The Best Friend Who Stole My Love

Hey K,

Today, I found myself reflecting on our past with a mix of nostalgia and acceptance. The way we met was truly remarkable. I often wondered if you were actually searching for me when we crossed paths, but we both know that wasn’t the case. I hesitated, as many women do, when you first proposed to me. You kept asking me to be your girlfriend, and I kept pushing you away until you said, “Start with me, and you will never regret it.” Somehow, those words brought me comfort, and I replied, “Yes, I will be your girl.” That day, I believed I had found my Romeo and that soon I would be happily married to you.

I remember the day you took me home to show that you had no bad intentions. I was thrilled, and that was when I began to see the kind of man you were—decent, considerate, and a true gentleman.

Just two months into our relationship, I landed a well-paying contract. I thought it might be the luck you brought into my life, so I didn’t hesitate to share my earnings with you. You accepted it gladly since your income as an Uber driver wasn’t enough. I believed in the love we shared and went the extra mile, reaching out to my contacts to help you find another job and other opportunities without you knowing. I wanted to secure the love we had.

I would prepare your favorite meals, like Jollof rice and spaghetti, even at 11 PM when you said you were hungry. I didn’t mind waking up from sleep to cook, even knowing I had to work early the next day. I did all this and more, believing that true love requires sacrifice. I wanted to ensure you wouldn’t look at any other woman.

I gave you 70% of all the unisex items my siblings sent from abroad because I thought you needed them more than I did. I also provided money for your upkeep because I didn’t like the idea of you borrowing from friends. K, it wasn’t that I didn’t have my own needs; I was simply blinded by love.

One day, while using your laptop overnight, I discovered that you had lied about your age and that I was actually two years older than you. To avoid confrontation, I chose to ignore it.

I should have been more cautious when you introduced that lady as your friend. My instincts told me something was off when I saw the picture frame she gave you as a birthday gift. I continued to be the supportive girlfriend, avoiding questions so you wouldn’t label me as nagging, jealous, or insecure.

Whenever you said you were with your cousin, I would sometimes call him to confirm, but he would tell me he hadn’t seen you in days. These were the red flags I ignored. Whenever I sensed you drifting away and expressed my concerns, you always managed to calm my fears.

You posted a picture of you and that lady having a great time on your status, then deleted it quickly so I wouldn’t see it. Fortunately, I did see it and took a screenshot. I jokingly commented on the picture and showed it to you, but you became very angry. You warned me, “If you’re not careful, I’ll block you from seeing my status.” I should have paid more attention to these signs, but my love for you kept me blind to the obvious mistakes.

K, you changed. You would go days without speaking to me over the slightest misunderstandings. I always found myself apologizing, even when I wasn’t at fault, because I wanted to make things work. Our homes weren’t far apart, yet you wouldn’t let me visit during the lockdown, always making excuses. You made me feel like I was the one carrying the virus. While I was following the protocols, you were welcoming another woman into your life. I knew something was off when you stopped picking up my video and voice calls, claiming, “I’m not in the mood for video calls.”

I remained calm throughout. After the lockdown, there was so much to handle at work, and since you weren’t communicating much, you barely knew what was happening. One time, I missed your call and called you back, but you got angry and refused to listen to my explanation. I apologized over the phone and even went to your house to apologize in person. That day, you slammed the door in my face and wouldn’t let me in. I called you for four days straight, but you didn’t respond. I thought to myself, “Has he forgotten all I’ve done for him?” Your pride was astonishing. You read all my messages but didn’t reply to any.

I should have realized we had reached the end, but something kept urging me to believe that things would get better. Then one Saturday morning, you called and said, “I can’t do this anymore. Stop calling me and pretend this never happened.” Just like that? What did I do wrong? I pleaded with you, but you wouldn’t listen. That was the last time I heard from you.

Just a week after our breakup, I saw photos of you enjoying yourself with that same lady you claimed was your best friend. The captions were chilling, and the places you visited together were intriguing. So, you could actually go out and have fun with a girl? Throughout our relationship, we never went out once; you always preferred to stay indoors.

I had big plans for us, and I still wonder why you came into my life. Was it love, or did you know what you wanted, got it, and then left? You now have a business thanks to the capital I invested. I have records of all the money you borrowed and didn’t repay. This might not be the end. The next time you hear from me, I’ll be reaching out to collect what you owe me.

Wait for me.

It’s me, Esi.

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