Chapter 2
CHIDERA
The night had fallen heavy and quiet. No more music. We were scattered in the sitting room under the weak glow of the lights Osimhen cradling a beer, Dooshu tapping a lazy rhythm on his phone, Sariki staring into his glass like it might confess something.
I shattered the silence.
"So, lover boy," I said, a slow smirk tugging at my lips as I looked at Dele. "Where's your poison specialist tonight?"
Laughter rolled through the circle.
Dele shook his head, smiling despite himself. He knew I was still stinging from breakfast. "She's inside," he said coolly. "Cooking round two. Extra seasoning this time."
More laughter. Even Sariki cracked a half-smile.
But the amusement faded from my face. I leaned forward, elbows on my knees.
"Are you really going to marry her?"
Dele blinked. "What?"
"I'm serious," I said, voice low. "You actually plan to put a ring on this girl?"
He didn't look away. "Yes. Why?"
I shrugged, but the gesture carried weight. "Marriage is a cage, Dele. No more late nights. No more choices. You ready to throw away your freedom?"
"If it's with Star," he answered without hesitation, "yes. She's worth it."
I gave a short, bitter laugh. "You think she's different."
"I know she is," he said firmly. "She's beautiful inside and out. She isn't after money. She's humble. Grounded. She has real faith."
"Faith," I repeated, scoffing. "I've slept with a pastor's daughter who could recite scripture while taking off my shirt. Faith doesn't guarantee loyalty."
His brow furrowed. "It's not about how often she goes to church. It's how she lives—how she treats people. That's who she is."
Silence pressed in, thick and uncomfortable.
Then I leaned back.
"Fine," I said quietly. "Let's see how real it is."
Dooshu frowned. "See how?"
"A test," I replied. "Simple. I'll offer her money—real money—to give me something she's not supposed to."
Dele's face darkened. "You're not serious."
"If she says yes," I went on, calm as ever, "you'll know exactly who you're dealing with. If she says no… maybe you've actually found something rare."
Osimhen whistled low. " Chidera."
But I kept my eyes on Dele. "I'm proving a point. If she betrays you, you can keep her or leave her. But deep down, we both know most women are the same."
Dele stood slowly, jaw clenched. "She isn't your ex
Chloe."
The name landed like a slap.
Everyone went "Ooooo."
I didn't flinch. I said one word.
"Cassandra."
It fell between us like a stone into deep water.
Dooshu glanced around. "Cassandra?"
Dele's gaze dropped to the ground for a second.
I smiled without warmth. "There it is. Commitment isn't exactly your strength either, is it?" I stepped closer, voice dropping. "Tell me—if Cassandra walked through that gate right now, what would you do?"
He opened his mouth.
Closed it.
One heartbeat of hesitation.
But it was enough.
I nodded. "Exactly."
Dele shook his head, regaining ground. "That's the past. I'm with Star now. I trust her."
I moved into his space, close enough to see the conflict in his eyes.
"Do you love her?"
He didn't hesitate. "Star is wife material. The mother of my future children. The woman who'll stand by me no matter what."
"That's it?" I asked, amusement creeping in.
"What do you mean?"
"She's not the daughter of some influential businessman? No powerful connections?"
"No," he admitted.
I looked at him, almost disappointed. "And you want to marry her? What if something goes wrong—something unexpected—and she needs to carry you? How will she help?"
I counted on my fingers. "She's not a doctor. Not a lawyer. Not a businesswoman. Not from an elite family. Come on, Dele."
"Dera," he said quietly. "Marriage is about love."
I chuckled. "Love? Look at divorce rates. Didn't they all start with love? Marriage isn't love—it's a transaction. Love fades. Mutual need keeps people together."
Dele's voice sharpened. "And when one side has nothing left to offer? You walk away?"
I smirked. "That's what happens when you don't calculate properly."
Sariki finally spoke, smirking. "Neither of you is completely wrong. Or completely right."
I tilted my head toward Dele. "I've heard you. Let me tempt her with more money than she's ever imagined. If she turns me down, I'll admit I was wrong. I'll back off. But if she doesn't…"
"She will," Dele said, voice tight.
Sariki turned to me. "Dera?"
"Yeah?"
"What's your real problem with Star?"
I laughed under my breath. "When Dele kept talking about her, he hyped her up so much I couldn't wait to see this perfect girl. Then she shows up—beautiful, sure. Too beautiful. Girls like that don't stay loyal."
Dooshu whispered to Sariki, "Did he just call her beautiful? He never compliments anyone."
I ignored them and looked back at Dele. "Don't be shocked if she disappoints you. That's just how it is. But we all have to get married someday—so if she fails, it's your choice."
Dele's eyes narrowed. "Don't be shocked if she surprises you instead."
I smiled slowly.
"We'll see," I said. "Because in my experience, no woman turns down an offer that could change her life."
Not when the price is right.
Let's find out how loyal she really is.