***

Daniel propped Ulunma on his laps and cleaned the tears on her face, having spent at least thirty minutes crying her eyes out.
“Shh baby. Don’t cry. I’m here.” He kissed her chubby cheeks and she moved closer to him and rested her head on his chest. He rubbed her back gently. He needed someone to take care of his daughter. Yes, she had a mother. But her mother was a terrible example for her. She wasn’t someone to rely on.
“Ulunma, you want ice-cream?”
She bobbed her head. “Yes.”
“Alright. Let’s go get some ice-cream.”
They got some ice-cream at a super-market not too far from the house. There were some people walking around sharing tracts. He remembered when he used to do that once upon a time. That part of his life seemed to be over. He couldn’t even remember the last time he read his bible.
“Awww, your daughter is so cute.”’
Daniel spun around to see a young woman, probably in her early twenties, staring down at Ulunma.
“Thank you.”
She looked up at him and her smile took his attention straight away. It was a beautiful smile. She was a beautiful girl.
“Jesus loves you.” She stretched out a tract to him and he looked down at it and back to her.
“Err- I don’t need that. I’m a Christian.”
“Oh! I’m glad to hear that. You could still give this to someone else y’know.”
He nodded and collected it from her.
“Hope you still read your bible and have a good relationship with God.”
Daniel forced a smile and nodded. “Of course.”
She cocked her head to a side. “When last did you read your bible?”
“Sometime ago.”
“Sometime like?”
“I have sha read it before.”
She nodded and said, “Yes, you may have read the bible a lot but you can never stop reading it. The Word of God lets you know more of God; who He is. You grow more and more as you read it. You get to know Him more as a Father.”
Daniel swallowed hard. I need to get out of here.
“Thank you. I need to get her home. Thanks.”
“Oh! Please take the tract. Your name is . . .?”
“Daniel.”
“I’m Mitchell. Our church is not too far from here. You could join us at bible study on Wednesdays. See you there.”
“Who said I would come?”
She gave a knowing smile and said, “I know you will.”

***

Eghosa held his phone close to his ear as Felix rambled on about how much his son was being a pain and unwilling to pay him any attention. Eghosa held back his tongue from releasing some harsh words to his friend. If he happened to speak his mind it would cause more harm than good.
“I just don’t know what to do again my friend. I have told him I never want to see him in my house again. He can leave Ulunma but then he shouldn’t bother setting foot in my house till he gets his act right.”
Eghosa heaved a sigh.
“There are things we can never force someone to do. You can’t force love on a person. It’s best we leave things as they are.”
“Has your daughter mentioned anything about it all?”
“No.”
Eghosa knew Efe was distressed about the whole matter and was trying her best to be strong. No matter how much he tried to broach the topic and understand what was going on in her head, she kept it all to herself. He only hoped that even if she wasn’t telling him then she was telling God. He was the only one that could help her.
“So what do we do?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing ke? What do you mean by that? What if they never get back together.”
“Let God’s will be done.”
“Are we waiting for God’s will or are we to take actions on our own?”
Eghosa rubbed his eye-lids; tired of the whole thing. “Felix, what would be would be. I’m tired of the whole thing and frankly, I think we have interfered in their lives a little too much. I wouldn’t deny that Daniel had offended me in the greatest way possible, but then he’s an adult and not a child. He knows right from wrong. I rest my case and leave the rest to God.”
His friend sighed heavily over the phone. “I’m sorry about all that happened. You know if I had my way Daniel would not do such a thing.”
“It’s fine. Let’s talk later. I have to prepare for a sermon.”
“Okay my friend. Take care.”
“My regards to your wife.”
“She will hear.”
The line clicked and Eghosa dropped the phone on his desk and rested his back on his chair. He was too old and tired for the kind of things happening around him. He hadn’t spoken to his daughter in a week. Zainab was also building up a barricade to hinder any relationship between the both of them.
God, You didn’t let me know the latter part of my life would be too depressing and tedious.
No answer.
What do I do? I have no plan. My daughters are drifting away from me . . .
Pray.

Loving this story, thanks for the updates

Chapter Four

It was a lazy Saturday morning for her. She just wanted to remain on her bed all day. The sounds of the rain hitting the roof and the accompanying coolness made the idea more alluring. But she had to be at the office later that morning to finalize a few things for the opening of the consulting company. She was excited. The dream of having her company was finally coming true. It had taken a lot from her and made her shed tears when things weren’t going her way, but God had always been faithful.
Adesewa knew God had sent Kobina her way for a reason. Could it be even more of business partners and probably life-partners? She shook her head and chided herself for condoning the silly thought.
“Life-partners indeed!” She still stuck to her decision not to get her hopes up and fall for a guy if he wasn’t what God wanted for her. She was getting too old for all the jumping up-and-down from one relationship to another.
Adesewa yawned and closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again. Then she sang out a song that was playing in her heart, “Demons tremble at Your presence . . . What a mighty God I serve . . . Glory glory hallelujah, everything written about You is great.”
She sang more of the song and then uttered a prayer and picked up her bible from her bedside table. She was trying to read through the bible in a year. The group she belonged to had brought up the challenge to read the whole bible in a year and, though the task had seem daunting at first, Adesewa was determined to see it through by God’s grace. She no longer wanted to remain a baby Christian.
In the past, each time she tried reading her bible with the determination to grow, she would start out alright and later fall short. But not this time around. She had made a serious deal with God to not let things fall in place for her if she began lagging behind in her bible study. It was a serious deal to make, but if she wanted to get serious with God she had to purposely do something about it; even if it meant she would lose out on some things. God was important to her and He needed to be first in her life.
That morning she was going through the book of Romans. She found herself absorbed with how Paul was so much on fire for God. He taught on sin and how a sinner should receive righteousness not because he or she worked for it but through faith in God. Adesewa knew God had long since forgiven her for all the wrong she had done months ago and had taken her into His arms. She was grateful, but she sometimes felt guilt knowing her actions had inevitably wrecked a home and caused a small girl to suffer the probable pains of a broken home. No child deserved to grow up without both parents irrespective of whatever mistakes Daniel and Efe made.
Not all is lost.
Adesewa shifted on the bed. She was used to hearing God this way. Dropping answers on her heart to things she was bothered about. Encouraging her when she needed it. This was what having a relationship with God was about.
Yes, not all was lost. But restoration seemed like something impossible.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing my Word.
She sighed. “Forgive me for my lack of faith God. I know You can do all things.” She shook her head at her silliness. Not too long ago she had read about faith and yet she found herself lacking it.
What do I need to do God? The need to call Efe was strong in her heart, but she had no idea how she was going to do it.
I will lead you.
“Yes, God lead me. I know you can. But I’m just afraid of what she might say. She might take it the wrong way and lash out or do something worse.”
Fear not for I am with you. Keep praying for them.
Adesewa nodded and took courage in God’s word spoken to her heart. She would do as He said and keep praying . . . What couldn’t prayer do if all else was lost from human perspective?

Hey guys! Thanks for following the story so far. Would post the next one soonest.

Just want to drop this here.

This is the last day for discount of my books on Okadabooks for #100 each. So anyone interested can get anyone of my 8 books on Okadabooks at #100 each.

Wasn't going to share but just felt the need to Say it so you can be partakers of this.


Much love!

Thanks for the update

***

Efe watched Pamela as she dressed up. She had been acting strange all week; going in and out of mood-swings and being cranky. Efe knew it wasn’t that her room-mate was having menstrual cramps or anything.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Efe asked again.
“I’m fine jor. It’s just that I have to meet up with my father soon and I just have a weird feeling about everything. Him and all his impromptu meetings. Each time I go to see him I end up getting annoyed or crying. Today, I’m just not in the mood for all that.”
“Did you pray about the meeting this morning?”
Her room-mate shook her head. “I forgot.”
Efe sat up on her bed. “Okay, we can pray now. It’s not too late.”
Pamela shrugged and came over to Efe’s bed and sat down. “Lord, we thank you for your daughter. Even as she’s going out now to meet with her dad I pray that you make their meeting a pleasant one and one to remember. Father, Pamela isn’t so much on good terms with her father. Please let this meeting be the first of wonderful times to come, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.”
“Amen,” Pamela repeated. “Thanks. I really hope God answers your prayer.”
Efe nodded. “He will. Let me know how it goes.”
“Sure.” She picked up her bag and went out of the room, leaving Efe all alone in the apartment. She wondered what she was going to do today. At first, she had planned for Pamela and herself to do a bit of sight-seeing but that plan had gone south. She got off the bed to the living-room. There was light and there was food.
Maybe I would just watch a movie.
Or read your bible. . .
Efe wasn’t interested in reading her bible these days. Lately, what had been coming to mind was forgiveness and not bearing grudges. She knew God wanted her to forgive but she wasn’t ready. Daniel had never even apologized to her. How could she forgive someone who felt all he did was right and she was the wrong one? Yes, she had made her mistakes but he had as well. Why was she the one that had to bear the cross alone?
I bore the cross for you and I didn't do anything wrong.
"God that's different. You are God. . . Not man like us. And asides that I'm not like you. It's hard for me."
My Grace is sufficient for you. Love as I love. My grace is ever available to you.
“God I will read my bible after I watch the movie.”
As soon as Efe got out of her bed the power supply suddenly went out. She sighed. “Fine God. I will read my bible now.”

***

“I don’t love your mother any more. I don’t feel anything for her.”
Pamela stared at him. She had never felt so much hatred for anyone in her life. She was close to despising him. She watched as he raised his hand to his beard and played with it casually, like what he had just said didn’t mean much to him.
“Daddy how is that possible? How can you say that? Y- you must still care about her.”
“Now don’t get me wrong, I do care about the woman who had children for me, but love? Sweetie that ended a long time ago. In as much as I may try to feel that way again . . . I can’t. I don’t want to. I’m not interested.”
Pamela willed for the tears not to come. Her father didn’t know how much his words were hurting her. Did he think she wanted to hear him speak of her mother in such manner? Was that why he asked her over for lunch?
“But daddy, I thought you guys loved each-other back in the days? What happened to that love? Why would you just give up? I have distant memories of the both of you dancing together to all those old-school music you guys usually listened to. I remember how the both of you tease each-other. When did it go wrong?”
He shrugged. “That is what I don’t know." He relaxed his back on his seat and shook his head that was sprouting a few greys. “Why am I telling you this? Because life happens, and when it does you either give in to it’s demands or you give up. That’s why I want the best for you Pamela. Give up this useless thought of being a model and practice law for goodness sake! I didn’t spend all that money for you to hand me your certificate and parade half-naked for men old enough to be your father ogling you or those useless boys that have no sense to approach you.
"You studied a respectable course. You must be a respectable woman. I didn’t struggle to get you into that oil company to be a good for nothing secretary. You should have gone for the position that suits you better.”
“I told you they said that position was not available again-”
“You’re not too old to be slapped.”
Pamela looked away from him and folded her arms. She knew full well how hard his slaps were. She was tired of him saying the same thing over and over again. She had done all he wanted her to do; study and get a degree. She wasn’t interested in pursuing a career in law. She just wanted her freedom. She wanted to be who she wanted to be without the influence of her father.
“Pamela, don’t be stubborn.” The tone of his voice warned her not to anger him the more that afternoon or he would take good of his threat and live a mark on her right cheek.
“I’ve heard dad.” But I’m so not doing it! She checked the time on her watch. She had to meet up with Rex within the next hour. She was going to make it in life. . . with or without her father's support.

TopeOmotosho:
Hey guys! Thanks for following the story so far. Would post the next one soonest.

Just want to drop this here.

This is the last day for discount of my books on Okadabooks for #100 each. So anyone interested can get anyone of my 8 books on Okadabooks at #100 each.

Wasn't going to share but just felt the need to Say it so you can be partakers of this.


Much love!

I need this very story pls. Can I get it through another means apart from okada books?

Are you familiar with Bambooks? It's there as well.

drewsman:


I need this very story pls. Can I get it through another means apart from okada books?

***

She turned off the TV with the remote and popped another bar of chocolate into her mouth. The romantic movie she had just watched made her wonder how anyone thought love alone was enough to get through any problem in life. Movies just seemed to portray that lie over and over again and the worst thing was people like her kept buying it every day.
Efe was a living example that it was all a sham.
Was it so hard in this day and age to find a man who loved her as much or even more than she loved him?
She thought about Amanze and allowed herself smile a little and imagine how it would be like to be with a man like him. She admitted that he was caring and showed more interest in her that she sometimes found annoying. But he seemed like the real deal. He might not even hurt her like how Daniel did.
Her mind travelled back to when Daniel asked her to leave his house. Daniel had walked out of the room without a word. She had sat on the floor for what seemed to be hours. . . Her knees up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her legs. She cried. . . Tears had come harder than when she heard news of her mother's passing.
Her life went like a flash before her. How she and Daniel had started out as friends. How he treated her as his baby sister and how she harboured a crush on him that later became glaring. How he travelled to London for university and left her missing him. They would call and text each other once in awhile, but it was nothing serious. When he came back and fell hard for Adesewa. What Efe had done that night by dressing up seductively and waking him up at night to have sex with her.
Efe rose to her feet and walked slowly to their bedroom. Her eyes looked around the room until they came upon her suitcase. She wiped the snort from her nose as she packed away her things. Her eyes sore from having cried too much. She possibly couldn't pack away everything so she packed what were most important to her; clothes, shoes, underwear. For a moment she felt like leaving her bible there but she placed it in her bag as well.
When she walked out of the room Daniel was seating on a couch. He rose to his feet. "I'll drop you off at the park so you can board a bus. It's still early. You should make it back to Ibadan in 3 hours max. . . considering traffic. "
Efe shook her head. "I'll go myself."
He sighed. "Come on, Efe. The least I can do is drop you off."
She shook her head. "Please don't. The least you could have done was having the courage not to marry me."
Looking at it now, Efe knew she was mostly at fault for what happened to her. In fact, she deserved it. But it was high time she let go of the past. She got off the couch and went to the bedroom. She stared at her wedding rings on her fourth finger. They still looked new. Plain.
Without giving much thought to it again she pulled them out and tossed them in her jewellery box. The action made her feel lighter all of a sudden; like she had been carrying a heavy load.
It was time she finally let go. It was time she finally gave herself a chance to love.
Tears filled her eyes. "God, I'm sorry. I’m sorry. I'm sorry I did what I did. Please help me."
Embrace My Love. Even in your mistakes My will would be done. Nothing takes Me by surprise. All would work out for your good only if you love me.
Efe sniffed. "Even in all my mistakes you still have a purpose for my life? I don't even care if it doesn't include Daniel. I'm just tired of it all."
Embrace My Love.

Invite:

Humbleness

Efe is going through a lot of pain

TopeOmotosho:
Are you familiar with Bambooks? It's there as well.

Is there a way I can get the PDF format?

I can pay through bank transfer or any medium u want me to pay through

Ann2012:
Efe is going through a lot of pain

But still, I want her back with Daniel

drewsman:


Is there a way I can get the PDF format?

I can pay through bank transfer or any medium u want me to pay through

Unfortunately, I don't sell the pdf or epub version. Ebooks are available on Okadabooks and Bambooks only.

What issues do you have with Okadabooks?

TopeOmotosho:


Unfortunately, I don't sell the pdf or epub version. Ebooks are available on Okadabooks and Bambooks only.

What issues do you have with Okadabooks?

I downloaded and tried using the app on my phone but it wasn't working. I don't know why though

drewsman:


I downloaded and tried using the app on my phone but it wasn't working. I don't know why though

And you updated it?

Hmmm I can't understand why. Bambooks is okay as well if you would like to try.

***

He looked at her. He couldn't help it. There was this peace and joy around her that could not be mistaken. And then there was a light in her eyes that hadn't been there before. It was breathtaking. Every day she was growing, she was far from perfection but she was on the journey, as he was as well.
He thanked God for her life. He couldn't have asked for a better wife. A lover, friend and would someday be the mother to his children. Hopefully, it would be someday soon. He could just imagine how beautiful his baby girl would look like . . . a miniature Funlola.
John smiled and watched as Funlola finished with her exercise and saw sweat trickle down her back. She strode to his side in tired steps.
"Baby, I see you staring at me. Unlike all those times you resisted me. You try o! Thank God for your life!"
John chuckled. "Abi nau.... you wanted to cause katakata for me with your beauty and sex appeal." Even in pregnancy, he found his wife extremely attractive.
"You that you were playing hard to get," She teased.
He pulled her onto his laps and pressed his nose against her wine-coloured hair; taking in her smell. He had asked her to leave the colour of her weave-on alone though many women in church looked at her disapprovingly.
She was his wife. Not theirs. And as long as it wasn't a sin against God why were they making an issue out of it? Mostly, they were using it to identify her with her old life. The life she dropped at the feet of the cross months ago. Didn't they know her outward appearance was not her heart and that was what God was looking at? She dressed well. Covered parts of her body that should be covered. So what was the problem?
"John!"
He jerked away from her.
"Huh? What happened?"
"I was talking to you."
"Sorry babe, just a lot on my mind. What's up?"
"I'm worried about Efe. She keeps coming to my mind."
"I'm worried about Daniel as well. He's not doing too good. Aunty Obasi called me the other day and told me Uncle Felix told Daniel to never set foot in his house again. It's just pathetic."
Funlola nodded. "I agree with you. Or do you think Adesewa jazzed him? Could it be that's what happened?"
Adesewa? Jazz? "Babe, I don’t think that's the case. It's all Daniel's doing."
"I thought he was a Christian. What kind of mistake is that?"
John smiled at Funlola’s naivety. "Christians make mistakes too baby. Efe made a mistake as well. I have made mistakes too. But at the end of the day it's what we do about the mistakes that matter. Let's keep praying for them. Anytime Efe comes to heart. . . Pray for her."
"Yes, PJ."
"Oya go and have your bath."
Funlola got off his lap immediately. "Ahan! Am I smelling?"
John nodded then shook his head.
Funlola frowned. "Is it yes or no?"
"I'm not too sure. I would need to inspect."
Understanding dawned on Funlola and she smiled. "You're a very naughty PJ. Who has corrupted you?"
John burst out in laughter and led her to their room.


See you in 2020!

See you too in 2020, a year of double double blessings

See you in 2020 too
Well done OP

Chapter Five


Daniel wasn’t sure of what he had seen but he couldn’t sit still. He needed to confirm what he saw last night. He had gone over to Ebuka’s house to drop off some documents from work only to discover Adesewa’s car parked outside.
He sat in his car confused, with different thoughts running through his mind.
Why was Adesewa at his friend’s place? Was she still trying to talk to Ebuka to talk to him? Or was she now hanging out with Ebuka?
He was still battling with his thoughts when he saw her come out laughing with his best-friend and looking so comfortable. Ebuka had his arms around her shoulders and he said something to her again that made her laugh.
The kind of hearty laugh she did when they were together.
Daniel had driven off after seeing them hug and watching as they both went their separate ways. Was Ebuka the man Adesewa was having an affair with? Was Ebuka the real reason she wanted nothing to do with him?
“If they have been having a relationship, how long has it been going on? Has she been cheating on me all this while?” He balled up his hands to fists. If Ebuka betrayed him he would get what was coming. How could the both of them betray him that way?

***

Over the past couple of days she was reading her bible more and trying to keep at it. But all of a sudden her job was taking a lot of her time and she was finding it hard to keep up with her personal bible study. These days she just read the bible like she was reading a novel. She didn’t have time for deep studies.
God understands right?
She asked herself that morning as she and Pamela took the staff-bus to work. She rested her head on the headrest and closed her eyes. They still had about twenty minutes to get to work and she could catch some sleep. Last night she had stayed up late trying to console Pamela over what her parents were going through and how much she suffered from it. It was last night that Efe had discovered that the tough girl she had known was just displaying such on the outside, on the inside she was just a girl equally as broken as Efe was.
They were all broken one way or the other.
“I just don’t understand how two people who used to love each-other could suddenly despise each other.” Pamela said. “Where has all the love gone to?”
Efe rubbed her back as she cried, telling her that everything would be okay. That what happened with her parents didn’t have to affect her.
“But it does! It does affect me. I look at life and wonder what’s the purpose of marriage. Why love is so important as everyone says it is. There is no perfect love. It’s all a façade!”
Efe heard God whisper in her heart that His love was perfect and she should let her friend know that.
“Pam, it’s only God’s love that is perfect. Don’t trust in a man’s love. It’s only a man that has sold out himself for Christ that learns how to love from God. Other than that we can never love perfectly.”
As she had said those words she also reflected on her relationship with Daniel. She might have loved him but then she didn’t love him the way God wanted her to. If she had loved him the way she claimed to, she would never have slept with him knowing full well he had a girlfriend. Love wasn’t selfish.
Efe opened her eyes and yawned with the back of her hand close to her mouth. She couldn't blame Daniel for his actions as well since he was far from perfect loving like she was.

***

“We’re coming to Lagos this week so get ready to pick us at the air-port. We want to make your grand-opening. It’s not every day our only daughter starts her own company. We are so proud of you sweetheart.” Her mother said. “Hope you have included us in your schedule? So you don’t forget to pick us up.”
Adesewa sighed inwardly and rubbed her forehead. Her mum and dad had just broke the news about their supposedly surprise trip to Lagos the day before.
“Yes, mum. What time does your flight get in?”
“5 pm. It’s going to be a long flight ‘cause we would be stopping at Dubai first. I’m saying this ‘cause I don’t want to wait.”
“I understand mum. I would have someone clean up the house and cook up something for you.”
“That’s good. Your father and I are so glad to know we can always count on you. Don’t tell your father, but you got all of my management skills. He still thinks he’s better than me even after all these years, can you imagine? Anyway how are your friends? Zainab and Audrey?”
“Zainab is fine.” Adesewa decided to break the news to her. “She’s getting married soon.”
“Ehn-Ehn! That’s good. She found a husband sharp-sharp. Good for her. I’m still praying for God to do your own soon. Yemi Nwachukwu called me some days ago that her son just got back from America. You remember Korede Williams abi? The both of you used to be friends sometime back.”
Adesewa rolled her eyes. She could remember Korede alright; the guy that had commitment issues and left his fiancée when their wedding was close by. I hope mum isn't planning anything funny. Who wants a guy like that? Adesewa was about to respond when her door flew open and Daniel barged into her office with her secretary hot on his tails.
“What were you doing at Ebuka’s place last night?!” He threw at her without any preliminaries.
“I’m sorry ma. I tried keeping him out of your office but he forced his way in. Shall I call security?” Her secretary rushed to say.
Adesewa lifted a finger for them to give her a minute as she gave Daniel a stern look. “Mum, please let me call you back. There’s an emergency at work I need to settle.”
“Okay darling. Take care. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Adesewa shook her head at her secretary. “It’s okay. You may leave.”
Her secretary curtseyed and hurried out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
“Are you out of your mind? How dare you come into my office and question me like that?!”
“I thought you left me because I was married. I didn’t know you left me to mess around with one of my best-friends!”

Daniel wahala plenty jare

She jerked back with a frown. “What?! What kind of accusation is that? Where did you see us together?”
“I saw you at Ebuka’s place.”
“Were you spying on me? Are you now stalking me? My goodness! Daniel, when would your obsession end?”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Don’t insult me. I went to drop off some documents for Ebuka only to see the both of you together acting like secondary school students in love. I thought when you said you gave your life to Christ you meant it. I didn’t know it was all a lie. You are behaving all holier than thou but you are still so spoilt and silly.”
Adesewa wanted every bit to make a nasty retort at him when her spirit warned her not to. Reminding her of her old lifestyle and how she had changed.
How else would people know you are for Me if you don’t show My love?
So what do I do now God? Do I just let him insult me? Do I tell him the truth? Holy Spirit help me.
She took a deep breath and counted up to five as she rose from her seat and walked towards him.
She asked with as much calm as she could muster, “Daniel, did you see me do anything wrong with Ebuka? Why all the accusations?”
He raised his brow. “So why were you at his place at that time of the night?”
Adesewa folded her arms and looked at him pointedly. "To greet him. Besides, what I do with my life is my business Daniel. Not yours. We aren’t together anymore.”
“Okay, fair enough. But did you have an affair with Ebuka when we were together?”
“No. Please leave, I have a lot of work to do.”
Daniel remained where he was.
“Did you have any affair with him even when we broke up?”
At that Adesewa bit her lip and turned her back on him.

***

Amanze was surprised when Efe walked into his office at the end of the day to announce she was heading home. During the last couple of days she had been cordial to him; bringing him coffee when he didn’t ask, offering to do little things for him. He loved the change but then he wondered the reason.
Was she now willing to give him a chance? He didn’t want to risk asking her out and getting another rejection.
He didn’t think he could take it.
“Okay Efe. I don’t need anything else so you're free to go home. See you tomorrow.”
“Thank you sir.”
She turned to leave while Amanze faced his work. He was surprised when he heard her cough and looked up to find her standing before him as opposed leaving his office.
"Erm - I want to apologize for how I've treated you a couple of times. You have been nothing short of nice to me but I've - I've not been good to you. I'm sorry sir."
"It's fine, Efe. I don't hold any grudges."
She looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, sir. I would go now."
"Wait..." He quickly said and stood. "Would you mind if I take you out for dinner tonight. I mean I'm almost done with work here so we could go in a matter of minutes."
He saw her hesitate.
"Or if you would rather that we don't go it's fine as well."
She shook her head. "It's not like I don't want to go. I promised my room-mate I would be home with her tonight. Girls stuff."
"Oh okay."
"But I promise to accept your offer another time you ask."
His lips turned up to a smile. "What about tomorrow night?"
She shook her head again but this time it was accompanied with a smile. "I mean the next time you ask after today. Good night sir."
With that she walked out of his office and he smiled to himself. It wasn't a rejection. She had promised to go out with him. There was hope.

Efe is gradually warming up to Amanze

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***

“I’m so happy for you babes . . . even if you keep treating me like rubbish.” Audrey said as they looked through different fabrics to use for the traditional wedding. Time was going and there were still a lot of things to do. Zainab wasn’t sure if Audrey was of help or was just a bother.
Yes, she was handling various things while they waited for Adesewa but her talking and poke-nosing in her matters was out of hand. Like yesterday she had asked questions about Sonia and how they were related and why Zainab wasn't allowing her help with wedding plans.
"Because I don't need her help."
Audrey looked quizzically at her. "Why? Isn't she your cousin?"
"And so? Does that mean I want her helping me? Haven't you heard of people who pretend like they want your happiness but they don't?"
"Okay, you have a point there but Sonia doesn't look like a bad person. Are you sure there isn't any other reason why you don't want her to help out?"
"Audrey, please leave me alone and mind your own business. Or is that too much to ask?"
Audrey had kept quiet after that and the tension between them was growing by the day. Zainab felt bad, but not bad enough to apologize and act like they were best of friends.
She wondered how Adesewa coped with her in Lagos.

***

Adesewa knew her life was too complicated. Too many issues arising from different corners and she was trying hard to hold on to God. Most times life could be so painful and unpredictable. She believed He could see her through but sometimes her circumstances got the best of her.
Daniel's issue was one of the things she was dealing with. Immediately he left her office she had called Ebuka.
"Hey you," he answered on the first ring.
"Daniel just barged into my office some minutes ago."
A slight pause. "Did he hurt you?"
"No. He saw us together at your place and he's suspicious. He's accusing me of having an affair with you."
Ebuka sighed.
"So what did you tell him?"
She rubbed her hand on her forehead. "I didn't tell him anything. Indirectly told him to mind his business."
“Okay. . . So what's the problem? You want to tell him what happened?"
Adesewa wasn't sure if she should. She didn't exactly cheat on him. They weren't together again when she slept with Ebuka. But then she had gone back to seduce him on his wedding day... which technically still made them an item, right?
"I don't know yet. I'm just giving you heads up just in case he shows up at your end."
"Thanks, and don't fret on it."
She nodded. "I'll try not to."
Adesewa discarded her thoughts and smiled broadly as her parents approached her with huge smiles on their faces. They didn't cease to let her know how proud of her they were.
"Sweetie! This place is exquisite!" Her mother pulled her into her arms and hugged her, more like squeezed her tightly. "I'm so proud of you."
She released her and her dad put his hand around her shoulders, giving her a side hug. "We're proud of you dear. I would definitely tell my friends about this."
"Thanks dad. That would me much appreciated."
"Yes nau, if you didn't want to take my money at least you can take my friends as your clients."
They chuckled.
"Hi Ade," a baritone voice greeted.
She looked up to see Mrs. Nwachukwu and a tall handsome man standing next to her.
"Good morning ma," Adesewa curtseyed. Mrs. Nwachukwu’s perfume enveloping her. "My mum didn't tell me you were coming."
"We wanted to surprise you. It's been too long. Ever since Korede left the country we didn't hear from you again. Have we become a plague to you."
Adesewa laughed. "Ahn-ahn mummy! It's not like that nau. I was just busy at work and I did a lot of travelling at that time."
"It's okay." She excused herself at that moment and Adesewa was left alone with Korede.
"Kore Kore. It's been long o. See how you have chopped up."
He chuckled. "Na so I see am o. How have you been? You've done well for yourself." He looked around. "I mean this is amazing."
"Thank you. What about you? What do you do for yourself?"
He shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'm into business and network marketing on the side. But right now the economy isn't smiling at all. It's been kinda hard."
She nodded. She could understand what he meant. "There's nothing impossible for God to do. When others say there's a casting down..."
"We say there's a lifting up." He smiled at her.
Adesewa noticed Kobina signalling for her to come over.
"I'm sorry I have to go. You're staying till the end right?"
He nodded. "Sure."
Adesewa didn't know why her spirit was lifted at the sight of Korede, but then she didn't want to query it; anything to get her mind off Daniel and his wahala.

So many twists

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So many twists

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Chapter Six

"What's the problem?"
"I have a deep feeling that Adesewa and Ebuka have something going on."
John squeezed his face into a frown. "Something going on like what?"
"Like they're in a relationship."
"Oh.... really? Are you sure about that?"
"Yes!" He went on to explain how he saw them at Ebuka's house and how he confronted her at her office. John's wife, Funlola, chose that moment to step into the sitting room looking beautiful in a loose kaftan and sandals as she carried a tray of drinks and small chops.
"Hi Daniel. How are you?" She said as she dropped the tray with its items on the centre-table.
"I'm fine, thanks."
"We both know that's not true." She moved to seat on the couch but John pulled her to his lap and she smacked him lightly before finally taking her seat beside him.
Daniel couldn't believe their relationship was still tight. He saw the way they played around each other and the love in their eyes. There was no doubt about it, they were made for each other despite if him or anyone thought otherwise. God was involved in their marriage.
"Why do you think I'm not okay?" He asked her when she had finally settled down.
"Well," She clasped her hands together, "for one you look it and then when you aren't with your wife because you are in love with another girl it's not really going to make you okay," She said bluntly.
Daniel opened his mouth down.
John smiled a little and leaned in close to whisper something into her ear.
She shook her head. "Someone has to tell him the truth. He's not a baby but a full grown man that knows what he's doing."
"That doesn't give you the right to talk to me like that, Funlola."
"I'm only saying the truth! Look Daniel, we care about you and that's why we have to tell you what you're doing is wrong. Don’t make a mistake."
Daniel hissed. "Didn’t you make your own mistakes? Did we bother you? Abeg, allow me make my own mistakes in peace. I don't need you preaching to me."
"But-" She began but John held her hand and told her it was okay and she kept quiet.
"Daniel if you aren't ready to hear the truth then why are you here? You know I would never support your relationship with Adesewa. Moreover, Adesewa has moved on with her life from what you're telling me. So what do you want me to do? What do you still want to do?"
Daniel looked away from the couple in front of him and stared at the tiled floor. His cousin was right. Why had he come, knowing John would never help him with Adesewa? The truth was he just needed someone to talk to. He didn't trust Ebuka. Dele had moved to the states few months ago.
His life was empty.
He rose to his feet. "You're right. I made a mistake coming here."
John stood as well. "Haba Daniel. I didn’t mean it like that. You're always welcome here."
"Yeah... I hear you. I'll see myself out."

***

Life happens, and when it does you either give in to its demands or you give up.
Pamela could not agree more with her father in that. She rose from the bed and wrapped the bed-sheet around her. She wasn't going to give up on her dreams. Never!
Her meeting with Rex had resulted into more photo-shoots and sleeping with each-other. The more they slept together, the more she felt like a cheap prostitute.
Was this what she had to do to fulfil her dreams of becoming a model? Was this what her life had resulted to? How many men would she have to sleep with in the future to make it?
She felt tears trail down her face. In as much as she hated the process, she was still determined to make it in life. She wished she had someone to talk to about her problems.
Pamela was afraid of telling Efe about it for fear she would judge her or worse, try to talk her out of it.
She wiped away the tears with the back of her hand and hurriedly dressed up. She looked back at Rex who was still fast asleep and for a moment she felt a tingling sensation go down her back. She looked away and got on the last of her clothing and snuck out of his apartment.

I feel sorry for Pamela