The Cold CEO's Woman

Anita Baker beamed as she completed her final exams, and the results arrived with flying colors.

However, due to her father’s constant accusations against her calm mother, Mrs. Tonia Baker, Anita refused to accept any romantic advances. Although men asked her out, she only went on dates to reject their proposals.

Temisa Patrick, Anita’s best friend at university, had advised her to give love a chance. Anita refused. "My father constantly accuses my mother of cheating on him, yet he returns to her and impregnates her until she births the six of us," Anita said. "Mother says Dad loves her, but his daily insults do not show us that he truly loves her."

Anita shook her head as she spoke to her friend during their second year of university. Handsome guys vied to become Anita’s boyfriend, but she felt they only wanted to use her. She believed that once a man crossed the bridge and took her virginity, he would dump her or accuse her of cheating, just as her father constantly did to her mother, pushing them both into depression.

Anita Baker was a 24-year-old woman with fair skin, a slender build, and tall stature. She sat in a dorm room with her best friend, preparing for their final graduation. Temisa Patrick was also 24, with brown skin.

"Anita, I am so happy. Finally, we will leave this school. I cannot explain how much I have missed home," Temisa said.

"Me too," Anita replied faintly. She knew it wasn’t entirely true. She hated home and dreaded facing her father’s constant insults toward her and her mother again. Meanwhile, her three younger sisters—Flora, Esther, and Favour—would torment her, calling her an outcast because they were jealous of her looks, acting as if her beauty were her fault.

Anita shook her head in sadness, and Temisa noticed.

"What is it, girlfriend? You don’t look happy, even though you are graduating as one of the best students in our university today?" Temisa asked. She stood up from her seat, faced the mirror, and walked over to where Anita sat on the couch.

Anita shook her head again and stared away, refusing to respond.

"What’s the problem, dear?" Temisa approached and crouched in front of Anita. She already knew the issue, as Anita had explained why she hated men and viewed them as scumbags.

"Don’t worry. When I get home, I can ask my mother to let you live with us. It can just be for your Industrial Training (I.T.) until you find a better job to support yourself."

"Thank you." Anita smiled faintly.

"You’re welcome. You know you’re like a sister to me, so you don’t have to worry or cry so much. Graduating with First Class honors is no joke, so you should be happy. Today is your most blessed day. Come sit here; let me apply some makeup to your face."

Temisa pulled her up from the seat. Anita smiled faintly and walked to the chair facing the mirror in their private shared room.

"You know I don’t like makeup," Anita said as she sat down and watched Temisa open one of her makeup kits and prepare her brushes.

"I know, but today is your lucky day, so you should look sweet when collecting your awards. No excuses. Just do this for me, okay? It will make you smile throughout the day and lighten your mood."

"Okay," Anita replied. She stared at her beautiful reflection in the mirror as Temisa began applying brown powder to her face.

Temisa started with Anita’s eyelashes, then moved to her cheeks and nose, applying the beautiful makeup powder. When she finished, Anita was stunned by her new look. Having never worn makeup before, she stared at her reflection, speechless. She now understood why Temisa had so many boyfriends.

Temisa was a billionaire’s daughter; her father worked for the Benson Group of Companies. The Benson family was one of the richest in their country. Anita had read about them and wished she could work for them, which motivated her to study day and night to graduate as one of the top students.

Anita had considered asking Temisa for her father's help to help her submit an application to the Benson Group. However, she feared it might seem like she was seeking unmerited favor. She didn’t want others to view her as a gold digger or a woman who sold her body to men for advantages, so she decided against asking Temisa for her father’s help.

"All done now. Don’t you see how sweet you look in the mirror? Oh my god! I am the best makeup artist on campus!" Temisa fanned herself with her fingers while Anita smiled at her.

"Don’t over-hype yourself just because of me, girlfriend. Yes, you tried, but I still don’t like makeup," Anita admitted.

"Tch! Shut up. I hope a handsome guy sees you today and asks you out," Temisa giggled.

Everything about Temisa revolved around guys. She changed boyfriends every month like she changed pants. She engaged in multiple relationships and didn’t care what other women said.

Temisa didn’t believe in love; instead, she spent her time dating different men. She never admitted to sleeping with any of them, which was hard to believe.

People often saw Temisa with different guys at the beach, in restaurants, and in clubhouses, taking photos together. Yet, she claimed she was still a virgin, especially after Anita told her she was also a virgin.

Anita didn’t believe Temisa. A virgin was supposed to be calm and keep to herself so no man could use her. But Temisa dressed provocatively, wearing bum shorts, crop tops, and other seductive outfits.

Temisa was a dark-skinned beauty with sexy curves, similar to Anita. She wasn’t jealous of Anita’s fair, light skin. They were in the same department, studying the same course, which made them best friends.

Anita was more intelligent, while Temisa was the party-hard type.

"Let’s go out now. I’m sure most of our families have arrived," Temisa said. She quickly packed her remaining items and makeup kits into her box and zipped it closed.

They had rented the room they stayed in, so they remained there most of the time, even during school holidays.

It was their final year, so they said their goodbyes. Anita dragged out all her bags and boxes, as she planned to return home immediately after the awarding ceremony.

They stepped out to witness the university’s final event and the awarding of the best graduating student.

The university called Anita Baker’s name. She received a First Class award and recognition for her academic excellence.

Temisa smiled broadly and clapped for her best friend. Anita stepped out from the crowd of friends and families attending the convocation ceremony to receive her awards.