Mariaa

Maria paced the confines of her bedroom, her usually calm exterior betraying the slightest hint of agitation. Three weeks had passed since Adekunle's demise, yet the city remained oblivious to her actions. The media reported his disappearance as "mysterious," but no one had connected it to her. Still, Maria couldn't ignore the growing whispers within her social circles. People were beginning to notice the pattern of wealthy, influential men disappearing without a trace.

She caught her reflection in the mirror, her sharp features framed by the morning sunlight streaming through the curtains. Her carefully constructed façade as the dutiful daughter and accomplished businesswoman was intact. But for how long?

Her phone buzzed, jolting her back to the present. It was Adaora, her best friend since university. Maria hesitated before picking up, her voice perfectly composed.

"Good morning, Ada. What's up?"

"Maria, have you seen the news?" Adaora's voice was breathless. "Another one. This time it's Chief Eze's son. Can you imagine?"

Maria's grip on the phone tightened. She kept her voice steady. "I hadn't heard. What happened?"

"He didn't come home last night after some party. They're saying it's foul play. People are talking about a serial killer targeting men in Lagos. Can you believe it?"

Maria forced a laugh. "People love conspiracy theories. It's probably nothing."

"I don't know, Maria. This city is getting dangerous. Be careful out there."

"I always am," Maria replied smoothly.

After ending the call, Maria sat on the edge of her bed, her mind racing. The police would start connecting the dots eventually, no matter how careful she had been. For the first time since her transformation, doubt crept into her thoughts. She needed to be smarter, more strategic.

Later that evening, Maria attended a gala hosted by a prominent charity. The event, held at a luxurious hotel in Victoria Island, was a perfect hunting ground. The room buzzed with Lagos' elite men in sharp suits, women draped in designer gowns, and champagne flowing freely. Maria entered the hall with effortless grace, her black dress hugging her figure perfectly.

She scanned the room, her eyes landing on a man surrounded by a small group of admirers. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and radiated confidence. His laughter echoed across the room, drawing attention. Maria recognized him instantly from Dapo Okusanya, a real estate tycoon known for his ruthless business tactics and questionable morals.

She smiled to herself. He was perfect.

As she approached, she calculated her steps, ensuring she seemed casual yet deliberate. When their eyes met, Dapo's interest was immediate. He excused himself from his group and extended a hand to Maria.

"I don't believe we've met," he said, his voice smooth. "Dapo Okusanya."

"Maria Okafor," she replied, her handshake firm. "It's a pleasure."

"The pleasure is all mine," he said, his eyes lingering on her longer than necessary. "Are you here alone?"

"I came with some friends, but they seem to have disappeared. And you?"

"I never come alone," he said with a smirk. "But I'm glad I found you."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, as Maria had planned. Dapo was captivated, his arrogance blinding him to the subtle manipulation in her words. By the end of the evening, they exchanged numbers, and Maria knew she had him exactly where she wanted.

Over the next week, Maria and Dapo grew closer. He was eager to impress her, showering her with gifts and lavish dates. To him, she was the perfect woman: intelligent, beautiful, and unattainable. But Maria saw through his facade. Beneath his charm lay a man driven by greed and entitlement, a man who believed the world owed him everything.

One evening, Dapo invited Maria to his private villa in Lekki. The house, a sprawling masterpiece of modern architecture, screamed opulence. As they sipped wine by the pool, Dapo regaled her with stories of his business conquests. Maria listened intently, feigning admiration.

"I like you, Maria," he said suddenly, his tone softer. "You're different from the others."

"Different how?" she asked, tilting her head.

"You're real. Genuine. Most women I meet are after one thing: money. But you, you're…special."

Maria smiled, leaning closer. "And what makes you think I'm not after your money?"

Dapo laughed, brushing her comment aside. "I just know."

She let the silence linger, her eyes fixed on his. The moment felt heavy, charged. Dapo leaned in, closing the distance between them. But just before their lips met, Maria stood, breaking the tension.

"Let's go inside," she said, her voice low and inviting.

Dapo followed her eagerly, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior. Inside, the house was dimly lit, the glow from the city skyline casting shadows on the walls. Maria led him to the living room, where she excused herself briefly.

In the bathroom, she steadied her breathing. Her hand brushed against the syringe concealed in her purse. The concoction she had prepared was lethal but undetectable, leaving no trace of foul play. She had perfected it after Richard's death, ensuring her methods evolved with each kill.

When she returned, Dapo was seated on the couch, his drink in hand. Maria sat beside him, her movements graceful. As they talked, she subtly slipped the syringe into her palm, her heart racing. She waited for the perfect moment when his guard was completely down.

But then, something unexpected happened.

Dapo's phone buzzed on the coffee table, and he glanced at the screen. His expression shifted, his brow furrowing.

"Is everything okay?" Maria asked, her voice sweet.

"It's nothing," he said, but his tone was distracted. He stood, pacing the room. "I just remembered something I need to handle. Can we continue this another time?"

Maria's pulse quickened. This wasn't part of the plan. "Of course," she said, masking her frustration.

As she left the villa, Maria couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Dapo's sudden change in demeanor was unusual. She replayed the evening in her mind, searching for clues. Had she miscalculated? Had he suspected something?

For the first time, Maria felt a crack in her confidence. She knew she couldn't afford mistakes.

The following day, Maria received an unexpected call. It was Dapo.

"Maria," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We need to talk. Can you meet me tonight?"

Her instincts screamed caution, but she agreed. The meeting would take place at a popular restaurant, a public space where she couldn't make a move.

As Maria dressed for the evening, she felt a rare flicker of unease. Dapo wasn't like her previous targets. He was perceptive, calculating. She would have to tread carefully.

When she arrived, Dapo was already seated, his expression unreadable. He greeted her warmly, but Maria sensed the underlying tension.

"I've been thinking," he began, leaning forward. "You're an incredible woman, Maria. But something about you doesn't add up."

Maria's heart skipped a beat. She forced a smile. "What do you mean?"

"You're mysterious. Private. It's intriguing, but it also makes me wonder what you are hiding?"

Maria laughed lightly. "Everyone has their secrets, Dapo. Don't you?"

"Of course," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But mine don't hurt anyone."

The conversation shifted, but the unease lingered. Maria knew she had to act quickly. Dapo was becoming a liability, and liabilities couldn't be allowed to live.

As she drove home that night, Maria's mind raced. Dapo had to be eliminated, but it would require a level of precision she hadn't needed before. She would need to be perfect, no mistakes, no loose ends.

The predator in her stirred, ready for the challenge.