Chapter 2

As I booked an uber on the close of work that day, with no zeal to even go home, I waited till the ride came, Then I entered and greeted the driver.

I couldn't just stop thinking about Frank's call and wedding invite.

I met Frank in 2018, then I was 23years old and had just celebrated 2 years relationship anniversary with Femi.

The Well Star Private University had a cult clash then and was on an automatic strike which made all the students travelled back to their various home's. It was that period that I indulged in social media and met Frank on Facebook.

Frank was in England, but an Igbo guy, we talked everyday and developed feelings for each other, even though he knew I was a 300level Public Relations student in The Well Star Private University and an urhobo girl from the family of 6. He had no idea that I had a boyfriend in school. On many occassion, Frank sent me money without me asking for it, He ordered clothes, bags and different kinds of gifts for me which made my siblings got to know about him during my stay at home.

Frank's intentions for me were pure, He never stopped telling me how he couldn't wait to come back to Nigeria and marry me when he is done with his project in England.

He went as far as giving my number to his mother and two younger sisters. They called me Frank's wife and always checked up on me.

When the strike ended and I returned back to school, I wanted to end my relationship with Frank, I tried telling myself that it was out of boredom and I should just end it now that Femi and I are back to school.

But I couldn't, Frank was a sweet and caring guy, he had spent somuch on me already in just few months of dating unlike Femi, who is just a student, and we have had too many issues and fights.

When I told my close friend's Chika and Blessing about him. They both adviced me to keep him.

'Na Odogwu man (wealthy man) you wan end relationship with'? A man that buys you anything and everything you want? A man in England. A man that is sweet and caring to you unlike Femi that has anger issues

Blessing said.

He is even my Igbo brother, The Femi you have dated for two years now what has he ever done for you? this Frank will change your life and give you a better life. Chika added.

'Leave Femi and Focus on Frank' Blessing adviced.

'No please' Femi is the love of my life. I said.

They both burst into laughter. I didn't care. Femi and I, shared a strong bond and I didn't expect them to understand.

Femi is my first love, The first man in my life and I couldn't leave him for someone I have not even seen with my eyes. so I decided to continue my relationship with Frank and Femi being in the dark about it.

Frank didn't stop spoiling me with money neither did his family stopped calling and texting me, I felt loved.

Most times, I helped Femi with money and foodstuffs, When he asked how I had the money to assist him I would simply say it was from my dad, it was so easy for him to believe me because my dad had always sent me money for upkeep even before I met Frank, though Frank existence in my life made a huge increase.

On the day's or time's when I will be with Femi, I would tell Frank that I needed to go for group study with my friend's or switched off my phone and later tell him I had no battery or complained of bad network and he was very understanding which made it easier for me.

In 2020, there was a lockdown in all countries and Frank couldn't come back to Nigeria but our relationship was still strong and we communicated even better, as I was home through out the lockdown period.

It wasn't untill My Graduation in 2021, The week Frank had planned to return back to Nigeria.

That he found out about me and Femi.

His youngest sister, Amaka. had stumbled upon a picture of me and Femi on our graduation gown with a caption of 'celebrating our graduation and 5 years together' on someone's whatsapp status and she forwarded the picture to him.

The moment Frank confronted me about the picture, I was so shocked and ashamed that I couldn't say anything, I couldn't even lie or stressed the issue just so he wont tell Amaka to ask the person who posted it about anything thereby making the person to reach out to Femi.

'My love I am sorry' I said as tears dropped from my eyes.

'You deceived me for 2years' 'You were using me to fuel your relationship with that small boy' He shouted.

Femi is not a small boy though, Frank was only 2 years older than Femi but I understood his fustration.

'I was waiting for the right time to explain everything to you' I cried.

'Stop this fake tears, I am not coming back to Nigeria again, You know what you did, you jezebel, You will reap what you sow, You heartless bitch' he cursed and hung up.

I tried calling back but he blocked me immediately on facebook and whatsapp.

His family even called to abuse me and they all blocked me too.

"Babe why are you crying"? Femi asked with somuch concern as he walked into my room. I had just ended the call with Frank and saw he had blocked me.

'Nothing babe, It's just tears of joy. I answered.

'Awwn My angel, Daddy's latest graduate. He praised me then planted a kiss on my lips.

I barely faked a smile.

" We don reach" Ma!! the uber driver shouted bringing me back to reality.

I had lost in thought and my eyes were clouded with tears from the memory of Frank.

I just cleaned my eyes, paid and alighted from the cab.