The Maya project: Olayemi's redemption.

e had always been a girl who prided herself on her independence, her ability to handle whatever life threw her way. But now, faced with her mounting fi

at the meager food she had left in the fridge and the pile of unpaid bills stacked on the small table in the corner. The

e money to throw around, and yet no one could figure out exactly how he got it. But he had always been kind to her, at least in his own way. He had shown interest in her during the early days of university, often offering to

f she could put aside her pride long enough to ask him for help. She needed the money-desperately. And

g slightly. It took a few minutes before she

o talk to you.

it sinking in. She wasn't sure what she expected, but

ound. Meet me at the

she knew deep down there was no turning back. She put the phone down, wiped the tears that had started

a glance. It wasn't much-a small, nondescript place tucked between two larger buildings, but it was enough for Ovie to c

you'd come to me eventually. Life has a funny way of p

the other patrons on her, but she ignored them. She had no energy to care about wha

sper. "My family... we don't have anything left. I'm struggling to finish sch

you need, Olayemi. And I'm here to offer you a way out." His tone dropped to a low murmur, a dangerous promise hanging

knew where this was headed. It wasn't a matter of "helping" her

ine for a while. I'll make sure your financial worries disappear. I'll

cross the table. "This is just the start. All I ask in return is that

on. The amount he was offering was more than enough to cover the rest of her tuition, t

eyes filled with something she couldn't quite place. "What

you. No questions asked. It's simple. You'll have everyt

l the weight of her circumstances crushing down on her. She had always prided herself on doing things on her own, but now she

walking away. But then she remembered her mother, the

ce shaking. "But I need to finish sch

new you'd come around, Jane Maya. Now,

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