Dreading her doom, Boma refused to be comforted. Hilda managed to get her back to the room and talk her into having some hope that by the following day, Donovan would be calm enough.The following morning, Hilda left the room early for a morning class. Boma was summoned to the porter's office there in the hostel.Upon getting there, she saw her opponent storming away with a paper in her hand. Boma knew it was the invoice for the payment of the fine.When she stepped into the porter's office, she was greeted by the stern face of the porter- the same woman who had interrupted their cooking the other day. Two girls were standing there, watching her cautiously."These girls are the witnesses to your fight. There is video evidence, so don't bother denying what happened. Your opponent has received her invoice for the penalty f*e which you are each going to pay into the school account. If you fight again then you will be expelled."The woman played the video on her phone, directing the screen
Boma considered his question for a few more seconds. Then she decided not to risk lying to him at the moment. She was already in enough trouble with him and there was no point mounting her troubles."I'm at- I'm at the faculty block." she said."So why are you wasting time in responding?" he asked. "Turn around. I am right around the corner."Boma was glad she had not lied about her whereabouts. She turned and didn't see him immediately. She saw other students moving in and out of their various faculties.As she looked around, Donovan stepped in through the main entrance with his phone over his ear. He was covertly being guarded by a couple of his men.He was dressed in a black shirt and dark blue jeans that emphasized his intimidating frame. A black one hand backpack rested across his back.He ended the call as their eyes rested on each other. She put her phone away and he did the same as he approached her.As he got close to her, he let his arms fall open, inviting her into them. She
Donovan's words hinted at an inevitable doom they were all aware of. Still, she tried to talk to him."Please, I was going out to dry my clothes when- " she began, rushing her words so she could finish her explanation before any interruption could come from him."Boma." he cut in, killing her voice. "Did I ask you to explain anything to me?""No, but- ""Then shut your mouth."She bit her bottom lip and kept quiet. She met Phillip's sympathetic gaze through the rearview mirror and looked away."I will listen to your explanations." Donovan assured her. "But that can only come after your punishment." he declared. "There is no need for any negotiations, baby, believe me. So don't even try because you'll only be wasting your time and mine."Boma shuddered and didn't utter a word. There was no point. "Meanwhile, I'm sure you've watched your performance."She tentatively watched him retrieve his phone and play a clip of her fight with the girl.It was the moment when she had the upper hand
The drive after that was silent until Donovan received a call. She listened to him talk to the candidate he was supporting for the upcoming student union elections."I have told you not to worry. We have everything covered, Harry. Relax. If we don't allow other candidates to contest, it would be too clear that they were intimidated."He listened carefully for a while, a frown creasing his brow. "Do not do anything stupid, Harry. Leave the candidates alone. Gosh. The list of contestants is not even out. Everything is tentative - Harry!" Donovan hissed impatiently and ended the call. "Harry is getting on my nerves with his desperation." he told Phillip impatiently."What's his problem?""The elections have not even started and he's suggesting threatening the rumored opponents.""Gosh." Phillip said disapprovingly."He better not do something stupid or he will answer to me. I don't like this kind of rubbish."Donovan's phone rang and he received it abruptly. "Harry, please don't call me
Sunlight brightened the day, letting its rays through the half-open blinds in Donovan's bedroom. Boma lay asleep on the bed, with no signs of her waking up any time soon. She lay curled up on her side, wearing a sheer night dress beneath the sheets.Donovan was dressing up before the huge mirror, buttoning down his shirt. He was glad it was a lecture-free day. Boma had picked the right time to get into trouble. She was free to sleep all day after her ordeal the previous night. He was sure she had learned her lesson. He had no choice but to drive home the importance of adhering to his set rules.If other P.O. girls were not out there making headlines, he should lead by example. He could not afford any lapses in his domain. He liked her a lot, but he believed in the words of his grandfather who said to him "Son, love a woman, pamper her, spoil her, but never love her to the point of failing to keep her in line, otherwise you're going to end up like John the Baptist or Samson. Check mos
Boma considered his conditions, willing herself to make the best choice.From what he had just said, she was between the devil and the deep blue sea. It was either she was punished by him or his people.The thought of being at the mercy of a group of strangers made her heart falter. How could someone who professed to care about her, even consider such a thing? She wondered.She knew she had never dated, but this could not be love. She just turned eighteen. This was not what she fantasized about love.When watching movies, she saw the couple going on dates, holding hands, professing love to each other, walking by the beach, and sharing kisses, love, and laughter. She was expecting that someday she would meet her prince charming who would pamper her with love and attention, but now, her reality was a disaster.Everything Donovan had wanted from her, he took. He never asked. And now, she was beginning to consider it a miracle that he had yet to take her virginity. Perhaps there was an ato
Boma could no longer ignore Fidelis's call. She decided to answer him and get it over with so he would quit. She received the call and placed it over her ear but she said nothing.She adjusted her position on the sofa. Her bum still ached as a reminder of Donovan's brutality."Boma." said Fidelis, his voice gentle. "I'm here." she said faintly."What's going on? You don't sound fine. Did you get my message?""Yes, I did, but l -I don't want to go with the plan anymore. I'm sorry."He paused in thought for a few seconds. "Is it Donovan?" he asked. "What did he do?""Please I'm scared. I'm scared of what he will do to me if he finds out. Please, let's forget it." Boma's voice was frantic and whiny with trepidation.Fidelis was silent for a moment again and she wondered what was going on in his mind. She hoped he understood her situation now."Boma.""Yes.""I know you're scared, but please you have to listen to me. Frat guys are usually like that. They are bad. And my cousin has a wild
At his statement, she realized there was no escaping the party. Anxiety surged within her, and she struggled to keep it under control.She could feel his fingers caressing her ringed finger. He lifted her hand and planted a kiss there. The ride became silent as they continued to the hostel.Boma's mind was pondering her situation. She came to the conclusion that there was no need to worry as much. She recalled that Fidelis had told her to remove her name from the list at her faculty. Now, she wondered if the same list had been posted on the bulletin boards of all the other faculties.Even if it was, perhaps somehow, Donovan would have found out already. Knowing his hot temper, he would not be so calm right now. She resolved to call Fidelis and find out as soon as possible. She could not afford to leave everything to chance and suffer for it later.Soon enough the car parked outside her hostel."Okay, here we are." said Donovan. "We will be waiting here. Meanwhile, expect an apology fr
IntimacyDonovan spoke to Boma in the morning about moving in again, stating his concerns. She considered it and said she would think about it. They were both in bed, her hand on her waist.“Great.” He said, smiling.“You did this to me.” She whined. “I’m so round.”He laughed. “You’re the one who won’t stop eating.”“I can’t help it.”“I know. It will pass, Sweetheart.” He planted a kiss on her cheek.She smiled, then frowned. “D, please rub my feet.”Donovan obliged her. But she pointed to her knee. “No, there.”He laughed and indulged her. “Hope you won’t be the death of me.”She glared at him. “Are you complaining?”He lifted his hands in mock surrender, shaking his head. “Me? Complain? How dare I complain about taking care of the Queen of my heart?”She started to smile then frowned. “My feet, D, please massage.”He didn’t oblige her this time. He kissed her lips and murmured in her ear. “I know what you need, Sweetheart. You want me. Don’t worry, I will be gentle and come in fro
The Dark MeetingAmong the attendees were representatives from the minor cults on campus, including an all-female cult that had often operated in the background, carefully observing the landscape of power. Their leader, a sharp-eyed girl with an air of authority, stood to address the group.She recalled her altercation with the girl Donovan married. She had thought maybe Donovan would grow tired of her, but it was not happening. Also, she thought she had moved on, but the more she saw Donovan’s success, the angrier she got. She wanted his downfall over this and had orchestrated everything by getting all the rival cult groups together.“Look at him,” she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “Donovan thinks he’s some kind of hero, but we all know better. He’s just a fraternity member like the rest of us, and it’s time we remind him of his place.”As she turned off the video, the room fell silent. The atmosphere shifted, igniting the simmering animosity rising within the members. “W
Donovan’s LeadershipAs Donovan dove back into his responsibilities as SUG President, his passion for improving campus life grew stronger. He focused on the promises he made the school during his manifesto.One of his first initiatives upon resuming his role was addressing the issue of inadequate transportation on campus.The student body had long complained about the lack of school buses, leading to overcrowded rides and long waits. Donovan, refusing to let this linger any longer, called for a meeting with the university's management. Armed with facts, surveys, and the frustrations of his fellow students, he laid out his proposal: the school needed more buses, and the government had the resources to help.After hours of discussions, Donovan sent a formal proposal to the state government, making a strong case for why they needed to invest in the transportation system for the students.His tenacity paid off when his proposal was received positively, and a few weeks later, several new b
Back to School – One Month After the HoneymoonThe late afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the sleek SUV as it made its way back to campus.Boma leaned against the plush seat, her hand resting gently on her small but noticeable bump, a tender reminder of the new life growing inside her.Beside her, Donovan sat silently, his fingers interlaced with hers, his protective presence a constant source of strength.Phillip, Donovan’s right-hand man, was focused on the road, driving them back to the reality of school life after their whirlwind honeymoon.It had only been a month of travelling the world as newlyweds. Now, they were returning to their roles as students, but life had changed dramatically. Boma wasn’t just a student anymore; she was Mrs. Donovan. She was also carrying his child, and while her heart was full of joy, she found herself longing for some semblance of the independence she once cherished.As the car rolled through the gates of the university, Boma’s thoughts l
AFTER BOMA’S FULL RECOVERY The trauma from Boma’s ordeal with Harry was fading, thanks to Donovan’s gentle care and devotion. The school holiday was in full swing, and as promised, Donovan decided it was time for their honeymoon abroad. THE HONEYMOON Boma felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she sat beside Donovan on their flight. It was her first time flying, and though Donovan had wanted to book first class, she insisted on experiencing it in economy for her first time. Donovan agreed on the condition that their return flight would be first class. This way, she would experience both options. Boma accepted. Meeting each other halfway was becoming their norm, and Boma was beginning to enjoy the equality she had longed for. Donovan, always wanting to see her happy, indulged her wishes, adjusting to this new dynamic of negotiation in their relationship. His palm rested gently on her stomach as the plane began to take off. She breathed deeply, her eyes wide with a mix of fear
In the depth of his grief, Donovan clung tightly to Boma."No, you can't leave. Come back to me. Please, come back to me. I know you can hear me. I choose to believe you can hear me. Boma!"The family doctor gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "She's gone, Son. I'm sorry.""No!" Donovan shook off the doctor's hand and looked at Boma's face, growing cold in his arms. "Boma, hear me! Come back to me. It's D. Don't go, please!"Boma, floating towards the light, heard a distant voice calling her. The light beckoned her, but so did the voice. She heard her name, then the words, "Don't go- Come back to me- It's D- I love you- Please-"The voice grew louder, pulling her back. The light faded as she heard, "It's Papa- please don't leave me. Live again!"She gasped, her eyes shooting open. Seizures wracked her body, and she became aware of herself in Donovan's familiar arms. A beeping sound filled the air.People in white coats surrounded her, and she realized she was on a hospital bed in Do
Ken stood before a pacing Harry in the living room of the cabin. As a frat house it was simple, rustic with minimal furniture."Calm down, bro." Ken said, causing him to pause."That bastard is not taking me seriously." He shouted. "Does he think I'm joking?" "No. But it's just his way to assert his power. You are still the one in power. You have the leverage, so calm down."Hearing that, Harry sank down on a chair. Ken followed suit as Harry called Donovan who picked up after the second ring. This delay also infuriated Harry. Donovan should be desperate, calling him all the time. "I will kill your wife by tomorrow if you've not resigned by 12:00pm." He declared and ended the call.He sat back, satisfied that this time, it was he who had ended the call."Good one, bro." Ken praised."Thanks for having my back.""Anytime bro."They were silent for a while, anticipating their victory."Look at this place. It's a mess." Harry said. "Once we get the money by any means necessary, we'll pu
After what felt like an hour, the car finally slowed down, bumping along a rough road.Boma sensed they were far from the island, possibly near the city outskirts. God, where were they taking her?The car stopped, and her captors dragged her out. She heard nothing but forest sounds. Maybe they were at a cabin in the woods, she thought. Barely able to struggle, she was carried into a house. The creaking of boots on wood told her it was a wooden structure. A door lock clicked open, and she was carried inside. The air was stale, as if the place hadn't been aired out in ages. She heard a window opening, letting in some much-needed ventilation. Inwardly, she was grateful; she could have suffocated otherwise.Finally, they dropped her to the floor and removed her blindfold. She faced Harry. His gaze was cold, devoid of the compassion she once saw in him. He was a man consumed by envy and a thirst for power. She wanted to speak, to appeal to his better nature, but her lips were sealed.Fear
Donovan called Hilda, his fingers tapping impatiently against the phone as it rang."Hello, Hilda," he said as soon as she picked up. "I need to talk to you. It’s about Boma."Hilda's voice, already laced with worry, deepened. "What’s going on, Presido?""I’ve been trying to piece together where she might be. The security guard saw her leave with someone in a black car. Do you remember anything unusual about her recently?"Hilda paused, thinking hard. "The last time we saw her was at the faculty block, and she was alone but was later joined by Harry. They went to check his exam results together."Donovan’s grip tightened on the phone. He remembered encountering her that day as well. He had even seen Harry's car as he left. "Harry? Are you sure?""Yes," Hilda replied. "We didn't like it and didn't think much of it at the time, but now- it worries me.""Thanks, Hilda. I’ll do all I can to handle it from here," Donovan said, ending the call abruptly.His mind raced, fury bubbling to the s