Chapter 8

Olivia's mind was a jumble of confusion and desperation. She had been so sure that her luck was about to change, but now it seemed like the universe was conspiring against her.

She asked the staff at the sauna if they had seen anyone suspicious lurking around her locker, but they shook their heads. Olivia didn't want to press the issue further, fearing she'd only attract more trouble.

With a heavy heart, she collected her change and left the sauna. The hope and strength she'd mustered earlier seemed to have deserted her once again, leaving her feeling weak and vulnerable.

Olivia had taken precautions to protect her assets, hiding her savings in a distant bank under a pseudonym to prevent Lucas from accessing them. She had never imagined he would go to such extremes to strip her of everything.

Now, she faced the daunting task of getting to the bank to withdraw her money. Without a car, she would have to rely on public transportation, and buses wouldn't drop her off directly in front of the bank.

With a heavy heart, Olivia decided to take a chance and beg for money on the streets. She had never done this before, but desperation drove her to swallow her pride.

She approached strangers, explaining her situation and asking for help. "Ma'am, can you help me with some money? I got robbed, and I don't have enough to get home," she said to one woman passing by.

The woman's response was harsh. "Get away from me, you're not ashamed?" she snapped, barely breaking stride. Olivia felt a sting from the rejection, but she refused to give up.

She continued to approach people, some of whom ignored her or told her to leave them alone. However, a few showed compassion, handing her small amounts of cash.

As the minutes ticked by, Olivia's pockets slowly filled with coins and bills. Some people gave her a naira, others gave her five or ten. With each donation, Olivia's hope grew.

She was determined to gather enough money for the bus fare to the bank. After what felt like an eternity, she finally had had enough. With a sense of relief and gratitude, Olivia set off towards the bus stop and took the next bus going in the direction.

The bank was a small, local institution that didn't require her ID card for transactions. She was relieved that she could access her money without any complications.

As she withdrew the cash, a sense of liberation washed over her. She felt like she was finally taking control of her life, one step at a time.

With her financial worries momentarily alleviated, Olivia boarded the next train heading to Jersey City. The thought of visiting the city where her mother grew up filled her with a mix of emotions.

As the train rumbled along the tracks, Olivia's mind wandered back to her mother. She remembered the stories her mother used to tell her about Jersey City, about the vibrant neighborhoods, the rich history, and the resilient people.

Olivia had always been fascinated by her mother's tales, and now she was finally on her way to experience it all for herself.

The train ride was a chance for Olivia to reflect on her journey so far. She thought about the struggles she had faced, the kindness of a stranger like Maltilda, and the determination that had driven her to keep going. As the train pulled into Jersey City's station, Olivia felt a sense of excitement and trepidation.

***

As Olivia disappeared from the New York City scene, a whisper campaign began to spread. With her sudden departure, Lucas Garrison seized the opportunity to spin a narrative that suited his interests.

According to him, Olivia had abandoned her life and responsibilities to run off with a new lover. The rumors swirled, and people began to speculate about her whereabouts.

Maltilda, one of the few people who knew the truth, had been sworn to secrecy by Olivia's cryptic text message. "I'm going on vacation to another city and won't be back soon," Olivia had written. After that, Olivia's phone went dark, and Maltilda was left wondering what had happened.

As the days passed, Lucas's version of events gained traction. People who had known Olivia began to wonder if she had indeed left for someone else.

Some speculated about the identity of her supposed new partner, while others expressed concern for her well-being…

***

Two years had passed since Olivia's journey began, and she had transformed. As she slowly opened her eyes, she stretched her arms above her head, feeling the softness of the luxurious bed.

The morning light streaming through the window highlighted the plush decor of the room, and Olivia's gaze wandered to the bathroom. The sound of running water was soothing, and she could see a blurred figure moving behind the frosted glass.

As she stretched again, Olivia murmured, her voice soft and gentle, "Hmm... Maltida, what time is it now? Why does my body ache all over?" Her tone was like a whisper, and her words were laced with a hint of sleepiness. She sounded like a marshmallow, all soft and fluffy.

Creak

The bathroom door was opened. A tall man appeared before her with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was damp, and water droplets glistened on his skin.

His muscular chest and perfectly firm abs were very visible.

He was a stunningly handsome man with a chiseled face, piercing eyes, and a captivating smile. His sharp jawline, defined features, and effortless charm make him irresistible.

Olivia's eyes narrowed as she demanded, "Who are you? Why are you here?" Her voice was firm, and she quickly pulled the duvet up to her chin, trying to preserve some semblance of modesty.

The man's eyebrows shot up, and he began walking towards her with a confident stride. "Why don't you ask yourself that question?" he said, his tone cold and detached.

His words hung in the air, and Olivia felt a surge of annoyance at his arrogance. She didn't like the way he was looking at her, like he owned the place and everyone in it.

"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. The man smirked, but it only added to his aura of confidence. "You're in my bed," he said, his voice dripping with implication. "Maybe you should be asking yourself what you're doing here."