Chapter 3 DAMILOLA POV

The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of New Badagry City, Lagos State, Nigeria. I lazily got up from my bed.

I attended to my morning tasks, got ready for her job as a waitress. I am Damilola, the only daughter of the Adenega family, and I have two younger siblings.

I headed out to the restaurant where I work. I completed my shift for the day and returned home. Upon reaching home, I met my father and a man who were discussing something. My dad introduced me to the man as Mr. Nathan, a friend of his, I greeted him and left for my room.

After freshening up and having dinner, a few minutes later, I lay down to read a novel. As I immersed myself in the story, completely engrossed in the fictional world, a sudden knock on my door startled me. Setting the book aside, I rose from the bed and made my way to the door. With a curious expression, I swung it open, revealing my younger brother standing on the other side.

"What's going on?" I asked,

He hesitated for a moment before responding, "Our parents want to see you. They said it's important."

Wondering what could have prompted their summoning, I quickly followed my brother down the hallway, my mind racing with various possibilities. Had something happened? Were they planning a surprise? The questions swirled in my head as we approached our parents' room.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked lightly on their door before entering. The room was dimly lit. My parents were seated on the couch, wearing serious expressions on their faces. It was evident that something significant was about to be revealed.

"Sit down," my father said, gesturing toward an empty chair nearby. "We need to talk to you."

I complied, settling into the seat, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Dad's expression grew serious, and he took a deep breath before he continued. "I'am sorry, Dami, but Mr. Nathan wasn't exactly here for myself; he was here for you.;

My heart raced, and my mind filled with questions. " Why would they be interested in me?"

My heart raced, and my mind filled with questions. " Why would they be interested in me?"

"You are already 23 years old, Dami," my father began to say, and I felt my heart sink as though it had dropped into my stomach.

"You are ripe for marriage," he continued, "which is why Mr. Nathan is here to discuss your wedding preparations. You will be getting married in two months' time to his boss's son."

"What?!" I exclaimed urgently, my heart squeezing against the inside of my chest. I blinked in disbelief and glanced from my dad's face to my mom's expressionless expression.

But, Dad, you know I can't get married now. I'm still too young to shoulder such responsibilities. Besides, I want to pursue my career further and make a successful name for myself."

"You are getting married to Leonardo, and that's final. Besides, this marriage has long been planned since you were eight years old by your grandfather as a fulfillment of a promise pact made between your ur grandfathers after saving eachother's lives."

I left my parents' room angrily, seething with frustration. The fact that I was being forced into a marriage with someone I didn't love or even know grated on my nerves. How could they expect me to spend the rest of my life with a complete stranger? The thought sent shivers down my spine.

What kind of person was Leonardo? I had no clue. I didn't even know if he was kind-hearted or abusive. The uncertainty and fear gnawed at me, making it impossible to envision a future with him. The thought of being trapped in a relationship filled with pain and suffering was unbearable.

As I paced back and forth in my room, my mind raced with possibilities. I couldn't simply accept this fate without a fight. I had dreams, aspirations, and a desire to shape my own destiny. The prospect of sacrificing my career and personal growth for a marriage rooted in tradition and obligation felt suffocating.

Next day, I woke up early, determined to focus on my work and temporarily escape the suffocating atmosphere at home. I hastily prepared myself, making sure to avoid any interaction with my parents. How could they do this to me? How could they force me into a marriage with someone I didn't even know?

As I stepped out of the house, a mix of anger, confusion, and sadness weighed heavily on my heart. The world outside seemed to offer a temporary refuge, a space where I could gather my thoughts and find solace amidst the chaos.

During my commute, my mind was consumed with thoughts of the impending marriage. I couldn't comprehend how my parents, who had always supported my dreams and ambitions, could suddenly disregard my happiness and well-being. The realization that they were willing to sacrifice my personal desires for the sake of tradition and a decades-old pact left me feeling betrayed.

Arriving at work, I put on a brave face, determined not to let my personal turmoil affect my professional life. Engaging in my tasks helped to momentarily distract me, providing a sense of purpose and normalcy. However, the weight of the impending marriage never left my thoughts.

Throughout the day, I couldn't help but wonder about Leonardo. Who was he? What were his aspirations and values? Did he even have a say in this arrangement? The lack of answers intensified my frustration. How could I be expected to commit my life to someone I hadn't even had the chance to know?

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LEONARDO POV

"I threw a bundle of cash at the slut who was still lying on my bed after I had a pleasurable night with her. Get out by the time I get back from the bathroom; I don't want to see you here."

I returned from the bathroom and found her still lying on my bed, I called my guards to throw her out.

DAMILOLA POV

The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of New Badagry City, Lagos State, Nigeria. I lazily got up from my bed.

I attended to my morning tasks, got ready for her job as a waitress. I am Damilola, the only daughter of the Adenega family, and I have two younger siblings.

I headed out to the restaurant where I work. I completed my shift for the day and returned home. Upon reaching home, I met my father and a man who were discussing something. My dad introduced me to the man as Mr. Nathan, a friend of his, I greeted him and left for my room.

After freshening up and having dinner, a few minutes later, I lay down to read a novel. As I immersed myself in the story, completely engrossed in the fictional world, a sudden knock on my door startled me. Setting the book aside, I rose from the bed and made my way to the door. With a curious expression, I swung it open, revealing my younger brother standing on the other side.

"What's going on?" I asked,

He hesitated for a moment before responding, "Our parents want to see you. They said it's important."

Wondering what could have prompted their summoning, I quickly followed my brother down the hallway, my mind racing with various possibilities. Had something happened? Were they planning a surprise? The questions swirled in my head as we approached our parents' room.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked lightly on their door before entering. The room was dimly lit. My parents were seated on the couch, wearing serious expressions on their faces. It was evident that something significant was about to be revealed.

"Sit down," my father said, gesturing toward an empty chair nearby. "We need to talk to you."

I complied, settling into the seat, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Dad's expression grew serious, and he took a deep breath before he continued. "I'am sorry, Dami, but Mr. Nathan wasn't exactly here for myself; he was here for you.;

My heart raced, and my mind filled with questions. " Why would they be interested in me?"

My heart raced, and my mind filled with questions. " Why would they be interested in me?"

"You are already 23 years old, Dami," my father began to say, and I felt my heart sink as though it had dropped into my stomach.

"You are ripe for marriage," he continued, "which is why Mr. Nathan is here to discuss your wedding preparations. You will be getting married in two months' time to his boss's son."

"What?!" I exclaimed urgently, my heart squeezing against the inside of my chest. I blinked in disbelief and glanced from my dad's face to my mom's expressionless expression.

But, Dad, you know I can't get married now. I'm still too young to shoulder such responsibilities. Besides, I want to pursue my career further and make a successful name for myself."

"You are getting married to Leonardo, and that's final. Besides, this marriage has long been planned since you were eight years old by your grandfather as a fulfillment of a promise pact made between your ur grandfathers after saving eachother's lives."

I left my parents' room angrily, seething with frustration. The fact that I was being forced into a marriage with someone I didn't love or even know grated on my nerves. How could they expect me to spend the rest of my life with a complete stranger? The thought sent shivers down my spine.

What kind of person was Leonardo? I had no clue. I didn't even know if he was kind-hearted or abusive. The uncertainty and fear gnawed at me, making it impossible to envision a future with him. The thought of being trapped in a relationship filled with pain and suffering was unbearable.

As I paced back and forth in my room, my mind raced with possibilities. I couldn't simply accept this fate without a fight. I had dreams, aspirations, and a desire to shape my own destiny. The prospect of sacrificing my career and personal growth for a marriage rooted in tradition and obligation felt suffocating.

Next day, I woke up early, determined to focus on my work and temporarily escape the suffocating atmosphere at home. I hastily prepared myself, making sure to avoid any interaction with my parents. How could they do this to me? How could they force me into a marriage with someone I didn't even know?

As I stepped out of the house, a mix of anger, confusion, and sadness weighed heavily on my heart. The world outside seemed to offer a temporary refuge, a space where I could gather my thoughts and find solace amidst the chaos.

During my commute, my mind was consumed with thoughts of the impending marriage. I couldn't comprehend how my parents, who had always supported my dreams and ambitions, could suddenly disregard my happiness and well-being. The realization that they were willing to sacrifice my personal desires for the sake of tradition and a decades-old pact left me feeling betrayed.

Arriving at work, I put on a brave face, determined not to let my personal turmoil affect my professional life. Engaging in my tasks helped to momentarily distract me, providing a sense of purpose and normalcy. However, the weight of the impending marriage never left my thoughts.

Throughout the day, I couldn't help but wonder about Leonardo. Who was he? What were his aspirations and values? Did he even have a say in this arrangement? The lack of answers intensified my frustration. How could I be expected to commit my life to someone I hadn't even had the chance to know?

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