shadow of love episode 4

As I showered, I could hear Franca's laughter. It filled me with so much joy that my boyfriend is a lovable person who can make things happen, positively of course.

I had earlier packed my weekend bag (lols) so I just dressed up, applied a little make up and stepped into the sitting room.

Tobe: Here comes the beauty queen. My love.

I smiled and went beside him and sat my heavy behind down.

Tobe: You're beautiful.

I chuckled and he tucked my hair behind my ear.

Tobe: You set?

Me: Yes.

He stood up and helped me stand.

Me: Girlfriend, I'll see you on Sunday.

Franca didn't look up. She just nodded and we left.

As we drove out of independent layout, I couldn't help but wonder what was really happening between Charles and Franca.

Me: Did she tell you?

Tobe: What? Who?

Me: Franca. I mean, did she tell you about Charles?

Tobe: No. Is anything the matter? Cause she looked so happy.

Me: I think they're having issues.

Tobe: If she didn't tell you, do you think she'll tell me?

I shrugged and we continued in silence. Old GRA told me it's name the very moment we drove into the estate. It was quiet and peaceful, like nature was giving you peace.
We drove into a compound, the gate was short, not something I'll call a gate shaa. The gateman locked it behind us and approached the car.

GM: Good afternoon sir.

Tobe: Afternoon Felix. Is my neighbour back?

GM: No sir.

Tobe: Okay. If I need anything, I'll call you. And this is my girlfriend, her name is Pamela.

GM: Welcome aunt.

I smiled at him and he walked away. He looked like he was between the age of 23-25.

Tobe: So babe, this is my house. I live downstairs though, my neighbour stays upstairs.

I looked around, the compound was big, very big. There were flowers and small trees in the compound, his sienna and one other car was parked at the end of the compound, the house itself looked beautiful and I couldn't help but imagine what the interior would look like.

Me: Tobe you're just a student o.

Tobe: Student with class.

He carried my bag and led me inside. It was as breathtaking as I had imagined outside. The paintings, the furnishings, the gadgets, everything was as beautiful as the owner.

Me: Wow

Tobe: Now don't do that. You're making me blush

We shared a laugh before he started taking me round the house. It was a three bedroom apartment, each room with it's bathroom, the sitting room and a dinning, then a big kitchen.

He showed me his room where he dropped my bag. It was the master bedroom, with a jacuzzi that got me longing for a shower immediately.

Tobe: Change your clothes while I get you something to eat.

He pecked me and left the room. I quickly brought out my phone and called Franca but she didn't pick. I took selfies in the room before changing into a baggy polo and one of my favourite thongs.

He had made the table where he served jollof rice with lots of fried plantain and fried fish. We ate together, laughing and remembering our first day together.

I was in love with this guy and I'm willing to do anything to prove that even if it includes stepping on toes, I'll step on toes



That night, after we took tons of selfies together in his room, I curled beside my boyfriend and slept.

When I woke up in the middle of the night to drink water, we were still in that position. I released myself from his grip and slowly got down from his king sized bed. I went straight to the fridge in the room and got a sachet of water to drink. His phone started ringing but he didn't even move. I picked the phone and looked at the caller. Who would be calling someone at 3am? The number was saved as "fantasy". I switched the phone off and went back to bed. I couldn't sleep again. That was my life. Once I wake up to drink water, it won't be easy to go back to sleep. I picked my phone and went to my WhatsApp. I had just two messages from Flord and the rest was from the pub admin groups.

Flord was asking of my location, saying he wanted to see me. I've known Flord ever since Franca and Charles started dating. He always visited even in Franca's absence. I'd caught him on several occasion ogling me but I never gave it any strong meaning. Boys love to stare and he is one of " demboyz "

I told him I went to my boyfriend's house and he should drop any message with Franca. I got busy with my phone and didn't know when I slept off, only to wake up to the strong smell of toast. I looked beside me and Tobe wasn't there so I smiled. I'm dating a chef so what do I expect? I got to the bathroom and brushed before going to meet him.

Me: Good morning Chef

Tobe: Wife of a chef.

We laughed and he came and hugged me.

Tobe: How was your night?

Me: I slept like a baby.

Tobe: It's obvious. Give me ten minutes and I'll serve breakfast.

Me: Okay. I'll be in the dinning then.

I made to walk out but remembered last night.

Me: Ehe. Before I forget, Fantasy called.

He turned immediately and looked at me.

Tobe: Fantasy?




Me: Yes. Fantasy.

Tobe: Uhm. Where's my phone?

Me: It's in the drawer.

He stormed out of the kitchen and I couldn't help but wonder who this fantasy is.

Breakfast was cool but the tension between us was annoying. I didn't want to know who the caller is but why will she spoil my weekend?

Me: Look, if we're going to keep quiet now, I'll just pick my bag and leave. I'm not comfortable with this annoying silence

He looked up and smiled at me.

Tobe: Fantasy is my fiancée.

I choked on my toast. It went down the wrong pipe and I had to take refuge in the water on the table.

Tobe: She lives abroad, that's why she called late. That's the time we normally spoke to each other.

Tears filled my throat. What is wrong with me? What is wrong with my life? Am I cursed?

With blurred vision, I stood up and found my way to the room. I refused to cry out, I refused to open the spring which was begging to be released.

He came into the room and held me, he helped me sit down on the bed.

Tobe: But I love you. I love you so much that it hurts. I love you so much that I'm willing to do anything to be with you.

Me: Why? Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me before now? At least, I wouldn't have fallen for you this much. Why will you even do that to me?

He held me again, this time, I released myself from his grip and started packing my things.

Tobe: Baby, what are you doing?

Me: I'm going home.

Tobe: You can't do that. Pamela I love you. I love you very much.

Me: I'm sorry Tobe. You can't have a fiancée and still keep me by the side. I need a relationship where I know my stand, where I'm sure of the future.

Tobe: You're with me, I'm also with you. Fantasy is still in my life because I need her to smoothen things out for me. If I'm not with her, dad will stop all the privileges I get. It's a family thing and trust me, I've got plans for that.

Me: Tobe, I'm not falling for that okay. Just let me go.

I was through with my bag now. I went into the bathroom and began to undress. I got into the shower and cuddled in it, letting the water run through my body to calm my nerves and get me back to thinking straight.
The water did help a lot. I spent close to thirty minutes in it before soaping up. Once I leave this house, I'll stop all communications with Tobe. He can go to his fiancée for all I care.

I stepped out of the shower only to see him sitting on the bed with his phone. He dropped it and came to me.

Tobe: You don't know how much I love you Pamela, don't leave me like this.

Me: My mind is already made up. I'm leaving.

Tobe: Baby we're just starting. Do you want to leave me in ruins? heartbroken and alone?

Me: Please stop. What if she'd not called when I was awake, will you have told me? You would have kept it a secret right?

Tobe: Baby I planned to tell you before you leave. Trust me baby. I just need to remain with her till I graduate.

Me: Tobechukwu, it's no use. I stand no chance in your life. I'm glad I found out early. Your family will never accept me. Do you know that?

He held me tight and rubbed my hair.

Tobe: It's you and I baby. Just don't leave me like this.

He began to kiss my forehead, my ear, my neck, every part of my face, I wiggled out of his embrace and went to the wardrobe, I was leaving and I'm not coming back