Legitdimple:
Culin,you what know babe,this here is a masterpiece. Almost like I'm watching a movie,amazing characters. Oh! My love for Enitan....the suspense is something else,I can feel my heart panting. Thumps up!!!

Hey girl! Thanks so much for for the lovely review. I hope the rest of the book meets your expectations.



Hey guys. Long time to no post. Sorry for the absence. Thanks to those who reached out by sending pms and mails, y'all surprised me big time. God bless you. I'm back to updating for good Next chapter update will come much later in the day, that's for sure! See you later lovelies.

adeboizy11:
Mace mai kyau� ki zo where is the update nauh. You promised Sunday and today is Wednesday. Don't start behaving like Nigerian politicians that will promise heaven and after making you long and wait till like eternity, they will give you something close to hell.

I'm sorry. I'll try to post tomorrow. I have a family emergency that's making my family travel hospitals in different states.

Also my online friend and editor, Lookman Laneon died a week ago and I had no idea. I found out yesterday in our book club's whatsapp group. I was mad at him for not replying my mails and Wattpad messages, for not editing my work and sending it back. Not knowing he was lying cold in a mortuary. It's been a rough week and I'm mentally tired.

I saw this message yesterday but was in no frame of mind to reply.

Thanks for your patience.

Ann2012:
I'm really short of words, is Nathan already sleeping with Annabelle or the nightie was planted there

Thanks for the update dear

Girl! Nathan is a case. Believe me when I say, I honestly don't know about the nightie too But we'll find out in the next update I guess.

Uwc. Thanks Ann for your steady support.

millieademi:
Hi dear...

I swear you have a knack for cutting it off at the best part. You've promised to update on Sunday sha. We patiently await.

As per lack of morale and little to no interaction from your readers. I think it's a Nairaland culture. It was the same for me when I started out.

I'll tell you what someone told me.

There are three types of readers on Nairaland:

Guests who read and leave, registered folk who read and leave and registered folk who finally comment.


Baby girl, as selfish as this sounds because I love updates, I'd say write on.We, your fans, we gat you. The comments will come that you wouldn't know where to start replying them from. Trust me.

Just keep writing. Write because you love it because when the external motivation comes and they are clamoring for updates at times writing seems ridiculous, it's your love for writing and maybe us that will strengthen you. P.S. I love your work.


And I feel Nate is being a selfish pain in the ass, taking advantage of Eni's condition and her love for him. At least it's my opinion.

Millieademi iiii. I wish Nairaland had that 'misty eyes' emoji, because that's how I'm feeling now. Thanks for the words of encouragment and advice. It's an honor to have you here steadily supporting me. God bless you.

I agree, Nathan is being selfish but he'll learn better, soon.

Phew!!! I finally made it to the end. What a rollercoaster ride. This part brought mixed feeling. Although Kayla went through hell, I'm relieved to find out fred is alive after all.
But I'm sad our dear Kayla is prison bound.

Thumbs up Sochey.

adeboizy11:
You have no equal at all. I believe say na from birth, no be say you learn am. I'm already a big fan of you my lady������
Looking forward to the remaining chapters. Please you can copy and paste to my whatsapp ooo 0.7.0.6.8.7.3.4.0.0.2. I can't wait again to read more of your write ups. Keep shining gurl, just shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine

I legiiiit smiled when I saw this. Thank you, thank you, thank you! With this comment I may end up updating on sunday.

ADUKKY:
Good job @Culin. Keep the updates flowing.

Ahn ahn now you people are talking. Haba. Thanks my dear.

KpagoGIN:
Present Culin…..nice job you doing.

Thanks a million.

oghenekome51:
Thanks Culin! Please don't give up on us....hmm
I know it really bad when ders no one or less persons to motivate you...but trust me, ur story is very standard!

Thank you so much for the kind words! They mean alot.

For those who may be wondering. Any text in italics (like the text above) represent thoughts. Whenever you see that, it means a character is thinking.


CHAPTER NINE - The Lies You tell

"The love we give away is the only love we keep." - Elbert Hubbard

Song 'Wait' - By Maroon 5


ENITAN

Seated in the dimly lit room next to the medicine store, I watched as the man who introduced himself as the doctor arranged some tools with an impassive look. My hands trembled as he handed me the worn-out plastic gown and entered an adjoining room I assumed was the theatre.

I stood up to change into the gown, but my legs sank back into the wooden chair - like they weighed a metric tonne. My stomach churned, and I struggled not to puke on the cement floor.

Dear God, please give me a sign if you want me to keep this child.
Had the situation been a funny one, I'd have laughed at the ludicrous prayer.

I was drawn to the pattering of footsteps as the front door slid open.

"Enitan!"

Nathan? How?

Adrenaline surging within me, I walked to the conjoining door and, before I could confirm his identity, he pulled in a hug and I buried myself further.

Oh God. You sent me a sign.

"Babe! Please tell me you haven't-" He didn't finish before I bobbled my head, too weak to speak.

Minutes after I settled in his car, I felt less nauseous, relaxed. But every statement and question of his got me riled.
I needed to get out, somewhere far away from him. But he had his own plans, refusing to let me out.

Calm down and breathe. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale - Argh! I hate you Nathan.

'His house'? The nerve!

I'd only look stupid if I yelled over the deafening blast of Burna boy's 'On the low' playing from his car's sound system. So I cursed and grumbled in my head.

****
We left the bustling suburb behind. As we drove into the quiet estate of white flat-roofed duplexes, separated by short fences and black slatted steel gates, he parked in front of his apartment, unbuckled the seatbelt and turned to me.

"So," he said, shifting in his seat.

So?

He opened the door and dropped a foot out. "Are you coming along?"

Coming along? I never wanted to come here in the first place!

I folded my arms across my chest, making no attempt to exit the car. He withdrew his stretched foot into the car, cupped my jaw with his large hands, tilted my head and adjusted my gaze towards his hypnotic eyes.

Not today Nathan, don't look at me that way.

I turned away, but he held it again. This time, gently while his thumb stroked my cheek, spreading warmth to my face.

"I'm sorry, I had to bring you here. I just want us to talk and take care of this together."

I gave a throaty laugh. "Now you want to 'talk and take care of it together'? What happened to 'this is more complicated than you can understand'?" My fingers threw air quotes.

"A baby is now involved! Look, Eni- can we at least go in and get you settled in first? I have some important business to handle at 'FoxTrap'. I promise we'll talk about this when I get back."

I became agitated. Why should he mess with my emotions? He got engaged to another woman, abandoned me in the hospital only to show up three weeks later, asking for a chance. Then disappeared to start his marriage rights the following week. Now he had me sitting in front of his driveway against my will, talking about going to work when he planned to keep me away from mine.

"What do you want from me Nathan? What?" I asked, in a whisper.

"Babe-"

He leaned towards me, but I recoiled, instinctively. That didn't stop him from drawing closer, though. Watching his face close to mine, his lips now inches away from my eyes, I heard his slow-paced breath. Could he hear mine too? It would be embarrassing if he knew my chest thumped - that he still had a hold on me after all I'd suffered. I held my breath, struggled not to visibly inhale the sweet rose fragrance of his cologne.

What is wrong with me? Hanging out with him for long always turned out a bad idea. He should have dropped me off hours ago when I was in a state of shock. Now, I couldn't stop noticing his beautiful form. I just needed to focus on the chaos my life had become. He was the cause of my problems, he put me in this mess.

"-For now all I want is for you to go inside, have a warm bath and a good rest until I return." The door to my side suddenly pushed open, my seatbelt unhooked. He smiled and moved back, adjusted his shirt sleeves and alighted the car. I released a deep breath. A second extra, I'd have needed a defibrillator.

"Asshole," I muttered. Good-looking asshole.

I alighted the car and matched his steps. Cool air and the familiar scent of lavender hit me the moment I stepped into the house. Memories flooded my mind, shattering my heart.

Standing in the living room, I felt unwelcomed, a complete stranger, even though nearly all my weekends and holidays were spent here. I paused to admire the way the brightly lit chandelier illuminated the large lilac walls and grey drapes, like I'd never seen the beautiful sight before.

"Come." He held my hand and led me upstairs. I followed him like a puppet. "You know, I never unpacked your clothes from the closet. Maureen had them all wrapped up in plastic garment bags," he said, when we arrived the lounge upstairs.

Why did the discovery that he kept my wears excite me?

"But if they don't fit, you can use my shirts and sweatpants for now-"

I tilted my head and gave him a quizzical look. "Are you calling me fat?"

"What!" He paused, looking confused. Then he raised his hands. "No, no," he stuttered, "I mean- just in case of baby weight-" he laughed nervously, an act which earned him a harder stare.

Merely two months gone, he called me fat!

"Does it even matter? To me, you'll always be beautiful and perfect, even if you do become fat," he said, raising my chin to meet his gaze.

Almost swooning, I reminded myself of reality. He only brought me here because I carried his child. I needed to focus on my life which was a disaster. I'd always dreamt of a perfect life - a good job, a loving husband who'd pamper me throughout my pregnancies. One who'd be the best father to my kids. But here I was, way off course. A potential babymama, discussing weight gain with my soon-to-be married ex and babydaddy.

"Yeah, it doesn't matter. What do I care anyway?" I replied, dejected.

"Ok. I'll see you in a few hours. Food will be delivered to you in a short while." He rushed down the stairs, after which I sank into the plum furniture.

Oh no! Which room did he intend for me to stay? He ran off before I asked the awkward question. I laughed at the idea of sharing the master bedroom with him.

He would be getting married in four weeks. Take your clothes from his room and find your way to where babymamas belong.

I walked into his room, my bare feet enjoying the feel of the lush rug. My eyes wandered towards the large platform bed covered in grey sheets and duvet. My eyes turned away, burnt by images and memories best forgotten. I ran to the walk-in closet, searched some compartment till I found my clothes, packed a few and made to leave.

But something elsewhere drew my attention. Unthinkingly, I walked towards it.

A pair of lingerie that weren't mine hung loosely from one of the compartments of the closet. I gently lifted the clothes on the shelf, gowns, shirts and more lingeries came into view. My eyes lazily moved to nearby compartments, where a strawberry perfume, makeup pouch and other feminine items sat. I knew, without a doubt, they belonged to Annabelle, his wife-to-be.

Liar.

He claimed he would be marrying her against his will, yet he had her sleeping over at his place, when all the while, I laid in agony on the bed of the hospital.

You're just the babymama, focus on yourself and your baby. Not his kind gestures.

I walked out of the room without a second glance, towards the farthest guest room. We'll have the talk he so wanted whenever he returned. Then, I'd get my life back together and move on just the way he had moved on.

millieademi:


Expecting today's update, o.

Hmmm. So sorry. My morale was low, couldn't write zilch. Viewers are not helping matters sef. 5.4k views, yet it's just you and 3-5 other people who are active on this page, it's not encouraging at all. Anyway, next update is ready. I'll upload much later if or when I wake up in the morning. Thanks for your unwavering support.

Khriztarl:
Khriztarl didn't comment for quite some time now and no one got bothered its aiit..
hmmm nathan.. *speechless*

Sorry nau no fex. Welcome back.

micskales:
Pls can I get a PDF of this book. If it's possible let me know.
Thanks.

Oh oh, this book is still a work in progress, so a PDF is not available.
Thanks for the request though.

millieademi:



Lol

Thank you love. More strength.

Thank you!

millieademi:
Loved it dear.

Is it possible we get more or do we have to wait till next Wednesday?

I'm trying to emulate you now So I'll tryyyyy with all my might to update Chapter 9 by Sunday. Then the usual Wednesday update.

Ann2012:
I just hope this action of Nathan doesn't put Enitan in harms way...

Thanks for the update

I just hope so too.
Thanks for your comments Ann!

Chapter Eight Contd

I dashed into the empty pharmacy. "Enitan!" I screamed.

I heard some shuffling, then she emerged from an inner room looking shaky and in shock. Beads of sweat ran down her face. I drew her into an embrace but her hands remained by her side, most likely out of shock and confusion.

"Baby! Please tell me you've not-" my throat constricted and I couldn't bring myself to say the word.

I felt her head move in my arms, so I pulled away and held her by the shoulders. My eyes asked the question again and she shook her head, slowly from side to side. Relief washed over me and I pull her back in for another hug. For a moment I feared I'd crushed her in my arms, because her fragile and weak body sank further into my body.
I held her hand and led her out of the pretend pharmacy. I made a mental note to deal with the so called doctor later.

I secured her in the passenger's side of the SUV with the seatbelt and half ran to the driver's side. I got in and turned on the AC system. I clutched my head and laid it back on the headrest. We stayed quiet for what seemed like hours, but in reality only five minutes. I sighed, raised my head from the headrest and drove out of the street.

"What were you thinking?" I asked, calmly, as we got back on the major road.

She clasped her hands and kept silent. At intervals, I glanced at her but she looked straight ahead through the windshield, her face betrayed no emotions.

"You can drop me off here. I'll find my way home." Her voice faint, but I caught on.

My turn to keep silent.

"This is not my route. You're headed for the Island, drop me off here." Her voice grew louder.

I looked for a safe zone and parked the car. I unfastened my seatbelt and turned to look at her.

"Thank you." Immediately, she made for the door, but I activated the central lock with one click, trapping her inside. When the door refused to bulge, she turned and shot me a deadly look, the first eye contact she initiated since we left the pharmacy.

"Let me out Nathan."

"Oh. She speaks."

She groaned and mumbled incoherent words. I wanted her to stay and talk to me, I didn't care if I had to provoke her for that to happen.

"What were you thinking, Enitan? You could have gotten yourself killed in there."

"At least it would have been by a random stranger," she replied, then turned to me sharply. Her expression dared me to argue the unsaid part of her statement.

I slammed my fist against the dashboard, frustrated. "I get it, Enitan. I get it. I messed up your life and you hate me. But what you did was outright crazy, too crazy, even for you!"

She snapped back at me. "I never asked you to come Nathan. I never told you I was pregnant-"

"Quit the lie. Tanya already told me. How do you think I got to you?"

"Even if I were, who told you the baby is yours?" She folded her arms.

I busted into strings of frustrated laughs and shook my head.

My face hardened. "When did you start indulging in hard drugs Enitan?" I asked, every hint of seriousness in my tone.

"You and I both know, I was your first, last and only. So go ahead. Tell me the baby you're carrying isn't mine."

She kept silent and began to pull the strap of her dark green mini bag.

"Yeah, right." I revved the engine back to life, without unlocking the doors. I drove out of the pavements and back onto the road.

"Where are you taking me? Just drop me off here. You've done enough."

"Drop you off? So you can go do something crazy to our Child?"

"Our?" She scoffed, "You're getting married in four bloody weeks. All I know is my child and I. There's no 'our'. You're the last person I want to see or be around. So Nathan Adakole, unlock this car right now and let me out!"

"I get it that you can't stand me. But you're carrying my child. If you think I'll be a deadbeat father or irresponsible to let you out of my sight, think again, young woman."

"I have a family and job to get back to!"

"You don't need a job. You can call your family whenever you want to, I'm not kidnapping you."

"Then where the hell are you taking me?" She asked, almost screaming.

"My house."

I gave her no chance to protest, I turned on the music to drown whatever argument she planned to make. Not glancing at her direction, I drove straight to my apartment in Victoria Island.



A/N: Thank you for reading. Prefer to read on Wattpad or just want to support me? Here's the Wattpad link to this story. Don't forget to vote and comment. <3

https://my.w.tt/2r8IICOWE3

Rest in peace, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and the seven others who died alongside them. May God comfort their families.



Chapter Eight - What were you thinking?

“There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Nathan

Just like every morning since the introduction, I woke up with a splitting headache. I massaged my forehead to ease the ache. Instead of relief, my mind floated back to the events of the past week and it worsened.

Discovering that my trusted mother had faked her heart attack a month back, just so I could move to the family house and have my movements monitored, angered me. The fact that she tried to fake another one to keep me from moving back to my apartment, made me shake my head in repulsion. She let herself become a pawn in my father's hands.

Worse, thoughts of Enitan filtered through my mind and troubled me. I knew the wedding date announcement ruined any little hope left for my redemption. The feeling that I owed her an explanation gnawed at my chest, it took all my self-control not to drive to her house when Everest informed of her release from the hospital on Tuesday.

I dragged myself out of bed, took some pills for the ache and had my bath. With the intention to work from my 'Foxtrap' office for the day, I casually dressed in a navy blue odd vest on sky blue shirt, blue jeans and a grey Chelsea boot. I walked down the stairs while I fastened the leather wristwatch to my wrist.

"Good morning Mr. Nathan. There's a woman outside insisting on seeing you." Maureen, the housekeeper's voice brought me to a standstill.

That crazy obsessed wedding planner lady. Even after I ditched my private line to avoid hers and Annabelle's incessant calls, she still came to the house?
Or could it be Annabelle? Her flight details showed her return for next week.

"Everest." I nodded. Knowingly, he walked out to confirm the identity of the caller.

"She came here throughout last week, she stopped when I told her you moved out," My housekeeper said.

"And you didn't see the need to inform me even after I returned?"

"I'm sorry sir. I just thought it was one of those girls coming to cause trouble after hearing of your wedding plans."

I glared at her. Everest's interruption saved her from my wrath.

"I think you may want to see this, sir," he said.

I picked my leather bag and headed outside the house.

"Tanya?" I asked, in shock.

She stood in pyjamas and her face showed she skipped her bath before coming.

"How are you here?"

"There's something you need to know, before it's late. I don't care about whatever messed up love game you and my friend got going on."

"T. Can you just go straight to the point?"

She blew out air, then spoke, "Enitan is pregnant."

I went blank. I must have misheard her.

"Enitan is pregnant. She's been talking of an abortion since she found out about the baby, and this morning, I found this paper on the dresser. She's getting rid of it."

I don't recall how I snatched the paper from her hands and jumped into the SUV. I'd always been an advocate of safe driving, but I found myself driving to the mainland like a psychopath with a death wish. I drove while my fingers drummed impatiently on the wheels, I bashed the cars in the annoying traffic jams and honked at anything that stood in my way.

Over an hour later, the GPS navigator showed the named pharmacy just a hundred and fifty-five meters away. I drove into the street and soon enough, the pharmacy came into view. I jumped out of the car without turning off the ignition, praying to God that I met her in time. I'd never forgive her, or myself if something bad happened to my child.

Ann2012:
Enitan, pls don't abort

Thanks for the update

Ahn Enitan hope you've heard. Well, we'll find out on Wednesday. Uwc dear.

millieademi:


Will be expecting it.

Lol.


I don't know. I guess I just love you guys so much it pushes me to write more often.

Cool. I think I feel that way these days with you and Ann2012 on my neck for an update. Now I'm scared to disapoint.