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Hello friends.

I have decided to serialize this story again since I re-publish it.

Happy reading.




A Fatal Love
(Sequel to 'The Sugar Mum')


© Copyright 2025




This work solely belongs to the author. No part of it can be used or reproduced in any way without the express permission of the author







Alex is lucky in the choice of wife, but there are extraneous forces that threaten his marital life. He falls into pits and it takes another extraneous power to bring him out.












I woke up and stared at the window curtains in the bedroom. The big clock on the wall revealed the time to be quarter to seven in the morning. Enny, my wife, lay beside me. I watched her briefly. She looked peaceful and blissful in her sleep.

It was Saturday, a week after our wedding. This morning, we intended to end our honeymoon in Abuja and return to Lagos. The last six days had been very dreamy. We had enjoyed each other greatly, just lazing around, eating, drinking and making love. Honestly, it was now I really knew how sweet it was to be married. Apart from rare visits to some places of interest in the city, we had largely remained indoors, savoring the company of each other.
There was a rap on the door.

'Yes, come in. The door is not locked,' I said. Meimunat entered the room.

'Good morning, bro Alex,' she greeted. 'Good morning, aunty. How was your night?'

'It was fine. I've come to ask what you will like to have for breakfast.'

'Toast bread and coffee should be okay,' I replied.

She nodded and left. Meimunat had really done well in taking good care of us. I would not forget her.

I kissed my sleeping wife. That had been my way of waking her up. We soon had our bath together and dressed up. We enjoyed the breakfast and packed our things. I called the cab driver we had been using to move around. I tipped Meimunat generously before leaving the house.

Our flight back to Lagos was smooth. As Enny and I sat side by side, we held hands like a couple genuinely in love. From the local wing of the airport at Ikeja, we took a cab to my residence - now, our residence.

From the local wing of the airport at Ikeja, we took a cab to my residence - now, our residence.

At Ketu Bus stop, Enny said she would prefer to alight from the cab so that she could go straight to Mile 12 market and buy meat and soup ingredients. I gave her some money for that purpose and she parted.

The driver drove me home. I put our bags in the bedroom and surveyed the house. Everything had been the way we left it. All our wedding gifts were in the second bedroom, still wrapped.

I changed to a t-shirt and jeans. While awaiting Enny, I sat in the sitting room and and watched the news channel. My phone rang. It was from the number I saved as Steph III, Steph's American number.

I whistled to myself. Steph had finally decided to call me. 'Hello, Alex.'

'Hi, Steph. Long time no see.'

She laughed over the line. 'Are you alone or is Enny with you?'

'I'm alone. She went to the market to get some stuffs.'

'I see. So, how's everything?'

'Not bad,' I replied. 'Why did you refuse to call me all this while?'

'Because I'm crossed with you.'

'Why must you? You should understand everything.' 'It's not easy for me, Alex.'

I sighed. 'Don't worry. You'll get over it, Steph. I pray you will have a loving and understanding husband in the nearest future.'

I expected to hear an Amen, but I didn't hear a thing. 'I need a favor from you, Alex.'

A favor for Steph? I was all curious. 'What could that be?' 'Mum is coming back to Nigeria next week.'

'Oh, but that's good news.'

There was a pause. 'I've told her I agree to settle down in Nigeria.'

I was alert. My mind raced fast. 'I'm sure mummy will be happy to hear your change of mind.'

'That's the problem,' Steph replied. 'She has changed her mind too. She says she now prefers I should remain in America.'

I whistled shortly. 'Wow. But then you should be happy. That's what you wanted all along.'

'I don't want it again. I want to come to Nigeria. Can you help me to talk to her to change her mind?'

My mind raced again. I could understand why her mother wanted Steph to remain in the U.S. I had the sneaky conviction that she wanted the two of us to remain separated for as long as possible. But, I would not tell Steph that.

I had the sneaky conviction that she wanted the two of us to remain separated for as long as possible. But, I would not tell Steph that.

'Did she give you reason for wanting you to stay over there?' I asked.

'She said I should have some working experience in America. She wants me to have at least a couple of years' experience.'

'That's not a bad idea,' I found myself saying. 'Don't you think it's not entirely a bad idea?'

'It's not totally bad, but I feel like coming home.'

I chuckled. 'Can you tell me why you suddenly changed your mind?'

There was another pause. 'I just changed my mind, and that's it,' she said.

Again, I had another sneaky feeling: this time, that Steph was not telling me the whole truth.

'Can you just try to tell mum that it would be better if I come home?' Steph said.

I nodded as if she could see me. 'Alright, I'll see what I can do.'

'Oh, thank you. You're her boy and she has high opinions of you, so, just try,' Steph said further.

I was bemused by her use of words, 'you're her boy.' I nodded again.

'So, how's life in the U.S?'

'Not bad, but I miss you guys. Alex, I miss you.'

'Well, such is life,' I philosophized.

We chatted a bit more before terminating the conversation. I thought over the whole thing.

Madam B must have planned to take Steph away, I had no doubt. I realized it was a good idea. Steph being out of the way would make me focus on my marriage and to build it properly.

Some minutes later, Enny returned from the market. I joined her in the kitchen as she fried the chicken and prepared the soup. She was good in cooking, no doubt.

'Steph called not long ago,' I informed.

Something big and interesting. It's good to wait for it.

.

She was good in cooking, no doubt.

'Steph called not long ago,' I informed.

'How's she? When is she coming back?'

'It's like madam wants her to remain in the U.S.'

'That will be better,' Enny said with finality. 'Let her work and have some working experience over there.'

I only grinned.

'Deola would be coming over today,' Enny said, a couple of minutes later.

'She called me a while ago that she would soon be on her way.'

Deola was one of her younger sisters. Enny had earlier told me that she would like Deola to come and be staying with her – or rather, with us - and I had acquiesced. At twenty one, Deola was a level 200 Mass Communication student at Lagos State University.

'No problem. She's welcome.'

Truly, some minutes later, Deola came in with her bag. What a change! About a week and a day ago, I was the only occupant of the apartment. Now, we were three. Glory be to God.

Some hours later, Madam B called to inform that she would be returning to Nigeria by Tuesday the following week. She explained further that Steph would not be returning with her as she – the madam - had come to realize that it was better for her to have a couple of years' working experience in the U.S. The way madam glibly explained the reason for her change of mind gave me no room to argue that Steph should be allowed to come back home.

She spoke about her state of health, which was perfect and how she longed to come back home. After she had disconnected the line, I was full of thoughts. From what she said, Steph and I would not be seeing each other for a long time. What a life! Some weeks ago, when she was around, it was as if the relationship would last till kingdom come.

Abruptly, it had ended, and life continued. Life indeed has whims and caprices.

We got some visitors in the house towards evening. They had come to felicitate with Enny and I over our recent conjugal bliss. The following day was Sunday. Enny and I wore the same traditional clothing to the church. I was indeed happy that my status had changed from single to 'happily married.'

On Monday morning, the three of us – Enny, Deola and myself – left the house together. They got down at Ketu bus stop to take a connecting bus to their destination, while I continued on my way to Ikeja. Mandy created a little scene when she sighted me.

'Here comes the latest bridegroom in town,' she said as she got up from her seat and rushed to hug me. I could not understand her zeal.

'Hey, I'm not the latest groom,' I pointed out.

'I'm sure between over a week ago and now, many couples would have got themselves wedded.'

My cautious assertion still did not dwindle her enthusiasm. I resumed work in full force. The following day, around noon, Mr. Taju and I went to the airport to welcome Madam B from her foreign trip. It was good to see her again.

The couple of months she sent in America had obviously done her good as she looked rejuvenated and more beautiful. Somehow, I had a faint hope that Steph might come with her. It was a wishful thinking. Madam came alone, looking radiant and refreshed.

'Look at you, Alex,' she commented after we had hugged. 'You look so robust. Without doubt, Enny, your wife is taking good care of you.'

As Mr. Taju drove us to madam's mansion, she chatted excitedly about her trip. Somehow, I wished Enny and I would relocate to live in God's own country.

We chatted a bit more before terminating the conversation. I thought over the whole thing. Madam B must have planned to take Steph away, I had no doubt. I realized it was a good idea. Steph being out of the way would make me focus on my marriage and to build it properly.

Some minutes later, Enny returned from the market. I joined her in the kitchen as she fried the chicken and prepared the soup. She was good in cooking, no doubt.

'Steph called not long ago,' I informed.

'How's she? When is she coming back?'

'It's like madam wants her to remain in the U.S.'

'That will be better,' Enny said with finality. 'Let her work and have some working experience over there.'

I only grinned.

'Deola would be coming over today,' Enny said, a couple of minutes later. 'She called me a while ago that she would soon be on her way.'
Deola was one of her younger sisters. Enny had earlier told me that she would like Deola to come and be staying with her – or rather, with us - and I had acquiesced. At twenty one, Deola was a level 200 Mass Communication student at Lagos State University.

'No problem. She's welcome.'

Truly, some minutes later, Deola came in with her bag. What a change! About a week and a day ago, I was the only occupant of the apartment. Now, we were three. Glory be to God.

Some hours later, Madam B called to inform that she would be returning to Nigeria by Tuesday the following week. She explained further that Steph would not be returning with her as she – the madam - had come to realize that it was better for her to have a couple of years' working experience in the U.S. The way madam glibly explained the reason for her change of mind gave me no room to argue that Steph should be allowed to come back home.

She spoke about her state of health, which was perfect and how she longed to come back home. After she had disconnected the line, I was full of thoughts. From what she said, Steph and I would not be seeing each other for a long time. What a life! Some weeks ago, when she was around, it was as if the relationship would last till kingdom come.
Abruptly, it had ended, and life continued. Life indeed has whims and caprices.

We got some visitors in the house towards evening. They had come to felicitate with Enny and I over our recent conjugal bliss. The following day was Sunday. Enny and I wore the same traditional clothing to the church. I was indeed happy that my status had changed from single to 'happily married.'

I was indeed happy that my status had changed from single to 'happily married.'

On Monday morning, the three of us – Enny, Deola and myself – left the house together. They got down at Ketu bus stop to take a connecting bus to their destination, while I continued on my way to Ikeja. Mandy created a little scene when she sighted me.

'Here comes the latest bridegroom in town,' she said as she got up from her seat and rushed to hug me. I could not understand her zeal.

'Hey, I'm not the latest groom,' I pointed out.

'I'm sure between over a week ago and now, many couples would have got themselves wedded.'

My cautious assertion still did not dwindle her enthusiasm. I resumed work in full force. The following day, around noon, Mr. Taju and I went to the airport to welcome Madam B from her foreign trip. It was good to see her again.

The couple of months she sent in America had obviously done her good as she looked rejuvenated and more beautiful. Somehow, I had a faint hope that Steph might come with her. It was a wishful thinking. Madam came alone, looking radiant and refreshed.

'Look at you, Alex,' she commented after we had hugged. 'You look so robust. Without doubt, Enny, your wife is taking good care of you.'

As Mr. Taju drove us to madam's mansion, she chatted excitedly about her trip. Somehow, I wished Enny and I would relocate to live in God's own country.

Later that evening, Enny and I went to formally greet madam and to thank her for the immeasurable contributions she made towards our wedding. When we were about to leave, she gave Enny gifts of Cartier gold wrist watch, handbags, shoes and some clothes.

As I drove Enny back home, she could not but comment about madam's generosity.

'This woman is really generous,' Enny said.

'After spending so much on you, look at the exorbitant gifts she gave to me. She must be the most generous person I've ever seen.'

I nodded in agreement. 'Without doubt, madam is very generous.'

Three days after Madam B had returned, Steph called me. She sounded bright. She informed that she had been shortlisted by a foremost computer firm in the U.S and was positive about getting a good job soon.

'Oh, that's good news, Steph. I wish you all the best.'

'Thanks. How's Naija?'

I sighed. 'All is not so well, but we thank God.'
We chatted for more several minutes before the conversation ended. I observed that she always called about noon on working days. Steph

hardly called on weekends and anytime she did, she would first ask if I was alone or if Enny was with me.

About a week after she first informed that she was shortlisted for the computer firm job, she called again to tell me that she had secured the job.

'Congratulations,' I enthused. I was indeed happy for her. When she told me her remuneration, I mentally calculated how much that would be in naira. I could not but whistle when I realized how much she would be making.

'I still miss you, Alex,' she said.

'You don't have to,' I replied. Even to me, my voice was unconvincing.

'Steph, you're very beautiful. I'm sure many guys over there will love to have you as their own. Go ahead and have yourself a good man. Forget about Alex. He is happily married now. Move on with your life. You have a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it to the best.'

I felt I had given a homily, a necessary one. There was a long pause.

'Hello, Steph, are you still there?'

'Yeah, I am. I wish it's as simple as you're trying to make it.'

'There's nothing difficult in it,' I pointed out.

'Just zero your mind to that place. America is a wonderful land. Many young ones here are ready to sell an eye to get over there and have the kind of opportunity you have.'

There was a long pause. She stared at my face with the radiant smile there. ‘Alex, I’m pregnant.‘

My face became frozen. ‘What, what did you say ?’ I stammered.

‘I’m pregnant, Alex. I’m carrying your baby.‘

My hands became stiff, so stiff that the phone dropped from my hand. It clattered on the floor and switched off. I picked it up and switched it on again, breathing heavily. Did I hear correctly? Did she say she was carrying my baby? Oh God! Oh God!‘If indeed it was true, then there was one solution. No lady or woman had ever had such on my behest. In Steph’s case. I was really to go that way. My mind was in a frenzy mode.

Well, so what if she was pregnant? We would go for that' simple solution' and that would be the end of the hassles.I sat down and thought of many things. What if Enny knew what had happened? I visualize disappointment and pain in her countenance. No, no, no.

This whole drama must end at this stage.Steph called back.

‘What happened?’ she asked.

'Sorry the phone fell down and switched off,’ I explained. ‘Are you really sure of what you were saying?’

‘Of course. I’ve done the pregnancy test. It’s eight weeks old.‘

I whistled. Beads of sweats had started forming on my brows. ‘What do we do now?’ I asked tentatively.

‘I’m keeping the baby, Alex.‘

My heart beat increased again. ‘You will do no such thing, Steph.

'That’s exactly what I’ll do. I want to have him or her.'

'You don’t know what you’re saying young lady. Do you realize I’m a married man now? Do you realize this will ruin my marriage, and even my relationship with your mum?'

'Alex, you’re shouting,’ she scolded.

I breathed in and out slowly. ‘I’m sorry. Now, listen to me, you can’t have your way. Maybe I should ask first: is it my baby or not?’

‘What kind of question is that? Of course it’s your baby!'

'Alright. Very good. So, do what I said.'

'No way. I want the baby and I’m going to have him.‘

I realized I was having a headache. ‘But why, Steph? Why d’you want to ruin my marriage and career?'

'No one is ruining anything. You can go ahead with your marriage and your job. As for me, I'm keeping that baby.'

I was exasperated. 'Think, Steph. How do you think mummy will react to this? What about Enny? You think she'll hear this and things will go on normally?'

To my surprise, Steph laughed. 'So you can be scared over little matter like this?'

'This is no little matter, Steph. My marriage and career are at stake here.'

'Alright, calm down.' She smiled again.I tried to calm down. Maybe she was joking, after all. Maybe she was just pulling my legs. I wished and hoped she was. 'Listen, Alex. I've thought out everything. I don't want to ruin your job, neither do I want to ruin your marriage. I'll go ahead and have the baby, but you don't worry about mummy. I'll take care of that. As for your wife I won't ever tell her. It's as simple as that.'

I shook my head vigorously. 'That will not work, Steph. That's a crazy idea. Your mummy will still get to know. How do you explain who is responsible for it? And for Enny, one way or the other, she'll also get to know.'

That's a crazy idea. Your mummy will still get to know. How do you explain who is responsible for the pregnancy? And for Enny, one way or the other, she'll also get to know.'

She smiled again. 'I told you not to worry about mummy. I'll handle that. As for your wife, I won't tell her a thing. She won’t know about it. Well, except you tell her. There's nothing to worry about, dear.'

My headache had intensified. 'Alright, Steph. We'll speak again. Right now, I have a headache.'

'Don't you worry about anything. I'm not asking you to support me or the baby. I can well take care of everything. I only wanted you to know that your baby is on the way.'

'See you again, Steph,' I said and disconnected the line. The headache was real. I left my office in search of the office assistant.'Please help me get some paracetamol or aspirin,' I told him and gave him some money. I went back to the office. I must calm down and think rationally, I told myself. I sat down on my seat, closed my eyes and tried to make my mind blank. Koli soon came back with what I asked him to buy.

'Thank you.' I collected the drugs from him. I took the required dose and tried to relax my mind again. There was no doubt that Steph was driving me crazy.

But, it wasn't her fault. I was to be blamed for whatever trouble came my way. If a man could not resist a sultry lady like Steph, then he must be ready to face whatever came his way. I suddenly realized that I was not that scared about Madam B. I didn’t believe she would sack me just like that, going by the antecedents.

My greatest fear was Enny, my wife. If Enny should know, she would be mightily disappointed! Oh, what a mess.Then Steph’s image came to my mind. She said she was happy about the pregnancy, how could she? What made her so confident and smug about the whole thing!

How could a young and beautiful lady like her from a wealthy family feel happy about carrying the baby of an up coming starter like me? Honestly I was confused.But what if she was just teasing me? I shook my head. From the way she had talked, that was very unlikely. I believed she was saying the truth. Thinking back now, that Sunday morning that she came to my house should be about eight weeks ago. That must be when the conception took place. Oh God.Well, be a man and face it, my mind said.

Then, I remembered Steph saying she would take care of her mother’s aspect. How would she do that? What about Enny? Calm down, calm down, I told myself.Steph's news spoilt the rest of my day. I tried to concentrate on my work, but it wasn't easy.

The headache, of course, compounded my situation. When I closed from work, I drove home slowly. I just had to face the situation, as unsavory as it was, I told myself. Of course, I did not tell my wife about it. When she noticed my mood, I told her about the headache.I decided that the best thing was to persuade Steph.

Next episode

I decided that the best thing was to persuade Steph to go for abortion. She still had a lot of exuberance in her and she needed to be bridled. The next day, few minutes after noon, I decided to call her. I decided to be subtle with her.

'Hello, dear,' I started. 'Hi, Alex. How d'you do?' 'I'm fine.'

'Good to hear that. How's Enny?' 'She's fine.'

'I need a favor from you, Steph. I hope you'll oblige me.' '

What could that favor be?'

'I want to beg you in the name of God, go and abort that baby.'

There was a pause. 'Do you realize abortion is a sin before God?' she asked. 'D'you realize what you're asking me to do is a sin before God?'

I was shocked by her reaction. Wonderful! Steph was now pontificating and telling me what was a sin before the almighty God.

'Look at it this way,' she went on. 'Is it not a sin to take another person's life? That baby is an innocent soul and you want to take his life. You're asking me to be wicked, Alex. I'm sorry, I won't do that. Rather, I'll be the one to plead with you that you should spare the life of an innocent soul, in the name of God.'

I was dumb-founded by her answer. Oh, God.

'Are you still there, Alex?'

'Yeah,' I answered, my mouth heavy.

'You should be praying for the safe delivery of the baby. That's what you should be praying for.'

'So, you want to go ahead and have the baby? You want to have a baby outside wedlock? Is that what you really want?'

She laughed as if I had said something funny. 'Don't you worry about me, Alex. There's no problem at all.'

I sighed and gave up. Steph was the lady with the strongest head I had ever met. An idea suddenly came to me. There was no need to disturb Steph again.

I ended the conversation. What I had in mind might sound ridiculous, but I believed it was worth trying. I would confess all my sins to God. I would pray for forgiveness of sins. Then, I would plead with God to put an end to the fetus in Steph's womb. That was how desperate I was about the matter.

That particular prayer was never answered. Rather, the fetus developed by the day. Madam appeared not to know a thing about it, and I never broached the topic. I continued to play the role of a dotting husband to Enny, pretending that all was perfect.

When the baby was twelve weeks old, Steph sent pictures of the slight bulge on her tummy to me, clad only in bra and panties. She repeated that when the pregnancy was sixteen weeks old. The more the bulge was becoming obvious, the more I lived in chagrin.

In the first week of November, Mandy reminded me that madam's birthday was a matter of days. She would be fifty and it was planned to be marked in a grand way. I discussed the matter with Enny.

'What befitting gift do you think we can present to her?' I asked.

We thought over it and finally decided to give her picture to an artist for a life portrait. The birthday was marked in a popular event center in Magodo estate. It was attended by many dignitaries. When we presented our gift to her, I could see that she really appreciated it.

The first Christmas that Enny and I had together, we decided to have a very time together. Madam suggested we could go to Abuja, but I preferred somewhere else. We went to a resort at Ota, Ogun state. We had a blissful time together. All would have been well, except for the aspect of Steph. Anytime I remembered her, I would feel some shiver.

She kept sending her pictures of protruding belly to me, and I kept getting agitated.
By January 1st, we had returned to our home. While we were away, Deola went to spend Christmas with her parents, but she returned to the house the moment we were back. We all went out on the New Year day for fun. At the beach, we surfed around and took pictures. We returned late afternoon to continue the rest of the holiday indoor.

I resumed office on January 2nd. Madam had given me more assignments, which included project supervision. I felt no qualms about that as I was greatly enjoying my job and all that came with it.

By March, Steph's stomach had really gone big. She kept sending me pictures of her advancing pregnancy, pictures I dared not let Enny see. I was amazed that Steph was excited about the whole thing. It was so paradoxical to me. Enny that I would have wished to become pregnant had not conceived but an ill-conceived affair with a lady far away in America was the one that brought pregnancy.

I was also amazed that Steph could keep the knowledge of the pregnancy away from her mother. Madam B had never said anything
about it, so I assumed that Steph did not tell her. Oh, how I wished it was Enny that was expecting my baby. By the middle of March, I was becoming concerned about Enny's inability to conceive.