CHAPTER ONE : Trapped I was trapped in Fred’s orbit. He would weave sweet words, then tighten the grip. I felt suffocated and lost in his shadow. Whenever he call my name, “Maxine “, even with a calm tone, my heart would skitter like a thief caught in the act. That’s how toxic it was. His Jealousy was a living thing, breathing down my neck, making me question every move. Sometimes, I would find myself in a dark room, the silence suffocating me. I’d whisper, “Has God forgotten me?” The pain was a slow drip, eroding my sense of self. I navigated stages of depression without even realizing what I was up against. Should I share the hollow moments— Crying without tears, Issolations crushing weight? I’d imagine my late grandmother comforting touch., her hand patting my back. Death felt like an escape, but my 2 year old, Prince held me back. I never thought love would want to make me disappear. Not in a loud dramatic way, but in the quiet suffocating kind. The kind that left me feeling invisible, unheard and unloved. It’s time I pieced together the fragment— Here’s my story….. CHAPTER TWO: A glimpse of him It was a typical day when my friends(Loveth and Mercy) and I went about selling perfume, trying to earn means. As we stepped into a compound, our eyes scanned the surroundings for a potential customers. That’s when we spotted them. Three guys, looking cool and relaxed. Love took the lead, flashing a bright smile. “Good afternoon, sir ! Sorry to bother you. I’m Love, we’re here to show you our perfume…” We held our breath, hoping for a positive response. But before Love could even finish, one of them cut him off, “Sorry, we’re not interested.” My heart sank, and we began to turn away. Just as we were about to leave, the youngest of the guys, Mike, suddenly called out, “Excuse me… my brother wants to check what you are selling. We exchanged curious glances, and Loveth quickly piped up, “ oh, thank you, sir! We have got some amazing scents here.” Fred turned to Maxine, his eyes looking unto hers. “Hi , friend, what is your name?” He asked, his voice smooth. My name is Maxine, “She replied, her smile still radiant.” Oh, I love your smile, “Fred said, his gaze lingering.” I had to you back — Your smile is captivating. What do have there? Maxine’s face lit up as she showcased her perfume. “We have some amazing scents, sir.” Fred was impressed, buying the entire set. As he made payment, he asked for her number. “Can I get your contact, please?” Maxine nodded, typing her number into his phone, Fred thanked her, also appreciating the other girls with a generous tip. I’ll call you later, Maxine, “ he said, checking with her first. ” Is that okay with you?” Maxine smiled, “Yes, you’re free, sir.” Maxine thinks about Fred’s charming smile and wonders what his intentions are. As she’s lost in thought, her phone buzzes with an incoming message from an unknown number. After picking, it turns out to be Fred,with a calm and lovely voice. CHAPTER THREE: In the moment To put it briefly, Fred and Maxine’s Love story. Their love was a testament to the power of true partnership. They were so truthful to each other. Fred’s calm nature compliments Maxine’s spontaneity. They were each other’s rock, supporting and loving every step of the way. They would go on a date, cook together and explore the city. Maxine was amazed by Fred’s kindness, and Fred loved Maxine's infectious energy. Maxine's world revolved around Fred. She'd grown up in a rural village, raised by her loving grandmother, but life had been tough. Still, she'd found a way to make ends meet, selling perfume and scrimping to support herself. When she met Fred, something clicked. He was charming, attentive, and made her feel seen. As their relationship deepened, Maxine's love for Fred only grew stronger. She'd do anything for him, sacrificing her own needs and desires. She'd send him money, gifts, and support his siblings, all while struggling to make rent herself. Fred, on the other hand, seemed to be pulling away. He'd give her scant attention, only reaching out when he needed something. Friends and family warned Maxine about his behavior, but she refused to listen. She was convinced he was busy, that he just needed time. She'd wait patiently, ignoring the voice inside telling her something was off. The day her grandmother fell ill, Maxine's world crumbled. She rushed to the village, using her savings for hospital bills. In the midst of chaos, she tried to reach out to Fred, only to have another woman answer his phone. "I'm Elizabeth, Fred's fiancée," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Leave him alone." Maxine's heart shattered. She cried, but her sick grandmother's words echoed in her mind: "He's no good, child." Yet, she couldn't let go. She traveled back to the city, determined to confront Fred. He lied, of course, saying he'd been drunk and someone had played a prick. Maxine knew