The Lekki apartment was unusually quiet that morning.
Sunlight filtered through the wide glass windows, painting the living room in soft gold. Shemmy sat cross-legged on the floor surrounded by fabric swatches, sketches, and a large sketchbook open on her lap.
Her new collection was finally taking shape.
Bold silhouettes.
Curves celebrated.
Strong women.
She ran her fingers across the sketch of a deep emerald dress designed specifically for fuller figures.
"This one will break the internet," she murmured.
Across the room, Daevyd leaned against the kitchen counter watching her with a smile.
Tall. Slim. Chocolate skin glowing under the morning light.
"You say that about every design."
She looked up.
"And I'm always right."
He laughed softly.
"Fair point."
Shemmy stood and walked toward him, her full-figured body moving with quiet confidence.
"This collection is different," she said. "It's not just fashion."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What is it then?"
She placed the sketchbook in his hands.
"It's freedom."
Daevyd studied the designs carefully.
His expression slowly changed from curiosity… to admiration.
"These are incredible," he said quietly.
Shemmy smiled.
"I know."
He pulled her closer, kissing her forehead.
"You're about to change the industry."
Before she could reply
Her phone buzzed violently on the table.
Ruth calling.
Shemmy answered.
"Morning troublemaker."
Ruth didn't laugh.
Her voice sounded tense.
"Shemmy… where are you right now?"
Shemmy frowned.
"At home. Why?"
"Turn on the TV."
Daevyd grabbed the remote.
The screen flickered on.
A Lagos fashion morning show was playing.
The host smiled brightly.
"Today we're talking about the newest rising designer making waves in Lagos fashion"
The camera cut to a runway.
Models walked confidently down the stage.
The dresses were bold.
Curvy.
Powerful.
Shemmy froze.
Her sketchbook slipped from her hands.
"No…"
The emerald dress.
The gold-cut blazer.
The high-waist sculpted gown.
Every design.
Every single piece.
Daevyd turned slowly toward her.
"You showed these to anyone?"
She shook her head, pale.
"No."
The TV host continued excitedly.
"The designer behind this revolutionary body-positive collection is"
A name appeared on the screen.
TARA ADEDAYO
Shemmy's voice trembled.
"She stole them."
Ruth spoke again through the phone.
"That show is live from Victoria Island Fashion Week."
Shemmy's heart began racing.
"I haven't even revealed the collection yet."
Daevyd's jaw tightened.
"Who had access to your sketches?"
Shemmy tried to think.
"My laptop… the studio… Ruth… you…"
Ruth gasped.
"Wait."
"What?" Shemmy asked.
Ruth's voice dropped.
"That show is sponsored by Adebayo Holdings."
The room went silent.
Daevyd's expression turned cold.
"Tunde."
On the TV screen, the camera zoomed in on the designer walking the runway.
Tara Adedayo smiled confidently as cameras flashed.
"Fashion should celebrate every body," she said into the microphone.
Shemmy's chest burned.
"That's my speech."
Daevyd grabbed his keys immediately.
"Get dressed."
Her head snapped toward him.
"Where are we going?"
His eyes were dark.
"To that runway."
Shemmy's heart pounded.
"They'll deny everything."
"Maybe," he said calmly.
"But Lagos will watch."
He opened the door.
"And when we walk into that show…"
His voice dropped.
"They won't be ready for what happens next."
Shemmy grabbed her bag.
The fire in her chest had replaced the shock.
Someone stole her dream.
Someone tried to erase her.
But Lagos was about to see the truth.
The car sped into the morning traffic.
Across the city
At Victoria Island Fashion Week
Tunde Adebayo sat in the VIP section.
Watching the runway.
Watching the crowd applaud.
Watching Shemmy's designs parade under another woman's name.
He smiled slowly.
His phone buzzed.
A message from Nadia appeared.
"Phase two complete."
Tunde typed back.
"Now we break them."
He leaned back in his chair.
Satisfied.
But outside the venue
A black SUV pulled up.
Daevyd stepped out first.
Then Shemmy.
And the war was about to begin.