Chapter 1

It was a calm evening, the kind of evenings where couples, families and people would retire to their houses and beds, feeling happy, relieved and relaxed from the day's encounters but for me, it was just another lonely moment that brings back past memories.

I had barely just returned from work and was so tired yet some how I felt even lonely. I picked up my phone and decided to check my messages and with a bit of disappointment yet not surprised, I had no message from anyone. I just hissed and opened my tiktok app just maybe something funny could brighten my mood but the couples videos that continously appeared on my screen made me regret my decision, so I just put off my phone and lay on my bed.

"God, please don't let my past mistakes deprive me of a better future, I silently prayed.

I am 29years old, single, independent and I work in a famous hotel as a front desk manager.

It is so easy to guess the pressure, words and embarassment I get daily from my family, friends and people for being an unmarried woman at 29years old.

Sometimes I acted strong, like marriage is not an achievement, marriage is not a proof of living well or correctly, but when I attend my friend's weddings, their children's birthday parties, dedications or any family functions or the few hours I spend at home after work and on my work day's off, the thought of being single and lonely would break my heart and brought out my tears.

There was a time when I had many guys asking me out but now, there seem to be no reasonable guy I could consider to marry or there is no one right now who is even interested in getting to know me and this makes me feel even worst.

Am I cursed? Just maybe I have lost my beauty as a woman or is it my past mistakes or have I lost my supposed future husband? these are the thoughts and questions that bothers me everyday.

As I lay on my bed pondering on these thoughts, I slept off and it was a call that woke me up the following morning.

'Good morning Lisa' the caller said.

'Good morning' I mumbled.

'Do you know who is calling'? It is me, Frank

Frank?!!! I screamed!

Yes it is me Frank. He said with a short laugh.

Frank was a guy I met on facebook, we dated for 2 years online without getting to meet, he was rich and a very busy guy. but while dating Frank I was in a very serious relationship with my first love Femi. I would take money from Frank and give to Femi, Femi and I were in same department back then in school and we were so inlove.

'It has been a while Frank' I said still shocked

'Same, please check your whatsapp, I sent you an invite, and I hope you are good? Have a nice day okay?

He said and immediately hung up without hearing a response from me.

As the call ended, I quickly opened my whatsapp, truly he had unblocked me and sent an invite, an invitation to his wedding.

My heart broke.

It couldn't be because I still had feelings for him but just maybe if I had treated him well, that could have been my name in the card.

'Congratulations' I replied in sadness.

The rest of the morning was so dull, apart from losing my appetite to eat, I struggled to smile at guests who came to

lodged

I had never hated the front desk job untill this morning.

'Frank is finally back and he is getting married' I kept mumbling to myself.

Lisa!!! Mr Azu said you should report to his office, Cherry shouted at me.

apparently, she has said those words more than 5 times but I was too lost in my thoughts to hear her.

Okay! I answered.

While I am the front desk manager, Cherry is just a front desk officer, She is 25 years old and had 2 boyfriends, most times I envied her as the staffs and guests always try to be nice and sweet to her.

I used to be the centre of attention and had many guys trying to befriend me but now, oh well.

I closed my Computer and headed for Mr Azu, the supervisors office.