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Another story coming up soon guys...

Episode Finale.

I stared at the Judge defiantly, never breaking eye contact. He held my gaze for a long time.
His old eyes had definitely witnessed many murderers and so he didn’t show any glimmer of emotion. His face was just blank and expressionless. I wondered if my lawyer who just presented through to him at all. He seemed like a hard nut, never shaken.

I looked back and saw Sophia, My dad and my late husband’s parents. The gateman who also testified against me that he saw me murder my husband with my own hands too was seated uneasily, not wanting to meet my gaze for a second. “Stephanie Cole” The judge started.
“You are charged with murder of Austin Richard Cole on the 25th of September 2016.

How do you plead?” His voice came like the drone of a fly.

“Guilty” I said, narrowing my eyes as tears fell from them. I looked at Sophia but even my bestfriend wasn’t able to look into my eyes. I was now on my own, with my own cross to carry.

A bead of sweat rolled down my lawyer’s neck, before disappearing beneath his collar. I looked at the other lawyer hired by Austin’s family prosecuting, he looked indifferent.

The judge cleared his throat

“Because of your admittance, your sentence will be less harsh, though the crime you just committed is unforgivable” He said, adjusting his shirt which his heavy fat tummy pushed against the buttons.

“You, Stephanie Cole, for the deeds you have done, shall be sentenced to ten years imprisonment till you reach the age of thirty-four, then you will be hanged until death. I rise” “Court!” .....

THE END.


Dedicated to all the ladies out there who went through hell all in the name of Love, infatuation or obsession. To all going through rejection now by the one you love or you think you love, please move on if after trying your best you are still rejected. Chin up, chest out and let go.

PLEASE, I DON’T REALLY BELIEVE YOU CAN CHANGE THE FEELINGS OF SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T LOVE YOU. DON’T THINK MARRIAGE, PREGNANCY OR EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL CAN. JUST MOVE ON AND AVOID UNNECESSARY DRAMA!

Wow. We made Frontpage.
Thanks guys!!!

“Do you believe in infatuation and obsession?”

I pondered on the question in my mind, not sure how to respond. The man sitting on the other side of the table considered me with calm eyes.

“Well, Mrs. Stephanie Cole, if you would have me help you then you have to answer me. I don’t have all the time in the world. You are appearing in court on Monday” The lawyer firmly said.

I folded my arms on my chest as I studied specks of dirt on the wall behind him. Then my eyes went to the piled up files and folders on his table. Those documents were like people’s lives. Their records, evidences of their crimes and all were in it. The lawyer clicked his tongue and I jolted on my seat.

“I do. But if you are putting it to me that all I had for my late husband was infatuation or obsession then you are not getting it. I loved him, I loved him with all my heart but he ruined me. He treated me like shit just because I loved him. Let me say the love I had for him made me completely out of my mind but he could have stopped all by not marrying me.

Agreeing to marry me made me think somewhere in his heart he could love me eventually. He could have refused. If he was bent on not marrying me then I wouldn’t have married him and I would have moved on. Probably married someone that loved me” I poured out as I rocked back and forth in the swivel seat in front of him. He removed his glasses and placed his wig and black coat on his mahogany table. Then settled down to look at me. I couldn’t hold his gaze, I returned my eyes to the dirt speck on the wall.

“I’m afraid, in this case. You might have to go to jail” He bluntly said.

“The news of his death is trending everywhere in the country and on social media. His fans are hungry for justice. They want you to go to jail and I would have really loved to help you but I’m in a tight fix. As much as his parents love you, I am sorry to say but they still want justice to prevail.
"Infact, you might not have noticed but that night you stabbed him, the gateman was at the back of the room and he saw everything. The noise, beatings and all attracted him and he is a living witness. I am so sorry Mrs. Cole but you…”

“I know” I said and shut my eyes. I had not planned my life like this. But the wrongest decision in my life was now pushing me behind the bars. At the age of twenty-four! .
The lawyer took a deep breathe and let air slowly escaped through his lips. I could see pity in his eyes, he badly wanted to help me but I had murdered my own husband in cold blood barely four weeks after our wedding and now, I just had to face the music.

“I am sorry Mrs. Steph Cole. I really want to be formal here but I just can’t help but dive into what I am about to say now”

I nodded, signaling that he could say whatever he wanted to say.

“I am not sure you loved your husband. If you loved him like you claim, you should not have killed him just because he failed to give you the love you expected. I am not trying to side the deceased or anything and I know he was very wrong for being violent but you should have let go when you had the opportunity to. You should have just forgotten about it and filed for a divorce. Yes, I am a lawyer and I am very well in support of Divorce. You could have lost your life during the act. I had an interview with your father last week and I must say throughout my years of working with clients and their families, I have never seen someone as bitter as your father now. He told me you begged to be married to him but Mrs Steph, Why would you beg to be married to someone that never loved you and didn’t show any concrete sign he was ever going to.? ”

He paused as he looked at the one-way mirror on the wall. I was emotionally and mentally pained with what he just said. Why did he have to poke around in fresh wounds? “They are watching us, aren’t they?” I asked. “You know they are. My time has elapsed” He said, gritting his teeth.

They had been spying on me 24/7 ever since I got arrested. I had been in the sitting room with blood in my face and hand, thinking of what next to do when two policemen with the gateman came in and took me away and ever since then they had been following me everywhere I went and even investigative sections with my Lawyer.

His brows knot together as he cleared his throat.
“I’ll try my best to see to it that you are not jailed even though there’s only a slight guarantee that is never going to happen. I will do all I can, if not for anybody, for your father. I’ll see you in court”
With that, he gestured to the policemen outside through the mirror he was done and they could come take me away.

He slowly moved in and out of me as I closed my eyes and moaned. Moving in and out of me, the pain began to fade away. I looked up and saw Tobi’s mouth in an ‘O’ shape taking in a lot of pleasure. I let my nails sink into his back as he filled the whole of me. Rapidly, I felt myself build.

“Austin! Austin. Faster. Hmmm” I moaned as I shut my eyes. I felt him stop for a while and then continued. It was then I realized I just screamed Austin’s name. After eight more thrusts inside of me, I felt him still as he came and collapsed on top of me. He removed the full condom and entered a room I assumed to be a bathroom with it.
He then came out and went in again with his phone. I heard him whisper somethings but it wasn’t audible enough for me to hear. He was probably receiving a phone call from a friend; I thought and turned to see two teddy bears on the dresser. I looked at them surprised. I never knew men have a thing for teddy bears.
“Are you a fan of teddy bears?” I asked when he came out. He was shocked as he looked to the left and right before clearing his throat and answering me. “Erm. My sister likes them” “Really? She stays here?” I asked, looking interested. “She comes here once in a while. She is a student at LASU” “Nice one” I said as I looked round the room for something to cover myself. I was embarrassed I just had sex with someone I barely knew. I was supposed to be with only one man.

He slowly crawled back into bed and I couldn’t help but lean down to kiss his lips and then laid there for about fifteen minutes in complete silence, guilty conscience was beginning to prick me but I didn’t know if I should continue swimming in this sin or go back to my husband and confess to him. I didn’t know what to do. I was as confused as heck. “What do you want to do this evening?” He asked. “Ermm.. I don’t know, I should probably be heading home”
I said, standing up to go grab my clothes but he pulled me back into the sheets and spread apart my legs again. He kissed me ferociously. Gosh! He so much tasted like sin. “When last did you get this?” He asked, giving me a dazzling smile as he put on another condom. “I don’t know. It’s been long” I replied fidgetingly. “ I can show you what no one has ever shown you” he said, putting my hand on his hard on. He started to trail kisses on my inner thigh. “Oh my god” I moaned and tilted my head back.

His lips twitched as he came up for air and kissed me hard. He ran his hands up to my breast and started to kiss right below my belly button, all sense of feeling leaving me. He slipped two fingers inside of me and put his mouth on my left breast.

I threw my head back and tried to bottle up my emotions. This was so erotic, so damn erotic! He swirled his tongue on my sex and then looked at me to see how I would react to him. I couldn’t breathe. I was already building, coming closer and closer to orgasm.

I tilted my hips up, meeting his mouth. I closed my thighs around Tobi’s head and I came. As if that wasn’t enough already for the day, he drove inside me.
Moving slowly in and out of me, his mouth was slightly open and his eyes were closed.

“Fvck!” He moaned.

He rammed in and out of me like a monster. I couldn’t take in air. I was almost choked up. Slowly, I felt my body convulsed as he stilled inside of me and released.

I pushed him off me and got into the room he had gone into before. It was a bathroom, I poured some bowls of water on my head hastily. I got back inside the room, put on my clothes and asked him for a spray. He grinned and handed me a bottle of perfume. I sprayed myself and walked out of the room. “Wait!” He said.

“See Tobi. You might have thought I enjoyed it but I just did because I was starved and nothing more. I will never do this again. I am married” I showed him my rings, grabbed my key and ran out.

Entering the car, I threw my head back on the headrest and sighed. “God! What have I done?” Two twin tears rolled down my face, mocking me as they sincerely showed how dirty and guilty I felt.

The drive home was crazy. I wasn’t in the right state of mind as I just kept bumping into bikers and cars unnecessarily. I arrived home and headed straight to my bedroom. I was happy I didn’t have to face my husband. I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I crashed to the floor and put my head on the bed, soaking it with tears.

I packed some clothes, shoes and other necessities into a travelling bag as I cried my eyes out. I had failed myself, my dad and my late mom. I was very sure sleeping with another man was the last thing they expected from me.

I carried the bag down the stairs and was about putting it in the trunk when Austin’s car speedily came in. He hurriedly got out of the car and sent two slaps to my faces. I fell on the floor as more tears streamed down my cheeks from my sore eyes.

“Where the fvck are you going to you bitch!” I could not talk, I just kept crying. He dragged my hair and used it to pull it up. I winced in pain.

“I said where the hell are you going to dog!” He asked again, landing me another two slaps.

“Austin.. Please.. Austin, please. Just let me go” I tearfully slurred.

“No. we are not done yet here. You said you loved me and wouldn’t let go so why the Bleep are you going back on your words hun? Because you opened your legs to another man? I have the tape and all so don’t you dear tell me lies dog” He yelled and spat spits on my face. “You are a dog. That is what you are” He angrily said, dragging me on the ground . My hips bumped into the high terrace and I cried out in pain.

“Austin.. Please, I am sorry. I was frustrated and vulnerable.. Please Austin..” I pleaded as I felt my heart constricting.

“You are a LovePeddler. Why are you giving up now huh? I already have the evidence to sue for a divorce so why are you the one acting faster? I already planned how I would start frustrating and beating the hell out of you till you die but we can as well start this night”

He pulled me again up with my hair and hit my head on the wall. He angrily gripped me by my arm and pushed me to another wall, hitting my head on it. Blood started gushing from my head and I started feeling like collapsing. I slowly started sliding down the wall but he grabbed me and led me to the stairs.

He forcefully made me climb the stairs and then pushed me so hard that I rolled on the floor, hitting my head on each stair-step. I thought that was the end of me when I started tasting blood in my mouth. I gathered all the strength in my body and walked to where my phone was. I picked it up from the ground and started dialing Sophia’s number.

“So.. Sophia, I am dying” I was about to say before my phone went dead. He came downstairs and grabbed me again, making me pour blood from my mouth the more.

“Sweetheart, we are not yet done here” He said as soon as he arrived again at the living room, picking me up and throwing me on the sofa. ‘Mom, I am about to come meet you soon’ I breathed as I closed my eyes and felt immense pain in my whole body. He removed his belt and started lashing me. Everywhere the belt landed, I felt my skin tear from within. I felt numb as I just laid on the chair like a log of wood and watched him unzip his trousers and spread my legs apart.

“Why you struggling with me huh? You could easily open these legs for another man to Bleep you but you can't open them for me well huh?” He mouthed, slapping me again.

He rammed into me and kept giving me slaps. I was too torn to shed tears. I was as still as a lifeless body as I watched him force himself in and out of me, beating and spitting on me every now and then. “I hope hell receives your fucking spirit” He said as he withdrew and pushed me away, making my head land hard on the tiles.
I gathered strength and went inside the kitchen to pick a knife. Maybe it would be his spirit hell would receive then. I staggered as I tried to balance my feet on the stairs. I held the knife tight in my hand and opened the door of his room.

I let out an audible yawn as I drowsily stood up and pulled apart the curtain. It was dawn already. I said some prayers and picked up my phone to call Tobi.

“Hello. Good morning Tobi. Please am ready to leave” I informed once he picked.

There was silence and the call went dead. I thought probably he didn’t hear me well so I redialed the number but I heard his phone ringing somewhere close to the living room. I sighed and waited for him to come. “Good morning Mrs. Cole” He greeted. It was as if there was an acid in his mouth when he called ‘Mrs. Cole’. “Good morning. I am ready to leave now”

He yawned and stretched his arms. “C’mon, It’s just 5:15am. It is too early” “Hmm. Don’t worry about me. I would be fine. I just have to get going now” I said as I handed over to him the bear and pillow.
“Thanks a lot for the comfort”

“Yeah. Anytime” He said, opening the door for me.

I scurried out of the compound and started walking to where my car was parked. I unlocked it and got inside. It was foggy and still dark but I needed to get home as fast as possible so I wouldn’t tell stories that touch.
I got into the road and arrived the house at exactly 6:07am.

I saw Austin standing outside when I parked the car at the lot. He wasn’t looking wasted or anything like that, he was looking his normal self. I got down of the car and made to walk past him but he pulled me back so roughly that I almost found myself struggling on the ground. “Where were you all through the night?” He folded his hands on his chest and split his legs apart.

I got into the road and arrived the house at exactly 6:07am. I saw Austin standing outside when I parked the car at the lot. He wasn’t looking wasted or anything like that, he was looking his normal self. I got down of the car and made to walk past him but he pulled me back so roughly that I almost found myself struggling on the ground.

“Where were you all through the night?” He folded his hands on his chest and split his legs apart. “Austin, Last time I checked, you said I could go anywhere I wanted to. So why has my movement suddenly become your concern?” I asked as I adjusted my bra straps.

“Look, I won’t have you wriggle your small butt all around the streets of lagos, dragging my name and the career I’ve been building in the mud okay?” I scoffed sarcastically and made to leave but he pulled me back again and turned my ears. They turned hot and for a while, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to hear a thing again in my life.
His gaze darkened as he looked at me and put his hands around my neck.

“Au…” I wanted to call but coughs came out of my lips. “The next time you go out without telling me where you are off to. I will cut off your womanhood and throw it to the dogs. I bought a big enough notebook and it is on the table in the living room. any fvcking time you are going out, you would fill that book.

It would contain where you are going to, the time you left and the time you would get back and don’t you dare think you are smart enough to write lies for me to read okay?” He said sternly, tightening his hands on my neck the more as he searched my face for a reaction.

I nodded to let him know I heard him and he let go of my neck. “The house is dirty. You have ten minutes to clean it up. your time starts now!"
God! Another day of pure hell!

I was his wife and it was my duty to obey him as my husband.Besides, Sophia warned me not to overdo and I wanted him to love me more. I slowly walked to the kitchen and started looking for wherever the maids kept the broom.

But first things first, I had to start with the bottles of alcohol littered around.

'How would I clean the whole of this mess in ten minutes?' I groaned inwardly.

My body ached from the stress I had put it through in the morning.

*
It was 2:00pm and Tobi had just asked me to keep his company at home. Can you just imagine? Who asks a married woman for a company? For him not to think I was ungrateful, I had agreed to it.
I told him I would come to his house since we couldn’t go anywhere for now without the media eating me up. I just couldn’t wait for something to happen to another celebrity or in the industry so all these unnecessary attention could be shifted from me. Tying a towel around my body, I dashed to the bathroom to have a cold bathe. Turning on the cold shower, I ran my fingers under the faucet and prayed that I wouldn’t get a blister when the water rushed down my body.

I had a quick bathe and came out of the bathroom, I applied some jelly cream on my body and put on my undies. I looked for what to wear but I was confused. I later settled for an aqua coloured sundress with floral designs on the sleeves. My phone started to ring from the side of the bed, I quickly rushed over and pulled it off the charger then slid my finger on the screen to answer it.

“Hi. Are you still coming?”Tobi’s voice came once I placed the phone to my right ear.

“Sure. Give me a few minutes.” I said and he hung up. I tied my hair with a neon pink bandana and then fixed sunglasses on my face. I descended down the stairs and smirked when I saw Austin in an argument with someone on the phone.
He was wearing a black singlet over daisy duke shorts. I found myself mentally undressing my husband as I took him in. his abs went up and down as he continued arguing over the phone, stealing some side glances at me once in a while. I felt my heart rate accelerate when I saw the said notebook on the table with a pen on it.

Contemplating whether or not to write anything there, I walked to the table and looked from it to Austin. I tore my gaze from him when I saw him turning his back to face me. I went to him and whispered in his ear.

“I, Stephanie Austin Cole would not, I repeat, would not fill this. Hmm?” With that, I walked out of the big parlour. I saw him clench his fists when he heard me say my name with his.

I hopped into the car and grabbed water from the cup holder. I sighed blissfully once the cool liquid went down my throat. I straightened my hair with my finger and ignited. Backing gracefully out of the driveway, I began ascending on the concrete asphalt leading out of the estate.
I tried recalling how I had driven to his place last night and thankfully, I could still remember. At a point when I was confused, I called him and he explained clearly to me.

I arrived at his estate fifty minutes later and carefully parked my car in front of his residence once I reached it. I got out of the car, locked it and went to his flat. I placed two knocks on his door and waited for response.

“Hi. Good after..” Before I could complete my statement, he slammed his mouth into mine hardly and roved into it hungrily.

I pushed him away but the hot balls of lust in my body wouldn’t let me resist him any further. I was sex starved! He grabbed my waist and pushed me up against the wall.
Grabbing my ass, he squeezed it and picked me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist, just the way I had seen Stella do with Austin.

I pulled his hair tightly and moaned as his lips collided deeply into mine, our tongues intertwining with eachother while his hands snuck under my dress to my ass. He gasped when he realized I had a pant on. He carried me to his bedroom as he trailed kisses down my neck.

“Stop. I am married” I spoke after struggling with lust inside me.

“Shhhh.. we’ll handle it when we’re done” He cut me off and laid me on the bed like a roasted meat to be devoured. I ran my hands down the outline of his face. At this point, I didn’t care. He took off his shirt within a twinkle of an eye and began planting kisses on my boobs. He ripped down my gown and continued kissing me. I wanted sex so bad. I knew it was not right but I didn’t give a damn.

He came over me and grazed his teeth on my earlobes, leaving a large amount of hickey there. I began to stiffen as my breathing became more erratic. He stripped himself of his boxers and pants and I froze as I gaped at his huge size.

Slowly, he pushed a finger inside of me which made me let out a loud cry. I was so tight because it had been a very longtime since I had sex. Ever since I met Austin, fell in love with him and started giving him full commitments. I cut out my boyfriend then because I found out I wasn’t in love with me as much as I was with Austin.
“You are so ready” He said as he thrusted his fingers in and out of me. I could feel my own wetness.
I heard a package tear. It was a condom. He quickly put it on and placed his tip at my entrance. Then he pushed inside of me. “Ahhhhh!” I cried out.

Sensitivity1254:
No ones love is worth fighting for.

I will move on. I won't even huge you the pleasure of knowing that you are the air that I breath.

Lol. You are savage.
One thing I have come to understand is that once you let them know you love them so much ehn, they start misbehaving.

omamush:
reality check, i'll totally move on, yes it won't be easy but how long will one keep fighting for what's not theirs.
love isn't forced and definitely shouldn't be one sided.

like tobi said I really doubt if what Stephanie feels for Austin is true love, the whole idea of her love for him is just obsessive. I may be wrong

Hmmmmm...

mychiveous:
keep fighting and hope that he loves you back.

Hmmmmm..

Hey guys.
Lol i am not here to drop update o.
Just want us to gist before I update.
Thank God the house is not full so we can relate well.

What do you guys think about the situation. When you love someone so much and you can't let go. He doesn't treat you well but you can't live without him(or her) as the case may be. She is like the air you breath. He is like your life and you can't live without him even though he doesn't love you and has made it known to you he never will and you are just wasting your time.

Do you keep fighting for his love or at a point you give up and move on?
What would you do

Abelranking:
OMG someone should pls tell roniex2 to stop what shes doing.

Suspense aint good for my health

Lol..till tomorrow

“Hmm. I know you are thinking this place might be too small for a marketer but it’s not like we are really making money or anything and besides, I am still a bachelor” “It’s no problem. You still have a nice place” I complimented as I looked around the room. it was stuffed with lovely set of furniture, electronics, a cheetah print rug and a standing fan.
“I am sorry I had to call you I was coming at this time. I erm..” “Is it your husband?” He asked, running his fingers up and down his chin.
“What?” I could vouch that my expression looked like that of a person who air had just been knocked out of his system. He stifled a laughter and went in.
I sank into the chair and thought about the possible ways Tobi must have known that I had issues with my husband. I mean, Austin was a very good actor both in movies and real life. He had done excellently well in making sure Nigerians believed he loved me and was happily married to me.
Many times I've read his interviews in Newspapers and blogs and the way he painted me as someone he could die for and also our marriage which according to him was one made in heaven could make people strongly believe that we were a perfect couple with no downs whatsoever.

Tobi came back with a glass of water and I just stared at him. I could see him still surprised I was amused he knew about it.

“C’mon, I am in the industry too” He supplied as he sipped down his own glass. “Er.. I don’t know what you mean but Austin and I are very much okay. Why would anyone be thinking that of a new bond?” I asked, feigning innocence. I was glad my voice or facial expression didn’t betray me as I kept a straight face and a non-shaky voice.

He shook his head and smiled.
“I only came here because Austin travelled and I alone could not sleep in that big mansion. I shouldn’t be here if my friend had picked her call and assured me she was home” I said bluntly. “Hmm. Excuse me but is this the first time Austin has ever travelled?” He asked, grinning.

Gosh! I had just been caught! “Erm.. Look, if you don’t want to host me and if this is the way you would keep tackling me, then let me be on my way” I looked uneasily at him as I stood up with my phone in my hand.
He hurriedly stood up and held my arms, then shoved me down into the chair.

Bringing his well barbed hair closer, he held my chin up so my eyes were looking at his intently. “You will be just fine, okay?” He smiled and went back to sit across the room. “So, I guess Sophia Johnson is this friend of yours right?” He asked.
“Uh.. Yeah, how did you know that?” I asked begrudgingly. “C’mon, her dad, yours and his are important business tycoons in this country. His dad owns Shells, her dad owns Chevron and yours owns Total. They are social and business friends all investing in Oil and Gas.” I wowed as he stopped and gulped down the rest of the water in the glass. Yes I was also a famous person in the country, my father owned chevron but the Cole’s family were the most talked about because Shells was one of the top 5 top companies in Nigeria and the first son of the family was an actor who was going to be a producer soon. “How Is Stella Henshaw? Have you been seeing her around?” My heart plummeted into my stomach at the sound of my rival’s name. I just realized I had not seen her in the house. I thought of them splitting and a small smile cornered my lips. “Hm.. are you sure it’s going to be that easy? They’ve been together since 2012.”He spoke, interrupting my thoughts.

“Why… erm, I mean why didn’t she get married to him instead” I asked, gawking at him. I was surprised he read my mind. “C’mon, you know how most of these actresses are. I heard she doesn’t want to get married. She only wants a child but that’s after, you know..”
“She’s done with my husband?” I cut him off and looked down. I heard a silent ‘yeah’ and the room went dead. Slimming down my dress, I fondled with my nails as the silence grew louder.

I checked the time and realized it was past 12am in the morning. I just wanted to clear my head and think of where I was getting with all these. Before I could hold it back, a tear dropped underneath my eye and rolled down smoothly like my cheeks were some sort of an express road.
He came and hovered over me, flashing me a Mr. Cool dazzling smile.
He pulled me up and embraced me in a hug. “I.. I don’t know but I’ve been trying. He is the only man I have ever loved this much and he treats me like shit. I knew he didn’t love me but I thought he would since we would be cohabiting together after the wedding. I have read novels that the man ended up…” “What?” He mouthed and burst into laughter. I felt bad as I wiped off my streaming tears and looked at my feet, embarrassed. “Oh please. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. Just that, I am a bad jester. A terrible one”

When he noticed I wasn’t saying anything or going to say, he grabbed my shoulders and rubbed them in and out. “My dear, life is not a fairy tale. Only God knows why these writers deceive people with their happily ever after story. Look, you are not Cinderella and he is not a Disney prince okay? If he didn’t love you before the wedding, don’t raise your hopes so your expectations wouldn’t be so crashed that you will end up a torn person. Life is too pretty for this and you deserve to be loved. If they don’t love you, let them go. Sometimes, true love is about letting go. Okay, let me ask you this. Do you love the real him or the idea of him, his fame and name?”

“I love him! I love him for him and not his name or fame or anything. Gosh, those things have never gotten deep into my brain to the extent that I would love to risk my happiness to get them. If it’s money, my dad is rich enough, if it’s the fame.
Fine I know I don’t really have fame but that would be the last reason I married Austin. I practically run away from it” I said, letting my tears pour. Tobi chuckled and pressed me down gently so I could sit on the rug. He sat on the rug too and made me relax on his chest.

We remained like that for some minutes before the light came on. “I have some movies picked out in the living room. We can look at them if you want. They are funny ones. I know how shitty break ups can be so I think you laughing right now would lighten your mood”

I smiled as he stood up and wandered to the DVD to look at some choices.
“I don’t want his movie” I said as I wiped away my tears. He nodded and picked one. “This would do” He said, showing me the CD. I nodded and smiled. He was a very cool guy.

He settled down beside me and we started watching the movie. It was a comic one as it made me laugh so hard that I was tearing. The storyline was amazing. It was the story of an educated man married to an illiterate woman and the daily happenings in the family was hilarious.
When the movie ended, he looked at me and squeezed my hand tight.
“You will be fine, hmm?” I nodded and yawned. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s like we have to tuck someone into bed”
I wheezed out a giggle. “Hmm. Thanks but I would sleep here on the rug. Just get me a pillow and I would be fine.” I said. “But I have two free rooms here and you could sleep in any” “No, I’ll be fine here. It’s almost dawn” I insisted.
He nodded and went in. he came out in two minutes with a pillow and a teddy bear. “You didn’t have to” I said, smiling as I pointed to the teddy.
He placed it next to me and put his hands in his pocket. “Goodnight” he muttered. “Goodnight” I replied.

I put the pillow under my head as I laid on the plush soft rug.
Running the fingers over the fur, I heaved a sigh and slowly drifted to sleep.

I got my bag from the backseat and pulled out my phone from it. I scoffed as I placed a call through to my husband. “You have two minutes to let me in baby” I spoke with confidence etched in my voice when he picked his call. I used another unknown number to call him since he would not pick my own number and it was even surprising that he picked because he usually ignored strange numbers. Something sort of common among celebs.
“And what if I don’t? You can’t fucking tell me what to do in my own house”
I wheezed a short laugh and spoke loudly into my mouthpiece. “I’m sure you know what a woman who once lost her voice but later found it can do”
With that, I hung the call and waited, my blood boiling hot just under my skin.

I impatiently patted my feet up and down as I waited for the gate to be opened.

Few minutes later, the gateman rolled the gate to the side and I wheeled the car inside and killed off the engine.

Quickly getting my bag from the backseat, I locked the car and stepped inside the house only to collide with Austin. He got hold of my neck and gripped his hands tightly on it like he was going to suffocate me to death.
“Austin, you are choking me” I seethed. “And I’m gonna choke the Bleep out of you till you get your senses back. What the hell is wrong with you? I am only condoning this nonsense just because of my name and reputation.” “Leave me alo..” I whimpered in pain but before I could finish that, an idea popped into my brain. I grinned and used my stilettos to march on his right foot. “Bleep!” He screamed and scampered backwards as he closed his eyes to take in the pain my heels caused him. How I just wished the latter had bored a deep hole in his foot.
“Next time, you learn how to treat your wife right. I love you still” Giving him a kiss in the air, I straightened my gown and took two flights of stairs to my room.

I was about changing into comfy when my phone rang. “Sophie!!!” I squealed. “Girl, How are you?” I asked, looking for wipes to clean off my make up that was already washing down my face due to sweats. “I am fine babe. I am sorry I have been distant these days”
"What have you been doing?" I asked, taking off my stilettos. For Sophia to be that busy for me, it had to be that there is a guy in the picture. "Actually, It's this new guy I met when I went for the end of the year party of dad's company. He's been the one taking my time. That aside, How have you really been doing? Are you hearing from your dad and his parents? And how has it been?" I filled her in on what’s been going on between Austin and I.
“Wow. Babe, you are a fast learner o. People like you will even do this thing way better than the person that opened your eyes to it. But please, don’t over-do it. Remember you want to get his attention so you can captivate his heart without him looking down on you” She warned. I rolled my eyes and stifled a giggle. We chatted about some other things and we ended the conversation.

I changed into a blue tank top and bum shorts and laid on my bed to get a nap. I looked around and accessed the room since sleep was nowhere near. The room was extremely spacious, painted in lavender.
The furnishings are soft yet firm, a small vintage couch is situated next to the tall window draped with beautiful velvet curtains. There was a dressing table coiled with mini decorative lights and a big round bulb hung from above the ceiling, casting a warm glow to the entire room. I shut my eyes and let sleep take me to where I deserved.
Paradise.

I was woken up by a loud thumping sound that could make anyone close to the speakers blarring off the sound instantly go deaf. I sighed and wiped off the small drool at the corner of my mouth. What the heck is going on? I flipped on a pair of slippers and ran down the stairs only to be blinded by disco lights and I was woken up by a loud thumping sound that could make anyone close to the speakers blarring off the sound instantly go deaf.
I sighed and wiped off the small drool at the corner of my mouth. What the heck is going on? I flipped on a pair of slippers and ran down the stairs only to be blinded by disco lights and smoke everywhere the sitting room. It was Friday and that meant the maids and cooks would take time off all through the weekend and resume early on Monday morning so it couldn’t be that they were the ones organizing some sort of party and besides, they wouldn’t do that.
I looked around the dim room through the smoke. My eyes fell on some strange faces dancing away and smoking like their lives depended on it. I saw Austin at the far end of one corner drinking. I walked to where he was and growled at him. “What the Bleep are you doing here? Get off my sight” He slurred and attempted to vomit but took it back. I shook my head and bent down so he could hear what I wanted to tell him.
“I seriously hope your fans out there would understand the kind of person you are someday. You don’t deserve the love and respect they give to you”
He smirked at me and hissed. I went up the stairs and changed into a knee length high necked blue gown. I brushed my hair and packed it up into a high ponytail. I punched my phone and dialed Sophia’s number. It was entering voicemail.
Is it only me that wonders where your best friend goes when you needed him or her the most?

I sighed and sat down at the edge of the bed with my lips pouted.
I sighed again as I dialed Tobi’s number. He was the only person I could go to after Sophia. I just needed to get out of the house that had suddenly turned into a club. “Hello?”His voice made me jolt a bit.
Oh my God, should I do this?

****
Pulling the car into the highway, I increased my speed as I plucked in my earpiece and started listening to a country music. "I am almost there. Just give me twenty minutes" I informed and hung the call. It was Tobi and he wanted to confirm if I got the address of his house.
After driving for twenty five minutes, I stopped in front of a bungalow and called him. "Hello. I am in the estate, in front of a cream and lemon building" I said. "Alright. That's exactly not my house but I would be with you in a Jiffy. What is the colour of your car?" His voice trailed off. "Black" I muttered and the call ended. I threw my head back on the headrest and wondered when I would finally get through to my husband.
He was a hard nut to crack but I loved him with all of me. I loved his curves and his edges, His perfect imperfections and I could give him all of me too. I could be a perfect wife for me but I just didn't know what else to do.
I sighed and played on the music, humming the lyrics of 'Hello' by Adele softly. My mind went back to my mother. I really missed her and everything about her. The following week would make 10 years since she died in a awful plane crash. "Hello!" A knock fell on the window. I wound down and let out a smile. "Hi" I replied, picking my phone as I got out of the car. "Uhm.. You look good" He complimented. I could feel air knocked out of me as I turned a red tomato. 'Steph. You love just only one man. Don't let this get to you" I mentally reminded myself.

“Thank you” I said. He smiled and started walking down the road. I tugged behind him silently, neither of us breaking the silence building.
We reached a big house with different flats in it but because it was night, I couldn’t see the building well or count the number of flats there.

Gently opening the gate, we slid inside and walked to a flat at the side. He looked at me and smiled before opening the door. “Welcome to my humble home” He said, once we arrived inside a dark room. He quickly went in and returned and before I could even think about what he went to get, a lamp came on.
‘Better’ I said in my mind as I plopped down into a seat. “Nice place” I chipped in curtly.

My phone rang loudly, making me recover from what Austin told me. It was most certainly Sophia. I had to inform her of what just happened. Seriously? Was I making him love me more with this talking back at him shit or was he hating me the more?

“Sophia. We need to talk” I mumbled.

“Sophia? I’m sorry but it’s Tobi” A deep masculine voice boomed back into the speaker. My ear rang in an ear deafening way as I tried to process what I had just heard into my brain.

“Tobi?” I croaked. “Yes. Tobi. We met at the awards night just of recent” He said calmly.

“Oh. Am sorry please, I didn’t get your name that day so I didn’t know you are Tobi” I said, tucking myself into the sheets. Actually, when Austin had dumped me at the awards night, leaving me stranded. A young man had given a ride back to the hotel. He had introduced himself as a film marketer but he didn’t tell me his name. Maybe he did but I didn’t pay attention because of the devastated state I was.

“Hello. Are you still there?” “Sorry, uh yeah I’m still here” I said.

“I was wondering if we could, you know go out and have fun this Friday”

“Excuse me, I am a married woman”

“Hey, calm down I know. I just wanted us to get to know eachother and be casual friends that’s all” “Well? Okay then. Friday it is. But I am now back in Lagos and I don’t know if you stay.”

“I live in Lagos” He cut me off.

“Okay, I would text you the venue and time” I said and hung the call. I tried Sophia’s number again but it wasn’t reachable still. “I have to go beg him” I resigned, shifting off the duvet from my body.

“Being stubborn won’t make him love me any faster”

I strolled to the kitchen and poured him a glass of cold water. With the plates in my hand, I walked to his personal dinning room and placed the plates on the table along with the glass of water.

I covered the plate with another plate and happily swayed my hips as I skipped the stairs on my way to his room. “Fresh food he wants, fresh food he will get” I muttered and smiled to myself.
Gently knocking on the modern door, I waited for him to respond.
It was just some minutes to 10pm and he shouldn’t be sleeping already. Anytime he was home, I knew his routine, thanks to the maids I had chit-chatted with when I just came into the house. They said he would eat, shower before going to his private library to read his scripts and rehearse. Most times, he would sleep at 2am, sometimes 4am before waking up and off he goes to his locations.

“I am busy” He coldly said.

“Sweetheart, I am very sorry for being what I was. I just cooked your favorite and Its on your dinning table” I said in a sober tone. As gentle as I could.

I left and went to his dinning room to wait for him. After about five minutes, he walked in clothed in a red Pyjamas and gray loose shirt. He eyed me before taking his seat. “Enjoy your meal” I said curtly and walked to the door, choking back the laugh that threatened to burst out.

He smirked and opened the plate only to be surprised it was empty.

“What the fvck!” He heatedly said, clenching his fists on the wooden wide table. I stuck my tongue out at him and walked with big strides to my room with huge feeling of a champion washing over me. I had changed my mind of going to beg him and quickly devised a prank that would annoy him crazily.
*
Friday morning, I had a shower and started getting ready to meet Tobi. Austin had stormed out of the house angrily after I played a prank on him. He had been so furious that he was speechless. I caught him off guard. He was not expecting those kinds of moves from me.

My big black cat eyes framed by long thick lashes were brushed up by mascara, contrasting sharply against my light creamy complexion and also giving me rounder eyes, a sultry, dark, mysterious and sexy look. The blonde weaves on my head fell backwards in careless waves, giving me a flawless beauty.

I caked my face with contour and highlights and slipped on my jimmy choo 4 inches wedge heels. I was dressed in a short V-neck Vitton gown. A black clutch graced my hand and I could swear I would make heads turn with my look. I descended the stairs and saw my husband having a steaming cup of tea. I didn’t even hear him drive in.

“Hi” I muttered and made my way to the door.

"Prostitution! That is the name. In my house? No! ” He roared sternly, His dark eyes staring deeply at mine.

"Austin please I am not in for any trouble today, It is easy for you to go outside and have fun but I can’t right? And don’t forget you told me you don’t fucking care where I go” I spat.

He stood up and made to hit me. I caught his hand in the air and threw it off.

“Don’t you dare!. If you ever attempt that again, I will destroy you, your name, reputation and career. Trust me” With that, I walked out of the parlour. I smiled to myself as I stepped into the car. I breathed in and gave myself a thumb up.

I couldn’t even believe I could have the boldness to talk back at him not to talk of stopping his hand from hitting me. I had texted Tobi that I would be at Foodco restaurant in Ikoyi by 11am in the morning. I just hoped he would be there on time so we could get done with whatever he wanted. I didn’t want to attract those hungry lion set of beings that called themselves Media.

They had been on my neck ever since the wedding, wanting to get juicy stories to publish. Austin’s wedding had really attracted them and the fans to his personal life and so I just had to be careful of scandals. I still loved him with the whole of me and bringing him down was something I would never do.

I pulled into a parking spot after an hour of driving. The traffic jam was one hell of a hectic one. I stepped out of the car and locked it. I brought out my spectacles and wore it, I didn’t want to be easily spotted. I started to make my way into the restaurant.

“Stephanie Cole! Is that you?” I whirled around to see pressmen make their way towards me with their cameras.
Oh no! Are these people everywhere? Shit!

Trying to cover my face, I froze, not knowing what to do. They quickly surrounded me, giving me hardly any room to move. Maybe if I tried to talk to them they’d go away.

“Yes, it’s me. What do you want?”

“How’s Austin? We heard he’s been hitting various locations and would soon produce his own movie. How true is this?” I was disgusted with these people. What a job this must be for a living trying to get a reaction out of innocent people just so they could put food on the table.

I gave a fake smile and tried to find a way out of the circle they had surrounded me. I started to feel anxiety creep up inside of me as the flashes blocked my vision. I couldn’t see anything at all.

All I heard were the countless questions being thrown at me so I couldn’t think straight. I pulled my phone out of my clutch and quickly tried to walk back towards the car. Looking behind me, I saw the men trailing close behind, not giving me space whatsoever.

With tears pricking at the corner of my eyes, I dialed Tobi’s number. “Stephanie?” Tobi’s voice echoed through the speaker.

“Stephanie?” Tobi’s voice echoed through the speaker. “Please don’t bother coming, am out” I said, entering the car and slamming the car door shut. “What do you mean? I am almost there” he immediately sounded surprised. “I was trying to get inside but these media people bombarded me and now they are surrounding me and I don’t know what to do.” I tried to regain control of my breathing.
“Oh,I’m sorry. The wedding called a lot of attention to you I guess. They are not usually like this with other celeb’s wives” “You know what? Calm down baby, everything is going to be okay”
‘What? Baby?’ I uttered in a low tone, not knowing what this man meant. “Honk your horn” He said.

I inhaled and put the baby issue aside, it probably slipped. Doing as I was told, I honked my horn twice, which startled them. “Now, slowly move forward to let them know you are going whether they are in the way or not”
I put the car in drive and slowly inched my way forwards, which instantly made them step out of the way, clearing a pathway for me to drive by. “It worked. Thanks, later” I chipped in and cut the call, not waiting to hear his response.

I drove home feeling a bit light headed. Thankfully, the traffic reduced so I was able to get home in thirty five minutes. I honked the car’s horn four times. The gateman didn’t open. I honked again. It was then he came out. “Open the gate now” I said, winding down the car window so he could hear me. “Madam, Oga say make I no allow you enter o”

He gripped my chin and squished my lips together, looking deep into my eyes before kissing me hungrily. He bit my lips, making me groan out softly in desperation.

"I am going to fvck you, over and over again" he growled into my ear and I smiled.

Finally, my husband was going to get intimate with me but he wanted it wild and rough and I was ready to give him. Just because I wanted to so please him that he would forget about Stella. My body ached for him more as he pushed me to the bed.

On the walls were different sizes of floggers and canes, whips, ropes and handcuffs. I chuckled. He was so ready to finally make me his. I was surprised to see the bed have different holes in the bedpost.

For tying me up.

He came over me and yanked off my undies, revealing my naked body. I tried covering myself with my hands but he slapped off my hands and gave me a bad-boy smirk.

"You would constantly use sir and master" he ordered as he began tying my hands up with handcuffs. He walked to the dresser and got the biggest size of flogger.

"Open your mouth you bitch" Austin said as he took off my heels and slowly took off his briefs.

I opened my mouth but was surprised when water tasted in my mouth.

"What the heck is that?" I wanted to scream but I opened my eyes to see a big bowl in his hand with water inside.
It was just a dream.
Damn!

****

The rest of the honeymoon was nothing to write home about. After about two weeks, we flew back to Lagos and I kept praying he would at least talk to me but he was as cold as ice. I would not give up.
I would continue fighting for him till he falls for me. It was a big task, yea but I was a fighter and I would not give up. Even if he hated me to his bones and didn't want to have anything at all to do with me, I was grateful I was answering to his names and I was seeing him not just as a man I happened to love but as my husband. It was just a matter of time before he falls for me.

Time changes everything and I was determined to make it change his feelings towards me. His parents especially his mom did call quite a number of times to ask me how I was doing. None of them knew what I was really going through.

Not even my father that I had begged to allow him marry his friend's son. You can call me crazy, mad, stupid and dumb but if loving Austin with all my life portrayed me as all of these then I was willing to claim them all with my chest out and chin up.

I was in the living room reading PUNCH newspapers that had the details and pictures of my wedding with Austin when Sophia entered my parlour. She hugged me happily before plopping down on a three seater. I called a maid to get her chilled 5-Alive.

"Stephanie, Nawa for you o. You came back from honeymoon, you didn't even tell me" She said, sipping her juice slowly.

I flipped the papers aside and crossed my legs.

"I've been busy. You know Austin doesn't want me to work so I've been trying to get a massage parlour somewhere on the island" I explained as I poured myself a glass of juice too.

"Hmm. How is Austin? Are you sure he is treating you well? I know you well and you don't look happy to me. Your eyebags are swollen and your skin is pale."

"I am fine Soph. I mean to say, we are fine. Austin and I"

"Stephanie, I hope you know some ladies actually die in marriages? He obviously doesn't love you and you know it. Why don't you want to have peace of mind as young as you are? Listen, I know you are trying to work things out but darling, if it's not working, it's better you do what's best for you. Okay?"

Digging in slices of yam and fish stew, I heard the sound of a car entering the compound. I called a maid to open the door of Austin. He was back from his location in Enugu or wherever he went to.

“Welcome sir” She greeted on her knees.

I watched as Austin handed over his big script bound with coil binding to the girl and she scurried upstairs to place it in his room. He walked across the room and waited for a while before going in. I didn’t talk neither did I budge. He came back some minutes later and stood in front of me as I was about strolling to the water dispense for a cup of cold water.

“Are you seriously blind that you didn’t see me come in? Have you lost your sight?” He yelled. I attempted to snub him and swerve but he pulled me back and threw me on the chair. Angrily, I stood up and faced him.

“Why were you expecting a greeting? You are not my god Austin” I said with my hands akimbo. I could feel my face turn red out of anger. My fingers were shaking from the blood boiling under my skin.

Surprise flustered on his face as he looked taken aback with my newly found brazen confidence. I was done with losing my voice and acting like a fool. I was not one and I needn’t act like one. Sophia had told me that if I wanted him to stop treating me like an idiot, I have to stand up to him too like his girlfriend that was smart and rigid.

“What did you just say?” He rolled off his cufflink and looked at me closely to probably make sure he was still talking to the same Stephanie he knew.

He scoffed and went upstairs while I also went to my room to update Sophia. I could hear the rattling noise of plates in the kitchen. Someone wanted to serve his food I guessed. I dialed Sophia’s number but it didn’t go through. She had also informed me she had a date this evening so I supposed she was already busy with her date.

Releasing a deep sigh, I got wipes from my make up bag and sat on the stool before the mirror. Slowly wiping my face with a piece of wipes, I heard the heavy flump of my door. I turned to see my husband in the room with his face masked with anger.

“What is this?” He asked, stretching his hand forward for me to see slices of yam and fish stew on the plate.

“Food” I said, giving him an expressionless stare.

“Don’t you know I don’t eat stale food? This fvcking food was prepared in the bloody afternoon” He ranted. A deep frown was etched in between my brows and I stared at him, confused.

I didn’t actually get. Was he expecting the maids to prepare another meal in the evening again? Fine, before I came they all told me their master never ate stale food and they were always cooking fresh meals in the morning, afternoon and evening.
I had personally ordered them to stop because to me it wasn’t making any sense. Granted, he had enough money to stock his kitchen with foodstuffs and he was paying the cooks enough for their services but I just couldn’t take that and apart from that, I wanted him to begin to see me as a sensible person that could make decisions.

“Mr Austin Cole. I am afraid you would have to get used to eating stale meals.” I nonchalantly said, moving to the stool in front of the vanity mirror to continue what I was doing.

“Listen, You can’t tell me what to eat okay? You are my fucking wife which I hate to attest but you have no right whatsoever to stop my cooks from making me fresh meals okay? I don’t know where you found this energy or is it confidence but I swear on my grandfather’s grave, it won’t work in my house” With that, he stormed out of the room.
I closed the door only to see it fling open.

“And henceforth, you would make my meals three times a day. Okay?”

“What ” My mouth fell open in shock as my eyes traced the back view of Austin walking out of my room.

Abelranking:
Space booked
i have a strong feeling i will enjoy this series

Awww.. Welcome

Uniquechild:
Love can't be forced. The signs were there before they got married maybe she overlooked them with the hope that he'll change.

You get bah. Alot of girls today are into relationships knowing fully well the guy doesn't love them. Expecting change that will never come. I wrote this novel for them

pweetymhi:
Stephanie never learn oo, she is in love and she can never learn... I hate her for descending so low. Suffer her small abeg

Lol. Pity her biko

I'd been searching for hours but I didn't see any dress that seemed like it was mine. Austin's mom had just called to inform there would be an award night tonight and I just had to follow him.

Why did the award night have to be when we were on honeymoon? I sighed as I picked up a gown gifted to me by my best lady- Vivian, my sister. It was a black crested strapless gown, the top of the gown had a sweetheart neckline that was covered in silver sequins.
The stomach had a black see through net that ran from the bust to my waist. It was revealing but I had to dress classy as it was my first time I would officially be going out with Austin as his wife and the media would be busy looking for flaws. I had read from a blog online about how a popular actor's wife was said to have dressed like a maid to AMVCA awards and it was not a thing I would like to experience, I could not even handle that with what I was going through with Austin.

I wore the dress, applied a moderate make up and wore a silver 7 inches heels. I sprayed my perf and went outside to wait for Austin. Standing by the White Range Rover sent to carry us at the hotel, I crossed my legs and waited for my husband. He arrived few minutes later dressed in a black tuxedo, his hair, wavy and curly at the side and his shoes shinning. He stared at me and sighed. "And why do you have to wear this dress? I can see your soul through it" Austin said in irritation.

I looked down at my shoes, feeling embarrassed. He hopped into the car and I opened the door and slid inside the seat beside him. The driver ignited and the car's engine was brought to life. Slowly, he moved from the curb and started driving to the venue.
"God, I don't want anything embarrassing tonight please. Save me" I muttered and looked outside the window, praying with all my heart it would be a perfect evening.

I opened my eyes suddenly, looking around me as I started to panic. The car was parking at the spot reserved for the awardee and there were shouts and screams from fans who were dying to see Austin. I felt a sharp pain in my ankle and I started to doubt if I would ever be able to carry the tall heels.
I felt my heart drop into my stomach, Kpom! when the driver opened the door and signaled for me to come out.

No,I was definitely not ready; I was not ready to be devoured by the media who were busy snapping their cameras away and the journalists who were already setting their microphones waiting for me to come down so they could bombard me with questions.

Holy shit! The crowd erupted into screams as Austin came to the other side of the car and carefully got me out of the car before linking his arm with mine. Slowly, we started walking to the red carpet and I could swear that if not because he was holding me, I would have wobbled and tripped on the floor like a pack of cards.
Austin was holding me and acting all lovey-dovey? Are you serious? Yes I knew it was for the cameras but I loved the tingling feeling in my belly when we walked together like a real couple without a bit of trouble in the world. It looked like life was perfect for me for the first time ever. Getting to the carpet, we posed for the cameras.

Austin’s arm came on my waist while I snuggled to him and placed my hand on his chest. The crowd cooed when they saw the gesture. If only they knew what I was really going through. The red carpet on TV looks so much smaller than it does in real life. It seemed like it was forever long. I was so nervous. I gripped onto him tighter as the flashes practically fell all over me. I saw some people recording, some really cruel beings started from my toes to my head and back to my toes again. I felt the heels shake a bit and I prayed that I would not fall and get the most embarrassing disgrace of my life right there.

“Good evening Mrs. Cole. I must say you look stunning tonight. Please can you tell your husband’s fan how you feel being his wife since you guys are newlyweds” A lady in a red floor length straight gown asked me, almost putting the microphone inside my throat. “Erm. Erm. Good evening, Austin Cole has been a very wonderful err.. Husband, he is a good man and it feels so.. err.. Incredible to be his wife” I curtsied as I slurred.

Before the other journalists could move over and ask their questions, Austin firmly grabbed my hand and led the way inside to our seats. Thankfully, we got there a little late so the show had already started and that meant me not answering to any damn body. Austin seemed so much relaxed now that we were inside; he shot me a death stare and tore his gaze from me, to the stage.

Really? Is this all I get for not letting the world know how terrible of a husband you are? I cursed within me and looked at the stage. ‘I would love you still, no matter what you do to me’ I muttered and crossed my legs. It seemed the air carried my words to his ears as he turned to look at me and smirked. “Oh My God, is that Tiwa Savage?” I cooed surprisingly, pointing across the aisle.

I squealed with glee when I saw my best female singer walk to the stage and started singing. Her voice was amazing. I could not believe I was this close to her. It felt so unreal.

I froze as soon as I heard them announce Austin’s category after the Mavins’ queen, Tiwa Savage finished singing. I turned to look at my husband, he didn’t even look nervous while I, on the other hand looked like I was going to puke for him. “And the best actor in drama goes to Austin Richard Cole” The host said, looking at our direction.

The audience erupted into screams as Austin adjusted his collar and headed towards the stage. I was so proud of him. I was sure he collected the award because of a particular movie he had played a lead role in last year. ‘Somewhere in the dark’. The movie had 1.5 million views on Youtube and it was showing repeatedly in almost all the cinemas nationwide.

Austin shook hands with the host as he collected the Diamond sculpted award. He stepped up to the microphone and began. “Wow. This is amazing, I must say that I am honoured.I really want to thank all of my fans. You guys have been there for me since day one and I really don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you and I love you so much”
The crowd screamed and clapped as he exited off the stage after which Funke Akindele came on stage and was given an award for the best actress in comedy. ‘Jenifa’s diary’ must have gotten her the well deserved award. Richard Mofe Damijo(RMD) was also given award for ‘The grudge’ movie he acted in after which Banky W came on stage to collect award for ‘The wedding party’ Grande movie which generated about 2.8 million views on Youtube.

I was very happy to set my eyes on these legends. They were people making the industry proud. After some other actors and actresses received their awards, A movie producer came to speak about the issue of piracy and how it had been affecting the movie industry.

It was now time for foods and drinks. An usherette appeared and served the table we were seated drinks and cocktail sauce mixed with pepper ketch up and mayonnaise. I looked around to see if I would see Stella but she was nowhere to be found.

That was strange. Stella Henshaw never missed any award night. I shrugged and sipped the drink, exchanging glances with my husband every now and then. Obviously, he was searching for his girlfriend too. Our eyes met again and I noticed the reddening of his face and neck as he turned his face away and started exchanging chit chats with our tablemates.

A famous singer slash actress in the country was called on stage to sing. It was no other than Omawumi! I clapped my hands when she started to sing. She had a very beautiful voice too. You wouldn’t believe how her voice showed off several pitches in one piece. It was such a perfect evening. Disaster-free.

As she continued singing, the sophisticated celebrity who wore just very little clothing made some flirty gestures towards my husband and instantly, I felt like pooing in my pants. I tried to keep my rage at bay when Austin smiled brightly and winked at her. She flipped her long hair seductively to the side and pouted her lips.

Austin smiled like he was amused with what she was doing. The way he looked at her bare thighs and revealing gown got me so irritated. If I remembered, he had criticized me about my own revealing gown so how come he was amused with that woman who was wearing something that was even more than revealing?

Then it sank on me, My husband didn’t find me beautiful in any way. He didn’t even find me appealing in my gown. Why was luck not always on my side? Didn’t he know how I tried my best to look attractive just for him? I had even felt so beautiful tonight that I could just nominate myself as the most beautiful lady at the show.

Feeling dejected, I sulked in there and bit my lips. After the meal, Austin chatted with his colleagues before angrily signaling to me that it was time to go.
Must he always be mad at me? Why wouldn’t he be a sweet darling husband sometimes?
When he noticed the camera men were directing their cameras intently at us, he smiled and lifted me up, before kissing my forehead.

I gritted my teeth as I walked outside only to be shocked when I saw Stella by the car. I caught a glimpse of her bare back and wowed. For Pete’s sake, she didn’t even have a bra on! Her back was showing proudly her chocolate tan skin and let’s not just talk about the bust area and her thighs.

Austin smirked and looked around to see if there were media men around. Apparently, all of them were inside the hall doing what they knew how to do best.
Austin moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. I couldn’t stand my man in the arms of another woman.

It always broke me and he knew it was something that ripped down my soul.
I hugged myself to relieve my body from the blowing of the cold night wind. Austin beckoned on the driver and when the latter came around, they slid into the backseat loving up like two love struck teenagers.
I could hear my husband tell the driver to start driving.

The driver obeyed like a loyal dog and navigated the car out of the parking lot before speeding off, leaving me standing there with tears pouring from my eyes. I stood there, trembling and shaking. Nobody could ever understand the painful twist in my heart.
I wanted to hate him. I wanted to save the energy left inside of me and channel it into someone that would appreciate and reciprocate. I wished my heart could totally shut him out and choose someone else. But, Can you dictate to the heart who to love?

That was when both of them realized I was there standing and watching them. I heard Austin curse under his breath as he backed away from her a little bit. The woman arranged her disarrayed top and gazed at me. Austin switched on the light and stared at me before bursting into laughter as he took in the whole of what I was wearing. The lady, Stella Henshaw, a popular Nollywood actress joined him and together, they fell on the bed, laughing their lungs out. I just stood there embarrassed; I had never been that humiliated all my life . ‘Is it a crime to love? Is it a crime to want to do all you can to make someone you love fall for you? Is it a crime to want the love reciprocated? Is it? And what do you do when every time you try, your heart keeps breaking into tiny pieces by the only one you love and cherish the most?
Would you continue to fight? Or let go?’ I ran inside the restroom and laid my head on the sink.
I opened the tap and let the water wash away my pain. But could it ever wash the ache in my heart? "Austin, I love you!" I breathed, letting the tears pour down heavily from my eyes.

I came out of the restroom after crying my eyes out and still saw them in the room. Now that I could see her clearly without salt water blurring my vision, I realized that I was actually a wimp compared to her aristocratic features. I had seen Stella Henshaw in many movies but seeing her face to face really made me feel less of a woman. Her sexy contours could make any man go mad.
No wonder she was successful in the movie industry. The media always had this juicy story about her jumping from movie producer to direction just to get roles. I wonder why Austin would stoop so low to date someone as dirty as her. Why didn’t he go for someone more decent? “Stephanie, meet my girlfriend.” “Stella, meet my wife, in quote” He introduced and placed a ploppy kiss on her forehead. He leaned down to her and clutched her body with his strong arms, then captured her mouth with his once again. I could feel my insides catch fire with what I saw him do to her.

I gulped the saliva that was slightly accumulated in my mouth. I didn’t think I could still take this. I wanted to run away but I couldn’t move my feet. She disengaged from the kiss and walked across the large room to where I was. “Hello Wifey. Congratulations on your new title. I hope you don’t think bearing Mrs Cole would last for a long time. He only married you because his parents forced you on him and I also wanted him to save your silly ass since you were nuts about him. If not for me, he would not have married you. Get that into your skull dear” She spoke harshly, not mincing her words and stared at me like I was a dirt. Wow, who would have thought the Stella Henshaw Nigerians really loved was like that. I also used to be her fan till I got to really know the devil she was.

Austin gave me a smirk, the irritation in his face turned to excitement. He was probably enjoying this scene to see me hurt and aching.

She picked her bag and kissed Austin in the lips. “I have two different locations to be at tomorrow, I gotcha go. Catch you later boo”
She gave me a sly smile and wriggled her big buttocks out of the room. I fixed my eyes on them as I touched my own small ass. I really needed a boost.

‘Is she the reason Austin insisted we didn’t travel abroad for our honeymoon? So he could be seeing her?’ I thought to myself.

“Fish head” Austin stressed as he walked to the closet and grabbed a light shirt. ‘Fish head? Is this how you see me?’ I said to myself as I felt my eyes moisten. My heart was aching tremendously.

I turned my head away and let the tears slide down my cheeks. I didn’t want him to see me hurt, otherwise he would be happy he was doing so well at tearing me apart and I didn’t want to appear like a weakling before him. I brushed away the tears from my cheeks and picked a knee length floral night gown. With a heavy heart, I rushed to the restroom to have a change. I didn’t know how long I could handle fighting for Austin. Honestly, my love for him was real and no one could ever love him half the way I did.
It was Monday evening; Austin had gone out since morning, leaving me alone in the room. For me, it wasn’t one bit of a honeymoon; it was best described as a bittermoon.

I had a pack of popcorn in my hand as I sat on the long sofa, watching a movie Austin recently featured in. I could hardly go a couple of hours without craving to see his face. I was that addicted and since I couldn’t see his face now, I decided to watch a movie he was in, so I could see it in the TV.

I shifted my position by lazily lying down on my right side on the sofa with a throw pillow under my head. My left hand hugged another pillow and placed it on my chest as my eyes were directed steadily on the TV.

The door opened with a thud to reveal a drunken Austin. He had a bottle of alcohol in his hand and he was staggering towards me. I pretended to be oblivious of his presence so I remained quiet too on the sofa with my heart fluttering up and down. I looked at him and saw him chugging down swigs upon swigs of alcohol.

He staggered on the sofa beside me, just a few inches away from my body. His left arm was stretched out on the headrest while his right held the bottle. I saw him gulp down the drink again. The visualization of his Adam’s apple moving up and down awakened different emotions in me. Then suddenly, he bent the right side of his body towards my direction. I opened my eyes wide and turned my head to look at him. Instantly, our eyes met.
His right temple was leaned on his right hand, his elbow on the headrest and head bent down facing me. I stared at his eyes and for a second, I felt like he loved me. I felt like he really cared for him but was blinded by Stella’s charming face and body. I felt like he wanted me back.
“I love you Austin” I said, I wanted to remind him.

His eyes travelled from my head to my toes, a look of disgust all over his face. He cleared his throat and batted his eyelashes.

“I hate you” He mouthed weakly with his signature angry tone. I smelt the beer from his breath.

I moved closer to him and touched his chest; I looked up at him and met his gaze.

God! This man really intoxicated me.
Feeling butterflies erupt in my belly, I smiled and told him I loved him again. He looked at me, never lifting his eyes from mine. I closed my eyes tightly as I pampered my heart to dally on this beautiful moment. A satisfying smile formed in my lips, for the first time after the wedding, I smiled, a smile that truly came from my insides.
I saw Austin’s mouth on its way to find my waiting but quivering lips. I was so ready for the kiss; I closed my eyes as I expected it.

“Bleep you!” I heard a disdainful sound in my ears. I could feel his spit on my face. I opened my eyes and met his angry face.
Did he hate me that much that he couldn’t be a bit soft even in his sober self?

pweetymhi:
If a hear u call Austin there, did he force u to marry him? Imagine dragging a man by force to be with u

Don't mind her o

I started reading the article by a marriage counselor and screen grabbed some important points I wanted to go back to read.
First, I had to improve on the way I dressed. I made a mental note to shop for tight and sexy dressed once I got back to Lagos.
I scrolled down and read the comments by ladies who had tried the above ideas. A particular comment got my attention.

I scrolled down and read the comments by ladies who had tried the above ideas. A particular comment got my attention.

“Thanks for the tips Mrs Bella. After I improved on the way I was dressing, I bought BDSM wears and tried it one night. My husband fell for it, we had crazy sex and since then, he has been all over me. I think you guys should try it too. Just get the appropriate wears and get the mood right. All the best”

Wow, really? I had to try it too. I went online and ordered BDSM kit, then opted for same day delivery. It requested for payment before delivery. I quickly supplied my account details and address and clicked on ‘Order’. In no time, I got a debit alert and it got shipped. I started tracking it down and I got to know it would be at my doorsteps in five hours. “Good” I replied and smiled to myself.

I looked at Austin with the corner of my eyes and saw him sleeping. The wedding obviously stressed him out. I got down from the bed and tiptoed to the table where his phones were on. Not knowing the one to pick, I picked the one he had used to call the lady and clicked it open.

“Wow. It’s not locked” I muttered and giggled. I went straight to his call logs and was about scrolling to check his call history when he opened his eyes.

“What? What the Bleep?” He angrily got up and collected the phone from me. I was lucky not to get a slap. My heart fluttered as I walked back to the other side of the bed. The air in the room grew hot and I could feel it.

He seemed really off and furious. “I shouldn’t have done that. I have just set a bad mood for what I want to do tonight” I mentally chastised myself. “Austin” I called out, trying to clear the air.

“Don’t you dare” He tore his gaze from the window to look at me. He shot me a long death stare and clicked his tongue. “Maybe I should just shut my mouth.” I muttered and kept to myself.

My phone rang again, it was Sophia. I sighed and picked it up.

“Hey married woman. Now that you are married, don’t tell me you don’t have time for we that haven’t gotten out of the singles market” Her voice sunk through the speaker, making me tear up.

“Sophia, can we chat on BBM please? I don’t think I can talk now” I whispered.

“Sophia, can we chat on BBM please? I don’t think I can talk now” I whispered. I heard silence on the other end, neither of us saying anything. I started to think we lost connection until I heard her clear her throat.

“Is it Austin? Is he treating you badly? You know you can always end this whole thing. Your happiness should be your priority. You are too young to be…” “Sophia!” I called out, cutting her short.

“Just come online” I said as I wiped off the tears that pricked into my eyes.

I ended the call and opened my BBM app. Sophia was not a freak of Whatsapp so most times, we chatted on BBM.

Me: Hi. Are you here?

I pressed the send and waited for her response. The message got delivered in two minutes and it was later read.

Sophia: Stephanie, You deserve to be happy, you are a good woman and I want the best for you. You can always leave him if he is making you sad.
I sighed and typed.

Me: Do you know what you are suggesting? I should leave Austin when I just got married to him yesterday? Do you know that can ruin his career and break the bond that exists between my family and his? And besides you know I love him, I am trying my best to make him fall for me and I know it will work. You are just saying this because you never liked him from the onset
I sent it with a sad face emoji.

Sophia: Okay babe. Just know that at the end, it’s your happiness that should matter to you. Love can’t be forced.

Me: How are you doing? You went to church?

I quickly changed the topic. The chat lasted for about twenty minutes and I bade her goodbye. I got a message on my phone that my order had arrived. I checked the address the message said it had arrived at and sighed in relief when I saw it.

I slipped on my flip flops and saw Austin making a phone call. I didn’t want to eavesdrop so I just forgot it and went downstairs to get the stuff. I got it and commended the deliverer. The quality of their service was superb. Fast and impeccable. I climbed the stairs with the package and cautiously hid it inside my suitcase. I sat on the bed and waited for night to fall with hope in my heart that the plan would work.

When it was 9:00pm, I jumped off the bed and went to the bathroom with it. I changed into the black wear. I wore the whole thing appropriately and hooked the flogger to the belt. It was a light weight whip with multiple lashes. I examined myself in the full length mirror placed in the room and sighed.

“Success Stephanie, I just..” I paused when I heard the sound of heels clattering against the tiles. I heard a feminine voice. I concluded it was probably the room service. My stomach growled loudly, damn! I was famished. I had not had anything to eat since morning.

I wished my tensed self good luck and opened the door. I heard some chuckles and murmurs as I squinted my eyes and saw the figure of a lady in the room. The light was off and the room was in darkness so I couldn’t really see what was going on. I opened my eyes wide and saw a tall woman in an off shoulder blouse, jeans and stilettos. She was casting her back on the wall for support.
Austin was naked from the waist up and was leaning his hands on the wall facing her. He imprisoned her arms in his and lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist as she tightly encircled her hands around Austin’s neck. Both of them were so engrossed in devouring hungrily each other’s mouths that they didn’t even notice my presence.

I froze as I took in the view of my husband deliriously kissing a woman.. Another woman who was a complete stranger to me. Or was it her? The sight of him truly absorbed on kissing a hot woman’s lips tore my heart into a million pieces. He had never done that to me.

Oh Austin you are killing me right now. “Au.. Austin..” His name came out of my shivering lips.
That was when both of them realized I was there standing and watching them. I heard Austin curse under his breath as he backed away from her a little bit.

“Au.. Austin..” His name came out of my shivering lips.

Nmaglit:
nice work but pls don't abandon the story.

I won't. Thanks for following

Picking up the straightener from my bag, I plugged it in to let it heat up. I had just taken my bathe and was dressing up. I made sure my last curl laid perfectly straight on my shoulder as I set the flat iron down and looked myself over. I couldn’t believe I was now Mrs. Austin Richard Cole. It felt too good to be true. It had been my dream ever since I laid my eyes on Austin few months ago.

Actually I had been seeing his movies and crushing on him secretly without even my dad knowing of my love for his friend’s son but when I had seen him in person,that was it. I had fallen for him hook, line and sinker.

“Good morning” I greeted curtly once Austin entered the room with a white towel around his neck. He got his phone from where he was charging and called her; they spoke for about five minutes before he dropped his phone and went to the bathroom. When would I meet her? I didn’t even know the name of the lady my husband was in love it but rumor had it at a time he was in a relationship with an actress also in Nollywood but I really wanted to know more. Like what she was doing right and how she was doing it.

“Austin, please I want to go to church” I said, making sure my voice was loud enough for him to hear. It wasn’t like he was already bathing anyway, he was just brushing his teeth and there was no excuse for me to be snubbed again.

He continued brushing without saying anything. I got up and walked to the bathroom’s door with my heart beating fast.
“Sweetheart please I want to go to church” I said again.

He opened his door and roughly took me by my hand then threw me on the bed. He then leaned forward and grabbed my face in his other hand.

“Don’t you ever call me sweetheart again, you were forced on me, you are nothing but a fucking liability, I do not love you and I will never love you. You disgust me to my bones, I don’t care where you go, just make sure you know how to shut that big gutter in your mouth when the media attacks you”
With that, he reduced his tight grip on my face and walked away angrily. I looked in disbelief at the man I loved with all of my heart as he opened the door of the bathroom and stepped in, and then shut it with a loud thud.

When I first saw him in the movie he did that made him a star, Never Yours, I had greatly admired him and strongly wished he would be the one I would wake up to see, to kiss and hold forever. To the film industry and to Nigerians and of course to the woman he loved, he was a sweetheart but to me, his wife, he was totally nothing but a nightmare.
‘No, I won’t give up. I will make sure he falls for me to. I love him and I will never let him go’
My phone ring and I went to get it, it was Sophia-My best friend that was calling. I didn’t want to pick her call because I knew she was going to ask me about the previous night, my wedding night and I wouldn’t be able to hold back my tears. I would just go ahead and tell her how terrible it turned out to be and knowing Sophia, she would freak out.

She was never a fan of Austin. Anytime we went out together to the cinema, I would always pick Austin’s movies but she would just roll her eyes at me and tell me ‘Baby, no we are not watching Richie’s movies. Life does not revolve around this guy please’ then I would give up and watch the movie she picked.

I miss her, I really do. Ever since my mom died in the Dana Plane crash years ago, Sophia had been a true friend, confidant and what not. The last time I had seen her was when she was fighting with the event planner that the decoration was not beautiful enough. I had even heard her complain about seating arrangements, flowers and food.

I picked a shawl from my suitcase, my bible and car key. I would go look for a church around. Since our thanksgiving had been postponed by Austin, it was no longer today. I carefully descended the stairs and asked the receptionist where I could find a church around. She thought for a while before smiling at me and giving me the direction of a church three streets away from the hotel.

I unlocked the car and was about stepping in when five journalists bombarded me with questions and some clicking their cameras away.

“How was the wedding madam? How does it feel like to be married to a star? When is Austin going to be back on set again? Would you guys have a baby soon? How true is it that your marriage with Austin Richard Cole is an arranged marriage?”

I was trying to get away when some other journalists came around and I saw some were parking their cars in the curb. I was still trying to walk back to the hotel but was blinded by the flashing lights. Suddenly, I felt a hand grab me and started pulling me away from the noise and chaos.

We quickly climbed the stairs and got to the room. “What the Bleep just happened now?” He asked, feeling irritated. Why was he even snapping at me? It wasn’t my fault the media attacked me. He knew I wasn’t used to this kind of fame and I would be having a hard time blending in.

“Austin.. I.. umm.. it’s” “Just shush up” he cut me off, his words hitting me like ice. Tears fell from my eyes. What could I do? I really felt the pain. I just sat on the bed staring at him. He was now clothed in an Versace T-shirt and black shorts.

“I said it! This honeymoon is totally trash. I just hope you won’t bring scandal to the reputation I have bloody worked for! Argh, I hate you so much”

I quickly ran my fingers underneath my eyes and cursed myself for putting mascara on this morning, I saw it wash down with my tears, staining my face. I looked for wipes and wiped off the whole make up. I then picked up my phone, lunched my web browser and typed in:

‘How to make a man fall in love with you’