Although no one knew it, Desire was struggling. It was highly unbelievable because as a top worker in one of Lagos' most exclusive and influential night clubs, she was making thousands every night. All her other friends were living large, and building houses, so why couldn't she? Her father had died five years ago, leaving them drowning in a sea of debt. Her mother was sick, and couldn't do anything, so from an early age Desire had had to wear the mantle of responsibility. A twenty six million naira debt was on her neck, and for five years, Desire had consistently been paying it off; while simultaneously keeping a roof over her mother's head, and saving up money for school. Salvation came at last; but in form of the hardest, most handsome man she had ever laid eyes upon? General Babalola Halal. He was offering five million Naira for a whole month of exclusive sex. Pure, undiluted gratification. It was her job, and this offer was coming on a platter of gold. Even more tempting was the fact that it was the exact amount needed to be free of her father's debt. Completely. But he was hard, and demanding, and excruciatingly virile. Accepting this posed a risk far greater than millions. The stark reality of losing everything she stood for, and gaining nothing in return because a man like this never gave anything of himself. He was rich, five million Naira meant nothing to him. But she knew what she was getting into, she knew how addictive his touch was, and how hard it was to stay sane around him. Could she do this? Was losing her sanity a price she was willing to pay?

ẹfin means "smoke" and that was the only term to describe him.

He was born to command the world- until one night stripped him of control. At 26, Rayyan Ibrahim Bagudu, the cold and enigmatic CEO with striking grey eyes and unimaginable wealth, was a man feared by many and understood by none. But one fateful evening, his world spiraled into chaos when he was ambushed and kidnapped by unknown attackers. Held captive alongside him was Jadwa Habib mai kamshi, a frightened young lady in her late teens trembling in darkness. When their captors demanded he commit an unforgivable act with her, Rayyan did the unthinkable- he begged them to marry them first. Using the cash in his pocket as a dowry, he made them his witnesses. Under the barrel of a gun, vows were exchanged-binding two strangers in the most harrowing way. And when the men demanded he consummate the forced marriage right there or watch her die, Rayyan surrendered-not to desire, but to protect her life. Moments later, as he lay bleeding from a gunshot wound, Jadwa was released, believing him dead. Three months later, her world shattered again. She found out she was Pregnant and accused of immorality, Jadwa was disowned by her family. With no husband, no proof, and no help, she endured hardship and humiliation-working multiple jobs to survive while carrying the child of the man she thought she had lost forever. She named her son Jawad. But fate never forgets. Five years later, Jadwa unknowingly secures a job in Rayyan's empire. Neither recognizes the other-their hearts haunted by the same night that ruined and bound them. Until one day, she walks into his office with a little boy who has his father's eyes... and everything changes. In a world of secrets, pain, and redemption, love finds its way back-through scars, through time, and through destiny itself.

Zulaiha Abdallah is a final-year medical student at Nile University, Abuja, living with a past the world refuses to let go. She once loved the wrong man-an abusive relationship kept hidden from everyone. One night, while trying to protect herself, he died. The court ruled it self-defence, but society passed its own judgement. Cleared by law, yet condemned by people, Zulaiha is forced to live with labels such as "A woman who lost her virginity before marriage" whispers, and the stigma of not fitting into society's idea of a "pure" woman. During a visit home for Eid in Kano, her life takes another turn when she is pushed into an arranged marriage meant to settle debts and repair damaged reputations-not to bring love or healing. Her soon-to-be husband, Umar Al Muqtadir, is a respected and successful man with a past as dark as hers. Years ago, an affair led to a child he never got to raise, his lover commited sucide, and a promise he made to never forget her and to find his child. Two broken souls. One forced marriage. Secrets buried deep. As the truth about the past begins to surface- What happens when Umar finds out his child was killed by his girlfriend- about death, guilt, and a child lost "Who was this girlfriend?" -Zulaiha must face the question that has followed her all her life: Is this marriage her punishment... or her only chance at survival?

It wasn't right, but the body wants what it wants, duh! ***** Mary, a university student who spends her time cooped up in her room, sleeping, eating, watching movies, reading novels, and writing on wattpad. Yeah, that was what the coronavirus pandemic turned a theatre artist into. Being home alone most of the time, as a result of her mom always being absent, was a blessing to her since she loved being alone. What happens when her younger brother suddenly comes back home from Cotonou armed with a black adonis she finds herself attracted to? What happens if he's someone she shouldn't want but can't resist? Warning: Mature contents, so be warned. If you are not in for it, don't read. Completed : 10, October 2020. Word count : 43,000 ©Copyrights 2020. All rights reserved. © MARY ADEN

"I got someone pregnant," A simple word that bore so much weight, it was only the beginning of how they fell apart, of how everything changed. Those words shattered Ajike's very existence. Who knew words could shatter the very walls that words had built. Àjíkè's dilemma is how to make sure she gets out of it all unscathed. This is her story.

Umaiyrah Abdulmalik is soft like lavender-quiet, graceful, and content with living a simple life in Gwagwalada. Between supporting her family, planning events, and finding peace in routine, she has no room for the chaos of Abuja's elite world. Until the day she walks into a penthouse lounge in Maitama... and meets Zayd Yusuf Abubakar He smells of oud-rich, warm, and dangerously unforgettable. A multi-billionaire energy mogul with hazel eyes, a calm voice, and a presence that shifts the air around him. Zayd is the kind of man people whisper about powerful, quiet, and impossible to reach. But for reasons even he can't explain... he can't look away from the modest event planner who carries herself like she doesn't know her own beauty. Their worlds clash-soft and strong, lavender and oud. She wants simplicity. He lives in luxury. She plans events. He plans empires. Yet destiny weaves their paths together, drawing them into a slow-burning connection neither of them saw coming. In a city where status speaks louder than hearts, can a gentle girl from Gwagwalada and Abuja's quiet billionaire find a love that feels like home?

"Next time don't roam the school grounds without a proper covering for your hair." Some girls cross oceans for adventure. Rashida Fintiri crossed one for a boy. Leaving behind the polished halls of her Swiss boarding school, Rashida Fintiri arrives in Abuja with one thing on her mind. Alim. Her cousin, her closest friend, and the boy she has quietly loved for as long as she can remember. She traded Switzerland for this, for him, certain that proximity would finally tip the scales in her favour. It does not. Alim only has eyes for Tahira, the soft-spoken, effortlessly beautiful girl every boy in school seems to notice and every girl cannot help but resent. For Rashida, the sight of it is unbearable. Humiliating. And when Rashida hurts, she does not cry quietly in corners. She strikes. Tahira becomes her target. A campaign of cold shoulders, cutting words and calculated cruelty that Rashida tells herself is deserved. That she tells herself is nothing. But nothing has a way of becoming everything. Because someone is watching. Senior Babangana, Alhaji Baba to those who know better than to test him, the most feared and sought after boy in school, son of old money and a name that opens doors, has noticed. Not Tahira. Not the girl everyone expects him to look at. He is watching Rashida. And in a school where everyone is performing for someone, Rashida is about to find out what it means to be truly seen by someone who sees far too much. "I don't know how to play basketball senior" Babangana' gaze drifts over her and she could feel a pinch from how dismissive he is. "You'll learn come here.

Okiemute used to be the girl with sunshine in her laughter and kindness in her heart-until the love of her life shattered her. When he left her for another woman, something inside her froze. She became distant, guarded, and done with love entirely. Determined to rebuild herself, she packed her bags, disappeared from her old life, and moved to a city where no one knew her name. In that new world, she rose from her pain and became a fierce, successful businesswoman-the kind no one could mess with. Two years later, a sudden family emergency dragged her back home. She wasn't prepared for what-or who-would be waiting for her. "Okiemute, this is Ovie... Gabriel Akweyvun and Ejiro Mary Ogba's son," her mother announced. Shock didn't even cover it. Ovie was no longer the mischievous 14-year-old boy who used to follow everyone around. He had become a man-a dangerously handsome one. Powerful. Respected. Untouchable. And somehow... also her new boss. His bluish-green eyes locked on hers with a heat she felt all the way down her spine. There was longing in them. Lust. Hunger. A silent promise that he'd been waiting for this moment just as long as she had. Leaning casually against the kitchen counter, sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms, tie loosened, top buttons undone. And the look in his eyes? Possessive. Hungry. Tender. Like he had been holding himself together all day and she was the final release. He pulled her close, lifting her slightly onto her toes as if she weighed nothing. Her fingers slid into his hair, feeling the softness, feeling the warmth of his scalp, feeling the way he leaned deeper into her touch like he'd been starving for it. Without breaking the kiss, he guided her backward toward the bedroom-one slow step at a time-giving her space to draw back if she wanted to. She didn't. She wanted him. She had wanted him all day. Her entire body was aching from wanting. And that night... They finally let desire speak freely.

Genre: Romance | Drama | Young Adult Story Description: Simi Adebayo never imagined that her new job as a receptionist at one of Lagos' top real estate companies would lead her straight into the path of Adedayo Williams-a striking, successful Yoruba billionaire with a reputation as cold as the marble floors in his office. She's from a modest background; he's Nigeria's most sought-after bachelor. They couldn't be more different. When a rainy day, an elevator malfunction, and a twist of fate bring them closer, sparks fly. But love in Lagos is never that simple-especially when a disapproving mother, workplace gossip, and secrets from the past threaten to tear everything apart. Just when Simi begins to believe in their fairytale, a shocking betrayal leaves her questioning everything. Was it all just a game to him? Caught between love and loyalty, pride and passion, Tangled in Lagos is a story of two hearts daring to beat together in a city full of noise, tradition, and high expectations.