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''Your mouth is too sweet Wole but I won't spend the night here. I've got to plan my lesson note''

''I know darling, I know, that’s what you do every weekend. Let me walk you to your car'' Tania drove a small beat-up golf car and Wole smiled as they got closer ''are you laughing at my car again?'' Tania asked.

''I fit? Who dash me?'' and Wole meant it when he said that. At the moment, he didn’t own a car. He was saving for something good but Tania was more fortunate. Her parents gave her an old car and although it was ugly, it was sturdy.

Tania slid into the car and wore her seat belt ''you sure say that belt never cut so? Nor let LASTMA catch you oh!'' Wole joked.

''Shege!'' Tania replied. She stuck a tongue out and the pair began to laugh.

''Call me the moment you get home'' Wole yelled. Then she blew a kiss at him and drove off leaving a cloud of dust behind.

''Thank you dear''

''Would you like anything else food wise? Speak now or forever hold your peace''

''I think I'm covered oh, thanks dear''

''Great. By the way, that okro is not good, you need to throw it out or something''

''I know'' Wole replied but in his heart he was screaming for wetin nah! With the plenty fish and meat when I still dey chop inside?

Nothing was wrong with the soup, but he didn’t want to argue with Tania. She had a thing against old stew or soup even if it had been sitting pretty in his freezer. She particularly hated when things were brought out, left to thaw and put back inside the freezer. She would usually yell ''food poisoning!'' and Wole found it rather funny for a typical Nigerian. But that was another reason he loved her. Tania was very unlike any woman he had dated.

Almost immediately, she picked up her bag and strapped it across her shoulder then Wole stood up and held her by the waist. He buried his face into her shoulder and breathed deeply. She smelt of her flowery perfume and the stew she had been cooking ''don’t go'' he pleaded. He ran a hand over her flat tummy and she shrieked. She tried to run away but he held her waist and they walked out together. Once they got to his balcony, she leaned against him and he kissed her lightly ''I gotta go now but know I love you'' she whispered.

''I can't wait to wife you'' Wole murmured. He pulled her closer and kissed her lips again, this time deeply ''stay'' he pleaded again.

There was an entry at his place of work and although it was not an IT position, he felt Wole would fit in nicely. The position was directly under him and he would be able to influence the final decision by the recruiters. All he had to do was pass on Wole's name and asterisk it.

Charles Uzoh worked in a very good company and he knew with his help, Wole could switch over with time. His company was quite good with internal transfers and he knew Wole stood a better chance getting in first even if it meant starting off with another position. It was better to get in first than remain at a job that didn’t inspire him. And so Charles casually mentioned the opening to Wole and the young man lunged at it. The rest they say is history.

''I'm leaving now'' Tania announced. She looked at Wole but he was smiling at his phone. She walked up to him snapped her fingers and the phone dropped from his hand ''I'm leaving'' she repeated.

''Stay with me, spend the night'' Wole begged.

''Not happening'' Tania sang. He got up and slipped the phone into his back pocket.

''You want me to stay but you've spent the last few minutes chatting on your phone. I was watching you from the doorway; you've been smiling at your phone. Who is tickling you at the other end?''

Then Wole began to lie ''it's this forum where they are talking sports and predicting all manner of rubbish. But let them not worry, we will show them shege on Sunday. Blues for life!''

''Na you sabi oh! Me and you nor do blues oh! The only blues I know is my music. By the way I put the stew in the fridge for you. I will make egusi during the week and bring over''

She was a perfect match for him. She was one of those girls who sang no sex before marriage and practised it. She actually put the letter P on the word practise and this pleased Wole greatly. Tania not only sang her purity vow song but she lived a pious life to match. The pair met at a school where they were teachers and Wole fell in love the moment Tania walked past him.

On that day, she was wearing a blue buttoned down blouse and black knee length skirt to go with it. She finished the look with a flat pumps and she reminded Wole of an eager secretary. She worked in the nursery section and had tremendous love for the children she taught. Wole taught basic computer education to the children at primary and secondary school level. His job with the primary school children was very basic. They met once or twice a week and it was mostly practical computer work they did.

The main job itself was with the secondary school pupils but they were quite a handful. Wole hated his job with a passion and a poor Tania got an earful of what went wrong at the end of every week! But one day, his fortune would change.

During a parents teachers meeting, he would meet with a kind benefactor and his life would change for the better. By a stroke of luck, he met with the father of one of his brightest pupil and they got talking. It was none other than a certain man named Charles Uzoh. His kind benefactor was a highflying executive who worked in a tax firm. The moment the pair got talking, there was an instant likeness. The younger man admired Mr Uzoh and his dream was to work in an organisation as his. On the other hand, Charles had mutual respect for the young and ambitious teacher. The young man seemed to know what he was talking (computer wise) and he found this fascinating.

In addition, Charles was impressed with his daughter's performance in computer science and he mentioned this to Wole. As the pair continued speaking, it was clear that Charles was struggling with some new gadgets he had purchased. Wole did his best to explain certain concepts and proffer solutions to his problem, but it was not good enough for Mr Uzoh. At the end of the meeting, Charles invited Wole over to his office. He wanted the young man to have a look at the iPad himself. After that meeting, Charles was more than impressed with Wole. He discovered Wole didn’t enjoy his job at the school.

The young lad was incapable of hiding his true feelings about being a teacher after graduating with a 2:1 in Computer Science. But Charles was caught between a rock and a hard place. He wanted his daughter to continue with this wonderful teacher but something told him she would be fine with another computer science teacher. Wole said he was looking for a better opportunity but the older man said nothing in reply.

***
Wole Akinyele was chatting on his phone and as he did, he continued to snigger. He had no idea how she got his number and for quite some time he enjoyed the cat and mouse game until she slowly revealed herself! She was none other than his boss's wife! At first it was shocking and all the talk of 'who do you think this is? I think I've met you before in another life. Reveal yourself to me et al' shamed him.

However he quickly got over himself, he had done nothing but flirt and it was not his fault. He had no idea who the unknown woman was behind the WhatsApp profile. It was a simple DP with an inspirational quote so how would he have known. She was the one who reached out to him and began to tease. He was only a man and he so he fell for the bait. He had no idea how she got his number but then again, all she had to do was reach for her husband's phone.

Eventually after Ebube finally revealed herself, he withdrew and tried to be most formal with her. He sort of understood what she was trying to do but Wole was not that sort of man. He was happy to chat and flit but in reality, he was what many would term not a sharp man aka dulling guy.

Whether it was as a result of his strict upbringing, Christian secondary school, Christian university or parents being pastors one was unsure. Wole was quite reserved so much so he finally managed to have sex in his final year at the university. On that day, his long suffering girlfriend managed to rape him and afterwards Wole promptly fell out of love with her.

For him, the thrill was no longer there. He had sex with her a couple more times and thereafter he called off the relationship. The poor girl tried to patch their relationship, but it was an exercise in futility. She didn’t understand why Wole had suddenly grown cold. She believed the new height they had attained in their relationship ought to have made them closer. They had been an item since 200 Level and she believed they would end up as man and wife.

On his part, Wole was too much of a gentleman to explain why he was no longer in love with her. He went on to date other ladies after graduation, but his mode of operation never changed. He was never a fan of sexually adventurous ladies and loose women irritated him. He held out for as long as he could before he had sex with a particular girl and whenever it happened, the relationship came to an inauspicious end. However things would change after he met his fiancée Tania Oladokun.

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continue here (side eye Olashas)

https://www.nairaland.com/2816418/three-paths

At first it seemed like a joke and Ebube thought he would crack but it grew worse. Soon enough, he moved out of their bedroom to the guestroom when she began to pester him and till date, nothing had changed. Ebube didn’t believe Charles was cheating on her. He was not that sort of man. He had never been like that but then again she could be wrong. She had her ways though, she knew how to snoop and snoop and she did but there was nothing sinister going on.

They still talked around the house. They went to church as a family and did things together until it was time to enter their respective rooms. From time to time, he would come around and even speak to her in their bedroom but she usually went over to his room more. Whenever they got into an argument over the sleeping or sex arrangement or indeed anything else, Charles would withdraw into his shell and shut his bedroom door behind.

He was naturally a quiet fellow and Ebube found she was the one at the losing end. Charles was a workaholic and he knew how to immerse himself in work on a good day talk less of when he was having problems at home. Ebube quickly adjusted and learnt to quarrel less with him. And so life continued slowly for the long suffering couple. Other than their reverend whom he respected, she didn’t know anyone else she could turn to for advice. She had asked the man of God to intervene in their matter and he had done his best, still there was no change.

As Ebube pondered on these things, the tears began to run down her face like a faucet so she hugged her knees and buried her face in there.

''Would you like to sleep in our bedroom tonight for a change?''

''Nope''

''When I say sleep I mean sleep, no touching or stuff''

''Nope''

''Would you ever come back to me Charles?''

''I don’t know''

''But you're okay for now right?''

''Yes''

Then she stared at him with sadness in her eyes ''you're hurting me Charles'' Ebube whispered.

''That is not my intention''

''But that is the result of what you're doing''

''I'm sorry you feel that way''

''You are always sorry hon but you do nothing to change it. It's been two months now''

''I'm sorry'' Charles replied yet again.

Then she nodded at him and walked out of the guestroom quietly. The moment she got into her bedroom, a room they once shared as man and wife, she sat on the massive bed and spread her arms out. She stayed in that position for so long, she forgot the concept of time. No one knew what she was going through and it hurt like hell.

About two months, Charles moved out of their bedroom and with that died every attempt at sex. They had spent hours upon hours talking about their problem and how best it could be fixed. Charles kept saying he was not angry or anything but he was no longer interested in sex. He claimed he had sought treatment but Ebube could not be sure. Well he allowed her test the machine once or twice and indeed things had improved but something happened shortly afterwards - Charles announced he wasn't interested in sex anymore!

''Hmm''

''As a matter of fact, that document I was looking for, he typed it himself. That’s why I said if Wole says it's not there then he knows what he's talking about''

''Wow! An office super hero in modern day Nigeria. You give him too much credit hon, I hope you don’t get disappointed someday. That is how Nigerians behave then when you begin to relax, they spring something on you and splash hot water in your face!''

''The lad is good; he is an exception. I don’t know what I'll do without him. I try not to tell him that though, I don’t want his head to burst, but he knows I appreciate his hard work. I'm glad I listened to that inner voice and took a chance on him''

Then Ebube smiled at him and stood up from the bed. She probably had a change of heart because she sat down again and leaned towards him. They kissed lightly on the lips and she sighed deeply ''goodnight dear'' she whispered.

''Night''

''Don’t you get bored here?''

''Nope''

''You enjoy being alone all by yourself here?''

''Yes''

''I don’t enjoy being all alone by myself though''

''I'm sorry you feel that way. It's been a while, you should be used to it by now''

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''I saved your behind honey'' Ebube said. She was in the guest room (her husband's new abode) and there was nothing she could do about this. She sat by his side and they continued to gist about the day's event.

''I know and I appreciate it'' Charles replied.

''If I were not around nko?''

''Then I would expect Loveth to have allowed him into my room and the study. I knew I had it somewhere. It was just a matter of searching for it''

''Are you saying you would have allowed him in my absence?''

''Even if the house was empty''

''You must really trust him then''

''He is a good lad; he has proven himself time and time again''

''Is that so?''

''He manages my itinerary, runs errands, plans my days and fixes the appointment. In addition, he knows what I abhor and love at work. He takes the minute sometimes and manages the IT around my office. Most times, I don’t even have to wait for someone from IT; the young man does everything''

''Okiemute, you think so? How long did you say Ken has been married without a child?''

''I believe 6 or 7 years, I'm not too sure again''

''Dear cousin, don’t allow that man use you like rag oh! God has allowed you catch a glimpse of his true intention. Warri nor dey carry last so you must shine your eye for this your relationship. You say na money you dey find, if you ask me, Ken don give you the money finish. It's time for you to begin your withdrawal small small''

''Withdraw ke? I'm only just starting''

''And that is another fear I have. Where does one draw the line? The world is never enough but if you are not allowing emotions becloud your judgment, you will realize it's time to pull out of this thing. Dear cousin, I fear Ken is trying to use you and once he has gotten what he needs, you will see his true colour''

''I don’t see it like that sha. Ken when dey love like mumu? Sometimes na me dey even drive am comot this place. I will tell him go home and be with your wife. That woman nor know say I dey help her ministry too. I'm not such a bad person as people would like to think''

''I hear you but at the end of the day, na she dey inside husband house. You nor sabi say world people wicked? Things dey happen for this life oh! Okay let's look at it another way. Let's say his wife is not in on it. Besides very few women would allow their men do that abi? What if Ken is asking you to do that for his selfish gain? Maybe he knows he will never leave his wife and she will accept him back even with another woman's child. Have you asked yourself what you will gain if that happens?''

''Fejiro, I've heard you loud and clear. It will never happen because I can never get pregnant for Ken''

Then the cousins sighed deeply and stared in opposite directions.

''Don’t even think my dear'' then Fejiro clapped her hands before continuing ''oturugbeke! Am I dreaming or something? Okiemute, don’t tell me you are beginning to fall for Mr Abe oh! Another woman's husband cannot be your own oh! Whether she don born or not nor try that rough play. One never knows the meek or mad woman behind the married man she is dating. Some women have lost their lives by threading the path you are beginning to admire''

''Relax my dear cousin, I am not stupid. I could never do that mumu thing abi I be small pikin. Na talk dey bring talk nah''

''My dear you scared me for a moment there. I was beginning to say to myself this is why I can't do married man the way you do. I dey chop their money oh, but I dey fear to friend them like that. See you nah, it almost seems like you are falling for Ken. My dear, please be careful oh! I know you were joking just now but you scared the living daylight out of me''

''Fejiro, you must strong your mind for this life when we come. I tell you the world is fraught with danger. If it is not Ken's wife, it is your nosey neighbour or just a simple task like going to the market or crossing road. It is just by the mercy of God we are alive''

''I have heard you and you've got a point but another reason why you must desist from this Ken's suggestion is very simple''

''Tell me''

''My dear, there are hidden things we don’t know and may never know. You say Ken's wife works in an oil and gas firm abi?''

''Yes''

''Since you've been dating Ken, has this woman ever picked up phone to warn you to leave her husband?''

''Nope but we are quite discreet''

''Okay oh. Now this is a long stretch but what if they are working in unison? Does Ken love you enough to leave his wife and start a brand new life with you? What if this woman knows what her husband is doing and the plan is for him to do like this and bring baby inside house for her? What if you are a baby making factory for them? She is a wealthy woman in her own right so her husband may be reluctant to leave her''

''Nah, you're going off tangent now''

''Hmm''

''Her price nor be here oh but I'm a sucker for her plates! Anytime she gets new stuff, she gives me a call. You've seen the new cutleries now? Ah-mazing! My dear that is incredible stuff you won't find at Balogun. I am talking about well crafted silverware pieces that are fit for kings and princes. I am talking silverware would make you have an órgasm while eating!''

''Na wa oh! I beg e don do, you're beginning to sound like a boring old woman. See the way you've been going on and on about common plate and spoon. Nor be the plate and spoon I use nah nah nah nah? Nothing do me for body oh! I dey as I first enter your house''

''Oh Fejiro, you're so bush''

The cousins continued gossiping in a low tone before Okiemute held Fejiro's hand and pulled her closer. She whispered something into her ears and Fejiro's mouth flew open. Then Okiemute clapped her hands and announced ''… and afterwards I was stunned. Anytime I think of it, I'm still shaking''

''Hmm! What have you done since he made that announcement?'' Fejiro asked. By now she sat upright and a frown appeared on her face ''nothing. I gave him no reply. I only said I'll think about it''

''Ehn, but in the meantime what have you done as per proper protection?''

''This was some days ago oh!''

'' My dear, your reply scares me. It shows you haven’t even been on something solid. Don’t tell me you're still on condom level with this shocker proposition Ken has just brought your way. Dude is trying to play you oh!''

''Hmm!'' Okiemute replied. She was silent for sometime then afterwards she continued ''but why did you say so? I'm not saying I will agree oh but I've been thinking. Do you know what I can get with that position? I mean if I had his kid, can you imagine the doors that will open before me? I won't even have to knock before they fling wide open. Imagine if I had his heir and it is a boy for that matter. Imagine the only child of a whole CEO of Abe and Adams Nigeria Limited''

''Ehn?''

''I mean don’t look at me like that, I'm not mad but the other day I was just thinking…''

''Say it jo! I know you want to say it''

''It's not like that nah''

''I'm just pulling your legs. You've never quite had the stomach for such things but I thought Lagos would make you strong. You are not daring enough but remember only the strong survive. Look at you, with all due respect you can be better off dear''

''My dear cousin, leave me oh. I don retire for active service. I dey service oh, but I nor dey go battle field again. Na inside office I dey do the admin work, make the AC dey blow my head as I dey type for computer''

Then they began to laugh at the same time. They laughed so hard, Okiemute nearly broke her plate with her legs ''watch your feet oh! Nor go cut ya leg'' Fejiro yelled.

''Oh my expensive dinner set!'' Okiemute replied. Immediately she went to drop the plate in the kitchen. By the time she came back, she continued from where she stopped ''do you have any idea where I got that set?''

''No idea''

''It's from this lovely lady that is into interior décor. She is also into real exquisite pieces; I'm talking furniture set and kitchen wares. She lives down the road. You must have heard of Precious and Brian Interior Décor''

''Nope''

''You sabi their showroom for VI sha?''

''Nope''

''Chai, you need to commot that your side oh. I just love her stuff. I would have asked her to do up my house but this place is way too small to spend a fortune on. Ken says I will move once the rent is up so I will need her services then''

''When did the family meal become your concern?''

''Aunty has not been feeling too well, malaria. You should come around more often. They keep asking of you''

''They keep asking because they want to barber my head abolo. Come in jare! I cooked banga rice, correct one with dry fish, big crayfish and pomo''

''Chei, I waka well oh! Oghenevwekobiro!''

The cousins began to chatter as usual and Okiemute was disappointed to discover Fejiro had not followed up on her lead. She held her ear and began to yell at Fejiro ''that guy loves you oh. He told Ken to tell you that he is serious''

''Make e stay im own lane jare''

''Why are you dulling the guy abi na that your school boyfriend dey tie you? He is serious about you oh, he told Ken and he also mentioned it to me. Do you have any idea where he works? He is an oil and gas mogul oh! That kind of man will spoil you silly and take you out of that dump. If you friend that guy e go do pass wetin Ken dey do for me''

''Hmm, is that so?''

Okiemute was referring to one of Ken's friend who they hung out with some weeks back. On that day, Fejiro was around as well and the 'big man' indicated interest in her. But Fejiro had been proving stubborn ever since ''why don’t you like him?'' Okiemute asked in despair.

''It's not like I don’t like him oh! I nor even sabi the guy sef. My dear, if na to chop money unto dinner date call me. I sabi that one but I nor sabi for relationship matter''

''Meaning?''

''Hey, it's not personal oh. I'd rather go on dates and get stuff I can lay my hands on. But when it comes to all that serious level like…''

''Like what I'm doing abi? Just say it''

''Haba Okiemute!''

Okiemtue Oki was on cloud 9. She was in a secure relationship and Ken made her life a lot simpler by blessing her with a Toyota Camry to run around with. She didn’t see him every day but there were times he came around and they would spend hours in her flat.

She had a special number she used anytime she wanted to reach him. At first, she was not really the type of needy girl friend that kept crying out for her boyfriend to fulfil her emotional needs. And that was another reason Ken liked her. She knew her place and understood her role. She knew what she was and she realized Ken was a married man and his wife came first.

She understood the need to be extremely discreet and so far, Natasha had no idea her husband was dating someone. She probably suspected him but she would not have known he was so serious with the lady.
Today, Okiemute was home alone and it was the weekend. She hated times like that when Ken could not make it and Fejiro was dulling her. She had been expecting her cousin since the day before.

Fejiro usually came around on Fridays after work and the cousins would spend the entire weekend in each other's company. She had advised Fejiro to stay full time but the girl declined because of her job location. However she left her clothes in the wardrobe and sometimes Fejiro surprised her with a midweek visit.

Okiemute walked around her small house again looking for things that needed to be left alone. Suddenly the door bell rang and she ran to get it. Fejiro was by the door with a small bag in hand ''what took you so long?'' Okiemute cried out.

''I had to help with breakfast''

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Kenneth Abe and Okiemute Daisy Oki had been involved in a steamy affair within the last few months and in that time, her life had changed for the better. Ken attended to her financial needs like it was his birthright while she constantly repaid with her body. However Ken had a deeper use for her and he was biding his time. He had been watching her and as early as the first month of their relationship and he knew she was the right candidate for the job.

And so he allowed her think he was naïve. He continued to lavish her with money, trips around the country and by the end of the second month, he surprised her with something big. It was something Okiemute had been praying for and it came in the form of a new flat in Lekki Phase 1. It was a mini flat and it had cost him Ken a small fortune.

On the day Okiemute saw her flat, she wept but it was tears of joy. She was more than eager to leave Lakowe and she did that weekend. Over time, she enjoyed the independence her new life offered her. She still made and supplied her snacks, but this time it was mostly for the big clients in her gated estate. In addition to her pastry business, she also acted as a personal shopper for clients. She was that sort of person. If you needed to get something, no matter how obscure it was, Okiemute was the person for the job. However no matter what she made, it was nothing compared to what Ken gave her. His business had picked up again, not as much as he would have liked it but it kept him afloat and made his girlfriend one happy bunny.

Skimpledawg:
Fantasyisland, Plz do check dz sentence to know if it needs correction.... 'His' instead of 'He'....


Stuff46, coman do your correction work. Kenwins, Hi!

Thanks my brother, you are right. Sorry if I don't do all the corrections here but I definitely do them on the original work.

Guys, please feel free to help out with corrections, critique too. Many thanks.

''Praise God!'' Ebube yelled.

Wole raised the paper above his head and clapped it against his palm ''I have to head back to the office now''

Ebube noticed his smile and his white teeth, he looked even better when he smiled. He hadn't smiled since he walked right through her door but now he did, he looked even more handsome ''you have done well'' she said quietly. ''You spotted it the moment you walked in. I don’t think I would have done a better job because this place is full of my husband's stuff. I would tell him you did good''

''Thank you ma'am and thanks for your help too. I must go now''

Ebube was almost sorry to hear those words. She wished he would remain some more so she would have asked him some questions like what such a handsome, well spoken and seeming intelligent buff man was doing as a mere PA. He spoke very well and sounded intelligent so how did he end up with the highly exalted position of a common office messenger?

Wole walked ahead of her. As a matter of fact, he began to sprint, almost like he wanted to fly back to the office! Ebube ran a hand along her neck and watched as he made his way down the short flight of stairs. She stood by the window and watched his every move. She watched as he opened the car and jumped into the passenger's seat. Then the car sped down the driveway and in that moment, lust was born in Ebube's heart.

The next few minutes were interesting to say the least. The bedroom door was flung wide open so there was no privacy. However Ebube had enough to fill her eyes with. She watched from a corner as Wole bent and searched around the massive wardrobe. He search was really thorough, very thorough with his fingers working the corners and his eyes scanning every available space. She began to wonder the magic his fingers could perform on a woman's body!

At some point Wole bent low and continued to look around. Immediately, Ebube began to think of another sexual act that would involve a men bending down before a woman. The thought made her smile and so she continued to shamelessly admire him from behind. It was just dirty devilish thoughts on a nice morning. It was a good view after all and she decided to indulge some more besides she was not hurting anyone. Suddenly Wole turned around and announced ''the study please''

''Excuse me?'' Ebube asked in shock. She was not expecting him to turn around and in that moment, she was caught off guard.

''You are right ma'am, it's not here but my boss also mentioned the study''

''Oh, the study, I'm still a bit sleepy''

''I apologise for the inconvenience ma''

''Ah, it's not your fault. Come this way please''

She led him along a winding passage until they got to another part of the house. Then she pushed the door aside and Wole brushed past her lightly. She could smell his cologne. She felt like pulling him back and sinking her head into his shirt or better still his chest. His cologne was not strong like most men but you could tell it was a man's. It was earthy; it smelt of wood, spices, musk and something else. Perhaps it was strong when he applied it earlier in the morning but now it was … ''found it ma'am!'' Wole announced.

Ebube ran back into the room and picked up her phone. She dialled a certain number and waited until Charles picked up ''hello dear, did you find it?''

''He claims a paper is missing. I've picked every available document from your wardrobe. What more can I do?''

''If Wole says a paper is missing then it is missing. He knows what I'm after so please search well. Did you lift the right corner of the newspaper I used to line the wardrobe? Search it, search it well, lift everything up sef. If Wole has to enter that room and conduct the search himself then allow him''

''Like hell I will! In that bedroom with important documents lying around your wardrobe and my important stuff stacked in another corner of…''

''Ebube, I don’t have time for this. If you can't allow him then FIND that paper. I could lose my job over this babe. I'm going for a meeting within the next couple of hours and I've got to tender that document at the end of that meeting. I cannot get everyone who has signed that document to sit on a round table again. I'm talking foreign partners and their lawyers. You are a lawyer yourself so you get my drift…''

''Okay okay give me a minute, don’t sweat it''

The next few minutes were tumultuous to say the least. Ebube searched high and low but came up with nothing. By the time she was done, beads of sweat had adorned her forehead. She strolled into the living the room and gave the grim outcome to Wole who stood up the moment she walked in ''this is bad ma'am, I can't go back without that paper. I am most sorry to say this but my boss asked that I do this in the event you cannot find it. Is it possible I look around myself?''

''He has told me it may come to that. Please come this way''

''Me I nor know oh! Which colour wey be this new paper you dey find? My oga happened him signature for where you say? My madam don check the full cupboard, we nor see am oh!''

Immediately Ebube felt sorry for the PA. She didn’t know when she stepped out of her hiding place ''Loveth, that’s fine I'll take it from here''

Loveth curtseyed once more and ran to the kitchen while the PA greeted her respectfully. He was a young man, quite tall, dark-skinned, good looking and good looking… ''and how may I help you young man?'' Ebube asked.

''Good morning madam. My boss requires …''

Ebube watched as he continued to talk in that fascinating tone and suddenly she began to notice the little things: his gesticulations as he waved his finger around, his well starched shirt tucked into a black trouser, his clean shaven face, his Adam's apple as it rose and fell while he spoke, his arms. He was wearing a long sleeved striped shirt which he folded slightly by the wrist. She was quite close to him so she noticed the hair on his wrist. He reminded her of someone she knew from time past - Idongesit.

Suddenly she felt nude with her thick housecoat. She felt like running into the room and coming out with something more befitting of the oga's wife. She felt even worse when he finished talking and was staring at her but she was lost in lala land. She quickly composed herself and motioned towards the couch ''take a seat then Mr erm…''

''Mr Akinleye madam, Wole Akinleye''

''Good, good. I'll go look some more and I'll be out in a jiffy. Would you like something to drink pending my arrival say tea, coffee or perhaps water?''

''Thank you ma but I'm okay for now''

All the while, Loveth waited by the door patiently. Ebube ran her fingers through the documents one last time and handed it over to her. Loveth curtseyed one last time and ran off with the papers then Ebube flopped on the bed and shut her eyes. Almost immediately, the sound of Loveth's voice woke her again ''madam, madam the man say…''

''What is it again? Open the door and come in'' Ebube yelled. This time around she sat on the bed and stared at Loveth with daggers in her eyes ''madam sorry oh but the man say one paper nor dey inside''

''What the hell! What paper again?''

''I nor know ma''

''Go and ask him what paper he needs and don’t come back with a stupid answer''

This time around she refused to lie back on the bed. She came out of her room and walked down the corridor until she could hear the stranger's voice. She stood by the door and listened as Loveth began to quiz the stranger. The exchange was damn right ridiculous and at some point, Ebube began to giggle ''my madam say wetin wey be the paper you want?''

Then the PA began to speak in a calm voice. His voice sounded deep and honest like a kind teacher or maybe a chaplain ''this one is not signed'' he said. ''There is an identical document like this but oga appended his signature on that one… if madam can please look at the right side…''

''Oga happened his signature for where?''

''Append his signature. I mean oga signed on the paper I need. Please can I speak to your madam?'' the PA asked. It was clear to note he was beyond frustrated.

''My madam dey rest''

''I need a paper like this one when I dey hold, but that one oga sign. Your oga signed the paper I need''

''Which paper?''

''Can I speak to your madam please?''

''My madam dey sleep and she say make I tell you say she nor want disturbance. Tell me wetin wey you want''

''But I just said it…''

[size=18pt]16[/size]
2 months later
There was a knock on the door and Ebube groaned in reply. It was day four of her annual leave and she was not ready to move a muscle. Life at the law firm was annoyingly long and fraught with challenges. She was going to savour her leave and not do a single thing. She had even scrapped plans of travelling away for a week. Right now, she wanted nothing more than waking up at 10am and rolling from one side of her bed to the other.

Alas it was not the case, her kids were still there and she had to get them ready for school in the morning. She had to pack lunch for her husband (who suddenly decided he didn’t like to eat at the canteen now she was on leave) and she had to organise the domestic staff unless they would run amuck. In addition, she needed a new gateman. The former one had left without prior notice and Charles had left the new recruitment to her.

She was going to do it the proper way though; she was sick and tired of the regular nobody's that were left to man her gate. She wanted someone wearing a uniform from one of those private security firms. The knock on her door intensified and she reached for her pink housecoat ''madam, madam, oga send person say…''

''What do you want?'' she asked in a bored tone.

The maid curtseyed and began to speak in a fast but respectful tone. Her name was Loveth and she always spoke like she was in a hurry ''madam, one man is at the door. E say oga say make e…''

''What is his name?'' Ebube asked. As she spoke, she reached for her phone and turned it on. The moment her husband and kids were out of the house, she had switched off the phone for another hour of uninterrupted sleep. Unfortunately, it was one of those days her husband needed her help. He had been trying to get in touch with her to no avail. He had sent his personal assistant to get some vital documents he forgot. As soon as Ebube switched on the phone, it began to ring and she picked it up and listened to her husband. From time to time she nodded her head and once she was done with the call, she made her way to the guestroom. She began to search his wardrobe until she found the documents he had asked her to turn in.

''No kids, continue with your food. I'll go and fetch him myself'' By the time Ebube got outside, she noticed his car was in place. She was pretty certain he had not come inside the house, so she walked towards the gateman and called his name ''Sule, where is your oga?''

''Hin use leg waka commot''

''When?''

''Like 10 minutes''

She walked away but turned back almost immediately and addressed Sule again ''did he say where he was going to?''

''Hin nor tell me anything ma''

Then Ebube walked back into the house. If she thought she was going through problems then, she was yet to scratch the surface. She didn’t know it then but that was the beginning of her marital problem.

''But she is not biting me, she is licking my hand''

''C'mon keep quiet! I am thinking of returning this puppy and it's because of your rough play with it. You are doing as if you've never seen a dog before''

''The dog scratched my finger the other day'' Ada volunteered.

''See what I mean? Honey, please give me a hand will you? I want that dog locked until evening time. I will not treat rabies in Jesus name'' Charles got out of the car and led the dog away while Ebube began to usher the children in ''c'mon children you know the drill. Get inside and take off your Sunday clothes before you ruin them''

About 20 minutes later, she had finished setting the table for breakfast. It was the family routine once they got back from church on Sunday morning. Today, she fried eggs with tomatoes, fresh pepper and onions. Then she made hot chocolate for the children and green tea for herself.

Her husband was going to have his regular coffee. She also fried some sausage and finished it with toasted bread. The kids were already on the table helping themselves. She hurried around them, making sure everyone had what they needed. She took the butter knife from Ada and applied the butter herself ''that’s too much butter!'' she cried. ''Watch and see how I apply it thinly. If you continue like this you'll ruin your face by the time you hit your teens'' Next, she checked Dozie's bottle to ensure it was properly screwed shut. Then she called out her husband's name again ''honey, your food is getting cold''

She sat down to eat and after about 3 minutes, she began to worry. He was still outside in his car ''is daddy not eating?'' Ada asked. Ebube looked at her daughter and smiled. The kid was only in primary 3 but she was too smart for her age ''should I go outside and call him?'' Ada volunteered.

''Yes I did honey. You needed the push. We need help. I am drowning in this thing called marriage. You left me with no choice. I needed someone who you would listen to, someone you greatly respect. Since I can't get to you perhaps the reverend could''

''How could you? How in God's name did you think it was okay to do that?''

''You are in denial hon so…''

''Ebube, you have hurt me in ways you would never understand''

''You have hurt me too. You have left me… I don’t even know how to put it''

''You don’t understand, this is not about sex Ebube. This is about…''

''It's not all about you honey. You make it all about you and it's not fair for me too. I'm sorry but perhaps that was the wakeup call you needed. You should ponder on that hon and do the needful. I'm sorry but are we done here? I need to go before the kids do something stupid. Look at Dozie putting sand on…'' then she stepped out of the car and began to yell ''Ada, remove that thing from his hand. Chineke, these children would not kill me! Amara stop touching that puppy's tail before it nips your finger! Her teeth are getting sharp''

***
On Sunday, as Charles drove his family back home from church, he continued to think. His spirit was low, very low. Someone had said something to him in church and in that moment, something died in him. It was so bad, it was like a dead man driving a car. It was like in the bible when God told Adam that the day he ate the fruit, he would die. Well Adam didn’t die physically, but the moment he took the fruit from Eve and bit into it, something died in him. That was exactly how Charles felt.

It was like something was pulled out of his system and it left him a broken man - a shadow of his former self. That someone was Reverend Olakunle but of course the Rev didn’t mean to hurt him. The something that was mentioned was said with good intention. It was over in less than 10 seconds but it would have a long lasting effect on Charles.

As soon as he parked the car, the children opened the door and rushed out. Ebube thanked him and tried to open her door when he stopped her ''stay a bit, I have something to say''

''Mummy, daddy comeeeeeeeeeee!'' the children yelled.

''Can't we talk inside, the kids are impatient'' Ebube replied.

Charles opened his side of the door and addressed them ''kids keep it down a minute will you. Mummy and daddy will be out in a bit. Ada, I'm counting on you'' then he shut the door and addressed his wife ''the reverend said something to me this morning''

''Okay''

''He didn’t say much but at the same time he did. Ebube, please tell me it's not what I think''

''How do you mean?''

''Did you discuss that issue with him?''

''What issue?''

''Would you pretend you don’t know what I'm on about? Ebube, did you discuss my personal health challenges with reverend?''

''Mummy said I should enter the room and sleep'' the child replied.

''Lets continue this gist in the parlour'' Fejiro replied. She pulled Okiemute's hand and they walked out into the dingy parlour. The air was damp and the settee smelt of damp clothes and piss. ''Wetin dey smell for here again?'' Fejiro yelled.

''One of the kids go don piss again before e enter room''

''I hope it's not Felicia, she is getting too old for this rubbish''

''E fit be the younger ones. Jare sit down for stool make you nor go stain your nightie. Tomorrow we go sun the cushion''

The moment they sat down, Okiemute continued in a low voice ''he said there was no vacancy but he sha asked me what I could do''

''Okay. Does he have friends that can help you before you help me?''

Then Okiemute began to laugh ''my dear nor be so oh!''

''You nor go help me before?''

''Of course I will help you. What I mean is that he could not promise me anything. The man spent good time telling me how I could be an employer of labour myself instead of waiting for government. I appreciate the talk sha but nor be that one dey do me. He is into contract and stuff sha''

''Sweet''

''Bástard money stacked from floor reach ceiling. Fejiro, I could feel it. I could smell the money from his sweat sef. His office was divine and the car I saw outside, I nor fit shout. He looked very good too. Come and see watch, come and see shirt. The shirt stand gidigba for im body. If I put my hand for the collar the thing fit cut me sef!''

''Na lie ohhhhhhhh!''

''Fejiro, the collar sharp die''

''I dey feel you, I beg continue gist''

''When I told him I can bake and do so small chops he seemed impressed. He said he may be able to introduce me to people''

''Really?''

''Well talk is cheap; I remain a skeptic until he gives me the first contract. But he seems like one with good prospects that is considering what he got for me only today. E buy me lunch come give me fat envelop join am''

''Hmm, I'm sure you collected his number''

''Before nko, na bridge I come count for Lagos?'' then the cousins did a hi-five and continued to laugh into the night.

***
Later that evening, Okiemute was discussing with Fejiro in a low voice. The girls were cousins who lived with an uncle in an area of Lagos known as Lakowe. They liked to tell people they lived on the island and indeed it was the Island but the way they said it, one would think they were living at Lagos Oriental Hotel! Okiemute's mother and Fejiro's dad were siblings and their uncle at Lakowe was the youngest of their parents' sibling.

Their uncle (Uncle Monday) was a struggling man who worked as a plumber in a hotel. Life at Lakowe was not easy and the girls knew it. Uncle Monday was married to a nice woman and they had 3 young children ranging from 2 to 7 years. Other than the accommodation over their head, the girls had to fend for every other thing: food, water, basic amenities et al.

As a matter of fact, but for the help of the girls, life may have been tougher for Uncle Monday and his wife. The girls contributed the little they could (which happened a lot) plus they helped to baby-sit the kids whenever their parents were away. Life was difficult and so far none of the girls had gotten a decent job.

Well Fejiro was working at a private school around the corner but she wished her lot was different. She felt the job was tying her down and the pay was a joke. Sometimes, she compared herself with her cousin who had time on her hands and seemed to meet better people. These better people gave her money, sometimes more than what she made in a month! Fejiro was not jealous but she was beginning to question her decision to remain at the gloomy school that paid ₦20,000 per month.

Okiemute was still moving around with her CV and selling her snacks whenever she got an order. Most orders came from their local church, neighbours and friends like the one she got that week ''so what did you tell him?'' Fejiro asked in an excited voice.

''The usual now, I have to denge small before I gree for am''

''What of the job nah? Can he help you or … what do you want this child?'' Fejiro asked. Okiemute looked up and saw Uncle Monday's oldest child. She was looking up at them and cleaning her eyes like she wanted to sleep. She was in primary 2 but she was a chatter box. The girls didn’t like discussing where she was. Her younger siblings were sleeping behind but even if they were awake, it was safe because they were quite young ''go and watch TV!'' Okiemute yelled.