Segi's world had been turned upside down since Akanji's love bombing. At first, it was a whirlwind romance that left her breathless and wanting more. Effusive texts, lavish gifts, and unrelenting attention made her feel like the only person in the world. She recalled the sweet scent of roses he gifted her, the soft whispers in her ear, and the way his eyes sparkled when he looked at her.
But soon, the tide shifted. Withdrawal, emotional unavailability, and cryptic messages left her reeling. Her mind raced with questions as she paced across her apartment, the creaking floorboards echoing her anxiety. "Is he busy or just ignoring me? Did I do something wrong? Why does he only respond at midnight?" The uncertainty gnawed at her, eroding her confidence.
As she stared at her phone, the screen's glow illuminated her worried face. Her body reacted, manifesting physical symptoms that seemed to come out of nowhere. Pins and needles prickled her hands, migraines pounded her temples, and insomnia kept her awake, staring into the darkness.
Akanji's smile, once warm and inviting, now seemed calculating. His eyes, once filled with adoration, now held a hint of amusement, as if he enjoyed watching Segi squirm. His texts grew shorter, more cryptic, each word carefully crafted to keep her guessing.
As Akanji's attention waned, Segi's thoughts spiralled into a vortex of self-doubt. "I'm just one of many," she thought, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's using me." Fear whispered in her ear, "You're losing your grip." Anxiety wrapped its suffocating arms around her, squeezing tight.
Segi's past experiences – her father's abandonment, her mother's emotional absence – resurfaced, fueling her insecurities. She felt like a fragile vase, shattered by Akanji's careless words.
Unbeknownst to Segi, Akanji had already begun to weave a web of deceit with another victim.
Ajiun's eyes locked onto Akanji's, and she felt an inexplicable jolt. His warm smile, piercing gaze, and gentle demeanor drew her in. As they discussed marketing strategies, Ajiun found herself captivated by his intelligence and charm.
Their professional interactions blossomed into casual meetings, and soon, Akanji was sharing stories about his "complicated" relationship. Ajiun listened intently, empathizing with his struggles. She saw vulnerability in his eyes, and her heart went out to him.
As the days passed, Ajiun found herself falling deeply in love with Akanji. His words dripped with sincerity, and his actions seemed genuine. She couldn't resist the way he made her feel – seen, heard, and valued.
Akanji took Ajiun to romantic dinners, surprise picnics, and sunset walks. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear, and she melted into his embrace. Ajiun's friends and family noticed the change in her, but she couldn't see beyond the rose-tinted glasses.
"I've never felt this way before," Ajiun confessed to Akanji, her voice trembling.
Akanji's eyes sparkled, and he pulled her close. "I feel the same, my love. You're my safe haven."
Ajiun's heart soared. She had never experienced such intense connection. Akanji's love was like a stormy sea, sweeping her off her feet.
Meanwhile, Segi's world continued to crumble. Akanji's manipulation tightened its grip, and she felt trapped in a never-ending nightmare.
Ajiun remained blissfully unaware of Akanji's true nature, lost in the depths of her love for him.
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The Weight Of Shadows!
General Fiction"The Weight of Shadows" is a poignant and thought-provoking tale of love, heartache, and self-discovery. Abeke and Akanji's whirlwind romance blossoms under the stars; however, it slowly unravels as Akanji's charm masks a self-absorption that suffoc...
