***
Korede Williams was a tall, handsome guy. He was kind-hearted and loving. Mostly especially to his family and his then girlfriend; a name Adesewa couldn't remember at the time. They didn't get married. Adesewa really wanted to know why Korede had left her, but Adesewa didn't know how to bring up the topic without sounding nosey.
Adesewa knew there was a time when she had crushed on him and hoped for their going out, but the crush had fizzled out and life had happened. Moreover, he was not into the whole Christianity and they never really had much in common except for their love for good food and movies.
"So what else have you been up to?" She asked him over lunch at classy restaurant at Victoria Island.
He cleaned the sides of his mouth with a napkin. "Asides business? Getting to know God better."
Her eyes widened. "Wow."
He chuckled. "You didn't expect that answer from me abi?"
"I'm sorry. It's just surprisingly good news."
"Wait o. . . is the news surprisingly good or both surprising and good?"
She laughed. "Surprising and good."
"Thank you."
"So how did it happen? Please share your salvation story with me." She lifted up her glass of orange juice and took a sip. This was a story she wanted to hear.
His eyes lit up. "Trust me, it's a somewhat funny story. I went to visit my sister in Abuja and she brought up the idea of going to church. I was curious 'cause I couldn't believe Ezinne wanted to attend church. So I tagged along. The Message absorbed me and made me question myself. I mean, I left church that day asking myself who I really was and why I was in this world. But my sister on the other hand was more interested in hooking up with the pastor."
"What?!" Adesewa’s hand flew to her mouth as she tried to contain her laughter and shock at what his sister did. It didn’t deter Korede from continuing with his story.
"And so I was amazed at what she was doing, but I was more interested in going back to the church and learning more. That was when I made the decision to give my life to Christ. There had just been this emptiness in my life that suddenly got filled up. I had this joy, peace. It was amazing. I felt like I had finally reached my last bus-stop of searching. Do you understand or am I just rambling?"
"You aren't rambling. I totally understand. I felt that way when I gave my life to Christ and again when I rededicated my life to Him after I fell off the wagon."
Korede sat back and stared at her. "What happened? I always knew you to be the disciplined type."
Adesewa shrugged. "It's not only self-discipline that keeps one going in Christ. I discovered I needed more of God than self. I just got engrossed with work and I gradually drifted away; putting more of my priorities on work than Him. But His love made me find my way back. Now I have a bargain with God to study more of His Word and grow."
He nodded. "Cool. I'm glad to hear that, but you know it's not just studying His Word alone. You should also seek to have a relationship with Him."
She nodded. It was refreshing to be able to have this kind of conversation with someone else who understood what she was about.
"And how's Ezinne?"
He sighed. "She doesn't talk to me that much; feels I betrayed her by giving my life to Christ. That all we needed was each other. Anyway, I'm praying for her." He smiled. "Wouldn't mind if you join me as well."
"Sure, I will."
Adesewa checked the time on her wristwatch. Her flight to Abuja was in five hours and she still had to get home. "I'm really sorry to cut this short-"
"But you have a flight to catch. I'm happy we could spend time trying to catch up, and I wouldn't mind doing it again. "
"Me too. I would let you know when I get back."
He shook his head. "It doesn't have to be till you get back. We could chat."
She laughed. "Okay then."

Chapter Six

"What's the problem?"
"I have a deep feeling that Adesewa and Ebuka have something going on."
John squeezed his face into a frown. "Something going on like what?"
"Like they're in a relationship."
"Oh.... really? Are you sure about that?"
"Yes!" He went on to explain how he saw them at Ebuka's house and how he confronted her at her office. John's wife, Funlola, chose that moment to step into the sitting room looking beautiful in a loose kaftan and sandals as she carried a tray of drinks and small chops.
"Hi Daniel. How are you?" She said as she dropped the tray with its items on the centre-table.
"I'm fine, thanks."
"We both know that's not true." She moved to seat on the couch but John pulled her to his lap and she smacked him lightly before finally taking her seat beside him.
Daniel couldn't believe their relationship was still tight. He saw the way they played around each other and the love in their eyes. There was no doubt about it, they were made for each other despite if him or anyone thought otherwise. God was involved in their marriage.
"Why do you think I'm not okay?" He asked her when she had finally settled down.
"Well," She clasped her hands together, "for one you look it and then when you aren't with your wife because you are in love with another girl it's not really going to make you okay," She said bluntly.
Daniel opened his mouth down.
John smiled a little and leaned in close to whisper something into her ear.
She shook her head. "Someone has to tell him the truth. He's not a baby but a full grown man that knows what he's doing."
"That doesn't give you the right to talk to me like that, Funlola."
"I'm only saying the truth! Look Daniel, we care about you and that's why we have to tell you what you're doing is wrong. Don’t make a mistake."
Daniel hissed. "Didn’t you make your own mistakes? Did we bother you? Abeg, allow me make my own mistakes in peace. I don't need you preaching to me."
"But-" She began but John held her hand and told her it was okay and she kept quiet.
"Daniel if you aren't ready to hear the truth then why are you here? You know I would never support your relationship with Adesewa. Moreover, Adesewa has moved on with her life from what you're telling me. So what do you want me to do? What do you still want to do?"
Daniel looked away from the couple in front of him and stared at the tiled floor. His cousin was right. Why had he come, knowing John would never help him with Adesewa? The truth was he just needed someone to talk to. He didn't trust Ebuka. Dele had moved to the states few months ago.
His life was empty.
He rose to his feet. "You're right. I made a mistake coming here."
John stood as well. "Haba Daniel. I didn’t mean it like that. You're always welcome here."
"Yeah... I hear you. I'll see myself out."

***

Life happens, and when it does you either give in to its demands or you give up.
Pamela could not agree more with her father in that. She rose from the bed and wrapped the bed-sheet around her. She wasn't going to give up on her dreams. Never!
Her meeting with Rex had resulted into more photo-shoots and sleeping with each-other. The more they slept together, the more she felt like a cheap prostitute.
Was this what she had to do to fulfil her dreams of becoming a model? Was this what her life had resulted to? How many men would she have to sleep with in the future to make it?
She felt tears trail down her face. In as much as she hated the process, she was still determined to make it in life. She wished she had someone to talk to about her problems.
Pamela was afraid of telling Efe about it for fear she would judge her or worse, try to talk her out of it.
She wiped away the tears with the back of her hand and hurriedly dressed up. She looked back at Rex who was still fast asleep and for a moment she felt a tingling sensation go down her back. She looked away and got on the last of her clothing and snuck out of his apartment.

Ann2012:
So many twists

Thanks for the update

Thanks for following so far

Please invite friends as well

***

“I’m so happy for you babes . . . even if you keep treating me like rubbish.” Audrey said as they looked through different fabrics to use for the traditional wedding. Time was going and there were still a lot of things to do. Zainab wasn’t sure if Audrey was of help or was just a bother.
Yes, she was handling various things while they waited for Adesewa but her talking and poke-nosing in her matters was out of hand. Like yesterday she had asked questions about Sonia and how they were related and why Zainab wasn't allowing her help with wedding plans.
"Because I don't need her help."
Audrey looked quizzically at her. "Why? Isn't she your cousin?"
"And so? Does that mean I want her helping me? Haven't you heard of people who pretend like they want your happiness but they don't?"
"Okay, you have a point there but Sonia doesn't look like a bad person. Are you sure there isn't any other reason why you don't want her to help out?"
"Audrey, please leave me alone and mind your own business. Or is that too much to ask?"
Audrey had kept quiet after that and the tension between them was growing by the day. Zainab felt bad, but not bad enough to apologize and act like they were best of friends.
She wondered how Adesewa coped with her in Lagos.

***

Adesewa knew her life was too complicated. Too many issues arising from different corners and she was trying hard to hold on to God. Most times life could be so painful and unpredictable. She believed He could see her through but sometimes her circumstances got the best of her.
Daniel's issue was one of the things she was dealing with. Immediately he left her office she had called Ebuka.
"Hey you," he answered on the first ring.
"Daniel just barged into my office some minutes ago."
A slight pause. "Did he hurt you?"
"No. He saw us together at your place and he's suspicious. He's accusing me of having an affair with you."
Ebuka sighed.
"So what did you tell him?"
She rubbed her hand on her forehead. "I didn't tell him anything. Indirectly told him to mind his business."
“Okay. . . So what's the problem? You want to tell him what happened?"
Adesewa wasn't sure if she should. She didn't exactly cheat on him. They weren't together again when she slept with Ebuka. But then she had gone back to seduce him on his wedding day... which technically still made them an item, right?
"I don't know yet. I'm just giving you heads up just in case he shows up at your end."
"Thanks, and don't fret on it."
She nodded. "I'll try not to."
Adesewa discarded her thoughts and smiled broadly as her parents approached her with huge smiles on their faces. They didn't cease to let her know how proud of her they were.
"Sweetie! This place is exquisite!" Her mother pulled her into her arms and hugged her, more like squeezed her tightly. "I'm so proud of you."
She released her and her dad put his hand around her shoulders, giving her a side hug. "We're proud of you dear. I would definitely tell my friends about this."
"Thanks dad. That would me much appreciated."
"Yes nau, if you didn't want to take my money at least you can take my friends as your clients."
They chuckled.
"Hi Ade," a baritone voice greeted.
She looked up to see Mrs. Nwachukwu and a tall handsome man standing next to her.
"Good morning ma," Adesewa curtseyed. Mrs. Nwachukwu’s perfume enveloping her. "My mum didn't tell me you were coming."
"We wanted to surprise you. It's been too long. Ever since Korede left the country we didn't hear from you again. Have we become a plague to you."
Adesewa laughed. "Ahn-ahn mummy! It's not like that nau. I was just busy at work and I did a lot of travelling at that time."
"It's okay." She excused herself at that moment and Adesewa was left alone with Korede.
"Kore Kore. It's been long o. See how you have chopped up."
He chuckled. "Na so I see am o. How have you been? You've done well for yourself." He looked around. "I mean this is amazing."
"Thank you. What about you? What do you do for yourself?"
He shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'm into business and network marketing on the side. But right now the economy isn't smiling at all. It's been kinda hard."
She nodded. She could understand what he meant. "There's nothing impossible for God to do. When others say there's a casting down..."
"We say there's a lifting up." He smiled at her.
Adesewa noticed Kobina signalling for her to come over.
"I'm sorry I have to go. You're staying till the end right?"
He nodded. "Sure."
Adesewa didn't know why her spirit was lifted at the sight of Korede, but then she didn't want to query it; anything to get her mind off Daniel and his wahala.

She jerked back with a frown. “What?! What kind of accusation is that? Where did you see us together?”
“I saw you at Ebuka’s place.”
“Were you spying on me? Are you now stalking me? My goodness! Daniel, when would your obsession end?”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Don’t insult me. I went to drop off some documents for Ebuka only to see the both of you together acting like secondary school students in love. I thought when you said you gave your life to Christ you meant it. I didn’t know it was all a lie. You are behaving all holier than thou but you are still so spoilt and silly.”
Adesewa wanted every bit to make a nasty retort at him when her spirit warned her not to. Reminding her of her old lifestyle and how she had changed.
How else would people know you are for Me if you don’t show My love?
So what do I do now God? Do I just let him insult me? Do I tell him the truth? Holy Spirit help me.
She took a deep breath and counted up to five as she rose from her seat and walked towards him.
She asked with as much calm as she could muster, “Daniel, did you see me do anything wrong with Ebuka? Why all the accusations?”
He raised his brow. “So why were you at his place at that time of the night?”
Adesewa folded her arms and looked at him pointedly. "To greet him. Besides, what I do with my life is my business Daniel. Not yours. We aren’t together anymore.”
“Okay, fair enough. But did you have an affair with Ebuka when we were together?”
“No. Please leave, I have a lot of work to do.”
Daniel remained where he was.
“Did you have any affair with him even when we broke up?”
At that Adesewa bit her lip and turned her back on him.

***

Amanze was surprised when Efe walked into his office at the end of the day to announce she was heading home. During the last couple of days she had been cordial to him; bringing him coffee when he didn’t ask, offering to do little things for him. He loved the change but then he wondered the reason.
Was she now willing to give him a chance? He didn’t want to risk asking her out and getting another rejection.
He didn’t think he could take it.
“Okay Efe. I don’t need anything else so you're free to go home. See you tomorrow.”
“Thank you sir.”
She turned to leave while Amanze faced his work. He was surprised when he heard her cough and looked up to find her standing before him as opposed leaving his office.
"Erm - I want to apologize for how I've treated you a couple of times. You have been nothing short of nice to me but I've - I've not been good to you. I'm sorry sir."
"It's fine, Efe. I don't hold any grudges."
She looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, sir. I would go now."
"Wait..." He quickly said and stood. "Would you mind if I take you out for dinner tonight. I mean I'm almost done with work here so we could go in a matter of minutes."
He saw her hesitate.
"Or if you would rather that we don't go it's fine as well."
She shook her head. "It's not like I don't want to go. I promised my room-mate I would be home with her tonight. Girls stuff."
"Oh okay."
"But I promise to accept your offer another time you ask."
His lips turned up to a smile. "What about tomorrow night?"
She shook her head again but this time it was accompanied with a smile. "I mean the next time you ask after today. Good night sir."
With that she walked out of his office and he smiled to himself. It wasn't a rejection. She had promised to go out with him. There was hope.

***

“We’re coming to Lagos this week so get ready to pick us at the air-port. We want to make your grand-opening. It’s not every day our only daughter starts her own company. We are so proud of you sweetheart.” Her mother said. “Hope you have included us in your schedule? So you don’t forget to pick us up.”
Adesewa sighed inwardly and rubbed her forehead. Her mum and dad had just broke the news about their supposedly surprise trip to Lagos the day before.
“Yes, mum. What time does your flight get in?”
“5 pm. It’s going to be a long flight ‘cause we would be stopping at Dubai first. I’m saying this ‘cause I don’t want to wait.”
“I understand mum. I would have someone clean up the house and cook up something for you.”
“That’s good. Your father and I are so glad to know we can always count on you. Don’t tell your father, but you got all of my management skills. He still thinks he’s better than me even after all these years, can you imagine? Anyway how are your friends? Zainab and Audrey?”
“Zainab is fine.” Adesewa decided to break the news to her. “She’s getting married soon.”
“Ehn-Ehn! That’s good. She found a husband sharp-sharp. Good for her. I’m still praying for God to do your own soon. Yemi Nwachukwu called me some days ago that her son just got back from America. You remember Korede Williams abi? The both of you used to be friends sometime back.”
Adesewa rolled her eyes. She could remember Korede alright; the guy that had commitment issues and left his fiancée when their wedding was close by. I hope mum isn't planning anything funny. Who wants a guy like that? Adesewa was about to respond when her door flew open and Daniel barged into her office with her secretary hot on his tails.
“What were you doing at Ebuka’s place last night?!” He threw at her without any preliminaries.
“I’m sorry ma. I tried keeping him out of your office but he forced his way in. Shall I call security?” Her secretary rushed to say.
Adesewa lifted a finger for them to give her a minute as she gave Daniel a stern look. “Mum, please let me call you back. There’s an emergency at work I need to settle.”
“Okay darling. Take care. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Adesewa shook her head at her secretary. “It’s okay. You may leave.”
Her secretary curtseyed and hurried out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
“Are you out of your mind? How dare you come into my office and question me like that?!”
“I thought you left me because I was married. I didn’t know you left me to mess around with one of my best-friends!”

Chapter Five


Daniel wasn’t sure of what he had seen but he couldn’t sit still. He needed to confirm what he saw last night. He had gone over to Ebuka’s house to drop off some documents from work only to discover Adesewa’s car parked outside.
He sat in his car confused, with different thoughts running through his mind.
Why was Adesewa at his friend’s place? Was she still trying to talk to Ebuka to talk to him? Or was she now hanging out with Ebuka?
He was still battling with his thoughts when he saw her come out laughing with his best-friend and looking so comfortable. Ebuka had his arms around her shoulders and he said something to her again that made her laugh.
The kind of hearty laugh she did when they were together.
Daniel had driven off after seeing them hug and watching as they both went their separate ways. Was Ebuka the man Adesewa was having an affair with? Was Ebuka the real reason she wanted nothing to do with him?
“If they have been having a relationship, how long has it been going on? Has she been cheating on me all this while?” He balled up his hands to fists. If Ebuka betrayed him he would get what was coming. How could the both of them betray him that way?

***

Over the past couple of days she was reading her bible more and trying to keep at it. But all of a sudden her job was taking a lot of her time and she was finding it hard to keep up with her personal bible study. These days she just read the bible like she was reading a novel. She didn’t have time for deep studies.
God understands right?
She asked herself that morning as she and Pamela took the staff-bus to work. She rested her head on the headrest and closed her eyes. They still had about twenty minutes to get to work and she could catch some sleep. Last night she had stayed up late trying to console Pamela over what her parents were going through and how much she suffered from it. It was last night that Efe had discovered that the tough girl she had known was just displaying such on the outside, on the inside she was just a girl equally as broken as Efe was.
They were all broken one way or the other.
“I just don’t understand how two people who used to love each-other could suddenly despise each other.” Pamela said. “Where has all the love gone to?”
Efe rubbed her back as she cried, telling her that everything would be okay. That what happened with her parents didn’t have to affect her.
“But it does! It does affect me. I look at life and wonder what’s the purpose of marriage. Why love is so important as everyone says it is. There is no perfect love. It’s all a façade!”
Efe heard God whisper in her heart that His love was perfect and she should let her friend know that.
“Pam, it’s only God’s love that is perfect. Don’t trust in a man’s love. It’s only a man that has sold out himself for Christ that learns how to love from God. Other than that we can never love perfectly.”
As she had said those words she also reflected on her relationship with Daniel. She might have loved him but then she didn’t love him the way God wanted her to. If she had loved him the way she claimed to, she would never have slept with him knowing full well he had a girlfriend. Love wasn’t selfish.
Efe opened her eyes and yawned with the back of her hand close to her mouth. She couldn't blame Daniel for his actions as well since he was far from perfect loving like she was.

***

He looked at her. He couldn't help it. There was this peace and joy around her that could not be mistaken. And then there was a light in her eyes that hadn't been there before. It was breathtaking. Every day she was growing, she was far from perfection but she was on the journey, as he was as well.
He thanked God for her life. He couldn't have asked for a better wife. A lover, friend and would someday be the mother to his children. Hopefully, it would be someday soon. He could just imagine how beautiful his baby girl would look like . . . a miniature Funlola.
John smiled and watched as Funlola finished with her exercise and saw sweat trickle down her back. She strode to his side in tired steps.
"Baby, I see you staring at me. Unlike all those times you resisted me. You try o! Thank God for your life!"
John chuckled. "Abi nau.... you wanted to cause katakata for me with your beauty and sex appeal." Even in pregnancy, he found his wife extremely attractive.
"You that you were playing hard to get," She teased.
He pulled her onto his laps and pressed his nose against her wine-coloured hair; taking in her smell. He had asked her to leave the colour of her weave-on alone though many women in church looked at her disapprovingly.
She was his wife. Not theirs. And as long as it wasn't a sin against God why were they making an issue out of it? Mostly, they were using it to identify her with her old life. The life she dropped at the feet of the cross months ago. Didn't they know her outward appearance was not her heart and that was what God was looking at? She dressed well. Covered parts of her body that should be covered. So what was the problem?
"John!"
He jerked away from her.
"Huh? What happened?"
"I was talking to you."
"Sorry babe, just a lot on my mind. What's up?"
"I'm worried about Efe. She keeps coming to my mind."
"I'm worried about Daniel as well. He's not doing too good. Aunty Obasi called me the other day and told me Uncle Felix told Daniel to never set foot in his house again. It's just pathetic."
Funlola nodded. "I agree with you. Or do you think Adesewa jazzed him? Could it be that's what happened?"
Adesewa? Jazz? "Babe, I don’t think that's the case. It's all Daniel's doing."
"I thought he was a Christian. What kind of mistake is that?"
John smiled at Funlola’s naivety. "Christians make mistakes too baby. Efe made a mistake as well. I have made mistakes too. But at the end of the day it's what we do about the mistakes that matter. Let's keep praying for them. Anytime Efe comes to heart. . . Pray for her."
"Yes, PJ."
"Oya go and have your bath."
Funlola got off his lap immediately. "Ahan! Am I smelling?"
John nodded then shook his head.
Funlola frowned. "Is it yes or no?"
"I'm not too sure. I would need to inspect."
Understanding dawned on Funlola and she smiled. "You're a very naughty PJ. Who has corrupted you?"
John burst out in laughter and led her to their room.


See you in 2020!

drewsman:


I downloaded and tried using the app on my phone but it wasn't working. I don't know why though

And you updated it?

Hmmm I can't understand why. Bambooks is okay as well if you would like to try.

drewsman:


Is there a way I can get the PDF format?

I can pay through bank transfer or any medium u want me to pay through

Unfortunately, I don't sell the pdf or epub version. Ebooks are available on Okadabooks and Bambooks only.

What issues do you have with Okadabooks?

Invite:

Humbleness

***

She turned off the TV with the remote and popped another bar of chocolate into her mouth. The romantic movie she had just watched made her wonder how anyone thought love alone was enough to get through any problem in life. Movies just seemed to portray that lie over and over again and the worst thing was people like her kept buying it every day.
Efe was a living example that it was all a sham.
Was it so hard in this day and age to find a man who loved her as much or even more than she loved him?
She thought about Amanze and allowed herself smile a little and imagine how it would be like to be with a man like him. She admitted that he was caring and showed more interest in her that she sometimes found annoying. But he seemed like the real deal. He might not even hurt her like how Daniel did.
Her mind travelled back to when Daniel asked her to leave his house. Daniel had walked out of the room without a word. She had sat on the floor for what seemed to be hours. . . Her knees up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her legs. She cried. . . Tears had come harder than when she heard news of her mother's passing.
Her life went like a flash before her. How she and Daniel had started out as friends. How he treated her as his baby sister and how she harboured a crush on him that later became glaring. How he travelled to London for university and left her missing him. They would call and text each other once in awhile, but it was nothing serious. When he came back and fell hard for Adesewa. What Efe had done that night by dressing up seductively and waking him up at night to have sex with her.
Efe rose to her feet and walked slowly to their bedroom. Her eyes looked around the room until they came upon her suitcase. She wiped the snort from her nose as she packed away her things. Her eyes sore from having cried too much. She possibly couldn't pack away everything so she packed what were most important to her; clothes, shoes, underwear. For a moment she felt like leaving her bible there but she placed it in her bag as well.
When she walked out of the room Daniel was seating on a couch. He rose to his feet. "I'll drop you off at the park so you can board a bus. It's still early. You should make it back to Ibadan in 3 hours max. . . considering traffic. "
Efe shook her head. "I'll go myself."
He sighed. "Come on, Efe. The least I can do is drop you off."
She shook her head. "Please don't. The least you could have done was having the courage not to marry me."
Looking at it now, Efe knew she was mostly at fault for what happened to her. In fact, she deserved it. But it was high time she let go of the past. She got off the couch and went to the bedroom. She stared at her wedding rings on her fourth finger. They still looked new. Plain.
Without giving much thought to it again she pulled them out and tossed them in her jewellery box. The action made her feel lighter all of a sudden; like she had been carrying a heavy load.
It was time she finally let go. It was time she finally gave herself a chance to love.
Tears filled her eyes. "God, I'm sorry. I’m sorry. I'm sorry I did what I did. Please help me."
Embrace My Love. Even in your mistakes My will would be done. Nothing takes Me by surprise. All would work out for your good only if you love me.
Efe sniffed. "Even in all my mistakes you still have a purpose for my life? I don't even care if it doesn't include Daniel. I'm just tired of it all."
Embrace My Love.

Are you familiar with Bambooks? It's there as well.

drewsman:


I need this very story pls. Can I get it through another means apart from okada books?

***

“I don’t love your mother any more. I don’t feel anything for her.”
Pamela stared at him. She had never felt so much hatred for anyone in her life. She was close to despising him. She watched as he raised his hand to his beard and played with it casually, like what he had just said didn’t mean much to him.
“Daddy how is that possible? How can you say that? Y- you must still care about her.”
“Now don’t get me wrong, I do care about the woman who had children for me, but love? Sweetie that ended a long time ago. In as much as I may try to feel that way again . . . I can’t. I don’t want to. I’m not interested.”
Pamela willed for the tears not to come. Her father didn’t know how much his words were hurting her. Did he think she wanted to hear him speak of her mother in such manner? Was that why he asked her over for lunch?
“But daddy, I thought you guys loved each-other back in the days? What happened to that love? Why would you just give up? I have distant memories of the both of you dancing together to all those old-school music you guys usually listened to. I remember how the both of you tease each-other. When did it go wrong?”
He shrugged. “That is what I don’t know." He relaxed his back on his seat and shook his head that was sprouting a few greys. “Why am I telling you this? Because life happens, and when it does you either give in to it’s demands or you give up. That’s why I want the best for you Pamela. Give up this useless thought of being a model and practice law for goodness sake! I didn’t spend all that money for you to hand me your certificate and parade half-naked for men old enough to be your father ogling you or those useless boys that have no sense to approach you.
"You studied a respectable course. You must be a respectable woman. I didn’t struggle to get you into that oil company to be a good for nothing secretary. You should have gone for the position that suits you better.”
“I told you they said that position was not available again-”
“You’re not too old to be slapped.”
Pamela looked away from him and folded her arms. She knew full well how hard his slaps were. She was tired of him saying the same thing over and over again. She had done all he wanted her to do; study and get a degree. She wasn’t interested in pursuing a career in law. She just wanted her freedom. She wanted to be who she wanted to be without the influence of her father.
“Pamela, don’t be stubborn.” The tone of his voice warned her not to anger him the more that afternoon or he would take good of his threat and live a mark on her right cheek.
“I’ve heard dad.” But I’m so not doing it! She checked the time on her watch. She had to meet up with Rex within the next hour. She was going to make it in life. . . with or without her father's support.

***

Efe watched Pamela as she dressed up. She had been acting strange all week; going in and out of mood-swings and being cranky. Efe knew it wasn’t that her room-mate was having menstrual cramps or anything.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Efe asked again.
“I’m fine jor. It’s just that I have to meet up with my father soon and I just have a weird feeling about everything. Him and all his impromptu meetings. Each time I go to see him I end up getting annoyed or crying. Today, I’m just not in the mood for all that.”
“Did you pray about the meeting this morning?”
Her room-mate shook her head. “I forgot.”
Efe sat up on her bed. “Okay, we can pray now. It’s not too late.”
Pamela shrugged and came over to Efe’s bed and sat down. “Lord, we thank you for your daughter. Even as she’s going out now to meet with her dad I pray that you make their meeting a pleasant one and one to remember. Father, Pamela isn’t so much on good terms with her father. Please let this meeting be the first of wonderful times to come, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.”
“Amen,” Pamela repeated. “Thanks. I really hope God answers your prayer.”
Efe nodded. “He will. Let me know how it goes.”
“Sure.” She picked up her bag and went out of the room, leaving Efe all alone in the apartment. She wondered what she was going to do today. At first, she had planned for Pamela and herself to do a bit of sight-seeing but that plan had gone south. She got off the bed to the living-room. There was light and there was food.
Maybe I would just watch a movie.
Or read your bible. . .
Efe wasn’t interested in reading her bible these days. Lately, what had been coming to mind was forgiveness and not bearing grudges. She knew God wanted her to forgive but she wasn’t ready. Daniel had never even apologized to her. How could she forgive someone who felt all he did was right and she was the wrong one? Yes, she had made her mistakes but he had as well. Why was she the one that had to bear the cross alone?
I bore the cross for you and I didn't do anything wrong.
"God that's different. You are God. . . Not man like us. And asides that I'm not like you. It's hard for me."
My Grace is sufficient for you. Love as I love. My grace is ever available to you.
“God I will read my bible after I watch the movie.”
As soon as Efe got out of her bed the power supply suddenly went out. She sighed. “Fine God. I will read my bible now.”

Hey guys! Thanks for following the story so far. Would post the next one soonest.

Just want to drop this here.

This is the last day for discount of my books on Okadabooks for #100 each. So anyone interested can get anyone of my 8 books on Okadabooks at #100 each.

Wasn't going to share but just felt the need to Say it so you can be partakers of this.


Much love!

Chapter Four

It was a lazy Saturday morning for her. She just wanted to remain on her bed all day. The sounds of the rain hitting the roof and the accompanying coolness made the idea more alluring. But she had to be at the office later that morning to finalize a few things for the opening of the consulting company. She was excited. The dream of having her company was finally coming true. It had taken a lot from her and made her shed tears when things weren’t going her way, but God had always been faithful.
Adesewa knew God had sent Kobina her way for a reason. Could it be even more of business partners and probably life-partners? She shook her head and chided herself for condoning the silly thought.
“Life-partners indeed!” She still stuck to her decision not to get her hopes up and fall for a guy if he wasn’t what God wanted for her. She was getting too old for all the jumping up-and-down from one relationship to another.
Adesewa yawned and closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again. Then she sang out a song that was playing in her heart, “Demons tremble at Your presence . . . What a mighty God I serve . . . Glory glory hallelujah, everything written about You is great.”
She sang more of the song and then uttered a prayer and picked up her bible from her bedside table. She was trying to read through the bible in a year. The group she belonged to had brought up the challenge to read the whole bible in a year and, though the task had seem daunting at first, Adesewa was determined to see it through by God’s grace. She no longer wanted to remain a baby Christian.
In the past, each time she tried reading her bible with the determination to grow, she would start out alright and later fall short. But not this time around. She had made a serious deal with God to not let things fall in place for her if she began lagging behind in her bible study. It was a serious deal to make, but if she wanted to get serious with God she had to purposely do something about it; even if it meant she would lose out on some things. God was important to her and He needed to be first in her life.
That morning she was going through the book of Romans. She found herself absorbed with how Paul was so much on fire for God. He taught on sin and how a sinner should receive righteousness not because he or she worked for it but through faith in God. Adesewa knew God had long since forgiven her for all the wrong she had done months ago and had taken her into His arms. She was grateful, but she sometimes felt guilt knowing her actions had inevitably wrecked a home and caused a small girl to suffer the probable pains of a broken home. No child deserved to grow up without both parents irrespective of whatever mistakes Daniel and Efe made.
Not all is lost.
Adesewa shifted on the bed. She was used to hearing God this way. Dropping answers on her heart to things she was bothered about. Encouraging her when she needed it. This was what having a relationship with God was about.
Yes, not all was lost. But restoration seemed like something impossible.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing my Word.
She sighed. “Forgive me for my lack of faith God. I know You can do all things.” She shook her head at her silliness. Not too long ago she had read about faith and yet she found herself lacking it.
What do I need to do God? The need to call Efe was strong in her heart, but she had no idea how she was going to do it.
I will lead you.
“Yes, God lead me. I know you can. But I’m just afraid of what she might say. She might take it the wrong way and lash out or do something worse.”
Fear not for I am with you. Keep praying for them.
Adesewa nodded and took courage in God’s word spoken to her heart. She would do as He said and keep praying . . . What couldn’t prayer do if all else was lost from human perspective?

***

Eghosa held his phone close to his ear as Felix rambled on about how much his son was being a pain and unwilling to pay him any attention. Eghosa held back his tongue from releasing some harsh words to his friend. If he happened to speak his mind it would cause more harm than good.
“I just don’t know what to do again my friend. I have told him I never want to see him in my house again. He can leave Ulunma but then he shouldn’t bother setting foot in my house till he gets his act right.”
Eghosa heaved a sigh.
“There are things we can never force someone to do. You can’t force love on a person. It’s best we leave things as they are.”
“Has your daughter mentioned anything about it all?”
“No.”
Eghosa knew Efe was distressed about the whole matter and was trying her best to be strong. No matter how much he tried to broach the topic and understand what was going on in her head, she kept it all to herself. He only hoped that even if she wasn’t telling him then she was telling God. He was the only one that could help her.
“So what do we do?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing ke? What do you mean by that? What if they never get back together.”
“Let God’s will be done.”
“Are we waiting for God’s will or are we to take actions on our own?”
Eghosa rubbed his eye-lids; tired of the whole thing. “Felix, what would be would be. I’m tired of the whole thing and frankly, I think we have interfered in their lives a little too much. I wouldn’t deny that Daniel had offended me in the greatest way possible, but then he’s an adult and not a child. He knows right from wrong. I rest my case and leave the rest to God.”
His friend sighed heavily over the phone. “I’m sorry about all that happened. You know if I had my way Daniel would not do such a thing.”
“It’s fine. Let’s talk later. I have to prepare for a sermon.”
“Okay my friend. Take care.”
“My regards to your wife.”
“She will hear.”
The line clicked and Eghosa dropped the phone on his desk and rested his back on his chair. He was too old and tired for the kind of things happening around him. He hadn’t spoken to his daughter in a week. Zainab was also building up a barricade to hinder any relationship between the both of them.
God, You didn’t let me know the latter part of my life would be too depressing and tedious.
No answer.
What do I do? I have no plan. My daughters are drifting away from me . . .
Pray.

***

Daniel propped Ulunma on his laps and cleaned the tears on her face, having spent at least thirty minutes crying her eyes out.
“Shh baby. Don’t cry. I’m here.” He kissed her chubby cheeks and she moved closer to him and rested her head on his chest. He rubbed her back gently. He needed someone to take care of his daughter. Yes, she had a mother. But her mother was a terrible example for her. She wasn’t someone to rely on.
“Ulunma, you want ice-cream?”
She bobbed her head. “Yes.”
“Alright. Let’s go get some ice-cream.”
They got some ice-cream at a super-market not too far from the house. There were some people walking around sharing tracts. He remembered when he used to do that once upon a time. That part of his life seemed to be over. He couldn’t even remember the last time he read his bible.
“Awww, your daughter is so cute.”’
Daniel spun around to see a young woman, probably in her early twenties, staring down at Ulunma.
“Thank you.”
She looked up at him and her smile took his attention straight away. It was a beautiful smile. She was a beautiful girl.
“Jesus loves you.” She stretched out a tract to him and he looked down at it and back to her.
“Err- I don’t need that. I’m a Christian.”
“Oh! I’m glad to hear that. You could still give this to someone else y’know.”
He nodded and collected it from her.
“Hope you still read your bible and have a good relationship with God.”
Daniel forced a smile and nodded. “Of course.”
She cocked her head to a side. “When last did you read your bible?”
“Sometime ago.”
“Sometime like?”
“I have sha read it before.”
She nodded and said, “Yes, you may have read the bible a lot but you can never stop reading it. The Word of God lets you know more of God; who He is. You grow more and more as you read it. You get to know Him more as a Father.”
Daniel swallowed hard. I need to get out of here.
“Thank you. I need to get her home. Thanks.”
“Oh! Please take the tract. Your name is . . .?”
“Daniel.”
“I’m Mitchell. Our church is not too far from here. You could join us at bible study on Wednesdays. See you there.”
“Who said I would come?”
She gave a knowing smile and said, “I know you will.”

Flowers. Dresses. Aso-ebi. Cake. Honey-moon. I.K. It was like a list going off in her head and making her distressed. She wanted everything to just happen all of a sudden without the stress she was going through. The idea of having a wedding planner do all the work was far more appealing. She was going to ask around for one as soon as she got off the bed. That was if she managed to get up in the next three hours.
Her body ached from the gruelling sessions of make-up training she had done over the past week. The students giving her a hard time and she wondered if some were colour blind. Her mind drifted back to the colours for her wedding; black, pale green and white. Should Eghosa be at the wedding? Her newly found father that had been absent from her life for the past twenty-plus years. I.K would want him there . . . They both seem to be getting along fine with each-other.
The door cracked open and she heard feet across the floor then a heavy weight on the bed. She felt little kisses on her shoulder-blade and on her neck. She shifted her body away from the kisses, the distraction was not welcome.
“Baby,” he whispered into her ear.
“Hmm?” Zainab snuggled closer to her pillow and pulled some of the cover-cloth with her. “Leave me alone.”
“There’s someone here to see you.”
“Tell whoever it is to get lost.”
“Sonia.”
Her eyes snapped open immediately and she sat up on the bed, hitting I.K in the face with her elbow in the process.
He shouted.
She turned to look at the damage she might have done. He held on to his nose and finally freed it to check for any signs of bleeding. “Sorry about that. What does she want?”
“Thank God you didn’t break my nose or cause any injury. God should have made you a man with all this your tough-tough nature.”
Zainab ignored his remark and pushed the covers away from her body. “Do you know why Sonia is here?”
“She didn’t say. Just said she needed to see you. Told her you were asleep but it sounded urgent.”
She got off the bed and walked out of the room. Her steps determined. She found Sonia looking at the photos hanging on the wall. One was sure to be an eye-catcher. It was a picture of Zainab and I.K taken at a garden . . . Heads almost touching as they stared into each-other’s eyes, looking so in love. Sometimes when Zainab looked at the picture she was awestruck at how much love she felt for him and him for her. It might not be a crazy love she felt for him, but it was something. She looked away from the portrait and called Sonia’s attention by throwing a question at her.
“What do you want?”
Sonia spun around and Zainab was enthralled/taken aback by her beauty like she was most times when she saw her. Her flawless skin that needed no make-up. When they were children playing around with make-up and painting each-other’s faces, no amount of make-up could cover up her multiple pimples. Things were different now that she had gotten into money.
“Ouch. Is that how to talk to me? What did I do to you, Zee?”
Zainab walked further into the room until they were merely inches apart. “You shouldn’t be coming here anyhow without any notice! What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing is wrong with me. You make it sound like I have a problem or something and I don’t like it.”
Sonia stepped to close the gap between them. “You haven’t come to see me in a while and I was worried about you. I thought you would be elated that I was back in town.”
Zainab took a seat on a nearby couch and dragged Sonia down with her. Then she whispered, “You know I have been busy with the wedding.”
“A wedding you would regret.”
“Is that why you came here? ‘Cause honestly I don’t have time for this.”
“Zainab, we need to talk.”
“Talk about you dissuading me from getting married? I think not.”
Sonia sighed.
“If you get married does it stop us from getting together? Haven’t you missed me all this while?”
Zainab shook her head. “Whether I missed you or not isn’t important. Not with what you did the last time. You lied to me Sonia.”
“Zainab it was -”
“Hey ladies!” I.K came into the living-room and took a seat; bringing an end to their conversation. “Sonia it was a surprise to see you standing at the door. Zainab told me you weren’t returning to the country any time soon.”
Sonia looked at Zainab with a smug look on her face. “I can understand why Zainab would say that. She’s upset with me and doesn’t want me to be a part of her wedding. She hasn’t even told me the date.”
I.K turned his attention to Zainab with a raised eye-brow, asking what happened between them.
Zainab ignored him and walked out of the room.

***

Pamela tried to finish the work on her table but frenetic thoughts ran through her mind. Thoughts of what had happened back at Flow’s studio. She felt stupid as she thought back to what she had used to get the photo-shoot she wanted; giving her body to a complete stranger! It may just as well be the craziest thing she had done in her life. But then it was a step closer to her dreams.
That thought kept her going so she didn’t breakdown and berate herself. Feyi had congratulated her on thinking on her feet; Pamela had felt like slapping her big mouth. Feyi had shrugged an apology her way when Pamela threw an angry look at her. She repented and said she would pay her a visit on Tuesday evening with goodies. Pamela could care less. The only important thing were the pictures.
Despite it all, she was excited to see the pictures. She had even browsed up Rex Mfon on the internet and seen some of his works. But instead of focusing more on his works she found herself undressing him and remembering how the other evening had been.
“What did you say?”
She shifted from one foot to another. “I asked if I could buy your time in another way.”
“Interesting. So you would sleep with me just because you want me to take your pictures?”
Pamela wasn’t sure if he wanted her to answer him. Instead, she looked at him with a blank look on her face.
He got off the stool and strolled towards her in a casual manner. When he was merely a few inches away from her he looked her up and down and pulled her to him. She placed her hand on his chest, shaken from the sudden action.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
Was she sure? No, she wasn’t. But she was sure she wanted to make it in the modelling world and so she nodded. The rest was history as he kissed her . . .
“Pamela.”
Pamela jerked the mouse away and looked up to see Efe looking down at her. “What?”
“Err- sorry to disturb you. Do you have extra sanitary towel with you? I forgot to bring some to work with me.”
Pamela chuckled as she pulled open her drawer and wrapped two pads in an A4 paper. She handed it to Efe as her face relaxed to a smile. “Take. Next time don’t forget something like that.”
“Yes, mummy.”
“You’re welcome, baby.”
As Efe laughed and walked away, Pamela thought about her new friend. She was a kind-hearted girl but then looked like she had been bruised too many times in her life. Pamela didn’t know much about Efe, but she knew she was married and separated. According to Efe, her husband was in love with another woman. Stupid man! Pamela gave a low hiss.
Efe has to give herself another chance at love and forget her so called husband!
She heard Efe at night sometimes, when she would cry herself to sleep. It was pathetic, but then when a woman was in love and heartbroken it could be a serious matter. Pamela focused more on her work until she got a text that scattered her whole mood.

Pictures didn’t turn out as I wanted them to. Would be around next Thursday. Meet me @ 5pm at the studio and let’s shoot it again.
REX.

She hissed and said a little too loudly, “What kind of rubbish is this?!”
Her outburst earned her a few stares. She dropped the phone on the table, contemplating if she would go or not and what happened to the pictures he took. Or was it just him looking for another opportunity to bed her? If that was his plan he would get what was coming to him!

Her look said she didn’t believe him. “I’m fine. Just stressed.”
“Is the work too much? Or is it emotional stress?”
She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t want to talk about it. Please, I have a lot to do. Can I go back to work?”
He tried not to be defeated as he gave her the go ahead to leave. Once she was out of his office and he settled back on his seat he thought of what he could do to make Efe happy. He hated seeing her that way.
He picked up his phone and dialled one of the secretaries in the office. He got her number just in-case he needed her help. As it turned out, he did. Minutes later Pamela walked into his office.
“You wanted to see me sir?”
“Yes, Pamela. Please have a seat.”
“What can you tell me about your friend Efe?”
She raised her brow. “Efe? What do you mean sir?”
“She’s been looking gloomy these couple of days and I don’t understand. It’s affecting her job and I won’t stand for such here.” He couldn’t afford to tell her the real reason he wanted info on her friend. It would just lead to more office gossip and he already had enough of that in his past.
“Well, I know she’s a bit down because of her husband and not being able to see her daughter -”
“She has a daughter?”
Pamela bobbed her head up and down. “And she’s staying with her father while they are separated and Efe hasn’t seen her in months. I don’t know the details but I think the real issue is what her husband did to her. He cheated on her with another woman on their wedding day and he kept on with the relationship till recently. Anyhow sha. Sir, please don’t get annoyed with her. I would talk to her -”
Amanze shook his head. “No, you don’t have to. I - er - understand. I won’t be harsh on her since you explained this to me, but let’s keep this conversation confidential. Thanks.”
Pamela took that as her cue to leave the office. As soon as she left Amanze rested his back on his chair in deep thought. So that’s why she feels the way she does. He would have to think of a way to help her out, but first he had to deal with the files in front of him.

***


He didn’t know what it was about Efe that pulled him to her but he knew he didn’t want to stop pursuing her even if each time it seemed his efforts were in vain. He liked her and he was willing to pursue her. His grandmother’s advice was under-works. He left Efe alone throughout the weekend and on Monday. He was strictly professional with her and he could tell that his actions confused her ‘cause she kept looking at him when she thought he wasn’t looking.
He smiled to himself; it was all part of a strategy. He was going to back off a little and not hound her. Like his grandmother had advised, she was going through a hard time (though his grandmother didn’t have the full details) and needed love and support.
A knock on his door disrupted his thoughts. “Yes, come in.”
The door opened and the woman on his mind walked in. He studied her for the briefest of moments as she walked towards him. Her countenance showed how sad she was. He was tempted to ask what was wrong with her but he kept his mouth shut. “Efe, how can I help you?”
“There were some files I saw on my desk in the morning and I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with them.”
“What files?” He stretched out his hand and she handed him the files. He went through them. A frown crossed his features. It was the files of the upcoming Annual Ball coming up at the end of the year and he had been given the responsibility that year to organize the event. It was going to be a hectic one and he had to pull it off. He had to show some of his colleagues who looked down on him, and were waiting for his downfall, that he could make things happen. But obviously they were already set to sabotage him.
“When did you get this?”
“I didn’t notice it on my table when I came in this morning and I got swamped with work and forgot to pass it to you. It was in the not too urgent files and I didn’t know. Did I do something wrong?”
He raised a brow. “Why do you ask?”
“Because you have a frown on your face.”
He tossed the files on his table and cleaned the sides of his mouth. “Thanks for the files.”
“You’re welcome.”
She turned to leave but he couldn’t shake off the sadness on her face. Amanze rolled his eyes. He didn’t want to interfere but . . .
“Efe wait.”
She stopped in her tracks and turned to meet him. “Yes sir? You need something?”
Yes, I need you to stop giving me a hard time and give me a chance to show you how much I care. “What’s wrong? I could tell from when you came into my office that there’s something up with you.”
She hugged herself and shook her head. “I’m fine, sir. There’s nothing wrong.”
“You sure? Look, I’m not just some guy trying to jump you. I really care and I’ve tried to show you that . . . Though sometimes I can be a pain. I’ve respected your wishes but I won’t stand back when I see you looking down and defeated.” He got up from his black leather seat and walked towards her but stopped when she stepped back.
“Don’t worry I’m not coming to steal a kiss from you; no matter how much I want to.”

Thanks for the encouragement.

drewsman:


With many unfinished stories on nairaland these days, don't expect people to just rush new stories like that.

Just be encouraged, continue your thing and with time the comments will flow in.

I just saw this story today, I believe others will also see it with time. With consistent updates, you will get the audience u deserve.


More data to you device, more ink to your pen.

Chapter Three


Efe scrolled through Funlola’s pictures on Instagram of her and Uncle John, smiling at all the cute things Funlola said about her husband.
“My second love after God.”
“Sweetest boo ever!”
“My sugar hun! Kisses luv”
Few minutes back she posted another picture of her husband holding a microphone and addressing a couple of people. At this she typed out, That’s my man being a servant of God and preaching the good news. What’s better than a man who’s sold out for God?! Nothing! Be with a man who loves God more than you.
It was clear; the Funlola they all knew in the past had changed and was still in the process of more changes. It was also obvious that she was enjoying married life compared to before, when she cheated on her husband.
Efe felt a tinge of jealousy at her new friend. She wished it were her and Daniel having such wonderful moments together and serving God. Efe sighed. She was tired of thinking about Daniel from one minute to the other.
To take her mind off things Efe picked up her phone and dialled Funlola’s number. It had been a while they spoke. She was always cheerful and made her happy when everything in her life seemed dull.
What about me?
The question came out of nowhere but Efe didn’t give any answer.
“Hey dear!” Funlola screamed over the phone when she finally picked after three rings.
Efe smiled. “Hi Funlola. How are you doing? How’s Uncle John?”
“I’m good babes, he’s fine too. Thank God. What about you? How’s Calabar?”
Efe played with a thread sticking out of her blouse. When she had first arrived at Calabar she had spent most of her days crying and keeping to herself over the pain she had been through, but then meeting Pamela changed everything. She didn’t give Efe much of a choice than to socialize.
“It’s fine. Meeting new people . . . Trying to make friends.”
“That’s good. You shouldn’t be all alone feeling sorry for yourself. How are you holding up sweetie?”
Efe Sighed. She knew what Funlola was asking about and thought of the best way to reply without bursting out in tears. “I’m trying to move on. Trying to be strong. Honestly, I’m done waiting around for him. I’ve done that for too many years and now I want to move forward.”
“I get you, Hun. It’s all going to be fine. PJ tries to talk to him once in a while but . . . He’s not budging yet. He looks terrible these days.”
Efe frowned. Terrible? “What do you mean?”
“He just needs someone around to take care of him and he needs to get over his obsession with a woman that does not love him again. When last did you guys talk?”
“It’s been weeks . . .”
“Oh wow, alright then. We will keep praying for him to see the light and come back to his senses. He’s just behaving very stupid.” She cleared her throat. “Pardon my language. . . So asides that what else is happening with you?”
Efe told her about Amanze and all that transpired between them. When she first started working in the company he gave her a hard time but gradually he started warming up to her just out of the blue. He had asked her out severally of which she kept refusing. She didn’t see herself being with another man at the time being. But things changed between the both of them when they bumped into each other at a super-market and he had offered to take her home. They shared a kiss that could have turned to more when she had shakily forced him out of the house; thankfully Pamela wasn’t there to witness it. Thankfully, Efe had enough sense to stop before her fleshly desires took over.
Efe also mentioned what had happened the other evening with the Chinese food.
“Oh wow. It seems this guy is determined to sweep you off your feet . . . And Daniel is there dulling and falling for Adesewa.” She hissed. “Rubbish! Anyway, how do you feel about this Amanze guy? His name sef sounds hot, it’s good. It should give Daniel sense to know he has competition.”
Efe chuckled but then stopped. For a minute she wondered if Funlola could go back to her old ways but she tossed the thought aside and shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not ready to start up anything new. He already knows Daniel and I are separated but right now? I’m not interested in any guy at the moment.”
“Hmm. . . This is getting interesting. Sis, just take it easy. It’s too soon to move on to another guy. You still love Daniel right?”
Efe stayed silent for a few seconds. Unsure of her answer.
“Efe? Are you there?”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Do you still love Daniel?”
Efe felt tears gather in her eyes at the sad realization. “I don’t know. . .”

“I didn’t know you were around. It’s wrong to eavesdrop on a conversation.”
He raised one of his bushy brows. “Talking to yourself doesn’t count as a conversation.” With one hand in his pocket and another holding a file, Kobina walked into her office and took a seat.
Adesewa remained standing. “How may I help you? It's really a surprise to see you here. Thought you wouldn't be around till next week.”
“I just happened to be in Nigeria and wanted to check on the company and see how it’s going.”
Just happened to be in Nigeria? Indeed. “It’s fine.”
“I can see that. Actually, I didn’t just happen to be in Nigeria.”
Okay? Confession?
“I want to take you out for lunch. Would you be available?”
She didn’t know how to respond. He had come all the way from Ghana just to take her out for dinner? The first time she had met him she never saw him to be the romantic type. Neither did she see him as one who took his head out of business so long to be interested in a woman.
She took her seat and crossed her legs at her knees. “Kobina I’m flattered at your - er - kind gesture, but I have to remind you that what we have between us is strictly business and nothing to do with pleasure.”
He nodded and unbuttoned his Navy suit. “Yes, I know that. But all work and no play makes Ade-shey-wa a dull girl and of no use to the company. It is my duty as your partner to make sure you’re fit and ready for this journey we’re embarking on.”
Adesewa looked at him incredulously and burst out in laughter.
“Okay, I have probably embarrassed myself now. I should take my leave.” He made to get up but she stopped him.
She waved her hand for him to stop. “I actually need a break. We can go out in the next one hour if that’s okay with you.”
He smiled. A dazzling smile that made her get a glimpse of his cream coloured, but perfect, dentition. “It’s okay by me.”
As she worked on clearing her desk of the work of the day she hoped she wasn’t making a mistake. It’s just a casual dinner Lord. He’s a business partner. Nothing can happen right?

***

Adesewa closed her laptop and turned on her phone. As usual, whenever she had work to get done she had to put it on silence or switch off. Ever since she started processing KENZEL, her auditing and consulting company, she had been swamped with work. Three months ago she realized she couldn’t do it all on her own and had partnered with a foreign affiliate in Ghana who had been a client of hers back at her old job.
She was shocked when the man heard word of her leaving the company and was interested in partnering with her. She hated the idea of having someone have co-ownership of her company but she had no choice. And it didn’t help that she had a nagging feeling about the whole thing. She thought it was probably because she had a disliking for partnering with someone else and not having sole ownership of her company that she felt that way. Either ways, it seemed everything was going to turn out well. God had been good to her in more ways than she expected.
Her partner, Kobina, was a cool-headed guy but judging by his skill in business he also seemed like he had gone through a lot in his life. He had that mysterious air around him that made one curious enough to ponder on and cautious enough to retreat. Adesewa wasn’t too sure how to place him yet. Nevertheless, he was a crude business partner. The company would be opening in two weeks time and there were still a lot to get done.
Adesewa got up from her chair and stretched her arms. The sounds of incoming messages filled her medium-sized office and she picked up her phone and went through them. Emails and Instagram notifications. Random messages and broadcasts. Her eye caught-on to a message from Ebuka and she tapped it.

As usual your phone is off. I figure you’re busy. Hope you’re doing okay from the last time you were over. Please let me know if Daniel tries anything like that with you again. Also, don’t be a stranger.
P.S I miss you.

She smiled.
Things didn’t work out between her and Ebuka and they had decided to remain friends; getting closer by the day. He couldn’t keep up with her world as he said, 'but I know one day I will; nothing is written in stone'. It was fine by her. She hadn’t also been comfortable with their relationship and didn't want to force something that was not. Being single wasn’t the worst thing in life, unlike what other people her age would probably think.
She had a whole lot ahead of her and had to stay focus even as she worked on her relationship with God. Unfortunately, her parents didn’t share the same logic with her. They were now on her case to settle down.
“Adesewa Omo Shonibare, life doesn’t wait for you while you achieve your dreams. You need to factor in a husband now.” Her mother had said to her two days ago, as that was the second time in a week she had mentioned it.
“I know.”
“What happened to that other boy you liked? All of a sudden we stopped hearing about him.”
“Things didn’t work out between us.”
Her had mum snorted. “And so? Is it so bad that you can’t patch things up? You children of nowadays. . . You are waiting for a perfect man that does not exist. Look at your father, is he perfect?”
“Ah! In every sense of the way!” Her father had yelled in the background and caused Adesewa to chuckle.
“Mum, he’s married now. There’s nothing to patch up.”
“Oh. That’s a shame. And I liked him o. So what’s the plan now?”
Adesewa was getting tired of the conversation and feigned a yawn to wrap it up. “God will do it, mummy.”
“Amen. I see you’re tired. We would talk later dear. Love you. Your dad sends his love as well.”
“Love you both too.”
Adesewa couldn’t tell her mother Zainab was getting married in a matter of weeks. It would only make her mother make camp on her matter. Marriage wasn’t everything. Adesewa’s thoughts drifted off Efe. A thought brewing within. It had been on her mind for a while now but she didn’t want to interfere in their marriage. She had done so enough times and felt partly at fault for what had happened between Daniel and Efe.
If only I had stayed away from the wedding none of this would be happening.
“Married men are off limits!” She said.
“Oh really? I think it depends on the context.”
Adesewa spun around to see her partner standing at her door. Looking impressive and handsome in his light brown, double-breasted suit.

***

“Take your clothes off.”
Pamela looked at the guy holding the camera like he had said he was a man who liked to wear make-up, ‘cause what he said was insane. “What?!”
He didn’t look up from his camera as he said again, “Take. Your. Clothes. Off.” He repeated.
She didn’t know what irked her more; the way he spoke to her as if she was a child or the ridiculous thing he wanted her to do. They had spent that last thirty-minutes taking pictures of her and from his facial expression she knew things weren’t going so well.
But now this?
“B-but what does taking my clothes off have anything to do with taking photo-shoots or head-shots?” Where is Feyi sef? She should come and save me from this man!
Rex, the guy in question, dropped his camera and walked over to a high-table and placed it there. If he drops his camera ehn . . . You better start begging because you have vexed him and he has lost interest in you, Feyi’s voice had whispered to her before she went into the studio.
“Why are you dropping your camera? Did I do something wrong?”
He didn’t answer her. He looked bored, irritated and tired. He took his seat on a stool and looked at her. “You obviously know little about modelling. Listen up newbie, your dressing isn’t the most important thing to me when taking your head-shots. I don’t need to look at your,” he gestured at her, “fancy jewellery or your bum-shorts or high-heels or your fancy lacy bra or whatever else you are wearing there.”
Pamela gasped. How does he know the type of bra I’m wearing?
“What I need is your attitude. Be confident. Be free. Let me see you and not what you’re wearing. Express yourself. I actually need you to remove your jacket and not your entire clothes so I can get a picture of you. You want someone to say your dressing looks good or you rock at selling yourself?”
She nodded. “I understand.” She made to take off her jacket but he stopped her.
“I’m done for the day. You can come back when I’m in Calabar again.”
“When would that be?”
“Next three weeks,” he said.
She felt her heart sink to her stomach.
“By that time the photo-shoot for the magazine would be done.”
“Yup.”
“Please, I’m really sorry I took much of your time. I promise not to disappoint again.”
He shook his head. “Babe, I have a flight to Lagos to catch in the next two hours. I don’t have time to waste.”
Tears filled her eyes. She bit her lip and looked down at her feet. She could hear her father tell her she was never going to succeed in life and her mother pleading with him to stop. She knew she couldn’t afford to fail. The only thing that came to mind to salvage her current situation was something she had never done before. She knew he was watching her and affirmed it when she looked up at him and with as much courage she could summon up, she asked, “I-If I buy your time in another way, would it be possible?”
Rex raised his brow at her.

Is anyone here?

***


All his life he had lived like a prince, being the only child of his parents. Two women that brought him up to be who he was; his mother and his grandmother. The two most important people in his life that had taught him to stand up for what he wanted in life and he could be whoever he wanted to be as long as he worked hard for it.
He had worked hard all the way from primary school till university having won a scholarship when his mother couldn’t afford to pay his school fees when she was retrenched from her job. He had to struggle with a side job and trying to keep up with school. But life smiled upon him. He was able to achieve certain things and got himself into the company through a few connections.
As for his love-life, a few ladies, whenever they got to hear of his background, thought him to be a ladies’ man or ‘woman wrapper’. He didn’t care about all that. He had learnt where to place them so there wasn’t any conflict. But still his love life was non-existent.
The afternoon breeze brought in a heat that grazed his cheek and snapped him back to reality where he was seated at the verandah of his mother’s house with his grand-mother.
Amanze rubbed his hand over his face and sighed.
“Why are you worried young boy?”
He smiled at the usage of the words ‘young boy’. “Who said I am?”
“Because I know you.”
He smiled at his grandmother.
“I know you do. I’m just thinking about my life-”
“And finally settling down? That’s very important, Amanze. Why won’t you just settle down with that girl?”
Amanze wasn’t in the mood to talk about her. “Mama there’s someone else that may have caught my attention and I’m sure you would like her as well.”
His grandmother smiled. “Wonderful. This is good news. Who is she? The daughter of one of your mother’s friends? Is it Cynthia or Veronica?”
He shook his head and laughed in his mind at how much their names and personality were similar. Some of them were just women that wanted to climb the social ladder and suck him dry of all his hard earned money. He wasn’t going to fall for that.
“No, mama. You don’t know her. It’s sort of complicated. She has a lot going on for her now and I don’t know how to help out. I’ve tried getting close to her but it’s like the closer I get the more she wants to run away.”
“Amanze when would you learn? Does a flower blossom in a closed place or in an open environment?”
“Mama I can argue for both being possible . . .”
She clucked her tongue. “Don’t be smart with me. If you put a flower in the palm of your hands and close it, would the flower survive?”
“Err - no.”
“So let her be. Don’t kill her with you chasing her too much. Give her time. Be a friend and understand her. You would win her heart in no time.”
“But I feel like calling and asking how she is doing . . . I think I messed up on Friday.”
His grandmother chuckled. “I see you really like this girl . . . What did you do to her?”
Amanze went on to explain everything that happened and how she walked out on him and too the food she wanted. He had his dinner at his home all by himself.
“I like that girl. After all the stress you put her through why wouldn’t she be angry?” She threw an insult at him in Calabar. “You have grown up with your mother and I and yet you still behave as if you haven’t learnt anything! I would have knocked your head if not that the arthritis has affected my hand too much.”
He frowned. He hated to hear his grandmother was in pain. “Mama, have you been taking your medications?”
“Amanze, did you brush your teeth this morning?”
He sighed. “Sorry for asking.”
She smacked her thigh and leaned close to him. “Now let me tell you what you can do for that girl you have hurt.”
He smiled as he listened to his grandmother.

***
As she cooked she remembered how the evening played out with her boss the other day. She had been annoyed at the manner at which he carried out his plan. She had every mind to pick up her bags and leave him with his expensive food and his arrogant attitude, and so she did. With her belongings in hand she walked out on him and took quick steps to the elevator. She didn’t care what the consequences would be. She was sick and tired of being walked on and treated as if she was nothing.
She didn’t get on the elevator as he grabbed her arm and spun her around to look at him. His eyes intensely dark and his lips slightly pink. She snapped her eyes away from them and yanked her hand off him before she was pulled to do she added to the long list of things she regretted.
“Efe, what’s the problem?”
“I want to go home!”
“What about the food I brought for the both of us? You want it to go to waste?”
Efe scoffed. “Did I ask you to buy anything for me?”
“No, but I thought you would need it since you had such a long day and I want to spend more time with you.”
“Whose fault is it that I had a long day? You purposely made me go through all that stress so you could meet your selfish needs!” Efe realized she might be crossing the line talking to her boss in such manner, but he had to understand she wasn’t one of those girls he could use and throw away when he was done. She wasn't even available to be used in the first place!
“Efe, please calm down. Okay, I’m sorry I did what I did. I’m sorry I let you go through a lot of stress today so I could delay you in the office while I went to get something for us to eat. I’m sorry I had to stand in a loooonnng queue just to get this meal. I’m sorry I almost had an accident because I was rushing to meet you so you wouldn’t leave. I did all that 'cause I care about you and don't want to see you sad. Please, forgive me.”
Did he almost have an accident while rushing to meet me? Does that mean he really cares? But even if he went through all that stress it doesn't make what he did justifiable!
Efe pushed him aside and grudgingly went to her table as he followed her. She couldn’t see the smile on his face ‘cause she was backing him. She looked at all the contents, took what she wanted and placed it in a nylon bag.
“Thanks for the food. I would eat mine at home.”
She didn’t miss the smile on his face drop. “But that’s not the arrangement.”
It was her turn to smile. “Sorry, but now it is. Good night, sir.”
She had walked away, proud to be able to place the stunned look on his handsome face. She was done with waiting on a man. If Daniel, or any other man, wanted her he would have to work hard to get her.
As it was obvious Daniel wanted nothing more to do with her.
He had hardly called her during the past months. She had called him a few times to ask how he was doing, and all the occasions she called he didn’t sound interested in talking to her.
Efe turned off the camp gas and lifted the small pot to the kitchen counter. Lately, she had a craving for Calabar dishes, having tasted a few in a joint not far from the apartment and she had bonded with the owner of the place who shared the recipe of Ekpang Nkukwo, an amazing dish of grated coco-yam in spinach leaves with periwinkles, crayfish and all sorts.
This is what Daniel is missing . . . I would have loved to make this for him. . .
She drove away the thoughts. It didn’t matter. She was moving on with her life. The pains of the past needed to be let go. Amanze’s handsome face came to mind almost immediately she made that decision and she shook her head. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t going to fall for him. She needed to pick up the pieces of her that were broken and get her life in order.
“God, I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m hurt and tired of everything. Tired of loving Daniel. Tired of waiting for him. Just let me be.”
Efe didn’t wait for a reply, neither was she expecting one. She carried her food to her room and opened her laptop. She was going to eat and watch a movie or two, call her daughter, sleep and read her bible later on. The day was already planned out and she would enjoy it as best as she could.

***

He staggered to his bed. Work had been hectic and he was too tired to head to the kitchen and cook. He was supposed to pick up Ulunma from his parent’s house but he wasn’t ready for another confrontation with his father. The last time he’d been there was disastrous with his father insulting him. He shook his head and took off his shoes. Not this night. He would pick his daughter up tomorrow morning.
Daniel took off his jacket and tie and tossed it on a nearby chair but it fell to the floor. He didn't bother to pick it up. He got off his trousers and did the same thing to it.
He didn’t qualify himself as drunk. He just had too many to drink and had a massive headache. Of course, he couldn’t continue living his life this way. He was just tired of how things seemed to be going downhill and all because of what? He couldn’t get a grip on himself. His mother was worried about him and she had voiced out her worries over the phone when he called to say he wasn’t picking Ulunma up. She needn’t worry. She just had to pray Adesewa gave him another chance.
It was eleven in the morning when Daniel finally got out of his apartment. The sight of Ulunma playing with a toy on the floor brought joy to him. It annoyed him that every-time he glanced at her he remembered Efe. Is that part of the reason why I delay in picking her? He hoped not. His daughter had nothing to do with what was happening between him and Efe.
“Oh! So he finally decides to come.” His father clapped for him loudly and Ulunma looked up at her grandfather as he walked out. Her toy temporarily forgotten.
Daniel grated his teeth. He wondered where his mother was.
“Good morning, dad.”
“What is so good about the morning? Seeing your disgraceful self?”
Daniel didn’t have anything to say and it seemed to infuriate his father the more.
“I’m talking to you!”
“Dad, what do you want me to say? I’ve listened to you insult me over and over again. I don’t have anything to say to you because if I do it would be considered as rude!”
“Talk nau! I want you to talk. Shebi you do whatever you like these days; You drink yourself to stupor and behave stupid! Like you don’t have parents that trained you up right. You need someone to talk sense to you but then you’re too thick-headed to listen! You behave like you know all things of which you don’t.”
Daniel let out an exasperated sigh. “Dad, please. I only came to pick my daughter up and I would be on my way. Please let's not argue Aren’t you tired of it all?”
His father was closer to him now. “I'm tired of seeing your face. As you’re taking Ulunma now, don’t come back to this house. You are banned from showing your face her. I love my grand-daughter and so I would have preferred she stay here until you get your act together. You can make that decision and bring her back, but as for you stay away. I never want to see you again until you come to your senses.”