THE FISHERMAN’S TALE EPISODE 3 BY ROSE AKPABIO
Two days had passed since I met the stranger and I found it difficult to keep my mind off him. It took me strong will not to dial his number, which I had deleted and restored multiple times. My stepdad had been taken out of the house to a hospital and from what I gleaned; he would be there for some weeks. I was relieved by that piece of news; one problem was solved.
Gradually, the stranger was taking over my thoughts. I found it difficult to focus on anything. I thought of him in the bathroom. I thought of him in the kitchen…was this love? I had never experienced something like this. Well, how could I, when my mother’s husband had stolen my innocence away from me at a tender age? I cringed as I remembered one night…
“Damn!” I screamed and shut my eyes. I tried to force the memory out, but it kept coming. It was like a raging wave of a river and I was hopeless. I was helpless before it. I couldn’t shut it out. I couldn’t get rid of it. This was getting confusing for me. I thought I would feel slightly better after stabbing my stepfather. But I just realized that my satisfaction had only been temporal.
My mother had gone to church with one of her best friends then, Mrs. Awallu, whom she had later accused of sleeping with her husband. Though I was young, I had a feeling that he had tried to harass the woman and she had rejected his advances. He knew that my mother was soft and he took advantage of her trust in him. He had lied about everything.
I and my sisters slept in different rooms. I had felt a hand searching my panties…and then he pulled it away and brought his face towards my sex. A sharp pain that hit my abdomen had awoken me. When I straightened on the bed, I tried to fight him off. Quickly, he covered my mouth and pushed me back on the bed. Before I could muster strength to fight again, he spread my legs with his strong hands and began to pummel my little body.
“Nonye!” I felt a slap on my back. Swiftly, the cloudy memory faded away and I was back in the kitchen. Tears stung my eyes and blurred my vision. I noticed that I was holding a knife and I had been chopping some leaves.
I wiped my face and swirled around. It was my eldest sister, Ezinne. Ezinne was a bit friendlier than Sandra who always stared at me with disdain. I had tried everything possible to get the love of my sisters, but they always drained me of good energy whenever I stepped close. I had made up my mind to survive without them.
“Yes?” I answered.
“What’s taking so long? I am famished!” She emphasized her point by rubbing her belly.
I forced a kind smile, but I cared less. These girls were spoilt and self centered yet my mother saw nothing wrong in their entitled behavior. If she had given me quarter of the love that she showered upon them, I would’ve found a way to wrap my head around the abuse that I suffered. My mother disliked me and so did her daughters.
“Food will be ready soon…” I trailed off.
She walked to the fridge and pulled it open. She was about pulling out a bottle of fresh orange juice when her phone rang. Not that it was any of my business, but I found myself listening. At the mention of the stranger’s name, my heart stopped.
“Seun darling…” Ezinne drawled.
I could feel my skin crawling when I heard this.
“How do you do today?” She continued sweetly.
I threw the knife on the table slab and rushed towards the sink. So that fool was playing me? I felt hurt that he had pretended to like me. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way because I hated men but…Okay, I couldn’t explain this.
“Can you come over to the house? My parents are aware and my sister is preparing something very delicious.” Ezinne threw him an invitation. I couldn’t believe my ears. First, he had gotten my number from them and now he was coming over? I was going to beat him to his game if he took that invitation.
When she broke the call, she grabbed the bottle and turned around.
“What are you looking at? You should hurry up. I am expecting someone in two hours.”
I inhaled deeply, “I do not think I can prepare me this meal. I feel sick. I will get the cook to prepare it.” I returned calmly.
“Are you stupid?” Ezinne fired at me. I bit my lip. I wasn’t ready for trouble. I couldn’t wait for the day that I would face my mother’s daughters.
“No I am not.” I answered quietly.
“Good. I give the orders, you take them. Don’t ever speak to me first unless I command it.” I affirmed her command with a nod. I reminded myself that my suffering would be over soon. Time was holding me back.
I stared at the sharp knife on the table slab. Perhaps, if I had killed that monster, my life would’ve been better. To distract myself, I pulled out my phone from the pocket of the apron and dropped it on the table. I loved listening to the radio. I was right on time for the day’s news and it was something ridiculous enough to amuse me.
“Breaking news: the heir to the Abasiatai group of companies, Mr. Edwin Ubong Abasiatai had resigned. According to hidden sources, he is not interested in the family oil business. He wants to become a fisherman.”
TO BE CONTINUED.

THE FISHERMAN’S TALE EPISODE TWO BY ROSE AKPABIO
I ignored the groaning of my stepfather as I moved towards the window. I felt like a victor. I had conquered the beast that had raped me for years. A smile curled on my lips as I remembered the guy whom I hoped was the one that had stoned my neighborhood. He was new in town. I didn’t know his name, but I knew the color of his eyes. I knew his scent. He was a very attractive man. Truthfully, he was the first man that I desired. I discovered that I had grown to hate men along the years. I saw them all as beasts that were only after the cravings of their loins. And who would exploit anyone or anything available for that fleshly satisfaction.
“You will pay for this, you bastard child!” He cursed.
I tightened my grip around the knife and smeared the droplets of blood on my gown.
I swirled around and faced him one more time. I had never felt this powerful, this controlling. I loved the way I felt and I didn’t regret anything.
“I have already paid for all the shit you did to me. You better keep your mouth shut if you want to live.”
I didn’t have a plan yet. I felt like ripping his throat apart and gouging his eyes out. The man had ruined my childhood and everything for me. I was a lonely person. I didn’t have my mother’s love, favor or care. My sisters hated me. And I never understood why. Not that I cared anymore. I was ready to elope at any minute.
I pushed the window gently with the edge of the blade. With a little help from the whispering wind, it gave way to a sufficient stream of golden sunlight. This was always my favorite sport. You see, my stepfather was a wealthy man. He had built a three storey and I lived on second floor. After each encounter with the beast, I would sit next to the window and cry my eyes out while watching the street.
I wasn’t interested in looking at the street today. I just wanted to see the person that threw a stone by my window. I narrowed my eye as I began the scrutiny. I was right! The guy I had bumped into at the local supermarket was close by. He leaned next to a black Civic Honda. He wore faded jeans and a black shirt. He stood lazily with his arms crossed against his chest and his seductive obsidian eyes upon my window.
“You!” I pointed the knife at him.
A smile split his angular face into two. My heart almost stopped. How could one person be this handsome? I swallowed the lump that clogged my throat as butterflies danced in my belly. My sisters had always talked about men; falling in love, having wild sex and partying. I had never experienced all that. Their lewd conversations always offended me, though I never told them. Is this what love felt like? Was this desire? I couldn’t explain the wave of excitement that coursed through me as my eyes melted in his’.
With his hands, he made a gesture that translated, “Come down.”
I felt special. Guys had approached me before now, but it took a really stupid or courageous person to throw a stone against my window. This guy was into me. I could feel it.
“I won’t!” I mouthed and shut the window against him without warning.
When I swirled round, I only saw traces of blood on the ground.
“Damn!” I gritted my teeth. My perverted stepfather had escaped. I was in danger. I had to get rid of the knife and everything else in the room. But first, I needed to check what the fool was up to.
Quickly, I hid the knife underneath my pillow and hurried out of the room. I could hear my mother wailing and crying. My sisters weren’t home, definitely they would’ve joined. I ran a tongue over my lips and approached her room. When I peeped, I noticed that she was giving him first aid treatment. Without knocking, I pushed the door open.
“What happened Mama?” I whispered.
She eyed me angrily and wiped the tears that streamed down her face.
“Can’t you see that my husband is wounded? Why must you ask me a stupid question?”
From the look in his eyes, I knew that he was afraid of me. He had not seen this coming. I wish I had discovered that knife long time back. Well, that was just the beginning. I was determined to hurt this man in many ways.
“What happened?” I walked closer.
“He fell from the stairs. My enemies are after me but they will not succeed. Soon the doctor would be here to treat him. Contact your sisters and tell them to come home.” My mother instructed and I affirmed with a nod.
My stepfather’s face had grown pale. He was losing much blood. I walked closer to him and touched a side of his face.
“You will be fine dad…”
The man was terrified of my hands. If my mother wasn’t around, he would have pushed them away.
“I will take good care of you.” I winked before strolling out of the room. This was just the beginning.


I had put a call to my sisters. It didn’t take thirty minutes before they all returned. I had expected them to be in a somber mood but the look on their faces betrayed my expectations. They were giggling and whispering about something.
“Welcome…” I smiled but they ignored me.
I was used to it. I have been alone in this house for a very long time. As they walked past me, I heard them talking about one Seun guy. From their conversation, he was extremely handsome. I rolled my eyes. Same old, same old, couldn’t they talk about something else? It was no secret that my sisters weren’t serious with their studies. While I had graduated before them, (I did a five year course) while they both did courses slated for four years; I had finished school and awaited service. I felt bad as I realized that my mother had never congratulated me or appreciated my efforts yet she praised these girls even though it was obvious that they were towing the wrong path.
It was just a matter of time and I would be out of their nose. I couldn’t wait for my call up letter. One thing was certain; I would never come back to their lives. I would never give anyone the chance to hurt me.
My phone soon vibrated in my purse. At first, I’d wanted to ignore it, but the persistent ringing irked me. I pulled it out and noticed a strange number. I took the call without second thoughts.
“Hello,” I whispered.
“Come down, I am still waiting for you…”
My heart skipped as I recognized the voice. First he had stoned my window, now he had gotten my number from God knows where. I hope he wasn’t a stalker. Without waste of time, I descended the stairs.
“What are you doing here?” I snapped at him in feigned anger.
The handsome stranger ran his eyes steadily over me. I found it difficult to stay focused under his penetrating gaze. What was he looking at? Was I pretty enough? Gosh, why was I even having these thoughts? I had changed into a jean and a turtle neck blouse. Surely, nothing had been revealed.
“You haven’t answered my question.” I forced my eyes to meet with his’.
Satisfied with whatever he had been looking at, he dropped his hands and strolled towards me.
“You are more beautiful than your sisters.” A lazy smile danced upon his lips.
“Are you stalking me? When did you meet my sisters?” I moved away from him. I thought my action would deter him from coming closer. He pressed on until he was a breath apart from my face.
I inhaled deeply and tried not to look into his eyes.
“How else do you think I got your phone number? Unlike you, they are very social. I took one of their phones while trying to type my number, I fetched yours. Any more questions?”
I bit my lip and shook my head. I remember that my sisters were at the supermarket the day that I had first bumped into him. It all made sense now.
“Why didn’t you just ask me for it when we first met?”
“You wouldn’t give it to me. It was all over your face that you don’t like invasion.”
“You know nothing about me. You have my number now, I hope you are satisfied with that.”
A throaty chuckle rang from his lips.
“I know a lot about you Nonye. You try to act tough on the outside, but deep down, you’re a broken glass. I have met people like you. Your eyes seem bright from a distance, but a closer look reveals the pain that is within.”
Tears stung my eyes as I considered his face. How could a total stranger read me like a book?
“Get away from me!”
He shrugged, “I was just leaving. I am in new in the neighborhood, if you need me, call my number.”

To be continued.

Hello Guys, new story alert! Have fun!

My hands trembled as I grabbed the knife. I felt choked as uncontrollable tears rushed down my cheeks. I was a prisoner in a castle. No one could ever understand my pain. I bit my lip to prevent myself from screaming as he drove his stinking cock between my legs.

My name is Chinonye Adaku Bassey, this is my story.

Most people call me Nonye. I don't know much about my biological father because I have never met him. My mother and I do not have a relationship. I noticed that she always treated me differently from my siblings. I didn't look anything like them but I was never bothered.

Everything changed on the night of my fourteenth birthday. My mother had gotten married to a wealthy man, Barrister Donald Igwe. He was a widower who had no children from his previous marriage and had refused to remarry for a long time. Luckily for him, my mother was fertile ground and they had two litre boys together. My mother's husband had always treated me specially from my sisters, Sandra and Ezinne, who were both older than I was.

That night, he had bought me a very beautiful dress and a pair of golden shoes to match with it. I had been very excited. I rushed to show my sisters but from the look on their faces, they were not happy. Sandra hissed and called me a bastard child. I couldn't believe my ears...

A fight broke out soon and they teamed up and gave me the beating of my life. When my mother arrived, she joined in hitting me. From the words that she spoke, I understood it all. I and my three sisters were not from the same father. I was the odd one out.

It was on that night that my stepfather came into my room to comfort me. Innocently I wept in his arms like a little child. It wasn't long before his hands found my budding breasts. I tried to pull away, but he was too powerful. I tried to fight but he overcame. I lost many things that night.

I lost my sisters. I lost my power. I lost my virginity. This is how the rapes began. I was silences for many years but I was grown now...

A sick feeling danced in my belly as he began to moan and grunt. I positioned the knife and pulled in a deep breath. Without waste of time, I plunged it into his waist and pushed him down. My eyes burned with anger. I couldn't wait to finish what I had started.

"You bitch! What have you done?!" He groaned and screamed.

"Vengeance for all these years you have tormented me..."

I surged forward and made ready to stab his neck when I felt something hit my window. Butterflies filled my tummy as I thought of the new guy in the neighborhood. He had asked for my number but I hadn't given it to him. He had promised to stone my window until I offered him my attention.

"Wait here dick! I'll be back for you." I gritted my teeth and moved away.

Written by Rose Akpabio@2019

You're all welcome.

I said nothing in return. I crossed my hands against my chest and watched as the officer led her towards the van. Once I heard the tires screeching, I sank into the bed.
“Finally!” I yelled. I felt free. I felt safe. I was happy. I still couldn’t stay in Nora’s house. I needed to leave behind all the memories of pain and betrayal.
“The earlier, the better,” I rolled my eyes. Quickly, I jumped out of bed and continued the pack. Once I was finished, I grabbed my box and moved outside. This house held so many bitter memories with Nora; there was no way I could live inside of it.
A song welled up in me as I strolled towards the door, and I welcomed it. I began to hum, even as I stepped outside. The minute I inserted the key into the keyhole, I heard another car roar behind.
I pulled out the key and turned.
In that moment, our eyes met. Our hearts jolted with the thunder of desire and passion. I held my breath as I looked into his dark eyes. What was he doing standing by the car? Why had he come?
My palms were sweaty and my breathing increased. I became painfully self conscious. I wasn’t wearing any make-up. I had just stepped out of the hospital and my hair wasn’t in good shape, the clothes I wore as well. I was tattered and unattractive.
When he was tired of running his eyes on me, Yinka smiled and parted his arms.
“Aren’t you happy to see me? I came back to see you. I just couldn’t stay one more day in Luxembourg without my queen.”
His queen? Why was he calling me that?
My legs felt like jelly. I just couldn’t move. I was fixed to the spot.
“Fine. Since you have refused to hug me, I am leaving. Aurora told me where to find you. I trust that she took good care of you.” He opened the car door and was about stepping in.
“No!” I dropped my box and rushed towards Yinka.
He seemed startled, “No to what?”
I swallowed, “Thank you for showering me with care…um, Aurora took good care of me. She is such a nice person.” I couldn’t betray Aurora now.
“And you are such a terrible liar,” Yinka scoffed.
Blood tweaked my cheeks in embarrassment. I peeled my eyes from his’.
“Don’t be shy, I am kidding. I miss you, Ego.” He moved closer.
I was still shy and not so comfortable around him.
“I miss you too….I thought…” I bit my lip.
“You thought what darling?” He asked in a gentle voice.
“I thought you’d dumped at the hospital until Aurora explained everything.”
He scoffed, “I guess you still don’t understand me.” He cupped my face gently in his palms.
I could feel his breath on my skin, warm and sweet. This was the closest I’d ever come to Yinka. I couldn’t pull away from the well of his dark eyes.
“I am not like other men. I don’t know the kind of men you’ve come across and what they told you or did to you. You need to get over that. You need to rewrite your expectations of people. I have always treated the people that I love with great care and attention. I loved you from the first day that I set my eyes on you. You may not believe it, but it is true.”
His eyes searched mine. I don’t know what he was looking for.
“Yinka…”I bit my lip. I felt the same way about him but I was still scared.
“It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way about me. I am willing to wait.” He released my face.
My heart missed a beat. I cared about him. I desired him in a way that I had never desired any other man. He was simple. He understood me and he would always protect me.
“We are from different worlds,” I began. He was this super rich guy and I was just…I don’t know. What this worth it? Were we meant to be together? Was this blood rush I felt anytime I saw him, just a crush?
He swept my palms into his’.
“Is that the excuse you’re going to give me?”
I didn’t see it coming. But the kiss I was about to receive was long overdue.
“I am just scared.” I whispered.
“Don’t be. I will be the first man to show you the true meaning of faithfulness and love. It’s a promise. I am a man of honor. I will keep to my words.”
He pulled me into his arms and dropped his lips on mine. His wet and warm mouth covered my tender lips. I was lost in this passionate embrace. He was sealing his promise with this kiss. As our lips mated, as we embraced each other, I felt the truth in his promise.
I felt a sweet ache in my belly. I was overcome with desire. I couldn’t think clearly; my mind was cloudy. I wanted more…
I thought it would never end, but I was wrong. Yinka shocked me when he broke the kiss and I was left breathless and wanting.
“Did you like it?” He ran a tongue over his lips.
“No,” I grinned.
“Bad liar, let’s hang out.” He smiled.
Perfect timing, I would tell Yinka everything about Nora. I felt better now that she was gone. With the law on my side, she wouldn’t be an issue.
“So my darling, would you be my girlfriend?” Yinka pulled me back as I walked towards the car door.
I’d seen this coming, and I knew he would officially ask me out. I never knew it would take place coincidentally on the day that I almost got nabbed by my ex best friend.
“Nope, I don’t want to be your girlfriend.” I winked and rushed into the car.
Yinka moved to my side and began to tickle me.
“Say yes!” His fngers stroked my side violently and I began to laugh like one who was possessed.
How could I refuse this kind of man his request? How could I turn away his desires?
“Yes!” I screamed.
“Yes to what?” He tickled harder.
“Yes!” I guffawed.
“To what…?” He stopped the tickling and glared into my eyes.
“I love you and I want to be your girlfriend and your valentine.” I replied with tears in my eyes.
When I said this, Yinka’s face radiated joy. I could tell from his expression that he was truly in love with me. I was glad that I had finally met a man who was going to treasure me and treat me like his queen.
“I love you too and I want to be your boyfriend and your valentine.” His eyes glowed.
We said nothing to each other after this. Our eyes were fixed. It was the song of an Ice Cream truck that interrupted the sacred moment. Yinka dropped a kiss on my forehead and whispered.
“I will never break your heart.”
Time was going to tell, but I felt it within me. I felt that I had found my soul mate.
The end.

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If you're interested in the story, find me on Facebook@Rose Akpabio

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Hello guys! I have been in and out of the sick bed but God healed me. Be kind with your comments. I didn't abandon this story deliberately. Happy reading!

Maybe I was dreaming, or hallucinating, but I knew whose face I had seen. Nora’s grotesque face faded, and my mind was drowned in a sea of darkness. Unknown to me, I had been involved in a motor accident. And I had passed out. This would be my third day in the hospital.
A sharp and screeching sound resurrected my dying mind. Slowly, my lashes fluttered, and my eyes cracked open. At first, the sight of the bright light was blinding, but I adjusted immediately. I couldn’t see clearly. My vision was blurred. But I could tell that I wasn’t alone in the room.
The smell of the room was horrible. Okay, I hated drugs and the smell of it and this place reminded me of my “drugphobia.” I could also smell something else, antiseptic it was. My tummy rumbled. I felt nauseous. I was going to throw up any minute from now.
“She’s awake!” A heavy baritone drummed in my ears, and I was immediately aware of the male presence.
“No, it couldn’t be,” my lips shivered. I was confused. The voice was very familiar, and…
“You’re awake Ego, my baby is awake,” I felt a warm breath against my face. I still couldn’t see the face clearly. For some reason, my eyes found it difficult to take in the figure that loomed over me.
But I was certain of one thing; the man standing next to me in the room was Charles, my ex boyfriend. His presence made me very uncomfortable. What was he doing here? What was I doing here? The last thing that I could remember was running out of Yinka’s office. But why did I run? What happened before that?
So many questions flooded my mind. I needed answers right now! Where was Yinka? And where was my so called best friend?

“Baby, I thought I’d lost you. I am happy that the angels brought you back to life. You and I are meant to be forever.” Charles ran his fingers over my sweaty forehead, and I felt like punching him. But my strength would fail me if I tried. I felt weak. I felt numb from my waist to my legs. What exactly had happened to me?
I licked my lips and blinked my eyelids twice, still, I couldn’t see clearly. I didn’t want to say a word to my ex. Though I had forgiven him, there was no way we’ll go back. I couldn’t give him the chance to hurt me again. I still remembered what he had told me about Nora in Yinka’s office. He claimed that Nora had deceived him, but I didn’t believe one word. Charles was a proud and arrogant douchebag and he didn’t deserve a woman like me.
“Say something to me, Ego…” he sounded sad.
I clipped my lips together as I sensed the presence of another. The incoming figure was a tall man, and from what I could make out, he wore glasses.
“Oh, you two are already getting along.” The intruder flashed a smile.
Immediately, Charles jumped to his feet and was all smiles. From where I lay, I could tell that the man was the doctor.
“Good morning Ms. Ego,” He moved closer to my bed. This was the time to lay my complaint, and I couldn’t miss it.
“Good morning sir,” I flashed a shaky smile. I still didn’t understand how my vision could be blurry for more than five minutes.
“From the sound of your voice, I can tell that you are fine, but something is bothering you.” I was about telling him about my blurry vision, when he continued.
“You had a serious accident, but how you survived that spinal injury remains a miracle. We had to rush you to the Accident and Emergency Special word for a quick surgery. I am sure that you are feeling numb from your waist downwards, do not panic. The effect of the anesthesia would wear off under twelve hours. All you need to do is eat, rest and sleep. Also have a positive mind, because you are now perfectly fine.” The doctor explained.
I sighed with relief, knowing that I could walk, talk, breathe and live a normal life. But my vision still bothered me.
I was about to bring the topic up, when I heard the hissing of the door. A woman walked in, well, I knew she was a woman from the click of her heels. She was a nurse.
“Doctor,” she called the man in a sharp breath, one that scared me. It seemed that she had seen a ghost. Or perhaps, another patient was in critical condition.
“How can I help you Ms. Annie?”
The woman paused, then blurted out, “I just noticed some discrepancies in the patient’s report.” She flipped through some pages of the file she carried.
I held my breath. I had a bad feeling about this.
“What discrepancies?” The doctor swirled round and faced her.
“Someone has been administering a wrong dose of Alzidor to the patient. And we know the consequences of too much Alzidor in the blood stream.”
The doctor snapped at her, “My God! Haven’t you learned anything from all your stay in the hospital? What you’re doing is very unprofessional and you’ll receive a query. See me later in my office!”
Just as the doctor was about to walk out, I heard Charles murmuring, but I couldn’t make out the words. There was something about losing your eyesight, it heightened your sense of hearing. I had heard this before. And it was coming to pass.
I panicked! No, I can’t be blind. The thought of it, sent shivers down my spine and I started to feel my legs, even before the twelve hours elapsed.
“Excuse me?” The doctor stopped, it seemed he heard Charles clearly.
Remember, that Charles was also a medical doctor, though he would be practicing outside the country.
“Blindness,” Charles repeated loudly.
“You should learn how to keep your mouth shut!” The doctor snapped at him and rushed out of the room.
I was desperate. I had to say something. I couldn’t be left alone in this room. The vision of Nora’s wicked face flashed in my mind. Had I been dreaming, or had Nora really paid me a visit? Did she have anything to do with this?
“Charles?” I decided to keep our differences aside and talk to him. I had to know what was going on.
Charles rose to his feet, “Oh, so you can talk now? I have been in this room taking care of you for three days. I was so happy to see you wake, but you ignored me. Look, I know that I am not the best man out there, but I am better than a man like my cousin, Yinka. Yinka is a fraud. He is not who you think he is. Do not let him get into your head.”
I was disgusted that Charles would choose to talk about my personal life right then. My vision was blurred dammit!
“Don’t you think that this is the wrong timing for such a discussion? The nurse just made a shocking revelation about my treatment and you’re talking nonsense. If I should ever trust anyone in this life, it wouldn’t be you. You are a devil Charles!”
At this point, I was tired of having him around. He was useless to me. A man that had no conscience was less a man.
“Is that what you’re saying Ego?” Charles scowled.
Though my vision wasn’t clear, but I could trace the edges of the bed which I lay upon. Without his assistance, I straightened on the bed, and fixed my sharp eyes on him.
“Only a fool receives a dog back. If you think that spending three days with me at this hospital will gain you a green card back to my heart, you wasted your time. Take out your phone and call one of my relatives. I am sure that you remember my cousin, Nene. She lives in Lagos.” I barked the orders.
Charles didn’t move. He didn’t flinch. He was frozen.
It dawned on me that Charles hadn’t changed one bit. He was quick tempered, and he usually reacted with a dead and coldly silence.
“Charles? Did you hear me? I need you to call Nene!” I cried in a soft voice. But I was wasting my time.
I pulled in a deep breath, and decided to try my last lifeline. I had to play the victim part, I was sure this would work.
“I am not seeing very clearly. My vision is blurred.” I complained, hoping to win some sympathy.
What followed shocked and terrified me.
“It seems you’re already in love with my cousin, it’s pathetic. I wasted three days of my time, waiting for you to wake up. Did you even ask about him? He travelled to Malta. He doesn’t give a shit about you. But I did.
But darling, I don’t know…” he walked towards me and grabbed my hair gently.
“I don’t care about your eyes and what lies in wait for them. I don’t think I can spend the rest of my life with a blind woman. I am a doctor, and Alzidor blinds people swifter than cobra’s venom. You have a few hours, until your sight is completely gone.
There’s no point watching over someone like you.”
My lips jittered; I felt my hands go cold as I listened to his disdainful voice.
“Charles please help me,” I found myself doing what I hated most; begging an ass hole like him. But I had no choice. I had to beg.
Tears splashed on my cheeks. I don’t know what hurt me most. The fact that I was going to lose my sight or the fact that I had no one to take care of me right now; where was Yinka? Where was the love that he professed to me?

“Too late, you are already in love with him. I leave for London soon. I guess Yinka would no longer be interested in a blind woman.” Without hesitation, he breezed out of the room and shut the door quickly behind.
Slowly, pain engulfed me. Fear was in the air. I wasn’t alone. I was in a dark place.
“Somebody help me!” I screamed with everything in me, until the wave of blackness that I had experienced earlier covered me again.
My mind drifted far away. My body was weak. I had passed out again. It was going to be a long stay at the hospital.

You're all welcome

SWEET AND SECRET VALENTINE- Episode 7
“I…I don’t understand,” I stammered. The stream of his black eyes called out to me; I fought hard to avert his penetrating gaze, he bored into my soul, into my mind. The more I tried, the more my strength left me. For some seconds, it seemed the world had stopped, and it was just I and Yinka that were left in the room.
Images of the text messages that I had seen in Nora’s phone haunted me like a nightmare. I had just met Yinka, but it seemed like he had known me all my life. I was a good person, many people had confirmed this. But whenever I looked away, these same people would be the same to hurt me. Nora was like a sister to me, but she had no problem sleeping with my ex, even while we were dating.
“You understand, you just don’t want to think about it. You see…” Yinka rose to his feet and walked over to the cellar, where some wine bottles were stacked. My mouth felt dry. I wasn’t used to sharing my personal stories with people that I didn’t know well.
Yinka grabbed a bottle and two wine glasses, “You don’t want to face the truth. You strike me as a nice person, but you need to stand up for yourself, sometimes.” He returned to the long couch.
“I always stand up for myself,” I countered.
Yinka scoffed, “Really? I wish you had done that when your friend had spoken rudely to you. It seems to me that it wasn’t Nora’s first time of bashing you in public. I perceive a very unhealthy relationship between you.”
He fetched a corkscrew from the table and opened the wine. The pop sound of the cork startled me, but I regained composure immediately. Yinka was right, my friendship with Nora was toxic. But what did he expect me to do? I couldn’t move out of the house without a concrete J-O-B!
“I thought you invited me to see you because you wanted to buy some perfumes. I didn’t know it would be about my personal life.” I was attracted to Yinka, at the same time, I was wary of men. If Charles could be with my best friend, not caring about my feelings, men weren’t to be trusted.
He emptied the wine into the glasses and offered one to me. I accepted it. His finger brushed against mine, and I small fire was ignited. I felt embarrassed as my thoughts trailed south. I began to wonder what type of a lover that Yinka would be. Would he be gentle? Would he be considerate? Would he be…
“Ego?” His deep voice rumbled, and propelled me to reality. My thoughts had gone far.
“Um, thanks for the wine.” I quickly swallowed the sour drink.
Yinka unbuttoned his jacket and pulled it off. He placed it on the arm of the couch and crossed his legs. I couldn’t help but notice his leather shoe. It was authentic. This guy had class! I see why my friend was bent on finding a way to get a ring.
When he was done sipping, his eyes fell on me. This time, the glass almost tumbled from my hands. Okay, I don’t know what is happening to me. Maybe is the wine, but I am really self conscious.
“I know you may not believe me or take me seriously, but I don’t like running in circles. I am a man that knows what he wants. From the first day I set my eyes on you, I liked you instantly. I don’t know if you feel the same way about me, but I’d love for us to start something.”
His words were slow, deliberate. I spilled wine on my dress. I couldn’t believe my ears.
“I am sorry, I shocked you.” Yinka produced a white handkerchief from his pocket and rubbed it over my lap. His strong and powerful hands had a burning effect on my skin. If I let him continue with the dabbing, I was going to do something stupid.
I pushed his hands away, “I am fine, thank you.” I forced a smile.
“Are you sure?” He asked in a concerned voice. I nodded.
Back to business, how could Yinka say something like this to me? Did he think I was stupid?
“I don’t understand why you will want to date two friends.” I scoffed. His brows contorted in a confused frown.
“Excuse me?” He adjusted his tie.
“Don’t even lie to me, Yinka. We are not supposed to have this discussion. I came here to advertise my goods, not to be in a relationship with you. Why would you want to cheat on my friend?”
Cheating with Yinka would have hurt Nora, the way she hurt me. But this was pointless. I had moved on from Charles. Sometimes, revenge was degrading.
The frown that ate his face vanished; it was replaced by a puckish smile.
“Is that what she told you? That we were dating?”
At this point, I decided that our conversation was over.
“Nora invited you to the house and introduced you as her boyfriend. And you expect me to believe otherwise? I see why you encouraged me to stand up for myself. You weren’t interested in buying my perfumes. You just found an opportunity to say crap to me. Have a nice day Yinka, but I am not interested in you.”
I felt hurt that he was only attracted to me, because he wanted me in his bed. What else did men want anyway?
Just in time, the door flew wide open and Nora walked into the room with Charles. She ignored me and stormed towards Yinka.
“Baby,” Charles flashed a smile and tried to talk to me.
“Charles, I just want to thank you for teaching me an important life lesson. Just so you know, I am aware that you were sleeping with Nora.” I could see the shock on his face. I enjoyed this. Next, I will confront that bitchy friend of mine.
I was about stepping out of the room when I heard Yinka’s voice. The sound of it always soothed me. It had a magical effect on my mind.
“Tell her Nora, tell her the truth!” I heard Yinka say.
“Baby please, it hasn’t come to this…” I heard Nora beg.
This was getting interesting. I couldn’t miss. I turned around and faced the trio. Nora was on her knees, begging for forgiveness. I wasn’t surprised. She was an unrepentant sinner. I wondered what she had done this time.
“I admit that I dated your friend. We have been dating for some months now. I’d begged severally to see where she lived, but she refused. She only invited me to the house, when I caught her cheating with my best friend, Ife.
I do not want her Ego, it is you that I want.”
So Nora cheated again? What was wrong with this girl? I froze. All eyes were fixed on me.
Charles moved next to me and grabbed my wrist.
“You cannot have this one cousin,” Charles bellowed.
“Why?” Yinka asked.
“I am still in love with her. Nora tricked me into leaving her, only to find out that she was just after my money. I am back in the country for a reason; I want to take Ego along with me.”
I don’t know if this idiot felt his empty words will impress me.
“Is that what you want?” Yinka fired a question at me.
I have never had this kind of experience. All my life, I had seen things like this in movies. But in this moment, I was at the middle of two handsome men. Who will be my prince charming?
“Answer him! Tell him about our relationship of many years. Baby, you cannot throw that away. I promise to change darling. I will do everything you want. I will never treat you badly or starve you of my attention.”
Gently, I pulled my hand away from Charles’. I ran out of the room, as fast as my legs could carry me.
I have never had this kind of experience before. I am in the middle of two handsome men. Who will be my prince charming?
These thoughts consumed my thinking. My mind was a maze of diverse emotions. Hate, love, desire, peace, and jealousy…Tears stung my eyes as the memories of my relationship with Charles appeared in clusters. Well, Charles had been a good guy at a point, but he suddenly changed.
I don’t know what happened next. Maybe the tears that sprang up in my eyes had blocked my vision, or maybe the painful memories had destabilized me. But it happened like a flash of lightning.
I felt sharp pain hit my waist. The last I could hear were screams.
“Accident!”
Blood trickled on my lips; salty warm blood. My brain was foggy; dark and foggy. I was floating. I was drifting to paradise. I was heading for a world where there was no pain.
The last face that my mind could recognize was Nora’s. Her eyes burned like an inferno. Her lips were bitter with curses. And then, they parted in a macabre smile, one that would haunt me for many days.
“You thought you have won. I will make sure you don’t stand up from this bed.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Before I could say another word, Charles moved closer to me and whispered.
"I am sorry for everything Ego. I am sorry for the way I treated you. I was blinded..." He trailed off.
And without warning, he bruised my lips with a kiss. I felt nauseous as the memories of his betrayal came alive.

Unknown to me, the elevator had stopped at the tenth floor and the door was open. I could hear people murmuring and giggling. It dawned on me that more people had come into the elevator.

"Get away from me!" I struggled to break free from this unwanted kiss. Charles was huge, and pushing him away wasn't easy. He staggered and almost fell. He wiped his lips and smiled in a puckish manner.

"You're still as delicious as a black berry. I'll never stop loving you."

I was about offering my rebuttal when I heard someone call my name. Even in a dream, I will recognize Nora's voice. When I looked up, I almost fainted. She was standing with Yinka. It seems they were headed somewhere.

"Ego? Charles?" She drawled, trying effortlessly to mask her discomfort.

"Hello cousin, I see that you were having a nice time with someone." This was Yinka speaking, but he ignored me completely. I felt embarrassed. I was lost.

Nora stepped in and shifted close to me.
" Nawa for you o babe. You fall my hand big time. You should have called me, instead of showing up at my work place in rags."

My blood thumped. Everything in me stood still. Did Nora derive a special kind of pleasure from putting me down? This was too much for me to bear. It seemed Yinka had heard, well her voice was loud and clear.

"I asked her to come. We have a business appointment. You can come with me, I'm going for a short break." Yinka tilted his head towards my direction. When our eyes met again, I felt my blood rush.

"Um..." I licked my lips.

"I came to see you Yinka. You haven't even said a word to me, yet you are inviting Ego for lunch. That's not fair cousin, you should treat me better." Charles whined like a spoilt child.

Please remind me why I dated him again? He sounded so pathetic.

"I agree with Charles, whatever appointment you had with Ego can wait. His' is more important." My friend chipped in, while firing me a deadly look. I ignored her completely.

Yinka did the unthinkable. He straightened his suit and grabbed my left wrist.

"We can always see some other time Charles." He winked and led me out of the elevator. He took me to what seemed like a private kitchen.

I was going to have a lot of fun!

The room was spacious and airy. It smelt of fried eggs and turmeric. There were two long brown couches; an expensive looking carpet, a chandelier which drooped down from the ceiling and a large glassy table.

At a corner, I could spot an oven, a stack of plates, a cupboard and a tray if glasses. I was curious. What was this mini culinary department doing in a big organization like this? Obviously one couldn't feed all the workers from this small kitchen.

I didn't know Yinka was watching me. I was fascinated with the artistic tapestry and the sophisticated designs on the wall.

"It seems you like my kitchen," he winked.

I smiled. I was not yet comfortable with him.

"Relax, I don't bite." He sank into the nearest couch and crossed his legs.

"You shouldn't have ignored your cousin." I took the couch opposite his'. Though I hated Charles for what he did to me, I wasn't happy that Yinka ignored him. How could he treat his cousin that way?

Yinka scoffed, "It's obvious that you have a little history with my cousin. Tell me Ego, why do you allow people trample on your worth?"

...

Good morning "Sweet and Secret Valentine" people. I apologize for the great delay. I will make it up to you. I have been very busy...
Please don't be angry. Things will drop tonight. Thank you.

SWEET AND SECRET VALENTINE- EPISODE 4

"Yinka is up there and you're just a perfume seller." Nora's words reechoed in my brain. I found it difficult to push the hurtful words out of my mind. How could she say this to me?

I opened my mouth in readiness to fire back at her, but no words came out. First, she stabbed me in the back by sleeping with my ex and now she insults me? Slowly, the layers that shielded her toxic nature began to wear off. Little did I know that my friend was a female Judas. She would lead me to my death.

"It's getting late, I have to get some sleep." Nora stifled a yawn, before rising to her feet.

I flashed a smile, pretending to be happy with her, but I boiled inwardly.

" No problem, take your time."

I cried softly when she was out of sight. The pain of betrayal is most felt when someone closest to you, stabbed you with a knife.

After crying for fifteen minutes, I felt weak. My head began to throb and my eyes ached. But I felt better. Sometimes you need to cry. I felt free. The burden of grudges was lifted and I was light again.

Perhaps my family members were right. I wasn't a saint or anything, but my weakness was that I forgave too easily. The only difference this time was that, I could never let Nora in on my personal life.

I vowed not to confront her or hate her in any way. I was going to find myself a stable job and move out of the house as soon as possible.

I moved towards the kitchen to fix myself dinner. There was jollof riceturkey. I pulled a silver bowl out and dropped it in the microwave.

While waiting for the food to get warm, I decided to surf the web. Before now, I had advertises some oil perfumes and I was hoping to get some orders.

I smiled as I noticed that my posts had garnered over five hundred likes and reactions. I had twenty comments. Without wasting time, I clicked on the comment box. Someone named "Creamy Aurora," had ordered for fifty bottles at a go!

Okay, her name was weird. And she wasn't even friends with me on Facebook, yet she was interested in the oil perfumes. Each bottle of the perfume was ten thousand naira. I couldn't breathe. I was excited!

If Aurora would buy fifty bottles, I will have money to rent my own house!

I tapped on her profile immediately, and sent her a request. Aurora was short and chubby. She had a smooth chocolate complexion. From all indications, she was a high class babe.

Me: Hi, thank you for showing interest in my products.

CreamyAurora: Hi, I don't think I know you. And I never made any order. I use designers.

My heart sank when she said this. If she hadn't, then who did? Or was she scared if the price?

Me: The price is negotiable. I can give you for 8k each.
CreamyAurora: Lady, I don't know you and I am not interested in your perfumes! Get the Bleep off my inbox.


I bit my lip in shock. I felt like screaming. Why was she so rude? I decided to send her another message, before blocking her.

Me: Hey Aurora or whatever you call

yourself. Learn to be polite and respectful. Drop the bitchy act. It doesn't suit your profile picture.

CreamyAurora: Oops, I am so sorry for my sister's behavior. Aurora gets that way when she hadn't taken her drugs. Good evening Ego...

I pressed my lips together and glared at the screen. What the hell was happening here? Clearly, from the way the person addressed me, he/she knew me from somewhere.

It was my turn to ask questions.

Me: Good evening, please who are you?
CreamyAurora: Guess?
Me: I don't have time...
CreamyAurora: Yinka Adediran. I was at your place today, though you refused to tell me what made you cry. I figured you'd be on Facebook, so I decided to check Nora's friend's list. I found you easily.
Me: You're kidding right? No...no
CreamyAurora: Nope. I want to get those perfumes. Can you come to my office tomorrow? I'd love to pay in cheque. I am still old school. I am not a fan of mobile banking.

Slowly, all the things Nora told me about Yinka and his family replayed in my mind. Yinka was a young man but successful. Why was he interested in buying my perfumes when he could easily order from Dolce and Gabbana?

I felt uneasy as I recalled he'd flirted with me while at the house.

Normally, I would've avoided anything that would create a void between myself and Nora, but I was wiser now.

Maybe this was God's way of connecting me to a job in an oil company. I couldn't wait to see Yinka the next day.

All of a sudden, I noticed fumes in the kitchen.

The microwave was still on!

Rose Akpabio@2019.

To be continued.

who misses me?

https://www.davinadiaries.com/davina-diaries-fiction-the-billionaires-secret-heartthrob-ep1/

hello everyone

here is a link to read the story from beginning. Follow it and enjoy !

for the next episode...

type "the billionaire's secret hearthob episode 3" like that like that
...till you finish.

I will post the link soon

bb030:
tnks ma.but pls try and finish up your stories before jumping into another one.e.g mending fences pls try and finish it up.

You're talking to the wrong writer. I always finish my stories dear.I take parts off after people are done reading. And I have never written any story like "mending fences,"

SWEET AND SECRET VALENTINE- Episode 3

His breath was warm against my skin, and the musky scent of his cologne intoxicated me. He had a charm, and I was allured to it. There was something strangely familiar about Yinka. Have you ever met someone the first time, but felt you've known them for a very long time? This is how I felt.

My lips stopped their trembling as his slender finger wiped the tears that had splashes on my face. My skin tingled at his touch, and this made me afraid. What was happening to me?

" Um, I'm good." I smiled and moved away from him. After my relationship with Charles turned sour, I didn't trust any man. I still didn't know what game Nora was playing, so I had to be careful.

Yinka smirked and ran his eyes over the room. His obsidian orbs gleamed with curiosity, and fell on my dressing table. What was he even looking at?

"Can we move to the living room?" I pointed at the door. Next, he would be looking into my underwear hamper and I didn't want that.

Yinka smiled, "you're pushing me away darling. You're breaking my pour heart."

Okay, I was done with his little theater performance. I still had to figure out what Nora was up to. This wasn't the time to get swayed by Yinka's sugary words.

I ignored him and strolled out, he had no choice but to follow.

"Baby, the drinks aren't cold. You have to manage." Nora sauntered in with three bottles of radler.

"It's okay baby but I will have to leave now." Yinka rose to his feet and pinned his eyes in the wall clock. I hoped I wasn't too harsh on him. I felt guilty. I hoped I wasn't the reason for his early departure.

"But babe, you promised to spend more time with me." Nora made a puppy face that really irked me. She was such a devil in a white dress.

Yinka pulled her into his arms and dropped a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I'll be back. Take care of you honey."

He strolled out of the house without a word to or a wave at me. I felt sick. I felt small. I was confused. Wasn't that the same guy who flirted with me?

"He is always like that." Nora threw her hands in the air as she returned from walking him out.

The cold and bitter anger I felt had returned. I felt like grabbing her by the hair and hitting her cute nose on the wall. But that wasn't me. I am not a violent person. Even if I were, I'd never fight for a man who never treasured me.

"I don't understand you Nora, I thought you and Ikem were engaged. Did you have a problem?"

Nora chuckled, "Ikem? Of course, we are engaged, but I don't love him anymore. He lost his job as airport manager. What am I supposed to do with him?" She paused and searched my eyes, hoping to get a reaction, but I deliberately kept a bland face.

So she continued, "I have dreams and ambitions. Being with a broke guy won't help me achieve them. Besides, his family never liked me. His mother said I am not Igbo."

Excuses, Nora knew how to give excuses. I couldn't believe she would talk about Ikem like this. This was a guy she dated since our University days, and he had helped her when her parents had financial issues.

"So Yinka is your new catch? You never told me about him." I raised a brow. I didn't know what I'll do about Charles yet. I would take it easy.

Nora guffawed, " it's not like he has proposed. I am in love with two guys now. Yinka is one and the other is a medical doctor..." She rolled her eyes.

My heart skipped. She was definitely seeing Charles. I was deeply hurt that she had feelings for him.
I was tempted to ask after the doctor's name, but that could blow my cover. So I asked after Yinka instead.

"Yinka seems nice." I forced a smile.
"Of course he is. He is a big fish! His family own the oil company I work for, and they have branches in Doha and Dubai. He is a billionaire. He runs the Doha branch with his younger brother.
I have always dreamt of being with Yinka. He played right into my hands." She winked.

"The Adedirans?" My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. The Adediran family was one of the long-standing elite families in Nigeria. I had seen Yinka in a magazine once and I couldn't stop looking at his picture. I now see why he was so familiar!

Nora had indeed caught a big fish.

"Yes babe, am I not lucky? I'm always getting the rich guys," she laughed.

I said nothing. She seems desperate to get Yinka hooked. I just couldn't get past her betrayal.

" You have to hold him hard, many girls would want him and fishes are slippery." I wanted to see her reaction with statement.

Nora's eyes lighted with jealousy and anger.

"As long as I live, no woman alive would take any man from me. That can only happen after I dump the guy. But in this case, I may have to choose Yinka over the doctor."

Already I knew why she had taken this decision but I had to hear it from her.

"Why? Do you think Yinka loves you as much as you do him?"

Nora scoffed, "Yinka is wealthier than the doctor na...
Besides, men don't love."

"Who told you that?" I asked.

"Enough with the questions Ego. You should get yourself a man o. Val is at the corner. Enough with the grieving. Charles has moved on with another woman."

Of course Charles moved on, but with her.

I didn't want to talk about Charles now. Maybe fighting Nora wasn't worth it. I just had to tread carefully with her.

"Now that you have a solid connection, you could help me get a job in your company," I suggested.

The smile on Nora's face vanished immediately.

"Yinka would never help someone like you."

She said this very boldly.
"Why?" I wondered.

Nora shrugged and ran her eyes over me. Even with no words spoken, I could tell my friend was looking down on me. How blind I had been all these years?!
Nora wasn't my friend. She was an enemy.

" You should know why. Yinka is up there and you're just a perfume seller."

Rose Akpabio@2019.

To be continued...

favch:
hi angles, pls can u post a link for the facebook page, tried finding the one you posted here but couldn't find it

I will dear

....

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If you're interested in the full story, contact me.

Hello Angels, here comes a sweet valentine story. Do not plagiarize. Happy Reading!

I'm wishing you all a happy Valentine. Play safe my darlings. Be safe.

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