Someone had accidentally spilled juice on the floor as they were lifting a glass to their lips. Chioma, who had just served a bowl of noodles to a customer, quickly reached for the mop and began cleaning up the mess. Even though there were no children in the restaurant, Chioma believed it was important to ensure a safe environment and prevent accidents. After all, accidents could happen to anyone.
Today, Chioma decided not to wear her uniform. A white blouse embroidered with rose flowers and a pair of fitting jeans felt more fitting for the day. Her dark hair, pulled back in a ponytail, caught the refreshing morning breeze flowing through the open window. Emeka, observing her from the counter, couldn't help but think she looked beautiful, like a refreshing summer girl. He still had feelings for her but had accepted that Michael was now in her life. Sometimes, loving someone from a distance was the best option. Letting go could lead to happiness and life-changing experiences for both individuals.
As Chioma focused on wiping the floor clean, an unfamiliar voice suddenly startled her. 'Are you Chioma Chima?'
Turning around, mop still in hand, she recognised Jessica standing there. Jessica Nnaji, wearing a black Chanel tracksuit, gold earrings, black Dior pumps, and emitting a sweet fragrance, exuded elegance and beauty. It was clear that she came from a wealthy and powerful background.
Was today the beginning of a love rivalry? Chioma thought with a smirk. She knew that Jessica and Michael had been childhood friends, as she had read in newspapers. Given the longstanding friendship between the Njemanze and Nnaji families, it was only natural for their children's relationship to be considered for marriage. However, love doesn't work that way. Love cannot be forced or dictated. True love has always been as smooth as pearls or pebbles on the beach. Any relationship built on coercion only led to everlasting ruin.
'Yes,' Chioma replied calmly.
'Why did it take you ages to answer a simple question?' Jessica scoffed, removing her glasses. 'Anyway, I'll let it slide for now...' She paused, then continued in an arrogant tone, 'I hear you're the girl messing around with my boyfriend. I am Jessica Nnaji, daughter of the Imo State Governor, and Michael Njemanze is mine alone.'
Chioma remained silent, absorbing Jessica's words.
'As his girlfriend, I want to tell you that Michael is already taken,' Jessica continued with arrogance. 'But I know it won't be easy for you to let go of him, considering you're holding onto him for his wealth. So, I've come to give you some money. Consider it a gift from me.' Without waiting for a response, Jessica threw a large brown envelope containing a substantial amount of money in front of Chioma, as if she were giving alms to a beggar. Then, she turned to leave.
'Miss Jessica,' Chioma called out.
Jessica turned around, a haughty look on her face. 'Do you want more?' she asked, her tone laced with condescension.
'No, you can have your money back,' Chioma replied, calmly picking up the envelope and extending it towards Jessica. 'I can't and won't accept it.'
'Does your mother forbid you from accepting help from strangers? Don't worry, I have no ill intentions. I simply enjoy helping those in need,' Jessica retorted, a hint of irritation creeping into her voice.
'My mother will never stop me from accepting help from good-hearted people. But thank you, Miss Jessica, for considering me a beggar... I would prefer it if you went to Imo State, where your father governs. There, at Saint Paul's, you will find beggars who could benefit from your generous donations. Don't waste your money on me. Remember, my boyfriend is super, super rich,' Chioma calmly responded.
Jessica stared at the envelope in her hand, seething with anger. She had hoped that by offering Chioma money, she would be able to force her to leave Michael alone and keep her distance. However, Chioma's refusal to accept the money made Jessica question whether Chioma had any intentions of letting go of Michael. Furthermore, Chioma's sharp tongue caught Jessica off guard. She had assumed that, as Chioma came from the slums, she would comply with her demands due to her own affluent background. It seemed Chioma wasn't intimidated by Jessica's social status either.
With an icy stare, Jessica locked eyes with Chioma, her anger palpable. 'I thought you were a discerning young woman who understood her place,' she spat harshly. 'But it seems you're nothing more than a shallow gold digger. You lack not only beauty but also the pedigree to be with someone like Michael. I have no idea where you find the audacity to pursue him. If you think the Njemanze family will welcome you with open arms, you're sorely mistaken. I am the only one worthy of Michael... and intelligent women know when to bow out gracefully. You'd be wise to learn that lesson,' Jessica concluded, her voice dripping with venom.
A smile curved on Chioma's lips. 'Miss Jessica, I don't aspire to live in the Njemanze palace. Although, there will come a day when I'll be accepted... but what I desire is to reside in Michael's heart. That's where I want to build my palace with him... wouldn't that be romantic?' Chioma's words were filled with determination and a touch of playfulness.
'You're a moronic imbecile,' Jessica fired back.
Chioma remained unfazed, 'Back to sender.'
Jessica's eyes narrowed into slits, her nostrils flaring slightly. Leaning closer, her voice dropped to a menacing octave. 'Watch your back from now on,' she warned, the words dripping with venom.
'Miss Jessica...' Chioma began to respond.
Chioma opened her mouth to retort, but Jessica cut her off. 'I don't care what you have to say, but I'm seriously warning you to stay away from my man. He's my husband-to-be,' she declared with a possessive air. 'And I want to remind you not to get your hopes up. As an ordinary woman like yourself, I know you understand that your chances of being with him are slim. Maybe your delusions make you believe we're love rivals, but the truth is, you're not even worthy of being called a rival because you have absolutely no chance of winning. Step back and accept your defeat before you find yourself in a fiery furnace. So I advise you to tread carefully.'
With a final glare, Jessica donned her sunglasses, turned on her heel, and sashayed away, leaving Chioma speechless in her wake.
Chioma looked at Jessica's retreating back speechlessly, feeling a mix of emotions. She knew that people assumed she was with Michael for his money, but in reality, her love for him went much deeper. Their relationship had started with Michael asking her to be his girlfriend, but Chioma had loved him from the moment they met, and no one could stop her from loving him.
She took a deep breath and dialled Michael's number, hoping to talk to him. However, her call was answered by an unfamiliar voice. It was Robert, Michael's assistant, who had clearly seen Chioma's name on the caller ID but still decided to ask for confirmation. Perhaps he wanted to test Chioma's character.
Feeling a bit hesitant to speak to a stranger, Chioma remained silent for a moment.
'I am Robert, Sir Michael's assistant. May I take a message for him?'
Chioma hesitated, realising that Michael was currently in a meeting and that she didn't feel comfortable discussing the threat from Jessica with someone other than him. 'Um... no, thank you. I will get back to him later,' she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She decided it was too early to burden Michael with this issue and believed she could handle it on her own. Reporting the incident to him now felt unnecessary.
With a sigh, Chioma ended the call, setting her phone aside. She knew she needed to deal with the situation with Jessica independently and find a way to protect her relationship with Michael without relying solely on him.