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Chapter 7: A night to remember
The internet was boiling and hot hashtags were flying . Clips were everywhere.
"Zachary and the girl, # beyond the camera,# the real truth — all trending.
Zackary has sat Infront of the camera going live with thousands of fans watching. The room was quite but his voice carried weight.
" Hey everyone, I know this past few days has been wild. A lot has been said, a lot has been assumed and I just want to clear the air."
He explained everything, how he met nifemi how thier bond grew, the truth behind the viral video and how what they were becoming.
He voice was calm ,steady, honest. He didn't dodge a thing.The fans listened, they believe him. This wasn't the Zakchary the superstar. This was the real zackary .
Zackary had just ended a livestream with thousands of fans watching. The video had gone viral, and the whole world now had their eyes on him—and by extension, on Nifemi. He had addressed everything with calmness and clarity, defending her, setting the records straight.
The moment he ended the live, he picked up his phone and called Nifemi.
Zackary: "Hey, what's up?"
Nifemi: "I'm okay."
Her voice was soft, but warm.
Zackary: "Did you watch the live?"
Nifemi: "I did… and honestly, you were amazing. You handled everything so well."
He smiled.
Zackary: "You got any plans tonight?"
Nifemi: "Nope. Not at all."
Zackary: "Perfect. I have a surprise for you."
Nifemi: "A surprise?"
Zackary: "You'll see. Just wear something simple and elegant. I'll come pick you up at 7."
He ended the call.
Nifemi: "What could he possibly be planning?" she wondered, smiling to herself.
She grabbed her phone and called her best friend.
Priscilla: "Hey, what's up, my deranged dragon?"
Nifemi: (sarcastic) "Really?"
Priscilla: "What? I thought it suits you."
Nifemi: "Anyway… I need your help. Come over by 5 p.m. Please."
Priscilla: "Of course. Anything for my deranged lizard."
Nifemi: "You're impossible." They both burst into laughter.
Later, the room was filled with giggles and clothes scattered everywhere as they searched for the perfect outfit.
Priscilla: "This one goes best with that skirt. Trust me."
Nifemi: "I just want something simple and elegant."
Priscilla: "Since when did you care so much about what you wear? Oh wait, is this a date? Did Zackary ask you out?"
Nifemi: sighs and smiles shyly "Can you just help me pick something?"
Priscilla: "You went from 'I want nothing to do with him' to being head over heels. Love is wild."
Nifemi: "What can I say? No one can resist Zackary's charm."
Priscilla: "Tall, cute, and rich. I want one like him."
Nifemi: "Well, no one is like my man."
She winked.
Priscilla: "Hmm. God better send me someone who'll love me with all my attitude."
Nifemi: "Oh He will. If not, I'll personally fill out your application for sainthood."
They laughed, tossed pillows, and eventually settled on a light beige dress with soft curls for her hair and minimal makeup—simple, but stunning.
Priscilla: "Just a little powder… and done!" she declared, brushing the final touch on Nifemi's cheeks.
Nifemi: gazing into the mirror "I knew you'd be perfect for this."
Priscilla: "I am. Goddess of glam, thank you very much."
Just then—Pim pim!
They heard the sound of a car horn.
Zackary was outside.
The girls stepped out, and Zackary stepped from his car, only to freeze for a moment.
He was stunned.
Nifemi's makeup was soft, her dress flowing gently in the breeze. Yet, she looked breathtaking.
Zackary: almost speechless "You look…"
Priscilla: "The word you're looking for is beautiful."
Zackary: (smiling) "Exactly."
Nifemi blushed.
Priscilla: "By the way, Zack, do you have any cousins that look just like you? Asking for… you know, science."
Zackary: chuckling "I'll let you know if I find one."
Nifemi: (gently) "That's enough, Priscilla."
Priscilla: "Alright, alright. Take care of her. You two have a great time."
In the car, Zackary kept stealing glances at her.
Zackary: "You look really beautiful, you know?"
Nifemi: blushing again "Thank you."
Zackary: "Your friend's funny. Is she always like that?"
Nifemi: "She's loud, dramatic, and the most loyal soul I know. I just hope someone sees that and loves her for it someday."
They soon arrived at the destination.
Before she could step out, Zackary reached over gently with a black satin blindfold.
Zackary: "Trust me?"
Nifemi: softly "Always."
He helped her out of the car, his hand steadying her with care. Step by step, he guided her.
When he untied the blindfold, her eyes widened.
It was a small rooftop patio. String lights danced softly above a candle-lit table. There was music playing in the background—calm and serene.
Nifemi: "Wow… This is beautiful."
They sat. Ate. Laughed.
They spoke about their childhood, the things they were afraid to admit, and the dreams they secretly carried.
Then Zackary leaned in, curious.
Zackary: "You mentioned once that you love acting. Is that something you actually want to pursue?"
Nifemi's eyes lit up like stars.
Nifemi: "It's more than love. It's the one thing that makes me feel fully alive. When I act, I feel like I'm not just telling a story—I'm living it. I know it sounds silly, but I also dream of becoming a surgeon too . I dream of standing on big stages, in front of cameras… being a character that leaves an impact."
Zackary looked at her for a moment longer.
Zackary: "That's not silly. That's passion. And I think the world deserves to see you shine like that." I know you will do great both in Acting and become a surgeon.
They both smiled.
After dinner, they took a walk, holding hands, the night breeze wrapping gently around them.
The world felt still.
They didn't know that just across the street, hidden behind a tree, someone had been watching… taking pictures from the moment she stepped out of her house.
Click. Click. Click.
As the two walked away, laughing softly, the figure lowered his camera and pulled out his phone.
He dialed.
Stranger: "I've got the pictures.
To be continued…
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