Chapter 11: The Attic Confrontation

"Weren’t you looking for rare books? Let’s go."

As the two of them spoke, they came into the library.

I didn’t want to run into them.

I stayed quietly in the attic, waiting for them to finish looking for books and leave.

But after searching downstairs for a while,

They soon came up the wooden stairs to the attic.

The attic was small.

There was nowhere to hide, so I didn’t bother trying.

We met face to face.

Our eyes met, and Tunde’s cold gaze darkened.

Morayo called out in surprise:

"Miss Zainab is in the attic? Good thing Egbon Tunde and I didn’t say anything bad about you just now."

As she spoke, she looked me up and down, smiling sweetly.

"Looks like the rumours are true. Miss Zainab dressed so gorgeously today—very different from before. Even I like it."

The big girls in the city always spoke with hidden meaning.

First, she accused me of eavesdropping.

Then, she mocked me for dressing flashy.

But I stayed calm, answering steadily:

"I’m not as noble and elegant as Miss Morayo, I don’t have the bearing of a real lady."

In my last life, just to fit Tunde’s proper taste,

I hardly ever wore makeup.

All my hairpins and jewellery were gold-plated; my clothes were always plain and light.

But today, I wore a red lace dress.

My lips painted bright red, my hair shining with gold pins.

Such a flashy outfit, as if I was trying to win someone again.

But this was the real me.

I like bright clothes, beautiful makeup, shiny jewellery.

Even I used to hate the so-called vulgar version of myself.

I tried so many times to turn myself into a refined lady like Morayo.

Now, I feel I’m fine as I am.

After fighting with myself for so long, I’d rather just be me.

If the world wants to call me loud, let them shout. I’ll wear my red with pride, walk with my head high, and let my laughter ring out like a bell.