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This story was formerly titled Enchanted.


Now, it has been edited and rebranded as Seduced


Enjoy the reading:



Romance. Sexuality . Mystery



Seyi prides himself as a young man of dignity who will not be seduced by the opposite sex no matter how beautiful and alluring.

He is able to maintain this lofty stance until he meets Madam Francisca, the lady who disarms him and gets him spellbound.














I tried to make the class as interesting as possible. Literature is one subject I teach with passion. The SS 2 Literature-in-English class had always been lively.

The bell rang to signal the end of the period. Just then, a girl called Jennifer raised up her hand.

"Sorry, Jenny, I have to leave the class now. Can you ask the question in the next Literature period? If it is a pressing question, you can come around during break to see me in the staff room."

She looked disappointed as she put her hand down. I went for my next class. It was actually a busy day for me. I had no free period until the break time. Even after that, I had no any free period until closing time.

The pay was low, but the school still paid much more than many other private schools. The driving force was the passion I had for the job. I loved to impart knowledge, and that mattered a lot.

The school closed for the day at quarter to four o'clock. I decided to stay behind and write some notes. Some teachers stayed behind too, but by five p.m, all the teachers had left, leaving only Ada and me.

"Thank God we are now alone," Ada started. "There is a matter I will like to discuss with you."

The keenness of her voice showed that indeed, she had been angling to have a private conversation with me.

"I'm all ears," I said. She smiled. "It is actually a request and I hope you can grant it."

Ada was one of the closest teachers to me since I joined Highworth College about eight months ago. As close as we were, everything between us was official.

I suspected she should be about my age, but one could not be too certain about such a thing. I was twenty-eight years of age. I could be described as young, full of life and vibrant. Now, I wondered the kind of request Ada had in mind.

"Go on," I prompted her.

"Well, it's not much. It's just that right now, I have accommodation challenge. The aunty I'm staying with will, by this weekend, relocate with her husband to Ibafo.

“So, it will be too expensive for me to be coming from Ibafo to Ogba every day. I need a temporary accommodation. I plan to rent accommodation around here, but in the mean time, I need somewhere to stay."

I was full of thought over what she said. But, there was actually no need to think much. The answer to her request was a capital NO.

"Your request will not be granted for many reasons," I stated. "I have a fiancee who, first and foremost, will not accept that inclusion."

Ada's face clouded. "You have a fiancee?" she interjected in surprise.



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Ada's face clouded. "You have a fiancee?" she interjected in surprise.

I chuckled and nodded. Should that be a surprise? "And another thing is: it will not be good for a guy and a lady to be co-habitating just like that."

Now, it sounded like I was making a sermon. "I'm sorry, Ada, if there's any other way I can help, I'll render it."

She tried to shrug it off. Some minutes later she announced that she would be leaving.

I glanced at my watch.

"I'll soon be leaving too," I said as I bade her goodnight. I worked for some more minutes and decided to call it a day. It was some minutes to six o 'clock. The two-storey bulding was very quiet.

I knew the security man would still be in the cubicle by the gate. He doubled as the janitor that would go round and lock the place. I put few books in my back-pack and stood up to go.

I was at the head of the stairs when I saw a student in mufti coming up. It was no other person than Jennifer.

"What! You're still in school?" I said in surprise.

She looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I forgot something."

Her class was in the middle floor, so I wondered what she was coming up to do. "And since you're still around, I decided to come."

How did she know I was still around? I remained on the same spot while she came up. When she was three steps to where I was, she stopped.

"Can we go back to your staff-room?" she said. "I will like to ask my questions there."

An alarm bell rang in my brain. "I'm sorry, school is over for today."

She shook her head like a petulant girl. "You are not going anywhere until you answer my questions."


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She shook her head like a petulant girl. "You are not going anywhere until you answer my questions."

I could not believe my ears. What an audacity from a student to a teacher! I decided not to engage her in further conversation, but to move on. As I moved to pass her, she gripped my left arm.

"What on hell is the meaning of this?" I uttered in astonishment.

Her grip tightened the more. I was very angry, but I realized I must control my temper. I could have exerted force to break her grip and push her away.

But that could be counter-productive. The option I had was to dance or rather pretend to dance to her tune. That meant I should take her to the staff-room to answer her questions.

But, was that really what Jennifer wanted? She should be around fifteen years old. What explanations would I say I was giving to her if the security man should come and see only the two of us together at that 'ungodly' hour?

My mind suddenly struck an idea. I smiled at her.

"Alright, Jenny, relax. There's no need you grip my hand like that. Relax."

She relaxed her grip a bit.

“See, I will love to answer all your questions, but not right now. I got a call from a friend some minutes ago. He called to inform me that he is at my residence. He wants to pay me the money he is owning. Don't worry, tomorrow, I will give you all the time you need.

“For now, I need to hurry home before he changes his mind."

Her stance softened a bit but I could still see doubts on her face.

“Look, I can even buy you lunch tomorrow from the money. Let me go right away to meet him. That money is very important."

I could see that I had hit her soft part. "Do you promise tomorrow?" she asked.

I smiled at her again.

"Of course, there'll be no hitch tomorrow." I patted her on the shoulder.

She released her grip on me and I could almost give a sigh of relief. On my way home, I jeered at myself for pleading with her and giving her a big lie. How could a grown-up man like me deign to a teenage girl?

Nonetheless, I knew I had done well. What I had done was better than giving in to her whims and allowing myself to be led into temptation.

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Nonetheless, I knew I had done well. What I had done was better than giving in to her whims and allowing myself to be led into temptation.


* * *


From the next day on, I made sure that I never remained in the staff-room alone again. As soon as the last teacher was leaving, I too would leave. I decided not create a chance for temptation to have its way. Ada did not mention anything on the relocation again.

As a matter of fact, I observed she had become aloof with me. I decided to mind my business.

Two weeks later, I received an e-mail inviting me for a job interview. The address was Victoria Island and I was to be there by ten in the morning.

On getting there, I saw many others that had also been invited. We were given a test to write. I wrote the answers to the best of my ability, so I was not surprised that some days later I was invited for another interview.

This time around, I discovered that only five of us were invited - two ladies and three men.

Again, I put in my best. Three days later, I received a Whatsapp message from the firm. It read thus: Sequel to your performance after the second test, you are to solve this puzzle: 20 9 26 5 18 7 26 8.

You have three days to solve it. I stared at the numbers. There were eight numbers in all. What did they mean? What did they stand for? I had three full days to unravel it, so I still had time. Later in the evening, Precious, my fiancee, came around to my mini-flat at Ijaiye Road.

Precious was twenty-four and had just finished her national youth service at Gombe state. She had read Bussiness Administration in the university and hoped to work in the corporate world.

She was the daughter of a pastor and we had actually met in the church. That was when she was in her final year in the university.

We exchanged pleasantries as she sat herself comfortably in the sitting-room.

I showed her the message from the firm.

"They want me to solve the puzzle," I told her. She stared at the numbers for several seconds.

"I don't understand all these," she finally said. I decided that I would worry about it later.

Precious had always come around to my place, but she had never slept over. I was therefore surprised when she said she would sleep over tonight.

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She stared at the numbers for several seconds.

"I don't understand all these," she finally said. I decided that I would worry about it later.

Precious had always come around to my place, but she had never slept over. I was therefore surprised when she said she would sleep over tonight.

The relationship had been platonic in which we had agreed that there would be no premarital sex. So far, we had been able to keep to that agreement.

"But, what about your parents? Are they not going to express disappointment that you sleep outside?" I asked.

"Seyi, stop treating me as If I'm still a teenager, for God's sake. Why are you saying this? You are supposed to be glad at my decision, aren't you?"

Really? Was I really supposed to be glad by what she wanted to do? I however kept quiet.

She went to the small kitchen to prepare jollof rice. Thankfully, she had brought all the ingredients that were needed along. Precious, I must say, was good at cooking.

What she cooked was delicious and I wasted no time in commending her. After the meal, she cleared the table and took the plates to the kitchen for washing.

She was a good wife material, I decided. She snuggled to me as we watched movies together. Somehow, I still felt uncomfortable that she would be sleeping in the house. This might sound strange to some people, but that was how pruddish I could be.

She later slept off on the couch. It was a Friday. Since the following day was Saturday and I would not be going to work, I decided to watch movies late into the night.

When I was finally going to sleep, I woke Precious up.

"Time to go to bed," I told her.

We went to the bedroom and she started changing into the sleep-wear she had brought along.

"Okay, have a nice sleep," I said, picking up a pillow.

She turned swiftly to stare at me. "And where are you going?" she asked.



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She turned swiftly to stare at me. "And where are you going?" she asked.

"To the sitting-room. I'll sleep on the three-seater."

She looked at me as if I had said a very strange thing. "You are joking, right?"

I shook my head. "That's the best way to go about it. See you in the morning."

I smiled wanly at her and left the bedroom.

In the sitting-room, I tried to make myself as comfortable as possible. If I thought I had dealt with Precious' angle, I was making a big mistake.

She was soon in the sitting, wearing what obviously was a sexy sleeping-wear. She sat on my legs.

"I don't like this funny drama you're acting," she said. "What's the meaning of all this?"

I was confounded. "Is it not better we avoid temptation?"

She looked almost angry. "What temptation? What are you talking about?"

I sat up on the seat, gently making her to sit by my side. "Dear Precious, you know the temptation I'm talking about."

"Are you saying it is a sin for two lovers to be together?"

I shook my head. "I never said anything like that. All I'm saying is we have to be careful and cautious."

As if she did not hear me, she moved close and wrapped her arms around my waist. "Sometimes, I doubt if you love me."

I sighed. "Of course, I do, darling. How could you doubt me?"

"If you really love me, prove it."



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sighed. "Of course, I do, darling. How could you doubt me?" 

"If you really love me, prove it." 

Now, I was getting exasperated. "Have I not been proving it all this while?" 

She shook her head and placed it on my chest. 

"You can take it," she said gently.

 "Take what?" 

"You can take my virginity." 

I was aghast. "What! But, we've agreed that one will wait till we are married." 

She shook her head again. "No need to wait again. You can have me now." 

I was not comfortable with her luscious offer. When she first told me that she was a virgin, I had expressed admiration. At her age, she was like a pearl among sands. 

Now, she was professing that she was ready to lose her virginity. Well, I wasn't the kind of man to jump at such an offer. 

But then, as a man, the temptation was high. The flesh was indeed weak. When her lips came to mine for a long French kiss, I did not resist the gesture. 

She put my right hand on her boob. It was a licence granted to explore the enticing part. I found myself buckling. My mind swirled in thoughts. It is not easy to be a man of one's words. 

But, why is it not easy? Are human actions not products of the mind? Perhaps the mind is weak. That is why it will resolve to do something one moment and will forget that very resolution the next moment. I asked in my mind if my resolves were so weak.

 I instantly removed my hand from her boob and stopped the kiss. 

"It is better we keep to our initial agreement," I said, quite breathless. "My dear, let's keep to the agreement." 

She looked  at me for a long time. Without saying a word, she stood and moved towards the bedroom. 

"Good night," I said after her. 

She did not respond. I shrugged it off and decided it was time to sleep. I had a long, sweet sleep. 

It was few minutes to eight in the morning when I woke up. I decided to see Precious in the bedroom and to ask her what we would take for breakfast. 

In the bedroom, I met an empty bed. May be she was in the toilet/bathroom. I checked the place but she was not there. 

Could she be in the kitchen? I went to check the place. 

"Precious?" there was no answer and she was not there. 

Maybe she went out to buy something. I went back to the bedroom, hoping to find her bag or her clothes. 

None was there. How could Precious leave without telling me? 

I picked up my phone to cal her. It rang on and on. I sent a Whatsapp message to her, demanding to know why she left just like that. 


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Through out that weekend, Precious refused to pick my call or respond to my messages. I could not understand her grouse.

Was she not a pastor's daughter who should understand the sanctity of my stand? I did not hear from the firm too until late Sunday afternoon when they sent a message congratulating me and directing that I should report to their V.I office by nine o'clock Tuesday morning.

That morning, I tried to look my best in the formal clothes that I wore. I had to set out early so that I would beat the traffic. This time, I realized only a lady and me were invited. I was called in before the lady.

I met a panel of three members who asked me sundry questions, ranging from educational qualification to professional qualification, including my membership of institute of public relations.

They said what their client was willing to pay me. The pay was satisfactory but I was puzzled by the use of the word 'client'.

They explained that all they were doing was on behalf of the client. Now that everything had been concluded, I would start the job that week.

"Can I know who the client is?" I asked.

The only female member of the panel smiled. "You will know in due course," she said. "All I can tell you for now is that he is a very reputable member of the society."

The head of the panel hemmed. "Tomorrow, you will start a three-day workshop," he said. "It is a crash programme to prepare you for the challenges of the new job. Before you go, you will collect a letter from the secretary that will detail the themes, venue and time of the programme. For now, accept our congratulation on your success."

He extended his hand for a hand-shake. I stood up to take it.

"Thank you, sir."

The other panelists took turn to shake my hand. It was the end of the interview.

I went to the secretary. She gave the letter for the workshop and explained that the letter of employment would come upon completion of the workshop. I thanked her and left the place.

The letter I got showed the venue to be Dolphin Estate, Lagos. The three-day programme would start by nine a.m. There would be morning and afternoon sessions with break in-between.

I was happy I would be starting something new. It suddenly dawned on me that I would have to resign my teaching appointment with immediate effect.

While I would not miss this opportunity, I would certainly miss my students and colleagues. Well, in life, change is a constant thing.

On getting home, I decided to call Precious. I wanted to share the good news with her. Once again, she refused to pick or acknowledge. I decided that in days to come, I would have to see her mother and explain things to her.


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Nice one.

On getting home, I decided to call Precious. I wanted to share the good news with her. Once again, she refused to pick or acknowledge. I decided that in days to come, I would have to see her mother and explain things to her.

Her mother was an assistant pastor and I believed it was high time she intervened in this matter. I went to school early Wednesday morning to drop my resignation letter.

It was about the end of the month, so I would have to forfeit the salary for that month. I did not stay long as I had to get to Dolphin Estate on time.

By quarter to nine, I was at the gate of address of the venue. A uniformed security man attended to me.

"I am here to attend a workshop," I told him.

"Your letter of invitation, please?"

I showed him the letter. He only too a cursory look at it before opening the gate for me.

"Just go straight towards that door and knock," he directed. “They will attend to you."

I thanked him and moved to the door. I knocked at it gently. Almost immediately, a lady opened the door.

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm here for the workshop."

She smiled at me. "You must be Seyi, right?"

I nodded and brought the letter. She did not even bother to read it.

"Come inside."

I stepped inside the air-conditioned reception room.

"I am Rose," the lady went on. "You can sit here for now."

A lady was already sitting. She was the one I had met at the firm's office the previous day.

"We meet again," I said. "Good morning."

She smiled and reciprocated my greeting.

"I'm Seyi. Can I meet you?"

"I'm Sharon."

I nodded. "I'm pleased to meet you."

It turned out that Sharon and I were the only ones to attend the workshop.

When it was a few minutes to nine, the lady that had introduced herself as Rose came to us.

"Lady and gentleman, follow me."

We followed her to the corridor and to the first door by the left. She opened it and ushered us inside. It was a room designated for seminar.

There were a white board, a projector, four desks and four chairs.

"Take a seat," Miss Rose said.

While Sharon took the one to the right, I took the one to the left. "Your facilitator will be coming any moment from now."

She left but some back with a man in black suit.

"This is Pastor William, your resource person for this session," Ms Rose annouced.

The first session started in earnest. Pastor William presented a paper on Office Ethics. I already had writing materials, though he gave each of us a copy of his presentation.

From him, I learnt that Faith of God Chapel (FGC) was our employer and that we would be working at the national head quarters.

I could hardly believe my ears. FGC? It was not the denomination that I attended for church service, but I had heard a lot about the church. It was one of the biggest and richest pentecostal churches in the country. I considered working for a Ministry like this as working in the vineyard of the Lord.

By ten thirty, Pastor William finished his presentation. We were taken to another room for breakfast. Toast bread, tea, coffee and fruit juice were made availble and we could have much as we wanted.

Pastor William left as soon as he finished the meal. The afternoon session would not start until one o'clock, so we still had a long break. Meanwhile, Miss Rose announced that we could go to our rooms to relax.

Our rooms? I was nonplussed.


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Our rooms? I was nonplussed. She smiled. 

"Yes, this programme is residential, which means you will be lodged here until the end of the programme. Meanwhile, I will take your body measurements so I can get you extra wears and underwears you will use till Friday. While you are here, all your expenses will be taken care of." 

She showed me my room. It was a standard room with a double bed, a chair and a desk for writing/reading,   an eighteen-inch flat-screen and an en-suite bath-room/toilet. It was almost like lodging in hotel room. 

After Miss Rose had taken my measurement and had gone, I switched on the television and relaxed on the bed. I was dozing off when she came to remind me that it was time for afternoon session. 

It was a woman that came to present the second paper. The topic was Human Management. It took her two hours before she could round it off. 

All the while, I noticed that Sharon hardly asked questions or made comment. She was beautiful and looked reserved. 

That was the last presentation for the day. We went for lunch. 

This time, they served fried rice, salad and chicken. Thereafter, I retreated to my room. Ms. Rose showed me the three packet shirts, three pairs of trousers, three boxer shorts and three singlets that were bought for me. I appreciated the magnanimity. 

Later, when I tried one of the shirts and trousers, they fitted me perfectly. I lay on the bed as I watched the faith channel the television was showing.   Later, to kill boredom, I would watch some movies on my i-pad. Around five p.m, there was a gentle rap on my door. 

I went to open it, thinking Ms. Rose was there. It was Sharon I met at the door. 

"Hello," I greeted. 

"Hi," she replied and showed me the game of scrabble she was holding. "I got this from Aunty Rose. Do you want to play?" 

Scrabble was a game I loved to play so I did not hesitate to ask her to come in. I offered the only chair while I sat on the bed. I then drew the stool to wedge us.

 "How thoughtful of Miss Rose to have this," I said. 

"Yes, how thoughtful," my guest echoed. 

I noticed that she had changed from the formal dress she was wearing to a casual of t-shirt and jeans trousers. 

We started the game. Sharon set the tone of the conversation, asking me sundry questions such as where I came from, what I studied in the univesity and my interests. 



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Sharon set the tone of the conversation, asking me sundry questions such as where I came from, what I studied in the univesity and my interests. 

I answered her and asked the same questions. I could sense that she was not as reserved as I had thought. She told me she would prefer to relocate  to Europe or America but that her dad insisted that she should take up this job. I smiled and told her that the job was not bad and that she could still travel out later after gaining some experience. 

"You seem to have answer for everything," she teased. Was that true? I thanked her for the compliment. We played game after game. We felt at home with each other and it was as if we had known each other over the years. 

"Won't your girlfriend miss you in the next few days?" Sharon suddenly asked. 

I grinned grimly. "No. There was an issue between us and we are presently not on talking terms." 

Sharon sighed. "What about you? Surely, your boyfriend will miss you." 

She stared at some tiles before answering. "Right now, I don't have a boyfriend." 

It was my turn to sigh. We played the game on. By seven in the evening, Miss Rose knocked at the door.

 "Dinner is ready!" she called out. 

How time flies. Sharon and I suspended our game and went to the dining-room. A hot meal of poundo yam, egusi soup and beef was served.    I must say I enjoyed the meal. There were fruit juices to take as dessert. 

Several minutes later, I was back in my room. I was not surprised when Sharon came to join me some minutes after. 

"Hope you're enjoying yourself around here," she said.

 I nodded. "Sure, I do. What about you?" 

She nodded. "Can't say I don't." 

She sat on the chair she was sitting on before we went for dinner while I sat on the edge of the bed. 

She did not come with the game, this time around, which meant she only wanted to chat. 

So, we chatted. She told me about her university days and some friends she missed. 

"With social media, you can still maintain contact," I pointed out. 

"Yeah, that's true, but it can still not be as effective as real contact." 

We talked on and on until she decided to go. "I woke up very early this morning and I need to go to bed early," she explained.

 I nodded. "I can understand."

 She yawned again and stood up. "Seyi, it's a pleasure talking with you. Good night." 

I smiled at her. "The pleasure is mine. Goodnight, Sharon."    

She left the room. What a lady. How I wished my dear Precious was a good convesationist. 

My mind paused to think about Precious. How could I be certain about referring to her as 'my dear Precious'? What if she had actually made up her mind that she would never relate with me again? I shook my head. 



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"Won't your girlfriend miss you in the next few days?" Sharon suddenly asked.

I grinned grimly. "No. There was an issue between us and we are presently not on talking terms."

Sharon sighed. "What about you? Surely, your boyfriend will miss you."

She stared at some tiles before answering. "Right now, I don't have a boyfriend."

It was my turn to sigh. We played the game on. By seven in the evening, Miss Rose knocked at the door.

"Dinner is ready!" she called out.

How time flies. Sharon and I suspended our game and went to the dining-room. A hot meal of poundo yam, egusi soup and beef was served. I must say I enjoyed the meal. There were fruit juices to take as dessert.

Several minutes later, I was back in my room. I was not surprised when Sharon came to join me some minutes after.

"Hope you're enjoying yourself around here," she said.

I nodded. "Sure, I do. What about you?"

She nodded. "Can't say I don't."

She sat on the chair she was sitting on before we went for dinner while I sat on the edge of the bed.

She did not come with the game, this time around, which meant she only wanted to chat.

So, we chatted. She told me about her university days and some friends she missed.

"With social media, you can still maintain contact," I pointed out.

"Yeah, that's true, but it can still not be as effective as real contact."

We talked on and on until she decided to go. "I woke up very early this morning and I need to go to bed early," she explained.

I nodded. "I can understand."

She yawned again and stood up. "Seyi, it's a pleasure talking with you. Good night."

I smiled at her. "The pleasure is mine. Goodnight, Sharon."

She left the room. What a lady. How I wished my dear Precious was a good convesationist.

My mind paused to think about Precious. How could I be certain about referring to her as 'my dear Precious'? What if she had actually made up her mind that she would never relate with me again? I shook my head.

No, that could not be. Precious would definitely come back, I told myself. I lay on the bed but stared at the television. Gospel music was played on it, but my mind was hardly there.

I was thinking more about Sharon. I wondered if she was not giving me the green light. Then, I cautioned myself. I had just known her and she was only trying to be friendly. She looked nice and decent, though.

But then, I was just getting to know her. There was a soft rap at the door. Sharon must have come back, I thought in excitement as I quickly made for the door. It was a lady in t-shirt and bum-short that was there.



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It was a lady in t-shirt and bum-short that was there.

 "Good ... good evening, Miss Rose," I stuttered. 

She was the last person I was expecting. And certainly, she was the last person I expected to see wearing braless top and bum-shorts. 

"Sorry to disturb," she said softly. "Can I come in for a moment?" 

"Sure," I replied and opened the door wide for her to enter.

 I motioned her to the only chair in the room. 

"Thank you," she muttered and turned the chair to face the bed where I sat down. "I just feel like chatting with you," she said, smiling briefly. 

"I could have told Sharon, but I have a feeling it would be better I tell you."

 I smiled to encourage her. "It's okay, Ms. Rose. I have listening ears." 

She grinned. "Call me Rose. Just Rose will be okay." 

I nodded and stared at her. "Okay, Rose." I studied her. 

Her pretty face looked calm. She should be in her early thirties. I had known her for many hours and up till now, she had exuded confidence in her conduct and discharge of duty.  

What could be the matter with her?  lucky. I can tell you categorically that to experience heartbreak to wasn't an easy thing. She nodded. Now, I had hints on what was the problem. 

"Are you heartbroken?" I asked. 

She nodded. "About an hour ago, the man I was going to marry called that he had cancelled the introduction plan." 

I was genuinely touched. "That's a hard one. Sorry about that." 

She sighed. "Thanks."

 I could imagine the pain and I knew the pang of disappointment was not easy, especially when one least expected it.

 "Perhaps you could reconcile," I suggested. 

"I don't think so. He has just confirmed the rumour that he is dumping me for my best friend."

 I was astonished. "That's incredible. Your best friend?" 

"Exatly. He told me to completely forget about him because they've already picked a wedding date." 

"Oh, oh. That's very mean of him. That your friend too is not a true friend. But, it's okay. Sometimes, life can be so mean and unfair. I believe in providence. The two of you were probably not meant for each other.”

She nodded again.  "When a door closes, another door opens. Cheer up, Rose. You have your life to live." 



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She nodded again.  "When a door closes, another door opens. Cheer up, Rose. You have your life to live." 

Her face brightened up. "I'm happy I came to you. The way you talk has considerably reduced my burden." 

I smiled modestly. "It's okay, to God be the glory."

“I don't think my pastor will do better than what you've done."

 I smiled again. "As I said, to God be the glory." 

There was silence for some seconds.

 "I want to ask you a question," she said. "And I want you to be very sincere with me." 

 "No problem, go ahead." 

There was another pause for several seconds. 

"Could it be that I'm not attractive enough? I mean, why will he dump me just like that?" 

What a question from Rose. 

“I think it's beyond being attractive. Some men are not just satisfied with what they have." 

She stood up. "I agree with what you said. But look at me. Am I really attractive, or not? Be sincere."

 I looked at her as she wanted. 

Her height was average. Her chocolate colour blended with her skin. She had a pretty face. She was on the chubby side, but not fat. Her  chest region showed that she was a bit busty. The rounded breasts appeared to look firm. The waist was slim without visible signs of fat. Her thighs were curvy, down to her knees and legs. 

The bums needed no padding the way they were accentuated by the shorts she was wearing.

“You are beautiful and attractive, Rose," I said and meant it. 

Her next action surprised me. She sat down, covered her face with her palms and started crying. 



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I like this.

Carry on.....

I moved to her in concern.

'Sorry, but did I say anything that hurt you?' I asked in concern.

She stopped crying but still continued to snivel.

'If there's anything I've said or done that makes you feel bad, I'm sorry,' I offered.

After some seconds, she stopped the snivelling and raised the edge of the t-shirt she was wearing up to clean her face. If she had raised the cloth further even for half of an inch, I would have seen her breast. Was that act deliberate or coincidental?

'Are you alright?' I asked, not sure of what else to say.

'I'm alright,' she replied wanly and made to go.

But, I could sense that she was not really alright. As she made to pass me on her way out, I held her by the hand.

'I thought you actually came here to open up your mind to me,' I stated. 'You will not be helping yourself if you just walk away without telling me what made you cry.'

She paused and looked uncertainly at me. 'I cried because that was the same thing my boyfriend, well, ex-boyfriend, told me.'

I sighed. How emotional!





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Ride on.....

Her voice became sad again. 

“It's alright, no need to get sad over it. Many other guys will still tell you, because that's what you are - beautiful and attractive. Someone saying that should gladden your heart, not depress it." 

She nodded. "Thanks." 

I held her left hand and gently rubbed the back of her palm. "I have a brotherly view about all this. All I've done so far is to take you like a sister - a senior sister. Is it okay for me to take you as a sister?" 

There was only a brief pause. "It's okay." I smiled at her. "Thanks for granting me that. Believe me, I will be a good brother and friend to you." 

I stopped to study her. She was attentive and sober. 

“As I said, don't let anything or anyone disturb your life or happiness. Whatever happens, we move on." 

She nodded. "Thanks so much, Seyi. I really appreciate." 

I nodded too. "That's the spirit. Now, give me a smile." 

I gently tickled her side. She giggled. I did it a little bit more and she laughed. 

That's the spirit," I repeated. "Thanks a lot. "Your words have really helped." 

She stood up and I followed suit. "Can you give me a hug?" She asked. 

“Why not? With all pleasure." 

I gave her the hug. She clung onto me tightly. It was  the longest hug I had ever had. I could the feel curviness of her body against mine. It was an enthralling scene and moment.

 By providence -yes, by providence - I had learnt not to be swayed by senses. I could conrol how my body reacted to what I saw or felt. 

I was man enough not to capitulate to the desires of the flesh. After what seemed like ages, she finally disengaged from me. 

"Seyi, thank you so much. I'll never forget this." 

I smiled and patted her. "To God be the glory." 

She moved to the door.

 "Goodnight, Seyi." I nodded. "Good night, sister."  




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She moved to the door.

 "Goodnight, Seyi." I nodded. "Good night, sister."  


*  *   

 I woke up on Thurday morning early as usual. I took my bath and dressed up in one of the clothes bought for me. By eight, Rose came around with a tray containing tea, coffee, fruit juice and digestive. 

"Good morning. Here's light meal for you." 

"Good morning, sister. How was your night?" She smiled. "Fine. Thanks for yesterday." 

"We thank God." 

I took the digestive and the pineapple juice. Many minutes later, she came to take the tray away. Our work-  shop started in earnest. 

The woman that came the previous day was around to present the first paper. This time around, she talked about Work Ethics. 

Thereafter, the routine continued. I noticed that Sharon barely looked at my side. During break when I asked if all was well with her, she answered curtly that there was no problem. 

She also appeared moody during the afternoon session. In the early part of the evening, she did not come around to my room, so I decided to pay her a visit in hers.

 When she saw that I was the one at the door, she neither shoo me off nor invited me inside. I entered nonetheless. 

"Will it not be better if you tell me what's bothering you?" I said gently. 

"Nothing is bothering me," she mumbled. 

"Really? But this is not the same Sharon I knew yesterday." 

She sat on the bed without saying a word. I could see that the room was the size of the one given to me, but the arrangement was different. 

I sighed. "Can we play scrabble?" I asked. 

She shook her head. I chuckled. She obviously  didn't want my company.

 "Okay, I can see that you are not in the mood. See you another time."

 I moved towards the door to take my leave. 

"How was she?" Sharon asked. 

I stopped to turn to her. "How was who?" She snickered.

 "You know who I'm talking about."

 I shook my head vehemently. "No, I don't know who you're talking about."

 She glared at me. "Did you have her all night long? Was Aunty Rose sweet?" 

Now I knew what she was talking about. I opened my mouth in awe.

 "Oh, you're surprised that I knew? Don't be. I came to your room to find the two of you in a love tango, hugging, kissing and romancing each other."

 Wow, so Sharon actually saw something. But then, she missed the point. I shook my head. 

"You're right we hugged, but there was never anything like kissing and romancing her." 

"Tell that to the marines," she scoffed. 

I was exasperated. How could I convince her that Rose was like a sister? How could I ...? 

"Why don't you go and meet her? Why are you here? You call yourself a Christian, but you grabbed  the sexy body of the first woman that threw herself at you."

 I was surprised at the extent of her bitterness. "If you had watched a bit more, you would have seen that the whole thing did not go beyond the hug."




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I was surprised at the extent of her bitternes. "If you had watched a bit more, you would have seen that the whole thing did not go beyond the hug."

 She looked away. I could see that she did not believe me. 

I had to go. "Okay, Sharon. Goodnight."

 She didn't say a word as I left. I went back to my room. What a day it had been. I tried to put Sharon's tantrums off my mind. How wrong she was. I soon slept off.

 Friday was the third and final day of the workshop. Once again, Rose was nice to me, while Sharon continued to sulk. After the second presentation, we were given certification. 

Rose gave us a valise each to pack our clothes. By four p.m., I was set to leave the place. Despite her reservations, I exchanged telephone numbers with Sharon. 

It had been a worthwhile experience after all. I got back to my residence some minutes past seven p.m. It looked like I had left he house several weeks ago. 

That weekend, I could not visit Precious's mum as I had planned. 

On Monday morning, I started work at FGC headquarters at Ikeja. There, I submitted my letter of acceptance of job offer. I was posted to the Media department while Sharon was posted to the PR department. 

From my first day at work, I could tell that it was going to be a fulfilling work. The official working hours were eight a.m to five p.m. I was punctual to work as usual. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Sharon came to see me in the office I shared with a colleague. It was break hour and the colleague was not in the office. 

"I want to apologize for the way I behaved and talked to you the other time," Sharon said. "I overreacted. Sorry about it." 

I smiled to play it down. "It's okay, we all make mistakes." 

We talked briefly about the challenges of our new work before she left. Later that evening, Rose also called. She wanted to know how I was faring on my new job. 

She still thanked me for the other time and professed that I was a special man. I told her to God be the glory. 

On Saturday, I decided to  rest indoor. 

On instinct, around eleven in the morning, I decided to call Sharon. Her number rang many times before it was finally picked.

 "Hello, Sharon. This is Seyi on the line." 

There was a pause. "Sharon is not around. She just stepped out to buy something but did not take her phone along." 

The voice sounded like a mature woman's own.





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The voice sounded like a mature woman's own.

"Oh, I'm sorry to disturb, madam. I'll call later."

About thirty minutes later, I called again.

This time, Sharon picked it. "Big Aunty told me you called minutes ago," she started. "How are you?"

"Fine. I called to find out how you are too."

"I'm fine. Thanks for calling."

We chatted a bit more before cutting the line. My mind went to Precious. Shouldn't I try to see her mother as soon as possible? I could go to their church the following day to worship.

After the Sunday service, I would see her. That Saturday afternoon, I was watching a live football match when my phone rang. I picked it up almost immediately.

"Good afternoon," I greeted.

"Send the account number to me and send it right away so I can do transfer."

Before I could say anything, the line was disconnected. I was bemused by the caller. I wasn't expecting any payment from any body, so I ignored the message.

After about seven minutes, another call came through.

"What are you waiting for?Why the delay? Send the account number and bank right now."

It was the same woman.

"Excuse me ..."




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After about seven minutes, another call came through.

"What are you waiting for?Why the delay? Send the account number and bank right now."

It was the same woman.

"Excuse me ..."

The line was dead before I could finish my sentence. What an impatient woman. I decided to call the number.

She picked on the second ring.

"Hello, madam. I think you got the wrong number," I quickly said.

"But this is the number you gave to me at the supermarket this morning. My ATM had issues, I was short of cash and you bailed me out. Now, I want to pay you back as I promised."

I shook my head as if she was physically there to see me.

"There's a mix up, madam. I was not the person. I've not been to any supermarket today."

"Hmn, some Nigerian men will not stop amazing me," she countered. "Is it that you're so proud you don't want to receive repayment from a woman or what?"

I chuckled. "I will gladly receive payment from you if I was the man. But then, I was not the person. Thanks for your time madam."

There was no further response, so I cut the line. If I thought that was the end of the conversation, I was wrong.

A couple of minutes later, she called again.

"Hello, madam," I started.

"Do you know who's calling?" she asked.

Again, I was bemused. "Yes, you are the woman who thought I was the man that she met in the supermarket this morning."

She laughed shortly.

Was that funny?





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"Good evening, madam. I had called you earlier. I appreciate what you sent."

I paused briefly. "Thank you for the pictures you sent. They are beautiful. I didn't realize until now that I've been talking to a very beautiful woman."

"It's okay. Thanks for the compliments. Now, I called because there's one important aspect I ought to have discussed."

I did not wonder what she meant for long. By instinct, I could sense it.

"I think I know the aspect you have in mind, madam."

"Really? Can you tell me what aspect that is?"

I allowed a meaningful silence.

"I think the aspect has to do with platonic clause."

I could hear her catch her breath.

"That is very correct. How did you guess right?"

"As I said, I could sense it."

"Good. That is what it is, that is what it will always be. Do we have a deal? Can we still go on with this?"

"With all pleasure, madam. I can assure that you will not regret meeting me."

"Okay," she said. "Send me your pictures too."

"I will do that." She cut the line. I spent more time studying her pictures before I decided to send five of mine.

We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.



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We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.

The Sunday service had already started by the time I got there. I could see Precious among the choir and though she sighted me, she avoided eye contact with me.

Her father was on the pulpit. After service, I went to greet him.

"Young man, it's quite some time," he responded, offering his hand for a handshake.
Thereafter, I went to see Precious' mother.
Right there in the church auditorium, I told her that her daughter had been avoiding communicating with me for several days and that she should intervene.

"Precious has told me what happened," she said. "She also said categorically that she is no longer interested in the relationship."

I was shocked. "She actually said she is not interested in continueing the relationship?" I asked.

"Yes. At this stage, I will advise that you should move on."

Again, I was greatly surprised. The person I had thought would intervene was the one sounding the death kernel.

I left the place a disappointed man. So, that was the end? Was that really the end of what I had thought was a blossoming relationship?

Time would tell.



* * *



By three p.m, I was back to my residence. I was still thinking about Precious. I should not be totally surprised by what she did. I could have been heartbroken.

Besides, I had always stelled myself against such a possibilty. No problem, I would take my time to decide what next to do.

About four p.m., I called Big Aunty. She picked it at the second ring.

“Good afternoon, madam," I greeted.

“Good afternoon. I've been waiting for your call."

"How is your day?"

"Well, so far, so good. How's yours?"

It had not been a good day, especially from what I heard about Precious. But then, life must go on.

"I thank God for everything, madam."

"Can you come around to my place? I will like to see the physical you."

Would I like to see her? Although things were
going at a fast pace, I would like to see.

"It will be a pleasure, madam. Where do you live?"

She gave me the address. She lived at Ikosi and from my place, it would take about forty minutes.

"I live at Ogba," I said. "Within an hour, I should see you."

"Alright, I'll be waiting."

She disconnected the line. My heart was thumping as I dressed up to go. It was Sunday and the traffic was light. Thirty-five minutes after I had talked to her, I was the gate of her residence. It was a storey building.

A Hausa guard attended to me.

"Who you want see?" he asked.

"Big Aunty."

"Big wetin?"

I suddenly realized that I did not even know her real name. I put a call to her.

"I'm already at the gate of your house," I said.

"Good. Just hold on."

Within a minute, I saw a woman walking towards the gate from the main building.
Big Aunty was the one. I studied her intently. She was wearing jeans trouses and blue t-shirt. She really looked attractive. I hoped the attractiveness would be beyond the looks. I beamed in smile at at her.

"Good evening, madam."

She smiled too. "Good evening, Seyi."

Then, she turned to the guard. "Bashir, you see this man, anytime he comes around, allow him to see me."

The guard bowed slightly. "Yes, oga, madam."
She turned to me. "You are welcome. Please, follow me."

"Yes, ma'am."

I followed her to a side stair case that led to the first floor. There was a short passage that we took to the sitting-room.

"Please sit down and make yourself feel at home."

I nodded. "Thank you, madam."
She left the siting-room. A girl I suspected to be the house-help soon came in with a tray that contained a bottle of peanuts and packets of fruit juice.

"Thank you," I told her.

She courtesied and left. The sitting-room was large and comfortable.

The air-conditioner system was on and I felt cool.

Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.

She studied me closely.







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MistaTee999:
We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.

The Sunday service had already started by the time I got there. I could see Precious among the choir and though she sighted me, she avoided eye contact with me.

Her father was on the pulpit. After service, I went to greet him.

"Young man, it's quite some time," he responded, offering his hand for a handshake.
Thereafter, I went to see Precious' mother.
Right there in the church auditorium, I told her that her daughter had been avoiding communicating with me for several days and that she should intervene.

"Precious has told me what happened," she said. "She also said categorically that she is no longer interested in the relationship."

I was shocked. "She actually said she is not interested in continueing the relationship?" I asked.

"Yes. At this stage, I will advise that you should move on."

Again, I was greatly surprised. The person I had thought would intervene was the one sounding the death kernel.

I left the place a disappointed man. So, that was the end? Was that really the end of what I had thought was a blossoming relationship?

Time would tell.



* * *



By three p.m, I was back to my residence. I was still thinking about Precious. I should not be totally surprised by what she did. I could have been heartbroken.

Besides, I had always stelled myself against such a possibilty. No problem, I would take my time to decide what next to do.

About four p.m., I called Big Aunty. She picked it at the second ring.

“Good afternoon, madam," I greeted.

“Good afternoon. I've been waiting for your call."

"How is your day?"

"Well, so far, so good. How's yours?"

It had not been a good day, especially from what I heard about Precious. But then, life must go on.

"I thank God for everything, madam."

"Can you come around to my place? I will like to see the physical you."

Would I like to see her? Although things were
going at a fast pace, I would like to see.

"It will be a pleasure, madam. Where do you live?"

She gave me the address. She lived at Ikosi and from my place, it would take about forty minutes.

"I live at Ogba," I said. "Within an hour, I should see you."

"Alright, I'll be waiting."

She disconnected the line. My heart was thumping as I dressed up to go. It was Sunday and the traffic was light. Thirty-five minutes after I had talked to her, I was the gate of her residence. It was a storey building.

A Hausa guard attended to me.

"Who you want see?" he asked.

"Big Aunty."

"Big wetin?"

I suddenly realized that I did not even know her real name. I put a call to her.

"I'm already at the gate of your house," I said.

"Good. Just hold on."

Within a minute, I saw a woman walking towards the gate from the main building.
Big Aunty was the one. I studied her intently. She was wearing jeans trouses and blue t-shirt. She really looked attractive. I hoped the attractiveness would be beyond the looks. I beamed in smile at at her.

"Good evening, madam."

She smiled too. "Good evening, Seyi."

Then, she turned to the guard. "Bashir, you see this man, anytime he comes around, allow him to see me."

The guard bowed slightly. "Yes, oga, madam."
She turned to me. "You are welcome. Please, follow me."

"Yes, ma'am."

I followed her to a side stair case that led to the first floor. There was a short passage that we took to the sitting-room.

"Please sit down and make yourself feel at home."

I nodded. "Thank you, madam."
She left the siting-room. A girl I suspected to be the house-help soon came in with a tray that contained a bottle of peanuts and packets of fruit juice.

"Thank you," I told her.

She courtesied and left. The sitting-room was large and comfortable.

The air-conditioner system was on and I felt cool.

Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.

She studied me closely.







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oga u must finish this story

Go on please.

Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.

She studied me closely.

"Thanks for the refreshments," I said.

"You are welcome. If you don't mind, I'll like to ask some very personal questions. You may not answer if you don't want."

"Ask me any question, ma'am," I answered.

"If you must answer it at all, I want you to be sincere."

I nodded.

"The first question: how active is your sex life?"

I wasn't expecting that but I would not shy away from.

"The sex life is zero," I answered.

She clouded her face briefly. "Meaning?"

"It has been deactivated." I smiled. "For the past two years, I've been a celibate."

"Coming from a young man like you, that is difficult to believe."

“I agree, but it's the truth."

"Why did you choose that path?"

I smiled again. "Providence made and still makes me understand that sex is best between married couple only."

"Are you saying if a beautiful lady willingly offers you sex, you will decline?"

"Yes, I wil definitely decline."

She paused to consider what I had said. I could not tell whether she believed me or not.

"For how long do you want to maintain celibacy?"

My answer was prompt. "Till I marry."

"Are you asexual, homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual?"

"Heterosexual."

She nodded. "If all your answers are true, then we have a lot in common."

"Can I ask you some questions too?"

"Why not? Go ahead."

"Aren't you planning to remarry?"

She sighed. "In truth, I've been getting suitors, but I'm not in a hurry about it. What else do I want? The houses my late husband left behind and the little business I do can support me and my children for the rest of our lives.

“have two children schooling in U.S. and one is on scholarship. So, at this stage, what do I need a husband for?"

It was a rhetorical question, so there was no need for an answer.

"All the same, whether I will marry again or not is in the hands of God."

I totally agreed with her.

"What about your fiancee? Sharon told me you have issues with her. Have you reconciled?"

I was surprised Sharon had talked to that extent.

"We have parted ways. She has declared she's no longer interested in the relationship."

"Sorry about that," Big Aunty offered.

"Thank you ma'am."

She briefly eyed my refreshment.

"Kubrat will soon finish with the pepper soup she is preparing. You like catfish pepper soup, don't you?"

"It's actually my favourite."

“Good, we're on the same page on that."

There were some minutes of silence. I watched the movie on the large screen quite absentmindedly.

Kubrat came to the sitting-room. "The pepper soup is ready, ma."

Big Aunty nodded approvingly.

"Good. Serve it in the dish and put it on the dining-table."

After Kubrat had put the dish, Big Aunty turned to me.

"Let's go and eat."

The dining-table and the ceramic dish were exquisite. But more exquisite were the delicacies.

There was a big difference between this and the one I bought in joints and eateries. Kubrat must be a good cook. "This is really delicious," I said.

After eating to my satisfaction, I returned to the sitting-room. Big Aunty brought some albums.

She sat by side to point out some people in the pictures. I could see when she was a baby, when she was in primary school, federal government girls college and the University.

She was indeed a beauty to behold. I saw the pictures of her late husband when they were in courtship and during their wedding.

There were many other pictures including during her trips overseas.

"They are all beautiful pictures," I said.

Then, I saw the pictures of her children when they were babies and when they were growing up.

The boy obviously took after his dad while the girl took after her mum.

"The is boy is Femi while the girl bears her mother's name."

I suddenly stopped to stare at Big Aunty.

"Funny enough, I don't even know your real name."

She was defensive. "Didn't Sharon tell you?" I shook my head.

"No, she didn't."

She smiled briefly. "The name is Fransisca Aresa."

I smiled too. "Beautiful name."

She went on to show me many other pictures. I was so engrossed with her I didn't know time had gone.

When it was few minutes after eight p.m., I stood up to go. "I must really thank you for the warm reception you gave to me. It is a pleasure to be with you, madam."

"The supper will soon be ready. Won't you wait to take it?" she quickly said.