The days in Port Harcourt stretched longer than Splendour imagined.
At first, she tried really tried to keep everything balanced. To keep Alfred's love alive while adjusting to the chaos of camp life. But slowly, the rhythm of her days began to change.
Alfred's calls the ones that once made her heart flutter started to feel heavy.
His texts that once brought warmth now felt like reminders.
Reminders of promises… and a love that suddenly felt far away.
Every time her phone buzzed with his name, a strange guilt pressed on her chest.
She'd stare at it, hesitate, then turn it face-down.
"I'll call him later," she'd tell herself.
But later never came.
Instead, her world began to orbit around Kingsley.
He was different.
He was bold, confident, and easy to talk to.
He made her laugh until her ribs hurt and listened like every word she said mattered.
Kingsley wasn't just charming — he was everything she once prayed for in a man.
A law student, ambitious, driven, and full of life.
He spoke about the future with clarity dreams of owning a law firm, traveling the world, and doing more than just existing.
And somewhere between their evening walks and late-night calls, Splendour found herself comparing.
"Kingsley understands me more."
"He knows my course, my stress, my world."
"Alfred doesn't get it anymore."
The guilt came and went like waves. Sometimes she'd cry at night, clutching her phone, wanting to call Alfred but unable to find the words. Other nights, she convinced herself it was fine that she wasn't doing anything wrong.
But the truth sat quietly in her chest: she was slipping away.
One Friday evening, after fellowship, Kingsley waited outside the hall, leaning casually against his car. He smiled when he saw her that kind of smile that could melt through any defense.
"Let's grab a drink," he said.
"Kingsley, it's late…"
"Just for a while. You need to relax."
Relax.
That was what he always said.
An hour later, they were sitting in a quiet café just outside camp, laughing about everything and nothing. The city lights glimmered against his dark eyes, and she couldn't help thinking, this feels right.
Meanwhile, back in the hostel, Enisa noticed the silence.
When Splendour finally walked in, her eyes glowing and lips curved in that soft post-date smile, Enisa folded her arms. "You're different these days," she said quietly. "You don't pick Alfred's calls anymore. You fight over little things."
Splendour froze. "It's nothing. We're just… busy."
Enisa sighed. "Busy, or distracted?"
Splendour looked away. Her phone buzzed again Alfred. She quickly silenced it.
Enisa's gaze softened. "Splendour, please be careful. You're playing with fire."
But Splendour only forced a smile and muttered, "It's fine. I'm fine."
Yet, deep down, she knew she wasn't.
Because every time Kingsley's name appeared on her screen, her heart raced.
And every time Alfred's name appeared, it sank.
Then one Sunday after fellowship, she and Kingsley took a selfie his hand casually resting near her shoulder, both of them glowing under the evening sun. It was innocent enough, she told herself.
She posted it on her status with the caption: "Blessed to serve."
Hours later, Alfred called.
His voice was calm too calm. "Who's the guy in the picture?"
"Oh, that?" she laughed nervously. "That's Kingsley. A church brother."
"Church brother?" Alfred's tone hardened. "He doesn't look like just a church brother, Splendour. You two were… close."
"It's just a picture, Alfred. Why are you overreacting?"
"I'm not! But lately, you're always online, you barely call, and now this picture tell me, am I losing you or what?"
His voice broke a little, the pain raw even through the phone.
"Stop being jealous!" she snapped. "Not every guy that stands next to me is a threat."
Silence.
Then Alfred whispered, "You've changed, Splendour."
The line went dead.
Splendour dropped her phone and sat quietly, her heart pounding. For the first time, she didn't feel like defending herself. For the first time, she didn't feel sorry she felt confused.
Because deep inside, she knew Alfred wasn't wrong.
When she looked up, Kingsley was standing nearby, waiting with that same charming smile. "You okay?" he asked softly.
And in that moment torn between guilt and attraction she realized what scared her most:
Alfred's voice made her feel trapped, but Kingsley's made her feel free.