Lin Xiaoxia’s fingers froze on the screen. That abrupt anonymous message was like an icy needle, puncturing her lazy afternoon warmth.

"Break up with him now—unless you want to watch him die in front of you. From the you of 2033."

2033? Her future self? Lin Xiaoxia’s first thought was that it had to be a prank—some jerk trying to sabotage her relationship with Xu Yuan. She unlocked her phone, swiping through her gallery, the screen flooding with warm-toned memories.

There was Xu Yuan in the café, clumsily crafting a lopsided cat latte art for her, her laughter crinkling her eyes into crescent moons. Then, the rain-soaked track field, where he draped his jacket over her shoulders, his gaze so tender it could melt. And late nights hunched over their laptops, bickering over a stubborn line of code before dissolving into shared laughter. Xu Yuan was like that—gentle, dependable, almost superhuman, yet stubborn as a mule over trivial things, like insisting on walking on the right side of the sidewalk.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar video call request popped up—the caller ID a jumble of garbled characters. Hesitating, she answered.

The face on the screen was slightly worn, sharp-eyed, yet undeniably her own—older, wearier, stripped of youth’s softness.

Future Lin Xiaoxia lifted a weathered gray tombstone into view, the camera shaking as it revealed the inscription: "Beloved Wife Lin Xiaoxia. Erected by Xu Yuan."A sharp inhale—her phone nearly slipped from her grip. The image switched again: a simple platinum ring, still gleaming, sat on her left ring finger, stark against skin roughened by time.

"Don’t doubt me. I’m you, eight years from now."Future Xiaoxia’s voice was tired but firm. "If you don’t leave him now, he’ll die in that car accident two years later."

Her mind reeled. She searched the older face for any hint of a joke but found only grim certainty—and a flicker of pain.

"And,"Future Xiaoxia added, eyeing her younger self’s bangs with a mix of disdain and nostalgia, "these wispy bangs were a terrible choice. The wind just smacks them into your face. I still don’t know how Xu Yuan put up with them."

Present Xiaoxia instinctively touched her fringe. The absurdity of it—future her, critiquing her hairat a time like this?

Future Xiaoxia seemed to read her thoughts. "Don’t think this is a joke. Time’s running out. Believe me—leaving him is the only way."

The call ended abruptly, the screen plunging back into darkness.

Her heart hammered against her ribs. This has to be fake. A cruel hoax.Xu Yuan—meticulous, careful Xu Yuan—in a fatal accident?

Just then, her door creaked open. Xu Yuan stepped in, smiling softly, a bouquet of crimson roses in his hands. He knelt before her, pulling out a velvet box. Inside, a diamond ring glimmered.

"Xiaoxia,"he murmured, gaze unwavering. "Marry me?"

She stared at the glittering stone, then flashed back to the cold message, the tombstone, the ring on a future, weathered hand—

A chill seized her.

Chapter 4: The Weight of Her Secret

For the next two years, I focused on building myself, my career, and my beautiful Jasmine. I moved out of my parents' house and into one of my dad's houses in Lekki with Jasmine. My routine was simple: take Jasmine to school, then to my office, and finally, check in on my fashion store, which I'd opened a year earlier. I had no time for petty or trivial issues. But one day, Jasmine came to find me in my study.

"Good evening, Mummy," she said.

"Good evening, my baby. How was your day?" I asked.

"I'm fine, Mummy. I want to ask you a question."

"What is it?" I asked, looking up from my laptop.

"Mummy, don't I have a daddy? Where is my daddy?"

Her question shocked me. The memories came rushing back, but I managed to compose myself.

"Jasmine, can we not talk about this right now? I'll come to your room later."

"No, Mummy! I want to see my daddy!" she cried. "Every day, my classmates make fun of me for not having a daddy. I want to see him. Call my daddy!" She stormed out of the study.

I didn't know what to do. Everything felt confusing. I held my head and tried to calm down. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

Mimi, Jasmine's nanny, entered.

"Ma'am, I need to speak with you."

"Is something the matter, Mimi?"

"Ma'am, I think it's time you tell Jasmine the truth. At this rate, she won't stop until you do."

I sighed. "I don't know. Honestly, I'm confused. How am I supposed to tell her?"

"Madam, I advise you to make a decision quickly."

"Alright, you may leave. Thank you."

The next morning, I went to Jasmine's room, only to find her still lying in bed.

"Mimi!" I called.

"Yes, Madam."

"Why isn't she dressed for school yet?"

"She refused to go."

"Jasmine, what's wrong? Is anything the matter?"

"Mummy, why are you hiding my daddy from me? I want to see my daddy."

"Jasmine, I'll take you to see your daddy very soon. I've already called him."

"Really?" she shouted happily. "I love you, Mummy!"

"Now get dressed for school."

"Okay!"

With that lie, I managed to keep Jasmine under control.

Two months later, a new assistant director, Emmanuel, was transferred to my company. We began working together on projects. Nobody knew I had a child; everyone saw me as a single lady. One afternoon, after closing hours, Emmanuel came to my office.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am."

"Afternoon, Emmanuel. What can I do for you?"

"I came to give you this," he said, handing me a dinner invitation.

"A dinner invitation?" I asked suspiciously.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'd appreciate it if you could attend. Please don't say no."

I sighed. "Alright then. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright, Ma'am."

The next morning, I went to the restaurant. After checking the invitation, I saw Emmanuel. To be honest, he was handsome and well-mannered. We sat, ordered food, and struck up a conversation.

"This place is lovely," I said.

"Yeah, it is. I made sure to pick a place according to your preference," he replied.

I chuckled lightly. "Thank you."

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Yes, go on."

"Do you have a man in your life?"

I was stunned. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Hmm, I want to be the man in your life. I know I'm not perfect, but please accept me."

I was overwhelmed. He went down on one knee. "Please be my girlfriend."

I was embarrassed and shy. "Yes, I'll be your girlfriend."

"Thank you!" He kissed me.

He drove me home, and I bade him farewell. When I entered the house, Jasmine noticed my happy mood.

"Mummy, did you win a jackpot? You look happy."

Jasmine had a way of making me smile. Sometimes, I wondered if she was a child in an adult's body.

"Yes, my darling! I'm happy," I responded. After eating, I went to my bedroom, unable to stop thinking about him.

The next few weeks were wonderful. Emmanuel took me on dates, bought me gifts, and checked up on me every day. But I was scared of what would happen when he found out about Jasmine. The thought of the aftermath kept bothering me.

One weekend, Sandra visited. While we were talking, Emmanuel called.

"Hello, darling. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you, dear. Where are you?"

"I'm at home. Okay, I just decided to check on you! Thank you, babe. Bye."

Sandra was surprised. "Who were you talking to?"

I smiled. "My boyfriend, Emmanuel."

"Congrats, bae! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Sorry, Sandra. I've been busy."

Meanwhile, Jasmine returned from the amusement park (I always asked the nanny to take her out when I had visitors, except for my parents).

"Mummy!" she exclaimed, hugging me.

"When did you come back?"

"Just now. Good afternoon, Aunty!" she greeted Sandra.

"Good afternoon, my dear. Hmm, Jasmine, Mummy has a visitor. Go and play."

"Okay, Mummy."

"Daisy, who is she? And why did she call you Mummy?" Sandra asked.

I took a deep breath. "She's my daughter."

"What? When? How? Who's the father?"

"I had Jasmine during university. Adeoti is the father."

"Why didn't you tell me? How could you possibly do that?"

"It's complicated."

"I understand, but I'm really surprised."

After a while, Sandra took her leave. I later introduced Sandra to Emmanuel. I didn't know I was inviting the devil.

After some time, I noticed Emmanuel becoming distant. The calls became less frequent, and whenever I tried to talk to him, he responded nonchalantly. I became suspicious and decided to confront him. One afternoon, I went to his house unannounced. When I entered, I saw women's clothing and underwear. I went into his bedroom and found him in bed with my so-called best friend, Sandra. They were engrossed in their actions.

I screamed, "Sandra!"

She was surprised to see me.

"Emmanuel, how could you do this to me? With Sandra?"

He said, "What did you expect? That I would marry a single mother? Or a prostitute who couldn't control her loins?"

I was dumbfounded. "Sandra, you told him? How could you? You were more than a friend. I trusted you."

Sandra walked up to me. "Maybe Emmanuel was never yours to keep! Now leave. I don't want you influencing me with your wayward ways."

I left in shame, tears streaming down my face. As I drove home, I couldn't concentrate. Why? Why did Sandra betray me like this? I loved her like a sister! What did I do to deserve this? I got home, ignored everyone's greetings, and went to my room. I soaked my pillows with tears that night. Jasmine came in.

"Mummy, why are you crying? Who hurt you? Mummy, please don't cry."

She continued to pet me, but I couldn't stop crying. I fell asleep with Jasmine.

The next morning, I woke up to phone calls and messages. The worst I feared had happened: Sandra had spread the news that I had a child out of wedlock. There were many hurtful messages: "I never knew she was a slut!" "I never thought my role model was a single mother!" "She's disgusting!" "I wonder how she'll raise the child!" I was devastated. My entire world collapsed. Jasmine came back from school, crying, telling me her classmates and their parents were calling her the daughter of a prostitute. We both cried in each other's arms. My mother had to come over to look after Jasmine and me. One morning, I decided to commit suicide. I'd already tied the rope when my mother walked in and screamed, "Daisy, please don't do this! Oko mii, shanu mii! I'm begging you, please come down!" I had to let go of the rope and hugged my mother, crying. My mother sat me down and had a heartfelt conversation with me. "My dear, this is not the end of the world. You have to stand strong and find your footing. In any disappointment, there is also a blessing." I thanked her and went to check on Jasmine. She was fast asleep. I knew I had to be strong for my girl.

The following morning, I took Jasmine to school and warned her teachers that if they made her cry, there would be consequences. I left for work, went about my business, ignoring everyone. Even hurtful words couldn't stop me. I continued to brace myself, even though I wanted to give up. I thought of Jasmine. A few weeks later, Sandra and Emmanuel were getting married. He came to my office with a bottle of wine and an invitation card. I congratulated him and continued my work. I got home that night very tired. I was about to sleep when Jasmine strolled in.

"Mummy, I want to talk to you!"

"What is it, my dear?"

"Mummy, is it true that my daddy doesn't want me?"

I was surprised. "Hmm, my dear, it's not like that."

"I'm sorry for troubling you, Mummy. I promise I'll never ask about him again."

I drew her close and gave her a hug.

Sandra and Emmanuel got married. Though I was heartbroken, I wished them the best in their marriage. As for me, I am content with my Jasmine.

i wanna die.

okay so when I was In 9th grade I had this pretty ass diary(I'm a diary person AND I LOVE WRITING) so basically I thought instead of keeping diary at home I should just carry it to school coz there are chances that my mother could find it and see what her daughter is actually doing .I had written everything like EVERYTHING about my personal life(family dramas, crushes. kisses AND MY NASTY ASS FANTASY) and yk what its completely fine so I used to bring my diary with me .Everything was fine until that one day... It was feb and it was valentine week, mind telling you I was in a convent school and my school was handled by sisters/nun so they randomly checked everyone's bag and it ofcc didn't bother me coz I had nothing with me coz I was single at that time( I BROKE UP WITH MY VERY FIRST BF JUST TO STAY SINGLE IN VALENTINE WEEK BECOZ I THOUGHT IT WAS CRINGE AND I WASNT EVEN SERIOUS IN THAT RELATIONSHIP COZ I DIDNT EVEN HAD FEELINGS like he was my frd and I never had feelings for him so ya) and then it was my turn AND GUESS WHAT that sister took my diary and STARTED READING MY DIARY like can ya'll believe, and I was like huh wth, HOW CAN YOU READ SOMEONE'S DIARY WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION and HOW IS WRITING DIARY AGAINST THE RULES LIKE WTF. She read that page where I wrote that I HAD A CRUSH ON MY CHEM PROFFESOR and the way she looked at me..OH MY GOD that stare.. and she asked me does your mother know about this I was like wth why would I tell someone that I like my pro who is double my age( I was 15 he was28) and she told me should I say her I was so scared bhai and she continued reading my diary. It was so embarrassing coz she was reading my diary in front of whole class but yk luckily that chem sir wasn't from our school he was from my coaching. Yk what he was double my age I had even mention that... and then she took my diary AND NEVER GAVE ME BACK LIKE WTH FIRST OF ALL HOW DARE YOU READ SOMEONE'S DIARY WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION AND SECOND OF ALL HOW IS WRITING DIARY WRONG AND LASTLY WHY DID YOU TOOK MY DIARY AND DIDNT EVEN RETURN. so ya this was it I even went to her cabin to get my diary back but nahh that lady she didnt gave me my diary yk what I just hate her and I HATE THEM SCHOOL TOO ✌️✌️Ik it wasn't that juicy or smtg but I just felt telling ya'll

ok so if ya'll interested in my story time do tell me😋love ya'll💋💋

It's rfrog27 here.. uhm ik I haven't updated my bio or anything and I probably should. I don't remember telling you guys any of this but if I did oh well. I'm going by Luke now and using he/him and they/them pronouns. Yes I'm a trans man now (a femboy trans man rn but eh) I'm also pansexual if anyone cared to ask. anyways I hit 10k on my YouTube channel FunkyFrogVibes. I'm happy about that. Follow me if you want. I've also discovered, I have no more interest in writing stories anymore. I probably won't write anything anytime soon unless I have to. But thank you everyone plus the site itself for being there for me all through middle school. I thank that part of my life I thank all of the friends, the connection hat made on this site. Thank you all. I'm probably never gonna use this site ever again but I I'll pop in every now and then.

Love - Luke

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