FINDING TÒRÒ💞 EP3

 

 

FINDING TÒRÒ💞

Episode Three

Tòrò was a woman of routine.

Every morning, it was the same—flawless outfit, towering heels, and a steaming cup of coffee to keep her grounded. Even on the days when her mind was restless, when memories of the night before clung to her skin like an unwanted scent, coffee was her ritual.

So, when lunchtime rolled around, she made her way to the lounge, her heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floors.

The aroma of freshly brewed espresso filled the air as she stepped inside. Employees were scattered around, some chatting in hushed tones, others focused on their meals. She headed straight for the counter, barely sparing anyone a glance.

But then—

“Tòrò,” a voice called.

She turned slightly, her expression neutral, eyes landing on George.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and had the kind of easy confidence that made him likable. Unlike most of the men in the office, George wasn’t intimidated by her aura. In fact, he seemed entertained by it.

He stepped closer, his smile warm. “Didn’t think I’d ever get a chance to talk to you without the entire office watching.”

Tòrò exhaled softly, offering a polite smile. “George.”

He tilted his head. “No ‘how are you?’ No ‘how’s your day going?’ Just ‘George’?”

She arched a perfectly shaped brow. “I didn’t realize we were on daily check-in terms.”

He chuckled. “Fair enough. But since we’re here, how about letting me buy you coffee?”

Tòrò shook her head, already fishing out her card. “I don’t let people buy me coffee.”

George smirked. “Independent woman. I respect it.”

The barista handed her the coffee, and she took a slow sip, savoring the warmth.

George studied her for a moment before speaking again. “You know, people are kinda scared of you.”

She glanced at him over the rim of her cup. “Good.”

His laughter was low and amused. “You enjoy the mystery, don’t you?”

Before she could answer, another voice called her name.

“Tòrò!”

She turned to see Dara waving her over from the far corner of the lounge.

“Who be that,” George murmured with a playful smirk.

Tòrò gave him a slight nod. “Enjoy your lunch, George.”

And with that, she walked off, heels clicking, leaving behind the faint scent of her perfume.

At the corner table…

Dara was already halfway through her drink when Tòrò sat down. Her friend wasted no time.

“You didn’t answer my texts last night,” Dara said, her tone laced with concern.

Tòrò sighed, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. “I was tired.”

Dara scoffed. “Tired or just avoiding talking about Dàpò?”

Tòrò shot her a warning glance, but Dara wasn’t one to be intimidated. She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “What did he do this time?”

Tòrò hesitated, then sighed. “Same thing, different night. The usual possessiveness, the usual lectures about how I should be grateful to him.”

Dara’s jaw tightened. “Tòrò, you need to leave that man.”

Tòrò looked away, her fingers tightening around her cup. “It’s not that simple.”

Dara leaned closer. “Yes, it is. You’re not happy, Tòrò. This isn’t love.”

Tòrò let out a humorless laugh. “You think I don’t know that?” She took a deep breath before continuing. “But I owe him, Dara. He put me through school, he made sure I never lacked. He invested in me when no one else did. How do I walk away from that?”

Dara’s gaze softened. “You don’t owe him your life, Tòrò. Love isn’t debt repayment.”

Tòrò closed her eyes for a brief moment, exhaustion settling into her bones.

Dara reached for her hand. “Just think about it, okay?”

Tòrò nodded, but deep down, she knew thinking wouldn’t change the tangled mess she was in.

Love don’t cost a dime💞

Story created by Ini Crown.

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