₦airaland Forum

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The plan to visit Natasha flew out the window as Ebube and Belinda continued to talk about the day's event in the formers house. Ebube finally opened up about her husband's reluctance to have sex and Belinda listened to her in pity. At some point, Ebube began to shed tears and Belinda got up to hug her ''don’t cry'' she coaxed. ''Even the strongest woman could have been lead astray''

''It's over a year Belinda!''

''You don’t say''

''I say! It's been going on since November or so last year. Before then it began with quick expulsion and quicker explanation''

''I don’t envy you dear. A sexless relationship is bad enough but a sexless marriage has got to be like waking up in hell!''

''My life sucks Belinda! I've been living in misery''

''You should have confided in me long ago, you should have confided in us. You didn’t have to go through all this on your own. At least just talking may have helped. Oya sit on my couch and I'll be your Doctor Phil''

''Oh Bel, don’t joke. It’s a thing of shame, for Charles especially. I wouldn’t want you guys to think any less of him so…''

Have a good day everyone. Off to prepare for church...

''But bae, are you really serious about all you just said?''

''I'm not your bae - whatever that means''

''Ken, is it that bad? Are you really that mad at me? Quarter to pop and I'm alone like this? Are you truly leaving me like this; all on my own?''

''Yes''

''My dear, find it in your heart to forgive me. You didn’t even bother finding out the state of my mind when I made that call to her. I was highly hormonal - blame it on the pregnancy hormones. I was angry because you haven’t been treating me right. I felt you were taking me for granted. You told me a lot of lies, you were not as frequent as you once were plus you took back the contract from my uncle. I am but human after all so I snapped. I apologise if I have caused you or your family harm. Regardless of what you may think, that was never my intention. I am truly sorry dear''

''You didn’t just cause me harm Okiemute, you ruined my home and exposed my st.upid*dity while at it! I didn’t have to do this with you; there was another route to take but I was too desperate to see past my nose. I could have done this with my wife's consent by using the help of a surrogate. The money was never the problem but my impatience was. I've certainly taken something from this and I hope you have too. Goodbye'' then Ken opened the door and shut it quietly.
 




TBC

Then Okiemute clapped her hands and shook her head with an announcement ''you will be involved of course. You don’t think I'll bear the burden of raising her on my own besides I don’t believe in keeping a child away from a parent''

''I'm glad we are beginning to reason like adults. I was thinking you wanted to cut off my access to her. I was thinking you wanted to make a mad man of me because I was ready to act that script. I've nothing to lose again''

''There will be no need for that''

''Good. In addition, you will be partially responsible for her from this point onwards. You left me no choice when you took my daily bread from my mouth. Besides the child is not solely my responsibility; you made her too''

''I agree but you encouraged me to have this baby'' then Okiemute began to cry afresh ''there is no way I would have done this but for your encouragement. You know what I mean so…''

''You could have said no but you chose to go on this journey with me. Listen, I'll do my bit but I want you to know right off the back that I will not be your cash cow! I will not be your maga! You no longer have my mumu button. I will not stand still and have you thrust all your receipts in my face. Gone are those days. I'll be in touch when necessary'' then Ken looked around the house one last time and announced ''take care Miss Oki''

Immediately, reality dawned on Okiemute. She looked around in confusion for a moment then she ran after him and called out his name just before he stepped out of the house ''what is it?'' Ken asked.

''No problem, I will not fight you on that one. You better save your tears for the delivery day proper. I am not an unreasonable man so I wanted you to have options. Let it not be said tomorrow I left you alone to suffer. The option of my mother taking care of that child remains open should you decide otherwise''

''Not happening''

''If you want to train the child with whatever I can proffer fine. If you want my mother to bring her up, that options remains''

Then Okiemute raised her index finger and continued to yell ''make no mistake, thrice you have said so and thrice I have refused. My child remains with me, with or without your help''

''No problem, we are saying the same thing. By the way, when you said I didn’t see your parents, you were not totally correct. I didn’t go physically but I sent my people to make enquiries about your parent's house in Sapele. I also sent my people to Patani and I know your family tree down to the 10th generation''

''Meaning?''

Then Ken laughed and squinted at her. His voice dropped a notch and he began to talk in a low but menacing tone ''meaning that you can run but you cannot hide. If you choose to raise my daughter on your own, it is no problem but I will not forget I have a seed somewhere. I will provide for her as best as I can and even if you hide her from me, just know I know where to look once I'm ready''

''Is that all?''

''I don’t care where you go, I don’t care who you marry, I don’t care the lies you tell her about me, I don’t care the name you decide to give her and I don’t even care if you choose not to give her my name. Go to the farthest end of the earth and I will find you when I'm ready. Go inside bush, go inside well, make your home in Antarctica, make your home inside desert still I will find you. You may forget but I will never forget. I will come for my daughter someday this I swear on my life''

''Who are you to curse whom God has blessed?''

''I'm not getting into another shouting match with you today. I am sick and tired of talking to you. I just want you to know certain things. First, this is your 8th month and you have weeks to go. The rent of this house expires shortly afterwards''

''Ehen''

''For your information, I will not be renewing it''

''Joking''

''Secondly, it will be in your best interest to plan your exit from this point. The agent will not make an exception in your case just because you are a new mother. In addition, you will need help running around in those final days and you can bet your last penny it wouldn’t come from me. At the moment I'm putting up with a friend on the mainland - Festac to be precise. I don’t need to explain logistics to you''

''Orishirishi! And the baby nko? Our baby?''

''My duty to you ended the day you called Nat. My duty henceforth lies with that child you are carrying full stop''

''You don’t want to renew the rent. Is it on the road the child will sleep? Are we not intertwined at this point?''

''It is up to you. If you wish to give me the baby once she is born, I will be more than happy to bring her up. My mother will do that on our behalf…''

Then Okiemute rose up and began to yell and cry at the same time ''God himself forbid; you think I would allow another woman bring up my child while I'm alive? My child is not born throway, never has and never will. The person that will separate me from this child and say I will not bring her up has not been born!''

''Oh my God! I didn’t know life could be so difficult. I didn’t know women could be so… so inconsiderate. I have never had a woman behave the way you did. I think about what you did and I still shudder till date. What was that for? Why so callous? What did you stand to gain? Did you even think about how that would affect us? Did you think about my home? Did you think about what that bombshell would do to my wife? I have never experienced such recklessness in my entire life and you are just 25 for God sake! ''

''Can I also say I've never met a man that can lie like you?''

''You are an impossible girl!''

''Welcome to my world dear''

''Oh its goodbye to your world for sure. Make no mistake about it, whatever you think we shared died the moment you picked up your phone and called my wife. You see the consequence of your action? Today I've got no home, I'm not even sure where I'll lay my head tonight. I'm squatting with a friend today and another tomorrow. I'm moving around like a vagabond all thanks to you''

''I don’t know what to say. If you don’t mind me asking, why have you left your home at Ikoyi?''

Then Ken began to laugh. He looked into space and shook his head then he began to talk to himself ''why have I left home she asks? Why have I left home? I don’t blame you. What did you really know about me? What did you know about my life? What did you know about that place at Ikoyi? What did you really know about Nat? For your information, you stood to gain more if only you kept your mouth shut - not just for you but for your unborn child. And now you've ruined it, good luck with that''

''In any case, the truth would have come out someday. Better now than never. Better she knows her position and knows where I and my child stand''

Then Ken stood up and announced ''indeed you are but a child. Okiemute, there are different ways to the market square but you have chosen the most difficult terrain. You've scattered my home in the process and you can't have peace in yours''

''How are you feeling?'' he asked.

''Okay''

''Almost there?''

''I guess'' afterwards she shrugged her shoulder and reached for a throw pillow. She held it like it was the most precious thing then squeezed gently.

For the next few minutes they continued to stare at themselves before Okiemute threw her face away. Ken continued to look in her direction and in that instant, he disliked her more than anything else in the world! She was as useless to him as a 50kobo coin. He not only disliked her but hated her, the only reason he continued to manage her was for his unborn child.

To further complicate issues, she was acting like nothing was amiss ''would you like something to drink?'' Okiemute asked in a childlike tone.

''Are you happy now?'' Ken asked.

''I haven’t been happy for a very long time''

''And you had to spread that to my home. You had to rope in my innocent wife after the lengthy explanation I gave you? Did you hate me so much you had to do that? I begged you. I pleaded with you. I explained everything to you. I told you I would pay your uncle something for his trouble and I did. I paid the cash into his account the next day not cheque. I did all I could to pacify you and your uncle. I explained the implication of Monday going ahead with that contract but you still did what you did. Are you an infant or were you hard of hearing? What part of it didn’t you get?''

''It is hard to believe you when you consistently lie Ken. You are like the boy who cried wolf''

Aprilwise, we are are alone. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! LOL


Its fun when its all quiet here, insist it?

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Since the issue with his wife, Ken had completely ignored Okiemute. Nevertheless, she still had the nerve to call sometimes but he never picked her calls. Sometimes she texted him and he would text her right back with a word or two. Other times, depending on what she asked or said, it would be a line or nothing more. Ken who had a thing against youthful text language suddenly became a master at it. For example, Okiemute would type, I haven’t seen you in ages and Ken would reply k.

Then she would go further; Are you still mad at me? And he would reply 4get it. TTYL

I am sorry if I offended you but I had reasons. When we see, I would explain it. When do you think you can come around? And again Ken would reply IDK. Wld get bc 2u.

However something changed once his wife kicked him out. He finally decided to see her and Okiemute was as happy as a lark. The day he intimidated her of his plans, she said nothing more.

But just to make sure he wasn't playing tricks on her, she called him the following day and they spoke for some time. Ken didn’t sound happy or sad and when he asked if she would be around, Okiemute grunted in reply. She didn’t want to show it but inwardly, she was excited. And so on that day as Ken climbed up the familiar staircase, he continued to look around. Once upon a time, coming around gave him so much joy.

There were times as he climbed up her stairs, he came with a big ass erec*tion but not today. Today there was nothing beautiful about the plants in the orange coloured terracotta flower pot. In his heart he knew he was done with her. She ended it herself the moment she called Natasha.

By the time Ken got to her door, he stretched out a hand to knock and as was her usual practise, she flung the door wide open. It seemed like Okiemute was always on standby whenever someone was about to visit ''welcome'' she greeted but Ken walked past her into the house.

Immediately, Ebube began to heave and Belinda held her by the shoulder ''shush now! Suck it in chic, it's all over. Breathe in and out, your kids are probably watching from the car. I don’t think you have anything to fear. She just wanted to rattle you, she wouldn’t be doing any talking''

''Are you sure? I'm so scared''

''I can empty my account to show how serious I am. How long ago did this happen?''

''About 6 months ago or so''

''That’s towards the later part of last year''

''Yes''

''Then you have nothing to fear, if she didn’t talk then, she wouldn’t talk now. This is just for revenge sake, nothing more, nothing less. If it worries you that much, I can come back and smoothen the sharp edges with her. However, I don’t think that would be necessary. That will be giving her too much power and you cannot afford to show any further sign of weakness. She seems like a decent person so I don’t think you have anything to fear''

''Yeah, yeah, thank you'' Ebube replied between sniffles.

''Let's get out of here'' Belinda replied. Then she looked around in relief and tugged at her friend's hand.

''She is mistaken me for someone else'' Ebube replied in a calm voice.

''I am not and if you say that again, I will disgrace you further. I was just telling your friend that God has vindicated my husband. Yes, Wole is now my husband. He also got a better job, far better than anything your husband gave or would have provided''

Then Ebube addressed Belinda ''Bel, let us go. My kids are hungry and tired''

''Shame on you woman!'' Tania whispered fiercely.

''Madam, it is okay'' Belinda replied in a low tone. ''It is your word against hers besides if your husband is doing well today and you are now married, then you didn’t lose anything''

''He lost the opportunity to sever ties properly with his benefactor - his former boss. That was a man he so respected and Mr Uzoh will not even pick my husband's call. The poor man never understood the real reason why he quit and it is this woman that caused it. I feel bad for her husband. Mr Uzoh is a good man, but he is married to a wicked woman!''

Suddenly Ebube spoke out ''Madam, I am sorry for anything you think I may have caused. I apologise because no one is perfect. You are married now and I thank God for that. Please let us move forward for the sake of peace. There is a lot more that happened but there is no need to reopen old wounds. I don’t know what you have in your phone but I'm not reporting to your employer and there is no need to report to anyone's husband'' as she spoke, her heart continued to pound heavily and Belinda threw another 'peace speech' her way. Then Tania hissed and walked away with her tiny bump.

As she watched them from the safety of her car, sweat continued to pour from her forehead. Tania had given her an epic disgrace and she would have accepted it in gratitude but now, she had roped Belinda in. She had exposed her weakness to someone who knew her. Not just anyone but someone who knew her to reach inside house! For a moment, Ebube wished Belinda was not with her that day. She had even managed a weak attempt at an apology before Belinda came sprinting to her rescue.

She continued to grit her teeth and watch from afar ''mummy what is wrong with that woman?'' Ada asked. ''Why was she shouting like that?''

''Nne, I don’t know. Sit down please and strap on your seat belt. The moment Aunty Belinda comes, we are off''

Ebube continued to sweat even though her AC was on. Within the last minute or so Tania had spoken, she had threatened to send munched messages of her chat sessions with Wole to her husband. If Tania did that, Ebube knew she was finished.

Tania had said a lot of things; she said she had been waiting for her condition to improve before she confronted her. Suddenly Ebube decided she needed to leave the school premises so she murmured something to Ada and turned off the ignition.

She began the walk of shame and as she got closer to the pair, she could hear Tania judging matter for Belinda ''…and that woman did it twice and both times, it was in the comfort of her own home! On the second occasion her husband was in town, I was the one who disrupted things on that day. That woman, okay she has come back… look at her, ask her if I am lying. This woman you call your friend tried to seduce my then fiancée now my husband. She is not a decent person and she knows I am saying the truth. I am a teacher in this school; look at my staff badge around my neck. I should be the one afraid to confront a parent, but I am as bold as a lion and that is because I am saying the truth''

kinah:
Welcome back
observation
the story needed to b edited.
nw dat tania is preg?? When
that means it is nt a few days bt mths.
nothing abt wale and Tania married,
abi;

Thanks so much for your observation. I appreciate when readers ask questions or spot things I may have missed. Its far better as opposed to ''more, more'' LOL

Please note chapter 34. (after Wole quit) clearly stated 5 months later. This is more than enough time for Wole and Tania to marry and get pregnant. Also note they had done introduction and their plan was to get married at the end of the year.

I personally don't feel I need to go on and on about waka pass actors in this novel. Once your business ends with my major characters, I don't have to keep forcing them in. I just try to resolve some nagging issues with them and move on.

OLADO:
FantasyIsland Happy New year ooooo....thats ow i stumbled on this masterpiece....af u forgotten our days of I and R story.....Nice one.

God bless bro. I remember your name...

''That woman is a mess! She is an apology to women the world over. I have been waiting to catch a glimpse. I’ve been seeing her but the timing was never right. I set my trap for her and today she strolled right into it. If she likes, let her report me to the headmistress, but she knows she cannot. I teach in this school, but I am not afraid to confront her. I will disgrace her before her husband if she dares it. Tell her, warn your friend that I will embarrass her if she tries to act funny''

''Madam, please calm down, this shouting is not even good for you. What is all this about? You are taking but you are not making sense''

Meanwhile from a corner, Ebube watched as Tania continued to talk to Belinda. As she spoke, her hand continued to fly around her head. She could not hear what they were saying, but she knew what it was all about. Tania had given her an earful just before Belinda came to rescue her. She knew her secret life was out. She was sunk!













TBC

Suddenly there was the sound of someone yelling in the distance and Belinda looked up. She was shocked to see it was Ebube and another lady - a visibly pregnant lady with a rather small bump. Instinctively, she jumped out of the car and rushed in the direction of her friend ''what is going on here?'' she asked. She noticed the slender lady waging a finger at Ebube and she was shocked at how a routine school run had turned into a circus.

Immediately, she instructed Ada to take her younger ones to the car and wait for mummy. Thankfully the children were not within earshot, but she could see the worried look on the eldest child's face. Then she turned to the slender woman and addressed her again ''madam, what is your problem?''

Ebube stood defenceless while children ran around and some parents stopped to stare ''do you want to discuss this in a corner?'' Belinda asked.

''I'm happy to finish this off in a secluded area'' the stranger replied.

Belinda walked off with her, but Ebube refused to join them ''is that shameless woman your friend?'' the stranger asked.

''What is the problem madam?''

''She shouldn’t wait until he beats her; emotional abuse is just as bad! Anyway you were talking of Nat abi? I heard you oh! One ear dey here another ear dey wetin I dey do''

Ebube watched her for some seconds as she continued to tap her phone then she whispered ''if you feel so concerned about Blossom, you should just bone and call her horseband abi is that not what you call him? I wouldn’t worry too much perhaps she is out of town or something'' before Belinda could comment, Ebube suddenly exclaimed ''thank God, the waiting is over. They have opened the gate. Let me go and fetch them. I'll be right back''

''Okay, let me send this message''

For the next minute, Belinda continued to ping her friend and when she didn’t respond, she tried her number again but the call was not connecting. She was almost tempted to call Cosmos, but something prevented her from doing so. He had warned her like his life depended on it and she was not about to test him. She disliked the dude any way so she decided it would be better to send another text to Blossom. From time to time, she kept looking up, but Ebube was nowhere in sight.

After a while, she decided the radio wouldn’t be bad so she switched it on and began to hum to a tune. She had the day off work and she had spent it with Ebube. Their plan was to see Nat later in the day. She was still vulnerable and they wanted to be there for her. The incident with her husband was still fresh and she needed people she could trust.

''Yeah, I just wanted to clarify jare. Anyway the stress was starting to get to me besides I have been looking for an opportunity to get into a company, like a company secretary position; that’s what my heart beats for. Una dey find lawyer for that una TV station?''

''We nor dey find. Anyway if that is your plan, you for manage nah. Is it not easier to be somewhere and seek for better employment as opposed to being at home?''

''I'm not just at home, I'm doing my own small practise by the corner but I'm still searching for something better. I beg I cannot die. Thank God for my husband's job. I couldn’t have done this if he was a struggling man. By the way, when last did you hear from Nat? You'll agree it’s a terrible thing that happened to her, isn't it?'' Ebube turned around and noticed Belinda was typing something on her phone ''hey that’s rude!'' she yelled.

''Sorry about that, my mind is all over the place''

''I was talking about Nat. By the way, what are you worried about? You don’t look too bright dear. What's eating you?''

''It's Blossom and a host of other issues in my work life. I've not been able to reach her for quite a while and she is not picking my call. I'm just hoping she is fine''

''Is that her husband still acting crazy?''

''Till thy kingdom comes and that’s why I worry when I've not heard from her''

''Hmm, that fine woman when go marry trouble and you warned her that time oh. It's her cross sha; let her bear it. As long as the man is not panel beating her. Ehen! Na that time I nor for gree oh!''

***

About 5 days later, Ebube was waiting in her car with Belinda while they continued to chat ''but you are trying oh! Is this why you quit your job so you could do school run?'' Belinda asked. The pair were in front of Ebube's childrens school and Belinda could not understand why Ebube had quit her job some weeks ago.

''Phew! You don’t understand'' Ebube replied, ''that lady was killing me. I've been in that firm for like ages and those partners don’t seem to recognise it. I believe I deserve more''

''Hmm''

''That woman in particular is the she-devil inside''

''Is it the only female partner you told me about the other time?''

''Yes, that one. She is the sadist, party pooper!''

''Nawa oh!''

''That lady SAN had no joy oh! You can't even smile where she is. She will manage to turn it around like you are joking at her expense. Like is it my fault she spent her prime building her career and ignoring her chance to get married and have kids? How is that my fault?'' then perhaps realizing who she was speaking to, Ebube coughed and apologised ''I'm sorry, but I didn’t mean it like that. I mean like…''

''Hey chic, you don’t have to explain nada to me. I know what you meant''

''Never call me again!'' Blossom screamed. ''Never call my number Belinda! I'm warning you because I know you are deaf. I don’t ever want to see you as long as I live. Never come near my home and my family! I reject you and all your advances. I reject you home wrecker! I reject lesbianism. I want nothing to do with you ever again. Never call this line in your life!'' she cut the call and continued to weep profusely.

''Its okay'' Cosmos replied.

Then Blossom began to judge for her husband like she was the angel inside ''that’s what she does every time. God knows I try my best right from our university days. I'm not saying it's all her fault but that’s how she never leaves me alone. I'm married, I told her. I'm trying to move on with my life but she will not hear. I go one step then she pulls me back and continues to beg. She is begging for what I cannot give. My husband, please forgive me, pray for me, don’t desert me now, don’t give up on me. I've tried and I know with your help I will try harder. I just want to move on with my life. I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t want to have anything to do with that woman again''

Then Cosmos replied in a sombre tone ''this is just the beginning. It's not enough to ward her off like that unless she will come crawling back. You have told me that much yourself. You need help with this thing''

''I'm done with that lifestyle, I promise you. I swear to you Cosmos''

''Talk is cheap besides you are just to blame as she is. You will not just say you are done with that life but you have to act it. Whether she calls you from now until thy kingdom come, your answer must remain the same. You must stand by your decision. You cannot waiver unless I'm gone with my kids. In addition, you will need all the help you can get, spiritual, professional and emotional then afterwards we can consider the future of this marriage''

Then Blossom continued to weep and Cosmos continued to watch her. This time around a tear ran down his eye and he shook his head in pity.

There was no way he would have said the story that it wouldn’t have rubbed off on him negatively. He imagined people asking what he was doing wrong in the bedroom. He imagined people sympathising with him yet laughing behind his back for losing his wife to a fellow woman! He imagined people telling him ndo yet sniggering the moment they wandered off. And so he decided to shut up.

Perhaps this was an indication he was still interested in their marriage. Perhaps he felt professional/spiritual help would be better for them as opposed to family members wading into something so shameful.
Blossom was still talking when he suddenly asked her for her phone. She promptly gave it to him and he dialled a certain number. She didn’t know who it was until he began to speak. It was a pretty short call and it was addressed to Belinda. Cosmos didn’t say much but all he said was that he never wanted to see her in his home again. He added that he never wanted her around his children and wife unless he would be forced to inform the authorities. He didn’t even wait for her to react; he just cut the call and flung the phone aside.

Almost immediately Belinda began to call and the pair watched the phone as it continued to vibrate on their bed. It went on and on until Cosmos whispered to his wife ''answer it''

Then Blossom picked the call and began to scream and cry out at Belinda. She placed the call on speaker and continued to curse her. She said so many things, unprintable things and through it all, Belinda continued to ask what the problem was ''please calm down and talk to me. What happened?'' Belinda asked. ''I'm confused, I'm just hearing from you in how many days and this is what I get? I just got a call from…''

***
It was 3 days after Cosmos found out about his wife's secret life and the couple were still trying to wade through the stormy weather of infidelity. Blossom had been begging and Cosmos had been thinking about his life. He loved his wife alright but he didn’t know where to go with their marriage.

He was tired. The last thing he wanted was a divorce but sometimes he considered if that may not be best. But then again, he thought of his young children. There was nothing he hated as much as a broken home. He didn’t grow up in one and he believed his children deserved more.

Sometimes he thought he had forgiven Blossom. At times he even opened his mouth to say it but again he would find himself wading in the stream of hate. One minute he loved her then the next, he hated her. Then he woke up the next morning feeling sorry for himself yet loving her through the haze of confusion.

The journey to total forgiveness was still a long way off but one thing was sure, before Cosmos set off on any journey of reconciliation, couple counselling or what have you, Ms Belinda Okoro would have to be a thing of the past. For Blossom, this was a small price to pay and she readily agreed to it. She was willing to do anything to save her marriage.

And so on that day, it happened. Blossom sat at the end of their bed and continued to speak to her husband in a soothing voice. Cosmos looked at her but threw his face away. Some men may have involved family members but Cosmos was not that sort of man. It was fair to assume he wanted to protect his wife's sordid lifestyle.

''That’s rather rich coming from a man like you. Fancy trying to lecture me on what is right or wrong. Perhaps you should have thought of that while you were bonking a girl you introduced to me as your niece! That small rat looked me in the eyes and was doing migwo for her head! May she continue to remain on her crooked knees where my matter is concerned. She will forever remain beneath me and my seed and yes, I will still carry my child in this life''

''I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry. What more can I do to make you understand how sorry I am?'' Ken continued to talk but it was unclear if he was apologetic or simply mad at his wife. After a while, Nat got tired of the sound of his voice and she wanted to rip her hair out. Finally she announced ‘’I think you’ve packed enough for today. They are right around the corner and they told me 20 minutes. I’ll find my way out if I were you. You can send someone over to pick your remaining stuff at a later date’’ then Ken swore at her one last time and hurried off with his travelling bag in hand.

She knocked on the bedroom door and Ken opened it with a sad look on his face. As she changed her clothes, he continued to plead with her but that was before she announced in a grim voice ''the police are on their way’’

‘’Ehn?’’

‘’I warned you yesterday and I meant every word. I have given you enough time to gather your things and leave me in peace. I want to start this new week on my own and I mean it''

''Oh Nat…''

''Listen, I’m still giving you the respect you never gave me hence you have been forewarned. By the way, it is not normal police but MOPOL’’

Immediately Ken rushed to the wardrobe and pulled out a small travelling bag ''are you kidding?'' he shouted.

''No, I'm not'' Nat replied in a calm voice.

''You got to be shi*tting me!''

''Don’t swear please''

''I can’t believe you would do this!’’ he shouted. As he flung some clothes into the bag, he continued to yell at her in anger. By now, Nat was on her favourite chair. She watched in silence as he continued to pack and curse at the same time ''you are acting like a beast!'' Ken spat.

''That’s because you made me one so deal with the monster you have created''

''You call policemen on me, in my own home? Unbelievable! I need you to know two wrongs can never make a right''

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After the confrontation with Ken, Nat calmed down a bit. The hurt remained and when she remembered certain things, she thought she would die. She remembered a lot of events, lies, images that suddenly began to add up. There was a continuous pain in her chest and it seemed like it would explode. It became worse whenever Ken walked by or she heard the sound of his voice.

She allowed him stay for a few more days but she was adamant about one thing - he had to leave by Friday. She needed him out for her sanity and she refused to shift ground on this issue.

On Friday evening, Nat returned from work by 6.30pm. As soon as her car pulled into the compound, she frowned. Ken's car was in the driveway and it was no longer funny. Perhaps he thought she was joking the day before. Just to be on the safe side, she parked her car and reached for her phone. The next few seconds were spent speaking to the maid. She confirmed Ken went out for about 2 hours and returned by 11am. He had not gone out since then and had remained locked in a room. The maid also confirmed that he had not eaten anything.

After the call, Nat dialled another number and waited until an acquaintance picked ''good evening inspector'' she greeted. ''Yes, yes it's fine but not so fine. You see, I'm in a bit of a pickle. I have someone in my house and I need him out. Yes, I have made my intentions clear but unfortunately he is proving difficult. Yes, yes, how soon will they arrive? Oh that’s good. Yes, yes, I still reside there. You said how many minutes again? Oh good, of course I will see them. Not a problem, just to lead him out that’s all. No, no no need to rough handle him. I don’t want that rough handling just to escort him out of the premises. Oh we are good, oga is fine as well. I appreciate, bless you. Bye now'' then she terminated the call and strolled inside the house with her large croc bag.

I want to thank you guys for your patience.

Alezy:
you always delect somme part of ur work, how then do u expect people to read with pleasure?? not just this but previous stories am always late to read and I get tired and frustrated half way cos after read chapter 5, the next chapter u might see is chapter 9.

how do I understand that??

Sir, my complete books are on Okada.com

I apologise for the long break. I've had quite a lot on my plate of late. In addition, for the first time ever, I stumbled on what they call writer's bloc. I know how the work would end of course but too many missing links inbetween. Please bear with me as i try to fill these in.

I'm glad we made front page but I kinda felt bad for the new readers as i'd already taken down some chapters in order to protect my work. I am working on something that would address this. I should resume God willing this weekend. Many thanks.

‘’I am dead!’’

‘’Blossom, would you admit it for once in your life? Would you admit Belinda is the third person in this marriage? Would you admit she is the clog in our wheel of progress? Would you admit she is more than your best friend? Would you admit she is the he I always spoke about?''

At that stage Cosmos was crying like a woman and it frightened Blossom. It frightened her so much because she had never seen her husband act so vulnerable. Blossom always believed if Cosmos ever found out the truth, he would kill her but now he was crying. It frightened her so much she didn’t know when truth descended on her lips ''yes'' she whispered. ''Yes you are right'' then she broke down and began to cry as well. She tried to hold Cosmos but he staggered back in disbelief ''I'm so sorry'' Blossom whispered. She held out a hand to him but he continued to move backwards like she was a ghost.

Suddenly there was a strange sound and it came from Cosmos's throat. It was a whimper like one made by a dog in pain. Then he sank on his knees and continued to cry out. Suddenly he stopped as quickly as he started then he began to mutter something.

Blossom was still crying when she approached him and continued to plead for mercy. As she moved closer, she did it cautiously because she didn’t want him to lash out at her. But when she heard what he was muttering, she stopped and moved backwards.

Cosmos was muttering the same words over and over again ''what thing have I married? What thing have I married? What thing have I married? What thing have I …''

Blossom realized she was sunk but she shrugged her shoulder and continued lying through her teeth ''children copy what they see others do so to answer your question - yes''

''Would you repeat that and this time look at me with a straight face?''

Then Blossom began to stammer, it was only then it occurred to her the ridiculousness of her tale. She was caught in a difficult situation so she tried to weave another story around her initial lie ''perhaps Chichi did, I don’t know. All I know is that Belinda didn’t spend a night here. Belinda never had her bath here. Her personal items like toothbrush and sponge were never here''

''I didn't ask you about those items but thanks for intimating me. Yeah go ahead and and expose yourself some more woman!''

''Oh my God! Somebody help me from this nonsense talk! This is torment!''

''Tonight is the night, the truth will come out today. You have sworn she didn't sleep here so what is her nightwear doing in our bathroom? Why would she have her bath here? And even if she did, perhaps its not such a big deal. Maybe the heater was not working in the guest room or something. The problem is why you are lying when the truth is glaring! ''

''I'm not quite sure how that item made its way here. You must believe me dear'' then she got up and moved towards Cosmos ''you just came back today; don’t work yourself over something so small. Surely there is a reasonable explanation for this. Tomorrow I'll call the kids and ask them…''

Then Cosmos began to laugh like a mad man ''how could I have been so stupid?'' he asked. ''All the time, the truth was staring me in the face and I didn’t see it''

''See what?''

''She was the one. I mean, she is the one. You are having an affair with your fellow woman. You are having an affair with Belinda'' then Cosmos continued to laugh ''I've been so blind; the best way to hide a thing is to freaking leave it in plain sight. But how could I have known my wife was a lesbian? How could I have known that was the reason that lady hung around you or refused to marry? Of course I wouldn’t have known, what man thinks about such things? I was so naïve but that’s what you get from a man with a pure heart. That’s what you get from a simpleton. I should have put two and two together but I wanted to believe the best in humanity. What man suspects his wife's best friend of being her lesbian lover?''

''Would you stop this in Jesus name!''

''Would you wipe that precious name Jesus from your filthy mouth!’’

''Dear, I'm surprised you can be worked up over something so… so … permit me to use the word shallow…'' as Blossom continued explaining away, Cosmos held out the ash coloured night gown and shook it in midair. The large fabric swayed from side to side and its memory burned a clean hole right through Blossom's heart.

She remembered naughty things she did while Belinda wore it, she recalled yanking it off, clutching at it and… suddenly she stopped talking because she was beginning to say a whole load of drivel ''is that all you can say?'' Cosmos asked. ''Like seriously, you look me in the eye and bring my kids into your mess?''

''I'm not saying he did it but he could have. Junior plays around a lot, picks things from one corner and transports it to another. Remember how he brought my wooden spoon and put in inside your car? That’s what kids that age do. Surely, you know that don’t you?''

''Are you seriously telling me, Junior walked all the way to the guest room, opened the door, then entered the room and picked this particular clothing item from God knows where. Then he wandered all the way back to our bedroom, he didn’t drop it on the floor, he didn’t drop it on the bed and he didn’t drop it on the chair. Instead he opened the bathroom door and dumped this particular item inside our laundry basket?''

''It sounds unbelievable when you say it but if you sit and think, you'll see it is not impossible…''

''He dropped this nightgown inside the laundry basket that is hidden behind our bathroom door? He leaned over a basket this high, he leaned over that woven basket that he can barely reach and he dropped this in?''