₦airaland Forum

Hi Peeps,

My sincere apologies for the delay. Being busy preparing for my brother's wedding coming up this weekend.

I enjoy reading all the comments. It makes me preen and blush. Thank you.

Some children are quite to close to their parent and can discuss anything with them. My mother is like my elder sister except when she decide to act like the typical nigeria mum...LOL!

Enjoy the latest episode and let me have your thought!

Cheers!

TWIST OF FATE: #20

"You seem to be spending lots of time in the hospital these days." Ruth Badmus looked up from the bible she was reading. It was Wednesday. Michael was in school. Rebecca was off-duty but she was already dressed up to go out.
"I have some private patients I work with. I spend more time with them when I am off-duty from the hospital roaster." She shrugged, even as her conscience pricked at her.
"You work too hard. You should be resting when you are off duty. You have lost so much weight." Ruth complained as she took in her slim, curvy figure.
"Well, it is good for my health. I don't want to be fat." She laughed heartily as she picked her handbag.
"Looking haggard is not good either. We are much better off now. I think you should ease up a little bit." Ruth's worried look got to her.
"Mum, we need to work hard. I don't like seeing you sitting at home and doing nothing. We have paid for your shop. We are gathering capital to set up your business again, no matter how small. Can you see why I need to work harder?' She put her hand round her shoulder as she drops onto the seat beside her. Ruth sighed heavily.
"Thank you, I appreciate your assistance. You need to live your life too. No matter what happened in the past, leave it there and move on." Ruth turned to face her older daughter. "So who is the man in the hospital?" She asked quietly.
"Who are you talking about?" Rebecca was taken aback, even as her mind worked furiously to bring up an explanation.
"The one that you have been discussing with Roseline. Who is he? I believe he is the one you are going to check in the hospital." Her gaze didn't waver.
"He is Josephine Coker, our former family driver. There was an attempted murder on his life. He was brought into the hospital a few weeks back but he is responding to treatment now." She picked up her handbag.
"What did he do to deserve that? He is such a responsible young man." Ruth frowned.
"Well, it is the fight for power in his new influential household. I will give you the full gist when I have the time." She glanced at her wristwatch.
"Is he Michael's father?" Ruth picked up her bible with a little smile.
"Excuse me?" Rebeca's jaw dropped in absolute shock.
"Is that a yes or No, dear daughter?" Ruth raised her eyebrow to her.
"I am a married woman, mum. I don't like your insinuations at all. Excuse me." She turned on her heels and walked out in anger.
***************

Joseph was responding to treatment. He had been moved into a private ward but he was always asleep whenever Rebecca visited which she was grateful for.
Naomi was arranging and organizing the room when she walked in.
"Good morning, dear. How are you today?" Naomi smiled at her.
‘I am fine. How is he?" She moved to check his vitals by herself, even though she knew the doctor on duty would have done the same a few hours ago. "He is doing very well. Thank God for that." She answered her own question before she turned round to face the older woman.
"Thank you for the assistance. I do appreciate your help." Naomi took her slim hand, squeezing it gently in gratitude.
"You are welcome. You do need to rest more. There are shadows under your eyes." Rebecca observed in concern as she studied her face. Naomi laughed softly.
"It is because she refused to go home and rest. She doesn't trust me to look after her son." Olayemi said with a glare as he shouldered the door open, he was loaded down with provisions and bags of take-outs. He was smiling but she could tell he was angry as well.
"Ola, don't start. This is not the right time for this." Naomi murmured under her breath. "Can a mother rest when her child is not hale and hearty?" She turned to Rebecca for support.
Rebecca didn't want to interfere in what she could sense has been an ongoing argument between the couple. Fortunately, her phone rang and she turned away slightly to pick it up. It was Michael's class teacher.
"What is wrong?" Naomi asked in concern as she studied the younger woman's worried expression.
"That was my son's class teacher. She is worried because he has been throwing up and vomiting since morning. I need to go and see him now." She picked up her handbag.
"I am sorry to hear that. He has probably eaten something that does not agree with his system. Are you driving?" Naomi asked in concern.
"No, I am not driving. I will just take a cab out there." She smiled as she moved towards the door.
"No, please take wait. I will drop you off." She turned towards Olayemi with a raised eyebrow as she snapped her fingers in his face. His face split into a wide smile as he dropped the car key in her outstretched hand.
"Thank you." He grinned as he went to hug her.
"Don't worry about me, ma." Rebeca began to protest but the big smile on the older man's face made her swallow the protest. He was eager to stay alone with their son so his wife can go home and rest.
"Take your time, Ife. I won't eat him before you come." Olayemi teased as he patted her bum fondly.
"You can cut him into pieces and cook him before I get back." She swatted away his hand with a smile and followed Rebeca out of the ward.
***************

"I don't want to say this but I can't help it. I am so happy for you." Rebeca smiled tentatively as she drove out of the hospital premises.
"Thank you, dear. I still find it difficult to believe I am not dreaming." Naomi buckled her seat belt with a smile.
"You both deserve to be happy." Rebeca grinned as she pressed on the accelerator. "This car is a dream. I miss driving." She patted the steering wheel of the Porsche.
"Everyone deserves to be happy. What happened to your car?" Naomi tried not to glance at the speedometer as the scenery rushed by.
"I have sold it. Things were not so good at home." She fiddled with the tape until the Car was vibrating with loud music.
"You are worse than Joseph, I swear." Naomi winced slightly. Rebeca laughed out loud.
"I am sorry, mother. I just wanted to enjoy this car a bit before I drop it." She was grinning as she drove into Sunrise Montessori School.
It was with regret that she pulled up at the school park and handed over the Car key.
"Thank you, ma. I will see you another time." She picked up her handbag.
"I am a mother, Becky. I want to know how that boy is faring before I leave." Naomi got out of the car and followed her.
***************

Joseph was discharged from the hospital. The first visitor he received during his recuperation at home was Elizabeth Badmus.
"Who did this to you, Darling? I was so worried. How are you feeling now?" She sat on the bed beside him, staring at the scars on his chest.
"I am fine, Lizzy. How did you know my house?" He asked as he sat up bed.
"Don't be rude, Joe." Naomi chided quietly as she got to her feet.
"Good afternoon ma." Elizabeth blushed as she got to her feet. She didn't notice the elderly woman sitting in the corner when she hurried in.
"Good afternoon. Thank you for coming." Naomi smiled at her before leaving the room.
"I brought you some fruits and provisions." Elizabeth reached for the grocery bag at her feet.
"Thank you. Can you drop it in the kitchen for me?" He smiled at her.
"I am glad you are out of the hospital. I miss you." She caressed his cheek with a smile.
"Cut it out, Lizzy. I have told you so many times that I can't date you." He frowned at her.
"We will see about that." She winked at him as she reached for the doorknob. The door opened before she could turn the knob and a woman stood in the doorway.
"Hello. You are beautiful." Titilola's smile flashed as she gave her a thorough look over from her face to her half-concealed boobs in the body con blouse she wore to her well-rounded fanny in the tight blue jean. Elizabeth felt thoroughly undressed.
"Thank you. You aren't bad either. What is the name?" Elizabeth wanted to know if she needed to guard her territory.
"Titi Coker. We are siblings. He is totally safe from me." She laughed huskily. Elizabeth blushed. "I don't mind having your digits though." She tapped her phone.
"Sure. Why not?" Elizabeth called out her number and went out of the room.
"What was that all about?" Joseph frowned at her.
"That is my business, brother. Are you back finally from your overseas training?" Titilola was furious as she stood over her brother. Her throat hurt and burn with tears as she stared at the pink scars on his chest. She didn't want to imagine the horror and pain he must have gone through.
"Come here, baby." He reached out for her hand and pulled her down beside him.
"My God! The bastard did this to you." She murmured in a teary whisper as she lightly touched the scars. Her eyes filled up with tears and spilled over.
"I am alive. That is all that matters." He pulled her into his embrace and patted her back as she sobbed.
"He deserves to rot in jail. Don't allow them to cover it up. It is not right." She leaned back to stare at his face. He sighed heavily.
"No matter what happened, he is still our brother. To some extent, I also understand his grievance. It is just that he has taken it too far." He sighed again.
"So what are you saying? Are you telling me you are going to allow him to go scot-free?" She sprang to her feet abruptly with balled fists.
"Sit down, Titi." He pulled her down forcefully when she resisted. "This is not about me any longer. What happened between the two of you?" His eyes were intent on her face.
"Nothing. I just hate him." She stated coldly as she looked away. He kept staring at her face in silence. She sighed. "He raped me when I was 12 years old." She blurted out abruptly. Silence hung heavy between them like a cloak.
"He did what? Is he mad or on drugs?" He asked in a whisper. She laughed bitterly as she got to her feet.
"We have never been close as kids. He started by touching my small budding breasts. I will scream and yell but we were almost always alone except for the nanny. I reported him to our mother but she never believed me. To her, he is the epitome of all that is good." Her smile grew fierce. His fists clenched at his side.
"He graduated to slapping me on my butt when I walked past. At times, he would walk into my room when I just finished taking my bath. I started locking my bedroom door whenever I am indoor." She took a deep breath as she stared at somewhere above his head.
"I just turned twelve. The drainage in my bathroom was blocked and a plumber was supposed to come over and work on it later in the day. I went to the guest room to take my bath. When I came out, he was waiting with two of his friends. Before I could run back into the bathroom, he tripped me and they carried me unto the bed. I screamed and thrashed but they were stronger than I was. I later found out they have locked the nanny into the closet. One of them held my hands and the second held my legs down and apart. He raped me mercilessly." She wiped her hand down her face.
"And the friends?" He held his breath.
"He didn't allow them to enter me but he compensated them by allowing them to touch my boobs and fingered me. Thank God for the small mercy." She laughed mirthlessly.
"I am sorry, baby." He struggled to his feet and pulled her into her embrace.
"Sit down, Opemipo. You are not strong enough." She led him back to the bed gently.
"I feel like strangling him with my bare hands. He is a bastard." He gritted through clenched teeth. A vein throbbed in his head.
"Yes, he is. Try and sleep now. I will keep your babe occupied." She pushed him gently unto his back. He didn't argue. His forehead was throbbing and his limbs were throbbing. He closed his eyes gratefully.
"She is not my babe." He murmured as he drifted off. She laughed softly.

Yes, You are right. It can be delayed but can never be denied.

Thank you for reading.

Qasaforlife:
Destiny can be delayed but can never be denied. Nice storyline,am loving it. Pls make your update consistent.

TWIST OF FATE: #19

"How is he?" Bella asked anxiously as Andrew let himself into his apartment almost twenty-four hours after he discovered Joseph's battered body in his office. He looked exhausted and his eyes were bloodshot. His T-shirt and jeans were stained with the dull color of dried blood.
"The operation was successful. They have removed the bullets that were lodged close to his heart and patched up the wound. He has slipped into a coma." He dropped into the chair with a weary sigh.
"Have you told his mother?" Bella asked as she sat beside him.
"No, I have been putting her off all day but I am sure she will be here any moment from now. He is in Intensive care unit. We were advised to go home as there is nothing else we can do for now." His voice thickened with unshed tears as he raised blood-shot eyes to her. "I'm scared. I don't know what I will do if he slips away." He whispered as tears welled up in his eyes.
"He won't die. He has too much to live for." Bella hugged him fiercely.
He wept silently as he buried his face in her neck and held her in a tight embrace. She rubbed his back in an up and down motion, even as her face was wet with her own tears.
"Marry me, Bella, compliment my life. I want you beside me when I go to bed at night and want you to be the first person I see when I wake up." He stated quietly.
"You are not in the right frame of mind, Andrew. This is not the best time for this." She drew back and looked into his eyes.
"Don't worry, I am not going to change my mind. The planning has been going on in my head for sometimes but life is too short to procrastinate. I love you. I want to marry you." He stared back at her as he lifted her palm and placed a kiss in the middle. She watched him for a long time as if trying to determine if he was serious or not.
"I love you too. I will marry you." She stated solemnly as if taking an oath.
"Thank you. I am sorry for the odd hour of the proposal and for not having a ring handy." He smiled as he hugged her tightly.
"We can shop for one later. Right now, you need to eat, take your bath and sleep." She stood up and pulled him with her.
***************

"Someone is at the door." Bella told him as she came out of the kitchen. He had taken his bath and was eating dinner. He just realized how ravenous he was.
"That should be mother." Andrew sighed heavily as he pushed the plate away.
"I will get the door." She went to open the door. He was right. Naomi swept in immediately she opened the door, closely followed by her husband.
"I tried to stop her but she won't listen to me." Olayemi gave a resigned sigh.
"Bella, How are you? How is your Dad?" Naomi smiled at her.
"I'm fine. I am sure he is okay but it has been a while I saw him. You are welcome. What can I offer you?" She smiled back.
"I am okay. Thank you. Has he proposed to you formally?" Naomi's gaze swung from Bella's face to his own and back again. Bella gasped in surprise.
"Mum, what kind of question is that? You just embarrassed me." Andrew tried to glare at her but his lips turned up at the side with a smile.
"I know my boys so well. I will take that as a yes. Congratulations my dear. I pray and hope you make each other happy." Naomi drew her into her embrace.
"Thank you." Bella hugged her back.
"Welcome to our home, my dear." Olayemi moved to hug her too.
"Thank you, sir." Her grin grew wider.
"Now where is that recalcitrant son of mine?" Naomi stared unflinchingly at him. Andrew turned to look at Olayemi who gave a defeated sigh and sat down.
"He is in the hospital, mum." He turned to face her squarely.
"I am not surprised." She moved to sit down. "I keep seeing him in the corner of my eyes but once I turned to face him, he is no longer there. Is he dead?" She asked quietly.
"What kind of question is that, Ife?" Olayemi asked hotly as he vaulted to his feet in anger. Andrew felt his body grew cold as goose bumps covered him and his heart grew heavy.
"He is not dead but he is in a coma." Andrew sat down beside her and took her cold palm in his. Her fingers curled and tightened around his convulsively.
"What happened to him?" Her voice trembled.
"Some thugs attacked him in his office." Andrew stated shortly.
"In his office? I see." Naomi stared unseeingly at the floor.
"I am sorry, Ife. This is my fault. You did warn me but I thought I have everything under control.' Olayemi murmured in anguish as he took her other hand. She stared into his eyes. He has cried, she thought as she noted the red eyes with the puffy rims.
"I want to see him now." She got to her feet abruptly.
"Bella, I will see you soon. Lock up and go to bed. I am not sure when I will be back." Andrew kissed her cheek.
"I will wait for you. Come back with good news." Bella's lips trembled.
***************

Joseph sat on a low pavement in front of a bungalow over-looking a thick forest. The thin vest he wore covered series of pink healing scars on his chest and arms and the cut-off shorts exposed his slightly hairy legs. He was bare-footed and humming a song deep in his throat.
"What are you doing here, Joseph? Your family is out there, waiting for you to return." Rebecca asked in surprise as she came to a stop in front of him.
"I am just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. What are you doing here?" He asked with a smile.
"I have been looking for you. We need to get back. They are worried about you." She frowned at him.
"I am fine. Why would anyone be worried about me?" He frowned too.
"Well, you need to come and tell them yourself. I am not your messenger." She glanced towards the thick forest in apprehension.
"This place is perfectly safe. I don't have to worry about anything plus I don't feel like going back." He shrugged with a stubborn jut of his lower lips. He reminded her of Michael.
"If you come with me, I will give you a gift." She promised mysteriously.
"Really? What kind of gift do you want to give me?" His face lit up.
"You wait and see. Don't spoil the fun." Her eyes twinkled at him.
"I will go in and get dressed then." He grinned as he got to his feet and went indoors.
***************

Rebecca jerked upright and her eyes flew open as she realized someone was calling her name. What a silly dream! My mind must be over-working, she thought in amusement as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
"Doctor Williams, you have been here for more than 24 hours. Who is he to you?" Nurse Amina asked softly, almost in a whisper.
"Don't worry, Amina. I will tell you one day." She stood up as she rotated her neck from side to side to work out the crick in the muscle.
"He must be very special. Anyway, I just resumed back on duty. His mother is here to see him." Amina stood back.
"Oh?' She smoothed her hand casually over his still arm before turning around.
Naomi was standing a few feet away and watching her with an unreadable expression on her face.
‘Good evening ma." She blushed furiously.
"Good evening my dear. Long time. You are Doctor Williams?" Naomi stepped forward with outstretched arms.
‘Yes, I am." She went into the embrace and hugged her tightly. "He will be fine." She stated solemnly.
"Thank you." Tears filled Naomi's eyes as she rocked her from side to side.
"You are welcome. I was only doing my job." She shrugged self-consciously.
"Really?" Naomi teased as she drew back. They both laughed and moved to his side.
"The operation was successful but he is still unconscious for now. The pain must be hideous, so his brain just needed to shut down and deny it all. They really wanted him dead. He is a lucky one." She stated solemnly as she stared at his face. He seemed to be sleeping.
"I know." Naomi's lips tightened grimly. "Between you and I, do you think he will live?" She turned to her.
"Medically, it is a 50-50 chance. Personally, I think he will live. Let's keep praying." She smiled.
"Good. How is your family? I think you should go home and freshen up." Naomi suggested quietly.
"I will see you later." Rebecca turned on her heels and walked out.
***************

Naomi occupied the vacant seat and watched her son, struggled for his life. The door opened. Olayemi joined her in the room.
"I have ordered Andrew to go home. He needs his rest." He squeezed her shoulders lightly from behind. She put her left hand over his right hand and left it there as they watched him in silence.
Joseph's right hand shifted slightly. They froze in anticipation. His lips moved. Naomi moved closer to watch the movement of the lips.
"Becky?" They both chorused and stared at each other.
"Who is Becky?' Olayemi asked in a puzzled voice.
"That is Doctor Williams." Naomi smiled, even as tears filled her eyes. Gratitude filled her heart. It seemed her son was going to live after all.
"Is she the same person as Becky Badmus, the woman you told me about?" His brows knitted together as he tried to put the pieces together. She nodded as she tried not to burst into tears.
"How come? He had been unconscious since he was brought in. How did he know she was here?" He stared at her in absolute wonder as he reached for her hand and pulled her up.
"Are you seriously asking me that question?" She teased as she wiped tears from her face. He grinned.
"Our son will live. Let me get the Doctor on duty." He kissed her on both cheeks before moving out of the unit.

TWIST OF FATE : #18

Andrew's heart came to a standstill but he forced himself to think rationally.
Dear God, he doesn't deserve this. Don't let him die like this. Please, God. The prayers tumbled through his brain and mouth desperately.
He realized Joseph's lips were moving. He dropped to his knees in the pool of blood and put his ear close to his mouth.
"Call……Dad…..Kayode……Hoodlums…" His breath was labored, raspy. He went silent.
"It's okay. Please live for me, Joseph. I need you." He pleaded desperately. Stephen and Gbenga charged in.
"I have called the ambulance. Thank you, sir. You saved my life. We don't even know how they got into the premises. Is he still alive?' Gbenga panted as he stared down at the still body.
"An insider aided them. He is barely alive. Thank God the paramedics are here. Stephen, go and release the elevator. It is faster." Andrew's calm voice didn't betray the turmoil going on inside him.
Stephen left with a heavy heart and led the paramedic team into the room a few minutes later.
***************

Olayemi was in the sitting room, watching a football match while he waited for dinner to be done. A text message entered his phone.
"Please call me as soon as possible. It is urgent. Don't alert mum PLEASE." It was from Andrew. The alarm went off in his head.
"Naomi, I forgot something in the office. I will be right back." He stated in a loud voice as he hurried out of the house before she could respond. He dialed the number on the go.
"Andrew, what is the problem?" He asked quietly.
"Please meet me at the UITH emergency ward, sir. Joseph's life is in a critical condition. He was attacked by hired assassins in the office." He didn't mince words.
"I will be with you in ten minutes. Thank you." He pressed the red button. His hand trembled as he brought out his car key.
This is my fault. I know it. Dear God, spear his life for me, for Naomi. He couldn't remember the last time he prayed but he prayed desperately and fervently as he sped towards the hospital.

***************

Olayemi disliked hospitals, especially since the death of his sister, Aderonke Coker in their family hospital in the UK, The Reddington. Nigeria hospital made him feel like weeping. He drove through the security post, passing out a few bills to the security men on duty.
One of the security men whose name tag was Ismail Alabi practically jogged after his car to direct him to the parking space. He made sure he parked his car in the right place.
"Good evening sir. You are welcome." He beamed as he held the door open for him.
"Thank you. Where is the way to the emergency ward? I believe my son was brought in not quite long ago." He stepped out of the car into the steamy night air.
"I am sorry to hear that sir. Please go down this walkway. The emergency ward is on the right side." He gesticulated with his hand.
"Thank you. I appreciate your help." Olayemi smiled as he locked up his car door.
"I wish him soonest recovery." He wore a grave face. He believed emergency ward victims were rarely survivor and pitied the nice good-looking man that just paid for his family breakfast.
**************

There were people hanging around the entrance of the ward, sober-faced. A middle-aged woman sat on the floor, weeping uncontrollably while a man tried to console her, even as tears filled his eyes.
He struggled not to allow the death and sadness hanging in the air to weigh him down as he pushed open the swinging wooden door. It was a huge battle.
"Yes? How may I help you?" The harassed looking nurse on duty asked rudely. He was not surprised. He knew being rude is the hallmark in almost all government parastatals and it never ceased to shock him each time he experienced it.
"My son is Joseph Coker. He must have been admitted about half an hour ago." He explained quietly.
"Coker? You are welcome sir." She practically jumped to her feet.
"Where is he now?" He asked coldly.
"He is in surgery, sir. His brother is in the waiting room. Please come this way." She hurried out of the ward. He followed without another word but his phone rang on their way to the operating room.
"Hello." It was James Hogg, the head of the intelligence team hired by the Coker. He had news about the attempted murder of Joseph Coker and his mouth tightened grimly as he listened.
***************

Andrew was pacing up and down when they walked in.
"You are here." His face lit up. His phone rang noisily and he brought it out of his pocket.
"It is mother." He whispered as he put his finger to his lips, indicating he should be silent.
"She has a terrible intuition." Olayemi muttered under his breath. Andrew moved away from him.
"Hello, Mum. Are you still awake at this hour?" Andrews asked with a smile.
"How can I sleep when all my men are out of the house? Is Joseph with you? Can I talk to him?" She asked quietly.
"Ah…..we drank quite a few bottles of beer at the club tonight. He is already wasted in the room." He injected amusement into his voice.
"You mean he is drunk? I should come over and knock both of your heads together." She stated angrily.
"We are sorry, mum. It won't happen again." He smiled ruefully.
"Really?" He could almost see her raised eyebrow and he laughed heartily. "You are a crook, Andy. I love you. Talk to you tomorrow." Her voice was full of smile.
"I love you too, mum. Sleep tight. There are no babes in our bed, so you can sleep with your eyes closed." He stated solemnly, even as his throat ached. She was laughing when he pressed the End button.
His eyes were red when he faced Olayemi and the latter lowered himself onto the wooden chair.
***************

"It is bad, right?" Olayemi asked quietly.
"Terrible. They used hatchet and gun." Andrew's voice vibrated with anger as he narrated night's event.
"I have spoken to James, the head of my intelligence team. The whole event was recorded and covered. It was unfortunate they couldn't get there on time to save him." Olayemi's voice was incredibly sad.
"Yes, the medical team gave me the security device on his body. His phone recorded their voices too. It was a well-planned event. The time was perfect." Andrew's voice was bitter. They were both silent.
"I know the culprit. I should have listened to Naomi. She foresees this happening but I thought I can stop it. Whatever happens, justice will prevail. I will damn the consequence." He stated grimly.
Andrew sighed heavily. He sat down beside the elderly man and took his hand in his.
"Talk of being between the devil and the dark blue sea?" He looked him in the eye. Olayemi sighed heavily. "Just take it easy, sir. Take it a step at a time. Let's pray for his survival first because no amount of justice will bring him back if he dies." He swallowed hard.
"You are right. Thank you." Olayemi' s eyes smarted with tears.
It was a long wait.
***************

It had been a stressful but satisfying day. Rebecca had been on her feet practically all day. Two ward rounds to in-house patients, attending to walk-in patients and three successful surgery was enough to make anyone exhausted. She was preparing to leave the office as soon as the relieve doctor resumed on duty.
As she wolfed down her cold lunch of white rice and stew and pursued it with a bottle of coke, her office door flew open. Nurse Amina hurried in.
"We have an emergency on ground. It's very bad. Attempted murder patient I think. Several hatchet cuts and bullet wounds. Missed his heart by 2 inches. Lost lot of blood. He needs immediate surgery. Though the chance of survival is very slim." Nurse Amina rattled off with a smile.
Rebecca sighed. She lost her appetite instantly.
"Is Doctor Emeka in yet?" She asked hopefully as she moved to wash her hand in the wash hand basin in the corner of the room.
"Yes, he just came in. Though the senior surgeon, Tunde Fowomola requested for you specifically. The patient is one of the Coker family." Amina told her as she watched her put on her lab coat.
"Influential lots. I wonder what he did to deserve hatchet cut and bullet delivered mercilessly to his body." Rebecca grinned as she walked briskly out of her office. Amina chuckled as she followed.
"The rich also cry. Best of luck, Doctor Becky." They separated at the next corridor and went their separate ways.
Rebecca stepped into the operating theatre and her legs threatened to fold beneath her.
Lying on the operating slab was Joseph Coker. He was stripped to the waist. His smooth handsome body was marred with deep hatchet cuts and bullet wound. He looked too still for her peace of mind.
"What is wrong, Doctor Becky? Hope you are okay? We need to get this done right away to increase his chances of living." Doctor Tunde Fowomola frowned at her.
"I am alright." She buried her emotions and went to work.
***************

"Hi, mum. Grandma, how are you?" Kayode greeted with a smile as he sauntered into the swimming pool area where Patricia and Afolake lounged under the huge umbrella shade.
It was Sunday. Patricia spent most of her Sunday afternoons with her mother in law unless one of them was not available.
"Hello, Kay. You look relaxed this afternoon. Did you win a lottery?" Patricia teased her son with a smile. He laughed.
"To whom do we owe the honor of this impromptu visit?" Afolake raised an eyebrow at him as she leaned back on her chaise longue. She dangled the glass of green smoothie she was holding and cubes of ice rattled noisily.
"Common, Grandma. You know I have been quite busy but I promise to check on you more often. You look more beautiful today." He flashed her a grin as he rocked on the balls of his heel.
"Thank you. Flattering doesn't befit you though. Why are you here? You need more money?" She asked pointedly.
Patricia sighed inaudibly, wondering why they all think the worse things about her son.
"I am not that bad, Grandma. Anyway, I came for a reason." He took a deep breath, holding her gaze. "I want to get married." He added firmly.
Patricia released a sigh of relieve as she threw her mother a triumphant look. She picked up her drink and sipped deeply.
"I see. You are long overdue. Who is the woman? Your baby mama?' She didn't look surprised.
"Yes, ma. Though I have not proposed to her formerly, I intended to do that as soon as possible as she would be graduating from school in a few weeks' time." He smiled confidently.
"Mummy, that means he needs a regular paying job. Don't you think it is right time you give him a position among the executives in the company?" Patricia suggested tentatively.
"Well, I will do that when I am totally convinced he won't ruin the family name. That reminds me. I met your potential father in law sometimes ago." Afolake smiled smugly.
"Who is that? How do you know him?" Kayode frowned at her.
"I make it my business to know everything that concerned my kins and I. Salmon Awodele is Aliyah Awodele' s father, isn't it?" She gave him a side glance.
Patricia choked on her drink and sputtered as the glass cup dropped onto the tiled floor. It shattered into tiny pieces. She coughed vigorously as her eyes turned red and tears streamed down her face.
"Mum, are you alright? Can I get you something?" Kayode asked in concern.
"I'm fine." She managed through the coughing fit.
"Do we need to get a doctor?" Afolake asked in concern, even as she watched her carefully.
"No, I am fine." She insisted, even as her hands trembled.
"Take it easy please. Grandma, what do you think? Do I have your blessing?' Kayode turned to her.
"You can't marry her, Kayode. It is not possible." Patricia stated in a fierce whisper as she stared ahead.
"Why not? I have been dating Aliyah for years. We have a son together. What do you mean I can't marry her?" Kayode asked in an incredulous voice.
"You can't marry her. I have my reasons. I will see you later, mother." She didn't meet her mother in law's penetrating gaze as she got shakenly to her feet and walked away.
"Grandma, what is going on? She knows Aliyah and used to like her. Why is she suddenly against our relationship?" He was more puzzled than angry as he turned to her.
"I believe she has her reasons. You need to exercise patience. She will talk to you when she is ready." She glanced up at him.
"Are you supporting her? You know everything will work out fine once you give your go-ahead." Kayode persuaded.
"I know. Let's give her time to pull her thoughts together. Go and propose to your girl first. We will take it from there." She smiled at him.
"Thank you. I know I can always count on you." He smiled as he dropped on the seat that was previously occupied by his mother.
"What has been happening in your life? Don't lie to me. You know I will always find out the truth.' She grinned, even as her mind worked furiously to dissect the reason behind Patricia's blunt refusal to approve her son's relationship.
Kayode laughed and popped a piece of cake into his mouth.

Yes there is hope.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!

Sensitivity1254:
Lolz

Good question.

queentener:
Hello Bolape, I love ur works and I have dis feeling I will love ur personality.

Aww! Thank you very much. God bless you. Hope you are enjoying the long hols?

DRZAY:
Nice story.
Cum ooo Patricia and Kayode, take time ooo because the thunder that will roast your yanash eh still dey gym....

You make me laugh...lol
Yes, they had better take their time

Here we go, guys.

Happy Eid Celebration in advance to my Muslim brothers and sisters!

I am travelling for Sallah by weekend and would be very busy throughout next week. This means i may not be able to post an update next week.

I am apologizing in advance for this. Kindly bear with me.

In the meantime, please drop your feedback as usual.

I will appreciate it.

Cheers!

TWIST OF FATE: #17

The door to her sister's flat was left ajar. Elizabeth knew that was her nephew, Michael's handwork but she was grateful for the open door as she was loaded down with shopping bags. Sweat dripped down her face and armpit and stained the white t-shirt she wore. She regretted not asking the cab-man for assistance.
She took the last few steps with effort and kicked the door wider as she dropped the loads inside the doorway.
"Is anyone in this house?" She gasped out the question as she bent over, panting for breath.
"Grandma, Aunty Lizzy is home." Michael announced in a loud voice as he jumped to his feet. He was in the sitting room with his Grandmother, watching "The Lion King" on Disney Junior. He ran towards her at high speed.
"Whoa! Stop right there. Don't jump on me please." Elizabeth held out her two hands protectively against him as she backed away. He skidded to a stop and burst into helpless giggles.
"Aunt Lizzy, I am just 4 years old now. I'm not so big." He stated in-between giggles as he spread out his arms to emphasize his small body.
"Thank you, Mr 4-yrs old. You are big enough to send both of us to the floor. Come and carry your size." She picked up one of the shopping bags and gave it to him.
"I hope you brought me lots of goodies?" He flashed her a mischievous grin as he dragged the bag into the sitting room.
"You know you are my favorite guy. Where is your mum by the way?" Elizabeth grinned at him as she pulled the bags in before notching the door closed.
"I am right here. You are welcome, madam career woman. How was your trip?" Rebecca asked with a smile as she came out of her bedroom.
"It was great. Thank you. This trip reminds me of what it is like to take a flight again, even though it is a local one." Elizabeth smiled as she picked up two shopping bags.
"I am glad for you. Did you buy out the whole mall?" Rebecca picked up the remaining bags and headed for the kitchen.
"Hi, mum. How have you been?' Elizabeth called to her mother as she followed her sister.
"How are you, dear? Hope you had a great trip?" Their mother called back with a smile.
"It was fine." She answered as she shed her sneakers on the way.
"Please make sure you pick up your shoes. I won't be picking up after Michael and doing the same for you, madam." Rebecca told her with a frown.
"You can never change, Becky. I will pick it up before you nagged me to death." Elizabeth stuck out her tongue behind her back.
"I'm sure you have missed my nagging." Rebecca was smiling as she dropped the bags on the kitchen table and turned to face her sister. "Thank you for the rental fee you sent. I was tired of begging the landlord and I have started avoiding him. You can't imagine how relieved I was when I got the credit alert from you." Rebecca stated quietly.
"You have been the rock in this family. Only God knows what would have happened to mother and me, if not for you. You deserve the best." Elizabeth shrugged as she dropped the bags on the floor.
"I introduced the devil into the family and deserved to wipe the shit he left behind." Rebecca muttered bitterly.
"It was Daddy that caused all these issues. You had the misfortune of falling for the wrong guy but he doesn't have the right to tie all our destiny to your marriage with the devil because he wanted an heir. I can kick his dead ass if I have the chance." Elizabeth stated with feelings. Rebecca laughed heartily.
"I really don't know how long you want to hang that guilt around your neck though. I have good news for you." Elizabeth reached for her bag and brought out an envelope which she handed over to Rebecca. It was an appointment letter at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Her jaw dropped in amazement.
"How did you do it? Do you know how many times I have applied for this position in that federal institution? They kept tossing me from one person to another." Her eyes scanned the letter in excitement but she wasn't dreaming.
"Well, I know it was your dream job. That was why you turned down all those smaller appointments with their backbreaking work roaster." She grinned at her sister.
"How did you get the appointment? I hope you didn't sleep with one useless man to get this for me?" Rebeca's eyes narrowed in suspicion at her sister.
"Come off it, Becky. You know I have more important connections than you do. How I get them is none of your business. Do you want the job or not?" She glared at her.
"You are even silly for asking that question. Thank you all the same. I love you." Rebecca crossed the distance between them and hugged her tightly.
"You are welcome." Elizabeth's eyes welled up with tears as she rocked her sister from side to side.
***************
Elizabeth was about to sleep when her phone rang noisily. It was Roseline on the line. She sat up in bed and was grinning widely when she picked the call.
"Aproko woman, what do you want?" Elizabeth asked with a smile.
"I don't want to know the meaning of that word but I do know you are insulting me. Spill it, my friend. Who is getting you those jobs?" She asked without mincing word.
"It is Joseph Coker, our former driver." Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Jesus Christ! Are you serious?" Elizabeth could almost see the amazement in her sister's friend's face. She giggled.
"Why didn't you tell Becky? She thought it was one of your numerous men friends doing the magic." Roseline demanded.
"Joseph has sworn to skin me alive if I tell her the truth, though he didn't tell me the reason. I am aware she doesn't like him back then especially when I talk about him. I guess the feeling is mutual between the two of them." Elizabeth stated with a shrug.
You, gullible girl, what do you know? Roseline thought in pity. "What is he doing now? How did you meet him?" She asked aloud.
"His father owned the Coker group of companies. I am not sure how they reconciled but he is a big boy now. I just fall in love with him every day." She gushed dreamily.
Fall in lust with his body and money, you mean? Roseline thought amusingly. "Foolish girl. I am happy for him. He deserves the best. Don't go and make a fool of yourself before him, girl." She warned quietly.
"You sound just like Becky. You are too tight ass, Rose. Thank God Doctor Chris would be giving it to you regularly." Elizabeth stated so solemnly that Roseline burst into laughter.
"You are a bad girl. Good night, Dear. Take care of yourself and find your own man. Joseph is not meant for you." Roseline clicked off before she could respond. Elizabeth stared at the phone thoughtfully before she shrugged and reached for her novel.
***************
It was Sunday morning. Ifeoma was about to roll out of bed when her door opened and Bella walked in. She sat back in surprise.
"Good morning Mum." She greeted quietly.
"Morning dear. Hope you slept well?' Ifeoma smiled at her.
"Yes, I did. Thank you. I came to apologize for the way I spoke to you the other time. It was rude. I have no right to judge you either. I am sorry about that." She stated quietly as she held her mother's gaze.
Ifeoma felt tears welled up in her eyes but she dashed it away and smiled.
"You were hurt and disappointed which is understandable. It is okay. How are you? How is work?" Ifeoma patted the space beside her and Bella sat down.
"I'm fine. Work is good. You need to get another source of income. If Dad eventually decides to go for divorce, how will you survive?" Bella asked worriedly.
"I have started a consultancy firm for financial institutions. The registration is in progress but I need to start sourcing for client which is my main problem at the moment. I am sure one big client would open the door for me." She stated with a shrug.
"I have a good friend. He is one of the Cokers. I'm sure he will be ready to help if I discuss it with him." Bella offered quietly.
"The Coker family are a big fish in the society. Having them as a client would make a huge difference. I will be grateful if you can make it happen." She paused thoughtfully. "That reminds me. Olamide's father is one of the Cokers." Ifeoma looked at her.
"Yes, I know. His name is Kayode. I have heard a lot about him on the street. He is an irresponsible young man. All he knows is buzz and women. I sincerely hope Aliyah knows what she is getting herself into." Bella said with a frown.
"Aliyah is no longer a kid. She is going to be a graduate in a few weeks' time. I don't think she really loves him but she was attached because she had a son for him." Ifeoma sighed sadly.
"That is in addition to the fact he was her first man. She is denying the flaws she could see with her own eyes. Anyway, let's check on her.' Bella got to her feet.
"Thank you." She reached for her hand and squeezed in gratitude.
***************
Maria was about to open her mother's bedroom door when it flew open and Bella came out, closely followed by Ifeoma. They stood in the hallway, eyeing each other wordlessly and Ifeoma wondered if she would have to step in between them.
"Asshole." Bella smirked at her.
"Slut." Maria smirked back but her lips turned up in an involuntary smile.
"Girls, I don't want to hear those dirty languages in my home please." Ifeoma protested as she tried to gauge the mood in the air.
"We are good, mum. How is Andy? I hope you guys are back together?" Maria raised an eyebrow. Bella blushed.
"Yes, we are. You can set your imagination into sails." Bella winked at her.
"Do quickly biko. We need to do our first wedding in this house since it seems the one we were aiming for doesn't seem to be going anywhere." Maria grinned at her.
"I am glad for you. Remember what I told you about destiny? It would end in praise by God's Grace." Ifeoma smiles at her.
"Thank you, mum. Where is Aliyah?" Bella turned to her sister again.
"She is in her room as usual. What should we do to her?" Maria asked suggestively. Bella tossed her head with a mischievous grin and they headed for their sister's room at a speed. Ifeoma followed more slowly, wondering what she just missed.
***************
Aliyah was wide awake but she was emotionally down as usual. Her eyes were gritty from lack of sleep and she felt as if the world's burden was on her shoulder. She couldn't wait to graduate and leave her home for good. Her eyes drifted closed as she sighed heavily but flew open when her door opened abruptly. Her sisters came in with mischief in their eyes.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" She didn't finish the question before they reached for her small figure under the duvet and dropped her on the floor. They began to tickle her mercilessly everywhere until she was giggling and writhing on the floor.
"I hate you both." She sputtered with laughter.
"Take it back." Maria commanded as she tickled her bare feet with single-minded determination. Aliyah thrashed and giggled the more.
"You girls are wicked. This is so unfair." Aliyah protested as she laughed hard with tears running down her face.
Bella and Maria finally sat back on their haunches and laughed till their sides ached. Ifeoma stood in the doorway, smiling as tears ran down her cheek.
"Well done, girls. How are you, Aliyah?" Ifeoma asked tentatively as she walked in and sat in the single chair in the room.
"I am fine." Aliyah sat up on the floor as she stared at her mother.
"I am sorry for hurting you. I can't change the past neither can I re-do it but I will always love you." Ifeoma paused. "I can take you to him if you are interested in meeting him." She added quietly. Aliyah sighed.
"He is not even a good man. He has been treating you badly, despite the fact that he took advantage of you. No, I don't want to be associated with such man. It doesn't change who or what I am. I have come to realize that." She shrugged.
"That is the spirit, girl. I love you." Bella reached over and kissed her left cheek.
"Same here. You are one brave, strong woman." Maria kissed her other cheek.
"My baby's a woman. Come over, girl." Ifeoma's voice trembled as she got to her feet. Aliyah ran into her arms and hugged her tightly, sobbing quietly.
"Say a big Thank you to Andrew. He set the wheel rolling in your heart. When can I meet him?" Maria whispered into her sister's ear. Bella smiled.
"He is eager to meet you too." Bella grinned at her.
***************
Andrew was furious but beneath the anger, he was scared and worried. It was Friday night. He and Joseph were working on starting a farming project. They were supposed to meet at the Shadows to discuss their progress and the next step. Joseph hadn't turned up and he wasn't picking his calls either.
He drove towards the gate of the administrative office of the Coker's manufacturing company and the security light zoomed in on his car before he was allowed to drive in.
"Good evening sir." A security aide greeted him. The name tag on his chest was Stephen Amuwo.
"Good evening. Is Joseph still in the office?" Andrew asked quietly.
"I think he is still in because I have not seen him leave the office premises. Moreover, he checks up on us every Friday evening to make sure we are all right for the weekend." Stephen responded with a slight frown.
"Gbenga, you stay here at the gate while Stephen and I check on him." Andrew addressed both of them, even as he told himself he was being unnecessarily paranoid.
"Yes, Sir." Stephen answered as he opened the car door and slide into the seat beside him.
Andrew drove to the Car park and pulled up properly before they left the confinement of the Car.
***************
"Most of the staffs have closed for the day. Joseph does work late once in a while but certainly not on a Friday. I am sure he got carried away with work today." Stephen stated in a conversational tone. Andrew nodded absently.
They tried the elevator but it had been shut down for the day. They took the staircase two at a time. Joseph's office was on the fourth floor.
As they approached his office, they heard several heavy footsteps approaching them. Stephen looked surprised as he glanced at him.
Andrew reached for the young man's collar and pulled him abruptly into a corner. They crouched in the corner, holding their breath.
Four heavily armed men walked past them and descended down the staircase.
"Page Gbenga to leave the security post and run for his life. Those guys mean business." Andrew whispered furiously in the young man's ear immediately he was sure they were out of ear-shot. He ran out of the corner before Stephen could respond and went straight into Joseph's office.
Joseph Coker was lying in his pool of blood, looking lifeless and very still!

Thank you for reading.

Keep your fingers crossed. You will soon know what happened to his baby.

Cheers!

Gloryejims:
It's as expected... Interesting...


Keep it up...


But what of Joseph's baby

Hi Guys,

How are you doing?

Tell me how you enjoy this update and how you want me to improve on it,that is apart from posting more regularly.

I look forward to read from you.

Cheers!

TWIST OF FATE: #16

Bella had been back from work for the past few hours but she felt physically and emotionally drained out. She laid on her back in bed in her office dress, staring at the ceiling and lost in thought.
She wished she could talk to Andrew but after calling him several times and sending him several messages without a response from him, she had stopped trying. It was almost a month since the last time they saw each other and she missed him as if a physical part of her was missing. She sighed heavily.
Her once close-knit family was splitting apart. Aliyah had been acting like a stranger in the house since their mother's revelation a few weeks ago, she kept to herself most of the time and refused to mingle with the family.
Maria was almost always with their mother whenever they were both in the house. Their father had become invisible. Damn you, mother, for breaking us up like this. She thought angrily and bitterly.
Her phone rang noisily and it jutted her out of her reverie. It was Joseph Coker. She was smiling when she picked the call.
"Hi, Joe." She grinned.
"How are you, my sweetheart? You are breaking my heart. What have I done to deserve this kind of treatment from you? You have not seen me in weeks and you didn't bother asking after me?" He asked in a mournful voice.
"I am sorry. I thought you are out of the country?" She sat up in bed.
"How will you know if I am back when you have not bothered to check on me? Anyway, where are you?' He asked with a smile.
"I am home. I just got back from work." She bent to remove her shoes.
"It is Friday night. What are you doing at home? Meet me at the Shadow Bar at Tanke Junction. I will be expecting you." He tapped the red button.
***************
Bella strolled into the bar twenty minutes later and slowed down when she saw Andrew at Joseph's table. She straightened her shoulder, schooled her expression and moved forward.
Andrew was about to raise the wine to his lips when he turned his head and saw her approaching. He dropped the wine glass and got to his feet.
"Hi." She greeted politely. He drew her into his embrace and enfolded her in a warm, long, hug.
"I miss you." He murmured against her throat. Tears filled her eyes as she stared at Joseph in amazement.
"Thank you." She mouthed at him. He winked at her and sipped his wine.
"I miss you too. Thank you for forgiving me." She drew back and cupped his cheek.
"You are welcome." He smiled as he placed his lips on hers. He stared into her eyes as his lips rubbed against hers without pressure. Her burdens seemed to drain away and she smiled.
"I love you. Don't ever doubt that." She murmured as she rubbed her hands over his back.
"We will be alright. What is wrong with you? You look sad." Andrew asked quietly as he drew her to his side.
"Hey, Bella. You know you should dump this idiot." He grinned as he stood up and pulled her to his side for a quick hug.
"You know I don't make idle threat, dog." Andrew sat down with a lazy grin.
"Ignore him. Run away with this man that will treat you like a special woman that you are." He smirked at Andrew as he reached under his table and gave her a colorful gift nylon.
"You brought a gift for me?" Bella asked in excitement as she tore through the nylon. She brought out a box of Amedei Porcelana chocolate, a pink teddy bear, and a Slim, Gold, Swiss wrist watch.
"I love it. Thank you." She flew into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"You are welcome, dear. Forgive the ass-hole. He has truly suffered but his ego and pride will not allow him to rest." Joseph whispered against her throat.
"Joe, release that girl before I have to kill you." Andrew told him.
Tears filled her eyes and she squeezed him affectionately.
"Thank you. I love you." She grinned as she kissed him on both cheeks.
"God save your ass. Go away and find your own woman abeg." Andrew waved him away as he pulled her down on the seat beside him.
"Love is blind. Let me go and check out that chocolate beauty over there." He picked up the wine and his wine glass, winked at them and moved to another table that was occupied by a lady.
"You are lucky. He is such a good man. He looks out for you all the time." She murmured quietly.
"I know. We may not be related by blood but he is the only brother I ever have. What is happening to you? I think we should just leave this environment." He shoots a message to Joseph via his WhatsApp. "Let's start going." He picked up her gift nylon, took her hand and walked out of the bar.
***************
Titilola was watching musical video in her room when the door opened abruptly and Patricia came in.
"What the hell do you think you are doing? What were you doing in that woman's shop? Don't even bother denying it" Patricia screamed at her.
She clicked off the T.V and faced her mother.
"I have no intention of denying anything. I am an adult and I have the right to make friends with whoever I like. Your spies have been at work, isn't it?" She put her hand on her hip in a challengingly.
"Don't you have any shame? So you choose to be friends with your father's concubine?" Patricia asked scathingly.
"She is his legal wife, mother. We both know that. They have gotten married long before you and I came into the picture. I find out that she is a warm and wonderful woman. She took her time to welcome me because she loves Dad." She paused meaningfully as she looked her mother in the eyes. "I can't say the same about you." She ended finally.
"What do you mean by that rude statement?" Patricia glared at her daughter.
"What were you doing in that hotel with that man?" She asked coldly.
"What are you talking about? What the hell are you doing in a hotel?" Patricia was almost shouting.
Titilola gave her a scornful look before reaching for her phone, scrolling through it and gave it to her. It was a video recording. She sat down on her bed and watched her mother's reaction. Patricia's hand shook once before she stared down at the clear images moving on the screen.
"You can delete it if you want. I have copies on my flash drive." She shrugged as she laid on the bed and crossed her legs at the ankle. "I was already in the lobby when he walked in. I remember thinking what a cute man he was for someone of his age. He ordered for champagne and was obviously waiting for someone as he kept checking his time. I was curious to know who his partner was going to be. You can imagine my shock when my mother joined him a few minutes later, blushing and giggling like a school girl." She sat up in anger.
"His hands were all over you, mother. He was practically making love to you in plain sight. I don't have to imagine what happened after you left the lobby with him. How disgusting could that be?" She asked in cold anger.
"How can you do this to me, Titi? What do you intend to gain with this recording? Your father has never had time for me. What do you expect me to do?" Patricia asked in a trembling voice.
"Come off it, Mum. That is not an excuse to cheat on him. Thank your star I have not told him or even decide to take it to Grandma. You know what that means right?" She asked tauntingly. Patricia blanched visibly.
"Good daughters are supposed to support their mothers unconditionally. How can you be so wicked and selfish? What did I do to deserve such treatment from you?" She asked accusingly as tears filled her eyes.
"Have you forgotten I am my mother's daughter? I am as wicked and selfish as you were when I complained to you that your foolish, bastard son abused and defiled my innocence and you did nothing to stop it or protect me. Oh…I have forgotten he is the heir to the Coker dynasty. He is perfect and he can't do anything wrong in your sight." She mimicked bitterly. "You want my support now, mother? You can never have it. Get out of my room." Titilola turned her back on her mother as tears filled her eyes.
"Titi, I am sorry." Patricia began hesitantly.
"Get out, mother, before I say something that we will both regret." Her voice came out, rocksteady, despite the turmoil going on in her mind.
Patricia turned on her feet and walked out grudgingly. Titilola turned her face into the pillow and wept silently.


***************
"Mother, please tell your husband to get those goons off my back. I hate seeing them everywhere I go." Joseph's voice preceded him into the kitchen.
Naomi and Titilola were in the kitchen where Naomi was preparing her favorite Akwa Ibom native soup called Edika Ikong. Titilola stood beside her, watching with interest and wondering how soon she could try it out.
"It is smelling great already. When can I try it on my own? Our cook will not allow me to mess up her kitchen." She asked with a grin, sniffing the aroma.
"I will give you the list of ingredient to get from the market. You can try it the next time you are here. Don't you dare put your hand inside my pot of soup." Naomi warned as if she was reading her mind.
"How did you know I was about to do that?" She asked in surprise.
"You will know when you have raised a child. I will hit your hand with this hot spoon if you try it. Thank your star I am even telling you before I do it." Naomi stated with a little smile. Titilola laughed heartily.
"You are one bad ass mother. He is so lucky to have you." Titilola said wistfully.
"He knows it." Naomi smiled as she reached for her hand and squeezed it affectionately.
Joseph barreled into the kitchen and came to a sudden standstill. His gaze roamed over Titilola with pure masculine interest and he mentally nodded his head in approval.
***************
"Hello, Beautiful." He grinned at her.
"Hi, Handsome." Titilola was amused.
"Titilola is your sister." Naomi raised an eyebrow at him.
"Aww, mum." Joseph felt the sting as if it was a physical slap.
Titilola burst into laughter and laughed till her sides ache.
"Aunt Naomi, you are harsh oo." Titilola smiled as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"You are not nice either, Titi." He gave her a side eye.
"Sorry, bros. I couldn't help it." She grinned at him.
"This should be done now." Naomi opened the pot of soup and stirred it. Steam and aroma rose into the air. Joseph's stomach growled loudly in hunger. Titilola caught his eye and laughed again.
"I will make the Eba, mum." Joseph volunteered as he rolled up his shirt sleeve.
"You can make Eba on your own?" Titilola asked in an incredulous voice as she felt shame rolled over her.
"Come, let's leave him in the kitchen." Naomi took her hand.
"No, I will stay and keep him company. I am a fast learner." She grinned at the older woman.
"No problem, then. Please don't make watery Garri for me." Naomi teased as she removed her apron and hung it as she headed out of the kitchen.
"She is my sister. You can't disgrace me in her presence." Joseph bellowed after his mother. Her amused laughter drifted to them.
***************
"I heard your comment the other time about Daddy's goons following you around. He is only trying to protect you." She told him.
"I understand his need to protect but I don't like the method. There are so many ways to get this done without having some 8-pack idiots trailing in your shadow throughout the day." He frowned as he put the pot of water on the cooker and turned on the heat.
"Well, I am kind of used to it. I pretend as if they do not exist most of the time. How else can that be done?" She asked curiously.
"Mark Zuckerberg was in Nigeria recently. Did you see packs of thugs trailing after him during his short stay in Nigeria?' He gave her a casual glance before bending to retrieve the bucket of gari in the bottom shelf.
"You have been watching too much foreign film. Using security devices and physical thugs have their own pros and cons." She stated with a shrug.
"You may be right but I am not comfortable with it. It is like an invasion of my privacy and I am irritated by it. I will discuss it with him." He insisted stubbornly.
"Well, you can talk to Grandma too as she is usually the architect of everything going on in this family." She shrugged.
"Thank you. I will do that." He flashed her a smile.
"All the securities in the world doesn't protect you against certain things, even right under their noses." She muttered under her breath.
He prepared the Eba in silence and dished it into the warmer.
"I heard that, Titi. We will find the time to talk heart to heart. Right now, let's go and eat one of mother's best delicacy." He put his arm playfully around her shoulder and lifted the warmer with the other hand.
She laughed as she dished the soup into another warmer and followed him out of the kitchen.
***************
In the middle of the sitting room, Olayemi and Naomi were in each other's arms, their lips locked in a deep unhurried kiss.
Titilola' s jaw dropped in complete shock. She had never seen her parent pecked each other, talk less of kissing.
She closed her eyes and tried to interpret what she was feeling. A twinge of envy and loads of happiness for her father.
"Guys, please postpone this until you are both alone. Some people are very hungry here." Joseph didn't spare them a glance as he moved to the dining table.
"I miss you. That meeting with Conoil just dragged on endlessly." Olayemi complained good-naturedly as he broke the kiss.
"I miss you too. You are here now and it yielded a positive outcome. Let's go and eat." Naomi tapped his nose playfully and turned him towards the dining room.
"What are you doing here, Titi?" He asked in amazement.
"I am here to eat dinner." She widened her eyes in exaggerated innocence.
"Dinner?" He croaked in confusion.
Naomi winked at Titilola and the latter laughed as she pulled out a seat.
"Naomi, I don't know what to say. What did I do to deserve you?" He asked as he looked down at her, overwhelmed.
"Well, you probably did the same thing I do to deserve you. It is time for dinner, mister." She grinned as she took his hand and led him to the table.

Thank you. I love your opinon.

Lordshola:
Both of them are immature and they are yet to set their priority right. My opinion tho.

What is the name of your blog?

Can you drop your number and we will discuss better on this?

Thank you for your interest.
I appreciate.

Freebiees:
Permission to post on my blog and credit you

What do you think is wrong with Kayode and Aliyah's relationship?

Please drop your feedback. I will appreciate it.

Happy Reading!

TWIST OF FATE : #15

Kayode was driving aimlessly around town, bitter and angry when Aliyah’s call came in.
This is just the distraction I need, he thought smugly. He was smiling when he picked up her call.

“Baby, how are you?” He greeted as he put the phone into hands free mode.
“I am not fine. Can you please pick me up in front of the house please?” Her voice was husky with tears.
“Sure. Give me ten minutes. I will be right there.” He smiled in anticipation. He didn’t note the distress in her voice.
***************

Almost ten minutes later, his headlight picked out her small figure in front of her father’s house. She was dressed in mini skirt and halter-neck top. She wore no bra as usual and her big nipples stood out in stack relief against the filmy material. Lust slammed into him and his brief suddenly become too tight.
She leapt into the car immediately he slowed down and he moved into the road.
“What is wrong, baby?’ He asked as he glanced at her face. He struggled not to let his gaze drift to her heaving boobs.
“I am so hurt and disappointed. I don’t even know how to start telling you this.” She burst into tears again.
“Oh baby, it is alright.” He caressed her thighs lightly as he pulled up properly on the side of the road. He left the engine running as he went round the car to scoop her into his arm and settled at the roomy back seat.
She cuddled into his arms and sobbed her heart out.
“Talk to me, baby.” He crooned softly as he caressed her smooth back and pulled loose the knot which held the material together at her nape. The top slithered down her body, baring her bare breasts to his gaze and he swallowed hard.
“Stop it, Kay. I am not in the mood for this.” She hiccupped as she tried to pull the top up again.
“Common baby. You know you will feel better as soon as you taste my magic touch again.” His grin was wicked as he pulled her hands away. He settled his palm over her left boob and squeezed hard. She flinched, even as she was feeling aroused.
“Kay, please don’t start this. I am not in the mood.” She began pleadingly but her voice ended in a moan when he bent his head and bit her nipple lightly before suckling her hard.
He eased her unto her back on the back seat and settled firmly between her thighs. His bulging manhood pushed against the thin material covering her wet honeypot and communicated his desire to her loud and clear.
Her hip buckled wildly when he slipped his finger into her panties and her body responded to his touch but her mind yearned for a deeper connection with him.
She sighed in resignation and all thoughts slipped from her brain when he pulled the flimsy barrier aside and entered her.
***************

“How is it going with the re-union?” Salmon’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he lifted her left hand. He stared down at the diamond blinking on her finger with undisguised envy.
The store was undergoing expansion and renovation to extend to the whole of the ground floor. There were muted noises coming from the construction work going on.
“Are you not happy for me? Don’t I even deserve happiness after all these years?” She gave him a worried look. He sighed.
“You deserve all the happiness in the world. I am just mad he is the only one who has the key to your heart plus your life seems to be rounding up smoothly when mine’s in complete chaos.” He stared unseeingly towards the entrance where customers were entering and exiting the store, keeping her sales assistance busy.
“I am sorry about what you are going through. I am sure everything will be fine eventually.” She squeezed his hand in reassurance.
“I hope so.” He sighed heavily. “At least, you are looking happy. That is in addition to the fact that you will be getting laid on a regular basis.” He teased. She blushed.
“Get away from here.” She hit him playfully on the chest as she glanced towards the entrance.
“My God! The dragon is here.” Her voice trembled in dread as she got unsteadily to her feet.
“Who is she?” Salmon asked in a puzzled voice as he followed her gaze.
There were four Mercedes-Benz S500 cars parked in a row in front of her store. Afolake Coker stepped gracefully out of the third car. A peach color silky kaftan with cream embroidered hem adorned her plump frame. Simple dangling silver ear-rings complimented her cream turban and swung from side to side as she looked round her environment with interested gaze. A matching cream color block heel covered shoe flashed from beneath the floor length kaftan as she moved briskly towards the entrance of the shop.
Two men in black suit flanked her on both sides and matched her steps while four others stayed behind, leaning on the cars with feigned casualness.
“That is my mother in law. I can’t believe she still put the fear of God in me after all these years.” Her palm grew wet with moisture and she rubbed it on her cotton trouser.
“You must be very scared of her when you were staying with them. Are you going to be all right? Do you want me to leave or stay?” He asked in concern.
“Please stay. I need all the moral support I can get at this time.” She reached for his hand as her mother in law swept into the store.
All movements and transactions seemed to come to a sudden standstill as her presence was felt and observed by all.
“She is the former minister of petroleum.” Salmon stated in undisguised awe as he stared at the woman who seemed to be immune to the stares aimed her way.
****************

‘Good afternoon ma’am. You are welcome.” Naomi moved forward and went on her knees in front of the elderly woman.
“How are you, dear? You look as lovely as ever.” Afolake smiled as she raised her to her feet.
“Thank you. Please come this way.” Naomi smiled tentatively as she led the way to her private office.
Afolake and Salmon entered with her, leaving the security aides behind at the door way.
“Good afternoon ma’am. You are welcome.” Salmon bowed slightly as he stood by the door, ready to bolt.
“Good afternoon, young man. Your face look familiar. What is the name?” Afolake turned her penetrating gaze on him.
“I am Salmon Awodele.” He answered politely, trying not to squirm under her unwavering gaze.
“You are Aliyah Awodele’ s father.” She smiled at him. He hesitated briefly before answering.
“Yes ma’am.” He mumbled with a forced smile.
“Ah! You are my in-law. It is a small world indeed.” She nodded at him.
“In-law? How do you mean ma’am?” He asked in confusion.
“Kayode Coker is my grandson.” She stated firmly. Naomi hide a gasp unsuccessfully as Salmon glared at her.
“Does that mean Olayemi Coker is Kayode’ s father?” Salmon asked in a cold voice.
“That is so. Do you have a problem with that?” She raised an eye brow at him.
“I don’t have an issue with you. It is my pleasure to meet you ma’am. I will see you later, Naomi.” He smiled politely as he looked from one to the other before leaving the room.
**************

“Who is he? How did you know him?” Afolake asked as she turned to her. Naomi pulled out a seat for her and she sank into the plush seat.
“He is a childhood friend.” Naomi smiled as she sat beside her.
“Thank you dear. He obviously has an issue with Olayemi because of your relationship with him.” She hit the nail on the head as usual.
Naomi smiled and refused to comment on the issue.
“What can I offer you?” Naomi asked quietly.
“I just took breakfast before coming. I don’t joke with my diet this days.” She sighed lightly. “You did a great job with Olamiposi. Well done.” She nodded with a solemn look.
“You don’t need to thank me but you are welcome all the same. Please accept my condolence on Ronke’s death. I heard about it for the first time when Yemi and I ran into each other again.” Naomi stated solemnly.
“Thank you.” She answered quietly. “My son is happy in a way he has never be in years. I met a wonderful grandson who challenges me and make me laugh at the same time. I made a grave mistake years ago.” She sighed heavily.
“That is the way it was meant to be. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I love your son. I will always do and that is all that matters.” Naomi flashed her a real smile since she gave in.
“I know. I have always known. He never stopped loving you too, despite all my atrocities. When should I expect you for dinner in my home?” She asked with a smile as she got to her feet.
“I will let you know when I am available ma’am.’ Naomi was thrown off-balance as she got to her feet too. The woman never ceased to amaze her with her endless energy.
“Let’s do it this way. I am travelling out for my medical check-up and would be back in the next two weeks. Let me know if that Sunday evening works for you so I can host you in a grand style.” She grinned as she opened the door and stepped in-between her aides again.
“Yes ma’am. I will do that.” Naomi hurried her steps to match hers, wondering if she wasn’t putting herself into trouble.
***************

“Titilola, you are always discovering new stores in town. When was this opened? It looks great.” Bukola observed with interest as they moved through the gliding doors into the cool interior.
“It was opened more than a year ago. Lots of renovations and expansions has been going on though.” Titilola mumbled as she looked around her. Dad’s wealth is definitely at work, she thought cynically as she noticed the rows of neatly arranged imported and local products.
Her mission in the store was different from that of her friend who was a chronic shopaholics.
She wanted to meet the woman who captured her father’s heart and took him away from her. Her experienced eye noted everything from the different sections to the neatly dressed polite sales assistances who stood at discrete points around the store, ready to help with their friendly smile.
Her friend picked up a shopping cart and went about her shopping business with a vengeance while Titilola simply moved around, pausing and waving away the politely offered assistances.
“I hope it met your approval, Titilola?” A friendly voice asked with a smile from behind her.
She nearly jumped out of her skin as she swirled round abruptly.
Naomi was standing few steps behind her and watching her with a smile. She has seen her picture once with her father but she recognized her immediately she walked through the door. Apart from the security aide who stood at a discrete distance, the resemblance between her and her son was hard to miss. It was quite striking.
“Good afternoon ma’am.’ She greeted politely.
“Good afternoon dear. How are you?” Naomi moved to her side.
“I am fine. You have a great place here.” She stated with reluctant admiration.
“Thank you. I am trying my best. It is good to have a fresh perspective though. What do you think? Give me your honest opinion.” Naomi tried to put herself in an outsider’s shoe.
“It depends on what you are aiming for. The frozen food section could use a bit of rearrangement, which is my opinion though.” She shrugged self-consciously.
“I appreciate that. If you have the time, I can show you the part I am changing into the children’s section and the adult clothing section. I will love to have your opinion on that too.” Naomi flashed her a smile as she led the way.
“I don’t have any important appointment for now.” She found herself agreeing as she followed her against her better judgement. They went through the opening in a corner at the end of the store.
***************

“Be careful, Titi. Those broken asbestos can be very sharp.” Naomi cautioned as they stepped over debris.
“This place is going to be huge. I hope you have a great plan in place?” Titilola asked in awe as she turned in a circle.
“It is an enormous project that is beginning to scare me.” Naomi admitted as she looked at the workers in different state of UnCloth, moving round with their business.
“You don’t need to be scared. Come and employ me. I will turn your dreams into realities. It is in my genes.” Her grin flashed as she rubbed her hands in relish.
You are your father’s daughter truly, Naomi thought in amusement as she gave her the notebook and pen she was holding when Titilola came in.
“That is why I need a fresh opinion. Let me take you around.” She moved up the littered stair case.
“What do we have here?” Titilola mentally rolled up her sleeves and gave her her full attention.
***************

“Thank you for your time, Titi. I truly appreciate it.” They moved back into the main store several hours later.
“I enjoyed myself. Can we add a tea /coffee/ice-cream area to the book section? That is in case the customer want to see down and just browse.” She began and paused. “I am beginning to get carried away.” She smiled sheepishly. Naomi laughed heartily.
“You know I am not supposed to like or admire you? Mother will kill me.” She blew out a breath.
“I know the feeling. The feeling is mutual. You are like a daughter I never have. I absolutely love your ideas. They are fabulous.” Naomi said sincerely.
“I wish I can be part of this. Can you employ me to assist with it?” Titilola was half-joking as she remembered her phone and brought it out of her bag. “Oh my God! We have spent several hours in there. Bukola will kill me.” She stared at the series of missed calls on her phone.
“I enjoyed your company. Your mother will kill me if I employ you but you are welcome here any time. I will always appreciate your company.” Naomi hugged her and placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Ah! Daddy is toast.” She mumbled under her breath but Naomi heard her. She laughed.
“Come for dinner tomorrow. I will cook you my special delicacy.” She invited warmly.
“You can cook?” Titilola’ s eyes widened in surprise.
“Of course. I can cook. I will do the cooking and you will be the judge.” She smiled at her.
“Tomorrow is a date. See you then.” They exchanged numbers and addresses and Titilola left in a hurry.

How has been your week,guys?

I will appreciate your feedback as usual.

Thank you.

TWIST OF FATE : #14

"How was your trip, dude? How was the training?" Andrew clapped Joseph on the back affectionately as they hugged each other. He was at the international airport to meet and pick him. Joseph had been in the U.K for one-month intensive training, sponsored by the Coker Group of Companies.
"Flying in the first class cabin is bae. I got the best sex of my life." Joseph lowered his voice as they approached the private unmarked cab which was waiting in front of the arrival lodge.
"You had sex inside the plane?" Andrew asked incredulously as the cabman met them half-way and took their luggage.
"There was this blond air hostess that was eyeing me since I came onboard. It turned out that she was a half-caste, half- Briton, and half-Kenyan. Her name is Lucia." He slid into the back seat and Andrew joined him.
"Gist me, buddy." Andrew grinned as he turned to face him on the seat.
"She kept turning up each time I needed anything. I got the message loud and clear. It was a cold night. After everyone has settled down for the night, I was stretched out in my bed and going through a journal when she came to check on me again. She asked if I needed anything else. I just pulled her over and kissed her. It was like hitting a time bomb. She was all over me. She gave me the best head I have ever experienced. It was mind-blowing." He unscrewed the bottle of cold water that was in the armrest and drank deeply.
"Yes, good sex make you very thirsty." Andrew teased. His heart aches as he remembered Bella. They both laughed heartily.
"Thank God I have a couple of Trojans on me. I turned her over to her attractive backside, positioned her well and entered from behind. She screamed in pleasure. I covered her mouth before we wake up my elderly neighbors. I was the youngest in that cabin. We had a couple of rounds before the others started waking up, kissed ourselves goodbye and she sneaked out of my bed with a big grin on her face." He stretched as he grinned at his friend.
"Well done. You have always been a bad boy. It is great to have you back. Does that mean you have been sexually active when you were in London or how come you have condoms on you?" Andrew gave him a mischievous smile.
"I don't know what you are talking about." He schooled his face into an innocent mask.
Andrew roared with laughter and he joined him.
Ten minutes later, the cabman pulled up into the parking space of Excel Oriental Hotel & Suites along airport road and took their luggage to the Executive suite.
"Thank you, sir." The elderly man curtseyed deeply with a wide grin as Andrew tipped him generously and walked out of the hotel lobby.

***************

"How is Bella? Are you guys getting on fine?" Joseph asked casually. They were having Lunch at the dining room.
"We are no longer together." He mumbled around a mouthful of pounded yam. He swallowed hard.
"Why? What happened between the two of you?" Joseph asked in a puzzled voice.
"She is not different from the others, cheating bitch." He muttered bitterly.
"You caught her having sex with another man?" Joseph raised an eyebrow at him.
"I don't have to catch her with any man to know who she is." He glared angrily at his friend, then took a deep breath and proceeded to tell him what transpired between them.
"You are behaving like the jealous fool that you are. We both know she is an outgoing town babe before we met her. Every experience comes with a price. You love her just the way she is but you don't want to deal with her past. You are so full of shit, dude." Joseph hissed at him.
"You are welcome to have her." He glowered at him, even as he felt a burden had just been taken off him.
"You want to dare me?" He raised his eye brow.
"Just go near her, okay? I will roast your body over the open fire and cut you into tiny pieces, starting from your manhood." Andrew stated so solemnly that Joseph burst into laughter.
He stopped abruptly when he heard a familiar voice behind him and turned around to make sure his ears weren't deceiving him.
***************
Elizabeth Badmus was in the arms of an elderly man. She was dressed in skimpy shorts and jumper that left nothing to the imagination. She pouted and flirted with the man as they ordered lunch.
Joseph's stomach roiled with displeasure as he shot to his feet.
"Who is she?" Andrew asked quietly.
"That is Elizabeth, Rebecca's younger sister. I will be right back." He moved closer to the couple.
"Excuse me?" He raised his voice a bit. The couple turned around, the man raised a questioning brow and Elizabeth gave him a bored look until she realized who it was.
"Joseph! It's you." She grinned as she jumped into his arms without a second thought. He held her tight and moved her away from her partner.
"What are you doing here?" He glanced pointedly at her partner who glared back at him.
"You can't understand. Let me just say I need to survive. You are looking good." She grinned at him.
"If you are lodging in this hotel with him, go to your room and pack your things. I want you to meet me here in five minutes." He commanded in a loud voice.
"Lower your voice, Joseph. He has not paid me yet." She murmured against his throat.
"Whatever he is paying you, I will double or triple it for you. Please go in and move your things out." He pleaded as he tried not to think of the implication of her words.
"I will be right back." She slid down and straightened her spine before walking away.
***************
"Look at you, Joseph, you are looking so clean. I can just eat you." Elizabeth smiled as she joined them a few minutes later with her back pack.
Andrew raised an eyebrow when she plumped herself on Joseph's lap and linked her arms around his neck.
"Cut it out, Lizzy. You should have outgrown this by now." Joseph looked uncomfortable as he unwinds her arms from his neck and dropped her on the seat beside him.
"Hello, Handsome." Elizabeth seemed to notice Andrew for the first time as she flashed him a smile.
"How are you, beautiful? I am Andrew." He smiled back at her.
"I am pretty cool. Lizzy is my name." She smiled as the waiter brought her lunch and she dug in with gusto.
"Hope your man friend wasn't furious with you?" Joseph asked curiously.
"Yes, he was. He accused me of choosing a young man who has nothing to offer me over him. I told him to go to hell." She said with a mouthful as she gesticulated with her hand.
Joseph frowned at her.
"How long have you been sleeping with him?" He asked in anger.
"We have been together for less than a year but he has been very good to me. Though he is becoming too possessive for my peace of mind lately, so I guess it is right time I let him go. There are other men out there." She stated with a frown.
"There won't be other men for you, Lizzy, not in that way. This is prostitution for crying out loud. You don't need to stand on by the roadside to become a LovePeddler." He glared at her.
"Okay. Will you take care of me now? I can see you are doing very well. You know I have always adored you. I promise you won't regret it." Her gaze dropped meaningfully to his crotch.
"Stop it, Lizzy. Is this all you think of yourself? You think your worth lies in satisfying any man that comes across your path in bed?" He glared coldly at her, feeling irritated.
"Well, a girl needs to survive. I have gone to school and I have served my country but there are no jobs in this country. I have got to use what I have to get what I need." She smiled faintly as she shrugged.
"What happened to your dad's company?" He asked with a frown.
"Ramson mismanaged the company and it is no longer in existence. Mum and I have to move in with Rebecca when we realized he has sold our house. Rebecca doesn't have a job. Am I supposed to sit down and watch us starve to death?" She asked solemnly.
"Where is he now?" Joseph asked through gritted teeth.
"He left the country after disposing of daddy's properties. Our lawyer died mysteriously, so there is no one to really verify what was happening before it was too late. We were surviving on mother's business for a very long time until there was nothing else to survive on again." She sighed heavily. "Things are bad at home, Joseph." She stated simply.
"I see." He took a deep sip of the wine in front of him as he struggled to control his temper. "That means you need a job, right? What did you study in school?" He asked curiously.
"I studied business Administration. Are you going to get me a job?" Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Excuse me." He smiled as he picked up his phone and left the table.
"Who is his father?' She asked in a whisper as she leaned towards Andrew.
"His father is the only son of former minister of petroleum, Chief Mrs. Afolake Coker and the magnate, late senator Eyitayo Coker." Andrew whispered back.
"Oh my! I am so happy for him. He deserves all the goodness that comes to him." Her eyes glistened with tears of joy.
"Elizabeth, I have good news for you. You can start work on Monday. I will arrange personally for your accommodation and a little cash to manage till you get your first salary. Hope you won't mind working in Lagos though?" He asked with a smile.
She catapulted into his arms and nearly knocked him over.
"I love you. You have always been a darling." She cupped his face in her palms and kissed him on the lips.
Oh, Joseph, you are in a deep murky water of trouble with two sisters, Andrew thought in despair as he watched the exchange in silence.
"Lizzy, stop it. I am going to hurt you." He threatened as he dropped her abruptly and moved away.
"Thank you." She grinned happily at him.
He glared mockingly at her but his mind went straight to Rebecca and he wondered what she was going through at this moment. A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

***************
"Girls, I need to talk to you." Ifeoma's voice trembled as she walked on shaky legs into the sitting room where her daughters lounged, watching the popular TV Series, "Telemundo". Her little grandson, Olamide Coker toddled around the room as he muttered childish gibberish to himself.
"Hope there is no problem, mum? You look pale." Bella turned to face her.
"I'm fine." She smiled but it didn't touch her eyes as she sat on the edge of the sofa. Her eyes darted from one curious face to another and she sighed deeply.
"Spit it out, mum. It can't be that bad." Aliyah stated impatiently.
"It is very bad. You will notice that your father has been spending the night in the guest room lately." She looked at them for confirmation.
"So? He always does that whenever you guys have an argument. I am sure he will come back to your room eventually." Bella stated in a dismissive voice as she turned back to the T.V.
"I am afraid he won't because he found out I cheated on him with another man a long time ago." She blurted out gravely.
"What!" Bella and Aliyah screamed in unison as they turned to stare at their mother with a horrific expression on their face while Maria gave her a calm look.
"How could you do that? How did you even have the time with your busy schedule? Who is he?" Bella bellowed angrily.
"He was a senior colleague in the office." She answered in a small voice.
"So you spent all the time you were supposed to spend with us with him, knocking him on the office table, right?" Bella asked in a sarcastic voice, feeling betrayed.
"Stop acting like a saint, Bella. Don't take that tone with her either, it is rude." Maria chided her elder sister with a stern look.
"It happened just once. I have been paying for that terrible mistake ever since it happened. He has been blackmailing me and threatening to release my nude pictures on the internet if I don't cooperate." Her voice hitched with tears, she swallowed hard.
"Is that why you resigned, mum?" Maria asked quietly.
"It is part of the reason I resigned. I made the mistake of spending the time I should have spent with my family, chasing a career that leads me into trouble." She shrugged sadly.
"If it happened a long time ago, how did dad find out?" Aliyah asked in a puzzled voice. There was a dead silence as she stared down at her feet.
"He found out during Olamide's birth that you are not his biological daughter." She mumbled through suddenly heavy lips.
"What the Bleep!" Aliyah got to her feet in anger, shock, and horror as she stared at her mother. "I am out of here." She ran out of the room before she burst into tears.
"This is disgusting, mother. I am so ashamed of you." Bella stated with disdain as she got to her feet and walked out.
Ifeoma burst into tears.
"It's okay, mother. You did the right thing by letting us in. I am so proud of you." Maria crossed over to her mother and held her as she sobbed bitterly.
Ifeoma was too distraught to be amazed at the fact that it was her least favorite daughter that turned out to be her pillar of support.

TWIST OF FATE: #13

"Ola mi, what have you just done? I thought you were just going to introduce him to your mother." Naomi glared at the man lounging carelessly in the middle of her bed. It was Saturday morning. Her left hand rested carelessly on her hips where the new diamond wedding ring he just bought her flashed as the morning sun struck it.
"I didn't do anything. He was given his birthright by my mother. Have you gone through the documents I gave to you?" He asked with a deceptively innocent look as he crossed his legs at the ankle. He was trying not to be distracted by the way the short silky nightwear dipped invitingly at the cleft between her generous boobs.
Olayemi visited her store once which was located in a building complex at post office road and decided he wanted the whole complex for her. She thought he was joking until he presented the documents for the complex building to her as a wedding gift shortly after they renewed their wedding vows.
"I have seen it and I have thanked you for it. Why are you endangering my son's life like this?" She continued glaring at him. She refused to be charmed by his good humor.
"He is our son, Mrs. Coker. He got what belonged to him and I don't know why you are making mountains out of a molehill." He gave a careless shrug.
"Do you even know the implication of what you have just done? You are festering deep resentment between him and his step-siblings. You are creating disunity within the family. As if that is not enough, you brought a stranger out of nowhere just because the precious Coker blood runs in his vein and put him over employees that have worked their butt off to earn that post. It is risky. I don't like this at all." She stated worriedly.
"You worry too much, woman. Nothing bad will happen to him." He rolled off the bed and approached her.
"How are you so sure of that? He is the only one I have." She turned worried gaze to him.
"You have me now. He will be well protected, I promise you." He grinned as he brushed a thin strap off her shoulder. The clingy material caught on her left nipple.
"Do stop this. We are too old for this." She murmured, even as he bent her over his arm gently and brushed the material away. He lifted her breast and took the nipple into his mouth.
Desire shot through her. Her eyes drifted close as her mouth parted in a strangling sound.
"Say that again." He breathed on her nipple, licked it and fondled the flesh around it lightly. She moaned out loud as she rubbed her thighs together restlessly.
He shifted his attention to the other breast, leaving the other nipple wet and achy. He brushed away the material and it pulled at her waist. His hands made love to her heavy flesh, caressing, handling while his teeth nipped on the hardened nipples and his tongues soothed the sweet pain with its warm wetness.
"Dear God!" Her breath came out faster and she clung to him as ribbons of fire connected from her breasts to her loins. Her legs trembled and threatened to fail her.
He tugged gently on the nightwear until it dropped at her feet and laid her gently on the bed. He pulled at her bottom lips while he gazed into her eyes which were clouded with desire. His fingers caressed her flat stomach before moving to the curls of hair at the apex of her thighs. Her legs whispered apart, giving him access to the moist, sweet depth of her womanhood and she exploded into tiny little pieces.

***************

"Guys, your mother and I are getting divorced." Olayemi announced solemnly at the breakfast table. It was the first time he was joining them for breakfast in months.
Titilola sighed. She had seen it coming. She pushed her food to the side and focused her attention on her father's face.
"What the hell is going on here? Why are you guys getting divorced?" Kayode asked in an incredulous voice. He was oblivious to what was going on in the family. His son was growing and he had been having regular sex with his mother. His status as a father had also earned him high point with his grandmother as the old bat had been supplying his bank accounts with a regular stream of income. Life hasn't been this good in years.
"Well, your father got re-united with his love child and wanted to crawl back into his mother's bed." Patricia stated in a malicious voice. Olayemi sighed heavily. He couldn't blame her.
"What love child are you talking about? Dad, is this true?" He turned angry eyes to his father.
"He is older than you, Kay. He's dad's spitting copy. Tall, fair and handsome." Titilola stated with a hint of malice that had her father's eyes narrowed at her. She ducked her head and refused to meet his gaze.
"Dad, are you saying a bastard is coming to take my rightful place in this family?" Kayode roared as he got to his feet in anger.
"He is not a bastard because I was legally married to his mother. I marry your mother because I thought she was dead." Olayemi met his son's gaze squarely. "Son, tell me your right in this family." He continued in a quiet voice.
"Mum, are you going to sit down there and say nothing?" Kayode turned frantically to his mother. He felt as if his world had just come to an end.
"Your father is right. We are getting divorced because it is against the law to be married to two women at the same time." Patricia stated miserably.
"Dad, I wish you love and happiness. You deserve it." Titilola got up and went to hug her father.
"Thank you, my princess." He smiled at her.
"I can't believe this is happening. Someone should wake me up from this nightmare." Kayode slapped himself on the cheeks several times in disbelief.
"Wake up. It is real. All you care about is the money and properties you will have access to when Dad retires. Thank God it is not going to happen." Titilola sneered at her brother.
"That is not nice, Titi. Why are you happy because the family is breaking apart?" Patricia asked in an accusing voice.
"Have we ever been close to each other in this family? Stop playing the injured party, mum. We both know you are not a victim." She dropped a kiss on her father's cheek and strolled out. Her mother gaped after her.
"Dad, I promise you this is not the end of this. I will fight for what belongs to me." Kayode stated in a cold voice as he strolled out.
Olayemi grimaced. Naomi was right. He had a battle on his hand.

***************

"Baby, you have a call." Andrew shouted from the bedroom.
"Who is it? Can you please pick the call for me?" Bella shouted back from the kitchen.
It was Saturday morning. They had spent the night in a club, dancing and catching their fun. Since he broke up with Caroline, they had gotten closer and had been spending their free time together.
They were both laughing as they crept into the house at dawn.
"Bella!' He groaned when he felt her arms went around his waist as he locked up the door.
"I think I have been patient enough." She murmured against his ear as she deftly unbuckled his jeans and slipped her hands into his brief.
"Wait a moment, Bella." He reached for her hands but his manhood betrayed him. It rose up and sprang to her touch.
"Oh, my! This is great." She flashed him a triumphant look from beneath her eyelid as she came around and caressed it with her gaze. It grew visibly longer and thicker. "I love this!" She smacked her lips in anticipation as she fell on her knees in front of him. She circled her fingers lightly around it as she flicked her tongue over the tip.
"You are killing me." He groaned out loud as he pushed it against her lips. She giggled.
"Take it easy, man. We have all day to do this." She shimmered out of her gown and stood in her glorious unclothedness before him. His muscle clenched and it took all his control to hold himself in check.
"You are beautiful, baby." His voice came out in a husky whisper as his eyes caressed her body slowly from her hair, lingered on the elevated points and down to her feet.
She rolled her eyes skyward in exasperation as she closed the distance between them and kissed him fully on the mouth. He took hold of her face and kissed her so thoroughly she felt her toes curled. She pushed him towards the couch.
"This dude is rearing to go." She murmured as she broke the kiss and straddled him.
"Oh, baby!" He groaned and hissed out loud as he guided his hard member into her moist depth.
"Oh yes!" She moaned as she clamped her muscle over him and they both sighed with satisfaction.
She rode him, fast and hard with her generous boobs juggling up and down until they both screamed as crest after crest of orgasm rolled over them.

***************

The phone stopped ringing as he was about to pick it and a message came in on her WhatsApp. His blood ran cold as he sat up in bed.
"Hello, Hot babe" The guy chatted. Andrew couldn't help opening the page, even as he dreaded what he would find there.
"I know you are there. I am sorry I have not been in contact for a long time. Can we hook up tonight? I miss your pussy badly." The guy chatted. Jealousy went through him like an arrow and he gritted his teeth.
"Common baby. Don't be angry with me. This dick is missing you so much." Another message came in. He got out of bed with an oath and strolled to the kitchen.

***************

"Good morning, darling. I guess the call wakes you up. I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed." Bella beamed at him.
"Good morning. You have a message." He didn't return her smile as he gave the phone to her and strolled out. He was dressing up when she rushed into the bedroom.
"Andrew, it is not what you think. He is an old flame. Please forgive me." She begged as tears filled her eyes.
"I thought you are different. Obviously, I was wrong." He stated in a flat emotionless voice. The tears spilled over as she went on her knees.
"I love you, Andrew. I have been in love with you since the first day I set my eyes on you but I cannot erase my past for you. Please forgive me and give me another chance to prove I am worthy of your love." She pleaded desperately.
"Lock my door when you are done. I am going out." He strolled out of the room and out of the house without a backward glance. She sat on the cold tiles and wept bitterly.

***************

Bella was irritated to find her mother in the gym when she got there in the evening. She wanted to be alone.
"No business meeting this weekend?" She asked in a sarcastic voice.
"I have resigned." Ifeoma stated quietly as she walked carefully on the treadmill. It had been a long time since she had spent any quality time in the gym and she felt rusty.
"What? Why did you resign?" She asked in a puzzled voice.
"I should have resigned a long time ago but it is not too late to do the right thing." She smiled ruefully as she glanced at her eldest daughter.
"You are right." Bella murmured sadly as her throat burn with tears.
"What is wrong, baby?" She stepped off the treadmill.
"I messed up." She began as tears filled her eyes again.
"Tell me about it." They moved to sit down on the bench. Ifeoma listened to her daughter without interrupting her.
"I have been wondering who was responsible for that wonderful change in you. God bless him for me." Ifeoma pulled her into her arms and held her as she sobbed like a baby.
"Don't give up, baby. If he is truly yours, he will forgive you and take you back." Ifeoma stated quietly.
"I want him, mum. I love him so much. I need him desperately. What will I do if he refuses to take me back?" She cried in anguish.
"You will move on. You are a strong woman. We don't always get all we want in life." Her heart aches for her baby but she knew she had to be realistic with her.
"Thank you, mum." Bella gave her mother a watery smile as she shed her back pack on the floor. She got on the treadmill and ran as if the devil was after her.
Ifeoma sighed heavily. She had contemplated suicide but knew it was the coward way out. She also knew she had to talk to her girls one of these days before karma dealt her a final blow.
Her phone rang noisily. She looked at the caller ID. It was Kingsley. The time is here to face the consequences of her past, she thought even as she gritted her teeth and picked up the call.

How are you enjoying this series? Please drop your feedback!

Thank you guys for reading.

Please bear with me with the irregular update. I have a tight schedule in the office and do not have as much time as i want to write.

I will try harder though. I appreciate you all.

Gracias.

Thank you. I appreciate your taking the time to read.

Gloryejims:
Patiently waiting for the next update..... More inspiration to you and more ink to ur pen

TWIST OF FATE: #12

She came through the door with her arms around a young man's waist but he had eyes only for her. He drank in her sight like a man who had his last drink several days ago. She was clad in light blue kaftan that swept the floor with a thin veil wrapped around her neck. Her thick black hair, tinged lightly with gray was styled in bangs around her narrow face and it lifted slightly from the pressure of the air blowing from the Air condition mounted in a corner of the room. She is truly alive, his heart sang as he got shakenly to his feet and approached them.
****************

"Mum, what will you like to take?" Joseph asked as he pulled out a seat for her and she slides in.
"This place is freezing. Chai!" She rubbed her hands together.
"You can't live in the Arctic, mum. I will tell them to reduce it. It is because we are still few in here. That is why you are feeling the cold so much." He grinned at her as he sat down and signaled to a waiter.
"You know I am a market woman. I am used to the sun and the heat. I will get used to the cold with time." She teased lightly.
"You are welcome sir, ma'am." The young man presented the menu to them with a deep curtsey and stood back discreetly.
"Excuse me?" A familiar male voice stated hesitantly at her elbow. Her hand trembled as she frowned and looked up.
"No, I can't believe my eye." Naomi whispered inaudibly as she got shakenly to her feet.
"Who is he, mum?" Joseph eyed the stranger as he stood up too and moved to his mother's side protectively.
"I am alive. I thought you are dead. Mother and Ronke told me you died during childbirth. I called the family doctor for confirmation and he confirmed it. Ronke later said you are not dead during her last few minutes on earth but I didn't believe her. I went through hell. My mind shut down for months afterward and I ended up in the home." He touched her cheek as if he was expecting her to disappear.
"No wonder, your number wasn't going through. It was a difficult labor but my baby and I survived. We are living." She smiled, even as tears filled her eyes and spilled over.
"Ife mi, come here." He pulled her into his arms and they were locked together in a tight hug for several minutes.
Joseph was grinning when he turned to the waiter and placed an order for them. There was no point hanging around in the eatery as they have created enough scene as it was.
***************

"Each time I look at your face, it is like staring at my own face. Who are you?" Olayemi asked curiously immediately they walked into their home. He left his car at the Restaurant's parking space and followed Naomi home. They both sat at the back while Joseph drove. They didn't say a word throughout the drive home but their silence spoke volume.
"He is your son, Ola mi. His name is Joseph Olamiposi Coker." Naomi stated quietly.
"He is so grown. Come here, son." He closed the distance between them and engulfed Joseph in a warm, tight hug.
"It's my pleasure to meet you, Dad." Joseph grinned at him and stepped back.
"The pleasure is all mine, Son." Olayemi flashed an identical grin, even as he felt the anger rising in him.
"Mum, I will be going back to Andrew's place to spend the night. I am sure you guys have a lot to discuss. Here is my car key in case you need to move around." Joseph handed over his car key to him.
"Here's mine. Go and pick it up at the Niche's packing space and take it wherever you are going." Olayemi gave him the key to his black Porsche along with a wad of cash to take a bike. Silence reign after he left and Naomi continued staring at his face as if she wanted to memorize it in her head.
***************

"I can kill Ronke with my bare hands if she is not dead already." Olayemi hit his hand on the wall in a dark rage.
"What happened to her?" Naomi sat down abruptly.
"She had complications during childbirth. She is being dead for more than 10 years and her son is staying with mother. Her husband remarried." He sat down beside her and released a weary sigh.
"I am sorry about her death. May her soul rest in peace." She took his hand in his hers and squeezed reassuringly.
"You still find it in your heart to pray for her? Damn it! She and mother ruined my life." He got to his feet and prowled around like a caged animal. She went into her room and came back with a fading paper which she gave to him. He read it in silence.
"Naomi, this is not my handwriting. It is similar but it is not mine. Why will I send you a letter when I can call you? I ended up in the hospital for several months after they delivered the horrible news to me because I couldn't comprehend your death." He sat down beside her again.
"Lovesick fools. Like father like son." She mumbled under her breath.
"What do you mean?" He gave her a puzzled look.
"Don't worry about it. I will humor you one day. I asked myself why you will take the coward way of sending a letter, instead of calling but there is no one to give me answers. After I left your home, surviving with my boy become my sole priority." She shrugged, her eyes were focused on the screen.
"That means you didn't go back home? Why, Ife mi?" He frowned at her.
"I did. Papa threatened to kill me if I ever step my feet on his doorstep again with my bastard. Mama was in support, as usual, being the obedient wife always. I left and never go back." She smiled grimly.
"Please forgive me. I can't undo the past but I promise I will never abandon you again. Hell, I have missed my son's growing years." He pressed his fingers to his eyes as he knelt in front of her.
"No. Please stand up." She wrapped her arms around his middle and he drew her into his embrace.
"I have never stopped loving you. I miss you so much." He buried his face in her neck.
"I miss you too, Ola mi." She whispered in a voice, hoarse with tears.
"Let's eat while we catch up on each other's lives." He tucked her beneath his arm as he sat on the sofa and reached for the nylon of take-out brought in by Joseph.
"I will get some plates." She began to stand up but he pulled her back.
"Where is your sense of adventure, Ife mi?" He looked pained and she giggled as she dipped her fingers into the salty fries.
***************

Patricia was coming out of the bathroom when her phone rang. It was blinking in the middle of the bed and she leaned closer to see the caller ID. It was Salmon. She picked up and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Hello, Pat. I hope I didn't catch you at an awkward time?" His husky voice asked over the phone.
"No. I just got home a few moment ago. How have you been?" She asked quietly.
"I could be better. Do you care to meet for a drink this evening or tomorrow afternoon? You can choose any time that is convenient for you." He stated with quiet confidence.
The memory of the last time they were together years ago suffused her mind. Adrenaline coursed through her and her heart raced in fear and excitement. She glanced at the wall clock. It was 5 pm in the evening.
"Where do you want to meet?" She asked quietly before she changed her mind.
"I will see you in an hour's time at Sultan Garden. I can't wait to see your pretty face again.'" She heard the smile in his face.
‘I will be there." She grinned and put a stop to the call.
***************

"Patricia, I am sure it must be an important issue for you to interrupt my afternoon nap because you know I don't joke with it." Afolake swept into her private sitting room as she tied the sash of her violet blue house robe. She was frowning.
It was Saturday afternoon. Even though it was hot and sunny outside, Patricia was almost shivering as she got to her seat. Cold air blasted her from all corner of the room from invisible Air conditioning system.
"I am sorry for disturbing your rest. Olayemi has not been spending the night at home since he came back into the country. I assumed he has been very busy and didn't want to disturb him. He came home this morning and told me he wants a divorce from me." She stated solemnly. The memory of her dinner date with Salmon kept drifting into her mind and she struggled to keep a straight face in front of her mother in law.
"What? Are you sure of what you are saying? What was his ground for divorce?" She asked angrily.
"He claimed he is already legally married to one woman and that being married to two women at the same time is against the law. Though he promised to compensate me well." Patricia struggled to maintain a sober look.
"That is ridiculous." She stated with a frown as she lowered herself into a seat.
"I don't know what to do. What am I supposed to tell the children? I wanted to discuss Kayode's engagement with him but he is not ready to listen." Patricia sighed heavily.
"Leave him to me. I will handle him." She stated with a reassuring smile.
***************

"There is nothing to handle, mother." Olayemi strolled into the room, closely followed by Joseph. Both were dressed in similar attires, blue jeans, and Ralph Lauren t-shirt.
"Oluwa mi ooo." Afolake whispered as she got shakenly to her feet.
"Good afternoon, Grandma." Joseph prostrated fully in front of the elderly woman.
"Son, stand up." She reached for his face and held it in her palms. "What kind of resemblance is this?" She wondered aloud as she traced her fingers all over his face.
Patricia's legs trembled and she paled visibly as she stared at the young man.
"He's Naomi's son." Olayemi stated simply as he sat down.
"Ah! Mo gbe! Wahala ti de ooo." Afolake seemed to age visibly as she sat down slowly beside her son.
Joseph sat on the other side of his father and tried not to gape around in pure awe at the evidence of wealth around him.
"Mother, what is going on around here? So Yemi has a son outside wedlock and you never tell me." Patricia shot accusing eyes at her mother in law, though she was worried because she had never seen her look so pale and shaken before.
"My dear, please excuse me for now. I will call you and explain everything to you in good time." She stated firmly.
"Mother, I don't understand what's going on here. You know Kayode is the rightful heir. I didn't bargain for all these nasty surprises." Patricia stated stubbornly.
"Woman, leave my presence now. I will call you when I need you." She glared at her. Patricia stormed out in anger.

***************

"How is your mother? What is your name again?" Afolake asked as she turned to face Joseph. It gave Olayemi a dark satisfaction to see his mother looked suddenly old, pale and tired.
"My name is Joseph Olamiposi Coker. My mother is doing very well. Thank you. She extends her regards." Joseph smiled at the elderly woman.
"I don't believe that. We made her life a living hell while she was here. Karma paid me well for that. I lost my only daughter during childbirth labor." She stated calmly but Joseph heard the grief and misery in her voice.
"Grandma, don't beat yourself up over it. It's destiny. It's in the past. Everything in life happened for a reason. May her soul rest in peace." He stated solemnly.
"You are such an intelligent young man. I am impressed. I need to commend your mother for doing such a great job of bringing you up." Her eyes shone with unshed tears.
"Thank you, ma.' He bowed slightly.
"Are you married or engaged? You are such a fine looking man. I am sure you will have lots of beautiful young ladies fawning over you.' She stated with undisguised curiosity.
"Mother, please don't start with him on relationship issues." Olayemi groaned in exasperation. Joseph laughed heartily, even as Rebecca's face floated into his mind and his heart aches at the memory.
"None of the above. I prefer older women. They are more matured. I don't have the patience and time for all the dramas that young women exhibit. Do you have anyone in mind that suit my taste?" He flashed her a devilish grin.
"You are such a rogue." She tried without success to disguise a grin but Olayemi suspected she was amused.
"On a serious note, Grandma, I carried out my findings on you. No wonder you earned the nickname "The dragon" in the business world. I am impressed with your achievements. You are such a strong and smart business woman. I hope to emulate your footsteps one day." He stated with undisguised admiration. Afolake blushed. Her son practically gaped at his mother.
"Thank you, dear. It's such a pity your Grandpa is no longer alive. He would have been so proud of you. I have merged our businesses. Olayemi and I have been doing a great job of holding the fort but it is the right time to add the next generation with their fresher ideas. You deserve a seat in the next board of directors meeting. What do you say, Yemi?" She turned to her son with a smile. This was much easier than he had anticipated. Olayemi struggled to hide a smile.
"Yes, he does. I am sure he will earn the position." Olayemi nodded thoughtfully.
"Grandma, please give me one month to do a proper hand-over at my place of work. My employer has been very good to me and I don't want to let him down. Secondly, I will like to start as a junior executive. It will give me time to learn the rope and the experience needed to carry out my responsibilities in the near future. It will also reduce the animosity towards me as it will give me the time to build a relationship with the staffs and win their loyalty. What do you think, Dad? Grandma?" He sat forward as he asked, looking from one to the other.
Afolake sat back in her seat and gave him a thoughtful look. Olayemi' s heart beat fast with anxiety.
"I need to see your mother. She deserves my appreciation and gratitude. You will do alright. Take your time." She stated solemnly.
"Thank you mother." Olayemi smiled.
Joseph stood up and engulfed the elderly woman in a warm hug. She hesitated briefly before hugging him back.
"Thank you for the opportunity. I promise not to soil the family name and not to let you down. I believe you and Dad still have lots of things to discuss. I will see you later." He placed a kiss on her forehead and on both cheeks before walking out. Afolake was smiling as she watched him leave.

How will Patricia and her children take this new development in the Coker family? What is going between Salmon and Patricia?

Please drop your comments.

Thank you.

crislyn:
wehdone Bolape...very nice and interesting story.

Thanks for reading,guys.

More revelations coming along...keep your fingers crossed!

TWIST OF FATE : #11

Naomi paused outside Joseph's room, her hand on the doorknob and stood very still. Loneliness weighed down her heart and she pushed the door open. Her son had always been neat, even as a boy but she picked up a dry rag and started dusting everywhere. He had been spending more time at Andrew's place and rarely come home these days. She knew in her heart that he would get married one day and moved away from her. That day was getting closer and she wondered how she was going to fill the void. Where did I go wrong, oh God? I lost my family all in the name of love. Am I going to spend the rest of my life without a companion? She thought forlornly. She sat down on his bed and stared into space.

"Mum, what is wrong? Why are you looking miserable?" Joseph asked worriedly as he hurried into his room. She jerked around like someone who had been in a slumber and gave him an uncertain smile.
"Where did you spring from? I thought you will be spending the weekend at Andrew's place." She smoothed her hand over the bedspread in a nervous movement.
"Yes, I intended to spend the weekend at his place. Bella invited us to a birthday party but I changed my mind about attending. Two is a company, three is a crowd. I need to give them space to spend time together." He smiled as he sat beside his mother.
"Is Bella and Andrew dating each other now?" She asked curiously.
"They are attracted to each other but Andrew doesn't want to over-step his boundary. At the same time, he wanted to be sure he wasn't on a rebound. Caroline really hurt him and she is still begging to come back." He stated with a frown.
"Caroline has a wide streak in her she hides so well. They were not meant to be together. Andrew is a good boy. I don't think salmon would mind seeing both of them as an item, provided he has a good plan for Bella. Who are you dating, Joseph?" She asked quietly.
"Don't turn this around, Mum. I know I have not been around lately to keep your company. I apologize for that." He stated solemnly.
"Don't be silly, Boy. You owe me no apology. If you hang around here, trying to keep me company, then I will have to take you to the psychiatric home." She chided mildly. He laughed heartily.
"Thank you for letting me off the hook. Why are you looking so sad when I came in? Is it your business?" He asked in concern. She sighed. If there was something her son inherited from her, it was his persistent.
"My business is doing fine. I just returned from a business trip to Dubai. It was fun and challenging. I love every moment of it. I also employed a new sales girl before I left so I will have someone stayed and manned my shop when I am away. Her name is Jessica." His mother rambled on without stopping. He frowned in concern.
"Mum, what is wrong?" He took her slim hands in his and rubbed it gently. She stopped talking abruptly, covered her face with her palm and burst into tears. He put his arm around her shoulder and allowed her to sob quietly, even as different thoughts raced through his mind.
"I miss him so much." Her next words made his blood ran cold. He frowned.
"Who is he?" He asked through clenched teeth.
"Olayemi Coker, your father. I call him Ola mi." She gave him a quiet look through red-rimmed eyes. His breath shuddered out in relieve. Her grin flashed, full of mischief. She prodded his rib with her elbow teasingly. "You are a jealous oaf." She smiled at him.
"Thank God. I am glad it is not Mr. Salmon. He looks like someone that loves the women and the women love him." He shrugged.
"Salmon is a natural flirt but he is a good man. We are friends during my university days before I dropped out but he keeps trying to cross the line. When I fell in love with Yemi, he felt betrayed and stopped talking to me. The heart knows its owner." Her voice ended in a murmur. He nodded in agreement as Rebecca's face flitted through his mind.
"You have never discussed my father, at least not in my presence. What is he like?" He asked curiously as he turned to face her.
"I remember him every day. You are his exact spitting image. I look at your face and my heart ache. Time has not erased the memories between us but I have learned to live with it. I hope he is happy and contented wherever he is." She smiled sadly.
"It is obvious you are still in love with him. Why are you no longer together? What went wrong between the two of you?' He asked curiously, the question that had been burning in his mind for a long time.
"I am an Edo girl and I come from a middle-class family. My mother is a primary school teacher and Father is a lecturer in a college of Education. They are disciplinarians and staunch Christians. I am the first child and I was supposed to set good examples for my two younger siblings." She smiled faintly.
"Where is your family?" He asked curiously.
"I am sure they are doing very well. I was disowned when I marry your father against my father's wish." She paused as she got to her feet. "Olayemi is a full blooded Yoruba man and religion is not their strong point in their family. His mother is an oil tycoon while his father has groups of companies across the country. They are wealthy and influential." She smiled grimly.
"I see." He frowned as he began to have an idea of what took place between his parent.
"He represents everything my father secretly envied, feared and detest with all his being. He forbade me to stop seeing him immediately he knew who Olayemi is. It was the same at his family home but I couldn't complain to anyone. He proposed to me within three months that we met and I accepted. Hell was let loose within the two families but it didn't stop us from getting married. We gathered few friends and went to the registry to sort ourselves out." A giggle escaped her and she grinned at him.
"That means you are still married to him legally, right?' He asked in an incredulous voice.
"Yes, I am still married to him legally. I gave birth to you in his family house." Her lips trembled but she firmed it.
"Did his family maltreat you when you were there?" He asked in a cold voice.
"Maltreat is an understatement, they treated me like a piece of shit. I got pregnant the first time we had sex. Initially, we lived in an apartment out of town but his admission came through. He had applied for his MBA at Harvard school of business shortly before we met. He wanted to forego it because he didn't want to leave me on my own but I rejected the idea. He now gave me the condition that the only reason he will go was if I moved into his family house. He didn't know the extent of his family's hatred and hostility towards me. I agreed. He left the country reluctantly and I was left to survive in the den of shark. It was hell." She took a deep breath and faced her son. He was silent as he stared at her.
"It was a difficult pregnancy but his family made it worse. He has a younger sister, Aderonke. She was a she-devil, her mother's daughter through and through. There were no mobile phones back then but he called me immediately he got there and gave me a number where I could reach him. We talked virtually every day and hearing his voice made living in his house much easier. Shortly before I was due to put to bed, the number stopped going through and I couldn't reach him. All efforts to reach him proved abortive. He didn't come back and he never witnesses the birth of his son" Her voice went hoarse with tears and she coughed to clear it.
"What happened? Don't you think something is not right here? From the little you told me now, I don't think he is the kind of guy that will abandon his pregnant wife without any apparent cause." He stated in a puzzled voice.
"I don't know what happened. I received a letter about three months after you were born. It was from him. In summary, the content of the letter was that I should move on and that he is no longer interested in our marriage. Ronke delivered the letter to me with great relish. They wasted no time in driving me out of their home. Going home is not an option, there is no money to go back to school and surviving become my topmost priority." Tears rolled down her face silently.
He stood up and engulfed his mother in a warm tight hug. She buried her face in the crook of his neck and his t-shirt become soaked with her tears.
"It was a relief to get that off my chest." She stepped back and gave him a watery smile.
"Go and dress up, mum. I will take you to that new eatery in town, The Niche." He gave her a gentle push towards the doorway.
"Thank you." She sniffed and walked out of the room.

***************
Olayemi Coker sat in a moody silence in the corner of the new restaurant, nursing a can of unsweetened yogurt. He just got into town a week ago and he was already feeling restless. The last conversation he had with his mother played in his head all over again. It made him sad and angry.
"Olayemi, what's happening? Pat complained that you have not been having time for the family." Afolake Coker frowned at her son. She was a short plump woman in her seventies but didn't look a day above fifty. She took care of her health and skin with a determination of a young man that was about to sit for Cambridge exams. She had the financial ability to take care of all her whims and never spare any expenses as long as it got her what she wanted. The evidence of her beautiful, radiant and youthful skin could be seen in several tubes and bottles that littered her bathroom and cosmetic table. She was sitting in her favorite armchair in her private sitting room, clad in a thick house robe with a towel wrapped around her head. Her right feet was placed on a stool where her personal nail technician was working on her feet.
"What am I supposed to do? Sit home and play scrabbles with them? I work my butt off to provide for all their needs and you are here, criticizing me for not being there. I think it is time you stop interfering in my life. I am sick and tired of it." He glared coldly at her. Her call was the first he received as he woke up from bed in the morning and he had promised to see her before the close of the day.
"I will keep interfering as long as you are not doing the right thing. The girl that Kayode impregnated has put to bed. I have carried out my investigation. She is from a good home. I think we should try and see her family to request for her hand in marriage. I am sure it will keep him in check and make him more responsible." She stated breezily, undaunted by her son's angry look.
"Marriage doesn't make anyone responsible, mother. You never ceased to amaze me. Kayode is the most irresponsible young man I have ever come across. He impregnated a girl and all you can think of is the family the young slut comes from. Why are you so vain and shallow? Do you care about anything except your prestigious class?" He asked bitterly, glaring at his mother.
"Don't take that tone with me, son. The deed has been done. We have to make the best of it. He is the heir and we can't afford to allow him to settle for trash." She flicked a well-manicured, beautifully painted finger at him.
"He is not my heir. I will rather give out my wealth to the orphanage, rather than hand it over to him. See you later, mother." He turned on his heels.
"Hold on, Yemi. We will get in touch with the family and give you a feedback. By the way, Titilola would be flying out for her MBA soon. Please let's get the ceremony out of the way so she can attend. I love you, dear." She flashed pearly white teeth at her son. He groaned with resignation. Titilola was Kayode's younger sister. She was everything that Kayode was not, serious, responsible and focused. She was twenty-three years old and he had never seen her romantically involved with any man. It bothered him a bit.
"Who is she dating by the way? Any business tycoon in her life yet?" His voice dripped with sarcasm since his mother seemed to know more about his immediate family than he does.
"I don't think so. That girl is too serious for her own good. I will have to look for a suitable suitor and match-make them." She frowned at him. The sarcasm was lost on her.
"Just like you match-make her mother and I, right? Stay out of her business. She is a beautiful young girl and she's old enough to select her man." His eyes narrowed at his mother in warning.
"Go away and drink beer with your fellow men. What do you know?" She waved him away like a pestering fly. He just realized what made his mother a successful businesswoman. She never took No for an answer. When she wanted something, she rolled over whatever obstacle was on the way without looking at the casualties she left behind. He walked out without another word.

***************
Her laughter cut through the angry thoughts in Olayemi’s head and he thought he was hallucinating. He looked towards the entrance with a frown and his heart seemed to come to a standstill.

Thank you for reading. I will post the next update this week.Please be on standby.

mayor4love:
I love what I'm reading. More grace!

Thank you for reading. I will be more consistent with it.

Deji124:
Wehdone ma and tanks for updating but try to be more consistent in updating these story,

Thank you for reading. It is a Miss by the way. I update once in a week because of my regular workload in the office.

Precious111:
Welldone Miss/Mrs Bolape
I gladly await the next update PLS mention me

Yes, it does happen. We should try and balance our family life and career life. It is not easy but when career life ends, the family would still be there. Thank you for reading.

bummybummy:
dat wat normally happens to the carrier woman, dat dey put their job ova dia family, Salmon, plzzzz just help ur wife out her predicament.

TWIST OF FATE: #10

“Mum, what is wrong with Dad these days?” Bella grumbled as she walked into her parent’s bedroom, closely followed by her two younger sister. It was Saturday morning and her mother was still lounging in bed. Her father had left the house early in the morning as he had been doing these days.
“What did he do?” Ifeoma turned to sit up in bed.
“Well, he told us to go and see our family doctor. When we got there, the lab technician took some blood samples and cheek swabs. There was no explanation for this however and he refused to talk to anyone of us. Is something going on that you are not telling us about? We deserve to know the truth.” Bella stated in a shaky voice.
Ifeoma sighed heavily. Her meetings with Kingsley was getting on her nerves and her husband was adding his own drama to further complicate her life.
“I honestly don’t know what is going on. He refused to talk to me too but I have been thinking he will get over it. Test? What sort of test?” She asked in a puzzled voice as Bella’s words finally penetrated her sense. Bella rolled her eyes skyward and exchanged glances with her siblings.
“Mum, are you here at all? I told him that Kingsley and his family wants to come and introduced themselves but he said I should discuss with you.” Aliyah mentioned the most important thing on her mind.
“You know what, girls? I will talk to him and give you a feedback. Aliyah, hope the nanny is taking good care of your baby?” Ifeoma smiled uncertainly at them before focusing on Aliyah.
“She is trying. Mum, I thought you will have more time for your grandchild. You barely see him since he was born.” Aliyah stared accusingly at her.
“I am sorry, baby. I will try and see him more often now. I promise.” Ifeoma was eager to get them going so she could align her thought. Bella and Aliyah turned and left the room but her second daughter, Maria refused to follow them. She was the most reserved among the three girls but also the smartest and most intelligent. She made her mother nervous whenever she fixed those solemn eyes on her.
“What is it, Maria?” Ifeoma frowned at her.
“I went online, mum. Blood test and cheek swabs could mean DNA Test.” She stated quietly. Ifeoma’s heart missed a bit.
“It could also mean other things too. Are they only used for DNA test?” Ifeoma retorted acidly.
“No. None of us required a test, we do not have health issues, mum and we all know our genotype and blood group. So why are we sent to take a test without our consent or your consent? Dad is not talking to us. That is unusual as he has always been there for us. Despite our shortcomings, he talks to us and listen to us.” She paused without taking her eyes off her mother’s face. Ifeoma swallowed hard.
“If something is wrong, please let us know on time.” She concluded quietly.
“I have told you I will talk to him and I will give you a feedback. What else do you want to hear from me?” Ifeoma nearly shouted as she sat up straighter in bed.
“Okay, mum. I have heard you.” She turned her body slightly and Ifeoma released a sigh of relieve. “Whose call have you been receiving in the middle of the night, mum?” The question came out of the blues and her heart gave a lurch. She gaped at her daughter in shock.
“Mum, I am talking to you.” Maria stared back unflinchingly at her mother.
“Get out of my room at this minute. I don’t want to see you again.” Ifeoma choked out.
“Mum, everyone has a past. If you truly love us and want to save your marriage, I suggest that you and Dad should have a heart to heart talk before it is too late.” She stated gravelly, turned on her feet and walked out. Ifeoma slumped back in bed as she felt suddenly drained out. What should I do, Dear God? She thought helplessly.
“Andy, what is wrong with you? You have been taking that wine steadily since I came in.” Joseph lifted the bottle of bailey on the table and inspected it. He rarely went home these days and his mother had stopped bothering about his appearance at home.
“Well, I am not drunk yet.” Andrew stared at the creamy drink in his wine glass and frowned.
“How was your trip to Abuja? You didn’t come back to the office when you get back to town.” Joseph sat beside him.
“It was okay. We won the contract. I was very tired when I got back and decided to take the day off.” He smiled but it was a grim one.
“Where did you go when you get back into town? Why are you drinking this much?” Joseph asked worriedly. Andrew threw the wine glass against the wall to his surprise and the glass chattered into million tiny pieces. He got to his feet and started pacing back and forth in the room. Joseph watched him with interest.
“Can you believe that idiot girlfriend of mine has been cheating on me?” He bellowed at the top of his voice.
“Could that be Carol Adams?” Joseph asked in a disbelieving voice. Andrew and Carol had been dating steadily since Andrew was in year two in the university.
“Who else? The fool that I was, I wanted to surprise her when I returned earlier than expected. I even went shopping for her.” He gave a depreciating laugh as he picked up the shopping bags beside the seat and flung it across the room.
“How did you find out she was cheating on you?’ Joseph asked curiously, still finding it difficult to believe.
“She didn’t know I was coming back today. We spoke last night and I told her I wasn’t sure when I will be back. Her door was closed but not locked. I walked in, beaming from ear to ear only to find my babe in bed with another man. He was shagging her furiously from the back and my babe was there, moaning and screaming. I thought I will faint with shock.” He smiled grimly at his friend.
“What did you do? You didn’t pick him up and hit his head against the wall?” Joseph asked coldly. That calmed him down more than anything in the world. He smiled.
“No, I didn’t. I just called her name and watched her focus her eyes on me and I left. She has been calling my number since then.” He sat down, a bit calm now.
“I am highly disappointed in Caroline. She is the last girl I expected to do this. I know it is not easy but you just have to get over it. I am surprised I didn’t meet her here though, considering what happened.” Joseph touched his arm and squeezed briefly.
“She has made her choice. I will make mine too.” He shrugged. There was a knock on the door but before any of them could answer, the door swung open and Caroline came in. She went straight on her knees and both men watched her as she crawled into her room.
“It is the devil’s handwork. Forgive me please, my love.” She begged as tears filled her eyes and spilled over as she raised her palms in a plea.
“What is going on here, guys?” Bella made an entrance on the doorway in a silver color dinner wear that accentuated her full curves. The clingy sheer material revealed and covered her form at the same time as it dipped and stretched over her feminine form. She glided into the room, looking from one to the other. Joseph hide a smile.
“Nothing much. You can seize up the situation by yourself and arrive at your own conclusion.” Andrew grinned at her. Caroline jumped to her feet and glared at Bella.
“Andrew, who is this?” Caroline asked angrily. He stared coldly at her and Bella smiled to herself.
“I am Bella and you must be who?” Bella glided around her, measuring her from head to toes. Carol drew herself up to her full height.
“I am Carol, Andrew’s fiancée. You are the boss’s daughter, right? Have you been sleeping with him?” Carol asked as he looked down her nose at her. Bella laughed, a soft tingling sound that pleased Joseph immensely.
“I have not started sleeping with him yet but I intend to very soon. You have been blocking my path and now the coast is clear. Thank you.” Bella rubbed her hands together maliciously.
“What did you tell her, Andrew? Have you been sleeping with her? Is that how you got the job in the place?” Carol turned on him hotly.
“You have got guts, Carol. You have a real nerve to be asking me that kind of question. Please get out at this minute before I do something we will both regret.” Andrew stated coldly.
“You have not seen the last of me. I will be right back.” She snapped her hand and headed for the door.
“Carol.” Bella called softly and she turned to glare at her. “Please don’t bother to come back because this door is completely closed to you.” She stared back at her.
“I don’t really care who your father is. Stay off my man or I will skin you alive, you bitch.” Carol lunged towards her with her hand raised and Bella caught it neatly.
“I fight dirty and rough when I do. Stay off and we won’t have any problem. Go on, girlie and don’t look back.” Bella flung her hand away and she stormed out of the room.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish. Celebrate with me, guys! I got the job.” She grinned at both of them and Joseph laughed out loud.
“I know it. Congratulations babe!” He vaulted to his feet and swung her around in joy.
“Thank you.” She laughed as she hugged him and gave him a smacking kiss on the lips.
“Congratulations Bella! I am proud of you.” Andrew stated solemnly as he drew her into his arms and hugged her, long and hard.
“Thank you. I am sorry you are hurt, dude.” She framed his face in her palms and placed her lips gently on his. It softened beneath hers before he drew back and grinned at her.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. You are looking hot by the way. Where are we going tonight?” His eyes undressed her from her hair to her toes and she felt her bare nipples hardened beneath her bodice at his open scrutiny.
“I know the place. Let’s get moving.” Joseph picked up his car key and they left the house.
***************

Salmon sat alone in his study room. It was dark except for the lamp on the desk, illuminating the DNA results he spread out before him and he stared down endlessly at it. Bella and Maria were biologically his daughters but Aliyah wasn't his. How long has this been going? His mind wandered in anguish. He looked towards the door when he heard a knock and the knocking went on consistently.
"Please open the door, Salmon. I know you are in there." Ifeoma's pleading voice penetrated through the door. He remained seated for several minutes longer before he stood up and went to unlock the door. She stood just inside the room, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness while he locked the door and went back to his seat.
"Why have you been avoiding me? Why are you not talking to me?" She asked quietly.
"Have your seat." He gestured to the wooden chair in front of the desk. She moved on heavy feet to sit down with her eyes glued to the papers in front of him and her heart hammered with dread.
"Please take a look at this." He picked up the results and held it out to her. Her hand trembled as she collected the papers from him and she stared down at it blindly without seeing a thing but she knew what was there! She had been fearing this day since that cursed night that she allowed mindless passion to rule her life. She was surprised at the feeling of relief that went through her and the feeling of terror that followed.
"You cheated on me, Ifeoma." He stated clearly, calmly. She put the papers back on the desk and stared at him soberly. "I loved those kids with my life but it was the one that held the string to my heart that ended up not being mine. Why did you do it?" He asked bitterly and she swallowed hard.
"I have suffered and paid for this mistake for a very long time. What can I say, salmon? Telling you I deeply regret it will not undo the past or the damage done but I am so sorry for hurting you this way." Tears filled her eyes and spilled uncheck down her cheek.
"Who is he? What did he offer you that I couldn't or didn't offer you?" He asked bitterly.
She sighed heavily and stared down at her entwined hands.
"He was a senior colleague and my immediate boss back then. We worked together as a team. Most times, we stayed behind to work late into the night and we grew quite close. He gave me the attention I didn't know I was craving for and bought me silly little things that warmed my heart. By then, you and I have grown apart and seemed to be living separate lives. He was a divorcee and his family was out of the country or so he told me. It happened one night when we traveled to Abuja on a business trip." She swallowed hard and gazed at her husband through tear-filled eyes.
***************

"Ifeoma, please let's do a quick recap of those issues we raised in the board meeting. I have some documents in my room that I will like to give to you to go through when you are less busy. I promise not to take more than a few minutes of your time so we can retire to bed on time." Kingsley had said briskly with a polite smile as the meeting ended and he got to his feet.
"I am right behind you sir." She responded as she smiled at the other executives and bid them goodnight as they filed out of the conference room in a single row.
"Please have your seat. What can I offer you?" He went straight to the fridge in a corner of his King-sized room.
"I have already had enough food during dinner. I will just take a look at those documents and retire to bed. I am so tired right now." She hides a yawn behind her palm as she dropped on the long sofa in the room and eased her feet out of the navy blue high heel she wore.
"Well, you won't mind taking some wine then." He brought out a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses.
"Thank you. I hope it is not too alcoholic because my system can't take too much of it." She smiled as he poured the rich red drink into the wine glass and handed it to her.
"No, it is a sweet wine. How are your girls?" He poured himself a glass and sat down beside her.
"I am missing them so much. I wish I can spend more time with them but this banking job is so demanding." She stated with a sigh and took a sip. "Wow! This is so sweet. I have such a terrible sweet tooth." She grinned as she gulped down the drink.
"I love your dedication to your work. I am confident you will make it to the top of your career sooner than you expect." He topped her wine glass and took a sip of his own.
"Thank you for your vote of confidence. I appreciate you. You have been a great mentor and supervisor to me." She smiled at him. He grinned at her and his dimple winked. Her heart gave a lurch.
They talked about her family, his own and the general nature of their job.
"I need to use the loo." She got to her feet and the room seemed to be spinning on its axis. "I think I am drunk." She giggled helplessly as she weaved her way unsteadily to the restroom.
He was clad in his boxers' shorts and under-vest when she came out. He met her half-way into the room.
"You are a bit unsteady on your feet. Lie down. It will soon wear off." He guided her onto his bed.
"I need to start going to my room. We have an early morning flight to catch tomorrow." She stretched out gratefully. He sat down on the bed and massaged the soul of her aching foot one after the other.
"Thank you. How did you learn how to do that?" She purred with pleasure as she closed her eyes.
"You are a beautiful woman." His voice was close to her ear and her eyes opened slowly to see him staring at her lips. Her throat went dry and she struggled to sit up.
"Easy, baby. I didn't mean to scare you." He eased her back on the bed as he smiled at her and kissed her eyelids.
"I don't think we should be doing this." She began in a weak voice. Her limbs weigh a ton. She watched him helplessly as he parted her legs slightly and traced his fingers up her inner thigh. Her thighs quivered in anticipation and desire curled deep in her belly.
Unknown to her, he had studied her carefully and planned every detail. He turned out to be the best lover she ever had. He held her gaze as he settled between her spread thighs. He reached for her pants beneath her trim pencil skirt and rolled it down slowly. The skirts pulled at her waist and her hips jerked involuntarily when he flicked his tongue over the center of her womanhood. She moaned and groaned as he teased her mercilessly.
His finger joined his tongue and she buckled hard as the several orgasms rolled over her in rapid succession. He came up for air with a wicked smile and pushed up her camisole as he flicked his tongue over the navel.
"Please…" Her voice ended in a whimper as he slipped his fingers into her bra and teased her nipples.
"Tell me what you want, baby. I will gladly do it." He whispered against her mouth as he pulled off her jacket and she allowed him to UnCloth her.
He took her in several positions and she enjoyed every moment of it. She fell asleep towards dawn, satisfied and exhausted. Kingsley arranged her nude beautiful body in several obscene positions and took lots of her pictures. He then put away the video recorder that was hidden in a corner of the room and the camera and joined her in bed for an early morning romp before they started preparing for their morning flight back to Lagos.

***************
"He was sacked shortly after we returned back to Lagos on several fraudulent charges. I was shocked because I never see it coming. I was promoted to his position and the nightmare began." She stated sadly.
"Was he blackmailing you?" Salmon frowned at her.
"Yes. I think he planned everything that happened that night. He recorded everything that took place between us and took several incriminating pictures. He was sued to court after he was sacked and was nearly sent to jail if not for the help of a very expensive lawyer who drained him financially. As a result, his career was ruined and he found it difficult to start all over again. He has been blackmailing me for more than fifteen years." She stated tiredly.
"I see. Does he know he is Aliyah's father?" He asked quietly.
"No, he doesn't. I didn't even know I was pregnant until I was in my second trimester. I did my calculation and knew the baby wasn't yours. You never noticed or suspected either and I just kept it to myself. Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?" Her voice was hoarse with tears as she stared at him. He sighed.
"I don't know. I am not even sure our marriage will remain the same. What should we do with Aliyah?" He gave her a steady look.
"The ball is in your court. I know you love her very much and she would be heart-broken if you chose to tell her." She shrugged weakly as she used the pack of her palm to wipe the tears and mucus running down her face.
"Go to bed, Ifeoma. We will discuss this another time." He sat back, suddenly very tired. She buried her face on the desk and sobbed as if her heart would break.