The sun had barely risen over Abuja when Ethan stepped out of his small apartment, adjusting the sleeves of his worn-out shirt. The morning air was cool, carrying the distant noise of buses and early traders setting up for the day.
His world wasn't perfect—but it was his.
And he was fighting to make it better.
His phone buzzed.
Lara ❤️
A soft smile crept onto his face, the kind that came naturally, without effort.
"Good morning, my king," her message read.
Ethan leaned against the wall and typed back quickly.
"Morning, my queen. I'll see you later. I'm working hard for our future."
He paused before hitting send… then added:
"I miss you."
He slipped the phone into his pocket and began walking down the narrow street. The ground was uneven, and the buildings around him showed signs of age, but Ethan walked with purpose.
Every step he took was for something bigger.
For love.
Later that day, under the scorching afternoon sun, Ethan stood at a construction site, sweat dripping down his face as he lifted blocks alongside other workers.
"Ethan! Carry that one go the other side!" the supervisor shouted.
"Okay, sir!" he responded, quickly moving.
The work was tough. His hands were rough, his body constantly tired—but he never complained.
Because in his mind, he had already built a different life.
A better one.
With Lara.
That evening, Ethan finally stood in front of Lara's apartment.
It was a modest place, but far more comfortable than his.
He adjusted his shirt, wiped his face, and knocked.
The door opened slowly.
And there she was.
Lara Daniels.
She stood there in a simple dress, her beauty effortless, her presence commanding. Her eyes met his, and for a brief moment, everything else faded away.
"Ethan…" she said softly.
He smiled. "You look beautiful."
She smiled back, but something about it felt… faint.
"Come in."
Inside, the room was neat, organized—almost too perfect.
Ethan sat down while Lara moved toward the kitchen.
"You want something to drink?" she asked.
"Anything you give me, I go take," he replied playfully.
She let out a small laugh.
But it didn't last long.
Ethan watched her carefully.
Something was off.
"Babe," he called gently, "are you sure you're okay?"
She paused for a second before turning back to him with a smile.
"I'm fine, Ethan. Just tired."
He nodded slowly, though he wasn't fully convinced.
A few minutes later, they sat together, talking about the future.
"Our future," Ethan said, his voice full of hope. "I don't want to stay like this forever. I want to build something real… for us."
Lara looked at him quietly.
"You really believe things will change?" she asked.
"I don't believe," he replied confidently. "I know."
There was silence.
Then she reached for his hand.
"I love you," she said.
Ethan squeezed her hand, smiling.
"I love you more."
But as she looked into his eyes…
There was something she didn't say.
Something she couldn't say.
Later that night, as Ethan walked back home, his heart felt full.
He didn't notice the black car parked across the street.
He didn't see the man inside it.
Watching.
Waiting.
The car engine started slowly as Ethan disappeared into the darkness.
And inside the car, a voice muttered softly:
"So this is him…"
A faint, dangerous smile followed.
"Ethan."
Back in her apartment, Lara stood by the window, staring into the night.
Her phone lit up.
A message came in.
She hesitated… then opened it.
Unknown Number: "Did he suspect anything?"
Her fingers trembled slightly.
She typed back:
"No."
Another message came instantly.
"Good. Keep it that way."
Lara closed her eyes, gripping her phone tightly.
Tears formed—but didn't fall.
Because deep down…
She knew one thing for sure.
This wasn't going to end well.