₦airaland Forum

Chapter One

Slowly the memories of the five last years faded away and she was left staring at the mirror, her reflection had not changed, she was still the old version of herself and nothing had changed her, not even the death of her father, she was still as strong as ever.
‘I am almost ready Lila, be patient.’ Sade screamed at the top of her lungs.
‘Just take your time, the damn meeting can wait.’ Lila stifled a yawn, she moved towards her bed and sat on it.
A lot of things had changed in the company since her father had died two years back, everyone had adjusted even her, but she still felt the vacancy of his absence in her life.
He had been her rock, she depended on him for direction, but it seemed the world was now on her shoulders as she had no one else to lean on in times of trouble.
‘I will make you proud father, I swear it.’ She pressed a shaky hand on her chest. That was the vow she had made to him on his dying bed and she was not about to go back on it, she would work hard and take Wilavega to the highest heights.
‘Are you there gurl?’ Sade rushed towards her.
‘Where am I supposed to be?’ Lila rolled her eyes and turned round to face her friend.
‘Look what I found in the bin...I was about dropping the pack of my shaving stick.’ Sade handed her friend a wrinkled and old looking paper note.
‘Oh...’ Lila scoffed and threw the card on the ground.
‘Why do that?’ Sade bent low and picked it up, her eyes grew radiant with surprise as she read the contents of the card.
‘Oh my God, how on earth did you get his complimentary card? This is a miracle! It is not easy to set eyes on a man like Gabriel Smith. Where did you see him? Tell me Lila, does he look like a Greek God like most people say?’ Sade was excited with this discovery, she was so curious for more.

‘Gosh, can you just get dressed? We have a lot of things to do today.’ Lila ignored her questions.
She had no business talking or discussing a man like Gabriel Smith. Slowly, the events of the night that took place at the Charity ball five years back played in her mind.
His face had haunted her these past years, never had she seen a man so eloquently formed, so beautiful like Gabriel, but she always left him in the prison of her mind, in her world of fantasies as he was not the type of man that she wanted around her. Gabriel had affected her in a way that no other man had, she found it difficult to focus on other things, at the mention of his name either in the news or in some gossip magazine, her heart always skipped as she remembered how his dark eyes cut through her heart.
‘When did you start keeping secrets from me Lila?’ Sade could see that her friend was being evasive.
‘I am not keeping secrets, you know me, I don’t like talking about men.’ Lila replied stubbornly.
Yes, Gabriel Smith was a hardworking and successful business man, the type of man she had always desired, but his flirtatious ways with women, the way women threw themselves at his feet in adoration as if he were a god always irritated her. She had heard tales of the number of women he had conquered in bed, especially ladies of the higher echelon.
He had slept with Karina, Mmeyene, Sharon, Amina, Zainab and Sirena, all these ladies were children of very wealthy men. It seemed he had a class of what he wanted and he always tossed them aside whenever he had his maximum satisfaction.
‘Then where did you get this card?’ Sade wouldn’t let her be.
‘I am running late Sade, I have an important meeting....’ she trailed off as her phone rang, quickly she turned to her friend and whispered, ‘excuse me.’
‘Alright then, just know that nothing stays hidden for long.’ Sade stared after her, knowing very well that her friend was not being honest with her.
Lila took her phone and hurried to the room adjacent to the one she shared with her friend, her mansion was enormous but she chose to live together with her best friend.
‘Hello Nonso, how are you doing this morning?’ She placed the phone against her ears. Nonso Dobrev was her sales Manager, he was a Nigerian too, he was handsome as well, and the thought of him reminded her of Gabriel; she wondered briefly if all Nigerian men were this cute.
‘Good morning Madam, please I’d like to file a report urgently.’ He said.
‘Oh...what could be so urgent Nonso? Can’t we do this in my office?’ She wondered what could be so important.
‘I and my team have carried out a survey and we have realized an inconsistence in the use of Wilavega wines.’ He paused, letting his message register in her head.
‘Inconsistence? Be clearer.’ She sighed.
‘Wilavega wines have lost to a new wine brand in the market, we made just 10% sales this month, last month was 20% and three months before were 15%. I didn’t want to tell you at first, but it is getting out of hand and I feel that I should let you know.’
‘You’re kidding.’ A rumbling laughter escaped her lips, she just couldn’t believe it.
She had expected him to join her in the laughter, but when he didn’t, she knew this was serious.
‘I know this is hard for you to take, but there are a lot of wine brands in the market and Wilavega is competing with them. We were the sole wine producers in Getrude for over fifty years, but other companies are fast rising and they may over throw us.’ Nonso had to show her the true situation of things.

‘Why are you telling me this now?’ Lila snapped angrily at him, she hated incompetence.
‘I...’ he started to explain but she cut him short.
‘You know how hard I have been working on a new brand of wine, why on earth did you keep this information from me? I hate incompetence! You should’ve brought this to me when the sales had begun to go down, now what am I supposed to do? You think doing business is a gamble in the clubhouse? Hell, it is about planning and good policies! You are fired!’ she yelled angrily and cut off the call, not giving him time to explain.
‘Shit, this is bad, this is real bad.’ Lila had never been this shaken since the death of her beloved father.
Her legs became unsteady so she moved towards the only piece of furniture in the massive room; a stool.
‘What am I supposed to do now?’ Lila was afraid, this meant extra hard work and long hours in the office. It could take a person months or even years to build a brand and it could take just an hour to destroy that brand, that was what Nonso had just done to her.
If he had come to her with this sort of information, then she would’ve known how to act.
If Wilavega wine products were no longer well received, then that called for doom, for the folding up of her father’s company, his legacy and she was not going to have that.
‘No, there must be a way out.’ She closed her eyes and thought up some ideas.
First, she was going to fire everyone in the Sales and marketing department, they were going to feel her wrath for letting her down. They were in charge of situation reports, yet they had waited till the situation of Wilavega had gotten worse before reporting to her.
‘I know what to do, I know where to begin.’ She murmured underneath her breath while rising to her feet.
With a new wave of strength and determination, Lila Welsh, the Chief Executive Officer walked towards the door, only to be halted by the prompt of an incoming call.
‘Phew.’ She sighed and took it, her lawyer was calling.
‘Good morning Eva, it’s been so long you called.’ Lila said, and this was true, her lawyer rarely called her except when she needed to clarify something.
‘Morning Lila, true, I had to call you urgently, there’s grave news.’ Eva returned.
‘Good heavens, why is today such a bad day for me?’ Lila’s voice was shaky, not knowing what next to expect.
‘That’s life Lila, bad things happen, only the strongest survive.’ Eva replied.
Lila was not comfortable with her statement, what bad thing was going to happen to her?
‘If you have anything important to say to me, just spit it, I am tough.’ Lila called her to order as there was no need of speaking in parables or beating around the bush.
‘Okay...Wilavega is in a huge debt, if it is not cleared, the bank would take over the company soon.’ Eva dropped the bomb.
Five minutes passed and Lila couldn’t say a word, her lawyer had never bluffed with her and this didn’t look like she was trying to.
‘Are you there Lila?’
‘Look, I am sorry for being the harbinger of bad news but it took me great courage to tell you this. This information has been on my plate for some days and I didn’t find the strength to break the news. Your father had made some really bad business decisions which would affect everyone of us now.’
Lila shut her eyes another time, she allowed her mind to wallow in unseen darkness, she opened up herself to the news she had received, first from Nonso and now her lawyer.
‘Tell me everything.’ Lila whispered.
‘I am sorry Lila, you know Wilavega is a top wine producer, hence you will have so many enemies, please we cannot discuss this on phone. Let us find time and talk, we have a lot of things to do.’ Her lawyer advised.
‘Okay then, Friday night, 8P.M at my house.’ Lila said.
‘That’s better, have a great day ahead.’
‘Thanks.’ Lila nodded and broke the connection.
‘No...this is not happening.’ She felt lost, she felt numb as the words of Eva Benson, kept ringing in her ears.
How on earth would she run a company that was in a huge debt? What really scared her was the recent drop in productivity and profit making.
‘No!’ Tears made her eyes brim, but she wasn’t going to let them drop. She couldn’t cry now, tears never solver a problem. She was Lila Welsh and Lila never cried.
Sade who’d been busy getting herself prepared for work, heard her friend screaming, so she dropped the hair brush she’d been holding and hurried towards the room.
‘Lila? Are you alright?’
‘Lila?’ Sade walked in reluctantly, hoping she had not stepped in at the wrong time.
One glance at her friend’s face made her realize that everything was not alright, the only time she had seen Lila this distraught, was the death of her father.
‘Lila...?’ She tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
Lila seemed like one who was in a trance; her blue eyes had lost their fire; her skin had grown placed and her lips were jittery.
‘Trouble has some upon us Sade.’
Lila could not believe that was the sound of her own voice, she couldn’t believe that her voice would be so light, so afraid.
‘What trouble? Talk to me.’ Sade immediately dropped on her knees and stayed beside her.
‘I...I don’t even know where to start. I am so confused. How would I run the company when we are in debt? How would I pay salaries? Run the machines and the grapevines?’ Lila groaned.
‘What debt? What are you talking about?’ Sade was a bit lost.
Nina knew Sade was the only person she could trust, the only person she could rely on. So she poured out her heart and told her friend everything that Nonso had said, followed by Eva’s information about the debt.
‘That’s horrible news, what more did Eva say about the debt? How was it incurred?’
‘She wouldn’t say, she claimed that my father made some bad business decisions. She would come over Friday Tomorrow and we will talk about it. I don’t even know where to start Lila, this is such a terrible Nightmare, I wish someone would wake me up from it.’ Lila complained, she had never been faced with this sort of her situation.
All her life that she had run the company and watched her father do same, there had never been a report of debt or low sales, why did everything have to fall apart now that he was away?
‘What if I am not good enough? What if the company is falling apart because of me?’ Lila began to doubt herself.
‘Come on Lila, you don’t have to say this. What is happening right now is beyond your control. Your father’s business decisions were taken without your knowledge; maybe you would’ve stopped him, if he had opened up to you.’ Sade hated to see her this way.
‘How about the low reception of Wilavega wines? Is that part of my father’s mistakes?’
‘I know how hard you are trying to make this mistake yours, but it isn’t going to help you. This is not the time to cast or accept blames, we both need to work together, we both need to think a way through this.’ Sade advised.
‘I would feel like a failure should Wilavega crumble in my reign.’ Lila shook her head.
‘And it won’t, listen, let’s find a place and hang out, we need to refresh our minds and think up ideas. Only failures give up Lila, you always told me that, now it is my time to look after you.’ Sade’s hand went over her shoulder lovingly.
‘I don’t know what I’ll do without a best friend as you.’ Lila actually felt better after opening up to her friend.
‘You’re not in this alone Lila, I promise. You are not alone.’ Sade dropped a light kiss on her pale cheeks, it was reassuring and this made feel Lila feel safe against the world, against what was to come.

Prologue

The charity fundraiser was a huge one. Chief Lucas Welch was a well known philanthropist, little wonder he was invited to such a grand event. He had started out as a stockbroker at first, then he explored other business opportunities which brought him a lot of money. The name Welsh was associated with the famous wine production company, “Wilavega”, it was a powerful name and everyone in Gertrude respected it. He attended these events with his beautiful daughter, Lila.
The man had lost his wife when his only child, Lila was two, he never remarried but devoted his time to building his business and raising his only child. He carried her everywhere with him as much as he could, to church, business trips and charity events as this. Lila was a better daughter than ten sons joined together; she had proved herself on several occasions a worthy heir to his fortune.
Lila Welsh could be described as an English rose, apart from her beauty, she was smart and confident, she was savvy when it came to business and she fought to protect everything that her father had worked for.
‘There are a lot of people here than I expected.’ Lila whispered as she moved towards the middle of the hall with her hands closely knitted with her father’s.
‘Yes dear, this fundraiser is for the orphanage at Cathedum, you know they recently suffered a terrible setback when the storms destroyed their buildings’ the old man replied. Cathedum was a city not too far away from Gertrude.
‘Oh I heard about that Orphanage...what an unfortunate event, poor kids’ Lila took in the massive hall where the donation would take place. She could feel a million eyes feeding on her and her father as they strolled into the hall.
‘Yes indeed, ’her father replied
She knew it would never end, her father was a force to reckon with, he had so many friends as well as enemies; she had noticed this at each time they went for an occasion, a lot of people always rushed to see him or speak with him one on one.
‘Ah, Chief Welsh, you are here.’ A grey haired man wearing the native attire of his tribe smiled generously as he reached her father, he had security with him.
‘Babalola Smith, how long it has been, where have you been?’ Her father returned the smile in the same portion.
She watched both men with a fixed smile on her face. She knew she’d get lost in their banter. She fidgeted abit. It was ironical that the fierce Lila Welsh who would bark orders and drive her employees crazy was not capable of staying in a crowd for long, she was also very shy.
‘I have been in Nigeria my friend, sorting out the business but I have more time now as my first son has taken over the company.’ The man replied her father.
‘I see, that is good news, I am happy for you.’ Her father laughed.
‘I know how Wilavega is doing and I am proud that you have spread your tentacles even to my home country, how you did this surpasses my imagination.’ Babalola had stopped smiling, his face was now serious.
‘That is a story for another day, there’ someone I would love you to meet.’ Her father beckoned to her.
Lila could see the other man’s face light up as she came forward, people always reacted this was whenever they saw her.
‘She is a splitting imageof Martha...’ Babalola said looking startled.
‘Yes, just like her English mother, she is as sweet as a rose.’ Her father’s face beamed with pride.
‘Good evening Mr. Babalola.’ Lila greeted the man with a polite smile.
‘Evening beautiful darling, you should marry one of my sons.’ The man laughed.
‘I think that is a good idea, we have been friends for long, why not tighten that bond via marriage?’ Her father turned towards her and winked.
‘I don’t know what to say sir, but thanks for the offer.’ Lila laughed, the man was good humoured as he had succeeded in putting a smile on her face.
‘So how is your own business empire? It’s no news that you are taking over Nigeria, you’re the leading name in the business world.’ Chief Welsh was also curious about his friend.
Lila knew the talk about their mutual businesses wasn’t going to end, she moved towards her father and whispered, ‘I need to take some fresh air.’
‘Alright darling, don’t be too long.’ He winked.
‘I won’t.’ Lila moved towards the exit, sighing with relief that she had gotten far from her father and his Nigerian friend.

She could still feel eyes feeding on her, watching her every move, some hoping she would falter as she was a creature of total perfection.
Lila Welsh was one woman who stood out in a crowd; sometimes for her beauty but mostly because of the way she handled her business with confidence and with clarity of purpose.
She was a little taller than average, she had a long black hair and soft hazel eyes, thanks to her English blood. Her lips were full and pink and her nose was firm and narrow. She had a slender body that fit perfectly to her shapely legs. Her breasts stood firm and her hips where not easy to ignore. Her complexion was a mix of honey and cream.
Her heels pounced on the tiled floor till she reached the door that led to the terrace , she breathed with relief as she found the stars and the face of the moon staring right into her eyes.
‘Phew, what a day.’ Lila closed her eyes and exhaled.
She had not planned to attend the ball with her father, but she had no choice as the man had practically forced her to come and there was no way she could have refused. He was her father and she loved him very much.
She needed some rest, she needed to sleep and relax after a hard day’s job.
‘Excuse me madam.’
Lila’s eyes flew wide open as she felt a light tap on her shoulder.
‘Yes? Can I help you?’ she didn’t expect any interruption and was a little irritated that it came so soon.
‘A gentleman bought this drink for you’ the serving girl offered Lila a glass and a bottle of chilled Wilavega grape juice.
‘Huh?’ Lila couldn’t believe someone would treat her to what she just needed! That person must be a mind reader.
‘He is over there.’ The girl pointed at a man who was leaning on a red car with his back facing her.
‘That’s really thoughtful of him.’ Lila smiled and took the glass, but she was not swift to pour the drink for herself, she was a very careful person and in the business world no one was to be trusted.

‘Do you mind sending him my appreciation?’ Lila asked sweetly.
‘Um...’ the girl was hesitant but she nodded and went on her way.
A smile twitched the corner of her mouth, she had buried herself in so much work that she forgot about her love life.
‘So long.’ She laughed within as she found it difficult to remember the last time she had gone on a date with a man.
Lila Welsh was not only careful about what she ate in public places, she was careful of men as well. She had never planned to fall in love with anyone, to her, love was a fantasy, there was nothing like it. She had planned her whole life out and love, marriage and kids were ruled out of the equation.
She had a target; to be the richest person in the world and the richest woman and nothing would stop her.
She had seen the way her friends had been hurt and humiliated all because of men, she had made a vow not to make the same mistake and so far, she had kept to her vow.
Lila enjoyed having sex with men, the occasional roll in the hay was not a bad thing; she loved sex as it helped her to relax, but after that, there was nothing else to it.
Her phone buzzed, she took it out immediately, her best friend Sade was calling.
‘Babes? Where are you?’
‘The BellenaDolgate Hall, you sound nervous.’
‘Of course I am! I have news for you, hot gist.’
‘Share it.’
‘Do you remember the famous Nigerian player guy I told you about?’
‘Um, the one that chases everything in skirts especially women in rich circles?’
‘Exactly! He is really handsome, guess what?’
‘I don’t have time for this Sade, you know I hate talking about men.’
‘Come on Lila, you know I have a huge crush on him, the guy is a hottie. You can’t resist him once you take your eyes off him.’
‘Whatever, just get straight to the point.’
‘Okay, his name is Gabriel Smith and I hear he is in town.’
‘Like in Gertrude?’
‘Yes, there are pictures of him and his father attending the Charity Ball, that’s why I called you, in case you see him, do take a selfie.’
‘You are not serious Sade, I need to rest now, see you when I get home.’
‘Alright Lila, love you.’
‘Love you too.’
Lila snorted as she ended the call, she couldn’t believe Sade had called to tell her about some handsome guy. She had met a lot of handsome guys and she had gone to bed with them, but they were empty and had nothing to offer at the end.
Lila Welsh saw men as objects, things that could only emanate pleasure.
‘Player indeed, funny girl.’ She muttered to herself.
She paused as she felt another presence, which was first announced by a masculine but sweet smelling scent that sifted into her nostrils and had her wondering what such a rare perfume was made up of.
‘Flames.’ A deep and throaty baritone said.
She took a deep breath and tried to still her senses before turning round.
Her breath stopped as her eyes bored into the most sensual pair of eyes she had ever seen. The stranger was not handsome, his attractiveness was beyond handsomeness, in fact, “handsome” was a rather tame word to describe the hard male beauty and the seductiveness that surrounded him.
She licked her lips slightly, not knowing what to say.
‘It’s obvious that you love my perfume. I made it myself, my family is into perfumery, flames.’ He paused and took in her beautiful nature.
‘The company in Lagos, Nigeria?’ she asked.
‘Yes, any time you need to be pampered do not hesitate’ The stranger dug his hand into his pocket and fetched his complimentary card.
‘Okay...’ She took the card gingerly and dropped it in her purse.
‘I must go now, drink up before it gets warm, I wouldn’t dream of poisoning beautiful women as you.’ He winked and turned his back on her.
‘Hey wait! Who are you?’ She called after him.
But it was too late, like her, he had taken on a black cloth which had dissolved into the impending darkness of the night.

...

....

yemi411:
Please do you have this book for sale? Thx

I am sorry dear, no

Sorry my lovely angels, always pray for me. Please, go and like my page on Facebook, "Healing Springs Nigeria."

....

....

....

.....

YOU FIRST LOVED ME EPISODE NINE
************

‘Um... if you want to.’ Gavin stuttered, trying hard not to stare at her body. He hadn’t expected her to approach him this way. He had not known her for long, but he had expected her to carry herself like a virtuous woman. His mother had introduced her as a lady from one of the most serious Christian families in the Island of Carida. Right before him stood a seductress, one that had desperation smeared allover her features, he resented her at once.

‘I want to Gavin…but I need to know if you really want me there.’ She sauntered towards him, knowing the power that her well carved body wielded.
Right from the moment she saw his picture, she was attracted to him. Gavin was the only man that she had truly admired, the one that she desired more strongly than her former lover Julia, who was yet to call her.
‘It’s going to be a busy day for me Delilah, I don’t want it to look like I am ignoring you. I have a lot of meetings to attend, you heard what my sister Lily said.’ He was not lying about the meeting, he was only trying to get himself far away from her.
One thing was certain, his mother had chosen the wrong bride for him, Delilah was not suitable to be his wife, the Holy Spirit didn’t have need to tell him this, he had already made up his mind that his mother would not choose a bride for him.

‘Okay then…I will just do something else. ’She was not happy about his busy schedule but she wouldn’t give up on him just yet, she had come to Dania republic for Gavin and she was not going to leave without him.
‘Very well then, have this for a successful day.’ She leaned forward, her chest almost meeting his’
Gavin held his breath, he felt trapped and cornered and there was no way of escape.
Delilahconsidered his well of dark eyes, then dropped her lips lightly on the side of his face. Her breath was hot against his skin, she smelt of lust, perversion and wanton desire and he didn’t want to have anything to do with such a woman.
‘I have to go back to bed, sleep calls.’ She patted his chin and moved out of the kitchen.
‘Have a beautiful day too, Delilah’. He called after her.

He was greatly relieved that she was gone, he could now focus on other things.
His mind rested on Ore, he wondered where she was now and how she fared. He was eager to learn about her pain and what had driven her into the night.
“Can you handle it?” He remembered the question the Holy spirit had posed.
He was a pastor, he had heard a lot of confessions; stories of regret; the darkest and dirtiest of secrets, he was sure he could handle anything. He would not let the Spirit be, he needed to know Ore’s pain, he wanted to be a part of it.
However, concerning the strange vision of the unfamiliar man whose name was Paul, he felt he had his answers. Since he had been Ore’s ex, he may still have interest in her.
‘You don’t like her do you?’ Lily strolled into the kitchen.
‘Like who?’ Gavin lifted his eyes from the mug he held and glared at his younger sister.
‘Come on bro, don’t play dumb with me. We both know the person in question.’ She crossed her arms against her chest and leaned on the tall gas cylinder.
She liked Delilah for her elder brother, she felt he mother had made the right choice but it seemed her brother’s mind was somewhere else. Gavin and herself were close, the only secrets he kept from her were the secrets revealed to him by the Holy Spirit or the secrets of his church members, aside these, they were one in blood and in flesh.
‘It’s too early to assume, I think Delilah is a beautiful soul.’ He knew his sister and his mother were taken by her false charms, but he was not swayed by it.
Lily peeled herself away from the cylinder and moved to where he stood.
‘Tell me Gavin, are you seeing someone? Who did you hang out with last night?’ She winked and rubbed her palms together, eager for some news.

‘I already told you baby sis, It was a business dinner, what more do you want to hear from me?’ He gulped what remained of the brown liquid then dropped the mug into the sink.
‘Okay then…’she seemed to believe him, ‘I just came to tell you that mum is really excited about you two, she cannot wait for the big day!’
Gavin laughed inside of him, but appeared cool on the outside.
‘Well, in the end, God’s will must prevail.’ He winked and strode out of the kitchen so he could prepare for work. He decided to give Ore some space, whenever she was ready to talk to him, she had his phone number.
Now, he had to focus on the company.
*****
To kill Gavin Adediran would be the hardest job she would ever do, but she was not scared. Julia feared no one, no child of the phoenix threaded the path of fear. She had seen death face-to-face, she had been caged by darkness, she had swum in the river of blood, but she had come out victorious.
There were many ways to kill man, the first way was to poison him.
‘And if this does not work…’ she stared at the poisonous substance in the little emerald vial she held in one hand…
‘This will…’ she raised the bright red lipstick and drew an arc on her lips. If he escaped her seduction, he would not escape the poison. Every man had a price, every man had a weakness. To pull down the stronghold, one needed an entrance to the inside.
She wore a short skirt that revealed her sleek and creamy laps, a lacy top that showed just lovely boobs.
‘How long do you intend to keep me here? I have done nothing to you, you should release me.’ Ore struggled to break free from the metallic cords that bound her to a wooden chair.
Julia ignored her and focused on her make –up.
‘The Police would find the guy that you killed, they will trace him to you. If I were you, I’d flee town never to return.’ Ore was angry at the stranger who held her against her will.
Julia bit her lip and glared at the woman whose mouth ran like a damaged tap. She cursed herself for not ending her life the night before. She had pointed the gun at Ore, but someone else had showed up in the street, drunk man who had also seen her face, she had no option but to end his life and flee the scene with Ore.
Anger burned her cheeks bright red, she dropped her lipstick and walked towards her captive. Before Ore could utter any other word, Julia released her hand and struck her across the face.
‘Don’t you ever threaten me…don’t you ever threaten a child of the phoenix. You know nothing about me, you know nothing about my journey in life. I am the shadow, I am death. I choose who lives and who dies, so you should be thankful that I spared your life.’
The sting of her slap silenced Ore for just a minute.
‘You lie! You didn’t spare my life, the lord Jesus whom I serve, spared my life. Death has no power over me because I serve the resurrection and the life.’ Ore would not let her situation weigh her down. She had faith in the lord, she had faith that he would deliver her from the hands of this mad woman.
Her only ache was the way she had treated Gavin…Julia had ceased her phone and other properties that belonged to her, no one would know her whereabouts. She was in a fix!

Julia hated the words that she spewed, those words tormented her. She realized there was something odd about this lady, whenever the urge to kill her crossed her mind, something else will come up.
‘I’ll be back for you, I’ll send you to heaven to see that your Jesus.’ Julia hissed angrily, then fetched some pieces of cloth on her bed and stuffed it into Ore’s mouth.

She returned to the dresser to apply another coat of powder on her face when the Phoenix called. She froze, took a deep breath, ‘Master Paul.’
‘There’s been a murder in Walstreet Odoja, the style is like yours, do you have anything to do with it?’ The master asked.
Julia turned around and stared at her captive, who was gasping for breath with tears streaming down her face.
‘I had to kill him, he saw my face when I was about to shoot Gavin Adediran.’ She lied, she could not tell the master about Ore, else he would call for her instant assassination, which she was not ready to carry out.’
‘You followed him…’The master said.
‘Yes, I almost had him but he slipped through my fingers.’ She returned.
‘Good. You should make another attempt.’ The master suggested.
‘Yes, today. I plan to give him the swift death.’ Julia was confident that this would work.
‘I will be expecting the result. Play safe Julia.’
‘Thank you Master.’
****
The conference hall was already occupied with people, who waited for the arrival of their boss. Just in time, Gavin swaggered into the hall in a maroon suit and milky white shoes, all murmuring ceased and everyone rose to acknowledge the entrance of the boss.
‘Good morning everyone, sorry I had a rough night.’ He took his seat.
“Good morning sir.” The board members chorused.
He took out some files from his briefcase and skimmed through them.
‘Where is Mr. Arongwa?’ Gavin asked after the head of the board.
Silence stepped into the room.
He noticed a sad look on the faces of most of the board members.
‘Sir…his only son was murdered last night, as we speak, Walstreet Odoja is under lock by the Police.’ Another board member dropped the morning’s paper, “Davina’s Daily.” In front of Gavin.
His heart missed a bit as he recognized the street at once, Ore had jumped out of the car into these streets.
‘No.’ He muttered, then rose to his feet. He needed to find Ore.
WRITTEN BY ROSE AKPABIO@2018
Jesus loves you. He is willing to take your cross. Give your life to him today.

YOU FIRST LOVED ME- EPISODE 7

Dania Republic....
Ore was hesitant at first, wanting an explanation for their sudden leaving, but one look at his stern face shut down that part of her that had wanted to argue. Gavin dropped some money on the table and called the waiter’s attention to it, then rushed out of the restaurant with Ore close to his side.
He was not the type of pastor that argued with the Holy Spirit or took his warning lightly, before the lord had spoken to him, his spirit must have sensed something dangerous lurking around.
‘I am sorry for this, but I have a good reason.’ He pulled open the car door and helped her in.
Ore had waited for his explanation, was he ill or something? Or didn’t he enjoy her company?
Her insides squirmed as she remembered she had mentioned her ex. Paul! She had ruined this date with her own hands, if she had known she would not have mentioned him, but what about the dreadful vision she had about the man?
‘I am sorry I upset you Gavin...I didn’t mean to bring up my ex.’ She licked her lips nervously, ready to say more. She just couldn’t let Gavin dump her, Paul had already broken her heart, somehow she had come to accept his absence, but Gavin? Gavin was a good man and she knew deep down that she did not deserve him.

‘Upset me?’ His brows came together in confusion, what was she talking about?
‘I was not upset about your trance, we left because the Holy Spirit asked me to. Something was not right in that restaurant and I had to leave. It is not good to disobey his voice, disobedience comes with consequences.’ Gavin explained patiently.
Respite washed over her as she realized their leaving was in no way connected to Paul. But what about the revelation she had about him? Didn’t that mean anything?

As if reading her thoughts, ‘You know it’s quite strange that I had a vision today at the office, A man came to me and introduced his name as Paul.’
Gavin had prayed about this vision but he was yet to receive answers.
Her heart was pounding fast now, her breath was ragged. Was Paul trying to jeopardize her friendship with Gavin? What was he up to?
‘Don’t worry Ore, on our knees, we’ll get to the bottom of this.’ He noticed she was worried.
‘Okay.’ She mumbled.

He didn’t mean to pry, but he had to ask her questions about her ex, he guessed the lord was trying to lead him somewhere.
‘How did you guys break up?’ He blurted out.
Ore sighed not knowing how to begin.
Before Paul, other men had come and gone, but they never loved her else they would have been patient with her. She was mostly depressed and suffered mood swings, all these were after effects of her constant abuse at the hands of the men that lived with them in the orphanage.
Her eyes watered as she remembered her first sex. She had only been ten years old when it happened. She had gone out to urinate since they had no toilets within the hostels, one of the gatemen covered her mouth with his rough hands and pulled down her clothes.
“No!” Her screams were muffled by the width and thickness of his palms. Tears poured down her cheeks like a river, but the death of night swallowed her shouts for help. It didn’t take long before he plunged his penis into her...this singular incident signalled the cycle of sexual abuse in her life.
‘Are you okay?’ Gavin noticed she was crying. He felt bad for asking her about her ex, from her reaction, it was obvious that the break up had been messy.

‘Look ore, you don’t need to talk about him. I’m sorry I asked, I just wanted to be sure we’re both safe.’ He hated seeing people cry, this one was an angel and it hurt him that he’d made her cry.

She was living a lie if she thought a man like Gavin would accept her and love her. She was damaged goods, a tough bundle to be with.
‘Stop the car.’ She wiped her face.
‘What?’ Gavin was astonished by the tone of her voice which had receded to a biting cold.
‘Stop the car!’ She snapped at him, irritation embraced her as images of the past hurts and rejection flooded her mind.
Gavin obeyed and pulled over at once, she grabbed her purse and jumped out of the car at once, running into the emptiness, loneliness and eerie silence of the unknown street.
‘Wait! Ore!’ Gavin got out of the car, he had wanted to follow her, but stopped as she began running, what was wrong with her.
He returned to the car, set to chase after her. He had made the mistake by letting her go, something was not right with Ore and he felt she needed him more than ever.
He was about to start the car when a white envelope caught his eye, he was sure he had not brought that along with him.
‘Definitely not mine...’ he lowered himself and raised it closer to his orbs, so he could have a better view.
When he opened it, he found a black and white picture of two little girls, one of them he recognized instantly as Ore, while the other one had piercing eyes which were pregnant with familiarity.
He had a strong feeling he had seen the other girl somewhere....
“Go Home.” The Spirit of God whispered to him.
‘I can’t just go home Lord, I can’t leave her there. She is hurting because of me, I shouldn’t have asked her any question. Please don’t tell me to go home.’ Gavin had to argue with the Spirit for the first time.
There was silence for two full minutes...
“She is not hurting because of you...”
‘Then why is she hurting? Tell me...please.’ He spoke to the spirit through his mind.
“Can you handle it?” The Holy Spirit asked.
Gavin was about to ask another question when he felt the urge to look up, he took in a deep breath and stared into the streets...he saw a team of twelve angels holding placards that read: “Go home, you cannot handle it!”

The sight of their fiery blue eyes and their pristine wings scared him at first, their swords were sheath but the scabbards were still fiery. He knew he had no option but to obey.
But he was eager to know what Ore was keeping from him, he wanted her to trust him with her secret, her life.
****
Julia had noticed their sudden movement from the restaurant, she was no fool. Somehow she had a feeling that Gavin knew he was being monitored, this was the reason he had left with his girlfriend, but his sudden exit did not deter Julia from following him.
‘Shit.’ She clenched her fist as she saw his car move away the minute she arrived the strange street.
She had planned to shoot him there and then as Gavin seemed evasive, this could be the closest she would ever get to him.
‘Bleep, he’s gone...’ she felt her pocket for her revolver which was still intact.
She closed her eyes and took in the stale air of the dirty street, how could she fail on her first mission? No, she had to do something, she had to chase after him.
If her new master Paul called for some info, what would she tell him? The Phoenix accepted no excuses, it was either you delivered or you failed to deliver.
Julia drew out a pack of Marlboro sticks and pulled one out, her heart sank as she realized she had not come with a lighter.
‘Everything is shit down here!’ She tossed the cig on the floor and watched the stars that stalked her with.
‘I miss this...’ a small smile played on her lips as she remembered the times she used to spend with her elder sister before she was taken by the Phoenix. Immediately the memory flashed, she forced it out of her mind, this was not the time to focus on past meetings with the people that she loved.
This was the time to find Gavin Adediran and kill him for good.
She had managed to get some pieces of their small talk, her heart skipped as she remembered they had made mention of her new master, Paul, but she had not been able to get more as more people had flocked into the restaurant.
‘I have to find my way through this...’ Julia licked her lips anxiously thinking of a plan. What if she tried to seduce Gavin at the office? Maybe he would slip and tell her all what she needed to know.
That sounded nice to her, but what if it failed? She could lose her job, and that would push her farther away from him and the mission.
‘Bleep.’ She cursed.
Suddenly, the hairs on her neck trembled as a gentle wind of a human presence rocked them. She felt for her gun and held it tightly as she realized someone was behind her.
She waited for a voice or a message but when there was none, she pulled out her gun and swirled round.
‘Please don’t kill me!’ Ore screamed.
She was done crying and feeling sorry for herself, she regretted running out of Gavin’s car like that, she needed to call him and apologize for her behaviour.
Julia recognized her at once as the lady that had been with Gavin, this was it! She was the key to everything!
‘Please...don’t...I’ll give you my phone, my money, anything you want.’ Ore fell on her knees.
Her attacker was strikingly beautiful, she had the perfect physique and Caucasian features, she reminded her of Oye, her younger sister who was fondly called, “Oyibo pepper.”
But this was not Oye, her sister if she were still alive would not be a criminal. Ore was terrified of this lady as her eyes were unusually calm and unreadable. She couldn’t tell if she were happy or sad, if she would show her pity or if she would pull the trigger.
Julia was drawn to the woman’s eyes, she was natural yet very attractive, she found it difficult to utter any word as she was lost in her eyes.
She wanted to ask her about Gavin, then shoot her afterwards. She wanted to ask how they knew Paul too, but when she opened her mouth, no words came out.
Was this some kind of magic? She was Julia! She killed without thinking, blood and bullets were the only language she understood.
‘Please ...’ Ore begged, she was so terrified of the gun.
But Julia wouldn’t listen to her pleas, since she couldn’t ask the questions, she had no other option but to kill her as she had already seen her face.
She pulled the trigger and released it. A loud scream broke the silence of the night.
****
Gavin had not slept much at night, he couldn’t stop himself from thinking about Ore, so he was the first to wake.
After saying some prayers, he moved straight to the kitchen and made himself a cup of coffee, he had a lot of business meetings to attend and he needed all the energy he could get.
‘You look more handsome without your shirt on.’
Gavin froze as he realized there was a visitor in the house, he had totally forgotten about Delilah because of the events of the night.
‘Delilah...’ he turned round and faced her, he swallowed as he saw through her transparent and lacy night gown, he quickly pulled his eyes away and focused on the ceiling.
‘What kept you out so late?’ She asked.
‘I...I had some engagement.’ He stuttered.
‘Gavin! I may not come to work today, Irene our newest worker would fill in my space, what do you think?’ Lily called to her brother, but stopped the moment she found him and Delilah alone in the kitchen.
‘Oops.’ Lily rolled her eyes and retreated.
‘Can I come to the office with you?’ Delilah asked.

TO BE CONTINUED.
WRITTEN BY ROSE AKPABIO- 2018
Jesus loves you, no matter what you have done, his blood is available to wash you clean. Give your life to him today.

Pray for me guys, I am not feeling well.

....

Dania Republic...
Gavin couldn’t take his eyes off the pretty lady. She had a beautiful face and an inviting smile, but the moment he looked into her eyes, he found a well of emptiness and loneliness settling there.
‘Nice to meet you Delilah.’ He tore his eyes away from hers and moved towards her.
Mrs. Adediran was all smiles, she read Gavin’s warm reception of Delilah as progress. She just couldn’t wait to make this girl her daughter- in-law, she was the perfect woman for Gavin.
‘I’ve heard so many things about you too Gavin. You’re such an amazing person.’ Delilah’s voice was excited and full of expectation. She realized the picture of him that his mother had shown him back in the Island of Carida was a lie. Gavin was more handsome in reality.
She took in his leather jacket and his denim, he had a good dress sense too. His sexy black eyes were all consuming, he exuded a kind of energy, an authority that she didn’t understand, yet she yearned to be a part of it.
‘Really? Am I that popular?’ He winked and offered her his hand which she took without hesitation.
Delilah laughed, ‘That would be a story for another day.’
‘I see you two are getting along perfectly, why don’t I make some tea or cabbage soup?’ Mrs. Adediran walked up to them.
Gavin sighed as his eyes fell on the clock, he was already thirty minutes late. Ore would feel bad or think he wouldn’t show up again, but he was determined to see her...to look into her angelic eyes once more.
‘I am sorry mum, I think you should take good care of Delilah, I have an important meeting to get to.’ Gavin apologized, but he was smart not to tell his mother about the nature of this meeting.
‘Oh...’ Delilah arched a brow, she ran her eyes over his clothes once more. Whatever meeting he had was not a business meeting, else he would’ve been dressed formally. Her heart missed a beat as she imagined him being with another woman.
She pushed the thoughts aside as he placed a warm hand on her shoulder, ‘I’ll be back for you Delilah, mum and Lily can take good care of you.’ Gavin said to her.
His words made her feel special. It made her feel like a horse with wings and she would soar this new skies like the victor that she was. Already, her heart was fastened to Gavin Adediran and nothing was going to tear them apart.
‘Don’t be sad Delilah, Gavin is also a pastor. He is a very busy person, but he keeps to his promise. He would be back soon.’ His mother cut in, feeling confident that her son had accepted her choice for him.
‘Very well then, see you people later.’ Gavin waved at the women before strolling out.
Delilah couldn’t take her eyes off him, she liked hi already! She had put Julia behind her and she would move on like nothing ever happened between them.
****
She threw her phone on the bed and sat dejectedly, why had Gavin abandoned her? She had not asked him for a date, he had been the one to suggest it, why had he forgotten her now?
Ore felt slightly foolish as she stared at the clothes sprawled at the foot of her wardrobe. She had tried on different clothes, tossing each aside after staring at her mirror. She had wanted to look her best for him, after trying out ten dresses she had settled for something simple.
She wore a black skirt on a peach cashmere top. She packed her long black hair in a bun and wore a pair of diamond studs as earrings. Her lips were adorned with a nude lip wear, but her eyes and brows were left untouched.
She hummed a song as she stared at her ceiling, it was happening all over again.
Tears splashed in her eyes as she remembered the evening that her ex had dumped her. She thought of the vision of him she had earlier in school...she straightened up immediately as she heard a knock on the door, the thought of Paul vanishing from her mind immediately.
‘Who’s there?’ She waited for an answer before pulling open her door.
‘It’s me...Gavin.’
She couldn’t hide the excitement that coursed through her the moment she set her eyes on him. He had not abandoned her after all!
‘Um, come on in...’ her palms suddenly felt wet, as they did whenever she was nervous or anxious about something.
Her breathing became fast as he walked closer to her, no man had ever made her feel this way.
‘I am sorry Ore...’ Gavin stood just a stone throw away from her.
Her heart fluttered as he apologized, no man had ever apologized to her, not even her ex Paul. She swallowed and took a deep breath, not knowing how to respond, so she simply smiled.
‘Thank you.’
‘You have a beautiful place.’ Gavin’s eyes roamed the cosy and warm apartment, it was small but neat and well arranged.
A picture caught his eyes, it was on her centre table.
‘Looks familiar...’ he pointed at the photo.
‘Really? Those are my classmates, we took a group picture once.’ Ore replied, the smile she wore fading slowly from her face as she remembered how she had been treated as an outcast back in school.
Some of the girls knew she came from the orphanage and they knew how girls from the orphanage always got raped and sexually abused, she had confided in one of the girls, sharing the pain she experienced on daily basis, only for the girl to share her secrets with others.
From her secret grew lies and rumours, one that spread through the whole school.
‘Cute picture.’ Gavin remarked, the uniform of the pupils seemed quite familiar but he soon lost interest. All he wanted was to get to a fancy place, drink some wine and eat good food with Ore close to him.
‘Are you ready to go now?’ He asked.
‘Yes. Yes.’ She nodded, her excitement returning soon after.
****
Julia was highly prudent in her job. She decided to meet up with the other master as directed by The Phoenix, there was no point of waiting. Time was a luxury, that she could not afford.
Gavin Adediran intrigued her, how could a man withstand ten assassins before her? What was so special about this man? She couldn’t wait to place her finger on that mirage.
She had waited at the Dania Central Park as directed, hoping to see the new master that would give her instructions.
She took in the clean smell of the air, loving the way the breeze danced with her hair. It was night, so the sun had divorced the clouds, sending the moon to do battle with the stars that multiplied each minute.
A smile curled her beautiful lips as he basked in the gloriousness of nature...
‘Dania with the beautiful sky.’ She murmured and closed her eyes.
Dania Republic was just as beautiful as she remembered. It was less industrialized than Carida, the people were much more friendly and it’s cities were not as heavily populated as Carida’s.
Julia missed her home. She missed the sister, whose reflection she had flushed down the toilet earlier.
She felt sorry for her actions, for shutting her lover Delilah out, but it was important for her to make those sacrifices, all she wanted was a special place at the Phoenix and she knew how she could gain that spot.
Killing Gavin would make her a hero, it would make her the most successful assassin that ever lived and she wanted that more than anything. It was not like she enjoyed killing people, but she had been trained to do so from an early age. Blood was the language she understood. Death was her culture. Taking lives was her pleasure. Guns were her gods and she worshipped them with her heart.
Her skin tingled, the hairs on her nape arose as she felt a presence. Julia reached out for her pistol immediately, knowing that she was no longer alone.
‘You can put your gun now Julia...relax.’ an unfamiliar baritone announced.
She rose to her feet immediately and swirled round to face him.
He was a tall and dark man. He was handsome too but his eyes were cold and held no humour, not that she needed it, but she felt uncomfortable with him. She didn’t like him one bit.
‘Master...’ she bowed her head immediately as she recognized the tattoo of a phoenix on his neck.
‘Rise...’ The master said to her.
‘I know that I am supposed to tell you more about Gavin Adediran, that would be another day. There is a project I am working on...’ he paused and looked towards his car.
‘What project master?’ Julia bowed her head.
‘Come with me.’
Julia fell behind his shadow as he led them towards his convertible.
The master pulled open his car immediately, Julia felt shocked as he spotted a teenage girl whose hands and feet were tied up. She wore nothing but her panties and her bra...
‘Is this the project?’ Julia swallowed, feeling sympathy for the girl, she was even surprised at her own project.
‘Yes, her name is Ego and I want to train her to be like you’ The master grinned wickedly.
‘Oh...’ Julia arched her brow.
‘It is called Operation wild the dove. Ten girls are selected, raped and tortured. The strongest that survive are trained into assassins, but they would be more ruthless and dangerous than your type.’ The master winked.
His description of what was done to these girls already weakened her, but she tried so much not to show this.
‘They will be better assassins because their tongue would be cut off, they will live underground for the rest of their lives. Stepping out of the establishment of the Phoenix only when they have to assassinate someone.’ The master explained.
Julia felt sick as she stared at the innocent eyes of the girl. Her body was covered with wounds and scratches and her lips were swollen.
Julia peeled her eyes from the girl and settled it on the ground.
‘The reason we want Gavin Adediran dead is because of a prophecy he made some months back.’ The master replied.
Gavin had stood in his altar prophesying about an evil organisation that would make use of young girls to wreck havoc to the whole world.
‘So killing him would also kill this prophecy?’ Julia pondered.
‘Yes...you must go now Julia...the lovers must have reached the restaurant now.’ The master said.
Julia bowed, she had a spying job to do.
‘Make sure you get as close as possible. I want to hear about everything being discussed.’ The master gave her further instructions.
‘Yes master.’ Julia nodded.
‘You may call me Paul, I have not yet reached the level of master. I am aiming towards it.’
TO BE CONTINUED....
Jesus saves. He can take your pain away. Kill that bad habit you’re struggling with. Provide your needs. Give you peace! Give your life to him today!

YOU FIRST LOVED ME –EPISODE 4
The Island of Carida
Delilah was a very attractive young woman. Her most striking figure was her sleepy brown eyes, they reminded Mrs. Adediran of walnuts. She had a beautiful figure, her firm hips rested on a pair of slender legs. She had a creamy and flawless complexion, as if she had never stepped into the face of the sun.
‘You have a very pretty daughter.’ She turned to her friend, Mrs. Badkins, whom she hoped would become her in-law soon enough.
‘A well bred one too. My daughter is among the few young women who are ardent followers of Christ on this Island.’ Mrs. Badkins confessed, praising her child in the process as well.
‘I am very pleased to meet with you Delilah.’ Mrs. Adediran offered her a chair next to her.
Delilah was all smiles as she took a seat next to the woman.
She was yet to know the reason for the woman’s visit, but she wouldn’t pry. She knew her parents were up to something. Whenever her mother served her best dishes and added an extra polish to her behaviour just to impress someone, something fishy always happened after.
Her mother poured a bottle of grape wine into her glass and served her some honey cakes and raisins.
Delilah was not really hungry, all she could think of was Julia and the reason she had not returned any of her calls. Julia was hiding something from her, she could feel it strongly. Why couldn’t she give her a detailed information about her trip to Dania republic? What was so special about her trip that needed to be confidential?
‘So tell me a little about yourself.’ Mrs. Adediran inquired.
‘Um...’ Delilah licked her lips nervously. First, she didn’t know how to begin. Secondly, she wondered why the woman was so eager to know about her.
‘I don’t have much to tell.’ She started.
‘Come off it darling, don’t be modest or do you want me to help out?’ Her mother cut in.
‘Honey, I think we should leave them both, they need this time together so they can bond.’ Her father took her mother’s hands, and led them both away from the table.
Things were happening quite fast, and confusing. Why would they leave her on the table to dine with a total stranger?
‘I was born and bred here. I studied accounting in the Federal University of Carida. I work with my father’s company but I am on a four month leave now.’ Delilah said.
Mrs. Adediran was pleased with her profile. She was not only from a wealthy background, but she was ambitious and serious minded, just like her son, Gavin.
‘So you have lived all your life in Carida Island?’ Mrs. Adediran was curious.
Delilah laughed, ‘Not at all, I go on vacations when I am free. I have travelled to five different countries in Africa. South Africa being the first, Zambia, Senegal, Mauritania and Angola. These places have a rich cultural heritage. Then internationally, I’ve been to the United States a couple of times, I’ve been to London thrice and I have set foot in Asia once.’
‘What took you to Asia?’ Mrs. Adediran was already satisfied with her choice for Gavin.
‘Dubai. I went shopping for someone.’ Delilah blushed as she remembered that particular trip. She had gone to Dubai on a Christmas Holiday with her lover Julia and they had spent all their nights making out and drinking wine.
Mrs. Adediran spotted the glitter in her eyes as she spoke of Dubai.
‘Can I ask you a rather personal question?’
‘Yes Madam, go ahead.’
‘Are you in a relationship with someone currently?’ The woman inquired.
Delilah dropped the fork she held, her heart was beating fast. She knew she was a terrible liar and she didn’t want to mess things up with her parents who knew she was not seeing anyone at the moment.
‘We just broke up.’ She lied.
‘Perfect.’ A smile warmed Mrs. Adediran’s face.
‘Huh?’ Delilah was confused.
Mrs. Adediran warmed her shoulder with a touch, ‘You see Delilah, I have been on a little search for a suitable wife for my son, Gavin Adediran. You come from a powerful home, a Christian family, a perfect match for my own family. I have already discussed with your parents and they like the idea of you and Gavin being together.’ she released Delilah’s shoulder and pulled out Gavin’s picture from her hand bag.
‘Here...that is Gavin.’
Delilah’s heart dropped at the sight of his dark eyes.
‘Your parents have agreed. Everything rests on you now.’ Mrs. Adediran smiled, she could see a flame of admiration glowing in Delilah’s eyes.
The man was very attractive. He looked tame yet powerful. He looked kind yet commanding and autocratic. There were many things about this man, many sides to him. He was different from the other men she had seen, his looks were rather too wild to be tamed with a word as ‘Handsome’. Gavin Adediran was not handsome, he surpassed it.
She thought of Julia and how much she loved her. But what if Julia had gone to Carida to see another woman? Or man? What if she was cheating?
Delilah closed her eyes, she was confused! She knew very well that she could never come out as a bi, her parents would disown her, she would become an outcast in her family and community.
She planned to get married one day, but not this soon, everything depended on Julia.
‘I’ll think about it Madam.’ Delilah smiled.
‘Perfect, please call me when you have made a decision. I cannot wait to see you in Dania republic.’ Madam Adediran bustled with joy, Delilah was smitten with Gavin’s look it was that obvious.
Her phone buzzed five minutes later, it was Julia.
‘Excuse me Ma, I need to take this call.’ Delilah left the dining room immediately.
‘Julia, where the hell have you been and why have you been ignoring my calls?’ She fired at her lover.
‘Can you just stop raising your voice bitch?’ Julia snapped at her.
‘What? What did you just call me?’ Delilah fumed.
‘I called to tell you something important, but your bitchy attitude won’t let me. Goodbye.’ Julia ended the call abruptly.
Delilah peeled the phone from her ears and stared at it.
‘Okay, that didn’t just happen.’
Tears stung her eyes as she went back on their conversation. Julia was with someone else, she was quite sure of this.
‘There’s no need of wasting my time on you.’ She wiped her face with the back of her hands, straightened her skirt and walked back to the dining.
‘I think I am ready.’ She announced.
‘For what dear?’ Mrs. Adediran asked.
‘To meet with your son, Gavin.’
*****
Dania Republic...
‘Shit.’ Julia cursed as she dropped the phone in her purse. She was in a terrible mood today. She felt choked by the images of her life in Dania that kept flashing through her mind.
This was not good for the job. She wished she could’ve told the Phoenix about her inability to carry out the job, but that would have meant her death. With the Phoenix, there was no refusal, all you had to do was obey.
She had never experienced any fear whenever she came close to her victims. But something strange happened to her earlier, while she’d shaken hands with her new boss, Gavin Adediran, she had felt a cold sensation all over her body. That was nothing but fear, raw fear.
There was something strange about the man. She was scared of Gavin Adediran.
‘I need to get my shit right.’ She murmured as she stared at the bathroom mirror.
She needed to get her act together and study her new environment. First, she would forget everything that would get her distracted, first on that list was Delilah, and her sister...
She took out the picture she had always kept close to her heart, that of her and her sister hugging each other. She walked straight to the nearest open cistern and tossed it in.
‘I am sorry sister, but I have to let you go. I have to get this job done.’ She flushed the toilet hurriedly and returned to her bag.
She took out a vial containing some wraps of cocaine, the drug was her favourite, it calmed her nerves always, made her feel relaxed and on top of the world.
She hummed Kendrick’s Bitch don’t kill my vibe before sniffing the white powder into her nostrils. The powder tickled her a bit, then dissolved into her nostrils, melting away into the river of her blood.
A fire started in her brain, an ecstatic feeling waved over her.
As she lifted her eyes to her reflection on the mirror, she met a woman with hollow eyes and a confident smile. This was all she needed to get rid of Gavin Adediran.
She repeated this sniffing process till she was satiated.
Her body stilled as her phone rang, it was The Phoenix.
‘Shit.’ She exhaled sharply and gathered the other paper wraps back into the vial.
‘Master.’ She whispered.
‘How far have you gone?’
‘I’ve gotten a job. I shook hands with him today.’ She replied.
‘Good.’
A portentous silence hung over the phone. Then the master said, ‘Very good. Check your mail, I’ve sent you more details about Gavin. His church, his family and...the dinner.’
‘What dinner master?’ Julia asked.
‘Weeks back, one of your sisters was sent to trail Gavin Adediran. He walked into a bar and spoke with a drunk lady whose phone we tapped. We have been watching these two closely and they would be having dinner tonight.’
‘That’s wonderful.’ Julia smiled, this would make her job easier.
‘Why can’t I just kill him at once?’ She was getting impatient.
‘Be careful, Gavin is a dangerous man. You are the tenth assassin to go after him. The others either ran away or died mysteriously.’ The master warned.
‘You must meet a certain man tomorrow by the Central Dania Park. His name is Paul and he is a master too.’
‘As you wish master.’ Julia held her breath, releasing it immediately the call was over.
She quickly took out her jotter, and scribbled down all the points.
Why did The Phoenix want Gavin Adediran dead? From the little she knew about him, his money was clean, so were his records. The man was not a shady person, so why did the Phoenix want him dead?
She was never told the reason why the organisation wanted a particular person, but she was curious about Gavin, the man seemed really different from the other people she had been assigned to kill.
She couldn’t wait to see him dine with his woman. Maybe she could trail his girlfriend or whoever she was, maybe she could find out more.
****
Gavin had called Ore ten minutes earlier, asking for her address as he meant to pick her up for their dinner. His mind was troubled still, he had prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to help him understand the vision about the strange man. But there had been no other revelation or answer from him.
‘Be with me tonight Jesus.’ Gavin kissed his mini bible and dropped it in his pocket, he never left home without it.
He was dressed simply in a deep blue denim and a black jacket. He couldn’t wait to see Ore again, he was very excited about this dinner.
‘Someone is going on a date.’ Lily who’d been watching a soap opera turned her attention towards him.
‘Seriously?’ He laughed.
‘I can’t wait to tell mum about this, so she could stop fishing for a wife’ Lily winked.
‘By the way, where is mother? I have not set eyes on her the whole of today.’ Gavin asked.
Lily was about to respond when the door flew wide open and their mother walked in with a blazingly attractive light skinned woman.
‘Gavin, please meet Delilah.’ His mother led the lady towards him.
Written by Rose AKPABIO.
To be continued....
Picture source:black love art.com

YOU FIRST LOVED ME – EPISODE 3
****
REPUBLIC of Dania....
‘How are you today Ore?’ Gavin asked.
‘I am fine sir.’ She replied with a beating heart. She couldn’t believe he’d actually call. Gavin Adediran had called her!
He chuckled, ‘Can you just stop with the formality, call me Gavin and I’ll call you Ore.’
She rolled her eyes, ‘And if I don’t?’
‘I’ll call you darling.’ His voice was low and incredibly deep.
Blood tweaked her cheeks, she felt shy, ‘So how are you doing today?’
‘Um, nothing much, just in the office.’ Gavin replied.
They’d been speaking to each other for some days. Discussing random topics, but nothing personal. She wished they could go deeper, she really enjoyed his company but she was scared to go there, what if he just wanted to keep her at arm’s length. She didn’t want to seem clingy or desperate.
‘Are you free tonight?’ Gavin asked, he’d missed her so much and he couldn’t wait to set eyes on her again.
‘Yes. Yes. Why?’ She stuttered.
‘Let’s have dinner tonight, I’ll text you details.’
‘Alright, that would be cool.’
‘Have a nice day Ore, and remember that Jesus is with you no matter what you’re going through.’
‘Thanks Si...Gavin.’
She peeled the phone from the side of her face and dropped it on the desk before her.
‘Wow.’ She closed her eyes, talking to Gavin always made her feel better.
She was so excited about dinner later that night. It meant so much that a man of his standing would want to go out with her, a teacher!
‘Breathe Ore, breathe, you can handle this.’ She inhaled deeply.
‘It’s time for you class Madam.’
Immediately her eyes cracked open, she had lost herself in an early morning reverie of Gavin and herself being something more than friends.
That was very silly of you, she thought. She realized that she had a crush on Gavin. Well who wouldn’t? He was very handsome and God fearing. Now, that was the kind of man most ladies wanted.
‘Thank you Tigris.’ She smiled at the class representative.
She carried her textbook and a marker then marched towards the blackboard. Ore enjoyed teaching her students; she loved sharing the little knowledge that God had given to her.
‘Good morning class.’ She smiled as she scanned their little faces.
“Good morning Madam.” They chorused.
‘Today, we’ll be considering Hormones.’ She scribbled swiftly on the board. Her ears fluttered as the students began to giggle. She ignored them at first, reminding herself that they were teenagers and needed to be treated with patience and a high level of tolerance.
But when the giggle protruded into full blown laughter, she swirled round.
‘Ego, are you alright?’
She was surprised to see the girl looking so dirty and unkempt. Her dress was torn in many places and her hair was obviously not combed for some days.
‘Talk to me, what’s wrong?’ She walked towards her.
Ego’s eyes were bloodshot, her lips were cracked and she was shivering all over.
‘Stay away from me bitch! I hate all of you!’ she yelled angrily, before Ore could react, the girl scurried out of the class like a scared rabbit.
The pupils laughed loudly and jeered as she ran.
‘Silence! Silence all of you.’ Ore cautioned them.
There was something wrong with Ego, something off about her behaviour today.
She closed her eyes, hoping to gain focus but she found herself trapped in a trance.
She was in another world, one of eeriness and darkness; a path that was murky, one that led nowhere. Wild shrubs grew by the side, the cries of crows made the atmosphere thick.
‘Where am I?’ She wondered.
But there was no answer, for she was alone.
She tried to move fast, but it seemed her feet was being dragged by something. Suddenly she felt a cold hand by her shoulder, when she opened her eyes, she found her ex standing right before her with a crooked smile.
‘Hello darling, how are you?’
‘Jesus!’ Ore gasped and opened her eyes. What did this mean?
*****
‘It seems somebody is in love.’ Lila winked at her brother.
She’d watched his whole face the entire time he made the call. She had never seen her brother being so excited about a woman.
‘Don’t put a label on it yet. I don’t even know if she is the one.’ Gavin replied.
He had gone to that bar to find someone, but he had left ten minutes after because of the urgent call he received from a member. The Holy Spirit had not yet revealed who his destiny was.
But one thing was for sure, he liked Ore. He loved her meek and kind spirit. She was very beautiful too.
He loved how radiant her dark skin was. It was smooth and flawless. Her hair flowed to her back and it was natural. Her brown eyes were pools of serenity, welcoming and trusting. Ore was not just a dove, she was a beautiful one.
‘Tell me a little about her.’ Lily was curious.
‘Well, her name is Ore Martins. She teaches in a High School. She is born again. Humble and caring. She is a black beauty.’ He replied.
Gavin noticed a slight change in his sister, her smile faded, her brows wrinkled and deep frown settled over her features.
‘Are you alright?’ He watched her closely.
‘Not really, there was this girl in my Secondary school, her name was Ore Martins.’ Lily returned.
‘And?’ Gavin raised a brow.
‘She had a mental problem. From the stories I heard, she was into prostitution and drug addiction. Most of the girls didn’t mix with her.’ Lily said.
Gavin felt bad for the person his sister had just told him about, but he was quite sure that was not his Ore.
‘Too bad, this Ore is different.’ He shook his head.
‘I hope so.’ She replied.
‘There’s someone I’d love for you to meet. The applicant that I told you about. I like her already; she is quiet and knows her place. I just want you to take a look, maybe ask her a few questions.’ Lily needed her brother’s approval before employing the lady.
‘Nice, send her in.’ Gavin affirmed with a nod.
*****
‘You may go in.’ The receptionist motioned her to the door just as she dropped her phone.
‘Thanks.’ Julia smiled at the young woman.
She couldn’t believe it would be this easy to gain access to such a huge empire. Her heart raced as she grabbed the door knob, she always felt this blood lust, this excitement whenever she was about to meet her prey for the first time.
She pushed open the door and stepped inside.
‘Good morning Sir.’ She bowed her head politely as she spotted the man she was to eliminate in fourteen days.
One word, “hot.” Julia felt pity that such a handsome man would go to waste. He was tall. Caramel skinned. Jet black eyes, and curly hair. He welcomed her with a smile that would’ve melted her heart if she were into men. Too bad she wasn’t.
‘Welcome Irene, I hope you don’t mind me using your first name?’ Gabriel rose to his feet to receive her.
‘No problem sir. Thank you.’ She took his hands.
‘My sister Lily has told me much about you. She thinks you are very good, hence suitable for the job.’ His hands were still bound to hers in a handshake.
‘Yes.’ Irene smiled, trying her best to win his attention.
She knew deep down, that it wouldn’t be easy assassinating a man like Gavin Adediran and this was the reason she had been given two weeks.
Irene was a fair complexioned lady. She had light brown eyes and full red lips. But there was something about her; Gavin couldn’t place a finger on it. Her eyes reminded him of Ore, but he quickly pushed the thoughts aside.
Julia could feel Gavin’s eyes boring into her, did he like her? Was she attracted to her? She hoped he was, that would be the fastest way to eliminate him.
He was still looking into her eyes when a vision flashed right before him.
Gavin was immediately transported to another realm. He found a man on a hill, dressed in black clothes.
‘I know you are Gavin Adediran.’ The man bellowed at him from the top of the hill.
‘Who are you and why are you there?’ Gavin asked.
‘My name is Paul.’ The strange man replied.
Then he began to laugh, a wicked gleam filled his eyes, before Gavin could respond the vision faded.
‘So do you have any experience at this kind of work?’ He asked Irene.
Though he looked composed, the strange vision troubled his mind. Was Paul a demon? Was he human?
Who was Paul and what did he want with him?
****
The Island of Carida...
Delilah was not happy with the way Julia left her, she suspected that her partner was cheating on her, but she was not too sure. She decided to pay her parents a visit for the few days Julia was out of town.
She came from one of the wealthiest families in the Island. Her family had a goldmine, so they would never be poor. They were very religious people, this was the reason she had not opened up about her sexual orientation.
Delilah was bisexual. She was attracted to both men and women, though she had fallen for Julia. If her family ever got to know about her dark side, they would be so disappointed.
‘Welcome home mistress.’ One of the maids greeted as she brought her convertible to a halt.
‘Harra, how are you?’ She winked at the girl.
‘Fine thank you mistress.’ Harra replied.
‘Where’s everyone? The compound seems empty.’ Delilah noticed how quiet the place was.
‘Um, a visitor came, an important one.’ Harra informed Delilah of an unfamiliar person who’d been openly welcomed by her parents.
‘Okay, get my stuff from the boot, see you later.’ Delilah walked briskly towards the mansion, wondering what her parents were up to.
She found them laughing and dining with a middle aged woman who was very beautiful. She had never seen this woman before.
Delilah took a deep breath and stepped out of the shadows, into the fluorescent.
‘Good evening everyone.’ She announced her presence.
‘Darling! I was about to call you, how have you been?’ Her mother rose to welcome her.
‘Jesus has been faithful mother. He has been with me this whole time.’ Delilah did a little acting, if her parents knew she was no longer religious they’d really be unhappy with her and she didn’t want that.
‘Praise God!’ her father waved his hands.
‘Meet our guest, Mrs. Adediran, all the way from Dania Republic.’ Her mother pushed her gently towards the woman.
‘Hello Delilah’ Mrs. Adediran was very sure she had found the perfect wife for Gavin, her son.

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW...
Written by Rose Akpabio.

YOU FIRST LOVED ME- Episode 2
Republic of Dania...

TWO days later...
It was a beautiful Tuesday morning, the sun was mild and friendly, the azure clouds displayed their loveliness, even Ore couldn’t deny how relaxed she was feeling.
She kept thinking about him. The man she had met at the bar who’d come on time, else she would’ve drank herself to stupor! Her eyes were on his complimentary card. He had left her abruptly after receiving a phone call from one of his church members.
‘What was I thinking?’ She rolled her eyes and returned the card in her purse.
He had not said much to her, but from the little, she felt remorseful for her actions. Yes, Paul had ended things with her and was about to wed another woman in a fortnight.
Yes, he had called her broken and made her feel shamed for the past she had no control over.
“I don’t know what you’re passing through Ore, but God wants you to be happy. He wants you to open up yourself, so your healing may be complete.” Those were his words to her.
She found herself smiling sheepishly as she thought about the handsome Pastor Billionaire, Gavin Adediran, the C.E.O of Spice, a multibillion phone producing empire.
He seemed so different from what she had heard about him. Maybe he was a true man of God after all.
‘Excuse me Madam...’
Ore snapped out of her thoughts and turned her attention to one of her students. She was a teacher in one of the best secondary schools on Dania Republic, Little Springs High.
She took off her medicated glasses that shielded her large chestnut eyes from the student who was the most notorious in her class.
‘How may I help you young woman?’ She smiled at the rude girl.
Bella Sebastin was mature than most of her classmates. She was fifteen years old. She was arrogant to both students and teachers. Most teachers had reported her to the school authority but no solid action had been taken, she was from a very wealthy home.
Ore had resolved within to stay away from Bella’s troubles. She decided to ignore her totally.
‘I was not able to submit my home work, here it is.’ She tossed a note on Ore’s desk.
Ore scoffed not believing what had just taken place, ‘Are you okay? I gave this assignment two weeks ago. Why are you just submitting it now?’
Bella rolled her eyes, ‘You better keep your voice down before I get you fired.’
Indignation welled up in Ore as she ran her eyes over the silly girl, her fingers curled into a fist, ready for punching but she held herself as she remembered that Anger was one of the fruits of the flesh.
‘You will not lead me to temptation.’ Ore waved a finger across her face.
‘Whatever, we both know you are the devil.’ Bella hissed loudly before walking away.
The rest of her mates stared open mouthed, with great shock while some giggled mischievously.
Tears welled up in Ore’s eyes as she stared at the faces of her students who were giggling. It brought back memories of her painful childhood. She had no friends in school except Oye her sister, most girls avoided her like plague simply because she came from the orphanage. And orphanage kids were considered a bad omen.

‘Bella...’ she yelled, her chestnut eyes darkening as rage sizzled in her.
Bella continued walking, like she heard nothing.
Ore drew in a deep breath like it was her last, about to call her name the second time when she heard a gentle whisper: “Be calm.”
‘What?’ She swallowed.
“For the fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, PATIENCE...” the gentle voice whispered.
Ore closed her eyes, she bit her lips as she realized who was talking to her. She shut her mind to everything else, just to hear more from him.
“Bella needs your love. It is your love that would bring her joy and peace. It is your patience that would draw her to me.”
‘Lord why? She is rude and annoying! She just insulted me in front of the whole class!’ Ore’s mind whispered back to the third person in the trinity.
But there was no answer, silence clouded her mind. A freezing quietness filled her.
Only then, did her anger flee.
The beep of her phone unsettled her, then her eyes cracked open.
‘Gavin...’ she smiled and rushed to fetch her phone.
****
Gavin Adediran was many things. A pastor. A billionaire. An obedient son.
He loved his family with everything in him and could sacrifice his life just to keep them happy. Theirs was a close knitted family. He had just one sibling, Lily, his young and pretty sister. They lost their father at a very young age, but with the help and supervision of their mother, they were able to come out achievers.

The Adedirans always had breakfast together.
The dining hall was large; chandeliers dripped from the ceiling, even the walls too. They showered off their majesty in the splash of silver lights that fell on the marble floor.
‘Where is your sister honey?’ Mrs. Adediran asked Gavin.
The servants had served them a delicious Caribbean meal as breakfast; Poudin and Souce; a marriage of mashed sweet potatoes and pork chops.
‘Painting her face as usual.’ Gavin laughed.
‘That girl would not be the end of me.’ The woman chuckled.
She was so proud to have them as kids, the joy of every mother was to have successful children and her darlings were successful.
‘I am sorry, a bit late!’ Lily trotted into the dining hall.
‘Whatever, say Grace Gavin.’ Mrs. Adediran turned to her son who sat directly opposite her.
In a few seconds the prayer was over and they were all busy with their forks and knives.
‘Someone wants to work in my department.’ Lily announced as she chewed on her food.
She chaired the advertising department of the family business empire.
‘Nice, you’ve been looking for assistant for so long.’ Gabriel nodded.
‘Yes, she actually wants to be my Personal Assistant.’ Lily replied.
‘Okay, cool.’ Gavin returned.
They ate in silence for a few more minutes.
Mrs. Adediran would stare at Gavin for some moments then smile, unknown to her he had been watching her out of the corner of his eyes.
‘What is it mum? Spit it.’ He knew she was up to something.
‘Um...there is this special girl I want you to meet. She comes from a prominent family in the Island of Carida...her parents are serious minded Christians and I am sure she would make a good wife for you.’ She smiled, knowing that her son would buy the idea.
Gavin laughed it off, he felt his mother was joking.
‘Her name is Delilah Badkins. She is super cute and you will love her.’
Gabriel could see she was determined to match make him with some strange woman; he didn’t want to argue with her, he simply let her wallow in her early morning reverie of finding him a wife.
‘Mum, I don’t think Gavin is interested in this Delilah, look at his face, it’s grim and lacklustre. Maybe he has found himself a wife.’ Lily winked.
Mrs. Adediran impatiently cut in, ‘Tell me Gavin, have you found a wife? Have you?’
*****
The Island of Carida...

‘Where are you off to baby?’ Delilah wrapped her slender arms round her lover, Julia.
Julia had been acting really strange since their fight at the beach. She was reserved and dull. She was always on her computer doing god knows what.
‘Somewhere.’ Julia’s reply was taut, unwelcoming.
‘Look, I am tired of you shutting me out. What’s your problem? Since that weird phone call at the beach, you have been acting weird. Are you cheating on me?’ Delilah released her immediately.

Julia kissed her teeth. Why couldn’t Delilah give her some space? She needed all the focus to succeed in this operation which was the easiest she would do and yet seemed the toughest.
‘I have to travel Delilah, it’s really important. I am not cheating on you. If I were, I’d let you know.’ Julia closed the box and moved towards the bed.
She had done some research on her target. He was a simple man, good looking too, it was a shame that he would die in her arms. She had been given two weeks ultimatum for the job, that was time enough. The longest she had been given by The Phoenix.
‘You’re leaving me for someone else?’ Delilah’s voice was broken.
‘Hell no, can you just stop?’ Julia too out a cig from her pocket and lit it.
Her heart was beating fast, like that of a drum on a bonfire night. She couldn’t believe she would set foot on Dania republic after all these years. She thought of the beautiful water birds; the bright face of the sun whenever it was summer; the scent of nutmeg bread which was her favourite in the mornings.
‘Sister...’ she murmured, was she still alive?
‘Take me with you.’ Delilah cried.
Julia’s mind was made up, she would slaughter Gavin Adediran just like the rest of her victims.
She drew out the cigarette from her tiny lips, rings of smoke danced out of her mouth.
‘Take...’ she offered Delilah the cig.
‘What for?’ Delilah asked.
‘Whenever you think of me, light one. As the smoke flows out, think of me. I am always there with you Dee. I love you.’ She dropped a light kiss on her lover’s forehead.
Those were her last words to Delilah, before she stormed out of their little house, determined to bring justice to the Phoenix.

Rose Akpabio@2018

Good evening people! Who missed me?

linobrown9:
Wow... interesting

Thank you

teanumi:
am a lover of your stories

Thank you, keep following dear

Simi69:
Nice one... Following

Thanks dear

laraemi:
You are lifted ma

Thank you Ma

YOU FIRST LOVED ME BY ROSE AKPABIO
*******
The Island Country of Carida...
The waves of the seas bellowed and tumbled on each other; cool air wafted over the beach; the sand cooled the back of the two lovers as they lay in each other’s arms watching the beauty of the deep blue sea.
They had just finished a round of passionate lovemaking. They were fatigued and satiated. They enjoyed their afterglow by gazing at the raging sea.

Julia’s brown eyes clouded as her phone beeped.
‘Who’s this?’ She placed the phone against her ear.
‘The Phoenix.’ A cold tenor voice replied.
Her blood pumped; her heart danced as she realized whom she was speaking with.
‘Master.’ She licked her lips nervously.
‘Your next job will take you to the Republic of Dania, find Gavin Adediran and kill me. Leave no traces. Make it a neat job.’
Julia nodded to the instructions given, ‘I will master.’

Her lover, Delilah had been watching her face this whole time. She noticed how Julia’s face had travelled from cheerful to dark and unreadable.
‘What’s the problem honey?’ She sat up.
‘Nothing. I’m fine.’ Julia gritted her teeth.
‘No you’re not!’ Delilah knew she was hiding something.
‘Suit yourself.’ Julia rose to her feet and walked far away from the spot where they had laid on.
‘Julia!’ Delilah called her, but she shut her ears to the calls.
She knew how important this job was to her; The Phoenix had catered for her all her life since she had lost contact with her family.
They had taken her up, cleaned her and trained her and now they were making her pay for their services.
She had gone to the best schools, toured different countries; Julia was equally multilingual, efficient in three European languages and two major African languages. So it was easy for her to blend anyway.
She had to do this job neatly, in no time, her target, Gavin Adediran would be reported dead.
She needed to travel to the Republic of Dania, a neighbouring country to the Island of Carida. She needed to blend and find her target before.
****
Dania Republic...
‘Anything else?’ The bartender asked while drumming his fingers on the table slab.
‘Another bottle.’ Ore replied with a grin.
‘Okay.’ He shrugged, two minutes later, he returned with a bottle scotch.

Tears stung her eyes as the memories of Paul flashed in her mind. He was getting married in two weeks time, still she had not gotten over him.
‘Where are you Lord? Where are you now? She sneered, then laughed.
Ore’s parents had died early, leaving her with her younger sister, Oye who got missing many years back. They had been taken to the orphanage by their relatives who were not willing to take up the responsibility of catering for two kids.
Her lips shivered as she remembered the horrors she had gone through in the orphanage.
From the rapes by the male staff, the starvation and the verbal abuse; she had succeeded in leaving the orphanage at eighteen; she had given her life to Christ and everything seemed to work out well...
‘I hate him.’ she cried.
Paul had been one of the Christian brothers in her local church and they had fallen in love with each other. Everyone knew about their relationship, everyone had expected them to get married, but he had dumped her when she least expected it.
“You are too broken for me, and I don’t think I can get over the stories you told me. I can’t be with a woman who has been raped before, I can’t be with a non-virgin.”
Those were the words he had spoken to her.
All the pain from her sexual abuse she thought were healed resurrected; her heart bled as the painful memories returned.
She had prayed and fasted, begging God to take away those memories; praying to him to heal her, but it seemed God had abandoned her at her time of greatest need.
‘You’re just like the others...’ she whispered to God, people always walked out of her life and he had just become part of that group.
‘Me?’
She froze as she heard a man’s voice.
Her tipsiness paved a little way and she was able to see the man clearly.
‘You look unhappy, drinking won’t solve the problem; it will make the pain bigger. It will make the memories more vivid.’ He said to her.
Ore’s brows furrowed as she looked into the handsome stranger’s beautiful eyes; they were bold and obsidian; broody and neutral. She couldn’t tell what his true intentions were.
And his face really did seem familiar; she had seen this man somewhere but she couldn’t place it.
She opened her mouth to speak but words fled her.
‘Gavin Adediran.’ The stranger stretched his hand and offered her his sweetest smile.
‘Ugh?’ Her eyes grew wide as she recognized the youngest billionaire in Dania Republic.
‘Um...Ore.’ she stuttered and pushed the bottle of scotch away.
‘Nice name.’ He looked straight into her eyes.
Ore had heard many things about the man, she heard he was a womanizer and at the same time a Pastor, she didn’t know what to believe.
‘Can I ask you a question?’ She drawled, the liquor was still working on her.
‘Go ahead...Ore.’ He encouraged her.
‘Are you a womanizer or a Pastor?’ she blurted out.
He chuckled for a few seconds, this lady had a sense of humour but the problems of life tried to steal that joy away.
‘I know you’re wondering why I am in a bar, but I didn’t come on my own. I was sent by someone.’ Gavin replied and he was being truthful.
‘Who?’ She arched a brow.
‘The Holy Spirit. He told me to come here. He said I will meet my destiny.’

Hi friends and fans! Angelsss is back with a new story. Follow back to back. It is short and Sweet. Let's have fun!

My darling fans, I appreciate all of you. I am really busy working on something new. The comments are much and I can't reply all of them, please do understand.

Thank you for your lovely comments for believing in me and staying patient.

I love you.
If you wanna talk to me, add me on Facebook or send a message @Rose Akpabio or you email me @aishayasmina@yahoo.com

....

‘Looks like there’s magic and love in the air.’ Lila giggled as they both strode out.
The room was for them now, them alone.
‘You called last night?’ Damola found it difficult to take his eyes off her.
‘Yes, I was unsure but I called.’ She nodded.

‘Listen Mma, I am...’
‘Sh...’ she rushed towards him and placed a finger on his lips.
‘I am the one who overreacted. I ashamed of the way I acted. I am sorry darling...’ she smiled, her cheeks showed off her dimples.
He felt flattered by her words of endearment, this was hard to believe, it was surreal.
‘I mean it Damola. What your parents did was bad, but we all forgot what my father did to your mother, he ravaged her, he took her without her consent. Everybody sinned. I aborted some of my children. No one is righteous, no one is perfect and that is the reason I am here.’ Mmayen took his hands and looked into his eyes.

‘Love is the only way...love is redemption. Love takes away all fears, it replaces our doubts with naked peace.’ She continued.
He was greatly marvelled, not by her enchanting beauty, not the words of her adulation of him but the wisdom that flowed from her veins. His love only grew.
Now she had mentioned it, he felt horrible that he had abandoned his mother. No one had asked her about the pain from the rape experience, but they’d been so quick to cast their stones.
‘I am so sorry’ Damola fell to his knees.
He was sorry for what his parents did, sorry for abandoning his mother too.
‘I accept your apology and that of your parents. I have forgiven them and so must you...that is if you love me’ she quickly added.
‘You are a beautiful woman inside out, your heart is gold and your soul is diamond.’ Damola was mesmerized; he couldn’t help but shower her with sweet words.
‘I love you.’ He concluded on his feet.
‘Lila...’ Mmayen licked her lips not knowing how to say it.
‘Yes, what did Lila do?’ Damola’s brows came together.
‘Never mind, do you have a woman in your life?’ Mmayen asked.
Damola chuckled, what in God’s name had his mischievous little sister told Mma? Denzel had warned him about sending her to spy Mmayen, but he’d refused to listen.

‘Yes.’ Damola moved closer to her, cupping her face with his palms.
‘Really?’ Mmayen felt her heart skip as she stared into his handsome face. She was overwhelmed by his strong arms, his taut muscles and his clean smell.
‘I have loved her since we were kids. She is a very special person. She is kind, loving and meek and that is why I love her.’ Damola answered.
Her heart raced as she looked deeper into his eyes, he loved her, and she could feel it right inside her. His lips were moving, but she was not paying attention to the words that danced out of it. She didn’t listen to the proclamation of his love. All she cared for was his lips, she wanted to kiss the man that made her love herself, that broke down the walls she had built and redeemed her.
Slowly, their faces came together and their lips fastened, this was going to be their first kiss.
He loved the taste of her mouth, it fitted perfectly with his as he took control of the kiss, as he showed her the way to paradise.
She loved the way his tongue danced on hers; the way his hands moved over her hair, she could drown in this love for eternity.
His hands found the ribbon that held her long hair captive, he released it, her brown hair cascaded to her shoulders and their kiss was broken.
‘You are adorable Mma, any man that cannot see this is a lunatic.’ Damola caressed her hair gently.
‘You are really handsome too.’ She winked and they both laughed.
‘I love you.’ He whispered into her ears.
‘I love you too.’ Mmayen was sure of this.
‘I didn’t come alone...’ she pulled away from him; she walked briskly to the door and pulled it open.
‘Damola!’ Eniola rushed in and threw herself on the floor, crying and begging her son for forgiveness.
The other two who’d been watching the lovers secretly, who’d listened to everything that had been discussed, had made up their mind to let the past go. Slowly, they crept out of their hiding place.
This is how their reconciliation story began...
***
‘Get up mother; we should be the one apologizing to you. We are deeply ashamed of our actions.’ Damola knelt close to his mother.
‘What?’ The Chief exchanged glares with his wife. What had enacted a change in their children?
‘I am sorry, I started it all. I don’t regret discovering the truth, but I regret the way I went about it.’ Lila fell to her knees with Denzel joining her.

Only one person had the right to stand, the Chief fell on his knees, to the marble floor which swallowed his age long pride.
‘Thank you for forgiving us children.’ The chief had finally found his freedom.
‘Thank you...’ Eniola sobbed.
Now it was time, for what was most important.
Mmayen watched the scene tearfully, she couldn’t help it.
‘My family has wronged you Mma, I know you have forgiven us, but forgiveness does not take away pain. You can do whatever you like with the company. It is yours, take it...’ the chief said to her.
Tears streamed down her face, she sobbed like a little baby, but the advice of her friends was what she took to her heart at the end of the day.
‘I know you took what belonged to my father, but he was not a good man. He raped and molested people; maybe death by fire was a suitable punishment. I only weep for my mother. But I have gotten past that, I don’t know much about running a company, but I would love just 20% to be offered to me. Though you started with my father’s works, what you have now is beyond what he did. I will be happy if Damola can grant me this favour.’
The room was quiet, never in their lives had they seen a modest person like Mmayen.
‘He was right after all.’ Lila whispered to Denzel, obviously they didn’t know Mmayen the way they’d thought they did. From what they saw, she was an object of perfection.
‘Here is what my lawyers drafted.’ She took out a paper from her purse and handed it to him.
Damola’s eyes scanned the written words briefly; he quickly took out a pen from his pocket and signed, still stunned by her behaviour.
‘I love you.’ He rose to his feet and hugged her.
‘I love you too...’ she smiled.
With his palms, he wiped her tears away. He hated to see her cry, so he became ripe with a promise.
‘If you stop crying, I will marry you.’
Mmayen laughed, she knew it was too early to talk marriage, but she her faith was strong that she would end up with this man.
‘I will never break your heart.’ Damola enveloped her in his arms.
‘I know.’ She nodded.
For she was the heart, he was the drum.
‘Can I kiss you again?’ His voice was low, really seductive.
‘I am all yours.’ Mmayen smiled.
Their hearts where bound together, their lips were meant for each other, love came down, hate ascended. Mmayen had found him that was destined for her.
Loving him was going to be easy, effortless; it would pour out naturally from the fountain of her soul, because he was the right man for her.
The Chief and the rest of his children cheered and clapped their hands as Mmayen and Damola bore witness to their love for each other.
___EPILOGUE____


The songs, whispers and cries of the early morning bird roused his from sleep. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and his wedding to the love of his life was to come in a few hours time.
The sun had never shone brighter; the wind had never called milder; she was gentle as she journeyed through the atmosphere, she was kind as she swept autumn leaves from one spot to the other.
‘Phew’ he let out a sigh and got out of bed.
The house felt empty without Mmayen in sight; she was somewhere else preparing for the grand ceremony.
He found himself ready for those things. He had fallen in love with a powerful and kind woman, who had been patient with him and tolerated his weakness.
For that, he owed her a lot.
Love had found him. Love had clung to him. Love had become his mistress and he would never let her go.
He couldn’t remember the last time he prayed to God or went to church; but he found his lips moving as he offered a silent prayer from the depth of his heart.
His prayer was one of gratitude. As he took stock of his life, he realized that he had been immensely blessed to have Mmayen in his life. She had opened up the door to better things and more was to come in future.
He prayed that their love lasted and stood the test of time. He prayed that their marriage would be blissful and happy and the children they would have would grow up in an atmosphere of love and joy.
‘What’s up bro? Not yet ready?’ Denzel had come to fetch him.
‘Coming’ he burrowed into his clothes once he stepped out of the bathroom. He wore a black suit and a tie. He hoped he looked good enough for his bride.

‘How do I look’? He flashed his brother a grin as he stepped out.
‘Like the groom. I am proud of you bro. You are a happy man and that all what matters most in a man’s life. Don’t you ever forget that, happiness is what matters the most. You should be thankful for that’ Malcolm said to him.
‘I am, I promise you, I am’ he nodded.
Together, they left for the church. It was time to seal the love he shared with her.

The Cathedral of Faith was a flood of guests who came to witness the holy matrimony of Mmayen Brown and Damola Oluwatosin. It was crowded with people, especially men and women of Blue Blood. It was a state wedding.


People were already seated as he walked in; her extended family scattered like sands were the majority of the people who came.
‘You look handsome Bro’ Lila took a shot of him.
‘Thanks sis’ he grinned and walked up front.
He took a deep breath as the pianists fingered the keyboard and released a sweet melody; melody that was so beautiful and he wished it could play forever. He wanted his life and marriage to be filled with such sweetness that emanated from the keyboard.
He swallowed as Tolu stepped in first; she looked so beautiful in her white lacy gown.
She carried a bouquet of flowers. She was simply adorable. He couldn’t help but stare; she smiled as their eyes met.
His heart raced as the veiled figure followed closely behind Tolu stepped in. She walked into the church with grace; though her face had been slightly hidden from him, he had a feeling that she was extremely beautiful.
‘It is time for the couple to take their vows’ the old priest announced.


‘Is there anyone who objects to this union? Who feels that these two should not be joined together?’
The Cathedral was silent at first, then there was an uproar as Ifedayo rose to his feet and marched confidently to the pulpit.
‘Jesus...what is he doing here?’ Mmayen almost went wild with worry.
‘Calm down baby, let’s hear him out’ Damola whispered to her.

‘Who are you young man and why do you object to this union?’ The priest asked.
An usher quickly brought him a microphone, Ifedayo’s heart thudded fast against his chest as he stared into Mmayen’s face. She was so perfect, too perfect for him.
‘I wrote a letter of apology that I’d wanted to offer to her, but I changed my mind. I want to do it in person.’ He announced.

He fell to his knees, ‘I am sorry Mmayen, I am sorry for everything I did to you, please forgive me.’
Mmayen sighed with relief; she had thought he had come to ruin her happiness.
‘You are forgiven, just leave, I can’t wait to be with my man.’ She said to him.
‘Just like that?’ Ife found this hard to believe.
‘Oh come on, you are not that important.’ She replied.
He was about to say more, to thank her for her forgiveness, when the ushers grabbed him by the shoulders and took him out of the Cathedral.
The crowd applauded not just the action, but Mmayen’s words to him.
The Priest cleared his throat and held tightly to his microphone once more.
‘Are you ready for this’? Damola winked at her.
‘If I weren’t, I wouldn’t be here’ she chuckled.
Together, they moved to the altar and stood there face to face and exchanged their vows.
‘Do you have anything else to say at this point’? The priest asked.
‘No’ he signed.
‘No’ she returned.
‘Then it is time to unveil your bride. Seal this marriage with a kiss as I declare you both man and wife’ the priest instructed.
In a swift move, he raised her face up, her chestnut eyes had been rimmed with eyeliner, they looked even sexier.
‘You’re so beautiful sweetheart, I cannot wait for our honeymoon’ he whispered, biting her ears gently.
‘You’re such a naughty boy’ her lips parted and she smiled.
He stared at her one more time before sealing his love with a kiss. They had both found love. They were soul mates and nothing would tear them apart.
Love conquered all, it reigned supreme.

I will find time and respond these beautiful comments.

honourable356:
He sigh...
Unarguably the queen of short captivating stories here on Nairaland by a distance.
A proven writer to the core.
You sure know what you are doing!

Was I surprised??
I would have been if I have never read any of her stories before..

With great admiration,i read on..
Just four words escaped my mouth

I need your contact!

You have done well, no doubt.

wow...you flatter me.
aishayasmina@yahoo.com contact me.