CHAPTER ONE
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“They warned her. Her mother cried. Her father shouted. But Abioye’s heart had already chosen Bamidele. Now, standing in the rain with nothing but a nylon bag and a broken heart, she finally understood what disobedience truly cost.”
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Her name is Abioye Ajenifuja, the 17-year-old beautiful daughter and first child of Chief Oluwole and Bisola Ajenifuja. She had just gained admission into the University of Abuja, and her parents were overjoyed — her siblings too. Her father proudly bragged about her brilliance and focus to his friends.
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A day before her resumption, her parents sat her down.
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“Abioye, my dear, please make good use of your time in school. Do not waste it on any irrelevancies,” her mother pleaded gently.
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“And also,” her father added with authority, “be respectful. Avoid boys — they are distractions to your education. Stay focused, my dear. You are the pride of our family.”
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“Thank you, Dad and Mum. I won’t let you down,” she replied with a warm smile.
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They embraced, and her father instructed his driver to take her to her new environment.
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The drive to Abuja was smooth. Abioye spent most of it gazing in awe at the beautiful buildings and landscapes. She finally arrived in the late afternoon. The driver helped her pack her belongings into the compound and bade her farewell.
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As she was moving her luggage, a young lady approached her.
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“Hi, hello. You must be Abioye. I’m Mercy, your new roommate.”
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“Ohh! You’re the Mercy I spoke to on the phone?”
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“Yes, that’s me. Nice to meet you.”
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“You’re just moving in?” Mercy asked.
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“Yes,” Abioye replied.
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“Let me help you.”
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“Okay, thanks.”
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“You’ve really missed a lot,” Mercy said, picking up a bag.
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“Really?”
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“Yes o! Lectures started two weeks ago. But don’t worry, I’ll give you everything we’ve covered so far.”
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“Thank you so much, Mercy.”
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“You’re welcome.”
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Abioye and Mercy settled quickly into the two-bedroom duplex. They became fast friends, and Mercy often found herself confiding in Abioye.
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Lectures resumed for Abioye the following week. She and Mercy got ready early to avoid being late. As they walked through the school gate, Abioye was stunned by what she saw.
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Some students were dressed in ways only prostitutes and strippers would be proud of. Short skirts, crop tops, ripped jeans — all sorts.
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She turned to Mercy and whispered, “Is this how people dress here?”
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Mercy chuckled. “Yes o. University is a different world. Some departments have uniforms, though. Ours — the Faculty of Law — does. We dress in white and black.”
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“Oh, I didn’t see that coming!” Abioye exclaimed.
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“We’re running late. Let’s hurry,” Mercy said.
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They rushed to their faculty and thankfully, lectures hadn’t started yet. They took seats in the front row. Five different lectures were scheduled for the day. By the time they were done, Abioye was exhausted.
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Mercy laughed at her. “You thought university was a joke, abi? You haven’t seen anything yet!”
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They headed home in Mercy’s car. Abioye was so tired she couldn’t lift a finger. Mercy had to do all the cooking that night.
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As they ate, Abioye muttered, “This university life no be beans.”
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After dinner, they did a little revision and went to bed.
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The next morning came too fast. Abioye struggled to wake up because of the previous day's stress, but she managed. They arrived at campus around 9 a.m. Their first lecturer was strict and unfriendly.
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Abioye thought to herself, How am I going to survive in a place like this?
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After the lectures and a briefing, they returned home. That night, Abioye’s phone rang.
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“Hello, my dear,” her mother said. “How are you?”
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“I’m fine, Mum.”
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“I hope you’re coping well?”
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“Yes, ma.”
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“How’s your roommate?”
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“She’s fine. In fact, she’s cooking.”
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“Okay. Be good ooo.”
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“Yes ma. Greet Daddy for me.”
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“I will, my dear. Bye.”
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Abioye ended the call.
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Mercy walked in. “Food is ready. Who were you talking to?”
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“My mum. She called to check up on us.”
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“Okay. My father just sends text messages and money. The man is always busy.”
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“It’s not his fault. He has to fund you through school!”
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They both laughed and continued gisting.
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The following week, Abioye went to return a book to the school library. As she turned a corner, she bumped into a young man. For a moment, time froze. The guy gently tapped her.
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“Excuse me. I’m sorry for bumping into you,” he said, bending down to help her pick her book.
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“It’s fine,” she replied with a soft smile.
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He returned the smile, handed her the book, and walked away.
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Abioye stood frozen, still staring after him, until Mercy appeared behind her and snapped her out of her thoughts.
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“Don’t tell me you were thinking about him?”
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“Who?”
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“The guy who just left.”
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“You know him?”
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“Of course! That’s Bamidele Olaosebikan — the most notorious playboy in the entire campus. And to burst your bubble, he’s a 400-level student in our faculty.”
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Her eyes widened in shock. “Really?”
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“Yes. So, he’s a no-no.”
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But even as Mercy spoke, Abioye couldn’t shake the butterflies in her stomach. That simple encounter had stirred something in her.
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What she didn’t know was that…
That simple encounter would change everything.
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