Novels by Nyimesifon Ben

The morning sun filtered through the curtains softly—but it didn’t warm me. My body moved lazily, but my heart was in a mess.The weight of what happened yesterday still beared down on me.I dragged myself out of bed, changed into something decent, and grabbed my bag and file. Outside, the world continued like nothing had happened but I felt like I was still in a void—an emotional wreck.Classes had already started rounding up because of the exams. I sprint towards my department to catch up with submission of assignment. My head throbbed. My mind wandered. I had other assignments to submit, presentation to prepare for, and—of course—my final research paper to finalize. It seemed like my world was coming to an end. My phone which was my only support to type was going bad and really fast.After class, I went straight to my supervisor’s office. The paper was already a patchwork of sleepless nights and last-minute edits. I had made over a thousand corrections since the semester began—o

"Mom..." I yelled."He's here," she said quickly.Then I heard it—my dad’s voice. An uncontrollable wail burst out of my mouth, loud and messy."Shh, I’m fine, my daughter.""Can you hear my voice?" he added, his tone light, almost playful, like nothing had happened.But I couldn’t calm down. My vision blurred again. My thoughts spiraled. What if he broke an arm? A leg? What if something was torn or fractured and they were lying to me just to keep me from panicking? My mind wouldn’t stop.I was sobbing so hard my lungs ached.Ava stood beside me, gently rubbing my shoulder. She leaned in to eavesdrop on the conversation, her eyes starting to tear up.“Dad, where are you?... Just go to the hospital,” I begged, sniffling.“I’m fine, honey. I don’t have a single scratch,” he said. His tone sharper than I expected. That was so like him. Mr. Tate—always insisting he was fine. Always brushing things off, even when they were clearly serious. He would do what ever he wanted to no matter who d

The drive back home stretched longer than expected—every minute dragged out longer than the last. I stared out of the window, the city passing by in a blur, memories of our time together flooded my mind.He had told me to wear his shirt back home—he loved how it looked on me. I listened without protesting. When the Uber he ordered arrived, I didn't want to go back home but I had to leave—his cousin was returning home soon.Jayden’s shirt clung to my body, it was a reminder of what we’d shared. But it was more than just a piece of clothing to me—it felt safe.I slumped against the car seat—staring out the window absent-minded. The faint scent of his cologne lingered in the air, warm and familiar, clinging to the shirt like it was taunting me. Every time the wind brushed against my skin, it felt like his touch again—soft, lingering.I step into the building, my eyes scanning the building. I hesitated in the hallway, steps slowing as I glanced around. If Ava saw me like this, she would

I swing open the bath room door and stepped back into the room—I froze.My eyes shot wide. I spun around so fast I nearly tripped. Heat creeping up my neck—my cheeks flushed.He stood there, one brow lifted, lips curled in a smug smile. He didn’t flinch. He stood like a goddamn statue—perfectly carved .Jayden chuckled behind me..."There's nothing new to see here" he drawl. His voice thick with amusement."Put something one" I hissed, dragging in a shaky breathe—my eyes glued to the wall. His footsteps paded across the room. Then warm hands landed on my shoulder—turning me around gently.Before I could protest, he guided me to sit on the bed and nudged a take out box towards me."Not now, you need to eat" he said softly.The scent hit me—Chicken and chips. My stomach growled. I could not wait—I tore the package open and stuffed chips into my mouth like I hadn’t just been naked in front of him.I glanced up—and froze. My breath hitched. I was still naked. My arms wrapped around my c

Jayden jiggles the key before the lock finally gives in—the door swings open and we step in. The ambience is welcoming and warm, A studio apartment with a single bed—neatly made by the window. I quickly scan the room—the tiled floor is neat and not a single thing was out of place. Jayden lighly settles on the small of my back guiding me forward towards the bed— I sit on the bed suddenly aware—we are alone. "Let me help you with that" his fingers brush my neck as he slides my bag strap off my shoulders and place it on the table. Thumb.... My heartbeat hammered against my in cage. I could barely catch my breath. The bed dips under his weight as he sinks down be side me—close enough that our knees touch. I let out a laugh—. Starring at the wall— avoiding Jayden's eyes. I might do something stupid if I start into those tempting eyes that look like they wanted to pierce into my soul. "You don't have to pretend with me" his voice quiet "Feel at home" he says squints closer. I sudden

I tore through my wardrobe in a desperate search, fabrics rumpled as I tossed aside options. Too formal. Too clingy. Too… desperate. My fingers brushed the black dress—the one that hugged every curve—and I held it up to the light. Nope. Too needy. A flush crept up my neck as last week’s memory flashes—his arms around me, the way I felt his breathe against my ear. Just a hug. Just a fleeting moment that had made all my senses come alive. I grabbed the trousers and t-shirt instead. I wanted the casual and unbothered look. Like I didn’t spend an hour searching for the perfect outfit. Four weeks had passed. One month of consistent calls and texts that left my stomach in knots and kept me yearning for more. Jayden insisted on taking things "slow," but every glance felt like a silent message. Tonight, though—tonight his home, his voice, his smile— I yanked open another drawer. Choosing an outfit had never been this difficult —Why was this so hard? Jayden’s voice from last night’s call