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CHAPTER 3: Shadows Behind the Smile
The cozy scent of roasted coffee beans floated in the air. The coffee shop was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of mugs—but for Zackary, everything else blurred out.
There she was.
Nifemi.
Sitting near the window, her face calm, eyes fixed on a textbook, lips moving slightly as she read. The sunlight streamed through the glass, gently kissing her face. Zack's heart skipped a beat.
"I'm going to say hi," he said, already moving.
"Zack," Amelia's hand gently touched his wrist, holding him back. Her voice was soft, but laced with concern. "You're moving too fast. You don't even know if she likes you back."
Zack paused, torn.
Amelia leaned in slightly. "What if she's just... being polite? What if she's not even interested in someone like you?"
His chest rose and fell slowly. "And what if I never get this chance again?"
Amelia blinked, her heart cracking as he pulled away and walked toward Nifemi.
---
Nifemi looked up at the sound of footsteps—her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Zackary?" she said, surprised.
He smiled. "Wow. You remember me."
"How could I forget?" she said with a laugh, closing her book slightly. "You're the guy who almost knocked me off my feet… literally."
Zack chuckled. "Guilty. I hope you've recovered from the trauma?"
She smiled. "Barely. Still having flashbacks."
They both laughed.
There was a brief silence. Not awkward—just warm.
Zack pulled out the chair across from her. "Mind if I sit?"
She hesitated, then nodded. "Sure."
"So… do you always study in coffee shops, or was this fate playing games with us?"
She laughed. "Let's just say the café has better power than my house."
Zack leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "You're really smart, aren't you?"
Nifemi looked down shyly. "I try."
"I like that," he said softly. "Smart girls."
She glanced at him, a small smile creeping up. "So… what about you? The big celebrity. What are you doing here?"
"Craving peace and coffee," he said. "And apparently, divine encounters."
She raised a brow, amused. "Divine, huh?"
"Absolutely," he said, eyes locked on hers.
She cleared her throat, suddenly remembering reality. "I actually have to run. I've got a class by 4."
Zack stood up with her. "Wait. Before you go… can I have your number? I don't want this to end here."
She hesitated.
Her heart raced. Was this even real?
"Just so we can talk," he added quickly, sensing her nerves. "Nothing crazy. I promise."
She looked at him… then smiled and handed her phone to him. He typed quickly, handed it back.
"I'll text you," he said.
"I'll pretend I'm not waiting," she replied with a wink.
---
Two Weeks Later…
They couldn't stop.
Late-night calls. Voice notes. Shared jokes. Dreams.
He loved the way she said "I'm proud of you."
She loved the way he listened without trying to "fix" her.
One night, he sent a message:
> Zack: "There's a celebrity event this Saturday. Come with me. As my +1."
> Nifemi: "Me? Zack… I'm not from your world. I'm not used to that kind of crowd."
> Zack: "It's just a party. You don't need to be anything else but yourself. You already shine brighter than anyone in that room."
> Nifemi: "I don't even have a dress."
> Zack: "I'll handle that."
After a pause, she replied:
> Nifemi: "Fine. Just this once."
He smiled at his screen like a boy who just won a treasure.
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Sunday Afternoon – Zack's Mansion
Amelia stepped into the large living room, elegance wrapped around her like perfume.
"Amelia!" Zack's mom stood from the couch. "It's been a while."
"I just wanted to say hello. I wasn't sure if Zack was around."
"He's out on set," she said, sitting again. "Come, sit."
They chatted. Amelia smiled. Polite. Careful.
Then she leaned forward slightly. "Have you heard about the girl Zack's been talking to?"
Zack's mom raised a brow. "That ordinary girl? The one he keeps going on about?"
"Yes, Nifemi," Amelia said. "She's… sweet. But I'm worried, ma."
Zack's mom frowned. "Worried?"
"She's not from our world," Amelia said gently. "I just hope she's not using Zack. You know how people chase fame these days."
The older woman's face hardened. "I won't let anyone take advantage of my son. Especially not a girl who doesn't belong in this family."
Amelia nodded slowly, hiding her grin behind a sip of tea.
Inside, she burned with satisfaction.
Let the games begin.
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