Adepa, a level 100 fashion design student, hummed softly as she made her way to her boyfriend's place one evening. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, and the distant sound of traffic filled the air.
Behind her, footsteps echoed a little too closely.
"Hi beautiful," a deep voice called out.
Adepa glanced over her shoulder. Two men trailed behind her. One of them, wearing a gold chain and crisp white kaftan, stepped forward with a grin.
"I'm doing well, sir," Adepa replied politely, quickening her pace.
"Wait," the man said, stretching out his arm just enough to lightly graze her wrist. Adepa pulled away instinctively.
"I'm Alaji, and this is Chris," he introduced, flashing a smooth smile. "We're in town for a conference, staying at a hostel nearby. Where are you off to so late?"
"Coming from campus, heading home," Adepa replied, keeping her tone short.
"You should swing by our hotel. Room 205, third floor," Alaji said casually. "We can relax, chat a little."
Adepa shook her head. "I can't. My roommate's waiting for the key."
"Fair enough," Alaji said, not missing a beat. "At least give me your number. You seem interesting."
Adepa hesitated but decided to give him her contact just to avoid any scene. "I have to go now," she said, walking away.
When she finally arrived at her Chris's place, she dropped onto the couch beside him, recounting the strange encounter.
"Alaji, huh?"Chris said, narrowing his eyes. "Be careful with that guy."
"I know. I already told him no," Adepa replied.
But Alaji didn't take "no" easily.
Alaji (Text): Can you come now?
Adepa: It's late. Maybe another time.
Alaji: I can pick you up. No stress.
Adepa: I'm good, thanks.
Alaji: Just come relax. I can take care of you. Whatever you want.
Adepa felt her irritation rising.
Adepa: I told you I have a boyfriend.
Alaji: So? What's that got to do with me?
Adepa paused. So? Was this guy serious?
Adepa: With all due respect, sir, I love my boyfriend. I don't need anything from you. Goodnight.
She tossed her phone onto the table.
"You okay?" her boyfriend asked, noticing the sharpness in her eyes.
"Yeah, just… men like that think they can buy anything," Adepa muttered.
"Don't let it bother you," Chris said, pulling her closer.
The next morning, Alaji's number popped up again.
Alaji: I'm leaving today. One last chance to see me?
Adepa stared at the message for a moment, lips curling into a smirk.
Adepa: Take care, Alaji. I'm sure you'll find someone else to bother.
And with that, she blocked his number, tucking her phone away with a satisfied sigh.
Later that evening, Adepa sat cross-legged on her boyfriend's bed, scrolling through her phone while he played a game on his laptop. The room was filled with the soft hum of the fan and occasional bursts of laughter from the TV show playing in the background.
Another message from Alaji popped up.
Alaji: I really can't stop thinking about you. Just one night. Name your price.
Adepa's eyebrows shot up. She read the message twice, disbelief bubbling into laughter.
"What is it?" her boyfriend asked, glancing over.
"Alaji," Adepa said, shaking her head. "He just offered to… pay me."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you're expensive now?" he joked.
"I guess so," Adepa laughed, typing quickly.
Adepa: I'm flattered, but I'm not for sale.
Alaji: Every woman has a price. Think carefully.
Adepa rolled her eyes.
Adepa: You're texting the wrong girl.
She tossed her phone aside, but a minute later, it vibrated again.
Alaji: You'll regret this. I could've changed your life.
Adepa let out a dry laugh.
Adepa: I'm already changing my life, thanks.
"Babe, this man is persistent," she said, holding up her phone.
Her boyfriend's gaze darkened. "Block him."
"I will," Adepa replied.
But something in her stirred – a mix of irritation and pride.
Adepa: You know, Alaji, it's funny. Some men think they can buy their way into any woman's life. But real men? They earn their place. You wouldn't understand that, though. Goodnight.
She hit send and blocked him immediately after.
Chris smiled. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Adepa smirked. "You're lucky I like you."
As they settled into the evening, Adepa felt lighter. It wasn't just about rejecting Alaji – it was about standing firm, knowing exactly who she was and what she valued. And no price tag could change that.
A few days passed, and Adepa barely thought about Alaji. Campus life had its way of keeping her busy – sketching new designs, attending textile classes, and working on sewing projects.
One afternoon, while packing up in the design lab, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: Hey beautiful. Miss me?
Adepa's heart sank. She recognized the energy behind the message immediately.
"Really?" she muttered under her breath.
Her friend Akosua leaned over, peeking at the screen. "Who's that?"
"Alaji," Adepa sighed. "Blocked him already, but I guess he's trying new numbers."
Akosua's eyes widened. "Ei. This one is determined! Maybe he thinks you're his wife in another life."
Adepa laughed but felt a lingering discomfort.
Adepa: Who is this?
She decided to play dumb.
Unknown Number: Alaji. You blocked me, but I'm not giving up that easily.
Adepa stared at the message.
Adepa: Oh. I thought this was Chris. I liked him better.
She smirked as she sent it. Akosua burst out laughing, nearly dropping her sketchbook.
Alaji: What? Chris? I'm the better one here. Forget about him.
Adepa grinned.
Adepa: Sorry, Alaji. Chris was nicer. You should tell him I said hi.
Akosua clapped her hands. "You're wicked!"
"I'm just having fun now," Adepa shrugged.
But Alaji didn't stop.
Alaji: Forget Chris. I'm serious about you. Just meet me once. That's all I ask.
Adepa exhaled, her amusement fading.
Adepa: Listen, I'll say this one last time. I respect myself too much to entertain this. I'm not interested. Please, move on.
A long pause.
Alaji: I get it. But you'll remember me. Women always do.
Adepa blocked the number immediately.
"You good?" Akosua asked.
"Yeah," Adepa replied, tucking her phone into her bag. "He'll get tired eventually."
As they walked across campus, Adepa felt an overwhelming sense of pride. In a world where people tried to shake her confidence, she held her ground. And that was something no one could take away from her.
A week later, Adepa was sitting at her usual spot in the campus café, sketching designs in her notebook with a steaming cup of tea beside her. The afternoon sun poured through the windows, casting long shadows across the table.
She barely noticed when a figure approached her table.
"Small world."
Adepa's pencil froze mid-stroke. She looked up slowly – and there he was. Alaji.
Wearing a crisp navy suit and holding a phone casually in his hand, he smiled like they were old friends.
"Mind if I sit?" he asked, already pulling out the chair across from her.
Adepa leaned back slightly, crossing her arms. "Actually, I do."
Alaji chuckled, unfazed. "I figured I'd find you eventually. Campus isn't that big."
Adepa kept her eyes on him, forcing calmness into her tone. "I've already said no, Alaji. Several times."
He shrugged, resting his elbows on the table. "I admire that about you. You're not easy to get."
"That's because I'm not available," Adepa replied firmly.
Alaji tilted his head, studying her like she was some puzzle he needed to solve. "You know, most girls would've jumped at this opportunity."
Adepa smirked, tapping her pencil against her notebook. "Well, I'm not 'most girls.'"
A flicker of frustration crossed his face, but it was gone in an instant.
"You'll change your mind," he said with a sly grin. "I'll be around."
Adepa met his gaze directly. "I won't."
There was a pause, a quiet stand-off of sorts, before Alaji finally pushed back his chair and stood.
"See you around, Adepa."
She watched him leave the café, her heart racing.
Akosua, who had just arrived, slid into the seat Alaji had vacated. "Was that… him?"
Adepa exhaled deeply. "Yeah."
"What did he want this time?"
"To test my patience."
Akosua shook her head, biting into her muffin. "He's persistent. You sure you don't need to tell someone? Security or something?"
Adepa thought for a moment but then shook her head. "Not yet. I can handle him."
Later that evening, Adepa sat with her boyfriend on campus, their hands loosely intertwined as they watched the sunset.
"You're quiet today," he said, brushing a stray hair from her face.
"Alaji showed up at the café," she admitted.
His eyes darkened instantly. "He what?"
"I handled it," Adepa said quickly. "He left after I made it clear – again."
Her boyfriend frowned, gripping her hand a little tighter. "I don't like this, Adepa. Guys like that—"
"I know," she interrupted gently. "But I'm not afraid of him."
"You shouldn't have to deal with this alone."
Adepa leaned her head on his shoulder. "I know. But I promise, if he pushes any further, I'll let you know."
For the first time in days, she felt truly at peace. The sunset bathed them in orange and gold hues, and in that moment, she knew her strength wasn't just in rejecting Alaji – it was in knowing she didn't have to face things alone.
The next morning, Adepa's day started normally – lectures, fabric shopping, and lunch with Akosua. But as she walked toward the design lab in the afternoon, she noticed something odd.
Near the entrance, leaning casually against the wall, was Alaji.
Her steps slowed. He wasn't looking at her directly, but it was clear he was waiting for something – or someone.
Akosua nudged her. "Is that—?"
"Yes," Adepa muttered under her breath.
"What is he doing here?" Akosua whispered, eyes narrowing.
Adepa straightened her shoulders. "I'm about to find out."
She walked straight toward Alaji, her heels clicking against the pavement like warning shots.
"Alaji," Adepa said, crossing her arms. "Why are you here?"
His head lifted, and he smiled like they were old friends. "Oh, hey. I was just in the area."
"In the area? Outside the design lab?" Adepa's tone was sharp.
"I figured I'd check on you. You've been ignoring my messages."
"That's because I blocked you."
Alaji chuckled, as if she'd told a funny joke. "Come on, you didn't have to do that. I just want to talk."
Adepa stepped closer, her expression unwavering. "Listen carefully. I'm not interested. I've told you over text. I've told you in person. This is harassment now."
Alaji's smile faltered for a second. "I didn't mean any harm. I thought—"
"You thought wrong," Adepa cut in. "And if I see you around here again, I'll make sure the school security knows about it."
His eyes darkened. "There's no need for that. I'll leave."
"Good."
She didn't watch him walk away. She didn't need to. Akosua was already by her side, eyes wide in admiration.
"Girl, you didn't even blink."
"I'm too busy to entertain nonsense," Adepa replied, but her hands trembled slightly as she tucked them into her pockets.
"Still," Akosua grinned, "that was kind of boss."
By the time they reached the design lab, Adepa's phone buzzed again.
It was a message – but not from Alaji.
Boyfriend: Heard what happened. I'm proud of you.
Adepa smiled softly, typing back.
Adepa: Thank you. But next time, you can scare him off.
Boyfriend: Deal.
As the day wound down, Adepa felt a quiet strength settle over her. Some battles she could fight alone – but it was nice knowing she didn't always have to.
A few days passed, and Alaji was nowhere to be seen. Adepa threw herself into her work, sketching new patterns and experimenting with bold fabric designs for an upcoming fashion project.
One evening, she sat with her boyfriend at a small food joint near campus, enjoying the peaceful hum of the night. The streets were alive with students, the faint sound of laughter and music drifting through the air.
"I like this," her boyfriend said, breaking a piece of bread and dipping it into soup.
"What?" Adepa asked, sipping her drink.
"Us. Just simple nights like this."
Adepa smiled. "Me too."
But as she glanced across the street, her smile faded. Parked on the corner was a sleek black car, and leaning casually against it… was Alaji.
Her grip on the glass tightened.
"What's wrong?" her boyfriend asked immediately, noticing the shift in her expression.
"Alaji," Adepa muttered, nodding in his direction.
Her boyfriend followed her gaze, jaw tightening the moment he saw him.
"I'm going over there," he said, already starting to rise.
Adepa grabbed his hand, pulling him back down. "Don't. I don't want to cause a scene."
He hesitated, muscles tense. "Adepa, this is getting ridiculous. He's following you."
"I know," she whispered, her heart pounding. "Let's finish eating. If he's still there when we leave, then you can talk to him."
Her boyfriend sat back down reluctantly, but his eyes never left Alaji.
By the time they finished their meal, the car was gone.
"See? He left," Adepa said softly, trying to ease the tension.
Her boyfriend exhaled slowly. "I don't like this. Next time, I won't stay quiet."
"I know," Adepa replied, squeezing his hand. "And I appreciate that."
But later that night, as she lay in bed, her phone buzzed once again.
Unknown Number: I saw you tonight. Your boyfriend's lucky. But I'm patient.
Adepa stared at the message, her stomach sinking.
Without hesitation, she blocked the number.
Then she opened her messages and typed one quickly.
Adepa (to boyfriend): I changed my mind. Next time you see him, talk to him.
Boyfriend: I was hoping you'd say that.
Adepa placed her phone on the bedside table, heart steady. She wasn't scared – not anymore. If Alaji wanted to keep pushing, he was about to find out exactly why Adepa wasn't the type to be messed with.
A week passed without any sign of Alaji, and Adepa slowly let her guard down. Maybe he finally got the message.
One evening, she stayed late in the design lab, stitching the final details onto a dress for her project. The lab was quiet, save for the soft hum of sewing machines and the faint rustle of fabric.
By the time she packed up and stepped outside, the campus was almost deserted. The streetlights flickered to life, casting long shadows across the pavement.
As Adepa made her way toward the hostel, she noticed a familiar black car parked near the entrance.
Her steps slowed.
The driver's window rolled down, and Alaji's face appeared, lit faintly by the dashboard glow.
"You shouldn't be walking alone this late," he said smoothly.
Adepa's heart quickened, but her face remained calm.
"I'm fine. I don't need company."
Alaji leaned against the wheel, his gaze lingering a little too long. "You know, I respect persistence. That's why I'm still here. I like women who are hard to get."
Adepa forced a dry smile. "You mistake indifference for playing hard to get."
He chuckled, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel. "Come on, Adepa. I'm not asking for much. Just a drink. One night."
Adepa's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen — a message from her boyfriend.
Boyfriend: I'm outside.
Adepa felt relief flood her chest.
She took a step closer to the car, meeting Alaji's gaze directly.
"I'm curious," she said softly. "Why do you think I'd say yes to someone who doesn't understand the word no?"
Alaji's smile flickered, but he recovered quickly. "I just know how to get what I want."
A shadow appeared behind Alaji's car.
"You sure about that?"
The deep voice made Alaji stiffen slightly. He glanced in the rearview mirror just as Adepa's boyfriend stepped into the glow of the streetlight, arms crossed.
Alaji's smile thinned. "Oh. You brought backup."
Her boyfriend stepped beside Adepa, slipping his arm around her waist.
"I didn't bring him," Adepa said casually. "He was already coming."
Alaji's eyes flickered between the two of them, irritation creeping into his expression.
"You know," her boyfriend said coolly, "I've heard a lot about you, Alaji. The guy who can't take a hint. Thought I'd introduce myself."
Alaji's grip on the steering wheel tightened, but he forced a laugh. "Relax. I was just being friendly."
"Friendly isn't lurking outside the design lab or waiting at cafes," Adepa's boyfriend replied, his tone calm but sharp. "You're done here."
There was a long pause.
Alaji's gaze locked with Adepa's for a brief moment, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. Then, without another word, he rolled up his window and drove off into the night.
Adepa let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Her boyfriend pulled her closer. "If he shows up again, we're reporting him."
Adepa nodded, resting her head lightly against his shoulder. "I know."
But deep down, she felt it — this wasn't over. Not yet.
The following evening, Adepa tried to shake the lingering unease. She told herself Alaji wouldn't dare show up again. Not after last night.
But some instincts were hard to ignore.
She sat on the edge of her bed, pretending to focus on sketching designs, but her phone sat beside her like a warning light she couldn't stop glancing at.
Akosua's voice crackled through the speaker.
"Girl, are you sure you're okay? That guy gives me the creeps."
"I'm fine," Adepa replied, though her voice lacked conviction. "He left after last night. I doubt he'll try anything else."
There was a pause.
"You don't believe that."
Adepa sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Maybe not."
Before Akosua could respond, a soft knock echoed from Adepa's door.
She froze.
Her heart thudded in her chest as she glanced at the time – 10:42 PM.
"Is that him?" Akosua whispered, her voice sharp.
Adepa muted the call and stood slowly. Another knock followed, this time firmer.
She crept to the door, hesitating for a long second before unlocking it.
Her boyfriend stood there, hands in his pockets, scanning her with quiet concern.
"Did you think I was him?" he asked gently.
Adepa relaxed, stepping aside to let him in.
"I didn't know what to think," she admitted, shutting the door behind him.
"I figured you'd be on edge," he said, sitting at the edge of her bed. "That's why I came."
Adepa sat beside him, leaning against his shoulder. His presence grounded her.
But as they sat in silence, Adepa's phone buzzed. She hesitated before glancing at the screen.
Unknown Number: Thought I told you – I'm patient.
Her blood ran cold.
Her boyfriend noticed the shift instantly. "What is it?"
Wordlessly, she held up the screen. His jaw tightened as he read the message.
He stood abruptly. "That's it. We're reporting him."
Adepa grabbed his arm before he could reach the door. "Wait. Reporting him might not stop this. What if he's still around campus after?"
Her boyfriend's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll make sure he regrets it."
The intensity in his voice startled her, but she understood.
Still, Adepa shook her head. "I want to try something first."
Her boyfriend crossed his arms. "What?"
She took a deep breath, fingers flying across the screen as she typed a reply.
Adepa: You're right. Let's meet. Same spot as last night.
Her boyfriend's eyes widened. "What? Adepa—"
"Relax," she said, sliding her phone into her pocket. "I'm not going. But if he's stupid enough to show up, he won't be leaving the way he came."
Her boyfriend's lips curled into a slow grin.
"I like the way you think."
The night was unusually still as Adepa and her boyfriend waited, hidden in the shadows of a nearby alley near the entrance to the campus. The air felt thick with anticipation, the kind of tension that seemed to thrum just beneath the surface.
Adepa's phone buzzed again, a text from the unknown number.
Unknown Number: I'm on my way. You'll see soon how patient I really am.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she read the message. She could feel her heartbeat in her throat. This was a dangerous game, but she knew it was the only way to take back control.
Her boyfriend, standing beside her, shifted his weight. "You sure about this?"
"Absolutely," Adepa said, her voice firm. She had been calm enough all day, but now, in this moment, she could feel the rush of adrenaline. She needed to finish this, once and for all.
They waited. The quiet of the night stretched on, punctuated by the occasional distant hum of a car or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Adepa's eyes never left the darkened street where Alaji's black car had parked the previous night. Her boyfriend stood close, his hand ready to move at the slightest indication.
After what felt like hours, headlights appeared in the distance. A sleek black car rolled into view, the engine purring low as it slowed to a stop just a few feet away from where they hid.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Stay behind me," her boyfriend whispered, his voice calm but carrying a certain edge.
Adepa nodded, her breath shallow, and they watched as Alaji stepped out of the car, his posture confident, as if he expected to see her standing there, waiting for him. He looked around for a moment, noticing the absence of anyone else. His expression faltered when he didn't see her immediately.
Then, as if he realized, his gaze shifted to the alley where Adepa and her boyfriend stood hidden. Alaji's lips curled into a smirk. "I knew you'd come around," he called, stepping forward, his voice laced with arrogance.
Adepa and her boyfriend stepped out of the shadows simultaneously, making their presence known.
"Alaji," Adepa said, her voice steady but piercing. "I hope you've enjoyed the game. But it's over now."
Alaji's confident smirk faltered, but only slightly. "You still don't get it, do you? You can't just ignore someone like me. I've got resources. I always get what I want."
Her boyfriend took a step forward, his eyes narrowing. "And we've been telling you no. More than once. But you're still pushing. That's not persistence, Alaji. It's harassment."
Alaji scoffed, adjusting his jacket, trying to mask the slight discomfort creeping into his posture. "What are you two planning to do, huh? You think you can intimidate me?"
Adepa's boyfriend cracked his knuckles, his eyes locked on Alaji. "No. We're just letting you know that this stops tonight. No more games, no more stalking. You want to play tough? I'll show you what happens when you mess with the wrong people."
For a brief moment, Alaji seemed to hesitate, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. But then, as if he remembered his pride, he laughed — a forced, bitter sound. "You think you can scare me? I've got connections, man. You don't know who you're messing with."
Adepa stepped forward, her voice sharp. "I don't care about your connections. I'm done being polite. Don't ever contact me again, and don't ever show up here."
Her boyfriend's hand moved toward his pocket, where he'd kept his phone, but Adepa placed a hand on his arm. "Let me," she said. With one smooth motion, she took out her phone and sent a message to the campus security.
Adepa: I need a team outside the North Gate now. There's someone here who's been harassing me, and I want him off campus.
Alaji, sensing the change in the air, took a step back. He looked over his shoulder toward his car, but his feet were rooted in place.
"You're making a huge mistake, Adepa. You don't know what you're getting into," he muttered, his voice a little less sure.
"You're the one who made a mistake," Adepa replied, her tone unwavering. "It's over."
Within moments, the campus security appeared, the sound of their footsteps heavy in the night. They didn't need to be told twice. Two officers approached Alaji, their stance authoritative. "Sir, you need to come with us."
Alaji's face drained of color, his bravado evaporating as he realized he was being escorted off the premises. As he was led away, Adepa stood tall, watching him go, her heart racing but her stance firm.
Her boyfriend stepped beside her, placing his hand on her shoulder. "You did great."
She nodded, a mixture of relief and satisfaction washing over her. "It's over now."
As they watched Alaji's car drive off into the night, the tension that had been hanging over them for weeks finally began to dissipate. It had been a long time coming, but Adepa knew she had finally taken control of her own story.
And, as they walked back toward her hostel together, hand in hand, she realized that, no matter what happened next, she was stronger for it.
The night felt strangely quiet after Alaji's departure. The distant hum of the campus seemed muffled, as if the air itself was holding its breath. Adepa and her boyfriend walked back to her hostel in silence, the weight of what had just happened settling heavily between them.
As they neared the entrance, Adepa's phone buzzed again. She stopped in her tracks, fingers trembling as she glanced at the screen. It was from an unknown number — but this time, it wasn't Alaji.
Unknown Number: Thought you'd get rid of me that easily? It's not over, Adepa. You'll see.
Her stomach twisted.
Her boyfriend, noticing the change in her expression, immediately stepped closer. "What is it?"
Adepa swallowed hard, but her voice was steady when she replied. "It's him again."
Her boyfriend's jaw clenched. "He doesn't know when to quit, does he?"
"He's not going to stop, is he?" Adepa whispered, more to herself than to him.
Her boyfriend placed his hand gently on her arm. "This has gone far enough. We'll handle it together, okay?"
Adepa nodded, but a flicker of doubt crept into her mind. The man had shown an unsettling persistence, and now, the message hinted at something darker — something more dangerous.
"I'm getting tired of his games," her boyfriend muttered. "Let's make sure he understands the consequences this time."
Before Adepa could respond, her phone buzzed again — another message from the same number. She opened it slowly, her heart pounding.
Unknown Number: I have people watching. Your every move.
A chill ran down her spine. It wasn't just idle threats anymore. The realization hit her — this was serious. Alaji had made a dangerous shift, and she was no longer just dealing with a persistent man; she was potentially dealing with someone who had resources, someone who wouldn't back down.
Her boyfriend's eyes darkened as he read the message over her shoulder. "Enough."
"I don't want to involve the police. Not yet," Adepa said, her voice tight with resolve.
He nodded. "We won't. But we will take control of this. We'll make him regret thinking he can play with you."
"Do you have a plan?" she asked, unsure whether she was more worried about Alaji or her boyfriend's resolve. There was a calm in his eyes, but it was the kind of calm that spoke of a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
"I do." His voice was low and steady. "It's time for him to realize that we have the upper hand now."
---
The next morning, Adepa felt a knot in her stomach, the tension from the night before refusing to let her rest. After classes, she met with her boyfriend at their usual spot. He was already waiting for her, a small envelope in his hand.
"What's this?" Adepa asked, eyeing it cautiously.
Her boyfriend slid it toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Alaji thinks he can get to you. I'm going to make sure he knows you're not alone in this anymore."
Inside the envelope was a thick stack of papers — documents that appeared to be official. Adepa looked through them, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"These are legal papers?" she asked.
"Not just any legal papers," he replied, a glint of something fierce in his eyes. "They're a warning. I've contacted a lawyer, and we've got a file on him. If he tries anything again, I've got everything we need to make it stop."
Adepa felt the weight of the documents in her hands. "You really think this will work?"
He smiled faintly. "I don't just think it'll work. I know it will. He'll know we've got the resources to destroy his little game. He'll be too scared to show his face again."
Her heart raced with a mixture of anxiety and something else — relief, maybe? The idea of taking things to such a level felt dangerous, but it also felt like the only way to shut Alaji down for good.
Later that day, Adepa received another message — but this time, it was from a different number.
Unknown Number: You don't scare me, Adepa. I'll find a way around this. Watch me.
Adepa's fingers tightened around her phone. She looked up at her boyfriend, who had been waiting for this moment. "He's still not backing down."
Her boyfriend chuckled darkly. "Good. He's about to get a wake-up call."
---
That night, they put their plan into motion. They had arranged a meeting with Alaji — one where the power would shift. As they arrived at a nearby coffee shop, her boyfriend kept his gaze sharp, watching the door for any sign of Alaji.
When the door opened, Adepa's stomach twisted. Alaji stepped in, his confident stride faltering slightly when he saw the two of them sitting at the table.
"You again," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.
Her boyfriend didn't flinch. "It's not over. But it will be soon."
Alaji raised an eyebrow. "What's this? Trying to intimidate me with your threats?"
"No," her boyfriend said, his voice calm but cutting. "We're here to offer you a deal. You stop everything. The stalking, the threats, the harassment. Or we make sure you'll never have the chance to bother her again. This time, we won't be alone in this."
Alaji's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Her boyfriend slid the stack of papers onto the table. "These are documents about you. We've been gathering information. We know about your connections, your little tricks. And we have all the proof we need."
Alaji's eyes flickered with something — unease, maybe. Adepa wasn't sure. But the arrogance in his stance faltered.
"You think you can just end this? You're playing with fire," he sneered.
Her boyfriend leaned forward. "You don't get it. You're already burnt."
For a long moment, neither spoke. Then, without another word, Alaji grabbed the papers and stormed out, his steps hasty, betraying the bravado he'd shown only moments before.
As he disappeared into the night, Adepa finally exhaled, her body relaxing for the first time in weeks.
Her boyfriend took her hand, squeezing it gently. "This is over."
"I hope you're right," Adepa said softly, her voice full of quiet strength.
She wasn't just ready to move on. She was ready to win.