THE VICTIM'S ROLE

The morning sun stretched across the campus of Mambwe University, bathing the red-brick buildings in a warm golden glow. Students moved through the walkways in cheerful groups, laughing over unfinished assignments, complaining about lecturers, and planning how they would spend the coming weekend. To most of them, it was just another ordinary Friday. For Daniel Chanda, however, it was another chance to move one step closer to the future he had spent years dreaming about. He adjusted the strap of his backpack as he walked across the courtyard, greeting classmates with his usual humble smile. Daniel was not the loudest student on campus, nor was he the richest. He came from a modest family in Zambia that had sacrificed everything to see him become the first university graduate in the family. His father worked long hours as a mechanic, while his mother sold vegetables at the local market. Every kwacha they earned carried the weight of hope. Daniel understood that. That was why he studied harder than anyone else. He believed success was not something people inherited—it was something they earned. As he approached the Faculty of Business building, a familiar voice called his name. "Daniel!" He turned and immediately smiled. Naomi. She hurried toward him, her long braided hair swaying gently as she walked. She wore a simple white blouse and blue jeans, yet to Daniel she looked more beautiful than anyone he had ever met. There was something peaceful about her presence, something that made the noise of the busy campus disappear whenever she was near. "You almost walked past me," she said, pretending to be offended. Daniel laughed softly. "I was thinking about today's presentation." "So you forgot your girlfriend?" "I could never do that." He reached into his backpack and produced a small paper bag. "I bought these before coming." Naomi opened it and gasped. "My favorite doughnuts!" "I remembered." "You always remember." She smiled before gently taking his hand. For a brief moment, nothing else seemed to matter. Students walking past them smiled at the couple. Many admired their relationship because it was built on something rare—respect. They had been together for nearly two years, surviving exams, family problems, financial struggles, and the endless gossip that often surrounded university relationships. Daniel never raised his voice at Naomi. Naomi never played games with Daniel. Together, they looked unstoppable. Or at least... That was what everyone believed. From the second floor of the building, another pair of eyes watched them. Vanessa. She stood beside the balcony railing, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her expression was impossible to read. Most students described Vanessa as confident, intelligent, and charming. She knew exactly what to say to make people like her. Lecturers trusted her. Students admired her. She had become one of the most popular women on campus. But popularity had never been enough. Her eyes followed Daniel as he laughed with Naomi. A bitter smile slowly crossed her face. "It should have been me," she whispered. Months earlier, Vanessa had confessed her feelings to Daniel. She had expected an easy victory. Almost every man who met her eventually fell in love with her. Daniel hadn't. Instead, he politely rejected her. He told her he loved Naomi and had no intention of betraying her. The rejection humiliated Vanessa. Not because she loved Daniel deeply. Because she hated losing. From that day forward, every smile Daniel shared with Naomi felt like an insult. Every happy moment reminded her that someone had chosen another woman over her. She decided that if she couldn't have Daniel... Nobody would. --- Later that afternoon, Professor Banda assigned students into groups for their entrepreneurship project. By coincidence—or perhaps fate—Daniel and Vanessa ended up in the same group. Naomi noticed Vanessa smiling. It wasn't a warm smile. Something about it felt calculated. After class ended, Vanessa approached Daniel while the others packed their bags. "I guess we'll be working together." Daniel nodded politely. "It looks that way." "Can we discuss the project after the library session this evening?" Daniel hesitated. "If it's only about the project." "Of course." Naomi watched the conversation from a distance. When Daniel joined her, she asked quietly, "Everything okay?" "Just project work." She looked toward Vanessa again. "I don't trust her." Daniel smiled reassuringly. "You're worrying for nothing." "I hope so." He kissed her forehead. "I'll call you after we're done." Naomi forced herself to smile. But deep inside... An uneasy feeling settled in her heart. --- That evening the university library was unusually quiet. Most students had already left for the weekend. Daniel arrived carrying several textbooks. Vanessa was already waiting. She greeted him warmly. For nearly an hour they genuinely discussed the assignment. Marketing strategies. Business planning. Financial projections. Daniel almost began believing she had truly changed. Perhaps he had judged her too harshly. When they finished, he closed his notebook. "I should get going." "So soon?" "It's getting late." She stood. "I'll walk with you." They left the library together. Outside, dark clouds had gathered overhead. The wind carried the scent of approaching rain. The campus pathways gradually emptied as students hurried toward their hostels before the storm arrived. Vanessa walked silently beside Daniel. Neither of them spoke for several minutes. Finally she broke the silence. "Can I ask you something?" "Sure." "Are you really happy with Naomi?" Daniel smiled without hesitation. "Yes." "What makes her different?" He looked ahead thoughtfully. "She brings me peace." Vanessa laughed softly. "Peace?" "Yes." "That's a boring reason." "It isn't." "So she's prettier than me?" Daniel stopped walking. "This conversation isn't appropriate." "I just asked a question." "I've already answered it months ago." She stepped closer. "I still don't understand." "I love Naomi." The words landed like stones. Vanessa looked away. "So there isn't even a small chance?" "No." "Not even if she left you?" Daniel shook his head. "You deserve someone who truly loves you." She stared at him silently. Then smiled. But this time... The smile carried something cold. Something dangerous. "I understand." Daniel relaxed. "I'm glad." She pointed toward a narrow pathway between two lecture buildings. "This shortcut is faster."