Chapter Fifty-one

When Bummi finished using the bathroom, she caught Ronke making a suspicious phone call in the corner. The way Ronke spoke, her guarded tone, and the anxiety in her expression made Bummi suspect something wasn't right. It almost seemed like she was being blackmailed—or worse.

Though the words were too muffled to make out, the situation felt unsettling.

Unable to ignore her curiosity, Bummi couldn't stay back. She walked up to Ronke and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Ronke startled, visibly caught off guard.

Bummi noticed the cold sweat on Ronke's forehead. It was clear that the conversation wasn't going well for her.

"…H-H…Hi… A-Are you done?" Ronke stuttered, forcing a nervous smile.

Bummi nodded, her smile tight but reassuring. "Yes, ma. Is everything okay? You look like you're struggling." Since arriving at the mansion, Bummi hadn't had the chance to really connect with Ronke, and this moment felt like an opportunity to strengthen their relationship. After all, it was the perfect time for a little "girls' talk."

But Ronke, feeling trapped, couldn't bring herself to share the hell she was living through. She had no one to confide in. Everyone around her viewed her with distrust, and the only person she still felt she could turn to was Bummi—the one person who had yet to judge her.

Just as Ronke was on the verge of confiding in Bummi, the door suddenly opened, and the last person she expected appeared.

Damian didn't like the way his wife stood next to his mother. His mind began to race with questions and suspicions.

What were they talking about? Was Ronke trying to turn Bummi against the family? Was she trying to recruit Bummi as her ally, or worse, her accomplice?

A mix of disgust and suspicion clouded his thoughts as he glared at Ronke.

His gaze then shifted to his wife, his beautiful Bummi, and he gently took her small hands in his. "Baby, are you okay? You took so long," he asked, his voice filled with concern as he caressed her chubby chin.

Bummi gave a faint smile and nodded, rubbing the back of his hand. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was just getting to know—" She almost said *Mom,* but Damian cut her off.

"It's getting late. We should go home," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"But—" Before Bummi could finish, Damian had already pulled her toward the door.

Ronke, left standing there, felt a wave of disappointment. She hadn't had the chance to connect with her daughter-in-law or share anything about herself. And now, she didn't even have Bummi's number.

What a frustrating missed opportunity.

**************

Meanwhile, back at Damian's mansion, Lola was still wide awake when they arrived. She would have gone to greet them, but the fried noodles on the stove were at risk of burning.

Standing at the entrance, she watched them make their way up the stairs. Rolling her eyes in a mix of irony and indifference, she turned and headed back to the kitchen. Girls like Lola couldn't care less about relationship drama—quote her on that.

Maybe in another life, she'd be a different person, but for now, love was something she couldn't be caged by.

For someone like Lola to love someone, it would have to be an act. She'd long lost her trust in love.

Speaking of love...

The events from earlier that evening flashed in her mind.

While Bummi and Damian were out, something had happened—something no one underage should have witnessed. And as we all know, it takes two people to make a thing, right?

Right.

Soon enough, we'll learn who the other person was. But for now, let's just say Lola still regretted it. A part of her whispered that she could still find love with that person, but she knew it was a lie. Her instincts had failed her again, but she didn't care.

Living freely suited her better than living with regret.

The next morning, Lola was scrolling through her phone, laughing at a comedy skit from 'VIPER THE WIPER,' her and Bummi's favorite TikTok creator.

She couldn't stop laughing. "Bummi has to see this new episode," she said to herself as she got up to find her.

Since Lola was Bummi's best friend, Damian had no problem letting her stay as long as she liked. Though Lola wasn't one to overstay her welcome, she'd be here for a few days.

Just as she was a few steps from the door, a soft voice from the nearby room cut through the hallway, catching her attention.

Being the perceptive person she was, Lola didn't need anyone to explain what was happening in there. Without a second thought, she turned and headed back to her room.

It was boring lingering around the mansion, day after day, with nothing to do.

The following afternoon, Lola sat under the shade of a tree in the garden, scrolling through her Instagram. Her finger paused when she saw a new post from the guy she'd been with just a few days ago. She cursed under her breath, disgusted by what she saw.

He was nothing more than a dog.

Two days later, she overheard that he had finished his business in Nigeria and was now moving to America.

And just like that, it was over.

Used. Again.

Lola, you've been used for the millionth time.

As if she cared?