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Jsaviour:
You made me login to nairaland after over a year now. Your story is wow. Please ride on. More ink to you.

Thanks dr

***
She smiled as she looked at his picture…the man that had stolen her heart three years ago, that year would make it the fourth since he was gone and she still couldn’t get over him…

Zainab had helped her get better the other day…of all her friends, Zainab was one who could turn a gloomy situation into a gloomy one….

She would be twenty eight years old in a few weeks time and she hadn’t thought of re-marrying or dating…men kept coming up to her but they would never understand that she was still in love with her Frederick…

Was it that hard for them?

She applied a generous amount of foundation on her face, Edima Bassey was a pharmacist and they had a seminar going on …she had to be there as early as possible…

She had made up her mind not to have anything to do with men for a while…she would keep off them till she was ready to go out of her way and love again…

Till she was ready to give her heart out to another…it was such a risky thing to do…

‘what do we have here…’? she smacked her lips as her phone buzzed…she had sent Lola a message on watsapp but she was yet to reply…what was going on? She desperately hoped her friend was okay…she had to be…

She sighed and dropped the phone back in her purse…it was a reminder from the Pharmacists Association Nigeria about the seminar…

Sometimes she wished Lola could divorce Femi, that man was no good…he toyed with her feelings, he was obnoxious and proud…all because he was a wealthy man….
But Lola was fixed on him, she loved her husband more than anything else in the world…sadly, he didn’t feel same about her…

Zainab had talked to her on phone the other day, though she didn’t give them details about what Lola had filled her in on…one look at Zee’s face could tell you, Femi had done something terrible to Lola…

And there was Amaka who had acted like she was menopausal…what was happening to her friends? She lined her lips quickly and mentally rehearsed her plans for the day…she would call her friends later…

‘oops…’ she kissed the picture on her table and rushed out…she hoped she wouldn’t be caught in traffic as she had an important part to play at the seminar…

The Seminar wasn’t a national matter, it was meant for pharmacists who resided in the western part of the country, so there was not much crowd…

She parked her car in the area allotted for cars and slipped out of with her briefcase and her identity card hanging down her neck….

‘welcome Mrs Bassey…get prepared, you’re up next…’ the President of the Association whispered into her ears and she suddenly felt nervous…she hadn’t expected to give the lecture on ‘drug abuse among professionals’ so quickly…

‘you look nervous…..’ the man’s cologne unsettled her brain…her eyes peered at the man that owned that beautiful voice…

‘I…don’t know…maybe…’ she struggled to tear her eyes off of him as his kind gaze travelled over her face…

‘excuse me, that would be my name…’ her voice was shaky as she was called forth to deliver the lecture…she had never felt this nervous….why did his voice tickle her nerves ?

She forced the thoughts of him out of her mind and gave herself a sound advice as she climbed the stage, the crowd was kind enough to applaud her which helped her shaky feet steady…

He was still staring at her, hell, everyone was but why did she feel unnerved by his gaze? …he looked like a man in his thirties, he was darkly handsome and his mouth wore this permanent smile…like he was always in a good mood?

He wasn’t tall, she observed him as she scanned the hall…he had good hair, his head was a mass of black curls…his brows were well shaved and haughty…
His nose was straight and solid…he was a very cute guy , she decided and forced herself to focus on what she’d come to do….

‘Goodmorning Ladies and gentlemen, ….I am Mrs Edima Bassey and I am here to present a lecture on Drug Use among Medical Professionals….what is Drug Use? Let us start with the definition of terms….’ She slipped on her glasses and began to lecture….


‘her husband is dead…why wouldn’t she change her name…’? the woman beside him seemed displeased…her statement further relieved him of the tension that had built within when he had heard her full name….

‘my god? Am I that desperate to hit on a married woman’? That was Omale’s first thought when he had heard her name…

Omale Ibrahim was a medical doctor, one of his pharmacist friends had invited him for the seminar and he had been willing to attend, he loved seminars and conferences and all forms of gathering that sought to impact knowledge about socio-medical realities….

He was a very open minded person and was ready to listen to what anybody had to offer, provided it was something rich and meaningful…

So she was a widow? Could he handle that? He didn’t know why, but from the moment she’d walked into that hall, he just couldn’t take his eyes off her…

He reminded her of someone he’d really cared about once before….he reminded her of his late wife, Ene.

They had been married for just a year, that was the happiest part of his thirty six years life on earth…but why was happiness elusive?

One waited patiently for it most times and when finally found…it vanished without trace…he had struggled with depression over the years not understanding why God should take his wife during childbirth…

He blamed himself for it….what else could he do? Someone had to bear the blame…her death brought him unimaginable pain…

But with help and love from his family, he was able to overcome the power of depression and guilt…God had seen him through that dark tunnel and he had seen the light…

He no longer wallowed in self pity and hate…neither was he bitter about God’s decision…he accepted it as part of God’s plan for his life and had moved on….

But he still found himself unable to love, not just unable but terrified at the prospect of trusting another with your whole heart…what if the person died again? How would he overcome another affliction?

She was very poise and confident and he loved the way she spoke…her English was polished and without any trace of accent….she was comfortable in her skin, he observed and smiled when she made a funny statement…

And she did have a good sense of humour… she wasn’t tall or short, her ebony skin was complemented by the red suit she wore…she looked like a rose in morning light…

Beauty and brains all wrapped into one, even the way she smiled reminded him of Ene and he shifted uncomfortable as the dimples on her cheeks betrayed her…

How could two people be so alike? That sort of thing usually happened in the movies, he liked her, she intrigued him and he was curious to know her more…

Maybe it was time to find love again, trying wouldn’t hurt him a bit….he quickly slipped off his marriage ring he’d been wearing for four years since after her demise…

It was time to start a new life…and something deep down spoke to him, he felt the gentle wave envelope his being…he had found the woman he had been waiting for…

This time he wasn’t plagued by what harm may come to her or about their future…he only cared for this moment…he was the first to rise and applaud her as she concluded the lecture….

***


‘goodmorning darling, I prepared breakfast….’Sly felt helpless as Amaka was bent on ignoring him…he’d tried opening the door to her room but she’d locked it from inside….when would this be over? He’d asked himself that question many times….

‘not hungry….am back on diet….’ She replied uninterestedly as she fanned her eyes over the table…her husband was trying too hard to impress her…but she wouldn’t give in that easily…

‘baby? But you’re too thin…you have to add some flesh….’ Sly wondered why Amaka was this weight conscious…

She just had that baby and she needed to look healthy but she was already bent on going back to her old ways…

He’d met her at a wedding ceremony, her tall and elegant frame attracted him to her, her neck was long and graceful as that of a swan…her caramel complexion was flawless and her tiny eyeballs were heavily cloaked with thick lashes…

His wife was a very beautiful woman but she was too skinny for his liking…

‘oh! I forgot your secretary has a fat ass…is that what you want me to look like’? her tongue burned for more words…

One look at Sly got her more perturbed, there was nothing he could do to placate the resentment that brew in her heart….

He had slept with another woman, he had made a fool of her…she had done almost everything to please this man…and he cheated…

What irked her most was the way he carried himself, he still looked calm and peaceful…he didn’t look sorry enough for what he’d done…

‘I am sorry Amy….why can’t you get past this?’ his shoulders dropped in a dejected fashion….

‘get past the fact that you bleeped your mistress and you had the nerves to tell me about it’? her voice rose with the anger she felt…

‘it happened only once…Amy believe me…I love you so much…’ Sly bowed his head in regret…maybe he shouldn’t have listened to the pastor…maybe he should have kept it to himself…they wouldn’t be having that conversation…

‘after all the things I did for you in bed? Wearing lingerie, French maid costume? Riding on top of you? Wasn’t that enough? Am I not good enough…’ her voice broke and she dragged a seat and settled down…

The hurt in her eyes was evident….it made him feel worse…what had he been thinking, hooking up with Doyin?

‘Amaka…you’re perfect for me…I just love you the way you are….’ He rose to meet him but she blocked his hands from touching her…

‘how easy for you to say….you know what? I am not going to cry no more…you’re not that important…’ she swallowed…

‘baby please don’t say that, I am still your husband…’ was she going to cheat on him as she’d threatened? His heart pounded heavily against his chest…

‘one last question, did you use protection?’ she rubbed her fingers waiting for his response…

‘baby do we have to move back and forth? Is that even necessary, I am healthy I promise you…I checked out with the doctor…’ he was desperate to win his angel back…

‘you’re now avoiding my question? Here’s the deal…from now on we are having sex with condoms , don’t speak to me unnecessarily ….but whenever you want to have sex, just tell me and I’ll comply…but I take back my love…and we’re not having any other kid except Odinaka…if that’s too much for me to ask, you may as well go back to your mistress…’ she folded he arms across her chest and waited for him to speak…

‘I’ll do anything you want…’ though her terms sounded ridiculous…he was ready to abide by whatever rules would make her happy…he knew for sure that she only acted this way because she was unhappy with him…

‘good….’Amaka replied…

‘Benson is flying in today…he would stay with us awhile…you remember him right?’ Sly spoke of his cousin who lived in Hanover, Germany…

‘that’s your problem, not mine….’ Her voice was low…

Without wasting more time with him, she got up and left for her room…Lola hadn’t returned her calls, neither had she replied her messages on Whatsapp…

Sylvester watched as she walked away from him, he needed to talk to someone…he needed advice…




****

‘excuse me pretty…’ Omale had kept his eyes on her and spotted as she left the building…

She had heard the male voice quite alright but she didn’t think the voice called after her…finally it was over…she could return to her normal and boring life again…

Preparing for the lecture had kept her busy for a few weeks, she’d gone to different libraries and book stores and had spent quality time researching on the topic…now she was done, she felt empty…what would keep her busy yet again? She usually drowned herself in her work…

Standing on that stage was a bit frightening for her….but she scaled through and it scared her as she remembered his smile…

Honestly, she was jittery at first but one look at his face gave her this assurance, hope and faith that she could do anything…his smile had meant so many things to her as she stood on that stage…

Most importantly was the semblance it bore with Frederick’s smile…she forced the door open and felt that sick feeling creep up her spine…

Why did he have to leave her?

‘hello ….’ Omale wouldn’t give up as he followed her to where she parked her car…

She turned and faced the owner of that masculine voice, the man that owned that smile…why was he calling after her?

‘hello….can I help you…’? she asked politely…

‘if you want to….’ He replied casually still watching her fine features…

‘I’m sorry, I was about leaving for something very important…do you mind’? she let her guards up…one look at his dark eyes told her this man was no good…and it bothered her …

‘I am Omale Ibrahim….’ He smiled and offered her his hand…

‘I don’t think I know you…can I go now’? she was being defensive…

‘oh, I see…you did well up there…I really enjoyed your lecture, why didn’t you go into academics’? he pressed on as she ignored his hand…

‘really? Thank you Mr Omale…I really have to run…’she was getting irritated by his confidence? Who did he think he was?

‘can I at least know your name? have your number’? he kept on his smile…this one was trying too hard to be difficult …

‘just get out of my way…I am married and I feel insulted by whatever you’re trying to do…’ she blurted out angrily….

‘but I heard you are a….’ he paused as tears welled up her eyes and he knew that instant he’d hit a nerve…

‘get out of my way before I call the security you fool…’ she slammed the car door and ignited the engine….without looking back, she drove away…

‘wow….i just found my wife….’Omale adjusted his tie as excitement bubbled inside him…Edima Bassey…he wouldn’t give up on her that easily…

***

Zainab had woken early for the Fajr prayers….she needed to praise her maker for being gracious and showing mercy by upholding and blessing he family….

She prayed for her lovely children, Abdul Khadir, Umaima and A’isha, she prayed for God to help them prosper and excel in their academics…she prayed for them to find favor among men and continue to be good children…

Then, she prayed for Allah’s illumination to fall on Abdul’s path…the man she had married…the man who cherished and adored her more than anything in the world…

It was new day, a Saturday and satudays were always lovely, she loved the day specially for it made her unusually excited and happy…

Maybe it was because on Saturdays, Abdul usually stayed home and spent time with her and the children…but he was still asleep…

He’d even missed his prayers and she didn’t want to wake him, he’d been stressed up enough , more so, He was to have an appointment with one of his clients…he’d told her that…

‘Can you guys tone it down’? she yelled at her kids who played ball in the yard….they hadn’t wasted any time…

After a healthy breakfast of scones and cereal they rushed to the yard with their ball…they made her so happy as she peered towards them from the kitchen window…

‘watch your Baby sister Umaima…’ Zainab instructed her eldest daughter …Aisha still needed to be watched closely while the other two were already overgrown…

She poured a generous amount of brown rich tea into her mug and inhaled the enticing fragrance, she was partial to tea while Abdul preferred coffee…

She gulped the drink without hesitation an it burnt the tip of her tongue, she carefully placed the teapot on the cabinet and reached for her buzzing phone…

The time was almost ten o’clock, she felt glad that Lola had agreed to come spend the night at her place…she could stay as long as she wanted…

A break from that Femi guy was all she needed…she would figure out the rest later….

‘Hello pretty one….’ It was Edima calling…

‘don’t call me that…’ Edima waved her hands off…that was what he’d called her…that was what the stranger called her…

‘is somebody having a bad day? Do you want to talk to mummy about it’? Zee raiased the glass to her lips…

‘something like that…listen, we have a lot to discuss…something terrible happened to me today, I need to talk to you and the girls…’ she couldn’t wait to see her friends…

‘so do we meet today? Can Amaka meet up? This is sudden you know’? Zainab knew whatever Edima had to discuss was important….

‘I shall send her a message…have you heard from Lola? I tried calling her and she wasn’t picking …maybe I should drop over at her place…don’t you think?’ Edima was concerned about her friend …

‘don’t do that…she’s sleeping soundly in my house…just come over, i’ll be waiting….’ She smiled and ended the call…

‘phew….’ She sighed…shopping was cancelled, whenever the girls met, they usually spent more than an hour…it was going to be another long day…

‘I guess Abdul would do the shopping…’ she gulped the remainder of the tea and closed her eyes…he would help her no doubt…that man lover her beyond what she imagined….

‘Zee….’ Lola called out the name in fear….

‘my god you scared me….’ Zainab turned and saw her friend stand by the kitchen door…

‘good morning….’ Lola whispered frightfully ….

Her actions with Abdul the other night dulled her senses…she hadn’t slept through the night…what had she done? What had she brought upon herself?

Here she was standing before the woman who had her best interests at heart, a woman that was more like a mother she never had…her comfort, her shield from marital rainy days and she had betrayed her….

‘I trust you slept well?’ Zainab took in her friends puffy eyes…had she been crying?

‘I am fine Zee…’ her voice was uncertain, still shaky….

Guilt and grief embraced her at once….who could she blame? It wall all Femi’s fault maybe if he hadn’t brought in that woman…maybe if things were done differently …she would never have to sleep over at Zainab’s house and have sex with Abdul…

***
‘How sweet’ I smiled as I fondled the photo album, this must I’ve belonged to Grace I mused. The album contained numerous pictures but none caught my attention like the one she took with Mark, that got me thinking, were they close?

I was quite sure the smiling light skinned girl was Grace, I see why my employers freaked out once they saw me, we shared a strong resemblance but our eyes were different.
I now understood why Mark was the only one that could tell the difference, from the pictures I saw, it seems they were pretty close, even dating.
I arched my brow, that didn’t seem right, I could never date my employer or any of his family members, I smirked and closed the album. I needed to sleep, there was so much work to do the following day and I couldn’t disappoint.

As I neared the cupboard to return Grace’s album, a thin sheet fell from its pages, I quickly picked it up, though the room now belonged to me, I had no right to go through her things, I was intruding her privacy.

‘What do we have here’? I straightened the sheet.

There is a house on Maryland Street, Cross River State.
It has a blue roof and its body is painted milky white.
This house is built on Secrets, dirty and dark ones.

I pondered briefly on the words of the note, ‘a house built on secrets’? what did that mean? I had no idea, it wasn’t making any sense, so I placed the note carefully and returned to my bed.

***
He watched his wife carefully, she had fallen asleep, he was sure of this, he couldn’t sleep, thoughts of his daughter gave him insomnia, he just had to see her to calm his nerves.

He waved his palm over Helen’s face to be sure she wasn’t awake, certain of that fact, he slipped on his pajamas and left for Rose’s room, they had a lot to discuss, Helen’s recent suspicion bothered him, he couldn’t have his wife snooping around his back like a dog.

‘Open up baby, it’s me your daddy’ he knocked gently on her door.

‘Daddy? I’ve waited so long for you, how I’ve missed you’ she flung her arms round him once she opened the door.

‘I miss you too my darling girl’ he pressed his lips against hers, while his hands roamed her body and searched for an opening in her night gown.

‘Wait, how about mum?’ she whispered.

‘She’s asleep, I assure you’ he slipped a hand underneath her nightgown and reached for her panties.

‘I love the way you make me feel’ she moaned softly against him as his fingers reached her core and stroked it gently.

‘I live to please you’ he replied and carried her gently to the bed.

He parted her legs swiftly and plunged deeply into her, he moaned against her hair while her soft cries of ecstasy brought him to his peak.

‘That was awesome, let’s go again’ she smacked his backside.

‘No honey, there are things we must talk about’ he declined and sat on the bed facing her.

‘Things like’? She wondered.

‘Your mother is suspecting me, she feels I’m seeing someone and you know that isn’t right for us. I need her to trust me’ he caressed her hand.

‘Yes, she came to my room asking me questions about the fight I had with Grace, I think she feels you slept with the maid and I found out and fought with her’ Rose replied dryly, not a bit interested in her mother’s suspicion of their affair.

‘What did you say in return’? the Pastor asked eagerly.

‘Nothing, I told her Grace disrespected me and that was all’ she replied.

‘Good, we have to be very careful, that’s why I’m doing this’ he focused on her face. They had to stop seeing each other for a while to mellow Helen’s suspicion, maybe if he spent more time with her, she’d believe he was innocent.

‘Excuse me? Why should we stop seeing each other, you know I can’t do without you? How do we stay apart from each other? How could you even say this’? Rose was exasperated.

‘Hey baby, it’s for the best, if your mother ever finds out about us, you know what that means, please, you have to understand,it’s just for a while’ he begged.

‘I can’t believe this, so because you’re scared of her, you’re now ending our relationship, tell me, who do you love more? Helen or i?’ She rose to her feet and pointed a finger to his face.

‘I am not scared of your mother, why are you even asking that’? he wasn’t pleased with the way she was handling the whole thing. It was simple, they take a break and resume when things were alright.

‘Really? Just get out of my room and don’t ever come back, you’ll pay for this’ she scowled.

‘Baby? Why do we have to quarrel about this? Please don’t push me away’ he begged.

‘Goodnight father’ she shut the door against his face and sobbed uncontrollably on her bed.
How could her mother jeopardize her relationship with her father? She wiped her face and vowed to deal with the woman later, she had her plans, she knew her mother was cheating, all she needed was evidence, but for the mean time, she needed someone else in her bed.
***

The morning had come very fast, maybe because I was so nervous that I couldn’t sleep or maybe because it was a short night.

I did the dishes and swept the house, what surprised me was that my employers were still asleep, it was eight A.M and no one was awake. I sighed and continued dusting the chairs, the house was really unkempt, I began to wonder what Madam’s daughter did in the absence of a maid.

‘Good morning gorgeous’ Mark walked past me.

‘Morning sir’ I became nervous, I didn’t want to get personal with him, I preferred we stayed formal, so I called him ‘sir’. After seeing those pictures of him and Grace, I needed to be careful.

‘Funny, call me Mark or forget it’ he laughed and fetched a can of soda from the fridge.

‘Okay’ I replied silently and continued with my cleaning.

‘Don’t you talk?’ he gulped greedily from the can.

I shook my head in answer, what was I supposed to say. ‘Hello, I found an album in my room and I saw pictures of you and Grace’.

‘You know, Grace was a real talker, very lively and fun’ he smiled as images of his love flew past him.

‘You guys must have really been close’ I said.

‘Yes, I wouldn’t lie, I loved her very much, but it hurts me that she didn’t feel the same way, I was ready to do anything for her’ he sighed and tossed the can into the trash bin.

‘What makes you think she didn’t return your love’? I was curious, the picture I saw the night before was a proof that she was crazy about him, she’d seemed so happy and content.


‘She left. She just packed her things and left without saying a word to me’ I could feel the pain in his voice.

‘I’m so sorry, if you really love her, you could search for her and find out why she disappeared’ I suggested, that was really strange. The Ita’s were a very rich family, why would someone want to leave such comfort? I wondered.

‘I want to make something very clear to you Ajunwa, I hired you here to work for me and not to seduce my son’ Helen had awoken and to her dismay, she found her son chit chatting with the new maid, that wasn’t the problem, the subject of their discussion was Grace, the very name that gave her goose pimples.

‘;Good morning Ma’ I bowed my head while Mark gaped at his mother in disbelief.

‘You didn’t have to say that mum, we were just conversing’ he walked out on her angrily.

‘If I ever find you two discussing about that miserable girl, just get your things and pack out of this house’ Helen yelled and left for her garden. She needed to think, she needed to clear her head.

‘Yes Ma’ I nodded.

As she stormed out, my eyes followed her, I noticed how angry and defensive she became anytime Grace’s name was mentioned. My being employed was a pure miracle as I shared a strong resemblance to this Grace.

Something wasn’t right, ‘A house of secrets’, I recalled the words from the note.

‘If you’re done gaping outside, I need my breakfast’ it was Rose’s turn to terrify me.
***
The smell of her garden lilies and roses gave her life as their sweet scent infiltrated her nostrils. She needed to think, she needed to plan. First, Nelson and her were never to see each other again, but he had seen something, the decayed hand that he disposed. Now she thought about it, she hated herself the more, she had been so carried away, now he knew something about her family that she wished it to be secret forever. There had to be only one way to end that, she needed to kill Nelson.

‘Here’s your breakfast ma’m’ I placed the tray in front of her, I noticed she was lost in thought.

‘Wait’ she beckoned on me and I waited, at that same moment, her daughter Rose joined her for breakfast.

‘You can go, meet me later’ she dismissed me, I wondered why she had called me, it seemed something weighed heavily on her mind, did she want to sack me? I wondered as I walked away.

‘Good morning mother’ Rose greeted and shifted uncomfortably in her sit, she didn’t like the look her mother gave her, that penetrating gaze.

‘Morning my darling child, how are you this morning’? Helen sipped from her mug. She had her plans, she’ll set her husband up with the new maid to test his loyalty since he feigned innocence.

‘What’s on your mind? You don’t look well’ she observed her mother, maybe her father was right, they had to slow down else they’d be heading for disaster.

‘Nothing Rose, nothing much, I want to go shopping today, fetch me Nelson’ Helen sighed.

‘Okay mum’.
***

He woke feeling sated, he’d had a good taste of his darling the night before, it was then time to go about his normal activities. As a pastor, he had a lot of work to do, when he wasn’t organizing programs or attending meetings, he was counseling members of his congregation.

‘It’s going to be a glorious day’ he hummed a tune and rose to his feet, luckily, his wife was not there to start a fight. He checked his file and went through his day’s activities. He didn’t have a Personal assistant like most pastors because Helen had offered to do that job freely, but now they weren’t on good terms, he had to find someone capable of handling his personal files.
‘Mark it will be’ he decided to use his son, though the boy was busy, he could squeeze out some time to be with his father.

He smiled as he thought about his children, years back, they had all been kids, now they were mature, most importantly, his Rose was grown enough for their relationship to blossom fully.

His phone buzzed and he rushed to pick it, he never missed his calls, his members called him all the time, and he was willing to pray or give them advice pertaining to whatever situation they found themselves.

‘Hello, it’s Pastor Ita on the line’ he answered and waited for the person on the other line.

‘I know who you are, what you’re doing makes me sick, I am going to tell’ the caller replied.

‘Hello, who’s this?’ the pastor asked, but the line went dead.

***
He’d been lost in his own thoughts, though he’d acted like what he saw didn’t bother him, he wasn’t able to sleep the night before, he had a bad feeling. He’d been having an affair with the pastor’s wife, but helping her dispose of a human part is something he didn’t bargain for. Though he’d buried the hand somewhere, his conscience pricked him thoroughly and he knew the only way to feel better was to confront his mistress about it. However, that in itself was folly, he had so much to lose.

As her lover boy, he had gained so much, she gave him money which he used to care for his family, so confronting her could cause her to end the relationship and revoke the favours.

‘No’ he shook his head, he had to tread softly till he got what he wanted, once he was done, he’d dump her like she never mattered.

‘Come on in’ he called to whoever was knocking.

‘Mother needs you in the garden’ Rose stepped into his room.

‘Alright, I’ll be there soon’ Nelson rose to his feet. Helen’s daughter was very beautiful, he had eyes on her once but she was snobby and very arrogant, that killed his appetite.

‘Your room is beautiful’ Rose scanned his bare body, she suddenly felt moisture between her legs as she imagined him making love to her.

‘Thank you’ Nelson replied, it seemed she had something else to say.

‘Can I ask you for a favor’? Rose asked sweetly. She was Hot and she needed to quench the fire between her legs since her father had abandoned her.

‘What’s that’? Nelson narrowed his brows.

‘I want you to kiss me’.

Alennsar:
Zainab will loose her husband. A muslim woman should always choose her husband as her priority but she's loosing it.,

hmmmm

empress101:
interesting

tnk u

Gloriagee:
Olounmaje o

#winks

Shakyroh320:
Here i am,kip it coming dear

thanks

****
‘Now we’re back to our cage’ Rose sighed as her father drove into the compound.
‘Not to worry love, we’ll have another time to hang out’ he rubbed her hands gently as she brought the car to a halt. He’d left his driver behind on purpose, he didn’t want any suspicion of his affair with Rose, they needed to hide behind the curtains.

‘What’s going on there’? Rose watched her mother’s face, the woman looked shocked and confused and argued with her son.

‘We’re home, let’s find out’ the pastor fetched his brief case and they both reached the gathering.

‘Mark! Long time, how have you been’ she rushed into her brother’s arms, she had not seen her brother for a month.

‘Been waiting for you dear, how are you’? he assessed his sister.

‘I’m fine and you’? She eyed him all over, he seemed happier than his usual self, maybe Mark thought is a secret but she had found out he was having an affair with Grace though she didn’t confront him, her demise brought his much pain and he was the only member of the family that was oblivious of the fact that she was actually dead and not missing.

‘What’s going on here darling’? Pastor Ita noticed his wife wasn’t particularly pleased to see him.

‘Welcome sir’ I bent my knee while the other guy, who had brought the picture of the man greeted him and left immediately.

‘What is it Helen? Why the frown’? the man ignored me and faced his wife. This was going to be tough, I really needed money and I couldn’t return home empty handed so I was ready to endure anything, I needed to survive.

‘Where were you’? Helen eyed her husband suspiciously.

‘Mum? Please don’t tell me you believe that, how could you pay mind to those hungry bloggers looking for attention’? Mark wasn’t pleased with his mother.

‘What’s going on mum and who is this’? Rose paused as she took a glance at the girl. She calmed herself, maybe she wasn’t seeing well, what was she doing there? With a little box?

‘Okay then Mark, I’ll leave your father alone, meanwhile, let’s talk about our new maid’ Helen decided to heed her son’s advice, it didn’t make sense actually, what those bloggers wrote was a pure lie, her husband was a very faithful man, she was sure of that.

‘Grace? No, mum? Is this real’? Rose swallowed hard, what was a dead girl doing before her?

‘Grace’? the pastor turned and face the girl he’d ignored minutes ago, he’d thought it a figment of his imagination, but this was no fantasy, it was real.

‘Why are you all acting so scared? This isn’t Grace, I took a closer look at her, it’s just a strong resemblance and nothing more, look at her forehead, she doesn’t have that scar of Grace, so just relax, I guess Grace is still missing’ Mark explained. His family members were acting funny, first it was his mother and now Rose and his father, something wasn’t right.

‘Yes my husband and daughter, Mark is right, I thought she was Grace too, but I took a closer look at her’ Helen tried to control the situation and prayed her daughter wouldn’t cause a scene. Mark couldn’t be let in on their secret, it would change a lot of things.

‘If you say so’ the pastor replied quietly, still not convinced, he had a lot to discuss with his wife and Rose.

‘So what is your name’? Rose asked as she walked closer to the girl who looked so much like the maid she’d killed.

‘Ajunwa, my friend Joy, referred me here’ I explained. This was getting out of hand, I was curious, who was this Grace?

‘Oh, Joy’? the Pastor seemed interested in my explanation.

‘Yes sir, she brought me to Calabar but she left to attend to something important’ I replied.

‘Mark is right, she isn’t Grace’ Rose exhaled gently as she took a closer look at the girl, but she wouldn’t last long, she needed to speak with her father urgently, she couldn’t have that girl living here, it would make her so uncomfortable.

‘Very well then, let’s all go inside’ the Pastor said.

I was hesitant as Helen’s eyes scanned me like I had done something very bad.

‘Go in Ajunwa, speak to my daughter, she would show me to your room’ Helen said and I followed the rest in.

‘Thank you Madam’ I replied.
‘This would be very tough’ Helen sighed, leaving with a look alike of Grace, but she couldn’t send the girl away, she noticed her son Mark had taken a liking to her and sending her away could raise his suspicion. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, as she remembered the picture Nelson had showed her, she didn’t know why, but she felt restless, what if her husband wasn’t as innocent as she thought he was?

She decided to cast the matter aside, she was only being suspicious because she was the guilty one, maybe it was time to end things with Nelson and focus on her marriage before her infidelity would do something worse to her husband’s reputation.


***
She didn’t say a word to me after I’d relayed her mother’s message, I decided she was unfriendly hence I preferred her brother Mark, who was the sole reason I was allowed to stay there. Without his insistence, I would’ve been on my way back to my village, all because I bore a strong semblance to a girl named ‘Grace’.


‘Thank you’ I replied gently as she showed me my room.

‘Hey, look, I don’t know you but I don’t like you, and you wouldn’t last long here, I promise’ she hissed loudly and walked away.
I was dumfounded, I don’t know why Rose had this strong aversion for me, I hadn’t met her or her family before, why did they hate me so much?

I sighed, I wouldn’t turn back now, I was determined to save some money. I scanned the room and smiled, it was beautiful, too beautiful for a maid, these people were extremely rich like Joy had said.

I put down my box gently and toured the room, there was a bathroom and a cupboard, I wondered why they placed a cupboard in my room. I was a bit curious, so I walked towards it and pulled it apart.

‘Sorry I don’t have teacups’ I checked it out. The cupboard was really beautiful, but it was useless to me. I was about to leave when I discovered my hands had touched something.

‘Paint’ I hissed, as I wiped my hands on the bed sheet, a dark red paint covered it. I sighed and undressed, I had a long day and I needed to rest, and I was curious about the old maid. Who was she? And what had she done?

I slipped on my old nightgown and lay on the bed ready to sleep, when I felt something fall from the cupboard, I was reluctant to check it out but I later did, what I found surprised me.
***

The family had dinner and everyone was asleep except for Helen and her husband, they had a lot of trashing out to do.

‘Did Rose ever explain her reason for fighting with Grace? I think we should start there, we don’t know much about that’ Helen asked, she felt her daughter wasn’t being honest with her. Something must have led to that fight but her daughter had waved it aside.

‘I don’t know, you’re supposed to know that, you’re her mother’ he replied, his heart pounded nervously against his chest. Why was Helen suddenly so curious? why wasn’t she satisfied with Rose’s explanation? That didn’t sit well with him, if she found out that Grace had known about his affair with Rose, then his life would be over because he knew the stigma that would cause for him.

‘Were you sleeping with her’? Helen asked. She knew her husband was faithful but no man could be trusted, that line of thought dropped in her mind and she decided to confront him, it made sense then.

Ita must have been sleeping with Grace, maybe Rose had found out and didn’t want her getting hurt, that was why she had a fight with the maid.

‘Excuse me? What are you saying’? he was stunned, why would his wife ask him such?

‘Well, I need an explanation, and why did she want to leave our house just like that? It doesn’t make sense, I wasn’t mean to her, something was going on behind my back and I need to know the truth, do not lie to me’ Helen raised her voice at him.

‘I think you’re being crazy, if I wanted cheating on you, I wouldn’t do it right under your nose, maybe you should search elsewhere’ he hissed angrily and turned his back against her.

‘Really?’ she arched her brow, that was all she needed, her husband was cheating on her, she was now sure of it. She needed to speak with her daughter. She wasn’t supposed to feel bad, cause she was equally cheating but she felt her heart skip slightly as she imagined her husband with another woman. She took one look at him and decided she had to end her affair with Nelson the following day.

‘I will be back for you’ she hissed as she stormed out of the room.

‘Knock Knock’ Helen rapped on her daughter’s door.
‘Who’s there’? Rose listened eagerly, she prayed it was her father, she missed him dearly and needed to spend more time with him.

‘It’s your dear mother’ Helen smiled.

‘Oh, come on in, door’s open’ Rose was quite disappointed.

‘So how was your day honey’? Helen sat on her daughter’s bed.

‘Fine mum, a bit stressful’ Rose yawned. Why had her mother come to her? Something wasn’t right, she felt it.

‘I don’t like the way you acted today when you saw Ajunwa, try and gain control of yourself, remember Mark doesn’t know about our secret, but if you shake like a little piece of leaf whenever you see a person who looks like Grace, you wouldn’t be doing us any good. Okay’? he mother advised.

‘Yes mother, thanks, I have to sleep now, I have a long day at school tomorrow’ she said, eager to get rid of her mother. She needed to see her father, she was already Hot and she needed him inside of her.

‘I’m not done, I need you to tell me the truth’ Helen inhaled deeply.

‘The truth? I don’t understand’ Rose raised her brows, had her mother gotten wind of her affair with her dad?

‘About Grace, why did you fight with her? Tell me, I am your mother, don’t hide anything from me’ Helen asked.

‘Oh, mum, I already told you, she insulted me and I had to teach her a lesson, I’m sorry I dragged you all into that mess. Please forgive me’ Rose sobbed in order to distract her mother.
Why had her mother asked her about Grace, six months after she was buried?

‘It’s okay honey, I believe you, now go to sleep’Helen kissed her head lightly and stepped out of the room.

Her daughter was lying, she was sure of it, and she had to find out, she hated being played, so she had to find out and the pawn in her game would be the new maid, Ajunwa.
***

what’? maybe she hadn’t heard him well as the words faded the moment he spoke them….

‘I want my freedom Lola, marriage was never for me…I don’t wanna be with you anymore….so just go wherever…I’m done here….’ he licked his lips and drank some more….


‘no, this cannot be happening , no…Femi? You can’t do this to me…’ her sobbing increased…how could he throw to the birds everything they had shared….

‘it is happening baby…I know you married me because of my wealth….i promise you, you wouldn’t lack anything even after the divorce….i just want to be free…’ he continued and almost chuckled at her dramatic display…

‘no, you are drunk…that’s the beer speaking to me right now….you’re sick, if you think I’m gonna let you dump me just like that…we’re in this together, for better and for worse…please Femi I love you…can’t you see? I loved you from the first day we met in the library….my heart is in your hands, please don’t break it….’ She walked towards him and held his hands….she sought warmth, she yearned for comfort in his hands but they were cold….just like his eyes …

‘I am being honest, what have you offered me Lola? I needed children, this would be our seventh year in marriage and it isn’t working out as we planned, how many doctors? How many hospitals have we visited? Just look at me…look at us we weren’t like this…we need to go to our separate ways…I’ve already called a lawyer….he’s arranged the papers…I just need you to sign it….thank you…’ he released her arms and began walking out the door but her question stopped him…


‘Wait, Femi….are you doing this because of your family? Did you ever love me for real’? her eyes burned with fresh tears as she waited for the truth….


‘no Lola, I am doing this for me…and as for your other question? I once loved you…but love fades….’ He turned around and left….

‘God, let this not be real…where do I start from? How do I get over him’? all her life, she’d lived for this one man and he’d betrayed her…he’d broken his promises to her….

‘I might just have to take Zainab’s offer….’ She whispered fearfully as she tried to shake off the burden that weighed heavily on her…




***
‘you’ve been out all day…you left me and Odinaka alone….’ Sly wondered what had kept his wife this long from home…

She’d told her she had a date with Zainab and the other girls but he never expected it to be this long…he missed her dearly…

Amaka was still mad at him for having an affair with his secretary ….he felt guilty by what he’d done, his conscience pricked him day and night and he had no other option than to speak to their pastor about it…

‘Your wife owns you, she owns your body, and you have soiled it by sharing what belongs to her with another woman…many men wouldn’t do what you’re doing right now….they would neither show remorse or confess their sins to their wives….i’ll advise you to take one day fasting and pray to Jesus about it…tell him to take that judgment from you after which you confess to your wife….make her understand that it happened only once and you’re willing to forgo that secretary of yours….be more careful in future Brother Sylvester…’ Pastor Ike had advised him…

He loved Amaka with his dying breath…she made him happy as she respected him and treated him with utmost love and care…but he’d failed her greatly and he’d regretted it deeply….but the problem was that Amaka was a very unforgiving person…she kept grudges a lot and that was the only flaw in her…

‘and now I am back….sweetheart, did you miss mummy’? she ignored her husband and picked up her little son…

Sly had always been the perfect husband, till he cheated on her with his stupid secretary which he was still shagging for sure…

‘I made us dinner….’ Sly rose to his feet and got her bag….when was she going to get mad at him? When would she cry? …
After taking the advice of the pastor and telling Amaka about his misgivings…she simply looked him in the eye like she hadn’t believed what he told her….

After moments of being silent, her eyes which had turned cold faced him in challenge….

‘well Sly, since you have broken your vows to me…since you now enjoy the company of other women…I think I am also free to enjoy myself….’ She hissed and went back to sleep, that was two days before…

‘I already ate at Zee’s …goodnight….’ She walked away from him before he could say anything? Why was she making this difficult than it already was?

‘damn Doyin’! he hit the table angrily….he had no excuse to fall into her trap…it had only happened once and he hadn’t hesitated in firing her after the incidence…he loved Amaka that much…but how long would she give him the silent treatment?


He needed to talk to her….he loved his angel so much but his only wish was for her to forgive him…to yell at him…to do something…

Her silence was the worst punishment he could ever have….he shrugged and followed her towards their bedroom….

‘what are you doing now’? Sly raised his brows as she tied the baby to the back and started unpacking some boxes…his heart raced…was she leaving him?

‘moving to my room Sly, this isn’t the time…just get out of my way….’ Amaka ignored him and continued gathering the few things she needed…

‘your room?...but we agreed not to have separate rooms….’ He was relieved she wasn’t leaving him….

‘yes we did dear husband, but that was before you slept with Doyin….i cannot sleep on that bed with you knowing you found pleasure in the arms of another woman….’ She had to avoid him for some time and getting her own room would be the best thing….


‘Amaka…I am sorry, it only happened once and she’s been fired..so there’s no need for you to worry…I know I broke your heart and it’s going to take some time…but just stay right here with me…’ he went on his knees…

‘whoa slow down, so that’s supposed to make me feel better? That you have fired her? Do you think I am a fool Sly? You got that office romance thing going on since before our marriage…I guess I must have been to blind…I so hate you right now…get out of my way…’ she tried to move forward but he stopped her…..

‘Amaka…please remember the love we shared…please don’t let it die…it was a mistake….’ He held her hands but she pushed him off forcefully and went out of the room….

‘God help me, I cannot do this alone…’ he turned and scanned the room which now seemed empty as his angel was gone…

***
‘can you stop that and finish your food’? Zainab wondered what Abdul was typing, he’d seemed a lot busy the previous week..maybe it had to do with the celebrations…

‘Do not be angry with me baby…Alhaji Tako called me earlier in the day and asked me to see him tomorrow…it seems he has a contract for me…’ Abdul smiled at his lovely wife…he was so proud of Zainab…

‘Engineering was never easy…now drop the phone and finish your food darling….’ Zainab relaxed against the chair…she wasn’t happy about her friend’s situation…

She’d know Femi for some years now and he had always been ruthless in his womanizing ways, he never spared Lola the embarrassment…

Now he finally had the nerve to take one of his prostitutes home…if only Lola would hearken to her…she needed to change her environment…

Staying in that house wasn’t healthy for her…she needed to be alone for some time and think through the matter….what was Femi really after? What did he want?

‘so are you proud you married a civil engineer’? Abdul gulped generously from the glass …his wife wasn’t totally happy, though he’d bought her some gifts as well as the children…was her countenance part of his undoing? He hated to upset Zainab…she was the perfect woman for him…

‘yes dear, I am…’ his faced beamed with smiles as she replied his question….

‘so baby, did you see the lingerie I bought you? We should try something new tonight…I miss having you in my bed…’ he hoped the children weren’t close by…

‘Abdul! I saw them but I cannot wear such obscene clothes…they are meant for those who work in brothels….a muslima shouldn’t be found wearing such things….’ She voiced her displease with his gift…

‘okay…I am sorry my wife, but are you kissing me tonight’? it had been a long time since they’d made love…
He understood her reasons but he couldn’t wait any longer, three weeks was a long time….Zainab had been very busy preparing for the Celebrations and she was part of the executive in the MWOL(Muslim women Organisation Lagos…) so he knew than to bother her…

‘tonight? I don’t know Abdul…you know I had a date with my friends, I am a bit fatigued….but we’ll see…’ she peered at the clock and wondered if Lola was still going to make it…

‘speaking of your friends…how are they? Haven’t heard much from Lola…is she okay’? Abdul always favored her…

She reminded him of his wife sometimes…a closer look at the two would make one think they were related…

Lola was tall ,slender , light skinned and had the most attractive form…her lips weren’t full but slightly thin…her nose was sharp and angular and her eyes were golden and bulky…she was a very beautiful woman…

But not as beautiful as his Zainabu, his wife was the most lovely woman, though he was Fulani, she was a hausa woman…she was five feet plus and her hair was quite long as it fell beneath her shoulders… she was very lightskinned and her lips were pink and pale…but the smile that came from them could tame a raging lion….

Her nose was broad and finely placed on her oval face…her eyes were wide and dark brown…


‘I don’t know baby but they would be fine…’ she didn’t make it a point of duty to expose her friend’s marital problems to her husband…but when their problems were about to swallow her peace…she had no other option than to spill it…


‘do you want to talk about it?’ he asked gently and reached for her slender fingers….

‘should i? we’ve both had a long day, maybe we should get some sleep…’ she returned…

‘tell me Zee…talk to me, it kills me whenever you’re like this…like you’re carrying the weight of the world…’ she was so caring and that alone had its consequences…

‘Lola had a fight with Femi….i told her she could come stay over the night…I hope it is okay? As she sounded so hurt on the phone…’ Zainab sought his permission…

‘anything you want baby, whatever makes you happy…this house also belongs to you…’ he gave her hand a squeeze…

‘I love you baby…you’re the man behind my smile…thanks for being there for me whenever I need you….’she smiled at him.

‘hey, don’t be too hard on yourself, your friend’s are my friend’s too…maybe I should talk to Femi…what do you think’? he inquired thoughtfully? Not that he was very close to the man, but his behavior towards Lola was degrading…

‘no baby, let’s stay out of it….they’ll sort themselves out somehow…’Zainab protested….

He was about to say something when the door flung wide revealing a fearful Lola…she looked so fragile and vulnerable …

‘I guess she took my offer…’ Zainab rose to welcome her friend ….


‘good evening….i am sorry I barged into the house like this…it’s just the dogs…..their barking and growling terrified me…’Lola placed her hands on her chest …

‘welcome Lola, I am sorry about that…you know how much I love dogs….’ Abdul gazed at her slowly…had she been crying?

‘darling? Could you go to the room and check on the kids’? Zainab deliberately sent her husband away…she needed to comfort her friend, one look at Lola would tell anyone that she needed to talk to someone…

xaviercasmir:
following

thanks

NLchikeeto:
Nice one

thanks

abefe99:
ave never read it but gbosa welcome dear

thank u

amtalkin:
Front sit

keep following

Gloriagee:
I LIKE....

thank u!

honourable356:
Impressive... As short as it is,it is quiet interesting and captivating.


"Let's go to other stories"
Do this mean you are writing another story or there is another story or stories you wrote that I might have missed?

You are good,you know? Really good.
I will ride with you henceforth!!

thanks a lot
yes
I am writing other stories. I also go by the name " Angelsss"
-love lies and divorce
-Dayo's angel
-house of secrets
follow them

holuwanoisy111:
When U Said We Are Going To Others Story I Thought U Are Referring To Ikada And House Of Secret And So On, Bt Here I Can See Another Thread Openin By U Y Nt Finish Those Stories B4 U Start Diz New One.

please leave me alone.
I will finish my stories, I always do. I just finished diary of a lovesick writer.
You have never for once commended my effort on the other stories. All I get from you is reminders. Please leave me biko. I have explained myself a thousand times. Try and be patient Mr Holuwanoisy11, thank you.

Thanks guys for reading, now let's go to other stories.

****
Darling Diary,
This year has been very adventurous. I met a man in a bank and I fell in love with him, then he broke my heart. I met another, who was supposed to be my boss, I almost fell for his charms, but he turned out to be a psycho.
I became friends with Zee whom I never liked and I finally found the courage to forgive Deji.
I met Temitola and with Berger’s help, we found her nude pictures on Henry’s room walls(that guy was a real psycho).
Now, I’m back to my normal life, I no longer work at Olive Groves. News travelled very fast, the government got to know about the crude oil on Sazad Foods land, they took over without hesitation and offered to give the Williams thirty percent of the profit made and seventy for the government.
While, Olive Groves was now headed by Berger Oluwatosin.
What a year.
‘Riri’! Mfon called and I closed my diary and rushed to see her.
‘What is it’? I asked. Zee had returned to her house, Dee had gotten better and they were back to being friends.

‘You have a visitor’ she answered.
‘Deji…’ I found him smiling at me, I hadn’t seen him for months after the whole Henry business, though we communicated on phone.

‘Redeemed…’ he encircled me in his arms. He’d told me he cared about me and would want us to date again, to that, I didn’t have an answer.
‘You look beautiful baby’ his eyes searched mine.

‘Where have you been Deji’? I asked and struggled free from his grip.

‘Overseas, but I’m back for you now’ he smiled and fetched a necklace from the little box he’d brought out.

‘What’s with necklaces now’? I rolled my eyes.
‘Relax,

‘Relax, it’s not a hawk necklace’ he winked and we both laughed.

‘Have you heard anything about Henry’? I asked.
‘Well, I guess he’s dead, I tried talking to Berger, but he wouldn’t talk straight. Let’s forget Henry’ Deji replied.

‘You look amazing’ he said.
My hands instantly went to my long neck. The necklace was beautiful, it had my name inscribed on it, what was Deji doing?

‘I know I hurt you real bad, the lies and deceit, I know I made you hate love and men in general, but I’m here to fix that. I am in love with you, please take me back’ he squeezed my hands.
I paused. I didn’t know what to say. This man had taken my virginity, he’d lied to my face, how could I trust him again? I sighed.

‘Say something’ he begged.

‘Let’s just be friends’ I replied and moved away from him.
‘Friends’? Deji felt hurt by her rejection.

‘Is there someone else or you don’t like me anymore’ he asked.

‘There’s no one but me, I don’t hate you’ I replied, but it seemed I was lying to myself.
‘Okay, one more hug’ he spread out his arms and I shrugged and melted into them. Deji lied to me, instead of a hug, he lifted my face and kissed me.
A long, slow kiss and it reminded me of our first kiss together. Then he broke off without warning, and left me wanting for more.

‘Deji….’ I called him softly, he’d confused me.

‘Do friends kiss each other like that’? he asked me.
I opened my mouth to answer but it felt dry so I gave up.

‘I would never hurt you, I swear’ his voice was husky with emotion.

‘Well, let’s find out’ I replied and dragged him for another kiss.

THE END

all this sweet compliments, my head dy swell

....

.....

I'll try and respond to comments. You guys have really motivated me with your kind words, thanks.
If you have any other thing to say or you want to make enquiries, here's my email
"aishayasmina@yahoo.com"

***
Darling Diary,
Today was really beautiful. My crush asked me out for dinner, and I am yet to receive any strange text messages.

I scribbled happily on my diary. I had never been this happy, everything seemed perfect. I had already checked out the gown I planned to wear for the dinner. I would hang the hawk necklace proudly on my neck, my hands quickly caressed the necklace. ‘Hawks are never a good sign.’ I gulped a bitter lump in my throat, it was a like a ghost story, where people lived in haunted houses and heard voices that weren’t real, but mine was reality, someone was haunting me, Zee had denied it and it couldn’t be Mfon. So who was this ghost?

‘Guess what I found’? Zee strolled into my room with Mfon, those two were getting closer by the day.
‘What could that be’? I asked dryly.
‘Zee is out of her mind, please have pity on the poor girl’ Mfon wasn’t pleased with whatever she was about to show me.
I grabbed the phone from her and watched the five minutes video of Tola crying in the company bathroom. This wasn’t funny, so I don’t know how Zee found humor in it. I felt pity for her, beneath her hard exterior was a fragile heart, something wasn’t right, I needed to talk to her, I was greatly touched.

‘This isn’t funny, you of all, should know this, as a psychologist’ I returned her phone.

‘I just love watching her cry, she always looked so invincible, but she has deep wounds’ Zee quietly deleted the video.
‘What could be wrong with her’? I asked.
‘Rape’ Zee replied curtly, she spoke like the sound of the word had no effect on her.
‘Rape? That’s too much, what if its heartbreak? Or money troubles’? Mfon suggested.

‘While I was doing my practice, I’d seen girls like her. She has money, dressed expensive, I can bet you, she may not even have a boyfriend but at that point in time, at that particular point, I could tell someone had raped her. The way she cried, I could picture the fear in her eyes, she’s holding onto something, and it’s something big, bad and very dirty’ Zee said.

‘I feel horrible. Who could have raped her? And where’? I asked. My heart raced as I considered the options.
Before Zee could answer, my phone buzzed and I picked it hurriedly, lo and behold, it was another text message, just like the second one I had received.

‘Don’t let him in. Hawks are cunning……and dangerous’
‘It’s official, I give up, I don’t want to read anymore crazy messages, i’ll switch off this phone, I don’t want my date to be ruined’. I yelled angrily and in frustration, who wanted me unhappy?

‘Hey calm down, you’ll have to drop the phone with me, let me read this messages, I have a feeling, we are close to finding our answers’ Zee said.

‘Okay then, please find a solution or I’m smashing that phone into tiny bits on my return’ I moved into the bathroom quickly.
While the cold water danced on my skin, I refused to find pleasure in it, I was in deep thoughts. My mind asked questions I was too scared to answer.
If Tola was truly raped, then who had raped her and where? Then I dared to imagine it.
We had arrived the office and Tola wasn’t on seat, she had been in Henry’s office, was Henry a rapist?
I quickly pushed out the thoughts, he was a perfect gentleman, he’d never tried anything foolish.

‘Riri, Henry is here’ Mfon called out to me. Honestly, I had suddenly lost interest in the dinner date, with Zee’s analysis of Tola’s behavior and the creepy messages, I didn’t feel like leaving my house.
What if someone was trying to warn me? But warn me of who?

‘You don’t look excited about this date’ my friends noticed as I slipped on the dinner gown.
‘I don’t know, I guess, I am in a bad mood’ I replied and wore my make up.
‘Just try and be okay, enjoy yourself’ Zee rubbed my shoulder, she still gave me that look, the ‘Be careful’ look and I nodded in understanding, didn’t she trust Henry or what?

‘Bye baby’ they chorused as I stepped out of the house, Henry had preferred to stay outside.
‘You look perfect my love, black was meant for you’ he kissed my fingers. I loved the feel of his lips on my bare skin, it ignited my passions and caused me to imagine what making love to him would feel like. The moment I closed my eyes, I found Deji’s naked frame on my body and I moaned and writhed underneath, I forced my eyes open.

‘Were you expecting someone’? Henry lifted his brow, I could swear, he was mocking Deji, who rushed out of his car with six men, each carrying a bouquet of flowers.

‘Deji’? I was surprised to see him, what was he doing here? why hadn’t he called?

‘Riri’? Deji paused as he stared into the eyes of the man he hated, so Jake had been right, he’d been going out with Riri.
‘Hello Mr Williams’ Henry scorned but Deji ignored him.

‘Uhmmmm, I’m going out on date with Henry, you should’ve called’ I don’t know why I felt bad for him, this was the perfect opportunity to repay him back in his evil coin, but I found myself pitying him, he seemed so helpless and hurt. Why was he hurt?
‘I called but you weren’t picking, I even sent you messages on whatsapp’ he explained, but to no avail, I couldn’t cancel my date with Henry.

‘Baby’? Henry walked to my side of the car, and gave me a long kiss, he grabbed my ass lightly in the process, I knew it was a show off.

‘I’m sorry Deji, I have to go now, we’ll talk later’ I slid into the car and Henry drove off, leaving Deji and his flowers to stare after us.

‘What do we do with the flowers now’? the men asked him.
‘I don’t know, just keep them’ Deji answered sadly and returned to his car. So Henry had finally gotten to her? She seemed very happy, he noticed, Henry was proud of her, that’s why he’d kissed her in public like that.
A sick feeling crept up his spine as he realized he’d lost Redeemed to another man.
‘Flowers for Riri’ Mfon burst out laughing as Deji drove off.
‘We are little devils’ Zee laughed, they’d been watching from the house. Deji looked pained and helpless.

‘I could swear that guy has feelings for Redeemed’ Zee had noticed the way he stared at her.

‘No, fuckboys don’t have feelings’ Mfon replied. He had damaged Riri’s heart, now she found a chance at love, Deji had to stay away.

‘Well, fuckboys do change’ Zee differed. Something gave her the creeps about Henry, and she had this feeling Redeemed was in danger.

***
‘I know I said you should get information out of Deji but I didn’t mean you should sleep with him’ Henry said as we walked towards our seat.
I was stunned by his use of words, he seemed angry and irritated.

‘I never planned to sleep with him’ I replied. If only he knew Deji was my ex, he would’ve understood better.
Why was he upset anyway?

‘I want you to stop seeing him, forget about the job I asked of you, I have someone else on it. Stop seeing him, block his lines and all that. He isn’t a good person’ Henry grabbed my hand and squeezed it but his touch suddenly irritated me and I felt like yanking my hands away.

‘Why? I’m almost close to getting those files for you, soon I’ll bring them to you. Why do you want me to back out now’? I asked.
‘Nothing. Just do what I say and back out’ he snapped at me. I hadn’t seen this part of Henry, he reminded me of the abusive lovers I saw on television and that scared me greatly. My mind went to the video of the crying Tola, had Henry raped her? I suddenly became scared, what if the same fate awaited me.

‘Okay then’ I replied coolly. I had left one of my phones home, gladly I was with another, so if he tried anything I could easily call my friends to rescue me.

‘I have other plans for you tonight’ he winked and offered his seductive smile, but I wasn’t moved. He seemed like a freak to me.

‘Plans like’? I forced a smile.
‘Uhmmm, I want to hang you on a fan and Bleep your brains out’ he answered, I realized his eyes were glowing. He seemed like a predator and I, the prey.

‘Lord help me’ I whispered, what If he was the rapist?
‘Don’t let him in’
‘Hawks are no good’
I swallowed some water as I recalled the lines of some of the texts, what if he was the hawk?

‘So why the hawk sign on our necklaces’? I dared to ask.
‘Very smart question. That’s why I like you, you are smart’ he smiled at me.

‘Well, a hawk is a symbol of authority, supremacy, wisdom and many other things. It always gets whatever it wants’ he offered me another smile, this time it was mischievous.

‘oh, nice symbol, thanks for the necklace once again’ I fingered it.

‘You’re welcome’ I smiled. My phone rang minutes later, I was scared to pick at first, what if the sender of those messages had decided to call?
‘Excuse me, it’s my friend Zee’ I raised my finger and pressed the phone against my ear, I noticed he wore a frown as I answered the call.

‘Hello, Zee, what’s up’? I asked.
‘ Come home immediately, you’re dining with a rapist’ she said.
‘What’? I tried to calm myself, how had she come to that conclusion?
‘Hurry before he offers you something drugged’ she begged.

‘Okay, I would come, please rush her to the hospital. I’ll meet you there’ I lied. Henry watched me the whole time, I lied in case he had some super hearing gift.

‘Smart girl. Please hurry’ Zee said.
I dropped the phone and noticed, the waiter hadn’t served us anything than water, though we’d taken our orders.
‘What happened’? he asked.

‘Mfon is at the hospital, I need to rush and see her right now. I’m so sorry for this’ I rose to my feet before he could dissuade me.

‘No, let’s eat for a while, then I’ll drive you there’ I hated his commanding tone. How blind I was.

‘I cannot eat while my friend is in the hospital’ I replied and rushed off before he could follow me. I had to run as far as possible, so Henry wasn’t a perfect gentleman after all?

‘Shit’ he cursed. Well, her absence would give him more time to think about his next plan, his father or his brother would die first, then Deji, in that order. Hawks were never a good sign.

****

***
He knew he didn’t have much time before his cover was blown, from the look on Berger’s face, he’d come prepared. This made him have a re-think, in the past, he’d plotted to kill both his father and Berger, but the wisdom of the old man would serve him in future, so he’d decided to keep him alive. Maybe it was time to end his life.

He had a secret, no one else knew about it but him and those he worked with, he had secretly established a shipping company in America and London, with funds from Olive Groves, his business had crumbled the financial strength of Olive Groves, but his father wasn’t aware of this. This was because, when it was time to go through the accounts, he would present the man fake account documents, that was why he rushed to merge with Sazad foods, hoping Olive Groves could diversify to save it from future shame.

‘Black Hawk’ was the name of the shipping company, her emblem like the name implied was a black hawk, Hawks always took whatever they wanted, he was a hawk and a proud one. He fetched his phone and quickly dialed his workers overseas.

‘Goodmorning sir’ the man greeted.

‘Morning Sebastian, is it possible to stop business for like a month?’ Henry asked.

‘Yes sir, but it would affect us greatly, we’ll lose money’ Sebastian replied.
‘That doesn’t matter, I’m working on a plan, just call of the workers, for just a month, soon it would be over’ Henry instructed.

‘Okay sir, as you’ve said’

‘No one can stop me’ Henry was more determined than ever to succeed with no one to challenge his authority.

‘Morning to you all’ he waved aside greetings from his workers. He needed to speak to Riri, to hear what went on on her side.

‘Welcome sir’ Tola rushed and helped with his briefcase, she had to be on her best behavior, else Henry could ruin her life.

‘Has Redeemed reported to my office’? he asked.

‘No sir, but I believe she’ll be here soon’ Tola answered.

‘Good. Berger is back in town’ Henry informed her, she knew most of his secrets, that was why he had to find something to keep her quiet. He had no friends, he trusted no one but himself.

‘Okay sir…’ Tola didn’t want to tell him, she’d seen Berger at the bar, she had plans of her own, if only she could speak with him, maybe she had a chance of being free from that lunatic.

‘Okay sir? Is that all you have to say’? Henry rose to his feet and locked the door of his office.

‘I’m sorry sir’ she cried, knowing what he would do next to her.
‘No, you aren’t sorry’ his hand freed his belt while he yanked her and turned her back to him.

‘Please don’t, don’t hurt me, I’d do anything you say’ she begged.
He pulled her skirts down roughly, then his hands slid her pants down and he forcefully penetrated her.
Just as he’d finished, someone rapped on the door.
***
‘See you later’ I waved at Zee and trotted delightfully towards Henry’s office. Strangely, Tola wasn’t at her desk, that made Zee to arch a brow.

‘What do you think you’re doing’? I looked at Zee unbelievably as she rushed towards Tola’s desk.

‘Nothing, just curious, what does she do here anyway’? Zee looked through the documents then lifted an iphone 6.

‘Wow, she’s an expensive girl’ I was awed.

‘I bet your boss bought this for her’ Zee whispered and my heart sank.

‘Well good for her, can we go now? What if she catches us here? she wouldn’t be pleased’ I wasn’t comfortable.

‘Wait’ Zee begged. Why was she so interested in Tola?

Minutes later, she dropped the phone and walked off, then the office door opened and she stepped out looking her usual self,just like the first time I’d met her.

‘Good morning, can I go in now’? I asked.
‘Is that a question’? she eyed me angrily.
I shrugged and wondered what had gotten her into such a bad mood, I braved myself up as I went in to see Henry. He leaned on his table and looked so handsome in a black tux.
‘Good morning Sir’ I folded my lips tightly, he wore a different perfume, I noticed.
‘Morning sweetheart, come on in and tell me everything about Deji’ he beckoned to me.
I was kind of shocked, he hadn’t asked me how I fared, he was so much interested in Deji, what if he’d told me lies about Deji? I considered that part, but no, I had to pay Deji back in his own coin.

‘Well, I met him and his cousin last night and they told me something I didn’t quite understand’ I decided to tell him what Jake had said.
‘Go on’ Henry said.
‘Uhmmm, he recently discovered that the land upon which Sazad foods is built was once a cemetery, and from my personal research, crude oil could be found’ I would’ve left that detail out, but I wanted to please him.

‘Crude oil?’ he arched his brow surprised.

‘I think so, maybe you should get scientists to explore the land’ I suggested.
‘That wouldn’t be a bad idea, but it can only happen, if you are able to bring me the necessary documents’ he walked towards me and caressed my face. His hands were very soft.

‘Okay, I would get It for you’ I promised.

‘Have dinner with me tonight’ he clasped his hands as he asked me on a date.
‘Wow, dinner? I’d be pleased to dine with you’ my heart fluttered, I knew I would have so much fun.

‘Good, allow me’ he smiled mischievously and before I could protest, he kissed me deeply.
***
He wasn’t able to sleep, now he was awake, she still consumed this thoughts. Something strange was happening to him, all those months they’d dated, he hadn’t realized how beautiful she was, he was very much drawn to her. He saw her beauty last night, in her eyes and her lips as she smiled, and he’d inflicted her with pain.

‘Still thinking about Henry’? Jake swaggered into the living room.
‘Not Henry, Riri’ Deji sipped coolly from his mug. He knew his thoughts were heading the wrong direction, Redeemed could never take him back, he was sure of this but he was willing to fight for her.

‘You’re a comedian. Meanwhile, have you noticed how their names rhyme? Riri and Henry? Like those two belong together’ Jake winked.

‘It would do you much good if you mind your won business’ Deji walked away from his cousin, it was too early to get annoyed.
What if Jake was right? What if Redeemed had a thing for Henry? He would find out from Tola, he quickly fetched his phone as he remembered her.

He dialed her number twice, but she’d failed to answer her calls.

‘Strange thing’ he muttered and logged into Watsapp, Redeemed had kept to her word, just like the angel she was, she had unblocked him and he found himself smiling at her beautiful picture. She wore a black polo shirt on a blue jean, she looked simple yet very sophisticated. Her kind was rare. Beautiful, smart with a forgiving heart.

‘You really move fast Deji, you aren’t done mourning your late fiancée, now you want Redeemed back, that’s a big joke’ Jake knew his cousin would stop at nothing to get Redeemed back into his bed. It was only a matter of time, before Deji returned to his old life.

‘Hey, watch your tongue’ Deji’s eyes darkened.

‘Okay, I give up, but please leave that girl alone, she has gotten over you, she has moved on with her life, leave her alone’ Jake advised.
‘No, she isn’t over me’ Deji sounded defeated. He had to act fast.
‘alright then, don’t say I didn’t warn you’ Jake answered.
***
He’d raped her a lot, she’d lost count of the number of times Henry Tosin would force himself upon her, but whom could she tell? Who would believe her?
‘Why would such a man rape a woman when he can afford to buy as many as he wants with his money’ that’s what they’d probably say.
Tears welled up in her eyes, she looked around and noticed no one was in sight, she needed to use the rest room, she needed to spill her tears there, nobody could know her weakness.

It all started when she’d become his receptionist newly. Like most women, she was drawn to his charms, and when he finally gave her attention, she’d felt like the only girl in the world, but she’d been the unluckiest.
That night he’d taken her on a date, but unknown to her, he’d spiked her drink with a very strong drug. She’d woken up the next morning naked in his arms. She didn’t have a problem with that, her problem was the videos of her making love to his driver and her naked pictures that were all scattered across the room. She’d cried, she’d threatened to report him to the police, but he’d only raped her again before explaining to her that he was the most powerful man in town, she had no proof and hence, no one would believe her.

She stepped into the bathroom as the memories faded and glanced around, she was sure of it, she was alone.
‘Lord save me’ Tola cried. She sobbed like a baby. From that time, he’d threatened to spill the video and her pictures, and she knew what that meant.

She let her tears run free, she had to find a way and warn Redeemed, the same fate awaited her, but that was risky. What if the girl told Henry about her advice? No, she shook her head, she wouldn’t consider it.
She wiped her face as she went through her phone, Deji had called, she inhaled deeply. From what she’d observed, he was a nice person and didn’t deserve to be hurt be Henry. She rose to her feet boldly, Henry had done enough to her, even if he released the sex tape and the pictures, what would she stand to lose? He had already severed her self esteem, he’d reduced her to an animal and for that he would pay.
She needed to fight Henry, everyone had an Achilles heel.
Tola turned on the tap and washed her face briefly, then took time and wore her make-up. she walked out minutes later, but she was unaware, someone had videod her the whole time.

‘Ririr has to see this, so that girl could cry? Someone must have hurt her badly’? Zee grinned mischievously, she could even threaten to release the clip on facebook.
She had come to change her sanitary towels, and Tola had walked in, but she hid herself. She always knew there was something off that girl.

‘Girl, you’re so ugly when you cry’ Zee laughed.
***

‘This cannot happen, it’s not true, Henry could never betray me like this’ the chief tossed the papers his spy had supplied him with.

‘Well sir, ‘Black Hawk’ is well known for its shipping services across the world, maybe you should ask someone else to check it for you’ the spy replied.

‘How could he? I trusted him so much’ the man was stunned. His spy had supplied him with some documents, and from what he saw, Henry Oluwatosin was the Chief Executive Officer of the shipping company.

‘I’ll advise you to be more careful sir, you don’t know what else he has under his sleeves’ the spy later took his leave.

‘I can’t believe you would betray me this way’ the man paced in his study. So Henry had thought he could go scot free for this deceit? The man thought to himself, without Berger’s help, he would never have realized his other son had lied to him.

‘You sent for me father’ Berger stepped into the study.
‘How did you know about the ‘black Hawk’? the man asked.
‘How I knew about it is inconsequential, what matters is whether you believe me or not.’ Berger sighed, from the look on his father’s face, he’d discovered the truth, Henry was a devil incarnate.

‘Why should I believe you? What if you cooked these up so you could smear your brother’s image before me’? the man picked the papers up.

‘I may also have to add this, my reason for staying away from Nigeria is Henry. He sent some men to kill me, I wouldn’t understand his reason for that. So I’d advise you to be careful, your son is a mad man’ Berger rose to his feet.
‘What? Why didn’t you tell me these?’ the man was flabbergasted.
‘Would you have believed me? Afterall, I wasn’t your favorite son.’ Berger smirked.

‘What I have discovered is grave, it only means one thing, Henry has milked Olive Groves dry, for all I know, we’re operating on false glory. I now understand why he was interested in eliminating the Williams so early.’ The man pondered on those thoughts.

‘I see you too where up to some mischief’ Berger scoffed.

‘I thought it was for the good of Olive Groves. What do we do now? We have to take Henry out before it’s too late, before he kills us all’ the old man sounded desperate.
‘Did you just say We? I play no part in this, all I need is my hundred thousand dollars for sharing that delicate information about your dear son, after which I’ll leave for London, never to set foot here’ Berger loved the turnout of events.

‘What if I gave you more than that? What if I gave you all of Olive Groves? Would you stay and help me fight your brother?’ the old man asked.

‘Father, you know I was never interested in running your company, let Henry do it, I need my money’ Berger insisted.
‘You have to help me, just this once, I beg of you. Help me, and I’ll give you all that you need’ the man begged.

‘Alright, first, you must tell me of any business plan you had with the Williams, let me in, so I know what exactly to do.’ Berger had always been good with drawing up strategies.

‘I will do everything you’ve said’ the man replied.

***
Darling Diary,
I have never been in this kind of situation, seeing him on his knees brought back hidden memories. Lord help me.


I had returned late, the girls were already asleep so I dint bother them. I had enough time to think, now I was quite sure, the text messages came from Zainab, that was settled. Though Deji’s apology appeared sincere, I still had to hurt him the way he did me, so I was forging ahead with Henry’s plan. He’d spoke of Henry like one he’d a grudge against, I was going to help bring Sazad foods down.

‘Why didn’t you return home early’? Zee’s voice startled me. I ignored her, what reason did she have by sending those text messages.
The day was already bright, the mild sun was growing horns and I knew I would be a sunny day, birds flew in groups across the azury skies. It was going to be a beautiful day, I loved that feeling.
I equally noticed a change in myself, I felt more happy, more confident and relaxed. Did this hhave anything to do with Deji or Henry’s attention?

‘Redeemed’? she’d climbed out of bed.

‘Zainab, why have you been troubling my life with those text messages, what kind of game is that’? I snapped angrily at her.

‘Excuse me? What are you talking about? What text messages’? she blinked.
‘Those messages of warning. I received two yesterday, and one were the very words you spoke to me before I left this house. How do you explain that? I don’t like your games’ I had to warn her.

‘You’re out of your mind. Why would I want to scare you? I’m not a creep or a psycho. Why are you saying all these? Don’t you want me in your house anymore? You know I’m only here cause Didi is away.’ She asked me, sounding a bit pained by my accusation.

‘No, I didn’t mean it that way, it’s just that they really sound like you’ I was still not convinced.

‘Okay, here are my phones, go through them, if you see any message resembling those you receive, you’re free to crucify me’ she offered me her phones.
From the serious look she gave me, I knew she wasn’t lying, so who was behind the texts?

‘I’m sorry’ I sighed and fell on the bed.

‘I’m sorry too, I told you to calm down, we’ll find a way out of this, I promise, I’ll help you catch the culprit’ she gave me a hand squeeze.

‘Thanks Zee’ I sighed. I had to tell Henry what I had heard from Deji’s cousin Jake, maybe it could help but I doubted it.

‘What troubles you’? She asked.

‘I’m fine, I have a question. Uhmmmm, if dead bodies are left on a land for long periods of time, what do you think would happen to that land’? I asked. Or were the Williams into rituals? I didn’t want to follow that line of thought, it was too superstitious.

‘Well, if dead bodies are left on a piece of land for a long time, they would decay. That’s your answer’ Zee said.
‘Really? No, there has to be another answer’ I rolled my eyes, there had to be something deeper.

‘Why are you asking anywhere’? she watched me intently, I didn’t like her penetrating gaze, I knew she wanted to read me, so I averted my eyes.

‘Just answer the question’ I replied.

‘Well, I did chemistry back then, if dead bodies or any kind of organic matter are left on the soil for long, there’s a chance, hydrocarbons could be produced. Something like crude oil or any kind of useful soil mineral.’ She answered.

‘Did you just say crude oil? I thought that was found in riverine areas’ I asked.

‘Yes, mostly, but you cannot rule this other possibility out especially if the dead bodies were numerous’ she answered.

‘Oh my God’ I was starting to understand it all, did that mean the land Sazad foods was built on had traces of crude oil? Why was Deji unaware of that? And did Henry know about that? If he knew, then I’d begin to question his true intention.

‘You went to see him’ Zee spoke quietly, still watching me.

‘Stop reading me, your scam won’t work this time’ I closed my eyes.

‘He came visiting, knelt down and cried and you bought his charms and went to his house. Are you okay’? Zee scoffed.

‘Funny.’ Yes, I went to Deji’s house but that didn’t mean a thing, I was only using him to help Henry, so Zee’s confident look made me laugh.
‘I’m I lying’? she sounded so confident.

‘No, you aren’t lying, but you are wrong about it all’ I found it more hilarious, whenever she poked her head sidewards like some shrink.

‘We’ll see about that’ she rubbed her chin.
***
He couldn’t remember the events of the night clearly, but he knew he had took too much liquor and probably made a fool of himself at the bar.
Well, if the world knew half of the problems he carried, then, they’d sympathize with him. He’d been a photographer for years, he’d left Nigeria for America for twenty years, he’d come back after he’d lost everything on a bet. No one knew why he gambled or lived such an alcoholic life, he was in pain, and he lived in fear.

‘Where I’m I’? his eyes tried to adjust to the dimly lit room.

Berger Oluwatosin was the first son of Chief Oluwatosin and brother to Henry Oluwatosin, unlike his brother, he had no hunger for business, he was drawn to the arts. After many years of fighting with his father, the old man had to let him go pursue his dreams.

The first few years were hell for him, as his father refused to offer him any kind of financial support. He’d struggled on his own, it was in one of those days of hustling that some men captured him and beat him to pulp, they’d even stabbed him and left him out to die, that wasn’t what had hurt him most, the men had spoken one name, the name of the man that was sent to kill him. The man was his blood and only brother.

After his recovery, he’d gone into hiding, but he was now broke and had no other option to come home to beg his father for assistance, even if it meant dying in the hands of Henry, but Henry also had been a little careless with a secret he planned to reveal to their father.

‘Who’s there’? the door creaked slightly and a stream of sunlight illuminated the room.
There was no answer but footsteps. Berger rose to his feet, what if his psycho brother had heard of his return? What if he had come to silence him for good?

‘How downtrodden you have become Berger, you were to be the firstborn but your brother has taken your place’ the Chief trotted in.

‘Father…’ Berger sensed the all too familiar presence of the man who’d rejected him.

‘I told them you weren’t my son when they brought you drunk last night, but they showed me your particulars, why do you live to shame me’? the man’s face was now visible. He wasn’t pleased with his son.

‘Father, is this how you welcome a son you haven’t seen in years’? Berger felt disappointed.

‘So, I’m to open my arms and welcome you as the prodigal in the parable’? the man sneered.

‘I wish you cared a little about me, I am not ready for your mockery, so I think I’ll have to take my leave’ Berger rushed to the door.

‘You need my help, and you know that’ the old man said.

‘Well, if that help means listening to harsh and mocking words, then I’d rather die than get your help. You’ve abandoned me once, this time wouldn’t kill me’ Berger replied.
‘You haven’t asked of your brother, are you equally envious of him’? the man asked.

‘I could never envy that psycho son of yours. One day, you’ll come to realize that the one you love would always be the betrayer’ Berger answered. if only his father knew what Henry was planning behind his back.
Henry had tried to kill him, so he’d take over all the properties and company owned by their father all for himself, he had found Berger to be a threat.

‘If you have something to say, then say it, you know your brother is loyal to me, don’t come between us’ his father snapped at him.

‘I wasn’t here to discuss that, I need a hundred million dollars from you, I need to start my life over’ Berger asked hoping his father would grant him his request.

‘What makes you think I could give your lazy ass such amount of money’? the man hissed.

‘Well, I have something I’m willing to sell’ a smile played on Berger’s lips.

‘And what cheapness could that be’? the man asked.

‘Search for this company called ‘Black Hawk’, when you’re done, I need my money’ Berger replied and stormed out of the house.

He’d seen the confusion on the man’s face, Henry would soon be exposed.

‘My brother is back, looking so hale and hearty’ Henry was startled to see him, those idiots had failed to kill him, but he would try again.

‘Hello brother’ Berger teased. He’d learnt the ways of Henry and he had to be very careful this time.

‘What brings you back here?’ Henry took calculated steps towards him, in a bid to intimidate him, but Berger was unmoved. This Berger, looked very different and it scared Henry. When your enemy became suddenly confident, it meant, they had found themselves a source of strength.
‘That’s my business, now if you’ll excuse me, I have very important matters to attend to’ Berger smiled and walked away.

‘Important matters eh’? Henry tickled his beards. Berger was up to something and whatever it was, would jeopardize everything he’d worked for, all his plans.
His phone buzzed.

‘The bitch’ he mused and wondered if she’d gotten any vital information about Deji Williams, the man that had become a pain in the ass.

‘Goodmorning sir’ Tola’s voice was shaky.
‘Morning sweet pea, what have you gotten for me’? he asked impatiently.
‘I’m still working sir, but Deji thinks you don’t like him.’ Tola replied.
‘That doesn’t mean a thing, I don’t like him too, I need substance, so hurry else I destroy your reputation’ he threatened.
‘Please don’t hurt me, I promise to do as you say’ Tola broke into sobs.
‘Good girl.’ He smiled.

‘Henry…’ his father walked towards him.
‘Good morning father’ he bowed his head.
‘Have you met your long lost brother Berger’? the man asked.
‘Yes father, what does he want’? Henry tried to pry.
‘He needs money’ the old man chuckled.
‘Then give him money and let him vanish’ Henry was irritated by Berger’s presence.
‘Hmmmm, alright then, I’ll do as you have said’ the old man nodded.

‘Good. I have to leave now, we have a lot of work to do’ he walked away leaving the old man startled.
‘Black Hawk’ Chief Tosin repeated the words. He wondered why Henry wasn’t excited or interested in knowing about Berger’s life. Something wasn’t right, what if Henry had a secret plan he was oblivious of?

He needed to send a message to his spies, they had to find the meaning of ‘Black Hawk’ and what or who it represented.

***
I had made up my mind about Deji, I was going to do Henry’s bidding and I would get those documents for him, but first, I had to put on an act.
‘Where are you going’? Mfon asked.
‘I would tell you girls when I am back, for now, sleep well’ I winked and rushed out of the house. It wasn’t about luck or anything, but I always found a cab whenever I needed one.

That night, I would think of no one, not Deji or Henry but just myself and how I had grown into this mischievous little witch. Back in the days before I lost my innocence, I’d never listen twice to something like that which Henry had proposed, but here I was looking forward to this little game of deceit. I yearned for the day, I would look him in the eye, then Henry must have taken over Sazad foods, I would tell him of the part I played.
He was surely going to be hurt once he found out I was involved, definitely two could play that game.
‘Hawks seek to take what isn’t theirs, hawks are never a good sign’ i looked at my phone mortified, this was getting out of hand. Zee had spoken those exact words to me, why was she playing pranks? I would call her out on this one, I wasn’t enjoying her game, I hated mind games. I was very sure, Zee was behind those messages.

My hands went to the necklace as I read the text, hawks were never a good sign, hawks seek to take what isn’t theirs. It sounded like a proverb, only that I wasn’t interested neither did I understand.
The man dropped me at Deji’s place and I stepped out feeling déjà vu, I remembered coming to his house on many occasions, I loved him very much but he toyed with my heart.

Are you ready to do this? Once you enter his house, you are never coming out? A voice whispered to me.

‘Yes I am’ I replied and knocked on his door. I knocked thrice but there was no answer? Wasn’t anybody home?

‘Hello dear, can I help you’? a shirtless young man smiled at me.

‘Hi, I’m looking for Deji Williams’ I replied nervously, I noticed he shared some resemblance with my ex boyfriend.

‘And you are’? Jake’s eyes raked the woman before him. She was very beautiful, tall, slender and lightskinned and she looked smart. Was that the Temitola his cousin had spoken off?
He had decided to join Deji in search of any secret plan the Tosin’s may be hatching, but he found nothing, he found something quite interesting about Sazad foods which he planned to share with his cousin who’d returned minutes ago.

‘Redeemed, an old friend’ I replied, immediately I mentioned my name, his eyes changed and I didn’t like what I saw in them. I saw pity. I almost turned back as I realized Deji must have told him about me, God knows if he even told him how he played me.

‘Oh, come on right in’ he widened the door. I hated this man instantly, I despised him for pitying me, I was going to bring Deji to his knees.

‘Who’s that Jake’? I heard Deji call to him.

‘Come on out bro, this one is yours’ Jake smiled kindly at me and I returned it.
I glanced around the house that used to be my haven, I suddenly felt sick as my eyes wandered to the table where Deji had made love to me, I rose to my feet, I wouldn’t do this, it was too much for me to bear.

‘Are you okay? What can I offer you’? Jake noticed my discomfort.

‘Nothing. I Have to go, don’t tell your friend I was here’ I rushed towards the door but the sound of his voice stopped me. I didn’t realize he could still affect me this much.
‘Redeemed’? Deji was shocked to see her there, she was the last person he had expected to see, but there she was, her back facing him.

‘I can do this’ I clenched my teeth. I would go through with the plan.

‘Deji….’ I turned and offered him a weak smile, what I saw in his eyes baffled me, he seemed very happy to see me.

‘Redeemed I am so sorry, I know I wronged you, please forgive me, please’ he was already on his knees before could say another word.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed the other guy had walked away, so I was left standing with a kneeling Deji, I didn’t know what to do.

‘Deji, get up, get up, I don’t like this’ I struggled to hold the pain I felt right there, but I held myself from crying, he could never see me weak. I would never cry for him.
‘Does that mean you have forgiven me’? he asked desperately
‘Yes, I realize this life is too short to hold grudges, you used me and dumped me, shit happens we get over it’ I replied.
‘I’m sorry Redeemed, I’m sorry for the way I humiliated you, I pushed you away and treated you like you didn’t matter, please forgive me’ he pressed on.

‘It’s okay, but you have to promise, that you’ll never hurt another woman like that’ I said.

‘No, I wouldn’t’ he couldn’t believe his luck, so she’d just forgiven him like that?

‘Good. I have to go now, I’m sorry I blocked you from my face book; I’ll unblock your lines’ I replied.

‘Thanks so much Redeemed, you don’t know what this means to me. Thanks very much’ Deji threw his arms round me.

‘It’s okay’ he broke away when his friend returned. I noticed he was crying.

‘Deji, I just discovered something else’ Jake paused, he felt he’d just interrupted a moment.

‘Alright Deji, I have to go now, talk to you later’ I needed to take my leave, I had bought my way into his heart, the game had just begun.

‘No, stay, let me make you something to eat’ he pulled me back.

‘It’s getting late Deji, maybe some other time’ I smiled. Why was he so nice? I don’t remember him being this nice when we were dating.

‘No Riri, if you’ve really forgiven me, you’ll eat at my house, please, even though it’s late, you could sleep over or I drop you off’ his eyes were pleading.

‘Okay, a meal wouldn’t hurt’ I obliged him, I had to play well.
‘I’ve never seen my cousin cook for a woman’ Jake warmed up to Riri as they sat by the dining table waiting for Deji to make dinner.

‘Really? I guess your cousin likes me’ I winked. I knew his type, Jake was friendly and jovial, I liked people like him.

‘Here here guys’ Deji returned with a plate of noodles each and fried egg.

‘Here was I deluding myself that the chef would prepare something worthwhile’ Jake teased.

‘Jake, don’t be an ingrate, it actually smells nice’ I stood with Deji who stared daggers at his cousin.

‘Oh come on, I’m just joking’ Jake laughed.

‘Let me get you something to drink, your favorite’ he winked and dashed back into the kitchen.
I had never seen Deji this way before, even while we were dating, he’d never shown be this caring side of him.

‘Here dear’ he offered me a bottle of blue wine. That broke my heart, so he remembered?

‘Thanks so much Deji’ I replied weakly.

‘So how’s your job with Henry, I hope you’re enjoying it’ he asked.
‘Yes I am, he is a very nice boss’ I scooped the food into my mouth.
‘Really’? Deji and Jake exchanged glances.

‘What’s that’? I asked.

‘I’m sure you heard about the merger, my company had some financial troubles, so we merged with the Tosins, that’s part of the reason I came to Henry’s office the day before’ Deji explained.

‘Oh? I’m just hearing about the merger for the first time’ I replied.

‘I don’t regret asking you to reject that job from Olive groves’ Deji said again, our eyes met as he spoke those words to me.

That was the day Jenny had walked in on us, I’d told him about Olive Groves and he’d dissuaded me from taking up the job offer.

‘Why do you hate the company so much’? I tore my eyes away from him, that flash of memory still hurt me but I had to play along.

‘Deji?’ Jake called his cousin.

‘No let me tell her, I trust her’ he said.

‘I feel Henry Oluwatosin is a very dishonest person, I don’t want you to trust him, I’m still watching him though.’ Deji said.
I looked at his eyes the whole time, he seemed sincere and so sure of himself.

‘Okay, I’d be careful’ I replied, I lost my appetite, after what Deji said to me. Something was happening and I felt I was being dragged into it. Henry had said the same about Deji, who was I to believe?

‘So Jake, what did you have to tell me’? Deji noticed I had gone quiet.

‘Not right now bro, later’ Jake watched me for some minutes.

‘Are you kidding me? This is Redeemed, I know her very well’ Deji scoffed.

‘Okay then’ Jake replied.

My ears itched to hear what he had to say. I wasn’t going back on my plans, when had Deji turned a saint to judge others? Especially my darling Henry who’d given me a crystal necklace?

‘Since you couldn’t find whatever you were looking for, I did some myself, since you so much believe Henry was dangerous.’ Jake paused and drank some water.

‘Go straight to the point’ Deji sounded eager to find dirt on Henry.

‘Well, I found out Sazad foods was a cemetery for unknown Nigerians back in the seventies’ Jake explained.

‘And’? Deji asked.

‘And nothing else, that’s all I could find. It could be helpful you know’ Jake said.

‘You’re full of crap you know that? How does that help us take back our company’? Deji didn’t sound pleased.

‘Please listen to your heart’ my phone buzzed and I rushed to read the message.

‘I really have to go now, see you later Deji’ I was pissed, Zee had reached her limit.

‘You’re going? Okay, let me drop you’ he rose to his feet.

‘No, thanks for everything, call me. Bye’ I rushed out of his house. Being near him affected me and I didn’t like the way I was feeling.

‘I wondered why she left like that’ Deji rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

‘Who knows? Maybe speaking ill of her boss irked her’ Jake answered.

‘Just shut up,’ Deji wouldn’t indulge him.

‘Seriously, you know Henry is hot right? I’m imagining those two in an office romance thing, maybe you just spoke ill of her boyfriend’ he laughed and rushed out of the living room knowing Deji would rip his head off.

‘She could never love a guy like Henry’ Deji felt slightly jealous, what if his cousin was right?

‘Don’t tell me you believe that, Henry is way hotter than you are, and he isn’t a Bleep boy’ Jake returned.

‘You don’t have to call me that, I am changed’ Deji’s heart sank. He remembered the way he treated women especially Riri, what if she was going out with Henry? What if he treated her better?

‘Tell that to the birds’ Jake laughed.

I am happy you all enjoy the story. Sorry I don't reply comments, but I'll work on that. What gives me joy is when readers love my work.#cheers!
#team#Henri? or #Deri?

please be patient angels! give me two days, I'm working on it, it's gonna be mind blowing

***

Deji was glued to his phone, she had blocked him, even when he tried calling her, he realized she’d blocked him equally. This increased the burden of his guilt.
‘So what did you find’? Jake asked. He’d told his cousin to stop being paranoid, the Tosin’s had no evil intentions, they were just being helpful.

‘Nothing to implicate Henry, that doesn’t mean I’d give up, I’m still looking’ Deji replied.

‘Does that have a thing to do with your downcast look’? Jake arched a brow.

‘I wish it did, It would’ve been much more easier’ Deji answered and that was the truth. How would he ever live with himself? should Riri refuse his wish?

‘What is it then’? Jake asked.

‘Redeemed blocked me, she wouldn’t talk to me’ he answered dejectedly.

‘So you still have hope for her forgiveness? You did a grave thing to her, I wouldn’t lie to you Deji, that chic may never forgive you, so just forget her and move on. In your next relationship, treat the woman nicely and God may just forgive you’ Jake said.

‘That’s cruel, I need her forgiveness, I feel God is punishing me.’ He sighed.

‘Hey, don’t be too hard on yourself, if you’re truly sorry, she’ll forgive you.’ Jake patted his shoulder.

‘Alright then’ Deji relaxed on the couch and was intrigued by the lightskinned beauty that had just sent him a facebook request.

TEMITOLA: Hello Deji, do you mind accepting my request? I like you already.

‘Interesting’ Deji smiled and checked out her profile, she seemed very familiar, he’d seen her before.

TEMITOLA: Thanks a bunch
DEJI: Welcome angel, you got nice pictures.
TEMITOLA: Awwww, thanks darling, you too, you’re such a cutie
DEJI: Wow thanks, you seem very familiar, have we met before?
TEMITOLA: Yes, I saw you in my boss’ office and I liked you instantly, you’re a very handsome man.
DEJI: Wow, your boss? Where was that exactly?
TEMITOLA: Olive Groves Corporations.

That did it, that was for him to jump to his feet, Olive Groves? That name haunted him.

‘What now’? Jake was startled.

‘I don’t know if this is God’s design for me to take our company back’ Deji closed his eyes shut, he now remembered, Temitola was the receptionist he’d seen at the office.

‘What are you talking about’? Jake asked.
‘Henry’s receptionist just sent me request and we’re chatting right now, she said she likes and admires me, isn’t that awesome?’ Deji smiled.

‘Awesome? What’s awesome about that? Does she know about your track record with women? I doubt it’ Jake scoffed.

‘Hey, this isn’t the time to guilt trip me, we can use this to our advantage. I could get information out of her, she is God’s sent to me, say whatever you like’ Deji ignored his cousin, who’d become a pain in the butt.

‘Information? God save you, the Tosin’s have nothing evil against us for the umpteenth time, it’s you who wants to start a war’ Jake differed.

‘Why I’m I even telling you this? You’ll all thank me later’ Deji walked away angrily.

‘I’m sorry, I’m just saying the truth! You’re crazy’ Jake laughed. What if his cousin was right? What if Henry actually had a plan?

‘Just shut up Jake’ Deji shut the door behind and continued his chat with Temitola, his new friend.
DEJI: That’s wonderful, so tell me about yourself?
TEMITOLA: I’m Tola by name, I love making friends, I love watching movies and I hate loud people.
DEJI: Wow nice, same here, I love making friends too, can we meet up?
TEMITOLA: Sure. When and where? Can’t wait to spend time with you.
DEJI: Wow, I’m equally happy we’ll get to see each other.
TEMITOLA: Cheers!

‘I’ll get you’ Deji grinned mischievously.
***


‘You are awfully quiet, how was work’? Mfon asked. I had returned from work earlier with Zee, there was no much work to be done and she was having cramps, so we left for my house.

‘I thought I was the only one that noticed’ Zee grunted in pain.

‘Sorry darling, just take the tea before it’s cold’ Mfon rubbed her arm.

‘Nothing. I’m just in a bad mood’ I lied, I didn’t want to let my friends in on my plan, because I knew they’d dissuade me. This plan was just too sweet for me to miss out on, first, I could gaun Henry’s attention and I could get to hurt the man that humiliated me, using a stone to kill two birds, that was what I yearned for.

‘You’re such a liar’ Mfon grinned. She knew me inside out.

‘Okay, there’s something I want to tell you guys’ I decided to distract them, they would never know about my plans till I was done.

‘And what could that be? Did you kiss your boss today’? Zee drawled.

‘More than kissing, we had sex, and went to heaven’ I growled.

‘You’re joking right? How did you guys even do that with Tola around? That’s his main chic you know’? Zee wouldn’t let me be.

‘Drop the act, you know I’d never do such, he gave me this…’ I brought out the parcel, I’d not opened it yet, I should’ve done so but seeing that message terrified me. I wondered if I should let my friends in about it, what would they think?

‘This is beautiful and it’s made of crystal, this guy likes you’ Mfon lifted a crystal blue necklace from the parcel with the same design as his’, a hawk in the middle of it.

‘Hawks are never a good sign’ Zee grabbed it from Mfon and fingered it.

Her words didn’t sit well with me, why was she always analytical?

‘It’s lovely though, expensive and beautiful for a Cherie like you, Mr Henry is in love with my friend’ Zee winked, but I could see the disapproval written all over her, I wasn’t interested in pursuing that. I had to focus, my plans had to see the light.

‘So, what else? Did he ask you out? Tell me more, I’m so happy for you’ Mfon beamed with smiles. I knew she’d be happy, after Deji hurt me, she got so scared I could never be myself.

‘Not yet, but I think he likes me, let’s see what happens’ I smiled and hung it on my neck.

‘Hawks were never a good sign’ Zee’s words haunted me, I recalled the words of the text, ‘He seems very convincing, don’t do it’.

‘Phew’ I sighed, not even those messages would deter from my plans, I knew someone was trying to play tricks on me, I don’t know why, but I felt Zee was somehow connected to the text messages. I’d find later.

I had my plans, and visiting Deji was the first.
***

‘So how are your plans going? Have you made a move yet’? Henry swirled round and faced her.
‘I have, I set up a meeting, in an hour, I shall be with Deji Williams’ Tola replied.
‘Good. Good. That settles that, you’re a pretty girl Tola, use it wisely, I promise to make you very rich when I start my own company, you’ll be in charge of one of the departments, it’s a promise’ Henry walked up to her and caressed her face. He had his plans, once Riri and Tola had played their part, he’d step in and make himself the richest man in the world.

‘Okay sir’ Tola replied. One look at the bastard made her sick, how had she entangled herself in all these? It was too late to run, too late to cry for help, if she dared to leave him, her whole life would be ruined.

‘One more thing, Tola’ Henry wore a crooked smile.

‘Yes sir’? she waited for him to speak.

‘Don’t do anything foolish, don’t betray me else I make your life miserable, you’d wish for death but it wouldn’t come. So be smart and play safe. Deji is the enemy not I’ he said.

‘Thank you sir’ Tola inhaled deeply. She had no option than to get what he needed from Deji, she had to find a way to succeed or she’d commit suicide. From the way things were going? She’d considered the latter, severally.
***
He had made up his mind, he would pursue her till he got her forgiveness, but that could wait for the night. He had other pressing issues to attend to, Tola for example.
They’d set up a meeting at a secluded bar, that would afford them privacy from people that could know her, he needed substantial information about Henry, but first, he had to act cool, like he harbored no suspicions against Henry.

‘What would you like sir’? A waiter came with the menu.
‘Just give me beer for now, waiting someone’ Deji replied dryly while staring at her picture. She was so innocent and pure, she couldn’t harm a fly, yet he’d inflicted so much pain on her.

‘Look who we have here’ Tola had put on her deceptive veneer. Maybe working for Henry this last time would help her gain freedom.

‘Temitola’? Deji rose to his feet, she was even more beautiful in person. She wasn’t tall, she was average, very lightskinned and pretty.

‘Deji, you look swell’ she pinched his cheeks.

‘Thanks honey, you are an angel, allow me’ he played the charmer and kissed her fingers, they were slender and long, reminding him of Riri’s.

‘So tell me, is this how you meet women from social media? So easily’? Tola asked.

‘Nah, there’s something you though, you’re different and that bought my interest’ Deji smiled.

‘Really? I’m glad you like me, I like you very much, though we’re just getting to know each other, I feel we’ll be very good friends’ Tola rubbed his arm in a very suggesting manner.

‘No problem, I’m always open’ Deji smiled. Women like Tola were rare, she was flirting with him, what surprised him was this, he wasn’t moved by her beauty or sex appeal, he was just numb. His old self, would’ve been very delighted to have a woman like her throwing herself at his feet.

‘I’d Bleep you all night’ he would’ve spoken those words, before he changed, but now, he was a new person, and he’d vowed not to return to his old ways. Sitting right there with such a bold woman made him slightly irritated, they’d just met for crying out loud and she was already suggesting they sleep with each other. Something wasn’t right.

‘What’s on your mind?’ Tola asked, he was thinking about her, she could feel it, but she couldn’t read his thoughts.
‘Nothing, just staring at your beautiful face’ Deji smiled.

‘Good. You’d be seeing a lot more of it’ she smiled and they both laughed.

‘So, what would your boss think of this? Us dining together? He doesn’t like me very much’ Deji said, trying to create conversation about Henry.

‘Oh, well, it’s my life though, what makes you think Mr Henry doesn’t favor you?’ Tola asked.

‘I just feel it. You know my family owns Sazad foods and we merged with Olive groves, we argue a lot on many things’ Deji gulped his drink, liquor toned his lying skills.

‘Oh, a merger? I never heard of that, not yet, what do you plan to do’? she swallowed hard, what Henry had asked of her, was not as easy as she’d thought.

‘What I plan to do’? Deji arched a brow.

‘Oh I’m sorry, that didn’t come out right, I just have this headache, do you mind if I use the ladies’? she rose to her feet, she needed to clear her head, she needed a strategy.

‘Alright love, I’ll be right here waiting for you’ Deji smiled.

‘Yes baby’ she rose to her feet, she hadn’t walked far from their table when something crashed behind her, she turned and found a broken bottle.
***

‘Bleep you all, Bleep you and you and you’ a drunk man had thrown the bottle.
‘Hey, are you all right’? Deji had rushed towards her.

‘Yes I’m fine, he really scared me and that would have hurt me badly if it’d landed on my head.’ Tola was shaken, she wished she could punch the drunk man’s face.

‘He is so drunk, I’m sorry, hurry to the bathroom, we should get out of here’ Deji said, he didn’t want any trouble.

‘Uhmmm, let’s go back to our table, I don’t want to use the ladies’ anymore.

‘Okay then’ they both walked back.
Security men had been alerted and they’d rushed in to capture the drunk man, he kept swearing at them.

‘No, it cannot be’ Tola whispered, he was supposed to be dead, Henry had told her about it, but she was wrong. Berger Tosin was back in town.

***
‘So, what else on Deji’? Henry lit a cigarette.
‘Good eve sir, I couldn’t find anything else, he was dating Redeemed Akpan and he lost his fiancée in the Dara plane crash’ Tola answered.

‘Good. Good. So he was dating my princess?’ Henry laughed softly, he would use that to his advantage.
‘You like her’ Tola said.
‘Yes, I do like her’ Henry replied, he couldn’t wait to get her into his bed. He couldn’t wait to bleed her like the others.

‘What happens to us’? Tola asked.

‘Nothing. You keep doing my bidding and we would not have problems, but if you fail me, you know the consequences’ he rose up and walked towards her.

‘I own you, you know that’? he yanked her by the hair and she let out a soft cry.

‘Yes, you own me’ she cried.

‘Good. I have another job for you’ he set her free.

‘I need you to have sex with Deji Williams, get into him, I need information’ Henry ordered.

‘Yes, I will do as you’ve said’ she nodded fearfully.

‘Good. Slave.’

***
Her words still haunted him, but they were true, that prolonged his torment. He’d humiliated her and acted like she didn’t matter, he only felt truly remorseful after he’d discovered Jenny had been dishonest with him.

‘What’s on your mind’? Jake had decided to move in with his cousin, just to help him wallow through that dark period in his life.

‘I’ve been a very bad person Jake, would God ever forgive me’? Deji asked.
Never in his life, had he seen Deji so remorseful, this equally pricked him, this was the moment of truth, he had to tell his cousin about the feelings he harbored for Jenny and how he’d turned to snitching.

‘God forgives all types of sin, provided you forgive your fellow brother’Jake paused.

‘No, I feel there’s no redemption for me, if only Redeemed could grant me pardon, I’d be the happiest man alive.’ He was hopeless.

‘I was the one that told Jenny you’d be seeing another woman that day, that was how she caught you and Redeemed, I am really sorry bro, I just didn’t like the way you treated her and I’d felt she was so into you, I really cared about her too’ Jake was sober.

Deji was silent for a while. He was a bit disappointed in Jake, but that was the past, at least his offence was nothing compared to the emotional trauma he’d put Riri. She gave him her heart, he could see she meant well for him, she adored him, yet he cast her aside.

‘Say something Deji, I am truly sorry’ Jake persisted.

‘It’s okay, I guess you did it for a good reason. Now I need Riri’s forgiveness and I don’t know how to go about it’ he said.

‘Have you me her yet’? Jake asked.
‘I just returned from her place, she shut the door to my face, I don’t even know where to start from, she really hates me, I could see it in her eyes’ Deji recounted his experience.

‘Of course, what did you expect? You have to persist, don’t let go, you broke her heart, it’s your job to fix that. If you really need her forgiveness, fight for it’ Jake advised.

‘Thanks man, I’ll work on that’ Deji replied and fetched some documents from a file that lay before him.

‘What are those’? Jake pointed at the files.

‘Everything I need to know about our Company. I spoke to Henry today, he’s filled with so much lies, something is up, they know something about our company that we’re oblivious off, and they want to use it to their advantage’ Deji was quite sure of this.

‘And what could that be exactly’? Jake’s face showed derision.

‘I don’t know, I can’t place my finger around it, but it’s something big and we need to get it before they do.’ Deji ignored the look on his cousin’s face. Jake probably thought him crazy, but he wouldn’t back down.

‘What if you don’t find anything there?’ Jake wondered.
‘I won’t give up that easily, I’d keep looking’ he answered.

‘Goodluck and goodnight’ Jake left for his bed.

‘Goodnight’Deji repeated.
Once Jake was gone, he suddenly felt alone, reality dawned on him, his life was empty and meaningless, work was just a cover up.
He’d slept with many women, yet none had magnetized his heart the way Jenny had done, but right there, he erased her from his memory, she was never worthy of his love, Redeemed was, but it was too late for him.

‘Riri’ he drawled her name, Henry had called her that, how did he know? Were they seeing each other? He suddenly became curious.
He reached out for his phone and quickly recalled he’d blocked her from all his social network platforms, how foolish he’d been.

‘Step one’ he sighed and began the unblocking process.
***
I hadn’t slept well the previous night, I couldn’t explain what was going on in my life. First, I’d resumed work and my admiration for Henry had grew, then came the strange text messages and the arrival of Deji.
He’d cried while apologizing, I couldn’t deny that had softened me a bit but I just couldn’t face him, he’d fooled me, he’d only wanted my body and he only showed remorse cause Jenny was dead and she’d been cheating.

‘Still thinking about him’? Zee drawled, she’d slept over, we hadn’t talked much after Deji’s departure cause I was too hurt to speak to anyone, and she understood this and gave me space.

‘Not really, I’m just confused’ I replied.

‘Honey don’t tell me you’re considering it, you cannot forgive a guy like Deji, who knows if he plans to get back into your pants? If I were you, I’d never speak to him again’ that was Zee’s advise.
‘I would be a fool to take him back’ I replied coolly. That was the truth, only a fool would take a man like Deji back into her arms.

‘So, did you receive any text message this morning’? she asked.

‘No, I hope not, they scared the hell out of me’ I replied.

‘I told you, just mistakes, you wouldn’t receive them again’ she rose from the bed.

‘So what do you think about Henry’? I asked.

‘I think you like him, he seems nice, then again, you have to be careful, we don’t know much about this guy’ Zee suggested.

‘I think I’m crazy. I just came of a relationship and here I’m I thinking of another guy. I’m supposed to be unhappy’ I blurted out.

‘Funny. You’re unhappy, that’s why you thought of Deji this morning, you don’t just let the unhappiness get to you’ Zee chuckled.

I was silent for a while. She seemed to me a genius, she knew me so deeply and I wondered how she did because we were never close.

‘Psychology’ she drummed her fingers on the table.

‘What’? I rolled my eyes.
‘I majored in Psychology back at the University, before I dived into public relations, so I’m good at studying people’ she said.

‘You’re really a magician to know what I was thinking’ I marveled.
‘No, I’m not, you’re just too easy to read. You are a nice person, kind and your soul is pure’ she tapped my shoulder and left for the bathroom.

‘Nice person, kind, pure soul’ I repeated her words and smiled as I logged into facebook, her words boosted my self esteem. I suddenly felt like an angel, my day was going to turn out fine.
Something pricked my heart, I saw a friend’s request from Deji. I toyed with the idea of accepting him, but that would be a mistake, I couldn’t speak to him, I couldn’t give him that chance, he was my enemy. So like he did me, I blocked him immediately.

***
We arrived the office early, we had met Mr Lawal on Henry’s order and he’d described our job expectations to us. It was quite easy but required much research and creativity, that wouldn’t be a problem I decided, Zee and Dee had always handled that aspect fine.

‘And here is my ugly duckling’ Zee whispered as we neared Tola’s desk.
‘You don’t have to be cruel Zee’ I answered. The girl wasn’t wearing make-up, she looked pale and weak, like she suffering from a plague. She wasn’t her usual cocky and arrogant self, in fact, she pretended not to hear Zee.

‘Goodmorning Tola’ I smiled warmly.

‘Morning Redeemed’ she returned my smile and I was awed,so she actually smiled?

‘I never knew you smile’ Zee voiced my thoughts and the girl frowned. I knew Zee would get us into trouble one day.


‘The boss would like to see you Redeemed’ she said. Tola eyed Zee angrily, did she have to rude? Fine, what she’d said the day before was true.
She hadn’t always been this arrogant and rude person, it all started when she met him. if only the world knew the secrets she kept, if only they knew how hurt she was, they would understand, her arrogance was only a masque to hide her pain and fear.

‘See you later then’ Zee winked. I understood what her wink meant, ‘Be careful, and I nodded.

‘To you, learn to relax, you’re too uptight when you aren’t rude’ Zee flashed Tola a smile before leaving.

‘Is your friend always like that’? Tola asked, I knew Zee had made her uncomfortable.

‘Don’t mind Zainab, she’s a very nice person’ I replied.

‘I’m yet to see that’ Tola rolled her eyes.
‘Okay then’ I smiled and moved towards Henry’s office. What Zee said was quite true, Tola wasn’t as mean as she looked, I wondered what had turned her into a Jezebel, then again, we all had our cross to bear.

I rapped on the door twice. I suddenly became nervous, why did he want to see me? Sweat broke out on my forehead and fingers and I hissed within me, I had to relax, he wasn’t going to bite.
‘Come on in, door is open’ his honeyed voice invited me in and I walked in gingerly.

‘Good morning sir’ my voice was shaky, I couldn’t describe my feelings when I set my eyes on him, could there have been any other man more perfect than Henry Oluwatosin?
Deji had been handsome but nothing compared to Henry, his cuteness was incomparable and fiery.
He wore a denim on a deep blue shirt, with a golden necklace that had a symbol of a hawk at its center. His eyes till held their seductiveness and his mouth that mocking line. I wanted this man for myself.

‘Riri’? Henry smiled to himself, he knew he had this charm that drew women to him, but he hadn’t expected her to fall so easily. From what he could see, she was already lost in his arms and he would do well to send Deji a message, he was still in charge.

‘Yes sir, I’m sorry sir’ I quickly recovered from ogling him. I felt slightly embarrassed as blood rushed to my face. I wished for a covering to hide my face. I had mentally undressed this man, when had I become so vile?

‘It seems your mind is somewhere far from here? have a seat and share with me your thoughts’ he beckoned to me.

‘I’m in trouble’ my mind said, he’d caught me looking at him.

‘Hey, feel relaxed, I don’t bite’ he reached out for my hands and caressed them gently. That action sent sparks flying right into my belly, what was he doing to me?

‘Uhmmm, I wasn’t thinking of anything in particular’ I lied and pulled my hand away.

‘Sure?’ his eyes were mocking, I nodded in answer.

‘Alright then, let’s talk about your work’ he shrugged and lifted a file.

‘Okay sir’ I replied feeling disappointed, was that why he’d called me?

‘Redeemed…’ he called me once again, this time he worked towards the door and locked it.

‘Yes sir’ I watched him, what was that about?

‘I know you’re new here, but you came strongly recommended by your boss and I know you’ll do anything to make him proud’ Henry started.

His father had always thought him the ruthlessness that came with being a business man, he was about to act on his words. Tola was plan A, Redeemed was plan B. That way, Sazad foods would be theirs, no arguments, no lawsuits, rightfully theirs.

I didn’t say a word. Whatever he wanted discussing with me, was highly confidential, I could sense it and this meant much to me, so he trusted me to that extent?

‘I’ve watched you very closely, for the few times we’ve met, I like you as a person, you’re a very attractive girl and I wouldn’t lie I fantasize about you’ he paused to see my reaction.

My mouth felt dry, I blushed once again, did he want to ask me out? My heart raced, I’d gladly say yes.

‘I feel you’re someone that could be trusted, you’re nice, kind and you have a pure soul’ he said and I was startled. Zee had spoken those same words to me.

‘Are you okay’? he noted the confusion on my face.

‘Yes’ I quickly nodded.

‘Good. I need you to do something for me, I wouldn’t coerce you by any means, this is about me and the legacy my family has built, I like you, I don’t know if you like me, but I really need your help’ he fetched my hands once again and squeezed it.

I was touched my his words. So he liked me? My heart fluttered.

‘I’ll do anything within power to save your company sir’ I felt determined to help him.

‘Good then. Take a look at this’ he offered me a file.

I ran my eyes through the paper, I didn’t understand the business terms used, only one name caught my attention, Sazad Foods. That was Deji’s family property.

‘So how can I help with this’? I found his eyes on me, I could see his adoration in them.

‘You didn’t understand those words did you’? he chuckled at my ignorance.

‘I didn’t’ I smiled, he had a good sense of humor.

‘Well, what I’m asking is risky, but I’m ready to pay you, anything you want. Olive groves and Sazad foods have been merged but there’s a problem and it’s coming from the Williams, they’ve refused to submit the original deeds of their company to bind our agreement, without this, this merger is invalid. I’ve spoken to Mr Deji Williams who’s representing the family, but he isn’t being cooperative’ he paused again. This time, the words sunk in deep.

I looked at him with startled eyes, did he know what he was asking of me? To steal those documents from Deji?

‘You have to help me, please’ he fell on his knees.

‘Please stand up’ I couldn’t bear that. I was still confused, why me? I had so many questions but I couldn’t ask them. Henry seemed sincere, knowing how coy and cruel Deji was, I knew he would do anything to harm the progress of Olive Groves. I now understood why he didn’t want me working for Henry.
An evil thought crept into my head, this would be the perfect time to repay the idiot in his own coin.
‘I need your help, their land belongs to us, and I intend to take it back. I could have done that legally but knowing how dangerous Deji Williams was, I knew many lives would be lost, so I’d pulled back’ Henry pleaded. From the way her features softened, he knew plan B was settled, next, he would put fire in Tola’s ass, she needed to play her part, more information was needed.

‘I would help you sir’ I said boldly, if only he knew I and Deji were dating, this would be so complicated, but I was ready for revenge.

‘Thanks Riri, this stays between us please. I’d do anything you want, just help me’ he pulled me into his arms.

I hadn’t expected that action but it felt good, he smelt good and I felt like being in his arms forever.

‘I promise, I wouldn’t fail you’ I lifted my head to him.

‘One more thing, call me Henry and I have a little gift for you’ he smiled sweetly and I felt my legs melt. I could do anything for this man.

‘Excuse me sir, uhmmm, Henry, I have to see this’ my phone buzzed and I checked to see who it was, it was probably Mfon, she was always the last to wake.

‘Don’t do it, sounds very convincing’ as I read the words, I could feel my heart race, someone was stalking me.

‘Excuse me sir, you have a call from your father’ Tola rushed into the office, we exchanged glances briefly, I saw the way she looked at me. She was jealous.

‘I’ll return his calls later’ Henry dismissed her.

‘Have this pretty’ he handed me a box.

‘How was the meeting son’? his father asked. They had settled for supper and to discuss business.

‘He knows too much. He knows our intentions are not pure, we should take him out before he jeopardizes our plan’ Henry answered.

‘You mean the Williams boy’? his father asked.

‘Yes, Deji Williams, we need to kill him, if he uncovers our plan, we are finished’ Henry gestured with his hands.

‘No, he stays alive’ the man ordered.

‘Father, I saw his eyes, they were laced with curiosity, he would know our secret’ why couldn’t the old man listen.

‘That isn’t your problem, if we kill him now, the Williams would trace it to us, the merger ends ten years from now, it’s too early to kill. Let’s gain their trust and acceptance, that way, we’ll win. Rule 2, don’t start what you cannot finish’ the old man poured himself some wine.

‘Alright father, I’ve heard you, do what you want’ he gave up.

‘You don’t look fine, when last did you see your doctor Henry? I need you hale and hearty’ the man observed his beloved son. This son of his, would have been most perfect if not for his bizarreness, his cravings for things that weren’t ordinary.

‘I shall see him soon’ he gulped his own drink.
‘Alright dear son’.
‘I have to go now father, I have a visitor’ he rose to his feet and stormed out of the dining room, Tola had come, they had enough to discuss.
***
‘I will Kill him’ I showed the girls the message.

‘Well, maybe it’s not for you, it could be a mistake’ Zee waved it off, but I could tell she was scared.

‘That creeps me out honestly’ Mfon voiced her thoughts.

‘You know what scares me? I was actually thinking of harming Deji when this text came into my phone, this is scary, what should we do’? I inhaled deeply. All thoughts of harming that bastard fled my mind as we had bigger things to handle.

‘Nothing’ Zee rubbed her palms nervously.
‘Huh’? I rolled my eyes.
‘We do nothing. It’s just a message. I feel it’s a mistake. So just relax’ Zee added.

‘I hope so’ I whispered. I’d never had such an experience.
Minutes later we all sat watching a soap opera, ‘Tinsel’, I never really enjoyed it, but I had no choice, that text had unsettled me. I had this feeling, it was for me, but who sent it?
The phone vibrated rigorously on the table, it was as if the world had stopped. The girls had stopped laughing and were now staring at it, like a piece of bomb was about to explode.

‘It’s a text message’ I whispered.
‘Don’t let him in, he is no angel’ my heart raced as I read the text, I was in serious trouble.
‘Now that is really scary, let me see’ Zee took the phone from me.

‘This reminds me of ‘desperate housewives’ I rose to my feet. In that movie, a woman had been leading a peaceful life, till she started receiving strange letters, her life was never the same.

‘Hey, stay calm, nothing bad would happen to you.’ Mfon walked up to me.
We returned to watching Tinsel like nothing had happened, we hadn’t watched for ten minutes when our doorbell rang, I almost died from fear.

‘Are you sure we should open that’? perspiration poured on Zee’s face.

‘Yea, it’s 8 P.M already, who’d want to visit us now, are you expecting anyone Riri’? Mfon asked, I shook my head in answer. I was morbid with fear.

‘Who’s there’? I asked when the bell rang another time.

‘Deji. Please open the door. Let me in.’

‘Deji’? we chorused.

‘I think we should wait, remember the words from the text, what if it isn’t Deji, what if a criminal has come to kidnap you’? Zee sounded serious.

‘Don’t let him in, he is no Angel’ I repeated the words.
‘Well, we’ll have to open that door eventually, we better do it now’.Mfon rose up determinedly and pulled the door apart.

‘What are you doing here’? from the look on her face, I realized Deji had truly come. My fear gave way to anger, why had he come?

‘Please just give me five minutes, I swear I’ll go away after that’ he fell on his knees.

‘Sorry, my friend doesn’t want to see you, so you could get your sorry ass out of here’ Mfon made to shut the door at his face but her prevented her.

‘Please Mfon, just listen to me, I know I hurt your friend real bad, please’ he begged.
‘I can’t believe this’ Zee rolled her eyes.

My eyes brimmed with tears, he’d made love to me like I was the only woman in his world, then he’d tossed me aside like I was some toy.

‘Please, don’t turn me away’ he begged.

‘Mfon…’ I called her, I had to see him, I needed to look him in the eye and ask him what crime I’d committed.

‘Are you sure about this’? she wasn’t comfortable letting me see him.

‘Yes’ I nodded.
‘Alright’ she patted me on my back and left the room with Zee.
I stared at his face, the face of the man that had deceived me into loving him, he was crying but they were crocodile tears.
‘Redeemed’ he called my name, I didn’t answer, I just stared at him.
‘I know I’ve wronged you greatly, I’ve hurt you very deeply and if you decide not to forgive me, I’d totally understand. I need your forgiveness, please, I’m sorry’ his voice was husky with emotion.

‘Wronged me’? I scoffed, that was too small to describe the gravity of his offence.

‘Please, forgive me’ he begged.

‘Well let’s make this brief, I heard about your dead fiancée, guess what? She was equally cheating on you, I guess you found that out and you felt guilty, that’s why you’re here. You’re not here cause you really mean it, you’re here cause you have lost your peace, you’ve discovered the truth, your Jenny was equally playing you. So like the bastard you are, you realize I am the only person that could offer you that, so, you’ve come back to ‘use’ me once again’ she scoffed.

‘How did you know this’ Deji was startled, how did she know Jenny had been a cheat?
‘Let’s say, the other man she was shagging is my boss, your five minutes is over, goodbye Deji’ I shut the door to his face.

Seeing him there unsettled me and if I wasn’t strong, I’d have collapsed, I thought I was over me, but his presence had this effect on me. The memories of our lovemaking tormented me, I still remembered that night I’d offered myself to him.

‘Goodmorning sir’ Zee grinned delightedly and walked towards me.

‘Hold yourself, don’t appear weak’ she whispered to me and I took her advice.

‘Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier’? I asked.

‘Cause I know you, you’d quickly disappear, I know you look strong outside, I know you’re still fragile’ she replied and her words cur deep into my flesh.

‘Goodmorning Henry’ Deji said. He had seen me, I was sure of this but he acted like I wasn’t there or I didn’t matter.

‘Mr Williams’ Henry took him in, sized him up, he couldn’t wait to reduce this young man to nothing.

‘So, I heard we are having this meeting, I’m here’ Deji threw his hands into the air.

‘Good. Now let’s go’ Henry was irked by his attitude, who did he think he was?

‘Riri’ Henry called, that startled me, how did he know my nickname? ‘Riri’?

‘Sir’? my lips trembled, I also saw the displeasure on Deji’s face and it pleased me greatly.

‘Report to Mr Lawal, I’ll see you both later’ he said and turned his back.

‘Wow, you’re fast’ Zee winked.

‘What do you mean’? I knew what she was about to say, but I feigned ignorance.

‘Riri? How did he know that? And here I was thinking you backward in the ways of the world’? Zee raised her brows.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’ I refused to indulge her, I was still upset with her for not telling me about Deji. What was he doing here? I still remember how he’d asked me not to take up the job at Olive Groves, I needed to know the reason he had come here.

‘If you two are done bickering, get a room, you’re disturbing me’ the receptionist interrupted us with her rudeness.

Zee and I exchanged glares, I was the first to move, but Zee dragged me back.

‘What are you waiting for’? she sneered at us. I took a better look at her face, she was very young, just like me, I guessed her age. She must have been in her early twenties, it baffled me though, why did she have so much anger? And this dark energy encircling her?

‘Honey, don’t do this to yourself, it doesn’t suit you’ Zee blurted out, I almost forced my hand on her mouth but I held myself. Zee was right, Tola looked harmless, but her she had a hellish attitude.

‘Excuse me? Did you just speak to me in that manner’? she dropped the novel she held and faced Zee.

‘You heard me. The way I see you, you were once a very nice person, a sweet girl, who had friends all around her, then something bad happened and you snapped and turned into this horrible person. However, you still have enough time to change your ways, beneath all the make-up you’re wearing, your expensive clothes and perfume, I feel you’re lonely and hurt and haunted by demons. Thank you.’ Zee said.

‘Zainab’? I called her gently. The words she’d spoken had some impact on Tola, like they were true.

‘You don’t know me, so don’t judge me’ her voice shook as she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.

‘Do you realize we’re going to lose this job? And when we do? Mr Juwon would equally throw us out? I asked as we left for Mr Lawal’s office.

‘Keep calm. Tola is a good person, I can feel it, she’s just wearing a mask’ Zee replied confidently.

‘I hope she’s that good to forgive you. You said yourself she is dating Henry, she holds the aces’ I felt slightly jealous of her.
‘That was a rumour,you know what?’ Zee stopped, a smile played on her lips.
‘What now? What do you want’? I knew she was up to some mischief.

‘I think the boss likes you’ she winked.
***
‘I guess you know her’ Henry said flatly.
‘Who’? Deji asked, Jake had caught a flu and wasn’t strong enough to join them for the meeting.

‘Redeemed’ Henry replied.

‘No’ Deji replied, what was he getting at?
He’d seen her again, he could read her like the back of his palm, Redeemed was nice, trusting and caring, but he’d been too blind to see it. He had to seek her forgiveness, she had to give him peace.

‘Sure? A little bird told me she was your girlfriend’Henry chuckled.

Deji felt more uncomfortable, was Henry keeping tabs on him? how did he know about Redeemed?

‘Well, let’s get to the point, we aren’t here to discuss my love life’ Deji dismissed him.

‘Why do I have this feeling you don’t like me’? Henry fetched a cigarette and lit it. Deji’s eyes sparkled, so he was a smoker eh?

‘I don’t have to like you to do business with you’ Deji replied defiantly.

‘Wow, the hate is strong’ Henry gazed at him once more, he smoked to relieve him from stress. Tobacco conquered his addiction, no one could know his secret.

‘Let’s get to the point Henry, why do you want my company? I know your plan, you deceived my father, but I have this feeling you wouldn’t keep to your promise’ Deji eyed him angrily.

‘You go ahead of yourself man. All we have for Sazad foods are good intentions, truth is, we want to learn your business ideas and in exchange, we would offer you the loan with no interest after ten years, is that too much to ask’? Henry quenched the cigar.

‘Isn’t it ironic? That a successful business empire like Olive Groves would want to ‘learn’ business ideas from one which is folding up’? Deji raised his brows.

‘In order to be exalted, one must first humble himself’ Henry’s eyes darkened. Deji was too smart for his own good and he would be the first to go.

‘Alright then’ Deji saw the lies written all over Henry, something fishy was going on and he had to stop it.
First, he needed to see Redeemed.
***
Darling Diary,
I saw him today, after a long while, my heart skipped a beat.
I scribbled on my diary, the day was over, evening had danced its way into the skies. I still found it hard to believe Deji could snub me the way he did at the company. That still hurt me, I still felt hurt, I wished I had listened to my friend.

On the other hand, working with Mr Henry would help me forget him quickly, I secretly rejoiced he was going through pain, I hadn’t forgotten about his dead fiancée.

‘Knock knock’ Mfon stormed into my room.

‘What’s happening’? I sat up.

‘Why didn’t you tell me Redeemed?’she looked hurt.

‘Tell you what’? I asked.

‘That you’re dating Henry Oluwatosin’ Mfon said.

‘What? What are you talking about’? I wondered.

‘Zee just came, she told me all about it.’ She replied.

‘And you believe her? Don’t mind that crazy girl, what’s she doing here by the way’? I wondered. Zee was totally out of her mind.
We moved to the livingroom together and found her seated on the couch, looking all sweet and innocent.

‘Devil’ I muttered, why would she tell such a lie?
‘I was just pranking,I got bored, Dee’s flu got worse, so I decided to come over here, I hope I’m welcomed’ she smiled.

‘Sure, let me get back to the kitchen’ Mfon was disappointed, she’d expected more gist.

‘Have you told her about him’? Zee asked.

She was getting me riled up, why couldn’t she mind her business?

‘Who’? Mfon arched a brow.

‘I don’t want to talk about it, you should respect that. Give me space’ I blurted angrily and returned to my room.

‘Gee, I hit a nerve’ Zee had never seen Redeemed that way.

‘Hey what happened at the office, who did she see’? Mfon asked.

‘Deji’ Zee answered.

‘Oh my God, that’s bad, what is he doing there? Is he stalking her or what’? Mfon asked.

‘That’s why I’m here, I asked around, got some information, I came to tell Riri about that and I’ve angered her in the process.’ Zee rose to her feet dejectedly, she hadn’t meant to upset Riri in any way.
‘I’m sorry about that, she could be that way at times. So tell me about it’ Mfon settled in a chair.

‘Deji’s company is having problems, so he needs some help from Mr Henry. The two companies have been merged together, so we’d be seeing Deji very often, that’s why I came, she needs to prepare herself for this’ Zee explained.

‘That’s bad and she isn’t in the right mood to talk’ Mfon rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

‘Why don’t you join me in the kitchen, let’s talk some more? She’ll stop sulking after few minutes?’ Mfon added.
‘Alright then, you’ve saved me from boredom.

I was not happy with the way I’d spoken to Zainab, she didn’t mean any harm, though I couldn’t deny the fact that she talked a lot, she was a loose cannon but I had no right to speak to her like I did.

Tears clouded my vision, he’d turned me into this fragile thing, I was hurt and broken with no one to mend me. My hatred for Deji returned more strongly, and I cursed him underneath my breath, he would never find love, I offered it to him and he tossed it aside.

I let the tears flow freely, I didn’t stop myself from sobbing. I felt better each time I cried, when I was done, I checked my buzzing phone, I had a message.
‘I will kill him’ I read the words aloud, I tried checking out the identity of the sender but I couldn’t find it.
‘What’s this’? fear gripped me, I decided to show the girls the message.
***