Boma began pacing, her anxiety mounting with each passing moment. Harry tried to soothe her."You need to relax, Boma. Worrying won't help."She slowly sank onto the bed, her hands trembling. Harry excused himself. "I need to get ready."Boma waited, her thoughts a whirlpool of dread. Soon, she heard a car pull up outside. Peering through the window, she saw six rough-looking men emerge from a Sienna, greeted by Harry. They spread out, taking strategic positions around the compound, while a few entered the house. She retreated from the window, alarmed. She had tried so hard to avoid a war, but it seemed inevitable.Confused and desperate, she wondered if she should call Donovan and warn him. She didn't want either man to get hurt.Finally, she dialed Harry’s number. He came to her without taking the call, sensing her need."Harry, please," she implored. "Promise me you won't harm Donovan."Harry laughed, his voice bitter. "Why are you laughing?" she asked, bewildered."You should b
Donovan relieved her of her belongings, and Phillip stepped forward to receive them. Boma, overwhelmed and relieved by Donovan's understanding, hugged him tightly. He held her close, his warmth enveloping her."I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone to Harry. I was just...""I understand your reasons," he gently said, relieving her of the need for explanations. "I'm just glad you found the courage to reveal your whereabouts. I'm glad you trusted me enough."They stayed close like that for a moment before disengaging."Now, where do you want to spend the night?""Um..." She began hesitantly."Feel free, Boma," he encouraged. "I've read and reread your words. I want to honor them because I love you. Okay?" She nodded in understanding."So just tell me where you want to spend the night, and we'll drop you off. After that, all I expect from you is to know where you're staying for this period of reflection between us. I won't call you. It's one month apart. I'm willing to try and fulfill your re
Phillip and Standfast returned to the couple. Standfast stayed in the car while Phillip proceeded to show them their room.Before they left the car, Donovan retrieved a fresh handkerchief from the glove compartment.Later, Donovan and Boma stood silently in the luxurious hotel suite, their emotions a turbulent mix of love, longing, and uncertainty. The room, with its elegant decor, felt both intimate and imposing, reflecting the intensity of their relationship. Donovan closed the door behind them, his eyes locked onto hers, a silent promise of what was to come.“Boma,” he said softly, stepping closer to her, his voice a deep, calming presence. “I want this night to be special, a memory to hold onto during our time apart.”Boma’s heart raced, her breath quickening. She nodded, unable to find her voice. Donovan’s hand reached out, gently cupping her face, his thumb tracing the contour of her cheek. His touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire within her.“Do you trust me?” he a
ONE DAY LATERBoma was back in her apartment on the Island, trying to focus on her literature class with Teni. The apartment was filled with the soft hum of the air conditioner, the scent of fresh coffee drifting from the kitchen. Teni sat across from her, textbooks spread out between them, but Boma’s mind was miles away.No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the memories of the passionate night she had shared with Donovan. The intensity of their connection, the way his touch had sent shivers down her spine, the whispered promises—it all replayed in her mind like a never-ending loop. She could still feel the warmth of his body, the roughness of his hands, the tender yet commanding way he had held her."Boma, are you even listening?" Teni's voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.Boma blinked, trying to focus on her friend."I'm sorry, Teni. What was the question again?"Teni sighed, a hint of frustration in her eyes, but also a soft understandi
Three days before her exams, Boma invited Hilda over for a sleepover at her apartment. It had been a while since they hung out, and Hilda was happy to oblige. They spent the day catching up, cooking together, and watching television, still managing to take some time to revise their individual studies.Later, as they went to bed, sleeping beside each other, Boma noticed Hilda lost in thought."What is it?" she asked, concerned."What next after your one month apart?" Hilda replied, her voice thoughtful.Boma couldn't come up with any words."I thought as much," Hilda remarked. "This is just a vacation as far as I'm concerned. You will not really get the true picture of things.""What do you mean?" Boma asked, puzzled.Hilda sat up and made Boma join her so they faced each other. Hilda's expression was serious, making Boma pay attention."There's nothing different you're doing right now, Boma. You're not falling out of line. You're studying, staying indoors, and all that.""Yes, so?"
Standfast dialed Donovan's number, his heart pounding. He had to report what he had seen, but he dreaded the possible reaction. As the phone rang, he steeled himself for the conversation ahead.Donovan answered on the third ring, his voice groggy from sleep. "Standfast? What is it?""P.o, I need to report something," Standfast began, his voice steady despite his nerves. "I saw your wife at the campus lecture hall tonight. She was studying there, despite the previous incidents and your strict instructions."Donovan was silent for a moment, processing the information. Fury surged within him, but he took a deep breath, reigning it in. "I appreciate the information, Standfast," he finally said, his voice calm. "Don't worry about it. I'm aware of the situation." He added that to ease Standfast of speculations."Thank you. I just wanted to do my duty. I hope you're not mad at me," Standfast said, relief washing over him."I'm not mad," Donovan assured him. "You did the right thing. Get some
Boma sat for her first exam, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. As she started answering the questions, she was shocked at how easy everything seemed. She began to appreciate Donovan's efforts in pressurizing her to study and providing tutorials. She had always thought of herself as just average, but now, she was sure she could get nothing short of a B, or maybe even an A. Wow. So she too had some brains? Well, thanks to Donovan.She noticed her trio of friends—Queen, Bella, and Tracy—committing expo but decided to mind her business. She finished her two-hour paper in one hour and fifteen minutes and used the extra time to revise her answers. Finding everything intact, she was one of the first to submit, earning surprised looks from Queen, Bella, and Tracy.Outside, she met Hilda emerging from her own exam hall. They asked each other about their papers, their countenance bright. Both had aced their papers. Boma acknowledged Donovan's help, and both girls appreciated him.Hilda
The Infinity Club was a pulsating heart of nightlife, known for its electrifying atmosphere and sophisticated crowd. As Boma and her friends approached, the neon lights outside cast a vibrant glow, and the deep bass from inside reverberated through the air. The entrance was adorned with sleek, metallic accents and a velvet rope guarded by imposing bouncers who scrutinized everyone who entered.Stepping out of Queen’s car, Boma felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The club's exterior was a dazzling array of lights and colors, hinting at the wild energy within. As they walked towards the entrance, Boma couldn’t help but notice the curious glances from others in line, her provocative outfit already drawing attention."Come on, Boma," Queen said, leading the way confidently. "You look amazing. Let’s go have some fun."The bouncers gave them a quick once-over before lifting the velvet rope, granting them access. As they stepped inside, Boma was immediately hit by the sensory overload