Ogechi couldn't hold back her frustration.
"Chiamaka," she said as they walked home, "don't you ever get tired of all the attention? It's like everyone on this campus is obsessed with you."
Chiamaka laughed lightly, mistaking Ogechi's tone for playful banter. "Ogechi, it's not my fault. You know how people can be."
Ogechi forced a smile, but inside, her bitterness deepened.
When Obinna continued to pursue Chiamaka, Ogechi saw an opportunity. She began planting doubts in Chiamaka's mind, couching her jealousy as concern.
"Chiamaka, are you sure about Obinna?" she asked one evening as they sat on the balcony of their apartment. "He has a reputation, you know. He's dated half the girls in his department."
Chiamaka frowned. "He doesn't seem like that type, Ogechi. He's been nothing but kind to me."
"That's how they start," Ogechi said, shaking her head. "I'm just saying, be careful. Not everyone has good intentions."
Chiamaka nodded, taking her friend's advice to heart. Over the next few weeks, she became distant with Obinna, responding to his texts less frequently and avoiding his calls. Eventually, Obinna gave up, confused and heartbroken.
When Chiamaka told Ogechi that she and Obinna were no longer speaking, Ogechi feigned sympathy.
"I'm sorry, Chiamaka," she said, hiding her satisfaction. "I just want what's best for you."
Over the years, Ogechi repeated this behavior with every man who showed interest in Chiamaka. Whether it was a quiet medical student, a driven law intern, or a budding entrepreneur, Ogechi found ways to discredit them.
"She's too good for him," Ogechi would tell herself, justifying her actions. "He doesn't deserve her."
But deep down, Ogechi knew the truth: it wasn't about protecting Chiamaka. It was about keeping her friend from moving forward while she herself felt stuck.