At exactly 11:47 p.m., she closed the door to the life that no longer fit her, the apartment was small, quiet, and tired—just like the dreams people expected her to settle for. The suitcase by the door wasn't full, but it carried enough courage to last a lifetime. She stood still for a moment, heels in hand, silk dress brushing against her knees, breathing in the final seconds of familiarity.
Tonight, she was twenty-five and done apologizing for wanting more.
The city lights of Lagos shimmered through the window like promises that had been waiting patiently for her to believe in them. She adjusted her posture—habit, discipline, pride—and glanced at her reflection. Calm face. Steady eyes. No one would guess her heart was racing.
She had grown up learning how to survive. Now she wanted to learn how to live.
Her phone vibrated.
Unknown Number: Your offer still stands. Driver arrives in 15 minutes.
She stared at the screen, fingers trembling just slightly. This wasn't luck. It was years of preparation, rejection, silent studying, and dreaming while others slept.
She replied with one word:
Ready.
Outside, a black luxury car waited—polished, expensive, intimidating. It represented a world that didn't forgive weakness. A world she had trained herself for in silence.
As she stepped into the night, she didn't look back, because ambition doesn't ask for permission, and neither did she.
To be continued...