Shemmy woke up the next morning in Daevyd's Lekki apartment with sunlight pouring through the big windows.
Her full figured body stretched lazily under the soft sheets.
The Lagos lagoon sparkled outside like it knew something good was happening.
She smiled to herself.
Last night after the charity show they had come home laughing and tired.
Daevyd had carried her to bed like she weighed nothing.
He was already up.
Standing by the kitchen counter making coffee.
Tall slim frame in just shorts.
Chocolate skin glowing in the morning light.
Good morning my love he said when he saw her.
Shemmy walked over.
Her ample figure wrapped in one of his big shirts.
Good morning she replied.
She stood on her toes and kissed him.
They ate breakfast together on the balcony.
Laughing about how Ruth had threatened Daevyd with juju the night before.
That girl is dangerous Daevyd said shaking his head.
But I like her.
She has your back.
Shemmy laughed.
She has had my back since school.
When everyone said a career oriented girl like me would end up alone.
Daevyd reached across the table and took her hand.
Not anymore he said.
You have me now.
The doorbell rang.
Daevyd stood up.
Probably the delivery guy he said.
He came back carrying a huge bouquet of red roses.
The biggest Shemmy had ever seen.
And a small velvet box.
For you he said smiling.
Shemmy's eyes widened.
You did this she asked.
He shrugged playfully.
Open it.
She opened the box first.
Inside was a beautiful gold bracelet with a small heart charm.
Engraved on the back.
To the woman who chose me.
Shemmy felt her heart melt.
Daevyd this is beautiful she whispered.
Thank you.
She put it on.
Then buried her face in the roses.
They smelled amazing.
Later that afternoon another delivery came.
A designer handbag.
Expensive.
The exact one she had been admiring online for months.
Shemmy screamed when she opened it.
Daevyd you are spoiling me too much she said laughing.
How did you even know I wanted this.
He smiled and pulled her close.
I pay attention he said.
He gave her bum a light playful spank.
That is for looking so happy he teased.
Shemmy gasped then laughed hard.
Her full figured body shaking against him.
You are too much she said.
But I love it.
They spent the whole day like that.
Sweet moments.
Laughing.
Kissing.
Daevyd working on his laptop while she sketched new designs.
In the evening another gift arrived.
A pair of diamond earrings.
Sparkling.
Perfect.
Shemmy opened the card.
To the most beautiful designer in Lagos.
Wear these and think of me.
Her heart skipped.
Daevyd this one is too much she said running to show him.
He looked at the earrings.
Then at the card.
His face changed.
I did not send this he said quietly.
Shemmy froze.
What do you mean.
He took the card from her hand.
Read it again.
This is not from me he said.
My handwriting is different.
And I would never write think of me like that.
Shemmy's stomach dropped.
Then who.
Daevyd's jaw tightened.
Tunde.
He said the name like it tasted bad.
Shemmy sat down slowly.
Her generous body sinking into the couch.
But why she whispered.
I chose you.
Everyone knows now.
Daevyd paced the room.
His slim frame tense.
Because he does not lose he said.
And he wants you.
This is his way of saying the game is not over.
Shemmy felt fear and anger rise in her chest.
I do not want his gifts she said.
I will send them back.
Daevyd stopped pacing.
He knelt in front of her.
You do not have to he said.
But I need you to know something.
I am jealous right now.
Very jealous.
But I trust you.
I trust us.
Shemmy touched his face.
I only want you she said.
No one else.
He leaned in and kissed her.
Deep.
Reassuring.
They packed the gifts nicely.
Shemmy wrote a polite note.
Thank you but I cannot accept these.
My heart is already taken.
Daevyd drove with her to Tunde's office the next morning.
They walked in together.
Hand in hand.
Tunde sat behind his big desk.
Smiling like he expected them.
Beautiful choice he said looking at Shemmy.
But the gifts were just a start.
Shemmy placed the boxes on his desk.
I cannot accept them she said clearly.
I am with Daevyd.
Completely.
Tunde leaned back.
For now he said.
But when the real video drops tomorrow.
We will see how long that lasts.
Daevyd stepped forward.
His voice calm but strong.
If you drop anything that hurts her he said.
You will regret it.
I am not the boy you think I am.
Tunde laughed.
We will see.
They left the office.
In the car Shemmy let out a long breath.
I am scared she admitted.
What real video is he talking about.
Daevyd held her hand.
Whatever it is we will face it he said.
Together.
That evening Ruth came over with pepper soup.
The three of them sat on the balcony.
Eating.
Laughing.
Trying to forget the threat.
Ruth told a funny story about how she once spilled soup on a client during a fitting.
Shemmy laughed so hard her full figured body shook.
See why I keep you around she said.
Ruth pointed her spoon at Daevyd.
And you.
Treat her right.
Or the pepper soup will not be the only thing burning.
Daevyd raised his hands in surrender.
I am scared of you he said laughing.
The night felt warm.
Safe.
Like family.
But as they were clearing the table.
Shemmy's phone buzzed.
A new message.
From an unknown number.
Tomorrow the whole world will know the truth.
The video is not what you think.
Get ready.
Attached was a short clip.
Just five seconds.
It showed Daevyd and Nadia.
In an apartment.
Looking very close.
The date stamp was from only three weeks ago.
Shemmy felt her stomach drop.
Daevyd she whispered.
He looked at the clip.
His face went pale.
That is not what it looks like he said quickly.
She came to my office.
It was business.
I swear.
Shemmy looked at him.
Tears filling her eyes.
Then why does it look like that she asked.
Daevyd stepped closer.
Because Nadia is editing everything he said.
She wants to break us.
Ruth stood up.
Nne breathe she said.
We will fix this.
But the damage was done.
The real video was coming tomorrow.
And this time it looked like Daevyd had been lying.
Shemmy stood there.
Heart pounding.
She had chosen him.
But now the biggest test was here.
Would their love survive the truth.
Or would the secret admirer finally win.