She whirled to face him, ready to lash out, but her words caught in her throat as he leaned in and kissed her. The world seemed to tilt, her breath stolen by the unexpected intensity. His lips were warm, urgent, and for a moment, she forgot everything—Jide, her anger, her confusion. The kiss wasn’t awkward or hesitant like her first with Jide. It felt natural, consuming, like a long-held secret finally revealed.
-----
Christine stepped forward, her voice trembling but determined. “Jide, stop. This isn’t what you think.”
“Isn’t it?” Jide’s voice carried an edge she hadn’t heard before. He gestured between her and Sean. “I come in here, and you two look like you’re… like there’s something going on.”
“There’s nothing going on,” Christine insisted, her voice rising in frustration. But even as she said it, the taste of Sean’s kiss lingered, a betrayal she couldn’t ignore.
Sean let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head. “Nothing going on? Really? You felt nothing, Christine? That’s what you’re going to say?”
“Sean, stop!” Christine snapped, her voice sharp. She turned to Jide, her heart aching at the hurt in his eyes. “Jide, please. This isn’t fair. Sean just—he’s frustrated. He’s saying things out of emotion.”

CHRISEAN

The rich aroma of egusi, black soup, and peppered guinea fowl permeated the Momoh family dining room, a comforting blend of spices and savory scents that contrasted sharply with the room’s formal grandeur. High ceilings, an ornate chandelier that cast intricate shadows on the walls, and the polished mahogany table spoke of generations of wealth and tradition. Christine sat poised at the head of the table, her hands resting lightly on the edge, her posture composed as she awaited her parents. The soft click of their heels against the cool marble floor announced their arrival, the sound echoing from the hallway before they appeared in the doorway. 


DECISIONS