Chapter 1: when pressure decides.
The moment Tasha laid eyes on Kelvin, she was captivated.
He was wearing a black, tight-fitting workout outfit. As he stood in front his six-pack abs were on full display, showcasing their undeniable charm.
Every woman in the gym was staring at Kelvin, including her.
He helps the gym instructor and ever since she started coming, all the female trainees had been vying for the chance to be his personal trainer, somehow, this amazing opportunity fell into my arms.
With the perks of him being her trainer, her connection with Kelvin grew gradually.
After some encouragement from her friend Sophie, she launched an all-out campaign to win his heart.
At night, Tasha’s phone buzzes. “SWEET MOM” pops up on the screen.
Her forehead smoothed and she sighed, closed her eyes, and answered.
“Hi mum.”
“Tasha,” her mother raised her name above the crowd, “you’re working again right? Or are you pretending to be busy so you won’t listen to me?”
Tasha’s mouth fell open.
“Your mates are all married,” Some already have five children. And you? Focusing on work! Work! Work.
Listen! Her voice kept flying to the sky, you think I will die without carrying my grandchildren? Tasha I want grandchildren! Tasha! Tasha!! Tasha!!!.
She hung up the call without hearing a word from Tasha.
The words cut deep.
This isn’t the first call or the second. But daily. Morning, Afternoon, Night, at work, at home.
Even when Tasha finally had a chance to rest, her mum’s call dragged peace out of the room.
And if she ignores the calls, she will show up unannounced.
And when she comes, the pressure becomes worse.
“You have pride.”
“You have a choice, you think you’re the only beautiful lady on earth.”
“You think you are better than men.”
“You will grow old and regret this.”
Tasha tried laughing it off, She tried patience.
Nothing worked.
Slowly, the pressure entered her head, heart, and brain.
Her choice changed and lost her worth.
That was how Kelvin came into the picture.
Kelvin was not the kind of man Tasha wanted to settle down with.
She judged a book by its cover, and time exposed a side of him she never expected.
He had no steady job, no plans, no direction.
But he had time and sweet words.
And above all, he’s a cheat and always demanding.
At first, it felt comforting, at least someone to prove to her mum wrong. And reasons to smile.
When Kelvin talks about his bills, Tasha pays, sending money always thinking all this would keep him.
Sometimes deep inside, strange voices echoed, “This is not love.”
Yet she kept assuming, “Once they settle down, he will change.”
Every gift came with hope and each transfer came with prayer.
Maybe if she took care of him, supported and pleased him, he would stay and love her more
Kelvin became too comfortable and relaxed as the world revolved around him.
He woke up late, asked for money anytime without shame.
He demands as if they were his right.
Lived like a queen while Tasha plays the role of a man in the relationship.
She pays his bills, clothes him, settles his debts, and pays for dates she doesn’t even enjoy.
Sometimes, she sat alone staring at her phone, waiting for his call that would never come.
Kelvin hardly checks up on her.
But when he does, it will always be about money.
Babe, I need this, babe I need that.
Babe help me with this! Help me with that
And always, she gives.
Because her mother’s voice kept echoing.
Settle down, give me grandchildren, don’t let a man go.
Marriage is sweeter than money.
Tasha’s peace disappeared.
She no longer concentrates at work and is always restless at home.
Her life became a table of stress, depression, and silent tears.
Her best friend Sophie noticed.
“Tasha,” you are losing yourself, Sophie said.
Tasha gave a soft smile. “You don’t understand. Sophia, I’m under pressure.”
I understand Tasha, but this is not love. You are building pain, bridge by bridge.
Tasha frowned. Kelvin just needs time, trust me he will change.
Sophie shook her head. “Men like that don’t change, but become worse.”
Tasha didn’t listen.
Love had blinded her, and pressure trapped her.
She believed that there is a reward for sacrifice.
But Kelvin didn’t love her; he was just surviving.
Tasha was his bank, his comfort, and his solution.
While she thought of marriage, Kelvin thought of the next gift.
Don’t tell me you’re asking for money again, she raised an eyebrow maintaining eye contact with Kelvin.
His lips curled into a sneer and he smirked unbothered.
She had no option but to send as usual, and her hands shook.
Not because she can’t afford it.
But deep inside she knows she was alone in the relationship.
She ignored her emotions and hit the press button, “SENT”
Kelvin gave a soft smile and left without appreciation.
He smiles when money comes and disappears till he wants it again.
Yet, Tasha didn’t give up.
At least this would prove her love and make him see her worth.
“I won’t keep quiet anymore. You are being used, are you possessed? Did he lock you in a bottle?” Sophie asked.
Tasha barked and asked. “Don’t you want me to be happy?”
Sophie’s eyes eased. “She wants but her heartbeat is hammering in her chest, she doesn't want Tasha to feel cruel as if the whole world will mock her cracked heart.”
Silence covered the room and it felt colder.
Tasha looked away, her palms grew sweaty and damp, and she pressed them against her skirt trying to stop the tremors in her fingers.
Her phone buzzed, Kelvin again.
Another request.
Her heart ran miles, her brows knitted.
For the first time, she declined.
And that decline might change everything.
And when it changes, it might break something she could never fix.
Will Kelvin change or become worse?