₦airaland Forum

still working on something for those who cannot download the app...I haven't forgotten you.

Anticipate... if you've read "in love with her pastor" and you think it's interesting, then this will blow your mind.
coming soon...(next week)
https://www.okadabooks.com/book/about/flames_of_desire_/11492#.V2nqKcfzBFs.whatsapp

rachealfst:
I love your story,pls keep it up,God bless you

thank u dear

nimat158:
Am loving dis story .

thanks dear

mrnigeria:
update pls. dope story

patience my dear

TheSonOfMark:
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"...Udy... ". That's a diminutive form of 'Udeme' , 'Udo' or 'Udeme'. You're an Akwaibomite, I suppose?

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Obviously UD is Udeme.
yes am an Annang proudly

THE PHOTOGRAPHER-16
Duncan couldn’t believe what Udeme had just told him, he was astonished at the behavior of Mrs Thomas, how could a woman be so cruel?, maybe she blamed Udeme and suspected her of having something to do with the attack. He couldn’t bear to see her cry, but he knew from the beginning that a man like Bode was always bad news and couldn’t be kept in a cage. He tried comforting her but it was quite pointless as she couldn’t be pacified, he left her and rose to get her some brandy, at least, alcohol was handy in situations like this.
‘UD, have this’ he handed her the tumbler while staring at her teary face, she gulped the liquid down and felt her insides burn, ‘has Nadie returned any of your calls’? She asked looking worried, maybe she was busy at the hospital, he shook his head in response. He was awed by her nature, even in her situation she still showed so much concern for her friend Nadine who hadn’t responded to their calls and messages. ‘It’s okay, I would just get some sleep, then I will go to the hospital for the last time’, Duncan felt her pain,she looked so hurt and helpless, ‘are you sure about that Udeme’? he inquired gently. For a woman to reject her son’s girlfriend meant such a relationship couldn’t amount to anything in future and it was best to walk away in good time and that is what he thought his friend should do. She had suffered enough in the hands of Bode but she loved him so much and he feared this could break down her spirit. ‘Am sure Dee, let me just see him one more time before I walk way for good, apparently we aren’t meant to be together if not things would’ve worked out’ she sniffled as fresh tears poured down her face, ‘now Adenike has him, she is free to take him and others, he is no longer mine’ she continued leaving Duncan confused.
‘who is Adenike’?, she blinked and swallowed, ‘his ex girlfriend, she works in the company and wasn’t quite nice to me and she was the lady you saw at the hospital’. He nodded ‘oh… I think I remember her, just stop worrying about this issue, I know it’s not easy but I know you will get over Bode soon’ he assured her while rubbing her shoulders. She checked the time and saw it was getting late, she had to go to the hospital again as she had received a text from Nadie who confirmed Mrs Thomas had left for home. ‘You know what Dee’? she began, as she picked up her purse and straitened her skirt, ‘ I think I should go now, Nadie just texted me and it’s all good’. ‘Okay, let me pick up the keys, I will drop you so I could bring some supplies for Nadie’ he offered but she declined, she felt like being alone, you know, she wanted space to take in all that had happened to her and the next action to take. ‘I will be fine so also Nadie, just take care of yourself goodnight’ she whispered and left.
Duncan shook his head sadly, wondering if Nadine loved him the way Udeme loved Bode. Lately she had began acting strange, he felt something change, they had lost their connection. In the beginning, hee attributed it to the stress of planning a wedding but he had his suspicions and he hoped his guts weren’t right. He felt it kind of strange for her sudden devotion to her friend’s Boyfriend, the Nadie he knew was self centered and had nothing to offer people except it benefited her but he loved her still. He had noticed how she treated her friend sometimes, like Udeme didn’t really matter and all that but he ignored it. It was all getting to him now, could he cope with such a woman when they got married eventually? He shook his head, Nadine couldn’t be having an affair with Bode, maybe she just liked him because he was Ud’s guy but that feeling crept up his spine again as he remembered the condoms he had seen in her bag some time ago and once again he wondered if getting married to her was the right decision. Just as his thoughts were speaking to him, his phone rang, he sighed and decided he had to talk to someone, a relationship expert, he needed to air out his feelings, he needed some advice.
‘Good evening Engineer Duncan’ the cool female voice greeted and he checked the number to see who it was, but it wasn’t familiar, ‘strange’ he muttered. ‘Hello, who am I speaking with please’? he inquired rolling his eyes. ‘Someone who cares about you’ she answered and it startled him, ‘who could that be’? he was getting a bit impatient. He needed some sleep because the next day was going to be super hectic. ‘Okay, call me Love Doctor’ she said sweetly, he stretched his full length on the cushion chair, this was getting interesting, ‘love doctor’. For a moment, he wondered if his wish had come true because he had wished to speak with a relationship expert. He took a deep breath wondering what to reply next but he heard some noise at the background, the line was breaking ‘bad network, hello? Miss? Are you there’? but the line went dead.
He tried calling her back but to no avail, that was no coincidence he felt it srongly. Something bad was going on in his life and he was being kept in the dark. He rose up and made for the stairs hoping to find out whatever it was.
*******
Adenike quickly rushed to the door to see who it was that had interrupted her call with Duncan. She had devised a cool strategy to deal with Nadine, she would expose her to the whole world for who she was and she was nothing but a cheap LovePeddler. She leant towards the glass windows and peeped feeling a little bit startled as no one was there but she maintained her cool because she’d heard loud knocks on the door.
She shivered and began dialing the number of James, her gateman. What if it were robbers? She looked at the clock and prayed against such an ungodly visit, it was getting very late. ‘Shit’ she exclaimed as she tossed the phone aside, that fool! Hadn’t picked up. Something fishy was going on in her compound, she felt it strongly. Could Nadine send thugs to her? She thought of this possibility and shook the idea off, although she was a cheat, she didn’t think Nadine had it in her to kill someone but how was she to know. Nadie didn’t look that smart, she was quite sure of that but right now she had to find whoever it was that pounced on her door.
She made for her room to pick up her pistol which she kept for safety and protection in situations as this. But immediately she reached the entrance of her room, she felt something cold on her back and she knew it was too late for her. She felt the weight of the gun of her attacker while he roughly pushed her into her bedroom and threw her on the bed.
She turned around to see his face and was quite surprised as her captor hadn’t worn a mask. She smiled mischievously and felt her plans fall into place. ‘Yakubu’ she yelled his name, she was surprised to see him because she thought he was dead. She had paid him and the other boys to waste Barrister Edwards, but they had shot Bode instead and they had lost their lives in the process. At least, that was what she was made to understand. ‘I thought you were….’ She halted as he completed the words ‘dead….’ He paced around the room a little bit.
‘Madam Nike, I barely escaped death on the mission to waste Barrister Edwards, the other two weren’t quite lucky and somehow the police got to know we were three in number. So I had to be careful while visiting you.’ Nike watched the young man carefully, Yakubu was one of the top assasins in the country, she knew very little about him and she was quite sure ‘Yakubu’ wasn’t his real name. From what she’d gathered, he was a graduate of Microbiology from the University of Illorin,Kwara, and like other graduates from Nigerian institutions he was unemployed for about seven years. He had no other option than to train himself and do something worthwhile to survive, she was happy to see him, she would employ his services well in her battle with Nadine: he was the best hitman in town.
‘So what are your plans’? Nike asked eagerly, he contemplated for a minute ‘I need jobs so I could save enough and flee the country’ she smiled slowly at him and he understood the smile. She offered him a job, of course, he wasn’t wrong to pay his long standing customer a visit. He was instructed to terminate Nadine in a week’s time and that job was quite lucrative. ‘I have to go now, I have a job to carry out tonight and am a bit late’ he gasped while checking his phone for notifications. He rose up and waved at Nike as he rushed into the thick darkness for the girl he was about to silence.

The Photographer-15
THE PHOTOGRAPHER-15
Udeme stopped laughing as Duncan had been tickling her on their way to see Bode, noticing her depressed mood, he decided to do something funny to help his friend, but he quickly took his hands off her as they stood facing two stern looking women. Udeme had recognized Adenike immediately and understood her visit was quite official, the other woman looked familiar and very unfriendly. Duncan who was quite uncomfortable with the situation excused himself, explaining the reason for his exit to no one particular, he wasn’t totally lying, he had to see the caterer on Nadine’s behalf.
Nike briefly paused at the door as she looked Barrister Edwards over, ‘poor girl’ she thought, ‘your friend has ruined any chance you had with him’. She wondered if exposing Nadie’s plan to Udeme was the wise thing to do, she had to think that over, but she pushed the idea away. Considering her harsh attitude towards Udeme, the girl won’t even listen to her twice but she had to be warned before it became too late. She would come up with a plan, one that wouldn’t involve or hurt Udeme in any way, she had suffered enough. Adenike braced herself for her new task as Udeme’s savior, she greeted the girl and walked out the door leaving her astonished.
She stared at the retreating figure of Adenike Olagbemiro, the harsh head of department, who had stood staring at her for complete five minutes, she wondered if she was mistaken but she had seen something like pity in the woman’s eyes towards her. She shrugged, who wouldn’t pity her, she had found herself in a hopeless situation, on her very first date with the love of her life, assasins had attacked them, and if not for divine intervention, one of them would’ve lost their lives. Thankfully, Bode was alright, she had something more dreadful to face, the woman who stared daggers at her, she now saw the ressemblance, it was no other person than Mrs Thomas who she’d seen many times in pictures.
Mrs Thomas stared at the girl who almost got her precious son killed. She had the guts to bring in her husband to be, into the same room Bode lay. She was so disgusted at the sight, being tickled by her lover while her son was on his sickbed. For a moment, she wondered if she was doing the right thing not putting the girl behind bars because she had the power to do that. She felt so angry at the cheap LovePeddler her son had bedded, but she planned to keep her cool, she had made Nadie that promise. She would keep her cool, she wouldn’t expose her here, but as she stared once more at her son, who escaped death by slight chance, she was sure Udeme’s relationship with Bode was over.
‘Good day Madam’ Udeme greeted politely but the woman completely ignored her, she swallowed and wondered what she had done wrong, she carefully placed the clothes she had brought Bode and some beverages he would take when he woke up. ‘Who are all those for’? the woman asked coldly, Udeme smiled trying to please the woman ‘for Bode Ma, I went to get him all these in preparation for when he is discharged’. She was silent for a while then uttered the abominable ‘You can go, we don’t need your services and don’t think about coming back here’. It was like something hit her on the head, she felt numb all over, she couldn’t move or breathe, maybe she didn’t hear well, she mustered up some courage and looked straight into the pair of cold eyes that stared at her suspiciously, ‘Madam please I don’t understand’ the woman did the unthinkable, before she could say jack robinson, she felt the coldness of the Glucose powder she had brought for Bode and immediately she broke down. ‘Please if I have done anything to hurt you, please forgive me’ she begged but the woman couldn’t be pacified. ‘Stand up and leave and stay away from Olabode Thomas or you’ll have a lot to regret about’. Udeme had no choice but to comply with the woman, who for some reason hated her so much. She felt her heart thudding louder and her brain was pounding harder, how could she be so cruel? She saw her future with Bode being shattered to pieces. She was very helpless and weak, she needed to find help soon.
Nadie spotted Udeme from where she stood and smiled mischievously, from where she was, she saw the look on the girl’s face and gosh, she looked miserable. She chuckled softly as she made to leave, obviously, her planned had worked. They had borne fruits, she was impressed with herself, it was now a surety that she could get whatsoever she wanted in this life, that thought excited her, she just couldn’t wait to be with him. But something else crossed her mind, Adenike, the nosy lady from Bode’s company who had threatened to expose her plans to Duncan and the whole world. She wondered what she could do to eliminate her biggest threat, the woman was quite confident in herself and fearless and this made Nadine very afraid. Suddenly,the euphoria she had felt earlier disappeared completely, Adenike still had the upper hand in this battle, she knew everything about her and could expose her at anytime, what if she had told Mrs Thomas the truth? ‘Oh my god’ she whispered desperately, that would destroy everything and her plans with Duncan who served as her last resort should anything go bad would all crumble to pieces.
She rose up feeling nervous as she made back to the room where Bode lay, praying and hoping her secrets where not spilled. If her plans followed the right course, she would dump Duncan immediately and eliminate Udeme, she didn’t want any threat to her happiness with Bode. She had already planned her future with him but for now she had to place her stamp permanently in his mother’s heart, after which she would think of a good way of dealing with Adenike. She was ready to fight to the death and pay with her blood, no woman could take him away, she remembered how he made love to her and told her beautiful things, how he looked into her eyes when taking pictures of her and how he spoiled her with gifts, she was sure he was the one, Bode was the one for her and she remembered the saying ‘fight for love’.
‘Hello Mama’ she greeted as she walked into the room, the woman who was cleaning up the mess on the marble floor smiled at her prospective daughter-in-law. ‘Nadie, you missed that evil friend of yours’, Nadie pretended to look surprise, ‘could you imagine she actually walked in here with a man tickling her’?, Nadie smiled now understanding what may have taken place, she had called Duncan earlier to bring Udeme to take over from her, ‘That should be the fiancé Mama, he is tall right?’ the woman nodded quickly and stood akimbo with new found surprised, this girl was totally being honest. ‘You see I told you, Udeme my friend isn’t a very honest person’ she continued, the woman had nothing more to say, as she sat speechless.
Her phone rang a couple of times before she picked, while Nadine wondered who the caller was, she was still thinking of Adenike. But she couldn’t get anything from the phone conversation, as the woman spoke in Yoruba throughout. She sighed and wondered how she would cope with a Yoruba speaking Mother-in-law, her worries about Adenike had dimmed, ‘it was Chief Thomas, my husband’ the woman informed her while Nadine smiled politely, ‘ he’s taking his vacation abroad, I told him the situation of things, he was quite furious but I was able to calm him’. Nadie wondered if that was a good thing, she rubbed her temples, she had to get some rest, so she could be awake at night to watch him. ‘ Nadine, I have to go now, take care of your Husband to be, I will be back tomorrow morning and meanwhile Chief is interested in meeting you on his return’, this made her insides to tickle, Nadie didn’t believe it, her plan had worked faster than she could imagine. But she had another problem apart from Adenike, it was Bode himself, she would be a fool to deny any love he had for Udeme, he really loved her. She had to destroy that love but in her deepest of hearts she knew it would be very difficult almost impossible as she had painted Udeme black once in his eyes but it backfired. She sighed and focused on her current achievement ‘ thank you Mama’, she greeted as the woman left the room.
She turned and smiled at the unconscious man that lay by her side and smiled ‘now you are mine, it’s me and you against the world’. Her phone beeped twice and she picked it up to see two different messages from two weaklings she despised. She ignored the messages from Duncan and Udeme, she was awaiting his full recovery as he stirred a bit, then opened his eyes dreamily and whispered ‘ Udeme’ and went back to sleep.

The Photographer-14 Adenike had given up on calling the boys. She had just left their house and headed to the hospital where Bode was admitted. She blamed herself for everything, she should’ve been more discreet, she reasoned. She should’ve charged the boys to attack Udeme when she was alone and not with her love. But she was a woman in love and she couldn’t imagine him in the arms of another woman, an ugly one for that matter. She hissed. She prayed with all her heart that Bode would be alright but that wasn’t her only fear; the case was a criminal case and she was quite sure it had been reported to the police. Knowing the qualifications of Udeme as a Lawyer, she would investigate to the end those behind the attack. She shivered at the thought of being jailed for years, she had to find those guys, she had to cover up her tracks. This was the first time the boys had messed up and it disappointed her greatly, she had to think of a way to end Barrister Udeme Edwards for good; that would be her only saving grace. If she was able to do that in a more subtle manner like poisoning, something that wouldn’t raise any suspicions she was sure to cover her tracks neatly. She quickly got information from the nurses explaining her relationship with Bode and they kindly directed her to one “room 54”. She climbed the stairs hurriedly, she couldn’t wait to see him; the man that rocked her world. She smiled as she approached the room remembering all the vacations they had spent together in each other’s arms. He was very generous; he took her along some of his business trips in America. Although their affair didn’t affect their working relationship, it affected her greatly. She had come to fall in love with him. Sighing, she touched her golden necklace which Bode gave her as a Birthday present, an expensive gift it was, such as none had ever given to her before and that was even before they started their affair. He had shown interest in her the first time he laid eyes on her during her transfer from Artmaster branch at Abuja, he persisted for a month or two. She blinked trying to remember. It was quite fun to be chased around, but she had been forewarned by her colleagues of the flirtatious lifestyle of their boss; she had ignored them actually, not believing one bit of it because he was just too loving and caring. However, their predictions had come to pass after their first night, where he unleashed all his bottled lustful passions on her, it was never the same anymore. She came to discover she wasn’t the only woman in the company Bode had an affair with. She shook her head angrily as she remembered how vulnerable and naïve she had been. Wondering for a second if trying to kill another woman for a man who cared less for her was the right thing to do. She shrugged as she opened the door, maybe she was right or wrong but she was simply a woman in love who was standing yet another time with another competitor. ‘’Ah! Nike you are here,” Mrs. Thomas welcomed and beckoned her for a hug, it was long she had seen the woman. They exchanged pleasantries before she slowly looked up at the other skank who stood there looking like an angel when in reality, was a devil. She chose to ignore her. She hadn’t come for that. She had come to see how Bode was faring. “Mama what happened to him? I just heard of this occurrence early this morning. I would have come earlier but I had to do some things.” Nike sympathized with the woman, the woman smiled kindly tapping her on her shoulder. “My child, you should be happy he is alive. He’s well and would be discharged tomorrow. It was her friend that almost killed my son.” The woman pointed to Nadie and left Nike wondering her friend? The woman noticed the confused look in her face and went further with her explanation. “Udeme or whatever she calls herself almost got my son killed. Just look at this, she hasn’t been here for him, she dumped his body after those hoodlums hurt him and left with another man.” Now that was some gist, Adenike thought. This was quite confusing; what other man? Clearly Mrs. Thomas was quite confused. Nadie froze where she stood, this woman talked too much, she was scared of the worst now. Everything could blow back on her face because Adenike knew the truth about her. She wondered how the lady had even located the hospital. She had to do something real fast. Now she had gotten herself a place in Mrs Thomas’ heart, she had to remain there for a long time. She prayed and hoped her plan worked. She had to excuse herself and breathe in some fresh air to let go of the tension she was feeling now. She had to think! And act fast. “Mama let me get some drugs at the pharmacy, I’ll be back.” The woman smiled, admiring her hard work and love for her son Olabode “Alright don’t be long, we still have a lot to discuss.” Adenike watched the half cast lady with utmost disgust, obviously she hadn’t taken her warning, she had come back for Bode once again abandoning her fiancé who loved her more than anything in the world. She had to think of something, she would teach that girl a lesson. She had to be put in her rightful place where she belonged. It was with Duncan and not Bode. Noticing the distant look in Nike’s eyes, the woman tapped her again, wondering what went on in her mind, keeping that aside she continued her story. “So you see, Udeme is a real LovePeddler, she wants to put my son in trouble, she is as good as married and yet she still sleeps with another man, if not for her friend, Nadie who told me everything, my son would wake up and continue dancing to her deceitful tune.” Adenike felt shocked as the woman recounted all what Nadie had told her to Nike, Adenike couldn’t hold it any longer, she stood up and paced around the room. Something wasn’t right at all. Noticing the troubled expression on Adenike’s face, the woman inquired concernedly. “What’s going on Nike? Don’t you believe me?” The younger woman paused for a while thinking of a reasonable answer. She was too shocked to think. Nadine was a devil in a blue dress; she had just succeeded in painting the Barrister black in front of Bode’s mother. “My!” She mused, Nadine was a bloody liar and a betrayer, coward of cowards! Her thoughts paced. She had fed Mrs Thomas with lies concerning Udeme, and knowing Bode’s mother well, she would act on that. Suddenly she felt sorry for the poor girl whom she had tried killing, she wondered how she would’ve felt knowing that the real person that deserved that bullet, Nadine, was walking about freely. She shook her head gently and sighed, Nadine was more dangerous than she thought, she could kill, she was engaged to be married within a month and she was here frolicking with another man, who was in love with her friend, her friend she had accused wrongly. The opening of the door brought her back to reality, when she looked up, she decided to take her leave for further plans, for now, she had given up on Bode, she had a new fight knowing who her real enemy was. Nadine was a betrayer who loved to play dirty and dirty would the game be, she smiled mischievously and her thoughts echoed, “Let the game begin!”

The Photographer 13 Dawn had set in a bit quickly. Duncan gently shook the sleeping Udeme beside him. They had settled for the couch in the waiting room where other visitors stayed. “Ud,” he tapped gently. “It’s five a.m. dear. Let’s see the Doctor in charge and know about his current condition.” She yawned and nodded. Slowly, new activities began in the hospital; new patients being brought to him and others leaving. They walked closer to the consultant’s office, but it was empty. “Let’s go back and wait Dee.” “Excuse me,” Udeme called to the nurse who had addressed her earlier. “Yes, good morning.” She directed them to another office. They waited patiently for the in-charge to let them in on Bode’s condition. The young man who was already dressed for a new day smiled at them. “Good morning Barrister Edwards,” while offering Duncan a handshake. Settling comfortably, he brought out a file from the drawer behind his seat and read it carefully for some moments, having been satisfied he looked up to the people before him who had such high hopes on their faces. “Bode will be fine but he would be asleep for some hours. The surgery was successful, he was quite lucky the bullet didn’t hit a major organ, he should recover soon enough.” Udeme couldn’t believe her ears; she had already started praising God in her heart. Thank God her baby was okay. She had so many fears and the police were still on the matter. Knowing the type of police institution the country had, her becoming a suspect was not ruled out. The young Doctor quickly scribbled down some drugs on a white sheet and directed them to the pharmacy. Udeme heaved a sigh of relief while Duncan playfully elbowed her. “You see, I told you everything would be fine.” She nodded at him and was grateful he’d come to be with her in such a condition. “You got me so worried,” he continued as they walked out of the pharmacy towards his car. She just smiled recalling the events of the previous night. Which woman wouldn’t get worried? When the man her heart lay with was bleeding to death. She shuddered from the memories. “Did you inform his people?” Duncan asked. She was about replying with an affirmative when they spotted Nadine running towards them. This got Duncan shocked, what was she doing here? He had told her he would be with Udeme hence she had no need to worry. Women! He shrugged. Nadie arrived and hugged her friend. Her insides squealed; she hated this girl with a passion. It was her fault her Bode was in that condition. “How’s he?” she asked eagerly. Udeme was thrilled by her concern. Truly, she had caring friends. “The Doctor said he would be asleep for several hours. He overreacted to the anesthesia but he’s okay.” Nadie felt relieved. Her baby was okay. “You know what guys?” Nadie began cooking up her plan. She wanted to spend a little time with him again. “You guys should go home and rest, I’ll watch over him till you return to take the next shift.” “That’s a good idea sweetie,” Duncan kissed her gently on the forehead and got into the car. Udeme was quite happy, she needed some rest. She would come back later and watch over her Bode. Nadie waved sweetly as the car moved away. She carefully packaged the drugs Udeme had handed to her and carefully recited the room number again, “Room 54”. She chanted as she walked into the hospital. Arriving the room, she opened the windows and walked over to where Bode lay, even in his sleep he was an angel. She caressed his hard chest and his toned arm muscles, she wished all this were hers but the fool had stolen her man which she was soon to reclaim. She covered him up again and decided to clean his body; she dipped the towel Udeme had given her into the warm water she had brought herself. She knew most people who were hospitalized needed hot water. Just then the door to the room opened and a woman who looked about fifty - something years walked in gracefully. The woman was tall and light in complexion, there was something familiar about her, those eyes reminded her of Bode. She gasped at the thought and immediately rose up to greet the woman; this should be his mother. The woman ignored her at first and walked towards her son, dropping the basket she carried. She touched his face and examined his body. Turning to the men that escorted her, she said something in Yoruba and they both departed. After her scrutiny, she eyed Nadine suspiciously. “Are you the girlfriend to Bode?” Nadine shook her head in negation. This was time to make her move, she would make this woman like her. She would use this opportunity very well. “I’m sorry madam, his girlfriend is not here, she got quite busy and left.” The woman frowned easily. “What do you mean she isn’t here?” She quickly brought out a phone and began dialing numbers. “She was the last person seen with Bode and she isn’t here to nurse him, leaving you her friend to do it for her. That is most suspicious. I’m calling the D.P.O. That girl has some confessions to make.” Knowing fully well that this would amount to trouble and changes to her plans, Nadine immediately got to her knees and begged the woman. After careful consideration of her pleas, the woman asked her to rise. “So what is your name and what relationship do you have with my son?” The woman observed Nadine for a moment, she was very beautiful, like a biracial woman, she instantly liked the girl. “I’m Nadine, I dated Bode briefly but he dumped me for my friend who is not a very sincere person.” The woman was silent for a while. She believed this because Bode was her son and had one terrible weakness; women. “And I suppose this friend of yours got him into this mess which you’re currently cleaning. Why do you then take pity on her, you should let me put her in that cell.” Nadine touched the woman’s hands gently provoking her motherly side. “Mama, vengeance is for God. Udeme paid me back in a bad coin after introducing her to Bode. She tricked him into loving her because of all the bad things she had told him about me.” Bode’s mother listened intently, she had to believe this story. That Udeme girl was very rude and shady, she didn’t even have the courtesy to call them herself, instead, she had sent the cook to inform them of Bode’s condition. “You said your friend is not straight forward, throw more light on that because I would deal with her. I will make sure Bode breaks up with her immediately he wakes, just tell me,” she urged. Nadie sighed; this was her golden opportunity to teach the bitch a lesson. “Mama I will tell you everything but you have to keep it to yourself for the meantime.” The woman nodded. “Go on.” ‘Madam, I cannot lie to you, my conscience wouldn’t let me, my friend Udeme has not been straight with your son from the beginning. She’s only after his wealth and political connections. She’s even engaged and would wed very soon, she has been engaged the whole time but she keeps deceiving Bode…” she waited as the older woman rose on her feet angrily. “You mean she is married? How could Bode go out with an engaged woman? Are you sure of what you saying?” She asked again, Nadine Nodded. “In fact, she just left with the man she is engaged to, but they would be back.” She was silent for a while, she prayed her plan worked. She wanted to find her way into this woman’s heart. If this worked out well, she would definitely leave Duncan and cling to Bode, she was ready to fight for this love. The woman glared angrily at the sleeping Bode, and wondered what sort of loose woman he had gotten himself entangled with. She hissed disgustedly, how could a woman deceive two men at once? She pushed the thoughts out of her mind, she had already made her decision, Bode had to end such a dirty relationship. Here was Nadine the one he had dumped, by his side, taking good care of him while the olosho he had dated was out with another man. “Thank you Nadie, I’m glad you were open with me, Bode would be yours again, it’s a promise.”

The Photographer 12 With the help of the guards, Bode was quickly rushed to the hospital. Udeme had asked the old cook to call his relatives as she hadn’t met any of them before, besides there was no time to go through his phone. So many thoughts ran through her head as she recalled the statement of the assassins. Somebody wanted her dead and very fast. She paused and stared at the wall of the waiting room, counting the number of people she had offended lately. “Who could want me dead?” Suddenly she remembered her two friends. She had to call them and inform them of the current situation. For now, the focus was on Bode and how to bring him to full health. Later, together they would solve the mystery. “Excuse me Madam,” a nurse called. She turned, using the medium to inquire about Bode. “He’s very fine, we just need you to sign some documents. He lost a lot of blood and needs a transfusion.” She nodded. “When would I be allowed to see him again?” The nurse rolled her eyes, “come back in the morning, he will be ready.” Checking her purse, she quickly took her phone and dialed Duncan’s number. “Hello Dee, it’s me.” Duncan paused at the other end, wondering what could warrant such a distress call, fearing the worst. He shook Nadine who was apparently having a good dream due to the smile spread across her angelic face. “Udeme what is it? Are you okay? You sound worried.” “We were attacked last night, Bode was injured,” he felt glued to the bed in shock as he shook Nadie harder, she awoke staring daggers at him, “Udeme was attacked,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry, where are you right now?” This was what he feared. For some reason, he saw Bode as the kind of guy that attracted danger wherever he went. “I’m at the hospital right now.” “Okay, stay calm. I’m coming over, where’s the hospital at?” He rose up and changed from his pajamas. “Little Doves Hospital, along Brooks street, thanks Dee, inform Nadie of the situation.” “What’s going on?” Nadie asked nonchalantly. “Udeme was attacked during the date. Bode got shot and is at the hospital, his condition is critical.” He was quite surprised at her reaction at the mention of Bode’s situation. “Please it’s not true, how did it happen?” He tried to calm her down. For some reason, she was over reacting; after all it wasn’t even Udeme that got hurt thankfully. “I’m coming with you Duncan,” she made for the wardrobe but he stopped her. “You need to get some sleep so you could make it to the caterer tomorrow.” She just stared at him disgustedly. If only he knew her heart was for Bode, he would find his level. How could that brat put her baby in such a condition. She was so furious. Udeme had to be put in her right place; she had to deal with her once and for all. She wished those assassins had killed her. That would have made things easier for her. She hissed and faced the wall. She didn’t care about any damned caterer. All she knew was that as soon as dawn was close, she would land in the hospital to see her baby. She only love Bode. “See Nadie, you have been acting very funny lately, tonight’s behavior is so out of it but I will ignore it, take care.” He stormed out angrily. Something wasn’t right he could feel it but he wouldn’t accept it, their wedding was sooner than ever, he wouldn’t do that to her. He could’ve just called it off but he loved her too much to walk away. Sometimes he wondered if he made a mistake, he remembered Udeme had told one of his friends that she harbored feelings for him, but he didn’t want to encourage it because he wasn’t into her kind of girls. He liked his cereals with milk, she had been too bland back then, now she was stuck with that Casanova, he wished there was something he could do but she was already in love with him. Adenike paced around her study restlessly, it had been four hours since the boys had departed for the mission, yet there was no report of the outcome. She sighed. “They mustn’t fail, that operation had cost me so much,” she muttered, now slightly drunk. She dropped the glass carelessly on the marble floor. No woman could take Ola from her, this would be one bitch down. She smiled at the thought of a dead Barrister Edwards. That would leave her with one more contender. She had already issued a warning to Nadine, if she didn’t obey and back off, she would waste her to the ground without remorse. She just hated people sharing her Bode, especially, Barrister Edwards. The way Bode had acted with her the day of her interview, she knew it was more than the sex, he was taken by her. She slammed the table with her bare fist, why weren’t they picking? Just as she was about to leave for their usual meeting place, she felt her phone vibrate and she froze. “Stupid boys!” She yelled angrily. They had failed her. A text came in, informing her about the shooting of the Managing Director of the Artmaster Luxuries Firm. As the head of the Legal Department, she had to go and visit him. That only meant one thing; Udeme Edwards was still alive. She thanked God the boys hadn’t killed Bode, she wouldn’t have been able to forgive herself. It was already dawn, she yawned and moved to the room to get some sleep. She would come up with a better plan, something definitely greater than this. Bode was hers and when she wanted something, she always had it.

you are right....
most Nigerians only listen to the beats of the song...a song with a fantastic beats is considered great no matter the poor lyrical content...
for the world especially the West to recognize our music...we should take take things deeper...write better lines nudged with poetry ...something meaningful...
but its gonna take a very longtime...
most times these drumbeats ...help us forget the sorrow of our economic state

have a splendid weekend angels... happy reading! the story has just begun...

The Photographer 11 Nadie and Udeme had just finished shopping for shoes when they spotted one woman they both abhorred. Adenike had also seen the pair and was quite fascinated; two friends dating the same man, she thought. There was something fishy going on. She deliberately walked towards them. Udeme flinched like she saw a ghost and that made Adenike chuckle. “Hello pretty lady and not-so-pretty-lady Edwards,” she said with a smirk. “What do you want?” Nadie asked, praying and hoping the evil witch won’t run her mouth about her and Bode in front of Udeme, she mustn’t know! “Well, relax, I won’t spill the beans if you play by my rules,” she reverted her eyes to Udeme, who wondered how the two had met. “And you Barrister, how is that leg of yours? Is Bode done playing with it?” I’m sorry madam, I don’t understand you. We have to go now. We’re in a hurry obviously,” she rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving Nadie at her mercy, the claws of that witch, she muttered. As she reached the car, she turned realising Nadie hadn’t followed her and she wondered why the two were still talking, how did Nadie get to know Adenike? And what secret was the woman talking about? Something was definitely wrong somewhere, her friend wasn’t being straight with her. “I’m here love,” she said sweetly as she entered the car. “What was that about?” Udeme asked, looking startled, not waiting for a reply she continued. “That woman was very mean to me at the interview. How did you get entangled in her web?” Nadie was lost for words, like what the hell, was she gonna say now? “Uhhm,” she began, clearing her throat, “It’s a long story, would tell you later.” Really? Ud thought. So much for friendship. She ignited the engine and drove off. “Udeme, it’s not as if I’m keeping secrets but when it’s appropriate, I would definitely tell you,” Nadie pleaded, she had to tread carefully. If Udeme found out she had something to do with Bode, everything was gonna be messed up, Udeme had nothing to say, she just stared on quietly. Gone were the days she was so attached to her friend and got hurt a lot. Now she had Bode and she had no time for this. “Drop me by the ice cream eatery, I won’t be following you back home,” Udeme said and Nadie became perplexed. She hadn’t expected her friend to react the way she was. “Come on Ud, why the attitude, what’s all this for?” She pulled over for a conversation but Udeme had already stepped out of the car before she said a word. “Damn,” Nadie muttered. What was the ugly duckling feeling like right now? New found love , she sneered at this thought. She quickly remembered her appointment with Bode and seized this opportunity; she had to win him back, her baby. She smiled and drove off. **** “I’m over here,” Bode waved to her as she stepped into the restaurant. He looked as handsome as ever, so enticing the way the blue shirt clung to his muscular frame, he was so simple yet elegant. She smiled and walked over but he looked different. He wasn’t friendly, he didn’t return her smile and kept going through his phone, and she instantly felt stupid. “Do you mind telling me what’s between you and Udeme?” She started, he just stared at her as she continued. “I thought I made it clear my friend has a fiancé, and soon they will get married, whatever is going on between you two has to end, it’s wrong.” “You’re such a bitch Nadie, I’m quite disappointed.” Maybe she heard it wrong, maybe. Did he just call her a bitch? “Excuse me?” “Yeah, you heard me. You ruined every chance I had with Udeme. How could you? I thought she was your friend?” “I don’t understand you,” she feigned ignorance. “You are engaged to be married to Duncan, you lied to me. You’re such a cheap LovePeddler, bedding another man while engaged? And you lied about Udeme getting married, who does that?” She stammered as tears shone in her eyes. No! He couldn’t do that to her, it was the fault of that bitch, that ugly duckling that claimed to be her friend, she must have told him she was getting married to Duncan. “Bode...please, I’m so sorry, I...,” he just waved her aside. “Now you’re gonna keep whatever happened between us a secret, I don’t want Udeme finding out, it cannot hurt her. She’s so precious to me, and I don’t ever want to ruin that. Keep away from me or else Duncan will get to know about our affair,” he looked her over and walked away without looking back. She felt like screaming; the pain was too much to bear. How could he do this to her? Suddenly, he had forgotten all what they shared, how he kissed her, made love to her. She felt numb. Udeme had stolen his heart and she was going to pay, she couldn’t imagine a life without Bode, she had to fight. Her tears spilled rapidly across her cheeks as his words echoed once again in her head, “she’s so precious to me.” **** He carried her into the house, after their date at the famous lodge, she felt like the only girl in the world. He had hired a band and they played love songs all through the date. If she had known him better, she would’ve sworn he was going to propose. He dropped her on a cushion and smiled warmly into her beautiful and seductive eyes whose depths glowed like stars in the night. He fought the urge to kiss her, he had to take this slowly. He planned on getting married to this woman someday, and he had to be a gentleman in all respect. “Thank you so much dear, I had such a swell time,” she smiled back. He kissed her hair and inhaled deeply. “Lest I forget, I have something for you,” he dipped his hand in his pockets and brought out a golden vial. “Have it. It’s for you, my world.” She liked that name, my world. She carefully placed the vial in her hands and was surprised. No man had ever gotten her something this beautiful as well as expensive. She hugged him. “Baby this is so beautiful, thank you.” He felt happy she liked it. He would do anything for her smile. He had bought her two pairs of green diamond earrings, he knew what women loved and he wanted to please her at all costs. “It’s nothing. I just want you to know that I love you so much with my life, Udeme. Since the first time I set my eyes on you, I knew you were right for me, my world, my everything,” he laid her down on the carpet grass and placed his lips over hers, she responded and they were enveloped in this precious moment before they heard gunshots. She felt Bode stiffen, she jerked and held him up but it was too late, he was bleeding. The commotion outside confused her. She heard shouts and gunshots. She pulled him behind the fountain. He was bleeding as he groaned in pain. “Bode hang on, it’s like we are under attack, please baby, stay with me,” she sobbed. Why was everything turning out this way? Luckily, they made it to the back of the fountain. Bode was still bleeding. She heard footsteps approach the garden as one man barked, “Where dem dey?” She could see him giving the old Chef a slap as she hesitated to answer him. “Dem bin come this side, plz no kill me, tender justice with mercy biko nna,” the woman begged but was given another blow on the head. “Dinka, search all this area, make sure you find them. If you spot that yarinya , waste am.”Udeme felt her heartbeat increase. From the conversation, she found out she was the target. Who could want her dead? The footsteps were getting nearer to where they hid. Bode had gone quiet, she felt his temperature and said a quick prayer. The situation wasn’t funny at all. Suddenly she heard three loud shots and fear almost ripped her apart. Two men had spotted her. She got up and began running but they caught her and whispered, “Madam, na we be the guards, wey Oga dey?”

Missmossy:
So enchanting


More please.

patience dear o

Olabantu:
Helloooooooooo.....I dont really understand what the exchange of words is about....Bro eberex, i think the best way to correct is to correct in love just like Jummy did and not forcing your point of views or insulting the other party.Saying she copied the story and calling her a liar is very insulting which shows that you are also not perfect; let try to know that we are not the same, our temperament are diffrent so that Audrey Timms did some thing doesnt mean that she must do the same even though good human relationship, approach and interaction is very important in life....And my Sis Anglesss pls learn to tolerate fans, at times fans may be fustrating but i think it better to make more freinds than foes.....the story is good.....I think you have your reasons for wanting to sell the story so i would not talk on dat...just pls find something to do for we blackberry, java phones and pc users and pls always try to ignore comment that you think are annoying..at least for peace to reign...God bless you all

thanks dear...

Akinsolacupid:
Like your writing, discovered this story yesterday. I could relate with the story cause I'd been in almost in the same scenario in the past. Impregnated my childhood sweetheart when I was going for my service year and she was supposed to resume for her final year. I made the right decision of keeping the pregnancy. Faced a lot of troubles from her folks but mine accepted us and stood strongly by us. She missed her session at school. She has graduated now and working and the we have gorgeous twin girls. Now to your story and response with your fans. I will offer my piece of advice. Work on positive criticisms and ignore the destructive ones. If u keep responding to everyone you will loose focus and get annoyed and less appreciated with what you're doing. Without getting paid or any form entitlements. Just think of one person who has learnt or benefited something positive from your thread, that is the best form of satisfaction you can get. How do I get the complete story on my Lumia phone pls? Ciao

wow....am touched by your words...would love to hear your full story o...maybe write something out of it, if you don't mind...
you can get the complete story at okadabooks. com...sign up and download the app...
thanks so much for your words...I appreciate them...

linobrown9:
Interesting

tanx

Olabantu:
God cacth you cheating bicht...Ride on sis

thanks Olabantu

tijehi:
Goog good story.
Definitely following.

yes ride on

horlawharley:
Nice story...................abeg no disappoint o and boss try to update frequently.God bless.
#cant_wait_till_friday

amen

Nwiboko26:
Am loving it.u r d bomb.

thank you dear

teamplayey:
Thanks, Angelsss Please continue. More grease

thanks dear

The Photographer-10 (Image source: gettyimages.com) It was such a bad dream. It had been a while she had that kind of nightmare. She was standing beside Bode in his garden and suddenly, an old woman with a scary face appeared and pushed her into the fountain, screaming, “You don’t belong to him, keep off!” As she fell into the fountain she suddenly realized it was getting deeper and deeper, it was like a force pulled her beneath. She kept screaming for help, but Bode just stood there staring at her and laughed mischieviously, the laughter still receded in her ears even as she woke screaming, “Bode help me...” Thank heavens it was a dream! She checked the time, it was already dawn and she couldn’t go back to sleep. She got up and left for the bathroom. She had to find Duncan, she couldn’t stay alone in this room. He had heard muffle screams in Nadie’s room so he braced himself up the stairs to check on her. Nothing bad should happen right now with the wedding around the corner. Everything should turn out fine. “Ah, darling you are already awake, came to check on you,” Duncan said with a look of concern. “I’m fine love, just a nightmare, ‘let’s go to sleep, tomorrow is gonna be a busy one. I have to get hold of Udeme. We have a lot to do.” She had missed her friend for days, they hadn’t seen each other and she wondered how her interview had gone. She kept seeing Adenike’s face in her mind; she saw how ruthless the woman looked, but no, even though she was getting married to Duncan, her heart was buried in Bode’s hand. She remembered the passions they shared; how he kissed her, loved her, bought her gifts; she belonged to him. She would revisit that case later. He watched her face intently as they passed under the chandelier. “Is that a smile?” He was sure he spotted one on her face. “What’re you thinking about?” He asked but she just kissed him and whispered, “I love you Duncan, can’t wait for the wedding.” ***** “Babe you really need to come over, time is running out on us,” she pecked his forehead while talking to Udeme on the other end. “Yes come over, I have food, naughty you, bye.” “I suppose that’s UD.” Duncan asked, he was loving this, his old Nadie had returned back to him, she wasn’t cheating after all. Maybe it was the stress. “Yep, she’s coming over, we have lots to do, let me go downstairs and give the chef instructions.” She kissed him shyly. They had loved themselves the night before, but she had mistakenly groaned “Bode”. Thank god, he didn’t hear it. She heaved a sigh of relief and walked out. Udeme felt so happy, Bode had dropped her off the night before and promised to meet with her later in the day concerning her job application and he guaranteed her it was going to be positive. “I’m in love with my baby...” she hummed to the tune of the song, she was so lucky. She suddenly stopped and looked herself again in the mirror, she was glowing! She couldn’t believe her luck; Bode was rich, handsome and caring. At least she had found the love Duncan never gave her, and for the records, Bode’s love had no equal. Her phone buzzed and she hesitated. Maybe it’s from Airtel . She picked it reluctantly and smiled. This tale of love was getting more interesting. “Goodmorning Sunshine, you light up my world.” She could almost feel his presence from his sweet male voice. “I’ll pick you up by 8 o’clock for a dinner at Samira’s Resort, if you need anything, let me know...and one more thing, it’s a date.” She couldn’t believe her ears; Samira’s Resort was the five- star in the city. She had envied Nadie’s luck as Duncan had actually taken her there many times, now she was going there herself with the Artmaster. This was getting more interesting. She wore jean pants and a stripped blouse, she wanted being simple as they had shopping to do. The wedding was in three weeks time and she was going to be the maid of honor. She stepped into the house and smiled. Soon her best friends would become Mr/Mrs. She sighted Duncan as he highlighted from the stairs. “UD, right on time, let’s visit the dining,” he led her on. He noticed she looked different, relaxed and happy, something was up. They met Nadie on the table. “Ah see who I dey see, babe you just dey shine, wetin be the secret?” Nadie exclaimed and Udeme smiled. “Na god o,” not wanting to start the Bode conversation as her friends never approved of him. “I was about saying the same thing, you look pretty amazing,” Duncan chipped in. The table was already set; fried Irish potatoes and an enticing bowl of gravy with beef set before them and they made no hesitation as hunger was impatient. “So how was the interview?” Nadie asked looking concerned. Udeme felt it was time to let them know about Bode. “Chic na long story o,” she gulped her Milo drink. “Cut it short,” Nadie added curiously. “Guess who I saw there?” Duncan already rolled his eyes, girls and their funny conversation. “Udeme mbok go straight to the point, you know I hate suspense.” “Okay, I saw Bode, the Artmaster.” The place was quiet for a while. “What do you mean you saw Bode?” Nadie asked again because he told her the last time that he had a photoshoot in Malta. Her heart was racing. Should Bode ever found out she had lied, then her chance of loving him was gone. “He’s the CEO of Artmaster Luxuries, the famous distribution network, I met him there. We talked and he took me to his place, he asked me out.” Duncan frowned a little, he spotted fear and desperation on Nadie’s face and he wondered why she was so interested in this conversation. Well maybe she was just being concerned about her friend, but his heart told him something else. He rose up. “Alright ladies, have fun, I have to catch up on a meeting. Meanwhile UD, am happy for you but be careful, I do not trust that guy,” he strode off quietly as she answered, “Okay Dee.” Many thoughts ran across her mind. She had been careless. Maybe if she had known that the firm belonged to Bode, she would’ve dissuaded Udeme from applying there. Now her own tables were turning against her. She knew too well that Bode was in love with UD even before they had an affair together but she couldn’t let that happen. How could this girl, this unattractive girl win the heart of the man she loved? She had to do something fast. With this in mind, she excused herself. “Excuse me Ud, let me make a call to the caterer.” Udeme sat there shocked. Apparently, her news of dating Bode had not been well received by her two friends. They were acting funny, maybe they already quarrelled before she came but why did she need approval on whom to love? She now felt herself a fool. She should have kept her mouth shut concerning Bode after all, she clearly remembered that Duncan and Nadie had started dating for months before they told her. She just shrugged. There was no stopping her with Bode. Nadie quickly rushed to her room, she couldn’t imagine Bode with Udeme, that bitch! She had stolen her man. She quickly dialled Bode’s number. Pick up, bastard, her heart yelled in frustration, instead the line went dead. She received a text message shortly; he told her to meet him for some explanation. Yea right, she needed an explanation from his betraying ass, but what she didn’t understand was that he only needed her explanation on why she prevented Ud from seeing him and lying about her. “Alright baby let’s go,” she called to Udeme, feeling so jealous. She imagined Bode kissing her and loving her like he did to her and felt a sharp ache in her chest. She had to stop this!

helo angels...would try and post very frequently... keep following... cause am working on another story just for you

see you on Friday..,enjoy this long ride follow for more

the photographer 9continues

that is quite impressive Barrister…,” the man searched his documents for her name, “Edwards,” she quickly supplied. He smiled at her. No wonder she was highly recommended. Bode just smiled, he never knew she was a lawyer, a beautiful lawyer and my, he also loved his women intelligent, “Well, that would be all for now, please lead the applicants to the reception arena for refreshments, I’m sure they must be tired, we will get back to you shortly except for Miss Edwards, come with me,” he said to her and she got up, limping behind him, she smiled at his muscular frame, I come for the body o she thought and smiled again. She was so happy, she had finally found him, but she warned herself not to get her hopes high, he may be in love with someone else. Such a man endeared many women, it was not just his charisma, hard work or wealth, it was his looks. Suddenly he turned and saw her limping again; he felt her pain as the emotion swept across his face. With the stairs before him, he had no option but to assist her. He held her waist and she stared at him with a mouth wide open. “It’s okay, I’m not being funny, I want to help you up the stairs,” she relaxed a bit as he held her waist and lifted her gently. What they both failed to see was Adenike’s spiteful stare a short distance behind them. He opened the iron door and led her into his office, closing it behind him gently. He settled her on a large red couch that lay beside his table. She found this amusing. “Relax, I’m not a baby.” She said and he shrugged casually. I wish you knew how much I care ‘cause you’re my baby, he thought, “So what happened to you? How did you get the limping leg?” He asked, not waiting for an answer as he received a call. “Cancel the appointment, tell Chief Obalende Rogers to stand in for me, for the firm...yes,” he dropped it and turned to look into her beautiful brown eyes. “Long story, I fell into a deep pothole on my way here.” How? He was about asking, as he dialled another number. “Send me Dr Wilson, tell him the patient has a bruised ankle,” he paused as he scrolled down his screen; 20 missed calls. Mehn that chick na stalker, Nadine was pure bad luck and he wasn’t going to let her spoil this, he switched off his phone and turned his full attention to His lawyer. “I’m sorry about that, don’t you have a car, why did you have to use public transport?” She shook her head, he continued staring at her before the Doctor interrupted their conversation. ***** Damn! Bode had switched off his phone, and she was already in the firm. This would be so embarrassing, how stupid she felt, a woman that was getting wed in three weeks time was here running after a man. She put finishing touches to her makeup and got out of her car. As she walked into the firm, she smiled seductively and felt confident as she produced her desired effect. No man could resist her, and Bode was a man, a full blooded man. Her eyes lit as she saw the pretty woman, her beauty was rare she almost passed for a half cast if not for her slightly rounded nose but she was perfect, Adenike stared on. This lady didn’t work here obviously, maybe she came to order products, she sat at the reception cooling off as she remembered Bode carrying that little bitch, it was evident they were in love. How could he? She loved Bode so much, but from his actions he didn’t feel the same way, she couldn’t blame him as she forced herself on him but she couldn’t let another woman buy his heart especially that bitch. Who did she think she was? Walking up here and everyone instantly liking her? Bode was everything she ever wanted in a man; wealthy, from a good background and very handsome, she yearned for a man’s love for the first time and couldn’t get it, she heaved a sigh of frustration. She had to do everything possible to keep him, no, it wasn’t too late. The angelic voice tore her away from those thoughts. “Excuse me, please I’m looking for the office of the manager,” the half cast lady asked pleasantly My god, she was beautiful, Adenike wondered briefly if this was one of Bode’s regular flings. She forced a smile and gave the lady directions, she said her thanks and cat-walked away leaving Adenike to wonder if she ever stood a chance to win Bode’s heart, she began to sob gently. She had made the greatest mistake of her life by having an affair with Bode, he just used her for fun, although he gave her expensive gifts. She immediately felt cheap, she looked at her palms and fresh tears welled up in her eyes. She remembered those nights she spent in his bed and do his lustful biddings, numerous times they had relations even in the office and now he was leaving her for that girl . She was so sure he was in love with Barrister Edwards, she saw the way he looked at her, she had to stop that, Bode was hers forever; meanwhile she had to find out who the half cast lady was. “Hello, Bode are you there?” Nadie was so frustrated, she was in front of Bode’s office and had knocked severally, the place was empty. “Hello, I’m in your office waiting for you,” she spoke to the closed door. “Excuse me madam, the Boss is not around, but you can drop a message with the secretary,” a security man informed. She acknowledged him with a nod and walked away. How could Bode act this way? He had seen her calls and refused or pretended not to see them, had he dumped her? Her heartbeat raced at the thought of being dumped by him, but god! She was in love with him, that’s why she felt so restless and breathless, why was he doing this to her? “Were you able to see him?” Adenike called to her as she was about walking out of the firm. “No, thanks for your help,” she briskly walked further. “Are you related to him or something?” Adenike questioned further, trying to ascertain the nature of relationship between the two. Na wa o, busy body, Nadie thought. “No, he is my fiancé,” she smiled. Adenike couldn’t pretend any longer. Fiancé? Bode had killed her! “Wow, are you sure about that ‘cause your fiancé just drove out with one woman?” Adenike smiled mischieviously, she could read the shock on the half cast lady’s face. “Excuse me? What lady? Are you sure of what you are saying?” Adenike handed her a card, “Meet me here at 6:30pm, I have a proposal for you,” and walked away majestically. She had gotten some bit of information from the gossip receptionist when she sat there earlier to brood over Bode, the half cast lady was actually the fiancé of Engineer Duncan, from the most prominent family in the state, their marriage was to come in a few weeks, and here was the bride frolicking round Bode, if this story were to be true, she would teach her a lesson of loyalty. ***** “Thanks a lot for taking care of me, that Doctor had done a good job and I feel better.” Bode smiled as he looked into her eyes before averting his eyes back to the road. He was taking her to his house because she was so curious to see more of his pictures. She knew many things about him, like she was stalking him. He wouldn’t mind that at all, he loved her so much, she tormented his dreams, his thoughts were filled with her face and here she was sitting beside him in his car eating popcorn like an innocent child, he just smiled at her and she wondered what went on in her mind. If only you could be mine. The drive was quick and they reached his apartment in no time. “Oh my god, is this where you live?” was all she could mutter, she was awestruck, this guy was living in a haven. Well he could afford it she thought. “Come, so you could eat something,” he took her hands and gave instructions to his cook. “Welcome madam,” the middle aged lady smiled. Bode wished this could be for real, but she was practically another man’s wife, Nadie had already told him that. He opened the door and led her to the gallery and she began crying. She was simply overwhelmed by these beautiful pictures, she whispered “Artmaster” and hugged him tightly, he was quite shocked. Could an about-to-be-bride hug another man like this? He hugged her back and they stayed that way till her phone broke that lovely moment where their hearts spoke the same language, love were the words. It was Nadie. Udeme contemplated on picking the call. She recalled they had an appointment at the caterer’s and quickly switched off her phone, not wanting anything that could distract this special moment. “Who was that?” Bode inquired. What she had done was suspicious, maybe her fiancé had called that explained why she switched off the phone. “T’was my friend, remember her? Nadie,” “Yes I do, why didn’t you pick?” She chuckled. “Nadie and I had an appointment with a caterer for her wedding cake, and I don’t feel like going.” Whaaat! this was getting interesting, he reasoned. “Her wedding cake?” He clearly was startled. “Of course, three weeks from now, she’s getting married to Duncan, remember?” He was stunned. That stalker devil had been lying to him. She was getting married. “So how about your own wedding, when’s it gonna come up?” he asked, she stopped and laughed. “I don’t remember telling you I’m getting married. I’m not in any relationship currently, but still waiting for God’s time,” he left her and settled on the couch quietly. Could this be true? Nadie was a bloody liar and she had a lot to explain. “What’s wrong Bode? Have I said anything wrong?” She was quite surprised at his reaction, he gently placed her on his lap, like she was a little girl, kept his eyes on her and asked once more if she was truly single. “Yes, why would I lie about it, what’s going on?” He got his assurance. Nadine was an angel in a red dress, how could she betray her friend this much, knowing too well that he cared so much for her? He pushed his anger aside and hugged Udeme and whispered, “We’re together now.” The chef approached and informed them of their lunch. “It tastes nice,” she commented. He was so happy right now he almost couldn’t wait to tell her about his feelings. They were served a delicious meal of white rice and banga soup as sauce. It tasted great, they kept exchanging stares like teenagers in love. After the meal, he led her to his garden, lay a Persian rug and they both sat down to talk. “I’m so happy you brought me here, thank you,” he smiled and took her hands in his. “I love you Udeme, I meant it that day at the ice cream bar. I want you, just say you love me back.” He couldn’t believe his own ears, he had never begged a woman so, they always threw themselves readily at him, but he truly felt something for Udeme and it was nothing but love. This woman was not for flings, she was for keeps. She kept staring into his eyes, this was unbelievable. Could he really mean his words? Or he was just mocking her because she clearly remembered how he had stared at her friend Nadine. Could his love not bring her hurt because she had read about his escapades and sex scandals? She rose up and walked towards the fountain, a beautiful sight, where water was trapped in a golden coated passage. How the water flowed endlessly, she wished this happiness she felt was going to be endless too. “Why are you silent?” He asked. “It’s okay, if you don’t feel the same way,” she held his right palm and kissed it. “I feel what you feel, I love you right back.” ***** Nadine had never felt so frustrated in her life. She drove towards the bar the lady had asked her to meet up. She had to know who Bode was seeing. Maybe this woman could help her get Bode’s love, she sighed and walked into the bar. She was already late as she saw the woman beckon on her. “Welcome dear, what would you like to drink?” Adenike asked, wondering why the half cast lady looked so exhausted. She had not even started with this ungrateful fool, Duncan was too good a man, to deserve this bitch, bloody cheat and she had the guts to come after her man Bode. “Nothing, obviously, I didn’t come here to drink, so get on with it, she frowned,” “Whoah slow down, we ain’t fighting. I’m Adenike by the way, Nike for short and you?” She answered grudgingly “Nadie.” Nike ordered a glass of Chardonnay. After minutes of silent sipping, she cleared her throat. “Well, Nadie, I heard your wedding to one Engineer Duncan is around the corner,” she watched her for a moment and was satisfied with what she saw; fear, in its purest form. Nadie sat frozen to her chair, this woman was going to ruin all her plans, now she knew about Duncan. She could expose her to Bode. “Okay, your silence means it’s true, I guess I should continue. I also know he comes from a very wealthy family even more than that of Bode, and from what I see, your type is after the paper,” she eyed her, feeling disgusted. “From my research you have been with Duncan for a long time, since university days, and he is a good man but you chose to cheat on him and with my own man Bode.” Nadie looked more bewildered and chose not to be shaken by this evil witch. “And your point is?” “Wow, I admire your courage. Even when caught you’re still on the defensive, beautiful!” She now rose hitting the table so hard that others in the bar turned towards them. Nike quickly sat down and continued. “If I ever see you around Bode, I shall expose your infidelity to the whole world, and you stand to lose so much or did you think Leaving Duncan would make Bode marry you?” She chuckled. “Stay away or your wedding shall be a disaster, good riddance,” she cursed and walked out. Nadine sat for minutes wondering what had hit her, she suddenly couldn’t move, that woman had just threatened her. Gosh! She exclaimed. Bode was a two timing bastard, but she reasoned, Bode’s love wasn’t guaranteed and here she was at the brink of leaving Duncan for him, nah, there had to be change of plans, she couldn’t lose two men at once, she braced up herself and made plans to solidify her union with Duncan.

The Photographer 9 Nadine wiped the frustration that had now turned to sweat off her brows. She had tried reaching Bode for the past few hours and it seemed like he was avoiding her. She stared hard at the phone and threw it on the bed. Duncan walked in looking startled. “What’s wrong darling, why the tantrum?” He looked really concerned, Nadie observed. “It’s the wedding planning and all the stress, I just called my tailor and she said she had lost my measurements for my dinner gown for the Bachelors Eve,” she kept rambling, Duncan was silent for a while, he could spot the lie in her eyes. She had been acting weird for some weeks now. Well, he shrugged, deciding it could be stress. “The feeling is mutual, darling soon it will be over,” he dragged her into his arms and whispered, “I love you” she just rolled her eyes and wished he was Bode. She quickly pulled out of the hug. She missed Bode, she had to see him. She had to see him at his office before he travelled. “Dee, I have to go to the caterer, I have an appointment with her and its almost time,” she kissed his cheek and left and he felt empty standing there alone. Something was wrong; he looked back at her retreating figure and wondered if this whole idea of marriage was a mistake. Well the only person that could help him was Udeme and he had to call her immediately. She could tell him some things Nadie was probably hiding from him. ***** “The Artmaster!” She exclaimed, smiling. Could this be real? What was he doing here? Maybe he also came for the interview, she reasoned. The rest were thrown into confusion, what was going on here? The secretary cleared her throat, putting everyone back on track. “I take it that you are Barrister Edwards. Welcome, take a seat over there with the others,” Udeme followed her pointed finger and joined the rest of applicants. “I will be interviewing her, but from my observation she is not qualified for this job, just look at how shabby she is dressed, and her punctuality is nothing to write home about...” Adenike spoke lining her words with hatred. Who was this girl? She had watched how Bode’s face lightened when she came in and the way they stared at each other, she could not imagine Bode loving another, although she knew about his escapades but she was consoled by the fact that he didn’t love any of the women. “I’m sorry madam, I couldn’t make it on time due to some circumstances I found myself in.” Bode had to cut in. Adenike’s excesses had to be checked. Just because they had an affair didn’t give her the right to be this bossy. “That will be all, I will take up the questioning,” he said looking directly at Adenike with a silent warning in his dark eyes. She got it, and quickly excused herself from the room. “So Barrister Edwards, if you were given a job here as a cleaner instead of the post you applied for, what will you do?” She smiled and wondered who asked such crazy questions at interviews and what was he doing here in the first place. Very well, game on, cute bastard. She smiled showing off her dimple, “Thank you sir for the question. You see, all kinds of jobs are important, there is no superior or inferior job. They are like little parts of a greater whole and hence crucial to the functioning of a firm. But what’s more important is the quality of service offered by these workers. As you know, maximum production is guaranteed if all workers are at their best, if they give out their full and efficient service. On that note, my service as a cleaner in this firm would not bring about the desired result as I wasn’t trained to be one, instead I was grilled for handling legal proceedings, defending and securing profits, so giving me the post of a cleaner would be a waste of my years of training, skills and potentials,” she smiled once again. “Thank you,” she added. It was like the whole room was star struck, like an angel had just walked in, her answer was incredible, a well said reply to the Artmaster of cunny questions. “Well, that is quite impressive

Fidelismaria:
AM SO loving dis piece pls continue

Thanks Dear

Jaytoy:
Yeeeeeeee.... See suspense ooooo. Angelsss abeg I'm on my knees don't stop pls 2 more update tonight. I beg of u pls... I take God, Allah beg u..

lol.....d patient dog dey chop d biggest bone...Surulere o

vivikul:
most persons dnt want to comment cos of what u did with ur oda story. so I would just advice u keep posting n invite ppl. NYC story line anyway

Thanks dear...I appreciate