"No way, girl. Computer engineers are the best. You can't compare them with estate managers," Tina said as they strolled down the road after lectures, heading to catch a cab home.
"Okay, Tina. First off, computer engineers and estate managers have nothing in common," Cherry countered.
"How's that a problem?" Tina laughed—just as she accidentally bumped into Victor.
Victor looked her over from head to toe. She looked great. They hadn't spoken since that incident.
"I need to talk to you, Tina. It's urgent," he said.
"Go ahead, Victor," she replied calmly.
"Excuse us, Cherry," Victor added, throwing a sharp glance filled wih disgust.
"She's with me. Just say what you have to say—and make it quick."
"Fine." He paused, then continued. "You've been ignoring me, Tina. You don't answer my calls, and you leave all my texts on read. I'm really sorry for what happened. I mean it. I'm sorry, baby—"
"Don't call me that," she warned.
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry, Tina. Please forgive me. Let's go back to how we used to be."
"I'm done, Victor."
"Please..."
"Come on, Cherry. Let's go," Tina said, walking away without looking back.
"But, Tina..." he called after her.
She didn't turn around. She was already walking away with Cherry.
"God!!." Victor muttered under his breath.
---
The duplex in Real Love Estate stood magnificently at the end of the street. Painted in pristine white, it had a stunning garden bursting with vibrant, blossoming flowers. A bar and a swimming pool adorned the backyard, and a spotless golden gate completed the royal aesthetic. The garage wasn't left out—it housed a fleet of luxury cars, all perfectly arranged.
Edward Morgan stood outside, dressed in a black kaftan that gave him an air of quiet royalty. His dark hair glistened under the soft evening sun, highlighting his warm brown skin. He held a glass of wine in one hand, his expression pensive.
"Why hasn't she called?" he wondered aloud. "It's been almost two weeks. Did I do something wrong? Did I act strange?" He kept turning the possibilities over in his mind.
Finally, Edward walked to the bar and sat down. "Maybe I should pay her a visit," he decided.
---
Cherry sat in the living room, surrounded by scattered books on the table. The door opened and Tina walked in.
"Did you get the textbooks?" Cherry asked.
"Yeah, I did. Here." Tina handed them over.
"Yes!" Cherry squealed and immediately began flipping through the pages. Tina sat quietly beside her.
"What's wrong, Tina?" Cherry asked, glancing up.
"I saw him again."
"Who?"
"Victor."
"What about him?"
"He's flirting with other girls, and still asking me to come back to him."
"It's obvious he doesn't love you. He just wants your body—nothing real. You just don't want to accept that."
"I'm going to end it for good this time. I'll tell him I don't love him anymore."
"Good girl."
Tina grabbed a pen and paper and began scribbling a breakup letter. Cherry watched her silently. When Tina finished, she folded the note and tucked it into her purse.
"I'm taking it to the post office. I don't want him to have access to my new number."
"Okay. Oh, and I almost forgot—I'm spending the night at the City Library. My project team is doing some management research."
"Alright then."
"You'll be fine alone?"
"Sure."
"Be careful. It's getting late."
"Thanks. Bye!" Tina called as she rushed out the door.
---
"Keep the change."
"Thanks," the post office attendant replied.
Tina caught her reflection in the glass door. She looked like a mess. It had been so long since she saw herself as Tina Smith. The weight of her problems had left her emotionally frayed and unrecognizable.
She walked aimlessly through the streets. It was late, but she didn't care. She was headed to her favorite spot to think.
When she finally arrived, a wave of calm washed over her. She stood under a broad, beautiful tree, letting the cool breeze from the nearby waters ruffle her messy hair. She imagined being madly in love—with the right person. Someone who wouldn't treat her like Victor did. Someone she could confide in without fear. Someone who would love her for who she was, not what she was. A man, not a boy. Someone who would stand by her, proudly introduce her as his girl, and promise her that everything would be okay.
She closed her eyes and drifted deep into her thoughts. She was standing, but her mind had taken her far away. She was barely conscious.
"Tina?" a masculine voice called from behind.
She stirred.
He wore a navy-blue t-shirt and black trousers. It was Edward. He walked toward her and gently held her from behind.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm... f...fine," she muttered.
"I looked everywhere for you. I went to your residence, and the doorman said you had gone to the post office. When I got there, they told me you'd headed this way." He held her closer. She tried to resist his touch, struggling to stay alert.
"Yo...you so...sound fa...miliar... The dri...ver?"
"Yes. But my name is Edward," he said, noticing her relax slightly.
"I'll take you home. It's getting late, and I can't leave you here alone."