₦airaland Forum

you are welcome honey.

Ann2012:
Thanks for the updates

........

"Are you serious?" Cassie looked at Dara in disbelief. "Dead, Serious.  He just walked away with this woman, the way he spoke to me" Dara shook her head angrilly. "I'm sorry you're going through this Dara, men are such idiots" Cassie shook her head.

Tobi cleared his throat entering the sitting room. "Really honey?" he winked picking up his wrist watch. Cassie narrowed her eyes at him playfully "Were you eavesdropping?" she asked him. "Never, just happened to hear your last remark" he kissed her cheek.

"Hello Dara, I'm sorry I can't stay to partake in your gossips. Work calls, I'll be back by six though. Honey do you need anything?" Tobi asked.

"Do you think you can stop by at the dragon? I'm craving sweets and sour pork" Cassie rubbed her belly.

"Anything for you" Tobi said adjusting his tie. "I love you, bye" he kissed her on the lips this time before leaving.

"How did you get so lucky?" Dara rolled her eyes. "Oh it's not all roses between us, there are thorns. Lots of thorns, baby mama drama. You see the cheques he writes them, it pisses me off. I love the boys but their mothers? Not so much" Cassie rolled her eyes.

"How's Tiwa?" Dara asked. "She's herself, she's actually with her grandma for the week. I need some time alone" Cassie winked.

"I want some alone time too but then who will look after my bunch. They don't like to be away from me, or their father." Dara thought about Jidenna and felt bitter again.

"Even with me, Iremide won't stay with me for an hour" Cassie chuckled thinking of Dara's feisty daughter.

"How's Nene?" Dara asked changing the topic immediately. They hadn't seen Nene for a long time.

"She's fine, I guess. These days she's glowing, she's happier though. I guess money would do that to you" Cassie replied.

"I can't fault her, she's always been used to wealth. It must have been hard for her living without it. I still think Malik is a bad idea, that guy was obsessed with Nene" Dara said.

"Obsessed is an understatement, anyway she's a big girl now. She's a mother, I trust that she'll make the right decision" Cassie said.

Any other doubt she had, she kept to herself.

............

Dara eyed Jidenna's phone on the table, she could just pick it up now and go through it. Not once since they had been married had she felt the urge to go through her husband's privacy till now.

She sighed before walking to the dresser, he wouldn't have to know. He was in the shower and he wouldn't be out for a few more minutes. She found herself smiling when she saw his wallpaper, a picture of her and the kids but her smile faded when she noticed he had a security locker on his phone now.

"Why do you have my phone?" Jidenna asked the minute he stepped out of the bathroom. He saw Dara by the dresser with his phone in hand.

"Since when do you have a password lock?" Dara asked turning to him.

"How's that your business?" Jidenna asked irritated. He walked to his closet and pulled out a pair of briefs.

"It's my business, because I'm your wife!" Dara yelled at him.

"And I'm your husband too, do I go through your personal things?" Jidenna asked annoyed.

"Well I have nothing to hide, but I can't say the same for you!" Dara handed him his phone.

"Stop being so petty, you're not a teenager Dara. Stop this nonsense" Jidenna slipped on his shirt.

"I'm being petty? Why won't you tell me about that woman. Chizaram! Why was she here?!" Dara asked.

"Mind your own business Dara!" Jidenna hissed. "It became my business the moment she showed up at my house asking for my husband" Dara shouted.

"She's whatever you think she is, don't bother me. I have work to do" Jidenna said.

"Fine... " Dara watched him with a flame of resentment in her heart. If the woman was nobody to him, why was he being so secretive.


"I'm sorry about last night, I shouldn't have talked to you that way" Jidenna said the following morning.

"It wouldn't be the first time" Dara muttered as she fixed her hair.

They head the door bell and Jidenna pick up his bag. "I'll go get it" he said walking out of the room. Dara followed immediately, wondering who was visiting so early. It was just seven o clock in the morning.

Jidenna opened the door and saw Chizaram at the door. "Jay we have to talk?" She looked worried.

"What's the matter?" he asked noticing the panic in her voice.

"It's about..." she stopped when she noticed that Dara was now behind Jidenna listening. "I wouldn't have come if it wasn't important, perhaps we can talk somewhere else" She said quickly.

"No...its fine. You can say whatever you want to say right here" Dara said immediately. Jidenna was surprised that she was standing so close but he said nothing.

"It's a personal matter Dara, Chizaram will you walk to the car with me" Jidenna started to move but Dara's hand stopped him.

"Where do you think you're going, you think I'll let you leave with this woman? Whatever you want to say, say it here and now!" Dara said.

"Stop this rubbish this instant Dara, behave yourself" Jidenna pulled away from her hold.

"You behave yourself Jidenna, how dare you disrespect me like this?" Dara asked bitterly.

"Would you stop being dramatic? Chizaram is a friend, nothing else. What kind of a wife believes the worse of her husband?" Jidenna frowned at her.

Dara sighed and moved away from the door, she however watched the duo as they went to the car together.

..........

Nene handed Dara and Cassie gift bags as she sat down grinning like a cat. "What's this?" Cassie asked. "Gifts" Nene responded playing with the new diamond earrings Malik gave her at lunch yesterday.

"Okay..." Dara looked at Cassie before looking into the gift bag. "Oh my God, the mango bag I was eyeing at the Novare mall last Saturday. But Nene it's a hundred thousand, how can you afford it? " Dara asked. Nene rolled her eyes and nudged Cassie to check hers. Cassie looked into her gift bag, she brought out a cashmere sweater. The price tag was still on it, a freaking forty five thousand for a simple sweater.

"Well" Nene smiled. "Are you high,stoned or just crazy? This is freaking expensive, Nene how can you afford this? The fifteen million?" Cassie asked.

"No, company allowance. I just got my allowance budget yesterday. I went shopping, new hair, nails, massage and there was change to spare so I decided to give you guys gifts" Nene smiled playing with her ombre hair.

"Allowance, how?" Dara asked, the bag was times two of Nene's salary.

"I got promoted, Senior staff mind you" Nene said. Then she went on to explain her good fate to the girls.

"Malik!" Cassie asked alarmed. Her thought instantly went to Richard. Did he know his wife's ex was in her life once more?

"Yes Malik, he's back. He's CEO of the firm." Nene said.

Cassie instantly noticed Nene wasn't wearing her wedding band. "Where's your wedding band?" Cassie asked.

"The gold was fake, it was fading already. I'm getting platinum soon, seems better. Richard has poor tastes in these things" Nene said.

"He gave you his mother's ring, that means a lot you know" Dara said.

"I know, it's safe. I just can't wear it" Nene explained. "I actually came here because I want to go to car dealer. I was hoping you'd give me a ride Cassie" Nene explained.

"You're getting a car too?" Cassie asked.
"Yes, I'll probably get a Range Rover sport. Or what do you think?" Nene asked.

"Company's allowance or Malik's pocket? " Dara asked Cassie in a whisper.

"I think they're the same thing, he's trying to buy her back to him" Cassie muttered.

"And she's too blind and money oriented to see it" Dara agreed.

"It's Richard I pity, not again. Just when I thought everything was better now" Cassie sighed.




P. S: if you are reading this and you haven't read lethal matrimony, go do that first. Thank you!

3


Richard rubbed Nene's shoulder as she prepared for work. "If you get fired, that's fine. Come back home, my earnings will sustain us till you get another job" he kissed her cheek.
"Do you it's selfish for me not to want to work again? It drains life out of me" Nene looked at him a sad look on her face. "If I get the promotion, you won't have to work again. I'm sorry you have to go through this, you know I love you right? I hate seeing you so unhappy" Richard leaned in and kissed her.

"Thanks, I should leave now. Will you make breakfast for the kids and drop them at school?" Nene asked. "Sure" Richard smiled. "Thanks a lot" Nene picked up her bag and walked out of the room. She said goodbye to the boys before leaving the house.

Her head and her heart was pounding when she got to the office, maybe she shouldn't have been harsh to Moses. It was this anger of hers, she couldn't control it.

Her heart was almost in her throat as she walked to her office, if she did lose her job Richard would have to carry the burden of the entire family. She would have to depend on him too, 'God please don't let me lose my Job' she sent a silent prayer to God.

As she got into her office, it was Vacant. Her things had been cleared already. "Kainene Imoh" Moses's secretary called from the door. Tears were almost leaking out of her eyes as she turned. "Mr Moses would like to see you" Maureen said with a look of pity on her eyes.

Nene hated pity, she squared her shoulders and walked out of the office. She would give that bastard a piece of her mind and a dirty slap if need be.

Moses wasn't alone when she got to the office, he narrowed his eyes when he saw her. "I'm attending to business now, I'll call you later when I'm done with the CEO" He barked at her. Nene nodded and turned to leave

"Nene?" a voice stopped her. She turned and had a better view of the person who called her. The CEO was squinting at her, he walked closer to her. "Nene, Kainene Nwankwo?" He asked.
Recognition clicked "Malik!" she said shocked.

"Oh my God, it's really you. Where have you been all these years?" Malik threw his arms around her. Moses glared at the duo but said nothing. "I should ask you that, you're the one who's been away" Nene pulled away from the embrace.

"I did ask you to wait for me when I left to bury my father in Egypt, when I got back Alameen told me you were married" Malik said.

"Yes... " Nene looked away from his intent stare. Malik had been her boyfriend before She'd met Richard, perhaps she would have waited for him and married him if she hadn't met Richard. When she saw Richard, her other lovers paled in comparison. She thought nothing of Malik since that day.

Moses cleared his throat attracting Malik's attention. "Business waits sir, Mrs Imoh return to your office" Moses said. "My office has been cleared, I assumed you wanted to fire me" Nene regained her confidence. "Fire you? No, I only meant to have redecorated" Moses faked a smile. He wouldn't want to offend Nene since she was friends with the CEO.

"What's going on here?" Malik asked in a steely voice. "Sir, Mrs Imoh is mistaken. I merely..." Moses was saying when Malik cut him off.
"Quiet!" he turned to Nene. "What's the matter?" he asked her.

"He's been harassing me, last night he expressed that he wanted a sexual relationship with me. When I refused, he threatened to fire me. This morning, I discovered my office has been cleared" Nene explained.

"Sir, she's mistaken" Moses stuttered. Malik glared at him. "Can you take on his job Nene?" Malik asked. "What?" Nene looked confused. "His job, can you handle it?" Malik asked her. "Yes" Nene said surprised.

"Good, you've just been promoted. Maybe now you can decide what do to me him. I'll be back before lunch, then we can go out and discuss" Malik said before taking her hand.
He kissed her lightly. "I'm so happy I've found you again Nene" Malik said before walking out of the office a smirk on his handsome face.

Nene burst out laughing after he left, she turned to Moses. "The irony of life, from getting fired to getting promoted. Just this morning my faith was in your hands and now yours is in mine" Nene smirked.

"Nene, I'm so sorry. Please do not fire me, I have a wife and children. Please" Moses begged.

"Well since I'm merciful, I won't. But I've already taken up your position and I'm giving Maureen my former position. Ineye becomes my secretary, you know what this means. You're either a personal assistant or a cleaning staff. I don't want you as a PA though, you're to fat and slow. Go grab a mob and get to work or go home" Nene cocked her head to the side.

"A cleaner!" Moses glared at her. "At least you'll get paid, and you'll still be able to provide for your family. Unlike you, I'm merciful" Nene said.

Moses hissed before walking out of the office, Nene laughed before settling in her chair. Senior staff, big salary, soon she'd be rich.

.........

Cassie brought out a tray of drinks and placed on the foot stool beside her mother in law. "Thanks dear" Mrs Ademola smiled appreciatively. "It's nothing, thank you for coming over on such short notice" Cassie said. "It's nothing I wouldn't do for family, anyway what's the matter? Is Tobi taking other women again?" Mrs Ademola asked picking up her glass of soda.

"No"Cassie frowned. "This is actually about the family in general" Cassie said. "What's that?" Mrs Ademola frowned. "The issue of the family cult. I'm aware Tobi has brought the matter to your notice perhaps in the past?" Cassie asked cautiously.

"Cassandra the family cult has been in the family for generations, it would be a big taboo for Tobi's son not to be a part of it. See this started years ago when Ajani, Tobi's great grand uncle found a box of gold belonging to a foreigner. In a drunken state he revealed his findings to his friends, who plotted with a greedy chief to take away the box of gold. They poisoned Ajani, that was when the men in the family stood up and came together as a force against outsiders. And it's been that way ever since, my grand son will be part of it when he arrives" Mrs Ademola said.

"What's the worst that could happen if I refuse?" Cassie asked. "Haven't you noticed how prosperous the family is? Family stick together, the men come together and protect the rest of us" Mrs Ademola eyed her daughter in law.

"God protects, not man. Nothing else, yes family sticks together. There's no point of this, I don't want my child to be a part of it" Cassie stood up.

"You want Tobi's son to be an outcast, he won't have a share in this family's possessions. Be reasonable" Mrs Ademola stood up also.

"If the family won't love him, won't accept him that's fine. Tobi and I will, and he doesn't need the family's possessions. With or without them he will succeed. Tobi was miserable before I came into his family, did you know that? He went after different women, alcohol was his dearest friend, what did the cult do about that? They encouraged it, told him it was a spiritual problem that could not be helped. That was a lie" Cassie said.

"Ignorant woman, what do you know? It's only natural for Ademola men to have wives and children, concubines and bastards. My husband, his father took other women. Your husband did too" Mrs Ademola said.

"That was before he became my husband, Tobi would never cheat on me now" Cassie countered.

"Cassandra you're still young, perhaps when you're older you will understand the essence of tradition. Till then we'll talk no more about this, tell my grand daughter I visited" Mrs Ademola said before picking up her purse.

She eyed her daughter in law and scoffed before leaving.

Cassie sighed before sitting down "I'm not going to bring a son into this world and have him partake in this" she decided and nothing would change her mind.

.........

"Who the heck was that woman who showed up here today? Don't even think about lying to me, the way she talked. You two must be close" Dara glared at her husband who had been trying to avoid her questions since she got back.

"I don't understand D, what are you trying to say?" Jidenna glared back.

"I'm just trying to say you haven't been yourself lately. If there's Is something you'd like to tell me then say it" Dara said.

"Olanna called, she's dropping by tomorrow" Jidenna said and turned away from her.

"Why aren't you answering me Jay?!" Dara sparked.

"I don't want to hear your silly accusations Dara, just stop. I just got back from work, give me peace" Jidenna growled.

"Accusations, Have I accused you of anything yet?" Dara asked in a high pitched voice that irritated his ears.

"You're how many seconds from accusing me, I'm not cheating on you. Go to bed" Jidenna said.

"Oh I see...i will let it rest today but I swear if she shows up at my door again you will answer every goddamned question I have to ask" Dara hissed and walked away.

Jidenna sighed, what the hell had Chizaram been thinking? Coming to the house like that, now she's succeeded in making Dara suspicious.

Jidenna knew his wife didn't give up something so easily, soon she'll start searching for answers else where and she might not like the answers she would get.


"I don't think your husband is cheating on you Dara, he's messed up once and he wouldn't try it again" Cassie said.

"He's hiding something and my guts tell me I won't like what he's hiding. Cassie you didn't see this woman, the way she acted. They have something, and his mood lately" Dara played with her wedding band.

"Jidenna is not cheating on you, whatever it is you will find out soon" Cassie touched her friend's arm.

"I'm having a hard time trusting him Cassie, you have to understand that he hurt me before. I have forgiven him but I can't forget, and I don't want to be a fool and say all is well. It isn't, late nights, strange woman visiting, what next?" Dara asked her friend.

"Well... What do you want to do?" Cassie shrugged.

Dara shook her head "I don't know yet, but if that woman shows up again. I'll be forced to take action" Dara said.

"I support you dear, I'm solidly behind you. However that's not why I'm here" Cassie grinned.

"Yeah, well why?" Dara asked.

"I'm pregnant...again" Cassie gushed. "Oh my God, I'm so happy for you. Wow, I'm so glad that you're having another baby. I know it's been hard on you, trying all these years and getting no results" Dara smiled.

"Yeah it has been, you have no idea. I was beginning to have some doubts, but I'm glad this baby is here now. I hope I have another girl" Cassie grinned.

"Well I hope you don't have twins, seriously you don't know what I go through in this house. Just two and it feels like twelve" Dara sighed.

Cassie giggled "No, definitely not twins" she agreed.

Dara briefly wondered about chizaram, she would find that woman herself and get her answers herself.

thank you

Ruibii:
I love the way you write Giannaaaaaa.

2

"Are you going home already?" Moses walked quickly to Nene. Nene rolled her eyes but tried not to show her irritation at his stalking tendencies. If he wasn't a senior staff, she'd have told him off long ago.

"Yes" Nene threw a fake smile his way. "You stay at Sango-tedo don't you?" Moses asked. "Yes, I do" Nene replied. "Good, I'm going to Epe tonight. Let me drop you off at home" Moses said. "Thank you sir but I'll be fine on my own" Nene said. "I insist Kainene" Moses said grinning.

Nene accepted reluctantly and got into his car. "Your husband should get you a car, public transport doesn't suit you" Moses said as he started the ignition. Nene glared at him "That's not a problem for me" She said in sugar tones.

"If he can't afford it Nene then you should get someone who can" Moses said leering openly at her chest. "Excuse me?" Nene narrowed her eyes.
"You heard me, women like you need to be pampered. If you treat me well, I'll make life easier for you" Moses said.
"You! Have you looked in the mirror lately?" Nene gave him a disgusted look.

"Excuse me" He had the damnable guts to look offended.
"You look like a bloated pig ready to be slaughtered, and your untamed hair disgusted. I'd slit my throat before I go to bed with you" Nene spat.
"Excuse me, do you know who I am? One word from me and you will lose your job. Stupid bïtch" Moses glared at her.
"You're nothing but a pig, your threat doesn't scare me" Nene hissed. "You're just as useless as your fraudulent parents. Get out of my car!" Moses said. Nene glared at him before getting out of the car.

She was boiling with rage when she got home. Richard was helping the boys with home work from school when she walked into the living room looking like she could kill. "Mummy welcome" Nick rushed to her. "Go finish your homework" she snapped going into the other room.

Richard sighed and dropped the note book. "Lex, help your brother with his homework. I'll be right back" he said. "Why should I help him?" Alexis asked coldly. "Because he's your brother" Richard gave him the hard stare before he finally gave him and beckoned to his brother.

"Why did you snap at Nick?" Richard asked the minute he entered his bedroom. "Don't start, I don't want to hear anything" Nene warned, her anger was building within her.
"Nene, what's the matter? You're so angry" Richard observed. "I'm just wondering, of all the lawyers in the country...you just had to go for that bloody Idara" Nene hissed.

So that's what this was about, Richard came up behind his wife. "Nene, not again. It's been years, we're happy" Richard's hand circled her waist. She pulled away

"Are we? I have to work with assholes all day. Most of the times I can't even get what I want for myself because I have to consider the family's budget. It sickens me, if you hadn't brought Idara to the equation we wouldn't be poor now" She shouted.

"This is not poverty, we're not poor. Rome wasn't a built in day, I won't give you back the wealth you were born into but I..." she cut him off with a scream.

"When, when I'm sixty! When I'm greying and using stick? When will you give me rome?" she asked him.

"Nene...please understand that I'm trying for us. Guess what I even got selected for the promotion today...if that works out we'll" Richard was saying.

Nene cut him off again coldly "I don't care about your promotion" she said. "I'm sorry this was not what you wanted, if I could change time. I wouldn't file for that divorce, your parents dirty secrets would have been safe. We would be rich of course, and unhappy" Richard sat on the bed.

Nene cleared her throat "I think I might have lost my job" she announced. "That's OK, you'll get another. Tobi mentioned something about needing a... " Nene glared at him. "Have you been telling Cassie about our problems? unbelievable Richard! I swear you make me sick" Nene hissed and walked away.

Richard took in air, what would make Nene happy? He got up from the bed and went back to the living room.

New thread, I've already created it.

eitsei:
are you going to create a new thread for the part 2 or continue from here?

........

"Tobi, remember when we talked about the family cult?" Cassie looked to her husband lying beside her.

"What about it?" Tobi asked his back still turned to her.

"Will you at least look at me, when I'm trying to have a conversation?" Cassie snapped.

Tobi turned angrily "I'm freaking tired Cassie, why are you suddenly interested in the family's cult again after six years?" Tobi looked upset not tired.

"You said you were talking to your mother about abolishing some things. Like bringing all the sons to the cult" Cassie said.

"Yes, but it's a long standing tradition. I tried Cassie, I was denied. The cult is harmless, for God sake we don't spill blood. It's just something that has been in our family for years" Tobi said.

"It's still a cult" Cassie insisted.

"I'm in the cult, do you feel in danger around me? Do you see me doing demonic things?" Tobi asked.

"No... but I don't want any of that for our son" Cassie said.

"The cult is a way of welcoming the boys to the family, if he's not in the cult. He won't be recognized as family, do you want that for our son. Amongst his cousin he'll be the outcast?" Tobi asked.

Cassie was silent "If we have a girl, like Tiwa. We won't have to worry about Cults" Cassie said.

"If we have a boy, the tradition continues. Forget it Cassandra, we'll get to that bridge later" Tobi looked stressed.

"Tobi I'm pregnant" Cassie spilled.

"You are?!" Tobi switched on the brighter light, she nodded.

"I went to the doctor today, I'm already seven weeks. We need to talk about this, if we have a son. I won't want him in the cult" Cassie maintained.

Tobi sighed "Cassie right now, I just wanted to revel in the fact that you're pregnant with my baby again. No talks about Cults for now" Tobi pulled his wife into his arms.

"Tobi... " she protested. Better now than later

"Sssh, no more talks for now. Please, we've wanted this baby for so long. Now you're pregnant, don't you understand my joy?" Tobi asked.

"Fine, no more talks for now" she snuggled closer.

"Tiwa will have another sibling to play with when the big boys are away in boarding school. I love you Cassie" Tobi kissed his wife.

"I love you too Tobi" Cassie decided to forget about her problems tonight, tomorrow is another day.

She has already, Tiwa.

chivera018:
Isn't cassie supposed to have given birth by now ?
Am confused.

.............

"You said you were going to cut your hair, I was going to ask you to go along with Lota. Before I got out of the room you were gone" Dara placed her hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Are you okay?" she asked concerned.

"yeah, I didn't know Lota needed a hair cut. I'd have taken him, where is he?" Jidenna asked.

"He's asleep, he's been throwing his usual tantrum since you left" Dara said and looked closely at her husband again.

He looked worried, she suspected something was up. "Is mama OK?" Dara asked.

"Why?" Jidenna looked tensed. "Jidenna you're tensed, I'm sure something is wrong. Tell me, no more secrets. You promised" Dara said.

"You worry two much, I'm fine. Where's the other one?" Jidenna asked after his daughter.

They had twins Lotanna and Lotachukwu, their daughter was always dressed by her Yoruba name though.

"She's waiting for you, you know she won't sleep without her daddy. J, you will tell me if anything is wrong right?" Dara asked him.

"Nothing is wrong, come on let's go upstairs" Jidenna pulled her to his side.

The next morning however he was gone before Dara woke up. Strange, after the birth of the twins Jidenna always left for work by twelve.

It was Iremide who had gotten her out of bed with her screams. Dara rushed out to see what was going on between both kids.

"Would you stop screaming Ire! What's the matter with two of you?" Dara asked using her most stern voice.

"Ire won't leave my sweater" Lota pulled the sweater but Ire wouldn't release it.

"Ire please leave your brother's sweater alone. It's too early for this" Dara said.

"If I can't wear my own then he can't wear his" Iremide hissed.

"And where's yours madam?" Dara got to the duo and pulled the sweater from her hand.

"I don't know!" Ire shouted and glared her mother.

"You two better go and have your bath. You will not give me headache this morning" Dara hissed and left the room with the sweater.


She went down into the kitchen to make breakfast for the two of them when she heard the door bell. Dropping the sweater on the kitchen counter, she went to the door.

A light skinned beautiful woman was at the other end of the door. A woman, Dara had never seen before.

"Good morning, how may I help you? " Dara asked.

"I'm Chizaram, you can call me Zara for short. I'm here to see the man of the house" she smirked.

"He's not around, I'm his wife. I'll take a message" Dara said crossing her arms against her chest.

This woman, Zara chuckled and cocked her head. "Yes, please do. Tell Jidenna that Chizaram came looking for him, he should contact me. Or I'll be back" The woman said smiled, turned away and left.

Dara stared after the woman, different thoughts racing through her mind. She quickly went in and closed the door.

Who was that woman anyway? Dara wondered. She went back to her bedroom and picked up her phone.

She dialed Jidenna six times but he didn't answer. Dara shook her head before texting him.
'Chizaram came over'

Two minutes later, his call entered. Dara was convinced something was going on, something she wouldn't like.

1


"I'm just sick and almost out of my mind. Seriously, do you know how many fights I've separated these few days? I'm glad they are going home tomorrow" Cassie said wiping down the bowl with a napkin.

"The boys adore their sister, and Tiwa likes company" Cassie sighed. Tobi's boys had come back from boarding school just last week and they had insisted on spending their mid terms in their father's house.

Nene chuckled and placed the tray on the rack "You wait till you have your own boy" She said.

Cassie stiffened, she certainly wouldn't want a boy. Not when he'd just get signed into the family cult, she didn't want her son involved in that.

"Alexis isn't a handful but Nick keeps Richard and I on our toes all the time. He's at Grandma's place for the weekend, lex on the other hand likes the peace and quietness of the house now that Nick is gone" Nene said thinking about her boys.

"I want to ask, are you and Richard planning to have another child?" Cassie asked.

"I don't want to, I don't know about Richard. We've not talked about it" Nene responded. Truth was they had, it hadn't ended well.

"Why don't you want one?" Cassie asked.

"You know my condition" Nene walked away.

Weeks after Richard and Nene had remarried, Idara had gone into rage. Every dark and dirty secret about the Nwankwos went into every paper in the country.

The EFCC were still in search of her parents, and they weren't coming back to Nigeria ever. Every of their properties has been seized by the government, all accounts frozen.

Nene and Richard had thrived on Richard's earnings till after she nursed Alexis and got a job to support him. Things weren't bad, she's learnt to cut down on her spending. Not buying everything she needed in a snap had been hard for her, she wasn't exactly very rich anymore.

Just as comfortable as any middle classed family. Having a baby wasn't part of her agenda, as far as she was concerned their income was only enough for a family of four

"What about the fifteen million? that account wasn't frozen because it was opened in Richard's name" Cassie asked.

" The money belongs to Alexis, he can't access it till he turns twenty one. The money will be split between Nick and Lex, we can't afford another child" Nene maintained.

Richard didn't share her concept "We're not poor Nene, we can take care of three or four kids" he'd said.

"We aren't rich either, you weren't born into wealth. You don't know what's its like not to have everything you've always wanted" Nene had replied.

"Money is not everything" Richard shook his head.

"Isn't it, will love feed a fifth mouth,? Money is everything, I don't want another baby. Not till we can afford one" Nene said.

"A baby is a blessing Nene, not something you go to the market to buy. When the baby comes, we'll be ready" Richard insisted.

She didn't bother to tell him, she was already taking precautionary measures to prevent that from happening.

"Nene..." Richard had pulled her closer. "I'm working on getting promoted, nothing will please me more than having another baby with you. I know this is nothing compared to the life you were born into but I promise you.. Soon you won't have to work for anything" he'd said.

Till then Richard, she refrained from saying that.

"Cassie I should go home now, I have work to do at home. See you in church yeah?" Nene kissed Cassie's cheeks before picking up her bag.

"Nene, you would tell me if you need help right?" Cassie asked.

"Of course" Nene said. Cassie smiled even though she knew Nene better.

Her friend Nene would rather die of thirst in a desert than ask for water. She might be different now but her pride hadn't lessened.

It's already on

kennybelle:
Way to go! we're ever ready. I'm happy Nene is willing to make things right, I love the fact that Cassy was blunt with them abt their marriage. Thanks for the update, Part 2 shld start already, cnt wait

PROLOGUE

......"Your husband can't give you what I can give you Nene. You know that don't you, be with me. Let me make you my queen, give you the life that you're used to" His voice caressed her ears.

"I..." Richard barged into the room and looked at the both of them. His competition had a triumphant look on his face and his wife looked guilty.

"I think it's time you leave" Richard said. Nene walked back to her husband.

"I'll be back"..... And Nene knew he would, he wasn't the type to give up easily.

He got whatever he wanted and this time, he wanted her.

Wilting Matrimony




Lethal Matrimony 2



#Matrimony series



All rights reserved

Contents of this book belongs to none other than
Gianna Jordan


Self publishing , all right reserved.

Please ignore my mistakes and typos.

Comments are welcomed.

Share too in your spare time.

Don't steal my book, God is watching.......don't even think about it. I will find you......!!!!


I love you all and thanks for reading lethal matrimony.

EPILOGUE


Watch out for book2

Wilting Matrimony

Richard feels threatened by the new man in Nene's life.  A man he cannot get rid of.

Cassie is nervous about the gender of the new baby, Dele resurfaces.

A strange woman shows up at the Okolies and Jidenna's secrets are exposed.

Ladies and gentlemen are you ready!!!!!!!

Have you seen the new thread!!!!!



We're relocating everyone, grab your chairs, popcorn,
and drinks. The train's about move

Lethal Matrimony 2

By Gianna Jordan

NENE

"Oh my, Nene he's so cute. And small...look at his toes" Dara gushed. The baby made a sound and gave a sort of irritated look. "Look that face, he's already a snob.  Like his mom" Dara teased. Nene rolled her eyes and picked up the baby.

"Aunt Dara is crazy,  don't listen to her" Nene said. He opened his mouth and let out a cry, Cassie shook her head.  "I think he cries this much just to piss us off" Richard said coming into the room.

"Maybe it's a trait he got from the mother" Cassie winked. "Have you thought of names yet? the ceremony is in two days" Dara asked. "No" Richard said. "Although I've written down a list of names Nene might like to go through" Richard eyes flicked to Nene briefly.

"I already picked his first name, maybe you can pick a second" Nene replied. "Really?....you never mentioned it" Richard said calmly. Cassie sensed there was still bad blood between them so she cleared her throat.

"You know you two have to act civil for the baby. No child wants parents who fight and argue all the time" She said.

"Who made you counselor, adviser?" Nene asked icily. Whatever went on between her and Richard it was none of their business.

"Nene, Cassie is just trying to help" Dara said quietly.

"Richard and I are fine. We have a baby, that doesn't change anything between us" Nene said coldly.

Cassie frowned "For Christ's sake Nene, your pride will be the death of you. I'm leaving" Cassie got up and picked up her bag.

"Dara you should come with me" Cassie urged Dara who complied. "Come on Cassie, you aren't just going to leave this way na" Richard sighed.

"No, I'm giving you two space to talk. I'll be back, but before I leave...there is something you two should know. Richard, Nene loves you. She always has and Nene, Richard Is the only person who can put up with your shït. I don't know the circumstances of your first marriage but that's in the past. You two get your act together and get back together again. At least for the sake of your son" Cassie said and looked at the baby in Nene's arms. She nudged Dara and they left.

"Why didn't you tell me Nene?" Richard asked.

"Tell you what?" Nene asked opting to play dumb.

"That you had feelings for me..." Richard said.

Nene scoffed "Cassie is only planting ideas in your head. I don't have feelings for you, never did" Nene said and turned away with the baby.

"Your father came to me when you were pregnant, he told me that if I didn't marry you. He'd ruin my family, he'd force you to have an abortion. I married you out of duty, not because of wealth. The fifteen million remains untouched, it's not mine. It's for the baby" Richard said.

"It doesn't matter...." Nene said.

"It does, our marriage was doomed to fail from the very beginning. Because of your father's lies Nene, I know you're not cruel. You're hard to please but not cruel, if your father hadn't lied to you. We might have been happy" Richard said.

"What about Idara?" Nene asked. Wasn't Idara his miss perfect anymore, his soul mate?

"It our divorce to make me understand that Idara was never the one for me. Nene I'm sorry, if you're willing to try again then I'm ready" Richard said.

"You only want me now because you want to be closer to your son" Nene said.

"Is that what you really think, I've never seen a woman as stubborn and proud as you are Nene" Richard shook his head.

"Yet you still want me..." she smirked.

"I suppose it's a part of you I have to accept"

"I suppose I can cope with your annoying habits too" Nene said. Richard smiled a little, "You want to try again?" Richard asked.

"If you want to, then yes" Nene said.

"Of course I do, I want you back. This time things will be different" Richard looked at the baby.

"I know..." Nene twisted her lips. And she knew she was making the right decision, she did love him after all.

My apologies on delay, book will be completed shortly.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!

NENE

Nene watched Richard sleep on the couch in the room.  She rolled her eyes,  it wasn't like she was going to take the baby and run away in the middle of the night.

It was obvious he wasn't comfortable on the couch,  his long legs were cramped. She'd asked him to sleep in the guest room but he'd insisted on sleeping in her room.

"Richard" she shook him lightly at first but he didn't stir so she shook him roughly till his eyes fluttered open. His eyes focused on her and he shot up immediately, "Is he okay,  are you fine?  What's the matter Nene?" he asked looking worried.

"I'm fine, yes he's asleep. I want to talk, we might not have time to do that when he wakes up" Nene said. It had taken them hours to get him to sleep,  he was insatiable . He liked to be held and cried whenever he was put down to sleep.  Nene and Richard had taken turns before he finally fell asleep.

Nene briefly wondered how she would have coped if Richard wasn't with her.  She didn't even know a lot about babies. When they had brought him home, she didn't know what to do without him. It was Richard who had swung into action and handled him, he had a lot of experience in the baby department because he had a junior sister and his mum once ran a day care.

"I don't think we should talk now, go to bed" Richard said coldly.

" We have to address this issue, sooner or later we'll have to talk about it.  I say sooner than later" Nene insisted.

"What's there to talk about, as usual you decided to be selfish. You wanted to keep my son all to yourself, how could you tell me he was dead?!" Richard asked angrily but not loudly so he wouldn't wake their son.

"I wasn't being selfish, it was pure maternal protection instincts. And you want to talk about being selfish, Richard you started it.  You went behind my back to get a lawyer,  you wanted to divorce me!" Nene said frowning.

"What did you expect me to do? You can't even stay married to you Nene. You were driving me nuts, insane, crazy,  you made my life hell"  Richard said getting up.

"I made your life hell?  You weren't exactly the best husband Richard. Nothing I did ever pleased you,  you were always finding fault in my actions.  You spend to much Nene, you're too extravagant Nene! I stopped doing the laundry because you always complained everything I did it" she wanted to scream but then she remembered their son.

"I wasn't wrong was I?  You were always buying unnecessary expensive things. And anything I talked to you about it,  you'd end up screaming. Telling me it was your father's money, and speaking about laundry...the only time I ever complained was when you washed both my white shirts and the colored ones together. And you did that on purpose just to rile me up" Richard scoffed.

"You called your parents now and reported  every of our problems to them. Where are you parents now?" he sneered.

"I only called my parents because you treated me like a burden and not your wife"   Nene hissed.

"I never planned to have a wife Nene, but I would have endured it if at least you weren't so horrible to me,  and my family too.  Even if you hated me that much, my mother did nothing to you!" Richard said.

"You didn't like my father either" Nene spat.

"What's there to like about a man who threatened and forced me to marry his daughter?" Richard asked.

"Forced, don't you mean bribed Richard?" Nene hissed.

"I don't know what your father told you but he never paid me a penny to marry you" Richard was shaking with rage now.

"Yeah right? asides the fifteen million,  you got promoted.  From minor staff to CFO, you know you didn't deserve it Richard.  Suddenly you were living in a mansion, you had the expensive cars to go with it.  I know nothing about dad's business so you knew you would inherit it in his death. Don't you dare fûcking lie that you were forced to marry me.  You weren't!" Nene said glaring at him.

"I didn't want anyone of it, and what mansion?  I was slave in that house, the promotion was for your father's image, and the cars Nene! I had to ask for permission before you let me use them. Everything I got you angry, you seized the keys" Richard said.

"I'm sorry you didn't get what you signed up for, the easy submissive wife who would have let you control everything" Nene mocked.

"I didn't sign up for anything Nene, you're hardly my type.  If you weren't pregnant, I wouldn't have married you no matter what. You're a spoiled brat and you're also an overgrown baby.  Hopefully you'll start acting your age now that you have a child" Richard said harshly.

"Get out... "Nene said coldly.

"I'm not leaving, my son is here and I'm not leaving. You're going to have to get used to it" Richard returned back to his position on the couch. Nene hissed and went back to the bed.

They didn't speak in the morning either, or rather Nene wouldn't to talk to him.  Richard had asked a few questions but after a few monosyllabic  responses, he gave up.

In the afternoon, he called his mother who came along with his sister. Mrs Imoh was appalled and disgusted with what Nene and her Family had done but she didn't voice out her opinion. She only paid attention to the baby, Richard's sister Antonia on the other hand  had been vocal.

"You're a despicable piece of shit Nene,  I'm glad my brother divorced you. What kind of mother tells her husband that his child is dead?" Tonia hissed at Nene.

"You're such a terrible person that's why people stay away. That's why you're unloved and alone, and I'm sorry for your son because he'd have to settle for you as his mother" Tonia turned on her heels and walked away to go join her brother and her mother upstairs.

Tears stung Nene's eyes but she refused to shed any. She didn't expect love or anything but hate from Richard and his family. It wasn't fair anyway, how they all saw Richard as the saint and her as the devil.

He hadn't been the only unhappy in the marriage, she'd been unhappy too.  It's something no one would understand, Tonia was not entirely wrong.

She had been alone, now she had a baby. A son who would love her when he grew older.

Gianna

I was going to make the 'Nene' chapter longer. It's supposed to be the last chapter before the alternative chapter and the epilogue. I can't keep my eyes open, I'm sorry.

The story is almost over anyway, thanks for not giving up on my lazy ass

NENE

"You mean you won't be here for your first grandchild's christening!" Nene yelled over the phone.
"We're terribly sorry Nens but your father and I are busy.  Do remember to send us pictures okay?" her mother said in a rather calm voice.

Nene wiped her  angry tears away, "Fine, I don't need you. I've never needed you and I won't start now.  My son and I will be fine without you" Nene hissed.

"Now don't talk that way Nene,  your father and I wish we could be there with you but we can't sadly" Mrs Nwankwo said.

Nene hissed and ended the call immediately. She took calm breaths to keep herself from bursting into tears.

Turning into the cot beside her,  Nene looked at the infant sleeping in the cot. He looked so small and serene now,  the slightest sound would wake him up and he'd burst into loud angry tears.

He was just a day old now, her heart warmed and she smiled looking at his tiny socks covered toes. Right now he didn't look like her or his father yet and he was yet to open his eyes.

Richard walked into the ward and saw Nene  bent over a cot probably looking at the baby.
He stilled for a while before clearing his throat to catch her attention.

Nene turned sharply at the sound and saw her ex husband looking stone faced .
"Richard!" she gasped aloud. How did he know she was here,  as if she should ask. It was probably Dara or Cassie, most likely Cassie since she was closer to Richard.

"Is he awake?" Richard asked.

Nene shook her head and turned towards the baby's cot.

"What are you doing here?" Nene asked .

Richard glared at her but said nothing, he moved to the cot to look at the baby.

His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the life he'd created with Nene.

"Richard...I can explain" she started.

He held up his hand "Not now,  not now" Richard warned looking at his child, his son.  He felt a surge of fatherly love towards the little guy.

"That doesn't matter now,  all that matters is that I'm here. I'm with you and I'm with him" Richard said.

Nene burst into tears instantly, her parents weren't even here for her. It was Richard, Richard whom she'd scorned since they got married.

"I'm sorry" she stared in a rather loud voice. The baby stirred and let out a wail.

"It's okay, we'll talk later. Later okay?  Right now let's just focus on the baby" Richard said pulling her to his side.

Nene nodded, he was right. All that mattered now was their baby.

CASSIE

She'd felt like she was hallucinating when she saw Tobi in the living room early in the morning. He was dusting the furniture and putting things in order.

"Good morning" she murmured quietly. Her voice was so faint, he'd barely heard her.

"Good morning" he repeated. She looked like a rag doll. Her face was pale, her eyes looked lifeless. He walked up to her and cupped her face.

He wasn't seeing a cheat,  he was seeing his pregnant wife.  She looked very vulnerable, suddenly it didn't matter that she had slept with his half brother.  She was his pregnant wife, she needed him and he'd be there for her.

He regretted leaving her for so long, his own life had been meaningless while he'd been away.  At first he's been mad,  so mad that he wanted to commit murder. After being without her for days,  he began to miss her. She was rooted deep in his life and he couldn't leave her. He couldn't live without her either.

"I've missed you" Tobi said kissing her. He felt her surprise but said nothing about it.  "I missed you too, don't leave me again please Tobi.  It's been hard, please don't leave me" Cassie begged tears leaking out of the corner of her eyes.
"I won't leave, I won't leave you again.  Whatever the problem is, we'll iron it out now" Tobi said.
Cassie nodded and looked at him expectantly, what was going to happen now?
"After this discussion, there will be no more talk about Dele" Tobi said his eyes hardened at the name of that betrayer.
Cassie nodded again.
"I don't care about what happened between you two,  actually I do but I'd rather not think or talk about it.  You're my wife Cassie,  I love you. I made mistakes too but you forgave me,  so I forgive you. I just wanted you to know that it doesn't matter if you slept with Dele,  this baby is mine,  ours. There will be no talk about Dele, as  a matter of fact we won't be mentioning it to him.  There will be no paternity test,  the baby is mine and that's it" Tobi said looking at his wife intently.
"I love you so much Tobi,  thank you....
I don't know what I'll ever do without you.  I don't deserve you,  I know you don't want to talk about Dele again but please just here me out." Cassie said tears lacing her voice.

"Go on" Tobi said in a gentle voice.
"Dele means nothing to me, I hate him. At first I slept with him just to spite you. I was angry, I was angry that you'd cheated on me with on our wedding, the family cult and the children.  I wanted it to be a one time thing but Dele got out of hand.  He claimed he wanted revenge, that you'd done the same to him, later he claimed he was in love with me and wanted for himself. When I refused,  he'd abuse me.  He lied to you about Richard, I'm sorry Tobi.  I'm a terrible wife, I'm sorry. I love you, I love you and no one else" Cassie sobbed.

"I love you too, now we'll forget about Dele.   We'll never speak of him, we'll start afresh okay" Tobi kissed her again.

Cassie nodded and wrapped her arms around him. She silently thanked her stars .

How did she get so lucky?

DARA

Every eyes in the room watched Adanna's display.  She sat cross legged on the tiled floor and cried her eyes out while pulling her hair.
"Ada!  How could you?!" Mama spat.
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry.....it was the work of the devil. I'm sorry..." she cried hysterically.
"What devil Ada? The only devil here is you!" Mama glared at her.
How could she have done something so callous, she gambled with the life of the entire family simply because of her unending hatred for Dara! 
It was absolutely unacceptable, Mrs Okolie hissed outraged.

"I know we had our issues with your brother's choice but that was no excuse Ada. You put our lives in danger, you almost wrecked your brother's marriage! I can't forgive you for that, as a matter of fact I don't want you as my daughter anymore" Mama crossed her arms against her chest angrily. 

She was furious and her eyes dared everyone in the room to counter unrelenting decision. She refused to be placated by the pleas of her eldest daughter.

'Hmmm, if she's this mad how the hell am I supposed to feel?' Dara mused looking around the living room.
Ada might not have wrecked her marriage in the end but she's already done the worst.   She could never forgive or forget, what's done is done. 

Nothing could erase the memory of her own husband's accusations, her in laws mistreatment. Whatever Ada had done just showed  how well they hated her.

Mazi Uchendu simply stared at his raging sister in law and her daughter. The men were silent,  Dara remained silent. They'd excluded Oluchi from the meeting because they didn't want her to know that her sister had behind the devious acts.

"This issue ends here,  thanks to Dara's mother everyone is well. After this discussion here,  I don't want anyone to mention this anywhere else again. This issue dies here,  am I clear?" mazi asked in a steel like voice.

"Yes Mazi" surprisingly it was only Obinna, Dara and Ada that had responded. Jidenna, his mother and Emeka had remained silent still glaring at Adanna.

"Am I clear?!" Mazi's voice thundered this time.

"Ada has to apologize to Dara, I will only close this issue if she apologizes to my wife" Jidenna said.

Mazi sighed and turned to his niece who was already looking apologetic. "Dara I'm sorry, I don't know why I ever did such. I was blinded by rage and jealousy. I'm sorry, I was upset.  Jidenna had always put the family first before anything else,  it angered me that he was putting you first before the family" Ada sniffed.

"I thought I was family too?" Dara asked quietly.

"It's our fault Dara,  we were angry that Jidenna had married a Yoruba girl. We expected him to come home and marry the woman we'd groomed for him or at least bring home an Igbo girl. That's all in the past, you're not just my son's wife now. You're my daughter, you're family" Mrs Okolie said a bitter note in her voice.
If they'd not been so hung up in their own rage at Jidenna's choice of a wife,   the incident would not have happened.

"You've always been family,  I'm sorry we've not been treating  you like family" Mazi added.

Dara nodded and smiled a little, suddenly she didn't feel bitter anymore.
To forgive is divine,  she reminded herself.  And Pastor Lawal had told her that it was a burden to remain unforgiving, she didn't want that burden.

"I'm also sorry Dara,  I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me,  to forgive and forget everything I did to you" Obinna said looking guilty.

"I forgive you,  let's not speak of it.  I think we can all call this a blessing in disguise. It wasn't a good thing but it's brought us closer now.  I forgive you Ada, I forgive aunt chinyere, mama,  mazi and you too Jay" Dara said entwining her hands with her husband's.

Jidenna smiled half heartedly, just yesterday he'd gone on both knees and begged as if he's life depended on it, which was true in a way because his life would be meaningless without Dara in it. 

He had not stood by his wife when she needed him.  If the roles had been reversed, he knew Dara would stand firm for him no matter what. 

The difference between him and Dara was that she'd loved him with all her heart,  he on the other hand hadn't. He was terribly ashamed at that. He'd change, he'd be the best husband from now on.  He'd give her whatever she desired because she deserved it.

Emeka pulled his wife to her feet, he didn't need to scold her.  She'd gotten enough from her mother and uncle.

"I'm glad you've learnt your lesson, come on let's go home now.  Our daughters have missed you,  let's go home" He said.  Ada broke into tears and buried her head in his chest.

Indeed,  she'd learnt her lesson. A lesson she would never forget in a long time.

TEN

RICHARD

Richard rang the door bell twice before the door flew open.  Cassie's appearance blew him off,  she was wearing khaki coloured shorts and an oversized shirt that must belong to her husband. Her hair was a bird nest and she had tears stained cheeks along with red puffy eyes.

"Richard!" she cried and wrapped her arms around his neck.  "What the hell happened to you?" he asked pulling away to look at her face. Instead of responding, she broke into tears and clutched his shirt.

"Cassandra, deep breaths.  You'll be fine,  talk to me" Richard urged. She wouldn't stop crying so he picked her up and took her into the house.  He sat her down on a vacant chair and went over to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.  She looked like she needed it,  damn she looked like she needed a lot of things. Like a bath, food and sleep.

"Here" Richard handed her the glass of water.  "No thanks" she sniffed. 
"Take it Cassandra, don't be stubborn" Richard said.
Then she stretched out shaky hands and took the cup. She gulped down the water noisily.

"Can I get another?" she asked weakly.  "Yes,  you look like you need the whole bottle. What the hell is going on, everytime I see you nowadays you're in tears.  Is Tobi hurting you?" Richard asked frowning. Cassie shook her head and handed him the glass.

"Anything else?" Richard asked.
"Tea,  Toast,  I'm starving.  I haven't eaten in two days" Cassie's hand immediately went to her stomach.
"Would you like some pasta?" Richard asked sighing.
"Yes please...." Cassie said.

Richard took in her features again, "Cassie,  go take a bath. Pasta will be ready in a few minutes" Richard ordered.
Cassie wanted to object but she saw the hard look on his face and nodded.

When she came downstairs later,  he was was cutting up sausages and cooking them with tomato sauce.
"Thanks Richard" Cassie murmured. She was wearing blue cotton shorts now and a blue and white striped oversized shirt.

"Where is Tobi?" Richard asked sharply. "He's away....business" Cassie smiled weakly. She'd tried calling him since he left but he'd ignored every one of her calls.
She didn't have the courage to go look for him at work.

"You want to talk about it?" Richard asked. She shook her head "I'm fine really....I'm good.  Thanks for this, smells really appetizing" Cassie grinned.
Richard shrugged, it was nothing. He'd done more for Nene,  he was literally her errand boy/cook/laundryman amongst other things.
"You're welcome" He said pulling out a plate from the dish rack.

"Can I ask you something?" Cassie asked  Richard picking on a button on her shirt.
"Anything, C" he said looking at her intently now.
"Did you...did you...did you love Nene?" Cassie asked.
Richard appeared to be in thought for a while before he shook his head slowly.
"I can't call that Love, if she'd been easy perhaps it would have developed into love later. She didn't want love either,  I wasn't exactly her choice.  I'm  the poor gold digging man who supposedly raped her and she as always was the unsuspecting victim. You know how Nene can be" Richard cleared his throat and placed a plate of Pasta in tomato sauce in front of Cassie.
"You're wrong...she wanted love more than anything" Cassie said, her eyes watered. Maybe she should have told Richard sooner what Nene didn't have courage to tell him. Was it lack of courage or just plain pride?
Cassie suspected the latter.

Richard shook his head "She certainly had enough from her parents" he countered.

"Her parents gave her material things yes,  but not love.  They weren't exactly model parents, they were always jetting out to other countries for business. Nene on the other hand was placated with gifts, money,  credit cards, luxurious things. I was jealous of her while we were in school, she was the flashy one who always drew attention. A lot of people were surprised when we ended up being friends, I wasn't from a rich family like Dara and Nene. I was surprised when she spoke to me the first time in school, I thought her to the haughty and snobby.  She was but she could be an angel when she wanted to be. She told me all her problems, her secrets,  all her desires.
You see,  Nene dated sons of elites, wealthy people. I was surprised when she told me she had a massive crush on one Richard guy who worked in her father's company" Cassie said smiling a little at Richard's expression of disbelief.
"Me?" he asked.
"Yes, you silly. She used to talk about you all the time.  I was happy, for the first time she was thinking about wealthy people. She was in love with a struggling employee." Cassie chuckled.
"The same Nene who accused me of raping her amongst other things?" Richard asked.
"You know how dramatic she can be,  it was all an act.  Believe she was ecstatic when she got home, she couldn't remember anything but she was happy she'd spent the night with Richard" Cassie picked up her fork and swirled it round the pasta.

"If this is true, what changed? She was always mean and cold" Richard asked.
"Her father told her,  you'd said you'd only agree to marry her if you got  promoted. If you were paid,  he said you asked for fifteen million naira to marry Nene. I didn't believe that but Nene showed me proof of the account opened in your name with fifteen million naira sitting in it.  She was convinced you were a scheming, gold digger. That's why she acted that way towards you" Cassie finished, looking at Richard she waited for a response.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner Cassandra?" Richard looked bitter.

"I wanted to....but. I... It wasn't my place to tell you" Cassie said.

"I didn't ask Nene's father for anything, he came to me and told me that his daughter was pregnant and she claimed it was mine.  He asked how much it'd take for me to marry his daughter, I declined the offer of money. I didn't want to marry Nene either, I had someone else.  He began to threaten everyone around me,  he said if I didn't marry Nene he'd have her abort the baby. I didn't want that, my first child....I accepted.
He offered fifteen million, but not for me.  Even if the account was in my name, he made it clear that the money should be given to the child once he or she turned twenty one. I haven't touched a dime in that account, the money isn't mine.
I got promoted because Nene's father said it would be an insult for his son in law to be working as a lower staff in his company, I didn't ask for that either. Whatever he told Nene, it isn't true.  Tell her that, her father is  lying to her" Richard said.

Cassie shook her head "Tell her yourself" Cassie said.
"I would but she wouldn't see me,  she won't take my calls either" Richard explained.
"She doesn't want you to see her, well she's not at home now. She's at the hospital, I received a call last night that she....she'd....she'd given birth. I would have gone to see her but I can't. I'm not in the right frame of mind" Cassie sobbed quietly lowering her head.
"Given birth....what are you talking about?" Richard asked confused.
"She didn't lose the baby, she lied. Her parents and your lawyer came up with a plan to tell you the baby was dead.  She did take alcohol but the minute she started feeling strange, she drove to the hospital. She was fine,  then her mother suggested it" Cassie explained.
Richard's expression turned into a mixture of fury and betrayal.
"Nene has been pregnant all along? " he looked at Cassie upset.
Cassie nodded wiping tears off her face.
"How could you not tell me Cassandra?" Richard asked angrily.
"That's between you and Nene, your lawyer and her parents. I don't want to get involve, if you want to see her and your child you have to go to the hospital. Be there for her and when the time is right you two can iron out your problems" Cassie said.
"Cassandra..." Richard began.
"Please....just go.  Please" Cassie said tiredly.
Richard nodded and walked out of the kitchen.
He didn't know how to feel, elated at the birth of his child,  or furious at Nene's betrayal. Not just Nene,  Idara had also betrayed him.
He was beyond mad.

DARA

Dara's mother shocked her head in disbelief , while Dara just looked dumb struck. Pastor Lawal didn't have to tell them anything, Jidenna had told them exactly what he'd seen minutes ago.

It was trance like, it felt like he was dreaming but at the same time it felt real. Like he was there with Ada and the spiritualist. A spiritualist had destroyed his home, and he'd been foolish enough to turn to another one for help. How ignorant he was, the spiritualist had told him Dara was the problem. That he would need to bring his wife to the village and make certain sacrifices, he was going to do it.

Thank God, he'd come to Ibadan. He might have just worsened the entire situation.

"You know I did have a dream that something bad was going to happen to my child. I prayed about it, I'm sure that's why Dara was safe from whatever your sister had conjured for her. Imagine of she'd taken the car?" Dara's mother thought aloud.
"I can't believe Ada hated me that much, she'd put the entire family's life in danger. I'm confused though, why was Oluchi affected?" Dara asked Pastor Lawal.

"It affected Oluchi because she's the daughter of your mother in law. If Jidenna was not a man, he'd be sick too. This is the work of the devil, he tried to destroy your home. It's what he does, now we wouldn't want to give him that satisfaction" Pastor lawal shook his head.

Dara wondered if Jidenna would have indeed abandoned her had she been ill. She shook her head not knowing whether to cry or laugh, vindicated at last.

"Where are is mother now?" Pastor Lawal asked.

"She's in Lagos, at my house" Jidenna replied. He was bitter, how could Adanna do that?

"Would it be okay if we went to Lagos now?" Pastor Lawal asked.

"Yes pastor, we could go now. In a couple of hours we should be in Lagos" Dara said.

"Alright, let's say another prayer" Pastor Lawal said.

"Everything will be fine" Dara turned to Jidenna who still looked pained. He would have taken the news well, if it had been a stranger or maybe her.

It hurt her that he cared about his family than he cared for her but that was the least of their problems now. The important thing was to make sure his mother and sisters for well.

"Will it, am I supposed to just forget about this and forgive Ada as if nothing happened?" Jidenna asked.

"Yes, forgiveness is important. You have to forgive your sister, I know you're angry and bitter but you must forgive her. Nobody is perfect, we all have our short comings but God forgives us. And he expects us to do the same when Someone hurts us, or offends us" Pastor Lawal said.

Jidenna looked at Dara and wondered if she'd forgive him, or if she'd forget too.

"This goes for you too Oluwadarasimi, I know you're angry, your husband hurt you. Your sister in law tried to harm you but you also have to forgive. When we fail to forgive, we carry a burden with us forward" Pastor Lawal turned to Dara.

Dara looked away, forgive and forget. That sounded too foreign right now. Could she ever forget this even if she did forgive her husband?

Obinna was the one who had answered the door. If he was surprised when he saw Dara and her mother and the stranger, he didn't show it.

"You didn't tell me you were coming home today. Mazi just left to go and buy most of the things that was requested" Obinna said once they'd settled down.

"Call him and tell him, there's no need for that" Jidenna frowned.

"What do you mean, I assume you brought her here so we could go to the village tomorrow" Obinna said. He eyed his soon to be ex sister in law.

"No one is going to the village Obinna, where is aunty Chinyere?" he asked.

"What do you mean no one is going to the village, do you want mama to die?" Obinna asked alarmed.

"No one is dying" Jidenna said and turned to Pastor Lawal. "Pastor, what needs to be done?" he asked.

Obinna's eyes widened, so he had gone to Ibadan to bring a pastor. Once again his devilish sister in law had fooled his brother.

"Pastor? Wait a minute. How are sure he's genuine, what if this witch had paid him to come and deceive us?" Obinna asked furiously.

"Shut up Obinna, Dara isn't responsible for anything. If anyone's a witch it's Adanna, she's responsible for this" Jidenna said.

"Nonsense, you've been charmed" Aunt chinyere came into the living room.

"No you two listen to me, my patience is running thin. Obinna call Emeka and get him to come here, aunt chinyere if you won't participate in the prayers then leave now" Jidenna said with a note of finality.

The two looked at him as if he was running mad but they didn't protest. They simply glared at the trio behind him convinced Dara was manipulating Jidenna again.

Pastor Lawal turned to Aunt Chinyere. "You won't join in the prayer till you've gotten that fetish thing off you. We'll all ask for forgiveness from God before beginning the deliverance" He said.

Aunt Chinyere gasped "It's protection from this woman" She protested. Dara looked at her in disbelief, so this woman was convinced she was a witch.

"Take it off aunty please, let's do what we have to do. Obinna don't make me remind you to call Emeka again" Jidenna said.

Obinna nodded and dipped his hand in his pocket to bring out his phone while aunt Chinyere removed the bead around her waist.

Dara's mother's eyes widened, what kind of family was her poor daughter married into for God's sake?
She couldn't wait for the drama to end.




To be continued..........

DARA

"you shouldn't have told your mother" Jidenna said coldly. Dara ignored him, she looked forward to the next day.
"Dara....somethings are bound to stay within us" He said. "Did you think about that before your extended family came into our home, you disgust me" Dara said spitefully.
Jidenna dropped the discussion not wanting to offend her, he could see she was on the edge. Dara rolled her eyes and got into bed, she threw him one of the pillows and a blanket.

"What's this for?" he asked. "That should tell you where you're sleeping" she hissed. "What is it with you Dara, you think you're the only one angry? I'm mad at you too. First you out me to your friend and now your mother, now she's going to tell her whole church about our predicament!" Jidenna yelled at her.

"You want to do this now? Your brother accused me of witchcraft in front of our doctor, he's been harassing me. Your aunty, your uncles. You know the funny part of it, Emeka of all people believes me but not my husband. I'm ashamed of you!" Dara yelled.

"Emeka?" Jidenna asked. "Yes, Emeka. Your brother in law, just shut up and let me sleep." Dara hissed before switching off the light.

The next morning, they'd been on their best behavior. "No arguments you two. You will listen to whatever the pastor tells you without protests" Dara's mother said while fixing her Gele right before they left the house.

The drive from the house to the church was just one hour. Dara wondered what exactly the pastor would say, she wondered if it was one of his uncles that was responsible for what was happening. She shuddered thinking about those Africa magic movies she used to watch. Now her life was one big movie.

Jidenna on the other hand brooded silently. He thought of people he might have offended, business partners, ex girlfriends. He hadn't exactly been faithful to Dara while they were dating, she'd been keeping her virginity for marriage. After their marriage however, he'd discarded those other girls. He couldn't think of anyone who would do that, his mind strayed to one woman from his past that was still in his life.

It was years ago, back when Dara was still in the University and he was still struggling to get someone to invest in his business ideas. He'd told Dara he simply could not wait for her anymore, back then he wasn't even sure he wanted to marry Dara. She wasn't really his type, too serious about life for her own good.

Dara had stuck to her guns and told him that she wasn't going to give in. She was waiting till marriage and that was it. So naturally, he'd ended the relationship, weeks later he'd met Jenifer.

He probably would have married Jenifer, but she didn't want to get married. She said she'd seen what marriage did to people, her parents. Nothing he said could convince her to consider marriage.

Then Dara had showed up again and helped him, marrying her just felt right. He did care for her and love her in his own way. He and Jenifer had remained Platonic friends even after his marriage, they were still friends. Jenifer couldn't do that, he trusted her.

"We're here" Dara's mother announced. Dara sighed and got out of the car with her mother, Jidenna sent a quick text to Emeka before getting out of car.

Pastor Lawal had counselled them before their marriage and was quite appalled to hear the story. "I'm surprised your even consider such fetish belief Jidenna, and You Dara why didn't you contact me earlier?" he shook his head.

Dara sighed, he was right. God always had the answer to everything, she didn't even go to church these days.

"Anyway, it's never too late. Call your mother, we'll all pray to God. Whatever the problem is, God will reveal to us" Pastor Lawal smiled.

Truth was, he'd seen the problem before they'd stepped into the room. When Dara's mother called him last night, he'd prayed with her over the issue.

God had revealed the problem to him in a dream last night, he could easily tell them what the problem was right now but he could see Jidenna's lack of faith and knew he wouldn't believe it.

'Please God, show this young man yourself and lead him to the right path' Pastor sent a silent prayer to God right before Dara's mother joined them.

CASSIE

"You weren't supposed to find that" Cassie said nervous. "Why? you knew I had my suspicions. Why didn't you tell me you also had suspicions? I'm assuming you're noticing some symptoms" Tobi said looking at Cassie intently.

"I was going to, I didn't want to get your hopes up in case it didn't turn out positive" Cassie said. It was more lie than truth, she didn't plan on telling Tobi at all.

"Let's go upstairs" Tobi stood up and walked to her taking her hand. "Now? Can't I take it after our dinner date?" Cassie asked. "No....aren't you at least curious? I want to know now before anticipation might kill me" Tobi chuckled.

Cassie swallowed the huge bile in her throat and sent a silent prayer to God. 'Negative lord, please negative' she closed her eyes briefly.

Tobi sensed her resistance and lifted her into his arms like she weighed nothing. He suspected she didn't want a baby now because she didn't want any of their children involved in the family cult.

He'd also been talking to his mother about it, the cult was absolutely harmless. More about the protection than anything else but if it made Cassie that uncomfortable, he didn't want their children to be party of it.

"You don't have to come into the bathroom with me" Cassie protested. "I want to, don't tell me you're embarrassed. I'm your husband not your boyfriend" Tobi said strongly taking her into the bathroom. He set her down beside the tub.

Cassie's eyes watered. If the test turned out positive, she'd have to tell him the truth. There will be no way out of this, no abortion just the truth. And the truth will shatter him and ruin whatever that's between them.

She stretched out her hand for the kit and did the necessary while Tobi watched curiously. "So what next, how many minutes do we have to wait?" Tobi asked.
"This one says we have to wait for ten minutes, I'll leave it on the sink. We'll check it in ten minutes, if it has a pink stripe then it's possitive" Cassie explained.

Tobi looked at his watch and smiled. "Alright" he said. He didn't need to test to tell him that She was pregnant, he'd noticed a few things himself. He noticed her tensed state and sighed "I won't put our children in danger" he said.

"What?" Cassie looked up confused. "The family cult, that's why you're nervous right. I won't put them in danger, I'll talk to the family. If there is a way to leave our kids out of it, I'll let you know" Tobi said.

"It's not that...I'm not worried about that" Cassie said. She looked at the test on the sink. Why not just screw it all and tell him now?

"Then what is it? you look like you've been dipped into ice cold water. What's the matter?" Tobi asked.

Cassie shook her head and walked out of the bathroom. She went straight to bed and pulled the duvet over her body. "Cassandra, I won't know what the problem is until you tell me" Tobi came to sit beside her.

"Let's just wait for the test" She muttered. Tobi nodded and came to lie beside her. One arm circled her waist and he buried his face into her neck. "Relax" he said, he could feel her heart pounding. "You're going to give yourself a heart attack Cassie" He said rubbing her belly.

She was going to cry, she was going to cry really soon. If only she could go back in time and stop herself from making the biggest mistake of her life. One night with consequences, she hadn't even seen the test yet but her guts told her it would be positive.

"It's ten minutes, you want to come with?" Tobi asked. "No, go check it yourself. Tell me what it says" Cassie whispered. She didn't have the strength to get up to go check it herself.

Tobi pulled away from her and went to go check the test. Cassie waited, her heart almost in her throat. He came out grinning and that told her exactly what the result was.
"Pink stripes" he announced. Her heart beat increased, she couldn't breathe. She tried to sit up but failed. "Cassie, Cassie, breathe. You're having a panic attack, breathe" Tobi pulled her up gently to sit up and rubbed her back.

"You're fine, we're fine. We're going to be fine, it's okay. Breathe for me, for us, for the baby" Tobi soothed her.

The baby, her heart pounded. She was having a baby. Tobi or Dele's baby, the tears came. Loud, heartbreaking sobs that shook her body frame. Tobi was confused, what exactly was wrong with Cassie.

"Cassie stop this, talk to me. What's the problem?" he rubbed her back.

"You don't understand!" she sobbed. "Then make me understand" Tobi said gently. Cassie shook her head, she didn't want to tell him. She had to tell him, he'd find out sooner or later. Or never, if the baby turned out to be his.

"I don't know...i..." words failed her. Tobi coaxed her gently trying to get words out of her.

"I slept with Dele too" she blurted out. There, the truth was out in the open. Cassie bowed her head in shame, tears still streaming down her face.

Tobi froze and pulled away to look at her. "What?" He asked. She wouldn't say anything else, she couldn't. Tobi looked at her in shock. "My brother...?" he asked.

Maybe the blow wouldn't have hurt that much if she'd said Richard, or maybe a total stranger. "I...I'm sorry....I don't know whose baby I'm carrying. Yours or Dele's, I don't know..." Cassie said drawing tiny breaths to calm her nerves.

"It was a mistake, I was angry at you. I wanted to...i wanted to get back at you for cheating on me" Sob... " It was supposed to be one night, but he forced me the second time. And the next, he started blackmailing me. I'm sorry" she sobbed.

Tobi got out of the bed looking at her in disbelief. All she was saying was gibberish, all he could here was her saying she'd slept with his brother.

He walked out of the room, her betrayal stung deep. If Dele was still in this house, he'd be dead. As for Cassie, he didn't know what do with her. It was better for both of them if he stayed away.