End of book two guys! hope you guys had fun. There's still one more book to go, and that'll be the end of this blockbuster story. So please keep encouraging and following this story until the end and I promise you all wouldn't regret. God bless you all and have a splendid night, Amen.

The party was just about to be rounded up. Guests who were still available and interested, began to head to the food booth for a sumptuous meal, before they dispersed. They stood in line, each taking the food item he/she wanted when it was their turn, and putting it in their plates on the small tray they carried.

The newly engaged couple went around, greeting the guests and receiving congratulations. They arrived at the food table to ask how they were faring.

Rose smirked as she saw Gift and Uchenna at the food table. Perfect, she thought. She picked up her plate, forced her self in front of the line and had some food, much to the protests of the queued guests. She ignored them through, smirked and approached the couple.

"Hi sis" Rose greeted with a wide grin.

Gift turned and smiled nervously. "H...hey Rose"

"So, are you enjoying the party...and my life?"

"Excuse me?" Gift raised a brow.

"Don't mind me. Anyways, I just wanna say congratulations on your newly discovered life, and your redemption from poverty. I guess no condition is really permanent as they say. Uche?" she turned to Uchenna

"M hm" he answered reluctantly, hands akimbo.

"Congrats on your engagement. I am soooo so happy for you"

"Thank you.....Rose" he responded with narrow eyes, obviously wondering why Rose was being so cordial. Was she up to something?

"Anyways" she turned back to Gift. "Once again, congratulations. I wish you the best of luck"

"Thanks Rose"

Rose nodded and made to leave them, when she suddenly clammed into Gift, causing the well prepared Egusi soup on her plate, to spill on Gifts dress, almost emptying the plate in the process. Gift screamed in horror while Rose just gasped and covered her mouth in pretense. Everyone was soon thrown into confusion as to what just happened.

"Oh...my....God!! I am sooo sorry, it...it was an accident, I swear...wait a sec" she brought out her handkerchief. "Let me clean it up for you!!!" she began to forcefully wipe the dress, causing the huge stain to spread the more. She did it with so much viciousness, until Gift took her hand away and pushed her.

"That's enough Rose, you're only making things worse!!" she burst into tears, covered her face and ran out.

Uche turned to her with fire in his eyes, "Bleeping Bitch!!" he barked at her, before running after Gift.

Rose smirked evilly as she watched Uche run off. Suddenly, a strong arm suddenly dragged her away from the scene, and into a secluded space. Lo and behold, it was her father.

"what was that for Rose? what was the meaning of the stunt you just pulled?" George asked.

''Excuse me, it was an accident dad! "

"STOP LYING TO ME! I know you did that on purpose. You intentionally ruined your sisters dress, just so you could make her unhappy. And guess what, you succeeded, are you happy now?"

Rose scoffed and turned away.

"You are really nothing but a heartless human being! I regret ever having you as my daughter!!...and you know what?" he paused for a while. "YOU CEASE TO BE MY CHILD FROM NOW HENCE FORTH!!!"

Rose turned to him with a dropped jaw.

"Dad..are you...are you disowning me?" she asked with a broken voice.

"What does it look like? you don't deserve to be an Okoye and until you change your ways...." he turned away from her and let the words painfully come out.

"I don't know you anymore.."

She held her breath and pursed her lips, as tears welled up her eyes. Soon, she exploded.

"FINE!! do as you wish!! I knew this would happen one day but you know what....I DON'T CARE!! I HATE YOU AND EVERYTHING THAT CONCERNS YOU!!! BLEEP YOU AND YOUR F*CKING LIFE, AND GO TO HELL FOR ALL I CARE.....ASSHOLE!!!!"She screamed as she ran away.


George closed his eyes and let a tear drop.











"Goodbye......Rose"........

Gift gasped and widened her eyes in shock as Uche dropped the question again.

"will you marry me?"

She covered her mouth as the guests began shouting and cheering both of them. She just couldn't believe her eyes. She felt like she was dreaming inside a dream. It was heaven on earth. Finally, after a long pause, she spoke up.

"You insensitive jerk.....what sort of question is that?" she barked with a frown that immediately caused Uchennas heart to sink and others to turn pale. He held his breath for the worst.

"of course I'll marry you!!!" she exclaimed while jumping and clapping, causing he and everyone else to heave a sigh of relief. He grinned, and took her hand. He carefully slid it into her ring finger, on her right hand. He stood up, admist cheers of joy from the others.

"That's one one now. Next time, don't scare me like that again" she stuck out her tongue. He grinned and threw her arms around her, and she also hugged him tightly. Finally, after a while, he separated from her and their lips were locked in a passionate kiss.


Rose just sat at one corner, watching the whole scenario with a bitter heart. At first, she was excited when she saw Uchenna pretending to have a heart attack, but was immediately shattered again when she saw him pull out a ring and propose to her. Imagine! her worst enemy who she considered no better than a rag, was the one getting all this attention and now, she was engaged to the love of her life. All in one day! while she, the so called beautiful, popular and perfect rich girl was sitting at one corner, crying her eyes out. No love, no friend, no one to comfort her. She was all alone and miserable in life, as she believed.

While she was in the midst of her thoughts, she felt a shadow fall over her. She slowly look up and saw a sight she thought she had never seen before in her life. A breath taking figure.

He was tall, like really tall, almost as tall as a statue. One could even mistake him for one, with the way he moved his body unnoticeably. His skin was as dark as coal, yet it shone brighter than the sun. His muscles shot out, and his broad chest stood him out. His eyes were just divine, at it had this look that would make any sane woman fall on her knees. He was just....wow.

"Hey there lovely, would you like some company?" he asked in his perfectly deep pitched voice.

"No" Rose said plainly. The man was drop dead gorgeous yes, but she wasn't in the mood for any interaction now, talk more with a man. She was just too emotionally stressed to be charmed by a man like him.

"Are you sure, you don't look like you should be alone" he said as he sat down.

"Look at them" Rose said with her eyes fixated on Uche and Gift, who were dancing merrily. "Just look at how happy they are. Dancing, jumping around acting like lovers from a soap opera"

"You mean your sister?" he asked with a raised brow. She turned to him and smirked.

"Upon shes the one that ruined my relationship with the only man I ever loved....she's still the one that ends up happy. She's still the one that gets all the attention and love. She practically has my life now. And still yet, she still gets married to a Prince... a bleeping freaking prince....while I'm here, drowning my sorry self in alcohol" she raised the cup of alcohol in front of her to him.

"Wow, that's a pity. Well sorry for you girl, but if you know that she doesn't deserve to be happy now, why let her? Even the odds babe"

She narrowed her eyes. She nodded her head and smirked. "Say, you're right. Why should I let her be happy and joyful while im sad and miserable? no. I should let her feel what I feel now. I should make the game fair, right?"

"Just saying" he shrugged.

"Thank you so much stranger, I appreciate. cheers" she picked up the cup and walked out with a victorious smile.


"I'll always be there for you....Rose Okoye" he gave a smirk.









an evil one.....

Both ran to the center of the hall, hand in hand and beaming all around, like young lovers, which they were. Uche turned to her grinning.

"Hope you have your dancing shoes on baby"

"Oh please Uche, I can barely walk with these shoes"she asked pointing to her extra high heels.

"then kick them off silly" he rolled his eyes.

she widened her eyes, "seriously"

"yes, seriously"

"hmmm, okay" she shrugged and kicked off the shoes, heaving a sigh of relief when that was done.

"Chai! finally" she sighed.

"now... let's begin" he smirked.

"hold on Uche, I don't think I can da....."

she was interrupted by Uche who pulled her suddenly and rested her on his strong arms.

"then don't worry, I'll teach you"

Gift smiled.

He quickly pulled her up and turned her around, before pulling her closer to him.


"So, we've been together for three years plus right?"

"Right"

"I was just thinking"

"about what?"

"maybe its time for us....”

"to do what?.."

"to” he coughed. " to..." he coughed again and placed his hand on his chest.

"Uche, what's wrong?" Gift asked in a panicked voice.

"To...to....." he began to go down.

"Uchenna!!! Uchenna!!!!!" Gift cried as others began to flock around with worried faces. Uche soon coughed again and again until he fell on one knee with a bowed head. Then, he smirked and raised it up again, bringing out a small, red box from his breast pocket.

"To settle down.... Ngozi, Daisy Okoye. The love of my life. The dream of my dreams. My purpose and my joy...." he opened the box, revealing a well planted silver ring, with a huge diamond in the middle and several others around it. Gift widened her eyes in shock as others gasped in amazement.


"Will you marry me?"......

Rose squeezed the glass cup in her hand tighter, as she watched Gift beaming with her parents on the podium. As she watched her smile and shed tears of joy, her hatred for her only grew more. She hated the fact that Gift had her life now, and was going to share it with her. She hated how beautiful she looked, and how she got a standing ovation. She hated her parents now and everything about her.

"Wow" Doris gasped. "I have to admit it Rose.....your sister is really beautiful"

Finally, the cup she was squeezing cracked, as she heard those words. She turned to Doris with fire in her eyes. "DON'T YOU EVER CALL HER MY SISTER AGAIN!!" She barked before throwing away the cup, and storming out. Doris just stared at her in bewilderment.

Finally, the clapping was over, and Gift and Uchenna were walking hand in hand, greeting the guests and shaking hands with them. The bright lights of the cameras almost blinded them, and Uche and George had to chase away the journalists who trooped to Gift to ask her questions, with much difficulty.

As all these was happening, Gift was just swimming in shock deep within her. She couldn't believe all these was happening. She, that little village girl, was the one getting all this attention like a celebrity. Was the one having handshakes and dining with great men. Was the one who had just received a mighty and marvellous standing ovation. She, Ngozi Okonkwo, who considered herself as nobody, was the one being treated as a great somebody. It was uncanny and unthinkable. How God could lift someone up in just the blink of an eye. Who would have known, that it was almost at her point of death, that God remembered her. It was all like a dream to her. It was breathtaking.

She was soon led to Erinma, who just bowed her head in shame when she saw her approaching. She tried desperately to hold back her tears.

"Your majesty" Gift called and bowed.

"Oh please" Erinma lifted her head. "I believe I should be the one bowing, not you Ngozi"

Gift smiled.

"Where do I start apologizing now. The crimes I have committed against you are just too many to count. I wish I could just die now...."

"Please don't wish yourself death your highness. I have already forgiven you...long time ago"

"You have?"

"Yes I have. You were simply blinded by your riches and your motherly love. So you thought I wasn't good enough for your son. But it's okay now, what's happened has happened. It's all in the past now"

"Thank you so much Ngozi..I mean, Daisy"

Ngozi giggled. "you're welcome ma" both hugged each other tightly with tears in their eyes. After sometime, Uche broke the moment and yelled.

"Oh enough of all this drama guys! It's time to party!!!!!!!".......

Everyone held their breaths and had their eyes glued to the figure gracefully and majestically coming down . At first, they couldn't see her clearly because of the darkness, but the rays of light were shining on her slowly, until she finally came down after what seemed like ages, while bowing her head, but that couldn't stop people from dropping their jaws, or just staring in utter amazement.

There was something about how Gift looked today. For one, she didn't look like Gift at all. Everyone knew her as the simple girl who just depended on her natural beauty, but this was different. She was almost unrecognizable. She wore a long flowing ball room, short sleeve dress, which was pure immaculate white from the chest to the waist level, and royal purple from the waist, downwards. The sparkles on the purple part shone like the stars. She had a nice Brazilian weavon fixed on her head for the first time in her life, which was neatly rolled and tied into a bun. She had on artificial eyelashes with an extra touch of mascara, and a pair of artificial eyelids which were gold in colour. The colour of her lipstick was deep red, like oxblood. Her long and slender neck was carefully adorned with an gold chain, which could have been made of pure gold, and a matching necklace. In short, she looked like the black version of Pandora, the Greek goddess.

As the spotlight shone on her, and all the bewildered eyes landed on her, she bowed her head like someone who was going to be given into marriage for the first time, with a gentle smile planted on her face.

Erinma almost fainted as her eyes landed on Gift. Her hands felt shaky, and her head fell hot, but the most intriguing was the way her mouth was wide open like someone waiting for a fly to enter it. She blinked and turned to her son, who had also been staring at his newly transformed woman in amazement and asked;

"Is that......"

"Yes mum, THATS Ngozi, the girl whom you treated like dirt, and tried to destroy my relationship with. She's the surprise I was telling you about mum. She's the one"

"Oh my God" she gasped.

"No if you will excuse me” he gave Nneoma the cup of in his hands, and majestically walked towards her direction, with a victorious grin on his face. A grin that was trying to tell the other guys to back off. He stood in front of her, bowed and brought out his hand, like some Englishman, asking a lady for a dance.

" My lady, if I may...."

Gift smiled and blushed. "Oh common, please don't call me that. Its embarrassing"

"Why? is it wrong for a king to ask his queen to let him lead her?"

"So, I'm a Queen now?"

"Of course you are silly. Since I'm a king and you're gonna be mine soon, its only right to call you a Queen"

she smiled and bowed her head. "I guess so"

"Now stop asking me stupid questions and let me take you to your dad. He's getting impatient already"

She nodded and placed her hand on his. Both began walking towards the podium, hand in hand, the picture of a Royal couple obviously being displayed. Uche still had that mischievous grin on his face, which caused other men to frown and murmur in jealousy. They walked up to the podium, and Uche handed Gift over to her dad.

"Ladies and gentlemen" he held her hand. "My daughter and the fruit of her mother's womb..Daisy Okoye!!!!" he raised the hand up, which caused a standing ovation. He beckoned on Susan who quickly came and stood by her left side. She also raised her hand up and the clapping and cheering became louder and longer. Everyone was happy. Some were even moved to tears. It was a really touching moment for everybody.









Well, everybody except Rose of course.....

greatme2good:
Stblessing I beg you with the name of God, let this story have a happy ending.

hmm, let's see what happens after part three.

"I can't believe this" Rose scowled once again after George was interrupted from his speech by a man, and led away from the podium. She had been seated with Doris at one corner of the hall, looking depressed and had been complaining since she got to the party.

As usual, Rose was the most depressed and angry person since the truth about Gift was discovered. She couldn't believe it and didn't want to. She wished that all this was a nightmare and would all go away. But it wasn't. It was a reality she must face. She didn't even know why she was at that party. Probably to downsize Gifts spirit and let her know she wasn't welcome in her life. Little wonder she was dressed like someone that was in a funeral. She was dressed in a black dress with a black rose flower on her head, and even a black umbrella to top it all. She wore black shades and shoes. She gathered the attention of people with her attire but she didn't care, because really, she was mourning.

"Can you imagine how much my dad spent for this party? just look at all the food and decorations he put up. Even this glass cups seem like a fortune" she said raising her cup of wine. "and the worst parts is that it isn't even fun at all" she scoffed again.

"Since when did you start caring about how much is spent at a party?" Doris lifted her head from her phone and asked with a raised brow.

"I know, but still. Okay, look at this. He booked the biggest and baddest hotel in town for some "illegitimate daughter of his" whom he just discovered, but has never done so in my case, his daughter fa, not even on my birthday"

"I thought he booked Royal Bliss for you on your eighteenth birthday?"

"That's not the point!! he only did that after I pleaded and cried out my eyes for him!! I even rolled on the floor!!"

Doris rolled her eyes and sighed. "Stop being such a big baby will ya? and besides, it was your idea to come here in the first place"

She sighed and placed her head on her hand. "Sadly"

"Oh. My. God" Doris widened her eyes and gasped.

"What? what happened?"

Doris quickly grabbed her head and turned it to the right side with force. ''That's Mike Nkem Orlando!!!!!" she shrieked and jumped as she pointed towards a young and handsome actor talking to some ladies.

she scoffed "so?"

"sooooo, silly. He's the best actor in the universe, I just looooovvve him. I can't believe he's here!!!!!" she began jumping and clapping.

Rose hissed looked away. "This girl sef" she muttered.

Doris blinked at her for a while. "Anyway, you can't kill my spirit this time. I'm gonna go ask for a dance. Wish me luck" she winked at walked out. Rose shook her head in disbelief. Her anger began boiling again. Her dad even invited celebrities? all these for one girl who he just discovered was his daughter? what the hell was going on? why did she begin to suddenly feel Gift was gaining more love and attention than her already?

Meanwhile, Uchenna was also in high spirits. He was neatly dressed in a wine red coloured suit with matching trousers, and a pair of ground breaking black shoes. He had been the center of attraction for most of the ladies in attendance, but he didn't have his eyes on any of them. He was patiently waiting for his love to come out and meet him in his arms. She was the only one he cared about now, even though it seemed she was taking forever.

"Brother!!" he heard a feminine voice call him from behind as he was chatting with some other young men of his age. He turned around and met Nneoma, now fifteen, gracefully walking towards him. She was the exact replica of their mother, Erinma, who was also with her. Her fair skin shone like the sun, and the pretty and long pink gown she was wearing, hugged her slim and slender body tightly. She even had a silver tiara on top her golden braid locks, almost making her look like some princess in a fairy tale.

"Nne!!!" he cried and both ran into each others arms, in a long, warm and tight embrace. "How are you?" he asked after they released each other. "You've grown soooo much!"

"I'm fine, thanks. Mum told me you came back home a few months ago. Its too bad I couldn't meet you because that our yeye boarding school was still in session then"

"Eyahhh, no wonder my darling little sis looks so lean and sick. I need to have a word with that school"

Both burst into laughter.

"Mum" Uche turned to his mother who had just been watching them quietly all this while.

"Son"

"Im glad you could make it"

"Its a pleasure. I couldn't resist my dear sons plea to attend this party after he promised me "The surprise of my life" I hope its a pleasurable one?"

"Oh trust me mum" he smirked and turned towards the podium which George was mounting on again. "It is"

George hit the microphone slightly, and called the attention of the guests.

"Um, ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please"

Soon, everyone became calm and turned to the speaker.

"Thank you. First of all, I'd like to thank you all for making out time to be in this occasion. It means a lot to me that all of you are here now. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves?"

The guests nodded and cheered in approval.
George grinned and responded. "Please give yourselves a warm round of applause, you deserve it"

The people clapped and cheered and when cheering was over, he cleared his throat, switching into serious mode.

"Uhm, I'm sure most of you are wondering why I invited you all here. If you look at your invitation cards, you'll see that this is actually a Homecoming party. But of whom is the question. Let me just start by telling you all a little story about me which most of you don't know. Twenty three years ago, my darling wife, Susan, got pregnant and gave birth to twins......sadly, a few days later, one of them was kidnapped by our late maid, Iniobong, and taken away to a far away place... and... after searching for her for more than three years with no good results..... we gave up....it was a miserable moment for us, but we resigned our fates to the hands of God. Little did we know that, that Great Man up there had other plans for us. Its unbelievable, but its true, that after TWENTY THREE GOOD SOLID YEARS, our daughter, Daisy, came back to us...and in the most unusual of ways!!!"

The guests gasped and murmured to each other in shock. Some stared at each other, while others looked at themselves in disbelief.

"Now,ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, I want to introduce to you, my beautiful, daring, intelligent and awesome daughter.....Daisy Chizaramu Okoye" he pointed towards the steps where she was meant to come down from.














Then she began stepping down......

divinelypruned:
Haba mana, aunty stblessing wetin I do you naw, this one no full bello oo

Abeg don't mind me, thanks for the update. But this is too short oo

Abegi no vexooooo, I was so tired after the days job today. Those children in that school wan kill person with noise. you will shout and shout. and you're still standing oooo. I have a splitting headache as I'm writing now. but no worry, tommorows update is gonna be awesome, I promise.

Episode 19.
The night of Friday, September 1st, was cool and a little windy. The stars twinkled merrily, but the dim light of the moon was swallowed up by the colorful and gay lights, which were coming out from the popular ROYAL BLISS HOTEL AND SUITES event center. Music blasted from the numerous speakers and several posh and expensive cars were seen driving in with powerful entourages.

"What was going on? who was responsible for this huge party that was even graced by some of the biggest shots in the state?" Some residents of Green Avenue, where the five star hotel and event center was located, asked themselves. Only few people knew that Chief George Okoye was the man behind the mask, although they didn't know what the party was all about.

It had been about six months and three weeks since the truth about Gift was discovered. She had finally accepted the truth, and it was painful for her. But after Beatrice's painful death, and more investigations were conducted, Gift now had to accept the inevitable truth. The Okoyes were her true family, and she was really not Ngozi, or Gift, but Daisy Okoye. She stayed with them for some months and eventually, George decided to conduct an introduction party, so that the world would know that she was really his daughter. That was what was happening now. The introduction party was being conducted at the famous hotel, and the event was about to be kicked off.

A lot of people were present at the party. Both known and unknown. Majority of them didn't know what the party was all about. George had sent invitations to all of them, indicating a homecoming of a loved one. At the party, they had seen "WELCOME HOME DAISY" imprinted in huge banners all around. They thought maybe it was a sister or family member, as they were all conversant with just Rose. Finally, George stepped up on the podium, cleared his throat in preparation speak.....

She whimpered and wiped a tear, as everyone forced her to start talking. Her heart was heavy, and her head was hot. She turned to Gift, who just sat beside her, staring at the space. She had a white bandage, with a blood stain tied around her wound. She was clearly depressed, but she tried not to show it.

"It was twenty three years ago" Beatrice began. "My husband, Ikenna, and I had been married for eight years, but we had no child. When I eventually got pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, she died a few days after birth. I was so depressed and didn't recover quickly. It was about a month later that Ike brought home a bouncing baby girl. She was so perfect and beautiful. When I asked him where he got the child, he told me that his cousin, Mama Nonye, had given him the baby to take care of. I didn't push the questions any further because I was so in love with the child already. And she reminded me of mine. That was why I called you Ngozi, after my first born. I'm so sorry" she paused and turned to Gift, holding her pale hand.

"Nwa m, I want you to know that even though I didn't give birth to you, I still took you as my own child. I loved you more than my own life. That was why I never decided to tell you, even when Ike requested it on his deathbed. I had no idea that one day, God would eventually reunite you with your real family. Please my child, forgive me.... "

"Don't you dare call her your child!" Susan chirped in immediately. "You are a wicked and bad woman. You knew that that baby wasnt yours! You knew it was gotten through illegal means, yet in your selfishness, you kept her...did you even consider how her real family would feel? Did you know the pains you put us through? You put ME through?" she asked in a croaked voice.

"I'm so sorry ma...."

"No! you are an evil woman who doesn't deserve to live. I'm calling the police for you right now!!!"


She made to dial on her phone when Gift flew towards her and stopped her.

"Please don't do that. I've already forgiven her even before she asked. And no matter what...." she walked towards Beatrice and lifted her up. "I still consider her my mother" she held her hand.

Susan looked at them for a while, dazed and feeling somewhat jealous. She wished she was the one she was defending. Finally, she sighed and dropped the phone in surrender. "Fine, you win. I won't call the police on her...if thats what you want"

"Good" Gift responded.

Almost immediately, the door flew open and Rose walked in, panting heavily.

"Hey guys, sorry im late" her eyes landed on Gift and she frowned....deeply.

"What are you doing here? What is SHE doing here mum?" she asked, pointing to Gift.

Suz looked at George who also had a worried look. He nodded at her and she sighed. She walked up to Rose and held her shoulders.

"Rose, there's something you need to know"

"Go on" she dropped her bag and folded her arms "I'm listening"

"Remember I told you you had a twin sister when you were born, right?"

"Y...yes"

"And I told you she died shortly after right?"

She nodded nervously.

"Well as it turns out, she didn't. She was whisked away by Iniobong and trafficked to a certain village. we thought she wouldn't return to us, but as it turned out, we were wrong"she took a deep breath. " Rose"

"Y...yes mummy"

She wiped a tear drop. "Gift was the baby girl taken away that night. Gift is your lost twin sister.... Daisy ”

She dropped her jaw and narrowed her eyes at her. "Excuse me?"

"Rose..I couldn't believe it myself as well but....but its true"

She scoffed and turned to Gift before turning to her again. "Do you have any idea what you're talking about? You're telling me that this woman here...who has caused me so much pain...is my sister?"

"Rose, you need to accept her"

"Well no,that'll never happen. Not now, and not ever! Not even if Christ himself comes. I don't know if you all are in your right minds or not but I refuse to believe that this witch is my sister. So you all can go to hell if you want but I hate her and will never accept her.... ËVER!!!!!" she ran out of the house and slammed the door, leaving Susan in tears.

"This is obviously going to be hard" George rubbed his forehead

"Obviously" Uche sighed.

Suddenly, Beatrice shrieked and placed her hand on her chest. She screamed in pain and agony as she fell on her knees.

"What's wrong with her?!!!" Susan interjected as everyone began flooding around her.

"She's having another heart attack!!" Gift cried as tears began to flow. "Mama!! Mama!! Please stay with us, please" she placed her hand on her cheek.

"Ngozi...m...my ch....child...I'm so sorry for putting you through so much suffering...." she coughed.

"Please stop asking for forgiveness, I forgive you already..... SOMEONE CALL AN AMBULANCE ALREADY, PLEASE!!!!" she barked at the panicked spectators who were already punching their phones in response.

"I love you..... my daughter......" she smiled, closed her eyes and went limp.

"Mama.." she shook her face. "Mama?!!" she placed her head on her chest. No beating. ''MAMA!!! MAMA!!! Mama please don't do this to me...please... " she hugged her tightly. "MAMA!!! MĀMA!!!!!"














"MAAAAMMMAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!......."

sitting cross legged with fresh suya. oya, let the ride begin.

Episode 18.
Tension filled the air as everyone gathered in the living room. Even the air condition couldn't prevent the heat that bathed every body. This was the final proof Gift needed for her to believe that she was the Okoyes daughter. Beatrice, her mother, was going to tell her own side of the story.

A few days ago, Uchenna had been to the village to pick her up. His return was quiet, but not uneventful. He had seen his mother again, after years.


Erinma had lost a lot of weight recently. Her fair skin seemed dull, and her queenly grace had faded away. In short, she looked nothing like a queen. This was due to the constant crying and thinking spells that had fallen on her, since Uches disappearance. It was only when Uche visited her again, that a smile had tugged her face after a long time.

Both mother and child sat there, not saying anything to each other. Uche was breathing furiously all through out. Erinma was acting like a child, being introduced to her husband's family. Finally, she broke the silence.

"So, when will it be?"

Uche frowned and looked up at her. "What do you mean?"

"When will you come back home, claim the throne that you should, forgive and forget all that happened in the past.....treat me like the mother who gave birth to you, cared for you, and loved you unconditionally?"

He looked down again. "I don't know"

"Its been years Uchenna"

"But the pains are still there. Do you know what it feels like to be betrayed by the person who you thought loved you the most?"

"I did what I thought was best for you"

"By framing and taking away the woman I love from me? How was that best for me?"

"I....I....I"

"Do you know how miserable I was when I found out the truth? Do you know what I went through? I almost lost my mind and why? because my own mother thought the person I loved wasn't good enough"

"Uche please..... ”

" What you did was unforgivable. But despite all these, I still love you. You are my mother, and i am your son. I won't deny that. But I can't come back now"

"Then what about the throne? Like it or not, you are the rightful king of Ngalaba kingdom. You can't run away from that"

"I'm not. I will perform my kingly duties away from here. My uncles and the elders will be my representatives. After all, I am managing dads company.... I need to go now mum” he stood up and made to leave.

"So you're turning your back away from me.... from your family.. all because of a woman?"

"Its more than just the woman mum. I'm turning away from more betrayal and hurt. But not to worry.....I'll be back soon"

He opened the door and walked out, leaving Erinma in tears.


That was 4 days ago. Now they were in the present and more secrets were about to be revealed......

Pinkberry5:
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thanks berry, you're a Darling

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The atmosphere in the room seemed cold and hot at the same time. Everything seemed to be moving slowly, and even a pin drop could be heard. Both people were tense inside, although they tried not to show it.

Gift stated blankly as Uchenna continued to tell her about the discovery. To her now, everything he was saying sounded like gibberish to her. Her own copy of the DNA results was in her hand. She tried to digest everything she read and heard.
"Look, I want you to know that life can be like this sometimes. But it's not enough reason to hurt yourself okay? just take it easy, please"

She turned to him and blinked twice, not saying anything. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"They are here. you have visitors Ngo"

The door flung open and Susan and George walked inside. Gift saw them and her heart sunk inside the more. Both walked closer to her with sadness in their eyes, especially Susan, who had her head held down. She raised it a little and her eyes met hers. The pains began flooding it. The pains she put her through, and the pains she went through when she lost her. She couldn't believe that the person she treated like a mere rag was actually her blood. Her daughter. She burst into tears and fell on her knees. She just knelt there, crying, not saying anything. She didn't even know where to start. She held her hand tightly and forced the words out.

"I'm sorry....I'm sorry.... I'm so so sorry...... please forgive me... please....."

Gift just stared at her, tears flowing down freely. She didn't even make a sound. She raised her head up and met Uchenna.

"I want to see my mum"

Uche raised a brow.

"I want to see mama. Until then, I have nothing to say to these people" she turned away from them.

George turned to Uche.

"I need to go and pick her mum in the village, that's what she means" Uche explained to her.

"We understand Gift, and we will respect your decision. Susan, let's go"

Susan sniffed and stood up. The tears were still flowing. She went into the arms of George and he took her out of the room. She wasn't angry or disappointed. She even expected worse than that. She just felt depressed, and angry at herself. She felt like the world should swallow her, too much shame to bear.

When they were gone, Gift told Uche.

"I want to be alone"

Uche nodded his head and walked out. When she heard the door shut, she buried her head in her pillow and soaked it with tears.....

It was rainy that Thursday afternoon. The lighting crashed, the winds raged and the waters sang and danced. It was cloudy and dark. However, the likes of Uchenna, Susan and George had hid themselves safely in the defense of the mansion.

A week and four days had passed since the George-Gift incidence. Uchenna had decided to investigate the matter himself. He confronted George who told him everything. Uche couldn't believe it at first, but after seeing the diary and the DNA test result, he was forced to believe it. Gift was really their daughter, but in order to finally prove it, a DNA test was to be conducted between her and Susan, who was in doubt as well. Uche and George had to convince the women to lease out their blood samples so that the test could be conducted. It was a difficult decision, but they agreed. It had been days now, and the DNA test was ready. Susan, Uche and George were now gathered at the mansion, and waiting for the result.

"...yes...sure, no problem.... okay,we'll be waiting.... bye" he cut the call and dropped the phone. "He says he's almost on his way here, its just that the rain is causing a lot of traffic". George explained.

"I still think all this is unnecessary George, you shouldn't have prevented me from going to work"

Uche frowned and turned to her. "Why not?"

"Because this is just some make belief story aimed at making me have pity on that wench. None of it makes sense”.

He scoffed." Please don't get me started. Youre only nervous because deep inside you, you know that that wench is your daughter. And I must say madam, Im really disappointed in you. "

''And what do you mean by that?"

"You and your daughter treated her like she was an animal all because she made a mistake which all humans do. You made life miserable and almost killed her, and for what? because she was poor and helpless? because she had nobody to defend her?"

Susan bowed her head a little as an arrow of guilt struck her heart. "I was only trying to defend my daughter"

"Yeah right, you were only doing that because you wanted to. You are a big bully who tramples on others because of your social status. You treat others like bleep because you think you have it all and to be frank....you don't even deserve to be called a human being!"

"How dare you?"

"I wish it would be finally proved that she's your daughter, so that you can crawl and wallow in the sea of your shame and guilt!!"

Just then, their was a knock on the door. George, who had been silent and somewhat enjoying the tongue lashing she was getting all this while, stood up and opened the door. It was the messenger sent to bring the result. George thanked the man, and gave him some money. He tore open the envelope and unfolded the pink paper. He read it in silence.

"Well....what does it say?" Uche asked nervously.

"I think it'd be better if you see it yourself Susan" he responded and handed over the paper who was bathing in sweat by now. She nervously took it and glued her eyes to it. After a while, she burst into tears and covered her mouth.

"no,no,no...." she kept sayiñg as she shook her head. She stood up and dashed into her room with tears rolling down profusely.

"It'll take a while for her to accept it" George said to Uche.

"Well she'd better start thinking of what to say to her daughter.... this life can be funny sha. Who would have known?"

"I warned her but she didn't listen. We should be careful how we treat others. No one knows who is who''

" Exactly. Anyway, I need to take my leave now. I don't even know how to start telling Gift about it "

"You should take your time. ITS a huge bile to swallow, so don't force it in"

"I understand. Thank you sir" he opened the door and walked out.

"I shall see you soon Uchenna" he nodded his head as the door shut.

He sighed and shook his head as he heard the screams and rampaging of Susan upstairs.

"Oh, Susanna....."

Investorrtbankz:
Madam d update don finish?

nooo, read at it well. :-)

The next day, George visited Gift at the hospital. He was going to tell her the truth,although he didn't know how. He kept imagining how she would react when he broke the news to her, but whatever it was, it definitely wasn't going to be happy.

He knocked on the door and walked in. He saw Gift and Amaka laughing and discussing together. As he watched her laugh, he felt his heart melt. Right there was his long lost daughter, and she didn't know.

He approached them and greeted.

"Hello girls"

"Good afternoon sir" responded the two girls.

"How are you feeling today Gift?"

"Fine sir. Uche told me that you were the one that donated blood to me. I don't know how to start thanking you. You saved my life"

He was tempted to say; I'm your father, its my job" but he dared not. He wasn't going to rush things.

"Oh,its nothing really. I just did what any other person with the same blood type would have done" he smiled.

"But oga you tried ooooo. Its not easy for an old man like you to just give out blood like that, when its almost finishing. I wonder how old man blood feels"

Gift gasped and turned to her. ''AMAKA!"

"What?" she shrugged.

"Sorry about my friend sir, she can be a slowpoke sometimes"

"No problem" George replied, even though he was clearly hurt. "Can I have a word with you.....in private"

"Amaka, you can leave now"

"But..'"

She frowned deeply, cutting her off. Amaka sighed and walked out.

When she was gone, George sat down and cleared his throat.

"Firstly, I want you to promise that you wouldn't freak out"

She raised a brow in confusion. ''Uhhh. okay?"

"You see that medal on your neck?"

She bent down and looked at the medal "Yeah?"

"Years ago, it was given to me by my grandmother. She told me to put it on the neck of my child when it was born. Years later, when I gave birth to twin girls, I had to make a similar one and put it on both their necks. It was meant to serve as a means of identification or protection"

"Oh" said Gift. "You're mistaken sir. This isn't your medallion. It was given to me by my mother"

"Wait Gift, let me finish. One of the twins was kidnapped..... by Iniobong. She was paid to do it. I discovered the truth when I came across her diary weeks ago. And Gift..... you are my missing child, Daisy"


Gift stared at him for a while then burst into laughter. She soon had tears rolling down her cheek.

"Oh my God..... my belly..." She held her stomach and wiped the tears.

"Sir, I don't mean to insult you, but I think you have a problem. How can you say I'm your long lost daughter? do you know how ridiculous that sounds?"

"Gift, it might sound ridiculous, but its true"

"Oh really then? but how come my father died years ago of a snake bite, and my mum never told me these things?"

"Because they didn't want you to know"

"Please stop saying nonsense. Its no longer funny"

"Gift, please, hear me out...."

"No no no. I'm not listening to rubbish fairy tales again. Please leave"


"Gift...”

" Leave now, or I'll call the nurse"


"But..."

"Nurse! Nurse!!!"


"Whats going on here?" Uche asked as he walked in with a provision bag.

"Mr George, what are you doing?"

"Please send him out, hes making my blood boil"

"Uche wait, let me just..."

"She said you should leave, do you want her to get hurt?"

He turned to Gift. "Gift, just listen to me...."

"GET OUT SIR, OR I WILL DO SOMETHING YOU DONT LIKE" Uche warned, holding himself back.

George bowed his head in defeat and walked out.

"What happened babe?" Uche asked as he sat close to her.

"Don't mind him. He was claiming I was his long lost daughter"

He widened his eyes. "What?"

"I know right....absolute nonsense, abeg did you bring the milk I asked you to bring?" she asked as she took the bag and began pouring out the contents.

Uche plāçed his hand on his chin and looked at the door.


"Hmmmmm...."

Episode 17
"Mr Okoye, the results" said Doctor Zora as she handed him a brown envelope. He gulped hard and took it from her.

"Thank you doctor, I don't know how to start thanking you for your immense help towards me. I'll forever be grateful to you"

She smiled. "No problem Mr Okoye,anytime" she nodded and walked out.

George stared down at the envelope in his hands. Right there was his long anticipated result. The DNA result.

Its been up to week now. George had successfully carried out the blood transfusion and Rose had been granted bail. He was called earlier this morning to come and take the results, and the test was conducted in the hospital laboratory.

At first, he was excited and anxious to have the result. But now,he was scared and reluctant. What if the result turned out to be positive? Where would he start from there? How would he go about telling people about it? His colleagues, his friends....his family? Somehow, he hoped it would be negative, even though he new that was almost impossible now.


He decided to open it in his car. He was no longer anxious. He walked slowly, dragging his feet as he did. He came across a waste bin. Maybe he should just throw it away and forget that all this ever happened. Maybe he should just burn the diary, and pretend that he didn't see the medallion around her neck. But he couldn't, he wasn't good at pretending.

Finally, he arrived and entered his car. He began to slowly open the envelope, not wanting to even rumple it. His heart beat rapidly as he did, and after a long while, he slowly brought out the paper, unfolded it, and fixated his itching eyes on it. He couldn't understand any of the figures written down there, until his eyes landed on the ultimate word written down with bold capital letters, 'POSITIVE’.

At this point, he broke down in tears. It was true. There was no running away from it now. Ngozi Gift Okonkwo, the maid that has been working for them for the past three years, was his long lost daughter..... Daisy Chizaram Okoye.

"God, what kind of life is this bikonu? How on earth did this happen?" he asked as he wiped his eyes. He was confused and felt betrayed. Destiny and God had played him for a fool, and now, it was too late to see that now. Too much damage had been done.

First of all, he drove himself to a nearby bar and drowned himself in alcohol. By the time he was true, it was already night fall, and he was so drunk, that to even stand up was a problem. He had to hire a taxi to take him home. Home....where his wife would be by now.

He paid the fare and staggered into the house with Yahayas help. Susan must have heard him coming in and came downstairs to meet him. Rose wasn't around by then,she had traveled to Port Harcourt to stay with her aunt for sometime, so she could clear her head, and relieve herself from the trauma.

"So, you now result to getting yourself drunk, is that what you have been busy with?"

"Have a look at that Susan" he replied her and pointed to the result he had kept on the table earlier "

"What's this?" she picked it up and went through it for a while. "A DNA result?"

"Of me and Gift. Susan... Gift is our daughter... Gift is Daisy...."

She opened her mouth and dropped the paper on the floor. Her eyes were about to pop out of her head by now.

"It all started a few days ago. I discovered Iniobongs diary as we were clearing her room. I went through it and discovered she was the one responsible for Daisy's kidnap. She said Gift was Daisy because she saw the purple rose medallion around her neck. I did the investigation myself, and I discovered she was right. That's the DNA test result to prove it" he explained and broke down.


Susan just stared at him, dazed and unsure of what to say. Finally, after a long while, she asked;

"Have you finally lost your mind George? How dare you insinuate that that daughter of a witch...that....that nobody is my daughter? Are you mad"

"That 'nobody' is our daughter Sue, believe me or not. I could...."

"Save your sorry explanations to yourself you buffoon. Now you come back home drunk and start blabbing nonsense, what is wrong with you?"

"Suz, you have to believe me, Gift is our daughter"

"THATS ENOUGH!!! Our daughter died years ago. She was taken away from us, so she died in our hearts. I refuse to believe some mere maid is our daughter,so you can save your stories and fallacies to yourself, you hear me? Nonsense" she hissed and ran upstairs.

George broke down in tears again when she was gone.

"Oh Lord, please help me. Don't let me do this alone, please....."

Emex100:
stblessing you are not doing me well o
we (i & myself) miss you plenty. Thank you small cos the update is small

My dear no vex. Family issues dey spoil something's sometimes.

"I want you to conduct a DNA test from there doctor" Said George as he held the doctor.

"Why?" she asked with a raised brow.

"You will know later. I'll really appreciate you if you can do this favor for me doctor"

She thought for a while. "Okay, I'll see what I can do about that. You'll have to pay for it though".

"Any amount needed, thanks doc" he smiled.

"You're welcome. Come first thing tomorrow morning for the blood transfusion. Good day" she smiled and went into her office.

"Good day"
George heaved a sigh of relief when she was gone. Even though he was more convinced about Gift now, the DNA result would be his last convincing. He hoped things would work out well.

He went into Gifts room and bade her the final goodbye. Earlier, he had told her about how Uche had had Rose arrested unjustly. He had hoped that Gift would convince her boyfriend to drop the charges against his daughter.

When George was gone, Gift asked Amaka to leave her alone with Uche. She was clearly angry. When she was told about Roses arrest by George, she was shocked and almost threw a fit.

"Why did you do it?" she asked when Amii was gone.

"Do what?"

"Get Rose arrested. What on earth was that for?"


"Did I do anything wrong by having the person who tried to kill you arrested?"

"We don't know about that Uche, don't be so judgemental"

"But even you know very well what she's capable of doing. She wasn't afraid of hurting you in the past, she could have decided to go a little further"

Gift kept quiet for a while. She knew Uche had a point, but she wanted to do the right thing. She knew that even if Rose tried to get her killed, it was her fault. She was the one that hurt Rose first, so she wouldn't fight fire with fire, and add more fuel to the fire.

"I don't care. I want you to drop the charges against her now"

"But..."

"Drop the charges against her now, or it's over between us!"

He dropped his jaw in shock. He stared at her for a while, and noticed the fire in her eyes. She was dead serious. Finally, he frowned, folded his arms and turned away.


"Fine"

"Thank you"



**********

George arrived home late, feeling exhausted. He saw Susan waiting for him when he got inside. She was clearly pissed off.

"Where have you been George?"

"Nowhere" he slouched on the couch.

"Anyways, that one is your business. I hope you realize Roses trial is tomorrow right"

"Oh yeah'' he shut his eyes tight. He had forgotten.

" I just reminded you so that you'll know the next step to take"

"Actually" he sat up. "I won't be there tomorrow"

"What, why?"

"I have a lot of things to do, I don't have time"

She shook her head in disappointment. "You never seize to amuse me. Well, do as you wish. I don't really care. You've always been a bad father to your only daughter anyway. Goodnight" she spat and walked out.



George shook his head at her. If only she knew..........

hey guys, sorry I had to summarize the post. Something came up, and I had to hurry. please don't be offended as tomorrow will be much better than this. Thanks and God blrsd

She woke up when she felt her spirit fall into her body. She turned and saw Uche beside her, she woke Him up and he quickly went to call the doctor. She then realized she was in the hospital.

Meanwhile, George had gone to go and visit Amaka. They both went to the hospital where she was being treated. When Uche saw him, he was reluctant to let George see Gift, but Amaka begged him and he was allowed. Then he saw the purple medallion on her neck. He was more convinced now.



Meanwhile, Dr Zora, the doctor in charge of Gift tells Uche that Gift has lost a lot of blood. Gifts blood group is AB negative, But Uches is B negative. They don't match. Zora tells Uche look for a suitable blood donor or Gift might die.

George over hears the conversation and meets Zora. He tells her that their blood matches and he wants to donate. He also tells her to conduct DNA test from there.

Episode 16
She gasped for the thousandth time as she crossed a huge hill made of shiny glass. She had never seen anything like it before and she was amazed. The trees there were tall and the fruits on them were either made of gold or silver. It was incredible. She approached a river that had sparkles on it. She noticed her reflection as she saw herself for the first time. She was dressed in a pure white, long flowing gown which shone like the sun. She had a crown of different flowers on her head, and her face shone like gold. She felt her face and knew she was a completely different person now, and in a completely different place.

She squatted and touched the sparkly river. It was cool as ice, and she felt alive when she poured some on her face.

"Where am I? Is this heaven?" She asked herself.

She stood up and crossed the bridge made of shiny glass. She approached the other side where the grass was much greener. Butterflies of different colors danced around her and flew with her wherever she went. She smiled at them and approached row of different colors of beautiful flowers that were shaped like a heart. She plucked one of them and smelt it. It smelt like heaven.

"I must be in heaven" she concluded. She noticed some children, all dressed in white, playing under a huge tree, with never ending pink flower petals falling from it. Some of the children came to her and danced around her. And she danced with them too. When they were gone, she fell on her back and let the softness of the green grass tickle her. She admired the beautiful shapes the clouds formed, and the many rainbows that stood behind the golden coloured sun. Finally, she breathed loud and said.

"I could stay here forever"

"Uhhh, that's not possible" a masculine voice behind her.

She turned quickly and saw the man. He was also dressed in a white suit and matching trousers. He was quite handsome, and he looked his mid twenties. But he was very familiar

"Who are you?" Gift finally asked after looking at him.

"Oh Blessing, don't you remember me anymore?"

She widened her eyes in shock. Only one person ever called her Blessing, and that was her father, Ikenna.

"P...p...Papa?"

"Yes my dear?" He asked and grinned.

Tears welled up her eyes. "Papa!" She cried and hugged him. Both of them held each other for a while, but Gifts grip was tighter. She let the tears flow, and after sometime, released him.

"I can't believe it's you Papa. You look so young...and handsome!"

He shrugged. "Heavens grace. Anyways, I heard you talking back there. And I've come to tell you that you can't stay here"

"What, why?!"

"Because you don't belong here. Your mission on earth isn't over yet. You need to go back"



You're joking. You want me to go back home so that my suffering will continue? I don't think so"

"You're not the only one suffering in this life you know"

"I don't care. How can you talk like this papa? Don't you see everything I've been through? Dont you have pity on your daughter? Someone tried to get me killed for crying out loud!!"

Ikenna sighed and walked closer to her.

"Look, I know it's a hard decision for you to make, but if you die now, what will happen to those you love? What's going to happen to your ailing mother, to your family, to your friends?"

"I don't have any family and friends"

"Ok, then what's gonna happen to Uchenna, the man you love?"

She didn't respond.

"You do realize that if you die now, he'll be devastated? While youre here sniffing flowers and dancing around like some ballerina, he'll be down there suffering, slowly destroying himself knowing that you left him. Common Ngozi, have a conscience"

Gift broke down in tears and fell on her knees. "I know everything you've said I true, but it's so hard to do. I'm sick and tired of suffering, of this world in general"

He approached his daughter and held her shoulders. "Look, sometimes life can be difficult for us, but we should never let our problems defeat us my child. You're supposed to fall them head on. You can't give up yet my dear, please"

He raised her up and held her hands. "And besides" he smiled. "Things are about to get much better for you now. The Lord has heard your cries. Although you will still have little obstacles on your way, you must crush them like the fighter you are, okay?"

"Okay, but, how are things about to get much better?"

He tapped her right cheek. "You'll find out soon. In the meantime, I have something for you"

He put his hand behind him and brought out a beautiful purple rose.

"Here, take this"

"What is it Papa?"

"It's your identity. It's who you are. Take care of it"

She smiled and gently took the unique, heavenly plant.

"Thank you Papa. I miss you very much"

"Ahh, but we shall see each other again... very soon. Now give your old dad a hug"

"You're not so old here" she laughed and hugged him. "I love you.."

Immediatley she said that, a very bright light shone which caused her to close her eyes. And soon, she felt herself flying.....

George dropped his jaw as he put the book down from his face. What just happened? Did he just read that Iniobong, his maid of twenty three years plus,was responsible for Daisy, his daughters kidnap? He shook his head and chuckled a little in disbelief. Impossible. He must have read something else and made a mistake somewhere. He adjusted his glasses and brought the book closer to his face. He re-read everything again, this time carefully and word by word to check if he made a mistake somewhere, but there was none. No mistake. Everything penned down there was real and true. "Oh My God" was what kept ringing in his head. He pinched himself, maybe he was dreaming. But he wasn't, he felt the pain. The real fact was that truth about his missing daughter was right there in his hands! He couldn't believe it.

By this time, every trace of sleep had eluded him. He furiously began skimming and flipping the pages of the book, to check if there was anything else written there that was concerning his daughter. There were many other things written there but he didn't care about them now. All he wanted was more details about his child.

He was just about to approach the last page when he discovered another bombshell. This was the last thing Ini had written down before her death. He sat up straight, adjusted his glasses again and began reading everything there, word by word, trying not to miss out any detail.


April 5th 2017...

DEAR DIARY, YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY. TILL NOW, IM STILL TRYING TO RECOVER FROM THE SHOCK OF MY DISCOVERY. A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND CONFUSIONS ARE RUNNING ALL OVER MY HEAD RIGHT NOW, AND IM VERY DISTRESSED.

LAST TWO YEARS OR SO, WE EMPLOYED A NEW MAID TO HELP ME DO SOME OF THE DOMESTIC CHORES IN THE MANSION. HER NAME WAS NGOZI BUT WE LATER CHANGED HER NAME TO GIFT, FEELING IT WAS MORE CIVILIZED. GIFT WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL AND HARD WORKING GIRL, AND SHE BECAME CLOSE WITH MOST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD, EXCEPT SUSANNA. SHE ESPECIALLY DEVELOPED A CLOSE BOND WITH ROSE, AND BOTH OF THEM WERE LIKE SISTERS. HOWEVER, BOTH OF THEM HAD A HUGE FALLOUT BECAUSE OF ROSES BOYFRIEND AND BECAME SWORN ENEMIES. SINCE THEN, ROSE AND SUSAN ESPECIALLY MADE LIFE DIFFICULT FOR THE POOR GIRL, BUT I AND GEORGE STOOD BY HER, DEFENDING HER WHEN WE COULD. I EVEN TOOK HER AS MY OWN DAUGHTER, ESTHER BECAUSE SHE REMINDED ME OF HER. BUT NOW, IM BEGINNING TO HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT THAT. IM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ANYMORE.

IT WAS EARLIER TODAY, WHEN HER 'FATHER' PAID HER A SURPRISE VISIT. HE EVENTUALLY HAD A HUGE ARGUMENT WITH SUSAN, UNTIL SHE THREATENED TO CALL THE POLICE FOR HIM. HE GOT SCARED AND LEFT US, HOWEVER, THREATENING TO COME BACK FOR A NOW SHAKY GIFT. AS USUAL, SUSAN WAS ANGRY AT GIFT WHEN HE WAS GONE AND LANDED HER A MIGHTY SLAP, WHICH CAUSED THE POOR GIRL TO BLEED FROM THE NOSE. AS A MOTHER WOULD TO HER CHILD, I PICKED HER UP AND LED HER TO THE KITCHEN, SO I COULD TREAT THE WOUND AND CLEAN HER FACE. BUT AS I WAS COMFORTING HER, MY EYES LANDED ON SOMETHING AROUND HER NECK. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, IT WAS SHINY. AND IT WAS FAMILIAR. I LOOKED AT IT CLOSER. IT WAS A PURPLE MEDALLION WITH A ROSE CARVED ON IT. IT WAS THEN THAT IT HIT ME. IT WAS THE SAME MEDALLION THAT WAS PUT ON DAISYS NECK BEFORE I KIDNAPPED HER! I LOOKED AT HER FACE CLOSELY AND IT WAS THEN THAT I NOTICED A SEMBLANCE. A SEMBLANCE WITH HER FATHER, GEORGE THAT CAN ONLY BE SEEN IF ONE LOOKS CLOSELY AND VERY WELL. I WAS SHOCKED, I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. SOMEHOW, GOD HAD BROUGHT THE MISSING CHILD BACK TO HER PARENTS AFTER SO MANY YEARS, AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT. UNBELIEVABLE!!

AT FIRST, I WAS HAPPY WHEN I DISCOVERED THE TRUTH, BUT THEN I THOUGHT. WHAT IF IT ALL BOOMERANGS BACK TO ME? WHAT IF THE TRUTH IS DISCOVERED AND IM TAKEN TO PRISON FOR IT? NO, I CAN'T LET THAT HAPPEN. IM TOO OLD TO GO TO PRISON NOW, AND TOO MUCH IS AT STAKE. I NEED TO GET RID OF HER AND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BEFORE ITS TOO LATE. WISH ME LUCK....




George turned the next page but there was nothing else written there. That was her last document. Then it all made sense to him. No wonder she suddenly turned against Gift during his anniversary night and accused her of stealing his mothers necklace. She must have been the one that set her up She was trying to cover up the truth all along. Gift was his daughter, and he didn't find that out all these years until now.

He dropped the book with trembling hands. His heart was beating rapidly. He began to sweat profusely. His head pounded and his eyes itched. He was in another world now. A world filled with doubt, fear and questions. Questions that only he could answer.

"Gift....Daisy....My Daughter?"

No wonder. No wonder he felt drawn to her from the very beginning. No wonder he stood his ground and defended her when mother and daughter were persecuting her. It was the father-daughter bond at work all this time, and he couldn't see it. He burst into tears when he remembered how he had betrayed her and sent her away unjustfuly. If eventually it was proved that she was really his daughter, would he forgive him? What about Susan and Rose who had waged war with her and made her taste hell? Would she forgive them? Would she accept that they were her mother and sister respectively? Would she accept them as her true family? He couldn't answer those questions for now. Only she could answer them, but first, he needed to prove whether everything he read and discovered that night was true. He needed to find out the truth himself, and until then, no one else could know about this. Not even Susan herself. He wiped his tears, cleaned his face and picked up the diary beside him. He was going to get some sleep now, and tomorrow, he would venture on a life changing investigation.












If he could sleep.....

Id like to thank all of you who have taken out time to read my story. See, I promised you at the beginning that it would be interesting eventually. Keep on reading and you wouldn't regret you did. God bless you all and goodnight...

George took another sip of his coffee and turned the next page. He was getting more and more curious this time. He thought of reading a few more pages before calling it a day.

SEPTEMBER 7TH 2014...

DEAR DIARY, ID LIKE TO CONTINUE MY STORY FROM WHERE I STOPPED LAST TIME. LIKE I TOLD YOU BEFORE, MY POOR DAUGHTER GOT MARRIED TO A BEAST IN HUMAN FALL WHO MADE LIFE A LIVING HELL FOR HER.....AND ME. I CAN STILL RECALL A TIME I TRIED TO TALK TO HIM BUT HE POUNCED ON ME INSTEAD. MY POOR DAUGHTER CONTINUED TO SUFFER, AND I COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.

A YEAR AFTER THEY GOT MARRIED, ESTHER GOT PREGNANT AND NINE MONTHS LATER, SHE GAVE BIRTH TO A SICKLY BABY BOY. SADLY, SHE DIED A DAY AFTER GIVING BIRTH DUE TO BIRTH COMPLICATIONS, AND HER ANIMAL OF HER HUSBAND VANISHED INTO THIN AIR. I WAS LEFT ALL ALONE TO CATER FOR MICHAEL, MY GRANDSON. IT WAS A DEVASTATING PERIOD FOR ME BUT I NEEDED TO BE STRONG, AT LEAST, FOR MY DAUGHTERS CHILD.

I DECIDED TO ATTEND A SCHOOL OF MIDWIFERY TO GET A PROMOTION AND BOOST MY CURRENT INCOME IN THE HOSPITAL. I HAD A GOOD WAEC RESULT, AND I HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO BE A NURSE, BEFORE I DROPPED OUT BECAUSE OF MY MARRIAGE. I BELIEVED I COULD DO IT. IT WAS A DIFFICULT TIME, SHIFTING BETWEEN WORK, SCHOOL AND MY GRANDCHILD, AND IT ALMOST TOOK A TOLL ON ME, BUT AFTER FOUR TEDIOUS YEARS, I GRADUATED AND I WAS PROMOTED. I BECAME ONE OF THE MIDWIVES, ASSISTING WOMEN IN LABOR TO GIVE BIRTH.

IT WAS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT I MET GEORGE AND SUSANNA OKOYE. BEAUTIFUL COUPLE. THEY WERE CONSTANT VISITORS OF THE HOSPITAL, BECAUSE OF THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHILD. I BECAME GOOD FRIENDS WITH THEM, ALWAYS ENCOURAGING THEM NOT TO GIVE UP AND TO LOOK UNTO GOD. EVENTUALLY, GOD ANSWERED THEIR PRAYERS AND SUSAN DID BECOME PREGNANT. I CAN STILL RECALL THE DAY SHE WENT INTO LABOUR. SHE WAS VERY SICK AT THAT TIME, AND HEAVILY PREGNANT WITH TWINS. NO ONE THOUGHT SHE COULD MAKE IT, BUT I HAD FAITH. I WAS ASSIGNED AS THE MIDWIFE TO HELP HER DELIVER. SHE WAS IN DEEP PAINS BUT I ENCOURAGED HER AND PRAYED FOR HER AND AFTER THREE GOOD HOURS OF TEDIOUS LABOUR, SHE GAVE BIRTH TO TWO HEALTHY, BOUNCING BABY GIRLS. THEY WERE INDEED BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN. SUSAN LUCKILY MADE IT ALIVE, BUT FELL UNCONSCIOUS. I WAS GLAD I COULD HELP.

A DAY AFTER SHE GAVE BIRTH, A CERTAIN YOUNG, HANDSOME MAN APPROACHED ME. HE SAID HIS NAME WAS JOE, OR SO. HE ASKED ME IF I WAS INTERESTED IN A FAT PAYING JOB. I THINK THE PAY WAS A THOUSAND DOLLARS OR SO. I TOLD HIM YES, I WAS INTERESTED AND ASKED WHAT THE JOB WAS. HE SAID ALL I HAD TO DO WAS KIDNAP ONE OF THE OKOYE TWINS. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I HEARD IT AND ASKED WHY HE WANTED ME TO DO THAT. HE SAID THE REASON DOESN'T COUNT. I REJECTED THE OFFER AT FIRST. HOW COULD I DO SUCH AN EVIL THING? THE OKOYES WERE GOOD TO ME. SOMETIMES, THEY GAVE ME GIFTS SOMETIMES AND TREATED ME WELL. HOW COULD I BETRAY THEM LIKE THAT? I WANTED TO JUST SLAP THE CRAZY MAN RIGHT THERE WHEN HE DROPPED ANOTHER BOMBSHELL. HE TOLD ME THAT HE KNEW MY GRANDSON, MICHAEL WAS ILL AND THAT HE NEEDED A LOT OF MONEY FOR AN OPERATION. I WAS SHOCKED AND ASKED HIM HOW HE KNEW BUT HE JUST TOLD ME TO HAVE A RETHINK. HE GAVE ME HIS ADDRESS AND WALKED AWAY.

TRULY, MICHAEL WAS ILL. HE HAD A TUMOR IN HIS BELLY, AND NEEDED AN EXPENSIVE OPERATION TO REMOVE IT. DAYS LATER, HIS SICKNESS GOT WORSE AND HE WAS ALMOST AT THE POINT OF DEATH. NO ONE WAS READY TO HELP, AND I EVEN HAD A BLOOD PRESSURE RISE DUE TO EXCESSIVE THINKING AND CRYING. I COULDN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO LOOK FOR THE MAN AND ACCEPT THE JOB.

HE TOLD ME HOW WE WOULD DO THE JOB, AND PAID ME HALF OF THE MONEY. I LATER LEARNT IT WAS ONE WEALTHY WOMAN ABROAD, IVE FORGOTTEN HER NAME, THAT PUT HIM UP TO THE JOB. EXCITEDLY, I PAID FOR MY GRANDSONS OPERATION AND THE TUMOR WAS SUCCESSFULLY REMOVED. BUT IT WASN'T OVER YET. I STILL HAD TO DO THE TERRIBLE JOB.

WE CARRIED IT OUT A DAY SUSAN WAS TO BE DISCHARGED. I REMEMBER SNEAKING IN HER ROOM WHILE SHE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP. I TOOK THE CHILD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CRIB AND STUFFED IT IN A BAG, AND PUT SOME CLOTHES AND CLEANING
MATERIALS ON TOP, TO COVER IT. I THEN DASHED OUT OF THE HOSPITAL SO THAT THE GIRL WOULDN'T SUFFOCATE. WE GOT INTO HIS CAR AND THE GATEKEEPER LET US CROSS. IT SEEMED HE WAS BRIBED, AS HE DIDN'T EVEN QUESTION US. WE DROVE AWAY FROM THE HOSPITAL WITH THE GIRL WITH US. THAT WAS HOW I CARRIED OUT THE MOST DANGEROUS AND HORRIBLE MISSION OF MY LIFE. IT WAS LIKE A NIGHTMARE BUT WE SUCCEEDED. THAT NIGHT STILL HAUNTS ME TILL TODAY.

WE ARGUED ON WHO WOULD TAKE THE BABY. JOE FINALLY AGREED THAT I COULD HAVE IT, BUT WARNED THAT I BETTER NOT DO ANYTHING FUNNY IF NOT I AND MY GRANDCHILD WILL BE KILLED. I BECAME SCARED. I HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO RETURN THE THE BABY AFTER COLLECTING THE REST OF MY MONEY, BUT I HAD BEEN TRAPPED. I REALLY NEEDED TO GET RID OF IT NOW.

THE NEXT DAY, I TOOK THE BABY TO A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE, MAMA NONYE, WHO IS NOW LATE. I MADE HER PROMISE TO KEEP THE CHILD WITHIN THE STATE, AND NOT TO GET RID OF THE BEAUTIFUL MEDALLION ON HER NECK. I STILL DEEPLY WANTED THE CHILD TO BE FOUND, SOMEWAY. SHE AGREED AND BEFORE MY VERY EYES, MAMA NONYE WALKED AWAY AND I NEVER SAW THE BABY, AGAIN...

WHEN I RETURNED TO THE THE HOSPITAL, IT WAS THROWN INTO CHAOS. EVERYONE WAS PANICKING. A GREAT MANS CHILD HAD JUST BEEN KIDNAPPED, WHO WOULDN'T PANIC? I KNEW I HAD DONE THE WORST BUT NOW, IT WAS TOO LATE. AND I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING...

TWO YEARS LATER, I LOST MY GOOD JOB AT THE THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE IT WAS THREATENING TO FOLD. I BECAME DEPRESSED. WHERE WAS I TO GO FROM THERE? THEN, A RAY OF HOPE SHONE ON ME. I REMEMBERED THE GOOD PEOPLE WHO I HAD HURT IN THE THE PAST. THE OKOYES. THEY HAD GIVEN ME THEIR ADDRESS BEFORE. I QUICKLY WROTE THEM A LETTER AND THEY SENT FOR ME. THEY AGREED TO GIVE ME A JOB AS A MAID IN THEIR MANSION. I HURRIEDLY TOOK IT, AND THAT WAS HOW I SAW MYSELF HERE. TILL NOW.

WHEN I THINK OF MY PAST EXPRIENCES AND MISTAKES, I CAN'T HELP BUT CRY. SOMETIMES I WONDER. WHERE IS THAT CHILD NOW? IS SHE ALIVE? IS SHE BEING TREATED WELL? THESE THOUGHTS FILL MY MIND, EVERYDAY. GOD KNOWS MY CONSCIENCE STILL BOTHERS ME. JOE HAS LONG DISAPPEARED, AND I WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME. THE MONEY THAT HE HAD GIVEN ME HAD FINISHED, AND I WAS STILL NO WHERE. WHAT MEN CAN DO FOR MONEY THAT WILL NEVER STAY WITH THEM FOREVER.
ITS BEEN YEARS NOW BUT I KNOW THE THE OKOYES HAVEN'T FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE SHOCK OF LOOSING THEIR BABY. SOMETIMES, I FEEL LIKE EXPOSING MYSELF AND COMING CLEAN, BUT I KNOW THAT WILL BE FOOLS PLAY.I DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT. SO, I HAVE TO SWIM IN THE RIVER OF A GUILTY CONSCIENCE UNTIL MY DEATH. THIS MY STORY. THIS IS MY DEEPEST, DARKEST, SECRET.


I WILL STILL WRITE SOME MORE THINGS IN YOU, BUT FOR NOW, LET ME GET SOME REST. I AM TIRED. GOODNIGHT FOR NOW...

SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2014..

[i][/i] HELLO THERE. ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAD A DIARY, AND I KNOW IT SEEMS IM TO OLD TO HAVE ONE, BUT WITH THE EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO ME THIS PAST TWENTY PLUS YEARS, I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL LIKE I NEED A PLACE WHERE I CAN POUR DOWN MY SORROWS AND REGRETS IN LIFE. MY DEEPEST SECRETS. BUT BEFORE I CONTINUE, LET ME WRITE A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF.

MY FULL NAME IS INIOBONG MARIANNE EKET-BASSEY. I WAS BORN IN A SMALL VILLAGE IN AKWA IBOM STATE, I CAN'T REMEMBER THE DATE. WHEN I WAS TWENTY, I GOT MARRIED TO A SOLDIER, EMMANUEL BASSEY. HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND I REALLY LOVED HIM. AND HE LOVED ME TOO. FEW MONTHS AFTER OUR MARRIAGE, WE MOVED TO OWERRI, THE CAPITAL OF IMO STATE, WHERE HE WAS POSTED. WE HAD OUR FIRST AND ONLY CHILD THERE, ESTHER. SADLY, FEW YEARS AFTER ESTHER WAS BORN, MY BELOVED EMMANUEL DIED OF A BULLET WOUND ON HIS CHEST, WHICH HE GOT FROM A GUN BATTLE WITH SOME ROBBERS, AND DIED A CRUEL DEATH. IT WAS A REALLY DEVASTATING PERIOD FOR ME, THAT I HAD BECOME A WIDOW AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE IN BOTH MY LIFE AND MARRIAGE.

TWO YEARS AFTER EMMAS DEATH, I DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GET A JOB. ESTHER WAS DUE TO GO TO SCHOOL, AND I NEEDED TO CATER FOR HER AND MYSELF AS WELL, SINCE MY FAMILY AND HUSBANDS FAMILY HAD ABANDONED US. LUCKILY FOR ME, I SECURED A JOB AS A CLEANER IN THE PRESTIGIOUS ST MARYS HOSPITAL, OWERRINTA. IT WAS GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED THAT TIME, SO THE PAY WAS OKAY. I USED THE JOB TO TRAIN ESTHER UNTIL SHE WAS SIXTEEN, OUT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL. DUE TO OUR POOR CONDITION, I MARRIED HER EARLY TO A MECHANIC, SO SHE COULD TAKE CARE OF ME AND HERSELF, LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT I HAD MARRIED MY POOR DAUGHTER TO A DEVILS INCARNATE, A CRIMINAL, PARADDING HIMSELF AS A MAN. THE MAN WOULD ABUSE MY POUR DAUGHTER PHYSICALLY, VERBALLY AND SEXUALLY. SHE WAS REALLY IN DEEP SUFFERING, AND HE WASN'T EVEN TAKING CARE OF HER.

I AM TIRED NOW, I NEED TO GET SOME SLEEP. BUT I SHALL CONTINUE TOMMOROW, I STILL HAVE A LOT TO TELL YOU.....