₦airaland Forum

Jossyroyal1:
Are we expecting more updates or the story has ended?

Sorry, I cannot post an update today. I have been having serious network issues since yesterday. Called customer care line to the point of distraction. Will post tomorrow

evy1:
Done that.

I've replied your mail

Oly23:
Please I am interested thank you for all the three books

Send me a pm

evy1:
please how can i get the pdf copy

Please can you send me a pm? Thanks

heemah:
Jake is such a jerk!!

A big time jerk

Julietogbo:
tiffanyj I have said this n will keep saying it u are Bae anytime any day I love you. let me call my mum to tell her u just added an update

Your mum again?

baronky:
wow d story is nice, hw can I get d remaining chapters

Thank you. You will buy the pdf copy. Its #500
Contact me if you are interested

baronky:
wow d story is nice, hw can I get d remaining chapters

Thank you. You will buy the pdf copy. Its #500

honourable356:
I still find it.outrageous for a kid to do such thing no matter the emotional issue he or she is passing through... a Nigerian kid don't have such audacity but I could but wrong through having never experienced an extremely emotional kid.

Tell me this, how can a father who so much love his kids stay completely away from them because their mum threaten him

Either way,he would still find a way to see his kids privately without their mum's knowledge especially one who share a bond with him...that part that he stayed away for two to three years doesn't add up. it is remotely impossible unless the man is emotionally insane.

Smiles...
You deserve all the praises you are getting.
You are that good no doubt.
Best wishes!!!!

There is nothing outrageous here. The fact that you can not abandon your kids does not mean another person can't. It happens and I've seen it with my two eyes

Removed

Bg14:
Good day ma, I have been an ardent reader of your stories and I have read your first 3 stories long ago. Just stumbled across this one today only to discover that some portion had been removed.
Pls am begging, how do I get the full story? I don't mind paying.
Pls reply me. Thanks.

I have not finished posting this story on NL so I can't sell it to you. I sell only what I have finishede posting. Please bear with me

honourable356:
I read down this story again,again and again to the latest episode with smile on my face and great admiration for the writer...her exceptional use of English and her creative ability to put words together to create a mind blowing story that seem like reality, interesting..
captivating..
and strike the emotion of some readers..held me spell bound.

I read the last four episodes twice today and was forced to check on the lady whose brain could create this...I saw her and then went back to read the story again.

But,guess what??

I was looking for flaws,error...yes it is nothing personal but i was indeed looking for reasons to descend heavily on her with constructive criticism thereby putting her genetic gift of creativity to TEST... and witness first hand what that brain of her can do.

Obviously, I am not a man that criticised all those typographical errors...I was looking for something concrete that would strike an intellectual conversation with the writer and yea, i got what I was looking for. Even through the story is not a true life event,the fact that she already made it seem like a true life story means she should remain in that line instead of mixing it with unbelievable claims in the episode before the last two.

I find it outrageous in a country like Nigerian for a kid barely nine years of age no matter how highly intelligent he or she is and born to a Nigerian parents having the audacity to do what Victoria does.... nine point five out of ten times,it doesn't happen. Like having the audacity to talk back to her mum being so eager to get a stick to be uses in beating her.....only white kids would speak rudely to their parents in such manner and I am sure we are dealing with a Nigerian in this story...

Personally I couldn't help reading this story...it is interesting,simple and her choice of words is top notch..

So admirable...
interesting...
Inspiring...
Intriguing...
and Emotional...

All in one...
I can't help it but appreciate the writer..
May her inspiration never run dry..
Above all,may the Almighty continue to give you even more greater reasons to glorify him everyday.

I will ride with you till the end!!!

Thank you sir, for taking your time to read this piece. I'm glad you love my story but back to Victoria, it isn't impossible to find kids like that in Nigeria. The girl watched her father went on his knee, begging her mother. She watched her mother sent him away and was forcefully seperated from him by her uncle. Not just anyman, not just any father, but she happened to bond with him more than even her mother. A child doesn't forget this kind of emotional pain. She had lived with that pain for two years without daring to voice it out. She had began stealing and misbehaving just to get her mother's attention. My dear, children of these days are smart. Listen to a four year old talk like an adult and you will know what I am talking about.
This isn't a new thing. Don't forget, Victoria isn't like other kids. Her life had been filled with lost, and emotional upheavals. First, her father's absence and then second, her brother's death. At four years of age, she couldn'tunderstand it, but at six, she understood that she had been deprived of a normal family and is hurt. Go close to eight years old and you will be shocked at what you will discover

'Answer me Maureen'
'She hates me. My daughter hates me'
'Why? You are the best mother she got?'
'No. She wouldn't even talk to me'
'Why?'
'She blames me for sending her father away. Please Joel, help me look for Jake'
'He would only hurt you'
'I don't care what he would do to me. I just want my sweet innocent daughter back to me'
'Victoria doesn't hate you'
'She does Joel, you should have seen how she looked at me, without an ounce of love'
'I will drive over and talk to her'
'Don't'
'Why ever not?'
'You and I are not her favourite persons now'
'What do you intend to do now?'
'I will try to make up for all the pains I caused her, while trying to find her father. In fact, the boys and I will go spend the weekend with her'
'Maureen...'
'Joel, do you know that Victoria was misbehaving just to punish me?'
'Maureen'
She wiped her face, went on her feet and walked to her wardrobe to get a small bag ready for herself.


******
'He hates me Linda', Henry told his wife that night.
She had just had a shower. She took a long look at him and sighed. Slowly, and seductively, she climbed the bed, and kissed his lips then reached out for his pajamas. Henry slowly held her hands.
'What is it?'
'I'm not in the mood for this Linda. Come to think of it, aren't we already old for this thing?'
'Shut up sugar, we can't ever be old enough'
'How old is Daisy?'
'She is almost seventeen. We will soon be grandparents'
'Sugar, for God sake, stop blaming yourself for what happened between Jake and Maureen'
'Its my fault. I should have held my tongue when I found out his marriage wasn't legit'
'Henry, you've been walking around with guilt for the past three years. It really is not fair'
'I deserve all I got. Its all because of me that Victoria is suffering'
'Jake doesn't hate you'
'Then why hasn't he contacted me in the last three years? Why?'
'I need to intensify my search for him'
'He doesn't want to be found'
'I will find him', he said, more to himself.


********
She parked her car next to Anthony's and turned to her boys.
'Boys, we are here'
'Mummy?', Ethan asked
'Yes sweetie?'
'Why doesn't Victoria like us?'
'You two are her only brothers. She doesn't only like you, she loves you'
'But she is always hitting us and shouting at us', Evan said
'Your sis loves you Evan. Never you forget that'
Saying that, she unlocked the door and highlighted, after which, she helped them out, open the boots and went for their luggages. The kids didn't wait for her, they ran ahead to their sister's room and found her lying down.
'Victoria', Evan said, jumping into bed with her. 'What's wrong? Are you ill?'
'Yes, I am ill', she told him
'What's wrong with you?'
'Its fever'
'What's a fever'
'Where is mummy?'
'Outside', Ethan answered
'Vicky?', he aasked after a long pause
'Yes?'
'Why don't you like Evan and I? Are we not your brothers?'
'I love you'
'Then why did you leave us to come stay with this old man?'
'He is our grand daddy. Have you seen our daddy's pictures in the living room?'
'Yes'
'I don't hate you boys, I am angry with you'
'What did we do?', the boys chorused
'Have you two ever wondered why everyone has a daddy but we don't?'
'Mummy said he traveled to a far away land'
'I am angry with you two because you play with Miracle and Jessica. Why do u play with them?'
'Mummy said they our brothers and sisters'
'They are not. I am your only sister'
'I don't understand, Victoria'
'If you want me to play with you again, stop playing with uncle Joel and uncle Henry's children'
'Why?', they both chorused again
'Because, they sent our daddy away'
'That's a lie. Mummy said...'
Victoria was angry. She turned and slapped Ethan hard on his face.
' Two of you should leave my room. Bye bye'
Ethan was already wailing and Evan too joined him. The door opened and Anthony stood with Maureen at the door.
'Boys? What happened?'
'Victoria hit me'
'Why?'
'She said uncle Joel and uncle Henry sent our daddy away', He added.
'Is it true mummy?', Evan asked
'Sweetheart, its time I tell you the truth'. She knelt down in front of the boys and said,
'I sent your daddy away'
'Why did you do that?', they asked accusingly.
'We fought and I was very angry so I sent him away. Now go and give your grandpa a hug'
They slowly went to him and hugged him. When they were through, he told them to go wait for them in the living room.
'Victoria?',Anthony called
'Yes?'
'Its wrong for you to vent your anger on your brothers. Your father wouldn't like this'
she simply dismissed them by turning her face away. A tear slipped down Maureen's cheek. They went out and when she came back that evening to bath Victoria, the girl didn't refused. She was very quiet all through. When the weekend was over, her mother and brothers all left. She was now better.
A week went by and Anthony decided it was time he had a talk with his grand daughter. It was Saturday, he walked to her door and knocked on the door. She didn't answer. He knocked again and then pushed the door opened. She was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling.
'Victoria, sit down, I need to talk to you'
'What did I do now?'
'Sit down I said'
She was still in her sleeping clothes. Slowly, she down. He sat down next to her and turned to face her.
'Don't you know that you are now a big girl Victoria? That door is meant for a reason'
'Why?'
'I knocked, you ought to have answered me. What if I came in and found you not properly dressed', Anthony wasn't comfortable discussing these with her. They are her mother's job but circumstances had made him do the talking.
'How?', she asked, quite innocently
'Do you not know that you are growing already? Very soon your breast will start becoming big and then only your mother can enter your room without knocking?'
'What about my dad?'
'Not even your dad Vicky'
'Why?'
'Because, you are on your way to become a woman'
'I don't want to become a woman. I want my daddy to keep bathing me'
'You know it Victoria that its impossible'
She shrugged.
'So now you see the importance of the door? It is meant to give you privacy. Whenever you hear a knock and you are not properly dressed tell the person at the other end to hold on'
'Okay. What about if I am properly dressed?'
'Then you will tell the person at the other end to come in'
'Okay grandpa'
'I have something else to tell you'
'Is it about my mum?'
'No'
'What is it then?'
'Its about your school'
'I hate school'
'Why do you hate school?'
'Nothing'
You missed a full year of school activity. You are now a year behind your class mates'
'I don't care'
'You are my favourite grand daughter, you know that don't you?'
'Yes'
'Good. I am sad'
'Why?'
'You are not in school. It isn't right'
'I won't go back to school'
'Victoria, I miss him too. You lost your father and I lost my son. Every night I pray to God to touch his heart wherever he is and bring him back'
'He isn't coming back. Mummy told him to never ever come back', she said as a tear slipped down her cheeks.
'Vicky, all your life, I have never asked you for anything. I allowed you stay here for a year without schooling. Now, I am here to ask you for two things'
'What?'
'Not for your father who left you nor your mother who sent you away, but for me. This old man who had always loved you'
'What?'
'I want you to go back to school'
'And?'
'Stop picking things that aren't yours. I have plenty money and will give you whatever you want, but do not pick what isn't yours'
'When I go back to school, other children laugh at me'
'Why?'
'Because I don't have a father'
'You have a father. My son, Jake is your father. So will you return to school?'
'I won't go back to that school'
'No, you won't. I will enroll you in the school at the other street. Its small but good. In fact, you will walk to school and walk back. Believe you me, its gonna be fun'
'I want to get the rest of my things from uncle Joel's house'
'Shall we go get those things or should we tell your mummy to bring them'
'I think, I want mummy to bring them', she didn't tell him that house was a reminder of the day her father was forcefully taken from her


********
After another year of a fruitless search for Jake, and her daughter still angry with her, Maureen became depressed. She stopped eating and the smile on her face disappeared. Two months later, Maureen, who had always been chubby was already slim. Nothing her brother said or did made her happy. Victoria was ten and still avoiding her. She had told her that she would forgive, if her mother brought back her father. A year of serious search had left her feeling guilty.
The thought came to her like a thunder storm. She could get help from one man she knew was good at finding people who do not wished to be found. She would need Philip to help her look for the father of her kids.
A week later, she made a post on her facebook page. The post read thus
'Growing up without one's parents is the worst part of my life. I miss them, especially my father who was always there for me. Now, a mother, I wish my parents were here to see what I have become and also, the three beautiful babies I have. Continue to rest in peace, mother and father'

She knew he would get her message and contact her. An hour later, Joel stormed into her room like a man chased. She knew what it was all about.
'Maureen, what did you post on facebook?'
'I am trying to contact father'
'Why?'
'He can help me find Jake'
'Maureen...'
'I won't stop, I won't sleep well, I won't eat well until my daughter forgives me'
'For crying out loud Maureen, don't let Victoria do this to you'
'Joel, four years had gone by since Victoria really laughed. She had left here in other to avoid me. She is almost a teenager and I have a lot of things to teach her but I can't. She doesn't know how to wash even her panties, she doesn't know how to boil water and she will very soon start seeing her monthly flow but I have taught her nothing. I can't bear it, I won't lost her forever, I will keep trying until she comes back to me'
She covered her face with her hands and sobbed her heart out.



*******
She received a call by 2am tow weeks later to wake Joel up. She sat up, knowing the voice.
'Maureen, can you hear me? I am at your gate. Tell your brother I said the two of you should meet me outside. I am in a red toyota Corolla'
She went on her feet, picked up her robe and left her room for her brother's. She knocked, then quickly pushed the door opened. The couple were sleeping in each other's arm and she immediately taught of Jake. She would give her right arm to be in his arms again. She swallowed the pain in her chest and went to the bed.
'Joel?', she shook him awake.
Joel came awake with a start. He saw his sister and sat up quickly. His eyes, immediately on his and Mich's discarded clothes on the floor. He felt embarrassed but then he shrugged, while trying to cover himself more.
'What is the problem?'
She ran to his closet and picked up a robe then quickly threw it at him, thereby, waking Mich.
'What's going on in here?', Mich asked
'Get out, when we get dressed, you can come in',her brother insisted.
'No', just put on the robe'
She turned, and he quickly put on the robe and told her she could turn.
'Maureen, its 2:00am', he said and threw a robe for his wife.
'Jake, father is outside. He said he would love to talk with you and I'
'How do you know that?'
'I just called and I don't know how he got my mobile number'
'I am not going? It took him all these years to appear?'
'Joel, it may have something to do with Jake. Please come with me'
When he tried to discouraged her about going but did not succeeded, he went with her, just in case philip decides to kidnap her again. In their robes, the walked out of the gate to the car waiting outside. They sat at the back seat while their father, looking old but fit turned to them.
'I don't have much time. Sorry I came at this ungodly hour but Helen and I decided to let you all be because, if our enemies ever found out that we have families, they would come after you. I am here because Maureen sent me a message through facebook'
He looked at her again and sighed. His son, looked young and handsome he was proud of him.
'While Maureen, what do you want?'
'Nothing', Joel added quickly. His temper raising.
'No joel, don't say that', Maureen shot at him. Slowly, she explained to her father all that had happened. She didn't spare herself, she told him how she first met Jake and how she had deceived him into having an affair with her.
'What do you want now'
'I want him back', she said, sobbing.
'Maureen, you can't want him back. Not after what he did to you', her brother admonished her.
'Let me be, Joel. I miss him. I am lonely and miserable. This is not what I want for myself, to raise three kids alone and be an old hag miss'
'If only you go out on dates, you wouldn't be that lonely anymore', he insisted.
'No one can ever satisfy me like Jake', she said shamelessly then turned to her father,
'I will forgive you all you did to me if you find him for me'
'Do you want him for you or or daughter?', Philip asked
'Both, I want him for me and my kids'
'You love him, don't you?'
'I do. I love him Philip. Can you look for him and bring him home?'
'Maureen...'
'Please Philip, look at me, do I look happy to you?'
'Okay, crystal. Will look for Jake and have him back home. I promise'
'Thank you'
'Now, I need to have time with your brother. Can you go inside?'
'You promise not to kidnap him?'
'I do'
She hugged Joel and slowly alighted the car then went into the house. Once left alone, Philip turned to his son.
'Joel, I can see you are doing great'
'What do you want?'
'She is your sister. I left her in your care knowing you will do your best to keep her safe'
'You should have tried to stay around and see how easy it is raising kids'
'Why didn't you insist for Jake to quietly bring her bride price when you found out the marriage wasn't legitimate?'
'You have no right to ask me that. You left us, at the mercy of your brothers. You left us, without turning back'
'This isn't about us Joel. It is about Maureen. Can you not see that she is not happy? Even a blind man could see that they were in love. Maureen deserves a home for herself, fill with love and care and a companion that she loves'
'So you are now blaming me?'
'When I find Jake and return him to Abuja, stay off their affair. Allow them to solve their issues together. You have your own family, shouldn't Maureen also have hers?'
Joel stared daggers at Philip, alighted the car and banged at the door in anger. He was inside his home in minutes.



************

Jake alighted from from the Osu trotro and walked the short distance home. He was tired from his shift at the Oriental Hotel. Jake took a turn, towards Nyaniba where his apartment was located. As he walked, he tried to not think of his past life. He had a new life and he was contented with it.
Once in front of his apartment, he reached out for his keys at his back pocket but then heard soft music in the house. He pushed opened the door and inhaled the sweet aroma of Banko. He smiled, Angel always knew when he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen and found her doing the dishes. He stood by the door and watched her work while she sang. As if sensing she was being watched, Angel turned, saw him and smiled.
'Sweetheart welcome'
He walked into the kitchen and kissed her lips.
'I used my spare key to get in. Hope you don't mind that?'
'You always come here and go as you pleased Angel, of course I don't mind'
She laughed and said, 'now go and have a shower while I set dinner for us'
He kissed her and then walked to the bedroom. There, he opened his closet and found his clothes had been washed and neatly folded. He smiled and promised to take her on a date come weekend. He bathed, wore a short and white shirt then returned to the kitchen.
His house was a room and parlour self contain. He doesn't have a dinning table so they both sat on the couch, a table in front of them and they ate. As they ate, she told him about her day.
'How was your day?', she asked him
'The usual'
'Sweetheart, you don't have to work as a receptionist. I can talk to my brother to get you a place in our family company'
'I told you this Angel, I am fine. I love my work'
'Jake, while cleaning, I chanced upon your Curriculum Vitae. Gosh, you didn't tell me that you are well educated?'

Alennsar:
Place can send the remaining chapters to my mail ? I will be glad if u can do dis for me.. Adukehalimat@gmail.com

You can buy the pdf copy. Its #500.

Everywhere went quiet. Maureen looked at her again.
'You want to go spend a few weeks with your grandpa?'
'yes'
'Then go up and packed your things', the girl ran upstairs. Maureen turned to Anthony.
'Can you cope with her?'
'Yes, I can'
'Then let me go help her pack'
She walked upstairs, and Henry turned to his father.
'You are too old to handle her'
'I said I will be fine. No words from Jake?'
'No. Two years had gone by, no call, no message, nothing. He just up and left without a trace'
'Do you think Victoria's attitude has something to do with Jake's absence?'
'There is a possibility'
'Did you talked to his bankers?'
'Yes. He hasn't appeared nor withdraw his money in two years. Jake doesn't want to be found'
'I can't die without seeing him'
'I think, deep down, he blames me for everything. He hates me'
'He is your brother. He can't hate you'
Maureen came downstairs with Victoria and a suitcase. Henry collected it.
'Grandpa, let's go'
'Wait, aren't you saying goodbye to Evan and Ethan?', Maureen asked
'No', the girl replied
'What about Maureen and Joel?'
'No'
Three pair of eyes stared at the girl. Maureen went on her knees and hugged the girl. She didn't reciprocate.
'Bye, and be of good behaviour.'



*******
She settled down quite well in her grandpa's. She stopped picking things that aren't her's. She loved the quietness of the house. She ate little and watched little cartoon. She often stayed on her own. Whenever Henry brought his kids over, she picked their things and Anthony would send the things back whenever he finds them. A month went by, Maureen came to pick her up but she refused to go.
'But why? Evan keeps asking of you'
'Nothing'
'Please Vicky'
'I like it here'
'what about school?'
'I hate school'
'You used to like school a lot'
'Not anymore'
'Why?'
'Nothing'
Maureen kept coming and Victoria kept refusing to go with her. She ended up spending three months with Anthony. Henry advised Maureen to not force her into coming with her and she didn't.
A complete year came and left with her at Anthony's house. A complete year without school. At nine, she was tall, dark and thin. She kept more and to herself. She didn't want to go out, not even shopping. On christmas day, Maureen came to see her with the twins. She was quiet all through that Maureen in tears, went back to her brother's house. She was into real estate. She had sold her plots of land to establish herself and she was doing quite well but she wasn't happy. Her daughter's behaviour baffled her.
Victoria unknowingly to her grandfather, went out to bath in the rain one April night. Easter was just at the corner. She enjoyed it and thus sneaked out to bath in the rain whenever she could.
It started with a sneeze and then a cough. Anthony noticed it and gave her cough syrup. Later, she was having a running nose. Finally, she began running temperature.
Anthony took her to the hospital and she was giving some medication and asked to return home. She seemed better the following day and Anthony sighed, in relieve. By evening, her temperature was high. Shan was called by Henry to take a look at her. Maureen too came as soon as she heard.
She opened the door and saw her daughter lying in bed.
'Victoria, mummy is here'
Victoria visibly flinched. She began crying.
'Grandpa, please send her away'
'Why? She is your mummy and will take care of you'
'No' she said and slowly began to sleep, the drugs, already taking effect.
'I don't understand, why is she avoiding me and her brothers?'
two hours later, she began crying in her sleep.
Maureen ran to call Anthony and Henry. By the time they came, Victoria was trashing.
'Mummy please, don't send him away', she said
Maureen stilled. Henry and Anthony looked at her. She looked shocked
'Uncle Joel, my daddy, don't take him away from me, please. Daddy don't go, Victor left me, don't leave me, please'
'Victoria?', Maureen called
'I will be a good girl mummy, just don't send my daddy away. Tell uncle Joel to not send him away. Please'
Maureen burst into tears. She touched Victoria but she kicked.
She was falling and Henry held her. She stopped crying.
'Daddy?'
'Sweetheart I am here'
'Take me away from mother and uncle Joel. I hate it there'
'I will dear, I promise you', Henry whispered.
She slumped and continue sleeping.
'We should take her to the hospital'
'No need. She will be okay by tomorrow', Shan added.
Henry and his father all walked out of the room. Shan too went out but Maureen remained at her daughter's bedside. She was there all through the night and by morning, the girl slowly opened her eyes. When she saw her mother, sleeping on a chair, she began weeping. Try as she could, she was never able to forget that fateful day. Her father, kneeling, begging her mother, while her mother had selfishly sent him away. Uncle Joel, had assisted her mother in sending her father away and she had seen it all. Maureen's eyes snapped open. she rushed to the bed, but Victoria closed her eyes, her own way of dismissing her mother.
'Victoria?'
No answer.
'Victoria, I am so sorry, I took your father away from you'
No answer.
Please forgive me'
Victoria wasn't ready to forgive. Her forgiveness would come, when her father returns to them- a father, who had disappeared, three years ago.
When her daughter refused to say a word to her, Maureen slowly walked to the living room. Henry was patiently waiting.
'Are you happy now?', he asked her
'Not you again'
'That girl is innocent but you chose to involve her in your fights with Jake. Did you see what it is doing to her? All these years, you complain that Victoria is becoming spoiled, how is it that you never noticed it has something to do with her father?'
'I didn't, because after that fateful day, she never for once asked after him. She just became quiet and docile. After a few months, she began bullying her brothers, then graduated to stealing and then disobedience. How am I suppose to know she was angry?'
'How won't you know? She watched you sent her father away. You were selfish. You didn't think that your kids would want their father?'
'I never thought that Jake would just leave town and never return. At that point I was hurt, I wanted to hurt him back'
'And now you have an emotionally unbalanced daughter. I heard the twins are beginning to ask who their father is'
'If bringing Jake back will bring back my daughter to me, I don't care. Can I have his phone number?'
'Maureen, no one has seen or heard from Jake in the last three years'
'Are you saying...'
'Yes. We don't even know if he is alive or not'
'What will I tell Victoria?'
'I am going home to my wife and kids'
With that, he picked his keys and walked out. Anthony turned to Maureen. His breakfast had been left untouched because it was tasteless in his mouth. Last night, Victoria had unconsciously revealed what was eating her up. She had lived with all those pain for three years and rebelling seems to be her own way of coping. He had always wondered why a girl so full of life suddenly grew very hateful of the people around her. Now he knows who to blame. He blamed her parents for letting her get caught in their feud.
'Maureen, I loved you like my own daughter because you brought back my exiled son home. When you found him, he was very lost but you gave him a very powerful gift- a chance to have a family again. He lost himself when his mum died. Your pregnancy and the kids, paved way for his return to me and Henry and you, in one single moment of anger sent him away from us again.
Do you know that you are the only one with the power over Jake? Not I, not his brother Henry, but you and your kids but you used that power to send him away. I expected your brother to insist he quietly bring your bride price all over again and have him marry you quietly too, but no, he helped you to make a decision that is catching up to to now.
Maureen, did you think of your kids? Did you not know that by sending him away, you have deprived them a normal life?. I am not saying you should have forgiven him, but what I expected you to do is to give him at least, visiting rights. So doing, they will grow up knowing who their father is. Are you not surprised that what had happened to Victoria and Victor is now happening to Evan and Ethan?'
Maureen let the tears to fall. Yes, she had angrily sent Jake away but she never expected him to go without turning his back. She was now living in denial. Miserable and alone. At night, in her empty bed, she sometimes wondered what he was doing and with whom? She missed him, but she wouldn't admit this to anyone. She has had his pictures burnt in an attempt to discard him off her mind, but every time she saw her kids, she saw him. Every time Victoria hurt her and she was at a lost how to handle her, she thought of Jake but will never dare admit it to anyone. After that fateful day she sent him away, She had never spoken about him to anyone. Not to Victoria or her brother but deep down, she was a lost and miserable woman.
Slowly, she stood up and began walking up the stairs when Anthony called her back. She waited, but did not turn.
'Come, let me tell you my story. I know you must have heard from someone but hear this from the horse's mouth',Anthony told her.
She slowly returned to her seat and waited for him to tell her whatever he had in mind.
'Maureen, my marriage with Helen was arranged. There wasn't love lost between us. I strongly kicked against marrying her but my parents threatened to disown me as well as disinherit me. When I met Helen, she confessed to me that she doesn't love me. The attraction between us was Zero. She was tall, fair and very beautiful while I was young and handsome. Like me, she kicked against the marriage but her difficult father won't hear of it. My parents wanted me to marry her because her family are wealthy and powerful. Her parents chose me in order to fulfilled a promise made to my dad when they were younger-my father, played a role in her father's political career.
Our wedding was the talk of town, we smiled at the camera and looked happy, both deep down, we were miserable. My father had a talk with me after the reception. He told me I have to do my duty by making her pregnant immediately. When all the guest left, we were left to have a honeymoon but we both slept quietly. We never shared a room talk more of a bed. We were simply flat mates. Three months into the marriage, our families were at a lost why she wasn't expecting. We both lied to them that we don't know. My mother came unexpectedly to visit us and then found out we stay separately. She insisted that a man must share his room with his wife.
Helen and I then made an agreement. She would give me my heir and then she would be free to have lovers, discreetly. it was a marriage of convenience. After Henry and Jake were born, for the kid's sake, we both slept in the same room but our s.x life was over. We didn't want them wondering why we were not sharing a bed. We agreed that our kids shouldn't be caught up in our miseries.
I had my lovers and Helen had hers. I never asked her where she went and she never did same to me. Despite all these, we made sure our kids never found out. We take breakfast as a family, I drop them off at school while Helen picked them, we spent our evenings together. While I helped them with their homework, she prepared dinner. We eat together as a family. Helen and I were miserable but our kids have the perfect childhood. I sometimes use out of town business to escape town with my lovers and Helen sometimes send the kids to their grandparents to have her own freedom. On such nights, she slept out and I cover for her whenever my mum unexpectedly visited.
She met your father and fell in love with while I met Anna, Tara's mum and fell in love with. When Jake, being the youngest turned eighteen, I moved out of his mother's room. At this point, we began giving them hint that our marriage wasn't that perfect- but then, they were not kids anymore and Henry was already having girlfriends.
We bid our time. As soon as Jake became an adult, we decided it was time we tell our kids that we are getting a divorce. In all these, we never did, Helen's father, was about to become a minister, he wouldn't let us but then, She faked her death to find her peace.
That was my opportunity to find Anna but my pride got into the way. In my anger, I treated her and Tara like trash. You know why? My mum found out about us and framed the love of my life with theft. Anna died, because of my foolishness and Tara though has forgiven, has not forgotten. Me and her were never close because I betrayed the trust and love that should exist between us'


*******
'Do you know why I told you all these?', he asked her.
'If you are not careful, you will end of loosing Jake to another woman and live the rest of your life in pain. I told you this because your kids are the one being hurt here. Every child deserves both parents, every child deserve parental love and care and every child deserve to have a family'
'I give them love and care. They have family'
'Keep telling yourself that young lady. Keep it up. What about a man's love? There are things that Jake should be there to teach his boys'
'Joel is always there for them'
'Joel isn't their father. If you and Jake knew that you would bring kids in this world to only make them suffer, why in the hell do you keep having unprotected se.x?', Anthony said in a raised voice.
'Are you all blaming me now?', Maureen shouted back.
'I blame you and Jake for what Victoria is going through. You two have failed her as parents simply because of your pride. A good parent would always put their kids first. But what did you and Jake did? You put forth your selfish interest ahead of your kid's happiness'
'Jake hurt me, must I still marry him?'
'No. You should have allow him to be in his kid's lives and after you sent him away, he should have stuck around, not for you but for his children. Helen and I sacrificed our happiness for him to have a normal childhood, why couldn't he do that to his kids? Why?', Anthony yelled at Maureen.
'I just want my daughter back with me', she added
'She is going no where. Can you not see that she hates it there?'
'What will I tell her brothers now?'
'Bring them here to visit her often'
'Her school?'
'Does she look to you like she is interested in school?'
Maureen went back upstairs. Victoria was pop up in the pillows and being fed by a maid.
'Leave us', she told the maid.
'Okay', ma'am'
As soon as the door closed behind the young woman, maureen collected the bowl of rice and continue spoon feeding her daughter. When she was through eating, she gave her some water to drink.
'Victoria, can I come stay here for the weekend? I will take care of you until you are well again'
Silence
'I know you are angry with me, but why are you ignoring your brothers? They did you no harm. Your father and I are the one that hurt you, not Ethan, not Evan'
Silence.
'I will go bring them for a weekend with you. You know your grandpa can not bath you, I will do that for you until you are well'
Silence.
'Do you miss your daddy? I miss him too, although I pretend not to miss him, but I do miss him a lot. I regret sending him away Victoria. That was very selfish of me because I didn't think of you and your brothers'
Silence.
She stood up, kissed her girl on the cheek and walked out of the room. She was in her car and on her way to her brother's house. When she finally got there, Ethan and Evan, now, almost four came out to welcome her.
'Mummy, you didn't bring Victoria?', Evan asked'
'That's because we are all going to spend this weekend with her'
'Really, mummy?', Ethan asked
'Yea'
They walked back to the house and she ran upstairs to her room, where she slumped down and cried out her heart. When Mich found her, she tried all she could for Maureen to open up to her and when she refused, she ran out of the room and called Joel. Joel was confused. Maybe Victoria did something bad again. Only two people could hurt her that much. Jake and Victoria. He walked into the room, pulled her into his arms and tried to console her but she refused to be consoled.
'What is it Maureen?'
Maureen tried and was able to catch her breath. She looked at her brother and said.
'Help me look for Jake. Please'
'Why?'
'Victoria...'
'What about her?'

Tbrak:
first to comment, ao is ur health? tanx 4 d double update God bless u, wen should we expect anoda update?

Very much better. Thanks for asking. Before the end of this week

holuwanoisy111:
Op Pls I Wil Lyk To Ask Diz Question Have U Deleted The Previous Three Story.

I deleted some parts of the three stories. Why do you asked?

teel123:
. I mean. After today.

I just posted two long updates. You will get another before the end of the week. I just want to be done with this work

'Tell me you are not kidding'
'I can't kid with something so serious'
He kissed her forehead, left the bed and ran to his sister's room. She was still lying down when he opened the door. Maureen smiled at her beloved brother. The siblings were all not properly dressed but they didn't seem to notice that. She was in a thin nighty and he in a shorts. Seeing his sister fully awake, he ran to the bed and hugged her for a full minute while his wife stood at the door to watched.
'Are you hungry?', he finally asked her
'I am not. I just want to see my husband and my babies'
As if on cue, the door opened and Victoria burst in. She saw her mother, awake and she stood at the door watching.
'Sweetheart you don't miss me?', she asked her daughter.
The girl just kept staring. She didn't make a step towards her mother.
'Victoria?', Maureen called
'Mummy, please tell uncle Joel to call daddy'
Joel helped his sister to a sitting position, supporting her with a pillow. Once seated, she turned to her daughter again.
'Victoria, come and give me a hug'
The girl, very reluctantly walked towards her mother. She climbed the bed and hugged her mother, after which, she turned to her uncle,
'Uncle, will you call my daddy now?'
'I will call your daddy sweetheart but I need to talk to your mummy first'
'Why?'
'This is adults talk, perhaps, you will understand when you grow older'
'I miss my daddy', she said and ran out of the room.
A tear slipped down Maureen's cheeks. Victoria was so innocent she didn't knew her action had hurt her mother. Maureen wiped her tears. No matter what she did, she knew that Victoria would always choose Jake over her. There was this strong bond between father and daughter that no one can break. To victoria's little mind, her father would always come first, her mother second, her brothers and then her grandpa.
'What is happening and why am I here and not with Jake?', she asked her brother
'You need to rest, eat then we can talk'
'I clearly miss a lot. I can't afford to wait a minute'
Joel slowly but painfully t old Maureen all that had happened. From her kidnapping to her fake marriage. She listened, hurt and sad.
'You saw the priest?'
'Yes'
'How could Jake do this to me?'
'I think, you need to change environment Maureen. If he truly loves you, he would have told you the truth. Jake had compromised you Maureen'
'But I love him Joel'
'I know that. That's why, I want you to pack your kids and go somewhere. Start all over'
'And be a single mum of three? I went through it with Victoria and Victor, I can't go through it again'
'You can, you are still young and beautiful. You may actually fall in love again'
'Jake is the one man I will ever love, even though, he keeps hurting me'
A tear again found its way to her cheeks.
'Maureen...'
'Joel, I need to be alone'
'But...'
'Please, let me be'
Slowly, he held Mich's hand and they walked out of the room. Ten minutes later, Joel pushed opened his sister's door and found her still crying. He looked helplessly at her already swollen eyes as she looked up to him.
'I am sorry Maureen'
She didn't reply him. She blew her nose and used a duvet to clean it. At the moment, she didn't care about anything. She had been made a fool at, again and again by the one man she loved.
'Joel?'
'Anything for you little sis'
'Call Jake. I need to have a talk with him'
'I will do no such thing Maureen. I expect you to get away from him, not giving him the opportunity to hurt you more'
'I want to see him. I've got questions for him'
'Maureen...'
'Will you call him or do I have to? I am not asking for your permission, big bro'
'Why are you doing this to yourself?'
'Where is my phone?'
'Okay, I will call him'
'Thank you'
'Do you need anything again?'
'Yes. I need Mich to help me clean up and then, I need to see my babies'
Joel stormed out of the room in an anger he managed to hide from his sister. He entered his room to a waiting Mich.
'So?'
'Of everything she could ask for, wanting me to call Jake wasn't what I anticipated'
'You are angry'
'Why shouldn't I be?'
'I think she would always love him, no matter how much it is he hurts her'
'And that's why I am more angry'
'I can think of many ways to make you happy again', she said, seductively.
'How?', he asked, pretending to not know what she meant.
she began unbuttoning her shirt, revealing dark smooth skin. He grabbed her, kissed her neck and she moaned.
'You are never tired?'
'How can I ever be tired of my love?'
three minutes later, his wife was lying down in his arms, happy, with a smile on her face. It then occurred to him that the door wasn't locked and any of his kids may barge in. He swore.
'What?'
'The door'
'Not to worry, Kenneth and kelvin are having their afternoon nap. Jessica is with her nanny'
He swore again. Maureen sat up, intentionally refused to cover her bosom which she knew, always drove him crazy.
'Relax Joel, I Jake loves Maureen too'
and then it occurred to him that he had promised to send Mich over, to help her.
'Mich?'
'Hmm'
'Maureen had earlier asked me to call you. I think she needs to go the bathroom'
'And you are just telling me?'
'I forgot'
She kissed his lips, left the bed and picked her robe. When the sash was securely tied around her waist, she smiled at her brother and left. Walking down the corridor was Maureen's room. She pushed opened the door and found Maureen, already in the bathroom. She heard the older nurse employed by Joel talking in the bathroom and sighed in relive. Quickly, she changed the beddings and made the bed. After that, she opened the bathroom door and found her sister-in-law, soaked up in a hot tub.
'Did you asked Joel if it is alright for her to bath?', Mich asked the nurse.
'It should be, but your sister-in-law wouldn't let me ask him. She insisted she needed a bath', the nurse replied.
'Leave us, I will take over from here'
'Okay then', the woman said and walked out.
'I can see it in your eyes, what you just did', Maureen said
'What?', Mich snapped
'Have you forgotten I lived here with you and Joel when you two are newly married? There is always this glow in your face when...'
Mich caught her short.
'Point taken. So how are you feeling. Right now, hungry and weak'
'What may I prepare for you to eat?'
'just noodles'
'Why?'
'Its been long I had a taste of it'
Mich helped her bath, used a towel to wipe her dry then picked a robe and done it over her body. By the time they returned to the room, she was drained of her strength
Mich went to prepare noodles while Maureen sent a maid for her kids.
The little children have almost forgotten her. When she went for Evans, he broke into a wail and Maureen hated herself. Ethan, refused for her to carry him. She told the nanny to return them to the nursery. Mich came in with her noodles and two boiled eggs.
'Thank you', she said
'Don't mention. Just get strong for your kids'
Where is Victoria?'
'In her room, sulking'
'Okay'
She began slowly to eat her food. As she ate, she realized that she had lost control of her life. No job, her little kids don't know her again, her eldest is now distant. She is a single mother of three without a job to support herself and her kids.
She ate, the food tasting like ash in her mouth. When she was through, she drank a bottled water and then sat there staring at the ceiling. Her brother came in, kissed her cheeks and then packed the plates downstairs.



******
She was still seated in her bed, when a knock sounded on the door and her brother walked in with Joel on his heels. They stared at each other. While Joel came to stand in front of her, Jake stood at the door. He knew her brother must have told her the bitter truth already. As they stared, the door burst opened and Victoria burst in.
'Daddy', she said and flung her little arms around his thigh. He picked her up, kissed her cheeks and put her down.
'Your mother and I need to talk. Can you give us time alone?'
'She looked from her daddy to her mummy. She saw her mother, looking sad and then ran to the bed, she climbed, hugged her and whispered, 'I miss you mummy'
Without waiting for a reply, she dashed out of the room. It became quiet again. Jake couldn't take a step into the room, he kept standing by the door.
'Joel, excuse us', She said quite calmly'
'No. I won't leave you alone with this man'
'Joel, I need time alone with Jake'
'No'
'I have private questions I want to ask him. Please don't embarrass me further'
Joel reluctantly left his sister's room. As soon as the door got shut, she turned her gaze to Jake.
'What do you have to say for yourself?', she asked
'I am sorry'
'Sorry? Sorry Can not make me feel better'
'Let me explain'
'Explain how you've been lying to me and deceiving me?'
'I wronged you. But let me explain'
'I don't want to hear any of your lies anymore. You are not allowed to say goodbye to Victoria or the boys. As soon as you step out of this room, drive out of this house and forget you and I ever had any intimacy. Forget you have any kids with me. I've just relieved you of all responsibilities toward the kids and I'
'No, don't do this to me, please Maureen'
'My brother and Mich will come for our clothes before the end of the week'
'No, I won't let you do this to me'
'If you want us to fight dirty I am ready for that too. I have nothing to loose, afterwards, the public had always seen me as your mistress. I will drag you to court if I have to and get a restraining order'
Jake rushed into the room. He stood before her, fell on his knees and let the tears he had been holding to slipped.
'Get out of my room'
'No, don't punish me this way. Please, I am begging you. I didn't tell you that the wedding isn't legit because I was scared you would leave me. Telling me to leave is like telling me shooting me in the heart'
'Get out', she said, with tears in her eyes.
'You have to tell your brother to drag me out'
When the door burst opened, Victoria's smiled died at the sight before her. She looked from her mother's tear stained cheeks to her father's.
'Get out and never show your face again', Maureen snapped yet again.
'No, please don't separate me from you and the kids. I will do anything you want. Anything, just don't send me away', he said, holding her legs.
Joel came in, and began sending Jake out.
'You heard her right, go and never return'
Victoria who had watched her parents with tears in her eyes went wild. She hated her mother and her uncle for what they are doing to her father.
'Mummy please, I will be a good girl, just don't send daddy away again'
'Go back to your room and return only when I send for you'
'Okay, Maureen, let me say good bye to my kids. Please, for the sake of the good times we once shared'
'I won't give you that satisfaction Jake, disappear'
Slowly, Jake went on his feet, he looked pleadingly at her again but she wouldn't bulged. As he walked out, Victoria ran after him, she was in his arms in and sobbing.
'Don't leave me daddy'
Joel forcefully separated father and daughter. She cried and kicked while Jake slipped out of the house. He didn't go home, he went to a club and drank. When he returned home, he couldn't sleep.
The next day, he packed his things and left without a word to his father or brother.


********

2 years later

Her phone rang, she absently went to it and picked it. Its Victoria's school.
'Hello?'
'Miss Maureen, can you come over to the school?'
'Is Victoria ill?'', she asked the principal
'Just come as soon as you can'
'Okay'
She picked her handbag and walked out of her office. She met her secretary.
'I just received a call from Victoria's school. Take care of everything'
'Okay, ma'am'
She walked to her car, and drove to Victoria's school. The girl was waiting in the principal's office.
'Sweetheart are you okay?', Maureen asked
Victoria didn't answer. She just turned her face away.
'What's wrong?'
'Sit down miss Jason'
She sat down and waited for the news.
'Victoria had been caught stealing again'
'What?'
'Yes. She opened her teacher's bag and stole the woman's pen and a tissue paper'
'Victoria, why are you doing this to me? What do you want? I give you everything. Why are you always making me sad?'
Victoria, unrepentant only looked at her mother. Maureen turned to the Headmaster,
'I will talk to her'
'You see, miss Jason, it is because of your connections that made us to keep up with her habits. No one likes her, not even her class mates. She made no friends and is always into one trouble or another but the school can not take this anymore'
'Meaning?'
'The school management agreed have her expelled'
A tear slipped from Maureen's cheeks. She turned to Victoria and began hitting her. The girl didn't stop her mum, she didn't cry, she just shrugged and ran outside.
'She is just a child sir'
'She is eight. She is growing worse'
Maureen picked her bag and Victoria's school bag. She met the girl waiting for her at the car. She unlocked it and they boarded it.
Once home, she met her uncle and his wife watching Tv. She didn't greet them, she just walked up the stairs. Joel called her back and scolded her. She just shrugged inwardly and then her mother came in, crying.
'What did she do again?', Joel asked
'She got expelled'
'What was her offense?'
'Theft'
'Victoria what's wrong with you? Why are you always making your mother cry?', Linda asked her
Victoria turned to her mother.
'What's my punishment now?'
Maureen slapped her. She fell down and let the tears flow.
'I will beat you today'
She pounced on the girl but was stopped by Mich. When she was told to go to her room, she gladly did. She ran up, lucked the door she shared with Jessica and removed a secret box. In the box was a picture. She looked at it and cried then returned it to its hiding place.
Slowly, she crept to the kitchen, opened the pot of stew. She kept it on the titled floor, sat down and began feeding on the fish and meat. She heard her Kelvin and Kenneth returned. She kept eating.
'Jesus christ!', Mich exclaimed
Joel and Maureen ran into the kitchen. She looked at her mother, then her uncle and his wife. Maureen slapped her, again, she shrugged inwardly.
'What kind of girl are you? Not to worry, I will call your grandfather and your uncle, Henry. I will tell them the kind of child you are turning to'
She was sent up to her room. Jessica was back from school and the house was already filled with activity. Kelvin opened the door.
'We heard you stole again Victoria?', she ignored him.
'I don't know why we have to share our house with a thief'
Again, she ignored him and went to wash herself. When it was time for lunch, she stayed up while all the kids went down. Evan came to her room.
'Are you not hungry?', he asked
'Get out of here', she yelled
The poor boy began crying. Maureen came into the room and looked angrily at her daughter then picked up Evan. The family ate in silence while Victoria lay in her bed.



******
That evening, Anthony and Henry, who had received Maureen's agitated call came knocking at the door. After all the greetings and pleasantries, they asked Maureen what the problem was. She burst into tears and told them her daughter is a disgrace to her.
'Can we have a talk with her?'
'Sure. She may listen to you. She doesn't listen to me'
Kenneth was sent to call her. He returned and said,
'Aunty Maureen, Victoria said to tell you she is sleeping'
'What? Henry asked. Go tell her I said she has two minutes to show herself here'
Kenneth ran up again. He returned, with Victoria following him. She looked at her uncle and grandfather then at her mother.
'Are you not going to greet us? Victoria?'
'Will you punish me if I don't?', she asked Henry
'Yes', he replied'
I'm not scared of your punishment. There is a stick upstairs, mother beat me with it. I can bring it'
'You really are a spoiled brat', Henry told her
Anthony couldn't explain why the girl has changed so suddenly.
'I bought ice cream for you', he told his favourite grandchild.
'I am not hungry'
'Why were you expelled from school?', Henry asked
'I just took my teacher's pen and a tissue paper'
'Who permitted you to?'
'No one'
'So this is what you want? To be a bad girl?'
She shrugged, visibly and Henry hit her. She didn't cry. She just stared at him, without fear.
'I am tired of her', Maureen cried.
'Maureen, can she come stay with me for sometime?', Anthony asked
'Can I go and start packing my clothes?', she asked excitedly.

teel123:
Tiffany J , thanks for the update. So till when is another update.

Now

Victoria looked puzzling at her father, then at her aunty Michelle and then her uncle Henry as if she would find the answers to her questions on their faces. She didn't! And that made her more confused.
'Daddy? Where is my mummy?'
Jake sighed, knelt down in front of his daughter. He kissed her cheek
'Crystal, your mum will not be living with us for a while. Its just for a short time sweet, I promise'
'Everyone has a family except me and the twins. Why?'
The six year old asked her father? She refused to understand that her mummy would now be living with her uncle, Joel.
'Of course you have a family sweet. You have me, your mummy, your grandfather and your brothers', Jake cheerfully told her.
'No. You are always traveling, you and mummy are always fighting. Daddy do you think its my fault that we are not family?'
'Of course not sweetheart. It is never your fault. No matter what, never you forget that your mummy and I love you and your brothers to the point of distraction'
'What's distraction?'
'It means we love u so very much'
'Then don't let uncle Joel take my mummy away'
'I can't stop him sweet'
'Why?'
Joel appeared at the door, with bags in his hands. Victoria recognizing her traveling bag got more confused.
'Daddy? That's my bag'
Jake quickly went on his feet. He walked to Joel, 'you are not taking my kids from me'
'Watch me do it'
'I love Maureen, I intend to wed her as soon as she recovers from her illness'
'Save that epistle for someone else'
Turning to Victoria, Joel beckoned.
'Sweetheart, come, I'm taking you to live with your mummy'
'No'
'Why?'
'I want to live with daddy'
'Don't worry, your brothers are coming with us'
'Then who would take care of my daddy for me?'
'He can take care of himself'
'Joel, you took my wife, you will have to kill me first before I let you take my kids away from me'
'Your wife? How much did you pay me for her dowry? In fact, who wedded you?'
Henry and Mich all stood still, not wanting to involve themselves in the situation.
'Okay, we shall see about that'
He let go of the bags and came for Victoria who immediately ran to her father and held his legs as if it were her second skin. Joel tried to pull and Jake too held tightly unto her. The poor girl was now already crying her heart away.
Mich was now already angry and she found herself meddling. She turned to her husband,
'Joel, you and Jake are hurting the poor girl'
'Stay out of this Mich. Many times this clod makes a fool of my sister and I'
'Joel, do you want to pull out Victoria's arm?'
'Stay out of this Mich'
'No, I refuse to stay out of this. it became my problem when you two decide to involve this little girl. Can't you all see that you are hurting her? Maureen, will never forgive you'
Jake found himself and immediately let go of his daughter while Joel took the opportunity to pick her up. She was now shouting.
'Let her go Joel', Jake warned
'No. And when she grows up, I will tell her the kind of man you are'
When Anthony and Linda finally came, the show was almost over.
'What's going on here'
'Since your son is yet to marry my sister, its time I take her and her kids home. I can't stand him humiliating her again'
'Joel, I promise you this, jake would come for Maureen's hands but first, she needs to get better'
'I won't give him another chance sir. All I want is my sister and her kids'
'And if I say no?', Anthony said calmly.
'Stay out of this sir'
'These are my grandkids we are talking about. You took your sister'
'Joel, Victoria will never forgive you for taking her away from her father. You know how close these two are and how to her, her father never makes a mistake', Mich caution.
At last, Anthony threw Joel out of his house, without the kids. Joel looked at the Josephs and Marched to his car.
'Daddy, I don't want to leave you'
Victoria said In tears.
You won't sweetheart. I promise'


**********
A week later, the Josephs were having lunch when a letter came in for Jake. The security guard said it was brought in by a post man. He kept it beside him and continue eating.
'Open it up. It might be from mother', Henry added
Slowly, Jake tore open the envelop and slowly read its content. He swore and then sighed.
'What is it?'
His father asked him
'Joel took me to court. I have been summoned to court on the 30th of this month'
'That's in three weeks time', Linda added
'What will you do now?'
'I will go'
'First, you too need a lawyer, Anthony added.
Henry said nothing. He knew that if he did, his brother would blame him for the predicament. He simply continued eating his food. This case he knew Joel would win, his brother won't but he dared not say that out.
The next day, Anthony looked for a very good lawyer and briefed him on the state of affairs.
Who do you think the Judge will side with?', Jake asked
'I'm sorry mr Joseph, the court may even give your kids to mr Jason. Especially after your father explained to me how you left Miss Maureen during her first and second pregnancy, without money'
'Joel would bring that up?'
'Since he took you to court, he will'
'What about the public disgrace?'
'I don't think he cares about that'
'What's the worse that could happen?'
'The Judge would take the kids away from you and then, since you are still their father, you may be given visiting right, once in a month, or maybe, once in two months'
'What?'
'Yes. You haven't married her Jake, you haven't even paid her dowry'
'What do you suggest we do?', Anthony asked
'I suggest you don't drag your family to the mud. You have to pay a visit to her brother, settle this amicably, at least, until miss Jason recovers'
He took his leave and Jake didn't know what to do. The following week, he made a decision. He took Victoria to Joel's house.
'What do you want Jake?'
'She only misses her mother'
'We shall meet in court'
'Are you willing to expose your sister to such shame and degradation?'
'After what you did to her, nothing can be worse'
'Joel, I don't want us to meet in court. Let us solve this issue privately'
'How?'
'Call the damn priest. I will marry Maureen right now'
'Never'
Mich came and took Victoria to see her mother. A young nurse had been employed to take care of her.
'What do you want Joel?'
'My sister's kids'
'Don't forget, they are also my kids'
'Jake, I will withdraw the charges against you only if you forfeit the kids to me'
'Can I at least see her?'
'No'
'Joel, please. I am begging you'
'No way'
When Victoria returned, her father quietly drove her home. She too, said nothing.
The following week, jake called her into his room.
'Vicky?'
'Yes daddy'
'I need you to do me a favour'
'Can you go and stay with your mummy at your uncle Joel's house?'
'Why?'
'Because mummy is alone there'
'Okay'
'You will go with your brothers'
'I will?'
'Yes.
It took him another fifteen minutes to convince her that it was the best decision.
Three days later, he drove her, the twins and nanny to Joel's.
'Joel, I need two favours'
'What?'
'I want to be financially responsible for Maureen and the kids'
'No'
'Please'
'What next?'
'Visiting right'
'Once in a month'
'I need a weekend'
'No. You will have an hour, every month'
'Okay', he said. Praying for Maureen to regain consciousness before that time.
'Can I at least see her?'
'No'
'Please Joel. Its just once in a month'
With Mich's intervention, Jake was allowed to see Maureen. He walked into her room and without caring what her brother would say, kissed her lips.
By the time he walked out, he couldn't say goodbye to his kids. He. Couldn't bear the pain of leaving Victoria again, especially after he promised her he wouldn't. He slipped out of the house.


*******
Three weeks later, Jake, determined to be a good father, had traveled to Lagos, met an agent and put up one of his houses for sell. He returned to Abuja and began house hunting. He wanted something Maureen and the kids would want and he kept looking without luck. He spent his days planning how to bring his family together. He and Henry were still not talking but he didn't care. He looked forward to the end of the month, when he would visit Maureen and the kids. He had just left another house he found unsatisfactory and he began to wonder if he would ever get a place he would gladly share with his wife and kids. Of course he had every intention of marrying Maureen, but that would be after she is awake and they had taken care of Helen and Philip.
He drove into his father's house and went straight to his room, showered and then slept for a good hour. Tomorrow will be a very special day, he would visit his kids and Maureen. He made a short prayer for Maureen to regain her consciousness and then went down for his dinner. Once downstairs, he observed that his brother and Linda were already seated. He didn't bother telling them a word but just went ahead to serve himself.
Slowly, he ate his food and tried not to notice that his brother and Linda seemed worried for him. He picked a sliced sausage and took his to his mouth and then looked up to realized Linda and Henry were staring pitifully at him. Again, he ignored them and picked slices of chips into his mouth.
'Jake?', Linda called
He slowly turned to her but he was so calm she almost knew not what to say.
'I miss them too you know. Maureen and the kids', again, he continued eating and refused to respond.
'The least you can do is to not drag me into your fight with Henry. It really isn't fair to me'
'I am not fighting with Henry'
'Then why is it that you talk to no one in the house. You keep more to yourself?'
'If your husband and kids get taken away from you, how would you feel, Linda?'
'Empty'
'Now you know what I feel. Very empty. I miss them'
'Can I take you out tomorrow? For a dinner?'
'No'
'Please Jake'
'Take your husband instead'
He said, pushed back his chair and left the room. Henry turned to his wife,
'Jake blames me for being separated from Maureen and his kids. He hates me Linda'
'He doesn't. He is just hurt'
'My brother is miserable'
'Have you tried to talk with Joel?'
'I tried but he won't bulged. He is adamant you know'


*******
Jake was immaculately dressed in a white shirt and blue Jeans. He couldn't hide his excitement when the door opened and he was greeted by Joel at the door.
'Welcome'
'Thank you'
'Where are they?'
'Sit down. Let me send someone for them'
He sat down and Mich appeared in a jeans and shirt. She smiled when she saw him and quickly stood up and gave her a hug.
'I'm glad to see you Jake'
'Same her Mich. Tell me. How are they? Maureen, is she awake?', he eagerly asked
'I'm sorry Jake, but not yet'
He couldn't hide his disappointment. Slowly, he turned to her.
'The kids? How are they? Hope they didn't give you much trouble?'
'Not at all. They are all healthy, just that Victoria...'
'What about her?'
'She is getting violent'
'How?'
'She is becoming stubborn and yet doesn't want to be scolded'
'Why?'
Maureen didn't get to answer as Victoria came rushing downstairs.
'Daddy?'
She was in his arms and crying and laughing at the same time. Joel and Mich exchanged a glance. Victoria was becoming increasingly difficult to be with. She had earlier on told Joel that she want to talk to her father and when he refused, she had looked at him for a full minute and then said,
'When my mummy wakes up, I will tell her that you took us away from our daddy and grandfather'
'Are you not happy here Victoria?', he had asked her.
'I hate you uncle Joel, for making us to live without our daddy'
With that, she had ran out to her room. Now she looked happy and cheerful.
'What did you bring for me daddy?'
'Come, let me show you'
She ran out with her father. He opened his car boots and inside were filled with all sort of food, clothes and even toys. He had shopped for his beloved kids.
'Wow?', she exclaimed
'What about mummy?'
'I bought her flowers. They are at the back seats of the car'
'I miss you daddy'
'I miss you too my crystal', he said and he began unloading the boot.
'Please daddy, take us home'
'Then who would take care of your mummy?'
The girl wisely kept mute. When he was finally done, he left everything he brought for the maids to take inside but picked the flowers to and Victoria upstairs to Maureen. She was lying down, on her bed. Why doesn't she want to wake up? He walked to her and kissed her.
'Vicky?'
'Yes daddy'
'Can you give me a few minutes with your mummy?'
'You miss her?'
'Yes'
The girl walked out quietly. When the door closed behind her, he sat on the bed and held Maureen's hands.
'I won't forgive you if you give up. Never. Maureen I am living in an empty world. The only thing keeping me going is you and the kids. I am weak because I can't bear to have to wait another three weeks to see you all again. Come back. Our kids, especially Victoria had suffered enough. We need to raise them as a family. They deserve a real family. Please I am begging you, you have to wake up and bring back the light in my heart. I treated you very badly in Lagos, left you to take care of Victor and Victoria and you lost your mind when Victor died. I committed a lot of atrocities to you and even lied about our marriage but even if you won't forgive, just come back to us. Knowing you are alive and well is enough for me'
He couldn't bear it again and he broke down into tears. When he heard the door opened, he quickly wiped his eyes and turned to Victoria.
'Daddy?'
'Yes?'
'Your eyes are red. Are you crying?'
'No sweetheart'
'You look sad'
'I don't know why your mummy doesn't want to wake up'
'Do you think she is with Victor?'
'No victoria. Your mummy isn't with Victor'
Now let's go see your little brothers. I missed them too.
Jake spent a good hour with his kids. When it was time for lunch, he and Victoria ate in silence while Joel kids kept arguing and giggling. Jake barely ate his food and Victoria too left her own. Deep down, she knew her father would soon leave again.
After lunch, Mich brought a vase and Maureen's flowers were neatly arranged and returned to her room.
An hour later, it was time for Jake to leave. He looked painfully at his kids. Kissed the twins on their foreheads and then turned to Victoria.
'Guess what?', he said cheerfully'
'What?'
'I am haunting a house for us. Very soon, we will all be family again'
'Can grandpa come live with us?'
'You miss him?'
'Yes daddy'
'I miss him too'
There was silence.
'Sweetheart, I have to go. Promise you will take care of your mummy and brothers'
'I will dad'
'Good girl'
She began crying when he entered his car and drove away. Joel and Mich came to comfort her. Joel knelt beside her and held her tenderly.
'Your daddy will be fine'
'I don't like it here uncle Joel. I miss my daddy and my grandpa'
With that, she went upstairs in tears.
'Joel, do not allow that girl to hate you', Mich warned
'She is just a little girl'
'Not just any girl but Maureen's girl. Can't you see? She is blaming you for not being with her father'
'So?'
'Let them go. Let Maureen go. She already have three kids for that man. What I expect you to do is insist for Jake to quietly bring her bride price and then all these will be over'
'Did you see him make an effort to?'
'He did Joel, but you refused. How long will you keep separating them as family? We both know that Maureen would go live with him when she wakes up. This is just how much she loves him'
'I am sleepy Mich'
'Keep running Joel, you can not hide'



*******
The following week, Maureen slowly opened her eyes. The room was empty and quiet. She tried to remember why she felt so tired but couldn't. She lie down quietly and waited for what seems like ages when the door opened and Mich walked in.
'Mich?'
'Oh my! You are awake'
'How long have I been sleeping and why do I have drip?'
'You've been sleeping for three months'
'What? My babies, where are my babies?'
'They are all fine'
'Jake?'
'He is fine'
'Where is he? I need to talk with him'
'You should talk with your brother first'
'Why? Where is my husband? Left again, didn't he?'
'No Maureen'
Mich couldn't answer her so she ran to her bedroom and woke up her sleeping husband who had just returned from his shift at the hospital.
'My love?'
He groaned but then refused to open his eyes. She leaned and kissed his lips.
'Mich, I don't have strength of s.x now. Come back latter', he muttered.
'I don't want s.x'
'Then go away'
'Your sister just regained consciousness'
His eyes snapped opened. He sat up and stared at his wife.

'What I don't know is why', Joel concluded
'I wonder what Philip and Helen did to her', Tara added
'I still can't explain it that a mother of three little kids doesn't want to live anymore. Why? She is even married to a man she loves', he muttered.
They all stared at her, all very confused about what was happening. Jake wasn't strong enough to explain to them what had happened. After Maureen was transported to the hospital, he too was transported back to her spare room in order to avoid Victoria knowing he was back.
They went back to Anthony's house and were all sipping a brandy when Jake came down with only short. He looked a bit weak but just okay.
'Jake you need to go back to bed'
'No. I need to see my wife and kids first'
With that he used all the strength he had left to shouted his daughter's name. In seconds, they heard little footsteps. She knew her father's voice and came down running. Victoria, who never laughed since her parents were gone shrieked with laughter as she wrapped her little arms over her father's thighs.
He carried her and sat down on one of the couch to avoid falling down.
'My crystal, my love, I am so sorry your mum and I left you by yourself'
She burst into tears. Crying her eyes out and never letting go of the one man she loved most in this world.
'Cry it out Victoria, but never doubt that mummy and I love you so much'
After about three minutes, she was hicupping. Soon, she turned to her father again
'Where is mummy?'
'Your mummy is in the hospital'
'Daddy?'
'Yes?'
'Please don't leave me again'
Jake had gotten tired of making that promise to the little girl so he said nothing.
'You didn't greet your grandpa, uncles and Aunties'
Victoria smiled, went to them and greeted them. Her eyes were now alive with excitement.
'Sweetheart, how are your brothers?'
'Fine'
'Hope you took care of them while your mummy and I are away'
'Yes daddy'
'Come, I miss them too'
She followed him upstairs to the nursery. There, they met the twins who had completely forgotten their father. Victoria played with Evan on his cot. He laughed and Jake was reminded of Maureen. He picked Evan up and kissed his cheek and the poor child began to cry
'He doesn't know you again daddy'
'I am his father'
He returned him to his crib and picked Ethan. The boy shrieked, then kicked a leg.
By the time they left the nursery, Jake was ready to pay Maureen a visit. He didn't bother bathing, He simply got rid of Victoria who didn't want to leave his side.
'I don't want to leave you', the poor girl had told him
'Do not worry sweetheart. You can stand by the door to guide me. I just want to change clothing'
So saying, he turned his back at her and Victoria slipped out of his room. Jake removed a pair of pants and shirt. He slowly dressed and smiled when he looked at himself in the mirror. He had emaciated a great deal. His brother pushed the door opened and walked inside.
'Why are you looking at me like that?', Jake inquired
'You are wearing your shirt inside out'
He cursed and went for the button while Henry sat on the bed.
'Can you tell me why you up and left, without thinking of your kids?'
'I did thought of them. That was why I left you that note of leaving them in your care'
'Jake you chose Maureen over those little ones?'
'Should I be ashamed of this? Of course she is my wife'
'That marriage is not legal. The priest didn't even issue a certificate'
Jake stilled. This was one secret he would do anything to bury. How had Henry knew these?
'Well', he answered 'get your facts right. Maureen signed the certificate'
'You mean the fake one you and father provided?'
Jake stared dagger at his older brother.
'And who told you these lies?'
'I spoke to the priest myself'
'You didn't dare'
'Sure I did. You have to do right by Maureen and the kids and marry her legitimately. So after all these while, you've been intimate with her and sharing a room but you couldn't tell her you guys are still not married?'
'Stay off my affairs'
'I will, little brother. But when Joel finds out? When Maureen finds out? I don't think you will ever see her or your kids again'
'Get out of my room'
'You have three days to clear your mess and make things right or else,I will personally tell Joel'
'Maureen won't ever leave me'
'Her opinion does not matter here. You know why? She is in a comma. Three days Jake or else...'
Jake had never been so furious before. All his life his brother had done a lot of things to provoke him but he had never been provoked. Now, he felt rage. How dare Henry? Jake didn't remember he was not well recovered. He ran straight at Henry who was surprised. The two fought out all the anger they've been holding. Jake who wasn't strong enough got a beating while Henry got a bruised face and a broken nose.
'Jesus christ', Joel heard Linda screamed
But the two brothers were not yet through with each other. Linda went to separate them but Jake mistakenly gave her a blow in the face. She screamed, bringing Joel, Jordan and Anthony into the room. By then, Henry was beating Jake black and blue. It took Joel all of his will power to stop Henry. The brothers stared angrily at each other, panting heavily.
'What is wrong with you two? Henry, why are you fighting your brother?', Anthony asked.
He knew the boys had never fought. They may have little quarrels and misunderstanding but no fight. Jake was too noble for that and he wondered what Henry must have done to trigger Jake into fighting with him.
'Like I said before Jake, three days is what I am giving you'
'You son of a bi.ch. Stay off my affairs you hear me?'
'We shall see about that', Henry said and walked out.
'Joel, what was that about?', Linda asked.
'All of you should get out of this room. I need a bath', Joel said a bit too calmly.
All left and then he quickly went for a bath and came back only to see Victoria innocently waiting for him. He was too tired for anything. He simply laid down in bed and soon began sleeping. Victoria joined him and they slept.

******
By morning, Jake left his bed. He wore his clothes and woke up Victoria from sleep. They didn't bath, they walked to the hospital to see Maureen. Unless she wakes up from her comma, her brother would take her away from him.
'Sweetheart come and give mummy a hug', the girl timidly kept standing by the door.
Joel slowly walked to his sleeping wife and hugged her then kissed her cheeks and lips. Victoria went and gave her mother a hug.
'Can you tell your mummy stories about the twins?'
'Can she hear us?'
'Yes'
Victoria, the talkative began talking, from nothing to everything. Filling her mum in all she had missed. After more than an hour she looked at her mum with tears in her eyes and said,
'I miss you mum, I miss you the way I miss Victor and daddy too miss you. Even though he didn't tell me I know. The twins too miss you'
Jake who was sitting on a chair beckoned to Victoria and she sat on his lap. He kissed her forehead and told her that her mother misses her too.
'Can you sing for your mother?'
'Would she like it?'
'Sure'
Victoria sang all the nursery hymns she knew. No one saw it but Maureen's fingers moved.
'Is mummy going to die?'
'No she won't die? Then who would take care of me?'! Jake asked
'And me', Victoria added
'And Ethan', Jake supplied
'And Evan?', his daughter concluded
'Maureen, I refuse to allow you leave us alone. Who in the hell would take care of our kids? What about me? As your husband, I demand you leave that comma'
He turned and saw a doctor smiling at him.
'You must be Jake, her husband'
'Yes'
'I am your wife's doctor, Emeka'
He walked into the room and the two shook hands.
'Is this your daughter?'
'Yes. Her name is Victoria. Victoria greet your mummy's doctor'
'Good morning sir'
'Morning how are you?'
'I miss my mummy'
'Your mummy will be fine'
'Now doctor, I want her discharge immediately'
'We can't do that'
'You can. We both know her illness isn't physical. She is going home to hear her kids cry for her to bossom feed, to hear them laugh and play and hear Victoria's story. She will sleep by me every night and hear how I will not forgive her if she ever gives up.
'But sir, your brother said...'
'I am her husband, not my brother'
'She will still need a doctor'
'I have one in mind already so don't worry'
'Is mummy coming with us?'
'Yes, I'm sure she misses home'
Victoria, too happy ran and hugged her mummy again. The doctor saw all these. He saw Jake kissed his wife's lips and thought that letting her go may be the best option. Thirty minutes later, they were on their way home after buying enough drips which the doctor had prescribed.



********
'Henry, what happened between you and Jake yesterday?'
'Linda, I kept telling you it doesn't concern you'
'Of course it does. I got this swollen cheeks in the process'
'And I apologized to you. Next time, never you try to separate a fight of two full grown up men'
'You beat him up'
'And he left me with a black eye and red cheeks'
'So you won't tell me?'
'I will, just not yet'
'Why?'
'Cause a lot of things are at risk here'
'Such as?'
He remain mute while Linda pouted and sighed. They heard a car drove into the compound and heard Victoria's excited laugh and they knew Jake had returned. The door to the living room opened and Jake entered, with Maureen in his arms.
'Jake what is wrong with you?', Henry asked him, a bit too calmly
'Mind your business Henry'
'I won't let you do that'
'Do what? Take care of my sick wife? If so, come and stop me'
Both Victoria and Linda looked at the brothers in bewilderment but then, Jake began walking upstairs again. He laid Maureen on the bed.
When he heard a knock, he knew it was Shan. He had called her earlier to check on Maureen and administer some drips for her.
'Shan? Come in'
The door opened and Shan came in with a smile. She hugged Victoria to her and then walked to Maureen's bed
'Good afternoon uncle Jake'
'Afternoon Shan. Can you help me out with her?'
'Of course. I can't afford not to'
Victoria was sent out of the room and Shan helped Jake remove Maureen's cloth and helped her into a nighty. After that, a drip was administered to her.
'Are you sure you won't need a nurse to help you out?'
'No Shan, I won't'
'Okay uncle Jake. is there an empty room here? I would love to stay temporary here to help you take care of her'
'Yes. I will have Victoria moved in with her brothers. You can have her room'
'Okay'
She turned to leave but Jake called her back
'Shan?'
'Yes uncle Jake?'
'Thank you so very much for all you are doing for me'
'You are family uncle Jake. I am glad I can be of help'
She turned the knob and went out of the room.
That evening, they were having dinner when Jake announced he was looking for a house for his family.
'Jake, why?', his father asked
'Because I have overstayed my welcome here and I think its high time I take responsibility of my family'
'Where would you want to go?'
I'm thinking of Jebi'
'That's far', Linda added
'Its not Linda. When Maureen recovers, we will all be returning to Lagos'
'What about your mother?'
'I won't let her continue to determine how I live my life'
'Jake...'
'Father, I am not asking you to permit me. I am leaving'
'Is this about your fight with Henry?'
Henry snorted but Jake pretended not to see him.
' I am sorry Linda, I hit you last evening'
'Why were you two fighting?', she asked her brother-in-law
'Ask your husband'
He went upstairs, pick the twins and brought them to his room to play. Victoria was there to help them out. Soon, the room was filled with shouts and cries of the kids.
'Listen Maureen, your kids need you', Jake whispered into her ears.
When the door opened, Jake turned to see Henry at the door. He stilled, then quickly hid his contempt when he noticed Victoria staring at him.
'Victoria dear'
'Yes? Uncle Henry?'
'Can you call the nanny to return the twins to their nursery? I want to have a private talk with your daddy'
The girl looked from her father to her uncle. She dashed out of the room when her father nodded to her and then returned almost immediately with the nanny who without saying a word, picked the boys and beckoned to Victoria to follow her out.
'No', she shouted
'Victoria. Go with your nanny. Your uncle and I will just have a private talk'
Victoria slowly walked out of the room while the men watched. As soon as the door shut behind Victoria, they turned to each other.
'What do you want?', Jake angrily broke the silence
'For you to do right by Maureen and the kids. Marry her'
'I will, just as soon as she recovers from her illness'
'I still can't understand why father agreed to help you cover such big a lie'
'Henry, haven't you noticed that your kids, Daisy especially has grown into a spoiled brat? Why not channel all your anger into raising her well?'
Henry turned and began walking out of the room. He turned the knob and was about walking out but then changed his mind. He returned and faced his brother.
'At least I married her mother. What about you? you kept being intimate with Maureen in the name of a husband. Have you married her? No. Have you paid her bride price? No. Does she know all these? No'
'I married her'
'You did? I remembered the priest telling me the marriage was not legal. If you love her that much, why have you been lying to her?'
They heard a deep intake a breath and turned at the door way to see Joel and Mich staring in disbelieve at them. Joel rushed into the room.
'You lair, you've been lying to my sister all these while?'
'Joel', Mich called
'Stay out of this Mich, allow me to teach this sod a lesson'
He rushed to Jake but then stopped when Victoria appeared. She hugged Joel and Mich and then smiled at them.
'Jake, if I catch you anywhere near my sister, nephews or nieces again, I will have you put behind bars'
'Joel, please. Let me explain'
'No. And you Henry? How could you you let your brother treat her like this?'
Henry couldn't find his voice. He just stared.
'Jake, do you have any objections? I want my sister back home with me'
'I do'
'Have you married her?'
'No'
'Start packing her things'
Jake began shaking. He could do nothing as Joel removed Maureen's drips and picked her into his arms.
'Where is he taking mummy?'
'Sweetheart, he is taking her away from me'

JMK9600:
Please I need the completed versions of your work. My email is adejumoke9600@gmail.com. Expecting your mail o. Please the works are educative and interesting. Let's learn from you. More ink to your pen

Thanks for liking my work. I sell each story's PDF copy for #500. Let me know if are interested

grachikiss:
I have sent u the email. thank

Sorry dear, I haven't received any mail from you. Maybe you should resend it

grachikiss:
what of next month and how much do u sell it

Send me an email. Ayanicomfortambrose@gmail.com

Precious111:
I love your family series TIFFANYJ and I must commend u are a real great job but u have removed almost all the pages. pls take pity on those that love ur work and repost them. Pls i really wish I could finish it. I will really appreciate a reply.

I'm so glad you love my stories,your words make me feel that I must never sto writing. Its a passion, you know. I will really love to re post all these works free again but if I do that, my work will get plagiarized and that was the sole reason I removed it

grachikiss:
pls can u sell it to me

Hope u won't take it personally, but I sell to only selected few. Three copies every month. And I have already sold out for this month

grachikiss:
pls where can I get d complete story of reluctant bride
@ Tiffanyj.

Sorry, I remove it and only sell the pdf copies to selected people.

She managed it back to the room. Her food was taken away but she didn't care. By evening, Helen appeared with dinner and quietly went out. Maureen on her part took a spoonful of the macaroni and pushed back the plates. She gulped a bottled water and kept the remaining.
That night, she couldn't sleep. She dreamed of her mother begging her to save her from her father who wanted to get rid of her so as to be free to be with Helen. She woke up with perspiration. By morning, breakfast was brought to her by her father.
'I'm not hungry'
'You almost ate nothing last night. Look I made beacon for you'
'I am not hungry', she said a bit too calmly.
Her father looked seriously at her. She looked ill and in pain
'Are you ill?'
'No'
He went to her anyway and put his palms over her forehead. He sighed in relieve on realizing she wasn't running temperature.
'I don't understand, why don't you want to eat?'
She kept quiet.
'Is your arm hurting you?'
She looked at her father and then calmly pushed the food away. How couldn't he see that she is in pain. Emotional and psychological pain?
'You want to talk with Jake?' At that moment, he would had given her anything, so far its within his reach. His daughter just popped her head on the pillow and closed her eyes, in her desperation to shut down the pain engulfing her.
Philip thought his daughter was pulling that out to blackmail him into returning her husband. He walked out of the room and returned with Jake, who had just finished his breakfast. Jake took a good look at his wife and knew something was wrong.
'Sweetheart good morning', he said and kissed her cheek then sat on the bed.
Surprisingly, she kept her eyes shut. At that moment, all she wanted was for her father and husband to leave her alone.
'You didn't eat your food', her husband commented
'I am not hungry'
'Of course you should be'
'Jake, I miss my kids', she said slowly and then snapped her eyes opened
'I miss them too but then how can we escape this place if you refuse to eat?'
'I am not hungry'
'I hope she isn't pregnant?', Philip asked
'She isn't', her husband told him.
'Good'
'Don't you think its time you and Helen let us go?', Jake asked
'Not yet'
When it was obvious Maureen wouldn't eat her food, jake was shown out and a doctor was brought in. He examined her and turned to her father,
'She is as healthy as an ox'
'Then why is she not eating?'
'I don't know'
'Are you sure she isn't pregnant?'
'She is not. Didn't she tell you she had implantation?'
Then why is she not sleeping?'
'Probably depression'
The next day, Maureen already built a wall around her surrounding. She neither seemed to recognize anyone. Not even Jake. All she did was lie down and stare. She made no effort to eat or bath. Jake was beside himself was worry. Her father was so scared he called another doctor. He was told the same thing.
'Look Jake, maybe you should try make love to her. It may bring her back to us', Philip suggested in desperation
'And have you and Helen watch? No thank you'
'I promise you. No one is going to watch. Helen isn't home, she has gone to take care of some business and you have my word that I won't watch'
'You are not a man of honour Philip. You are a criminal'
'This is my daughter we are talking about'
'This is my wife we are talking about. Let us go home. Maybe seeing her kids will do something to bring her back'
'No'
'If anything happens to her, I will kill you and Helen', something in his tone made Philip believed he would carry out his threat.
Jake knew he had to try, he wouldn't just sit there. When Philip walked out, Jake went to the bed and kissed his wife. She didn't respond. He kissed her for another five minutes and then knew she was a lost cause. He left the bed, went downstairs and so Philip, watching the news. The door opened and in walked Helen
'What in the hell is he doing here?', she asked philip as she dropped her overnight bag.
Jake on seeing his mother, felt a deep hatred for her. Her rushed to her and pulled his hands around her neck.
'I will kill you'
It took two men to hold him. He was very angry and alarmed.
'If she dies, I will kill you both', he said as he was forcefully taken to his room
Two hours later, when he was calmed, the door to his room opened and his mother came in
'Next time you rise your hands to me like that, you will be sorry'
He said nothing to her. She looked at him and walked out. Lunch was brought to him but he lost appetite. He couldn't eat and he wasn't allowed to see Maureen again.
the following day, Philip made a decision.
'I am letting Jake and Maureen go'
'You can't do that'
'She is ill. I think she is ill emotionally. I have to let them go, for her own sake. At least I know Joel and Jake would take care of her'
'Are we not taking care of her?'
'In case you haven't noticed, she has lost consciousness and the doctor I invited suggested we take her to the hospital. Jake too had stopped eating'
'They are not kids. They are adults for crying out'
'And their lives are now at risk'
'Speak for yourself Philip. Anthony can keep Henry but Jake is mine and I intend keeping him. As for Maureen, we are about to invite Ola to come treat her'
'Ola? He is out of town'
'He isn't'
Ola was their personal doctor. He saw to their health and that of other criminals. He was good at his job but so very expensive but he also had one common thing with them, he is a criminal. He once worked at the Lagos state university teaching hospital and was fired when he performed an experiment on two patients. From then on, he became a criminal. He too wrote a will, faked his death and joined the world of criminals. He was wanted for a number of crimes, and he had always been elusive to the law.
'Call him', Philip told her
'Do not worry sweet. He is on his way here. You know the drills. Under no circumstance should you reveal to him that she is family'
'You think I am a fool?'
'No, but I know you get all emotional when it comes to Maureen'
Philip and Helen had made a decision to protect their family from their ways of life. By becoming criminals, they made powerful enemies and powerful friends and they wouldn't want to drag their family into a gang fight so they all agreed to change their names, their appearance and forever stay away from their loved ones. But this was easier said than done.
Ola was a small man of fifty. He was well known among his patients but few really knew his story. He had changed his name, bleached and had even left a mustache. Few could recognize him. He arrived and gave Helen a handshake. They were friends and she was among those he would save from any trouble.
'Good morning Jennifer', he greeted her
'Morning Ola. How is business?'
'Great. Is Philip ill?'
'I am not ill', Philip said from the door way.
The two men shook hands and all three sat on a couch
'So who am I treating?'
'A woman. We had her kidnapped and now, we wouldn't want to miss the ransom'
'it wasn't his duty to ask if the woman was rich and influential. His duty was work and money.
'How much is your cut?', Helen asked
Ola looked at Helen, 'let me go see what I am dealing with first'
Philip smartly remained seated while Helen led Ola to Maureen's room. Her lips were broken and she had emaciated. He observed her blood pressure, her temperature and then he turned to Maureen.
'When last had she eaten something?'
'Last Thursday'
'She will die if you leave her like this'
He placed her on a drip and left two for Helen to put for her once the one he had placed got finished.
Outside the room, philip was waiting. He tried to show no emotions when he asked Ola what was wrong with her.
'She is sick'
'With what?'
'She is not physically sick but emotionally and the thing is, she doesn't want to get healed'
'How would you know that?'
'She had refused to eat or drink'
'So what is your advise?'
'Unless you want her dead, hasten your ransom and return her to her family'
'Thank you'
'Who is she?', Ola wasn't suppose to ask but he couldn't help it.
'We won't tell you, you already know that don't you?', Helen told him
'Yes Jennifer. I am sorry for asking. My bill is #150000'
'We shall contact you'
He shook hands with Philip, hugged Helen and walked out. Deep down, he wanted to find out who that girl was. He had never asked but he asked today and his taste was not quenched.
'So?', Philip asked
'Take her back to her family', Helen agreed.
That evening, Maureen was dressed and put in the car. It wasn't until they went to call Jake that they found him bundled in bed. Suffering from fever.

*******
A call came in through Joel hospital line. He was seated in his office and wondering when his father would return Maureen when the call came.
'Joel?'
Joel went cold. He knew that voice. That wasn't a voice he would forget in a hurry.
'Father?'
'I am waiting for you at the gate to your hospital. Come get your sister'
'Why should I believe you?'
'She is sick Joel'
Joel picked his car keys and ran outside the hospital. He was so alarmed he didn't even care if he was walking into a trap. Once at the gate, he saw a green car parked at the other side of the street. He crossed to the other side of the road and then halted. The door came opened and a man alighted from it. He stared at an older version of his father. The man was lean, still handsome and looked very fit. He knew instantly that Philip must really be working out.
Philip on his part stared hard at his son. He had always known that Joel was a strong man and he proved him right with his achievement. He didn't expect Joel to welcome him with open arms yet, the cold stare he got from his son hurt him too badly.
Where is Maureen?'
'In the car'
The door then opened and Jake came out and smiled at Joel. Joel smiled back at him and then opened the door to pick Maureen. She was lying down, almost lifeless.
'Is she dead?', he asked
'No'
'Jake help me remove her from the car', Joel said
'I can't Joel. I really can't'
'Why?'
'He is running a fever Joel. He isn't so very strong now'
Alone, he picked Maureen from the car, managed to carry her to his car with Jake following them. Once he deposited her in the car, he touched Jake's forehead and swore. The man was burning up.
'Get into the car Jake'
Jake managed to board the car and sat down while Joel drove, much to the surprise of the hospital guard. He hasn't seen Maureen for a few months, and she looked ill but why wasn't she taken to the hospital?
At the gate, he came face to face with his father again.
'If I see you anywhere near Maureen again, I will personally kill you', and then he drove away to Anthony Joseph's house

*******
Henry was surprised when Joel had called him and told him to leave whatever he was doing and be in his father's home. He left his board meeting, picked his car keys and went out. At a street before his father's, he saw Joel's car moving a bit too fast. the car turned left and they were soon at Anthony's gate. The guard let them in and each alighted from his vehicle.
'What's wrong Joel?', Henry asked, on seeing the distress in his friend's face.
'Come'
Henry followed him to his car and gaped at the sight. He looked at his sleeping brother and sister-in-law.
'Where did you get them?'
'Philip brought them to the hospital'
'I don't understand, why are they both sleeping? Its just fourty-five minutes drive from your hospital to this place'
'They are not just sleeping Henry, they are both ill'
'But then how did...'
Henry wasn't allowed to finish his statement because his kids came running out of the house to welcome him. He quickly left the car and also came running towards them. He wouldn't risk them seeing Jake and Maureen like that. Soon, they were in his arms and he was hugging and patting them. Daisy greeted Joel and Miracle did same.
'How are you two kids doing?'
'We are fine, uncle Joel'
'Sweetheart where is Victoria?'
'She is in her mummy's room, sulking again'
Victoria had never been herself since she realized that her parents had deserted her. She was told they traveled but she kept insisting her mummy would never travel without her. Since the disappearance of her parents, three months ago, only her twin brothers and her grand dad seemed to have an effect on her. She was quiet, hurt and angry. All she did was draw, watch her brothers sleep and then lock herself in her mother's room
'She had both of her parent's characters', Linda had once pointed out
'Yes, she is as sensitive as Jake and as stubborn and carefree as Maureen', Mich had added.
She hardly ate, join in the fun and had stubbornly refused to have a lesson when Henry had brought one for her. Anthony had insisted she should be left alone, and she was. This little girl had more sense than her mates.
Henry sighed and they all walked back into the house. Linda was watching the news with Anthony. She went on her feet and kissed her husband when he came in. He didn't return the kiss but only looked agitated and she knew that something bad was happening.
'Linda why don't you send the kids upstairs for a nap?'
'We just had our nap daddy', Miracle said
'Can you two give us and your mummy time to talk?', Joel asked
'Talk about what?'
'Adults talk dear', Henry added
'I don't want to go'
But then, Linda had already called a passing maid and handed the kids to her. 'Take them upstairs and don't bring them out until we I say so'
The kids were ushered to their rooms. Anthony turned to Henry expectedly, 'you found a new lead?'
'Where is Victoria?'
'In her mother's room'
Tell a maid to take her to her room until I say otherwise'
A maid was called and the instruction given. Henry explained all that Joel had told him.
'Where are they now?'
'In the car. I can't take them to the hospital, its not safe plus we want the press out of this', Joel added
'I need to see them'
They all went to the car and Henry picked Maureen up to a spare room. After which, Henry and Joel picked Jake, who was delirious to Maureen's room.
Once in the room, Linda got rid of Maureen's clothes with a scissors, while the men waited outside.
'Any scars? Wound? Anything?'Anthony asked
'No. She is fine'
Then why is she unconscious?'
'I don't know. Someone needs to call Shan'
Leaving Maureen's door, Joel called Shan, who was doing her National youth service Corp in his hospital
'Shan?'
'Yes uncle Joel'
'I want you in Anthony's house. Come with your medical equipment. All that you can carry'
'Okay sir'
Jordan was called by Henry and he too said he was on his way. By the time they entered Jake's room, he was sweating profusely. He was so restless and talking in his sleep.
Linda was told to leave the room and Henry ripped of all of his clothes.
'Its just fever I think', Joel said
Henry wiped him dry with clothes. In ten minutes he was almost cold to touch.
'Linda went back to check on Maureen. She was still lying, lifeless. Shan arrived, thirty minutes later with all she called. She was tall, slim and dark. Everyone knew she was the pride of Jordan.
'She was ushered into the room and she began examining Maureen. She called Joel for help and together, try to figure out what was wrong with her. When they found nothing, a sample of her blood was taken and Joel took it back for a test at the hospital. While Shan checked on Jake who was helped into a trouser by Henry.
'Its just fever', she said and prescribed drugs for Henry to get for him. Henry was going out while Jordan's car was coming in. He briefing explained things to his friend and Mich began crying.
'Why are you crying?'
'Poor Maureen', was all she could say.
In the house, the women went to check on Maureen and were surprised at the sight before them. A few minutes later, Henry returned with drugs, drips and many more.

******
When the test result found nothing wrong with Maureen, Joel called them and told them to bring her back to the hospital for proper diagnosis. In another hour, she was dressed and transported to the hospital where all sort of test was run on her lab scientist. Her urine was tested, blood, upper and lower endoscopy was carried out on her. Her heart, liver was scanned and nothing was found. Even her doctors were confused. After two days, they've ran out of options. She got admitted and placed on a drip.
'I don't understand, then what in the hell is wrong with her?'
'Haven't you all notice? She had given up on life, she doesn't want to live anymore', her brother declared.

estluv:
thanks for d update dear.

You are welcome ma

flowerybabe:
thanks for d update, it's been a while....

Its really been a while. Lol, I am now fully back

heemah:
That was a long update. Thanks dear. How have u been ?

I've been good. Two days, my dear Heemah. Hope you are doing great?