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Chapter Four:
Second semester came with new energy. The campus buzzed with activities—departmental dinners, class projects, and student events that brought people together in ways lectures never could. It was during one of these campus events that Ivy made her entrance.
She arrived in a sleek black car, stepping out with a grace that turned heads instantly. Her long braids swayed behind her, and her expensive perfume lingered in the air. She was the type of girl people noticed—tall, poised, confident. Her name was already whispered among students before she even walked through the main gates.
Celine first heard about her through a casual mention during lunch.
"Have you met the new transfer student from Lagos?" her coursemate asked. "That girl Ivy? She's from a wealthy family . Her dad's into oil or something."
Celine barely paid attention. She had no reason to. Her life was full—Ben still looked at her like she was the only girl in the world.
But soon, Ivy's name began to pop up more often—especially in Ben's conversations.
---
"She's in my business strategy class," Ben said one afternoon, scrolling through his phone. "Super sharp girl. You'd like her."
Celine smiled. "That's cool. What's she like?"
Ben shrugged. "Smart. Talks a lot. Always has something clever to say."
There was nothing alarming about his tone. No red flags. Just a guy talking about a classmate. So Celine brushed it off. Love wasn't supposed to be suspicious.
But slowly, things began to shift.
---
Ben's schedule became tighter. He stopped dropping by her hostel as often. Their late-night calls became shorter. He was still sweet—but less present. When she brought it up, he always had a reason.
"Sorry babe, I was working on that group project… Ivy's part of it too. You know how some people just take charge of everything?"
Celine laughed softly, trying to be understanding. "Don't let her boss you around."
Ben smiled. "Nah. It's not like that. She just… knows what she's doing."
Celine nodded, but something inside her stirred. Not jealousy. Not fear. Just a quiet discomfort she couldn't explain.
---
At a faculty networking event, Celine finally met Ivy in person.
Ben introduced them casually. "Ivy, this is my girlfriend, Celine."
Ivy extended a manicured hand, smiling warmly. "Nice to meet you. Ben talks about you a lot."
Her voice was smooth, her words polite. But something about the way she looked at Ben—just a second too long, just a little too familiar—unsettled Celine.
And Ben? He didn't seem to notice.
---
Days turned into weeks. Celine kept loving Ben the way she always had—fully, openly, trustingly. But a shadow had entered her heart. She didn't want to admit it, but Ivy was becoming a presence in their relationship. Always around. Always involved. And worse, always confident.
Still, Ben never crossed a line. He was hers. He reminded her with kisses, gentle words, and promises whispered in the dark.
But sometimes, when he looked away mid-conversation… when he smiled at a text he didn't show her…
Celine felt the first cracks forming in their perfect world.
She didn't panic.
She held on tighter.
Love, after all, was worth fighting for.
Or so she thought.