Story source: Original fictional romance story.

Genre: African Romance and Relationship Drama.

Publication: Daily Episode Series, 2026.

Writing resource: Purdue OWL – Writing Guidelines.

Fiction disclaimer: All characters, names and events are fictional.

Copyright: © 2026. All rights reserved.

BEFORE YOU BROKE MY HEART

Episode 1: The Promise of Forever

"Daniel, do you really love me?"

Zara asked softly as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Daniel smiled, held her hand and kissed her forehead.

"Zara, you are the only woman I want. Even if the whole world turns against us, I will never leave you."

She smiled.

Those words were everything she had ever wanted to hear.

For two years, Daniel had been her best friend, lover and biggest source of happiness.

They had dreams together.

They talked about marriage, children, building a home and growing old together.

Zara trusted him with everything, including the little savings she had worked so hard to gather.

She never imagined that the man she loved could become the reason she would cry herself to sleep.

Three months later...

Everything began to change.

Daniel stopped calling as often.

His messages became shorter.

Whenever Zara asked what was wrong, he always gave the same excuse.

"Work is stressful, baby. Please understand."

She tried to understand.

She tried not to complain.

She even blamed herself for becoming too emotional.

Until one Friday evening.

Zara decided to surprise Daniel at his apartment.

She bought his favourite food, dressed beautifully and arrived with a smile.

But as she approached his door, she heard a woman's laughter.

Then she heard Daniel's voice.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Once I marry Zara, everything will be settled."

Zara froze.

Her food almost slipped from her hands.

Marry Zara?

What did he mean?

Before she could process what she had heard, the woman asked:

"And what about me? You promised you would never leave me."

Daniel laughed.

"Relax. Zara doesn't know anything about you."

Tears filled Zara's eyes.

She slowly stepped backwards.

But just as she turned to leave, the apartment door opened.

Daniel stood there.

His smile disappeared immediately.

"Zara?"

She looked at him, struggling to speak.

Then she asked the only question that mattered.

"Daniel... who is the woman inside?"

For a few seconds, he said nothing.

Then a beautiful woman walked towards the door, wearing Daniel's shirt.

She looked directly at Zara and smiled.

"Oh, so you're Zara?"

Zara's heart shattered.

The woman moved closer and whispered:

"Girl, I think it's time you knew who Daniel really belongs to."

TO BE CONTINUED...

End of Episode 1.