Later that night, Gift was studying in her room for an upcoming test when her phone rang. She checked the caller ID but it was an unknown number. After some moments of ringing, she picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hello Ngozi, its me Uchenna''
She froze immediately at the mention of the name.
" Uche.....wh....how did you get my number?"
"That doesn't matter. We need to talk please"
"Can you get of my line you slowpoke? There's nothing to talk about, what do you want?"
"Look Ngo, I know you're mad at me, but you need to understand that it wasn't my fault. You know how close I was to Ude, don't you? He connived with my mother"
"Really, you chose to believe that goat over me Uche. That clearly showed that you value him more than me"
"You know that's not true Ngo, please"
"Stop justifying your actions Uche, you called me a freaking LovePeddler for Gods sake. You used my poor condition and family background against me you bastard!"
"Ngozi, I'm sor....."
"STOP APOLOGIZING, you're only wasting your time. Listen you slowpoke, I've moved on and I've completely forgotten about you. I don't know the fool that gave you my number but let this be the first and last time you'll ever call me again. Stay away from me or else, I'll charge you to court okay? IDIOT!!" she hissed and cut the call before cleaning her sweaty face. Just then, someone knocked on her door.
"Come in"
Iniobong opened the door and walked in.
''Gift, are you okay? "
"I'm fine Ini, thanks"
"But you were just yelling, who was that on the phone"
She was hesitant.
"You know I'm your friend dear, I see you as my daughter all ready. Tell me what the problem is"
She sighed "It was my ex boyfriend"
Ini walked to the bed and sat on it. Gift began to pour out herself. She told Ini about Uche, and how they broke up. By the end of the long story, Gift was in tears.
"That's pathetic indeed" Ini began "But maybe you are being to rash"
"What do you mean?"
"Gift, in life, we humans are bound to make mistakes. Relationships can be sloppy sometimes. They aren't a bed of roses. There are times when the second party makes mistakes, and it seems unforgivable. But when we look into the matter, we find out that we might also have a hand in that mistake"
"How?"
''Gift,how could you have been so careless to follow a full grown man into the bush alone all in the name of friendship and surprises? Didn't common sense tell you that that was wrong and suspicious? "
She kept silent for a while.
''I suppose you have a point "
" Exactly. Sometimes were are too quick to judge the other person without judging ourselves first"
"But still, he still called me all sort of disgusting names and used my poor background against me, is that forgivable?"
"He made a mistake, and he has realized it. Now its time for you to realize your mistakes and let go of the pain. It takes two to make it work dear, think about it”
She stood up and headed for the door "At the end of the day, the choice is still yours. I hope you choose wisely my dear"
She opened the door and walked out, leaving Gift in deep thoughts.
*****
Uchenna dropped the phone slowly after she cut the call. Once again, she had closed the door of her hearts on him. He was downcast.
"Maybe I should just give up" he muttered.
*****
He took another sip and dropped the empty bottle. He then ordered for another bottle of Guinness, the third so far.
"I'm loosing my mind Amos"
"Because of a girl?"
"I can't help it, she's driving me crazy. I need to have her.....And I'll make sure I get her"
"You are mad Edwin! What's gonna happen to Rose Edwin"
"I still haven't forgotten her you know"
"Then stop going after her best friend! Be faithful for once in four life!!"
"Don't talk to me about being faithful, you're not a saint, so don't come preaching to me!!"
"I know I'm not a saint, but at least I don't jump from one girl to another like my life depends on it"
"Why are you so concerned about Rose, do you like her?"
Amos opened his mouth to talk but the words wouldn't come out.
"I see.."
" Youre drunk, you dont know what you are saying. And Don't try to change the topic Edwin, its you we're talking about here. I'm worried about you"
"Bleep you and your concern. I can live my life the way I want and I don't need you telling me what to do okay?" he hissed and staggered out of the bar while Amos watched with worry in his eyes.

iamlynn:
Nice one but who's Genevieve?

Gifts close friend, she is mentioned in the previous episode.

Episode 6
Genevieve chattered away with a small group of her friends as they made of their various hostels after the days strenuous lectures. She seemed to be the only one talking as she didn't let anyone say anything because she was always cutting them off. She was really annoying but hey, she was Genevieve. No reasonable Lady present there wanted a tongue lashing that warm afternoon.
They had arrived a stone throw from their hostel, when a familiar Red Honda CR-V drove up to them. The glass whined down, and none other than Uchenna popped up his head with a smile on his face.
"Hello girls" he greeted.
"Hi" all the girls, except Genevieve responded. She just folded her arms and looked away in disgust.
Uchenna turned to her "Miss, may I have a word with you?" he asked
Genevieve looked at him and shook her head ''What? Do you want to kidnap me like you almost kidnapped my friend? ”
Uchenna looked shocked "What? Absolutely not! I just need to see you for something important that's all. I promise that my intentions are pure, please" he pleaded with a soft but persuasive voice.
Genevieve thought for a while and decided to go with him. She looked at him and sighed.
"Fine"
She waved her friends goodbye and hopped in his car.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"To that eatery across your gate"
She nodded and he began to drive.
When they arrived, they settled down and he told her to order anything she wanted. She ordered a meal of Fufu with Egusi soup and he had to watch in disgust as she ate the food like a mad pig. All through out, he had to pretend that he was happy with her. Finally, she was done and he heaved a sigh of relief. He had to wait for another ten minutes for the food to 'sink in' before they could talk.
"Chai, I've forgotten how it felt to eat good food. Its been so so garri and indomie since this week. Thank God for you bros"
He gave a fake smile.
"You're welcome, now can we talk about what we ACTUALLY came here for?"
"Sure, what's the problem?"
"Its about Ngozi, I would like you to give me her number please ”
"Hmmmm, let me think..... HELL NO!"
"Why not?"he asked, feeling betrayed.
" One, because she'd kill me, two, you don't even deserve it"
"She must have told you about us, right"
She nodded. He sighed. He began telling her everything, from the first time they met, till their break up. He didn't hold back, and by the end, Genevieve was already in tears.
"Oh my God, that's so touching. But you're still an idiot you know that?"
"Why?"
"You should have investigated the matter before concluding she was cheating on you. You know that Ngozi is a sensitive person"
"I know, that's why I wanna make things right. Just help me out, please"
She thought for a while "OK"
She brought out her phone and called out her number to him. He saved it and jumped up.
"Thanks so much, I'll forever be grateful"
"You're welcome. Call her fast fast oooo, I think you deserve her" she smiled.
He nodded and stormed out of the hall.

present!! come and continue fast biko

* * * * *
Rose arrived home early that day, tired and exhausted. She slouched on the sofa and heaved a sigh of relief. Just then, the words of Doris began to pour into her head. She had seen the video, and waved it of as a sign of friendship from Edwin's part, but Doris was adamant. She insisted that Gift was up to no good.
"Even if it just seemed as an ordinary act of friendship, what if it was more than that? What if they have already started developing feelings for each other?"
Then she burst the bubble.
"I caught him Rose. I caught him staring lustfully at Gift the first day he saw her. He might have already started having feelings for her. Don't allow some maid to take your man away from you girl, open your eyes"
The words kept ringing and ringing. She became confused. Would Gift really betray her? Would she ruin her relationship?
Just at that moment, Gift came out of the kitchen with a mug in her hand. She beamed when she saw her friend.
"Hey girl, what's up?"
Rose looked at her and kept quiet for a while. She noticed that Gift was truly a beauty to behold. With that gorgeous face and perfect body, who wouldn't fall for her? her heart skipped a beat.
"Are you okay Rose?" Gift asked worriedly.
"Can we talk Gift?"
Gift walked up to her and sat next to her. Rose took a deep breath before releasing the surprising question quickly.
"Do you like Edwin?"
Gift crumpled her face "What?"
"Do you like Edwin, Gift, it's a simple question"
"Of course I don't, why would you ask me that?"
ignoring the question, she dropped another shocking one.
"But do you think he likes you?"
"I wouldn't know, I'm not in his mind. Hold on, what's up with all the strange questions?"
"Nothing. I just wanna be sure I'm not contending with anyone for my mans heart. You know how much I love him right?"
Gift smiled and held her friends hand.
"You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Even if he does like me, I'll never reciprocate the feelings because I have no feelings for him. I'll never do anything to hurt you, you know that"
"You better keep to your words. Because the one thing I can never forgive in my life is betrayal. If I find out that you and Edwin are playing dirty games with me.......you'll be sorry you ever met me" she threatened with so much coldness in her voice. Gift had never seen her like that before. It was for like a moment, Rose was gone and who she was seeing was a woman filled with vengeance and hate.
Rose slowly stood up from the seat and headed for her room while Gift watched her with fear in her eyes.

BiadeFolar:
Blessing you're doing a great job here. I hope to see this put together sometime as a book.
Good stuff. Keep it up.

thanks dear

greatme2good:
When are we expecting another update ma

Anytime from now, thanks.

YoungBruzzy:
A plate of pepper soup and Smirnoff for my Pretty OP..

You are doing a great job, keep it coming.

Thank you, but don't u think Smirnoff is too strong for me?

They got some distance away from the scene, all of them, quiet. Suddenly, Gift stopped and turned to him.
"You can let go of me now" she commanded angrily.
Edwin realized he had still been holding Gift. He couldn't help it. Her hands were so soft and tender and it felt like heaven.
"Oh" he said "Sorry"
"Did you really have to do all that?"
"Do what?”
"Claim that you were my boyfriend.... and in front of so many people!!"
"I was only trying to scare the fool away. No big deal"
"Yes it is. What if Rose were there, how'd you think she'd feel?"
Edwin kept quiet. He actually did that so he could get a feel of her, something he'd been longing for. It was so amazing being able to touch her big backside, and he couldn't do that if she wasn't his girlfriend.
"Look, I really appreciate all your help, but I hope this is the last time such repeats itself. I don't like being taking unawares like that, okay? Thank you"
She turned and began walking away. As he watched her hips sway from side to side, he couldn't help it.
He jus got more urge to have her.
* * * * *
They watched the video the last time before Doris shook her head and dropped her phone back in her bag. Michelle and Sandra were just astonished.
"See" Doris finally said "I told you that girl was bad news, Rose needs to hear of this" she declared with fire in her eyes.

YoungBruzzy:

Uhmmmn, I smell jealousy..LOL well, she is a great person, though I Haven't meet her in flesh and blood. And I'm sure she is gorgeous just like her name.. You know....winks

you're not serious, see your face like jealous.

YoungBruzzy:
Thank you my wonderful OP..
But it would be our pleasure if you can try to make your update more lengthy..



Hmm!!! just thinking out though

hm, you seem to be a great fan of Ann2012, its now that you remembered that there was a story that you came to read

YoungBruzzy:
Thank you my wonderful OP..
But it would be our pleasure if you can try to make your update more lengthy..



Hmm!!! just thinking out though

hm, you seem to be a great fan of Ann2012, its now that you remembered that there was a story that you came to read :-)

Episode 5
He tapped the steering wheel of his car slowly and took another quick glance at his watch. It read 3:30pm. He sighed. What was he doing there anyways? How was he sure she was going to come out there and meet him? Would she even like to see him?

These were the questions that filled Uches thoughts as he patiently waited for Gift inside his car. He had been there for two hours straight now and was starting to get tired. Earlier that day, he had gone to the Okoye mansion to see her and talk to her. He had made this decision some weeks after their encounter. At first, he thought he wasn't ready to meet her and make things up but eventually, he summoned courage and decided to talk to her. He visited them and Yahaya informed him that she was attending IMSU. When he arrived, he showed some students her picture, which he had kept on his phone even after their break-up, and those who recognized her told him that she usually waited for her best friend under a huge mango tree that was along the school drive way. That was where he had been waiting for her since two hours ago, and he hadn't seen even a shadow of her. He was frustrated.
Just when he was about giving up and driving again, he saw her approaching the tree with another short, fat and chocolate complexioned girl. She looked different from the last time he met her, more graceful and angelic, with her long Ghana braids and her simple make-up. He lightened up, took another look at the mirror, and picked up the bouquet of flowers that lay on the seat next to him. He opened the door and approached the two Ladies.
"I don't know Gift, I think the lecturer was the one at fault here" said Genevieve, the fat girl with Gift.
"But the girl shouldn't have picked a fight with him, she deserved what she got if you ask me" Gift pointed out as she made to sit down. Just then, she heard someone call out her name, a familiar voice. She froze.
"Ngozi, how are you?" Uche asked as he approached them.
"What are you doing here?" she asked after she turned to him.
"I need to talk to you Ngozi, please"
"There's nothing to talk about Uche, you already made known how you feel about me, two years ago. What more do you want?"
"Ngozi please, I know it was all a set up. My mother deceived me"
"I told you didn't I, did you believe me? No, instead you called me all sort of disgusting names and treated me like trash!"
"Ngozi, please forgive me, I'm sorry" he went on his knees.
"No,I will never forgive you bastard! Better stand up if you know what is good for you!"
She turned to leave but he was adamant. He tried to hold her back but kept protesting. This attracted some passersby. Just at the heat of the struggle, Edwin and his gang arrived out of nowhere. He charged for Gift and dragged her away.
"What the bleep do you think you think you're doing with my babe?''
Gift became shocked at the question and turned to him with a confused look. Uche was also confused and turned to her but she kept staring at Edwin.
" Are you deaf? I asked why you're harassing my girlfriend?" he asked again and put his hand over her waist. She became red hot in embarrassment.
"Ngozi?" Uche called her but she just turned away. He frowned and turned to Edwin.
"Get your filthy hands off her!!"
"Come and make me!"
At that, he couldn't take it anymore. He lurched forward and landed him a powerful punch which took him aback. Edwin's gang soon held him back and gave him a barrage of punches and kicks. Edwin soon signaled his attackers and they held Uche by both sides. He approached them and began landing him his own version of punches and kicks until he began to bleed. Finally, Gift could no longer take it. At first she was enjoying it, but when she saw blood coming out of his nose, it stabbed her heart.
"That's enough!" she finally said. They stooped and turned to her. "I think he's learnt his lesson" she said softly this time.
Edwin turned to Uche "Thank your lucky stars, motherfucker, you would have been sorry" he muttered. He turned away and held Gift by the hand before leaving.
Uche just lay there, unconscious, with different people around him. They thought of sending him to the hospital. Eventually, he slowly stood up, holding his left arm.
"Sir, should we take you to the hospital, are you alright? a concerned girl asked.
" I'm fine, thank you " he said, with pain all over him. He began heading for his car.
"Can you drive?" she asked
He slowly nodded, opened his car and drove away in defeat.

Episode 4
Gift vividly remembered the first day she resumed school at the Imo State university, as a Business Administration Student. She remembered her first lectures, and the occasional glances she received from some students. It was probably because of her age, she thought, even though she was sure that she wasn't the oldest student in their midst. She was shy and filled with thoughts, and she barely paid attention in class. Nevertheless, she was happy because for the first time, she was in a lecture hall listening to lectures. She forgot all about Uchenna and the misery that came with meeting him. It was all thanks to George, who had assisted in funding her entrance exams and her admission fees. She was also very grateful to Rose, who had brought the idea up.

After lectures that day, she waited for Rose to pick her up, in front of a huge mango tree that was planted not too far from the Administration Block. She waited patiently for her friend, and was just about to sit down on the root of the tree when she spotted Roses purple painted Lexus jeep trotting down. She smiled and stood straight. Rose parked and Gift sped in the front seat.
"Hey Gift,"
"Hi Rose"
"So, how was your first day?" she asked as she began driving again.
She sighed "It was OK, I guess. I couldn't really pay attention in class"
"Why not?"
"Because people kept staring at me like I was some alien. I told you I was too old to go back to school" she explained sadly.
"Oh come on, don't be ridiculous. I'm sure you're not the oldest jambite amongst them, people start school when they're in their sixties. They were probably admiring you for your beauty. Just stop worrying about what other people think about you and face your studies, thats what you're here for, okay?"
Gift smiled and nodded her head. Just then, her stomach began to grumble.
"Me to, let's go to the canteen for a snack before we head home. I'll introduce you to my friends from there"
She detoured and drove to the school canteen, not to far from the back gate. They walked in and saw Doris and two other very pretty girls, gathered at one table. She held Gift by the hand and walked to them.
"Hey girls, what's up?" she asked them , beaming.
"Hi Rosie" Doris responded and eyed Gift "And who is she supposed to be?"
"She's the friend I was telling you about. Gift, meet Doris, Michelle and Sandra. Girls, Gift" she introduced and all of them, except Doris, waved at her.
"Anyways, I'm gonna get us some snacks, while you guys should know yourselves better" she said before walking out. Gift shyly sat down when she was gone. The four girls kept silent for a while before Doris broke it.
"So,who's daughter are you?"
"Hm?" Gift looked confused.
"I mean like, who's your father? what does he do?"
" My father is dead. He was a farmer"
Doris turned to her friends with confusion all over her face.
"Hold on, how did you meet her then? ”
"I'm a maid in their house"
"What!!!" all three girls cried at the same time.
Just at that moment, Rose came to them with a tray in her hands.
"Hold on Rose, you brought your maid into our group? What happened to the 'no slum' girl policy?" she asked gesturing with her fingers.
"The last time I checked, I was the one who made the rules.... and this group as well, so I'm free to bring in whoever I want okay? I hope you guys wont bug her" Rose warned.
Doris dropped her jaw in shock.
"You can't do that!!"
"Can't I?"
Just when the argument was rising, Edwin and his gang came into the canteen and joined the agitated girls.
"We'll talk about this, later" Rose whispered to Doris.
"Hey girls" Edwin greeted and sat down on the free bench that was close to the window. His gang joined him.
"Hi babe" he greeted and kissed Rose on the cheek. Rose smiled at him.
Just then, his eyes caught the ebony black beauty that wore a tight fitting gown, knee level gown that sat next to Michelle. The gown didn't fail to bring out her sexy attributes, her big boobs and her perfect figure eight. At that moment, he forgot all about Rose and fixed his eyes on the gorgeous damsel. Finally, he spoke.
"And who is that beauty over there?" he asked pointing to Gift.
"Oh, that's my friend Gift, the one I told you about"
"Hi" Gift greeted.
"Hi. It's a pleasure to meet you" he was about to stretch his hand for a handshake when Rose kicked him.
"Thanks" Gift said and continued eating her meatpie.
The group of friends talked, laughed and had fun until the day was about to draw to an end . All throughout, Edwin had his eyes fixated on Gift. Sometimes, he would lick his lips in lust. He didn't know however that Doris had caught him on several occasions and became alarmed.
"That girl is no good. I need to get rid of her" she thought.
Meanwhile, Edwin had already concluded in his mind.
"No, I will not let this one pass me. I must have her" he thought and smirked.

Nightfall finally drew in, and Gift and Rose were heading home. Rose saw her looking out the window and chuckled. Gift turned to her.
"What's that?"
"Nothing, I just wondered how you were able to keep quiet while Doris was insulting you. Its sooo unlike you"
Gift hissed "Abeg, I did it just because of you. On normal days, that witch would have gone home with a sand filled mouth, then she'll see a real village girl, nonsense"
Rose threw her head back in laughter.
"Oh Gift, you can be something else sometimes"
"I haven't even started"
This time, both girls laughed at the same time.

The Boys.
Hey guys, so I've brought more pictures of the young male protagonists. You guys decide who's the most handsome.
PS- The character of Luis will come in much later. So don't be confused when you see him. Okay, let's begin.
1)Prince Uchenna Ezenwa
2)Luis Nzeribe
3)Edwin James

greatme2good:
Nice I guess one of them is you coz the meaning of your moniker is Ngozi in Igbo. You are beautiful.

Thanks angel but the girl I put as Ngozi isn't me. im the one on my DP, I still appreciate though.

"We need to talk!!" Susan cried as she slammed the door of Roses room. Rose just looked up from the book she was reading and rolled her eyes.
"About what?"
"Whats really going on between you and that Gift, ehn"
"Ummm, we're friends, is there a problem with that?"
"Of course there is, you can't just be friends with every Tom and Harry that comes your way, she's a freaking maid for Gods sake!!!"
"So, she doesn't deserve friends, she's not a human being, is that it?"
She sighed and then responded.
"Look, poor people like Gift don't deserve any friends. They are gold diggers. They will use you and then dump you when they are true with you, try and understand!!"
"Rubbish mum, dad was poor before you married him, did he dump you? Aren't you happy with him?"
Susan kept silent.
"Exactly! look mum, you don't come telling me who and who not to make friends with. I'm an adult now so I know what I'm doing. I am free to even make friends with a mad man and there's nothing anyone can do about that, okay? Use the door when you're done starring at me!!"
She hissed and sat down. Susan was breathing heavily by the time she was done. She couldn't say anything else. She turned and left the room, slamming the door behind her. She saw Gift in front of her room door. She probably heard everything that went on. She walked to her with fire in her eyes.
"You better hope that you're not playing around with my daughter, because if I find out that you hurt her, I will make you pay" she whispered before hissing and storming away. Gift just shook her head in disbelief.
"Rich people sef" she muttered.

hey guys, I decided to show pictorial representations of the 2 main characters I.e Ngozi/Gift and Rose so the reader will have a more vivid imagination and clearer insight of the story. Hope you guys like it. Also, stating who is prettier will be good oooo! More images soon.
1) Ngozi/Gift Okonkwo.
2)Rose Ogechi Okoye

hey guys, I decided to show pictorial representations of the 2 main characters I.e Ngozi/Gift and Rose so the reader will have a more vivid imagination and clearer insight of the story. Hope you guys like it. Also, stating who is prettier will be good oooo! More images soon.

The next day was a Sunday. People had just returned from the Sunday services and had been observing the day of rest. Susan and George were both sitting at their beautiful and richly decorated balcony located at the back of the house. They had been enjoying the evening breeze and the beautiful sunset. George was having fun with his new smartphone and Susan was reading a copy of 'Cosmopolitan', both of them, deep in their activities. Soon, Rose and Gift joined them and disrupted the quiet.
"Hey dad, hey mum" Rose greeted as she closed the door. Gift also greeted.
"Hey sweetie, have you watched this comedy? Akpan sent it to me yesterday and I can't stop watching"he laughed.
Rose bent down and watched an old and stale episode of Mark Angel comedy. By the end of the episode, George threw his head back in laughter. Rose just turned to Gift and gave a wry smile.
" You didn't find that funny, did you?" George asked in realization.
Rose shook her head " Sorry dad, but Mark angel is sorta out dated. Its for kids, I prefer mature comedy "
Susan giggled before turning to him.
"See, I told you"
George sighed and tucked the phone in his pocket.
"Anyways, dad, there's an important issue I'd like to talk to you about"
"Go on"
"You see, Gift and I talked about it the other day, and, after much deliberation, she's decided to go back to school, university to be precise"
George widened his eyes. "Really Gift?"
"Actually sir, it was all her idea" she responded nervously.
"And you're sure you wanna go?"
"Sure as hell dad" Rose cut in "She has an excellent WAEC result and even got admission once but couldn't afford to go. But now, since she's working for us, why don't we help her?" she asked innocently.
George rubbed his beard in silence for a while before turning to Gift.
"What do you think Gift, do you want to really go back to school?"
She nodded nervously. "Its been my dream Sir ”
"Well then, if that's the case, I think we should go for it''
The two girls shrieked and hugged each other in excitement.
"Excuse me George?" Susans voice echoed thus breaking the moment.
"Did you bother to ask how I feel about this stupid idea?"
"There's nothing stupid about the idea" George said calmly "The girl wants to go back to school and achieve her dreams, we can't tie her down you know"
"I don't care, she can achieve her dreams without us, we're not her parents for Christ's sake!" she paused for a while and turned to the two girls.
"And you Rose, since when did this friendship start, ehn?"
"Since she started work here!" Rose said matter-of-factly.
"And you didn't even bother to tell me?"
"Enough of this drama Susan, please don't start now, I'm very tired" George interrupted.
"No George, you are the one being dramatic here, you're forgetting what this girl put us through, why are you being unnecessarily sentimental?"
"That was long ago Susan, forget it already!"
"That was just last week!!!" Susan said surprisingly.
"Stop it mum!! you're being too childish!!" Rose cut in again.
"Oya nunu, Go on, gang up on me, I'm not the one being childish here. Make her your daughter if you want, I don't care!!!!" she hissed and stormed out.
George just sighed and rubbed his temple after she left.
"I don't believe it,mum can be such a drama Queen sometimes" Rose angrily said.
"Mr George, if helping me will cause problems between your wife, I don't mind you changing your mind"
"No Gift I'm not changing my mind. You are my employee and thus, its my responsibility to take you in as my own, and support you in any way I can. I'm gonna make some calls and find out what you can do to get an admission. I promise to get back to you".
" Thanks dad" Rose jumped and hugged her father accompanying it with several kisses all over his face.
Gift smiled and prostrated. "Thank you sir"


Susan slammed the door behind her and rested on it. She was breathing heavily and her eyes were filled with nothing but anger and rage. She couldn't believe that her husband had become such a sissy. And Rose was best friends with her? No, it couldn't happen. She wouldn't let a gold digger like her, climb up and have a place in her family where she didn't belong. She wouldn't let a mere maid ruin her family. She kicked the nearby plastic chair down and stormed out of the room in rage.

Ann2012:
Well done OP

Thank you.

[quote author=YoungBruzzy post=80302749]Thanks for the update.

how I wish you can be persistent and consistent with the update, But...[/quote
]
I'm deeply sorry YoungBruzzy. Students just finished their exams so I've been busy doing results, but not to worry, I won't stop with the updates, so chill. Thanks.

Episode 3
The days that followed were filled with silence and coldness. Gift didn't do her work cheerfully as she normally did and as a result, was usually clumsy and slow. Rose noticed her friends sudden character and tried her best to talk her out of it, but it seemed she was pouring water on a rock. Gift was hurt, deeply.
Rose spent days trying to figure out how to make her friend happy when an idea struck her one day. She remembered that Gift had always dreamed of going to the university and studying her dream course. She was able to finish secondary school, and even had a WAEC and JAMB result. She had gotten admission into the university but rejected it because she couldn't afford it. She figured that if given the chance to go back to school, she would be happy and forget about her current misery.
Later in the night, she visited Gift in her room for a conversation. Gift was having a shower when she arrived. She stepped out, clad in a towel and saw her friend waiting for her on the bed.
"Hi Gift" she said with a smile on her face.
"Hey Rose" she responded slowly as she headed for the cupboard.
"oh common, don't tell me that guy has also affected your response to greetings as well?"
She sighed.
"Anyways, do you remember waist me about your dream of going back to school to do accounting?"
Gift turned to her and raised a brow before nodding.
"Great, I was just thinking, what if we make that dream a reality?"
Gift turned back to the cupboard and Rose could hear her chuckle for the first time.
"You're kidding me, right? how can an old woman like me, who's even supposed to be graduating by now, fathom going back to school. Don't make me laugh, abeg"
"But I'm serious. Age is just a number, there is no age limit for getting a proper education. Besides, you don't even look a day over sixteen, no one would notice your age. neither will they care!"
"And how do you expect me to use my merger income to fund university education? Give me a break, Rose"
"Don't worry about that, I'm gonna tell dad about it tomorrow and I'm sure he'll gladly welcome the idea"
Gift kept silent for a while and scratched the back of her head.
"I don't know, Rose....."
"Oh common, please don't refuse, it'll do you good" she stood up and held her by the shoulders.
"Look, I don't appreciate you sitting down here and wallowing away your time because of some goon. You deserve better than that. Just trust me and try my idea. I promise you won't regret, okay?"
She sighed and closed her eyes.
"Fine"
" Awesome, we'll tell dad about it tomorrow, so get ready, okay? "
She nodded and Rose walked out. She fell on her bed and for the first time in a while, smiled before closing her eyes in sleep.

Uchenna drove in silence, gluing his eyes to the busy road. Jane was with him, occasionally glancing at him. Finally, she couldn't bear the silence and eventually spoke up.
"Boss, this isn't fair oooo, you are just keeping me in the darkness for no reason. What's your problem now?"
Uchenna kept silent for a while and Jane placed her hand on his. He sighed and responded.
''I saw her"
Jane raised a brow.
"Who?"
"Ngozi, the girl I told you about"
Jane widened her eyeballs and removed her hand. She turned to the window and kept silent. She became jealous, she couldn't help it.
He got to her house and dropped her off. He thought of heading home but decided to go to a nearby bar to clear his head. That night was one of the most unbelievable nights in his life.

YoungBruzzy:
Thanks for the update OP But you've not been consistent with your updates these days.. All the same, Nice story you've got here ..

Sorry for that dear, I've just been too busy these days.

I hope Louis' problem isn't life threatening

The party ended not too long after that. George was lucky enough to have convinced the angry guest not to report to the minister. But the video which was recorded by some people began to go viral almost immediately. The press people also seemed to have gone home smiling that night. The day hadn't ended well for the Okoyes and by the end, Susan was furious. Gift, was gonna pay.
Meanwhile, Gift had locked herself up in her room while swimming in a pool of tears. She was so weak and confused. She had forgotten everything about that monstermother.
she saw him that day, right under her nose. All the painful memories began pouring in again and she couldn't help but break down.
Iniobong had been knocking persistently on her door, trying to reach out to her when she heard Susan and George coming up. He was trying to calm his wife down but she was determined to cause damage. She kept shouting on top of her voice until she arrived Gifts door. She pushed Ini aside and began to bang on the wooden door.
"Gift!!Gift open this door now!!!!" she commanded.
"Susan please calm down, you're over reacting"
Susan ignored his comment and continued banging. Few moments later, Gift opened the door and like a flash of lighting, Susan gifted her a very hot slap. As if that wasn't enough, she charged at her and began choking the depressed girl, while raining abuses on her.
"You good for nothing girl!! how dare you embarass us this way!!! Do you know the damage you have caused us....." she continued that way while Ini and George tried their best to separate them. But it seemed Susan was a brick wall that day. At the heat of the moment, Rose rushed in and without wasting time, seperated Gift from her raging mother. She quickly came in front of her and blocked her.
"That's enough mum, do you want to kill her?"
"Stay out of this Rose, you have no idea the level of misfortune this slowpoke has brought upon us. Do you know who that man is? he has connections with the president himself! he could ruin us"
" And so bleeping what? that's not enough reason for you to attack her like she's an animal. Is she not human, can't she make mistakes? "
"You fool! what kind of mistake is that? do you know she has cost us our reputation! this is gonna make rounds on both social and mass media!!!"
"Calm down Susanna, you'll get a blood pressure ” George warned.
" Fine by me"
" Look mum, I don't care about your bleeping reputation okay? no matter what you have no right to treat her like an animal, it isn't fair!”
"Why are you defending her?"
"Became its the right thing to do"
Susan looked at the two of them for a while in shock. After a long pause, she spoke up.
"Alright, fine, no problem. You win. But you will NOT go unpunished for this. You're not getting a salary this month, you hear? Idiot" she hissed and stormed out. George shook his head at Gift and followed suit.
"I'll go calm her down" Ini said and walked out.
When it was just Rose and Gift, Gift broke down in tears again. Rose turned to her.
"Are you okay? Did she hurt you?" she inquired. She then raised her head up and noticed some cuts on her neck. She shook her head.
" That woman is unbelievable sometimes. Just see how she used those her long nails to injure you, eh?"
Gift remained silent and continued to cry. Rose led her to the bed and sat her down.
"But tell me Gift. What really happened? Why did you freak out like that? I know you wouldn't have done something like that without a reason"
Gift continued to cry.
"Please tell me. You know I'm your friend. You can trust me with anything"
"I saw him"she finally spoke.
" Who?"
"Uchenna. That monster who ruined my life. I saw him...."
Rose raised her brows in shock.
"What... how.....I mean, he...ah, I don't understand. How did he get here?"
" That's just the issue. I don't understand how the devil would just bring my worst nightmare back to me. I just don't get it....." she broke down again and Rose drew her closer. She rested her head on her shoulder.
"That's enough Gift. Don't allow your past to bring back pain to you. If people treat you like dirt, blow dust into their eyes. If they treat you like trash, stain them. Don't let him know that he still affects and controls your life. Just be yourself and forget the fool, okay?"
Gift sniffed and nodded her head.
"Good, now I want you to clean your tears and cheer up. He means nothing to you anymore, so just act normal, okay?"
"Alright"
"Now let me go and get you para so you can sleep well this night, I know headache must be having a party in your head right now"
Gift smiled.
"That's what I wanna see. I'll be going now"
She stood up and headed for the door.

She watched in horror as the Ministers Rep. stood up slowly, disgusted at the huge, colourish stain that had stained his yellow senator attire. Movement paused abruptly and the music died down. Guests watched the scene in utter disbelief. There was confusion every where.
Unable to bear the embarrassment, Gift covered her face in shame and ran away in tears. But the infuriated victim wouldn't take any of that. He turned to George, who had also began to panic.
"Mr Okoye, what is the meaning of this? I came to this event because of the good relationship you have with the minister, not to be embarrassed like this!!!"
"Mr Udegbe, please calm down, we....."
"Don't tell me to calm down!!!! how do you expect me to go home with this?" he asked pointing to the stain.
"I'm deeply sorry sir, if you want we can get you a new....."
"You know what, forget it. I'm leaving this place now. But bear in mind that the minister shall hear of this. Nonsense!" he gestured to his guards and began to leave. However, George and some concerned guests went after him to plead.
In the midst of all this confusion, Uchenna just sat there, quiet and confused. He still couldn't believe what he saw that night. Jane, who was sitting near him noticed his strange behavior and began to shake him.
"Boss, Boss what's the matter!!"
Uchenna regained consciousness and shook his head.
"Whats the problem sir?" she asked again.
"N....nothing. I....I think I need to go"
"What, why?!!"
"Don't ask me any questions. If you wanna come, fine. But I'm leaving"
He began packing his things and in no time, headed for the front gate. Jane, who had no other choice, followed suite and ran after him...

Episode 2
The next day was a Sunday. Uche, his secretary and some camera men with a few members of Uches company visited the Okoye mansion for the contract signing Due evening time. It was a small gathering, consisting of only the most valued members in each company and some pressmen as well. Some dignitaries such as The Personal Advisor to the governor on Press and publicity and a representative of the honorable minister of petroleum were also in attendance . The gathering was small but classy.
The event was very brief and in no time, the necessary contract was signed and the time of refreshments began. Hired waiters began moving from table to table to serve the exotic meals.
Gift stood by the window of the kitchen upstairs, watching the event going on down stairs. She imagined herself in one of those beautiful gowns worn by the ladies or being one of the dignitaries who graced the occasion. It didn't even cross her mind that Uchenna might be around.
As she as in her imaginary world, Iniobong, who was in charge of the meals snapped her out of it.
"Gift! stop staring outside the window and come take this tray!" she ordered.
Gift realized herself and walked towards Iniobong. She handed the tray to her in s very gentle manner.
"Now be careful Gift, this one goes to the Honourable Minister at the high table. I choose you to serve him because you are the most careful person I know....... and because the other servers here are way too ugly"
"Okay, I've heard you, can I go now? This is really heavy" she said sweating profusely.
"Alright, go"
Gift began to walk, watching her steps carefully. She successfully climbed down the stairs and walked outside. She scanned the environment for the high table and caught it. She began walking carefully towards the table, her head bent low. She increased her steps at some point and eventually arrived the table. Mission accomplished. She was about dropping it when their eyes met. It was him.
Uchenna had been laughing away with the other high table members close to him when he turned and saw her. He couldn't believe his eyes. He dropped his wineglass which, fortunately, didn't break and his jaw followed. For a moment they stared at each other in utter disbelief. Her hands were shaky and she became nervous. Eventually, she couldn't take it anymore and dropped the heavy tray, which spilled its contents on the ministers representative.....

He got home very late that night, drunk and heavy headed. He was barely able to drive home but was lucky to make it in one piece.
He got down from the car and staggered towards his house, which was the first floor of the three storey building. He walked closer and noticed a female figure, sitting crossed leg on a plastic chair at the balcony of his home. Shocked, he took a few steps closer and discovered it was his estranged fiancée, Nnenna.
Nnenna lifted her head up and saw Uchenna waiting for her. A smile ran along her face and she stood up.
"Hi love, how are you doing"
"What do you want?" he asked coldly.
"Is that it? You won't even let me come inside?"
"Stop wasting my time Nnenna and get straight to the point!"
"Ohhhh, anyways, Mama sent me here. She wants to know why you haven't been picking or answering her calls?"
"Tell that woman that I said that I don't need her filthy calls. I don't need her, and I don't want to hear from her, okay?"
Nnenna smiled again and walked towards him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and drew closer.
"Calm down Uche. You know, she also sent me to.....keep you company for the night"
She made for a kiss but he pushed her away.
"Get away from me you slut! Is that all you do?, prey about looking for whom to destroy?"
"Look at this one oooooo, see no come just insult me this night, no be your mama send me, see this one oooo" she spat angrily.
"Get out of my house. Princess my foot, you don't deserved to be called one. Leave!!!!"
"Idiot! thunder fire you, fool!!!" she cursed as she walked away from the house in anger.
"Bleep you bitch! don't forget to close the door on your way, idiot!"
She soon left the house. Uchenna opened his door in relief knowing he had gotten rid of a great problem".