Aisha stood frozen by the door, her breath shallow, chest heaving. She had seen the soft look in Tade's eyes—the same eyes that usually met her with cold indifference. But this time, that gaze was not for her. It was for that... cook.
Her heart raced as she paced her room in furious circles. Thoughts thundered in her head. She clenched and unclenched her fists.
How dare he? How dare that lowlife cook steal his attention?
Suddenly, she stormed down the stairs, barely pausing as she marched toward Tade's door. Without knocking, she pushed it open and entered.
Tade had just closed the door behind him, his mind still reeling from Anwana's curt behavior earlier. Disappointment wrapped around him like a thick cloud.
Then the storm walked in.
"I need explanations oo, what was that!?" Aisha snapped, her voice rising with each word.
Tade blinked, startled. "What was what?"
"Now you're sounding clueless, abi? Don't play dumb!"
"Keep your voice down," he warned in a low growl, "You'll wake my mom."
"Let her wake! Let her hear what's going on!" she barked. "Who is that useless cook you're having a fling with, huh? Tell me! You guys had something in the past, right?"
Tade's eyes met hers, and for a moment, he said nothing. But Aisha saw it. The softness, the quiet guilt, the longing. Her voice broke. "So I'm right. No wonder you keep her so close. And that boy… victor....he's yours, right?"
Still, Tade remained silent. He turned away.
"I said talk to me!"
"Hmmm…" he inhaled sharply and turned back. His eyes darkened. His voice thundered. "Can you just shut up!!!"
Aisha flinched. His voice had never sounded like that before—raw, furious, trembling.
The veins in his arms pulsed visibly, his fists clenched by his sides. He took a step toward her, his presence towering, his glare fierce.
"When did I ever tell you I was in love with you? When did I promise you anything?" he growled. "And listen carefully, Aisha—my woman is not useless."
He stormed past her, leaving the door wide open.
She stood there, mouth ajar, pain stabbing her chest like a dagger.
"Your woman? What?!"
Tears burned
in her eyes. Anger. Jealousy. Rejection.