Sweet Nemesis💖

The Debt🤑🤑

Chapter 3

Monday rushed by quickly.

To Favour’s surprise, the devil’s grandson actually attended lectures. After the morning class, she walked up to him to ask for the hard copy of her book. Although she was grateful he had helped edit and type her novel, she wasn’t planning on showing any gratitude. After all, she had nearly developed high blood pressure because he took her book in the first place. To Favour, that alone was enough payment for whatever he had done.

“Hi, Mr. Alex. When do you plan on returning my book? Or do you intend on claiming ownership?”

Alex, who was busy on his phone, didn’t spare her a glance. Instead, he casually pulled the book from his bag and tossed it toward her.

Favour was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to return it so easily.

“What the hell are you up to? What do you want from me?” she asked suspiciously.

“Excuse you,” Alex replied coldly. “Didn’t you just ask for your book? I gave it to you, and now you’re asking what I want from you? What do you think I could possibly want from you? Besides... what exactly do you have that anyone would want?”

“I don’t care how you see me,” Favour shot back. “And you can think whatever you want. I just don’t like being indebted to people like you. Yes, you took my book in the first place, but you edited and typed the whole thing, which seems way overboard. So tell me—why did you go to such lengths?”

Nearby students glanced at Favour in surprise. She hardly spoke to anyone except her two friends, yet here she was arguing with the handsome, arrogant, weird, and dumb guy.

“The reason is simple,” Alex said. “I figured out you were caught in someone’s little prank, so I decided to see what was so important about the book. Only to discover a poorly constructed manuscript. And to think you intended to submit it to sss? You would’ve brought disgrace to this faculty. So I used some of my free time to fix it. Besides…” He smirked. “The story wasn’t boring. I think it was worth typing.”

Favour’s annoyance at his insults faded the moment she heard his last statement.

“Is the story really interesting?” she asked eagerly. “Do you think it could win an award?”

Alex studied the anxious girl in front of him and felt she wasn’t that bad after all. For a first-year student to develop such an interesting plot, she had to be talented… and intelligent.

He had also noticed she was always in school whenever he showed up.

I hardly attend classes regularly and I’m already missing out on a lot, Alex thought. Why don’t I have someone taking attendance for me, sending me notes, and keeping me updated on tests and important events?

That way, he wouldn’t have to worry about his father finding out he hardly attend classes.

The girl standing before him was the perfect choice. She didn’t seem like someone from a wealthy family, which meant she likely took her studies seriously. More importantly, she probably wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to earn extra cash

But I’ve offended her, he thought. Even if she wants the money, her pride might stop her from agreeing… unless she’s indebted to me

Alex intentionally dropped his phone on the edge of the desk, then suddenly snatched the notebook from Favour’s hand

Favour’s eyes widened in panic.

She had tucked a private list between the pages—girl stuff she would die of embarrassment if any guy saw.

She quickly reached for it, but Alex seemed reluctant to let go.

“What the hell are you trying to do? Return my notebook this minute!”

She stretched toward him and managed to snatch it back. But as she pulled it toward herself, it brushed against the phone resting on the edge of the desk.

The phone fell.

Crash.

Favour froze.

She quickly bent down, picked it up, and noticed a c***k on the screen. She couldn’t tell if it had been there before or if it had happened just now.

Slowly, she looked up at Alex.

His expression had turned dark.

“I—I didn’t mean it,” Favour stammered. “Besides, if you hadn’t taken my notebook, this wouldn’t have happened. I really didn’t mean to drop your phone.”

She recognized the phone immediately. It was a Samsung—and she knew exactly how expensive repairs could be.

What if he asks me to pay for it?

She knew her financial condition as well as she knew her own gender.

She definitely couldn’t afford it.

“What exactly are you implying?” Alex asked coldly.

The dangerous tone in his voice made Favour swallow hard.

“Simply because I held your notebook, you broke a phone whose screen costs more than your school fees for three years at University of Port Harcourt… and all you can say is that you didn’t mean it?”

He leaned closer.

“Are you trying to play Cinderella? Waiting for some knight in shining armor to pay for your mistakes?”

“I’m really sorry, Mr. Alex,” Favour said sincerely. “But you were the one who took my notebook first. It was only right for me to get it back. I truly didn’t mean for your phone to break… and honestly…”

She lowered her eyes.

“I don’t have the money to compensate you.”

Alex crossed his arms.

“That was a lovely speech,” he said dryly, “but I’m afraid I can’t take it into consideration. I can’t stay without my phone, and I didn’t make plans to repair it anytime soon.”

He smirked.

“Besides, even if I did, I still wouldn’t let you off so easily. Actions have consequences.”

Favour glared at him.

Why does this guy always succeed in frustrating me?

“Don’t look at me like I’m the devil reincarnated,” Alex said lazily. “I’m sure the devil, God, and even your parents would appreciate me teaching you a life lesson.”

“So what exactly do you want me to do?” Favour snapped. “Lay my life on the cross?”

Alex chuckled.

“That would be a waste. I doubt even a fly would be saved by your blood.”

Favour clenched her fists.

She had received nothing from him but insults since the day they met.

“So?” she asked through gritted teeth. “What do you want?”

Alex smiled.

“Here’s the deal.”

He leaned back in his chair.

“I hardly come to school. From now on, you’ll write my attendance, snap clear notes, send them to me, and keep me updated on tests, textbooks, assignments—everything.”

Favour stared at him.

“In return,” he continued, “I’ll pay you eight thousand naira weekly. Four thousand goes toward your debt, and four thousand goes into your account.”

He smirked.

“I’m generous, aren’t I?”

Favour folded her arms.

“How much exactly is this so-called debt?”

Alex answered without blinking.

“One million.”

“What?!”

Her jaw dropped.

“Are you planning to make me work for you my whole life?”

She glared at him.

“Besides, I’m not entirely to blame. You played a part in this too.”

Alex raised an eyebrow.

“What are you suggesting?”

“Split it.”

She crossed her arms.

“You pay half, I pay half. Fair enough.”

Alex laughed.

“That’s impossible.”

He leaned forward.

“If we’re splitting it, you should pay more. Seven hundred thousand for you, three hundred thousand for me.”

Favour stared at him in disbelief.

“Are you always this petty?”

She took a deep breath.

“Fine. Last offer. I’ll pay six hundred thousand, and you pay four hundred thousand.”

Alex studied her for a moment.

Seeing that she had reached her limit, he decided not to push further.

“Alright.”

He stood up.

“You start working tomorrow. And if I find out you’re not honest or consistent…”

He smirked.

“The debt increases.”

He dropped his contact information on the desk and walked away with a satisfied grin.

Favour stood rooted to the spot, watching his proud shoulders disappear into the crowd of students.

She felt defeated.

Then suddenly, she remembered something.

Her story had been submitted to sss.

A small smile curved in her lips.

I can’t let my troubles overshadow my success, she thought.

And with that, she walked out of the classroom.

*****

Outside the classroom, Favour spotted her two friends deep in conversation with Kale—a tall, dark, handsome guy whom Happiness openly admired. He carried himself with effortless confidence and was considered one of the wealthy guys in the Department of Journalism.

“Hi,” Favour greeted as she walked up to them.

“What’s up?” Kale replied in his usual friendly manner.

“I’m good.”

“Give me the phone, nah,” Happiness said in her familiar, almost possessive tone, as though trying to show everyone just how close she was to him.

Favour fought the urge to roll her eyes.

Sometimes she wondered if Happiness was pretending not to notice that Kale treated almost every girl in the department with the same kindness.

Happiness giggled as she stretched out her hand.

Kale smiled apologetically.

“The phone isn’t with me right now. Someone borrowed it to take pictures. She should be back anytime.”

Almost on cue, the person in question walked toward them with a group of friends.

It was Stella.

One of the prettiest—and smartest—girls in the department.

She walked with confidence, elegance, and the unmistakable air of someone who knew exactly what she was worth. Her fair skin glowed under the afternoon sun, and her long braided hair swayed gracefully behind her.

Favour had to admit—

Stella was beautiful.

“Have you been waiting for me?” Stella asked, her voice smooth and sweet.

“Not really,” Kale replied casually. “Are you done with the phone?”

Happiness immediately jumped in.

“What do you mean not really? You’ve obviously been waiting for her.”

She folded her arms.

“And seriously, how long does it take to take pictures? Especially with a phone that doesn’t even belong to you.”

Stella’s expression hardened instantly.

“And who exactly are you to question me?”

She stepped closer.

“Does the phone belong to you? Your boyfriend? Your brother?”

Her lips curled.

“Then mind your business.”

Happiness laughed dryly.

“Funny coming from someone borrowing an Apple iPhone just to take pictures.”

The air grew tense.

Favour exchanged glances with Victory.

Neither of them moved.

“Hey,” Happiness continued boldly, “if you think you’re so classy, buy your own.”

Stella folded her arms.

“And if I did, I doubt people like you would even be worthy of touching it.”

“Please, can both of you stop?” Kale interrupted, clearly uncomfortable.

The two girls fell silent, though their eyes still burned with irritation.

Kale gently collected the phone from Stella and handed it to Happiness.

Happiness accepted it with a victorious smile, throwing Stella a smug look.

Then she, Victory, and Favour turned to leave.

As they walked away, Favour glanced back.

Stella was still standing with Kale.

“Kale, where are you going?” Stella asked as he began to walk off.

“To the tennis court,” he replied.

Stella bit her lip before stepping closer.

“I’m sorry about earlier.”

Her voice softened.

“I didn’t mean for things to get out of hand… but you saw how she started everything.”

Kale looked at her calmly.

“If you feel like apologizing…”

He paused.

“Then apologize to her. You didn’t quarrel with me.”

Stella’s face fell.

“But I don’t care about her.”

She moved closer and gently held his hand.

“I care about you.”

Kale avoided her gaze.

“Stella…”

“I love you, Kale,” she confessed quietly. “And you know it.”

She squeezed his hand.

“There are so many guys who want me, but I’ve turned them all down because of you.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

“So why can’t you make me your girlfriend?”

Kale sighed.

“Stella…”

He slowly pulled his hand away.

“I’ve told you before. I only see you as a friend.”

Her face tightened with hurt.

“Since when?”

She frowned.

“We’ve been close since our first year. Don’t tell me you feel nothing.”

Before Kale could respond, his attention shifted.

Someone was approaching.

His face lit up instantly.

“Hi, Angel.”

He smiled warmly as he walked toward her.

Stella stood frozen.

Her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she watched him leave without another word.

“Kale!” she called after him.

“Let’s talk later, Stella. I’ve got something to do.”

“What could possibly be more important?” she shouted.

But he didn’t turn back.

Stella’s eyes slowly shifted toward Angel.

And in that moment…

Something dark flickered in them.