Chapter 4 The Deal with Ovie

Olayemi's heart pounded as the weight of her decision settled deeper into her chest. She had always been the kind of person to avoid taking shortcuts, believing that hard work and determination were the keys to success. But now, with the reality of her financial struggles and the pressure mounting, she couldn't help but feel like she was losing control of her life.

Ovie's proposition hung in the air, thick with temptation. She stared at the pile of money on the table, a small fortune in her hands if she agreed to his terms. She wasn't naïve enough to think that this would be a clean deal-she knew exactly what kind of man Ovie was, and what he wanted. Yet, she couldn't deny the overwhelming sense of relief she felt at the thought of being able to breathe again, to not have to worry about where the next meal would come from or how to keep her education going.

After a long silence, Olayemi finally exhaled, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her surrender. She had no other choice, at least that's what she told herself. "Okay, I'll do it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ovie's eyes lit up with satisfaction, and he leaned forward, his hands clasped in front of him. "Good choice, Jane Maya. You won't regret this."

She didn't respond. The words tasted bitter in her mouth, and for a moment, she wished she could take it all back. But it was too late. The deal had been made.

"Let's make things clear," Ovie continued, his voice smooth and confident. "You'll be mine, whenever I need you. No questions, no hesitations. It'll be discreet. You'll come to me when I call, and I'll give you everything you need. All I ask is your time... and your body. Simple."

Olayemi nodded stiffly, though a sick feeling churned in her stomach. This wasn't the life she had imagined for herself. But the alternative-staying trapped in poverty, unable to escape-was worse. She wasn't sure how long she could maintain this facade, but for now, she had to survive.

"I'll take care of everything, Jane Maya. Don't worry about a thing," Ovie said, as if reading her mind. He slid the money closer toward her. "This is just the beginning. Trust me, you'll never want for anything again."

Her eyes lingered on the money, the promise of security in exchange for a part of herself. She could already feel her dignity slipping away, but she couldn't stop now. She had to keep going.

After a moment, Olayemi reached forward and took the money, swallowing her pride. She forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly, her voice trembling.

Ovie's grin widened, satisfied with her compliance. "I'll be in touch, Jane Maya. Don't worry. You'll have everything you want."

As Olayemi stood up to leave, her mind raced with the whirlwind of emotions she couldn't quite process. She had just made a deal that would change the course of her life, but she wasn't sure if it was for better or worse. She knew Ovie wasn't a man who cared about her-he only saw her as a means to an end. And yet, she couldn't deny the strange pull she felt toward him, a mix of fear and fascination.

When she returned home that evening, her mother was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared their modest dinner. Olayemi watched her for a moment, a pang of guilt twisting in her chest. Her mother didn't deserve to see her like this, to know that her daughter was making such a difficult choice just to survive.

She couldn't bring herself to tell her mother the truth. She would have to carry this burden alone.

As Olayemi lay in bed that night, the reality of her decision began to sink in. The weight of the promise she had made to Ovie was suffocating, but she had no choice but to honor it. Her mind kept returning to the money, to the promise of a life free from financial strain. But what would she lose in the process? Her dignity? Her sense of self? She wasn't sure. But she knew one thing for certain-she couldn't go back now.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Ovie.

"I expect to see you tomorrow. Be ready."

Olayemi's breath caught in her throat as she read the message. There was no turning back now. She had made her choice, and tomorrow would be the first step into a world she had never imagined for herself.

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