CHAPTER ONE
The apartment building in New Royal Estate stood white and radiant from afar. It was the fifth building in the estate. The trees lining the road looked lush, their green leaves vibrant and heavy with ripe fruits that no one bothered to pluck. Birds perched calmly in the gardens, unbothered and unafraid. The clouds hung white and bright above, unmoving, refusing to fade.
Tina sat in the back seat of the Uber she had hired to take her home. The car sped through the estate. She looked exhausted, famished, and emotionally drained. Gripping the seat tightly, she slowly ran her fingers through her hair. Her mind drifted back—back to the past. It was hell. Real hell. Hell on earth.
Her eyes squeezed shut as tears slipped down her cheeks. She shouldn't have been born at all, she thought. She hated life—for its deceptive simplicity, which walked hand in hand with cruelty.
She was pulled back to the present by the voice of the driver.
"Why are you crying, ma'am?" he asked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.
She opened her eyes, wiped her tears, and sat up straight.
"The fifth apartment building, please," she replied, ignoring the question.
The car pulled up in front of the building. Tina stepped out and headed toward the lobby.
"You haven't paid the balance, ma'am," the driver called out.
She turned, confused for a moment, then sighed and walked back to the car.
"I'm sorry. I totally forgot," she said, rummaging through her purse.
"You were crying," he said, still trying to probe.
She stared at him for a long moment, silent, then returned her focus to her purse.
"Here's your balance," she said, holding out the money.
"Are you a student?"
Why the hell is he asking questions? she thought. Just take the money if you want it.
"Yes. A final-year student. You literally picked me up from the university. Why ask?"
"Nothing. I just… I fancy you."
"Thanks."
"You still don't want to tell me why you were crying?"
"It's not something you'd understand."
"Guy problems?"
"Nope."
"Then what?"
"I have to go now. Take your money."
"Will I see you again?"
"I don't know. I have other things scheduled," she replied, her patience wearing thin.
"Can I have your contact?"
"I'll take yours instead."
He stared at her for a few seconds, then searched his wallet and handed her a business card.
"That's my card. Call me when you're free."
"Alright. Now take your money so I can go."
"Keep it."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure."
"Thanks then. Bye." She turned and walked quickly toward the building.
She pressed the lobby doorbell and waited for the doorman. The driver was still watching her. Why is he still there? she wondered.
Gabe, the doorman, opened the door. "Welcome, Miss Smith."
"Thank you."
"How were your lectures today?"
"Fine, thank you."
"The weather's glamorous today."
"It is. Summer's definitely here," she said, pressing the elevator button.
"You look a bit down, Miss Smith."
"As usual, Gabe. You know how it is."
"Let's talk later?"
"See you later," she said, stepping into the elevator. She dropped the business card into her purse.
"Today's bad as fck. Really, really bad."*
Tears welled up again. She closed her eyes and stood still as the elevator lifted her. When the doors opened, she stepped into the hallway and entered her apartment.