“So this is where you live, and you have the mind to ask me out? Do you think I date broke men?”

Isabella laughed, turning to her friend. “This guy doesn’t fear.”

“Isabella, this is not fair. Please, sir, forgive my friend. She’s not always like this.”

“Rita, why are you apologizing anyway? I know you like broke men, so you can have him. Joy, let’s go.”

Rita stood there, embarrassed, as her friends walked away. “Please, sir, forgive my friend. She’s not always like this.”

“That’s okay, Rita. Don’t mind your friends. Do you mind having a glass of juice in my house?”

“Sure. I’d love to.”

Rita stepped inside and stopped. Her mouth fell open. The modest exterior had been hiding something extraordinary. Marble floors. Crystal chandeliers. Art on the walls that looked like it belonged in a museum.

“Wow. How is this a palace? I can’t believe this.”

Ethan smiled, gesturing to a chair. “How about seats?”

“Oh, wow.”

“They say never judge a book by its cover. Gold can hide in old wrappers. I was looking for a woman who would value my heart, not my riches.”

“Ethan, this house is incredible. I didn’t know you were this rich. Isabella will regret it when she finds out.”

“Can we stop talking about Isabella? Let’s talk about us. Will you be my girlfriend?”

Rita hesitated. “Ethan, I really like you, but you know how Isabella is. She’s my best friend. How will she feel if she finds out?”

“Rita, don’t worry. Isabella already gave her blessing. She said that we fit each other better.”

“But she said that because she thought you’re broke.”

“Do you like me?”

“Yes.”

“That’s all that matters. Please don’t tell Isabella I’m rich. I want us to keep this just between us for now. Come, let me escort you home. We’ll tell Isabella we’re together now, but what you saw here stays between us. Let her keep thinking I’m just some broke guy.”

“Okay, I’ll not tell her.”

“I’m glad you said yes.”

“Me too.”

Back at the shared apartment, Isabella was scrolling through her phone, showing Joy something. “Kelly, see this luxury store is doing seventy percent discount tomorrow. Designer bags for real. Imagine me carrying fake bags when original is on discount. Soft life season.”

Joy nodded, then glanced at the door. “But wait, why is Rita taking so long in that broke guy’s house? What if they’re discussing? Hope she didn’t fall for that slum guy.”

Isabella snorted. “Rita is a cheap girl. She wouldn’t mind dating a beggar.”

The door opened. Rita walked in with a small smile on her face.

“Why did you stay so long? What was going on with you and Ethan?”

“He asked me to be his girlfriend.”

“Wait, are you serious, Rita? You and this broke guy?” Isabella laughed, shaking her head. “Ha, look at this. So because I didn’t accept you, now you went to ask my friend out? See, two of you fit each other. My friend here is always the understanding girlfriend. She’s never had a rich man, so of course she’ll stay with you. But not me.”

She flipped her hair. “I can’t lower my standards for a man like you. I deal with men who fly out, men who have cars, men who take me places. I am Isabella. I don’t do broke guys. So have fun, slum guy and love, love a girl.”

Ethan, who had followed Rita to the door, smiled calmly. “It’s all right, Isabella. You rejected me, and Rita accepted me. That’s all that matters. Thank you for accepting me, my love. I’ll come back to check on you.”

After he left, the room erupted.

“Rita, why did you date that broke guy in the name of love? Hunger go pain you for school.”

“Don’t mind them. They form lover girl.”

“You guys won’t kill me. Ethan is really sweet to me.”

“Sweet? I beg. No so sweet. You mean broke? Let’s be real. He can’t even afford anything.”

“Exactly. That’s why I said no to him.” Isabella’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it and smiled. “Meanwhile, I got a call from Mr. Richard last night. He wants to take me out tonight. Joy, you should come with me. We’re going somewhere nice.”

“Ooh, let’s leave Retita with her slum romance. If my man cannot spoil me, what is the point?”

Isabella showed Joy her phone. “Oh, see this girl on TikTok. Her boyfriend surprised her with iPhone seventeen. That’s what I call relationship goals. Not ‘I love you’ inside slum.”

“You people judge too much. Ethan is kind.”

“Can kindness buy wigs? Can kindness fund soft life? Ask her o. Everything is not money.”

“Speak for yourself. I was not born to suffer romantically. Me, I date bank alerts. Ask my girly.”

Isabella’s phone rang. “Oh, he’s calling. Put it on speaker.”

“Hello, sweetheart. Hope you’re dressed. I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

“Okay, dear.”

Joy grabbed a red dress. “Yes, this looks good. I want to look hot.”

“Ooh, Richard has rich friends, you know it. Retita, fake. Come. Come where? I beg, leave. Retita, she’s loyal to poverty.”

As the two prepared to leave, Rita’s phone buzzed. “Oh no. It’s Ethan.”

“Hello, Ethan. Good evening.”

“Hello, girlfriend. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Are you?”

“Can we go on a date today?”

“Let it be tomorrow. I’m preparing for a test.”

“Okay, my serious-minded girlfriend. Where would you like me to take you tomorrow?”

“Somewhere simple and nice.”

“What about your roommates? Are they in?”

“No, they stepped out.”

“Hope they are no longer mocking you for accepting me.”

“Don’t mind those girls. I’m used to them already.”

“Okay. Let me allow you to concentrate. See you tomorrow.”

“Okay, Ethan. Bye.”

Rita looked at the clock. 11:30 p.m. The girls still weren’t back. She called Joy.

“Hello, Joy.”

“Rita, just close the door and sleep. We’re coming back tomorrow.”

The next morning, Isabella and Joy burst through the door, arms full of shopping bags.

“Imagine this. I’m so tired. Retita, shift small and witness soft life. See this bag? Original. Mr. Richard no dey joke.”

“Babe, this is rich girl starter pack, and this is just first outing. Imagine month two.”

“Your slum gaffy no buy even lip gloss. I beg, don’t disrespect gala romance.”

“This is why I don’t date broke men. One proper outing and look at me glowing. Soft life no be by prayer now, na by connection.”

Rita ignored them and got ready for school. Isabella called after her. “Rita, be honest. If Ethan had money, would you still be acting humble?”

“I won’t prepare for school? I beg, ah.”

“Slum guy don come. Where they carry lover girl go? Roadside pepper soup joint, maybe. Budget romance.”

“At least na romance.”

“Can you afford proper dates, Honor Cruz?”

“Don’t worry, your friend is in good hands.”

“Your confidence from where? Broke by haters.”

Later, Ethan picked Rita up for their date. They drove to a beautiful restaurant.

“How do you survive those girls?”

“I’m used to them. We all came from struggle. None of us is rich. Some people just package more.”

“If you want, I can get you your own apartment.”

“No. If they know who you really are now, Isabella will fight me. She’ll say I snatched her boyfriend even though she’s the one that rejected you. Let them keep thinking you’re poor.”

“I really love this game. This is the best eatery in town. Their food is superb. Have you been before?”

“No, this is my first time.”

“You’re going to love it.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Apart from reading and being the calm one in that house, who is Rita really?”

“I don’t know. I think I’m just simple.”

“What do you really want from a man?”

“I want peace. A good man that will not stress me.”

“You’re not looking for a man that will give you soft life? No luxury dreams?”

“If it comes, fine. But I don’t want to lose myself chasing that.”

“You’re good and smart. I’ll make your friends jealous of you.”

“Do you mind buying takeaways so I can share it with my roommates when I get home?”

“No way. Me, a broke man? Your friends already know I’m broke. They won’t expect anything from me.”

Rita laughed. “You are so funny.”

When she returned home empty-handed, the girls pounced.

“Look who is back from her date. She came back empty-handed. Not even ice cream, not even takeaway. We came back with bags. You came back with only love.”

“Leave me. I enjoyed myself.”

“Doing what? Walking around with a broke boyfriend? What do you gain dating poor men? Rita, you know trial.”

“Let me go and see Chief. I beg. No time to check time.”

“Isabella, do you ever get tired?”

“No. Rita, there’s a big party tonight. I’ll like you to come with us.”

“I’m reading for exams.”

“Stop being boring and enjoy your life. We only live once.”

“I prefer my boring life.”

“This girl in books. All you do is party. We don’t read even when exams are by the corner.”

“Rita, not all students need to stress. We have our ways.”

“Yeah, Rita, just because you study doesn’t mean we can’t pass. One day your books will marry you.”

At the party, Isabella spotted a familiar face. “Hello, ladies. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I and my friend will like your company. We will treat you well.”

“Okay, sir.”

Back home later, Joy noticed something. “Have you noticed Retita smiles a lot these days? I noticed. Look at her blushing. Who are you chatting with?”

“My boyfriend.”

“Your slum guy. His name is Ethan. She’s in love.”

“What exactly attracted you to that broke man?”

“Maybe things you people cannot see.”

“See mystery woman. Love has turned her into poet.”

On their next date, Ethan was more relaxed. Rita teased him about staring.

“You’re trying to distract me from my food.”

“Maybe I just like your attention more than the menu. Or maybe I like both.”

“That’s why I like spending on you.”

“You like the way I spoil you?”

“So what happens when I’m not around?”

“That’s a problem for future me. Right now, I’m enjoying present you.”

Meanwhile, at the restaurant where Isabella and Richard had gone, a woman burst through the doors.

“Amaka, please don’t cause a scene.”

“Eat. Look at your father. He says there’s no money for food, but he’s here enjoying himself with another woman. What is happening? I am his wife, and if I catch you near my husband again, I will deal with you. God will judge you, Richard.”

Isabella ran out, humiliated. Joy followed.

“Girly, casualty don burst. What happened?”

“Richard’s wife showed up at the restaurant with their son. I’ve never been so embarrassed.”

“Did you know he was married?”

“Yes. I like married men. They spend. I just didn’t expect the wife to show up.”

“You mean you knew? Of course. Poor single men stress too much. Rich married men spend.”

Back at the apartment, Isabella’s phone rang. “It’s Richard. Put it on speaker.”

“Isabella, please. I’m really sorry about what happened yesterday. My wife had no right to embarrass you like that.”

“Sorry? That’s all you have to say? You think that was a small thing?”

“Tell me what you want. Anything. I’ll fix it.”

“You want forgiveness? Then you’ll pay for it. Okay. How much is this forgiveness?”

“Five hundred thousand naira.”

“Isabella, that’s too much for something my wife did.”

“Then you forget about me.”

“Okay. Please let me pay three hundred thousand.”

“Fine. Send it.”

The money arrived instantly. Isabella screamed. “Oh my god, he sent it! He actually sent it! Rita, did you see that? Do you see why I keep telling you to date rich married men? Which single guy will cheat on you and then come back begging with money? Exactly. Those broke boys would just say sorry and disappear. But this one, he paid for forgiveness.”

“Are you even listening to yourselves? What if it was your husband?”

“Then let them do it. Exactly.”

“Rita, what is the difference? Dating is dating. Whether it’s a broke man or a married man, you’re still dating. At least I’m getting paid, mind you. You’re dating a broke guy for free. No benefits, no upgrade, just vibes and suffering.”

“It’s not the same thing.”

“None of us is a saint here. We’re all dating. The only difference is I’m cashing out. You’re not. And let me even tell you something. Even if you don’t date married men, your husband will still cheat. That one is guaranteed. All men cheat. So instead of acting holy, I’m just doing my own now, because when it’s my turn, someone will still date my husband.”

The next day, Ethan showed up at the apartment with a small box. Rita’s roommates gathered around, smirking.

“Rita, my heart, my calm, my only soft place in this noisy world. Do you know that every time I see you, everything just slows down, like nothing else matters?”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “This one came fully prepared. He practiced this in front of a mirror.”

“Ethan, please.”

“No, I mean it. You’re not like everyone else. You’re calm. You’re real. You don’t pretend. You don’t make noise to feel important.”

“We heard that indirect shade.”

“If life was a place, I would choose to stay wherever you are.”

“Okay. Okay. We’ve heard enough poetry. Apart from all these sweet words, what exactly can you offer her?”

Ethan reached into his bag and pulled out a loaf of bread. Isabella burst out laughing. “This? Bread? No way. So this is your level? Are you a bread seller or a boyfriend? Retita, of all things—bread.”

Rita took it gently. “Thank you, Ethan. I’ll use it for tea tomorrow morning.”

“Breakfast, love. Very romantic. Bread and tea relationship.”

“Retita, open it.”

“I’ll open it tomorrow.”

“No, open it now.”

Rita unwrapped the bread. Inside, nestled in the soft center, was the latest Samsung smartphone.

“What is this? Wait, wait, let me see that. This is the latest Samsung. Do you know how much this costs? Where did he get money for this?”

Rita stared at the phone, then at Ethan. “Thank you so much. How did you know I needed a phone?”

“I noticed the last time we went out, you were struggling with your phone.”

“Thank you, my broke boyfriend.”

After Ethan left, the room buzzed. “Who is this guy? Something is not adding up. That phone—that was not a normal phone. Not just a phone. That’s the latest Samsung. Do you know how much that phone costs?”

“I know. That’s why I’m asking myself, who exactly is that guy? Something is off. Very off.”

“Maybe he borrowed the money.”

“Borrowed for that kind of phone? No, that girl, that is not borrow money behavior. That is ‘I have money but I’m hiding it’ behavior.”

“Maybe we should ask Rita.”

“And you expect her to tell you? Rita is secretive. Don’t even bother. I’m going to find out.”

“Find out what?”

“Who he really is. What he does. Where he gets his money from.”

Isabella’s eyes narrowed. “Look at them acting like a perfect couple. I see it.”

At his house, Ethan paced. “Why would you do that? Now they’ll start suspecting you. I told you I don’t want them to know.”

“What’s the benefit of pretending to be poor so they can keep laughing at me? They humiliated me, and they haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Ethan, please take it easy.”

“I can’t. I’m going to take care of you properly, and this is just the beginning.”

The next day, Isabella went to the supermarket. A woman approached her, staring. “Sorry, you look so familiar. Is this not the girl I saw with my husband? Oh no, it’s her. Madam, your change. You can keep it. Hey, you. You’re this girl. Husband snatcher! Stop there, side chick. I will deal with you today!”

Isabella ran, dropping her shopping. The woman chased her through the store, shouting. “This woman is not normal!”

“Am I the first person to follow someone’s husband? Stop there! Leave me alone!”

“It’s not what you think!”

“Liar! You will see today! I will deal with you today!”

Isabella jumped into a taxi, gasping. “Go! Please go! Please go!”

The taxi sped away. Isabella collapsed in the back seat, shaking.

Back at the apartment, she burst through the door. “Hey besties, is this what you people go through when you date someone’s husband? Do you think Richard’s wife did too much, or did I deserve it? And next time she runs after me, what should I do? Stand and fight back or run again? Richard’s wife is actually crazy. I swear. I’ve dated married men before, and I’ve never experienced this kind of madness. This woman made me abandon all the things I bought from the supermarket and run for my life. Richard will pay for this stress. And not just once. He’s paying double.”

Joy stared. “Isabella, what happened? Why do you look like this?”

“I almost died today. Richard’s wife chased me like full chase. Not small embarrassment. That woman shouted ‘husband snatcher’ like she was announcing in a market. Everybody was looking at me. In public. In broad daylight. I had to jump into a keke like I was escaping police.”

“Richard’s wife has finally become the weapon fashioned against you.”

Rita looked up from her book. “This is not funny. I didn’t laugh.”

“Then what do you mean by that? I mean, this is part of the life you chose.”

“Part of what life?”

“If you enjoy dating married men, you should also be ready for the drama that comes with it.”

“Are you happy about what happened to her?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Say clearly. What are you trying to say? You’re enjoying the money, the attention, but you don’t want the consequences.”

“So, what are you now? Better than us?”

“Exactly. Because you’re also dating. Yes, but I’m not entering someone else’s marriage.”

“Here we go, Miss Good Girl. You always do this, acting as if you’re a saint.”

“I’m not judging you. I’m just not surprised.”

“Please, everybody is dating. Nobody is innocent here. There’s no need to argue with Rita. Allow her to continue with her pretends.”

“It’s not a matter of pretends. Just pray the woman doesn’t trace you to the house.”

“Ah, God forbids.”

The next morning, Richard showed up at the apartment. “Isabella, I can’t do this anymore.”

“Do what?”

“This cheating, disrespect, this embarrassment. I can’t take it anymore.”

“It’s not what you think.”

“What do you mean it’s not what I think? How many times have I caught you cheating? The lady I saw you with last week. What is she to you?”

“Amaka, please calm down. That lady is a nobody.”

“A nobody? You expect me to believe that? You keep spending money on that girl, and you say she means nothing to you? Richard, if not for your cheating and reckless spending, we would have had our own house by now. But look at us, still stuck in a rented apartment. I work so hard every single day. Yet you keep adding more burden to my life.”

“I’m sorry, Amaka. I’ll change. I promise. I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“And as for that your yellow papa, God saved her today. Next time I see her, she won’t believe what will happen if she doesn’t leave you alone.”

After Richard left, Isabella called him frantically. “No wonder Isabella isn’t picking my calls. This local woman wants my Gen Z body to leave me. I need to see Isabella immediately.”

She found him outside her apartment. “Richard, you’ve been avoiding me. Your wife is chasing me everywhere.”

“Please ignore her.”

“Ignore her? So easy for you to say. She doesn’t matter.”

“That marriage is just there. There’s nothing between us. You’re the one I want. You’re the one I love.”

“I don’t want trouble. Please leave.”

“Isabella, please don’t do this. Okay. What can I do to make up for the embarrassment my wife caused you?”

“I don’t think you can pay for that, Richard. Your wife chased me on the road like a crazy woman. I’ve never been that embarrassed in my life.”

“Isabella, please let me send five hundred thousand naira to your account.”

“Richard, just leave my house. Please.”

After he left, Rita spoke quietly. “Honestly, Isabella, it’s good you sent Richard away. Maybe this is your sign to leave married men alone before this whole thing gets worse.”

“Rita, you won’t understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Richard’s been so helpful. He’s always there when I need him.”

“It doesn’t matter how helpful he is. Leave married men alone.”

“Rita, you’re only saying all this because Ethan is spoiling you silly. Yeah, come to think of it, who is Ethan, really?”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Why so secretive? Did you forget I was the one Ethan asked out first?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Ethan asked me first, and I rejected him. You just swooped in.”

“You rejected him, and I liked him. I accepted him.”

“You accepted him because you knew he was rich.”

“I didn’t know anything.”

“If I find out Ethan is rich, I will take him back from you.”

“You must be joking. Don’t even bring that up. If you want to date married men again, do so. But Ethan, that conversation ends now.”

“Guys, calm down.”

Isabella stood. “I’m done with this conversation. Do whatever you want. But don’t bring Ethan into your mess.”

“If I find out he’s rich, Ethan is mine again.”

“Isabella, that’s not right. You rejected him. You can’t just go back and claim him now.”

“Just watch and see.”

Later, Joy pulled Isabella aside. “I still feel like you are too harsh on Rita.”

“Harsh? Joy, are you actually serious right now?”

“The whole Ethan issue wasn’t really her fault.”

“How is it not her fault? Ethan asked me out first, and you rejected him.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Even if I rejected him, Rita shouldn’t have accepted him if she truly valued our friendship.”

“Why? Because that’s girl code?”

“Isabella, you and Ethan never even dated.”

“So? He liked me first. Me, not Rita.”

“But you literally turned him down because you thought he was broke.”

“Okay, fine. Maybe I rejected him. But as my friend, Rita should have come back to tell me the guy was rich.”

“Wait, what?”

“Yes. If she was truly my friend, she would have told me Ethan actually had money, and they would have gone back and accepted him.”

“Isabella, you cannot be serious.”

“I’m very serious. Friendship means loyalty. There are some people your friend shouldn’t touch, no matter what.”

“But you and Ethan were never together.”

“That doesn’t matter to me.”

“Honestly, I think you’re just angry because you found out Ethan has money after rejecting him.”

“Wow. I know you’re on Rita’s side.”

“I’m not on anybody’s side. Both of you are my friends.”

“No, Joy, be honest. You like Rita more than me. It’s obvious. Every time Rita talks, you defend her.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is true.”

“I’m defending what’s right, Isabella.”

“So, I’m now wrong in this situation?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. Very interesting.”

“Please don’t start keeping malice over this.”

“Leave me alone.”

Later, Rita found Ethan. “Rita, you don’t look happy. What happened?”

“I had an argument with Isabella yesterday.”

“About what?”

“You. She said you asked her out first.”

“Wow.”

“She even said if she discovers you’re truly rich, she’ll take you back from me.”

“Rita, why are you even arguing over something like this? I’m not a toy people pass around. There’s no ‘collecting me back.’ I’m not property.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

“Because it is simple. Rita, I genuinely like you. You’re calm. You’re respectful. You’re real. Do you know how rare that is these days?”

“Thank you.”

“So stop stressing yourself over unnecessary competition.”

“You don’t know Isabella.”

“And she doesn’t know me either. Now, tell me, after all this stress, what do you want to eat?”

“Honestly, anything. I’m hungry.”

“Good. Let’s place an order for food. Actually, since Isabella is starting to feel this way, maybe I should make her even more jealous.”

“Ethan, please don’t start.”

“No, seriously.”

The next evening, a luxury car pulled up outside the apartment. Joy looked out the window. “Is that not Ethan?”

Ethan stepped out, adjusted his jacket, and walked to the door. Rita’s roommates crowded behind her as she opened it.

“I know this should probably happen in a fancy restaurant or something,” Ethan said, “but honestly, I want her friends to witness this moment too. I love Rita for real, and maybe after today, certain people will finally rest.”

He knelt. “Rita, you came into my life quietly, but somehow you became the best part of it. You respected me when people underrated me. And honestly, I don’t want anybody else. Will you marry me?”

Rita’s hands flew to her mouth. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you!”

Ethan slipped a diamond ring onto her finger. “And this is for my future wife.”

Then he walked to the luxury car and opened the door. “Ethan, why did you come with your car?”

“There’s nothing to hide anymore. Also, I decided to help Isabella with her investigation.”

Isabella stood frozen in the doorway. Joy whispered, “Troublemaker. This is going to be fun.”

“You know it.”

After Ethan left, Isabella sat on her bed, staring at the wall. Joy tried to reason with her. “Honestly, I think you should just leave this Ethan matter alone. You’re too fine to be stressing over one man like this. You can still meet rich men.”

“I know he did all that to make me jealous. This guy can afford a big engagement party. So why did he decide to propose inside this room in front of me?”

“I think he wanted your reaction too.”

“Maybe. But I still think you should ignore them.”

“You still don’t get it. Then explain it to me.”

“My question is simple. Why did he choose to do all that in front of me? Maybe he still loves me. Maybe he’s still hurt that I rejected him.”

“Isabella, please rest. Still loves you? Then why all the showing off?”

“Because you reacted. The more you keep showing them you’re jealous, the more they’ll continue doing things to pepper you. But if you ignore them, they’ll get tired fast.”

Isabella stood up, her jaw set. “I will not ignore them. I will get my man back.”

That night, Ethan called Rita. “Rita, there’s something I’ve been thinking about.”

“What?”

“I really don’t feel comfortable with you still staying in that apartment.”

“Because of Isabella?”

“Yes. I don’t trust her.”

“Ethan, please.”

“No, I’m serious. Jealousy can make people do crazy things.”

“Isabella is not wicked.”

“You’re too nice. That’s your problem.”

“No, seriously. The three of us are from the same village. We’ve been together since year one. Yes, Isabella loves soft life and money too much, but she’s not evil.”

“Still, I don’t like it. Let me rent another apartment for you. A peaceful place.”

“No, no, there’s no need for that.”

“Why? I’m already in final year. Packing now will just stress me.”

“Then move in with me.”

“Ethan, what? I’m serious.”

“No, not before marriage. We’re already engaged.”

“My parents don’t even know you yet, and they know I’m staying with Isabella and Joy.”

“What if Isabella hurts you one day?”

“She won’t. We fight, we argue, but she’s still my friend.”

“You really trust people too much.”

“And you overthink too much.”

“Fine. But if anything happens, you’re moving out immediately.”

“Deal.”

The next morning, Rita brought food home for her roommates. “I brought food for you guys.”

“Oh, my in-law remembered me. I brought yours too.”

Isabella didn’t look up. “I’m not hungry.”

“Come on. It’s your favorite.”

“I said I don’t want it.”

“Isabella, I don’t trust Rita anymore.”

“What does that even mean?”

“It means exactly what I said. If you could confidently date Ethan knowing he asked me out first instead of rejecting him out of friendship, then clearly you value men more than me.”

“Isabella, let me ask you one question. Would you honestly be saying all this if Ethan was still broke the way you thought before?”

“Oh god. So now you want to insult me?”

“I’m not insulting you. I’m just being honest.”

“Be very honest, Rita. If Ethan was poor today, would you even be shouting ‘my fiancé’ everywhere?”

“The problem is that you’re angry because you misjudged him. That’s the truth.”

“Wow. So now I’m the bad person because I have standards?”

“Can both of you stop this already? Nobody said you’re bad, but stop acting like I stole your husband.”

“Maybe not husband, but you still crossed the line.”

“I’m honestly tired of this drama between both of you because of one man.”

“You see, this is exactly what I’m talking about. You’re always on Rita’s side. Always.”

“Because sometimes you overreact.”

Isabella grabbed her purse. “I’m done. Where are you going? Anywhere that doesn’t have fake friends.”

“Isabella, stop being dramatic, I beg.”

After she left, Joy sat beside Rita. “Isabella went out since yesterday. I honestly hate this.”

“Me too. We’ve all been friends since secondary school. Different personalities, different lifestyles, different choices, but somehow we always managed to stay close. Even when Isabella was chasing soft life, and you were acting like village pastor’s wife, we still remained friends.”

“Village pastor’s wife? Yes. You always judging us quietly with your good girl face. But now one man has entered, and everything is changing.”

“I never wanted things to become like this.”

“I know. Can I ask you something honestly?”

“Of course.”

“Are you really sure Ethan loves you?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“I’m serious. The proposal just feels sudden.”

“Sudden? How?”

“Rita, you people started dating barely three months ago. Then suddenly expensive gifts, engagement ring. What if part of this is because of Isabella?”

“No. Listen to me first. Men are unpredictable sometimes. What if he’s trying too hard to prove a point because Isabella rejected him? You know, men and ego.”

“I understand your fear, but I truly believe Ethan loves me. The way he treats me feels genuine.”

“I hope so, because honestly, the constant showing off is becoming too much. If Ethan truly loves you, he doesn’t always need to prove a point in front of us. He can buy you gifts privately, spoil you privately. But always coming here to do all these grand performances—it’s starting to feel intentional. And whether Isabella admits it or not, it’s hurting her. Especially because Ethan approached her first. So all this showing off now kind of feels like he’s still hurt from the rejection. Rita, think about it.”

Rita was quiet for a long moment. “I never even looked at it that way.”

“I’m not saying he doesn’t love you. But tell him to calm down a little. Protect your relationship quietly. Not every happiness needs an audience.”

“Thank you, Joy. I’ll talk to him. You’re honestly a good friend. I’ll apologize to Isabella when she comes back. I had no intention of hurting her.”

The next morning, Isabella returned, arms full of shopping bags. “Ah, Madame Soft Life is back. Wait, who took you shopping? Richard? You went back to him.”

“I decided to reconcile with him after all the drama with his wife. Please, that woman won’t stop me from enjoying soft life.”

“I honestly don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Did I ask for advice?”

“Hey, sorry. I’ll mind my business.”

“Isabella, I’m sorry. Honestly, I didn’t know it would hurt you this much. I genuinely didn’t think it was such a big deal to date someone my friend rejected.”

“Please, the apology will only make sense if you break up with Ethan.”

“Ethan hasn’t done anything wrong to me. Why would I break up with him?”

“Because your friendship should matter more.”

“It’s not fair. I never wanted us to become like this.”

“Then keep your relationship.”

Isabella walked away. Rita sat alone, her head in her hands.

A few hours later, Joy found Isabella holding Rita’s phone. “Why were you holding my phone? I saw you.”

“Nothing. I’m stepping out soon.”

“Where are you going?”

“To see some friends. I might come back late.”

“Why are you looking like that?”

“Nothing.”

The next day, Rita received a strange phone call. The voice on the other end was distorted, low. “Are you Rita?”

“Yes. Who’s this?”

“I just want to warn you before it’s too late.”

“Warn me about what?”

“About Ethan.”

“What about Ethan?”

“That man is not who you think he is.”

“Excuse me?”

“Ask him why he suddenly returned to Nigeria after living abroad for years. Ask him what really happened there.”

“Who are you?”

The line went dead.

Rita stared at her phone, her hands shaking. Joy walked in. “Who was that?”

“I don’t know. The person warned me about Ethan.”

“Warned you how?”

“She said Ethan isn’t who I think he is. I need to see Ethan immediately.”

Joy crossed her arms. “Just be careful.”

“What? Don’t look at me like that. You don’t know anything about this call, right?”

“Excuse me. So, now I’m the villain of the house?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then stop looking at me like that. Honestly, the timing is just suspicious.”

“Joy, please rest. I didn’t even know Ethan was abroad. And I already told you people I’m done with Ethan’s matter. I beg, free me.”

Rita grabbed her jacket and walked out. Joy watched her go, her face unreadable. The door clicked shut, and the apartment fell silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator.

Somewhere across town, a phone buzzed. A message flashed on the screen: She’s on her way. It’s time.