The Cold CEO's Woman

Anita Baker, a twenty-four-year-old lady, had just graduated from university. She was the first daughter of her parents and had five younger sisters. Her father was a banker while her mother was a trader.

Anita was fair-complexioned and beautiful, with alluring hips. All her sisters were brown-skinned, yet she remained fair in complexion.

Furthermore, Anita resembled her mother but was more striking. At times her father accused her mother of infidelity and doubted that Anita was truly his child because of her light skin. Her mother, however, had always remained silent about the matter and simply told Anita not to mind him. Her father even threatened to conduct a paternity DNA test, unable to understand why she was so fair compared to her sisters.

Anita's immediate younger sister, Flora—a twenty-two-year-old dark-skinned beauty—also disliked her, despite being two years younger. Four of her sisters resented her, except for the youngest, Glory, who genuinely loved her. They say blood is thicker than water, but in Anita's case, water seemed thicker than blood.

Mr. Joshua Baker, her father, never stopped sending Anita to school. Although he accused his wife of forcing another man’s child on him, he still funded Anita’s university education in business administration.

Anita was overjoyed as she wrote her final examinations. The results were eventually released, and she passed with flying colours.

Because of her father’s constant accusations against her gentle mother, Mrs. Tonia Baker, Anita had refused to accept any man’s offer of a serious relationship. She occasionally went on dates but always rejected their proposals. Her best friend, Temisa Patrick, had advised her to give love a chance, yet Anita refused.

“My father constantly accuses my mother of cheating on him, yet he returns to her and impregnates her, resulting in the six of us. Mother claims Dad loves her, but his daily insults do not convince us of that love,” she said, shaking her head as she spoke to her friend during their second year.

Handsome and affluent men pursued Anita, but she suspected they only wanted to use her. Once they took her virginity, she feared they would discard her or accuse her of infidelity, just as her father did to her mother—driving both of them toward depression.

Anita sat in a private room with her best friend, preparing for their final convocation.

“Anita, I am so happy. Finally, we will be leaving this school. I cannot explain how much I have missed home,” Temisa said.

“Me too,” Anita replied faintly, knowing it was not entirely true. She dreaded returning home, where she would once again endure her father’s insults toward her and her mother, while her three younger sisters—Flora, Esther, and Favour—would torment her, calling her an outcast out of jealousy for her looks.

Anita shook her head in sadness, and Temisa noticed.

“What is it, girlfriend? You do not seem happy, even though you are graduating as one of the best students today,” Temisa asked. She rose from her seat, walked over to the mirror, then approached Anita on the couch. Anita shook her head again and looked away.

“What is the problem, dear?” Temisa asked, crouching in front of Anita. She already knew the answer, for Anita had confided why she distrusted men and viewed them as scoundrels.

“Do not worry. When I get home, I will speak to my mother about allowing you to stay with us during your industrial training until you secure a better job.”

“Thank you,” Anita replied with a faint smile.

“You are welcome. You know you are like a sister to me, so you need not worry or cry. Graduating with first-class honours is no small feat. You should be happy—this is your most blessed day. Come, sit here and let me apply some makeup.”

Temisa pulled Anita up, and she smiled faintly before walking over to the seat facing the mirror in their shared private room.

“You know I do not like makeup,” Anita said as she sat and watched Temisa open one of her kits and prepare a brush.

“I know, but today is special. You should look radiant when receiving your awards. No excuses—just do this for me. It will lift your mood.”

“Okay,” Anita replied. She gazed at her reflection while Temisa began applying a beautiful brown powder.

Temisa started with Anita's eyelashes, then moved to the cheeks and nose. When she finished, Anita was stunned by her transformed appearance—she had never worn makeup before. Speechless, she now understood why Temisa attracted so many admirers.

Temisa was the daughter of a wealthy executive at the Benson Group of Companies, one of the richest families in the country. Anita had long wished to work there, which was partly why she had studied so diligently to graduate with distinction.

Anita had considered asking Temisa to request an application from her father but feared it would appear as though she were seeking unmerited favour or that others would label her a gold-digger. Therefore, she decided against it.

“All done. Do you not see how lovely you look? Oh my God—I am the best makeup artist on campus!” Temisa exclaimed, fanning herself dramatically while Anita smiled.

“Do not overpraise yourself because of me, girlfriend. You did well, but I still dislike makeup,” Anita admitted.

“Ta! Be quiet. I am hoping a handsome man will notice you today and ask you out,” Temisa giggled.

Everything about Temisa revolved around men. She changed boyfriends every month and was unapologetic about juggling multiple relationships.

Temisa never confirmed whether she had been intimate with any of them—a claim Anita found difficult to believe, given how often Temisa was seen with different men at beaches, restaurants, and clubs.

Anita herself was a virgin and had expected a virgin to be reserved, yet Temisa dressed provocatively in bum shorts and crop tops.

Temisa was a dark-skinned beauty with a curvaceous figure like Anita’s, but she was not jealous of Anita’s fair complexion. They were in the same department, studied the same course, and became best friends, though Anita was more academically gifted while Temisa was the outgoing, party-loving type.

“Let us go out now. I am sure most of our families have arrived,” Temisa said, quickly packing her remaining belongings and makeup kits into her box before zipping it shut. She had rented the room they occupied and often stayed there even during holidays.

Since it was their final year, Anita dragged out all her bags and boxes, ready to return home after the ceremony.

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

Anita Baker was called forward and presented with a first-class award and recognition for academic excellence.

Temisa beamed with pride, clapping as her friend walked through the crowd of families and graduates to receive her honours.