FADE IN:

SCENE 1

INT. BIBIANA'S PARENTS' HOUSE (A Reminiscing by BB while at the uncle's house) - KITCHEN - DAY

*Camera: Wide establishing shot of the hazy kitchen, panning slowly to capture the chaos of sizzling oil and beeping smoke alarm. Cut to close-up on BIBIANA frantically waving a dish towel, her face flushed with frustration.*

The kitchen is filled with a thin haze of smoke. SOUND of sizzling oil, a smoke alarm BEEPING weakly. The kitchen is filled with a thin haze of smoke. BIBIANA (31, stunning, wearing stylish loungewear) frantically waves a dish towel at the smoke detector. A pot on the stove contains a charred, unrecognizable black mass. Her FATHER (60s) enters, pinching his nose.

BIBIANA’s FATHER

Is this your idea of a welcome home meal? Or are you trying to fumigate the house?

*Camera: Over-the-shoulder shot from BIBIANA's perspective as her MOTHER (60s, looking frail) follows him in, coughing.*

BIBIANA’s MOTHER

Bibi, what is this? I ask you to make simple Ofe-Egusi...

BIBIANA

It’s not my fault! The recipe online was confusing.

BIBIANA’s FATHER

(Scooping a bit with a spoon, grimacing)

Confusing? It looks like you declared war on the vegetables. Your mother has been telling me how you’re ready for marriage. A man will take one bite of this and file for divorce before the wedding reception is over.

BIBIANA’s MOTHER

Stop it! Don't discourage her. She is trying.

BIBIANA’s FATHER

She should try learning to boil water first.

*Camera: Slow push-in on BIBIANA's face as her eyes well up with frustrated tears. Her mother puts a comforting hand on her shoulder. He walks out in disgust.*

BIBIANA’s MOTHER

Don’t mind him. But Bibi, my dear... time is not waiting. Look at me. I just want to hold my grandchild. Just one. Is that too much to ask?

*Camera: Tight close-up on BIBIANA nodding, biting her lip, the weight crushing her. Fade to reminisce dissolve.*

SCENE 2

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - BB’s ROOM - DAY

*Camera: Handheld tracking shot following BIBIANA dancing, capturing her vibrant energy against the hazy room. Cut to wide shot as music ends, silence descends.*

A stylish, modern apartment. Afrobeats throb from a Bluetooth speaker. BIBIANA dances alone, her body moving with seductive energy. The room is hazy with cigarette smoke. She is a picture of vibrant life, but her eyes betray a deep loneliness. The music ends. Silence descends. She walks to her bed, picks up a large pillow, and cuddles it tightly, her face a mask of longing. She whispers to it.

BIBIANA

(whispering) Oh, if only...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. BIBIANA jumps. She quickly smooths her crop top and mini-skirt, plasters on a confident smile, and heads to the door. She opens it to find DR. VICTOR (Tall, dressed in smart casuals). He looks familiar, but out of place.

*Camera: Low angle from BIBIANA's POV looking him up and down.*

BIBIANA

(Looking him up and down)

Oh, you must be the plumbing guy my uncle called. Finally.

VICTOR

I’m here to see Pharmacist Chinedu, yes. But I’m not...

BIBIANA

(Interrupting)

Oh, that's my uncle, he’s not around. And I can’t let you in to work. Unless, of course, you think I’m the one who’s broken and needs to be fixed. (She leans against the doorframe, a playful, condescending smirk on her face.)

VICTOR

(A flicker of recognition in his eyes)

Well, you certainly look like you need a fix. But that would require a proper diagnosis.

BIBIANA

Excuse me?!

VICTOR

I'm Victor. Victor Emeka. Tell your uncle I stopped by. (The name hits her. Her smile vanishes. Her eyes widen as she connects the dots from about a decade ago.)

BIBIANA

Victor? The... plumber? The same Victor I jilted in secondary school? (A mocking laugh escapes her) Wow. So your life really didn't amount to anything more than fixing pipes.

Victor's phone rings. He holds up a finger, answering it.

*Camera: Quick cut to Victor's face, composed, as he waves goodbye and leaves. She scoffs and SLAMS the door in his face. She leans against the door, breathing heavily, a mix of anger and confusion on her face.*

VICTOR

(Into phone)

Yes, on call... I’ll be there in twenty.

SCENE 3

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

*Camera: Quick whip pan from the door to BIBIANA groaning at another KNOCK.*

Another KNOCK. BIBIANA groans, annoyed.

BIBIANA

What, did you forget your screw?

She swings the door open. SOPHIA (31, pretty, wearing stylish glasses) stands there, beaming, a travel bag at her feet.

*Camera: Joyful two-shot as they embrace.*

SOPHIA

(Mischievously)

With your beauty any man would leave behind his screws!

BIBIANA

(Mischievously)

And with your beauty he would leave his nuts

The women shriek with excitement, jumping and hugging. Later, they are settled on the sofa with drinks.

SOPHIA

Okay, why did you look like you were about to commit murder when you opened the door?

BIBIANA

You will not believe who was just here. Victor! My ex from secondary school!!

SOPHIA

(Teasing)

Victor the plumber? Wow. Still, the way you dumped him was cold, Bibi. You knew there was nothing between us. I was just helping him with exam money.

BIBIANA

(Waving her hand dismissively)

Please. I needed an excuse. Did you see us then? He was so much older, and I was not about to gamble my future on a man whose greatest ambition was a pipe wrench - an apprentice plumber. (She brightens up) Anyway, forget the past! We are here now. In Lasgidi! We are going to find amazing jobs and even more amazing husbands. No more low-lifes! (They clink glasses, their faces alight with ambition and hope.)

SCENE 4

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

*Camera: Medium two-shot on sofa, phones in hand, scrolling intently.*

BIBIANA and Sophia are settled on the sofa, scrolling on their phones.

SOPHIA

I don't know, Bibi. These job sites are dry. And the jobs that are available barely pay. How are we even going to find the kind of men we want?

BIBIANA

(Tapping her screen furiously)

Simple. You don't find them in a job. You find them where they spend money. See? A blog post says the best place to find rich, unmarried men in Lagos is the gym.

SOPHIA

A gym? We can't afford a gym membership! This place costs a fortune, I bet.

BIBIANA

(A mischievous smirk spreads across her face)

Not if someone else is paying for it. Leave it to me.

BIBIANA rises from the sofa and approaches Uncle Chinedu, who is sitting with his mistress, Kike, on his lap, in a romantic, non-explicit setting. As BIBIANA approaches, she overhears him.

*Camera: Over-the-shoulder eavesdrop shot.*

UNCLE CHINEDU

(Softly to Kike)

Just tell me what you want, my love. The money is here in the house, in cash.

BIBIANA

(Standing before him)

Uncle, remember you said you wanted me to find a husband? Well, I have a strategy. But it requires some... seed money. For a gym membership. It's an investment in your future son-in-law.

UNCLE CHINEDU

(Peering over his glasses, a flicker of irritation in his eyes)

BIBIANA, are you okay? You're interrupting me. Go find a job first, then you can afford a gym. I'm not running a charity for your husband hunt.

He returns his attention to Kike. BIBIANA's face hardens with frustration. She turns and walks away, but not before shooting a venomous glare at Kike.

*Camera: Slow zoom on BIBIANA's determined eyes as she plots.*

SCENE 5

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - UNCLE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

*Camera: Shadowy low-light tracking shot through the dark room, building suspense as the figure (BIBIANA) moves stealthily.*

A shadow moves stealthily through the dark room. We see the outline of a figure, identifiable by her build as BIBIANA. The moon casts a faint light, enough to see her open a drawer, take out a thick wad of cash, and put it in her bag. She closes the drawer, the silence deafening. She slips out of the room as quietly as she entered.

SCENE 6

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - UNCLE'S BEDROOM - DAY

*Camera: Romantic wide shot dissolving to tension as pillow is moved.*

Uncle Chinedu is leading Kike into his bedroom. He pulls her onto his lap as he sits on the edge of the bed. They are in a romantic, non-explicit embrace. He moves a pillow and sees a paper beneath it. He lifts the paper and finds a partly smoked hemp joint beneath it. His face becomes a mask of confusion, then anger.

UNCLE CHINEDU

Kike... what is this? I don't smoke. Did you leave this here?

KIKE

(Confused)

What? No, baby! You know I don't do that. How did that get here?

UNCLE CHINEDU

Someone put it here. This is an insult to me and this house!

He rises, his anger radiating. Kike looks genuinely bewildered. The tension leads them out of the room, their romantic mood shattered.

*Camera: Handheld follow as they exit, building unease.*

SCENE 7

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S CAR - DAY

*Camera: Tense confined two-shot inside car, cutting to close-ups during argument, culminating in dramatic brake slam.*

Uncle Chinedu is driving, his face set in a grim expression. Kike is in the passenger seat, her arms crossed.

KIKE

(Nagging in Yoruba-accented English)

And the money you gave me for the jewelry is not complete. I asked for NGN500,000, and it's not complete!

UNCLE CHINEDU

What are you saying? I counted that money cash and it was complete. I wanted to make a bank transfer but you insisted on cash since the network was problematic!

KIKE

But how? And you know, a woman must have her jewelry to be respected in this Lagos!

Her voice rises. Chinedu looks at her, then back at the road. A screeching halt just inches from an accident. He slams the brake, throwing them forward.

UNCLE CHINEDU

(Eyes wide, heart pounding)

Kike, shut up! Can’t you see you almost killed us?

Kike's face is a mixture of shock and annoyance. She huffs, turning to stare out the window. The tension in the car is suffocating.

SCENE 8

INT. GYM - DAY

*Camera: Vibrant wide shot of high-end Lagos gym, saturated colors, dynamic pans across sweating bodies. Cut to BIBIANA subtly pulling out phone to film the energetic scene casually, like a habit, before pocketing it.*

A high-end Lagos gym. The air is thick with effort and expensive swag. BIBIANA and Sophia, in trendy gym wear, walk in… look slightly out of place with the tools but determined. BIBIANA’s eyes scan the room, landing on DAVID (30s), effortlessly lifting weights. She discreetly films the gym vibe on her phone before whispering.

BIBIANA

(To Sophia, whispering)

Target acquired. Ten o'clock.

Sophia follows her gaze and rolls her eyes, smiling. At that moment, TAMUNO (30s) approaches Sophia.

TAMUNO

Excuse me, are you using this mat?

SOPHIA

Oh, no. Go ahead.

TAMUNO

Thanks. I’m Tamuno.

They share a genuine, warm smile. A natural connection. BIBIANA notices and gives Sophia a thumbs-up.

*Camera: Slow push-in on their smiles, building subtle romance.*

Later, Sophia is on the leg press machine. She pushes too hard and a sharp pain shoots up her ankle. She winces.

SCENE 9

INT. GYM - DAY

*Camera: Next day, medium shot on bench, Sophia wincing, BIBIANA tapping foot impatiently.*

The next day. Sophia sits on a bench, her ankle wrapped in a bandage. BIBIANA sits beside her, impatiently tapping her foot.

SOPHIA

Bibi, it hurts so bad. I think I really injured it.

The well-built, cocky GYM INSTRUCTOR, ABU (30s), approaches, a newfound charm in his demeanor. He bends down slightly, his concern focused solely on Sophia.

ABU

Don't worry. A strong pretty damsel like you shouldn't have to suffer. I have a friend who's the best orthopedic surgeon in the city. He'll take good care of you.

He hands her a card, his fingers lingering on hers for a brief, intentional moment. Until Sophia gently removes the hand from her foot. ABU's eyes linger romantically, hinting at his interest.

BIBIANA

Oh, please, Abu, it's not a big deal. She'll be fine. Sophia, you have to push through! Davido just asked me out, but he wants us to go on a double date. He said he has a friend he wants to introduce you to. We can't miss this!

SOPHIA

But... my ankle…

BIBIANA

Ankle? A little sprain. It'll heal. This is our big break, our chance at everything we've talked about! Please.

Sophia sighs, torn. Her phone rings. It's her father.

SOPHIA

Hello, Papa. Yes, I'm fine.

Her face winces as she shifts her weight, a low groan escaping her lips.

FATHER (V.O.)

(Worry in his voice)

Sophia, what's wrong? Your voice... it's filled with pain.

SOPHIA

It's just a little sprain, Papa. BIBIANA thinks it's no big deal.

FATHER (V.O.)

(A frown in his voice)

BIBIANA? What does she know about medicine? I'm not comfortable with your association with this BIBIANA! A stitch in time saves nine, my daughter. 'Oge dị mkpa' (time is important). Don't let a small issue turn into a big one just because your friend BIBIANA thinks so. Remember how your mother's 'little pain' became something else when she delayed seeing a doctor?

The FATHER (70s), is on the phone in his living room. A WOMAN (50s, Cosy) rests her head on his chest. Her eyes snap open with keen interest when she hears the name "BIBIANA."

SOPHIA

(Whispering into the phone)

Papa, I hope you're not philandering with women over there!

The father laughs, lightly pushing the woman's head.

FATHER

(Jokingly)

Ha! Is a man not eligible to remarry after all these years?

Sophia smiles slightly, shaking her head. (Beep showing call ended) She pulls out the doctor's card Abu gave her, the smooth plastic a new form of currency in her hand. She looks at it, a flicker of resolve in her eyes.

*Camera: Close-up on card, symbolizing hope.*

SCENE 10

INT. WATERFRONT RESTAURANT - NIGHT

*Camera: Elegant wide shot of lagoon view, soft lighting. Cut to intimate two-shot at table. BIBIANA casually films the romantic ambiance on her phone before setting it down.*

A trendy, upscale restaurant with a view of the lagoon. BIBIANA (30s), looking stunning and confident, sits across from DAVID (30s). A cocktail rests between them. BIBIANA places SOPHIA'S GLASSES on the table next to her phone.

DAVID

I see you have glasses with you, trying a new look for me? It's working.

BIBIANA

Oh, these? My friend Sophia forgot them at the gym. She's so clumsy. But really, I’m the one who should wear them sometimes.

DAVID

What, so you can see all the women I've been with? Trust me, baby, you don't want that view.

He laughs, then leans in conspiratorially.

DAVID

Let me tell you something. See Davido? Everyone thinks he's a star from birth. But me? I'm the one who taught him how to sing. He's good now, but I was about to be the next big thing myself.

BIBIANA

(Leaning closer, her voice low and seductive)

That's not what I want to see, my dear. I want to see your future. I’m a great cook, too, you know. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I’d be your Chioma.

They both share a laugh, a comfortable intimacy settling between them.

*Camera: Slow circle around table, heightening allure.*

BIBIANA’s phone BUZZES. She glances down. The screen shows "SOPHIA." She ignores the call, tapping out a quick text message.

BIBIANA

(V.O., reading the text message)

I'd join you soon at the clinic.

She places the phone face down and smiles warmly at David, her attention now fully on him.

SCENE 11

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE WAITING ROOM - DAY

*Camera: Anxious wide shot of pristine waiting room, Sophia squinting without glasses.*

A pristine, modern office waiting room. SOPHIA sits nervously, her ankle propped up. She squints slightly, without her glasses.

A NURSE (30s, efficient and warm) approaches.

NURSE

Miss Sophia? The doctor will see you now. Follow me.

Sophia nods, hobbling after the Nurse into the exam room.

SCENE 12

INT. VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

*Camera: Soft push-in on Sophia on exam table, building vulnerability.*

Sophia sits on a medical examination table. Her ankle is propped up, and she looks nervous. She is without her glasses, squinting slightly as she looks around the unfamiliar room. She is alone.

The door opens. DR. VICTOR walks in (without a surgical mask), a file in his hand. He is tall and composed. Sophia cannot see his face clearly.

DR. VICTOR

Hello. My name is Dr. Victor. What seems to be the problem?

SOPHIA

(Explains with a ting of pain)

I have this persistent pain after using the treadmill and squats.

DR. VICTOR

Did you try to outrun the treadmill after breaking its heart and it chose to tackle you?

SOPHIA

(With a grim of smile)

Come on doctor, I shouldn't be smiling with these pains…

DR. VICTOR

Smiles are therapeutic, you know…

Sophia sits on the examination table. Dr. Victor examines the foot. So, we have some tendonitis here... (Sophia kept gazing at him as if carried away)

DR. VICTOR

Have we met before? You look very familiar.

SOPHIA

(Shakes her head, squinting slightly)

I don't think so, Doctor. It’s my first time...

DR. VICTOR

Your first time here… (Sophia smiles with a nod) My apologies. Now, let’s have a look.

An intercom BUZZES. Victor answers it.

DR. VICTOR

I'll be right there. (To Sophia) I have a minor emergency. I’ll be back in a moment.

SOPHIA

Doctor, wait. My best friend, BIBIANA by name will be joining me. Is it okay if she comes in? I’m a bit nervous.

DR. VICTOR

(Smiles)

Of course. (Sophia is admiringly fixated at his smile) I'll let reception know.

Victor exits. Sophia immediately calls BIBIANA.

SOPHIA

(Whispering into her phone)

Get in here now! He’s actually got a charming smile and witty too. And I think he’s single.

BIBIANA (V.O.)

You and your blind eyes. How are you able to see him without your glasses? If he's what you said, why aren't you having him? I don't need a factory reject, not after having my Davido! Anyways, I’m coming, already close by.

A moment later, the Nurse leads BIBIANA in, handing Sophia her glasses.

NURSE

Your friend is here. I'll leave you to it.

BIBIANA

So, where's this doctor? Is he better than my Davido? My Davido says he teaches Davido how to sing. (She rolls her eyes) And I told him I’m a master chef.

SOPHIA

(Laughing with a mix of pain as she puts on her glasses)

You that burns water? You want to be Chioma by force. (BB gives friendly smirk)

Victor re-enters, now wearing the mask. BIBIANA stands to greet him.

BIBIANA

Doctor… (about exiting)

DR. VICTOR

Please, stay. Sophia requested it. This will be a simple examination.

He motions for Sophia to sit on a chair. He kneels, his touch professional and gentle as he examines her Achilles tendon. BIBIANA watches, a strange feeling bubbling in her chest. She eyes the foot massage with her usual habit of filming intimate moments, pulling out her phone casually as if to capture the "therapy" vibe, angling it down to record a short video of his hands on Sophia's foot.

*Camera: Subtle over-shoulder on BIBIANA's phone screen, building intrigue.*

SCENE 13

INT. VICTOR'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

*Camera: Tense close-ups on faces as revelation builds.*

DR. VICTOR

It’s a good thing you came in. If left untreated, this could develop into tendonosis which is more serious. You’ll need a few follow-up appointments.

SOPHIA

Thank you, Doctor. I feel relieved with your touch…

DR. VICTOR

Think of us like a gym membership, only instead of getting you into pain, we're here to get you out of it.

Both Sophia and BIBIANA smile.

BIBIANA

So, how much do we owe you for this excellent care?

Victor stands up slowly. His eyes lock with theirs.

DR. VICTOR

Don't worry about payment. Consider it the beginning of many thank you Sophia. For a kind act years ago.

BIBIANA

What kind act (looking confused)

DR. VICTOR

There's dignity even for plumbers.

He pulls down his mask. Boom. It's him. Victor Emeka. Not a queer plumber, but a successful doctor in his own clinic. Sophia gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. BIBIANA’s face is a storm of shock, humiliation, and a dawning, terrible jealousy. Victor offers a small, knowing, satisfactory smile.

SCENE 14

INT. TAXI - LATER

*Camera: Confined two-shot, palpable silence, slow pans to faces showing internal conflict.*

Palpable silence between the two women. Sophia is still processing the shock. BIBIANA is lost in her own dark thoughts.

BIBIANA (V.O.)

He looked at her... the way he touched her foot. She planned this. She set me up all those years ago... so she could have him for herself.

A memory flashes: A phone call from a few hours ago. COSY (50s), Sophia's father's mistress, on the other end.

COSY (V.O.)

She told her father you were a bad influence that led her to sustain an injury in a gym. She said she wouldn’t be stupid... implying you are the stupid one. Be careful of that girl.

The memory poisons her thoughts.

SOPHIA

Bibi, can you believe it? Dr. Victor! I...

BIBIANA

(Cutting her off, voice flat)

I’ve got headache.

Sophia recoils, sensing the ice in her tone. The betrayal has taken root.

SCENE 15

INT. GYM - LATER THAT DAY

*Camera: Dynamic handheld as Tamuno approaches Abu aggressively, building to fight tension.*

TAMUNO enters the gym, spotting ABU coaching a class. Tamuno approaches, voice condescending, questioning Abu about Sophia's whereabouts before her clinic visit, implying Abu's flirtation disrespects his "girlfriend." Abu, feeling disrespected, shoves Tamuno. They grapple briefly, fists flying in a heated but contained scuffle over Sophia—Abu admitting his romantic interest. Punches land, equipment rattles.

TAMUNO

You think you can flirt with my girl like that? Where was she before the doctor? Spill it!

ABU

Your girl? She's not marked territory, bro! Back off before I show you what these arms can do!

They clash, grunting, until Tamuno's phone rings—Sophia calling. Fight ends abruptly. Tamuno answers, breathless.

SCENE 16

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

*Camera: Cozy two-shot, laughter building sisterly bond.*

Sophia recounts the call to BIBIANA. They laugh about the fight.

SOPHIA

Tamuno got into a fight with Abu over me! Can you believe it?

BIBIANA

(laughing) We're hot girls—even guys are fighting because of us. Lagos men can't handle it!

They clink drinks, moment of joy masking brewing storm.*

SCENE 17

EXT. PARK - DAY

*Camera: Emotional close-ups during humiliation, slow motion on Sophia's tears.*

Sophia approaches Tamuno on a bench, pleading innocence post-video leak (sent anonymously). She brings flowers, professes love. Tamuno humiliates her, calling her names, refusing to disclose video source.

SOPHIA

Tam, it was just my foot! Please, believe me...

TAMUNO

Save it. How'd I get it? None of your business. Get lost!

Sophia leaves devastated.*

SCENE 18

INT. CAFE - DAY

*Camera: Tense dialogue shots, building frustration.*

Another attempt: Sophia confronts Bibiana about the video, noting only three in room.

SOPHIA

Bibi, the video—only us and Victor were there. Did you...?

BIBIANA

My phone was hacked! Some creep. Don't worry.

Sophia buys it, hug, but doubt lingers.*

SCENE 19

EXT. CAR - NIGHT

*Camera: Handheld chaos as argument escalates to push.*

Reconciliation attempt in Tamuno's car. Hopes rise, then dash. Tamuno pushes her out angrily, aggravating tendonitis. She falls in dust, crying.

TAMUNO

Out! You're done!

Victor, driving by, sees, stops to help.*

SCENE 20

INT. VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

*Camera: Gentle push-ins on emotional healing.*

Follow-up: Victor treats worsened tendonitis, learns of plight. Shares story of his struggles, helping emotionally. Sophia finds respite in unexpected affection.

DR. VICTOR

Pain isn't just physical. Let me help heal the rest.

Sophia opens up, bond deepens.*

SCENE 21

INT. UNCLE CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

*Camera: Comedic wide shot of clash, escalating to funny blame.*

Bibiana clashes with Kike over money theft suspicion. Uncle Chinedu, exasperated, gets drunk, demands hemp comically, blaming both in slurred tirade.

BIBIANA

You stole my ideas for Uncle!

KIKE

Thief! It's you!

UNCLE CHINEDU

(drunk) Hemp! You two drove me to this!

Laughter amid chaos.*

SCENE 22

INT. SOPHIA'S FATHER'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

*Camera: Humorous close-ups on pushups, father's strain.*

Cosy demands pushups for intimacy, betraying trust subtly (related to Bibiana). Father tries, develops hip issue.

COSY

Twenty pushups, old man, or no fun!

He grunts through, collapses in pain.*

SCENE 23

INT. VICTOR'S CLINIC - DAY

*Camera: Embarrassed comedy in exam, lies.*

Father at clinic, too embarrassed, lies about hip (says "fell dancing"). Victor treats knowingly. Sophia visits, father advises on Victor using adage.

SOPHIA'S FATHER

'The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree says in landing it would know where to grasp.' Bibiana rejected him struggling—she doesn't deserve. Hold on to Victor.

SCENE 24

INT. DAVID'S STUDIO - DAY

*Camera: Suspenseful as David suspects lie.*

David's drama: Suspects Bibiana's cooking via burnt test batch, confronts playfully but hurt, deepening her facade desperation.

DAVID

This tastes... off. Chioma or charlatan?

BIBIANA

Practice makes perfect, baby.

SCENE 25

INT. PHARMACY - DAY

*Camera: Warm friendship shots.*

Uncle Chinedu at pharmacy, links to Victor: Supplies meds for clinic, shares advice on Bibiana's antics, revealing past support during Victor's studies.

UNCLE CHINEDU

You clawed up—I supplied the grit. Now, fix my niece's heart.

SCENE 26

INT. VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY (FOLLOW-UP)

*Camera: Intense emergency sequence.*

Victor saves choking patient during Sophia's appointment, heroism makes her fall deeper, but she assumes he's too occupied for more.

Sophia watches in awe.*

SCENE 27

INT. CYBER CAFE - NIGHT

*Camera: Dim tension, Femi's greed motivation—recognizes David from video, wants cut of fame.*

Bibiana with Femi editing. He demands more, threatening exposure for his "star" dreams tied to David.

FEMI

Double or I leak—your man's fame could be mine too!

SCENE 28

INT. TAMUNO'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

*Camera: Heartbreaking close-ups on betrayal.*

Tamuno watches video, breaks up with Sophia humiliatingly.

SOPHIA

Tam, that’s not what it looks like! It’s my foot! I had tendonitis. That was the doctor!

TAMUNO

A doctor? Then why does it sound like that? Why were you moaning? (He stands, his voice thick with betrayal) I can't believe I trusted you. And to think I had a fight because of you. Get out, you whore.

Tears stream down Sophia’s face as her world crumbles.

SCENE 29

INT. DAVID'S KITCHEN - DAY

*Camera: Panicked close-ups, close call tension.*

Bibiana on phone, panics about cooking lie. Sophia delivers soup despite heartbreak.

BIBIANA

Sophia, please! I told him I was a chef. He wants me to make Egusi soup. You have to help me. Just order it from that place in Ikoyi and bring it here.

SOPHIA (V.O.)

(Voice weak from crying)

Bibi, I can't. Tamuno broke up with me.

BIBIANA

And David will break up with me if he finds out I’m a fraud who can't cook! Do you want that to happen? Please, Sophia. Do this one thing for me.

David enters, sneaking up for kiss. Bibiana yelps, "accidentally" knocking crayfish into bin.

DAVID

How's my master chef doing?

BIBIANA

Augh! David, you distracted me! Now the soup is ruined without this.

DAVID

My bad, my queen. I’ll go buy more.

BIBIANA

No, it has to be the specific one from the market at Obalende. It's the only one with the right flavour.

DAVID

(Groans at the distance)

Anything for you. I can’t wait to taste this meal... and then taste you.

He winks and leaves. A short while later, Sophia arrives, her eyes red and swollen. She hands over a steaming pot of soup.

SOPHIA

Here. I have to go.

BIBIANA

Thank you! You're a lifesaver!

Sophia leaves just as David’s car pulls into the driveway. It's a close call. Later, David is eating, his eyes wide with pleasure.

DAVID

Wow. Baby, you are better than Chioma! Marry me. Seriously. You are beautiful, and you can cook like this? I have to lock this down.

He pulls her into a kiss. BIBIANA smiles, a triumphant, mischievous glint in her eyes.

SCENE 30

INT. VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY (EMOTIONAL FOLLOW-UP)

*Camera: Intimate two-shots, gradual connection through shared stories.*

Sophia's appointment: Discusses betrayal, Victor shares past with Bibiana, helping her find meaning in affection.

SOPHIA

How do you trust after hurt?

DR. VICTOR

Affection finds you in the unexpected—like old friends.

SCENE 31

INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

*Camera: Suspenseful as drama unfolds.*

David proposes ring preview, but Bibiana's jealousy over Sophia's Victor sessions slips, causing argument—David questions her past.

DAVID

You're perfect—too perfect. What's the catch?

SCENE 32

EXT. GYM PARKING LOT - DAY

*Camera: Victor arriving, connecting naturally.*

Victor visits gym for exercise, chats with Abu about Sophia (post-fight reconciliation), runs into her—connect through workout, laughter.

DR. VICTOR

Fancy seeing you sweat.

SOPHIA

Healing one rep at a time.

SCENE 33

INT. CYBER CAFE - NIGHT

*Camera: Heightened tension on demand.*

Femi demands more money again, motivation deepened—he's David's old rival, wants leverage for music collab exposure.

SCENE 34

INT. BAR - NIGHT (PRE-FIGHT BUILD)

*Camera: Tense group dynamics.*

Double date setup, Tamuno mediates, but undercurrents of doubt.

SCENE 35

EXT. WATERFRONT BAR - NIGHT

*Camera: Chaotic handheld during fight climax.*

As original, expanded chaos: Femi arrives, confrontation escalates with slaps, stabbing, gunshot.

FEMI

(Hushed, angry tones)

The money you sent wasn't enough. I want double, or your boyfriend gets to see the original video.

BIBIANA

You greedy pig. I paid you what we agreed. Do your worst.

She turns to walk away. Femi grabs her arm.

FEMI

Don’t you walk away from me!

The commotion draws attention. Bibiana throws cocktail, Femi slaps. He yells truth.

FEMI

(Yelling now, for all to hear)

You think you can use me and toss me aside? I made that video for you! The one you used to ruin her life!

He points at Sophia. Gasps. Bibiana lunges with knife. Gunshot. Cuffs.

TAMUNO

Sophia... I am so sorry. I was a f00l. Please... marry me.

SOPHIA

You don't even have a ring, Tamuno.

DAVID

(Numbly, to Tamuno)

Here. Use mine.

SCENE 36

INT. PRISON VISITATION - DAY

*Camera: Emotional through glass, letters exchanged.*

Bibiana receives letter from Sophia and Victor, sparking reflection.*

SCENE 37

INT. VICTOR'S OFFICE - SIX MONTHS LATER - DAY

*Camera: Ethereal glow, sudden whip to shadow for shock.*

As original ending, expanded catharsis: Laughter, embrace, quote on forgiveness.

DR. VICTOR

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." If you're committed to this path, BIBIANA, we'll walk it together—toward a future where wounds become wisdom, and family finds its forever light.

FADE OUT on their tear-streaked, laughing faces, the dawn of unbreakable bonds illuminating the screen.

FADE OUT.

THE END