Life became quieter after that term ended, but it wasn't completely quiet because Krystal College could never truly be free from gossip, relationships, fights, betrayals, or secrets. There was always something happening in one corner of the school or another.

George travelled back to the East exactly as he had planned. Unlike before, when he constantly complained that I was boring or accused me of not knowing how to please him, the distance somehow changed him. We talked almost every day, sometimes we chatted till midnight, stayed on video calls just staring at each other while doing random things. We exchanged pictures constantly, maintained streaks on Snapchat, and updated each other about almost everything.

George had fully adjusted to life in the East. From his posts, it was obvious that he was enjoying himself. Every day came with new pictures, flashy outfits, expensive restaurants, outings with friends, and loud music in the background. He seemed happier there, even freer.

And sometimes, while staring at his pictures late at night, I knew the distance lingered between us and it was only a matter of time before we completely drift apart. But even with those thoughts, I still loved him.

****

A new session began with so much excitement especially because we were now in SS3. New students resumed, new friendships were formed, new couples emerged, and old ones shattered almost immediately. The drama, gossips and fight began again but I intentionally stayed far from it. I focused more on my books. Although, it wasn’t easy at first because my mind was too used to the drama, relationships, and emotional chaos. 

But little by little, while making Desire, Nafisa and Anthonia my best friends, I began to change. We spent most of our time reading, though I didn’t become one of the smartest student in the class, but at least I was trying than before.

And for the first time I was interested in discussion about how to further my studies, not just love. However, Nafisa still maintained her relationship with Olamide, surprisingly, they fit each other perfectly. She visited him often, and whenever she talked about him, there was always this softness in her voice that made it obvious she had fallen deeply in love but she was also worried that their relationship might come to an end because he was seriously preparing to go to University and everyone already knew he would most likely leave Lagos once he gained admission. 

And after everything that happened between her and Khalid, distance no longer felt safe to her. Well, I also believed distance was a big barrier, so I advised her to enjoy the relationship while it last. 

Hameedat, on the other hand, surprisingly stayed away from relationships for a while but she was still very involved in all the dramas and according to rumours flying around school, Daniel had asked her out again after things ended badly between him and Chioma, but she refused him immediately and honestly, nobody blamed her. Too many boys in our school treated relationships like games.

Eventually, Daniel shifted his attention back to Chioma and started trying to repair their fractured relationship. This made Chioma stopped fighting every other day, then Daniel became calmer around her, and somehow they became friends again.

This made the cycle of gossips and drama expand. Some students would sneak into the conference rooms for their secret romance, there were tears, jealousy, love triangles, and betrayals. But I wasn't involved.

I had already lived through enough chaos for one lifetime, and somewhere along the way, I learned the biggest lessons of all.

There was the good, which taught me love could feel beautiful, exciting, comforting, and alive.

There was the bad, which explained how dangerous it was to lose yourself while trying to keep someone else.

And then there was the ugly, which was the worse feeling of heartbreak, humiliation, obsession, betrayal and painful mistakes I made all in the name of love.

In the end, not every relationship was meant to last forever. And maybe that was what Krystal College truly gave me. A rare lesson that I would carry for the rest of my life.

THE END.

I want to say a big SHOUT OUT to all my readers… Thank you so much for following Zara's story to the end 🥰

To as many comments that was posted, I appreciate them and it really inspired me to keep writing ✍😊

Here’s a snippet from the book:

She said that being a product of rape was the reason she abandoned me. Then, after seventeen years of moving from one foster home to another and surviving the streets alone, I finally found a turning point, only for a stranger to appear, claiming to be my mother.

Chapter one: return of the past

My phone rang, showing an unfamiliar number. I already knew who it was. Even if she was the last person on earth, I would never want to talk to her, so I ignored it.

 

“We can adjourn the meeting, Ms. Lana,” my business associate, Mr. Timi, said when he noticed the phone buzzing nonstop. I shook my head and switched it off.

 

“Back to the reason we’re here,” I said with a small smile.

 

Mr. Timi nodded and explained for the tenth time how the joint venture project would benefit us both. I exhaled, already tired of the whole discussion.

“I’m all in on your proposal,” I said.

 

His joy was obvious, and even his personal assistant looked excited.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. You’ll see that this will be one of the best decisions you’ve made,” he said proudly. I only chuckled inside.

 

We both knew this wasn’t something I would normally agree to easily, but after more than two hours of convincing, I just wanted the meeting to end. I only hoped I wouldn’t regret my decision.

“I hope so,” I replied, masking my doubts.

 

When they left my office, I let out a heavy sigh and closed my eyes, only for memories I didn’t want to remember to rush back. I shook my head. I hate going back there, but I couldn’t stop it.

 

(memories of the past)

I quickly arranged the dishes before my third foster mother returned home. She was very strict, and any small mistake meant violence. Sadly, one dish slipped and shattered. I knew trouble was coming.

 

Tears rolled down my face as I tried to clean the mess, but her footsteps already warned me of what was next.

 

“What have you done?” she shouted, her anger already filling the room.

 

“You should have never been adopted, you worthless child!”

 

Her words cut deeper than anything. She pulled me up roughly, making the broken pieces fall from my hands and slice my skin. I opened my mouth to explain it was a mistake, but her hard slap met my face, leaving bruises and a reminder of how worthless she said I was.

(Back to present day)

 

A loud knocking on my office door pulled me back to the present. My hand was gripping the armrest tightly, and tears were already on my cheeks. I swallowed and quickly wiped them off.

 

“Come in, please,” I said.

 

My personal assistant, Dave, walked in but hesitated.

“S–She is here.”

 

My mood changed immediately. Anger rose so fast that Dave started shaking. Before I could shout at him, the stranger walked in.

 

“Get out! Both of you,” I ordered, my voice sharp with rage. Dave rushed out, but the woman stayed, standing boldly like she expected me to obey her. She knew I couldn’t fight her power.

 

I stood up and put my phone in my bag.

 

“You can stay and enjoy the comfort of my office,” I said, lifting my bag onto my shoulder. Then I walked out, leaving the woman who gave birth to me standing there, shocked.

 

Thank you for reading ❤️ 

Continue Lana’s story in chapter two by clicking on Hidden Scar 

Do not forget to like the story, if you haven’t done so.

Thank you for choosing Unik Books 🥰️