Despite the cool night air, Nathan, clad in a white robe, his hair still damp from a refreshing swim, lounged by the glistening pool of the Ojukwu mansion. The beautiful, luxurious compound shimmered with light—a dazzling display from the countless windows and strategically placed lamps illuminating the sprawling grounds, the pool, the water fountain, the luxurious gardens, the manicured hedges, and even the distant tennis courts. Beside him, on a mother-of-pearl tray, rested a bottle of ruby red wine, brought by a silent servant. Nathan reached for the crystal glass beside him, the ruby wine reflecting the glittering lights of the mansion in its depths. With a practiced swirl, he aerated the wine he had just poured. He took a deep breath, his shoulders tensing for a moment before relaxing with a whoosh as the air left his lungs. Sighing, he reached for his phone and sent Jessica a video chat invitation.
Following her visit to Andrew's workplace, Jessica drove directly to the Njemanze Villa to have tea with Patricia and discuss certain matters. Once their conversation concluded, she decided to visit a luxury shopping mall downtown, seeking a temporary distraction. Exhausted from her shopping spree, she found solace on a bench beside the mall, sipping cola and admiring the night view, illuminated by the warm glow of a street lamp. Despite the bustling activity around her, Jessica appeared indifferent to the passers-by and cars, enjoying a moment of solitude.
It seemed that Jessica was intentionally capitalising on the viral news surrounding her, attempting to garner more sympathy from the public. The mall staff recognised her and treated her with great care during her shopping spree. Even most passers-by who saw her sitting on the bench waved at her. Jessica pretended to be hurt by the viral news, but in reality, she was happy that Chioma was exposed to the public. In fact, Jessica was reveling in the attention and spotlight.
Jessica reluctantly answered the video call, her voice filled with weariness and desolation, as though lost in deep thought. She deliberately avoided looking directly into the camera, yet she knew exactly who was calling, feigning ignorance. 'Hello, who is this?' she enquired, placing the earpiece to her ear.
Nathan maintained a silent gaze into the camera for ten seconds before speaking, his voice carrying a mix of concern and curiosity. 'Where are you?' he asked, noticing the unfamiliar background in the video.
'Why are you calling me? I have neither the time nor the desire to talk to you,' Jessica retorted, her tone suggesting she was on the verge of ending the call. 'I've had enough already. Please don't add to my pain.'
'Jess, you know how much I love you,' Nathan interjected.
'Stop it. I love Michael, not you,' Jessica dismissed his words with frustration.
Nathan, undeterred, responded with a hint of satisfaction, 'Oh, right. I'm glad you realised it was me calling, even though you pretended not to know. Your efforts to ruin that lowly girl will ultimately be in vain. I'm genuinely curious how you plan to continue your battle with Michael and his woman when deep down, you know you're destined to lose.'
'You idiot!' Jessica retorted angrily. 'How dare you call that bitch Michael's woman? I am the only woman deserving of him!'
From off-screen, Sharon's voice cut through the tension. 'Jessica, the more you behave this way, the more you push everyone away from you.' She had entered the room to give Nathan his tablet and overheard Jessica's arrogant remarks towards her brother, which left her feeling a bit annoyed with Jessica.
'Sharon, I wish you understood what I'm going through,' Jessica replied, her voice softer.
Sharon appeared on the screen, her voice firm. 'It's cold outside. Go home already. With your current actions, it's evident that Chioma has defeated you. If you don't change, you'll forever remain beneath her. But you can stop this madness; you can be friends with Michael again.'
'I don't want to be just friends with him. I want to marry him,' Jessica roared.
'Fate has someone else in store for you. Stop humiliating yourself, please. Put an end to this,' Sharon pleaded.
Jessica ripped the earpiece from her ear, ready to end the call. But then, a steely glint returned to her eyes. She jammed the earpiece back in. 'I will only listen to you both when I've satisfied my thirst for revenge,' she declared.
Nathan sighed, a weary resignation settling over him. 'My love for you is as strong as your love for Michael. But I won't be foolish enough to do something reckless,' Nathan responded. 'I'll always be here, waiting for you to realise and choose me. Goodbye.' With that, Nathan hung up the call.
Nathan had anticipated this outcome, yet he couldn't help but reach out to Jessica because of his deep affection for her. He longed for her to regain her senses and reciprocate his love, rather than wasting her time on someone who didn't truly love her.
Still seated on the bench, Jessica cursed Chioma, holding her responsible for all the troubles she faced.