SWEETY LOVE

CHAPTER 3

(A Dangerous Attraction)

She glided silently until she reached a hidden corner behind a thick, decorative curtain—a spot usually shadowed and private for the household staff. Holding her breath, she peeked through and managed to see three prominent men seated on lavish, golden sofas. The President himself sat with supreme confidence, a proud smile on his face. Beside him was Prime Minister Professor Mazanda, Victor's father, holding his ceremonial beret in his left hand. And sitting right between them, looking respectful and sharp, was Victor himself.

"Victor," the President’s powerful yet warm voice echoed through the room. "I have decided to hand you a great responsibility. This country needs you. The youth of this nation need someone like you—someone with fresh ideas and a patriotic heart. As of today, you are officially appointed as the Director of the Department of Labor, Employment, and Youth Development."

Victor raised his eyes, a flash of hidden joy and shock crossing his face, though he quickly masked it with deep respect and gratitude. "Thank you very much, Your Excellency," he replied in a calm, steady voice. "I will do everything in my power to prove that it is right to believe in the youth."

Professor Mazanda proudly tapped his son on the chest with a warm smile. "You are a man of action now... don't let us down."

Hidden behind the heavy curtain, Eliana felt her heart swelling so much she didn't know whether to cry or laugh with joy. Happiness flooded her like a powerful, silent ocean wave. She wasn't just attracted to Victor's face or his first impression anymore; she now felt that this young man was truly special—brave, honorable, and now a leader of the nation. Without even realizing it, deep, unspoken feelings began to take root in her soul.

Once the meeting concluded and the leaders went their separate ways, Eliana quietly slipped out of the corridor and rushed back to her bedroom. She locked the door behind her and threw herself in front of a large vanity mirror framed in antique gold. For several seconds, she just stared at her reflection in total silence.

Her eyes held a strange, unfamiliar spark. A slow smile spread across her face as if she were talking to her own soul. "Why am I acting like this?" she whispered to herself. "Why is my heart racing like this?"

She picked up her hairbrush and began to gently brush her long hair, which carried the sweet scent of natural olive oil. Every time she looked at herself in the glass, she felt as though she were dressing up for something—or rather, for someone.

That joy was extraordinary, something that words could not fully explain. She had never felt this way about any man before—and now, she felt as though something was beginning to bloom right in front of her. Something beautiful, dangerous, yet uniquely captivating. And for the very first time, Eliana felt that something inside her was about to change—something she herself wasn't ready to accept... just yet.

When night fell, a gentle, cool breeze swept through the corridors of the Dar es Salaam State House, softly rustling the long white curtains adorned with golden stripes. Inside Eliana's luxurious bedroom, the soft glow of a lamp illuminated the space with a quiet warmth, touching the walls lined with family photos and beautifully hung traditional African art. Eliana sat on her lavish sofa plumed with silk pillows, wearing a simple home kitenge outfit that hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her unique silhouette. Beside her was Grace, her loyal maid, who had always stood by the royal daughter's side.

Eliana raised her face from her phone, stared out the window for a moment, and then turned to Grace with a sudden question. "Tell me... do you know where Victor lives?"

Grace gave her a surprised look for a few seconds, then replied in a casual tone, "Yes, Eliana. He was given a house in Upanga. Just like the other high-ranking State House officials, his residence is near the main road so he can commute to work quickly."

"Oh! Upanga?" Eliana gasped with excitement, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. "Then tomorrow, we are going there."

Grace stared at her in genuine shock. "Eliana... are you sure about what you're saying? You want us to go to Victor's place?"

Eliana turned slowly, rose from her sofa, and walked over to the large mirror in her room. She looked at her reflection, gently touching her hair, and spoke in a dreamy voice, "Yes, Grace. I want to see him. I'm not entirely sure why... but I just know I want to see him face-to-face."

Grace threw her hands up in frustration. "Eliana, please... that boy is famous all over the city. Every beautiful girl has been with him. He is not a man to be trusted—he's a modern-day playboy. You might end up getting hurt for nothing. And honestly, I don't want my boss to be ruined. With his reckless behavior, I highly doubt he will last long in the position the President gave him. I'm sure my father will fire him before long."

Eliana let out a soft laugh while continuing to look at herself in the glass. "Fine, all of that belongs to him. I am not going there to give him my heart... I just said I want to see him. And as for his job, that's up to him."

Grace stepped closer to Eliana and asked, "But when you get there, what will you even say to him? What will you tell Victor?"

Eliana turned her face slowly, locking her eyes onto her friend, and spoke in a soft voice wrapped in mystery, "I don't even know, Grace. I will know once I see him. My soul is just telling me to go."

She turned back to the mirror, this time with a smile, her eyes radiating a strange, internal happiness. If one thing was clear that night, it was this: Eliana, the daughter of the President, had already stepped onto an unpredictable path—a path of intense emotion, desire, and a burning urge to know more about the young man who had entered her life so unexpectedly. And her heart, without a fight, was ready to follow this current to the very end.

The following afternoon, the sun rose smoothly over the streets of Dar es Salaam, bringing the usual calm to a bustling city. A luxury vehicle bearing the State House emblem pulled slowly into the Upanga neighborhood, followed by two other cars carrying the President's security detail. Inside the front car, Eliana sat with a tense stillness, her eyes glued to the window like someone waiting for something monumental to happen. Beside her sat Grace, watching her with deep concern.

It didn't take long before the car pulled up outside a neat house secured by a modern perimeter wall and a garden filled with vibrant red roses. This was the official residence Victor had been given for his new government title.

As they were preparing to step out, the main gate suddenly swung open, and a quad bike roared out with an effortless, stylish speed. Riding it was Victor himself, dressed in denim shorts, a trendy graphic t-shirt, and dark sunglasses that made him look completely captivating. Sitting right behind him was a breathtakingly beautiful girl—Hafsa—wearing gym pants and a sleeveless top that left her shoulders bare. Both of them were laughing and talking with high spirits, looking like they were heading somewhere fun. It was the perfect image of two people lost in their own world of pleasure.

The moment Eliana saw them, her heart pounded violently against her ribs. First, she felt the sting of seeing something she had completely unexpected. Her face fell into a deep sadness mixed with sharp jealousy. Then, her demeanor instantly shifted; she straightened up in her seat with royal posture and let out a furious breath.

"Driver, follow that young man. Do not let him out of your sight," she commanded in a low but authoritative voice, watching Victor vanish into the distance.

Grace leaned in closer, staring at her in disbelief. "Eliana... are you sure this is right? This is exactly what I warned you about yesterday. Victor is not someone you should long for. That girl on the back of his bike is the reality of his life."

Eliana turned slowly, her eyes flashing coldly at Grace. "Grace, don't misunderstand me. I am not following Victor because of love. I am the President's daughter. A man who has been trusted with the Department of Labor and Youth Development should not be seen parading around in public with women like that. He carries the nation's honor. I must know where he is going and what he is doing."

Grace trembled with doubt. "But Eliana... that is not your responsibility. Public servants' conduct is monitored by the public leadership ethics secretariat, not you. Let them protect their own honor."

"I won't allow it," Eliana cut her off, staring straight ahead. "Victor is a leader. And he must be an example. If he sets youth employment aside to ride around the streets on a quad bike with girls, then he is unfit for office. I've made up my mind. We are following him to the end."

END OF CHAPTER 3