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NOVEMBER BRIDES EPISODE 9-11 BY ROSE AKPABIO
He had pummelled her face and bruised her lips; blood trickled from the sides of her mouth as she stared at the mirror in the bathroom.
She felt so hurt and alone in the world as she wept quietly.
How could love hurt this much? How could desire burn out so easily?
He had promised he would never, let her go through any abortion again; he had claimed he wasn’t ready to start a family back then, but he had been lying.
Maybe the voice of her heart was being truthful; maybe she was too stubborn to heed the advice of her best friends.
But she couldn’t help it, she loved him deeply. He had come into her life when she had nothing; no one/. He had sheltered her and provided all her needs. If she left him, what will be left of her?
Her eyes travelled to the little mound of her belly; she had checked herself thoroughly and was a hundred percent sure that sher baby was safe.
Tears burned her cheeks as she imagined going through another abortion.
‘No...You are important to me and i would never hurt you’ her lips shivered as she rubbed her belly. She was q month gone.
She wiped her face and reassured herself that with Tolu’s support and her self determination, she was going to win Ife over. She was ready to raise this child with or without him.
He will grow to like the baby, she assured herself as she dipped a foot into the tub, that was filled with warm and scented water.
She needed a bath; she needed to wash off her pain and heartache.
The feel of the warm water caressed her skin; it was sweet; fulfilling. Her eyes were firmly shut to against the world. Her long hair was kissed by the surface of the water as her back rested on the edge of the tub. In this moment, she felt peace.
She was unaware of everything around, lost in her own empire was she that she failed to notice the intruder.
Ifedayo clenched his teeth as he stared at Mmayen’S naked form.
He suddenly felt guilty for hitting her so brutally, but he couldn’t help it. He was in love with Marian, her cousin and Mma’s pregnancy would ruin everything.
‘I am sorry’ he said as he shut the door firmly behind.
Mmayen’s eyes flew open at the sound of his voice, the voice of the man that she loved.
‘Ife...’ she called to him with a broken voice. What did he want now? Had he come to hit her again?
‘I am sorry...’
‘I shouldn’t have hit you, Mma’ Ife moved to the tub and sat on it.
She swallowed the ball of pain that clogged her throat. What did he want now?
‘Mmayen...I love you but you must understand’ he paused as his eyes travelled to the erected peaks of her breasts.
‘Understand what’? Mma asked in a weak voice.
‘I am not ready for this child; so many things are going on in my family, at work, that have gotten my attention. I love you and I want to be with you only when I am ready’ he cupped her beautiful face in his hands.
‘So, I and this child are not important’? Mmayen stared into his dark eyes; he was so handsome; dark and desirable. How could she resist him?
‘You are but...’ he stopped.
‘But what’? A tear escaped her left eye.
He wanted to say more but he knew she would argue. Only one person could convince her to get rid of the child. Marian.
‘Tell me Ife, don’t you love me anymore? You have been cheating but I said nothing, don’t you love me’? She begged, she cried for answers.
He licked his lips nervously, eyes still on her beautiful breasts.
‘I love you’ his mouth moved towards her mouth and closed it in a passionate kiss.
His mouth tasted sweet; it was hot and burning; hungry as it searched the walls of her delicate mouth; tearing down every mental barrier that she had set up against him. This man was a good kisser, this man was the man for her.
He adored the sweetness of her lips; his hands ran to her long and glorious neck and did a dance; slowly, it crept from her neck to the two mounds on her breasts; he was burning with desire. He couldn’t wait to take her right here, right now.
A soft moan escaped her lips as his hands gave her mounds a squeeze; only Ife knew her body so well, only his hands could quench the desires of her heart.
He was kissing her; he was adoring her with his mouth. She was on fire and she couldn’t wait to feel him insider of her.
He pulled away from her sharply and stared into her eyes, they were heavily clouded with passion. This was his chance, he was going to take it.
‘I want to make love to you’ his voice was needy, heavy with wanting, like his life depended on that moment.
‘Yes’ she nodded sharply.
He rose to his feet and peeled off every piece of clothing that he had on. Leaving her to wallow in the perfection and beauty of his well chiselled and hard body.
She took a deep breath as he stepped into the tub; she knew she would never be the same after his touch.
‘I love you’ he whispered smoothly as he joined her in the tub.
‘I love you too’ she whispered in a shaky voice.
His mouth crashed down on hers another time, this time it silenced her doubts; it gave birth to hope and she knew deep down, there will never be a man for her aside Ife.
****
Marian had been busy making sandwiches. She decided to make Tolu some as a form of peace offering. Once she was done, she left the kitchen and returned to their bedroom.
‘Are you okay’? Marian scanned her friend’s face, she could read Tolu like a book. Something was bothering her.
‘Um, yea’ Tolu jumped to feet. She had not expected this, why had he returned to Nigeria without informing her?
‘Really? Try harder’? Marian dropped the tray containing the sandwiches on the table next to her bed. She knew her friend was lying.
‘Okay, promise not to be mad’? Tolu sighed. She felt nervous, what was he going to look like? How would she react when she saw him?
‘Go on’ Marian nodded, wondering what this was really about.
‘Um, my boyfriend is coming to the house in fifteen minutes; he returned to Nigeria today and asked to see me. I hope this is okay by you’ Tolu said.
‘Your boyfriend? You mean your fiancée? That handsome dude’? Marian’s face lit up, she couldn’t wait to see the warrior god in the physical.
‘Yes, the very same’ Tolu licked her lips nervously and moved towards her wardrobe. She needed to look good, first impressions did matter.
‘Well...I could help you with a dress, if you promise to tell me his name’ Marian offered with a wink.
Tolu scoffed, she knew Marian would never let this one go; what was the point of hiding his identity anyway?
‘Denzel Damola Oluwatosin’ Tolu replied.
‘Hmm...nice name combo, sounds quite familiar’ Marian rubbed her chin thoughtfully, she had come across the name before. She was sure of it.
‘What’s that’? Tolu read her expression.
‘Nothing, let’s get you a dress for this sweet occasion’ Marian shrugged and pushed her towards the dressing table.
Tolu changed dresses ten times till Marian settled on a beige short dress that was not just revealing but clung to her flawless ebony skin; Marian worked on her face for the next few minutes. Eye shadow. Lipstick. Eyeliner.
‘There you are, when he sees you, he wouldn’t think about any other woman’ Marian offered Tolu a mirror.
‘Whoa, I look amazing’ Tolu smiled, out of her two friends, Marian was the fashionista. She was the Nigerian version of Joan Rivers, bless her soul.
‘Thank you’ Tolu offered Marian a smile.
‘Welcome, I think out Prince Charming has arrived’ Marian winked at the sound of the doorbell.
‘Oh my God, I feel so nervous’ Tolu pressed a shaky hand on her chest.
Marian rolled her eyes, she hated drama.
‘Is this the part where the best friend comes up with a stupid line lik “You can do this”’? Marian shook her head.
‘Whatever’ Tolu hissed and hurried towards the door.
One, two, three. She counted in her heart and pulled the door open swiftly.
Her heart stopped as she found him right in front of her.
Maybe this was the wrong address, but this wasn’t the guy she was hoping to see.
‘Good evening darling’ the dark and lanky man waved at her.
‘Excuse me’? She raised a brow.
‘Are you looking for someone’?
‘Ah, yes, my Nigerian wife’ he smiled.
‘What Nigerian wife and who the hell are you’? She was getting impatient.
‘Denzel Oluwatosin’ he replied with a smile.
‘Oh no’ she murmured, she had been played on facebook.
****
Ten years had passed since he had left his home country to start his own software business in the United States. His parents had remained home with his siblings.
Damola Oluwatosin had made a name for himself; he had created a special brand of software “Marisoft” that had made waves int he software market. He hadn’t wanted to come home but the pressure from his parents was getting too much and he decided to pay homage to the City of Tomato Island where he grew up.
He sat outside, on a couch on the veranda of the Oluwatosin mansion. A massive building with twenty rooms. He loved the breeze that caressed the leaves of the palms that were planted in the compound.
He loved the smell of this African air. It was different. It was beautiful. It was soothing. This was home.
‘What are you still doing outside bro’? Lila his younger sister found him outside.
‘Just enjoying the breeze’ he replied and stared into her eyes. She was young but that didn’t stop their relationship from growing. She was wise and too mature for her age and she shared his dreams of making it big in the software Industry.
He had made her his Public Relations manager back at the US. He had asked Lila to stay back and watch their company over there since Denzel, his older brother had refused to stay back.
‘Really? Or you’re thinking’? Lila joined him on the couch.
‘What exactly would I be thinking of’? Damola caressed her hair.
‘I don’t know. Business. How to make more money’ Lila shrugged.
‘You are right, I have an idea, I am sorry I kept this from you’ Damola turned to his sister.
‘Where is Denzel by the way, as my business partner, he deserves to know’ Damola asked. He had not seen his brother for some hours.
‘Oh, he went to meet his girlfriend Tolu’ Lila replied, she almost laughed but she didn’t want to expose Denzel and his double lifestyle.
NOVEMBER BRIDES, WRITTEN BY ROSE AKPABIo
‘Oh? Okay, I bought a land opposite the Legacy Empire, I want to erect our first Nigerian branch there’ Damola announced.
‘Really? That’s perfect but what if the Legacies don’t buy that idea? They may kick against it’ Lila paused, they knew Ifedayo Legacy and his father and how ruthless they were in the business world.
‘I can handle them’ Damola sighed.
Hell, he had handled a lot of things, like losing the only girl he ever loved, how much more competitors in the business?
‘Alright, We’ll see about that; meanwhile, I think we should put up ads for your personal assistant. I would be very busy this week, having to prep you for your first interview with the Nigerian Telveision Authority’ she suggested.
‘Good. P.A is good’.

Thanks to all those who asked after me.., I am fine...just power issues (NEPA) I am back... be praying for light o

Rose Akpabio
NOVEMBER BRIDES –EPISODE SEVEN
Spending time with Tolu had really helped her get her mind off the pregnancy and Iris’ cold treatment. As she flipped the pages of the photo album, she wondered how Tolu had been able to stand up to the woman. It pleased her greatly that she had someone to speak for her as she had no voice.
Iris was like a viper. Broody, deadly and calculating and when she gave you an icy stare, you melted right before her eyes.
‘What a Jezebel’ Mmayen rolled her eyes.
The face of the woman she had seen in the garden plagued her. She was a hundred percent sure she had seen the woman somewhere, or did she resemble somebody that she knew?
The photo album before her was the only thing the fire that gutted her parent’s house and burnt her parents to ashes had not consumed. It had been safely kept in a metallic box in her father’s bedroom.
Tears stung her eyes as that night came tapping her on the shoulder; she was afraid of the memories that flooded her brain but she couldn’t resist them.
“No”! She had screamed as she watched the flames soar higher and higher.
“Run Mma! Run to Damola’s house! Remember that I love you” her mother cried with a loud voice.
Tears streamed down her face as she remembered the incident. Her mother had pushed her out of the house to go over their neighbours but it had been too late for her.
The Oluwatosins lived opposite them and they had been so kind to care for her for some months before she decided to start her own life. They were a very wealthy family and partners with her father in the software business.
A smile creased her lush lips as the tears met the sun of remembrance. His handsome face.
Yes, Ife was dead drop handsome but his looks lacked the fire, the vibrancy that her first crush had. She had been caught in the web of infatuation with Chief Oluwatosin’s first son, Damola who had been six years older than she was.
They were very close at the time. He always told her about his dreams to be like Bill Gates and she would laugh over it and wished him good luck with his dreams.
She wondered briefly where he was as she had lost contact with the family after moving out to stay with Marian. She missed the complicated Oluwatosin family. The family was a mix of good, bad and crazy but they were very friendly and never treated her like an outcast-unlike Iris who hated anything associated with poverty.
Suddenly, the door flew wide open and an angry looking Ifedayo breezed in with a middle aged man who wore nerdy glasses and a black suit.
Mmayen shut the photo album and jumped on her feet, her eyes ran straight to the clock, wondering why he was back so early.
‘Welcome...’ she murmured, still not able to look at him after he slapped her the morning before.
‘Get inside the house, pack your things, we’re going to the hospital...meet Dr. Kola Martins, who would be in charge of the procedure’ Ife gestured to the middle aged man whose eyes were fixed on her belly.
She drew a deep breath, hoping this would not lead to another fight.
‘I don’t understand you...what procedure’? She cocked her head sideways.
‘Madam, you don’t have to be worried. Mr. Ifedayo here has explained everything to me, I know you have had near death experiences but I assure you this wouldn’t hurt’ the man spoke to her.
She scoffed, ‘ I still don’t understand you both...what are you talking about’?
‘Um, Excuse me doctor, we’ll meet you outside in two minutes time’ Ife turned around and ushered the man to the door.
Once the door was firmly shut, he quickly moved towards Mmayen and grabbed her firmly by the shoulder.
‘Look here bitch, you cannot ruin my life. You cannot trap me with that thing in your belly. So get into the room, take a bath and change, you are having that abortion today’ he yelled into her face.
Tears sprang up in her eyes as his thick fingers dug into her fragile brown skin. He was hurting her, not just with his hands but his voice.
‘How can you ask me to do such a thing? I told you...’ she licked her lips.
‘I would never abort this child Ife. I would keep it with or without you’ she fired into his face.
He was stunned for a minute; this version of Mmayen was new to him. Where had she gotten the strength to talk back at him? His eyes scanned the living room briefly, searching, hoping, and looking for a suitable object to launch at her.
He felt frustrated as he found none.
‘So going over to see my mother with that sick friend of yours made you think I’ll accept this’? Ife laughed.
Her heart raced, Iris must have called him.
‘Well, I don’t want to be a part of this child’s life and the better for it’ he pointed at her belly.
‘How could you say something like that? I love you Ife...why are you breaking my heart’? She moved towards him, her face was a river of tears. Why was he rejecting her?
NOVEMBER BRIDES WRITTEN BY ROSE AKPABIO.....
‘Hey! Don’t come any closer, get rid of it’ he raised his hands up.
Fear filled her as she stared into the eyes of the man who had promised her heaven and earth. He was a lie. His words were deceit.
‘I can’t’ she replied firmly.
‘Is that your final answer’? Ife clenched his fist angrily.
‘Yes, the baby stays’ Mmayen replied.
He hurried towards her and lifted her up towards the bedroom. He would deal with her for talking back at him and reporting him to his mother. What if his dad had been there? He would’ve been so disappointed in him.
‘What are you doing? Put me down’ Mmayen squirmed frightfully in his arms.
‘Bitch, I will make your life miserable since you want to ruin mine’ he threw her on the bed and moulded his fingers for the punches that were to come.
‘Ifedayo...please’ she cried and tried to run out of bed but he pinned her down with his firm hands.
“Kpam”! The first blow landed on her cheek.
“Ife”! She screamed. But the laughter of the punches he offered her face were louder than the tears of her screams.
NOVEMBER BRIDES WRITTEN BY ROSE AKPABIO.
******
NOVEMBER BRIDES EPISODE EIGHT
The evening wore a demure dress of sadness and hollowness; cool music and wind danced with the feet of the curtains in the large bedroom that house two huge beds.
Marian lay on one, chatting up her sugar daddies and checking up on Ife too. She loved him very much and she knew it would break Mmayen’s heart when she would eventually find out, but she didn’t care. Hell, she never cared for anyone else apart from herself.
Tired of chatting, she parted her lips in a yawn and stared across, Tolu wasn’t chatting tonight. She was busy with some books. She was a lecturer in Psychology at the teaching Hospital, Tomato Island.
‘It seems she has been dumped by her Yankee boyfriend a.k.a Facebook husband’ Marian rose to her feet. Her stomach was rumbling, she needed to fix something to eat.
‘If that is your way of saying “Tolu, I am sorry for calling you a bitch earlier” then i accept’ Tolu replied without looking up. Her mind was torn between the books she was reading and Mmayen.
Her meeting with Iris had showed her that Mmayen’s baby wasn’t going to be accepted and she needed to tell her friend the truth. Mmayen had to stay strong and raise the child.
‘I cannot apologize, you wronged me’ Marian strolled to Tolu’s bed and sat at the edge.
‘Whatever, this is not the time for us to fight Marian, we have to be there for Mmayen. She needs us more than ever and I didn’t like the way you walked out on her’ Tolu dropped her books and took off her glasses.
Marian sighed. She was angry her cousin had taken in for Ife and she had felt very jealous that he had touched her. She didn’t give a rat’s ass about what Mmayen did or did not do.
‘You see why I was mad’? She bit her lip.
‘It all comes back to us. She spreads her legs for him and gets pregnant and we are the ones that do the comforting. It still beats me why she is still with Ifedayo, the guy is a total jerk’.
‘I agree, totally’ Tolu nodded, but that wasn’t the point. How would they help Mmayen out of this situation?
‘So what do you think about the pregnancy, how do you feel’? Tolu inquired.
‘I want her to abort it and get away from that guy’ Marian replied.
‘What? Whatever your reasons are, I am totally against it’ Tolu wasn’t happy with Marian’s opinion.
Marian could care less; this was the problem with Nigerians. They ask you for your opinion and when you give it to them, it becomes a problem.
‘Take it or leave it, she is going to abort it because Ife wants nothing to do with it’ Marian rose to her feet already bored with the conversation.
‘I went to Iris’ today’ Tolu said, she narrated all that had happened in the rose garden.
‘See? This is what I am talking about. This baby is not wanted. Do you think it is fair to the poor child? I don’t want to be a part of this, frankly. And I am really starving, so, Let me go to the kitchen and fix myself something light’ Marian strolled out of the room without looking back.
‘Insensitive but has a point’ Tolu rubbed her chin thoughtfully. She had not seen it from this angle, but she was scared. What if Mmayen lost her life?
While she made love to her thoughts, a phone rang. It broke into her thoughts. She had been expecting a call from her lover who was to return after seven days. She was taken to him.
Her expectations crashed as she realized, Marian’s phone was buzzing. She rose to her feet and fetched it. She intended taking the phone to her.
She was about reaching the door, when her eyes found the screen glaring back at her. A mischievous idea entered her.
She decided to check her friend’s messages. Marian had bragged that she was now dating one of Tomato Island’s rich hotel owner, Tolu was curious.
She tapped the screen and then paused as she found this: Laura, things are going tough here, the bitch doesn’t want to comply.
Tolu shrugged, who was Laura?
She decided to mind her own business as she did not want to have a fight with Marian.
As she was about stepping out of the room, her phone rang. She rushed towards it and was rewarded for her exercise. Her lover was calling.
‘Hello’ she whispered sweetly.
‘My angel, where are you’? He asked.
‘Home’? She raised a brow.
‘I am in Tomato Island, text me your address’ he replied.
‘But you were to come in seven days time....’she trailed off.
‘I changed my mind, text me your address’.

NOVEMBER BRIDES EPISODE 5 BY ROSE AKPABIO
***********************
His lips were entwined with hers in this passionate kiss; his hands travelled from the curls of her short hair to the softness of her hips, how he had missed this body.
She loved the masculine scent that emanated from his perfume; she loved the taste of his mouth...hard as it crashed down and bruised her lips. There was no man that had unleashed her pent up passion like the way Ifedayo did and that was the reason she had fallen in love with him after the first night they’d both made out.
She had met Ifedayo from one of her married boyfriends at a party and since then, they had started sleeping with each other even before he met her cousin, Mmayen at her birthday party.
She had felt horribly jealous as she watched Ife’s eyes rake her cousin’s beautiful figure; she was sure of this, he had never looked at her that way. That stare had meant so much and that was the moment she realized he was in love with her cousin.
They had stopped seeing each other for a while, but four months after he began to date Mmayen, her feelings for him blossomed again and she realized she wasn’t going to let him go, just like that.
Ife was a lady’s man. He was made and generous; he was passionate in everything he did. He could turn a simple kiss into something beyond pleasurable or set fire on a woman by simply massaging her foot.
But why had he not chosen her? Why had he chosen Mmayen? She had asked him this question many times, but he only claimed what he felt for Mma was pity after realizing she was an orphan.
Anger raced through her as she realized that he had impregnated her cousin again.
She pulled away from him and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, infuriated and madly jealous.
‘What is it’? Ifedayo asked, his eyes were clouded with passion.
‘You were still sleeping with her...how could you betray me like that’? Marian snapped angrily at her.
‘What was I supposed to do...we sleep on the same bed’ Ife replied.
‘But you promised not to touch her again...you promised to be faithful to me’ Marian felt hurt that he was still with her cousin.
‘I am sorry I got her pregnant...’ Ifedayo paused. His friend’s words had touched him earlier, there were not many good girls left and Mmayen was a good girl though she wasn’t classy enough to be his wife.
‘What if she keeps this one’? He turned to Marian. The last time Mmayen aborted a child, she almost lost her life. He felt guilt as he remembered her pale face and the way she had soaked the sheets they lay on with blood for fourteen days.
‘You want her to keep it’? Marian scoffed. Was Ifedayo still in love with her cousin?
‘You said you loved me...what am I supposed to believe? You said you want to marry me? How then can another woman carry your child’? Marian moved closer to him. Ifedayo was the man of her dreams and she was prepared to do anything to keep things that way.
‘But...what if she gets hurt. I don’t want her to die’ Ife stared into the brown eyes of the woman whom he desired strongly. He was in love with her, Marian was his female version and they were a perfect fit.
She was ambitious and stubborn and so was he.
‘I’ll take her to a good doctor. Just don’t touch her again, promise’? She drew circles on his face with her finger nails.
‘I promise’ Ifedayo nodded like a little boy who was receiving advice from his mother.
‘So...one more question’ Marian fetched her bag as she considered her mission done.
‘When will you break up with her finally’? She inquired.
‘When do you want me to break up with her’? Ife asked.
‘After the abortion, I have to go now sweedy, I have other things to do’ she dropped a light kiss on his cheeks and whispered ‘I love you’.
‘I love you too’ he replied.
She withdrew from him and rushed out of his office without looking back.
He released the breath he had been holding; Marian was a fireball and no man could ever grow weary of her.
His phone rang shortly after and he decided to take it, it was his mother:

‘Good afternoon Ma’ he greeted.
‘Save your greetings for your penis’ Iris replied.
‘Mum? What’s that supposed to mean’? He felt insulted.
‘That LovePeddler called Mmayen came to my house and insulted me with her friend all because you got her pregnant. I am disappointed in you. If you plan on bringing that low life into our family, then you have failed’ Iris rage poured hotly on her sun like acid rain.
Ifedayo was stunned. So Mmayen had gone to report him to his mother?
‘I shall handle this, I am sorry for her insults’ he said.
‘Good...make sure you fix it’ Iris ordered.
NOVEMBER BRIDES WRITTEN BY ROSE. AKPABIO.
‘I will fix it’ Ifedayo replied firmly. Anger coursed through him as he dropped the phone on the table, Mmayen had caused his mother to undermine him.
He felt more angry as he stared at the picture of Daramola Oluwatosin who was his age mate yet richer than he was.
He would deal with her mercilessly.

Mmayen’s eyes were fixed on the busy streets; children were playing; cars swished by; lovers were kissing; everything seemed so perfect only that she was not in the right frame of mind to appreciate the beauty of an ordinary street.
‘What’s on your mind’? Tolu glanced at her briefly before riveting her eyes back to the road.
‘I don’t know...’Mmayen paused. The urge to weep for her predicament had returned but she fought with it. This was not the time to cry, it was the time to stay strong.
If she had even considered getting rid of the pregnancy, now she had brought the matter to her friends, that option was gone.
As she stared at Tolu, she felt raw determination radiating from the firmness of her jaw and her acute eyes which were a swirl of different emotions- Anger and hate.
She could feel her friend’s desire to help her out of this situation.
‘You’re a good friend Tolu. Thanks for being by my side’ a small smile played on her lips.
Tolu returned the smile but the frown she wore quickly replaced it.
‘You have not answered my question...what’s on your mind’? Tolu repeated. She knew how evasive Mmayen could be at times.
She preferred Mmayen to her cousin Marian, who was selfish and inconsiderate, Mmayen as the type of friend that could sacrifice her last penny for you to solve your problem; she could sleep on an empty belly just for her friend to be fine.
This was the reason she was so determined to deal with Ifedayo once and for all.
‘I doubt if this would work, Iris does not like me much and her other kids resent me’ Mmayen gave Tolu a brief description of Ifedayo’s tigress of a mother.
Iris was Ife’s arrogant mother who did not approve of their relationship.
‘Iris ni, Iris Ko, what mother would support her son in this case? Ifedayo has not done right by you, who the hell does he think he is? I hate him so much. Don’t be scared of Iris, I know how to handle women like her’ Tolu was firm on this promise.
‘I pray it works out’ Mmayen muttered under her breath. Her heart ached by the way he cousin had lashed at her. She couldn’t blame Marian much. Since her parents died, she had been the one and only relative she had been left with.
Marian had never approved of Ifedayo’s relationship with her from the very beginning. She had asked her cousin to give her reasons why she didn’t approve Ife, but she always came up with: “Ife is just not right for you”. Maybe she was right, but how could she not fall for a man like Ifedayo?
Her heart cried out to him at all times. She breathed him; she had him permanently engraved in her thoughts.
Ifedayo was a very handsome man; his eyes were light brown and held a seductive glow in their depths; his body was well carved and muscled like that of a Greek god. And when he made love? When he kissed her with his lush lips, he had her trapped. When he was happy, he’d buy her gifts and treated her like Rihanna would sing: “only girl in the world”.
‘Okay, guess what’? Tolu decided to lighten the atmosphere.
‘What’? Mmayen smiled not wanting to be a douche bag.
‘I met this really hot guy on facebook and we have been dating for six months now; he proposed and will be home in seven days, isn’t that wonderful’? Tolu grinned.
‘Jeez! Six months Tolu and you kept this from me? Does Marian know about this’?
Mmayen was distracted for a while.
‘No, I just told her today. Hey, I needed to be sure about him first. I am sorry I kept this from you’ Tolu apologized.
Out of the many men she had come across, this one was totally different; even though he had not seen her and she had not seen him, they seemed to have a bond.
‘You seem to like him very much, your relationships don’t exceed two weeks’ Mmayen gritted her teeth.
‘True, I love tearing the sheets; ain’t much to do after that’ Tolu scoffed.
‘So what is his name’? Mmayen asked as they arrived Ifedayo’s parents’ house.
The massive structure before them was a three storey and it was every bit intimidating.
‘Denzel’ Tolu supplied.
‘Alright listen carefully...do not be afraid of Iris; you are not the one at fault but her stupid son, okay? Remember that’ Tolu stepped out of the car.
Together, they walked towards the gate.
‘Good day, we’ll like to see Madam’ Tolu addressed the skinny looking gateman.
‘You get appointment with am’? He asked in a very unfriendly tone.
‘Yes’ Mmayen chipped in. He stared at her for a few minute and decided she wouldn’t cause any problem, he had seen her before.
‘She dey her garden’ he replied and let them in.
****
Iris’ garden was a ceremony of roses- blue, white, red, yellow, pink and hybrid coloured roses. The scent of the flower queen exalted itself among the other flowers that sprouted wildly.
Iris was a chubby fair skinned woman. She seldom smiled and she ruled her household with an iron fist. She had friends from the rich circle and usually organised tea parties in her garden for women of class just like herself.
‘So tell me, what does Eniola like’? She asked her friend, Imisi, who sat opposite her.
She had spotted a potential ally and friend in Eniola; only that Eniola was beyond her reach. She was richer and more highly placed in the society.
‘My sister is a lover of books...Just buy her a good book and you are her friend’ Imisi replied with a laugh.
She gazed at Iris, the most powerful and dangerous woman in Tomato Island.
Iris knew everybody’s secret but only few people knew hers which made her supreme.
‘So when...’Iris paused as two intruders stepped into her garden. She recognized one, Mmayen, the LovePeddler her son was bedding; who was soon to become history as she had plans.
‘Good afternoon Ma’ Mmayen bent her knees. Tolu said nothing, she returned Iris’ cold stare with the same icy intensity.
‘What do you want in my house’? Iris eyed Mma with disdain. She was a poor, lowlife who had plans to destroy her son’s life.
‘Please...’Mmayen was about to speak but Tolu’s cold stare shut her up.
‘We would like to speak with you in private’ Tolu stepped in.
‘Oh I guess I will excuse you’ Imisi rose to her feet but one command from Iris had her back on her chair.
‘Sit’ Iris commanded with a cold voice.
‘Say whatever you want here or you get the hell out of my house’ she snapped at Tolu.
‘Please...’Mmayen started but Tolu pinner her down with her eyes.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed the other woman had been staring at her for so long; their eyes met. She felt an odd sensation as she stared at the petite woman; she really did seem familiar, had they met before?

‘Ifedayo has impregnated my friend and has to do the needful. He asked her to get rid of it but my friend would not do something like that. You need to call him to order’ Tolu’s voice was cold and haunting, neither rude nor polite. She was fearless.
‘The needful’? Iris’ mocking gaze travelled from the cheap looking shoes Mmayen wore to the crown of her head.
‘Ifedayo must marry her or accept responsibility for the child’ Tolu broke it down.
To their dismay, Iris burst out laughing. She laughed so hard that tears streamed down her golden face.
When she stopped, she rose to her feet and walked towards the girls.
‘Now look here, If you think you can trap my son with that bastard in your belly, you are nothing but a big Joke. Now get the hell out of my garden’ she yelled angrily.
‘We were just leaving’ Tolu grabbed Mma’s hand and they both walked out.
A rage iris had never felt before consumed her. Ifedayo had failed her.
As they reached the car, Mmayen burst into tears; where would all these lead? She had known this was a terrible idea; Iris would never accept her or her baby.
‘Don’t worry, everything would be fine. I know how to handle women like Iris’ Tolu rubbed her head gently as she sobbed.

NOVEMBER BRIDES BY ROSE AKPABIO 2

Tolu was a chubby dark skinned beauty; she was friends with Marian and her cousin- Mmayen. Tolu was the liveliest of the trio and she was a terrible flirt.
Simply put, Tolu was a diehard player whose delight was in breaking hearts.
‘Babe, come chi chum chin’ she clapped her hands excitedly as she stared at the screen of her apple device.
‘What now’? Marian rolled her eyes.
‘Abi you don catch another mugu’? She winked.
She on the other hand was busy chatting with her married boyfriends.
‘Come first na, you need to see this one’ Tolu was persistent.
‘Alright, what have we’? Marian strolled to where she sat and leaned over her to have a glimpse of this new catch.
Her golden brown eyes were engorged with awe as she stared at the picture of the most handsome man she had ever see,
‘Babe, this guy is hot, who is he’? Maria asked. She felt butterflies in her tummy as she stared into the brooding dark eyes of the nameless man.
‘The latest mugu in town. He saw one of my posts of facebook and sent me a message six months ago. He asked me out’ Tolu gushed about her latest lover.
‘You have been dating this guy for six months and you never cared to let me know’? Marian was in shock.
‘You are not a nice person’ she quickly added’ feeling hurt and betrayed.
‘I had to be sure of him na, well, I called you to show you this, he is coming back to Nigeria in seven days’ she clicked the device and a picture of a diamond ring appeared.
‘Tolu! Is this real? You’re getting married’ Marian almost died of surprise, this was too much for her to taken in. She hopped excitedly on her friend and hugged the breath out of her.

‘Well...I have not said “yes”. I want to meet him in person’ Tolu replied coolly. She was not a novice in the game of love; she had heard girls meeting men on facebook who turned out to be dupes. She wanted a real man; a man that would lover her for her character and not her body.
‘Well...that’s true; let’s see him first then you can decide on what to do’ Marian released her.
‘What’s the name of the guy anyway’? Marian threw the words carelessly like she did not give a care.
‘When he comes, you’ll know’ Tola folded the laptop and rose to her feet. She was a bad girl and so was Marian; they did not trust each other even though they lived in the same apartment.
Marian was stung by her friend’s refusal to tell her about the nameless man.
‘Wait, what’s this about? Do you think I am interested in your man? Are you kidding me’? She snapped angrily.
‘I didn’t say anything besides you should learn a little privacy’ Tolu fired back.
‘You are so full of yourself. Do you think you deserve that hottie’? Marian hissed loudly.
‘What’s that supposed to mean’? Tolu rose to her feet.
It should be noted that these two friends never saw eye to eye; they were opposites. Though Tolu was a flirt, she wasn’t as loud and extroverted as Marian.
‘You’re such an ugly bitch’ Marian moved closer to her.
‘Did you just call me a bitch? You’re the one who sleeps with married men? Hello’? Tolu laughed.
‘Really? Do you want to do this? Tell me; haven’t you slept with a hundred men? Foolish girl’ Marian raised a hand, ready to launch it at her saucy friend when the door flew wide open and a sour faced Mmayen stepped in.
****
‘What is going on here’? Mmayen was appalled at the sight of her friends fighting.
‘Nothing’ Tolu forced a smile and sank into the chair next to her.
‘When did you arrive? I didn’t hear your car’ Marian played along. They would have their fight later.
‘Um, Dayo took the keys from me and said I should be using a cab henceforth’ she replied in a sad voice.
‘I have been calling your lines but you guys didn’t pick, so I decided to come here’ she continued.
Tolu and Marian exchanged glares; their friend wasn’t okay and they could sense it heavily.
Her face wore a dullness that defined pain. Her eyes were red and swollen and her cheeks were puffy.
‘What did Dayo do this time? I have asked you to leave that Idiot a thousand times but you would never listen to me. You keep telling me that you are in love with him and you hope you can change him. How can you change a devil’? Marian scoffed. She was in rage as she imagined what he had done to her cousin this time.
When he did not hit her, he would verbally abuse her. He had no regards for whatsoever and it was sickening.
‘Calm down Marian, we know you can rant like a rabid dog but this is not the time’ Tolu carefully stepped into the situation.
‘Abasi! Did you just call me a rabid dog? May God punish you and your family’ Marian was infuriated.
Tolu shook her head silently as she watched her rant like a spoilt child.
‘Girls! I am pregnant’ tears sprang up in Mma’s eyes as she stared at her friends. Couldn’t they feel her pain? Were they that blind to grief? To heartache?
She was in a dark place; she was lost and confused. She was terrified and she needed somebody to help her out.
It was as if a divine transformation had occurred. The once noisy room changed to a library and the fighters became solemn and sullen.
‘What? How? Why’? Marian couldn’t believe her ears.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Why did you let him touch you without protection and what happened to the pill’? Tolu asked.
‘I...I think the pill I used was fake’ Mmayen stuttered, not sure of what had really happened.
‘How could you let that bastard touch you again? Do you remember the last Dissection and Curettage that you had? You almost bled to death and now you’re telling me you are with another child. I am disappointed in you’ Marian launched the words at her cousin.
‘Marian...’Tolu tried to calm her.
‘Don’t call my name, I am done’ Marian rose to her feet. She was done listening to nonsense. She considered her cousin weak and pathetic and probably deserved what she was getting.
‘Marian....’Mma called after her as she stormed towards the door, but her please fell on deaf ears as the banging of the door was the only answer she could get.
That was followed by the sound of a moving car.
‘Leave her...I am so sorry for her behaviour’ Tolu reached out for her hands.
‘So what are you going to do? Have you told him yet’? Tolu looked into her friend’s eyes with compassion.
‘Yes...I did. Ifedayo doesn’t want the pregnancy, he wants me to abort it’ she broke down and started crying.
‘Oh my God, no, that will never happen’ Tolu was shocked to hear those words. She and Marian were aware of the various abortions Mmayen had done. The fourth was the most life threatening and they had vowed never to allow her pass through such torment.
‘But what do I do? Look at me, I am still in school. I have no skills; I have no job. I rely on Ife for everything; Tell me, who would take care of this baby if I decide to keep it? Who will feed and provide all its needs? Ife doesn’t want it and I fear he doesn’t want me anymore’ her lips shivered.
‘Listen to me Mma, You will not have an abortion. Since he wants to play smart, we’ll take two steps ahead’ Tolu rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
‘What? If you are planning on speaking to Ife on my behalf, forget it. He wouldn’t listen’ Mmayen watched her friend closely.
‘Not Ifedayo, but his parents’ Tolu replied.
‘His parents? Are you sure about that’? Mmayen wondered if this was the right thing to do.
She had met his parents only thrice; first at his thirty first birthday party; second, when his mother paid him a visit and third, his sister’s wedding. All three encounters were horrible.
His family had treated her like scum; from the way his mother’s hateful eyes had run over her, she knew she wasn’t welcome.
‘Yes, absolutely sure, we are going there right now’ Tolu moved towards her bedroom, she needed to wear something appropriate for the occasion.
****
Tomato Island was the largest City in Nigeria, and the fifth largest in Africa. It was busy and crowded with a lot of people, mostly hustlers who wanted to make some money for themselves.
The streets were compacted with Blue buses, vehicles and people; traffic jam was the order of the day. Tomato Island was the mother of Lagos State.
‘I plan to go on vacation soon, maybe to Hawaii, the Bahamas or Paris’ Ifedayo’s eyes ran the streets from the window of his office which was the tenth floor of the skyscraper.
‘Good for you, you need it a lot boss’ Ubong, his best friend replied.
Ifedayo Legacy was the first son of Chief Alade Legacy, the richest man in the country and continent and the 47th richest man in the world. His father had business all over the world and he was in charge of running them along his siblings. But he was put solely in charge of the headquarter branch of Legacy, which was right here in Tomato Island.
It was a software producing company.
‘Don’t call be that’ Ife snapped at his friend, his eyes still feeding the busy street and his back facing Ubong.
‘Have you seen the news lately’? Ubong arched a brow as he flipped the pages of the Forbes Magazine.
‘No, I don’t have time for that; I got time for my women’ Ife remarked and swirled round.
‘Really’? Ubong snorted.
‘What’? Ife asked.
‘Don’t judge me, polygamy is a man’s thing’ Ife replied.
‘I am not judging you, but I don’t like the way you treat Mmayen. It’s really hard to meet good girls these days. If they don’t want your money, they want you dick; one way or the other, they always want something’ he said to his friend.
‘And Mmayen doesn’t want something? Hell, I feed and provide all her needs. What more does she need from me’? Ife asked.
‘Loyalty, respect, commitment’ Ubong named the qualities.
‘Like I am going to marry her? She is not in my class dude’ Ife shrugged and sank into his arm chair.
‘Then why are you still with her? Why are you living with her’? Ubong asked. He was irritated by his friend’s selfish attitude.
‘Killing time’ Ife cut in.
‘So you’re saying she is good for nothing’? Ubong asked.
‘Maybe...come in’ Ifedayo called to the person knocking.
‘Well, before I leave; I just saw in the news that there is another Nigerian richer than your dad, here have a look’ he showed his friend the magazine.
‘Damola Oluwatosin’ Ifedayo stared at the picture of the thirty three year old man who had topped his father in riches.
He suddenly felt underachieved.
‘He is coming back home in seven days’ Ubong said.
‘To where’? Ifedayo asked.
‘Tomato Island of course, he was born and bred here before his family moved to the states’.
‘Listen man, I have to go, see you later’ Ubong waved and left for his office but not before bumping into one of Mmayen’s friends. She was the prettiest of them all and he liked her but she seemed really saucy and he hated that.
‘Hello darling....’Marian banged the door loudly. So loud that the magazine he held fell from his hands.
‘Marian...what are you doing here? I thought we agreed to be discreet’? Ifedayo was stunned to see her.
‘The door is locked, I am really Hot right now’ her hands caressed her buttons and she undid them, one by one.
****

Thanks pipo for the warm welcome

NOVEMBER BRIDES BY ROSE AKPABIO
********************************
The morning birds were singing a sweet ol’ chorus; the whistling wind carried a message to the curtains and they danced in delight. Golden streaks of sunlight sipped into the room and cast a shadow over the bed.
But she did not hear these; she was blind to the beauty of the morning sun in her glory as her thoughts were far away.
The brown skinned beauty that sat on the bed was Mmayen; her gracious long hair cascaded down her shoulders; her beady brown eyes were sharp and cute and were on the man who lay beside her.
Her nostrils that were supported that were supported by a firm and erect nose flared as she was distraught with her latest discovery.
Her full pink lips trembled in quiet sob as she stared at the phon; Ifedayo was cheating on her again. This time with a lady named Laura but that wasn’t what weighed her down.
In fact, that was the least of her problems.
Unknown to her, he had been awake the whole time. He had seen when she had taken his phone from his briefcase where he usually hid it. Anger travelled from yellow discomfort to fiery rage as he sat up beside her.
‘What the hell are you doing going through my phone’? He barked.
‘Geez, you scared me’ Mmayen almost jumped out of the bed, she had not expected he would wake so soon.
‘I...your phone was ringing’ she lied, not wanting to upset him.
‘Bitch, now hand it over’.
‘I don’t understand you Ife, why do you always call me names? Who do you think you are’? Tears stung her eyes as she regarded him.
‘Need I remind you that I am the one feeding and clothing you. I pay your fees so remember that when next you speak rudely to me’ he grabbed the phone out of her hands and landed his rough hands on her cheeks.
She wept silently as his slap stung her like a bee’s bite. Tears poured down like a rushing river as she was reminded in this bitter moment that she had no choice but to keep up with him; with his nonsense.
She had no family, her parents had died in a fire and there was no one left to care for her. She had been eighteen years old when this had happened and she met Ife at a friend’s party five years after.
She had fallen in love with him on the spot and he had fallen for her too or so he claimed. He asked her to move in with him and she did as she as tired of being a burden to her friend and cousin, Marian.
They had been together four years now and she felt trapped as she realized his love was hate; his love was violence, his love was a prison. But who would set her free?
She couldn’t afford to pay her fees. Though her friends, Marian and Tolu were working, she couldn’t bother them with her problems. They had done enough for her since her parents died.
She started late in school and she was having a hard time passing some courses because of the problems she was facing here with Ife.
Her tears flowed as she stared at the man she had fallen in love with; he had totally changed after six months of dating but she couldn’t leave him. She was deeply in love and terrified of letting go.
‘You are cheating on me’ she jumped out of bed. What did he see in other girls that he didn’t see in her? ‘So? Last I checked, we are not married’ he raised his middle finger in the air.
‘I am pregnant’ Mmayen blurted out, she sobbed in a broken voice.
The room died as silence murdered it.
‘What’? The phone fell from his hands.
‘You heard me, I am pregnant’ she repeated.
‘Get rid of it, I’m calling my doctor’ he fetched his phone swiftly.

‘Get rid of it’? She scoffed and hoped she was hallucinating.
‘This is the fifth child I am aborting. Don’t you care about my life? Don’t you care about me’? You said if I get pregnant again that we will get married’ she reminded him of his words.

She was going crazy, what was happening to her? shen felt numb all over. She was alive but dead.
‘Get married to whom? You’? He scoffed and stormed out of the room.

‘No, Come back’ her lips moved silently, his words piercing right through her.
How could he speak such words to her? Didn’t he know she loved him more than herself? That she could die for him?
Mmayen cried like never before; there had to be a way out as she wasn’t going to kill this child.

Hi angels! I am back...who missed me? So this one would be hot and short. Please don't pressure me... I want it to be perfect for you. No fighting on the thread No hate No Plagiarism. I will finish this....A PROMISE Updates ...Monday, Wed, Friday, Sundays? Agreed?

The wedding scene is on the page now.

If you re interested in reading the wedding scene, visit m page tomorrow!
Meanwhile prepare for another story, Barbie and Kachi's love stories.(This will be for sale). I have other books for sale just contact me, you know my email na(aishayasmina@yahoo.com) or send a message to "Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories).
Goodnight people!

‘Where is she’? Sophia asked.

‘She ran away, I can’t find her’ Kachi decided to play a prank on her friend.
‘No, she can’t run away, what if something bad happens to her, listen I get she was a bitch and slept with those men but if those men really loved me, if they trusted me, they wouldn’t have fallen for her’ Sophia was a bit annoyed.

‘I’m here Soph’ Barbie stepped out from the bathroom.

‘Come here Barbs’ she opened her arms for her sister.

‘I’m going to cry’ Kachi smiled. Sophia was an angel.

‘I’m so sorry Soph, I’m sorry I hurt you and ruined your relationships’ Barbie sobbed in her sister’s arms.

‘I love you Barbie, that’s what matters’ Sophia replied.

‘I feel ashamed’ Barbie cried harder.

‘I have forgiven you but things wouldn’t go smoothly between us for a while. You broke my trust, you broke my heart and to gain it back, you have to earn it’ Sophia explained.

‘I know, I prepared myself for this, all I needed was your forgiveness. I feel peace right now looking at you’ she nodded.

‘Good’ Sophia smiled.

‘Let me have my bath, I would be back’ Barbie wiped her face and smiled.
‘Run along baby sis’ Sophia shooed her.

‘You look more beautiful and confident, tell me, what does Lekan do to you’? Kachi smiled, she was loving this new version of her friend.

‘He loves me so much, I am so happy Kachi’ she said.

‘I can see that. I wish I found my Mr Right’ Kachi said.

‘You will, you definitely will, and when you do, you would be so happy’ Sophia drew her in for a hug.

‘You’re the best friend anyone could ever ask for’ Kachi hugged her back.

‘Thanks Kachi’ she replied.

‘I’ll be celebrating this Christmas’ Sophia was excited.

‘Why? You hate Christmas’ Kachi was amazed, so many things had changed with Soph.

‘Not anymore. Love happened at Christmas’ Sophia laughed.

‘Why do I have a feeling you’ve lost your virginity’? Kachi narrowed her brows.

‘Hey don’t start, I’m not telling you a thing’ Sophia knew how naughty Kachi could be.
‘Well I guess I can shout it out loud’ Kachi winked.

‘Love happened at Christmas’! they both chorused and fell on each other laughing.




EPILOGUE
‘Welcome to Sophia’s kitchen, we would be doing something special today, apart from dancing, eating and laughing, we want to give everyone the chance to come up here and say something nice to their loved one’ the M.C announced.

‘I’m loving this chocolate cake, taste awesome’ Kachi took a bite and offered some to Barbie who had become her new friend.

‘I hate cakes Kachi’ Barbie declined.

‘Why did you even come for this party? You are a kill joy’ Kachi snorted.

‘Okay let’s play a game, look at those cakes over there, the first to finish a cake would pay the other person fifty thousand naira’ Barbie decided to have some fun.

‘If you’re too shy to tell me you’re broke then I’m sorry friend, I cannot help you’ Kachi teased.

‘You said I’m a kill joy, let’s go have some fun’ she rushed towards the cake and Kachi joined her.
‘We’re going to cause a scene’ Kachi chuckled softly.

‘This is Christmas, sh*t is allowed’ Barbie smiled and devoured her cake.
………………………………….
‘I think my niece is going crazy’ Aunt Davina watched as Barbie and Kachi ate like they’d escaped prison.

‘Ah, you should leave them be, they’re young and wild and free’ Mrs Olaitan replied.

‘Have you seen Sophia’? Aunt Davina asked, she had been more than thrilled to see her niece had gotten herself a fine young man.

‘I haven’t set my eyes on Lekan all morning, those two are always so naughty’ Mrs Olaitan winked.

‘I hope he doesn’t get Sophia pregnant’ Aunt Davina replied.

‘That would be a good thing, I’ve already knitted five baby cardigans’ the older woman said.

‘He has to marry her first, I’m very old fashioned’ Aunt Davina insisted.

‘Surely he will’ Mrs Olaitan danced briefly to the carol that was played.

‘You look like a wounded chicken’ Aunt Davina chuckled.

‘I do not care, I love to dance when it’s Christmas’. The old woman laughed.

………………………………….
‘Lekan, you have to stop, we need to join the others’ she tried to push him away.

‘Are you angry that my painting wasn’t picked’? he winked at her

‘No, that would be shallow, stop being mischievous, you know what you’re trying to do’ she tried to push him away.

‘I can’t get enough of you, I want you Soph’ he caressed her face.

‘Not now Lekan’ she had to escape him somehow.

‘Okay when’? he asked.

‘Soon’ she smiled and stormed out of the room the moment she had the chance.

This made him laugh so hard. She was upset about something he could tell but he couldn’t place his finger on it.
He pulled out the box from his pocket, there was no better time to do this than on Christmas day.

…………….
‘What are you girls doing’? Sophia was amazed .
‘Cake competition’ Barbie replied already feeling nauseous.

‘Someone would land in the hospital I bet you’ Sophia shook her head.

‘Not me’ Kachi coughed and pointed at the stage.

‘There’s your man’

Sophia followed the direction of Kachi’s finger and found Lekan on the stage holding the mic? What did he think he was doing?

‘Attention everybody’ he called. The music came off and everyone turned and faced him.

‘Sophia please join me on stage’ he beckoned to her.

‘He is totally proposing’ Barbie was happy for her sister.

‘He is not, who proposes at a Christmas party’? Kachi differed.

‘Let’s bet’ Barbie suggested.

‘Ten naira’ Kachi winked and Barbie chuckled.
……………………
What was Lekan up to? She wondered.
‘All my life, I have been this bitter and mean person. My world was filled with gloom and defeat. Then one night I stepped out of the supermarket and found out that this beautiful woman here bashed my car’ the crowd laughed.

‘Yes, she bashed my car, I got so angry and I did something unmanly, but she forgave me nevertheless, we became friends and something more. The point is, I found an amazing woman, a mother, a friend, a partner in Sophia. She’s my pillar.’ He kissed her head.

‘I want to marry her’ he fetched the box from his pocket.

‘Lekan’! she was breathless.

‘Will you marry me’? he went on his knees.

‘Say yes’ the crowd jeered.

‘Yes’ she replied and hugged him.

‘I love you Sophia, whatever I did to upset you forgive me’ he whispered.

‘You didn’t upset me. I haven’t seen my period yet.’ She whispered.

‘Good news then’ he kissed her and slipped the ring on her finger.

‘I told you he will marry her’ Mrs Olaitan smiled.

‘You knew about this didn’t you?’ Aunt Davina chuckled.

The Party went on well, they ate, they laughed and made merry.
You’ll agree with me, that Christmas season is the best of them all.

‘She’s never going to forgive me Kachi, I wished those men had killed me, I feel so horrible’ Barbie cried as she realized Sophia had cut the call on her.

‘What men’? Kachi pitied her.
‘After leaving the house for some days, I had decided to return and confess to Barbie, some men robbed me and stole everything I had including my car’ she narrated her experience.

‘Sorry about that Barbs’ Kachi replied.

‘I feel so terrible, look how I treated her, the only sister I ever had’ regret wouldn’t let her be.

‘Save your strength, you just woke up Barbara, you could talk to your sister when you’re healed, if you’re truly sorry, Sophia would forgive you, she has a good heart’ Kachi’s words gave her hope.

‘Really? You think so’? Her eyes glazed with hope.

‘I know so, Sophia can do no wrong, she’s an angel’ Kachi replied confidently.

‘Lord please touch her heart’ Barbie prayed having realized her mistakes.





‘Hey it’s okay’ Lekan comforted her.

‘No it’s never going to be okay, how am I ever going to forget what she did to me? It isn’t okay Lekan’ Sophia sobbed.

‘You would have to, not forgiving someone could cause you a lot of things. You can forgive her, that doesn’t mean you’ll want to be close to her again’ Lekan explained.

‘But she is my sister’ Sophia replied.

‘Come, let me show you something’ he led her to the studio.

The raw smell of the paints slapped her nostrils, the room was filled with artworks.

‘She even went through your profile, told me you loved the arts’ Sophia said as she walked towards a carving.

‘Oh’ Lekan was stunned at Barbie’s nature, how could someone be so beautiful yet so evil?

‘This is beautiful’ she ran her fingers across the carving.

‘I didn’t do that, bought it on my way to Osun some time back, I do drawings and paintings’ he loved how happy she looked.

‘Wow, you’re very talented, just look at this one, so blissful’ she pointed at the still life painting.

‘I would be submitting an artwork for the national competition, I would love to hear your thoughts about it’ he’d covered the ‘SOPHIA’ painting with a white sheet.

‘Who is this woman? She looks perfect’ she glided her hands on the painting of the woman that was his mother.

‘My mother….’ He hesitated.

‘She’s so beautiful’ Sophia smiled.

‘Yes she was’ Lekan replied quietly.

‘Was, what happened? I’m sorry I asked, show me the painting for the competition’ she felt like she hit a nerve.

‘I’ll tell you everything, just take a look at this’ he unsheathe the painting.

She felt breathless as she saw her twin on the canvas. The painting was magnificent, she hadn’t seen something as beautiful as that, she even became envious of it.

She saw herself, just the way she was, how did he draw her curves? How did he find her edges?

The woman in the painting was nude, she sat on a beach, her long hair flowed to her shoulders and her dark skin glowed. Her eyes were blazing almonds, brown and rich, she wore a neutral expression, her lips were red and plump but she didn’t part them for a smile.
Her breasts were medium moulds of flesh and her wide hips could bring downfall to any man.

‘Lekan….i love you so much’ she was speechless. He drew her?
‘I love you too honey’ he meant every word he spoke to her. He sealed his words with a soft kiss on her head.

‘Very interesting painting’ she stepped closer and noticed the painting wore a necklace, on it was written ‘Poshia’.

‘Yes, I’m happy you like it’ he smiled.

‘What’s Poshia’? she inquired.

‘An alternate spelling of ‘Sophia’ he kissed her neck.

‘How can you do a nude painting of me when you haven’t seen me naked’? she suddenly became shy.

‘I have a very wild imagination’ he winked.

‘I can see that’ she kept looking at the painting, this meant so much for her.

‘You are a very beautiful woman, I wish you could realize that, I love you just the way you are’ he added.

‘Don’t use it’ she said. Something told her his mother meant the world to him, maybe he should use her painting instead of hers.

‘Why? Does the nudity disturb you’? he felt hurt.
‘No, this is art,nudity is allowed. I want you to use your mother’s painting, she seems important to you’ Sophia pointed at the painting.

‘I can’t, you don’t understand Soph, it would bring up so many memories I’m trying to bury’ he sighed and sat on the bare floor, she followed suit.

‘Tell me about your struggle’ she asked.

‘I haven’t spoken to my father for years now, when I was six, a woman came from nowhere with another boy claiming he was my father’s child. My father took them in and married the woman, this drove my mother nuts. She fell very ill after that, but he neglected her, neglected us both for his wife and son, my mother became depressed for a very long time, she started being delusional, one day, I came home and I was told by Mrs Olaitan that she had ran out of the house. My father did nothing to search for her, I was only a kid, every night I would pray for God to send her back to me, but here I am Twenty two years after and I’ve still not found her. It’s what I have carried around, it’s what has given me so much anger and I’m afraid if I don’t stay in control, I may lose myself Soph’ his eyes shone unshed tears.

‘My God….’ She now understood him better.

‘Yeaa, so I get how you feel about Barbie, that same anger, but you’ll have to let it go, you have to forgive her eventually and move on with your life’ he reached for her hands.

‘I know’ she breathed in deeply.

‘Good. But I’ll still use your painting for the competition, I want the world to see how beautiful you are’ his eyes searched hers.

‘Fine. Do what you want, I pray you win sweetheart, I love you baby’ she embraced him.
‘I love you too’ he kissed her back.

‘Why don’t you want to celebrate Christmas’? he asked as he remembered her conversation with Mrs Olaitan.

‘My parents died on Christmas day’ she replied.
‘I’m sorry, but you have to push your past behind you, we all have to let go of the past and build a future together’ he said.

‘Fine, being with you makes me so happy Lekan’ she replied.
‘We’ll celebrate together, you know what I’m thinking’? his lips twitched.

‘What are you thinking’? she fell on him.

‘We should open your restaurant and host a party on Christmas day’ he said.

‘Wow, interesting idea but I still don’t know what to call the restaurant’ she said.

‘Sophia’s kitchen? How does that sound’? he asked

‘Superb, I like that’ she felt excited.

‘Good, I love you very much Soph and I pray nothing tears us apart’ he caressed her cheeks.

She didn’t say a word, she just looked up at him, why was he this good to her? He hadn’t tried anything untoward, a man like Lekan had a vast experience in that sort of thing she imagined. Blood crept to her cheeks as she imagined him making love to her, why couldn’t they do it? They were in love?

His eyes focused on her with rapt attention. He had never felt this possessed by a woman. She had trapped him and he loved it. He wanted to kiss her and make her feel his love.

‘Kiss me Lekan’ she asked.

He didn’t say a word, he bent his face and swallowed her lips in it. They kissed for a minute, the fire was there, the passion was eminent, he decided to make the kiss deeper while his hand roamed her whole body.

‘That feels good’ she smiled as his hand slipped under her dress and found her tits.

‘Are you sure’? his eyes asked a question.

‘Yes’ she nodded, she was ready for him.

‘Take off your clothes’ he ordered and she did that.

‘You’re so beautiful Soph’ he stared at her naked body, curves upon curves.

‘Can you put off the light’? she suddenly felt nervous and shy.

‘No, I want to see your face’ he pulled off his own clothes, they both stood naked in his studio staring at each other.

‘You’re adorable’ she caressed his hard chest.

He kissed her neck slowly, glided his tongue over her collar bone and she moaned .He feasted on her neck for a while then moved to her twin mounds, he sucked their tip hungrily. Pleasure almost tore her apart but she stood still.

Her moans were gentle yet maddening, driving him to the edge, his fed on her tits and slid one hand down her belly, she parted her legs for him and he explored her with his hands.


‘You’re killing me’ Sophia groaned.

He glided his hands inside her, she began to quiver from pure pleasure, he stopped and kissed her for a while, then he parted her legs and plunged himself deeply into her.

‘Ouch’ she yelled in pain as a soft liquid flowed down her laps.

‘Sophia, why didn’t you tell me’? he knew he’d hurt her.

‘I didn’t want to look naïve’ she informed him still writhing in pain.

‘Okay, I’ll take this slowly’ he kissed her and rode her slowly.

The pain ebbed away quickly and was replaced by intense pleasure, she never experienced something so sweet as that.

Her insides cried for released as Lekan increased his pace.
He loved the way she moaned underneath him, he loved where they were going, to the grove of pleasure, a place reserved for only lovers.

‘I love you’ he cried as he released.
The world stopped. The clouds gathered, carols echoed, the breeze climbed into the studio and it rained love.

‘I’m sorry I hurt you’ he smiled down at her.

‘I love you too’ she smiled shyly.

‘Did you like it’? he asked.

‘I’ve never felt that way before, I feel so happy being with you Lekan’ she caressed his cheeks.

‘Yes love’. He replied.
‘You know what? I think I’ll forgive Barbie, there’s no point holding on to anger but I may never be close to her’ Sophia decided.

‘Better’ he kissed her and they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Aii people! stay tuned...We are ending this tonight...Go like my page....@Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories

ElajRita:
Yes, In love with her pastor, the photographer etc.. U always put them up for sale when the stories gets more interesting

You are funny...
I have completed about six stories here...
So...
you always come late!

ElajRita:
I hope you finished this one too. Because I have never read any of your finished work

Really?
Do your research

Keep liking my fb page @Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories

***
He had promised to pick her up but he’d delayed again and the crowd that gathered at one side of the road would only delay him further.
He couldn’t wait to show her the painting, he prayed she loved it and was comfortable with it, if she wasn’t, he would do another painting for the competition.
He just wanted her to know how beautiful she was and how powerful she was.

‘Oga abeg we fit use your car carry person go hospital’? he slowed as he reached where people had gathered.

‘Why’? he wondered, he had heard of how people got duped through stuff like this.

‘Sir, a young woman has been found unconscious, there are no cabs on this road because there’s a construction work ahead, if you could help us, we would be glad’ a young woman begged.

He wasn’t that heartless to walk away, it would only delay his date with Sophia, but he was willing to try.

The crowd parted for him as he stepped down from the car towards the body. The unconscious young woman was lightskinned and not too tall from his observations, something struck him as he walked closer, wasn’t that Barbie?

‘No, this cannot be’ he bent and inspected her face.What had happened to her? He wondered.

‘E be like say him sabi the person’A voice spoke.

He scooped her up quickly and placed her in the car, he definitely had to see Sophia.
He’d parked the car some distance away from the house, he didn’t want the stress of reversing out from their compound.
He walked briskly towards the house, thankfully, Barbie was still breathing so there was hope.

‘Sophia’ he called silently as he neared the door.


***
‘Kiss me baby, just kiss me so we get started’ they’d struggled for over fifteen minutes.

‘Oscar please stop’ Sophia cried.

The door opened at that instance and Lekan walked in. How could she betray him like this? But his heart told him she needed saving.




‘Lekan please help, he tried to rape me’ she cried as the man jumped quickly from her.
‘Are you okay’? he rushed towards her and she nodded immediately.

‘Yes I am, he came to assault me’ she pointed her hands at Oscar who tried to wear his clothes and run off as quickly as possible.

‘You’re gonna let me handle this one’ Lekan folded his wrist and served Oscar a blow.

‘I didn’t mean to, I don’t know what came over me’ Oscar’s nose dripped blood.

‘Sophia, get my keys, my car Is outside the compound, I found your sister unconscious along the streets, take the keys and drive her to the nearest hospital, I’ll handle him myself’ he handed her the keys.

‘Barbie? Oh my God, I hope nothing bad has happened to my sister. I could never forgive myself’ she collected the keys and dashed out.

‘Now it’s me and you, you think you can rape my girlfriend’? Lekan smiled mischievously.

‘I already told you it was a mistake’ Oscar begged.

‘I’ll serve you justice first, then I’ll hand you to the police, when you’re done, you’ll never assault a woman’ Lekan replied in calm voice.

He wondered what would’ve happened if he hadn’t arrived at that point in time. Thank his stars he did.

***
So many thoughts went through her mind as she drove her unconscious sister to the hospital, what if she had died? Why was her day so bad? First Oscar had tried to rape her and now this?

‘Madam wait here. We’ll be back’ the nurses had rushed to her aid as she informed them of Barbie’s unconscious body.

‘No problem, thanks a lot’ Sophia ran her fingers through her hair. One minute she was happy, the next, she was sad.
She couldn’t call Lekan right now, she desperately hoped he would hand the bastard to the Police.

‘Pick up…pick up’ She dialed Kachi’s number, now wasn’t the time to miss calls.

‘Hello bae, where are you’? Kachi bubbled as usual.

‘Please come to St. Luke’s hospital, Barbie is in bad condition’ Sophia requested.

‘Jeez, Barbie? What’s wrong with her’? Kachi panicked suddenly feeling guilty, had she tried to commit suicide or something?

‘Lekan found her on the street unconscious, please come Kachi, I really need you here’ Sophia begged weakly.

‘Sure sure’ Kachi knew it was time to let the cat out of the bag. She knew Sophia would hate her for what she’d done.
That night she’d noticed something different about Barbie, a shadow of remorse but she wasn’t totally convinced, she hoped the idiotic girl hadn’t tried to kill herself.

‘Please be safe Barbs’ tears welled up in her eyes, she contemplated on telling Aunt Davina about the whole issue, but it would only cause the old woman to panic, so she decided to keep it to herself.

Minutes later a nurse walked in with a file and directed her to a doctor’s office.
‘Welcome madam’ the man offered her a seat.

‘Morning doctor, please how is my sister’? she asked eagerly.

‘Relax madam, what really happened to her’? the man asked.

‘She was found unconscious by the roadside so we wouldn’t know’ she answered.

‘Okay, I observed her, she is perfectly fine, no sign of rape ….’ The man paused and pulled open a drawer.

‘Okay…’ Sophia nodded vehemently.

‘We discovered a wound on her skull, like there was pressure on it, she was hit I guess and that has plunged her into a state of unconsciousness. She would be fine in few days, she could even wake today. She lost a lot of blood too, so we’ll need to do a blood transfusion, stay calm, don’t panic, leave everything to us, once you clear with the financial department, work begins’ he explained.

‘Thank you so much sir, you don’t know how relaxed I feel’ Sophia smiled at the man and stepped out.

‘Sophia’ Kachi called as they bumped each other in the waiting room.

‘She would be fine Kachi, the doctor said she’s unconscious because she lost a lot of blood’ Sophia felt greatly relieved her sister wasn’t assaulted.

‘Wow good news’ Kachi forced a smile not knowing how to begin.

‘You just faked that smile which doesn’t suit you, what’s wrong’? Sophia laid off the Oscar gist, that could wait for later.

‘There’s something I must tell you about Barbie but you must promise not to get mad at me’ Kachi rubbed her hands gently.

‘I promise’ Sophia wondered what I could be.

‘It’s very serious and could change the way you relate with your sister for life’Kachi explained.
‘Go on, tell me’ she insisted.

‘Okay then’ Kachi swallowed hard, this would be a tough one.

‘Oscar threatened to expose Barbie, but she chose to run away than help you get back to him,’

‘Expose her how’? Sophia asked.

‘Remember when Benet broke up with you? And when Oscar ended things with you’? Kachi asked looking for a soft landing.

‘Yes, I don’t get where you’re headed’ Sophia folded her hands across her chest.

‘Barbie was sleeping with them and she lied to them that you weren’t faithful, that’s why those men left you Soph, that’s why they walked away because Barbie had poisoned their mind. Benet confessed to me himself and I also Confronted Oscar, he must have found out the truth somehow and had come running back. But I think Barbie has learnt her lesson, that night you went out with Lekan, she told me she was leaving town or killing herself that you would never forgive her’ Kachi paused as pain washed Sophia’s features.

‘Now I get why she lied about Lekan, how could she do this to me?’ Oscar had hinted her earlier, she had known Kachi for years now and trusted her words, surely this wasn’t a lie.

‘Lie about Lekan? How’? Kachi asked.

‘So you kept all this from me? How could you be so cruel Kachi?’ Sophia’s lips trembled as she realized who’d been the architect of her pain.

‘Sophia please don’t turn this on me, if I had told you, you would’ve never believed me, you would always choose Barbie over me, now it’s just the right time’ Kachi knew her friend would be deeply hurt.

‘You know what? I think you should take care of her, she could rot and die for all I care’ Sophia cried and walked out of the hospital.

‘I’m so sorry Soph’ Kachi exhaled , this would hurt her friend for a long time, she watched Sophia walk away, she didn’t hold her back, she was hurt and she needed to cry.

***

‘Are you okay’? Mrs Olaitan notices how gloomy Sophia looked.

‘Yes, yes I am’ she stuttered. After she left the hospital, she had decided to go straight to Lekan’s and wait there for him, but he hadn’t returned. She’d called him and inquired about Oscar, knowing how angry Lekan could get, she knew he would get all the punishment he deserved.

Hours had rolled by, morning had turn to day and evening had kissed her world, a carol played in the background but she found no joy in listening to it. How could Barbie do this to her? She broke her heart and not those men.

‘Do you have problems with Lekan’? the woman asked.

‘No, Lekan is fine’ she dismissed the woman’s fears.

She was so confused , she had sworn never to forgive her sister but could she really keep to her words?
She still remembered the night their parents had died, they cried in each other’s arms, and there and then she had promised to love and protect her sister Barbara, sadly, her sister wouldn’t do same for her.

‘Oh…okay. Finish your drink, let me do some laundry, but remember this, whatever is bothering you has only one mission, to steal your happiness and ruin your Christmas so just let it go’ the woman smiled.

‘You’re too kind Miss Olaitan’ Sophia smiled for the first time since she stepped into the house.

‘So what are your plans for Christmas’? the woman dropped the basket with clothes and faced her. She knew something irked the girl and she wanted to distract her.

‘I don’t know, I don’t celebrate Christmas’ she closed her eyes as she remembered the 25th of December, the night her parents had lost their lives.

‘And why is that’? Lekan closed the door gently and walked towards the women.

‘Oh, you’re back, I’ll see you later Sophia, dinner would be fixed in an hour’s time’ the woman smiled and stormed out.

‘Lekan, welcome’ she offered him a weak smile.
‘Thanks darling’ he wrapped his hands around her, she wasn’t happy, he could feel it.

‘How are you’? she glanced briefly at his handsome face, he was an angel.

‘I’m sorry about Oscar, I would put him behind bars, so that was your ex? Why did you even fall for such a guy’? Lekan scoffed.

‘I don’t know, I guess I was desperate for love, so nay man that came I welcomed them willingly, I never saw that evil side in him’ Sophia replied quietly.

‘Okay, you’ll be fine, so how’s Barbie’? he asked.

‘Barbie would be fine, the doctor’s assured me of that’ Sophia answered.

‘So why aren’t you happy?’ he could read her like a book.

‘I’m fine Lekan’ she replied flatly.

‘I don’t like it when you keep things from me, you are obviously not fine or did Oscar do something to you? Why aren’t you saying a thing’? fear gripped him, later replaced by indignation.

‘No, no, Oscar didn’t touch me, it’s Barbie, Kachi told me stuff that makes me hate her, I can’t even face her right now’ Sophia explained.

‘Tell me’ He dragged a seat.
‘She had an affair with Benet, the guy I dated back in school, she also had an affair with Oscar behind my back, you know what hurts me most? She always told them lies about me. When Oscar told me he had an affair with her, I thought he was drunk on something, but Kachi has never lied to me and everything adds up. I keep wondering why she lied about you calling her’ Sophia shook her head sadly.

‘I asked myself the same question, it was a bit akward. I never called Barbie and I never asked her out. How much do you trust Kachi’? he wanted to be sure.

‘100%, she can’t lie to me, what would she gain from doing that’? Sophia wondered.

‘I don’t know what to say, but if Barbie actually did this, it is the height of betrayal’ Lekan saw how pained Sophia was about the whole thing.

‘I have to pick this, it’s Kachi’ she raised her index finger.

‘Okay, take it’ Lekan understood how Sophia felt. He’d felt the same way about his father when he discovered his girlfriend had an affair with him. But that wasn’t the reason he hated the man so much no. All his hate and indifference to his family all boiled down to one thing: his mother.
He felt it was time he opened up that part of him to Sophia, he was ready to let someone in.

‘She’s awake Soph’ Kachi said.

‘I wish she’s dead’ Sophia remarked bitterly.

‘You don’t really mean that do you’? Kachi knew how upset Sophia was.
‘Okay then, I should get going’ Sophia replied.

‘She wants to speak with you’ Kachi informed her.

‘Why? So she could lie to my face? Tell her to rot in hell’ Sophia snapped at Kachi.

‘Hey slow down, just hear her out, after now you decide whether you’ll forgive her or not’ Kachi was amazed at how much Barbie had changed. The once haughty and arrogant pretty woman was a shadow of herself. The emotional wreck that lay on the hospital bed wasn’t Barbie, she looked different.

‘Sophia, I am so sorry, please forgive me, I hurt you by being so mean and sleeping with your boyfriends. Please forgive me, all I need is your forgiveness, if you wouldn’t want anything to do with me anymore, I’ll understand but just tell me you have forgiven me’ Barbie sobbed on the phone.

She had hoped to guilt trip her sister, she wanted to lash bitterly at her. But she found herself crying as she heard her sister’s voice.

‘I can’t do this’ Sophia whispered and switched off her phone. Tears poured down her face, she cried like a baby.

ElajRita:
Where is the ending naa?

you came late it's now for sale

.....