The Cold CEO's Woman

Anita Baker was a 24-year-old woman and the eldest daughter of her parents. She had five younger sisters. Her father was a banker, while her mother was a trader.

Anita was fair-skinned and beautifully shaped, with sexy, curvy hips. Among all her sisters, she was the only light-skinned one; the rest were dark-skinned, with some fair brown complexions.

Futhermore, Anita resembled her mother but was even more beautiful. Sometimes, her father accused her mother of cheating on him and doubted that he was truly Anita's father because she was so fair.

Her mother always remained silent about it and assured Anita not to worry, insisting that she was really his child. Her father even threatened to run a paternity DNA test on her, as he couldn't understand why she was so different from her sisters.

Her immediate younger sister, Flora—a 22-year-old dark-skinned beauty—disliked her, even though Anita was two years older. About four of her sisters hated her, except for her youngest sister, Glory, who genuinely loved her. They say blood is thicker than water, but in Anita's case, water seemed thicker than blood.

Still, Anita's father, Mr. Joshua Baker, didn't stop sending her to school. He only accused his wife of cheating on him and forcing another man's child on him so he would marry her. Nonetheless, he still sent Anita to the university to study business administration.

Anita was thrilled as she wrote her final exams, and the results came out with flying colors.

Because of her father's constant accusations toward her calm mother, Mrs. Tonia Baker, Anita had refused to accept any relationship proposals from guys asking her out. She would go on dates with them but ultimately rejected their advances.

Her best friend at the university, Temisa Patrick, had advised her to give love a chance, but Anita refused. "My father constantly accuses my mother of cheating on him, and yet he still goes back to her and gets her pregnant to birth the six of us," she said.

"Mother says Dad loves her, but his daily insults don't show us that he truly does." She shook her head as she spoke to her best friend, back when they were in their second year at the university.

Guys were tripping over themselves to have Anita—handsome, well-to-do guys—but she felt they only wanted to use her. She believes once the man had crossed that bridge and took her virginity, he would dump her or accuse her of cheating, just like her father constantly did to her mother, driving both her and her mother into depression.

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Anita sat in a private room with her best friend, preparing for their final graduation.

"Anita, I'm so happy. Finally, we'll be parting from this university. I can't explain how much I've missed home," Temisa said.

"Me too," Anita replied faintly, though it wasn't entirely true. She hated home and knew she would face her father's constant insults toward her and her mother again, while her three younger sisters—Flora, Esther, and Favour—would torment her, calling her an outcast because they were jealous of her looks, as if it were entirely her fault.

Anita shook her head in sadness, and Temisa noticed.

"What's wrong, girlfriend? You don't seem happy, even though you're graduating as one of the best students today in our university," Temisa asked. She stood up from her seat facing the mirror and walked over to Anita, who was sitting on the couch.

Anita shook her head again and stared away, not responding.

"What's the problem, dear?" Temisa approached and crouched in front of Anita. Even though she knew what the issue was—Anita had told her why she hated men in general and saw them as scumbags.

"Don't worry. When I get home, I can talk to my mother about letting you come live with us, even if it's just for your I.T. period, until you get a better job to support yourself."

"Thank you," Anita said with a faint smile. Temisa responded, "You're welcome. You know you're like a sister to me, so you don't have to worry or cry much. Graduating with a first-class degree is no small feat, so you should be happy. Today is your most blessed day. Come sit here; let me apply some makeup to your face."

Temisa pulled her up from the couch. Anita smiled faintly and walked over to sit in the seat facing the mirror in their shared private room.

"You know I don't like makeup," Anita said as she sat and watched Temisa open one of her makeup kits and prepare her brush.

"I know, but today is your lucky day, so you should look sweet when collecting your awards. No excuses—just do this for me, okay? It'll make you smile throughout the day and lighten your mood."

"Okay," Anita replied. She stared at her beautiful reflection in the mirror as Temisa began applying a light brown powder to her face.

Temisa started with Anita's eyelashes, then moved to her cheeks and nose, applying the makeup powder. Once she was through making her over, Anita was stunned by her new look in the mirror.

Anita had never worn makeup before, and staring at her reflection, she was speechless. She now understood why Temisa had so many boyfriends.

Temisa was the daughter of a billionaire; her father worked at the Benson Group of Companies. The Benson family was one of the richest in their country. Anita had read about them and wished she could work there, which was why she had studied so hard, reading day and night to graduate as one of the best students in her university.

Anita had considered asking Temisa to help her apply for a job at the Benson Group through her father, but she knew it might seem like she was seeking unearned favor. It could make others see her as a gold digger or a woman selling her body for advantages from men. So, she decided against it and chose not to ask Temisa for her father's help again.

"All done now. Don't you see how sweet you look in the mirror? Oh my God! I'm the best makeup artist on campus!" Temisa fanned herself with her hand while Anita smiled at her.

"Don't overhype yourself too much because of me, girlfriend. Yes, you did well, but I still don't like makeup," Anita admitted.

"Tsk! Shut up. I'm hoping a handsome guy will see you today and ask you out," Temisa giggled.

Everything about Temisa revolved around guys. She changed boyfriends every month like she changed pants and was unapologetic about her multiple relationships. She didn't care what other women thought and didn't believe in love; instead, she spent time dating different guys.

Temisa never admitted to sleeping with any of the men, which was hard to believe. She was always seen with various guys—at the beach, in restaurants, or at clubhouses—taking photos, yet she claimed she was still a virgin, especially after Anita confided that she was one too.

That was difficult to believe; Anita hadn't believed Temisa. A virgin was supposed to be calm and reserved, so no guy could use her. But Temisa dressed provocatively in bum shorts, crop tops, and all sorts of seductive outfits.

Temisa was a dark-skinned beauty, sexy and curvaceous like Anita, but she wasn't jealous of Anita's light skin. They were in the same department, studying the same course, which made them best friends.

Anita was more intelligent, while Temisa was the party-hard type.

"Let's go out now. I'm sure most of our families have arrived," Temisa said as she quickly packed her remaining things and makeup kits into her box and zipped it closed.

Temisa had rented the room they shared, so they often stayed there, even during university holidays. It was their final year—a time to say goodbye—so Anita dragged out her two boxes, as she was heading home after the awarding ceremony.

They stepped out to witness the university's final event and the awarding of the best graduating students.

Anita Baker was called and awarded a first-class degree for her academic excellence. Temisa beamed with smiles as she clapped for her friend, who stepped out from where she was sitting among the groups of graduands and families attending the graduation ceremony to receive her award.