Chapter 2 The Lie in His Pocket

Khalid didn't believe in destiny. But if destiny wore a white blouse and smelled like sandalwood and holy oil, then maybe he'd change his mind. He watched Anaya disappear into the sea of market people. She moved like a ghost untouched, untouched, untouchable. But his mind was already chasing her. He'd meant it as a joke, the line. But now he wanted to know her name. Know where she lived. Know if her lips were as soft as her voice. Back at the apartment he shared with Shola and two other guys in Elelenwo, the Wi-Fi was acting up, but his inbox was hot. Three mugu responses from Canada.

One was ready to send $2,000 after "confirming love." Khalid copied and pasted a few sweet lies into the chat. Sugar, baby. Queen of my dreams. I'll marry you once I get the visa. Then he switched apps, Instagram. He searched: #ChristInPowerTabernacle

There she was, Her name tagged in a choir post. @AnayaObiora_ He clicked. Her page was private. Of course. But the profile pic? It was her, in that white skirt, standing beside a banner that read: "NO SINNER SHALL GO UNPUNISHED." Khalid chuckled. Oh, the irony he sent a follow request five minutes passed, Ten Then Follow accepted. Anaya sat on her bed that night, legs folded beneath her, Bible open but unread. She knew she shouldn't have accepted the follow. But something about the boy's confidence was... terrifyingly exciting. Her fingers hovered over her phone as she scrolled. He was different from every church boy she knew. Tattoos. Beach photos. Quotes like "God knows my heart" next to pictures of Hennessy and hundred dollar bills. Who was this boy?

A message popped up.

Khalid: You looked like an angel today. Hope I didn't scare you.

She stared. Then typed:

Anaya: You didn't. But I don't talk to strangers.

Khalid: Then let me stop being one.

She smiled.

Across the city, he did too.

This was how it started. Not with a touch.

But with a follow.

And a lie already tucked in his pocket.