The First Temptation

Sophia woke up early, as was her habit back home. The faint hum of gospel music played from her phone as she arranged her small space, neatly folding her clothes and placing her Bible on the bedside table.

Her roommate, Sandra, was still asleep, her face buried in her pillow. Empty snack wrappers and makeup kits cluttered her side of the room.

After a short prayer, Sophia picked up her toiletries and headed to the hostel bathroom. The morning air was crisp, but the hallway buzzed with activity. Girls moved in and out of their rooms, laughing, gossiping, some wrapped in nothing but towels, completely unbothered by the stares of passing guys.

Sophia looked away, feeling uncomfortable. This was nothing like home.

Freshers' Orientation

By 9 AM, she was seated in the university's massive auditorium, along with hundreds of other freshers. A tall, confident man in his late forties stepped onto the stage. His black suit was crisp, his shoes polished. His presence commanded attention.

"Good morning, students," he began, his voice smooth yet authoritative. "I am Professor Desmond Okafor, Head of the Faculty of Arts. Welcome to Victory University. You are now part of a prestigious institution, and we expect nothing but excellence from you."

The students clapped.

Sophia listened attentively, taking notes as the professor spoke about the university's rules, academic expectations, and available opportunities. But what she didn't notice was the way his eyes occasionally drifted towards the section where she sat.

As the orientation ended, students began filing out. Sophia was about to leave when a voice stopped her.

"You, young lady."

She turned. It was Professor Desmond Okafor.

"Yes, sir?" she asked politely.

He smiled, but there was something unsettling about it. "What's your name?"

"Sophia Adeyemi, sir."

"Adeyemi… interesting. I assume you are one of the serious students?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, good. I admire students like you." His eyes scanned her modest dressing. "In a school like this, it's important to stay focused."

"Yes, sir," she repeated.

"Excellent. My office is in the Faculty of Arts building, Room 302. If you ever need academic guidance, don't hesitate to see me."

"Thank you, sir."

As she walked away, a strange feeling settled in her chest. Something about the professor's smile didn't sit right with her. But she quickly dismissed it. After all, he was a respected lecturer.

The days at Victory University passed quickly, and Sophia settled into her new routine. She attended lectures diligently, spent her evenings in the library, and joined the campus Christian fellowship. Despite the unfamiliar environment, she remained firm in her faith.

However, her roommate, Sandra, was a completely different story.

Sandra was the definition of a free spirit—wild parties, late-night outings, and a revolving door of male visitors. At first, Sophia tried to ignore it, but Sandra made sure she noticed.

"Ah ah, Sophia," Sandra teased one evening, sprawled on her bed in a tight crop top. "Are you planning to become a nun or what?"

Sophia chuckled, shaking her head as she read her Bible. "I just prefer to focus on my studies."

Sandra scoffed. "That's what they all say. Just wait, university will change you. One day, you'll be the one sneaking out to meet a guy."

Sophia frowned. "That will never happen."

Sandra only laughed. "We'll see."

Professor Desmond's Invitation

One afternoon, after a long lecture on African Literature, Sophia was packing her books when Professor Desmond Okafor approached her.

"Miss Adeyemi," he said, smiling.

Sophia looked up, surprised. "Yes, sir?"

"You've been performing exceptionally well in class. I've been watching your progress."

"Thank you, sir," she replied, feeling proud.

"Good students like you need guidance," he continued. "Why don't you stop by my office later today? I can give you some personal tips on excelling in your academics."

Sophia hesitated. It was common for lecturers to mentor students, but something about his gaze made her uneasy.

Still, she nodded. "Okay, sir. I will."

"Good girl," he said with a smirk. "I'll be expecting you at 4 PM sharp."

As she walked away, an uncomfortable feeling settled in her chest. She ignored it. After all, he was her lecturer. What could possibly go wrong?

An Uncomfortable Meeting

At exactly 4 PM, Sophia stood in front of Room 302 at the Faculty of Arts building. She knocked.

"Come in," came the deep voice from inside.

She pushed the door open and stepped in.

Professor Desmond's office was luxurious—mahogany desk, leather chairs, and shelves stacked with books. Behind his desk, he leaned back in his chair, watching her with a smile.

"Ah, Sophia. Right on time. Have a seat."

She sat cautiously. "You said you wanted to give me academic advice, sir?"

He chuckled. "Yes, but relax. No need to be so formal."

Sophia forced a smile.

"Tell me," he continued, his eyes scanning her face. "How are you finding the university?"

"It's been good, sir. I'm adjusting."

"Good, good," he said, his voice smooth. "You're a very beautiful girl, you know that?"

Sophia froze.

"Sir?"

He smiled. "I mean it as a compliment. You remind me of someone I used to know… so pure, so untouched by the world."

Sophia's grip on her bag tightened. "Thank you, sir, but I should get going."

"Not so fast," he said, standing up.

Sophia felt her heart race.

"You know," he continued, walking around his desk, "In this university, things don't always go as planned. Some students struggle, even the brightest ones. But those who align themselves with the right people always excel."

"I believe in hard work, sir," she said, standing up.

He smiled again, but this time it was different. Darker. "Of course, but a little extra help never hurts."

Sophia took a step back. "Sir, I think I should leave now."

Before she could reach the door, his hand caught her wrist.

"Come on, Sophia," he whispered. "I can make things easy for you."

Sophia yanked her hand away. "I'm not interested!"

He sighed, adjusting his tie. "Fine. Have it your way. But let's see how you do in my class without my… support."

Sophia's stomach twisted in fear.

"Good day, sir," she said, rushing out of the office.

As she stepped outside, her heart pounded. Had she just made an enemy?

---

The Trap is Set

Over the next few weeks, Sophia noticed a disturbing pattern.

No matter how hard she studied, her grades in Professor Desmond's class kept dropping. Her essays, once praised, were suddenly marked low. Her class participation was ignored.

One day, after receiving yet another failing grade, she went to confront him.

"Sir, I don't understand. I did everything right on this paper. Why did I fail?"

He leaned back in his chair, smirking. "It's simple, Sophia. University isn't just about intelligence. It's about knowing how to play the game."

"I won't play dirty, sir," she said firmly.

"Then expect more failures," he replied coldly.

Sophia walked out, trembling. What was she supposed to do?

The Breaking Point

Sandra noticed her frustration.

"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" she asked one evening.

Sophia sighed. "It's Professor Desmond. He's failing me on purpose."

Sandra smirked. "And? Sleep with him. Problem solved."

Sophia's eyes widened. "Sandra!"

"What?" Sandra shrugged. "It's how things work here. Do you think all the girls passing his course are geniuses? No, my dear. They're just smart enough to give him what he wants."

Sophia shook her head. "I'd rather fail."

Sandra laughed. "We'll see."

But deep down, Sophia was afraid.

And when her midterm results came out, she knew she was in trouble.

Her grades in all other courses were excellent, but in Professor Desmond's course, she was on the verge of automatic failure.

Panic set in. If she failed, she would have to repeat the class.

And repeating meant extending her stay in university.

Which meant disappointing her parents.

Which meant bringing shame to her family.

The pressure was unbearable.

And that's when she saw it.

A text message from Professor Desmond.

"Come to my office. Let's talk about fixing your grade. 7 PM. Don't be late."

Sophia stared at the message, her fingers trembling.

She knew what it meant.

She knew what he wanted.

Tears filled her eyes as she clutched her Bible.

What should she do?