Side Hustle Revenge

Ezi decided not to tell Obi about the pregnancy.

Not yet.

She kept the test stick hidden in her underwear drawer like a dangerous secret. Every morning she touched her stomach gently, whispering to the tiny life inside her: It’s just you and me for now.

But she needed money. And she needed power.

The promotion at work was now looking shaky. Mr. Adeyemi had openly started giving Tosin more responsibility. So Ezi did what every sharp Lagos woman does when life tries to scatter her — she activated side hustle mode.

She partnered with Tosin.

Not romantically. Strictly business… at first.

Tosin had connections in the events and branding space. They started a small but aggressive digital marketing side gig — helping small businesses and influencers run targeted ads, especially the new wave of pastors and prophets who wanted to blow on Instagram and TikTok.

Irony wasn’t lost on her.

The first two weeks were mad. She worked her main job during the day, then stayed up till 2 a.m. with Tosin at cafes or on calls, creating content strategies for “anointed” clients. Money started entering small. Not enough to change life, but enough to buy her some independence.

One night, after closing a ₦1.2 million deal for a celebrity pastor who wanted to sell “miracle water” online, Tosin looked at her differently.

“You know you’re too much, right?” he said, leaning back in the chair. They were at a quiet lounge in Lekki. “Most women for your situation go just dey cry. But you? You dey build.”

Ezi smiled tiredly. “I don’t have a choice.”

Tosin stared at her for a long moment. The kind of stare that carried weight.

“Ezi… forget that useless husband. A woman like you deserves better. Someone who will value you. Protect you.” He reached across the table and touched her hand. “Someone like me.”

The air changed.

Ezi pulled her hand back gently, but not aggressively. Part of her — the wounded, angry part — was tempted. Tosin was fine. Successful. Available. He didn’t talk about prophecies or second wives. He looked at her like she was the prize.

But another part of her remembered the life growing inside her.

“I can’t, Tosin. Not now.”

He nodded, but his eyes said he wasn’t giving up. “I’ll wait. When you’re ready… I’m here. No pressure.”

They left the lounge in silence. But as he drove her home, Ezi’s mind was racing.

For the first time in weeks, she felt something close to control. Money was entering. A man was showing her the kind of attention she hadn’t felt in a long time. And she had a secret weapon growing in her belly.

But deep down, she knew this path was dangerous.

Because playing with fire — whether spiritual or fleshly — always leaves scars.

Later that night, Obi finally called.

“I’m coming home tomorrow,” he said. “We need to talk properly.”

Ezi touched her stomach again.

Now the real war was about to begin.

To be continued…