₦airaland Forum

DARA

"I loved you, after everything I've done for you. I can't believe you'd accuse me of hurting your family" Dara turned to her husband, only he didn't feel like her husband these days. He'd turned against her and that alone was the ultimate betrayal.

"What would I gain from hurting your family, what? Your family has always been paramount over any other thing. Over me, over my desires, over my needs, over what I want. Since the moment you hit it big, you put them before me. You forgot I was the one who helped when you had nothing" Dara clutched her chest.

"That's enough Dara, you've always been against my family. It was only natural for you to be prime suspect" Jidenna said.

"Even if everyone goes against me, aren't you supposed to support me. I'm your wife Jidenna but apparently I mean nothing to you. I'm not going to fool myself any longer that I mean anything to you, if you want a divorce that's fine" Dara sniffed turning away.

"I don't want a divorce, Dara please you have to understand. When I went to the spiritualist he said you are the root of the problem, you have to come with me to the village" Jidenna said.

"I'm not going anywhere with you! You've insulted me enough, go to your spiritualist. Listen to his lies, I did nothing to your family. If you don't believe me then I want nothing to do with you, you don't deserve to be my husband" Dara crossed her arms.

"I won't let any harm come to you, he just has to see you to know exactly what to do. Come with me, prove to me you have nothing to do with whatever happened to my mother" Jidenna asked.

"I did nothing to your mother, I don't have to prove anything to you" Dara protested.

"Dara, my mother might die. My sisters, please. Quit being stubborn, I beg you" Jidenna said.

"Why should I listen to you? Look at the way your family maltreated me. You stood there and did nothing. I want nothing to do with your family, please. I will go to you to the church but I won't risk my life by going to the village with you" Dara said with a note of finality.

Tears clouded her vision when she remembered what he'd put her through with his family.

"I won't let any harm come to you, I promise" Jidenna said.

"Promise, you've promised me a lot. Which have you fulfilled? Do you remember your vows on the altar, to love and protect me? How have you protected me, do you you even love me? You don't! if you did, you wouldn't let me suffer" Dara screamed at him.

The noise attracted her mother who came into the living room. "Dara, Jidenna. It's high time you told me what is going on" her mother said looking at the duo suspiciously.

She'd suspected the very minute she saw Dara that her daughter was not fine. Dara looked frail and sad, she'd poked her daughter for answers but got nothing.

Now Jidenna was here and she'd been hearing a screaming match. "What's the matter, Dara looks unhappy and you don't look well either" Dara's mother asked.

"We're fine" they chorused despite the strained air.

"I don't believe that, I'm going to ask one last time. What's going on here?" Her mother asked, eagle eyes looking at the couple.

Dara broke into tears, she really hated other people in her business but she was hurting. "We're going through some crisis, Jidenna's mother is terribly Ill. Doctor's can't find anything wrong with her, his two sisters are also going through the same thing" Dara rubbed her forehead.

"Why am I just hearing this?" Dara's mother asked.

"We wanted to keep it a secret" Jidenna said coldly.

"Only that it's not such a secret, Jidenna's family are aware. They think I'm responsible for it" Dara explained weakly.

"Jidenna, what nonsense is that? You tell your people that I raised my daughter properly, she's not so callous or vile" Dara's mother hissed.

"Can you imagine, kini iru ọrọ idoti ni pe?" Dara's mother hissed. "Have you seen a pastor?" she asked.

"He went to a native doctor" Dara hissed painfully.

"Babalawo? I wasn't under the impression that I gave my daughter to a man who indulged in such native practices" Dara's mother said coldly.

"The family suggested it" Jidenna said.

"And you aren't man enough to dismiss such nonsense, I can imagine what you've put my daughter through" Her mother said shaking her head.

"Ma..." Jidenna began but Dara's mother held up her hand.

"No! Tomorrow we are going to see my pastor. Enough is enough! where ever the problem is from,We will deal with it" Dara's mother said with a note of finality.

Jidenna sighed and made no other arguments, his mother in law never took no for an answer. The decision had been made, he looked forward to the next day.

RICHARD

"I've been trying to reach you for hours. Whatever happened to your phone?" Idara said entering Ms Imoh's kitchen.
His phone had been on the table beside him but he hadn't answered when he saw Idara's call.
Early this morning, he'd dialed Nene's number with his mother's phone. She picked but had ended the call the minute she found out it was him.
Did she really hate him that much, was there no ounce of compassion for him? Didn't she understand how he was feeling? He'd lost his baby and he still hadn't been able to reach the mother for Christ sakes.

"Richard what's wrong with you, you look so depressed. I don't like it" Idara hissed.

"Depressed? I'm not depressed. Just furious, I don't know why Nene wouldn't stop being selfish. She wouldn't talk to me, I'm sure she's moved on with her life. Luxury trips, extravagant shopping trips but I've not. I need to talk to her" Richard said picking up another plantain.

"Nene has moved on Richie, she's fine! She doesn't want to talk about the baby probably because she's still upset. Leave her alone, move on with your life. I'm here for you" Idara took his hand.

Richard nodded absently. "What are you cooking?" Idara asked.

"Plantain and Eggs, Tonia is coming home today. I want to make dinner for her and mum" Richard said.

"Antonia! I'm staying for dinner. Can't wait to see her, when was the last time she came home?" Idara asked about Richard's younger sister.

"My wedding. She said she has business in Lagos. Maybe she'll stay for a while this time, I miss her too" Richard chuckled thinking about his hard headed sister that had relocated to Benin Republic after her youth service.

"Let me help with the egg sauce. What ingredients did you get? " Idara asked dropping her arm bag.

"I never liked that Nene girl, very haughty girl" Tonia hissed.

"Tonia, you shouldn't say that. Your brother's wife had faults but..." Idara cut Richard's mother off.

"Ex wife" she said.

"Ex wife" Ms Imoh frowned and turned back to her meal.

"Thank you Id, you freed my brother from the claws of that witch. Tell me, what's going on between you two. Now that the witch is out of the picture, will you start dating again?" Tonia asked Idara.

"Your brother doesn't need a relationship now" Ms Imoh said.

"Actually we're working on it. You know how compatible Richard and I have always been" Idara winked.

Ms Imoh rolled her eyes and picked up her plate. "Tonia, I'm going to bed. Tell Richard to see me when he gets back. Idara it's getting late, when are you leaving?" she asked.

"I'm sleeping over, Tonia and I have a lot to catch up on. Good night ma" Idara said.

"Alright, goodnight girls" Ms Imoh left the duo alone.

"Tonia you have to help me, you know how much I love your brother. I've tried everything but he's still hung up on his ex wife, please. And your mother is not happy with me, you're my only ally" Idara said when Ms Imoh was out of hearing.

"No problem Id, you're good for my brother. You're the kind of wife Richie needs, I'll help you. I'll talk to mum too" Tonia promised.

"Thank you so much. Thank you" Idara said smiling gratefully.

"It's nothing, so how is work?" Tonia asked.

"Challenging, you know I'm a big girl na. I always take the bull by the horn, Akwa Ibom no dey carry last" Idara said.

"Yes o!" Tonia cheered.

"Oh and Richie told me you're here for business. Are you still into clothing?" Idara asked.

"Yes, business is good. I'm also here for something else. The Nigerian bobo I just recently hooked, his name is Afonye. I call him Afy for short, Afy he's an OB/GYN. He works at KTrust hospital. He wants me to meet his family, if everything goes out well. We'll be getting married before the year runs out" Tonia gushed.

"Oh my God, wow! I must be your chief bridesmaid. When are we meeting him, does Richard know yet?" Idara asked.

"No, you know how protective Richie is. Don't tell him yet, I'll tell him myself. It's only mum that knows" Tonia said.

"Okay lips sealed" Idara said. She grinned, if she was lucky too perhaps Richard will marry her soon.

NINE

CASSIE

Cassie sighed the minute she walked out of the pharmacy . She looked at the home pregnancy test kit in hand and sighed again.
She could have taken it in the bathroom at the pharmacy like the attendant had suggested but she didn't.
What it the test turned out positive, what could be worse than that. She's break down into tears and refuse to leave the pharmacy.

Shoving the tests into her bag, she squared her shoulders and walked to her car. This is no time for tears or breakdowns, if at all the test turned out positive she'd book an appointment with a doctor who would get rid of it.

She wouldn't take her chances at all, the baby could be Tobi's or Dele's. She wouldn't make the mistake of waiting for a paternity test to tell. Besides, she didn't even want a baby in her life right now.

She got into her car before dialing her husband's number. Tobi answered before the caller tone ended. "Hey baby, where are you?" Tobi asked.

"I went to see Nene, I'm coming back home. Do you want me to pick up anything for you on my way?" She asked driving out to the parking lot.

"No, I'm going to the airport in a few minutes. Dele is leaving for Singapore today, I'm dropping him off" Tobi answered.

Dele is leaving? Hallelujah to that. It was obvious he'd gotten bored of tormenting her. She on the other hand had learned to bite and retaliated everytime he offended her.

She knew he was the one who had planted the idea in Tobi's mind that she was having an affair with Richard. Stupid, lying, arseholë. And Tobi had been trusting enough to believe it, as if she'd ever have an affair with Nene's ex.

"Okay honey, what do you want for dinner?" Cassie asked.

"Is it okay if we dine out tonight? Get ready before I get back home yeah?" Tobi asked.

"Sure, we could do something foreign. How about that Indian Cuisine at Ikoyi. I'm in the mood for something spicy and tangy" Cassie suggested. Anything less made her queasy, she certainly did not want to throw up in public and arouse Tobi's suspicions the more.

This morning when they were making love he'd casually mentioned to her that her breasts were tender like that of a pregnant woman and then his palm had moved to her stomach. She knew he had this suspicions because he'd been around a few pregnant women to know when one was. Better to hurry and take care of the problems.

"Okay anything you want b" Tobi replied. Cassie ended the call and made a mental note to call Dara the minute she got home.

She didn't expect to see Dele and Tobi when she got home. She'd expected them to be on their way to the airport but they were still lounging around the living room when she got home.

She walked to her husband and dropped a Kiss on his lips. "Dele" she acknowledged coldly before sitting.

"I thought you were leaving" She schooled her voice to sound normal, uninterested and not anxious and wary.

"Not without saying goodbye to my favorite sister in law. I'm going to miss you, your cooking and everything. Take care of my brother okay?" Dele winked.

"I always do" Cassie faked a smile.

Dele's eyes crinkled and he brought out his phone. "A picture before I leave?" He asked staring at Cassie openly.

"Okay, sure" Cassie leaned closer and smiled as the flash went off.

"Thank you Cassie, I won't forget you" Dele said before standing up. Cassie looked at him with venom in her eyes, if looks could kill he'd be dead in seconds.

"Okay b, let me drop Dele at the airport. I'll be back soon" Tobi kissed Cassie. He was oblivious to the tension in the room. Couldn't see the glares Dele was getting or the winks Dele was sending.

"Never mind brother, let me take a cab. I'll call you when I land" Dele said picking up his back pack.

Good riddance, Cassie thought placing her hand on her husband's shoulder to keep him from protesting. "Good bye Dele" For life, hopefully.

"Have a Safe trip" I hope you crash and burn, Cassie smiled and waved.

"Bye Cassandra" And Dele was gone, out of her life for good.

"I know it sounds odd, but I'm going to miss him" Tobi grinned. "Really?" Cassie said sourly. She moved to the kitchen to get a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Get a lemon soda for me please" Tobi requested. He moved to sit on the chair again but Cassie's bag fell off.

Frowning, he picked up the bag and looked at the contents on the floor. A mint gum, a pack of wipes, sunglasses and.....

"Here's your soda" Cassie walked back into the living room and saw the test kit in her husband's hand.

Her chest constricted, and she closed her eyes briefly. What happens next?

Tobi answered her silent question. "Take the test immediately" he said.

DARA

Nene gasped looking at her frail friend, she couldn't believe that the once bubbly Dara had lost her liveliness. "Dara what happened?" she asked a look of pity on her face.

It was the look Dara hated the most, she didn't need pity from anyone. That was the major reason Dara didn't tell her friends or anyone else what had been going down in her house.

"Her bloody husband and his family have been maltreating her" Cassie said.

"That's enough Cassie, can we not talk about it. Please I just need a shut eye right now" Dara held up her hand.

"Let me get you a pill and a glass of water. Something to make you sleep well, you look really worn out" Nene offered.

"Thank you Nene" Dara said with a small smile.

"I can't believe the nerve of that guy, anyway I don't blame him. It's the man of the house I blame" Cassie hissed.

"Cassie would you let it be? you shouldn't talk about Jidenna that way, he's still my husband" Dara snapped.

"Are you for real, a husband who would let his junior brother manhandle his wife. What kind of husband is that? If I hadn't taken you out of the house imagine what they would have done to you. By the way, how come you never told me what was happening?" Cassie asked looking upset.

"Because of the way you're acting now, I just told you I don't want to talk about it and you're still bringing it up. Cassie please let it go, can't you see how much I'm hurting already?" Dara yelled at her.

"I'm sorry" Cassie muttered. Nene came back after a few minutes with a bottle of sleeping pills and a bottle of water. "Here, help yourself" Nene said handing pill and the water to Dara.

"Thanks Nene" Dara smiled. "No problem, you can use my bedroom. Dara I don't think you should go back to that house for now, why don't you stay here for sometime till everything dies down" Nene suggested.

"That's my decision to make, right now my head isn't in the right place. Let me sleep" Dara frowned. Won't they just stop bugging her?

She dropped the bottle of water and the pills on the table before heading to Nene's bedroom upstairs. Drowsiness set in immediately she laid on the bed, she let the wave of sleep take her.


'Is she still asleep?'......'Shush, you'll wake her up'.
'She's been asleep for hours, she needs to wake up and eat something. I doubt she had anything yesterday'.

The continuous murmurs woke Dara up, her eyes slowly took in her surroundings before she remembered what had happened the previous day.
", how do you feel?" Cassie asked immediately she noticed Dara was awake.
"I need water" Dara said In a throaty voice.

Nene quickly handed her friend the bottle of water by the bed side.
"You girls need to stop fussing over me, I'm a grown aśś woman. Nene shouldn't you be worried about your baby's health" Dara said after gulping down the water in the bottle.

"My baby is fine!" Nene snapped.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I just don't want to be a burden. I'm not the first married woman with marital problems" Dara said.

"We all have problems but Dara have you seen yourself? That's enough to keep us on our toes. You're a sister to me, your problem is my problem. I won't let you face it alone" Cassie insisted.

Dara smiled and nodded. At least there were still some people who cared about her. People who would trust her no matter what, something Jidenna had failed too. Her chest bubbled with hurt again.

"Can I have a phone please, I think it's time I call my parents" Dara said.
"Sure, use mine" Nene offered handing her Dara her phone.
Dara collected the device and dialed in her mother's number.
Her mother answered at the first ring.

"Hello"
"Hello mummy, it's Dara" Dara began.
"Dara, Dara! Dara what happened to your phone. I've been calling you since yesterday, you've not been answering" Her mother said.
"I was not with my phone, I'm sorry about that" Dara said calmly.
"That's fine, Your father and I wanted to talk to you. Jidenna called yesterday and said he was coming to see us tomorrow, he kept it brief but he said it was really important" Her mother said.

Dara panicked, why did Jidenna want to see her parents.
"The way he sounded had me worried. He's never been so short with me. Is there a problem?" her mother asked.
"Mummy, I'll be coming to Ibadan straight away. We will talk when I get there" Dara said.
"Okay, no problem. I'll be expecting you, take care honey" her mother said.
Dara ended the call.

"Jidenna is going to Ibadan tomorrow, I should be there too. I only pray that my brothers aren't around" Dara shook her head.
"Go take a shower, I'll drop you off at the park" Cassie said.
"Thank you C, I only hope this matter doesn't escalate. You know how my brothers can be" Dara said.
"Whatever Jidenna gets that's what he deserves" Cassie hissed.

Dara sighed and shook her head, didn't they understand that whatever that would happen would affect her big time?

CASSIE

Cassie looked at how pale Dara had grown within the past few weeks.
"You told me it was nothing serious" Cassie frowned.
"It's not, everything is fine Cassie. We're handling it" Dara replied.
"Handling what exactly? Just look at you for the love of God!" Cassie shouted.

"Who was that woman that was yelling obscenities when I entered the house?" Cassie demanded.
"That's Jidenna aunt, just ignore her" Dara said.
Cassie shook her head in disbelief, Dara was being tight lipped as usual. She suspected something more was going down.
"I'm not leaving this house without you, marriage is not by force. Why is letting his family treat you so badly?" Cassie asked.

The buxom woman came downstairs again a haughty look on her face.
"Witch, you have brought your fellow witch here. My nephew is coming back and by the time he gets back, you will tell them exactly what you did to his mother and sisters. If you don't talk, I personally will kill you" the woman said.
Cassie narrowed her eyes at the woman, 'did she just call her and Dara a witch?' She wondered.

She turned back to Dara "Hey, Dara. What's going on here? Talk to me" Cassie said.
Dara sighed and buried her head in her hand.
"If you don't talk, wo, emi yoo lọ si Ibadan ki o sọ fun awọn obi rẹ pe awọn ọkọ rẹ fẹ lati pa ọ ni Lagos. What sort of nonsense is this?" Cassie asked in a raised voice.

"It hasn't gotten to that, there's no need to call my parents. You know how Jidenna's family behave, ignore her" Dara shrugged.

"Dara, talk to me. Talk to me this instant, you think I'm joking about going to Ibadan to call your parents" Cassie said.

"Cassandra, please just stop! Jidenna's mother and sisters are in the hospital. They came down with something beyond medical knowledge. Jidenna and his family thinks it's spiritual, his aunt is just here to watch over the house" Dara said.

Cassie who knew how to put two and two together to get ten turned to Dara and gasped. "Your husband thinks you're responsible for their condition" Cassie said.

"Don't be ridiculous" Dara frowned.

"Do you think I'm stupid Cassie, why would that woman say such if they don't think you're responsible?" Cassie asked.

"Forget it, you don't look well Cassie. Have you seen a doctor?" Dara asked changing the topic.

Cassie hissed, just last week she thought she'd gotten her period. Turns out that the spotting wasn't her period, she knew she should go to the doctor for a check up but she dreaded it.

She didn't want to find out she was pregnant, she suspected it but she preferred to be in denial.

"Don't change the topic" Cassie hissed.
"I'm not trying to, I'm just concerned" Dara said.

Cassie was about to speak when she heard the horn of a car. She saw how Dara paled instantly and gripped her dress.

'Thank God I'm here for her today' Cassie thought, she could only imagine what Dara had been going through.

Both sat and waited for his family to come into the house.
Obinna rushed in first and quickly headed towards the duo.

"What did you do with mother?" He shouted. He didn't wait for her to reply before pulling her by the arm.

Cassie got up instantly "What do you think you're doing?" she asked Obinna.

Jidenna and an older man walked in next, before the buxom aunt came out to the sitting room.

"Obinna, my son. No need for that" The older man said.

"Leave him let him deal with her, witch. You think you can get away with ruining my sister and my nieces?" The woman said angrily.

"Jidenna are you going to stand there and watch your family tear your wife apart? You are a shameless man, the worst kind of husband that's what you are" Cassie spat angrily before turning to Dara.

"We're leaving, and I swear to God who made who made me if any of you try to stop us from leaving this house you'll be sleeping in a cell tonight" Cassie hissed before pulling her friend away.

If Dara didn't know how to make decisions, then she'll make decisions for Dara

DARA

Obinna glared openly at Dara, "You better start talking" he said. Dara looked at Jidenna and Obinna confused. "Obinna what are you talking about?" she asked her brother in law. "You tell me, mama, Ada and now Olanna. Everyone is suddenly falling ill" He glared harder. Dara saw Jidenna's eyes flick to her direction briefly .

"What has that got to do with me?" she asked hoping he was not trying to suggest that she was responsible for the Illness affecting the family. "If all the females in the house are falling sick then why are you still standing here. It's been three days and nothing has happened to you" Obinna yelled. Dara looked at him open mouthed and turned to Jidenna, but he still said nothing.

"Jidenna, are you listening to your brother?" she asked. He remained silent, his expression hardening. "I've been waiting for you to slump or develop something, come to think of it you've never liked Ada or mama around. I don't know what Ola did you but you probably decided this was the best way to get rid of them. Why are you even here? pretending like you care. You should be in the house gloating, you wanted them out of the house and you've gotten your wish haven't you. Witch" Obinna said venomously.

"Obi that's enough!" Jidenna cautioned.
"No, let him. He's been going on for a while now and you said nothing about it. You let him insult me, why are you stopping him now?" Dara asked hurt. She couldn't believe that Jidenna wouldn't defend her against those accusations.

"What did you do to my mother and my sisters?" Obinna asked. Dara swallowed the huge bile in her throat and looked away tears in her eyes.
She'd been at the hospital all along almost going insane with worry, it hurt that even her own husband would suspect that she had something to do with his mother's illness.
"Things are going to get really hot for you if you don't start talking, I give you twenty four hours" Obinna said.
"Jidenna...do you really think I'd do something to hurt your family?" she asked.
"What do you want me to think?" he asked coldly. Dara's heart sank at the statement.

"What kind of woman do you think you married?" She asked him. "Not now Dara" Jidenna warned. "No, talk to me. You think I'd hurt your family" She said in disbelief.
"I said not now Dara, fücking shut up and let me think!" Jidenna snapped. "Fine, let me tell you Jidenna. When this mess clears up and my name is cleared, you no longer have a wife. I would trust you with my life but you do the same" Dara shook her head in disbelief before moving far away from where he was.

The doctor showed up later and asked three of them to come into the office.
Jidenna and his brother walked in front while Dara walked to the office at a slower pace.

"We've ran every test Mr Okolie, we can't seem to find what's wrong with your mum and sister. What I'm going to tell you is highly unprofessional but I'm a Nigerian and I believe in traditional powers too. Mr Okolie what ever that is wrong with your mother must be spiritual, you should consider seeing a pastor or traditionalist. Keeping them here won't help them" The doctor said.
Obinna turned to Dara "I said it, I knew you had something to do with this" He accused. The doctor's eyes widened.
"Obinna stop it this instant, we would resolve whatever the problem is at home" Jidenna said harshly.
He turned to Dara coldly "Let's go home, we need to talk" his voice was like ice. Dara had a feeling the talk at home would do nothing but hurt her the more.

How ironic, it was Adanna's husband who had stood up for her.
The entire Okolie family pointed accusing fingers at her.
"Mazi Uchendu, Dara wouldn't do these things. I suggest we consult a traditionalist first, let's all travel to the village and find out what's wrong" Emeka suggested. Dara clutched onto her handkerchief and sobbed, she felt like shark bait and everyone around her were sharks.

"I warned my nephew not to marry a Yoruba woman, he didn't listen. Just look at her shedding crocodile tears, wicked witch" Jidenna's aunt Chinyere hissed.
"We will all travel to the village except for Obinna and Chinyere here. You two will keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't run away. If she is responsible then she must face the consequences of her action. Case closed for now" Mazi Uchendu said.

Emeka shook his head and patted her back comfortingly. "If you know how to pray Dara, pray. This people can be ruthless, I will try my best to help you. I know you're innocent, you're a good woman" Emeka said after the rest of the family had left.
"Even Jidenna thinks I'm guilty" Dara sobbed.
"He's just being manipulated. He cares too much for his family to see the truth. Call your family Dara, you might also need their help" Emeka advised.
If there was anyone to suspect, he suspected his own wife. He suspected his mother in-law. Was it possible that they had tried to hurt Dara and it backfired but how did Olanna come into this. She was innocent. Emeka decided he had to look for help privately, Dara was Innocent. He couldn't let her take the blame, what surprised him the most was that Jidenna actually believed his wife had done something so vile and terrible. Did he even know his wife at all?

EIGHT

CASSIE

"I'm surprised you came to see me. I thought You and Dara wanted nothing to do with me again" Nene grumbled.
Cassie watched her friend play with a baby rattler. Ever since Dele had told her that she might be carrying his child or Tobi's she'd been nervous, she could easily take a pregnancy test at home now but she didn't. She preferred to be in denial, she also hoped she wasn't pregnant.
Carrying Dele's child would be a disaster and Tobi's? If she had a male child for Tobi they'd sign her child up into the family cult. She didn't want that, she didn't care if they didn't kill people it seemed diabolic to her and she didn't want that.
"We didn't abandon you, we were just mad" Cassie said.
"Oh you mad right? When Richard said he was going to take full custody of my child you people were in full support, but you two are mad at me because I decided to keep my baby to myself" Nene frowned thinking her friends were very unfair. Some friends they were, they never supported anything she did. Especially Dara, Dara always found a way to criticize everything she did.
"You told him you had a miscarriage that's different. How can we support that, do you know how Richard is feeling now?" Cassie asked.
"He'll get over it" Nene said not willing to admit her mistake. He was the one who decided to divorce her in the first place, the nerve of that man.
Cassie shook her head and looked around the nursery. "Nice decor" she said, she felt nauseous just looking at baby things. She didn't want one, not anytime soon.

"I did the decorations and painting myself, not totally useless you see" Nene grinned looking around the room too. "Really" Cassie smiled. Nene had been a terrible wife but there was no doubt she would make a good mother. "Yes, you know I took a creative class while I was in Paris. It's not that hard you know" Nene smiled faintly.

"Have you thought of names?" Cassie asked. "No, not yet. I don't know if I'm having a boy or a girl yet. I don't want to know till the baby's birth, I have no name in mind" Nene replied. "Did Richard have any while you two were together?" Cassie asked. "He didn't" Nene lied, she remembered the book where Richard had written down boy names and girl names.

"I'll think of a name" Nene said putting down the rattler. She noticed her friend looked pale "Are you okay?" she asked concerned. "I'm good, Dara has been having issues. I should get going, I want to stop by the hospital to check on her" Cassie quickly changed the topic. "The hospital, is she okay?" Nene asked.

"Not really, her mother in law is terribly ill. I'll tell her you send your greetings though, Nene?" Cassie turned to her friend.
Nene looked at her. "Oh my God, you've been living here alone haven't you?" Cassie asked.
"Temporary, my parents travelled out for business. I couldn't travel with them because I'm due soon, they'll be back soon. I'm fine" Nene said faking a smile.

She didn't want to tell anyone that her father was too busy expanding his business in the US and her mother was in China too for a project. She wasn't sure if they were coming back soon, she also didn't want to tell Cassie that she didn't feel safe being alone in the house especially since her due date was near. "I'm fine, go, go. Say hi to Tobi for me also" Nene smiled.

"I hope you change your mind and tell Richard the truth. He'd take care of you Nene, I hate that you're alone in this big house" Cassie said. "There's a maid, the gate man and the driver. I'm fine!" Nene said. "It's not like Richard was always available when we were married, I'm not changing my mind" Nene rolled her eyes.
"Okay, take care. I'll come see you tomorrow" Cassie said. "Bye" Nene looked away from her friend. "On a second thought, let me use the bathroom before I leave" Cassie said. "You know where it is" Nene muttered picking up the baby rattler.

Cassie walked into the bathroom and took down her jeans. She pulled down her underwear, if she hadn't been wearing white cotton pants she wouldn't have noticed the red spotting.
She sighed in relief despite the cramps she was feeling. Her period was here, finally!

RICHARD


"I cooked you dinner , I hope you're still a fan of my jollof rice" Idara said nervously. Richard nodded and sat down on one of the chairs.
"You don't look fine, what's wrong?" Idara asked concerned.
"I'm fine, just not been able to sleep for a while" Richard responded. Idara placed a plate of jollof rice and chicken in front of him.
"Why don't you sleep here tonight, maybe you'll be able to sleep properly" Idara suggested her hand covered his.

"That wouldn't be right Idara, I don't want to take advantage of your generosity" Richard said picking up a spoon.

It's not generosity, Idara wanted to tell him but she said nothing. She's give him time to mourn his child, she'd be with him through out. He'd fall back in love with her, she decided watching him.

It was probably wrong for her to join forces with Nene and her parents to tell Richard that his child was dead, but that was the only way to get Nene out of Richard's life for good. Nene had assured her that when she had the baby, she would leave the country for good.

"Richard stop thinking about it, you will have other children" Idara said. "It's not your fault, Nene's parents should have thought of a better way to break the news to her" Idara said. "I don't think you understand, if I had been home she wouldn't have touched a drop of alcohol. I left Nene get to me, through out our marriage I always found one way or the other to avoid her" Richard said.
"She was a terrible wife, you were unhappy in a terrible married" Idara consoled him.
"She was, but these days I keep thinking. Maybe if I hadn't avoided her so much or incite the little fights she picked up with me our marriage might have worked out fine"

Richard picked up his wine glass. He contemplated downing the whole liquid in one gulp going for another but then he remembered it was alcohol that had gotten him into his first mistake. He didn't want the same mistake with Idara.
"It wouldn't have" Idara countered. "I know women like Nene, she wouldn't have been satisfied no matter what you'd done" Idara said. She wanted him to stop talking about Nene, she wished he'd stop thinking about his previous marriage.

"The wine is good Richie, bottoms up" Idara said. Richard shrugged and took a sip.
"We never really got to celebrate your divorce" Idara smiled but Richard didn't smile back. "My baby died, what's there to celebrate?" he asked Idara.

"You need to get over it, I can help you" Idara got up from her seat and went to sit beside him. "How do you intend to help me? " Richard asked.
"Well... Most times a man needs another woman to get over one" Idara said. "Idara...stop it. I'd hate to compromise our friendship" Richard said. "We were dating before Nene came along, you were going to marry me. Have you forgotten so quickly, let's pick up from where we left off" Idara brought her face closer to his. Richard wanted to protest but Idara was having none of it "Sssh, don't think about Nene or the baby. Think about me" she pressed her lips to Richard's.
"Think about us, we could date again. We could have the life we both wanted again" Idara said.
What life had he wanted, and what did he want now? Richard wondered.

Thank you

Saintmary:
Stick to your own thread. Stop trying to steal other people's shine.

Thank you ma

chivera018:
Well done Gianaaaaaa.

CASSIE

"What's going on Cassandra?" Richard asked looking at Cassie intently. He couldn't understand why Cassie hadn't told her husband the truth.

"Why didn't you tell Tobi his brother was hitting you? " Richard asked.
Cassie looked at him sourly "Can we not talk about it Richard please. Forget Dele and Tobi. I want to know how you're doing" Cassie asked.

"I'm fine, Nene has refused to see me. I just want to know how she's doing. I know Nene didn't want a baby at first, she freaked out a lot and said she didn't want it. After a while, I watched her grow to love the baby, that was the only thing that mattered in our marriage. I know she's hurt and angry." Richard said.

Cassie looked a little guilty but it wasn't her place to tell him the truth. She hoped Nene would realize her mistakes and tell Richard the truth.

"What ever that's going on in your home, you should confide in your husband. Secrets are no help when it comes to matrimony" Richard advised.

"It's not easy" Cassie's eyes watered. How could she come clean and tell Tobi the truth. What would become of her? He couldn't divorce her, he would probably leave the house for her and let her live in misery for the rest of her marital life.

"What exactly is the problem Cassie?" he asked.

"Don't worry about it, it's getting late. I should probably head home now" Cassie said checking her watch.

"I'll take you home" Richard offered. If only Cassie had known what a bad idea that was. She didn't know Tobi was suspicious about her friendship with Richard.

"You told me you were going to see Dara" Tobi said coldly the minute.

"I wasn't able to reach Dara so I decided to call..." Tobi interrupted Cassie.

"You decided to contact Richard" he crossed his arms against his chest. He couldn't get why Cassie would go out with Richard of all people. How long had they been going out together?

"Not now Tobi, please I don't feel too well" Cassie said going into the bedroom. She sat on the bed feeling depressed.

Tobi followed not willing to take her excuses tonight. "What's going on with you and Richard?" he asked, he wasn't one to hide his jealousy.

Cassie sighed and rolled her eyes. She knew instantly that Dele was planting ideas in her husband's head. "Really Tobi, if I was going to cheat on you would I do it with my friend's ex husband?" Cassie asked tiredly.

"I don't know Cassandra, I do know you've been lying to me a lot these days. What's going on, it's better you tell me before I find out" Tobi said.

"I have a headache Tobi, enough with this talk. I'm not hiding anything from you" she said, the lie tasted sour in her mouth.

"If you say so" Tobi said coldly and walked out of the room. Cassie turned to her side too weak to go after him.

In the morning, he was gone before she woke up. She hoped Dele wouldn't bother her today but her hopes were dashed when the devil walked into her room.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in ages, you're doing a good job hiding yourself from me and that stunt you pulled with Tobi" he tutted. "Well played Cassie" Dele said sitting on the side of the bed.

"What do you want Dele?" Cassie asked tiredly. She didn't have the strength to fight him.

"I've missed you" he leaned down to smother her cheeks with kisses. "My sweet pet" he murmured.

Cassie recoiled and wiped her cheeks. "Stop it Dele, I've given you everything. Just leave me alone... " Cassie begged.

"I can't leave you, I love you. Soon you'll learn to love me, we'll leave this bloody country and go somewhere else to start a family. What do you think of Europe?" He asked grinning.

"I'm your brother's wife!" Cassie spat.

"I don't care, he took away the woman I love. I will take his, the good thing is I love you too. And there's a possibility that you might be carrying my child after all I've been trying for weeks" Dele smirked.

"Child..." Cassie swallowed visibly. "You told me you're sterile. You said you couldn't have children!" Cassie yelled at him.

"I lied obviously. if I'd told you that I could have kids, you'd have taken some sort of contraceptive to get rid of my seeds" Dele said.

Tears welled up in her eyes "You bastârd!" she spat.

Dele laughed harshly "You might be carrying a bastârd too, the good thing is you wouldn't even be sure if it was mine or Tobi's so you can't contemplate abortion. After the baby's birth there will be a paternity test" Dele said coldly.

"That's if I get pregnant, if you think of touching me again I will kill you" Cassie threatened.

"Don't worry I won't be touching you again, you're right I've done enough" Dele said and pressed his hand to Cassie's forehead.

"You look sick, you might want to see a doctor. Who knows what you're carrying" Dele winked getting up from the bed.

Cassie paled at his words and her hand instantly went to her stomach. She hoped Dele was not right. This was terrible, really terrible.

DARA

Dara was stressed out, she'd been at the hospital for hours and she still hadn't gotten a call or at least a text from her husband.
She'd didn't have the slightest idea on what to do, she tried calling Adanna but Adanna as expected did not answer her calls.

"Have you tried uncle J again?" Olanna asked coming to sit beside Dara. She looked sleepy but she'd refused to leave the hospital. Dara pulled Olanna closer and shook her head.

"Let's worry about mama for now, I'm sure your brother will call us in the morning. He's probably tied up in work" Dara said rubbing the girl's house comfortingly.

"It's been hours, why is he not picking? And big sis Adanna too isn't answering. What's their problem?" Olanna sounded frustrated. Dara didn't know how to comfort the girl, she was also feeling frustrated.

Her battery had died after she'd gotten that troubling text from Cassie. She wondered briefly what kind of trouble Cassie had gotten into.

"Olanna, we have to find a hotel to lodge in. Tomorrow we'll come and check on mama" Dara said. They couldn't go home because the doctor suspected their house had been contaminated by the virus that was affecting mama.

She'd tried calling Jidenna to warn him not to go home but he wasn't answering. Hopefully the house was not contaminated and if he went home he wouldn't be infected.

"Aunt Dara have you tried brother Obinna?" Olanna asked about her big brother who worked as Jidenna's assistant manager. Obinna lived with them but he was barely around because he spent most time with his girlfriend.

"I don't have his number Olanna and my phone is switched off. I'm tired Lana, I don't know what to do. Tomorrow we'll look for a way to contact all of them." Dara decided.

They left the hospital minutes later and checked into a nearby hotel. Good thing Dara never left the house without her credit cards if not she and Lana would have been stranded. She'd begged one of the room attendants to get a charger for her phone and plugged it in once she got it.

She couldn't sleep all night, Lana couldn't sleep either. They were both restless wondering if mama would make it through the night. She wasn't exactly mama's biggest fan but she didn't wish for such a disease on the old woman.

Jidenna already had enough on his plate, he didn't need a sick mother to take care of either, Dara thought sadly. What could have possibly gotten mama so sick? it was terrible.

"I don't want mama to die" Olanna whispered scared. Her hand curled around her sister in law's hand.

"I don't want that either Lana, she'll be fine. Get some rest and don't think about it. The doctors will find away to take care of her infection" Dara assured her.

"I hope so" Olanna said. Few minutes later she slid into sleep leaving just Dara awake.


"How is she doctor?" Dara asked the minute she ran into the doctor at the hospital's reception.

"She's not improving, we're running some more tests. Oh your husband's here" The doctor said.

Dara was surprised, he'd probably gone home and Sunday had informed him that they were at the hospital. She saw him waiting at the lobby, phone in hand. She was about to yell at him the minute she got to him when she saw the dark circles under his eyes and his rumpled state.

He looked angry when he saw her "Where have you been? I've trying to reach you since last night" he said harshly.

"You're the one to talk, why weren't you answering your phone? I've been trying to reach you since I brought mama here, you didn't reply my text or my calls" Dara said equally angry.

"Ada is in the hospital, she's in terrible condition Dara. I've been with her since yesterday, Emeka was away on business" Jidenna said.

"Have you seen mama?" Dara asked.

"No, she's in a private ward. Doctor wouldn't let me see her" Jidenna said.

"She's worse, she has sores and pocks and black rash all over. I don't know how if just happened, doctor said it's a virus. We aren't allowed to go home till our house is safe enough to live in" Dara sighed.

"Yes, I met Sunday at the gate. He filled me in, I'm sorry you had to go through that alone. Where's Olanna?" Jidenna asked.

"At the hotel, she's distraught. I couldn't let her come with me. She's emotionally drained. What's wrong with Ada?" Dara asked.

"She's become a vegetable Dara, she can't move, talk or do anything. The worse part is the doctor doesn't think it's stroke, they don't know what's wrong with her. I'm going out of my mind Dara, I've gotten Obinna to baby sit her kids. Perhaps we could take Olanna there too" Jidenna suggested.

Dara nodded and wrapped her arms around her husband. "I'm scared, I thought something was wrong with you. We'll go through this together" Dara said rubbing his back.

"I know..." Jidenna responded. Dara's phone buzzed ruining the moment. She pulled away and checked the caller but it wasn't Cassie, it was an unknown caller.

She answered the call. "Hello" she said wondering who was probably calling her.

'Is this Mrs Dara Okolie?' The caller asked.

'Speaking, how may I help you?' she asked.

'It's about your daughter, you have to come now. She's convulsing, you have to hurry here now' the caller said.

Dara's breath hitched as she turned to Jidenna who was looking at her with questioning eyes. "It's Olanna" she said weakly.

chivera018:
Nice update ma.


I still prefer Nene and Richard though.

Richard.

"Have you bothered to go check on Nene?" my mother queried me.

"Mum...why would he go check on her,  he's free now.  Nene is  no longer his wife.  You should be happy for your son, he's no longer in bondage" Idara said smiling uncomfortably under his mother's stare .
"At the expense of his child, why couldn't you wait till the baby was born and at least a year old?" his mother asked.

"It's not his fault Ma, Nene should have thought about her child before drinking herself to stupor" Idara hissed, why was his mother even concerned about a girl who had treated her son like crap?

"You should have told Richard that you were going to tell Nene's father before breaking the news to her family. And what were you thinking when you told them immediately that you wanted to full custody?" Richard's mother asked.

"Excuse me ma,  I know how to do my job. Are you in any way insinuating  that I'm the cause of Nene's miscarriage?"  Idara asked.

"She's not saying that Idara, look mum can we not talk about this?" Richard turned to his mother, he was grieving too.

Idara sighed, if anything his mother should be grateful to her.  Why did she even care about the stupid Nene girl.  Nene didn't even care about Richard, if she did she wouldn't have lied that  she'd lost the baby.   Nene was stupid and immature, she didn't know the value of Richard. Idara obviously knew the value of that kind of man and she wasn't letting him go.

"Richie,  why don't we go over to my house. You seem tensed, worked up and stressed.  Let me help" Idara caressed his arms.

"I'm fine Idara,  I'm sorry about the way mum talked to you" Richard said.

"It doesn't matter,  she'll come around soon.  It's you I'm worried about, how are you holding up?" Idara asked.

"I'm alright, I don't know why Nene would see me though. Maybe I should just give her a little time to grieve" Richard said.

Idara inwardly rolled her eyes, again with this Nene chick. "Richard forget about Nene  for now,  don't tell me all the efforts used to secure you a problem free divorce is in vain? Do you want her back?" Idara asked and held her breath waiting for his answer.

"Idara she was my wife and at some point the mother of my unborn child ,  it's only natural that I should think about her often" Richard frowned.

"You were not married up to a year Richard, and the child wasn't even born yet" Idara whispered under her breath but Richard heard her.

"Let me see you off Idara" He said coldly.

"I'll check on you tomorrow Richard, Richard please remember that I'm always here for you. If you need anything call me" Idara smiled.

"Thank you Id,  I appreciate everything you've done for me" Richard said.

'Clearly not enough. if you did, you'll be proposing love and devotion to me' Idara thought bitterly.

She wasn't going to give up on Richard yet, she had to have him.

Thank you ma'am.

Saintmary:
You just called yourself amateur writer for modesty's sake. You're a natural. Just some little adjustments sha.

NOTE: We won't be seeing Nene for a while.

DARA

"Aunt Dara,  Aunt Dara!!" Olanna rushed to her sister in law's room a look of panic in her eyes.
"Lana what is it,  what's wrong?" Dara turned to Olanna immediately she heard the girl's distressed call.
"I...i.. Came back from school and met mama in the room.  She's not looking good,  she has pocks all over, I don't know....please come and see for yourself" Olanna said pulling Dara's hand.

Dara felt a little guilty, she'd been home all day with her mother in law and she didn't know the woman was unwell.

When she'd come downstairs earlier and not seen mama lounging around the living room waiting to trouble her,  she simply assumed it was because mama's partner in crime Adanna was gone. She didn't think the woman was sick,  she simply felt mama had isolated herself because she was lonely.

A foul smell greeted her as she got into the room,  Dara felt the urge to throw up.  She controlled the urge and rushed to look at her mother in law.  Olanna's explanation was an understatement, mama was covered in pocks and black rash.  The foul odour emanating from her was probably due to the pus coming out of her pocks.

Dara placed her hand over her mouth and gasped in horror,  mama had been perfectly well yesterday. She didn't look sick during dinner,  how could this possibly have developed.

"Call Sunday to come quickly, we have to take Mama to the hospital" Dara instructed Olanna before rushing out of the room to get her car keys and her phone.

She dialed Jidenna's number but he didn't answer, even after five rings.  She sent him a text asking him to meet her at the hospital.

Sunday came in seconds later with Olanna. Since Dara still couldn't find her car keys, she decided to use the family van that they only used whenever they were going to Enugu.

"Blood of Jesus!" Sunday exclaimed.

"Sunday take her legs, I'll take her arms. Olanna take the keys and unlock the door" Dara said. The two of them carried out her instruction, Sunday and Dara deposited mama in the Car.

Dara got into the driver's seat while Olanna sat in front beside her, Sunday was asked to wait to wait at home in case anyone showed up looking for them.


"I haven't seen a thing like this Dara, it's a good thing you brought her over to the hospital. What if you'd endangered yourself, who knows if it's contagious. I suggest you go in for a test, and anyone else who had contact with her. No one is allowed to go close to your mother in law till our test results come out" Doctor Patience said.

"Thank you doctor, I didn't think of the dangers. I just saw her, panicked and decided to bring her here" Dara said a look of worry crossed her features. What if she'd endangered Olanna, herself and the gate man.

"I'll also contact our experts to go over to your house and check if the problem is from a virus or toxic in the house, I don't think it's wise for any of you to return to your home till our experts are done with their tests. Ensure that your sister in law and gate man get tested too, if anything comes up I'll call you" Doctor patience smile pleasantly before walking away.

Dara sighed and dipped her hand in her pocket for her phone again. She'd tried reaching Jidenna but he hadn't answered. What if he was also in danger?

"Mrs Okolie, Please come with me so I can take your blood samples" A nurse came towards her.

"Go with my sister in-law first, I'll try contacting my gate man and my husband again" Dara said.

"Alright, miss?" The nurse beckoned to Olanna who was looking scared to the bones.

"Don't worry Olanna,mama will be fine. Go with the nurse" Dara assured her sister in law. Olanna nodded and followed the nurse.

Not long after Olanna and the nurse had left , a text notification popped up in Dara's phone. Dara read the short message
'We need to talk, I've done something terrible'

SEVEN

CASSIE

Tobi rushed out of his vehicle when he saw Cassie sitting on the ground right outside the house.
"Richard, what's going on here?" he asked when he saw Nene's husband.
"There was a m....." Richard began but Cassie cut him off immediately.
"Baby, thank God you're home" She rushed  and went over to her husband.
Tobi cupped her face and searched her face,  he could see faint bruises on her face and her eyes were swollen.

"I was robbed,  some... S..s..some men.  They took my phone, mmmy wallet,  they manhandled me" Cassie rushed out.

Tobi turned to Richard as if looking for answers, Cassie also turned to Richard and pleaded with him with her eyes not to say anything.

"Where did this happen?" Tobi asked looking at Richard suspiciously. He'd always had his suspicions about his wife and Richard but he didn't want to believe that she would cheat on him.

"Right before I got to Nene's house, Richard  brought me home" Cassie wrapped her arms around Tobi.

"Thank you Richard, I'll handle it from here" Tobi said coldly. He gave Richard a pointed look that could also be translated as 'get the fùck out'. Richard nodded towards Cassie before leaving the couple alone.

"What happened to you Cassie,  did Richard hurt you?" he asked.

Cassie looked at him wide eyed,  "I was robbed,  didn't you just h..."

"I know you're fücking lying Cassandra, I'm not a fool.  What the hell do you have with Richard?" he asked.

"What the hell are you talking about? Are you accusing me of cheating on you,  wait... Are you serious. Between the two of us,  you're the one who has slept with countless women, you have kids too with different women.  Don't you dare accuse me of something like that,  you're the filthy liar and cheat" Cassie spat.

"I'm sorry" Tobi said. "Do you want to see a doctor?" Tobi asked.

He was a bit surprised that she would flare up like that. He thought she'd agreed to move on a forget his mistakes. A new chapter.....

"A doctor? No... I'm not that hurt. I'll just like to go and stay with my mum for a while" Cassie responded. Who was she to judge him anyway? She'd also cheated, with his own brother. She wondered what would happen if he ever found out.

She didn't even have the guts to tell him she'd cheated on him. 'I don't think I 'd ever tell him, never' she decided.

"Does Cassie strike you as the type to cheat?" Tobi asked Dele over a glass of whiskey.

"All women cheat" Dele responded his eyes twinkling, Cassie had messed him up. He'd mess her up too.

"Cassie is not like that, I don't know why I asked. Forget it" Tobi said.

"Talk to me bro, why did you ask? Do you have any suspicious, find anything?" Dele asked.

"It's that Richard guy she was with this afternoon. When I came into the compound, I saw them locked in this embrace. The way she held on to him, I don't know man....I could be wrong" Tobi said.

"Look that Dude is bad news, he comes here a lot. Gets cozy with your wife, I didn't want to say anything because she told me they were related. Today I heard them in the house arguing, hurling insults at each other, I didn't want to interfere because you already made it known to me that your wife doesn't like me" Dele said.

Tobi looked at him shocked "Cassie told you they were related? that's her friend's husband. They are in no way related. What the fück?" Tobi dropped his glass.

"Seriously?" Dele smirked inwardly, how the tables have turned.
"Do you think he hit her, I mean when they were arguing did he hit her?" Tobi asked.
"Possibly, I did hear her screaming at him. You trust Cassandra way too much. You're the man here, put her in her place" Dele said.

"She told me she was robbed, she was on her way to Nene's house and she was robbed. The thing is Nene lives in a security tight gated community, there's no way a robbery would go down like that in broad daylight. Cassandra has never been good at lying, she wears her emotions on her face. I could tell she was lying, lying to protect her relationship with Richard possibly, or lying to save her face?" Tobi looked pained. Karma was a bïtch but he didn't expect karma to visit him so soon. At least not with his wife cheating on him with her friend's husband.
"Brother, just focus on work. Leave everything to me, I'll find out what's going on between them, let me be your eyes and ears. I'll handle it" Dele said.
"Thanks bro, you're the best. I just hope Cassie isn't cheating on me, let me know what ever you find" Tobi said.
"I'll keep you informed" Dele smiled.

DARA

"I still can't believe she'll go to such length just to get rid of Richard.  He's such a nice man,  I don't believe anything bad they say about Richard" Dara complained to her husband. 
Jidenna sighed and looked at Dara,  "Well what do you want to do about it, That's their problem isn't it?" Jidenna asked slightly irritated with his wife's discussion. She'd been on about this issue since she got back.
Dara on the other hand, simply glared at her husband.
"How can you be so cold and unfeeling. Sometimes I wonder if you even have a heart" Dara hissed.
"I do have a heart,  I just believe it's none of your business. Look Dara I don't want you to interfere in that issue" Jidenna warned.
"You mean I should just let Richard keep believing his responsible for the supposed death of his child?" Dara asked surprised.
"How would you feel if you were in his shoes? If I got pregnant and lied to you that the baby was dead, just so I could go back to my parents again and divorce you" She asked.
Jidenna shook his head and wondered why he'd even bothered to tell her his thoughts on the issue.
"Nene is your friend, not Richard. Shouldn't you be in support of your friend's decisions?" Jidenna asked.
"Nene is a spoilt brat,  she did always want a fine, rich, husband who would do anything for her at the snap of her fingers. Richard didn't meet up the requirements, that's why she couldn't look past her stupid definition of perfect to see that Richard was a good husband. He didn't have money and he couldn't be her puppet. Nene will never find another man like Richard" Dara hissed upset.
"Look Dara, I'm about to close a deal with Nene's father. I'd advise you not to do anything stupid to avoid bad blood with the man" Jidenna Warned.
"Oh my God, what do you mean by stupid?  To hell with you" Dara hissed and walked out of the room.

She couldn't get Richard out of her thoughts, Her conscience was bugging her to tell him the truth.  She could understand how he was feeling, how could Nene be so terrible?

Getting downstairs she met Ada ordering some men to get some things out of the house.  She looked at her sister in law suspiciously, why was she removing their furniture out of the house?  Ada and her husband had come into this house with nothing other than their bags.

"Aunty Ada, what are you doing?" she asked,  the title she'd used to address Ada coming out sarcastically.

"What does it look like I'm doing, you have finally bewitched my brother to kick me out of his house and now you are asking me stupid questions" Ada hissed.

"I understand why you're leaving but why are you taking  our furniture out of the house?" Dara asked.

Ada only hissed and instructed one of the men to go into the kitchen and get the utensils and appliances in the kitchen.

"Ada, what's the meaning of all these?" Dara asked. Why was her sister in law such a trouble maker, why couldn't she just leave peacefully, must she always stir up problems?

"If you call my name there again I will slap you.  Witch, you think you're the only one that should enjoy the wealth of my brother" Ada continued to hurl insults at her.
Dara sighed, not wanting any more troubles  she went to sit at the dinning table. She was deep in thoughts when a hand tapped her.
"Madam abeg commot make we finish our work" One of the huge men that had been taking their furniture out of the house said grumpily.
"What work,  please get out of my sight" Dara hissed.
"Aunty we go push you commot o" The man threatened.
Dara got up and looked at the man.
"Try it you bull headed idiot. Just try it, something must be wrong with you" Dara said eyeing the man from his head to his ugly black feet.

"Dara what's the matter?" Jidenna asked coming into the dining room.

"Your sister is taking away all out furniture, she's taken most of the things in the living room and now she wants to take the ones in here too" Dara said.

Jidenna sighed exasperated, "Then let her take it,  you wanted her to leave. She's leaving, let her go with whatever she wants. We'll get new ones" Jidenna said.

"Why do you always let your sister get away with these things?" Dara asked.

Adanna came into the dining room and saw  her brother and the wife.  She wondered when the charm would begin to manifest, she wouldn't be around by then hopefully.

"Jay, I'm leaving o. I'll come and check on you all from time to time.  Listen to me,  if you send your mother back to enugu to be all by herself your father will not be happy with you. Stop listening to bad advice, stop listening to bad people" Ada eyed Dara as she spoke.

"Madam owner of house, Goodbye. Always remember that the bad seeds you sow today, you shall reap in the nearest future" Ada said before hugging her brother.

'When the charm works, my brother would definitely kick you out of the house. Let's see who will be gloating then' Ada thought before walking out of the house.

"I'll be back" she told herself.

Nene

"Honey would you want anything?" Mrs Nwankwo asked from the door way but Nene shook her head.
"I'm fine" she responded and turned to Dara and Cassie. The two of them were glaring at her.
Dara spoke first "How could you do something like this?" she asked angrily.
"Dara, you need to understand that I did this for my baby" Nene pouted giving them her best puppy look expression.
"Your baby? how about your husband, how could you lie to him that you'd lost the baby?" Dara glared harder. She couldn't believe that Nene would go to such length to get rid of Richard.
"Richard called me Nene, he sounded so distraught, so heart broken. As a matter of fact he's blaming himself for the supposed death of his child" Cassie hissed.
"That's his business, he's the one who started the entire thing. He not only wanted to divorce me but he wanted full custody with my child. Do you know he's dating his lawyer, did he really think I'd let him sail away to happy ever after with my child and his mistress. I'm not sorry I did it" Dara
hissed.
"If Richard wanted out of the marriage it's because you're a terrible wife" Dara hissed refusing to support Nene's reasons. How could her parents even support this?

"You have to tell Richard!" Cassie said crossing her arms.

"I'm not telling Richard anything, if you do consider us no longer friends. This is my decision and if you're good friends, you'll respect it. I don't regret what I did" Nene snapped.

Mrs Nwankwo came into the room, "Are you okay honey?" she asked coming to her daughter's side.

"I'm fine" Nene eyed her friends, what kind of friends did she have anyway? They were never ready to support anything she did. And imagine Dara saying she was a terrible wife, as if she was a better wife.

"Mrs Nwankwo, honestly speaking I do think this is a terrible idea. Telling a man his child is dead, did you even consider Richard's feelings. If his lawyer should find out.. " Nene's mother cut Cassie off.

"Richard was hurting my daughter, do you suggest I allow her to continue being so unhappy. Don't you understand that Nene is our only child" Mrs Nwankwo said.

"For your information, Richard's lawyer knows. She's not keen on being a step mother to my child so she went along with the plan. Richard will have other children with her, enough talk. You two are giving me a headache" Nene hissed and turned away from her friends.

" Suit yourself, I'm going home" Dara hissed and walked away. Cassie shook her head and followed Dara.

Nene had taken things too far this time.

Richard rang the door bell and listened to hear if anyone was coming.
Silence, he rang again. This time he heard a thud as if something was hitting the ground and a strangled noise.

He tried to open the door and surprisingly it came open. The door wasn't locked after all, he walked into the house and saw a man manhandling Cassie.

He rushed to the duo and pulled the man away from Cassie. Cassie gasped when she saw Richard, tears slid down her face.

"If you touch her again, I promise you you'd regret it" Richard threatened. Who was this man and why was he hitting Cassie?

He picked up Cassie and carried her out of the house.
"Are you okay, who is that man?" Richard asked concerned.
"He's my brother in law" Cassie broke into tears again.
"Why is your brother hitting you?" He'd asked confused.
Cassie looked up at him and broke down again.
Richard tried to console her but she only grew hysterical.

It didn't help matters when her husband's car drove into the compound.

CASSIE

"Tobi can I talk to you about something?" Cassie asked while putting on her night robe and getting ready for bed.

"Sure, is this about the vacation? you finally found where you want to go to?" Tobi asked eyes focused on his wife.

"No, it's about something else" Cassie said sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Okay talk to me, what's up" Tobi sat up and moved closer to her.

He wondered if she was going to tell him why she was so unhappy. She didn't know how to hide it, he knew she faked happiness when in truth she was sad.

Didn't he give her everything she wanted? He wondered if she felt caged in the house, would you prefer to work than be a house wife?

"It's about Dele" she said. Tobi's ears perked up immediately. "What about Dele?" he asked. He never felt comfortable from the start leaving Dele with his wife, but he trusted Cassie and knew she would never cheat. And he trusted Dele enough to know that Dele wouldn't mess with his wife. Had he been wrong, had Dele tried something?

"I'm worried about his stay here, when does he leave?" she asked.

"Oh... Did he...did he try anything to make you uncomfortable?" Tobi asked.

"No! nothing like that" Cassie said in a raised voice that sounded almost panicky.

"He wouldn't, I just think he's stayed here long enough. I want to know when he's leaving, to be honest I think he's a little odd" Cassie said drawing circles on her wrist.

She could only hope She's not made Tobi suspicious already. She looked at him to see the expression on his face but it was closed up. She looked at him worried, why had she brought it up.

"I'll talk to him about it" Tobi said.

"Talk to him about it?!" Cassie asked alarmed.

"Cassie what's wrong, if Dele has done anything let me know. You look, well you look really worried and...." Tobi said.

"I'm not worried, I just think your brother has stayed with us long enough" Cassie said. "Alright, I'll deal with it" Tobi said. "Thanks" Cassie kissed her husband and went to bed.

"Did Cassie ask you to do this?" Dele asked Tobi crossing his arms.

"No, why would you think this has anything to do with Cassie" Tobi frowned.

"Because I can't see any reason why my own brother would want me out of his home, your wife probably suggested it. I'm not surprised, she doesn't like me" Dele said.

Tobi was conflicted for a moment, choosing his wife's wish over his brother's. He hated to make Dele feel so unwanted but he also hated to make Cassie feel uncomfortable.

"Man you can stay over at the family's place, you're always welcome to visit here. Cassie just likes her privacy" Tobi said.

"Since when have I been welcomed at the family house, our dad made me feel like a burden, your mum made feel unwanted. You and Cassie are doing the same now" Dele tried to make Tobi feel guilty.

"Don't say that brother, it's just that Cassie and I have been on bad terms for a while now, we settled weeks back and I'll like to keep it that way" Tobi said. He reminded himself that Cassie had to come first, he'd hurt her enough and now he only wanted to make her happy.

"Fine, I'll pack up and leave next week" Dele said. He thought of Cassie, manipulating female. He wondered what she must have told Tobi, she must think she's thwarted his plans now but he wouldn't be going anywhere without her.

If she dared to refuse him then he would expose her to the entire family. He knew Cassie well enough to know that shame won't allow her remain with Tobi.

She should have known better than to double cross him and tried to ruin his plans.

DARA

Dara gasped in disbelief at what Cassie had just said.
"Did you just say Richard called to tell you that Nene had lost the baby?" she asked in shock.
"Yes, I'm getting dressed. Come to my house quickly, we need to see her" Cassie rushed.
"Yes, yes, I'm coming" Dara said ending the call. She opened her wardrobe and quickly wore the first dress she could get her hands on. She rushed downstairs to the living room but she couldn't find her car keys that she'd left on the table. 'That's ok, I'll just take a taxi' she reasoned.
She passed mama in the living room and yelled before rushing out. "Mama if my hubby comes home, tell him I went to see Nene" she said.
Mama shook her head, "foolish woman it's me you want to turn into messenger" she hissed. She listened for the sound of the gate opening and closing before she loosened her wrapper, revealing the car keys she had hidden.
"So Jidenna can buy a car for his wife and none for his mother, I will take this car before he sends me home to Enugu" she hissed getting off the chair. She walked out of the house to where the car was parked.
"A boy I took care of, nurtured and trained. He faces only his wife and not me. Never, I won't allow it. If it's juju she's using on him, it will fail" she spat. She eyed the car key critically not know what to do with it, Olanna wasn't around neither was Obinna or Adanna.
"Gate man!" she yelled. No response and she yelled again before the gate man came running to her.
"You no dey hear, my son dey pay you to sleep?" she attacked. "I no hear you mama, I bin no day sleep" the gate man replied.
"Abi your oga wife don tell you make you no send me. That woman na winch, if I call you again you no ansa you go hear am for this compound. You no know say na my pikin house be this. Nwokem open this motor door for me, insignificant, nonsense" she hissed.
Sunday collected the car keys from her and unlocked the door. The car chirped as usual and mama jumped.
"You want to spoil my car, why did it make such noise" mama asked. "Madam e mean say the car don open, you fit enter" Sunday smiled. "Open ke, how you do am? I no see where you chuk the key take open am" she eyed him suspiciously.
Sunday fought the urge to laugh "Nne it's automatic" he said. "Orto gini?" she asked. Sunday didn't know how to explain it to her so he simply told her it was 'Oyinbo magic'
"Chineke me, so if I do like this. Press it here, the car will lock?" she asked. "Yes mama" he said amused. Mama tried it and it made the same chirping sound.
"Hei! See magic. Oyinbo people are witches" She said before opening the door to the car. She sat on the driver's seat, as she did a shock went through her but she didn't regard it as anything.
Sunday stood by and thought mama how to switch on the AC in the car, the music and all other little things.
"I will go to enugu in this car, my son is a big man in the city so I must have one" she said excitedly.
Sunday wondered why the women were obsessed with cars, most especially this one. Dara wouldn't drive any other car apart from this one, just Yesterday night the other sister Ada had come into the car doing God knows what. And now the mother wanted to take it to the village.
"Oga dey try o" he chuckled before rushing back to his post.
Mama got out of the car and locked it before returning back to the house. She decided she must have the car no matter what, if Jidenna refused to give her she wouldn't forgive him.

NENE

"Richard...richard" his mother hurried to him panic on her face.
"Mum, mum, calm down. What is it?" he asked trying to calm her down. He wondered what the problem was.
"Where has your mobile been since?!" she said angrily.
He'd switched off his phone angrily after nene's mother tried to contact him.
"What's the matter?!" he asked taking out his phone from his pocket. He switched on the phone wondering why his mother was so worked up.
"Why did you leave Nene at home after your fight, you should have been with her. No matter what Richard, no matter what!" his mother said.
"She kicked me out of the house, mum what's the matter?" he asked again.
"Nene had a miscarriage" His mother said sadly.
"What?! How is that possible? The baby was In good condition, nothing was wrong with our baby!" Richard yelled.
"Your baby was fine till your wife decided to turn to alcohol, if you hadn't left her alone she wouldn't have taken alcohol. Didn't I say this divorce was a bad thing?" his mother questioned.

Richard was surprised, Nene had been warned at the hospital not to take a single drop of alcohol. At the early stage it could cause miscarriage, but at a later stage there were chances it could affect the baby either physically or mentally.

Nene was passed the second trimester, so he wondered how she'd still lost the baby. Guilt hit him hard, he should have waited till the baby was born before serving her with divorce papers. Why had Nene even put their baby in such danger?

It was his fault, it was her fault too. She shouldn't have gotten drunk no matter what. He knew how impulsive Nene could be, why had she done it? His heart ached for the loss of his unborn child.

"Go to her Richard, she needs comfort right now. She's still your wife, go to her" his mother urged.
"What happened, where is she?" he asked.
"Nene said she tried calling you when the bleeding started but you weren't answering, so she called her mother. Her mother's driver came to pick her up and took her to her parents house. She's over there now" His mother said.
"Why hadn't they taken her to the hospital?" he groaned.
"They'd called their family doctor to attend to her, it was too late. They couldn't save the baby" His mother explained.
Richard shook his head, if only he had not left the house. He couldn't understand why he'd always let Nene get under his skin. If he'd ignored her, none of this would have happened.
"Go and make things right Richard" his mother hugged him. God knows he also needed comfort too.
Richard nodded and walked out of the living room. He'd made a terrible mistake, he played a major role in the death of his child. His apologies couldn't bring back his child, it was the least he could do. He hoped Nene would hear him out.


"What are you doing here Richard?" Nene's father fumed. Her mother also came to the door glaring at Richard.
"I came here for my wife" Richard responded.
"Ex wife, It was only the child you wanted out of the marriage. The child is dead, you're free" Nene's mother said cruelly.
"How can you say that ma, you think I'm happy about the death of my child?!" he asked outraged.
"I think it was all you wanted, our sources tells us the lawyer is your girlfriend. I hope you're happy now, you have succeeded. I don't want to see you close to my daughter, the divorce papers will be delivered to you. Nene has signed, I will transfer your last paycheck to you. You no longer work for me, you're also expected to vacate my house" Nene's father said coldly.
"I'm not leaving till I see Nene" Richard maintained.
"Leave Richard, you've caused Nene enough pains already. You maltreated her while she was married to you, now you've made her lose her only joy in that marriage. What more do you want? I regret the day I gave my daughter to you" Nene's mother said.
"Richard you heard my wife, leave and do not step foot in this house again. If you have any questions about the divorce, then you talk to our lawyer. Good day" The door was slammed as the couple retreated inside.

Richard watched the door for a few seconds, what had he been hoping for ?
A welcome, Nene running into his arms in tears? Of course not, he was sure that nene's hate for him has scaled through the roof. It didn't change anything, he had to see her.
He'd call Cassie, maybe she could help.

SIX


CASSIE

Though things were going better between him and his wife, he couldn't help but notice that something was off about Cassie.
She'd mostly been in a sour mood when they got married but for the past two weeks it grew worse. She was gloomy, downcast and unhappy.

He knew Cassie better to know when she was faking happiness, his wife was not happy and he didn't know what was the cause this time.

"So Cassie I was thinking" he started, threading carefully. "What is it?" Cassie turned sharply. "Relax" he chuckled wondering what got her so uptight. "We never really went on that honey moon" he smiled.

"A honeymoon?" Cassie repeated. "Yes, I just think that now that things are better we should consider going on our honeymoon" Tobi said. "Really, Tobi that's so thoughtful of you and sweet" Cassie cupped her husband's cheek.

A brilliant idea actually, a way to escape the problem she had gotten herself into, Dele made her life miserable each passing day. His revenge on Tobi had gradually turned into Obsession and she had brought it upon herself.

What had she been thinking, sleeping with Dele? Of all people, her husband's brother. She had been a fool, but it was too late now to correct her mistakes.

"Anything to make you happy Cassandra, I love you so much. Anywhere you want to go, do you have anywhere in mind" Tobi brought her into his arms and looked at her intently.

"Well....Cape Town isn't a bad idea" Cassie said the first thing that popped into her head. She'd never been out of Nigeria before anyway, that was Nene's forte.

"You don't want to leave Africa?" he asked. Cassie looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't really know vacation spots Tobi, does it even matter if we leave Africa or not?" she asked placing her hand on his shoulder. Tobi smiled and kissed his wife, "You're right Cass, it doesn't matter. As long as we're together" he murmured against her lips.

Dele entered the living room and cleared his throat when he saw the intimate position Cassie and Tobi were in.
"Brother" he said coldly eyeing his brother with disdain. Cassie's eyes caught his but she looked away immediately she saw the deadly look on his face.

"Ah Dele you're here! Cassie, Dele happens to travel a lot. He knows a lot of fancy spots around the globe. Maybe you guys can work together and come up with a location" Tobi said.

Cassie stiffened looking at her husband, "I thought we already decided on Cape Town?" she asked. "Mmmn I just want you to consider options" Tobi said.

"Location for what?" Dele asked sitting beside the duo. "We are going on our honeymoon" Tobi announced. Dele's eyes darkened at the announcement. He looked at Cassie. "Don't worry Cassandra, I'm sure I'll help you make a decision" he said. Cassie wondered if she was the only one that heard the deadly note in Dele's voice.

The next morning, she was nervous as Tobi dressed up for work. Deciding that she had to leave the house too, she got into the bathroom and hurriedly took her bath. She had to leave the house, she couldn't stand another day with Dele.

"Tobi do you mind dropping me off at Nene's house?" she asked him. "Honey I would but I'm not going in that direction today" Tobi said as they went downstairs together. "Give me the keys to the 4matic then" she requested.

"It's with Dele" Tobi said hastily. "What's with Dele?" Dele asked. "Give Cassie the keys to the 4matic, she's going out" Tobi said and kissed his wife before stepping out of the house. Cassie decided to follow him, perhaps ask him to drop her off at the bus stop.

"Don't even think about it" Dele muttered. He walked to the door and locked it. "Why are you running away from me my love?" he grinned. 'Because you're sick, mental, delusional, because you drive me crazy!' Cassie wanted to scream. Instead she turned to him calmly. "Dele this has to stop, Tobi will find out. Please you need to stop" she begged him.

"Actually I do want Tobi to find out" Dele said. "Dele you won't get anything out of this, even if he finds out. It changes nothing. Tobi won't leave me" Cassie said.

"True, but you can" Dele said moving closer to her. She shook her head negatively. "I won't leave my husband for you" Cassie said. "I won't be asking you to leave him. You're so naive my love" Dele chuckled. He picked her up like she weighed nothing and took her into his bedroom.

"This started as a plot to revenge my late fiancee. I didn't plan to fall in love with you Cassie, if you want come with me willingly. I'll take you away forcefully, I will kill Tobi. As a matter of fact, I'll kill anyone to have you to myself" Dele smiled.

Cassie swallowed hard, her world was crashing. Kill Tobi? "Dele, you're not thinking straight listen to me. You don't love me, it's lust" she sobbed. His hands gripped her hair and he pulled roughly. "Listen to me Cassandra, I haven't felt this way for any woman since my late fiancee. Don't tell me what I feel and what I do not. I might have lost the first love, but I'm not losing you" With that, he kissed her.

After sating his needs with her body, he turned to where she was curled on the other side of the bed. Her body shaking with sobs, he placed his hand on her back.
"Do remember to tell Tobi that you don't want to go on any trip anymore. Cook up a lie, I don't care. I won't let you leave with him, I won't let you leave me" he said.

Never!
The minute he finds out she's pregnant, he's taking her away with his baby. If Tobi proves to be an obstacle, then Tobi would have to die.

DARA

Dara wrapped her legs around her husband in delight.
"I love you so much" she kissed his lips.
Jidenna brushed his hands down her back.
"You could have given her a week's notice though, your sister is so annoying. Can you imagine she brought the pastor and your uncle to the house. I'm sure she advised mama to do that" Dara said kissing his cheeks.
"Stop it Dara" Jidenna said slightly irritated.
"Stop what?" Dara asked.
"You wanted Adanna out of the house, you've gotten your wish. Shut up about it already" Jidenna said pulling away from her embrace.
Dara looked at him hurt, "I'm just being grateful" She said.
"Grateful for? I didn't do it for you. I did it for myself, Ada had no right to act that way that's why she's leaving not because you asked for it" Jidenna said.
"Either way she's leaving" Dara said turning her back to him.
"Doesn't change anything, Ada will visit often. Mama isn't going anywhere" Jidenna said.
"Yet...mama isn't going anywhere yet. Mama will get bored here without Ada around and Olanna in school. She'll soon start asking to go back to Enugu" Dara countered.
"My brother isn't leaving anytime soon" Jidenna said.
"He's barely around, I can cope with that" Dara said.
"Eventually you'll get bored of being alone. I won't be home with you till evenings" Jidenna said.
"Let me worry about that" Dara frowned.
"Suit yourself" Jidenna murmured gruffly.
"I can invite my cousin over...." she muttered.
"Oh now you want to bring people into the house" Jidenna scoffed.
Dara turned to look at him.
"Jay, if your sister wasn't butting into our business everytime and sending insults my way I wouldn't have had a problem with her staying with us" Dara said.
If Adanna had been nicer to her and mama had actually treated her like a human she'd have been ok with them in the house. Instead they made the house uncomfortable for her, complaining about everything she did and insulting her. Imagine Ada had the nerve to call her a gold digger? She couldn't cope with them because they made her miserable.
"Whatever you say" Jidenna conceded.
"Jay why are you mad at me?" Dara asked.
"I'm not mad at you Dara, stop bothering me and sleep. Some of us have work in the morning" Jidenna said coldly.
She sighed and turned away sadly.

"Baba this is the friend I told you about, she needs help and I told her about you" Nkechi said.
The man was grey haired and he had three long marks slashed on each side of his face He looked up and smiled warmly.
"Welcome" he said.
"Thank you baba" Adanna looked around. She'd expected to see cow dung, blood and chicken feathers but she was surprised when Nkechi had ushered her into a well furnished apartment. This native man obviously lived in style.
"So how may I help you?" The man asked.
"I'm having a little family trouble, my brother's wife is trying to destroy our family. She's turned my brother against my mother and I. My own brother is on the verge of kicking my mother out of the house" Adanna said.
"That's terrible, I'm sorry for you and your brother too. No man deserves a bad wife" The man fingered his beards thoughtfully.
"What do want me to do?" He asked.
"I want my brother to stop listening to her, I want him to hate her, to ignore her" Adanna said.
"Ah...so I should make a charm to affect your brother. Or would you rather I do it to affect the wife?" The man asked.
Adanna didn't want her brother in any form of danger so she shook her head.
"To affect the wife baba" she said.
"All right dear, I'll make the wife look so repulsive that no one will be able to stand her not even her husband, or her parents" The man smiled.
Ada thought about it and smiled in agreement.
"All right" she accepted.
"That'll be a hundred and fifty thousand. You'll transfer seventy five to my account in the evening and the other half when the charm works" the man said.
"Baba that's too expensive, please I don't have that much" Adanna said.
"Ada baba will do a good charm for you, I assure you it's worth the price. Close your eye and pay" Nkechi encouraged.
Nkechi thought of the money Emeka was saving to rent them a new house.
Was her revenge really worth this? She asked herself.
She saw Dara's face at the back of her mind and frowned.
Definitely, she despised Dara.
'if she won't let me enjoy my brother's wealth then she shouldn't either' Adanna hissed.
"All right baba it's a deal" she said.
Dara will be punished for everything she'd done.

NENE

Nene looked at Richard in disbelief, he'd gone behind her back to get a lawyer and was already making plans to divorce. That didn't matter to her, he wanted full custody of their child!
"Are you nuts!" she asked.
Richard remain silent, he wondered why Idara hadn't called him to warn him before hand.
"Nene believe me, I tried to put up with this. You made it difficult for me... I... "
Nene cut him off angrily.
"Oh shut up, stop acting like I was a terrible wife to you or this marriage was the worst thing that happened to you" she yelled.
'But it was' Richard thought but said nothing.
"I made you rich, you bastard!" she screamed at him.
"I didn't want this, my life was so much better before" Richard said.
"Don't you dare say that!" Nene yelled and then she flung the ceramic bowl on the dining table at him.
He ducked quickly and looked at her in shock but she wasn't done.
Dish after dish hit the floor, the ultimate tantrum.
"Nene stop, please calm down. You might hurt the baby" Richard said calmly.
"Shut up, don't you dare tell me what to do. It's my house. I don't care if you divorce me, you're not getting a dime out of my wealth gold-diging bastard" she screamed flinging an antique jug his direction.
Richard watched his mad, soon to be ex wife and wondered truly if she was possessed.
"You're not taking my child, you're getting nothing from me!" she yelled.
"Nene listen to me, you'll hurt yourself or the baby" Richard said.
"Get out of my house" Nene said clutching the dining table.
Richard sighed and went closer to her to calm her down.
"Get out of my house Richard" she hit him angrily.
"Nene stop!" he shouted but she wouldn't stop sending more hits and slapping him. And she gave tough slaps for someone her size.
"Get out Richard and never come back. Get out!" she slapped him hard.
Richard glared at her before walking out of the house.
Nene broke down and picked up her phone to dial Cassie's number.
After a few rings, she couldn't get to Cassie. She dropped her phone and headed to the mini bar.
In months she'd not tasted a drop of alcohol, the doctor said it wasn't healthy for her baby. Now, she just needed comfort, alcohol comfort.

"Why did you do that Richard?" his mother asked.
"I can't stand that woman mum, she drives me crazy!" Richard yelled.
"Richard... your child!" his mother shouted.
"I intend to get full custody" Richard paced the room. He thought about Nene, she'd been angry but he could see that she was genuinely hurt. He couldn't let his child grow up with that woman, she's crazy, spoilt and violent.
"And do you know what it's like to raise your child alone. I can't believe you'd want to separate the child from it's mother" His mother said shaking her head. Nene was not the best person in the room but she couldn't imagine her son taking her child away from his wife.
"I can mum, you'll help. I'll get a nanny too" Richard sighed, didn't his mother want his happiness?
"I don't think that's wise, I think Nene is a troubled woman she just needs a little love and patience Richard" His mother insisted.
"I've been patient" Richard complained.
"You haven't been married for a year, I've seen you and Nene together. She yells, you yell back, how are you going to get through to her that way. You need to take things slow" his mother advised.
"I can't mum, I'm done" Richard said.
"Is this about Idara? you know how I feel about that girl. She's a closed chapter, give Nene some time. There's something about Nene, I think she needs help" His mother said.
'Yeah psychological help, she's a mad woman' Richard thought shaking his head.
" Richard don't something you'd regret. Every child needs it's mother, give Nene some time. I honestly feel like being a mother might change Nene" his mother smiled.
Richard refused to accept that, he wanted out and he wanted out fast.

His phone rang and he checked the caller it was Nene's mother. He groaned and declined the call, he didn't want to hear anything from those people.
"Who is that?" his mother asked.
"It's no one important, never mind" Richard said. He sighed, he'd stay here for the night and return home tomorrow.
Hopefully Nene would be calm when he gets back to the house.

CASSIE

Cassie didn't sleep a wink through out the night. She couldn't, not after what she'd done with Dele. Now that her lust had been sated, she felt empty, used, worthless. Tears stained her pillow as she tried to stop thinking about what she'd done.
She checked the clock on the wall and wondered what time Tobi would come up, if he'd notice anything odd.

Tobi's head was pounding crazy when he woke up. His neck hurt and his legs were cramped. He looked up and noticed he was in the living room. Why? The last thing he remembered was taking one drink with Dele, since when did he get drunk from one drink. He got up and stretched trying to come to terms with what had happened, did he have more drinks?
He picked up his blazer and walked out of the living room into the hall. Cassie was Asleep when he got upstairs. He wondered if she'd met him drunk downstairs, how about Dele?
"Cas" he muttered kissing her on the neck. Her eyes flicked open, they were red and swollen.
"Are you okay?" he asked concerned, she must have been crying.
"I'm fine" she muttered turning to lay flat on her back.
"Cassie were you crying?" he asked. Did he need to ask, it was obvious she had cried.
Cassie brushed her hand over her cheeks, she had to come up With something quickly. She couldn't have Tobi being suspicious.
"Us... " she muttered.
Tobi leaned closer.
"What about us?" he said. She lifted her hand and brushed his face.
"We will never be happy Tobi" she said.
"Don't say that Cassandra, we can be happy" he frowned.
"How? You wouldn't stay faithful, I won't have children for you. How can we be happy?" she asked him.
"I haven't been with any other woman since out wedding, it's been hard Cassie" Tobi sighed.
"But I don't want to see you hurt again, I'm trying. You need to try for us Cassie. I will never let any harm come to our children, never!" Tobi said strongly.
Cassie nodded and leaned up to kiss him.
She needed to forget about Dele, She needed to get his traces of her skin.
"I forgive you" she said. She couldn't hold a grudge against him, not after she'd cheated. She only hoped he'd forgive her too if he ever found out.
Tobi smiled wrapping his arms around his wife.
"Thank you, I won't disappoint you Cassie. I swear, I won't ever" he kissed her forehead.
"I love you so much, thank you for forgiving me" he murmured.
She nodded, I can only hope you forgive me too Tobi.
Tobi got into bed with his wife, surely their lives would be back to normal now that she'd forgiven him. He kissed her again. They could start the family he'd always dreamed of.
His hand slipped into her robe and he touched her tummy.
"I would never put our kids in danger, trust me Cassie" he said.
"I trust you, Tobi just kiss me" she said. They would cross that bridge later, for now she just wanted him to make her forget her mistake last night.
Surely sleeping with Tobi would erase that mistake from her mind.

It didn't, the moment she walked downstairs into the kitchen after Tobi had left for work, it was Dele she met in the kitchen.
"The unfaithful wife" he chuckled.
Her breath hitched, she turned to face him.
"Listen to me bastard, I don't know who you think you are but don't you dare call me names" she yelled at him.
He held her arm in a bruising grip.
"No you listen to me, what do you take me for? A quick lay when you're bored of your husband? You don't know who I think I am? I'm the man you fùcked last night, the man you were moaning under the minute I shoved my dïck into you" he said his mouth dropped to her lips and he bit her hard.
"You sick fück let go off me now!!!" she yelled at him tears ran down her cheeks.
"Listen to me Cassie, I wanted you, I've had you, and I want more. You're going to satisfy me or the whole family will find out about your one night stand with the bastard" he bit her neck harshly.
"Dele please stop, we don't have to do this again. I'm sorry I led you on but I don't want this anymore. Dele let go off me" She sobbed.
"Aww pretty girl you're crying, why are you crying? Go on...it only turns me on" he chuckled.
Cassie gasped realizing that Dele was probably sick in the head, really sick in the head.
"Now we're going to go back to your room, the bed you share with my dumb brother and you're going to suck my côck while we talk about my fiancee who got pregnant for your fücked up husband who couldn't keep his dîck in his fückïng pants!" he shouted.
"Dele, stop it. You need help you're sick" she tried to pull away but he held her close.
"The story has not ended but it's going to have a happy ending. The bastard got to fück his brother's precious wife, the only woman he'd ever loved. Karma is a bîtch ey?" he laughed.
Tears ran down her face, what the hell had she gotten into?

thank you so much ma

Pearl05:
Cassie is a compound fool. Two wrongs don't make right. Dele will soon start blackmailing her for more sex, that's if she is not already pregnant sef.


Nene is pulling down her own home because stubbornness, the father is more concerned about reputation and not her happiness. No man can survive long in such home without going bananas.



Giannaaaaaa Weldon

DARA

"That's it Ada, we're taking that house at Jakande and we're leaving your brother alone for good.  Jay told me what you did, I'm so disappointed. What is wrong with you?" Emeka asked.
"Oh good, you can go. Go alone, Ruby and Coral will remain here with me. I'm not going to leave this house for anybody" Adanna frowned .
"Your brother has said we should leave, because of your bad attitude Ada" Emeka yelled.
"My brother is under the influence of something, can you imagine? How can my own brother ask me to leave his house because of a woman?!" Ada beat her chest.
"How can he not? she's his wife. If you weren't treating her badly in her own house Jidenna wouldn't ask us to leave. Tell me would you tolerate this if you were in her shoes?" Emeka asked.
"This is why I have problems with you, do you ever support me? You're always against me and you're my husband" Ada hissed.
"Ada, I can't support evil" Emeka said.
"Emeka the only evil in this house is Dara, she's used a spell on my brother. I'm going to make sure I destroy her charms" Ada said vehemently.
"What kind of foolishness is this Ada?" Emeka asked angrily.
"Emeka, I will be a bad sister if I allow my brother to live under the influence of juju" Ada said.
Emeka gaped at his wife in disbelief.
"Besides, if we remain in this house for a few more years. We can save money to get a house like this. We don't pay any bills, Jidenna pays for it all. Even our kids school fees, we need to save for our future. We need to remain here for the next six years" Ada said.
"Six years! Are you crazy?! You want to feed off your brother and inconvenience his family for the next six years. Ada you are wicked!" Emeka said.
"I am a man, I had a little problem and I begged Jidenna to let me live here for a few months. Months turned into a year, now I'm back on my feet. I want to leave, get a house and provide for my family not in your brother's house Ada" Emeka said.
"I'm not leaving luxury for poverty, I'm staying in this house. I can handle my brother, as for his wife. I will hit her had when she doesn't expect it" Ada swore.
"You're mad, we're leaving this house in two weeks. Two weeks Ada, I wasn't rich when I married you but we never lacked. You will be satisfied with what I give you" Emeka said.
"If I had known my brother would make this much money I wouldn't have married you" Ada hissed.
"I hope you remember when Jidenna came to you to ask for a loan for a business he wanted to invest in, you told him you wouldn't give him a dime to invest in his worthless ambition. Do you remember who loaned him that money?" Emeka asked.
Adanna hissed, of course she knew. It was Dara who had ran around to get the money for him.
"Jidenna is under no spell, without Dara he wouldn't be this rich today. You wouldn't be enjoying this luxury yet you treat her badly. I see what you and mama do to her, calling her names. She stood by your brother when he was penniless, when you abandoned him. Leave Dara alone let her enjoy the fruit of her labour, I won't say anything to you again. I pray you don't do something you will regret" Emeka warned before leaving his bedroom to go check on the kids.
"Foolish man, stupid man" Ada cursed her husband.
"You want me to respect that Idiot because of the little change she loaned my brother. I will make sure he hates her" Adanna promised herself. She picked up her phone and called her childhood friend.
'Hello Nkechi' she said.
'Ada beke, how you dey na. I bin wan call you last night, sleep just hol' me" Nkechi said.
'Nkechi, I need your help. That man for Epe, you still get hin number?' She asked her friend.
'Ahan, I think sey you be born again. Why you want the number?' Nkechi asked.
'I need to take care of someone' Ada said.
'No wahala, I get am. I go text you the number' Nkechi promised.
Adanna smiled victoriously.
'Dara you might have won the battle but watch out for the war' she muttered to herself.

NENE

Richard was truly surprised when he woke up early the next morning and found out that Nene had gotten up early to do a few chores and she'd also prepared breakfast.
Ha! Surprise was an understatement, the act left him speechless.
"I threw few of your shirts into the washer,  I'll do the ironing later in the afternoon" she said casually over breakfast.
Richard's eyes widened in shock,  she'd not yelled at him this morning, no complaints, nothing.
"Is there any other thing you'd like me to do?" she asked picking up a glass of orange juice.
"No... No. This is great,  thanks Nene. Are you okay, is the baby fine?" Richard asked.
Nene always had the habit of blaming her laziness on her pregnacy, he wondered what happened today that she'd gotten up early to do her chores.
"Yeah,  I'm fine. Why?" she asked arching her brows in her usual arrogance.
"Nene when was the last time you cook me breakfast, of course I'm worried. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you cooked me breakfast. I don't understand why?" Richard said.
"I was bored, felt like doing something" she gave a faint smile.
"Really" I wish you'll get bored everyday, Richard thought smiling.
"Well don't you like the food?" Nene asked, she new she wasn't a good cook but she didn't really care if he liked it or not.
"Nene it's okay, thanks" Richard said.
He didn't want to offend Nene, so he ate quickly throwing compliments her way.
"Since you're so bored,  I could skip work and take you to the beach. We could go to the cinema too" Richard offered.
Good mood Nene was very rare,  he might as well just enjoy the day with her.
"How about work?" Nene asked.
"I'm sure your father won't mind,  I'll tell him I took his daughter out to ease her boredom" Richard said smiling.
"Hmmm" His daughter and not your wife. She wondered what the woman Richard was seeing looked like.
She also wondered if he'd leave her for the woman, 'he wouldn't' she thought. He cherished his unborn child too much.
"If I lose the baby Richard, will you leave me?" she asked out of the blue.
Richard was surprised by her unexpected question.
"I don't know" he said, truth was that he'd leave her in a flash If there was no baby.
"Just remember that whatever you're doing, it might affect my father's reputation" Nene said staring up at him coldly.
And just like that good mood Nene was gone.
"What are you talking about Nene?" Richard asked confused.
"That woman you're seeing...." Nene stopped.
Richard swallowed the huge bile in his throat and Nene watched with interest.
'So she'd been right' she thought.
Richard on the other hand wondered how she knew about Idara.
"I heard you talking with her, did my research" Nene said confidently.
"You had no right to spy on me Nene, no right at all!" Richard yelled.
"I am your wife!" Nene stood her ground not backing down.
"Not for long anyway..." Richard muttered to her hearing.
"Then have it in mind that you will also lose your baby" Nene threatened.
"You'll be in for a surprise Nene, a big surprise" Richard chuckled.
"I hate you so much, I wish I'd never met you. You disgust me down to my toes" Nene spat getting up from her chair.
Richard said nothing else, it wasn't a surprise. Nene had always been clear about her feelings right from day one. Infact the only time she'd ever been nice to him was just that single night.
He'd gotten a tiny glance of what sweet, loving and fun Nene would be like. She must have killed and buried that Nene after that night.
Just then her phone rang and she checked the caller, it was her father.
"Good morning daddy" she answered curtly.
'Nene I don't know what is going on with you and Richard but you both have to make sure it doesn't stain my reputation' Her father sounded angry.
Nene sighed and sat on her seat.
"Daddy what are you talking about, what has Richard done this time?" she asked.
Richard's head shot up to look at Nene.
'Your husband's lawyer has dished me out some threats, serious blackmail Nene' her father replied.
Nene's eyes narrowed at Richard.
"Richard has a lawyer, I mean apart from the family lawyer?" Nene asked.
Richard crossed his arms and watched with interest. Idara must have contacted their lawyer already.
"Yes, he's gotten himself one hardass lawyer" her father muttered rather gruffly.
"I see, well why is he threatening you?" Nene asked.
This time Richard was confused, was Idara dishing threats?
Why?
"Nene, Richard wants a divorce" her father said.
"Oh I see..." but her father stopped her.
"It's not good Nene, I think they want full custody of your child" Her father said.
And her world stopped.

FIVE

CASSIE.

Cassie paced about the room wondering why Tobi was not yet upstairs, she wanted to go downstairs and see how Dele was handling it but she remained rooted to her spot. 
Then she head footsteps, possibly Tobi or Dele she thought nervously. She watched the door curiously till it came open.
Dele... Where was Tobi?
"Is he back?" Cassie asked.
"Yes,  but he won't bother us" Dele said.
"What do you mean,  what did you do to him?" Cassie asked nervously.
Dele smiled and walked to her.
"You're nervous, don't be.  I'm not going to kill you honey,  I only want to give you the pleasure your husband has been denying you" Dele said unbuttoning his shirt.
'But Your husband has denied you nothing, you've been the one depriving him" a voice in her head said.
She refused to listen to the voice,  her conscience. Tobi had cheated on her,  she'd pay him back in his own coin. 
'Just one night' she reminded herself.
"I love this skimpy night dress,  do you wear it for Tobi too?" Dele asked his finger holding the tiny straps of the dress.
"No" Cassie answered. Her heart was beating, she wondered if Dele could hear her heart beat.
"Lucky me,  I guess" Dele smirked before ripping the dress.
"In future I'd prefer you wait for me naked" He said dropping his lips to her bare shoulder.
Cassie pushed him.
"In future? Dele this is a one time thing.  After tonight, no more" Cassie said.
"If that's what you want" Dele said sourly before taking her face in his hands.  He kissed her rough and hard, bruising her lips.
"You're one of the most beautiful women I've seen. Your lips are driving me mad,  I have to kiss you again" He took her lips again and kissed her.
"Exquisite" his hand cupped her brèasts,  she had small plump brèasts. Just a handful, didn't Tobi like big brëasted women? Shocker!
Cassie sighed finally relaxing in Dele's arms.
"When was the last time you had sex?" Dele asked cupping her nicely rounded bütt.
"Three weeks before my wedding" Cassie responded shyly.
Dele chuckled "That's a long time,  don't worry. I'll take care of you" He picked her up as if she weighed nothing, carrying her bridal style to the bed.
His mouth settled on her brëasts enjoying the traitorous sounds leaving her mouth.
Here he was fücking his brother's wife,  wishing his brother could watch it.  Watch the way his wife was responding to him,  that would surely kill Dele.
'I'll just leave him a souvenir, hopefully the bitch is very fertile' he chuckled inwardly.
"Fück Cassandra,  you're so tight" His hand pulled away from her Venus hole to his lips.
"You're my favorite flavor" He said.
Cassie watch his eyes go dark with lust.
'God will send me to hell for this' she thought.
He kissed her again, stroking his dïck before slipping into her.
She was the silent type... no screams.
Just little moans that sounded like music to his ears.
'My brother's beloved wife' the thought made his dïck harder.
He buried his lips in Cassie's neck and left painful bites there.
"Dele..." Cassie moaned a bit loudly when she came.
'My brother's fucking wife' he came inside her.  Wonderful....he looked down at her and saw remorse.
"You don't look happy" he said.
"This was a mistake, you should go" She said.
"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it,  you were dripping wët  before I touched you.  Tell me was I better than Tobi?" he asked.
"Stop it,  you bastärd! Don't mock me, I made a mistake. You should be ashamed of yourself too,  I'm your brother's wife" Cassie snapped.
Dele laughed harshly.
"I'm sure he won't mind, he fücks other people's wives and girlfriends too" Dele said getting up from the bed.
Cassie felt a tear slip down her face,  "You're no different from him,  I'm not too. You didn't even bother with protection" Cassie sobbed covering her naked skin with the bedsheet.
"I'm not fertile,  can't get a woman pregnant" he lied.
"Good...This will never happen again Dele.  It's just a one time thing" Cassie said poker faced.
"I doubt it" Dele said picking  his clothes off the floor.
"Good night,  we'll talk in the morning" he said putting on his briefs.
Cassie gasped as the realization of what she had done,  dawned on her.
"Sleep well, you might go check on your husband downstairs honey" Dele smiled walking out of the room.
Cassie buried her head in her pillow and sobbed,  why did it  feel like she'd slept with the devil. 
She wanted to hurt Tobi this wasn't worth it.
'I can't ever forgive myself for this' she muttered sadly.

Thank you sir

Ibunkun1:
E Be Like Say This Adanna Dey Mad Fa,what Rubbish(alainitiju).As For Cassie I Hope It's Not Too Late For Her To Realise That She's Just A pawn In The Game of Dele's Vengeance.Nene I Freaking Feeling like Giving You A Reset Slap Are You The First Woman To Help Her Husband.Great Job.More Power To Your Elbow @gianaaa.I love This Story#rideon

DARA

Dara clasped her hands together and watched her husband's family in awe. Her mother in law and her dramatics.
"Everyday she tells her husband that she hates us.  That she wants us out of the house" Adanna said.
Mama raised her hand above her head.
"Mazi, can you hear this?  After carrying my own son for nine solid months,  catering for his needs,  training him in school, this witch doesn't want me to enjoy the fruit of my labour!" mama wailed.
Jidenna placed his hands on his wife's thighs and rubbed it in a comforting gesture.
"Jidenna, mba it is a bad thing. You will not send your family away because of a strange woman" Mazi uchendu said.
"uncle, thank you for coming today. I don't know why mama called you, there's no problem with my family. Dara isn't a strange woman, she's my wife. She only expressed her thoughts to me and I've settled it" Jidenna said casually.
"Shut up there! Mazi Uchendu my son has been bewitched. This girl here, she won't rest until she's destroyed us. Pastor Levi look at her, do you know that this woman has deprived my son from having children. Ada what's that thing she's been using?" Mama asked Adanna.
"Contraceptives, Dara has been using contraceptives. That's why my brother doesn't have any children" Adanna hissed.
Dara frowned, she turned to Jidenna but he said nothing. She shook her head in disappointment.
"Kedu ihe bụ ihe ahụ?" Mazi uchendu asked confused.
"mazi, it is medicine that doesn't allow her to get pregnant no matter what my son tries. She's purposely denied my son children, and he says nothing. Isn't that signs of bewitchment?" mama asked.
"God forbid, you mean she's the cause of their childlessness? Abomination!!!!" Mazi eyed Dara in disgust.
"She has to leave my son!" Mama said with a note of finality.
Pastor Levi cleared his throat this time.
"Mama please, forgive your daughter in law. She's offended you but you have to forgive her. She's only a child, she needs guidance. You have to be patient with her" Pastor Levi said.
"Pastor Levi, she doesn't want to learn. She insults my mother, she doesn't listen to mama" Adanna hissed.
"you're the one to talk, why aren't you in your husband's house? You have brought your family to my own husband house and you don't even acknowledge me as the second head of the house" Dara said.
"Shut up before I slap your ugly face there" Adanna got up in anger.
"Ehn Ehn Ada sit down. You have no right at all to slap your brother's wife in her own house" Mazi uchendu said.
Pastor Levi sighed tiredly before picking up his bible. After a long sermon, he prayed for the family and left the decision making to Mazi Uchendu as the traditional head of the family.
"Adanna, our wife is right. You have to leave your brother's house. This is not your home, you can visit but you don't have to make this a home for your own family. I will speak to your husband, it's not done" Mazi Uchendu cleared his throat.
"As for our wife, Dara. You have to respect your husband's mother, she's also your mother. You also have to give your husband children, he needs heirs. If you won't do these things and I get another complaint from your mother In law, we will send you out of this house and bring another woman for our son. Jidenna knows what will happen if he stops us, he will be disowned. Behave yourself, you're no longer a child. You're a wife, act like one" Mazi uchendu said.
Dara smiled and nodded, Adanna on the other hand looked like a wounded lion.
"Ehm, thank you uncle. Thank you for coming. I'm very sorry that mama had to disturb your stay in the village, I will compensate you for your troubles" Jidenna said.
"Thank you my son, you know how women behave. I do not think this is a serious matter, it's a small family thing that could have been handled by you. You're the head of this home, you have to make them see you as the head" Mazi picked up a piece of kola.
"Thank you Nna, I'm glad his matter has been settled. Let me go and get you food to eat before you begin your journey. Will you be taking the night bus?" Mama asked.
"I want to take aeroplane, you people have stressed me, put me inside aeroplane with big chair, and AC" Mazi uchendu said.
Adanna glared at the man distastefully. 'Old fool' she muttered.
"That will be arranged uncle, Dara why don't you show uncle to the guest room" Jidenna turned to Dara.
"Okay" Dara picked up the sack bag on the floor and beckoned to the old man to follow her.
Jidenna waited for the duo to leave the room before turning to his mother and his sister angrily.
"What kind of embarrassment was that? You've both turned my house into a circus, airing out my dirty laundry in public. What kind of nonsense is that? I've ignored the drama in this house for too long. Adanna I'm giving you a one month notice, find a house for your family and leave my house. And mama, the minute Olanna finishes her exams you will return to enugu. There's no business for you here in Lagos, I've had enough. My wife and I would love some privacy!" Jidenna hissed and walked out of the living room.
"Mama, didn't I tell you we shouldn't invite that old fool to this house?" Adanna asked.
"Ada, enough. I'm tired" Mama shook her head.
"I'm not going to leave this luxury, I'm not leaving this house. If you don't do something about it, I will" Adanna hissed and went over to her own room.
Mama watched her first child and wondered what Adanna's next move would be.