Boma's call went unanswered. She dialed the number once more, but the outcome remained unchanged.Restless, she chose to make her way back home and persist with her attempts. Upon reaching her room, she settled at her reading desk, poised to retry when her father's call came through."Hello, Papa," she greeted."I have wonderful news," he exclaimed.Boma was curious but managed to stay focused, pausing her thoughts on her friend's well-being for the time being."I can't wait to hear it," she replied, maintaining an enthusiastic tone to not dull his happiness."Do you remember the Permanent Secretary position I used to talk about?"Boma recalled."Yes," she replied. "And I know you decided not to let it bother you anymore.""That's right, but I've been shortlisted for it," he proudly announced.Boma froze, realizing Donovan's influence might be behind it. Why would he continue helping her father when he knew she was no longer involved with him?"That was since last week. I didn't want t
As the sun bathed the school grounds in a warm, golden glow, Hilda stood just outside the imposing wrought-iron gates. She was supposed to leave school the previous day but after learning of an impromptu test, she had to stay back.She had made the difficult decision to leave the school behind, if only for a while, to escape the tangled web of secrets and fear that had ensnared her. Her breath caught in her throat as she hailed a taxi cab that had pulled up to the curb, her refuge from the impending storm.Unknown to Hilda, Donovan had orchestrated his plan with military precision. His obsession with finding Boma had driven him to the brink of madness, and he knew that Hilda held the key to unravelling the mystery of her whereabouts. Donovan's henchmen, shadowy figures in the periphery, approached the unsuspecting Hilda, their movements as calculated as a chess master's opening gambit.Just as Hilda reached out to open the cab door, strong hands grabbed her from behind, pulling her bac
After her outburst, Boma remained angry and would not talk to Fidelis. He called her several times but she ignored his calls. She was tired of everyone trying to tell her what to do.She thought Fidelis was different but now he too was being controlling, telling her not to hang out with Reuben. She decided she would not talk to him until after her dinner with Reuben so he would not attempt to interfere. For once, she was going to trust her own judgement.Before she went to bed, Fidelis left her a message. He requested she tell him the place and time so he would be aware of her whereabouts as he was responsible for bringing her to the school. He owed himself that responsibility.She was touched by his concern and wanted to do as he asked but fearing his interference, she ignored the message.Boma woke up to an SMS on her phone. She froze upon reading the content- By this time tomorrow, you will be with me. Do not doubt it for a second. D.She panicked, then managed to shake the fear of
The tremors shaking her violated body, triggered by the fear of Donovan's reaction, eventually shook her to consciousness, so that her peaceful slumber was shattered by a sudden jolt. Her eyes flew open, and she was drenched in cold sweat, her heart hammering like a frantic drumbeat. The remnants of the nightmare clung to her, the images still fresh in her mind.In her dream, the feeling of helplessness had been suffocating, a vice grip on her soul. But now, with the veil of sleep lifted, Boma realized that it was just a dream—a mere phantom of her subconscious.A deep breath filled her lungs, and she exhaled slowly, willing her racing heart to slow its frenetic pace.The room around her was shrouded in darkness, but she could make out the familiar contours of her bedroom—the soft moonlight filtering through the curtains, the comforting presence of her books on the shelf, and the gentle hum of the night outside.Relief washed over her like a gentle wave, soothing her frayed nerves. Sh
Boma swallowed hard. How had Donovan found her? Was he just trying to scare her? She could feel tears starting to sting her eyes but she struggled to control herself. She would not reveal her location.She watched Reuben come to her. He smiled at her, failing to see her nervous expression. He informed her that he had placed their orders earlier and had just gone to see that everything was in order. She thanked him. Then she asked him why he changed the restaurant.He explained that they didn't have the special dinner he wanted. Boma asserted that he could have told her and he apologized for it. Then he made small talk about how he was aiming to be a better person like Fidelis. Boma encouraged his goals and their food arrived.The dimly lit restaurant exuded an intimate charm, the soft flicker of candlelight dancing across the wooden tabletop. Boma's fingers traced the rim of her wineglass, her eyes flicking anxiously toward the entrance with each passing moment.Reuben, sitting across
Donovan clenched his jaw, his knuckles white against the steering wheel, as he drove through the dimly lit streets.Anger churned within him, a tempestuous storm fuelled by a volatile mix of frustration and concern. He had intervened just in time, thwarting Reuben's sinister intentions. He had served justice the way it happened in his world. Reuben had to know he would meet his end by playing such a dangerous game. He had done what he had to do, but he couldn't shake the gnawing anger that had been ignited by Boma's reckless flight from him.Beside him, she wept softly, her tears a haunting melody of her fear and guilt. She believed that he would punish her for her escape, for her defiance of his dominance. The knowledge of her dread only intensified Donovan's inner turmoil.He glanced at her trembling form, his heart heavy with the weight of their tangled emotions. "Boma," he said, his voice softer than he'd ever heard it, "prior to your running away, I know how I was being gentle an
Time passed, ushering them into a new day and to the hour that Donovan wanted her response. They had freshened up and were done with breakfast when Donovan demanded for his answer.Boma didn't see much of a choice. If she accepted the punishment, he would still force her hand in marriage. She would rather avoid the punishment.Donovan kept the ultimatum that way because he wanted her as his wife. He also knew that she would rather avoid the punishment. Either way, he was done being single. He was also done leaving her to her whims."I'm waiting." he said."I don't want to be punished." her eyes were locked to his chest."Good. So, this is how it will go. You will inform your parents that you have met someone because I can tell you didn't do so the last time that I mentioned it. Did you? Don't even think about lying to me.""I didn't- I did not tell them.""I thought as much, given your scheming. In the end I celebrated my birthday without you. I did it very low key because you ran awa
The following day found Donovan and Boma on their way back to school.As the sleek, SUV glided through the dimly lit streets, Boma stared out of the window, her thoughts a swirling tempest in her mind. Donovan sat at the wheel, his firm grip on the steering wheel reflecting the iron grip he held on her life. His dominating personality had always sent shivers down her spine.They approached the off-campus apartment he had secured for her. She knew it was a gilded cage, a luxury prison she was trapped in. Her fear of Donovan had started from the onset and she had learned to keep her thoughts and desires hidden deep within, like buried treasures in the sands of her silence.Donovan glanced at her, his piercing eyes hidden by the shadows of the night. "I cannot wait for us to become one." he said but she didn't respond.Donovan didn't care. He just smirked and brought the car to a halt before the estate. Boma watched him retrieve a familiar looking ring."This is the third time I'm repl