Chapter Ten

An hour later, reality hit Angella like a cold wave. Sitting on Kunle's bed, she realized the

gravity of what had just happened. She had crossed a line, done something she had always

been taught was sacred and meant for marriage. Questions raced through her mind: How

would she face her mother? What if she got pregnant? What had she done on her very first

visit to him?

Her chest felt tight as she stood abruptly, pacing the room. Just then, Kunle returned,

carrying a tray with two glasses of juice.

"Sunshine," he said softly, setting the tray down. "I'm sorry… how do you feel now?"

Angella forced a small smile, though her voice was shaky. "I'm good."

Kunle studied her face and noticed the tension in her eyes. He walked closer, brushing a

hand against her arm.

"I'm really sorry, baby," he said gently. "You should have told me it was your first time. Maybe

I would have been more patient… Please don't be sad. I promise I'll always cherish you. It

really means so much to me."

Angella sighed deeply. "But what if I get pregnant?"

Kunle held her shoulders reassuringly. "That's not possible. I know you wouldn't want that to

happen now, so I was careful. I didn't release inside you. Trust me, you'll be fine."

Her eyes searched his face for any hint of uncertainty. "Are you sure?"

"I'm absolutely sure," Kunle said with conviction.

Angella nodded, though her anxiety lingered. "I need to bathe… and then I have to go

home."

Kunle stepped aside. "Alright, sunshine. Take your time."

She quickly disappeared into the bathroom, letting the cool water run over her skin. The

weight of her actions pressed harder on her heart as she replayed the events in her mind.

She had allowed herself to lose control, and now the fear of potential consequences haunted

her.

As she drove home, her thoughts consumed her. How could I have been so careless? she

scolded herself. What if I end up pregnant? How will I face my dad? My mum? What will my brothers say? The shame I'll bring to my family...

The guilt was overwhelming, but amid it all, she couldn't deny her feelings for Kunle. She

liked him, maybe even loved him. But she made up her mind—she wouldn't visit his house

again, no matter how much she cared for him.

When she finally reached their compound, her heart pounded. She knew Olatunde had a

knack for sniffing out when something was amiss. Taking a deep breath, she plastered on a

cheerful smile and greeted the staff with unnecessary jokes, hoping to mask her turmoil.

Inside the house, she found her mother admiring a newly delivered dress.

"Welcome, my dear," her mother said, holding up one of the outfits. "What do you think? I

ordered two—one for you and one for me."

Angella walked over, running her fingers over the fabric. "It's beautiful, Mum. Thank you."

Her mother smiled. "Your brothers aren't home yet, but I'm sure they'll be back soon."

Angella nodded, silently relieved. She wasn't ready to face Olatunde's scrutinizing gaze just

yet.

After a bit of small talk, she excused herself and went to her room. As soon as she shut the

door, the heavy thoughts returned. She dropped her bag on the floor and headed straight to

the bathroom, needing to wash away the day—both physically and emotionally.

The water poured over her for what felt like hours as she replayed every moment with Kunle.

The way he held her, kissed her, whispered sweet words… it all felt like a dream. But now,

reality had set in, and it wasn't as magical.

When she finally emerged, her skin was pruned, and her mind was no clearer. She dressed

in a simple nightgown and lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Later, Bella called.

"Babe!" Bella's voice was full of excitement. "So? How did it go? Tell me everything!"

Angella hesitated, her heart racing. "It was… fine," she said, trying to keep her tone casual.

"Fine?" Bella pressed. "Come on, give me the gist! Did he treat you well? Did he do anything

romantic?"

Angella bit her lip. "Yeah, he's really sweet. He made me food, and we talked about his

childhood… just simple stuff."

"Hmm," Bella teased. "Simple stuff? Are you sure that's all?"

"Bella!" Angella laughed nervously, trying to deflect. "What else would there be?"

"Okay, okay. But if anything happened, you better tell me!" Bella said, half-serious.

Angella managed to steer the conversation to Bella's day, avoiding any further probing. But

as soon as the call ended, she felt the weight of her secret pressing down on her again.

She wanted to confide in someone, but she couldn't. Not Bella, not her mum, not anyone.

For now, she'd have to deal with this alone.

As she lay in bed that night, Angella whispered a silent prayer: Please, God, don't let me get

pregnant. I've made a mistake, but I promise I'll do better. Just help me get through this.

With that, she closed her eyes, though sleep didn't come easily.