190 reads in five days?? Damn! Y'all aren't kidding.🥺

I wasn't keeping track that much and decided to check it out this morning. Omo, I was stunned!🥺😭 Thank you, fam.📌

I wanted to cry.😭 You guys are amazing fr.🥺 Let's keep this energy up, it means everything to me.♥️

You guys came through and it's my turn to do so now. I knew I just had to update so, here you go✨

P.S- It's a long chapter. Also, we'll get to know a tad bit more about Shakira and honestly...

Just dive in...

The song for this chapter is- Arcade by Duncan Laurence. It'll kick in instinctively when you get there.

                ____________𖧷____________

                  "𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡, 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡
                 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠."

               _____________𖧷____________

           ~𝚂𝙷𝙰𝙺𝙸𝚁𝙰 𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙰 𝙼𝙰𝙻𝙸𝙺~

I dreaded going to school this morning. It felt like I was going around in circles every day and I found it so exhausting. I couldn't even skip school even if I wanted to.

Mom and Khalil would chop me into halves and fry me into tiny bits if I tried.

These past three days have been torturous for me. If there was anything I hated as much as I hated school, I still haven't found it. Everything here irks me.

I played with my fingers lying on my skirt fiddling with my neatly manicured fingers as I leaned into the soft leather seat, closing my eyes, even though I knew I wouldn't sleep.

Sleeping has been one thing I found so hard to do recently. It takes a lot of effort and pills to get roughly three hours of sleep without haunting memories creeping into my thoughts.

The driver pulled over at the lot and I sighed softly, grabbing my bag.

"What time should I come to pick you up, ma'am?" David asked and I massaged my forehead in frustration.

David just doesn't know when not to be foolish.

"Why don't you come to pick me up by 10 pm in the night, Ode! Let me get here by 3 pm and not see you If I won't fire your annoying ass." I scowled out and heard him sigh heavily.

"I'm sorry, ma'am." He uttered solemnly.

"Oh get lost!" I spat and stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut with a loud bang. I counted from one to three mentally and took a long deep breath as I made my way to class.

I stepped into the hallway and it resulted in quite the attention. Only God knows what made them so interested in my business. I was seething silently, my hands balled into fists as I increased my pace. I was desperate to get out of there.

"Hey!" A feminine voice screeched behind me. Her voice sounded like a broken record, practically forced and high-pitched.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and I exhaled afterwards. I spun around and came to face her. I grimaced at the sight of her.

She looked somehow. She reminded me of Barbie, just the dark version of her.

Yeah, that was one word to describe her.

Her uniform was so tight. Her golden-coloured box braids which were left untied, cascaded down her shoulders. She was curvy and her dark skin glowed. What turned me off was the excessive gloss on her lips.

This lip gloss will be enough to fry two sets of plantain.

She was grinning so wide, her brown doe eyes gleamed with what I considered to be...excitement?

"Yes?" I demanded, tilting my head to the side.

"I'm Maureen. You must have heard of me by now. You are Shakira, right?" She asked, still beaming widely. I raised my brow at her statement.

Come o, are you the one on one thousand naira note?

Her smile was so creepy. It made me wonder if she wanted to abduct me for a moment there.

"Yes, what do you want?" I shot back at her rudely. Isn't it obvious that I was in no mood to socialize? If she wasn't so shameless, she could have read the expression on my face before approaching me.

It took a lot of control not to yell in her face.

"Yes. I uhm..." She trailed off. I cut her off sharply before she could say anything else.

"Look, Moi-moi, Mayonnaise or whatever. I'm not interested in whatever it is you have to say. So just buzz off or go do your nails." I told her off and spun on my heels, not waiting to see her reaction. I know I was rude but I had to get her to back off somehow.

I quickened my steps, wanting to get out of there asap!

Suddenly, I felt warm hands slip into mine, and Chizaram's bright face came into view. I don't even know how her name stuck in my brain because I legit freaked out by her presence the other day.

She looked stunning with her hair pulled backwards in a low sleek bun and her edges were perfectly laid. Her fair skin shone like a combo of milk and butter. She rocked her bare face looking like a goddess.

Her eyes twinkled with pure excitement. The warm aura that radiated from her was hard not to notice. She had her glasses perched on her nose, giving her the complete look of a badass nerd.

"Urgh, Maureen Daye. That girl is suffering from a chronic wannabe complex. She just wants to feel important. Ignore her." She gagged, I could hear the disgust in her tone.

"Figured," I answered curtly.

"Blue Cove's students are so nosy." She clicked her tongue and adjusted her black thick-rimmed glasses, flashing me a warm smile in the process.

Does this girl never get tired of smiling?? Heck, I kinda find it annoying.

"You still won't talk to me? " Chizaram asked, once we took the turn that led to the SS3 block. I shot her a look and tore my gaze off her, my eyes fixed ahead.

"What am I doing then or let me rephrase, What is it that I'm doing currently?" I questioned, slipping my hands off hers which suddenly felt uncomfortable. She looked dazed for a moment before chuckling softly.

"That's like the longest sentence you have said to me in days," She snickered lightly and I scoffed.

"Haha, real funny." I retorted dryly.

"Guess I'll see you later." She said softly once we got to my class. I nodded my head and watched as she strutted off to her class.

For the first time in months, I felt my stiff lips stretch in a tiny smile.

                                     •••••

"Just take me to Lekki," I told David, my Driver. who looked utterly confused, turning back to stare at me.

"I'm sorry, what?" He asked, I quirked one of my brows at him, staring back at him like I didn't just hear him say that.

"You are not deaf or are you? Take me to Lekki for goodness sake and stop hounding me. Last I checked your work for me. Now, drive!" I snapped and he nodded.

Hissing through my teeth, I pulled off the scarf I had tied atop my head in the morning, releasing my braids from the low bun I wrapped it in.

The blaring ringtone from my phone made me recoil backwards into my seat in irritation. Glancing at the caller ID, I rolled my eyes and hissed under my breath.

Khalil should just free me abeg, his incessant calls and overprotectiveness are getting so annoying.

I watched as David pulled over at the nearest lot in the overly familiar estate. I reached for my purse in my bag and counted a few Naira notes in my purse, stretching them towards him.

"Get me a bowl of Ice cream and a bucket of chicken at Cold stone, take your time." I heard him sigh softly before collecting the money from me and stepping out of the car.

I waited for a few minutes and watched him get a cab. Glancing around carefully, I stepped out of the backseat and took over at the driver's side heading to my destination.

I could feel my heart hammering against my chest, thumping loudly. Beads of sweat formed on my face and I bit my lip every second, almost drawing blood. My phone beeped again for the nth time, and a scoff escaped my lips.

I knew doing this was wrong on so many levels but I couldn't bring myself to stop. I just had to do this one more time. He was the closest thing I had left to my sanity that I'm still clinging to. I can't bring myself to let go, It seemed impossible. Guess I lied when I said I would.

The familiar all-white painted building came into view and I pulled over in front of the black see-through gate.

I stepped out of the car and peeped through the gate, my heart almost busted out of my chest, seeing his car parked in the driveway.

Coincidentally, I saw Ahmad heading toward me, a look of recognition flashed on his face as he saw me.

"Fine aunty, e don tey o." He flashed his overly brown teeth at me and I managed to smile back.

I would smile at a madman to get what I want right now.

"Is he in?" I asked softly, rubbing my sweaty palms on my skirt. He smiled widely at me and opened the gate for me to step in. Squeezing a few mint notes in his hands, his grin even went wider. I took a deep breath and made my way toward the entrance.

I think I counted from one to ten in my head, waiting for someone to answer the door. I shut my eyes for a second before opening them back.

The door was pushed open and I locked gazes with those familiar Green orbs that belong to the man I love more than anything in this world.

Someone I could move mountains for, that one person whose opinion matters and always will.

I felt like I could finally breathe properly for the first time in months just by staring at him. He stood there looking so dazed.

Just like I remembered, his rich black hair was in gorgeous black locks atop his head. My eyes dropped to his lips, nude, full and round before trailing downwards to his bare glossy almond chest. His black sweatpants hung low on his waist.

"Alvin..."I whispered.

I could barely recognise my voice, cracked and quivering. I watched him run his palm over his face, stepping aside so I could enter.

I glanced around the room and was hit by memories. I allowed it to flow, I had no intention of blocking anything.

Every smile, every touch, every promise, every laughter we shared. My eyes darted over to my favourite couch in the room and I felt my lips stretch in an unconscious smile.

I'd always snuggle into him, he'd run his fingers through my braids and kiss my hair every second while I talked to him about meaningless things. Could I hate Tomiwa more than I do presently?

The fucking bitch waltzed into my life and just had to take my man. MY MAN! She could have chosen to take anything else, why did it have to be him? I was nothing without him!

"Kira?" His questioning tone jolted me out of my reverie. I felt a warm liquid drop on my lips. I made no move to wipe it. I exhaled shakily and turned to him, staring at him through glassy orbs.

"Kira, what are you doing here? " He inquired. Was he asking me that?

"What am I doing here? Alvin, are you asking me that? " I began. My eyes bored into his as I searched for any ounce of emotion but I found none. His eyes were as blank as a sheet of paper.

"Fine, I miss you so much Alvin and it hurts. It hurts to see you two together, It hurts so bad..." I paused and sniffed.

"You are the closest thing to my sanity right now, you are all that is left to cling to. Alvin, I'm tired, just stop doing this to me, please. " My voice had gotten so low at the end of my statement, the tears spilt and I did nothing to stop it.

"Kira, what are you even saying? Last I checked, you said you were cool with me being with her. What changed?" He ran his fingers through his hair and took a step backwards.

"Well, I lied. I lied. I want you back goddamnit!" I snapped, unable to contain all the emotions I was feeling at once.

"Alvin, please. Listen, I'll do anything you want. Anything to stop feeling this miserable. It's so hard without you, it's really hard. I can't do this without you and you know it. Alvin, I need you, please." I told him, my tone reeking of immense desperation.

"Kira, I love her and you know it. Even if you are not admitting it to yourself. Deep down, you know I do," He said, maintaining eye contact with me.

"You are in denial, Shakira. Once you have learnt and accepted that, it'll be easier to let me go." He added, gently.

"Kira, I can't do this with you. Please, you need to leave. I don't think I will ever stop telling you how sorry I am about the way things ended between us. I am but you need to move on." His eyes softened for a moment, obviously trying to persuade me. I scoffed, tucking a stray braid behind my ear.

"Are you kidding me, Alvin?" I whispered, unable to hide my disbelief.

He wasn't always like this. What changed?

"What is it about her? What is so special about her? Fine. I can be the other girl, you don't have to leave her. I just want to be with you, please."I said in a croaked voice.

I inched forward and did the one thing I have always wanted to do for months.

I wrapped my hands around him and placed my head on his chest, sighing softly. I didn't know how badly I was addicted to his touch until I was in his arms, again. I craved to be in his arms so badly and never let him go again.

He still smells just like I remember. Almost like berries and mint. Alvin has always been one who loves body sprays and perfumes with mild scents. He didn't love harsh smells.

The ease I felt suddenly overshadowed the pain I have been feeling for months. I wanted to stay like this forever.

"I can't remain sane without you, Alvin. You telling me to move on is like being asked to stop breathing. Baby, look at me."I said softly with a smile, running my hands through his soft locks.

Alvin is all shades of perfection.

"We are so perfect, Alvin. Why can't you see that? Why do you choose to remain blind to it?" I asked, in a whisper. I leaned into him more and exhaled.

"Kira, you have to let me go. Please, just let me go." He tried fighting my grip off but I held on to him so hard with tears streaming down my face.

I couldn't do it. I couldn't go back home. I couldn't go back to a place where Alvin wasn't.

I needed him as much as I needed to breathe. There was no way I'd remain the same without him.

I pulled away from the hug but not completely.

I stared at him with a smile on my face, placing my palm on the back of his head, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his.

I felt him freeze for a moment. He didn't kiss me back, he gently pried my hands off his body and stepped backwards.

"Just kiss me, Alvin. Please, just kiss me and I swear, I'll stop stalking you. Alvin, please." I watched him shake his head lightly and step backwards.

He ran his hands through his hair and sighed. Those Green orbs had pity and hurt swirling in them and I hated it.

"I don't want to lead you on anymore, Shakira. Tomiwa is my girl and I love her. Doing this to her isn't in any way fair. Just leave, okay?" He responded in a soft tone.

"She can never love you the way I did, Alvin and you know it. Stop this madness and let's be together!" I screamed frantically at him, he closed his eyes briefly and ran his palm over his face.

"Alvin.." I tried to talk but he cut me short.

"LEAVE!" He spat coldly and his tone threw me off balance.

"Don't come looking for me anymore." He told me.

He looked nothing like the guy I fell in love with.

Nothing like my Alvin, the harsh realization hit me so hard like a ton of bricks. I veered backwards with tears hanging in my eyes.

I lost him. I lost the love of my life. Where did it all go wrong? Was I not enough?

He wasn't mine anymore and I needed to let go but why do I find it so hard to let go? Why was it so hard to let go?

Why can't I bring myself to let him go?

Hot tears came rushing down my face. I glanced at him one last time, the guilt in his eyes was too much for me to handle.

I choked out a sob and ran out of his house, ignoring Ahmad who was calling me at the Gate.

I got into my car and slammed the door shut. I burst into a fresh round of tears.

                                      •••••

                         ~𝚂𝚃𝙴𝙵𝙰𝙽~

The dark blue Lexus parked in the middle of the deserted road had me stepping on my brakes abruptly.

For a moment there, I winced internally at the imagination of my mom smacking me so hard on my back as if she were beside me.

Who parks like this?

I pulled over to the other side of the road, stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut. I pulled my hoodie over my head and exhaled.

I walked briskly over to the car, tapping on the window gently. I repeated the action but got no response. I sighed in defeat and turned to leave, then I heard the door click.

I pulled the knob and my eyes landed on the figure resting her head on the steering wheel, sniffing occasionally.

I could still hear her faint breathing as I moved closer, tapping her softly. she hummed lightly and raised her head.

My eyes went wide with shock.

What the

I stared at the familiar dark brown-eyed girl, staring back at me with reddish tear-stained orbs. I heard her sniff, reaching for something in her safe.

"Hey, are you okay?" I inquired, She didn't say anything. She scoffed out in response.

"Listen, you shouldn't be around this side of the road," I told her, obviously trying to reason with the mute girl.

"You need to leave. it's not safe here." I added softly but got no response again.

Was she a mute?

I glanced at my car on the other side of the road before shifting my attention back to her.

"You aren't in the right state of mind to drive. Do you need me to drive you home?" I took a deep breath and tried to hide the frustration I felt.

"Scoot over," I urged her, for the first time since I have been speaking to her, she listened. I turned on the engine and slammed the door shut, silently praying in my mind and hoping I didn't make a mistake offering to help.

She didn't say anything to me throughout the ride after she gave me her address at Ikoyi.

I glanced at her one more time and noticed she was still in her uniform. This is eight-thirty for goodness sake, where was she coming from?

I had tons of thoughts racing through my mind, but you don't ask sleeping girl questions, do you?

Thirty-five minutes later, I drove into the large compound and stepped out of the Car. I grabbed her bag and tried waking her up but she wouldn't budge. Sighing in defeat, I lifted her in my arms, carrying her in a bridal style.

I caught a whiff of her perfume as she snuggled into my chest, soft snores emitting from her lips. She scrunched her nose and muttered unclear words in the process. Something along the line of "Alvin."

I stepped into the house and met a worried-looking old lady who raced toward me immediately after I entered.

"Oh my goodness!" The older woman exclaimed.

"We have been looking for her all day and her phone wasn't reachable. Where did you find her?" She asked worriedly and I debated internally whether to tell her the truth or not. I decided on the latter and subtly avoided her question.

"Uhm, ma'am can you lead me to her room so she can sleep in a more comfortable position? I don't think she's comfortable sleeping in my arms." I told her, glancing at the sleeping girl in my arm.

She flashed me a smile and nodded vigorously. She led me upstairs to her room. I placed her on the bed gently, pulling the covers over her. I turned to the dark-skinned woman standing by the doorpost.

"Thank you. This is so kind of you, I appreciate it." She smiled softly at me and I couldn't help but reciprocate the action.

"Don't mention ma'am. I have to go now ma." I rubbed my nape lightly and her brows furrowed. A worried expression marred her face.

"Can you still make it back home? I think it's pretty late. Come on, just stay till morning." She said, trying to convince me. I shook my head sideways, politely refusing her offer.

Mama Stefan would have my head if I dared to stay out late without informing her.

"That won't be necessary ma. I have ordered a ride already. He should be here any moment from now." I answered, her lips stretched in a motherly smile on cue.

"Thank you." She threw an appreciative smile my way as I stepped out of the room. I spared the sleeping girl one last glance, I spun on my heels, heading downstairs.

A/N

*Sniffs and pats face dry with kleenex*

Writing this chapter was a tad bit hard. My heart broke for her, again.🥺 Babygirl going through all these alone? But don't worry, she'll be fine.🌚❤

We haven't gotten to the fun part.🌚 Y'all aren't ready 😂😂✨

Alvin na confirm Yoruba demon.😂 Bobo no do well, he served our girl premium breakfast.😂 Hot custard and beans cake, e get dessert sef.😂😂😂

Okay, on a much lighter note.

Isn't Chizaram so adorable?

And damn, Shakira calling that poor girl moi-moi😭😂

We'll be seeing more of our prince charming, Stefan, in the coming chapters.❤

There is a lot to talk about in this chapter. I don't want to stuff the A/N too much. Share your thoughts with me in the comment section.

I'm in for the conspiracy theories too.😂

Don't forget to vote, comment and share.

Adiós✨

Love, Didi.❤