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I forgot to post the chapter ten of this story.... phew. I didn't even notice.

enjoy

CHAPTER TEN

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house-they are ever praising you-blessed are those whose strength is in you-whose hearts are set on our God-we will go from strength to strength-until we see you face to face-Hear our prayer-oh Lord-God-Almighty-come bless our land-as we seek you-worship you…” the music flowed into his ears from the DVD player.
He closed his eyes and relaxed on the leather chair. In about an hour or two, he would leave for the hospital to pick up his fiancée. He had not been able to go to church that day because he left the hospital late the other night. He doesn’t know how he would cope during the week. He was physically and emotionally drained. He had won several contracts from major firms in the past month and he had a lot of work to do. Thank God for the three new staff he had employed. The pressure from work had eased up a bit. One of his major prayer points was Didi’s health. Their parents were also concerned. They were not happy that the wedding had been put on hold. He hoped that she would get better as soon as possible.

God grant Didi a complete and perfect health.
He prayed within. The door bell rang. He opened his eyes. He wasn’t expecting anyone. He pulled his weight off the seat and made his way to the front door. He opened it and came face to face with Mara. She was clad in a silky pink long sleeve shirt. Two buttons or three were opened, exposing her fair soft, supple, and endearing cleavage. Her matching white mini skirt clung to the lower part of her body, revealing a pair of long smooth legs. He felt assaulted by her seductive presence.
“Hello handsome,” she winked and flashed him a pair of white teeth.
He tore his gaze from her body and glared at her. Wasn’t she supposed to be at the hospital with Didi?
“Didi is fine and asleep. I thought I should check up on you.”
He folded his arms across his chest.
“Am I going to stand out here?”
“Yes.”
She opened her mouth and closed it. He eyed her and backed into the flat. She grinned and followed him in. She scanned the room.
“Nice place you’ve got here,” she placed her hands on her hips. This was going to be her matrimonial home in a couple of months if her plans played out well without hitches. She sized him up. The three quarter jeans trouser he was wearing, along with the white short-sleeve tee-shirt made him look boyish and cute. She sighed. He was her sexy prince charming. She couldn’t wait for him to be hers. He noticed her scrutiny. Why was she staring at him like that? Was it possible that she liked him? He pushed the thought out of his mind. It doesn’t matter if she liked or hated him. He wanted her out of his place asap.
“Hey! I know this song,” she listened to the music playing on the DVD player.
“Can I get you a drink or something?”
“Have you eaten?” her excited honey coloured eyes captured his dark unsteady ones.
“Hmm…”
“You look tired. You need a lot of rest. Where is your kitchen?”
“Down the hall.”
“Let me make you lunch. You need to eat.”
“Don’t worry…”
She hurried away. He sighed. He was actually hungry. He had not had a decent meal in three days. He followed her.
“Your kitchen is well equipped.”
He shrugged and leaned on the refrigerator, “I don’t want my wife to stress herself.”
“She is one lucky woman. Show me where everything is. I have to make some food for Didi too.”
He nodded and opened the cupboard above his head.
Mara made a meal of fried rice and spicy fried chicken. They ate in the kitchen and she packed her friend’s food in a small cooler.
“I didn’t know that you can cook,” he dumped the dirty dishes in the sink.
She laughed. She was happy that he enjoyed the meal.
“Let me change into something else, then we can get to the hospital,” he walked out of the kitchen. She wiped her wet hands with a napkin and left the kitchen. Where was his room? She walked down the hall and checked the bedrooms one after the other until she found him standing by an open wardrobe in his boxers. She tiptoed into the room, stepped up behind him and wrapped her arms around his naked flesh. He froze. His throat went dry. What was she doing? Why was she in his room? She began to kiss the back of his neck, ran her hands over his chest and squeezed it. He shuddered.
“Stop…” he released himself from her grip and turned around. Her eyes were filled with intensed desire. She began to unbutton her shirt. He blinked.
“What are you doing?”
She ran her tongue over her red lips and pulled off the shirt. It dropped on the rugged floor. His eyes widened in shock. She wasn’t wearing anything beneath the shirt. His heart beat accelerated. He closed his eyes and turned away. Mara was crazy! He needed to get away from her. He headed for the door. She ran after him and flung herself at him. Her skin felt like butter against his flesh. It melted into him, turning his mind wild. He pushed her against the wall and consumed her lips with his. She responded, matching his eagerness, fire for fire. She felt his hardness. Her desire intensified. Naked and lost, he rammed into her like a wild animal. Her screams filled the room. They merged into each other, consumed by lust and inordinate passion. In a few minutes, it was all over. His eyes opened. He staggered away from her. What had he done? He tripped over their clothing and fell on the rugged floor with a thud. How did he lose control? If he couldn’t control his emotions as a single person, he would be in trouble after marriage.
She smiled at him. She had won. He was completely hers.

xxxxxx

Didi was hungry. She didn’t know where her friend was. Her fiancé who was supposed to pick her up was nowhere to be found. Where were they? She lifted her head and saw Bankole walking towards her. She hissed and frowned.
“What are you still doing here?”
She shrugged.
“I thought you have been discharged.”
“I am waiting for my fiancé.”
He looked around the waiting room, “Is he here?”
She shook her head.
“He is not serious. Let me take you home. You must be tired and hungry,” he picked up her bag and the basket of provisions and food coolers.
She got up and followed him out of the building. He helped her into the black Lexus jeep and shut the door. Uwa had made a big mistake. His lateness had turned into a golden opportunity for him to express his undying love to Didi. He was hopeful that she would give him another chance into her life. He joined the teaming traffic on the road.


xxxxxx

Uwa got to his feet and staggered into the bathroom. He needed to wash himself. He felt dirty. He had betrayed the love of his life. He had disappointed God. He was in trouble. How was he going to come out of this with his sanity intact?
Mara heard the faint sound of her ringtone. Where was her phone? She remembered leaving it on the kitchen cabinet while she was cooking. She hurried out of the room and headed for the kitchen. She found her phone and saw several missed calls from Didi. She opened the text message. It was from Bankole. He was with her friend. She replied that she was with Uwa. She returned to the bedroom and found him in the bathroom. He stood under the shower, motionless and confused. The way the water ran over his dark skin turned her on. She joined him.
“What are you still doing here?” he glared at her.
She smiled, “You cannot deny the way we feel about each other.”
“You are dreaming. I feel nothing but hate for you right now.”
She blinked. His words hurt her.
“I don’t believe you.”
“You are naïve. A man can give you his body anytime, any day, anywhere, but, it doesn’t mean that his heart is yours.”
Her eyes smarted with tears.
“I might have slept with you a moment ago; it doesn’t mean that I have feelings for you. I was just turned on. I should have controlled myself, regardless; my heart will always belong to Didi.”
She backed away. How could he say such things to her after they had just made love?

xxxxxx

Didi looked out of the window and noticed that they were driving past Palm Groove Estate. She wondered if her fiancé was home.
“I want to check up on my Uwa.”
“Okay. Does he stay in Palm Groove Estate?”
“Yes.”
Bankole wondered what kind of house his rival lived in. He would find out soon enough.

xxxxxx

Mara eyed him. She didn’t believe a word he had just said. If he couldn’t resist her a moment ago, she was sure he would melt into her arms again. She lurched herself at him. He panicked. He tried to push her away, but, the water made her body slippery. She pushed her weight up and wrapped her legs around his thighs. He staggered and balanced against the tiled wall, completely trapped. Gritted teeth, he tried to push her way. She navigated her womanliness into his hardness and rode him like a horse, driven by a sudden frenzy that took over her. He tried to stop her, but, she held unto him like her life depended on it. His resolve weaned, clouded by passion and lust, he gave in to the ecstasy that consumed his entire being.
xxxxxx

Didi and Bankole stepped into the posh apartment. He was impressed. His rival had done well for himself.
“Please sit down. I think he is home,” she headed for the master bedroom.
Bankole sat on the sofa and scanned his surrounding.
Didi heard the shower running when she walked into the bedroom. She found his boxers on the rugged floor and her heart missed a beat when she saw a white skirt and a pink shirt on the floor too. She looked towards the bathroom and took in a long deep breath. She marched forward, stopped at the doorway and peeped. Her eyes widened in shock when she found Uwa and Mara entangled in each other’s arms, under the shower. Was she dreaming? She blinked and tried to speak, but her throat went dry.
He sensed her presence and turned his head. Maze glanced back and saw her friend. She staggered away from his body and dashed out. She wrapped her body with the towel she found on the door and picked her clothes on the floor. Where were her shoes? She hurried out of the room. Didi started to cry. He got out of the shower. He wanted to comfort her, but, he was sure she wouldn’t want him to touch her that very moment. He knelt down beside her and couldn’t stop his tears from flowing.
Mara threw the towel on the floor in the corridor and got into her clothes. She found Bankole in the sitting room.
“What are you both doing here?”
He got to his feet.
“Why did you bring her here?”
He eyed her, “I planned to take her home, but, she wanted to check up on her fiancé.”
She looked around for her shoes. She found it under the center table.
“Take me home.”
“I am waiting for her.”
“You can come back for her.”
“Look, this is my time-out with her, don’t spoil my plans.”
“Fine,” she went into the kitchen and picked her phone.
“What happened to your hair?”
“Call me,” she headed out. He sat back on the chair. He could sense that something had happened. Whatever it was, he hoped that it would work in his favour.

xxxxxx

She headed out of the bathroom. He hurried after her.
“Didi please…” he reached out for her hand. She slapped his palm.
“Don’t touch me!”
He knelt before her, “Please hear me out.”
She shook her head. She didn’t want to listen to him. What she had seen had erected a permanent site on her mind. It would take eternity to erase it.
“Get out of my way!”
“Please… for the sake of the love we share…”
“What love?”
“I can explain.”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“I lost control. I am sorry.”
She wiped her wet face with the back of her hand, “If you cannot control yourself now, how do you want me to trust you?”
“We can work this out.”
“No. it is over.”
“Don’t say that.”
She pushed him away and stormed out of the room. Bankole got to his feet immediately he saw her.
“Take me home.”
He nodded and followed her out of the flat. Uwa heard the front door closed. He walked into the sitting room, sat on the sofa and placed both hands on his head.

xxxxxx

Bankole parked his car in front of the building.
“I am not going in there.”
He glanced at her.
“Someone will end up in a morgue if I step into that flat.”
“Ah-han…. Take it easy now,” he had been quiet all through their journey back to Shomolu. He knew she was hurting and he had remained mum to give her the space she needed.
“Take me to Ikorodu. I would rather stay with my family, than live with that backstabbing traitor that calls herself my best friend.”
“Okay, all right. I will take you to your parents’ place,” he started the car. He was prepared to do anything for her, as long as she was right there beside him.

@Ayoomolabake... Thanks for coming out of hiding. I'm greatly honoured *hugs*
@Aliyeous... Una weli com *winks*
@Shakyroh320... Thanks.

Hello my peeps. Just started a new story today 'Winds of Fate'
Enjoy *winks* *hugs*

Hello my peeps. Just started another story today 'Winds of Fate'
Enjoy *hugs* *winks*

CHAPTER THREE

He pulled her into the bamboo hut. It was dark, quiet and empty. She squinted her eyes. There was no form of furniture in the small space.
She wondered what sort of religious meeting was held in the hut.

“Can we go now?”

He shook his head and pushed her. She fell on the sand with a thud. He snatched her bag, flung it, grabbed her shoes, threw it and pinned her down with his weight. Fear gripped her.

What is he doing? Gone was the friendly look in his brown eyes. It had been replaced by a dark sinister stare.

“Tonight, you are all mine,” he made a devilish throaty laugh. It sent shivers down her spine. She struggled for freedom beneath him, but his grip on her was firm and steel-like. The thought of what could happen to her that night made her to break out in sweat, despite the dry cold air.

Oh God… Please help me!

He ripped her blouse apart with one hand and raised her short brown skirt. Her fear multiplied. She whimpered and fought him.

“Be still!” he struck her on the side of her face. The stinging pain made hot tears to gush out of her eyes and spilled all over her face.

“Please… I beg you… let me go…” she sobbed.

“Hey… ssssh… don’t cry,” he wiped her wet face with her torn blouse.

“Please…” she pleaded.

“Ssssh… don’t worry, I will be gentle,” he licked her face. She felt sick in the tummy. No man had ever gotten that close to her. She had
decided a long time ago to preserve herself and give her virginity to her husband as a gift. Regardless of the temptations she had faced, she had never gone beyond kissing a guy. The thought of losing her virginity to a total stranger made something snap within her.

“Somebody help me!” Her shriek caught him unawares. He tried to cover her mouth, but she bit him.

“Ouch!”

“Somebody heeeeelp!”

He slapped her twice on both sides of the face, cutting short her screams. He looked towards the entrance. There was no sound. He relaxed.
No one heard her.

“No one is going to save you, you are all mine,” he pulled off her bra and stuffed it into her mouth. The lascivious look in his eyes made her
heart to pound erratically against her chest. He dropped his head and chewed at her bosom, one after the other. The sound of her cries was stifled by the cloth in her mouth. He held her hands above her head and tore off her underwear. He kicked her thighs apart and drove into her. He met a resistance within. He pushed in further and rode her like a horse. Excruciating pains attacked her nerve cells and spread all over her body like wild fire.

xxxxxx

Osabohen sipped at the glass of wine and sat cross legged on the sofa. She stared at the television but paid no attention to it. She saw her parents talking in whispers at a corner. Were they still worried about her sister? She laughed lightly. Their perfect daughter wasn’t that perfect after all. As far back as she could remember, her parents, especially her father had dotted on Osayuki. She wasn’t as dark, tall and big as they all were. She was different. What was so special about her? She had heard that her elder sister looked like her late paternal granny. What does that have to do with anything? Could the resemblance be the root of her father’s favouritism towards her?

Hogwash!

She drained her glass and felt like smashing it on the white painted wall. It would cause a scene. Her father would scold her and her mother would never let her hear the end of it.

Mrs. Prim and Proper.

She hissed and hissed again. Dinner was over; she might as way head home.

Osaretin glanced at the gold plated wall clock. It was half past nine. It had been a good dinner. It was even better since Osayuki didn’t show up at all. She didn’t even bother to call. At least, their parents had more time for them. If she had been around, it would have been all about her. He would have been invincible. He leaned back on the chair and tried to listen to the CNN program on the television.

Osarodion approached his parents. They stopped talking.

“I have to leave now. You know how the traffic is at Lekki.”

“All right son,” Nosakhare looked up at him.

“Drive safely,” Etinosa smiled at him.

He leaned towards her and pecked her on both cheeks.

“I have to go too,” Osaretin came up behind his elder brother.

“But, you live on the Island. Why do you have to leave now?” she directed her gaze at him.

“I have some things to do before midnight mum,” he pecked her on both cheeks.

“I think I will call it a day too,” Osabohen approached her parents.

“I can’t believe they are all deserting us,” Etinosa glanced at her husband.

He squeezed her shoulder gently.

“Dad, mum, goodnight,” she waved at them and followed her brothers to the front door.

“Drive safely angel,” Nosakhare waved back.

They watched their children leave.

“I will call Osayuki again. She has some explaining to do.”

Nosakhare smiled and leaned back on the chair. Wherever his daughter was, he was sure she had a good reason for not showing up that night.

“She should have called if she knew she wouldn’t be able to make it,” she mumbled and stood up.

He looked up at her.

“Look at the stress Mrs. Grace went through today to make sure that dinner was perfect. Her behavior is unacceptable.”

He shook his head and held his tongue.

Women!

xxxxxx

She lifted herself and sat up. Her torn blouse hung on her frail sandy chest like a piece of rag. Her skirt was rumpled and covered with her own blood. She began to cry. She looked around the dark hut and searched for her shoes and bag with her freezing hands. She found them and tried to get up. Her knees buckled. She fell on her buttocks and lifted herself up again and stood. She held her shoes and pouch with one hand and tried to hold the torn blouse together with the other hand. She staggered out of the hut and saw two figures a few feet away. She leaned against the bamboo pillar and cried out for help. They looked in her direction, contemplating whether to approach her or walk away.
“Pleeeaasssse… help me…”
They exchanged glances and walked towards her.
“Who you be?” one of them seized her up.
“Wetin you dey do for here?” the other stared in her face.
She didn’t quite understand what they were saying. She needed them to help her get to the nearest hospital. How does she communicate what she wanted them to do?
“Abi this one na ashawo?”
They exchanged glances again.
“Maga no pay?”
“Bros, make we chop our own clean mouth.”
“Correct,” they shook hands and pushed her back into the hut.
She panicked and screamed. They held her down and shredded the rest of her clothing. The reality of her situation dawned on her.
“Please… no! Please…”
One of them held her hands while the other mounted her. She noticed that he had a deep scar on the left side of his dark face. The other had a disfigured right ear. They both looked like hoodlums. She must have attracted riffraffs.
Oh God! Save me!
The man with the scar rammed into her like a cow on heat, with the intensity of bullets flying out of a machine gun. At some point, she passed out and woke up when the second man took over. His hands were all over her, like a treasure hunter. He turned her over and possessed her from behind. Blinding pain made her gasp for breath. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she gave in to the darkness that engulfed her.

CHAPTER TWO

Nosakhare Ehaekpen looked at his reflection in the mirror. The lemon coloured kaftan he was putting on didn’t conceal his pot belly. The golden embroidery had enough detail to cause a distraction; maybe no one would notice his protruding tummy. It was high time he returned to the gym. He had been postponing a comeback for years, ten years to be precise. A man his age needed frequent exercise, nothing dramatic. He saw his wife the moment she came out of the bathroom. She was also dressed in the same attire. He noticed that she had make- up on. What was all the fuss about? It was just dinner. They were dining indoors with their children and not strangers.

“Women…” he mumbled under his breath.

If he had his way, he would have put on a tee-shirt and a pair of shorts, but his wife wouldn’t have it. She was all about being presentable at all times. Her constant excuse was, ‘What if we had unexpected visitors?’

“Are you ready?” Etinosa glanced his way.

He nodded and turned around.

“Did Osayuki call you?”

He smiled at the mention of his first daughter’s name. She reminded him of his late mother. Petite, dark soft chocolate skin, unique full pink
lips, hazel eyes, oblong face with the mannerism of an angel. If his mother was alive, Osayuki would have been her favourite grandchild.

“Hello…” she noticed his lost far off look.

What is he thinking about now?

He blinked and stared at his wife. His smile broadened. His girls got their pretty looks from her and his boys got their good looks from him. He hoped they wouldn’t inherit his pot belly. A frown creased his dark brows.

“Nosa.”

“Hmm…”

She tried not to get upset, “Did she call you?”

“Who?”

She blinked and stared back at him. She felt like throwing something at him. He noticed the irritation in her dark eyes.

What did I do now?

“Did Osayuki call you?”

He shook his head.

“Everyone is here. She isn’t.”

“Really?”

“Yes. She usually gets here before anyone else.”

“She will be here,” his favourite child was probably buying one or two things. She had a habit of bringing something to the monthly family
dinner.

xxxxxx

The cool ocean breeze swept over them. She shook and wrapped her arms around her curvy frame. The short-sleeve cream blouse she was putting on was as light as a feather. She hoped she wouldn’t catch a cold. She turned her head and caught him staring at her.

“What?”

“You are shaking like a leaf. I think we should head back.”

“Brilliant idea.”

He helped her to her feet.

“I am so full. I doubt if I will be able to eat anything at my parents’ place tonight.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Are you still going there?”

“Yes,” she glanced at her wrist-watch. It was some minutes past eight, “They stay on the Island.”

“Oh…”

They walked towards the exit. She held her pencil heeled red sandals in one hand and her red Mark and Spencer pouch in the other hand. The sand felt smooth and cool beneath her feet. She was glad she agreed to come to the beach.

“Hope we can do this again.”

“Sure.”

“I want your phone number, email address, face book account, twitter handle and anything else you’ve got.”

She started to laugh.

“I am serious.”

“I am beginning to think you are going to stalk me online.”

“Of course I am.”

She chuckled and met his endearing brown eyes. He was really cute. She looked away. If they become good friends, maybe something good would come out of their relationship.

“Come, I have an idea.”

“An idea?”

“Come…” he headed towards a group of big rocks that stood between Kuramo beach and Bar beach.

Where is he going now? Bar beach is deserted. People rarely go there.

She followed him and he helped her to climb to the other side. She saw scanty groups of people on the beach.

“Do people still come here?”

He nodded, “If you want solitude, this is the place to be.”

“I heard that those white garment Prophets build wooden shanties on this beach.”

“Yes, like that bamboo hut covered with blankets,” he pointed at a wooden hut a few feet away.

“Wow!”

“Let’s take a look.”

“No!”

“Come on, are you scared?”

She shook her head. She looked around. It was getting darker. Her family must be wondering why she wasn’t around. She wished she had called.

xxxxxx

Etinosa nibbled at her food, her watch-full eyes were set on everyone at the table. Her husband seemed to be enjoying his meal. He had emptied his plate and refilled it. Her first son, Osarodion, was seated closest to him. He had also taken a second helping. He was the exact carbon copy of his father, except for the pot belly. Her second son, Osaretin, was a mixture of both herself and her husband. He wasn’t as tall as his father; he was her height, five feet seven inches. Osabohen, her second daughter and last child was her exact carbon copy. She was the tallest in the family and the prettiest of her girls. She smiled, but it faded when she noticed her first daughter’s empty seat. Where was Osayuki?

“Did Osayuki call anyone of you?”

Nosakhare glimpsed at his third child’s empty seat. Where was she? It was unlike her to be late. He hoped she was all right.

Osarodion was unconcerned about his younger sister’s absence. The last time he saw her was at the office on Friday. She was an adult. She was old enough to take care of herself.

Osaretin wondered why his mother had brought his younger sister’s absence up. He was enjoying his meal, but, now, he had lost his appetite. She was thirty for Pete’s sake, not two years old. He picked up his glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and took a long drink.

Osabohen eyed her mother.

Osayuki, Osayuki, it is always Osayuki. Osayuki this, Osayuki that, is she the only one? Haba!

She was glad that her elder sister wasn’t around. It would sink in the notion that she wasn’t perfect after all. She had, had enough of her at
the office. Why should the trend continue in her parents’ home? She hissed and dropped the fork and knife. She pushed the half-eaten plate of food away.

“I believe I am speaking to people that have ears,” Etinosa snapped.

Osarodion cleared his throat, “Mum, she is not a baby. She will show up if she wants to.”

“Exactly,” Osaretin added, “She will probably call you later tonight or tomorrow and explain why she couldn’t make it.”

“She is on her way,” Nosa butt in.

His children looked at him with raised eyebrows. Trust their father to come to Osayuki’s defense.

“She has never missed a family dinner,” Nosakhare chimed in.

“This is definitely her first time,” Osabohen played with her fork.

He eyed her. He picked up his Iphone on the table and dialed her number. It kept ringing. He sighed and dropped the phone on the table. He looked up and met his wife’s questioning gaze.

“She didn’t pick the call,” Nosakhare shook his head.

Osabohen chuckled. It seemed her wishes were coming true.

Etinosa frowned. It was unlike her daughter not to pick her calls. Where could she be?

CHAPTER ONE

She bit at her full kissable pink lips. Her hazel eyes were fixed on the bottles of wine arranged on the shelves. She read the labels and checked the percentage of the alcohol content on the wine bottles. She didn’t like alcohol; the bitter, harsh stinging taste repulsed her. How or why many people got addicted to it, she couldn’t decipher. She scanned the shelves again, concentrating on the fruit wine bottles. She decided on one and reached out to pick it. At five feet six inches, she wasn’t that tall, but was a little above average height.

“Good evening,” someone said behind her.

“Evening…” she glanced back and saw a tall dark brown slender man, she headed for the counter, a bottle of wine in one hand.

“That’s a good selection.”

What is he referring to? The wine? Is he following me?

She frowned. She greeted the lady behind the counter and paid for the wine.

“I have tasted that particular wine. It is heaven on ice-cubes.”

Is he still talking to me?

She glanced back and caught him grinning.

“The name is Stephen,” he stretched out his right hand. She turned back to the lady and collected the bottle of wine wrapped in a colourful
polythene bag. She walked towards the exit. He went ahead of her and opened the glass door. She rolled her eyes. She could tell that he was trying to get her attention.

“Thank you,” she muttered and walked out. He followed her.

“So, what’s the name?”

She halted and turned to look at him, “Look Mister…”

“It’s Stephen.”

“Whatever… I am not in the habit of exchanging names with strangers,” she started to walk away.

“Sorry Miss…” he hurried after her, “I have been watching you since you stepped into the wine shop.”

“Keep watching,” she spotted a spa and walked in, despite the crowd. She would do anything or go anywhere to get away from him.

“Can I be your escort for today?”

“I don’t need one,” she picked a flier at the front desk.

“You never can tell. The Galleria is a big place.”

She shrugged and squeezed her way out of the shop. She sensed that he was right behind her.


“Stop following me,” she glared back at him.

“Can’t help it Miss, I just want to get to know you.”

“Not interested.”

“Give me a chance.”

She sighed, stopped walking and turned to look at him. He flashed a set of white teeth; not that white, a shade of creamy white to be exact.

He towered over her, a little over five feet eight inches. The fitted black tee-shirt on him clung to his brown skin. The blue inscription on it
matched the colour of his jeans. His shoes, a pair of black snickers with white stripes made him look cute in a boyish way. She searched his
smiling brown eyes. He seemed decent, if looks were anything to go by. Regardless, she wasn’t in the habit of been friendly with people she hardly knew, especially in public places.

“I don’t need an escort, thanks for the offer,” she turned to leave.

“Wait!” he held her by the elbow.

“Don’t touch me!” she yanked her hand free and eyed him.

“I am sorry,” he sighed and raised his hands, “I come in peace.”

She tried not to laugh. She was reminded of the conversation between Arnold and the Dark Angel in a movie she watched a long time ago.
She cleared her throat.

“I am on my way out. This is the reason why I am here,” she raised the wrapped bottle of wine.

“Oh, okay. Well, it is a cool evening, perfect time for a walk on the beach.”

“Hmmm… tempting, but, I will pass.”

“Come on. I haven’t been to the beach in a while. I would love some good company.”

She shook her head. The Galleria was not that far from the Bar Beach and Kuramo Beach. She glanced at her wrist-watch.

“I have to go.”

“Somewhere important?”

“Yes,” she met his steady stare.

“Where?”

“None of your business,” she eyed him.

“Is that why you can’t come with me to the beach.”

“Yes and no.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I have to go,” she glanced towards the elevator and saw a queue. She strode towards the stair-way. He marched her quick steps with his
long strides.

“You need to stop following me.”

“A walk on the beach is all I ask for.”

“I can’t,” she climbed down the stairs.

“You can.”

“I have a family dinner to attend.”

“That is not important.”

She eyed him again, “It is. It is a monthly thing.”

“Great, you can go next month.”

“No.”

“How many family dinners have you missed this year?”

“None.”

“You see.”

“I don’t see anything.”

“I know a great guy whose grilled chicken is excellente.”

She chuckled.

“The chicken with fried Irish potato and creamy sour vegetable salad is a nice combo.”

Her tummy made silly noises. The talk of food was making her hungry.

“You need to try out this guy.”

They found their way out of the building amongst the teeming crowd.

“I don’t know.”

“We won’t stay long. We will take a short stroll on the cool sand; buy the chicken and drinks and leave.”

“O-kay.”

“Great!” he jumped. His excitement was contagious. She started to laugh.

“Where do I park my car?”

“There is an area outside the beach. We can pay those hoodlums to watch it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They will protect the car.”

“Okay.”

“Shall we?”

She nodded and followed him across the busy road.

WINDS OF FATE

All rights reserved.
© 2016 Serah Iyare

SYNOPSIS
One harmless conversation.
One sheep in wolf clothing.
One night of heart wrecking torture.
When the winds of fate blew, nemesis came knocking at everyone’s doorstep.

Chapter 14

This last chapter can be viewed on https://www.bambooks.io or get your copy on https://selar.com/m/serahiyare

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Didi and Shalewa checked out the different lace fabric in the store. It was the fifth shop they had been to that day. Didi was searching for the perfect fabric to use on her traditional wedding day. They had already picked out and paid for the woodin fabric for the aso ebi. As the maid of honour, Shalewa wanted to look different from everyone else. The owner of the store was enthusiastic. She wanted them to patronize her. Didi began to feel dizzy. She drained the half empty bottle of malt in her hand but she didn’t feel better. She sat down on a plastic chair and took in a long deep breath.

“Are you okay?” she noticed her flushed face.

She shook her head and exhaled.

“Are you hungry again?”

“No.”

She pulled a chair to her side and sat down.

“I have been feeling this way for the past three days.”

Her heart missed a beat. She hoped she wasn’t falling sick again. The wedding was in less than two weeks.

“Can you get me Paracetamol tablets?”

“Yes. Maybe it is the wedding preparation stress,” she got up.

“And something to chew.”

She eyed her, “This your eating habit, I hope you aren’t pregnant.”

“Of course not,” she looked up at her.

“Okay. I will be right back,” she headed out.

She looked towards the window and sighed. She had not heard from Uwa all day. He was probably tied up at work. His business was
expanding. He had done well for himself. Her vision became blurry. She began to feel light-headed. What was happening to her? She tried to get up, lost her stamina and fell. Darkness engulfed her.


xxxxxx

The continual ringing of the phone woke him up. He turned on his side and opened his eyes. Where was his phone? He yawned and stretched out his body. He felt very tired. It had been a busy week for him. He had decided to stay indoors that day. His traditional wedding was coming up pretty soon; it wouldn’t be funny if he broke down. He sat up and checked under the pillows. It wasn’t there. He looked around him and saw it on the bedside table. He reached out for the phone and picked the call.

“Hello,” his voice sounded hoarse. He cleared his throat and swallowed.

“Uwa, Uwa where are you?”

“I am at home,” he recognized Shalewa’s voice. She sounded agitated. He hoped she was all right.

“I am scared. I don’t know what is wrong with Didi.”

His eyes cleared, “What do you mean?”

“She complained of dizziness at the market…”

“Dizziness? What market?” he jumped down from the bed.

“Eko market. She just fainted.”

He closed his eyes.

Oh God. Not again. What now?

“She is at the hospital now. I am scared.”

“Take a deep breath. Relax and text me the address of the hospital,” he opened his eyes.

She sniffled, “Okay, okay. Please come now.”

“I will be there as fast as I can.”

She hung up. He threw the phone on the bed and scratched a spot on his head.

What is the meaning of this?

He felt completely helpless.


xxxxxx

Enobong and her husband followed the doctor into her office. They all sat down.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ovat, we have run several tests on your daughter. She is reacting to some toxic substance in her body. We don’t know what it is yet.”

Edet and his wife exchanged glances.

“We cannot administer anything until we know what we are up against.”

Enobong began to cry. He reached out to her and comforted her.

“She is gradually slipping into unconsciousness. It can lead to a coma. She might not be able to come out of it.”

“I reject it in Jesus name!” he frowned at the doctor.

She sighed and leaned back on the leather chair, “She needs your prayers.”

Edet nodded. They had been praying since they were informed that their daughter had been admitted in the hospital again.


xxxxxx

Uwa arrived at Shalom hospital that evening. He got out of the car and saw Shalewa at the gate. Was she waiting for him? He locked the car and approached her. He noticed that her eyes were red.

“Didi’s parents are in the waiting room.”

“Okay,” he followed her into the two storey building. He greeted them but they didn’t respond. He sat on the bench beside Didi’s father.

“How is she?”

“Sleeping.”

“Can I see her?”

“Yes. Come.”

He followed the elderly man down the long hallway.

“What did the doctor say?”

“They found some toxic substance in her body.”

“How come?”

“She cannot be treated if the substance is not identified.”

“Are they going to leave her like that?” he was getting upset.

“They are at their wits end. They said she might slip into a coma and never…”

“No! That is not her portion.”

He led him into the female ward. They walked to her bed and found her asleep.

“We are planning to move her to a hospital in Ikorodu.”

“Okay,” he sat at the bedside and took her right hand.

“We are going home. We will be back tomorrow.”

“Okay,” his full attention was concentrated on her face.

He shook his head and walked out.

Uwa couldn’t understand why or how she kept on falling sick. Was she a sickler? But her genotype was ‘AA’. Why does she fall ill regularly? He would have to speak with her doctor and suggest that they do an all round test so that they could determine the main cause of her incessant illness. The nightmare he had about her several weeks ago flashed through his mind eye. He had seen her in a pit which got bigger and deeper. He had forgotten all about it. Was someone trying to harm her? Who was it? He reached out for her right hand and began to pray. It was only God that could deliver his fiancée.

xxxxxxx

Mara ran into her neighbor on her way to work. They exchanged pleasantries.

“Have you gone to the hospital to see your friend?”

“Didi?”

“Who else?” she eyed her.

“Is she sick again?”

“So you don’t know.”

She shook her head and glanced at her Police wrist-watch.

“What happened between you two? She moved out and asked me to replace you as the maid of honour.”

“Why don’t you ask her? I have to get to work. I don’t have time to chit-chat.”

“No wahala,” she walked away.

Her face lit up. The tablets she had replaced her friend’s multivitamins with were working. She would be gone before the doctors discovered
the exact poison that was making her sick. No one would be able to save her. She started to laugh.

CHAPTER TWELVE

A young man opened the gate, “Evening, can I help you?”

“Yes, is Edidiong home? I am Uwa.”

“Uwa? Bro. Onuwawagbe?” his expression changed to an excited one.

“Yes,” he smiled back.

“I am Imabong, Didi’s immediate younger brother.”

“Ah! The banker, we spoke on phone a couple of times.”

“Yes. Bros how now?”

“We dey jare my brother.”

“Please come in.”

He followed him into the large compound.

“How is Zenith bank treating you?”

“Bros the banking industry has totally changed. I might start my own business just like you.”

He laughed.

“I am serious.”

“No wahala, just commit your plans into God’s hands. He will direct you.”

“Okay.”

“Where is your younger brother, Boma?”

“He is watching a soccer match with dad.”

“Has he been posted?”

“Yes. Na Abuja o.”

“The capital city,” he saw a woman seated under the orange tree, “Is that your mum?”

“Yes.”

“Let me go and greet her. I will join you inside later.”

“Okay,” he went into the house.

Uwa approached the elderly woman, “Good evening ma.”

“Onuwagbe, is this your face?”

“Yes ma.”

“Your mum has been disturbing me about the new introduction date.”

He scratched a spot on his head, “I have been avoiding her.”

“Uwa!”

“Ma.”

“You better arrange yourself.”

He sat on the bench beside her, “I am trying ma.”

“Didi is not even sure if there will be a wedding.”

He sighed heavily, “That is why I am here.”

“Marriage is not a child’s play. If you are not ready, it is better to wait.”

He nodded, “I am ready ma.”

“Are you sure?” she eyed him.

“Yes, ma.”

“What about Mara?”

He swallowed hard, “Mara is a non-issue.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“I let my guard down. It will never ever happen again. I know better now.”

“Love cannot survive without trust.”

He nodded.

“Temptations will always come. You have to be able to put your flesh under and use the wisdom God has given you. Flee whenever it is necessary.”

“Yes, ma,” he was more than ready to fight his battles and do things God’s way.

“She is in her room.”

“Thank you ma,” he rose and headed into the bungalow. He found her dad and brothers watching a soccer game. He exchanged pleasantries
with them and was directed to her room. He took a long breath and knocked. He opened the door and walked in. He saw her seated on a high stool, busy with her phone, probably browsing and looking out of the window occasionally. The room was neat and tidy. A large bed was against the wall. A big brown wooden wardrobe was adjacent to it. A dressing mirror was nailed to the wall and a sitting area was opposite it.

He picked up another stool and joined her by the large window.

“Didi…”

She concentrated on her phone and ignored him. She had not seen him for the past two weeks. She was better off without him.

“I am incomplete without you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I promise to be faithful. I don’t care if you put me on a probation period. I will wait for as long as it takes. You are the one I love, the one I want, the one I can’t do without.”

She raised her head and looked into his wet dark pleading eyes. She was still hurting. Her heart ached. She wasn’t sure she would be able to trust him ever again.

“Please give me another chance. Give us another chance. I am a wreck without you. You can learn to trust me again. I will wait.”

“I don’t know,” her voice was low and laced with sadness.

“I am so sorry. I will never ever hurt you again.”

She looked heavenwards.

Oh God. I love this man, but, I am in deep pains. Heal my heart. Save my relationship.

He reached out for her hand.

“I will wait for as long as it takes.”

She pressed her lips together and looked back at him.

“I love you.”

“I love you too…” she whispered.

He sighed with relief. There was hope for them after all.


xxxxxx

The phone kept on ringing. She hurried out of the kitchen. Where was her phone? She looked around the sitting room. The last time she used it, she was seated on the cushion. She dipped her hand into the chairs, one after the other. She found it and picked the call.

“Hello.”

“Where are you?”

She recognized his voice, “Home.”

“I am coming over.”

“Okay,” she returned to the kitchen.

“Get ready.”

“For what?”

“You are coming with me.”

“To where?”

“Uwa and Didi are having their introduction today.”

“What?!” she froze.

“We need to get to Ikorodu asap.”

“Okay, okay,” she switched off the cooker and dashed out of the kitchen. She ran into her room and threw the phone on the bed. What was
she going to wear?


xxxxxx

Mara and Bankole arrived at Didi’s parents’ place. The party was in full swing. They sat among the friends and families present. While the food and drinks were being served, Mara sneaked into her friend’s bedroom.

“I am glad that you made it,” she looked at her through the dressing mirror.

“Liar.”

She chuckled, “Being here opens your eyes to the fact that Uwa and I belong together. Nothing can separate us.”

She folded her arms across her bosom, “Your traditional wedding is in two weeks. That is more than enough time for me to convince him that I
am the one for him.”

“Dream on.”

“Did he tell you that we did it again?”

She eyed her, “It didn’t happen.”

She chuckled, “It did. He was right inside me.”

“I have guest to attend to,” she dropped her hair brush and headed for the door.

“He cannot resist my body. It is only a matter of time before his heart becomes mine.”

She glanced back at her, “Shalewa has replaced you as the maid of honour,” she walked out.

Mara looked around, pick up a shoe and hurled it at the door. She felt like strangling her. She searched the wardrobe and found a plastic
bottle of multivitamins. She emptied it in the trash can and refilled it with some tablets she bought at the local market. She grinned and replaced the bottle in the wardrobe.

“Didi love…” Uwa walked in and frowned when he found her in his fiancée’s room. She was clad in a white v-neck fitted mini lace dress. Her
fair supple cleavage harassed his eyes and made his mind travel to places he didn’t want to imagine.

“You are making a big mistake.”

“I am not. I am getting married to the love of my life.”

She shook her head.

“I believe that your prince charming is out there.”

“No! He is standing in here.”

He pitied her. She must really like him.

“I love Didi. My heart belongs to her.”

“But, you made love to me,” she approached him.

“We just had sex. It was a mistake.”

“No!”

“Sex and love are two different things. You women are always confusing both.”

“I love you.”

“But I don’t love you. I might have slept with you...”

“Thrice!”

“No, no… the first time, I lost control. The second time, you forced yourself on me in the bathroom…”

“And you stopped fighting me off and responded.”

He eyed her, “The third time, I stopped before I went too far.”

“But you were right inside me.”

“Regardless, I don’t love you.”

She blinked back the tears that gathered in her eyes.

“Sex is not love. You are attractive; you have a mind blowing physique. Any man who sees you will want to eat you up, but, I feel nothing else for you.”

“No…” his words felt like hot coals on her wounded heart.

“Yes. I love Didi. She is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Grief overwhelmed her. He sighed and walked out. He found his fiancée outside the house, talking to her ex-boyfriend. He leaned against the
wall and waited for her.

Bankole felt like crying. She was slipping out of his life again. “I never stopped loving you. You are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

She sighed heavily, “I am so sorry Banky. I have fallen in love with someone else. My heart belongs to Uwa.”

Her words pierced his heart. “Don’t say that.”

“I am sorry.”

“DIdi…”

“I am going to block your numbers from my phone. Let me go.”

“I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. I am not the only woman in the world.”

“You are the only woman for me.”

“Open your eyes. Your wife is out there. Goodbye Banky,” she walked away. She saw her fiancé and smiled. They walked back into the house,
holding hands.

Bankole watched them. He had lost her forever.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

She sat under the orange tree and stared into space. It had been two days since she came to Ikorodu to stay with her parents for a while until she could raise money and rent her own apartment. She had gotten an email from her place of work that she had been suspended indefinitely. She was back to the labour market. She needed a new job, something that could get her mind off things and ease the excruciating pain in her heart.

“Lunch is ready!” her mother called out from the kitchen. She turned and saw her standing by the window. She was holding a wooden spoon and licking her fingers. Lunch would have to wait. Her appetite had been on a low. It would probably pick up soon. Her mother was a good cook.

Enobong switched off the gas cooker and headed out. She picked up a stool beside the back door and joined her eldest child under the orange tree.

“What do you think about the house?”

“Nice,” her parents had finished building the five bedroom bungalow a month after she moved in with Mara in Shomolu. The thought of her friend made her to frown.

“It is a relief that we don’t pay rent anymore.”

“Hmmm…”

“How long are you staying?”

She shrugged. She had no idea.

“I believe you will get another job sooner than you think. There are a number of good companies here in Ikorodu too.”

She met her mother’s encouraging gaze.

“Mara will be lonely by now.”

She looked away.

“When is Uwa coming to visit? His mother has been calling me. We need to re-plan your wedding now that you are better.”

She lifted her head and watched the flock of birds flying.

“Edidiong, is there something you need to tell us?”

She blinked back the tears that had gathered in her deep brown eyes.

“Didi…”

“I… I am not sure… not sure that … that there is going to be a wedding,” she bent her head. Thick tear drops slid down her face.

She had sensed her daughter’s sadness when she arrived that Sunday evening. She felt all was not well. She didn’t know it was worse than
she thought.

“You can talk to me.”

She met her mother’s concerned stare.

“I saw… I saw them.”

She heard her breath. Her heart beat accelerated.

“Uwa and Mara… Mummy I saw them…” she sobbed and collapsed in her mother’s waiting arms.

“Sssssssssh…. It is okay.”

“It hurts… it hurts so much. I feel like I am dying inside…”

“Sssh…” her eyes smarted with tears. She patted her on the back, “Oh Lord God Almighty, heal my daughter’s heart. Balm of Gilead, soothe her wounds. Sweet Holy Spirit, our Comforter, I hand Edidiong over to you,” she prayed out loud. Didi felt overshadowed with peace. She stopped crying and basked in the calm aura.

xxxxxx

The continual ringing of the door bell chased her out of bed. Whoever was at her doorstep better had a good reason for disturbing her at that late hour. She switched on the fluorescent light in the sitting room and peeped through the door hole. She gasped when she saw who it was. She fidgeted for the keys and unlocked the door. She flung it open.

“Is Didi in?”

She blinked, “Didi?”

Uwa marched into the flat and went straight to his fiancée’s bedroom. It was empty. Where was she? She had refused to pick his calls or reply his BBM chats, text messages and emails. Why was she shutting him out? He stepped out of the room and almost bumped into Mara, who was at the doorway.

“Watch it!”

“Sorry.”

She eyed him.

“Where is she?”

She shrugged.

“Come on.”

She sensed the plea in his tone, “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her since Sunday.”

He scratched a spot on his head. He was going out of his mind.

“I am sure that she is at her parents’ place.”

“Ikorodu?”

“Yes. Her brothers came to pack her things some days ago.”

“Wow. Can you give me the address?”

She hissed and walked away.

“Mara… Mara!”

She walked into her room and closed the door with a bang. He followed her. Everything in the room was pink. What was with some women and the colour ‘pink’?

“Why don’t you call her?”

“She won’t pick my calls.”

“Call her parents or brothers.”

“I don’t want to involve them.”

She laughed at him, “They are already involved.”

He turned away. He was wasting his time. He might as well call Didi’s mother or search for her brothers on face book.

“Hey… wait…” she walked up to him and closed the gap between them.

He pushed her away, “Keep your distance!”

“I have missed you,” she licked her lips and winked at him.

He noticed her transparent mini night gown. She was naked beneath the light clothing. He headed for the door. She ran after him.

“Let go!” he snatched his hand from her grip.

“I love you.”

He glared at her, “Do I look like I care?”

She threw herself at him. He tried to push her away, but she clung to him. He shuddered. He felt his resolve weakening. He struggled for
freedom. Her grip on his blue checkered long sleeve shirt loosened a few buttons. She slid her hands underneath his singlet and moaned at the warmth of his firm smooth dark skin. She kissed the nape of his neck and forced a hand into his jeans trouser.

“Mara… no!”

Oh God help me!

Emotions he had been trying hard to fight took over him. He claimed her lips and she responded. She guided him towards the bed. They landed
on the foam, crushed under his weight, she felt his hardness. She loosened his belt, unzipped his trouser, and pushed it down, along with his boxers. She spread her legs and kissed him. He lifted her night gown and charged into her. Her screams of pleasure filled the room. Suddenly, Didi’s image flashed through his mind’s eye. He froze. What had gotten into him? He pulled away from her and jumped off the bed. She blinked and sat up, breathing fast and hard.

“I cannot do this…” he pulled up his boxers and trouser. He felt so ashamed of himself. He picked up his shirt and put it on, trembling.

“What are you doing? Where are you going?”

“I love Didi. Nothing is going to change that.”

She began to laugh, “Who are you fooling? You can’t even resist me.”

He ignored her and walked out.

“Come back here! Come and finish what we started… You can’t leave me like this…”

Uwa found his way out of the flat. What was wrong with him? He would be careful next time. He had been tempted and seduced by several women in the past and no one had conquered him. What was so different about Mara? He needed to subdue his flesh. If he couldn’t control his emotions, he wouldn’t last a day in marriage.

God help me.


xxxxxx

Bankole pressed the gate bell again. Were they home? He should have called before coming. He heard footsteps. He sighed with relief. Someone opened the gate.

“Good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon.”

“Is Didi home?”

The young man sized him up.

“I am a friend. Tell her Doctor Bankole is here.”

“Okay,” he shut the gate.

The young man resembled Didi. Was that her younger brother?

The gate opened again. Didi walked out.

“Hey.”

“Hi…” his face brightened.

“Good you are here, I was thinking of taking a stroll.”

“Oh really?”

She nodded, “I am over bored.”

“Kpele…”

“Let’s hang out somewhere.”

“Great!” he couldn’t hide his excitement.

“There is a suya spot in this area.”

“Hope they are good.”

“One taste and you are hooked.”

“Nice. I am game.”

They got into the Lexus jeep. He hoped it was a new beginning to better things between them. He couldn’t wait to have her back as his lover.
He would be faithful and hopefully, they would end up at the altar.

@ceecypeju... I will post the concluding part of this story on Monday *winks*

@all... Once I post the concluding part of B.F.F: Best Friends Forever on Monday, I will update a new story.

@sirblero... I posted Together Forever a few weeks ago. Look For it. It is complete *winks*

@all... Am glad you all enjoyed this story. I had fun too.
You will also enjoy TOGETHER FOREVER and B.F.F: Best Friends Forever.
*hugs* *winks*

TORN 54

"Please forgive me," Folake's eyes glistered with tears. She wouldn't have been able to forgive herself if her sister had not regained consciousness.

Her eyes smarted with tears, "I forgive you," she reached out for her hand.

"I am sorry for stopping you from attending my wedding. Please forgive me," Foluke pleade.

"It is okay," tears streamed down her fair face.

"It is my fault. I failed you as a father. I distanced myself from you instead of accepting you the way God has made you. Please forgive me for rejecting you for so long," he sat at the side of the bed.

"I forgive you daddy," she wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

"I am also at fault," Jibike stared at her daughter, "I should have stood by you and loved you regardless of how you looked. I should have defended you," she broke down, "I am sorry."

"It is all right mummy," joy filled her heart. God had used the bad situation to reunite her family. She saw Dantenimu from the corner of her eyes. He gave her a thumbs up.

TORN 53

Funmike opened her eyes and saw her fiance seated on a chair beside the hospital bed.

"Hey you," he got up and stood by her side.

"Dante," she whispered.

"Welcome back to earth."

"How long... have I... been here?"

"Three days."

Her surprised gaze captured his happy face.

"You scared us all. Even the doctor thought we might lose you."

"You ain't getting rid of me that easily."

He started to laugh.

Ajibade and Jibike came in looking tired and worn out. They stood at the edge of the bed feeling grateful to God for answering their prayers.

"How are you feeling?" her mother smiled at her.

"I feel light," she responded.

"The cook will be here soon. You will feel better once you have eaten," her father assured her.

Foluke and Folake came in together. They approached the bed and settled at the edge.

Funmike turned to look at them. Worry-lines decorated their faces. She felt pleased that her family were at her side in her weak state. She believed that somewhere deep in their hearts, they cared.

TORN 52

Dantenimu stood outside the emergency room. Several thoughts ran through his mind. He blamed Funmike's family for her present condition. She was the love of his life. How he wish he could take her place. He would trade his life for hers without thinking twice.

A female doctor came out of the emergency room and turned to the couple.

"We found toxins in her system. We flushed it out, but, she is still unconscious. You brought her here rather too late."

Jibike jumped to her feet, "Please tell me that my baby will be okay," tears gathered in her eyes.

"We will do our best ma, but, you need to pray," the doctor returned to the emergency room.

She turned to her husband and collasped in his arms. Foluke and Folake held gazes. It dawned on them that their sister was in a critical condition.

Dantenimu faced Funmike's family, "We need to pray."

They looked up at him.

"We need a miracle, it is only God that can save her now."

"Let's pray," Ajibade held his wife's hand and beckoned at his daughters.

@all... Thanks for your patience.
Four more updates to go.
Abeg, endure now.
Nepa is playing with our light.
The story ends tonight *winks*

TORN 51

The elderly couple sat on the long bench outside the emergency room, awaiting feedback from the doctor.

Ajibade couldn't erase the images that tortured his enraged mind. They found Funmike lying on her bed like a log of wood that night.

Every attempt to wake her up was unprofitable. What in the world made Folake to lock her up? He glanced at her and found her seated at a corner, her head in her hands.

Jibike crossed her arms and seethed. She glared at her youngest daughter. She didn't understand why Folake thought her sister was lying about her health. She could have pleaded with Funmike to stay in her room until the party was over. Locking her up was the height of malicious intent.

Foluke noticed the way her parents were staring at Folake. She pited her. Under the same circumstance, she would have done exactly the same thing. It was so unfortunate that Funmike wasn't feeling fine.

Their parents would definitely tongue-lash Folake. That was something they all tried to avoid as often as possible.

TORN 50

Folake hurried down the hall. She found her parents and sister in the company of a handsome stranger.

"Where is Funmike?" Jibike glanced at her.

She halted and stared back at her in fear.

"Where is your sister?" her father frowned.

She swallowed hard and met his questioning gaze, "She is not breathing," she whispered.

Four pairs of eyes drilled an invincible hole in her head.

"I... I called her, she didn't respond. I shook her, but, she didn't move. I am not sure she is breathing," she looked back at her parents. What if Funmike had been telling the truth about her health? She wished she had listened to the guard.

"Funmike ooo!" Jibike placed her hands on her head and ran towards her daughter's room.

Ajibade and Foluke ran after her.

Panic paralyzed Dantenimu briefly. The last time he spoke with his love, he was about getting into a cab. The last time he called her, she didn't pick his call.

He directed his gaze at Folake. She was trembling. He was gut sure that she was the little witch.

TORN 49

Ajibade and Jibike exchanged glances when they saw the tall, dark, broad shouldered handsome young man in a white long-sleeve shirt, black jeans and black leather shoes, approaching them with majestic strides.

Foluke stared at him, akimbo. Where did her sister find the Adonis? Assuming she wasn't married, she would have made him hers. She turned green with envy.

"Good evening sir, ma."

"Evening," they chorused. Their curious gaze regarded him.

"I am Dantenimu, the son of Yaro Sheu Danjuma."

"Nice Baby Limited CEO?" his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Yes, sir."

"I know your father. He is a very calculative business man."

Jibike felt elated that her daughter knew the son of a very wealthy business magnet.

"You are welcome. Let's go in," Ajibade led the way in.

"Thank you sir," he walked behind the couple and noticed a tall dark skinned lady who looked like Funmike's father.

The way she stared at him reminded him of the look the lioness gave her prey before giving it a chase.

TORN 48

Ajibade and Jibike stood outside the house with their daughters. Their in-laws, friends and other guests had just taken their leave.

"Tell your husband that I have fined him for not coming," Folake addressed her elder sister.

"Don't worry, he will make it up to you," Foluke winked at her.

The security guard approached them.

"Sir, there is someone here to see Aunty Funmike."

Ajibade frowned, "Isn't she in school?"

"No, sir. She came home this evening."

"Oh my God!" Jibike panicked, "Hope none of the guests saw her," she turned to her husband.

"No cause for alarm mum. I saw her when she arrived and locked her up in her room," Folake winked at her mother.

"Wicked," Foluke tapped her on the shoulder.

"In this case, wicked is good," Folake winked at her.

They both bursted out in laughter.

"Let the visitor in," Ajibade said to the guard.

"Yes, sir," he hurried away.

"Folake get your sister," Jibike faced her youngest daughter.

"Yes, mother," she took her time and cat-walked into the house.

TORN 47

She noticed the security guard the instant he came to stand by the window.

"Tanko."

"Yes aunty."

"Were you able to speak to my dad?"

"No. Aunty Folake didn't allow me to see oga. She said I will lose my job if I don't return to my post."

Her face turned red, "Didn't you tell her that I wasn't feeling fine?"

"I did. She said that you were lying."

Her eyes smarted with tears. What was wrong with her sister? How was she going to get out?

The pain in her tummy multiplied. She groaned and limped towards the bed. She lay on her side and dialed Dante's number.

"Hello, did they let you out?"

"The little witch sabotaged my plans."

"I am at the airport. I will be in Lagos in the next three hours. Please hang in there. I am on my way love."

Relief flooded her, "Okay, hurry," she cut the call and wrapped her arms around her slim frame.

The heavy music coming from the sitting room shook the walls. It reignited the ache in her head with vengence. She placed a pillow over her head and began to cry.

TORN 46

"Hello."

"Dante."

"My love, are you home now?"

"Yes," she drawled.

"Are you okay? You sound unwell."

"I don't know how I am feeling."

"What's going on?"

"I have a bad headache, my tummy is assualted by terrible cramps, my throat is patched, I can hardly move, I am losing strength," she sobbed.

"Go to the hospital, fast!"

"I can't."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I am locked in my own room. I don't know where my keys are."

"What the..."

"Dante, I don't feel good."

"Oh God! Who is home?"

"Everybody."

"Call someone."

"Their phones are switched off."

"What's really going on?"

"Today is my younger sister's introduction ceremony."

"My goodness! I am sure that they didn't tell you."

"They didn't."

"I am sure that one of them locked you up."

"I think my younger sister is the culprit."

"The little witch!"

"Dante!"

"Sorry. I am freaking out right now. Who else can you call?"

A thought crossed her mind, "Our security guard."

"Perfect."

She hung up and dialed the guard's number.

@all... Am sooo sorry everyone. I was updating two stories at the same time and there was a mix up.

I will update the concluding part of Funmike's story today.

Thanks for following.

Thanks for all the compliment and encouragement.

I appreciate you all *winks* *hugs*

@mondayfeb... B.F.F: Best Friends Forever

Torn 46 coming up

@all.... so sorry... I wrongly posted the concluding part of this story on TORN thread.

somebody help me oooooo