Toxic rich men

Performative

KEMI'S POV

I hear the phone ringing for a while now in my quiet apartment. I sit up groggily and check my phone and I get riled up because it is 5 in the morning. ‘‘Who the f*** is calling me by this ungodly hour?’’ I sigh and pick up the phone which is grating on my nerves at this point.

‘‘KEMIIIII THE KEMZ!!!’’ I instantly become clear-headed and annoyed. Because why is this razz girl (Linda) calling me.

‘’What is it? Why are you blowing up my phone at this time?'' I snap. ‘’ Please stop shouting at me, I'm just calling you to inform you that your friend is all over the blogs because of her display last night''

I blink, trying to remember what she's on about. ‘‘ So you don't remember? Anyways I've forwarded the video to you'' She giggled and ended the call and I wonder what's funny.

My head is throbbing from the drinks I had last night at a fellow influencer's birthday. I clicked on the video and I see Diana

MY DIANA

- who is like a sister to me grinding on my date, Lékan!!!

Yes, my date because I refuse to acknowledge that silly, womanizing man as my boyfriend. But that is beside the point because Diana knows of my plans with this man and she's out there cozying up with him?

I don't have the energy for this today so I leave my bed to start my morning routine. I open the automatic drapes and I am bedazzled by the stunning view. You see, this is why I do what I do so I can afford luxuries like this. I take in some fresh air and placed my order for my morning coffee just the way I like it. I head to the bathroom for my shower and skincare routine and I take videos to edit later into vlogs. My coffee is here and by the time I'm done it is almost seven o'clock and I put on my workout clothes to head to the gym. This is all performative of course...

But that's the thing about me: I don't just perform, I become IT.

****************************************

After editing videos I took for my vlog showcasing my perfect life, I delved into Diana's case. I rewatched the video noting all the things I had skipped previously— she seemed clear-headed. I know Lékan wasn't the best but he was one my best spenders.

Being in his early 50's and running a multinational business, he was pretty set up for life. Let's ignore this inconsequential fact being his marriage. But hey, every man in Lagos is married.

Anyways, as a trained media figure that I am, the best response to this scandal is no response. I go about posting pictures from yesterday before dealing with Lékan who has been texting me.

Before you ask, I am not going to leave Lékan. How can I? Do you know what I passed through to get him? Of course not.

I'd just play the forgiving card and get him to sponsor my vacation to Shebara island...

As for Diana, I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of responding.

***10:00am*****

I change into a sexy crocheted two-piece outfit and spritz on some Dior perfume. I checked out of my hotel and headed to my house. Stopping at a*****e to get some stuff, I feel all eyes on me.

Yes, I admit I love attention.I chase it like my next high. Don't get me wrong, I'm not into drugs or anything. I only take party drugs.

Settling down in my house, I call Sophie. Sophie is the one of the kindest anybody in our circle can be. And she has crazy connections. She fronts as a PR team manager but in reality, she serves as a middle man for all kinds of services you can name. She's also one of my day ones.

‘‘hey girl, it's been forever'' I say.

‘‘Kemi, how are you doing? I saw the news, that s**t is really messed up, how could she do that? What do you plan on doing?"

‘’Nothing much, I just need a burner account. Send me your rate card''

‘‘Okay, be careful.''Sophie says.

Diana thinks she's sleek but I know all about her. You see to stay in the game, you have to be several steps ahead. Ok, I'm not that all knowing but I've got some bait to dent her image. But I'm not doing it now, otherwise everyone will know it's me tarnishing her image and I'd be seen as petty which I am so not. I'll just stay off for a week or too and tip some major bloggers some juicy feeds.

A call comes through from my mother and it dampens my mood instantly. I ignore it. *******************************************

12:00pm

I message my special client and drive out to my store. Yes I'm also a hair vendor and own 3 stores. Everything is in order so I go about getting ready for my special client. Chief ***** is one of my best clients. Being married and influential, he keeps his business with me discrete. He isn't like all these young boys that love showing off and he loves things a certain way.

My wax I did for yesterday's event is still fresh and my weave is intact, so I only go to get a full body scrub and facials. Next, I get my manicure and pedicure done the way my clients like.

****3:00pm***

Done with my makeup, I put on the outfit Chief had sent and his driver picks me up to meet with him. It's a three days staycation, but he insists I bring nothing as clothes and other things will be provided.

On getting there, he serves me wine and I know it's is spiked with something but he claims it is to improve our mood. Drugging is one of his kinks. He gets on with it and grunts for like forever and I lay there feeling what I try hard to suppress – void, depressed and useless.

Well maybe my mother is right.