Daevyd paced the living room of his Lekki apartment. His tall slim frame moved with restless energy, chocolate skin tense under his casual shirt.
Ruth's voice came through on speaker from the phone on the coffee table.
The video is blowing up she said. Her tone urgent but steady. Brands are calling to pause. Investors are emailing Daevyd. You two need a break before it breaks you.
Daevyd stopped pacing.
You are right he said. Clear our heads.
The decision came fast. Tickets booked. Bags packed. No time for second thoughts.
By evening they were at the airport.
Daevyd turned off his phone first.
No calls he said. No emails. No Lagos for two days.
Shemmy squeezed his hand.
Okay. Just us.
The flight to Abuja was short. They held hands the whole way.
A driver met them at the airport. Took them to a private resort on the outskirts. Green hills rolling around like a blanket. Quiet pools reflecting the stars. No city noise.
The suite felt like a dream. Big bed with soft white sheets. A balcony overlooking the hills. Fresh flowers on the table.
Daevyd dropped the bags and pulled Shemmy close.
Finally he said. No drama. No pretending.
A soft kiss followed. Warm. Reassuring.
The weekend unfolded slowly. Lazy mornings in bed. Talking about everything and nothing.
One morning over breakfast on the balcony.
I grew up thinking love was a distraction from dreams Shemmy said softly. After Emeka I focused only on my brand. But with you it feels like love makes the dreams bigger.
Daevyd smiled.
You make my dreams bigger too he said. TechWave was just an app. Now it is a way to build with you.
They laughed when a small monkey jumped onto the balcony and stole a piece of fruit from Daevyd's plate.
See Daevyd shouted playfully chasing it away. Even in Abuja the hustle is real.
Shemmy laughed, her full figured body shaking with joy.
Abeg catch it. We need that banana back.
The funny moment felt like medicine. It made the heavy thoughts lighter.
Afternoons by the pool. Swimming. Splashing water like kids.
Ruth called once.
How is the getaway she asked. I saw the public kiss. The internet is split but many are supporting you now. Some brands even want to work with you because of the buzz. But Nadia is still posting. Be careful tomorrow.
Shemmy paused.
Teaming up?
Yes. Photos of them at dinner. People are saying it is an affair. Tunde is using her to get to you.
Daevyd overheard and took the phone.
Let them team up he said. We are stronger.
Ruth laughed.
That is the spirit. Enjoy the break. You need it.
The call ended.
Daevyd looked out at the hills.
An affair he said. That explains why Tunde has her back. He is using her.
Shemmy nodded.
Or she is using him.
Either way. It is trouble.
They decided to keep the phones off for the rest of the trip.
Evenings were for walks. Holding hands under the stars.
One night on a quiet hill path.
I was so scared when the video dropped Shemmy admitted. For a second I thought I made a mistake choosing you.
Daevyd stopped walking. Pulled her close.
You did not lose me he said. And we will win the lawsuit. My lawyer has proof. Nadia signed away her rights.
Shemmy felt tears come. Emotional tears.
You make me feel safe. Like I can face anything.
Daevyd kissed the side of her neck.
That is because you are my strength he whispered.
The kiss grew deeper. Hands exploring. The night air cool against heated skin.
They made love later in the suite. Passionate. Intimate. Full of emotion.
The weekend felt like a reset.
But on Sunday as they packed to leave.
Daevyd turned on his phone for the first time.
Messages flooded in.
From his lawyer.
Nadia's lawsuit is moving. Investors are nervous. We need to meet immediately.
From Ruth.
Tunde is posting too now. He says Daevyd is a thief. Be careful.
Daevyd showed Shemmy.
The getaway is over he said.
Shemmy nodded.
But we are stronger now she said.
They flew back to Lagos.
The city waited with open arms. And open claws.
At the airport a reporter spotted them.
Daevyd Kng is this your girlfriend the reporter shouted.
Daevyd smiled politely.
Shemmy is a great business partner he said. That is all.
The pretending was back.
But as they got into the car.
Daevyd pulled her close. Kissed deeply.
In private we burn he whispered.
Shemmy smiled.
Yes we do.
But the messages kept coming.
One from an unknown number.
The real secret drops tonight. Get ready for the end.
Shemmy showed Daevyd.
He held her hand.
Let it come he said.
But as the night fell.
The bombshell dropped.
A new video from Nadia.
This one showed Daevyd in a secret meeting with shady investors years ago. Before TechWave was big. The date was old. But the editing made it look recent.
The caption read.
Daevyd Kng took dirty money to build his empire. Shemmy Esther is dating a criminal. The truth is out.
Shemmy felt the ground shift under her feet.
Daevyd stared at the video. Face pale.
This is from before he said. Before I knew better. I turned them down. But the video makes it look like I took the money.
Shemmy looked at him with tears in her eyes.
How many secrets do you have she asked.
Daevyd reached for her.
This is the last one he said. I swear.
But the damage was done.
The investors called.
The brands canceled.
Femi texted.
Mama is worse. Come home. Alone.
Shemmy packed a small bag.
I need to go to Abeokuta. To my family.
Daevyd felt his heart break.
Please do not leave me he said.
Shemmy paused.
I am not leaving. I just need time.
The door closed with a soft click.
Daevyd sat alone. The city lights mocking from the window.
The bombshell had dropped.
And now their love hung by a thread.
Would it break.
Or hold.
The climax was here.
And the end felt too close.