Joy sat cross-legged in the middle of her half-arranged room, boxes pushed to one side and her phone pressed tightly to her ear. A sly smile played on her lips as she listened to the voice on the other end.
"So," Joy drawled, twirling a strand of her hair, "how's our little plan going, babe?"
The female voice responded smoothly, "Perfectly. I've already met Ariel and her group of friends. They welcomed me easily. Especially Ariel—she trusts so quickly. The plan to create distance between her and Divine has been set in motion. I just need a little more time to gain both their trust."
Joy chuckled darkly. "Good. Very good. Just don't rush it. Divine… he'll be the harder nut to crack. Ariel will be easy—she's naive, emotional, and desperate to keep love perfect. Break her faith in him, and she'll crumble."
On the other end, her tone sharpened. "I know. But I have to say, he's so loyal to her. Winning him over won't be simple."
"Then don't win him," Joy replied, her voice like ice. "Just create doubt. Jealousy. Division. Do that, and he'll destroy the relationship himself."
There was silence, then she laughed lightly. "Consider it done. Ariel already sees me as harmless. Favour too. Soon enough, she'll believe whatever seed I plant."
"Excellent," Joy said, grinning. "Remember, everything must look natural. No mistakes. I can't wait to see Divine lose what he thinks is love."
She ended the call, tossing her phone on the bed. Stretching like a satisfied cat, she whispered to herself, This is only the beginning. Divine, you're about to learn what heartbreak really feels like.
---
Meanwhile, in their shared room, Ariel sat back on her bed with a soft sigh, closing the novel she'd been pretending to read. The quiet hum of the ceiling fan filled the silence.
Favour glanced up from her notes. "You look drained," she said gently. "Long day, huh?"
Ariel let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Not drained… just thinking. But yeah, it was a long, beautiful day. It still feels strange that school has started again."
"Strange, but exciting," Favour smiled, pushing her notes aside. "We're back in the vibe. Parties, classes, late-night gist, and drama. Everything."
They both laughed, recalling little moments from the past week—the party where they met Emily, Divine's arrival, and the double date.
Favour leaned back against her pillow. "I have to admit though, Sophie… She's actually really nice. And she's gorgeous too."
At the mention of Sophie, Ariel's smile faded slightly. She picked at her bedsheet and murmured, "Yeah… she is nice."
Favour tilted her head. "What's wrong? You suddenly went quiet."
Ariel hesitated, then looked up at her best friend. "Do you think Emily… likes Divine?"
The question hung heavy in the room.
Favour blinked, surprised. "Emily? Hmm." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I can't say for sure, but… I did notice she was awkwardly interested in him. She kept asking me questions the other day—his age, his department, when he started dating you…"
Ariel's lips pressed into a thin line. "So you noticed it too."
"Yeah, but it might be harmless curiosity," Favour offered, trying to calm her.
"Maybe," Ariel muttered. "But Sophie said something to me… that Emily might like Divine. And honestly, the way she stares at him—" She stopped, biting her lip.
Favour reached out, squeezing her hand. "Hey, don't spiral. If you're that bothered, ask Emily directly. No beating around the bush. Tomorrow, when she comes over, we'll clear it up."
Ariel slowly nodded, comforted by Favour's steady voice. "You're right. I'll ask her."
---
The next evening, a cheerful knock came at their door. Ariel and Favour exchanged a quick look before Ariel stood up to answer.
When the door swung open, Emily stood there beaming, her usual light aura filling the space. "Hi guys!" she said brightly, already stepping inside.
"Hey, Emily," Favour greeted, smiling politely. Ariel closed the door behind her, studying Emily carefully.
Emily, as usual, made herself at home. She dropped her bag on Favour's desk and flopped comfortably onto Favour's bed. "Ugh, today was long," she said dramatically. "Lecturers are already stressing us out in the first year. Can you imagine?"
Favour chuckled. "Welcome to university life."
But Ariel remained quiet, leaning on her own bedpost. She was watching Emily, noting every little gesture, every glance. Finally, unable to take it anymore, she spoke up.
"Emily," she said softly but firmly.
Emily looked up, curious. "Yeah?"
Ariel took a breath, her voice steady but cautious. "I want you to tell me honestly… Do you have a crush on Divine? Maybe… Do you like him?"
For a moment, silence reigned. Favour's eyes widened slightly—Ariel had gone straight for it.
Then Emily burst into laughter. She laughed so hard she nearly fell sideways. "Oh my God, Ariel! Is that what's been bothering you?"
Ariel's cheeks flushed. "Just answer me."
Still chuckling, Emily sat up. "Divine? He's handsome, sure. I mean, any girl can see that. But he's way too old for me. I don't like him like that." She paused, her smile softening. "Honestly, I only admire your relationship with him. The way he looks at you, the way you talk about each other… It's sweet. You two are like a picture of love done right. That's what I admire—not him."
Favour exhaled in relief, smiling faintly. "See, Ariel? Sometimes your head runs too wild."
Ariel still searched Emily's face, looking for any trace of deceit. But Emily's eyes were open, her tone light. Maybe she was telling the truth.
"I guess… I overthought," Ariel admitted quietly.
Emily reached out, grabbing Ariel's hand playfully. "Girl, if I ever liked your boyfriend, I'd tell you. But trust me, Divine isn't my type. I just want to be close to you both because you're good people—and because I'm new here. Okay?"
Ariel finally smiled, though a little uncertain. "Okay. I believe you."
Emily grinned wider. "Good. Now can we stop being serious and order some snacks? I'm starving."
Favour laughed, getting up. "I'll call the delivery guy."
As the room filled again with light chatter and jokes, Ariel forced herself to relax. Yet deep inside, Sophie's words still lingered: Be careful. She looks innocent… but sometimes, innocence hides intentions.
Ariel glanced at Emily laughing on the bed and wondered—was she really harmless? Or was something hidden behind that bright smile