₦airaland Forum

I want more, I want more I want more. Please.

Ann2012:
Oleng suffered sha

I'm not saying that she didn't. I'm saying Tinu's suffering should not be mentioned when we are talking about Oleng's woes

jamesfadairo:
hmm, wahala dey o, Tinu is becoming another Oleng, if u know u know

Unfulfilled Promises. Shout out to AudreyTimms.

I don't know. I feel Oleng is a class of her own. Tinu's suffering is on another level

jamesfadairo:
Lol, when u mentioned Teco Benson, I remember "FormidableForce". Yes the writer is on her way to those heights

Awwn thanks

Slyvesterjosh:
One of the reason I hate reading stories.

Mad o. Guy, I'm sorry o. But what did I do?

Timba24:
na wa ooo. It is getting serious.. Well done millie

Youdonnowarrisgoingon. I really feel for Tinu though. Thanks b

Bring on the comments on o. Breakfast has been served.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Mayowa sighed as he met Rosanna outside his apartment that evening. She got up immediately she saw him.

“You might think this is endearing but it’s getting irritating.”, he said as he locked his door.

“Mayowa, please. I’m sorry.”, she begged.

“Roselle, you are getting infuriating. Forget about us, about me. What language do I have to say it in before you understand?”, he asked.

“Mayowa, please.”, she said and went on her knees. “Forgive me.”

“Hey baby!”, a feminine voice called from behind her. Roselle turned to see a pretty young woman in a gown that barely covered her bum walking towards them. The woman hugged Mayowa and he kissed her. Not the quick peck on the lips, but a slow, long and tender French kiss.Her heart was crushed as she watched him passionately kiss the woman in front of him. She wiped a tear that fell from her eye. She heard the lady moan in pleasure and all she wanted to do was pull her by her ridiculously long hair extensions and give her a beating she would never forget.

Mayowa broke off the kiss and held the woman possessively by the waist the way he had held her so many times. The stupid woman rubbed herself shamelessly against Mayowa and asked, “Babe, who is this?”

“No one.”, Mayowa said. She tried not to feel hurt. She had betrayed him and they weren’t together anymore. He could kiss whoever he wanted. Despite all her rationalizing the statement, she couldn’t help but feel hurt and jealous.

“Are you ready to leave?”, she asked.

“Definitely.”, he said and she led them out of the hallway.

Roselle sat by his door and cried in sadness and at her stupidity.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Dele bent over Seyifunmi to pick up his phone to check his email and she grumbled and groaned.

“Don’t do that!”, she complained.

“Madam, my legs are not a pillow.”, he put in.

“But I find them comfy.”, she whined and he shook his head laughing. He unlocked his phone and saw an email from a law firm requiring him to be present at the reading of the will of Christopher Oduah Senior. A gasp escaped his lips. Chris was dead?

“What’s wrong?”, Seyifunmi asked groggily.

“Someone I know died.”, he answered and dialed Tinu’s number.

“Oh, sorry.”, she put in and made to sit up but he pulled her back down. She smiled and closed her eyes.

“Hello, Tinu. How are you doing? …. I just found out. My condolences…. How are the kids? Tóminí especially…. I got a mail from a firm to be present for the reading of his will…. Ok… I hope you’re fine though…. I’ll be there…. I’m sorry for your loss.”, he said and hung up.

“Was that your ex-wife?”, Seyifunmi asked.

“Yes. Her husband died.”, he explained.

“Bummer, she’s one unlucky lady.”, she said and closed her eyes to sleep.

Dele shook his head and opened inbox and checked for a mail he was expecting. But throughout that day he couldn’t help but wonder how Tinu and the twins were faring.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Dele looked up again and met the piercing glare of Ajiri, Tinu’s old friend. Apparently, the lady had not forgiven him for what he did to Tinu. She bounced her baby softly and cooed beautiful words in her ears yet gave him a look that could kill. Tinu walked into the room and he was very grateful. She was a shadow of herself. Her eyeballs were pink from crying and her lower lids were swollen with eye bags. Her beautiful relaxed long hair was nowhere to be found. Her hair was due for a trip to the salon. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail of split ends and tendrils were falling out of the ponytail. She wore a black, massive abaya but her baby bump was visible.

“Dele, good afternoon.”, she greeted and hugged him.

“Hey. How are you?”, he asked in concern.

“Im fine. We’re waiting for my sister-in-law and then we’ll begin.”, she answered.

“How is Tóminí?”, he asked.

“Well, she wasn’t great at first. But then after her grandma explained that her daddy was going to heaven, she began to take it in stride.”, she answered.

“Sorry ma'am.”, a maid called. Tinu turned to face her. “Miss Margaux is around with Mr Daniel.”, the maid said.

“Thank you, Nadia.”, Tinu said. “Shall we?”, she said and led Dele to the terrace where the lawyer and Chris’s parents and sisters were waiting.
He greeted the elderly couple and the lawyer before taking a seat. He nodded in salutation at the younger couple.

“Now that we’re all here, we can begin. I will now proceed to read the last will and testament of Mr. Christopher Oduah Senior.”, the old attorney started and broke the seal on the customized envelope. He brought out the document and began to read.

“The Last Will and Testament of Christopher Oduah Senior. If this is being read, then I am dead…” The lawyer was interrupted by the sob that came from Tinu.

“Tinu…”, the elderly woman called softly and held her hand.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, sir.”, she said sniffling and wiping her tears with her handkerchief.

“Ok. I’ll begin again. The Last Will and Testament of Christopher Oduah Senior. If this is being read, then I am dead. The following paragraphs delimit how I intend my property to be shared among my loved ones. My shares in Oduah Holdings Corporation, I bequeath in even shares to my three beautiful children- Oluwatomini Nicole Oduah, Temiloluwa Stephen Oduah, and Christopher Levi Oduah Junior and my lovely wife, Atinuke Coker Oduah. Her share being held in trust for our unborn child, our little Regina or Rex.” Tinu whimpered but the lawyer proceeded.

“To my beautiful niece, Genevieve Isioma Onugha, I leave my penthouse situate at Royal Gardens Housing Estate, Lekki. To be held on trust by her parents. To my darling sisters, Margaux and Monique, I leave my two houses in Johannesburg. I leave my Ferrari to my brother in law, Daniel Onugha so I can rest in peace. My houses in Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Milan and New York, I bequeath to my children. They will be held on trust by Mr. Dele Dáramólá and Stellar Wealth Managers till my children attain the age of twenty-five years. They are to be distributed among them as they deem fit.

This is to bring to the attention of the executors and trustees of this document the existence of a trust fund created for my four children for their education, welfare and upkeep. The balance of my personal accounts in Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc, I donate to the Healing Hands Cancer Research Centre, Nigeria to aid the research of better treatment for cancer patients. The balance of my personal account in United Bank for Africa, I leave to my wife.
To my Atinuke, my lady in the cyan bodycon dress, the woman who stole my heart and loved me with every fiber of her being, my love, my heart, my partner, my wife; you are the best choice I ever made and if we return to this world again, I hope I find you. To my wife, I leave the Cyan Lady, my residence, the Oduah Crown Jewels I inherited from my mother, my cars, the beach house in Seychelles and my shares in Getaway Inns and Taverns.

I name Dele Daramola as residuary legatee. I appoint Mr. Femi Fasina, Mr Jason Oduah and Mr. Dele Daramola as executors.”

There was a long eerie silence punctuated by Tinu’s frequent sniffles. The lawyer the spoke again, “That was the will of the deceased. I will begin filing for probate on Monday.”

“Thank you very much.”, Mr Oduah said. “I really appreciate…”

“You can’t go in there.”, a voice shouted sternly.
The sound of a heated argument was heard.

“What is going on out there?”, Mrs. Oduah asked.
Not long after, two men and three uniformed policemen came in with Ajiri and two maids on their tail.

“What is going on here, officers?”, Mr Oduah stood and asked in outrage.

“Good day. We are sorry to interrupt. I am Detective Hameed Hamza and this is my partner Detective Luke Dogo.”, one of the men in mufti said and they both flashed their identity cards. “ We are looking for Mrs. Atinúké Coker Oduah.”
“I am Atinuke Coker Oduah. How may I help you?”, she asked as she stood up.

“Mrs Atinuke Coker Oduah, you are under arrest for the murder of Christopher Oduah Senior.”, the detective announced as his partner approached her to handcuff her.

“What?!”, Tinu, Dele, Ajiri and Margaux said in unison.

“I didn’t kill my husband.”, she shouted in outrage.

ThePreachersSon:
I crossed this thread yesterday, and I've been cruising it until now. Millieademi, you are in every shade, wonderful. I appreciate every twist, turn, and curves. You write like my favorite female writer.


Waiting for more secrets to flow down this path tho.

Thanks love.

emperortobby1:
This is my first time of comment on any story or novel here... My writer kudos to you for a job well done I love your writing skills. But pls try and update on time the suspense is to much when I say is to much I hope you what it means

Awwn. Thank you. I'm honored to ellicit your first comment.

There's no such thing as too much suspense but I'll try to update a bit more frequently. (I ain't making any promises though)

Diistro:
Yo millie ademi..allow me to dick ride a lil bit even tho you female but I think you among the top three writers in this naira land tho.. You should venture into writing movie scripts tho..

Thanks. Thanks. Thank you.

I'll put a pin in that.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Dele’s face lightened up as he saw Seyifunmi walk through the arrival gate. She smiled and waved as soon as her eyes located him. He missed her. He had never felt more lonely despite the calls and chats. She had grown on him and it dawned on him there and then as she sashayed towards him pulling her suitcase behind her, that he was in love with her. He waited for her at the edge of the drop-off and pick-up area. His arms instinctively wrapped themselves around her as she got within reach. He held her tight, picked her up and spun her as she giggled.

“Ive missed you.”, she said as he put her back on her feet.

“Me too.”, he said and collected her bag from her.
“Thank you.”

“So how was it? How was New York?”, he asked and led them through the bustling passengers to the carpark.

“Well, the conference was amazing, elucidating and worth my while and naira. Thanks for telling me about it. Despite the terribly long flight from California, New York was great. I met up with an old friend. She lectures at Columbia. She took me to all the fun spots. There’s this stand she took me to. She said the man makes the best hotdogs in all of Manhattan. I can’t testify to that but it was the bomb. It totally ruined Nigerian hotdogs for me. On Saturday, she took me to Coney Island. God, Dele, it was the most fun I’ve had in a while. We went clubbing two nights ago. It was fun.”, she babbled in glee.

“Well, I’m glad you had fun and you enjoyed the conference.”, he said.

“So, what’s next on the Receive Seyifunmi itinerary?”, she asked as he opened the trunk to stash her suitcase.

“Well, I drop off at your house and you sleep off the jet lag and I head back home and catch up on Murder Files reruns. I have to make good use of this public holiday.”, he teased and opened the passenger door for her.

“But I had a different expectation. I was hoping we could head back to your place and we could both work on curing my jet lag.”, she said and snaked her arms around his waist and kissed his cheek.

“Well, if you put it like that, then I guess we can arrange that.”, he said and kissed her cheek.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Rosanna smiled at the man in front of her and shook her head. Dare had made it a point of duty to have his driver pick her up every day. It was cute and if she was being honest, endearing.

“Thank you but I’m not leaving yet. I’m going to the café across the street to get something to eat. I’m working late. Would you like some doughnuts or you prefer sausage rolls? I’d like to get you some.”, she said.

“No, thank you ma. I’m ok.”, the man said.

“Are you sure?”, she said.

“I am, Miss Rose. Thank you for offering.”, he put in.

“Ok, then”, she put in and left. She crossed the road and walked to the café. She walked up to the counter and ordered a bottle of cream soda and sausage rolls for herself and a bottle of orange juice and doughnuts for Mr. Nate. He deserved it. He was an efficient driver. She turned around after receiving her order from the barista and walked smack into Ose. Her heart quickened and she cleared her suddenly parched throat.

“Hi, Mr. Lawrence.”, she greeted.

“Hi.”, he answered curtly and moved away from her. She was crestfallen for a while but shrugged it off seconds later. His attitude towards her was not novel and hence shouldn’t surprise her. She walked out of the café and stood by the pavement waiting for the safe moment to cross.

“Rose..”, a voice called and she turned back. “I’m sorry for being hostile to you. I’m just … I’m having a bad day.”, Ose explained.

“Is that the reason for your behavior today or I always catch you on your bad days?”, she replied.

He sighed and said, “You remind me so much of someone I want desperately to forget. But that doesn’t justify my nasty behavior to you. I’m sorry. Please can you accept my apology?”

“What motivated you to apologise?”, she asked.

“Well, I don’t know. The manners my cousin tries to instill in me are finally getting through to me?”

She smiled weakly and said, “Apology accepted then.”

“Thank you.”, he said and walked back into the café. She smiled and crossed the road.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Tinu pulled on the sleeves of her black woolen sweater as she descended the stairs. The maid had told her a strange lady was looking for her. She wasn’t really in the mood to see anyone. She was just going to ask the woman to leave. She had asked the maid to do that but the woman said she won’t leave without seeing her. She walked into the living room and saw Ajiri waiting for her with a baby carrier.

“AJ?”, she asked not trusting her eyes.

“Tinu!”, Ajiri said and ran to hug her friend. “I saw it in the news. How are you? How are you holding up?”

“I don’t know.”, she said and released her friend. Ajiri led them to a sofa and they sat side by side.
“I just told the twins. They didn’t take it so well. They fell asleep after crying themselves to sleep. I’m trying to be strong for the sake of the children. I.. I guess that’s how I am holding up. I’m trying to be strong and figure out how to live the rest of my life without him.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”, Ajiri said.

“Thank you. Thank you for coming over. I really didn’t expect it.”, Tinu said.

“Youre my best friend, Tinu. I may have been stupid and judgemental about you getting married to Chris but I love you. Everything I said that night was because I thought I could protect you from another Dele. I have to be here for you now. Because it’s what friends do.”, she said.

“Thank you.”, Tinu said and squeezed Ajiri's hand.
“What’s her name?”, she asked referring to the baby in the carrier.

“Evwomazino.”, Ajiri replied.

“She’s beautiful.”, she said weakly and wiped a stray tear away.

“Tinu, everything is going to be ok. I know it hurts but you’re going to bounce back stronger.”, Ajiri assured squeezing Tinu’s hand.

“I know.”, she said and sighed. “Can I ask you for a favor?”

“Sure, anything.”, Ajiri answered enthusiastic.

“I was trying to rearrange our closet before the maid called me. I want to put away his stuff and being surrounded by his things….”

“You want me to help you in packing them up?”, Ajiri asked.

“I’m so sorry. I’ve been putting it off for a month now. I wanted to wait to I was strong enough to deal with it but I’m not and…”

“I understand. You don’t have to explain.”, Ajiri said. “I’ll help you.”, she said.

“Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”, Tinu said.

Ajiri smiled weakly and held her friend’s hand. She wished she could take away Tinu’s pain. Tinu wasn’t really strong when it came to handling loss. And now, being pregnant she had to face it again. She hoped her children would be enough reason for her to be strong.

daddio:
Hmmmmm, good witch, where are Tinu's children?

I'll take that as a compliment. Tinu's children are in a boarding school.

Whoa, whoa, whoa (slams foot on brake and tyres screech as the car spins in circles and draws similar skid circles on the asphalt)

I am not a sadist. I love being happy and making people happy.

When I said I'm not normal, I didn't mean I'm a sadist.

Please o. I find that evaluation of my writing offensive.

If Chris died, it was necessary for the advancement of the plot.

Life is tough and shit happens. I don't write fairytales. I love reading them as much as the next person. Really I do. I totally adore Hallmark movies. But I don't write 'em.

Please do not run away from the book. But if you can't stomach it, I understand.

The details of Chris's gruesome death will be revealed in subsequent updates like I said before.

Let's put the stones and wooden stakes and bonfires away. I'm not a wicked witch. I'm not a sadist. Let's chill with our ice cream buckets and popcorn and sit back and enjoy the novel.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴


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






Chapter 20


Tinu's hand rubbed her eyes as she awakened from her drug induced sleep. She groaned in pain and her stomach rumble in hunger. Her ears rang and her optical senses doubled everything they saw. She shook her head to clear up the shaky, multiplied images but regretted it immediately. A gong crashed in her head as she did so.

She had to find something to eat. She threw her legs over the side of the bed. She had just had the craziest dream. She was so terrified to wake up in the fear that it was real. She wiped the tear that escaped from her eye. It felt so real. Chris was dead in the nightmare. She shook her head, thanking God that it was a dream and praying for such dreams to go back to the sender.

She stood slowly and waited before taking a step. She shuffled out of the room to Chris’s office. She opened the door and found the office empty. She closed the door and walked towards the staircase. Slowly and steadily she descended the stairs with her head pounding and stomach growling.

“Chris. Chris. Where are you?”, she called out as she walked towards the study. She pulled open the door and met the study empty. She left the office and met her in-laws walking towards her withworry etched onto their faces.

“Mum, dad. Good afternoon. Where’s Chris?”, she asked. “Is he in the living room? I had a nasty dream.”, she informed them as she walked past them towards the living room.

“Tinu.”, Mr. Oduah called her back.

“Yes Dad.”, she answered and stopped.

“Tinu, this is unhealthy. Please. I know it hurts but this denial is not safe for you or the baby. Please just come to terms with this. The sooner you do so the sooner we can all get closure. Chris’s passing is painful to each of us. I should know. I’m his father. I can’t compare my pain to yours Tinu. He was your husband, your better half, the father of your children. Please, accept this.”, Mr. Oduah said.

“No. No. My Chris isn’t dead. You’re lying to me. Chris promised me. He promised he would fight death before he lets it tear us apart. He wouldn’t leave me just like that. He promised to be there when I felt the baby. Chris never breaks his promises. My husband isn’t dead. My husband is not dead.”, she screamed with tears rolling down her cheeks.

“I think she needs professional help.”, Mrs Oduah said under her breath but Tinu’s elephant ears caught it.

“What do you mean by professional help? Are you saying I’m mad? Are you trying to say that I’m insane for refusing to believe that my husband isn’t dead?”, she roared.

“Tinu, that isn’t what mum was saying? We only mean well. We all saw his body at the morgue. You were there…”

“My husband is not dead!”, she insisted.

“Chris is dead. Tinu accept it. Tinu accept it.”, Margaux said.

“No,no,no.”, Tinu said and shook her head vehemently.

“Tinu, please.”, Mrs Oduah put in and hugged her.

“No, he said he would never leave me.”, she sobbed.

“He didn’t want to. Know that. Chris loved you so much if he had a say he would never leave you. Please, Tinu.”, the older woman cooed tenderly and stroked Tinu’s head as she sobbed.

So it was true? Her dream wasn’t a dream. It was her macabre reality. She would give her life for it to be a nightmare at least it would come to an end. How was she supposed to live without him? How was she supposed to raise the children on her own? How was she supposed to exist without him by her side? How? Just how? If only there had been some sort of sign that morning. Something to give her some sort of heads up, then she would have never let him out of her sight that morning. He was so immaculate that morning. She could remember that sharp creases of his white shirt's collar as she folded it over his red stripped tie. She remembered his joke about him always looking like his mum had dressed him up as she brushed his hair. She remembered how the light bounced off his shiny black oxfords. She remembered the feel of his lips against her that morning and the taste of coffee on his tongue. She remembered the way he stroked the back of her hand and told her he’d be back before she knew it.

Tears and fresh sobs racked her. He didn’t come back. And he wasn’t coming back. She would never see his onyx black eyes again or his mischievous smile that started with one lip tugged up.. She would never feel his arms encircle her late at night when he returned from work. She would never have some one take her side against the twins when she was scolding them. She would never have someone to laugh with when she was excited, or cry on when she was in despair or shout at when she frustrated. She would never have Chris.

“Please tell me you’re lying to me.”, she wheezed amidst sobs

“Sorry.”, her mother in-law said and she sobbed harder.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

...........

jamesfadairo:
following, thank God you didnt delete

Abi. We sha thank God

Hi guys.


Please who has tissue? I'm still crying from Chris's burial.

Yes, it's official. Chris is dead. The details will be communicated in subsequent updates.


If you think Chris's death is something to wail about, then y'all better invest in a tissue box to be prepared for what is going to happen later.

We'll soon be wrapping up this installment of Ocean of Secrets.


Update will be later this evening.

By the way, did someone change the title of the thread?



I love you all.

HowDareU:
Nice story. Your description was top-notch. Your use of adverb almost overshadowed the story: In writing, try to 'tell' but don't 'say'.

Thanks love.

I'm working on that. Taking classes and all.

Interesting work, baby g. You've got me hooked.

I only have one issue with this work . I'm sorry but I feel there's a lot of big vocabulary. I feel you should use synonyms we are conversant with in some instances. Sometimes, grammar gets boring. There was I time I skipped a paragraph or so in a post. Please, kindly tone it down a bit.


I apologise if you find this offensive. I'm sorry. I am only stating an opinion.


But it's a great story nonetheless.

Keep it up.

His smile withered away as he stood there watching her kiss another man, feeling sadness, hatred and anger come to a rolling boil in his blood and wishing he could unsee what he had just seen. He cleared his throat and they broke apart. He saw guilt paint her face. He saw the guy whisper something in her ear and he had to wrestle the urge to throw him across the room.

“Roselle, it’s nice to see you.”, he said.

“Mayowa, I’m…you’re…. I mean what are you doing here?”, she said quivering. He watched the guy put his arm protectively around her waist and he swallowed the laughter that was about to erupt from his throat as she wriggled out of his hold.

“I came to surprise my girlfriend or are you his girlfriend? I don’t know. I’m not sure. At least she was when I left for Abuja.”, Mayowa said.

“Rose, is he saying the truth?”, the man asked in shock.

“Mayowa, it’s…”, she started in tears.

“Save it. I don’t want to hear it. I’ll send the driver over later to pick up my things. Good bye.”, he said and strode to the elevator through a path between them. He shook his head in disappointment as the elevator descended. To think he going to ask her to move in with him. He never pegged her as the cheating type but then women would be women- unpredictable and unreliable.


✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Rose whimpered as she turned to face Ose. His glare was what she met. She sighed and wiped her face. His eyes told her definitely that he was angry.

“Ose, please I can explain.”, she said.

“I don’t want to hear it. I was your fling, a side boo. Did I get it wrong or is there something you want to add?”, he spat in her face.

“Ose, please. I really liked you. I was just confused.”, she said.

“You weren’t confused, Rose. You wanted to have your cake and eat it too. You know I thought you were different. I thought I meant something to you…”

“You do. I just….”

“What is Mayowa then?”, he asked. She kept mute. And he sighed. “That’s what I thought. Rose, I’m an all or nothing kind of guy. I don’t share and I most definitely do not steal another guy’s girl. Please if you ever talk to Mayowa again do tell him that I would have never gone out with you if I knew you were taken. Good bye, Rose.”, he said and walked out.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Mr. Jason Oduah picked up his youngest grandchild and sat by his wife as she bounced the oblivious Chris on her knees. They were just back from the cemetery. He looked at Tinu and didn’t know what to say to her. She just sat on a wingback chair and cried silently. He looked at his wife and back at Tinu.

Margaux came into the room with a glass of water and a pill case. He wished Tinu would finally agree to take her medication. She hadn’t eaten anything in days neither had she taken her medicine and supplements. He knew she was grief-stricken but she had to take care of herself for the baby’s sake.

“Tinu, you have to take your drugs.”, Margaux said.

“Thank you but I don’t want to.”, Tinu whispered and blew her nose.

“Tinu, come on. You have to take care of the baby. You have to eat and take your drugs.”, his wife said.

“Please, I don’t have the appetite. And I need to eat before taking the drugs so please. Margaux, mum thanks but I can’t.”, she said.

“Tinu, I know it can be painful…”

“No, you don’t know. How could you possibly know?”, Tinu said and got up. “Excuse me.”, she said and left the room.

“Dad, what do we do?”, Margaux asked in tears.

“Leave her. She’s grieving.”, he put in.

“Leave her? She is pregnant. She needs to eat and take her medicine for the baby’s sake. If anything happens to that baby...”

“Nothing will happen. Just calm down. She’s a mother, she won’t let anything happen to her baby.”, he explained.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Tinu curled into a fetal position, clutching a picture frame to her chest, crying her eyes out and praying it was a nasty dream. She couldn’t believe it. It had to be a dream. Yes, it had to be a dream. That was the only logical explanation. Yes. She sat up and wiped her eyes. She was just dreaming and soon she’d wake up. What was she thinking? Chris would never leave her. Even when he had cancer, he was strong and there. Chris wasn’t dead.

She checked the time. It was five minutes to six. Chris would be back from the country club with the twins. They’d be hungry. She got off the bed and walked out of the room to the kitchen. She walked into the pantry and brought out a big tuber of yam. She went back in and brought out a mortar and pestle. A maid walked in and stood in shock as she watched Tinu carry the heavy mortar.

“Grace, good. Please help me wash this mortar and pestle. I want to make pounded yam.”, she said and walked over to the island. She pulled out a knife from the drawer and brought a pot down from the overhead cabinet cum light tube holder. She took them to the sink and rinsed them. She filled the pot with water and brought it back to the island. She remembered she hadn’t thought of the soup to eat it with. Chris loved Ofe Nsala. She would need fresh catfish. She dropped the knife in her hand and ran back upstairs to get her purse and car keys. She ran back downstairs when she had them. She casually walked into the living room and was about leaving when Mrs. Oduah called her back.

“Tinu, where are you going?”, she asked.

“It’s almost six. Chris and the twins will soon be back from their swimming lessons. I need to make dinner. Chris loved Nsala so I need to head to the market.”, Tinu answered smiling. She saw her in-laws look at her in shock and at themselves. “Mum, I have to leave now if I am going to be able to get good fish. I can’t believe I forgot they would be coming back early. They’d be hungry. And I told Chris to let me pack something for lunch but oh no, he didn’twant to carry lunch boxes.”, she said giggling.

“Tinu, sit down for a bit.”, Mr. Oduah said and approached her slowly.

“Dad, I won’t get good fish if I go late.”, she grumbled.

“Please just sit for a bit.”, the man said and watched her reluctantly take a seat close to his wife.

“Tinu, I know it’s painful. But this denial is unhealthy. You have to come to terms with Chris' death.”, he explained slowly so that she could get it.

“Dad, what are you talking about? My husband isn’t dead. God forbid. Chris won’t die but live to declare the glory of the Lord in the land of the living. I reject it.”, she said, outraged. “I don’t know the idiot that told you that lie but my husband is alive and well. He took Temi and Tóminí for the swimming classes. He’ll be back any time soon.”

He looked at his teary eyed wife and daughter and I wondered what to do with Tinu.

“Tinu, Chris is dead.”, he said.

“I said he isn’t.”, she said raising her voice. “Chris, would never leave me. He promised me.”

“Tinu, please. Accept it. Chris is dead.”, Margaux begged sobbing.

“Margaux, if you say that I swear I will hit you. My husband is not dead. What is wrong with you? Is he not your son? Is he not your brother? Are you praying for him to die? Stop it please. Chris is not dead. My husband is not dead.", she said and ran out of the house.

Hi guys. Happy New Month. It's been a while. I'm still napping from all the overnights. (Don't mind lazy ass me. It was just one I did) We give glory to God for grace, strength and direction.

Mama is now an FYB. I can't shout. I've really missed you guys so much.

I'm going to drop something tonight. It's a bit small. I'm sorry. My brain is not exactly in creative writing mode yet. I'll see what I can do this week.

So tell your friends to tell their friends to tell their friends to tell their enemies to tell their grandparents to tell their neighbors that Ocean of Secrets: The Ebb is back. And season finale is coming soon.

Sorry, I'm ranting. But you get the gist sha.



Sooooo, let's begin.





✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Rose sat in the car quietly, grateful for the heater. The car had been at a standstill for minutes and she was afraid to start a conversation with him. She looked out the window as the rain fell heavily, watching the small ripples the raindrops created on the increasing flood. She saw him clicking away on his phone from the corner of her eye and felt disappointed. Didn’t he feel the sparks she felt earlier? Even if she didn’t want him to act on it, he was so stoic and emotionless. She berated herself and continued to enjoy the downpour of the rain.

“Do you mind if I put on some music?”, he asked, talking to her for the first time since she got into the car.

“It’s your car. You can do whatever you want.”, she said still pissed and staring out the window.

She heard him open his briefcase and saw him hand a disk to the driver. Soon, the car was filled with the voice of Frank Sinatra singing The Way You Look Tonight. She turned to face him but he was typing on his phone again. She scoffed in anger and opened her handbag to search for her earphones. A simple search turned into a rummage as she tried to find her earphones. She then remembered she had borrowed one of their interns who was working on transcribing some notes. She groaned in anger. Today was just not her lucky day. Faith Hill's soft voice took over next and she hoped the disk didn’t have all the songs she had drunkenly told him that she’d love to dance to on her wedding day.

Her worst fears were confirmed as the disk played all the forty songs she had fantasized she would dance to. She hated her nineteen year old self with venomous hatred. She exhaled as the last song played and turned to look at him.

“Can you put it off now? I’m trying to get some shut-eye.”, she said surlily.

“It’s my car. I can do whatever I want.”, he answered.

“Come-on Dare, be courteous.”, she groaned.

“Try taking your own advise sometimes.”, he put in.

She sighed and said, “Im sorry for being rude. Please can you stop the music? I want to sleep.”

“Fine. Nate, put the music off.”, Dare said.

“Yes sir.”, the driver said before switching off the music player.

“Dare, thank you for picking me up.”, she cooed.

He turned to look at her and nodded. “When are you leaving Nigeria?”, she asked.

“When I have you back.”, he said matter-of-factly. “Nate, is there no other route?”

“This is the only way to the Island, sir”, the driver answered.

“This is preposterous.”, Dare said.

“Are you sure you can stay in Nigeria till you get me back? Cause you’re gonna be here a long time.”, she said and stared him on.

“Having you is worth the wait.”, he said with a glint in his eyes and a smile on his lips. Rose shook her head in disbelief and rolled her eyes

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Tinu's lips spread into a smile as she looked at the result of her tenth attempt at stencil making. This was a miracle baby and she was going to decorate her nursery with her own hands. She picked up the can of paint and opened it. She was pouring it into the painting tray when her hands slipped and the paint spewed all over her work surface staining her stencils. Her heart started a treadmill run and breathing hastened. Worry from nowhere hit her. Why was she so afraid? She felt the way she used to feel whenever she did something wrong and her mum told her “o ma wa ba mi n le”. She picked up the can and tried to save the paint left in it. A sob stung her throat and her hands started quivering. Nothing could stop the floodgates from opening. She started crying and sobbing and she didn’t know why.



Is this hormones?


It couldn’t be. She wasn’t the type that had the dramatic mood swings. Or was she? She pulled at the neck of her form fitting tee trying to allow her more air as she felt suffocated. The hair on her body stood on end and bumps crawled her skin. Shivers ran up and down her body and her heart picked up the pace. Why was she so afraid? The last time she felt this afraid was when…

Realization hit her like a storm and louder sobs followed suit. She ran out of the soon to be nursery and down the hallway to her room. She rushed to where her phone was charging and she picked it up and dialed the number of the headmaster.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Mayowa smiled as he got out of the elevator. The Supreme Court decided in favour of his client and unanimously upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal much sooner than expected. His plan was to surprise Roselle. He told her he was returning in a week just so he could catch her unawares. He walked into the reception and flashed a smile at the new receptionist.

“Good afternoon sir. Welcome to FDL Publishing. How may I help you?”, she cooed and batted her eyelids.

“Good afternoon, miss. I’m here to see Miss Roselle Pepple.”, he said and leaned against her desk.

“Sir, she stepped out for lunch about an hour ago.”, the receptionist answered smiling.

Mayowa's brows stitched themselves together as he checked the time. Roselle never went out for lunch. She didn’t like spending money she didn’t need to.

“Ok. I’ll come back to see her.”, put in and turned to leave.

He wondered why she decided to eat out. He had teased her time and time again that she was the only working class lady he knew that had a lunch box. He walked towards the elevator and he heard her voice. She was laughing. His lips tugged into a smile as he waited to see her reaction.

His smile withered away as he stood there watching her kiss another man, feeling sadness, hatred and anger come to a rolling boil in his blood and wishing he could unsee what he had just seen.

Divepen1:
After 70 days fasting and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that: do as you're led.

Lol.

Well, he's right.

It depends on what you want to write. Hardcore erotica or Romance with steamy scenes?


You might want to check out Brenda Jackson's works. I feel she's a Christian who doesn't skimp on the sex scenes.

You can also ask the Holy Spirit. His opinion is still what matters not ours.

Zuriel100:
. wow!! you have bin doing a great job here... wish u all d best in ur exams... stress free project too, which school are u??

Thanks. UNILAG

Oremeyii:
Take all the time you need babe, but pls just greet us once in a while, so we'll know you still exist =_= =_= =_=
I'm sure d story will be better after dis break, and although it's a little heartbreaking, we'll live.

But I have one question tho', the break is for how long? Like 3 months or 6 months sumthin?

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

I don't think it will be up to 6 months.

toyhin123:
U re really a great writer and I really really appreciate ur efforts in going to that extent to satisfy ur readers.

Please take ur time to do whatever u want to do dear and I wish u success in ur exams.

I love u and i believe u would come back to complete this wonderful story. I would always be here waiting for u dear.

Kisseeeesssss

Thanks love

importantperson:
No I'm not the original writer, when they writer is confirmed I will surely give credit to him/her

Hi.

So I went back to Wattpad. I looked for the story. It's Royal Blood by 4evaHannah.

The book is now a paid story. In my opinion....

Hi guys!! How has your week been? I hope it's been great. Mine has been dramatic. From having two compulsory tests on the same day, to getting scared of having an extra year, to facing I.O. Smith.

*sigh* Anyway, that's by the way.

Please, let's leave the torches and pitchforks in the barns after reading this.


I'm currently putting a hold to Ocean of Secrets for three major reasons.

First off, it's a temporary hold.

Secondly, I thought I could pull off writing for you guys and reading for exams. Seriously, I thought I could but anytime I open MS Word, my school conscience pricks me and I get writer's block.
The second reason is that after exams I have a project to work on that will take a lot of my time. Thirdly, I want time to develop the new characters. I've had over a year to work on characters like Tinu, Chris, Dele, Felicia and the others. Characters like Dare, Ose, the Roses are relatively new and I want to work on them a bit before continuing.

Don't hate me. Please, don't. I will return with better updates when I'm done. Please, believe me. I will.

It's been fun sharing my world with you. I love you guys. This is not just banter. I really do love you guys. And you are all amazing.


P.S. We are almost done with Ocean of Secrets: The Ebb. After it, there's the sequel - Ocean of Secrets: The Wave.

And about Levi... I feel he's a typical Alpha. Broody, strong, melancholic but caring and sweet in a weird way.

He probably had a traumatic experience. Probably lost his Luna or something. Can't wait to find out.

mhizv:
It's a Wattpad story. Just completed it

And I'm yelling from the rooftops, "Maaaaaddddddd ooooo"

This story is amazing and intriguing. It's probably one of the best werewolf tales I've read. It's something different from the whole mate craze.

In other words, I totally love it. I love the description and characters. Charlotte reminds me of a character I'm working on. I thought Morin has it bad, Charlotte is suffering.

Please, what is your name on Wattpad? I'd love to check out your other works.

You might also want to check out Hide and Seek and The Alpha's Cinderella on Wattpad. They are nice tale as well.

I look forward to the end of this work.


I don't know if I said this earlier but this work is amazing.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Rosanna ran after the manager of the cleaning agency that cleaned the building. She hollered after him and finally caught up to him. She was breathless when she eventually stood before him. She had had to take the stairs when she saw him get into the elevator. She applauded herself for getting to him in time.

“Good evening sir. I’m so sorry to disturb you.”, she panted.

“It’s not a problem, my dear.”, he said.

“Sorry sir, I’d like to know the janitor who cleans the bull pen.”, Rose asked.

“I hope there’s no problem.”, the man asked in panic.

“No,sir. None at all. He or she moved some of my things and I’d like to instruct him not to.”, she lied.

“Are you sure that’s all? If they took anything, please tell me. We need to protect the face of the agency.”, the man said.

“No, he didn’t.”, Rose said.

“Ok, I’ll send him to you tomorrow morning.”, he said.

“Thank you very much sir.”, she put in.

“Youre welcome dear.”, the man said and left. She turned and saw her that her driver wasn’t waiting for her. She groaned in pain.

Not today of all days.

She had forgotten to take her slippers along and her feet and ankles were already killing her from running in heel. She made a mental note to leave her flip-flops permanently in her drawer. She brought out her phone and called her driver. The man picked at the second ring.

“Thank God, Timothy. Are you almost here?”,she rushed the second he picked the call.

“Madam, I don carry oga go meeting.”, the man explained.

“What?!”, she said.

The man thinking her understanding of pidgin was rusty explained, “I take Oga to meeting.”

“I heard you the first time. When are you getting here then?”, she said and rubbed her forehead in frustration.

“I no know o. Oga say make I wait for am.”, he. explained.

“What happened to Dad’s driver?”, she asked as she contemplated removing her shoes.

“John wife no dey well. I go check her for hospital.”, the man answered.

“Ok, thank you then.”, she said and cut the call.

She sighed. Her father must have forgotten to inform her. She would have to take a taxi home. She hoped she would find one quickly as she made her out of the building.


✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴


Rose stood there waiting for a cab but they seemed to have boycotted this route. She shifted her weight from one leg to the other trying to get comfortable or at least alleviate the pain she was feeling. She felt moisture hit her skin and she wiped it off. She felt it again and again then she realized it was drizzling.

You have got to be kidding me.

Of all the days for it to rain. She wished she had been more attentive. At least she’d know how to drive herself home already. She was contemplating going back into the building to wait out the rain. If there were no cabs now, there’d likely be none during the rain. The rain began falling and she wished she made her decision sooner as she ran back into the building.

She ran into the lobby where she stood alone.


So much for wanting to stay behind to catch up on work.

She brought out her phone and checked the time. It was 9.11. When would she get home? She thought of calling Timothy again and decided against it. Her father would freak out if he discovered she hadn’t gotten home. She was about calling the house to send someone over to pick her up when a voice called out to her. She turned and saw him standing there drenched with his shirt sleeves rolled up his forearms, looking all macho. Her breath caught at the sight of him. Water dripped from him reminding her of the day he first kissed her under the rain. She shook her head to dispel those foolish memories of the time they were together.

“Are you okay?”, he asked as he walked up to her.

“Dare, what are you doing here?”, she asked flustered.

“I was at your house waiting for you. I was worried sick when your housekeeper told me you get off work by five thirty and then she said the three drivers were unavailable to pick you up. You were stranded. I had to come pick you up.”, he explained.

“You didn’t have to. I wasn’t stranded. I was about calling someone to get me.”, she defended haughtily.

“Well, I’m here anyway. Let’s go.”, he said and stretched out his hand.

“im perfectly capable of walking by myself. Thank you.” The universe decided to play a prank on her. As she took a step, her smooth sole slid over the wet tiles and she slipped. Her arms flailing everywhere as she tried to grab unto to some thing to prevent her fall. Luckily, Dare grabbed her to prevent her from falling. He had her pulled flush against him and his eyes bored down into hers.

“Are you okay?”, he asked. She mouth was dry as bone as she nodded. Being in his arms reminded her so much of the feelings she had for him. She could still feel the Sparks she felt all those years ago whenever he touched her. Now, they were even worse. They were more electric and had her breathless in seconds.

She slowly pulled away from him and allowed him to lead her to his car.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Tinu saw the pregnant woman coming in her direction and called out her name. The woman smiled brightly and came to join Tinu.

“Hi, Tinu. What a coincidence. How are you doing?”, Marilyn said.

“Im good love. How are you doing? Hope you haven’t been bumping into more pregnant women.”, she joked.

“Of course not. Would you like to join me? That’s if you’re not expecting someone. I was supposed to meet up with my sister-in-law but her overprotective mother-in-law prevented her from leaving the house. I decided to stay for their chocolate cake. I could die for it.”, Tinu gushed.

“Me too.”, Marilyn squealed.

“Awwn.”, Tinu cooed.

“So what do you do?”, Marilyn asked.

“Well, I’m an HR manager. At least, I used to be. Now, I’m a housewife.”, she said and signaled to the waiter.

“Wow, your husband must be set for him to want a housewife. Most men want someone who can help pay the bills.”, Marilyn said.

Tinu looked at her warily and said, “I had a couple of miscarriages so my husband insisted I stay at home for the duration of this pregnancy.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”, Marilyn said as she saw Tinu’s distrust. The waiter brought over their menus and Tinu looked at her phone and said, “Oh my goodness, I have to go.”

“Hope nothing is wrong.”, Marilyn asked concerned.

“No, just a family emergency. I’m sorry. We’ll see when we see.”, Tinu said and left the table hurriedly.

Marilyn swore under her breath at her stupidity. She knew Tinu bolted because of her comment on her husband. She was so lucky his sister didn’t show up if not, she’d have recognized her and she’d be exposed.

aprilwise:
The story have too many characters I can not differentiate Rose and Roseanna.

Roselle and Rosanna are too different Characters with two different, well, characters and personalities. Please take your time when reading and you'd notice.

I'm very sorry but I have to ask. Is this your work? Because I read something identical on Wattpad last year.

If it is, I'm sorry but I just had to ask.

If it's not..... you should acknowledge the real author.