(018 - Pettiness 1.0.)

PLEASE READ.

In the previous chapter... chapters actually, I've been getting comments from some readers, saying that they want more Simi and Hilary moments, the tutorial and all. Please, I want to explain some things to you guys and I need you to understand.

First of all, this book doesn't centre around Simi and Hilary alone. They are the main anchors, yes, but the story isn't just about the both of them. I explained this in the first author's note at the beginning of this book. Two, I'm not going to rush whatever will happen between them. Unlike other ships that will happen in this book, theirs is more or less slow burn compared to others.

The pace at which the story is going with is the normal pace. Everything that is happening right now is happening at it's normal process. There is definitely going to be a particular part of book where you'll just be seeing Simi and Hilary's POV back to back. So please, relax.

Trust the Process (In Dawn's Voice)

Let's dive in❤️

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𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐘
(Hilary Idara Eghosa)

"Don't tell me I'm the only one excited to go to Semeeha's house." Dawn chirped, bouncing up and down on the sit of Semeeha's car - no - Limousine.

"It's expected," Semeeha answered Dawn, a wide grin gracing her lips. "You guys haven't been here in about five to six months. Not gonna lie, I'm even happy y'all are spending the night. I could use the company." She added, wiggling her well-carved brows comically that made Dawn laugh.

I chuckled as well while fishing out my phone from my bag, texting my mum to let her know that we were already close to Semeeha's house. While she was handing me the overnight bag, she made me promise to give her updates every five minutes.

I doubt she'll sleep tonight at this rate.

The Paragon ended about an hour ago, after the presentation of the medals and now, we were seated in Semeeha's limo, on our way to her house to get ready for the after-party that will start in the next one and a half hours. Her house was located at the interior of Lekki Crown, where the elites, big men, and women in the state lived. So, it was no surprise when we got to the gate of the estate and it was heavily guarded.

"Are you still texting your mum?" Dawn asked, peering over to look at my phone screen. I looked up to meet her eyes, then looked back at my phone to see that mum had replied to my message before nodding.

"Yup," I answered, adding emphasis to the p sound. Then I chuckled, shaking my head. "She told me to give her updates every five minutes," I added, the laughter still evident in my voice.

"Well, she's just worried about you," Semeeha stated and I nodded in understanding. I knew that all my mum, my parents, were doing was to keep me safe. That's why I vowed never to lie to them again.

To say I was shocked when she said I could go to the party was an understatement. I knew my parents weren't one to cage me, but, I just felt that after everything that happened, it will take a while before they let me move around freely again. They were even happy that I was "getting back out there". Their words, not mine. And, I was so glad they were trusting me again.

"We are here!" Dawn sang out and that was when I realized that the car had stopped and was now parked. I looked out the tinted window, watching as the lights came on around the house, give it a more vibrant outlook. This wasn't my first time being here but it has been a while, so it seemed like I was looking at the house for the first time.

Wow. I thought, walking out of the car slowly.

Semeeha's house was beautiful and extremely big. Starting from the high iron gates to the very spacious compound with a large fountain in the middle, to the main building itself. Let's not even start talking about the architectural work of the house. Whoever designed it did a marvelous work because everything was nothing short of top-notch.

There were flower pots at all the corners of the interlocked compound, filled with beautiful daisies and roses, and pine trees as well as coconut trees. Each one of the flowers had string lights on them, giving off a very aesthetic look. I was so glad that it was at the night I came here because it's only at night a person can appreciate this type of beauty.

(Semeeha's House. Sorry it's not in full view.)

"Hilary, come on." I heard Semeeha say, beckoning for me to come. I didn't realize that I was just standing in the middle of the compound and the girls had gone further, already standing in front of the building. I quickly walked to meet up with them, getting there just as Semeeha opened the main door.

If the exterior was top-notch, it was absolutely nothing compared to the interior. It was like the inside of the house was made with pure bronze and ivory, an exquisite combination.

We walked into a large waiting hall as soon as we entered the building, where some armchairs were set. The room was for when anyone came to visit Semeeha's mum, at least that was what Semeeha told us. A staircase stood at the end of the hall, leading to other parts of the house, like Semeeha's room. The living room and kitchen, however, were downstairs.

"Gosh, I can't get over how large this house is!" Dawn gushed in awe, looking around the house, turning three hundred and sixty degrees repeatedly just to get a glimpse of every corner of the house. I had to stop myself from taking out my phone to snap a quick selfie.

"It's large but mostly empty," Semeeha commented, shrugging with uninterest. On a norms, Semeeha would have basked in the fact that someone was hyping her house, hyping how loaded, how rich she was.

But now, it seemed like she was tired of hearing it.

"I'm mostly at home alone, so I don't even like staying here." She added, shrugging again and I understood what she meant.

Semeeha was an only child, has been the only child for as long as I have known her. Her mum was her only parent, as far as we know, and the woman was always busy. I can count with my fingers, the number of times I have seen that woman. But it seemed like Semeeha was already used to it.

Ironically, her mum was also her manager.

"Don't worry," Dawn said, wrapping her arms around Semeeha's middle. "We are going to turn this house upside down before we leave. I promise." She held her right hand up as if she was swearing, looking very goofy in the process. Semeeha couldn't stop the laughter that burst out of her lips.

"Yes, we will turn the house upside down." Semeeha agreed, laughter still laced in her voice. "But please, let's not break anything as we do so, okay?"

"No promises," Dawn muttered and I chuckled, shaking my head at her antics.

"Is that my Semeeha!" A very familiar heavily accented voice filled the air. I saw as Semeeha's face lit up like a light bulb and a small squeal escaped her lips as an older woman came out from a corner and made her way towards us with one of the housekeepers walking behind her.

"Mama Marie!" Semeeha screamed, dropping everything she was holding to meet up with her halfway. The woman gathered Semeeha in her hands and hugged her to her body, lifting the slimmer girl with inhumane strength. Semeeha's hearty laughter filled the room and I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my lips.

"I've missed you so much, my baby." Mama Marie cooed softly, cupping Semeeha's face after she dropped her.

"I missed you too, Mama." She answered, and Mama Marie kissed her on both cheeks before giving her a small peck on her forehead. It was then the older woman noticed Dawn and I and her lips stretched in an even wider grin if that was even possible.

"Dawn, Hilary! Vien, Vien!" She spoke rapidly in french, stretching her hands out to us. I didn't understand what she was saying but I could deduce that she wanted us to come and hug her. So, when Dawn moved forward, I knew I wasn't wrong. I followed suit and we both collapsed into Mama Marie's waiting arms.

"It's so good to you both again!" She murmured, and I smiled, snuggling closer to her motherly warmth.

Mama Marie, or Mama for short as we all call her, was She was a french woman in her early fifties. She was the one in charge of everything in Semeeha's home. From what Semeeha told Dawn and I years ago, Mama Marie has always been the one taking care of her when her mum was away, so she could also be classified as Semeeha's nanny. That was the reason Semeeha seemed so close to her.

When we were much younger, before Semeeha became a model, we, including Jidenna and Kizito, have always looked forward to coming here because of Mama Marie's welcoming and cozy nature. Kizito mostly came here for the food anyway. Jidenna stopped coming when he started getting close to Tekena Tamuno.

Then, Semeeha became a model and was always traveling. So, we couldn't come by as often as we used to. Besides, she said her mum became extra strict with who goes into the house and who comes out. So basically, Dawn and I haven't seen Mama Marie in almost four years. And from the way Semeeha acted earlier, it seemed like she also hasn't seen Mama in a while.

"I heard what happened to your brother." She looked right at me when she had finally let us go. Her eyes held so much sympathy, I couldn't help but look away. She sighed. "May his gentle soul rest in peace." She murmured, drawing this sign of the cross over her chest.

"Amen," I whispered, mustering a small smile. "Thank you, Mama." I nodded at her and she nodded back because looking at all of us.

"What are you doing here, though?" She asked, signaling for the maid behind her to carry out bags up. I had even forgotten that there was someone else standing apart from us.

"We have a party to attend tonight." Semeeha chipped and Mama looked at her incredulously, causing Semeeha to sigh. "It's just a party, Mama." She whined, almost stumping her foot on the floor like a child.

"Does your mother know about it?" Mama asked her. The question seemed to have unsettled Semeeha because she began to shift awkwardly on her feet. Dawn and I exchanged a knowing look.

Semeeha didn't ask for permission.

"She doesn't need to know everything that is going on with me, Mama," Semeeha stated shrewdly, throwing her hair over her shoulder adamantly. Mama sighed and turned around, walking towards the kitchen. Semeeha followed behind her, so Dawn and I had no other choice but to also follow.

We got into the large kitchen. Mama Marie shooed all the workers away as if to give us a bit of privacy.

"Mama..." Semeeha drawled and Mama Marie sighed again, looking at Semeeha. Dawn and I just sat down on the stools by the counter and watched the exchange.

"Your mother told me you have a photoshoot tomorrow." She said. "This party will affect your photoshoot."

"It won't." Semeeha retorted calmly. "The party will end latest by 2:00 am tomorrow. We'd be back immediately after. Besides, the photoshoot won't begin until 1:30 pm. There will be more than enough time to get prepared." She explained.

"Fine." Mama Marie agreed easily and Semeeha squealed, leaping and jumping. "But promise me you'll be back before 3:00 am. And no drinking!" She stabbed her pointer finger to the countertop to emphasize her instruction. Semeeha rose her hand up and stood straight as if she wanted to swear.

"I swear." She said, rather convincingly. But if I didn't know Semeeha better, I'd believe her. The babe was going to drink. Mama Marie sighed and looked at Dawn.

"Elle va définitivement boire, non?" She spoke in french and Dawn laughed, nodding her head. (She is definitely going to drink, right?)

"Bien sûr. Tu connais Semeeha." Dawn answered and both of them laughed again, while Semeeha and I looked between them in complete confusion. (Of course. You know Semeeha.)

They used to do this all the time when we used to come here before. Both of them conversing in french and leaving the rest of us in the dark. Anytime they were blasting French, or any other language for that matter, I used to feel so dumb. I am even feeling dumb right now.

I'm supposed to have picked up small french from Dawn though. I mused, looking between Mama Marie and Dawn.

"I don't understand what both of you said to each other, but I know it's about me because you said my name." Semeeha rapped, pointing to Dawn. The latter pouted, shrugging.

"My lips are sealed." She pulled an invisible zip over her mouth. Semeeha scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Are you taking one of the cars to the party?" Mama Marie asked, walking over to where the oven was and pulled out a tray of freshly baked cookies. Dawn quickly jumped off the stool and rushed to grab as much as she could, stuffing everything in her mouth. I told her to pass me one and she did.

"No," Semeeha was answering, taking a piece of cookie and nibbling just a little bit of the edge. "Kizito is coming to pick us up, so we should go get prepared." She dropped the barely eaten cookie back on the tray, glancing at her wristwatch.

"Oh, Kizito!" Mama Marie clasped her hand in delight. "That sweet boy! I can't wait to see him." She mumbled, smiling.

"He's huge now Mama!" I chipped, and the girls agreed. Mama sighed, placing her hand over her chest with a smile gracing her lips.

"You all are so grown up now!" She cooed, wiping imaginary tears from her eyes. Semeeha rolled her eyes and muttered something like Mama, you're so dramatic.

I couldn't agree more. She has always been.

Semeeha told Mama Marie that we'd be in her room, getting ready for the party, then the three of us walked out of the kitchen and ascended the stairs that led to Semeeha's room. We got to the wide hallway with so many doors when we finally reached the top of the stairs and Semeeha led us to her room at the end of the hallway.

Another beauty to behold.

Semeeha's room looked bigger than I last remember. It was like a mini condo, just as big as the living room in my house, and that living room is very big. It was painted white and lilac and everything, ranging from the king-sized bed, the vanity table, the reading table and chair by the corner, the sofa set, to the shelves containing books, every single thing was themed white and lilac.

The room was beautiful.

When money is speaking...

"Soft bed!" Dawn screamed and plopped face down on Semeeha's big, yet soft bed. The bed was big enough to contain five people comfortably, or at most, maybe eight desperate human beings. Yes, it was that big.

"Dawn, get off my bed and let's get ready for the party," Semeeha ordered, but Dawn didn't budge, snuggling herself into the sheets and duvet.

"But it's so soft!" She whined, snuggling even more. Then she sat up with a start, lips folded into a cute pout. "Can't we just stay indoors? Do Netflix and Chill?" She asked, thrusting her lower lip out so that she could look extremely babyish. I couldn't help but laugh at the rather cute look, subtly taking a quick picture of her.

"Dawn, you are dancing today. Or have you forgotten?" I reminded her, settling at the foot of the bed while Semeeha entered her walk-in closet. Dawn groaned and plopped down on the bed again, mumbling some incoherent jargons about how she wished she never became the captain and bla bla bla. I knew she didn't mean it.

"Ugh! Fine!" The curvy girl got down from the bed finally. I chuckled and took hold of the overnight bag mum packed for me, opening it to see what dress and shoes my mum had packed for me.

I brought out the red gown, a gown mum had gotten for me last Christmas that I never got to wear. She has been trying to get me to wear the dress but I never really got the chance to. That, and the gown wasn't my style. Now she was legit forcing me to wear it even after I specifically told her to pack a black gown for me.

And she decided to complement it with one of my favorite white kicks.

Real Nice, mum. Real Nice one.

"What in the world are you holding?" Semeeha's voice rang through the room and I looked up to see her standing just a few feet away from me, glaring at the red gown in my hand like it was a demon from hell.

I was going to answer her but she spoke again, cutting me off.

"Don't tell me that's what you are wearing!" She shrieked, still glaring at the red gown. Dawn stopped what she was doing, looked between both of us, and down at the gown. Then, I watched her face contort into a similar look to the one Semeeha was giving the dress.

"Oh hell to the no," Dawn stated, her voice calm but dismissive. I sighed, lowering the dress from their eye level before they burn it up with their laser glares.

"Well, this is what my mum packed for me and I don't have any other choice," I told them, packing the cloth back into my bag. Semeeha gasped, throwing her hand over her chest dramatically.

"Girl, you are in my house! Look around you," She gestured to the large room. "You have a lot of choices to pick from and we are going to help you." She deadpan, locking her arms with Dawn. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out, because I was in awe.

"No, Semeeha," I began to shake my head. "You don't have to. I can manage the red gown. I don't want to..." Dawn cut me off.

"Hush!" She held up her index finger, shushing me. "We are going to make you over and you are going to slay to that party. No excuses." She said firmly, not giving me any room to talk.

"Babe," Semeeha started, her voice calm and soft. She moved closer to me and crouched in front of me. "This is the first time you are getting out there after everything that has happened in almost two months. Your comeback has to be epic!"

"I agree with Semeeha," Dawn continued and I turned my face to her. "And besides, you have got to show Jidenna what he is missing and you can't do so in that dress." She cast another dismissive look at the bag before looking back at me, Semeeha humming in agreement with her. I looked at both of them incredulously.

"I know, that sounds very petty," Dawn drawled, rolling her eyes. "But tonight, my petty side is out and I don't give a flying bra." She said. How she was able to say that while keeping a straight face shocked me. I on the other hand couldn't help the laugh that left my lips. Even Semeeha started laughing.

"Flying Bra?" I asked between laughter and she sighed, slacking her shoulders.

"You get my point!" She squealed, stumping her foot childishly.

"That aside," Semeeha started when all the laughter had subsided and looked at me squarely in the eye. "We need to give you a grand makeover, but first of all, go and shower." She pulled me up from the bed. I frowned slightly, sniffing my pits.

"But I smell fine." I queried. Both of them chuckled.

"Oh, we know darling," Semeeha answered. "But you've got to smell like new money!" She hollered, and Dawn pushed me into the big en-suite bathroom. I sighed as I entered the pure white bathroom.

I need new friends.

But do I? Do I really? Because I really won't trade this friendship for anything. Not now, Not ever.

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"Which one do you want?" Semeeha asked, holding up two different types of wigs in her hand as she stared at me through the mirror while I stared back at her in disbelief.

Is she being serious right now? I had to ask myself. I was beginning to feel that all this was getting too much.

I finished from the bathroom about twenty minutes ago. Actually, it was my second bath because the first time I came out, Semeeha sent me back in with her brand new body wash and told me to use it. In her words, I needed to smell like a goddess, not new money again.

Now, I was seated in front of the vanity table that was situated inside her large walk-in closet, staring at myself in the mirror with so many make-up products scattered on the table, courtesy of Semeeha being the ambassador of MAC cosmetics. Dawn had done my make-up earlier before she went to dress up and now it was time for Semeeha to put on the wig.

These girls are going to turn me into a barbie doll. I said to myself, still staring back at Semeeha through the mirror.

"Semeeha," I started to say, wanting to tell her that the wig was unnecessary. But she cut me off, bringing the wigs to my face, a stern expression marrying her face.

"I'll injure you if you don't pick one now." She stated, her firm expression telling me that she wasn't joking. I sighed, finally looking at the wig.

"Which one will you pick?" She asked again, weighing both of them with her hand. "The Ombre one of the Platinum Blonde one?"

"Ombre," I answered, pointing to the one I picked. A wide smile stretched across her lips and I could tell she was impressed with my choice.

"Bold Choice. It will look really good on you." She commented, throwing the Platinum Blonde wig away like it was trash. That wasn't a surprise, Semeeha had a lot of wigs, seated on several mannequin heads on a table at a side of the closet.

Semeeha's walk-in closet was just as big as her room. It could be a room on its own with the amount of space still in it even after all her clothes had taken the majority of the space, hanged on several stacks, and arranged inside wardrobes. Not to mention the several shoe racks with different kinds of shoes arranged on them. There was also another sofa set inside the closet, this one pink in color.

Everything and everywhere in the closet, and the house, in general, was exquisite and flamboyant.

The life of a celebrity.

"I love this color of lipstick on me," Dawn said in a sing-song voice, walking into the close with her lips glazed in matte burgundy lipstick. She was right, the color looked nice on her. Her fair complexion made it pop even more.

"Wow, you are slaying the lipstick even better I am," Semeeha commented, a snowed smile gracing her lips as she braided my hair into three cornrows. Dawn smiled then blew a kiss at her, walking further into the space. It was then I noticed that she was already dressed.

"You didn't waste any time, Dawn," I stated, eyeing her dress with a smile. Dawn looked down at her dress and shrugged.

"I'm dancing tonight. I can't wear heels or gowns." She stated and I shook my head.

"No, that's not what I meant. I meant, your dress is very simple, yet you look amazing." I corrected. A grin appeared on Dawn's lips.

"Really?"

"Of course," Semeeha chipped, looking at Dawn. "You are the only one that can wear something so simple and still look very hot in it. You have a killer body." Dawn smirked knowingly, leaning back against the sofa.

"I thought you said I'm fat." She queried. I chuckled while Semeeha pouted.

"I apologized for that na. I swear I was only joking that day." She defended herself, batting her eyes repeatedly and thrusting her lower lips out to give a babyish look. Dawn laughed, thrusting out her tongue to her.

"Well, thank you for finally admitting that I am sexy," Dawn said, the smirk not leaving her lips. Semeeha scoffed, a lazy smile playing on her lips. I chuckled at both their antics again. Semeeha was right though. Dawn was the only one that could pull off a simple dress and make it look that good on her.

She was dressed in a black button one collar off-shoulder bat crop top with thumb-holes and high-waist blue jeans, held together by a black leather belt. She didn't need the belt to hold the waist but I guess that was the style. I even caught a glimpse of a waist bead but the jeans had concealed it.

Then she completed the look with sneakers that had a color combination of white, grey, black, and peach on them. Her hair was let down, dirty blonde tips and all, with a blue jean cap, pulled over it. Dawn looked both classy and Tom boy-ish. A surprising combo that fit her perfectly.

(Dawn's look for the night)

"All done with your hair, Hilary." Semeeha's voice called me back to the present and I looked at the mirror, widening my eyes at the reflection that stared back at me. Earlier, the makeup on my face wasn't all that evident, but with the wig on my head, it seemed to just... pop.

I had to hand it to the girls, I looked really good. So glammed up.

"Wow," I whispered, my voice coming out more hushed than I expected.

"Oh, My God!" Dawn's voice rang out as she came to stand beside Semeeha, behind me, both of them staring at my reflection through the mirror. I blinked repeatedly, to be sure I was looking at real myself in the mirror.

"Mehn, we finish work!" Semeeha hollered, trading high five with Dawn while I still sat, dazzled at my reflection.

From the Ombre hair that fell from my shoulder to my back in waves, to the make-up on my face, I looked... stunning, a bit mature for my age, but in a good way. Everything was just moderate but still sold out the look. The hair wasn't too full and my makeup was completely nude, complementing my chocolate Complexion. The one thing that stood out on my face was the honey-colored contact lens Semeeha had made me wear.

I kinda like it though. I felt my lips stretch in a grin as I kept staring adoringly at my reflection. I liked the way I was feeling too.

"Let me leave you to stare at yourself, while I go get ready." She continued, grinning back at me. "We know we are amazing, you don't need to say it." She blew me a kiss and giggled, walking further into the closet to get dressed. Dawn wrapped her hands around me from behind.

"You are so beautiful." She whispered and I let out a breath, allowing the words to settle in.

"Thank you, Dawn," I whispered back and she smiled, pressing a small kiss against the crown of my head.

What would I do without these girls?

I stood up to take the black gown Semeeha had lent to me from where it was still hung on the rack. A phone chimed and I saw Dawn walk back to the sofa where her phone was and pick it up, plopping down to the seat. I decided to watch her for a bit and she tapped some buttons. Then, a smile spread across her burgundy painted lips as she stared at the screen of her phone.

Yup. I've got you!

"Is that Sochima?" I asked, watching as her face jerked up from her phone to look at me. Her shocked look told me everything. "It's him!" I squealed, dumping the gown on the chair to go to her.

"Hilary, it's not that deep." She chuckled nervously, dropping her phone. I plopped down beside her, my eyebrows raised in amusement.

"If it's not that deep, you wouldn't be smiling to your phone like that," I told her and she exhaled, blowing air out of her mouth in a puff. "Besides, I wasn't blind this afternoon when you guys were talking. There was so much going on there, and dare I say it, a whole lot of chemistry." I stated matter-of-factly.

"Chemistry where?" Semeeha's voice rang out as she came out of whatever inner chamber she had disappeared into, fully dressed. Dawn and I stared at her in awe. She had only gone in for nothing more than seven minutes and she came back out looking fabulous.

"Damn Semeeha! You look amazing!" Dawn awed, and Semeeha's heavily glossed lips pulled up in a smirk, flipping the jet-black colored wig she had on over her shoulder. How she was able to wear a wig comfortably while she was still on braids surprised me. Being a model like Semeeha, she had probably carried heavier things on her head.

Semeeha was on a cream-colored bodycon gown that stopped just a few inches below her butt. It had a mixture of a Carmen and off-shoulder neckline that hung a bit low to reveal an ample amount of cleavage. Unlike Dawn, Semeeha wasn't busty, but still had boobs big enough for her body type. The sleeves were smoked at the shoulder and puffed to the wrist where it was held together by an elastic band.

All in all, the dress looked really good and it also complimented Semeeha's ebony skin. The black thigh high heel boots she was holding was the footwear she was going to have on.

(Semeeha's look for the night)

"That color looks good on you," I told her and she grinned.

"I know right!" She shrieked, dropping her boots on the floor. "Now, tell me who is having chemistry with who." She quickly changed the topic back to the initial one, looking between Dawn and me, her eyes widened with interest.

"Dawn and Sochima Johnson." I quickly answered, smirking mischievously when Dawn groaned covering her face in embarrassment. Semeeha's eyes grew wider, her mouth ajar.

"The A-Class student and Sport Pro Sochima Johnson?!" She asked, obviously in complete shock. Dawn looked back at Semeeha in surprise.

"I thought he was one of the people you disregard." She stated, folding her hand across her chest. Semeeha rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively.

"Only because he's a scholarship student, which is my personal preference." She touched her hand to her chest slightly. " But, that doesn't make him any less popular than he is! He is almost as popular as Kizito! Now, the wave and exchanged smiles during his game makes a lot of sense! When did all this happen!" She squealed, settling on the chair in front of the makeup mirror.

"Guys, it isn't..." Dawn started but I cut her off, not wanting her to downplay whatever was going on.

"I noticed just this afternoon too when you went away to do God knows what, Semeeha. And that reminds me," I diverted real quick, looking at Semeeha. "Where did you run off to after we met those girls from LIC?"

"Oh that. Nothing important. Modeling stuff." She said with a dismissive wave of her hand again and I nodded. "So while I was gone, something juicy was going on between Dawn and Chima Johnson?" She gasped dramatically.

"Girl, you should have been there!" I continued the gist, ignoring the way Dawn looked between the both of us incredulously. "It was so intense! They were legit flirting with each other and on G, it was so hot!"

"We weren't flirting..." Dawn started again but Semeeha interrupted.

"OMG! I can't believe I missed something like that!" Semeeha squealed again, hitting her feet repeatedly on the floor in clear excitement.

"Don't worry," I told her. "With the way things are going, you'll probably see another round tonight. Dawn will probably go and meet..."

"Can the both of you stop talking about me like I am not sitting right here," Dawn called out, shutting Semeeha and me up and causing our attention to go back to her. She looked so flushed, her fair skin giving it away. "Nothing is going on between Chima and me." She added.

Semeeha and I exchanged a look.

"But you like him, don't you?" Semeeha asked.

"I-It's just a harmless crush. It will go." She tried to sound firm, but her slight stuttering gave her nervousness away.

"From what I can see, it's not a harmless crush, Dawn," I stated factually and she sighed, looking up to the POP ceiling. Dawn was quiet for a while, looked like she was trying to gather all her thoughts.

"There are so many reasons why I like him, why I am so attracted to him," She muttered, if I wasn't close to her, I wouldn't have heard her. Even Semeeha had to pull her chair closer. Dawn kept talking. "There are so many reasons why I want to explore what I feel for him..." She trailed off and I knew there was something negative coming next.

"But..." I drawled, urging her on. She sighed, shaking her head slowly.

"I just don't want to get hurt again." She whispered, looking back at us, her voice and her expression holding an emotion she was trying so hard not to convey. It was then I realized that no matter how hard Dawn tried to show that she was strong, she still had a very fragile heart.

She used to say, it was one of her greatest weaknesses.

"Sochima doesn't seem like that kind of guy," I said. "I know it's not written on the forehead but I have spoken to this guy enough to know that he is a good person. And from what I saw this afternoon, I think he has a thing for you too."

"I agree with Hilary, even though I wasn't there." Semeeha chipped. "Asides from that, I don't think Kizito will be close to Sochima if he wasn't a good guy. You know Kizito is an excellent judge of character." Dawn nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. Semeeha wasn't done though.

"And even though I'm one to say that you should mingle with people of your class and status." Dawn chuckled at that and Semeeha smiled. "Sochima Ansel Johnson is a way better choice than Tekena Tamuno."

"Agreed!" I stamped and Dawn laughed, a peal of hearty genuine laughter that made my lips stretch in a smile of its own.

"I think I feel a lot better." She whispered, exhaling deeply, a wide smile gracing her lips. "Thanks, guys." She said, the genuine appreciation in her tone very evident. Semeeha pouted and pulled her for a hug Andi joined them. Now, I had the answer to my question from noon.

I shouldn't be worried about Dawn. I should be excited for her.

"Speaking of Kizito," Semeeha drawled, picking up her phone after the hug ended. "He's already here. We should get downstairs very soon." She said, and immediately I stood up to wear my cloth.

When I pulled the short long-sleeved gown over my body, I didn't expect it to hug my body the way it did. Semeeha was relatively slimmer than I was but I didn't expect the dress to be so figure-hugging And the girls noticed.

"Jidenna will look at you one million times in that dress... cos Damn!" Dawn breathed out, hands akimbo as she stared at me. I nervously bite my bottom lips, looking at my reflection in the full mirror at the edge of the room.

The black gown was just as short as Semeeha's, also off-shoulder but not as wide as hers. It had a sweetheart neckline. The sleeves dropped down to my wrist, almost covering my entire palm, which was the style. The front of the gown at a bit of ruched style to it, pulling the hem of the gown a little more above my thigh.

Don't let me even talk about the nude, block-heeled boots Semeeha had given me too.

It wasn't my style, and I felt a bit self-conscious.

(Hilary's look for the night)

"I'm getting nervous, guys," I told them, still staring at myself in the mirror.

"Nervous? Why?" Semeeha questioned and I didn't know how to answer. "You look drop-dead gorgeous girl! And you are a very nice figure. You will turn heads in this dress, I swear." She rapped on in enthusiasm while I still looked very unsure.

For the past three weeks, all I have ever wanted was that the attention shouldn't be on me. But these girls were not having it, and a petty side of me really wanted to show and prove to Jidenna that I was finally moving on from him. I decided to heed to my petty side, just for tonight.

So, I wiped off the frown from my face and took deep calming breaths.

"Let's do this," I whispered and the girls let out an ear-piercing scream, almost blowing the roof off over our heads.

"They will collect!" Dawn hollered and I laughed, feeling a little more confident in myself.

Semeeha's phone started ringing and we took that as our cue to start going downstairs before Kizito comes up himself to get us. I wore my flip-flops and carried my shoe in my left hand, my phone and purse in my right. Soon, the three of us began to make our way downstairs to meet Kizito.

We met the big guy at the foot of the stairs like he was about to come upstairs.

"I was about to..." He trailed off when he finally took a proper look at us and his eyes went huge like saucers under a teacup.

He likes what he is seeing.

"Holy Ghost fire," He muttered, but loud enough for us to hear, throwing both his hands on his head as he kept watching us, staring at us as we descended the stairs. I couldn't help the laugh that made its way out of my lips.

"Holy Ghost Fire? Really?" Semeeha asked rhetorically between chuckles as she got down. Kizito opened his mouth to talk, then closed it. He opened it again, then he shook his head, and closed it again, blinking repeatedly as he kept staring at us.

Dawn laughed.

"I think we rendered Kizito speechless, ladies." Dawn mused, wiggling her eyebrows teasingly.

"I... uhmm... you... we... Wow!" Kizito rambled like a complete idiot and we laughed again. He then took a deep breath and looked at us again, shaking his head as a wide smile stretched across his lips.

"You ladies look... Damn!" He finally said a complete sentence but it didn't stop us from laughing again. I stood in front of him and he looked at me, scanned me from head to toe and his smile widened even more.

"Hilary, you look beautiful..." He drawled, and I giggled as he pulled me in for a hug.

"Hey! Hey!" Semeeha quickly stood between both of us, trying to put a distance between us. Then, she pointed at Kizito's face.

"Mr. Man. We spent hours making Hilary over. Don't ruin it, please, or I'll kill someone's child, no matter how handsome they are looking right now." She threatened.

Was that even a threat because she complimented him. Kizito however seemed to take the threat seriously, holding his hands up in mock surrender and stepped back a bit.

"Yes ma'am." He answered to Semeeha who smirked right back, stepping away from him now. "But on God! You guys look breathtaking. I might have to fight off a lot of guys tonight."

"Our knight in shining armor." Dawn teased, placing her hand over her chest.

"They finally came down." Mama Marie's voice rang through the air as she approached us, holding a white confectionery box. Kizito sighed.

"Yes, Mama. Even though we are more than an hour late for the party already, thanks to these girls." He cast us a look.

"It's called fashionably late, Kizi," Semeeha answered. Mama Marie chuckled and rolled her eyes before handing the box to Kizito.

"Freshly made donuts, just for you." She told him. Kizito let out a girlish scream and jumped, collecting the box from Mama Marie. There was a five years old girl living in Kizito's body. Donuts always found a way to unlock that five years old girl.

"Thank you, Mama!!" He squealed, kissing both her cheeks and holding onto the donuts like they were his lifeline.

Soon, we made our way out of the house and towards Kizito's packed Range Rover. Kizito still held onto the donuts as he tried to get his keys out of his pocket and unlock the car. He wouldn't allow anyone to hold it for him. In seconds, we were already driving out of the estate. Dawn and I were seated at the back while Semeeha was seated in the passenger's seat beside Kizito.

"Kizito, can I have one donut please?* Dawn asked and Kizito laughed. A short, sarcastic laugh.

"Darling, you are cute and all. But I'm not sharing my donuts. Anything but my donuts." He stated, keeping his eyes on the road.

Dawn stretched to steal one from the box, hoping that Kizito wouldn't see her. What she didn't expect was the small slap from Kizito against her arm as soon as she reach for the box.

"Ouch na!" Dawn exclaimed, wincing and she rubbed her hand.

"Don't steal my donuts."

"Fine! Whatever! Stingy Person!"

Semeeha and I laughed at their antics.

Throughout the drive to Tekena's house, the car was buzzing with a lot of energy. Even if I didn't want to engage, the energy my best friends were emitting was too contagious for me to ignore. Semeeha kept making videos of us throughout, uploading them on her Instagram feed. Even Kizito that was driving wasn't left out of the fun.

We got to Tekena's house in thirty minutes top and the anxiety I was feeling earlier returned. I could hear the loud music buzzing several blocks before we got to his house. The party had long started and we were late. Semeeha wanted us to make an entrance, meaning everyone's attention will be on us... on me.

I wasn't sure how to feel about that.

"Are you okay?" Dawn's voice cut through my thoughts and I looked at her. She looked concerned. I exhaled, nodded slowly. When I didn't hear Kizito's voice, I realized that the car was already packed inside and he had left us.

"He said you should take your time. He left the key." Semeeha answered my unasked question. I nodded. "We don't have to go in through the front if you don't want to." She added.

I didn't want the attention on me. But at the same time, I knew that if I keep hiding and dodging everyone, it won't help me. But if I show them, if I show him, that I wasn't going to let him or the rumors affect me anymore, that would be my first step to recovery. It was pretty hard but I was ready to take the bold step.

Especially since I had my girls here with me to give me a backing.

"It's okay," I told them. "We'll go in through the front," I said. Semeeha sighed, her lips stretching into a smirk.

"I feel like a proud mother right now." She said and I chuckled.

"Jidenna wouldn't know what hit him." Dawn stated and I laughed again, shaking my head. I just hope all of this would affect him as much as I wanted it to. Like I said, my petty side was out tonight.

We got down from the car, Semeeha locked it, and together, we made our way down the walkway that led to the mansion. There were a lot of crowds outside and I wondered just how many people were inside. I felt anxiety beginning to feel my chest again but I pushed it back down. I wanted to be confident. I needed to be confident about this.

You've got this Hilary. I told myself.

I took a deep breath, just as Semeeha and Dawn squeezes my hands reassuringly. They made sure I was in the middle so that everyone's attention would be focused solely on me. That was the entire idea, and it was working.

As we got closer and closer to the crowd that stood outside the house, I felt everyone's eyes on me. It started as small glances before they became full-blown stares. It was hard to keep my eyes forward, with all the stares burning holes into my body but Semeeha whispered to me to keep my eyes forward, and I did. Even when the whispers started, I still looked undeterred, striding gracefully towards the front door.

This is it.

The door flew open.

It seemed like everyone, or at least most people inside knew I was the one coming. Because as the door opened, everyone's eyes were on the door... was on Me.

I saw it all. The look of complete awe, shock, surprise, amazement.

It was all evident on their faces.

Jidenna and TK were standing just at a corner of the big living room, red cup in hand, staring at us. Jidenna's eyes met mine, and even from such a distance, I could see the shock marry his face as he gave me a once over, his mouth hanging open like someone about to catch a fly. He probably didn't expect to see me at the party, not to talk of seeing me this way.

It was at that moment the DJ chose to play Salute by Little Mix, a girl power song that just fit right into the atmosphere. It boosted my confidence a little more. I strode into the room, with my best friends by my side, head held up high. Then when I got to where Jidenna was standing, still staring at me, I flipped my hair over my shoulder and walked past him, not giving something as small as a glance.

I wasn't sure anyone else noticed what I did, but that wasn't even my problem. He knew I had dissed him and that was enough for me.

"Atta girl," Dawn whispered to me when we finish got to a seat, and I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. Semeeha was grinning from ear to ear, definitely feeling proud of me.

I wasn't one to act this way on a normal day. I wasn't one to openly diss someone, no matter what they have done to me. I don't think I have ever been this petty in my entire life.

But for tonight, it felt a necessity. I had to do all these things to keep everyone off my back. Even though I felt sort of better, I knew it would last only for this night. I'd wake up tomorrow morning and still have to go for therapy because I wasn't entirely fine yet.

But just for tonight, let me have this.

Just for Tonight.

𝐀/𝐍

The girls have made a statement with their entrance 🥵🔥. Jidenna won't be able to keep his eyes off Hilary for the entire night.

Nothing much to write, just know that the chapters following this one would be packed with a lot of back to back drama. You know I don't disappoint 😌. In the mean time, don't forget to vote, comment and share.

I'll see you when I see you ❤️.