Bound by fate. (Completed)

Chapter 1 cont.

_Nneoma's Shock_

Nneoma's eyes widened, her face pale. "Engaged?" she whispered, as if the word stung.

Tayo nodded, his expression remorseful. "I know it's wrong, but my family arranged it. I never thought I'd meet someone like you."

Nneoma's mind reeled. She felt betrayed, yet a part of her understood Tayo's dilemma.

"Why tell me now?" she asked, her voice laced with hurt.

Tayo stepped closer, his eyes pleading. "Because I couldn't keep it inside. I want to be honest with you, Nneoma. I feel a connection with you that I've never felt before."

Nneoma's heart wavered. She wanted to believe Tayo, but the truth stung.

"I need time to think," she said, turning away.

Tayo nodded, respecting her space. "I understand. But please, don't walk away from this. From us."

*New Conflict: Amaka's Call*

Just then, Tayo's phone rang. Amaka's name flashed on the screen.

Tayo hesitated, unsure what to do. Nneoma noticed his unease.

"Answer it," she said, her voice cold.

Tayo reluctantly picked up.

"Hey, Amaka. What's up?"

Amaka's voice dripped with sweetness. "Hey, darling. Missing you. When are you coming back to Lagos?"

Tayo's eyes met Nneoma's, filled with guilt.

"Soon, Amaka. I'll be back soon."

The call ended, and Tayo turned to Nneoma.

"I'm sorry. I know this is complicated."

Nneoma's expression hardened. "Complicated? You're engaged, Tayo. That's not complicated; that's committed."

The tension between them thickened.

Will Nneoma forgive Tayo's secret, or will Amaka's presence tear them apart?

_Nneoma's Anger_

Nneoma's eyes blazed with anger. "You're engaged, Tayo! How could you keep this from me?"

Tayo's face contorted in anguish. "I was trapped, Nneoma. My family—"

"Your family?" Nneoma interrupted, her voice rising. "What about your heart? Didn't you think about how I'd feel?"

Tayo took a step closer, but Nneoma pushed him away.

"Don't touch me! You're promised to another woman."

_Amaka's Unexpected Arrival_

Just then, the doorbell rang. Nneoma's maid, Ada, entered with a hesitant expression.

"Madam, there's a lady here to see Tayo."

Nneoma's eyes narrowed. "Who is it?"

Ada hesitated before answering, "Amaka."

Tayo's face paled. "Oh no, this can't be happening."

_Amaka's Dramatic Entrance_

Amaka swept into the room, her beauty and confidence commanding attention. Her gaze locked onto Tayo, then shifted to Nneoma.

"Well, well, well. Looks like I've interrupted something."

Amaka's voice dripped with malice, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Tayo, darling, what's going on here?"

Tayo's guilt was palpable. "Amaka, please understand—"

Amaka's laughter cut him off. "Understand? You're engaged to me, Tayo. This...this thing with Nneoma is over."

Nneoma's eyes flashed. "This 'thing' has only just begun."

The air was thick with tension as the three stood locked in a precarious standoff.

Will Tayo choose Nneoma or Amaka? How will Nneoma navigate this complicated web?

_Confrontation Escalates_

Amaka's eyes narrowed. "You think you can just dispose of me like trash, Tayo? Our families have a business partnership. Our marriage will secure your family's future."

Nneoma stepped forward, her voice firm. "Tayo's happiness should come first. Not business or family obligations."

Amaka sneered. "You're just a homewrecker, Nneoma. You'll never replace me."

Tayo intervened, his voice calm but firm. "Amaka, stop. This isn't about replacing anyone. It's about my feelings."

Amaka's expression turned icy. "Your feelings? You're promised to me, Tayo. You'll do what's expected."

_Nneoma's Ultimatum_

Nneoma's eyes locked onto Tayo's. "Choose now, Tayo. Me or Amaka. You can't have both."

Tayo hesitated, torn between duty and desire.

Amaka's smile twisted. "He'll choose me. He always does."

Nneoma turned to leave, but Tayo grasped her arm.

"Wait, Nneoma. Please don't go."

Nneoma's voice was barely audible. "Choose, Tayo."

Tayo's heart pounded. He knew what he wanted, but fear held him back.

"I...I need time," he stammered.

Nneoma's eyes filled with tears. "Time? You've had time, Tayo. Make a choice."

With that, Nneoma walked out, leaving Tayo and Amaka in an uncomfortable silence.

Will Tayo find the courage to follow his heart or conform to family expectations?