Tainted Love

“Vivian… Vivian…” After the fourth time of calling her name, she finally turned around. “Sorry to disturb you,” Samuel said hurriedly, “but I really need to talk to you about the group project.” Vivian glanced at her watch. “Uhm… okay, let’s head to the leisure bench. But I hope it won’t take much of my time—I’ve got something important to do.” “It won’t take long, Miss Dary,” he replied gently with a warm smile. They walked for less than two minutes and reached the leisure bench. “Okay, so Miss Dary, I think we should add some animations. The background feels a bit boring. Maybe something bright and lively—” He stopped mid-sentence. She wasn’t listening. Her eyes were fixed blankly at the far end of the field. “Miss…?” Without warning, Vivian sprang to her feet and dashed toward a nearby girl. “How dare you?!” she screamed, pouncing on her. “Vivian! Stop this! Are you a kid?” Victor shouted, trying to separate them. But Vivian was wild and strong. With Samuel’s help, they finally pulled her away. “Victor, you told me you had an emergency… and this is why? To cheat on me with this filthy animal?” she shrieked, still struggling to break free. “Hey, Vivian or whatever your name is…” the other girl, Belinda, snapped. “Have a bit of shame. Attacking me over a man? You walk around acting like you’re the most beautiful and richest girl on Earth, but look at you now—completely ridiculous.” “Shut the fu—” “Shut up, everyone!” Victor’s sudden outburst cut through the chaos like a blade. Even Vivian froze, visibly shaken. “You’re always creating scenes,” he growled. “Are you dumb or something? Do you realize someone could record this and post it online? You’ve disgraced me again!” “I’m sorry, Victor,” she muttered, head bowed. “I just got carried away when I saw you kissing her. I felt… angry, that’s all.” Samuel watched in disbelief. How could someone as beautiful and proud as Vivian Dary be apologizing to Victor—right after he cheated on her? “Let’s go, Belinda,” Victor said coldly. “What?! You’re leaving with her?” Vivian cried, breaking free from Samuel and falling to her knees. She clung to Victor’s leg, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Victor, please. I’m your girlfriend… not her. Please…” He shook her off and walked away with Belinda without a second glance. Vivian tried to run after them but collapsed, too weak to move. “This is all your fault!” she suddenly turned on Samuel, voice rising in fury. “If you hadn’t brought me here, none of this would’ve happened! Leave me alone!” Samuel stared at her. “Are you listening to yourself, Miss Dary? You caught your boyfriend cheating, and I’m the problem? Fine. I’m out of here. It’s not my problem. But I’ll say this—leave that guy.” “Fu*k you!” she shouted. --- Later that evening… “Vivian, guess what?!” Cecilia barged into the room, excited—only to stop cold when she saw Vivian’s puffy eyes and bruised face. “What the hell happened to you?!” she gasped. “Oh my God… where’s the first aid box?” She called for a maid, who quickly brought it. “You can leave,” Cecilia said. The maid exited, and Cecilia knelt beside her friend. “What happened, bestie? Did you fall?” Vivian shook her head, tears forming again. “Don’t tell me… it’s Victor, isn’t it?” “It wasn’t his fault,” she whispered. “I overreacted… I should’ve known better.” Cecilia frowned, treating the bruises carefully. “Start from the top. What really happened?” “I caught him kissing another girl—” “Again?” Cecilia’s voice rose. “Vivian Dary, again?! How many times has this guy cheated on you?” “Stop, Cecilia. Don’t make me regret telling you.” “Telling me? Tomorrow it’ll be all over school! Look at you—he’s cheating and you’re the one bruised and heartbroken. He’s broke, a chronic liar, and doesn’t even respect you. Aren’t you ashamed?” “Don’t talk about him like that,” Vivian snapped. “Why not? It’s the truth! You’re the heiress of the great Daryl family, and you’re clinging to a man who brings you nothing but pain. You’re supposed to be above this, Vivian!” “You don’t understand,” Vivian whispered. “You’ve never been in love. You’ve never had someone who listens to you… who makes you feel alive. Don’t judge people for their present. He may be poor today, but who knows what tomorrow holds?” “Vivian, open your eyes. Love shouldn’t break you down. It shouldn’t drain you or make you feel worthless. That’s not love.” “Shut up! I love him. That’s all that matters. If you have a problem with that, go burn the sea.” Cecilia laughed bitterly. “Love is truly blind. My Nigerian friend would say, ‘See me see wahala.’ Fine. Give him everything. One day, when you’ve lost it all, you’ll learn. A word is enough for the wise.” “In fact, get out of my house. Now!” “You’re kicking me out? Over Victor?” “Get. Out.” “Fine. I’m sorry for insulting your handsome prince,” Cecilia said sarcastically. “May he remain yours forever.” She sighed and opened the first aid box again. “Now let me treat these bruises before they ruin your beautiful skin. Sit down please...I'm sorry ." Finally she sat down to get her bruises treated. " Okay so now ...do you have your dress for the graduation? Will you have it sowed or you just buy? Cecelia asked. " I will definitely buy... sowing is just a lot of work plus is just a one day thing.