Chapter 3 Luxury & Slums

Chapter 3: Luxury & Slums

DAMON'S POV

Damon's living room was a haven of luxury, with plush leather sofas that cradled the body and a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The sound system was top-notch, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and freshly brewed coffee that wafted from the kitchen.

Damon sat on the couch, his eyes fixed on the TV, lost in the virtual world of his favorite video game. The controller vibrated in his hands as he took down enemy after enemy, the sound effects and music immersing him in the game. His friends, Tunde and Femi, sat beside him, cheering and dropping banters as they sipped their drinks.

While they played, Tunde suddenly turned to Damon with a mischievous grin. "So, what's the story with the girl from yesterday?" he asked, his voice low and conspiratorial, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Damon's eyes flickered away from the screen, and he shrugged nonchalantly, the leather couch creaking beneath him. "There's no story," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "That slum is the poorest I've seen."

Femi raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "The slums?" he repeated, his voice dripping with disdain, his nose wrinkling in distaste. "What were you doing in the slums, Damon?"

Damon chuckled, the sound warm and rich. "I was just passing through my friends," he said, his voice laced with amusement, his lips curling up into a smile. "I wasn't exactly slumming it, if you know what I mean."

Tunde and Femi held back laughter, exchanged a knowing glance, and Tunde leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Come on, Damon, spill the beans," he said, his voice low and persuasive. "What's the real story with the girl? You practically chased after her man..."

Damon sighed, his eyes rolling heavenward, the sound of exasperation escaping his lips. "There's no story, guys," he repeated, his voice firm but patient. "She's just a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. I helped her out of a tight spot, and that's it."

Femi snorted, his expression incredulous. "You expect us to believe that?" he asked, his voice skeptical. "Damon Savage, the legendary football god and ladies' man...you're telling us that you're not interested in this girl?"

Damon shrugged, exhaling deeply. "I'm just saying that she's not exactly my type," he said. "I mean, have you seen where she lives? It's a dump. I don't think I could ever take her seriously."

Tunde sighed. "You're judging this girl based on where she comes from, and that's not nice," he said, his voice firm but gentle.

Damon raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with defiance, his jaw setting in. "I'm just being realistic," he said, his voice firm, his tone confident. "I'm a Savage, and I have a certain reputation to protect. I don't think I could ever be serious about someone from the slums."

***

The sun beat down on the dusty streets, its intense heat radiating off the pavement like a palpable force. The air was thick with the smell of smoke from cooking fires and the sound of vendors calling out their wares. Rain and her friend Alarie walked side by side, their feet kicking up clouds of dust as they made their way to the well.

Each of them carried a big plastic gallon, which they would fill with water from the well and lug back to their homes. The gallons bounced against their legs as they walked, the plastic creaking in protest.

As they walked, Rain couldn't help but think about the handsome stranger she had met the day before. She had told Alarie all about him, and now her friend was grilling her for more details.

"So, what's he like?" Alarie asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is he cute?"

Rain blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest. "He's more than cute," she said. "He's gorgeous. Looks rich. I mean, I've never seen anyone like him before."

Alarie's eyes widened in surprise. "Rich?" she repeated. "What do you mean?"

Rain hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I don't know," she said finally. "He just seemed...different. Like he's used to getting what he wants."

Alarie nodded thoughtfully. "I see," she said. "Well, be careful around him, okay? We don't know anything about him."

Rain nodded, feeling a pang of unease. She had been so caught up in the excitement of meeting the handsome stranger that she hadn't stopped to think about the potential risks.

A voice called out from behind them. "Rain! I heard you've got a new boyfriend that is rich!" Rain turned to see Ethan, one of their friends from the neighborhood, grinning at her. He was a tall, lanky boy with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Ethan, shut up!" Rain said, laughing. "He's not my boyfriend."

Ethan chuckled and walked up to them, a piece of paper clutched in his hand. "I drew a picture of your new boyfriend," he said, holding out the paper.

Rain took the paper, feeling a surge of embarrassment. On the paper was a crude drawing of handsome Damon with an arrogant expression on his face. "How?" Rain muttered.

"I have my ways," Ethan shrugged. "Everyone in the hood knows of him right now."

Alarie snatched the paper out of Rain's hand, her eyes scanning the drawing. And then her eyes widened in shock. "Rain, this is Damon Savage!" she exclaimed. "The football god!"

"Football god?" Rain rolled her eyes, "I don't know him." She felt a flutter in her chest. She had no idea that the handsome stranger she had met was a famous football player.

Ethan grinned, looking pleased with himself. "I knew it!" he said. "I knew you'd hooked yourself a rich boyfriend!"

Rain rolled her eyes again, embarrassed. "Ethan, shut up!" she said, biting her lower lip. "That snob..."

But Alarie was still staring at the paper, her eyes fixed on the crude drawing of Damon Savage. "Rain, really?" she asked, her voice low and serious. "Either way, you can't get involved with someone like him. He's out of your league."

"Who said I was getting involved?" Rain felt unease, but she pushed it aside. "I'll be fine," she said, smiling reassuringly at Alarie. "Don't worry about me. I don't even like him, he's not my type.'"

"Who is your type?" Alarie folded her hands. "Brookie with a choice."

"Alarie the rich woman." Rain snapped back.

"Brookie!!!!" They both screamed together, laughing mockingly at each other.