Chapter 4: The Price of Fame.
The afternoon sun filtered softly through the blinds as Zackary's mom sat at her desk, flipping through her contacts on her phone. Her expression was one of intense focus. She had always prided herself on knowing how to protect her family, especially her son, Zackary.
"Let's see what we have here," she muttered under her breath as she dialed a number.
A few rings later, the call was answered. "Hello?"
"Yes, it's me," she said, voice dripping with authority. "I need some information about a certain girl. Nifemi—she's Zackary's new interest. Find out everything. I want to know what kind of person she is."
There was a pause, then a smooth, "Understood."
As Zackary's mom hung up, a calculating glint sparkled in her eyes. She had a way of using her connections to uncover the truths that others tried to hide. And this girl—Nifemi—was no exception.
---
By the evening, Zackary's mom had all the information she needed. Her phone rang again.
"She's just an ordinary girl," the voice on the other end said, "Her family doesn't have much. She's paying for school with a student loan, and there's no sign of any family wealth or status. Nothing to suggest she's anything more than a regular girl trying to make it."
Zackary's mom leaned back in her chair, the pieces falling into place. So, she's not from a rich background. But is she just using Zackary to climb higher?
She had no doubt now—this girl might be playing a game. And Zackary was just the stepping stone.
---
Later that evening, Zackary called Nifemi, excitement in his voice. "Hey, I'm sending my driver to pick you up. We've got a lot to prepare for the event tonight. I'll see you soon."
Nifemi's voice was soft but excited. "You really think I can pull this off?"
"Of course," Zackary replied, "You've got this. Just be yourself."
---
As Zackary's driver pulled up to the small apartment complex, Nifemi stepped out of her room, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit. Her heart raced, both nervous and excited. This was all happening so fast.
The stylist arrived shortly after, applying the light makeup that Zackary had insisted she try. Nifemi sat in the chair, feeling the transformation happening, but unsure if she could ever look like the women in Zackary's world. When she saw herself in the mirror, she was taken aback. The subtle makeup had enhanced her natural beauty, giving her a glow she never thought she had.
The door to her room opened, and Zackary stepped in.
He froze.
His eyes roamed over her, and for a moment, he couldn't say anything. She looks incredible.
"Wow," Zackary breathed out. "You look amazing."
Nifemi smiled, trying to hide her nervousness. "You really think so?"
Zackary nodded. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone like you."
Her heart fluttered.
---
When they arrived at the venue, all eyes turned to them. The crowd, the flashes of cameras—it was a different world from the one Nifemi knew. She felt small in comparison, out of place. But Zackary's presence beside her made her feel a little better.
As they stepped out of the car, the reporters were there, firing questions. The flashing lights were blinding.
"Zackary, is she your girlfriend?" one reporter shouted.
"Are you dating her now?" another asked.
The noise grew louder as more reporters joined in.
Zackary smiled, his hand lightly resting on Nifemi's back. "We're just friends, for now," he said, his tone friendly but firm.
But the whispers behind them were louder.
Female Celebrities Gossiping
As they walked through the entrance, a group of female celebrities huddled together, eyeing Nifemi.
"Who's that with Zackary?" one whispered.
"I thought he was dating Amelia," another added, shaking her head. "This girl? She doesn't fit in."
"You know he's always had his eyes on someone like her," a third woman remarked, eyeing Nifemi up and down. "I wonder how long she'll last."
The whispers continued, each one like a dart thrown at Nifemi's confidence.
---
Amelia stood off to the side, watching. Her lips twisted into a small, calculating smile. She couldn't stand seeing Zackary with someone like Nifemi. She had always been the one who thought she was special to Zackary, but now this girl was taking that place.
"She doesn't belong in this world," Amelia muttered to herself. "She'll never fit in. I'll make sure of it."
Amelia turned to a nearby waitress. "You see that girl with Zackary?" she asked, her voice low. "I want you to spill a drink on her. Make it look like an accident."
The waitress hesitated for a moment but nodded. "I can do that."
Amelia smirked. "Good. Let's show her she doesn't belong here."
---
As Nifemi sipped her drink, trying to keep her nerves in check, she felt something cold suddenly splash across her dress. Her hand instinctively flew to her chest as the drink soaked into her clothes.
The laughter erupted around her. She looked up, mortified, only to see the waitress hurrying away, pretending it was an accident.
But the damage was done. Whispers and giggles circled, and Nifemi's heart sank. She was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
Zackary turned toward her, his eyes wide. "Are you okay?" He reached out to help her, but before she could speak, she heard the snickers behind her.
As she turned to walk away, trying to escape the humiliation, her heel caught on the rug, and she stumbled—falling flat in front of everyone.
The crowd gasped, then began to murmur.
Nifemi felt tears sting at her eyes. She wanted to disappear. This wasn't what she'd signed up for.
As she tried to get up, she overheard one of the women in the crowd whispering, "She doesn't belong here. She's just trying to force her way into this world."
Zackary rushed to her side, pulling her up. "Are you okay?" His voice was laced with concern.
She shook her head, her face burning with embarrassment.
"I… I need to leave," Nifemi whispered, her voice trembling. "This was a mistake."
---
Tears threatened to spill as Nifemi walked out of the party, Zackary following behind her, calling her name. But she didn't stop. She had to get away from this world that was never meant for her.
As she stepped out into the cool night air, her mind raced. Why didn't I listen to my mom? She was right. I don't belong here. God will provide my own love at the perfect time.
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