Captive In The Spotlight

Chapter One

The things of the heart Friendship and things of heart It was not the same from start I knew that you had a different Kind of feeling for me But I don't know that you reeling Under an emotion I can't see You ditched me and broke me You played your card so well Left me in a sad state to dwell This friendship cannot survive in time!
~Copied.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes fixed on the laptop in front of him as his distant relative's friends, Thomas and Daniel, snickered and whispered to each other. They were supposed to be working on their school project, but the conversation had taken a disturbing turn. He couldn't believe what he was hearing - the objectifying comments, the boasts about conquests, the casual disregard for girls' feelings and boundaries. His mind raced with rebuttals, but he stayed silent, not wanting to rock the boat. Yet, as he listened to their filth, his discomfort grew, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was complicit in their toxic talk by not speaking out.

"Wow, have you seen the new students?" Thomas exclaimed, his eyes fixed on his phone. "They're stunning, gorgeous, and absolutely captivating!" It was a new semester, and the campus was buzzing with fresh faces and beautiful women. Thomas was a self-proclaimed playboy, and his eyes were glued to his phone as he scrolled through a girl's Instagram page.

Daniel chuckled and shook his head, "I swear, it's like they're from another planet! God must have outdone himself with these girls. I can't choose just one; I want them all!" Thomas playfully rolled his eyes and smacked Daniel on the back, "That's what you said about the last batch of freshmen, and now you've got thirty blocked contacts on your phone!" The two friends burst into laughter.

"You know that's how it is. When you first meet them you have this new feeling of thrill and rush all over you and now it's gone. Cause after sucking the nectar and the flower loses it's sweetness, you dump it."

Thomas chuckled "Yeah that's how it is bro. I mean this thing is so much fun. You get the fun and the money. Win win for all!"

Dan nodded in agreement "But we'll have to wait for the guys to pull off the current bet before we start another. I just wish Benard luck with that Teemah babe..... Cause that girl is a hot cake."

"Yeah, I think they're meeting up today. I just hope she agrees! It's a significant amount of money if she accepts the proposal!" "Indeed, 2.5 million is a substantial sum. That's why the stakes are high. But she deserves it, considering she embodies the four essential qualities: virginity, beauty, brains, and attitude."

Dan continued, "She's got the 'v-card' checked, beauty checked, brains checked, and her attitude, Oh that's a killer!"

As they continued to brag about their exploits, he felt a growing sense of unease. Their words were like a poison, spreading a harmful ideology that reduced women to mere objects for their gratification. He thought about his sister, his friends, and all the women he respected and cared about - would they be reduced to mere conquests in the eyes of these guys? The thought made his blood boil, but he remained silent, unsure of how to confront their toxic behavior without causing a scene. Little did he know, his silence would come back to haunt him, and he would soon be forced to confront the consequences of turning a blind eye to their harmful words.

The two burst into a fist but were stopped when..... "You two should get a life and stop talking about my girl friend!" Ben barged into the room with a huge grin on his face.

The two were startled for a while. They stared at each other with their jaws hanging down in shock. They returned their gaze to Ben with eager and questioning eyes.

Ben laughed at their expressions. "Guys let's pop the champagne cause she freaking said YES guys!"

The three screamed in excitement. "Woah!! My gee! Congratulations on this one. This is huge, guy! 2.5 million naira my guy..."