Hello lovelies!!!!

Please, don't have my head pleeeeeaaaaaaassssssseeeeeee. Your girl has been going through a lot of things over the years. I've lost a lot and though its sad, 2020 opened my eyes to see that I shouldn't give up just because things ain't going my way. So, I decided to do one thing and that is to finish this book. I know you must have forgotten the storyline and I'm sorry but I'm finishing it on wattpad. If you're still interested, please come join the train. Thank you for your support and love so far. God bless.

Owoyale21:
plz where did you people read the next episode of Alone after ken made hillary and Amara cum bk

dear, someone was stealing my work and claiming it as his so I had to delete most of the chapters. so sorry for d inconvenience

Hello. I don't know if there are people still following the story but I'm back. I earlier complained to someone on Facebook last year about my inability to access my account but I don't know if he told you guys. I just tried it back today and it worked. All d same, thank you guys for keeping d thread alive. Happy new year and easter in advance

First thing she did immediately she got to her room was to start parking her things. It was obvious now that this people would make up at the end and she'll loose out from it all. So, it's better she left with her legs than to be pushed out by Michael. But, how was she going to survive in the outside world? She was broke. Claire who gave her everything is no longer on her side. Michael on the other hand, has not even asked her if the baby was still kicking.

She dumped the rest of her things into her box and sat on the bed. She was confused. She was yet to reconcile all that had happened. She lost Alex, her first boyfriend to another woman, she also lost Kelvin to a mere house help, now, she has lost Michael to Ebere, another dirty house help. What is it with house helps anyways?

Again, how will she survive if she leaves the Njama mansion? She'll be doomed for life. No! She must do something. She can't and won't accept defeat just like that. Amarachi is not a weakling. NO!


********


They stared at their handwork and smiled sheepishly at each other.

There was fried rice, salad, roasted whole chicken, freshly made orange juice and fried fishes on the table.

"Wow Phil. I'm so so hungry looking at all this delicacies. What started up as a joke ended up being a beautiful work."

"Yes my darling. When I said Chef Philip, you thought I was kidding right?"

"Oh please. I'm not giving you any award for helping a lady in distress."

They both laughed as they removed their aprons.

"Can I use the bathroom? I need to freshen up and get ready for this wonderful meal." Phil asked

"Of course. I'll show you the guest room."


They walked upstairs and as she opened the door for him, her phone rang, distracting them.
She looked at the unknown number and looked up to Phil

"You go ahead, let me take this."

"Alright. Thanks."

She tapped on the green icon and walked away, heading to her room.

"Yes, Miss Claire on the line." She said, closing the door inaudibly.



**********


"Hello dear. How're you?" Chantal asked lovingly.

"Chantal?" Claire asked

"Yes my love. I lost my phone yesterday on my way back from........."

"And how is that supposed to be my problem?" Claire interrupted ruthlessly.

"Claire?" Chantal asked, looking at her phone to be sure she dialled the correct number. "

"Shameless thing. You think I'll never find out that you have a thing with my ex husband!" Claire thundered

"Excuse me?"

"You sure are excused b!tch."

"Claire!"

"Don't call my name please, you don't deserve to be someone's friend and I won't have you come close to me anymore. Don't, I repeat, don't you ever call my number or visit my house." Claire concluded and terminated the call.

Chantal looked at her phone again. Did that just happen? Did Claire say all those things to her? She quickly put on a white top over the denim she was wearing, picked up her phone and purse, then left the house. They would sort this thing out. Someone is playing pranks and it's not funny.


************

Claire dropped the phone, u#dressed and entered the bathroom. She won't let some lying females ruin what's supposed to be a good day for her. She got into the bath tub and closed her eyes. Yesterday was bad because she let it. Now, she would take control of her life and nobody will have the right to use her as a pawn. She turned on the shower and started humming a song.


**********

Amara got up from the bed, looked around the room and walked out. Destination? Sitting room. She won't leave without making sure that her future and that of her baby is secured.
She got to the sitting room and saw the two brothers. Michael was sitting on centre table with the gun on the floor. Kelvin was sitting on the floor too. Maybe he was tired of crying.

She cleared her throat and they looked up at her. Kelvin stood up quickly, not taking his eyes away from her.

"I'm ready to leave." She announced to no one in particular.

Michael smiled, running his hand over his hair.

"You're not going anywhere." He said, standing up and walking up to her

"What!" Amara was surprised.

"You head right Amara. You're not going to leave this house." He repeated calmly

"Why?"

"Because you said you're carrying my child and I have to look after you until you give birth. I won't want my child growing up without a father." He still explained calmly to the surprise of both Amara and Kelvin.

"But you asked me to leave." I........"

"Listen, I've figured it all out now and I've gotten the answers that I need. You were jealous of Claire. You wanted all that she had and so, I've decided to keep you here so you'll get it all. Everything I did to Claire, I'll do to you, the resentment, the hatred, the beatings, I'll give it all to you without thinking twice. You'll be my wh©re when I need you, then my punching bag when I want to exercise. Of course, you'll live in luxury, but, you'll never get my love and loyalty. NEVER!"

Both Amara and Kelvin stared at him in shock, but he continued

"I just hate that I figured it out this late. She gave you everything, then, why did you do all this? Why? Jealousy right? Don't worry. You'll get it all. And guess what, Ebere is coming back to this house and I'll get married to her. She'll be my wife, she'll get every right a wife should have. I......" He broke down, crying audibly and going to the couch for support.

"I hate you Amara. I hate you." He cried more.

"When we stop blaming others for our problems, we'll find things will go smoothly for us. Take care Mike. I still have one more place to touch." Kelvin said and walked out without looking back.

He texted Phil who quickly gave him a response and he stopped the next taxi he found. He'll deal with this today and by first light tomorrow, he's back to Abuja. All this has indirectly shown him how he'd be a loving husband to his Gertrude. Every dark cloud has a silver lining.


********

Chantal stepped into the house just as Clair was coming down the stairs in a bathrobe. Their eyes met and Claire's face tightened.

"What are you doing in my house?" Claire ran down, ready for a fight.

"Are you being serious right now? And I thought you were joking over the phone."

"Get out."

"No. I won't. Except you carry me out yourself. And that too, is impossible because......."

She was silenced by a tear rendering slap which caused Phil to run downstairs, thinking that something was breaking.

"Is that how shameless you are? You walked into my life, became my friend only because you wanted my ex cheater of a husband, and you come to my house to make a joke out of me. Are you nuts? Are you insane? Get out now before I beat you to pulp."

To their surprise, Chantal smiled.

"You want to beat me? Because you've maybe heard from whoever that I kissed your husband, sorry, ex husband and that it was I who invited him to your party? Then beat me Claire. Slap me again."

Claire turned to Phil who was also surprised.

"Did you hear her? She kissed him."

"Yes I kissed him."

They stared at each other for a moment without saying any word

"I kissed him, why haven't you hit me yet? I've never lied to you, except when we were planning your surprise party. I've done everything with an open and sincere heart for you, because I saw in you, a sister and a friend. I went to your house to get your new address. Michael was lustfully staring and someone just has to show Amara that Michael will never change so when he tried, I allowed him, because I knew Amara was watching. I just can't watch her takeover your home, I couldn't. And when I invited him to your party, it was so he could see how happy you can be without him. I never wanted your husband because he hurt you, so, go ahead, hit me, slap me, beat me to pulp Claire." She cried.

And as supposed, they went into each other's arms, crying and apologising nonstop while Phil watched the drama, not knowing what to say.

Phil drove into the compound, parked at a corner and looked at the half eaten but still pretty cake at the passenger seat. He smiled. Very soon, Claire would be sitting on that position and it'd be a forever spree. He gently lifted the cake and made a perfect exit from the vehicle before locking it and walking into the house in all his glory.

**************

Chika was about leaving for Seagate hotels when she saw Phil walking into the house.

"Good morning sir." She greeted, looking at the cake he was carrying.

"Morning my dear. Where do I drop this?"

She lifted it from his hands and carried it into the kitchen before coming out to see him standing exactly where he was.

"Uhm sir, Miss Claire is still sleeping. You....."

"Never mind Chika. I'm awake now. You may go where you wanted to go." Claire said, walking down the stairs gently.

A smile appeared on Phil's face and he went to the foot of the stairs to wait for her while Chika quickly left.

"Good morning Claire." He greeted running his eyes over her.

She was dressed in a Barbie nightgown and her feet were in a baby slippers.

"Morning Phil. Come, let's sit." She led him to the sitting room where they settled in a double sofa.

"How was your sleep?" He asked

"For the three hours I closed my eyes, it was one of the best night rest of my life." They both laughed at her response.

"And I don't see my cake anywhere around."

"Its in the kitchen. Your helper helped me with that."

"Okay. So, you'll give me a lil time. My workers will come in late today and Chika just left to see her former colleague. I need to make us breakfast."

"I'll go with you then. Get me......"

"No way. You're my guest for crying out loud."

"I'm not a guest. Either we do this together or you don't want me here."

Claire considered his serious face and had to give in.

"Alright. So what do you want?"

"You'll have to decide. First, do you have something I can change into?"

"I'll scout through my tracks and see if I have something for you."

"Alright then. Chef Phillip in the building by the way."

"Stubborn man. I'll be right back."

"Alright dear.*

He watched her catwalk up the stairs, smiling radiantly.


*********

Kelvin walked into the sitting room and his face went all shades of white. Michael was sitting on his favourite sofa, a pistol in his right hand and a glass of vodka in the other.

"Welcome Kelvin. Sit down." Michael said without looking up.

"Mike ........ Mike what are you going with that?" Kelvin stammered

Michael looked up with a crazy smile. He wasn't drunk, but who would mess with a man having a pistol in his hands?

"I'm moaning Claire's name with it you idiot. Now, shut that gutter you call a mouth and sit your stupid @ss down." Michael thundered, standing up and causing Kelvin to shake in fright.

Kelvin sat down quietly and bent his head, refusing to look at his best friend who was holding him on gun point now.

"You are in love with my Claire right?" Michael asked

Kelvin looked at him and became tongue tied.

"Don't keep quiet man. Tell your best friend that you're loving or lusting after his wife God damn it."

"Hell no Mike." Kelvin thundered, standing up to look Michael in the eye.

"You don't say another......"

"Or you do what? You shoot me? Fine. But I'll have to say what I feel and you won't say one word till I'm done. That you're pointing a gun at me right now won't make me swallow all your accusations. No. "


He paused to catch his breath and continued.

"I respect Claire a lot. She's like a goddess to me. I hated her in the past, I made life miserable for her but did she give it back to me like that? No. She retaliated with so much love and affection that I called myself names and swore to worship whatever ground she walks on. I'll never see her as an object of self satisfaction, I'll never see her in that light, because she's more than that to me. I love Claire like she were my mother and you can't change that. That very evil day, I was forced to cover up for you against my will, I had to keep the bro code and lie to one woman that I love and respect so much. I visited a pub to drink it out but no, she was in my head, crying bitterly against your actions, i push her away with rum, with my quest for women but she's there, making me feel guilty for covering up to you when you were going to spend time with Sarah. I never and will never think of Claire as a sex object so go on and shoot me now, shoot me in the head Michael for going extra length to save your marriage Michael. Shoot me come on."

By the time he was done talking, Michael was already sweating like he's been interrogated by the police.

"Shoot me in the head Mike. Shoot me. I've tried to erase that night from my life. I've done my penance, I've told my fiancée about it, isn't it enough? Amara....... No, I won't blame her for it, I promised not to. But that's it, we're ruined now and nothing can be done about it." Kelvin cried, kneeling on the marbled floor.

**********"*********
She watched from upstairs as Kelvin talked. She was confused. What was he saying? He never slept with Claire? He doesn't have that kind of feeling for her? What was he saying? Why then did he moan out her name during their love making? She was lost. What then happened? Why did all this happen? She blinked back the tears and turned to go to her room.

************

Chika listened as Ebere concluded her tale.

"At least, I'm happy that you've heard from him this morning. So, we'll wait for him to come here and take you away from here." Chika said encouragingly

"My dear, I don't know what to feel anymore. I'm confused."

"No need to be. I'm here for you now. Look, let's have breakfast, I'm hungry right now." Chika said, opening the lunch box she came with.

"What will I ever do without you?" Ebere asked

"Let's see, carrying that babu of course."

They broke into laughter, with Ebere, forgetting her predicaments.

As soon as Michael Njama woke up the next morning, the first thing he did was to ring up Ebere who picked immediately like she was expecting the call for years.

"Good........."

"Ebere where are you? Sorry I haven't called since yesterday but I wasn't thinking straight. Why did you leave the house? I told...... Where are you now?" He asked, throwing every other blames aside.

"I'm sorry for leaving Sir but......."

"Ebere, where are you?" He repeated, trying not to shout on her.

"Seagate hotel."

"Fine. I'll be there for lunch, don't leave please. I've got urgent work to do this morning that is why I can't see you now but please, wait for me."

He heard her breath out before she agreed to wait for him and he ended the call. He heaved a sigh of relief and searched for a number that used to be in his favourite list. He tried to call but the line didn't go through so he quickly grafted a text message and sent to the number.

"Meet me in my house in two hours. Don't keep me waiting."


*************
Phil hummed one of his favourite songs as he brushed his teeth that morning. He was happy. He had a feeling that the day will yield positive results for him. He rinsed his mouth and was about to leave the bathroom when Enatel barged in.

"Hello? Hope you remember this is my room dude?" Phil said, grabbing a towel to cover his morning wood

"Easy bro. I've seen worse than this remember." Enatel said, leaning on the bathroom door.

"Whatever, just learn to knock. What brings you?"

"Uhm. Nothing really. I just wanted to know how you're doing this morning."

"Are you sure that's all?" Phil looked at him quizzically

"Plus, I'll need the rangerover sport for some......"

"Guessed as much. You may go with it. I have better issues than your stupid quests to impress women.'

"Of course you do, we all know that. We also know that you've failed woefully in that part." Enatel joked

"May your third leg not function today. Idiot."

"Oh no please, take it back. I need it most today please."

"Can you get out now? I've got somewhere important to go." Phil said, trying to push him out of the bathroom

"Clair's?"

"Are you a wizard or something?"

"Nah. Heard the conversation last night."

"Oh. Okay."

"Listen, I sulk at giving advises but I also know when I see something good. Claire is good, very good and I'm sure she has faith and beliefs in doctrines and all that. I......"

"Hit the point please."

"Yes. Just to be sure you're not fighting a lost battle already, why not ask her about what she really thinks about you two. I don't mean to be the wisher of bad luck here but come on man, I don't want you to come home heartbroken at the end of all this." Enatel concluded

Phil heaved a sigh and looked at his best friend

"You're right you know. But then, even if she'll reject me, let me at least enjoy the moment, let me live in the now(present). I don't want to think of what will happen later. I just want to flow with whatever is happening now. I love her a lot that I blame myself for meeting her after she has gotten married. I.... .."

"Hey, that's enough. Like you said, just flow with the rhythm. If she accepts you, its our gain."

"Thanks man. So, who are you trying to impress today?".

"You'll meet her soon. For now, let's call her anonymous."

They both broke into a hearty laugh after which they shook hands and Enatel left the room.

Philip stared at his reflection at the mirror for a while before a smile quickly appeared on his face. He would be positive today. He turned on the shower and went under it, humming his song like he was a contestant at the American got talent.


*****************

Michael Njama came downstairs and looked around his sitting room. He frowned. His house that used to be filled with laughter is now as quiet as the cemetery. He shook his head and picked his phone from the table. He dialed Kelvin's number and waited for him to pick.

"Morning Mike." Kelvin greeted

"Come to the house quickly, we need to talk." Michael replied, ignoring his greetings.

"Is anything the matter?"

"You don't ask me that. Just get yourself here so we can get this thing over and done with."

"Uhm. Okay. I'll come right away."

"Better for you." Michael responded and ended the call.

He walked over to the bar and sat down. God help him, he'd settle this rubbish with Kelvin, bring Ebere home and go in search of his wife. He'd bring her back to their home after which they'll talk about Ebere and then, retake their marriage vows. Everything was on Kelvin and Amara now. They broke his home, they dealt him a million blows but he'll let it slide. He has just one problem now, and that was how to bring Claire home. What will he do as a penance for his sins? Get her a car or buy her a new house? Open another branch of "De Gorgeous" for her? He ran his hands through his hair. She doesn't need all of that because she already has it all. What then will he do for her? What?

stephmiracle:


Nice to have you back Pamelb. Who knows if I had met you in Onitsha before but didn't recognize you as our world class writer. Keep up the good work

world class writer? Thank u my sister. I hope to meet u some day

ftosino:
Pamelb Ma, I Wanna Start Your Story, Pls Hope No Episodes Are Missing.?

nope

Divepen1:
Pamelb

Oya bia

Drop your name

Location

Relationship Status
Nl Crush

I've been out for a while so please, forgive my lateness.

My name is Maryrose Bernards Pamela.

Location: Ah! I don't even know which one to write. Due to the nature of my work (script writing and acting), I can be anywhere at any time. But I'm an Onitsha girl, that's where I grew up and my family is based there.

Relationship status: I'm single o

Nairaland crush: Ewelee! Used to crush on biafrabushboy but then, his plenty girlfriends will kill me so I just stopped crushing. Then, Theblessedman, but we still had that same issue of girlfriends and their ability to break my head so I ran away

Bottom line is. ....... ... . . there's no nairaland crush.

It's ya girl Pamelb.
Peace

TheBlessedMAN:

hmmm.... Hmmm..(throats my cough) sorry, I mean to say cough my throat.

Wetin go happen be say, una no go vex say ah late enter this thread...abeg kindly accept my beggings and apology in Jesus name.

Oya lets go.

NAME (before I started visiting brothels): IDOWU OLUWADAMILARE EMMANUEL..

NAME(after I started visiting brothels) : FOLARIN DAROUS EMMANUEL.

Relationship Status: Varies according to climate and environment. I.e, if I dey my fiancee area, am engaged, but if am outside her dormain, oh boy, My relationship Wifi na free o.

Location: anywhere wey rapture fit happen. Any place thats immune to Monkeypox and bomblast. But presently am in Abeokuta, the Gateway state incase you wan give me money..

Nairaland crush!: oh! My God!... Them plenty o.... But Just 4 d sake of mentioning, make ah mention but few... Chumzypinky(mama twins), PamelB, Fiyah, SmartestpopQUEEN, Queentie, Marianneada, Mimienudies and Pfolar plus E.t.c.

Thanks o.

lol. Happy crushing

Divepen1:
Pamelb

Oya bia

Drop your name

Location

Relationship Status
Nl Crush

lmao

Dessydemmy:
KIMBERLY WEST
PAMELB
SHEWRITE

tanx dear

Phil sat up on his bed, he had not been able to close his eyes. Thoughts of Claire occupied his mind. And that kiss, God!
Her lips were soft and he wished he would have a taste of it everyday of his life.
He touched his lips and smiled tenderly. He was in love with this lady and God help him, he would make her his own. He stood up and went downstairs where he looked at the cake which was still sitting on the dinning table. Perfect.

This would be the reason for his going to her house in the morning. They just have to sit down and talk. They just have to.


************

Claire couldn't sleep. She was disappointed and heartbroken. Life hasn't been fair to her one bit. She had nobody now, she had nobody. All she had left was her business. But who enjoys wealth without family? She doesn't even have a child of her own who would help wipe her tears and comfort her at this trying times. Her sister who would have supported her now is the reason her marriage is a failure, even called her a divorcee. Someone she laboured for. Life!

She wiped the tears from her eyes and closed them. She would survive this. She's a survivor, a fighter, a strong woman, so, she'll see this as another storm which she'll easily scale without much stress.

She'd forget the events of the past weeks and move on. She'd be active in her business and go back to social media where she'll keep her private life on a low key and not disclose it to everyone like she did before. She'll move on. Forget Michael, Amara, Chantal and painfully, Kelvin.

She stretched on the bed and her hand touched her phone.
She'd not called or texted Phil to thank him for the birthday party he threw for her.
She picked up the phone and her mind went straight to the kiss they'd shared.
No! She won't let her thoughts linger there. It was a mistake and it won't be happening again.


**************

Phil was already dozing in the sitting room, in the same position he had been admiring the cake from when his phone rang, startling him.
The sleep quickly left his eyes when he saw the caller's identity.

"Hello dear." He said lightly before clearing his throat.

"Did I wake you?" Claire asked innocently

"Uhm, no you did not. Claire, its 4am and what are you doing awake at this time?"

"I can't sleep Phil."

"Same here. Is there anything you'd want me to do for you so you can sleep?"

"Don't stress your self dear. I only called to thank you for yesterday. I've never been so excited or treated specially in years. Thank you very much."

"Oh Claire, you don't have to thank me. I did what I could do for my friend. If it were in my power, I would have done more. "

"Like kidnapping me for real?"

They broke into a hearty laugh as Claire narrated the kidnapping ordeal to him.

"I was so so scared " she finished

"I'm sorry dear. It was all Enatel's plan. Hope we're forgiven"

"Of course. You guys were just being naughty."

"Thanks dear. So, I'm sitting in front of your cake. Enatel and I ate dinner from it, yet, it's still looking big and......."

"Do you know I didn't have a taste of that cake?"

"You're not serious, are you?"

"I am."

"What then are we saying? I'm sure there are people you'll want to give some of it, so, I'll send it to your house by 8. What do you say?"

"Good. I'll be leaving for my mall by 10. I'm sure my employees would love to share in my happiness too "

"Beautiful. I'll see you by 8 then."

"Alright. Thank you Phillip. I'm so grateful "

"You're welcome my princess. Now, can you sleep? Even if its for three hours?"

Claire replied with a yawn and he smiled.

"My charms are working, ain't they?" He asked jokingly

"Yes. I'll see you later Phillip."

"Okay baby. Sleep well."

They bid their goodbyes and Phil pumped his fist into the air.
This was all he needed, to be the one to put a smile on her face. She is the love of his life and nothing will change that

He quickly took a last glance at the cake and ran upstairs. He too, needs to sleep well so that the day will be beautiful for him too.

Hello everyone. I want to say thank you for your patience, impatience, concern, love, encouragement and discouragement all this while.

I'm fine my people, just that I do not have time anymore from work and family.
A lot of monikers have reached me on Facebook and I'm forced to come back here and finish what I started.

By His grace and with the love you've all shown me, United in betrayal will be back by Monday.

One love my people

Hello everyone. I've been sick for weeks now and I just got home on Saturday. I'm sorry for d long wait. And another news, just noticed that someone is claiming to own my stories. What do I do?

friendoly:
pamelb someone said that alone is his piece of work. what do you get to say please

and this is the first thing I had to read. Please, who's that?

Kelvin sat up on the king sized bed and glanced at the wall clock. 3:00am and he hadn't gotten a pinch of sleep. He had left the Njama house and lodged in a hotel after which he called Gertrude and told her everything, without leaving any detail. She had spoken to him comfortingly and had assured him that everything would be fine.

He had showered and ordered dinner but before it was brought, he had lost his appetite. Now, he had also lost his appetite to sleep.

What would he tell Chief? How would he explain to Claire that it wasn't what they all were thinking?

Chief would be so disappointed if he hears it from someone else. What will Michael now think of him? And Claire?

He stood up and walked out to the balcony, the early morning breeze hitting his face. He closed his eyes and breathed out, he would do something about this tight situation, somehow, he would show them that he would never see Claire as an object of fantasy.

With that resolve, he walked back to his room.

*********
Ebere stirred on the bed before opening her eyes. Isn't it morning yet? She needed someone to talk to and that person was either Chika or her former boss. She needs to make a decision she won't regret. This decision would be one that will change her life forever, one that'll favour her and her unborn baby.

She looked at her phone and it was just three in the morning. What would be happening in the Njama's house? Will Michael be sleeping peacefully now? And Amara? Would she be in his arms? What if all these were just a plot by the two of them to send her out of their lives? At least, he would have called her by now, but nothing from him yet. She looked at her phone again and she suddenly felt the urge to cry. Should she go back? What if she's never accepted into the house anymore? No. Come morning, Chika must have a solution to this problem. Somehow, she knew Chika would help her in this. She was and is still her friend after all.

********
Michael walked down the stairs with a bottle of vodka in hand. He got to the sitting room and instead of sitting, he started pacing the entire room. He took a long sip from the bottle and breathed out. So it wasn't Claire. It was Kelvin. He had played the two edged sword that destroyed him. He had also wanted Claire? If not, what explains his moaning her name while laying Amara? And then, Amara, he was sure the pregnancy was for Kelvin. Cause he remember vividly that Amara suddenly changed her attitude towards him, from hating him to allowing him use her body. She must have found out that she was pregnant for Kelvin and decided to nail it on him. Or, she might not know which of them is responsible for the pregnancy.

He sipped from the bottle again. How did his life become so drama filled in a couple of months just because he decided to taste from another soup pot after getting married? He had always done it while courting Claire, and nothing happened.

another sip.


Who would date a girl for years, not sleep with her and still not have affairs outside? He had decided to wait for her, doesn't mean he can't have fun while they wait.

another sip.

Those ones do not count right now, they don't.

another sip.

Right now, he had joked with his marriage. He knew all those things, he knew things that would have spiced their love making sessions but he had ignored it, he had refused to show her the ropes. And when he ran into a woman who miraculously knew his dirty fantasies, he had forgotten his marriage, his loyal wife, his missing rib, his everything, he had forgotten her and succumbed to his past life which he had hidden from the world. He had fallen so shamelessly that standing up would be difficult. When Sarah had stopped giving him, he had gone forcefully to Gertrude. Thunderstorms would fall if that topic was ever raised. He would have a lot of persons to answer to if that topic was ever raised. As if that was not enough, he had gone for Ebere.

Ebere!
Where was she? Something quickly struck his mind and he wondered why he hadn't thought it wise to call her line. He stared at the stairs. He would go upstairs and call her line. She should be here because she was carrying his child. He had made a mistake once and threw away his first attempt at fatherhood, but right now, he wouldn't. For one thing, he was sure her baby was his. She was his second Claire and he won't be stupid enough to let her out of his life like he did Claire.

As for Amara, he would have to talk to Kelvin about her. They were in this poo together. After all, they drank from same well. He walked to the bar, dropped the almost empty bottle and headed up the stairs with only one mission in mind, Ebere.

She walked into the sitting room she once called her own, looking at the faces of the three occupants.

She went straight to Kelvin and they shared a loving embrace.

"We were chatting and you didn't tell me you were coming?" She asked, looking from Kelvin to Michael. She was tempted to look at Amara's face but she couldn't, instead, she turned back to Kelvin.

"Why? Is anything the matter?"

Kelvin smiled and held her hand

"Nope. What brings you?"

She raised the parcel and heaved a sigh before turning to Michael

"Why did you come to my party? Who invited you?" She asked, dropping the parcel on the table.

"Claire, what are you saying? Michael was not at the party." Kelvin intervened

"And I'm telling you that he was there. He even dropped his number so I can call him, can you imagine?"

Kelvin took the parcel and examined it, looking at Michael.

"Hey man, I didn't know it was her party. I got invited and thought it was someone else so......"

"So you went there to see if you can add whoever it is to your list of wh•res right?" Amara asked, wiping tears from her cheeks.

Everyone in the room stared at her like she had said something out of the world.

"Kelvin, tell this shameless cheat never to speak when I'm still on it."

"Why? Because you know I'm speaking the truth right? How shameless? A dog doesn't go back to it's vomit but that proverb is definitely not for you Mr Michael." She said sarcastically

"I won't stand here and listen to your nonsense. I've still not forgotten that I asked you to leave my house."

"I'll leave because there's no one else here for you. You use people and dump them whenever you want but i'm happy Chantel played a fast one on you. If I don't have you, no one else will, especially not Ebere."

Claire turned to her sister immediately, Chantel? What about Chantel? Did she also sleep with Michael? Something is going on here and she won't wait to know whatever it is.

"I can't believe that I did everything I did for a man like you." She said thoughtfully.

"Amara, easy, let's sit down and talk about this. We are all........"

"And you too, who are you to advise me huh? You? You're even worse. I pity that Gertrude of a slowpoke because she'll be dead even before the sex starts. You want to advise me? Oh Lord. You? Who moans out his sister In-laws' name while screwing another woman? Oh my, remove the log of wood in your eyes before looking at the dusts in mine." Amara said and turned to leave.

"Wait." Claire called out, walking up to her.

Michael stared open mouthed at Kelvin who shamefully sat on a sofa with his head in his hands.

"Yes sister?" Amara said mockingly

"What do you mean by what you just said? You think everyone is as cheap as you are? You're saying ......."

"You don't talk to me like that. You're a divorcée for crying out loud and you've got no right to advise anyone. Not even a ten year old."

This got her a heavy slap on the cheek and she fell with a thud to the floor.

"How dare you? Anyways, there's no point in talking to you, because you're not worth it. I can't believe I trained you. For the first time, I'm regretting something I've ever done. I regret that you're my sister, I regret that I took you out of that burning house, I regret that I suffered to see you through school, I regret that you're the only family I've got, yet, you still have guts to do these to me. Where did I wrong you? How? If there was something I wasn't doing right, you should have talked to me. I'm your sister and I'll understand and make amends, but no. You chose to hurt me like this. I would have understood an outsider, someone who's not family, but you? You're the worst thing that ever happened to me and I don't want to see you ever again."

She turned to leave but stopped in front of Michael.

"You'll never change. How come I never saw all these? You were with me all this years because I was a virgin and did whatever you wanted right? But the moment I stopped doing your bidding, you showed your through self. From your secretary to my maid, then my sister, and you were even going after Chantel and whoever you thought was the birthday girl. Please don't change Michael, don't."

He held her hand but she beat it off.

"Don't touch me. Don't."

"Claire, I........" Kelvin started

"No you shut up. You slept with my sister too and you had the nerves to moan my name? Disgusting. And I thought you were the good person here. God, how come I'm surrounded with this kind of people? How can you all do this to me? And I loved you all with everything I had, I would never say anything to hurt you people. But what did I get in return? Betrayal. By the same people I'll go to any length for, the same ones I loved, the same people I lived for. But that's enough now. It's enough now." She said, wiping a tear from her face.

She looked at them one more time before leaving the house.

Amara stood up from where she had fallen and ran up the stairs in tears while Kelvin and Michael stared at each other.

"You were........" Michael started but Kelvin quietly left the house.

He should have said the truth, if not for anything, it would have cleared the bad air between them now.

He had failed Claire, he had failed Chief, he had failed everyone.

Claire was opening boxes of gifts in her room, surprised at the amount of love people she didn't know showered on her. There were lots of them, ranging from wristwatches, jewelries, colognes, portraits, handbags and so many of them, yet, there were still unopened wraps. She picked a box lying at the foot of the bed and unwrapped it. Her jaw dropped as she saw the content. An iPhone? Who could give her such an expensive phone plus other things in the box? She picked up the phone and realised that a note was written at the bottom; "with love from a friend, Mr Michael N". Below the note was his phone number and she almost flung the phone to the wall.

" How dare he?" She vexed, standing up from the bed and picking her phone.

"How dare he come to her party?" She looked at the note again and shook her head. Such a flirt. She would call him and bare her heart to him. She was about dialing the number when she quickly had a second thought, picked up the gift items and quickly left the room.


********
Kelvin stared from Michael to Amara. It was obvious that this was truly the time of reckoning. With the events of the previous weeks, no one would think that they'll be sworn enemies at such a short notice.

"Both of you need to take a chill pill, let's sit as matured people and talk things out please." Kelvin said

"She should tell me where Ebere is." Michael said as calmly as possible.

Kelvin looked at Amara who was sobbing uncontrollably now.

"Where's Ebere?" Kelvin asked

"I...... I asked her out of the house. I asked her to leave." She said quietly

"You did what? How dare you?" Michael said, making for an attack.

He pushed Kelvin aside and held her arm in a tight grip

'Who gave you that right? Who asked you? Tell me." He barked, looking at her straight at the eyeballs while she cried, too weak to scream or plead for her freedom.

"Mike let her go. Stop it now. Leave the girl alone." Kelvin said, pushing him away and causing Amara to fall back.

"What's wrong with you?"


*********

Phil and Enatel sat in the dinning, eating from the birthday cake and chattering happily

"So you both kissed, what next? I need the full gist." Enatel joked

"Don't be a gossip man." Phil retorted, throwing a chunk of cake into his mouth and sipping from a glass of wine.

"You don't want to tell me huh?" Enatel feigned annoyance

"Okay. We kissed and nothing more. She excused herself and left."

"You say?"

"She excused herself and left." Phil repeated

"And you allowed her to go? Come on boy. She should be here right now, doing one or two things to you while you do plenty things to her. You just made a big mistake man. Listen, it took her ages to accept your proposal and you just let her go like that, what if she changes her mind?"

Phil choked on his cake and started coughing chronically while Enatel quickly fetched him a glass of water which he happily drank from like his life depended on it.

He breathed in relief and waited for a while before standing up.

"I'll be in my room. Good night."

"Hey man. Wait. Okay. I'm sorry if I said something I shouldn't have said."

"No. It's okay. I just have to go to bed. I've got a court hearing tomorrow morning."

He gave Enatel a pat on the shoulder, picked the glass of water and walked upstairs to his room without looking back.



**************

"What is wrong with you? Haven't you realized that violence does not settle things for you, instead, it complicates everything and leaves you messed up? Haven't you realised that?"

"Yes I have. Yes I know, that is why you all left me right? That's why Chief has never called me since he heard of the divorce? That's why you're supporting my wife to move on with someone else right? I know all that and I don't need you to ring it in my ear again. You all left me alone because of her right? And then, the one person who has been taking care of me, this layabout asked her out of a house that's not even hers. And you tell me....."
Amara broke down and they turned their attention to her. She cried, beating her chest in regrets and muttering stuffs no one could hear.

"Michael........"

"No Kelvin let me speak. This thing here is the architect of all my problems." He pointed at Amara

"And I refuse to concur. You are the architect of your own problems. I may agree that she played a part but no, Amara is not the architect of your problems. You say we all left you, but the truth is that you walked away from all of us even before things got worse. I tried Mike. I covered stuffs for you, I lied to chief for you. When he heard of Claire's hanging out with Phil, he called you didn't he? But then, you thought Claire will tell him the truth and you stopped picking his calls. He even sent emails and messages, asking you to visit but you never replied or returned his calls. So, why say we rejected you? Or you think I'll be alive and watch Claire suffer in your hands? No Mike. That woman deserves happiness and I'll give itto her without thinking twice. I need you to think again please, have a flashback of everything that has happened in this house and you'll see that Claire tried her best to help you, to help your marriage but no, you just didn't want Claire anymore. You had the secretary, my fiancée, the other helper and even your wife's sister."

"She came to me. She......"

"A round of applause then. She came to you and you couldn't say no or even talk to your wife. And when she found out and asked her out, you still went to her house. Why? Why Mike?"

"Cause........ Cause she kept calling, sending me messages, threatening to ruin my career and......"

"Mike. Oh brother, I tried." Kelvin said, turning to Amara.

"Congratulations Amara. You have him now. Claire went through all this and survived it. Why won't you?"

"Kelvin?"

A voice called from the door and they all turned to see who the visitor was.

Kelvin stared at Chantal as she left the house. Wasn't she the lady who'd helped with Claire's party? What business does she have in the Njama house, with Amara at that? He shook his head and turned to see Michael matching towards Amara who was crying uncontrollably. He hastened his steps and closed the gap between the two.

"Michael, relax please let me handle this." Kelvin pleaded.

Michael looked at him with bloodshot eyes but stepped back a little

"Please." Kelvin added

Michael walked to a sofa and sat down, not taking his eyes away from Amara.

Kelvin nodded in appreciation before turning to Amara. He helped her sit before sitting close to her.

"How're you?" He asked, not knowing how to start.

Amara looked at him and bent her head. Chioma and Ifunanya chose that moment to appear with their bags, surprised at the conference going on in the sitting room.

"Good evening sirs." They greeted in unison.

"You may leave now. Take the rest of the week off." Michael said calmly.

The girls thanked him and quickly left the house while Kelvin looked at Michael for answers

"They're the new helpers I employed after Claire left." He explained.

"Oh. That's okay." Kelvin replied and turned to Amara

"Amara, where's Ebere?" He started

She turned to him as if a heavy blow had been thrown to her

"What's my business with where she is and where she is not?" She asked grudgingly, fresh tears running down her face.

Kelvin smiled while Michael sat up uncomfortably.

"We need her to be seated here. Don't you think it's time we talk about all that has happened so far?" He asked gently.

She stood up, looking down at him wickedly.

"There's nothing to talk about Kelvin. There's nothing........."

"That's where you lie you cheat. I'm trying my best to be gentle with you so if I were you, I'll just answer the question without stress." Michael said angrily.

There was silence in the room for a while before Amara broke into a laugh, putting the two friends into deep confusion.

*********
Ebere settled in her standard suite and took out her phone. She dialled Chika's number and the call was picked immediately.

"Hello soon to be Mrs." Chika exclaimed excitedly. "Sorry I didn't call earlier. Its my boss's birthday today and she came back just before I finished making dinner. Hope you're not angry?"

"No. I'm not. How is it going?"

"Fine o. Lots of cake to be munched by me and the other workers. I could waybill some to you as well."

Ebere wiped a tear and forced a smile.

"Wish her a happy birthday for me." She said, trying hard to hold the tears.

"Why. You sound different. Have you been crying? Are you sick? Did........"

"I left the house." Ebere broke down

Chika paused for a while before speaking up.

"Did they send you out of the house? Tell me." Chika asked calmly

"No. Amara did. Mr Michael went for a function and she came back and sent me out of there."

"And you left?"

"I had to. I can't fight for........."

"Now I know that you're sick. Why will you leave?"
Ebere quickly held the phone with her other hand and wiped her eyes with the other.

"Sometimes, I wonder if your head is intact at all. She asked you out and you left the house for her, who gave her the right? I'm sure you're very much older and stronger than her, what stopped you from beating Pharaoh out of her? Instead, as the good Samaritan that you are, you picked your bags and left the house for her in Mr Michael's absence. Abi you left without your bags?"

Ebere kept mute. Ifunanya had asked her not to leave, now, Chika was saying the same thing. Had she made a mistake by leaving the house? What would Mr Michael do when he comes home tomorrow and doesn't find her? Will he look for her or thank God that she left?

"Ebere!" Chika called her back to earth

"Chika."

"Where are you now?"

"Seagate hotel."

"Alright. I'll come tomorrow morning and see you so we can talk properly. Don't think much because you have me and our boss. Take care of yourself inugo?"

"Thank you Chika."

************
"Look who's throwing talks. Look who's calling someone else a cheat. You don't have that right Michael. None of you here have the right to tell me what's wrong or not." Amara threw at them.

"Did you just talk to me in that tone? Did you just talk to me?" Michael asked, walking towards her with anger and hate only to be stopped by Kelvin.

"No Mike. Let me handle........."

"Handle what? She has forgotten that she's at my mercy, just a word and she'll be miserable forever."

"You lie Michael. How was I before you turned me to your mistress? I had everything I needed........"

"Because you had your sister's support b!tch. Have you forgotten?" He threw at her, regrets coming in immediately and he withdrew


Amara stared at him, tears running down her face. He had her in a tight corner. She had blocked her path of goodwill, her saving grace, now, she was alone.

stronghope1:
wonderful write up. Am actually not a church person but why would every literature you read contain sex, porn, and many other things that will definitely not improve our lives. I guess that's not the only way to get people's attention. let's channel our energy towards something more productive pls. Wonderful writing once again but the sex scene is annoying. Wish we can do without it. personal opinion

I'm sorry dear. I know I made that mistake at the beginning of the story but someone talked about it and I stopped. Secondly, I try to be versatile so as to accommodate everyone with what they enjoy in a story. Still, I'm sorry if it offended your faith somehow.

I'm sick guys.
But I'll update later in the evening.
Tanx for keeping d thread alive.

She was the first to break away from the kiss.
She looked at him as he stared at her dreamily.

"I'll say my goodbye to everyone then I'll leave. Thank you so much for today." She said, looking away from him

"I'll send your gifts over. I....."

She turned and walked away without casting him a last look.
He watched her till she disappeared out of sight. He shook his head and leaned on the railing, praying that things work out between the both of them.


Chantal watched from a distance, they both deserved each other. Claire is a lovely lady and deserves all the happiness in the world. They'd been friends for less than a month but she already felt a connection between them. She smiled and started going downstairs. Before the day finally draws its curtain, she still has one more visit to make


************

"Tell me, what happened?" Kelvin asked after he had parked at the amusement park.

Michael shook his head and tears dropped from his eyes.

"Should we come down and take a walk?" Kelvin asked again but got the same response

"I can't help you man if you don't talk to me. I didn't come all the way from Abuja to watch you cry like a baby.'

"She...... She's been cheating on me with a boy. She...... She's dealing with me in same way I treated Claire. She's......."

"Does she know that you saw her?" Kelvin interrupted and Michael answered with a nod.

"And?"

"And she came to apologize."

"And?"

"Sent her out and asked her to leave my life. She must be on her way out......."

He was yet to finish before Michael started the ignition and drove off in full speed.

***********

Amara couldn't eat what she had ordered for. She stared at the food in front of her, thinking through all Ebere said before she had left.

"They both had no position in the house. Was that true? Michael had changed completely after the divorce, does that mean he never wanted her as a live-in wife. They were happy before Claire left so why the sudden change?"

She was interrupted by footsteps and she looked up just in time to see Chantal standing directly in front of her

"I must say I'm early for dinner."

"What are you doing here? What are you doing in my house?" Amara stood up angrily

"Easy girl. I come in peace. Easy." Chantal said with a mockery bow

"I didn't see you at the party so I decided to bring you some cake. I know you love cakes, don't you?" Chantal asked, bringing out a parcel from her handbag and handing it to Amara.

"What party?" Amara asked, taking the parcel from her

"Claire's birthday party and guess what? It was organised in the cute barrister's house. Another interesting news, Michael was there too. He even bought her gifts, expensive gifts. Anyways, I just came ..........."

Amara flung the parcel to the floor and glared angrily at Chantal

"How dare you come here to insult me? How dare you?"

"Insult? Was that an insult? Michael was there at tge party. I was wondering why you didn't come with him so that the Media can recognise you as......."

*Shut up." Amara cried

"No you shut up. What were you thinking? That when you came here, you'll get everything on a platter of gold? That he'll easily forget his wife just to be in your cheating arms? Seriously? I planned to deal with you, to make this city too hot for you but I don't think I'll be handling the job anymore since karma has come directly to you. The pain I saw in Michael's eyes when he saw Claire in Phil's arms, plus what I see in your eyes right now, I know without been told that you're already miserable. This is the last you'll hear from me but I want my words to be in your head forever."

Chantal watched her cry helplessly

"Crying won't help you. What were you thinking? That someone who cheated on his wife with the kid sister will ever change if he gets married to that same kid sister? He'll see you as cheap and worthless Amara. Didn't you see the way your Michael was with me just a day after his divorce? I did all that in front of you to show you that you've dug your own grave. He'll never respect you Amara, society will never respect you and even the baby in your womb will never respect you for taking your own sister's husband."

She spared her one last glance only to turn around to see both Kelvin and Michael standing by the door.

She walked up to them, looked them over before leaving the house.
Her job here is over.

"You miserable daughter of a b!tch." Amara called out, walking fiercely to Ebere who was staring at her in confusion

"I won't sit down and do nothing while you destroy something I worked hard to get."

Ebere turned to see if anyone was behind her since she hasn't done anything to warrant such words

"I'm talking to you Ebere. Go in there, pack your things and leave my house."

"But..... What have I done wrong?"

"Everything. For letting that scumbag touch you and getting you pregnant, for taking my place in his heart Ebere, that's what you've done but I won't take it anymore. I'm giving you ten minutes to pick your miserable things and get out of my house and our lives for good."

Ebere looked at her with tears in her eyes.

"We're both pregnant so don't let one of us loose her pregnancy today. Get out."

Ebere turned and began to walk up the stairs, tears running down her face.

"Idiot. If I won't stay in this house, you won't stay too.' Amara muttered, settling on a cushion.

"Chioma!" she called out and the helper ran out from where they've been peeping

'Good evening ma."

"Whatever." she ransacked her handbag, fishing out some naira notes

"Go to KFC and buy me fried rice with peppered chicken. I'm giving you twenty minutes. Come back after that time and I'll have your job. Swine." She concluded, throwing the money on the floor.

The helper picked the money and ran out as fast as her legs could carry her.


**********

"Remember the day you had asked that I give you happiness?" Phil asked excitedly

They were at the balcony, basking in the evening breeze

Claire looked at him and smiled, remembering the day he had taken her home from the hospital.

"From that day, I had made up my mind to do whatever that would make you happy."

"Even if it includes staying away from me? "

"it would have been difficult but I would do it for your happiness."

He touched her hair and continued

"You don't know how I feel about you, if it's possible to open up my heart for you, I would have done that so you'll see the depth of my love for you. "

"the same thing my ex husband said to me Phil."

He paused and held her hands.
They had danced like a couple inside. Everyone had left the stage for them and they had utilized it. He didn't want that moment to stop but it had to. Now, he would do anything in his power to make this moment last forever.

"I'm not your ex husband dear. I'm Phillip Patterson, the man who's crazy about you, the man who would do anything to have you beside him forever. Don't dwell in your past for it'll close your eyes to the beautiful things the future has for you. I'm in love with you Claire and......... "

"Kiss me Phil."

************
Ebere carried her boxes out of the room, looking at the large room for the last time.
She would stay in a hotel for now while she thinks of what to do with her life.
If this was how it was written in her destiny, who was she to question God?
Just as she was about to lift one of the boxes, she saw Ifunanya coming upstairs.

"Must you leave? You can lock yourself inside and wait for Mr Michael to return." Ifunanya said in a whisper

"For how long? With the hate I saw in her eyes, she's ready to tear down this house. I'll leave. If it's in my destiny to bear my child in this house, I'll come back but till then, it's better I leave with my legs than leaving in a casket."

"Hmm. But where will you go?'

"I've got some money with me. Before I get to junction, I must have thought of something."

"Chai. Please take care of yourself inugo? Call us when you're settled."

'I will. Take care."

Ifunanya helped her with the bags and they descended the stairs to the sitting room.


***********

Amara watched as the girls came downstairs and made straight for the door. She smiled. Ebere is too small to be in a battle with her.

"Eberechukwu." She called mockingly, crossing her legs and playing with her nails.

Ebere turned to her

"it's too bad that you couldn't fight for your position in this beautiful house. What did the Bible say about taking what's rightfully yours? You do not belong here so disappear from our lives for good."

Ebere looked at her and picked up her box to leave.

"You're no match for me, you're not. I don't want to set my eyes on you ever again."

"Sorry but i don't plan to come back. Why should i fight for a position when I only came here to help with chores? You say I'm no match for you yet you're asking me out in the absense of Mr Michael. Two of us have no place here and you know it. You've made a wise decision by asking me to leave because it's better I leave with my legs than to be pushed out without a dime. Excuse me please."

Amara watched in anger and frustration as she picked her box and left, followed by Ifunanya. Before she understood what she had in her hand, she flung it on the floor only to realise that it was her phone.

************

They got into his car in silence with Kelvin behind the wheels.
He had arrived some minutes ago and went to his friend.
Michael had cried in his arms while he did his best to keep his own tears from flowing.

He had suggested a drive round town and Michael had objected to it.
It took rounds of pleading for him to accept.

Kelvin started the ignition and drove out of the hotel premises while Michael looked on like a lost sheep with swollen and bloodshot eyes.

"I'm sorry Mike. I don't know what came over me. I promise that it'll never happen again. " She cried

"How long has this been going on?" He asked calmly.

"We..... We are just getting to know ourselves Mike. "

"I ask again Amara, how long has this affair been going on? "

"I swear on......... "

"Just shut up. Swear on what? Do you think I'm a fool? Amara, do you think I'm a fool? "

He picked up the bottle and opened it, forgetting his earlier resolve not to drink.
He drank straight from the bottle and almost choked. He stared at Amara where she was kneeling

"You ruined my life. You have messed me up so badly that I don't have a face anymore. Which man, in his sane thoughts will put his wife's younger sister in the family way? I believed all the lies you told me about Claire even when it was obvious you were lying to me. "

He drank again

"I hate you so much that I want to kill you. How dare you do that to me? How dare you? "

"I'm sorry Mike. Believe me, I've never cheated on you, I was angry that you were giving Ebere all the attention, I wanted to......... "

"why won't I? She's better than you. She's everything you're not. She's.......... "

She listened as he compared the both of them, with her being the bad person of course.
His words hurt her but she still stood there, asking to be given

"Claire did nothing and I sent her out of my life, why then will you stay? I don't want you in my life again. Go home, pack your things and leave my house. Whatever you need, I'll provide till the child is born, we'll go for a DNA test and you know what that means."

"What? Michael are you........ "

"Please leave. "

She stared daggers at him before leaving the room, cursing inwardly.
She'll leave but that will be if ebere leaves with her. If she doesn't have Michael, no one will. Not even her so called sister.

Michael sat on the bed and wept. He needed someone to talk to. He picked his phone again and scrolled through his contact. Kelvin.
He shook his head. He had wronged Kelvin and that was why he was supporting Claire.
He dropped the phone and picked it up again before touching the dial icon.


***********

Kelvin was going through the pictures Claire was sending him on whatsapp when his phone started ringing. Michael.

Why was he calling? Maybe he remembered Clair's birthday or he wants to invite him to his wedding to Amara. Any of the two, only one way to find out

"Man." Kelvin said as soon as he picked the call

"I..... Kelvin I saw Amara with a boy." Michael cried

"Wait. Are you crying? What exactly were they doing? Where did you see them?' Kelvin asked, concern laced in his voice.

To his surprise, Michael broke down, crying uncontrollably

"The same thing I did to Claire. She's doing it to me. Kelvin I should have listened but.... .."

"Where are you? "

"Geogold. I came here from........ "

"Be there. I'll book a flight now and I'll be in Lagos as soon as possible. Hang in there alright. You're a strong man and I trust you'll be fine till I get there."

He hung up and quickly got up from the bed.
He would call Gertrude and Chief and inform them but meanwhile, he has a journey to make.

***********

Amara walked into the house with bloodshot eyes. How dare he? He had called her names. Was she like this before? They all had a hand in this. Starting from Kelvin, claire and then Michael. They had led her to this path and left her to deal with it all alone. Now, Michael wants to do same but that would be over her dead body. She looked around the sitting room and spotted her target coming out from the dinning area. It was time to attack.

**********

Ebere was in the kitchen with the girls. They were making egusi soup which they'll refrigerate for Micheal to eat the next day.

"Let me get my phone from my room. I'm expecting a call from my former colleague." Ebere said to them

"okay." Ifunanya replied

Ebere stepped out of the kitchen towards the sitting room, not seeing her rival standing, waiting for her to come into view

Divepen1:
1

United in betrayal by pamelB
Mike, who was once a gentle and loving husband became a weird animal all of a sudden, sleeping around and also beating his wife to coma, the woman he once cherished. Kelvin, his brother and best friend tried to make the marriage work out but Mike was to blind to see that Clair was a loyal and tolerating wife ready to go to any length in making sure the marriage doesn't fail. After impregnating, Amara, Clair's younger sister and divorcing Clair, will he find inner peace? Is there any chance of him reconciling with his x-wife? Will his friend still be there for him or switch side. Find out in this story of love, betrayal, deceit, backbiting
https://www.nairaland.com/3687646/united-betraya

thank you for this. It means a lot. I've not been consistent due to life challenges yet u all still find me worthy. Thanks a lot

prodekul:
next update na Next month,make we bet?

no writer will willingly starve her readers of update. Understanding is what matters in a forum like this. A lot of things on my head. Uncle was buried yesterday, I'm trying to balance a lot of things but since you're not in my shoes, you won't understand.
Anyways, u can still unfollow, come bk next month and continue from page 81.
U were among d pple I respected here but who sigh, it's ur opinion.


Good night house. I gaz sleep now coz I've got thanksgiving mass to attend tomorrow. Sorry, it's today already.
Happy New week

jey4all:
na very mumu story. So unreal. I still they follow sha

y re u still following? Rubbish

The door opened and Michael stared at the young man in front of him.
Pain, anger and frustration filled his throat as he looked into the room to find Amara struggling with the bedspread.

"I ordered for.........." Leo started but was hushed by Michael's looks.

"I'm sorry. I'm in the wrong room." Michael apologised, throwing Amara in shock

He quietly left the room and entered his, tears welling up in his eyes.

*************

Amara quickly began to dress up while Leo looked on in surprise.

"I still don't understand what's going on. We just got here so why........"

"Shut up and don't say another word. That man that walked in here is my husband."

"What?! Yo....your husband?"

Amara rolled her eyes at him and picked up her handbag.

"We never met Leonard. I'm sorry but I thought I could find happiness in your arms but I ended up ruining my own life. I'm sorry."

She walked out of the room while he watched, afraid for his life and wondering what will become of him for trying to lay a married woman
He sat down on the bed and supported his head with his hands.
He prayed to leave the hotel in good state.

***********

Claire went around greeting her guests while Phil did the introduction.
She was looking adorable, all thanks to Chantal who was out to give her a glamorous look.

Her phone beeped and she excused herself. It was a business call and she had to take it.

She came back after a while and met Phil with Enatel. They were sharing a glass of wine

"Birthday girl." Enatel teased

"Hi Mr kidnapper. " Claire teased back and they broke into a laugh

"How is it going? Hope you're having fun?" Enatel asked

"Of course. I can't remember the last time I was the celebrant in a party. "

"welcome to our world honey and happy birthday. "

"thanks dear. "

"uhm..... I'll leave you two now. I need to mingle and find a woman like you."

"You're flattering me Enatel."

"no, I'm not. I'll see you soon okay?"

Claire nodded in response. He gave Phil a nod before leaving them

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience I caused you earlier. I just thought I'll........."

"No Phil. I should be apologising for what I did upstairs. You only wanted me to be happy and right now, I am. "

"You are? "

"Yes Phil. Let's join the party. We still have time to discuss. "

"if you say so then and please, may I have this dance? "

Claire smiled before giving him her hand and they walked to the centre of the room which has been made to serve as the stage.


************

He looked at the bottle again and shook his head. He won't drink, he would stay in his right senses so that his conscience would battle it out with him.

Amara, was in a hotel room with a young man who he knew was not up to 25. He didn't look wealthy so what could Amara be getting from him that he, Michael doesn't have?

He shook his head again and a tear ran down.

Claire never did that. She was humble, reserved, faithful, hardworking and loyal.
Claire, his claire never saw another man outside him. Claire had his interest at heart. She was the best thing that happened to him.

But what did he do to her in return for her loyalty?
He had caused her more pains, heart break, sorrow and whatever ill there is. He gave her nothing but sadness and now, someone else was doing it to him.

He had pushed her away, very far away.
And now, she was in the arms of another man. She also had the support of the people they had called family. Who would support him? Who would stand by him now?

He picked up his phone.
It was time to take a step. The phone in his hand started ringing and it was Amara calling. He swiped to the green logo and placed the phone in his ear.

"I'm in the room opposite to yours. Come if you want to." And he dropped the call

prodekul:


No be only you Waka come.
any story written by the writer,I no go try open am.
I just dey read dis one to full fill ..............

to fulfil what? Hit the unfollow button please.
This is my third story on NL and I can proudly say that I wasted no time in the previous stories.
This year has been hectic for me, work, family and then church. You think I'm happy that this story isn't finished yet? I love writing and this story is holding me from doing more. You're tired of waiting, I'll borrow someone's word here. BOUNCE

He drove to Geogold, a hotel where he spent some nights alone. He would call Ebere to get some of his clothes to the office tomorrow. Thank God he had a spare suit in his car. He parked at the entrance and handed his key to a security personnel to drive it to the parking lot.
He walked to the reception and without delay, he was handed a card. The receptionist flashed him a smile but he was not in the mood for that. He made for the elevator, making a mental note to switch off his phone once he was settled.


************

Amara stood up from the bed and checked her phone again. He just went to pick something from her car so what was taking him this long?
She heard a knock and she began to remove her clothes, happy that her baby bump isn't noticeable yet.

"who's there? " She asked

"open up honey. It's me. " Leo answered from the other side.

"coming. "

She picked the towel from the bed and tied it around her body. She had it in her, and she gets whatever she wants.


***************

"I'm sorry for everything claire. You know Kelvin will never deceive you. We just thought that you deserve happiness after everything that has happened this past months." Phil explained

"yes Claire. I'm sorry we had to do it this way." Chantal added.

They had gone in for Claire to change into the party dress but she ended up calling for Phillip.

"I'm not angry at the both of you. I'm just shocked that you guys could plan this without my getting a hint. I understand that you want my happiness but what will people say? I'm very sure the news will be all over the media by tomorrow morning and I don't want that. I just got divorced for crying out loud."

"I'm sorry Claire. " Phil said with regrets

"No Phil. Why apologise? Claire, how long will you mourn your previous marriage? How long will you care about what people will say? Where were this people when you were sad in that marriage? Where were they when your sister took your husband from you? I hate to say this but I'm tired of you wallowing in pity and thinking of people who don't care about your life." Chantal said

Silence reigned in the room as they looked from one person to the other.

"I'll cancel the party if you........ "

"it's okay Phil. I'll change and join you guys downstairs. I'm sorry if I sounded ungrateful."

Phil flashed a smile before leaving the room. Chantal turned to Claire immediately

"what in the world is wrong with you Claire? "

"please don't worsen my plight right now. It's enough that you all conspired against me. "

"yes. If this conspiracy will show you the best man for you, I'll conspire against you over and over again Claire. "

"What? "

"Yes dummy. Can't you see how much Phillip is in love with you? Can't you see?"

"wait a minute. Have you known Phillip before now? "

"no. I don't. But let's call a spade a spade. I can see it in your eyes but why can't you accept it? Why can't you admit it? "

"Because I want to be sure Chantal. That's how my husband was. All loving and always there for me but what happened? Phillip knows that I feel for him. I've told him that but........ "

"You have? Oh my God, come here. "

Chantal quickly enveloped Claire in her arms.

"Listen, I've gotten so attached to you that I now see you as a sister. I love you Claire and I will never deceive you. Phillip loves you and all you have to do is bask in this feeling. I want you to be happy Claire and with Phil, your happiness is guaranteed."

"Will you come over here and work on my face or will you continue telling me things that I already know? " Claire asked with a smile

"then tell me what I want to hear. "

"I can't just run into his arms Chantal. He should ask and I might just give in without stress. "

Chantal pumped her fist into the air as she ran to Claire.

"I'll tell him o. You've made me very happy. I can willingly give you a make over now."

They broke into a hearty laugh, hugging each other lovingly

**********

Micheal walked into the hallway and froze. Was that not Amara? He watched her give the boy a peck before pulling him into the room. Worse case scenario, she was just on a towel.

He looked at the card in his hand and discovered that his room was next to theirs. He walked to their door and knocked lightly. He won't react, he would just say hi and mind his own business. He had his past mistakes to mourn and that was a big punishment to him already.

***********

She was sitting on him and teasing his n!pples when the knock sounded.

"Did you order for anything honey?"

"Yes. Water and condoms."

"Hmm. I see. Get the door then. "

He gave her a kiss before she stood up from him.
The knock sounded again and he hastened to the door, flashing Amara a cute smile.