Shemmy woke up to pure chaos in her Ikotun bedroom.
Her phone would not stop buzzing on the pillow beside her.
Notifications poured in like Lagos rain in July.
Instagram.
Twitter.
WhatsApp groups.
Even her fashion designer group chat was exploding.
She sat up slowly.
Her thick sexy curves shifted under the thin nightdress.
Light yellow skin still warm from the beach memories of last night.
The gold necklace Daevyd gave her rested between her full breasts.
She touched it gently.
The kiss on the sand still burned on her lips.
But the photos.
She opened the first link.
The beach kiss.
Clear.
Bright.
Her thick body pressed against his slim chocolate frame.
His hand on her waist.
Her hand in his hair.
The caption screamed Lagos power couple caught in the act.
But how long before the secrets explode.
Her heart sank deep.
Femi banged hard on her door.
Semilore open this door right now.
She quickly threw on a robe.
Her curves filled the soft fabric.
She opened the door.
Femi stood there.
Face like thunder.
Phone in his hand.
What is this nonsense he shouted.
The whole family is calling from Abeokuta.
Mama is crying.
Papa is asking if you have lost your mind.
Dancing with that tech boy.
Kissing him on the beach like a cheap Nollywood actress.
Shemmy felt tears sting her eyes.
It is not like that Femi she whispered.
He is different.
Different Femi laughed bitterly.
Like Emeka was different.
That Igbo boy almost destroyed you.
Now this Lagos boy will finish the job.
He pushed the phone into her face.
Another post.
This one tagged her directly.
Fashion designer Shemmy trading her body for tech money.
Thick girl chasing clout.
She pushed the phone away.
Her yellow cheeks burned with shame and anger.
I am not chasing anything she said.
I am building my brand.
Daevyd believes in me.
Femi shook his head.
Believes in you or believes in what is under that dress.
Stay away from him Semilore.
Or I will come to that studio and drag you home myself.
He stormed out.
Slamming the door behind him.
Shemmy sank onto the bed.
Tears rolled down her light yellow cheeks.
Her phone rang again.
Unknown number.
She answered with shaking fingers.
Hello beautiful a smooth voice said.
Tunde Adebayo here.
I hope I did not wake you.
Shemmys stomach twisted.
What do you want she asked.
He laughed softly.
Rich.
Confident.
Straight to business.
I like that.
I saw the photos.
Very romantic.
But romance does not pay bills.
I have a contract for you.
Paris Fashion Week.
My company will sponsor your entire collection.
Private jet.
Five star hotel.
One million dollars upfront.
Your name on billboards from Lagos to Paris.
Shemmy could not breathe.
But there is one condition he continued.
You cut all ties with Daevyd Kng.
No more lunches.
No more beach kisses.
No more designs for his launch.
Walk away today.
And the world is yours.
She closed her eyes.
The offer sounded like a dream.
The dream she had sewn for since her mother taught her under the kerosene lamp in Ikotun.
Why are you doing this she whispered.
Because I see talent he said.
Real talent.
And I do not like sharing.
Especially not with boys like Daevyd.
Think about it.
I will send the contract to your email in one hour.
Sign it and your life changes forever.
Ignore it and watch everything you built burn in Lagos gossip.
He hung up.
Shemmy stared at the phone.
One million dollars.
Paris.
Freedom from debt.
Freedom from late night sewing.
But Daevyds face flashed in her mind.
His chocolate skin under the moonlight.
His voice saying I am falling for you Semilore.
His arms around her thick curves.
Her phone rang again.
This time her mother from Abeokuta.
Shemmy picked up.
Semilore omo mi (my child) she cried.
Kini eleyi (What is this).
Awon eniyan n fi aworan ran mi (People are sending me pictures).
O n fi ẹnu rẹ gbe ọkùnrin kan ni gbangba (You are kissing a man in public).
O ti ya were ni (Have you gone mad?).
Wa ile ki a to wa ọkọ to dara fun ọ (Come home before we find you a proper husband).
Shemmy ended the call.
Her head was spinning.
She stood up.
Walked to her small studio corner in the room.
Fabrics everywhere.
Half finished designs.
The blazer she made for Daevyd hanging on the mannequin.
She touched the silver circuit patterns.
Her fingers traced the stitches she had done with love.
Her phone rang again.
Tunde this time.
Have you thought about my offer he asked.
Time is running out beautiful.
Daevyd is already trending for the wrong reasons.
His investors are calling him.
His ex is posting more stories.
Save yourself before he drags you down.
Shemmy looked at the contract email that just arrived.
The numbers danced in front of her eyes.
One million dollars.
She opened the document.
Her finger hovered over the sign button.
But then another message from Daevyd popped up.
Good morning my queen.
Last night was everything.
I cannot stop thinking about your lips.
Your curves in my arms.
You make me want to build an empire with you.
Not just for me.
For us.
She dropped the phone.
Her thick body shook with sobs.
She could have everything.
Fame.
Money.
Respect.
Or she could have him.
The tall slim chocolate skinned man from Lagos who saw her dreams and her heart.
The choice burned like fire in her chest.
She picked up the phone again.
Her finger moved toward the sign button.
But before she could press it.
Her phone buzzed with a new message.
Daevyd.
I am outside your gate in Ikotun.
I drove all night thinking about you.
Please come out.
I need to see your face.
Shemmy froze.
Femi was still in the house.
Angry.
Watching.
But she could not stay away.
She quickly changed into a simple gown that hugged her curves.
Wiped her tears.
Slipped out the back door.
Walked quietly through the compound.
Daevyd stood at the gate.
Tall.
Slim.
Chocolate skin glowing in the morning sun.
His eyes lit up the moment he saw her.
Shemmy he breathed.
She opened the small gate just enough to step outside.
Her thick curves brushed against him as she closed it behind her.
You should not be here she whispered.
Femi is inside.
He saw the photos.
Daevyd pulled her into his arms anyway.
His slim hard chest pressed against her soft body.
I do not care he said.
I had to see you.
After last night.
After that kiss.
I could not stay away.
She looked up at him.
Tears still in her eyes.
Tunde called me she said.
He offered one million dollars.
Paris.
Everything I dreamed of.
But I have to leave you.
Daevyds face hardened.
And what did you tell him.
Nothing yet.
She showed him the contract on her phone.
Daevyd read it.
His jaw clenched.
He is using the photos against us he said.
Nadia is feeding them to him.
I know it.
He took her hand.
Placed it on his chest.
Choose me Shemmy.
Not the money.
Not Paris.
Me.
Shemmy felt her heart breaking in two.
At that exact moment.
Femi appeared at the compound gate.
Face full of rage.
Semilore he shouted.
What is this boy doing here.
Daevyd turned.
Still holding her hand.
I love your sister he said clearly.
I am not here to play games.
Femi laughed.
Love.
You Lagos boys and your love.
Leave my sister alone.
Shemmy stood between them.
Her thick body shaking.
The contract was still open on her phone.
One click.
One choice.
Daevyd looked at her.
Eyes full of hope and fear.
Femi looked at her.
Eyes full of warning.
Shemmy looked at both men.
Her finger hovered over the sign button again.
The rival flames were closing in tighter.
And she was trapped right in the middle.
With no way out.