MISPLACED TRUST

Queen had everything she once prayed for.

At just 30, life had finally smiled on her in a way she never imagined. She was not just comfortable-she was successful. In the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos, she owned a thriving shopping mall, a name that quietly commanded respect among business owners around her. She also had a beautiful two-bedroom apartment in her name and two cars parked neatly in her compound.

But beyond the money, beyond the luxury... Queen had love.

Peter was everything she thought a man should be. Tall, dark, and handsome, in his late thirties, he was calm, responsible, and deeply attentive. He didn't just love her-he cared for her in a way that made her feel safe. Like no storm could ever touch her life again.

Queen often sat alone sometimes, smiling to herself, wondering how she got here. From struggle... to peace.

But even in peace, Queen never forgot her past.

She had three best friends from secondary school-Anita, Kate, and Lucy. They had grown together, shared dreams, cried over heartbreaks, and survived life side by side. Even through university, their bond remained unbroken.

Anita was married, though she silently battled the pressure of not having a child yet. Her husband loved her deeply, and she tried to remain strong for him.

Kate was unpredictable. She jumped from one relationship to another, never staying long enough to build anything stable. Commitment was never her strength.

Lucy... Lucy was different. She was not stable financially or emotionally. She had dreams bigger than her reality, and sometimes, her words carried a sharpness that no one questioned.

Still, Queen loved them all.

Every two months, the four friends gathered-sometimes at Queen's house, sometimes at a restaurant. They laughed, gossiped, shared updates, and pretended life was simple.

This time, it was Queen's turn to host.

Her apartment was alive with warmth. Food was served, drinks were chilled, music played softly in the background. The laughter of old friends filled the room like nothing had ever changed.

For a while, life felt perfect.

Until conversations began.

Anita smiled gently. "I might travel to Ghana with my husband soon. Just a short break. Things are going well with my boutique too."

Everyone clapped and smiled.

Kate raised her hand proudly, flashing a ring. "I'm engaged."

The room erupted in excitement. Even Anita playfully leaned over and whispered, "Don't let your bad character chase him away o."

Laughter filled the room again.

Then all eyes turned to Lucy.

She leaned back slowly, swirling her drink.

"Well..." she said lightly. "Some of us are not as lucky as others. I'm still waiting for my own prince charming. I can't settle for less."

Her tone was calm-but something about it lingered in the air longer than expected.

Then she smiled and took a sip.

Queen noticed it.

But she said nothing.

Not yet.

And that was the first mistake.

TO BE CONTINUED...

            🔥 Chapter 2 drops today. Don’t miss it.