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The days that followed passed quietly for Tobi Danesi, but not for everyone else.
Across campus, whispers were beginning to move like a slow wind.

It started with small conversations.

“Did you see Sandra talking to Tobi?”

“They walked to the library together yesterday.”

“I thought he didn’t like girls like that.”

The gossip spread through lecture halls, hostel corridors, and the cafeteria. Some students spoke with curiosity, others with amusement.

But one person heard the rumors with growing discomfort.

Rita.

That afternoon, she sat with Kemi and Vivian outside the student center. Her fingers tapped nervously on the table as she listened to their conversation.

“I saw them again today,” Vivian said.

“Who?” Rita asked quietly.

“Tobi and Sandra.”

Rita frowned.
“Where?”

“Near the library,” Vivian replied.

Kemi shrugged. “Maybe they were just talking.”

But Sandra, who had just arrived at the table, smiled mysteriously.

“Talking can lead to many things.”

Rita looked at her sharply.

“What do you mean?”

Sandra leaned back in her chair.

“Oh, nothing serious.”

Her tone made Rita uneasy.

“What exactly is going on?” Rita asked.

Sandra shrugged again.

“You should ask your boyfriend.”

Later that evening, Rita walked toward the Mass Communication building, searching for Tobi.

She found him exactly where she expected: sitting beneath the large mango tree with his laptop open and several books spread around him.

He looked up when he heard her footsteps.

“Hey,” he said with a smile.

“Hi.”

Rita sat beside him, but her usual cheerful energy was missing.

Tobi noticed immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she replied quickly.

Tobi closed his laptop slowly.

“Rita.”

She looked at him.

“You know I can tell when something is bothering you.”

She hesitated before speaking.

“Have you been spending time with Sandra?”

Tobi looked surprised.

“Yes… a little.”

“Why?”

“She asked for help with an assignment.”

Rita studied his face carefully.
“That’s all?”

“Yes,” Tobi said calmly.

Rita looked down at her hands.

“People are talking.”

Tobi sighed softly.

“People always talk.”

“But this time it’s different,” she said.

He tilted his head.

“How?”

“They’re saying Sandra likes you.”

Tobi smiled faintly.

“That’s not my problem.”

“But it could become one,” Rita replied.
For a moment, silence settled between them.

Finally Tobi spoke.

“Rita, you know who I am.”

From her bag, she brought two packs of fried rice and gave me one. "I bought this as I was


coming."


"Oh, but you shouldn't have bothered."


She giggled. "But I'm not bothered. I want you to have it."


I thanked her and took the food. After the meal, I asked her how she was coping with working


for Ms. Morgan.


"Ah, it can be stressful. You know, she is fussy. All the same, thank God she is quite


understanding and generous."
I nodded in agreement. Amanda had a point there. Later, she changed into a satin sleep wear I


considered to be be sexy, but I didn't say anything. Wait a minute, was the a chance for me to fill


the missing link in my love life? Could Amanda be God sent? I had to be careful. I did not desire


for any sexual fulfilment and must not give any such impression. Of course, I would not take


advantage of her. If I developed interest at all, it would be over time. I would bid my time.


I was in the sitting-room the following morning as early as five a.m to surf the internet. Some


minutes after six, Amanda came to tell me she would be going to work. She looked quite smart


in the skirt suit she was wearing. Many hours later when she came in the evening, she brought


food pack for me again. It was fried plantain and potato chips. Now, I could see that she wanted


to make this a habit.


Again, I didn't want it to be that I was taking advantage of the situation. So, the next morning, I


gave her some money to buy food for the two of us when she would be coming from work. I


decided I would have to be doing this for the period that she would be staying. No problem. It


was one of those things. The week ran fast. Before I knew it, it was weekend. On Sunday. I was


still in bedroom till eight. Amanda knocked gently at the door.
"Which church do you worship around here?" she asked.


I shook my head. "Sorry, I don't go to church."


"What!" she exclaimed as if I had just confessed to committing murder. "You don't mean it."


"I mean it," I answered gently.


"But... How come you're behaving like a Christian brother? Since I came here, I've been observing


you. You don't smoke, you don't drink alcohol, you've not brought any lady to the house. How


come you do all these?"


I laughed briefly. "Doing all those things are about character or attitude. I'm used to doing them,


whether I go to church or not."


"That's amazing. So, which religion do you practise?"


I sighed. "Must I practise a religion? Let me just say that I'm neither an atheist nor agnostics. As


a matter of fact, I believe in God and I'm very spiritual."


She didn't appear convinced by what I said, but she asked no further question.


Two hours later, she was still in the house. By then, I was in the sitting-room, busy on my laptop.

What Funmi was wearing looked so much like the other one; but then, bras look alike, don't they? Without minding that I was there, Funmi unhooked the bra and unclothed her breasts. I looked away. It would be a tough task but I must pass the litmus test. She finally put on the t-shirt and came back to sit on the sofa.

My mind went to Damilola. I was sure she did not mean it when she said it was over between us. I was sure she would be very jealous if she should come inside the room right now. But, what if she meant what she had said? What if we would never be intimate again? That would she would never be my love again. I sighed. Was it not fortuitous that Funmi was here?

She had come back after realizing that she had chased a wild goose. She had asked for forgiveness and had offered herself. Should I miss this opportunity? Was a bird in hand not worth two in the bush? I shuddered at these thoughts. Calm down, I told myself. Even if Damilola decided not to come back to my life, having intimate relationship with Funmi must be a bygone matter, and I must let bygone be bygone. My mind veered to Ms. Kay.

Despite her snobbishness, she appeared ... I could not finish the description. All I could say was that there was something special about her. I soon felt sleepy and dozed off. Many minutes later, I felt the hand of Funmi waking me up. "Time to go to bed," she said. "Yeah. Hmm...you can sleep on the bed while I sleep on this."

She looked alarm. "What! No way. Why would you want to discomfort yourself? The bed is more than large enough to contain the two of us."

I sighed and stood up. "Alright."

I went to the toilet to ease myself. By the time I was back, Funmi had switched off the t.v and was lying on the bed. I stripped myself down to the boxers and joined her on the bed. I tried to have a respectable distance from her but she gave me a close-up. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. I could feel Funmi's hand on my chest.

"I miss you," she cooed.

I didn't say a word. Her hand gently rubbed on my chest.

"Are you still angry with me?" she asked.

"No. I told you to err is human."

Her hand rubbed more on my chest, down to my tummy, and moved to my chest again. "Why are you not responding?" she asked again. I could have chuckled.

"Responding to what?"

Instead of verbal response, she held my right, slipped it under the t-shirt and moved it on her left breast.

"I want you to feel this. Feel my love for you. Take it, take me. I'm all yours."

In the semi-darkness of the room, I shook my head.

"If you remember, I told you that we would be friends only. Sorry, I won't accept what you ask me to take."

I slipped my hand away from her breast and from inside the t-shirt.

"It's like you can not clearly see what I'm offering you."

She got up from the bed and switched on the full light. Then, she removed the t-shirt. I could see that she had earlier removed the tight. Now, she stood totally nude before my eyes.

"Can't you see this? Can't you see what you've been missing? Hello, Dave. Funmi, your babe, is back."

The sleep had disappeared from me. I sat up on the bed and stared at her. The nude body before me was pretty and attractive. The figure was curvy, no doubt.

"We're just friends, Funmi. We're no longer lovers. Thank you, but let's just keep the relationship at friendship level, okay? Now, please wear the cloth and come back to bed."

She opened her mouth in shock, unable to say a word. Slowly, she picked up the t-shirt and wore it. Her shock turned to muted anger. She climbed back to the bed, moved far away from me and even turned her back to me. I smiled knowingly and thanked God that I had passed the litmus test.

Tobi smiled faintly.

“Attention is not always a good thing.”

Sandra laughed softly.

“You’re interesting.”

Before Tobi could respond, the lecturer walked in and the class began.

Throughout the lecture, Sandra occasionally glanced at him, studying his calm focus as he wrote notes and asked thoughtful questions.
She had expected him to be nervous around her.

But he wasn’t.

And that made her even more curious.
After class ended, students began leaving the hall.

Sandra remained seated.

“Tobi,” she said.

“Yes?”

“Can you help me with the assignment?”

“Of course.”

They walked together toward the library.
As they walked, Sandra deliberately slowed her pace so they would be slightly behind the other students.

“You know,” she said casually, “you have quite a reputation on campus.”

“Do I?” Tobi asked.

“Yes.”

“What kind of reputation?”

Sandra smiled.

“The disciplined guy who doesn’t fall for temptation.”

Tobi laughed lightly.

“That sounds exaggerated.”

“Maybe,” she said.

They reached the library entrance.

Sandra stopped suddenly.

“Tobi… can I ask you something personal?”

He looked curious.

“What is it?”

Sandra met his eyes.

“Are you really serious about waiting until marriage?”

Tobi didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

Sandra stared at him for a moment.
Then she smiled slowly.

“That’s impressive.”

But inside her mind, another thought formed.

Let’s see how long that lasts.

Later that afternoon, Sandra returned to the café where Kemi and Vivian were waiting.

“Well?” Vivian asked immediately.

Sandra sat down and crossed her legs.

“He’s calm.”

Kemi frowned.

“What does that mean?”

“It means he’s not easily shaken.”

Vivian leaned forward.

“So what’s the next step?”

Sandra’s eyes gleamed mischievously.

“We increase the pressure.”

Kemi sighed.
“This is turning into a serious experiment.”

Sandra laughed.

“Relax.”

Then she looked out the window again.
Across the courtyard, Tobi sat under a tree reading a book, completely unaware that he was the subject of their conversation.
Sandra tapped the table thoughtfully.

“Everyone has a weakness,” she said quietly.

Vivian nodded.

“And you’re determined to find his.”

Sandra smiled.

“Oh, I will.”

Meanwhile, Tobi closed his book and looked around the campus.

He felt something strange that day—almost as if someone was watching him carefully.
But he dismissed the thought.

Instead, he stood up and began walking toward the library again.

His mind returned to the same principle he had always followed:

Character is not proven when life is easy.
It is proven when temptation arrives.

And though he didn’t know it yet…
temptation was already moving closer.

“Let’s see,” she whispered softly.
“How strong your vow really is.”


The First Test

The next morning at Greater Heights University began like any other day. The campus was alive with the usual rush of students heading to lectures, the chatter of friends meeting along the walkways, and the distant sound of music drifting from nearby hostels.

But for Sandra, the day had a special purpose.

She sat in the campus café with Kemi and Vivian, stirring a cup of tea slowly while watching students pass by outside the glass window.

“So,” Vivian said, leaning forward. “What exactly is the plan?”

Sandra smiled slightly.

“The plan is simple.”

Kemi raised an eyebrow.
“Simple how?”

Sandra pointed toward the walkway outside.

“Temptation.”

Vivian laughed.

“You’re really determined to break that boy.”
Sandra shrugged.

“I just want to see if he’s real.”

Kemi looked uneasy.

“What if he is?”

Sandra smirked.

“Then we’ll find out.”

Just then, Tobi walked past the café, heading toward the Mass Communication building.
Sandra’s eyes followed him.

“There he is.”

Tobi arrived at the lecture hall a few minutes early. As usual, he chose a seat near the front, placing his books neatly on the desk.
The hall slowly filled with students, some chatting loudly, others scrolling through their phones.

A few minutes later, Sandra entered.
She wore a confident smile and walked straight toward Tobi’s row.

Several students noticed.

“Look,” someone whispered.

“Sandra is going to sit with Tobi.”

Sandra slid into the seat beside him.

“Good morning,” she said sweetly.

Tobi looked up from his notebook.

“Oh. Hello, Sandra.”

She smiled.
“I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” he replied politely.

Sandra leaned back casually.
“I’ve never actually talked to you properly before.”

Tobi nodded.

“That’s true.”

“I hear you’re the smartest guy in this department.”

Tobi chuckled.

“I wouldn’t say that.”

Sandra tilted her head.

“You’re also very… disciplined.”

Tobi sensed something unusual in her tone but remained calm.

“I try to be.”

Sandra leaned slightly closer.

“You know, most guys would be excited to have attention from girls.”

Tobi smiled faintly.

“Attention is not always a good thing.”

Sandra laughed softly.
“You’re interesting.”

Rita sighed.

“You know what I mean.”

He closed his laptop gently.

“Tell me what’s bothering you.”

Rita looked around briefly before speaking.

“My friends think you’re strange.”

Tobi laughed lightly.

“That’s not new.”

“They think you’re pretending.”

His smile faded slightly.

“Pretending about what?”

“About your principles.”

Tobi looked at her carefully.

“And what do you think?”

Rita hesitated.

“I don’t know.”

That answer hurt more than she realized.

But Tobi didn’t show it.

Instead, he spoke calmly.

“Rita, I believe in respecting people and respecting myself.”

She nodded slowly.

“But what if people don’t understand?”

“They don’t have to,” he said.

Rita studied his face.

“You really mean it.”

“Yes.”

“But isn’t it difficult?” she asked.

“Sometimes.”

“So why keep doing it?”

Tobi smiled gently.

“Because character is built by the choices we repeat every day.”

Rita didn’t respond.

For the first time, she wondered if maybe—just maybe—Tobi’s discipline wasn’t an act.
Across the courtyard, Sandra watched them closely.

“So?” Vivian asked.

Sandra smirked.

“This is getting interesting.”

Kemi frowned.

“What are you thinking?”

Sandra’s eyes gleamed mischievously.

“If Rita won’t test him…”

She paused.

“Then we will.”

Vivian grinned.

“Oh, I like this already.”

Kemi looked unsure.

“You’re serious?”

Sandra nodded.

“Let’s see how long Mr. Perfect can resist temptation.”

Later that evening, Tobi walked alone toward the hostel area.

The campus lights flickered on as darkness slowly settled over the university.

Students laughed loudly in nearby hostels, music drifting through the air.

But Tobi walked quietly, deep in thought.
He knew people found his choices unusual.

He knew temptations surrounded him daily.
Yet he also knew something else.

Principles only matter when they are tested.
And somewhere in the distance, unseen by him, a test was already beginning.

Sandra smiled to herself as she watched Tobi disappear down the walkway.

“Let’s see,” she whispered softly.

“How strong your vow really is.”

I shook my head. "Thank you madam, but I'm okay. I don't need any food today again. Good night, ma'am. Good night,  

Sharon." "Goodnight, Seyi," madam

returned. I left the house.



 *  *  * 


On Sunday morning, I was still in bed by eight. I ought to get up and start preparing for church but I didn't feel like going today. Madam Fransica remained on my mind. I needed to caution myself. Was I not taking things too far? Was I not overstretching my luck?

No, I was not, I answered myself. I only expressed love to her and there was no crime in that. My phone rang. It was the madam on the line.

 "Good morning, madam." 

"Good morning, Seyi. Are you still angry with me?" 

"Oh no. I'm not."

 There was a short pause. "Alright, have a nice day." 

"You too, madam. Thanks for calling." 

Maybe I should allow things to cool down, I told myself. Things were rather going at a fast pace. I tried to forget about Madam Fransisca. I believe what would be, would be. I did not call or go to madam's house that day. 

On Monday, I tried to focus on my job. By afternoon, madam called me. 

"I thought you said you're not angry with me," she started in accusing  tone. "Why didn't you call or come around?" "I'm sorry ma'am."

I didn't know what else to say. "I can come later today after closing from work." 

"Good. I'll be expecting you." 

She cut the line. By six p.m. I was in madam's sitting-room. 

“She went out but she said she would soon be back," Kubrat said.

 "Alright." I sat comfortably and stretched my legs. 

"What can I get you?"

 "Thanks. Nothing for now."

 I was there for about thirty minutes before she came around. 

“Oh I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting," she said.

 Kubrat relieved her of her hand bag and the shopping bag.

 "Please, come along." 

I followed her to the bedroom. "Sit down please."

She pointed at the leather seat. After Kubrat had left, madam opened the shopping bag and started bringing some items out. 

"I want your job as P.A to be as smooth as possible. This is a new infinix phone, an i-pad, a folder and some other things that you'll need to do the work well."

 I smiled at her. What a woman. "You have done well, madam. It would have been a pleasure  working for you and accepting all these, but for the other factor." 

She stared at me. "What other factor?"

Tobi allowed himself a small smile.

“Integrity isn’t easy,” he thought. “But it’s worth it.”

And in that moment, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, Tobi Danesi—handsome, brilliant, and unwavering—continued walking the path he had chosen, unaware of the challenges and temptations that awaited him in the days to come.



Rita’s Doubts

The afternoon sun hung lazily over Greater Heights University, bathing the campus in a warm golden glow. Students spilled out of lecture halls, their voices rising in laughter, arguments, and casual gossip. Some headed toward the cafeteria, others to the hostels, while a few gathered beneath the mango trees that dotted the university grounds.

Near the Mass Communication building, Tobi Danesi sat alone on a wooden bench. His laptop rested on his lap, and several books lay open beside him. To most students passing by, he looked completely absorbed in his work.

And he was.

But not everyone understood why.
Across the courtyard, Rita stood with her friends—Sandra, Kemi, and Vivian. They watched Tobi from a distance.

Sandra folded her arms and smirked.

“There he goes again,” she said.

Kemi laughed lightly. “That boy is always reading.”

Vivian shook her head. “Honestly, I’ve never seen someone take school this seriously.”
Rita remained silent, staring at Tobi thoughtfully.

Sandra nudged her. “Your boyfriend is strange, you know.”

Rita frowned. “Why do you say that?”
Sandra raised an eyebrow.

“Because every guy on this campus would be happy to have a girlfriend like you.”

Vivian added with a grin, “But your own boyfriend behaves like a pastor.”

The girls laughed.

Rita tried to smile, but something inside her felt uneasy.

“It’s not like that,” she said.

Sandra tilted her head. “Really?”

“Yes.”

Sandra leaned closer.

“So tell us, Rita… how far have you two gone?”

Rita hesitated.

Kemi and Vivian immediately noticed.

“Wait,” Kemi said slowly. “Don’t tell me…”

Rita sighed.

“Tobi doesn’t believe in premarital sex.”
The three girls burst into laughter.

“You’re joking!” Vivian said.

Sandra wiped tears from her eyes.
“In this university?” she said between laughs. “That’s impossible.”

Rita looked uncomfortable.

“He’s serious about it.”

Sandra’s smile faded slightly.

“That’s suspicious.”

“What do you mean?” Rita asked.

Sandra shrugged.

“No guy is that disciplined.”

Kemi nodded. “Maybe he’s pretending.”

Rita crossed her arms.

“He’s not pretending.”

Sandra smirked.

“Then prove it.”

Rita blinked. “Prove what?”

“That he’s really what he claims to be.”

Meanwhile, Tobi remained focused on his work.

He was typing notes for an upcoming presentation on media ethics, a subject he enjoyed deeply. The topic fascinated him because it dealt with the responsibility of journalists to remain truthful and principled.
As he typed, a shadow fell across his laptop.

“Tobi.”

He looked up.

Rita stood there.

He smiled warmly.

“Hey.”

She sat beside him.

“You’re working again?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“You do that a lot.”

Tobi chuckled softly.

“It’s my final year.”

“So?”

“So I want to finish strong.”

Rita watched him quietly.

There was something about his calm confidence that both attracted and confused her.

“Tobi,” she said after a moment.

“Yes?”

“Can I ask you something honestly?”

“Of course.”

She hesitated.

“Why are you so… strict with yourself?”

Tobi looked thoughtful.

“I wouldn’t call it strict.”

“What would you call it?”

“Discipline.”

Rita sighed.

“You know what I mean.”

Good day dear friends.


Have a nice reading:



The Unbroken Vow


Tobi Danesi, a disciplined Mass Communication student, refuses premarital sex despite temptations at university and later in the workplace. During NYSC in Uyo, his integrity as a journalist exposes corruption and earns respect. His friendship with Esther grows into love. Supported by their families, they marry, proving that steadfast values can shape a meaningful life.





Chapter One – Tobi Danesi

The morning sun glinted off the red roofs of Greater Heights University, casting long shadows across the wide campus lawns. Students moved in every direction: some hurrying to lectures, others lounging under trees, scrolling through phones or chatting in small groups. Amid the lively chaos, Tobi Danesi walked calmly, his books tucked neatly under one arm, his uniform crisp and neat.

He was easy to notice—tall, dark-skinned, and handsome, with sharp features that made heads turn wherever he went. But there was more to him than looks. Those who had attended his lectures knew him as brilliant, always at the top of his class. Even lecturers would sometimes pause mid-lecture to shake their heads at his insight.
And yet, despite all the admiration, Tobi carried himself with a quiet confidence. He wasn’t arrogant, nor was he showy.

There was a calm about him, as though he had learned early in life that discipline and patience mattered more than praise.
“Morning, Tobi!” called Rita, weaving through the crowd to catch up with him. She was striking, with a smile that could light up a room, and she often walked beside him in the mornings, chatting casually.

“Morning,” Tobi replied politely, adjusting his books.

“You’re always so serious,” Rita teased. “Do you ever relax?”

“I relax,” Tobi said, smiling faintly, “but I also know what matters.”

Rita raised an eyebrow. “And what matters today, Mr. Philosopher?”

“Learning. Growing. Staying true to my principles,” he said simply.

Rita laughed lightly. “You’re such an odd one. Most guys would just… you know, enjoy themselves.”

Tobi shook his head. “Some things aren’t worth trading for temporary satisfaction.”

Rita stopped walking for a moment, studying him. “You really mean that? About… everything?”

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation.

Her smile faltered slightly. “Even… relationships?”

“Yes. Especially relationships,” he answered.
For a moment, Rita looked unsure. She had expected flirtation, playful teasing, or perhaps some casual interest—but not this calm, unwavering conviction.

“You’re… different,” she said quietly.

“Maybe,” Tobi said, moving on. “But different isn’t always bad.”

As they continued down the walkway toward the Mass Communication building, a group of female students whispered and giggled nearby. Tobi noticed them but said nothing. Among them was Sandra, a girl notorious for stirring drama and gossip across campus. She gave him a playful smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“You’re quite popular,” Rita murmured.

“I know,” Tobi said simply. “But popularity isn’t a goal.”

Rita shook her head in disbelief, half-amused, half-exasperated. “You’re impossible.”

They reached the building, and Tobi set down his books. He paused a moment, looking around at the bustling campus: the students rushing to lectures, the vendors shouting over each other, the distant hum of campus life.

Life was fast, chaotic, and full of distractions. But Tobi had learned early that discipline was his anchor, his way to navigate a world full of temptation and noise.

Inside the lecture hall, Tobi took his seat at the front. Around him, students whispered about the latest gossip—rumors of who was dating whom, accusations of flirtations, and whispers about Sandra’s newest schemes. He ignored it all, opening his notebook and reviewing his notes for the day’s lecture.
When the lecturer arrived and began discussing media ethics,

Tobi listened intently, scribbling notes and occasionally raising his hand to ask questions. His mind was sharp, focused on understanding the material, not distracted by rumors or appearances.

After class, a small group of female students approached him.

“Hey, Tobi, can you help us with the assignment?” one asked, brushing her hair back.

Tobi nodded politely. “Sure. What do you need?”

They leaned in, whispering their questions. Tobi answered carefully, patiently explaining each point. A few of them exchanged impressed glances.

“You’re amazing,” one said softly.

Tobi smiled lightly. “Thank you. Just focus on understanding, not just grades.”

As he walked toward the library later, Tobi reflected on his life at Greater Heights University. He had always stood by a principle that set him apart from most students: no premarital sex, no shortcuts, and integrity above all.

And while that principle had earned him admiration, it also brought challenges. Whispers, rumors, and subtle temptations surrounded him constantly, testing his resolve. Some girls were drawn to him; others tried to break his discipline. But so far, he had remained steadfast.

He paused for a moment, looking at the university lawns where students played football and laughed with friends. Tobi allowed himself a small smile.

Good day dear friends.


Have a nice reading:



The Unbroken Vow


Tobi Danesi, a disciplined Mass Communication student, refuses premarital sex despite temptations at university and later in the workplace. During NYSC in Uyo, his integrity as a journalist exposes corruption and earns respect. His friendship with Esther grows into love. Supported by their families, they marry, proving that steadfast values can shape a meaningful life.





Chapter One – Tobi Danesi

The morning sun glinted off the red roofs of Greater Heights University, casting long shadows across the wide campus lawns. Students moved in every direction: some hurrying to lectures, others lounging under trees, scrolling through phones or chatting in small groups. Amid the lively chaos, Tobi Danesi walked calmly, his books tucked neatly under one arm, his uniform crisp and neat.

He was easy to notice—tall, dark-skinned, and handsome, with sharp features that made heads turn wherever he went. But there was more to him than looks. Those who had attended his lectures knew him as brilliant, always at the top of his class. Even lecturers would sometimes pause mid-lecture to shake their heads at his insight.
And yet, despite all the admiration, Tobi carried himself with a quiet confidence. He wasn’t arrogant, nor was he showy.

There was a calm about him, as though he had learned early in life that discipline and patience mattered more than praise.
“Morning, Tobi!” called Rita, weaving through the crowd to catch up with him. She was striking, with a smile that could light up a room, and she often walked beside him in the mornings, chatting casually.

“Morning,” Tobi replied politely, adjusting his books.

“You’re always so serious,” Rita teased. “Do you ever relax?”

“I relax,” Tobi said, smiling faintly, “but I also know what matters.”

Rita raised an eyebrow. “And what matters today, Mr. Philosopher?”

“Learning. Growing. Staying true to my principles,” he said simply.

Rita laughed lightly. “You’re such an odd one. Most guys would just… you know, enjoy themselves.”

Tobi shook his head. “Some things aren’t worth trading for temporary satisfaction.”

Rita stopped walking for a moment, studying him. “You really mean that? About… everything?”

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation.

Her smile faltered slightly. “Even… relationships?”

“Yes. Especially relationships,” he answered.
For a moment, Rita looked unsure. She had expected flirtation, playful teasing, or perhaps some casual interest—but not this calm, unwavering conviction.

“You’re… different,” she said quietly.

“Maybe,” Tobi said, moving on. “But different isn’t always bad.”

As they continued down the walkway toward the Mass Communication building, a group of female students whispered and giggled nearby. Tobi noticed them but said nothing. Among them was Sandra, a girl notorious for stirring drama and gossip across campus. She gave him a playful smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“You’re quite popular,” Rita murmured.

“I know,” Tobi said simply. “But popularity isn’t a goal.”

Rita shook her head in disbelief, half-amused, half-exasperated. “You’re impossible.”

They reached the building, and Tobi set down his books. He paused a moment, looking around at the bustling campus: the students rushing to lectures, the vendors shouting over each other, the distant hum of campus life.

Life was fast, chaotic, and full of distractions. But Tobi had learned early that discipline was his anchor, his way to navigate a world full of temptation and noise.

Inside the lecture hall, Tobi took his seat at the front. Around him, students whispered about the latest gossip—rumors of who was dating whom, accusations of flirtations, and whispers about Sandra’s newest schemes. He ignored it all, opening his notebook and reviewing his notes for the day’s lecture.
When the lecturer arrived and began discussing media ethics,

Tobi listened intently, scribbling notes and occasionally raising his hand to ask questions. His mind was sharp, focused on understanding the material, not distracted by rumors or appearances.

After class, a small group of female students approached him.

“Hey, Tobi, can you help us with the assignment?” one asked, brushing her hair back.

Tobi nodded politely. “Sure. What do you need?”

They leaned in, whispering their questions. Tobi answered carefully, patiently explaining each point. A few of them exchanged impressed glances.

“You’re amazing,” one said softly.

Tobi smiled lightly. “Thank you. Just focus on understanding, not just grades.”

As he walked toward the library later, Tobi reflected on his life at Greater Heights University. He had always stood by a principle that set him apart from most students: no premarital sex, no shortcuts, and integrity above all.

And while that principle had earned him admiration, it also brought challenges. Whispers, rumors, and subtle temptations surrounded him constantly, testing his resolve. Some girls were drawn to him; others tried to break his discipline. But so far, he had remained steadfast.

He paused for a moment, looking at the university lawns where students played football and laughed with friends. Tobi allowed himself a small smile.

I ushered Amanda into my sitting room. "It's a nice place you have here, Tayo," she commented.


"Thank you."


She eyed the laptop on my table. "So, you're working at home now?"


I nodded and grinned. "Yes. Man must survive."


"So, how has it been with you since you left madam?"

I grinned again. "It's not easy but I'm coping well."


She smiled. "I can see that. You're even putting on weight."


I chuckled at this.


She sat down while I looked at her expectantly.


"I have a problem of accommodation. I've been staying with a friend in the last months, but we had a disagreement and she asked me to pack out. I have saved some money for a mini-flat, but I need a little more money to be able to get it. That's why I need your help. I need a place to stay for just two weeks."


I stared at her. "That's the problem?"


"Yes."


"Did you tell Ms. Morgan, your boss?"


She shook her head. "No."


"Why not? She might be of help."


"She has helped me financially in some areas. I don't want to bother her on this."I sighed as I thought over what she had said.


"It's just to sleep, wake up and go to work. I will take care of feeding myself. By the end of March, latest, I would have sorted myself out and I will leave."


I lived in a two-bedroom flat. The second bedroom was always vacant. Was there any harm in helping Amanda out?


"Okay, Amanda. But let it be clear that while you are here, I don't want any visitor. I don't want to hear anything like your boyfriend is visiting."


"I don't even have a boyfriend right now," she quickly said. "And of course, I won't bring any other


visitor."


I nodded. "Fine. You can stay."


She came to give me a hug and stood up.


"Later today, I will bring some of my things. I'm going back to work for now."


"Okay. See you. In case I've stepped out of the house by the time you come back, just give me a call."Amanda left. I wondered if I had done the right thing. I shrugged. If she proved to be troublesome, I would send her packing. Later that evening, Amanda came with two luggage and a leather bag. I took her to the bedroom where she would be staying. There was a bed and an in-built wardrobe. The place also had its own toilet and bathroom.


"Thank you so much, Tayo. I really appreciate this."


"You are welcome."


From her bag, she brought two packs of fried rice and gave me one.

"I bought this as I was coming."

She leaned into me, and I wrapped my arms around her.

We knew the world outside was watching now, even if silently.

But inside these four walls, we were still holding on.

Still choosing each other.

Even if it meant doing so in secret — and under fire.


---


The months rolled by quietly, like pages in a well-kept diary. Seasons shifted, and the hush that had once surrounded our relationship became something more natural — something lived, not just hidden. We had learned the rhythm of discretion, and with time, the tension eased, replaced by a sense of steady closeness.

Fiyin turned nineteen that May. I spent weeks thinking about what to get her — something thoughtful, personal, and meaningful. In the end, I settled on a custom-made journal bound in soft brown leather, her name engraved in gold at the bottom right corner. Inside the first page, I wrote her a letter — long, handwritten, and from the deepest part of me.

“To the brightest part of my days, and the gentlest part of my nights. You’re growing, becoming. And watching you bloom is the quietest joy of my life.”

She read it in my room that evening, her fingers running over the words like they were more than ink. Her eyes welled up. She didn’t speak at first, just hugged me tightly, her face buried against my chest.

“No one’s ever given me something like this,” she whispered. “You see me in ways even I don’t see myself.”

From that day on, she began using the journal often — sketches, thoughts, prayers, study notes. It became a small symbol of how we’d grown together: not in a loud, messy romance, but in a quiet partnership.

As her GCE Ordinary Level exams approached, I stepped in to help her prepare. She trusted me as a guide, and I took that role seriously — helping her revise, drawing up study plans, and patiently explaining the bits of Chemistry and English she still found tricky.

She worked hard, sometimes staying up long into the night with textbooks open and pens tucked behind her ear. I’d brew tea, sit beside her quietly, or quiz her when she needed a challenge. We became a team.

When the results came out, she passed with strong credits in all the required subjects. Her eyes sparkled with pride, and I kissed her forehead softly.

“I told you,” I said. “You’re sharper than you know.”

She beamed, but she didn’t stop there. She applied for the IJMB — the interim A-Level pathway — and threw herself into that as well. The routine was tough, but she endured it with a focus I’d come to admire.

Months later, when she checked her IJMB scores online and saw that she’d passed again — solid scores, strong enough for university admission — she jumped into my arms with a squeal of disbelief.

“I got in!” she shouted, almost crying. “I got into LAUTECH!”

I lifted her off the ground, spinning her once before settling her gently down again. My chest swelled with pride — not just because she had succeeded, but because she had earned every bit of it through her own grit and discipline.

Her admission to study Food Technology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomosho brought a wave of celebration to the entire house. Even Biola smiled with genuine pride. Her parents called to congratulate her; uncles and aunties sent small gifts. My uncle, despite everything, gave her a long hug and said simply, “Well done, my girl. You’ve made us proud.”

And she had.

In the middle of all the joy, Fiyin found her way back to my room one evening and stood silently by the door, just watching me.

“You were part of this,” she said. “You pushed me. You believed in me. Even when I doubted myself.”

I walked over and touched her cheek gently. “You did it, Fiyin. I just held the lamp while you found your own path.”

She smiled, her eyes soft with emotion. “I wish I could take you with me to Ogbomosho.”

“You’ll be fine,” I said, though the thought of her leaving weighed more heavily than I let on. “And I’ll be here, waiting. Always.”

We both knew that her university admission marked a turning point — a new chapter for her, and perhaps for us. But for now, in that quiet moment, we chose not to think about the distance, or the what-ifs.

We chose to hold on to the pride. To the love.

To the journey we had walked — hand in hand, heart to heart — and the promise of something more, just beyond the horizon.

I had to allow some seconds to calm down.

"How is it my fault?" I asked with gritted teeth.

"Oh, so you're still asking! Didn't you know what you did? Didn't you know what you did to cause this?"

I was scandalized. The car crawled to a halt as a result of the go-slow. It helped in steeling myself into calmness.

"I'm sorry madam, with due respect, I don't know what you're talking about."

"You are the cause because of what you're using on me. You must be the cause as all this is not ordinary."

My heart was beating fast. Oh Lord, I prayed in my heart, I pray that this woman is not a psychiatric case.

"It is not ordinary. Ever since that moment we spoke on the phone , I have not been myself. I tried to get you out of mind to no avail. I had to discretely ask Sharon about you. I got your number. I realized I must use a factor for the reason of us coming together.

“That was why I told her about the P.A stuff. For the past two years, since my husband died, I have never felt like this for any man.

As a matter of fact, I've never felt like this before for any man in my life."

I heaved a sigh of relief. Madam Fransisica did not have any mental issue. She was only being carried away by emotions.

I nodded as if I understood perfectly. She was wrong, but there was no need for bickering. I had to apply wisdom.

"I'm a Christian," I started. "I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I have never used juju on anybody before and I will never do it. I have no reason to use juju on you."

The traffic had started moving again. "I couldn't have used juju on you that first time we talked on the phone. Remember it was Sharon's number I called. There was no way could I have known or even suspected that you would be the one to pick the call."

We were now in Ketu.

“There's solution to this problem. The solution is prayer. But let me tell you this. The way you feel about me is the way I feel about you."

She looked at me sharply. "Really?"

I nodded. "Really. I have this attraction I can not really describe for you."

She shook her head. "No, no, no, Seyi. Don't even go there."

Some moments passed.

"It is a fact I can not run away from. I know the feeling I have for you, strange as it could be."

There was a long silence.

"And what feeling is that?" The car was now at the gate of her residence. I blared the horn to attract Bashir's attention.

He threw the gate open and I drove in. After I had switched off the engine, we remained in the car.

"I asked you a question," she reminded me.
I nodded. "Yes, and I will answer it. I love you."

She stared at me for a long time. "I know it," she said. "I really know it. When a young man tells a lady he loves her, what he wants is sex. That is what you want, right? Seyi, so you want to have sex with me?" I shook my head.

"But that is what you want. No wonder you have been eyeing me somehow since morning. Ko le werk."

I chuckled. "I'm not talking about sex. If other guys see love as sex, I don't. I'm talking about real love, something that will culminate in marriage."

She looked at me sharply again. "Listen, young man. There are many things you're overlooking. How old are you?"

"Twenty-eight," I answered.

"Hmn, last May, I celebrated 45th birthday. I have two grown up kids in their late teens. Look at the gap between us - seventeen years!

“If I had got pregnant at seventeen, I would have birthed someone of your age. The two of us actually need prayers. We need to pray that the spirit of lusts should be cast out of our lives."

I remained silent.

"Whatever I might have said or done that offended you, I'm sorry,"

she said. "Forgive me. Now, let's go inside."
We came out of the car. I locked it and handed the keys to her.

Silently, we moved up the stairs to her flat. Kubrat opened the door for us while Sharon rushed at Madam Fransisca.

“Hello, Big Aunty. You're sexy and gorgeous as usual," Sharon said.

"Thank you, Sharon. You're very beautiful as ever."

Sharon smiled radiantly. "Thanks, Big Aunty."

"Good evening, Sharon," I greeted.

"Good evening Big Aunty's able P.A. I hope Big Aunty is not stressing you on this job."

I managed a grin. "Not at all. On the contrary, it is all pleasure."

Madam called Kubrat, gave Kubrat her handbag and the key to the bedroom. "Take this to the bedroom. You'll see a white shopping bag that has some hair cream and other things. Bring it. It is for him."

 Big Aunty and Sharon chatted excitedly while I sat quietly.

Moments after Kubrat handed the shopping bag to me, I stood up.

Thank you so much, madam. I'll like to leave now."

The two ladies expressed surprise.

"Won't you wait to have evening meal?" Madam asked.

I shook my head. "Thank you madam, but I'm okay. I don't need any food today again. Good night, ma'am. Good night, Sharon."

"Goodnight, Seyi," madam returned.

I left the house.