Double cross
Behind the walls of a quiet community, love is dangerous—and secrets have consequences.
Mariam and Bella have always been inseparable, bound by friendship that feels unbreakable. But beneath their laughter lies a silent rivalry—both girls are drawn to the same boy, Samuel. Bella dreams of love, unaware that Mariam is already secretly involved with him. While Bella confides her feelings, Mariam hides the truth, caught between desire and betrayal, knowing one revelation could destroy everything between them.
But their story is only the beginning.
Mrs. Ajayi, a respected teacher, lives a double life behind closed doors. Trapped in a violent and controlling marriage, she finds escape in the arms of Kingsley—her student. What begins as comfort quickly spirals into a forbidden relationship fueled by desperation, power, and need.
Yet the past refuses to stay buried.
Amaka, Kingsley’s late girlfriend, is dead—and Mrs. Ajayi is the reason why. A single moment of rage, a push that went too far, and a secret that could ruin them all.
As love turns to obsession and loyalty to betrayal, the truth edges closer to the surface.
And when it finally breaks…
no one will escape unscathed.
Basahin
Chapter: Chapter 8: The Divided HeartAfter class, Bella cornered Mariam near the water tank.“Mariam, why didn’t you let me pick you up this morning?”Mariam looked startled. “Bella, don’t be angry. I had to get something for my mum and drop it at her shop. You know it’s closer to school.”“But your mum doesn’t open early,” Bella pressed.“Eh… this time she had to. She opened early today,” Mariam replied too quickly.Bella stared at her. Then, suddenly, softened. “I feel so bad for Amaka. She was just fifteen…”“I know,” Mariam whispered. “May her soul rest in peace.”“Well, Samuel and I want to eat somewhere private,” Bella said. “So… see you later.”Mariam’s eyes widened. “Oh… can I come?”Bella smiled coldly. “No. You’re not invited.”She turned and walked away.Mariam stood there, heart sinking.Not even five minutes later, Kingsley walked into the classroom. His face was blank, but his eyes looked shattered. Everyone rushed to meet him.“Sorry, Kingsley…”“I know it hurts.”“You’ll be fine.”He nodded stiffly, prete
Huling Na-update: 2026-03-21
Chapter: Chapter 7: The dead don’t whisper they screamMariam stepped out of her compound, adjusting the buttons on her school uniform with shaky fingers. Her eyes lifted and froze.Parked directly in front of her gate was Samuel’s black car.Her heart skipped.The window rolled down slowly, revealing his familiar smirk. “Hi, Mariam.”She blinked. “Ah… Samuel? What are you doing here?”“I came to pick you,” he said casually. “How else would I see that beautiful smile this early in the morning?”Her smile faltered, her voice hesitant. “But… I don’t remember telling you to come this morning.”“You don’t need to tell me, my love,” he said, stepping out of the car with easy confidence.She blushed slightly. “You know I usually go with Bella to school. I don’t want her to suspect anything. She’s your best friend, too.”Samuel chuckled. “Come on, Mariam. We’re just friends, not lovers. And Bella isn’t my girlfriend.”Mariam hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Okay, fine. But promise me, you won’t drop me at the front of the school gate. Bella
Huling Na-update: 2026-03-21
Chapter: Chapter 6 : what love shouldn’t beThe night was unusually quiet. Too quiet.In her dimly lit apartment, Mrs. Gbemisola Ajayi sat curled on her couch, lost in thought. The air felt thick, heavy with regret and memories. She had left school hours ago in a rush, barely locking the classroom door before jumping into her car. Now, in the silence of her home, her thoughts screamed louder than ever.Where did it all go wrong? she asked herself.She stared blankly at the wall, her eyes glazed over. Guilt clawed at her, biting harder than usual tonight. She thought about her marriage—about Tunde. About how she had stayed in a union that gave her nothing but wounds.But should I feel guilty for cheating on a man who never loved me? Who only deceived me? she wondered bitterly.Her lips trembled. Her heart was torn, bleeding silently with shame and longing. She missed the version of herself that believed in love. She missed the girl who thought a good marriage was a reward for purity and patience. But that girl was gone.Her phon
Huling Na-update: 2026-03-21
Chapter: Chapter 5: The pushNext Day at SchoolI wasn’t myself. My stomach was tight with anxiety, and I needed to speak to Samuel—fast.I saw him across the hallway and began hurrying toward him. But just as I made my move, Bella stepped in my way.“Where are you going, Mariam?”“Oh… just to do something quickly downstairs.”“Okay, be fast. We need to go to the library—only one week left till exams.”“I know. I’ll meet you there soon.”Once she was gone, I ran straight to Samuel.“Hi, Samuel.”“Hey, Mariam. You good?”“No. I came to tell you the exact excuse I gave Bella—so you can say the same thing if she brings it up.”“Smart. What did you tell her?”I filled him in quickly, and he nodded.“Your mum—wow. She’s amazing. She saved us.”“She knows me well. I don’t lie unless I have to. And since Bella doesn’t usually visit, my mum sensed something was off.”“Your mum is not like the typical African mum, oh,” he said, chuckling. “Others would have shouted: ‘Market? I never sent her anywhere!”We both laughed. I
Huling Na-update: 2026-03-18
Chapter: Chapter 4: The web we woveOh my God,” I muttered, frozen in place. I could see Bella, seated with my mum.Panic rose like bile in my throat. My feet were stuck. I didn’t know if she had already asked my mother about the “trip to the market.” I had no idea what she might have uncovered. My hands were clammy. Samuel, still in the car, had no clue Bella was in my compound.He finally stepped down, looked towards the house, and froze when he saw her. Our eyes met, both of us silently asking the same question: What do we say now?We approached cautiously. My mum was seated outside, chatting comfortably with Bella, who wore a subtle but unreadable expression.“Mariam, how are you?” my mum asked. “Did you buy what I asked you to buy?”“Yes, mummy, I did.”She nodded, then turned to Samuel. “And who is this boy?”“He’s my friend, mummy. He goes to my school.”“Oh, okay.” She gave a half-smile. “You can speak to your friend. She’s been waiting for you.”I turned to Bella, heart still racing. “Hi Bella, you didn’t tell
Huling Na-update: 2026-03-18
Chapter: Chapter 3 : FeelingsIn class, Samuel greeted us.“Hi, bestie. How are you?” he said to Bella.“I’m fine. You?”“I got something for you—and Mariam.”“Oh? For both of us?”“Yes.”“Thank you, Samuel!” I said.“You’re welcome, Mariam. I hope you consider me your friend too.”“Of course, I do.”“Let’s sit. First class will start soon.”Samuel turned to me, “Mariam, can we talk after this class?”“Okay.”“What about me?” Bella asked.“This is just for Mariam. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to you later in the dining hall.”Bella’s face changed instantly. She wasn’t happy.“Bella, why did your face change?” I asked.“Did it change? I didn’t notice.”“You better tell me what he says to you.”“I will. Aren’t we sisters?”“Okay. But don’t get too close to Samuel. Only I’m meant to be close to him.”“Hmm… you sound like you’re dating him. You’re friends, right? Unless you’re in love?”“I’m not! He’s just my best friend.”“Okay. But we’re all friends. It’s not wrong if he talks to me.”“I hear you.”It shocked me. My Bella
Huling Na-update: 2026-03-18
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