THE TURNING POINT

Chapter 13: The Turning Point

Zackary leaned back on the leather couch in his office, eyes focused on Camelo, his trusted assistant and friend since the start of his career. Camelo was more than just a manager—he was the one who cleaned up scandals, protected reputations, and always had Zackary's back. Their bond had been built over years of navigating the ruthless world of fame together.

"There's nothing much on the director," Camelo said, tapping through files on his iPad. "He's just an aspiring filmmaker who usually works behind the scenes as an assistant director. Not popular, not dangerous. But... I think someone paid him to replace Miss Nife."

Zackary's eyes darkened instantly, his jaw tightening. "What did you just say?"

Camelo lowered his voice. "I mean, there's no history between them. No reason to suddenly drop her from the project unless he's being manipulated."

Zackary didn't hesitate. "Find out who he's working with."

Camelo gave a slow nod. "Consider it done."

There was a moment of silence before Camelo smiled slyly. "Oh, by the way, have you checked your phone today?"

Zackary narrowed his eyes. "Why? Please don't tell me it's another scandal. I knew I shouldn't have gone to that gala."

Camelo laughed. "Relax, it's not you this time. It's Miss Nifemi. She's trending."

Zackary's brows lifted. "Nifemi? Trending? What happened?"

Camelo handed him the phone, still grinning. "Someone uploaded her school project—she was acting in it. And guess what? People love her. The video's blowing up. Positive comments everywhere. She's capturing hearts without even trying."

Zackary's lips parted in surprise as he watched the video. There she was—raw, natural, deeply in her element. Her passion for acting shone through, drawing people in. Comments flooded the screen:

"She's so real! I need her in movies!"

"Future Oscar nominee, I'm telling you."

"Why haven't we discovered this gem before?"

He couldn't help but smile.

Meanwhile, Nifemi was rushing to class. She had woken up late, skipped breakfast, and hadn't even had time to check her phone. As she entered the school premises, something felt... different. People stared, whispered, smiled at her. Even classmates who barely acknowledged her before were offering compliments.

Confused, she walked into class and saw Priscilla.

"Hey," Priscilla greeted brightly.

"Hey," Nifemi responded, pulling off her backpack. "The weirdest thing happened this morning. People keep complimenting me and acting weird. What's going on?"

Priscilla raised an eyebrow. "You haven't seen the video?"

"What video?"

Priscilla didn't wait. She pulled out her phone and showed Nifemi the video—her video.

Nifemi's eyes widened. "Oh my God... who posted this?!"

"Girl, I don't know, but look at the engagement! The likes, the shares... the comments!"

Nifemi scrolled through them, her hand trembling.

"She's raw talent. Someone sign her NOW."

"I cried watching this scene. That's real acting."

"She's going places. Mark my words."

Tears pricked Nifemi's eyes. She covered her mouth with her palm as emotion rushed in.

Just then, her phone rang. Zackary's name lit up the screen.

She picked it. "Hello?"

"Hey babe," Zackary's voice came, warm and proud. "Have you seen your phone yet?"

"Yeah... I just did. I'm honestly overwhelmed."

"I'm so proud of you, Nife," he said sincerely. "You didn't need a big break or a fancy stage. You just did what you love—and the world saw it. That's power."

She bit her lip, fighting tears. "Thank you. But I still don't know who posted it."

"Doesn't matter. What matters is, the world is finally noticing what I've known all along—you were born for this. And with just the right push... you'll light up the industry."

She smiled. His words sank deep.

"Thanks, Zack. I've got to get to class."

"I'll pick you up later, okay?"

"Okay."

As the call ended, the camera shifted to another part of town—Amelia's luxurious apartment. She was seething.

"What do you mean the plan failed?!" she snapped, pacing furiously. "You were supposed to make sure nothing went wrong."

Jake, her lackey, looked nervous. "Ma'am, everything was going smoothly until Zackary called the director. Threatened him, even."

Amelia froze. "Zackary... Zackary was involved?"

"Yes, but he doesn't know you're behind it."

She let out a long breath, tension fading into calculated calm. "Good. Keep it that way."

She snatched her phone, scrolling through the latest news—as always. Her eyes caught something familiar.

"No..." she whispered.

There it was: Nifemi's video, trending. And worse—the comments were praise.

Amelia slammed her phone onto the table. "Can you see this?!" she screamed at Jake, pointing. "The plan was to ruin her—not make her viral!"

Jake raised his hands. "Ma'am, calm down. It's not too late. We can think of something new. You always do."

Her eyes narrowed as a cruel smile crept across her lips. "You're right. That little local starlet probably thinks she's about to make her debut."

Jake leaned closer. "Exactly. And that's where you come in. You make sure she never even steps foot in the door."

"Keep an eye on her," Amelia ordered. "We'll make the industry a living nightmare for her. And Zackary... it's time I dealt with him too."

Jake smirked. "Just say the word."

Amelia turned to the window, her reflection smirking back at her. "Let's see how long her little spotlight lasts..."

---: Priscilla's House – Late Afternoon

The sun peeked lazily through the blinds in Priscilla's room as she and Nifemi lay side by side on her bed, scrolling and laughing, phones in hand. The buzz of Nifemi's rising popularity was still surreal.

Priscilla:

"Girl, how are you really feeling about all this social media stuff? Be honest."

Nifemi: (sighs, looking up at the ceiling)

"It's crazy… I wasn't expecting it at all. One minute I was just doing a school project, and now people I don't even know are calling me talented. It feels... unreal."

Priscilla:

"Exactly! That's why I think you should use this opportunity to start chasing your dream. Don't just let this moment pass, babe—you're born for the screen."

Nifemi:

"You're right, but... it's not that easy. It'll take more than just a viral video."

Priscilla:

"Girl, you literally have Zackary freaking Hart as your boyfriend. You don't need to do it alone. Talk to him! He'd love to help you."

Nifemi: (shaking her head firmly)

"No, no. I don't want it to look like I'm using him. That's the last thing I want."

Priscilla: (raising a brow)

"You're not using him, Nife. He's your boyfriend. There's nothing wrong with asking for help. You'd do the same for him."

Nifemi: (softly)

"I want to be known for me. My talent. My passion. Not because I'm dating a celebrity. If I'm going to shine, I want it to be because God made a way—not because I leaned on someone else's fame."

Priscilla:

"You're so stubborn." (playfully hits her arm)

"But I get it... Still, promise me you won't let fear stop you. Sometimes, God uses people to open the doors we've been praying about."

Nifemi: (smiling)

"You're right. I'll be brave… my way.

Nifemi:

"Now that we're being real, how are things with you and Franklin?"

Priscilla: (looking away shyly)

"We're good. But… did you hear what Zackary's friend said? Apparently, Franklin had a 'thing' with some girl before me."

Nifemi: (taking her hand gently)

"Look, whatever happened before you came into his life is the past. Don't you want to be part of his future?"

Priscilla: (blushing)

"He… he says he wants me in it."

Nifemi: (grinning)

"Do you love him?"

Priscilla: (eyes widening)

"What are you talking about?"

Nifemi:

"I asked a simple question, Miss Confused—do you love Franklin?"

Priscilla: (after a moment of silence)

"…Yes. I do. I really do."

Nifemi: (squeezing her hand)

"Then go get your man. Forget the past and focus on what you have now."

Just then, Nifemi's phone buzzed. It was Zackary.

Nifemi: (standing up slightly and smiling)

"Excuse me, lover-boy is calling."

Zackary (on phone):

"What's up, baby? Hope you didn't forget—I'm picking you up at 5."

Nifemi:

"Of course not! Sooo… where is my incredibly handsome boyfriend taking me this time?"

Zackary: (teasing tone)

"It's a surprise."

Nifemi:

"At least give me a hint so I know what to wear."

Zackary: (low chuckle)

"Just wear something sexy—we're going to the beach. I want to see you glowing under the sun."

Nifemi: (giggling)

"Copy that, Mr. Hart. I'll be ready."

---

Scene: Zackary's Car – 5 PM

Pim pim!

The horn honked gently outside as Zackary leaned against his sleek black car, eyes lighting up when he saw her.

Nifemi stepped out of the house wearing a soft floral maxi dress over her swimsuit, paired with espadrilles and a wide-brim straw hat. Her curls spilled softly over her shoulders.

Zackary: (staring in awe)

"Wow… You look absolutely stunning. And of course, you're late."

Nifemi: (grinning as she got in)

"I'm here now, aren't I?"

Zackary: (starting the car)

"Are you going to be late to our wedding too? Because I need to start preparing my vows for an audience of angry guests."

Nifemi: (laughs)

"You're already thinking about our wedding?"

Zackary:

"I think about a lot of things when I look at you."

---

Scene: The Beach – Golden Hour

The sky was blushing pink, waves lapping gently at the shore as the couple set up a cozy beachside picnic. A low wooden table, pillows, fruit platters, and a portable speaker playing soft indie music.

Nifemi popped a grape in Zackary's mouth playfully.

Nifemi:

"You like?"

Zackary: (chewing dramatically)

"Mmm. Perfection. But you know, back at your punishment—" (he leaned closer, a glint in his eyes)

"I've got the perfect one in mind."

Nifemi: (tilting her head teasingly)

"Oh really? I'm curious now… what kind of punishment?"

He didn't answer. He simply leaned forward and gently kissed her.

It wasn't rushed. It was soft and slow, like time paused just for them. His lips brushed hers with care, deepening only when she responded, her fingers curling lightly into his shirt. The kiss was warm, full of promise, and tender—like every unspoken word they hadn't said was now wrapped up in that one moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Nifemi let out a small, breathless laugh.

Nifemi:

"If that's my punishment for being late, then I might just start doing it on purpose."

Zackary: (grinning, brushing his thumb against her cheek)

"Then I guess I'll have to keep coming up with punishments... each one better than the last."

They both laughed, their fingers laced together as the waves crashed softly in the background.

It was perfect.