Chapter 6: Rebirth and Resolve

When I opened my eyes again,

I was back to the night Tunde was drugged with that strong aphrodisiac.

That moment, I was on top of Tunde’s waist,

My wrapper half open, my shoulders exposed.

And Tunde’s hands—those hands that always held a pen or played the talking drum—were gripping my slim waist.

His fingers were long, joints clear, veins standing out on the back of his hands.

The way he held me, sometimes tight, sometimes loose.

I couldn’t tell if he wanted to hold on or let go.

I was shocked for a second.

Then I came to my senses and quickly pushed him away.

"This can’t happen."

Saying that, I rolled off the bed, straightened my scattered clothes, and wrapped my chest tight.

Tunde leaned against the bed,

His face red, hair scattered across his forehead, his clothes rumpled.

With his usual coldness gone, he looked like a demon born from the night—dangerously handsome.

His black eyes were foggy as he looked at me, his voice rough:

"You and I are husband and wife. Why not?"

My heart shook a bit.

Then I understood—Tunde must have also come back to life.

But I had already promised myself:

If I got another chance, I’d stay far from Tunde.

With that in mind, I looked up at him, my eyes full of tears.

"Cousin, we’re not married, not even engaged. How can we call ourselves husband and wife?"

"I know you’ve always looked down on me. Why disgrace me like this?"

When he heard this, the confusion in Tunde’s eyes slowly cleared.

He first looked around the room, then met my teary eyes and frowned a bit.

"Sorry—"

But I didn’t want to hear another word from him.

Suddenly, I cut him off.

"Cousin, don’t worry, I won’t ever disturb you again."

With that, I turned and ran out.

Facing the cold night breeze, I ran straight to the well.

The moon was high, casting shadows across the compound. My slippers slapped against the red earth as I hurried, heart pounding.

Using the clear water as a mirror, I fixed my appearance as if nothing happened, then went back to the party.

My aunty held my slightly cold hand.

"You were gone for so long. Your hand is cold—are you not cold?"

I smiled sweetly.

"Aunty, I’m not cold. I’m really happy."

My aunty smiled too.

She squeezed my fingers, not quite believing, but willing to take my word for it. The party’s music floated from inside, but my mind was far away.

That night, Tunde didn’t return to the party.