tiffin stood by her hotel window, phone in hand. She called Michael.

"Sir, it's done," she said calmly. "Both issues handled. Lois is with us now, and Vivian's gone."

There was silence for a moment before Michael's deep voice came through. "Good. That's how things should be."

Tiffin nodded even though he couldn't see her. "What's next, sir?"

Michael's tone grew colder. "You already know. Keep your eyes on him. This is just the beginning."

"Yes, sir," she said quietly.

When the call ended, Tiffin looked out over the bright Washington skyline. The city was calm — but she knew the storm wasn't over yet.

***

Inside the room, Luna sat on the bed, and the moment Dayo entered, she lunged towards him like a monkey clinging to a tree branch without any intentions of letting go. After about two minutes of silence, she released him.

She looked him deep in the eyes and said, "I have missed you so much."

Dayo smiled as he caressed her waist softly. "Oh, really, then show instead of saying it"

Luna blushed so much that her face wet red as tomatoes. "Ah, you're such a cheat, you're meant to say i miss you too."

She chased him around and after a while....

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