《HIRED WIFE》 Chapter 1 ¡± Daddy! Daddy!¡± My six years and old blind daughter called out to me from her bedroom She lost her sight in an ident as a one year old and although I wanted booking an eye surgery for her immediately, the doctor advised against it following her young age until she was at least four years old, Thankfully she clocked four years old two days ago and I went ahead to book an eye surgery for her immediately. I really want my daughter to regain her sight! ¡± Daddy! Daddy! Daddy..!¡± Angie called out a second time when they was no response to the first call When I heard her call a second time, I immediately ran into her bedroom scared that she must have fallen off her bed as she does sometimes. I was relieved when I saw her sitting on the bed, with a pillow beneath her back for support ¡± Yes Angie, are you okay? ¡± I asked gently sitting on her bed ¡± I¡¯m okay.. Dad I had a nice dreamst night so I wanted sharing it with you immediately before I forget!¡± Ang, my daughter answered smiling ¡± Oh! what¡¯s the dream about Angie? Spill it out, daddy is listening¡± ¡± In the dream, I could see again and also I saw one mean looking Aunty maltreating me while a fine Aunty came by and rescued me from her!¡± ¡± Oh! Angie don¡¯t worry about such ugly dreams.. as for your sight don¡¯t worry you will surely see again okay ¡± ¡± I believe so too Dad! By the way when will mummy being to see me?.. it¡¯s been months since shest visited instead we only talk on phone!¡± ¡± She wille visit soonest okay¡± I assured her and she nodded her head lightly before asking a second question ¡± You forgot to tell me when my eye operation is scheduled Dad!¡± ¡± It¡¯s next week Angie! Tell me baby what is your first wish, like what you would like to see first after you regain your sight?¡± ¡± Anything? Dad are you sure that you will grant any of my wish?¡± ¡± Yes Angie, anything just name it! ranging from clothes, shoes, gifts, vacation trips, name them!¡± ¡± Common Dad, you know I have enough clothes and shoes already, so much that I even give some out to orphanage homes¡± ¡± Okay Angie, what then do you want? Name it and it will be done!¡± ¡± Dad I don¡¯t need material things, what I need on that day is for mummy toe stay permanently with us her family, infact I want her to be the first person I see when I regain my sight after the surgery!¡± ¡± Angie, you know that it¡¯s going to be difficult because your mom prefers her work in Germany more than us her family!¡± ¡± Remember Dad! you promised that you will grant me anything and that¡¯s what I want! ¡± Ang shouted, already pissed ¡± no problem Angie! I made a promise and I will try to get it fulfilled okay¡± I replied gently although a little unsure ¡± Okay Dad! ¡± Ang replied smiling. Oh! How I love seeing my daughter happy and smiling, disying her cute dimples which she inherited from me, her father ¡± That¡¯s my Angie, so are you hungry, should I bring your breakfast here? ¡± I responded equally smiling at her ¡± Yes Dad I am hungry and Thank you so much Dad, you are always the best¡­ Sorry I raised my voice at you earlier¡± ¡± I understand Angie! Rx let me go get your food okay¡± I replied, kissed her on her forehead and went out of her bedroom. A few hourster, I¡¯m in my bedroom after sessfully feeding Angie, helping her take a bath, getting her room tidied before putting her to bed for an afternoon nap. Iid on my bed exhausted and bought out my phone to ce a call to my wife Sophie. She went to pursue her Masters degree in Germany, but afterpletion she decided to stay back and work in Germany because ording to her, the pay over there is so good and hugeProperty ? N?velDrama.Org. All my pleas and that of Angie fell on deaf ears, for Sophie, it is always work first. I rang her again after the first call attempt wasn¡¯t answered, she finally picked up after three more rings ¡± hello babe! wassup?¡± her voice speaks up from the other end of the phone ¡± I¡¯m good, how are you?¡± I replied her question ¡± I¡¯m stressed babe! How is Angie? ¡± ¡± That¡¯s the main reason I called, Angie asked of you, you know that her eye operation is scheduled for next week? ¡± ¡± Really? Oh! I¡¯m sorry I forgot babe! ¡± Sophie said but I wasn¡¯t surprised, it¡¯s quite typical of her to forget important things about her family. She is now so different from the woman I fell in love with and married four years ago ¡± It¡¯s okay! Anyways she requested to see you first as a wish and I promised her that she will get her wish granted.. Sophie please can you grant our daughter this one wish please¡± ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Tony, I really wish I can but I won¡¯t be able to, you know I was recently given a promotion so the workload here is so damn much to leave behind without dire consequences!¡± ¡± Sophie for how long will you keep choosing your work over us? So the dire consequences is far more important than Angie¡¯s emotional state? Do you even know how your daughter feels everyday knowing that her mom who is suppose to be her strongest support has only visited once this year! ¡± ¡± Please calm down Tony! Just exin things to Angie on my behalf, I¡¯m sure she will understand okay! ¡± ¡± For how long? Sophie for Christ¡¯s sake it¡¯s her first wish for her eye operation and I promised Angie that I will fulfil it.. okay! why not fly in that day and go back that same day too, I don¡¯t mind sponsoring the flight and transportation costs..¡± ¡± I¡¯m sorry Tony! I wish I can but I can¡¯t, I¡¯m really truly sorry! ¡± Sophie responded nonchntly that sometimes I wonder if she cares about Angie at all Chapter 2 ¡± So what do you expect me to tell Angie now?¡± ¡± Hmm.. you know what? I have an idea although I don¡¯t know if you will fancy it with your high degree of holiness! ¡± Sophie told me in a tone that depicted mockery ¡± What is the idea Sophie? Let me hear it!¡± I asked attentively ¡± I was thinking that it¡¯s best you hire someone to stand-in as me.. you present her to Angie after her eye operation, that way you will fulfill your promise to her.. problem solved! ¡± Sophie said over the phone as though it was such an easy task ¡± Sophie are you sh? mel3ssly asking me to hire a wife in your ce? ¡± ¡± If that¡¯s how you see it.. to me it¡¯s like using a stone to kill two birds.. you fulfil your promise plus Angie would not be bothering you about me for at least few months, until when my next leavees and from there we can figure out a way to exin everything to her! ¡± ¡± It¡¯s just the scent and voice that she will really sense the difference.. moreso Angie is a four year old so it won¡¯t really matter, that¡¯s if she will even notice sef¡­¡± ¡± Sophie she is a four year old but certainly not f?? lish like you think!¡± ¡± Okay fine! I will talk to her tonight and give her a small white lie about how I intend going for a voice surgery.. the rest I believe you can figure it out! All you need to do is buy the hired wife my perfumes, skincare products and fill her in on other things¡± ¡± Wow! Just wow! If someone had told me that this discussion and suggestion is from my own darling wife, I would have denied it! Sophie what exactly is going on with you? You¡¯ve changed a lot ¡± ¡± I need to go Tony, I have got loads of work that needs to be done.. I¡¯ll talk to youter, love you! ¡± Sophie concludedpletely ignoring my question. She ended the call before I could even get a chance to say my own goodbye. I heave already tired, yes! Sophie¡¯s idea is somewhat perfect but it¡¯s so unfair to both Angie and I. Hire a wife? I never dreamt of doing that in my wildest dreams. So Lord please help me! I said a simple word of prayer as Iid there staring at the ceiling. Not long afterwards, a knocknded on my bedroom door and Angie¡¯s soft voice followed ¡± Dad! I think someone is at door.. the person has been knocking since but it seems like you are sleeping!..¡± Angie said blindly opening my bedroom door toe in Wow! I must have been so lost in thoughts, that I never heard someone knocking at the sitting room door even though my bedroom is adjacent the sitting room. I stood up from the bedroom and reached out to Angie, who is still blindly trying to find her way to my bed I held her right hand and led her out of my bedroom to the sitting room to answer whoever is at the door ¡± Angie I¡¯m sorry for stressing you okay!.. just sit here while I attend to whoever is at the door¡± I said to Angie, at the same time helping her sit on one of the soft sofa in the sitting room I walked to the door, checked through the door hole to see who my visitor is I recognized the person immediately It is Oge! the beautiful slim nurse I met at the hospital yesterday, during Angie¡¯s eye check up I gave her my house address and requested that shee see me today, I¡¯m d she honoured my inviteN?velDrama.Org ? content. I opened the door for her and ushered her into the sitting room, very pleased by her beautiful official outfit; a long sleeve blue shirt tugged into a ck knee length skirt ¡± Wee Oge.. sorry I kept you knocking for long, it wasn¡¯t intentional at all¡± I told her apologetically ¡± It¡¯s okay sir.. I understand!¡± Oge replied smiling ¡± Thank you for being such an understandingdy.. please do have a sit.. thank you so much for honouring my invite!¡± I said to Oge and watched as she slowly took a sit beside me on the sofa ¡± It is not a problem sir! although I am new at the hospital so I therefore do not know you too well, but from what I heard from the other nurses, you are a trusted and a regr patient at the hospital so I know that it is safe honouring your invite!¡± Oge said and I was really pleased by her statement. What a smart youngdy! I thought inwardly ¡± Thank you once again Oge but you are mistaken about the regr ¡®patient¡¯ part, my daughter is actually the patient not me.. she is the sole reason I invited you here today but before that let me do a brief introduction between you two¡± I said and turned towards where Angie sat at the far end of the sitting room ¡°¡­ that is Angie my daughter sited over there.. Angie this is Aunty Oge, the one who was knocking at the door earlier¡± I introduced ¡± Hi Angie!¡± Oge waved at Angie, unknown to her that Angie couldn¡¯t see her waving hand because of her condition ¡± Good afternoon Aunty Oge¡­ Please Daddy can you help me to my room? I will love to give you and Aunt Oge some private space for adult discussion¡± Angie said and I felt so proud of my daughter, she is always so considerate even at such a tender age ¡± Okay Angie!¡± I said as I stood up to help Angie to her bedroom while Oge looked on, surprised at Angie¡¯s blind condition After sessfully helping Angie to her bedroom, I came back to the sitting room and took my previous sit besides Oge ¡± She is blind?¡± Oge asked the moment I sat down ¡± Yes she is and like I said earlier she is the sole reason I invited you here.. Initially aside my stay-out house assistant, I am the one who personally takes care of my daughter and I love it that way, but at the hospital yesterday I was advised to employ the services of a nurse who will medically see to her special medications until the operation date arrives..¡± I continued while watching her facial expression, which was actually unreadable ¡°.. that why I took an interest in you when I saw you yesterday at the hospital while Angie was still in the check up room, that¡¯s why you couldn¡¯t meet her yesterday too.. ¡± I said, took a break and continued from where I let off ¡± To cut the long story short.. Oge I need a nurse that would be taking care of Angie, until a day to her eye operation which is scheduled for next week.. can you do that?¡± ¡± I am a nurse sir so I can do so although it¡¯s going to be a bit difficult following her blind condition.. but then if the pay will be good then sure I am in!¡± Chapter 3 ¡± Okay.. how much would you want to be paid for the six days you are going to be taking care of my daughter?¡± I asked nonchntly ¡± I think 200k will be okay sir and If you are wondering why the payment demand is that high¡­ you know that it is going to be an everyday job involving someone who can¡¯t see, that¡¯s why the pay it¡¯s on the high side!¡± She said and shrugged probably expecting me to argue with her, but I did contrary to her expectations ¡± No problem Oge.. nevertheless you are to resume tomorrow morning, I will also issue you a cheque for your advance payment before you leave here tomorrow!¡± I responded while she looked at me dumbfounded, I guess she is shocked that I could ept such exorbitant demand of payment so easily Fortunately for her, my daughter¡¯s health care is worth everything to me so I don¡¯t mind any amount ¡± .. for the work terms, it¡¯s going to from 6am to 8pm daily when I will be back from work¡­ hope that is okay by you?¡± ¡± Sure sir.. it is! Thank you sir!¡± Oge said to me smiling in a way that disyed all her front teeth ¡± You¡¯re wee Oge! Sorry I forgot to offer you something to drink.. forgive my manners please!¡± I said and stood up to walk to the bar, but her next words halted any further movement from me ¡± It¡¯s okay sir I understand, but that will have to be next time because I will love to be on my way now sir!¡± Oge said and stood up ¡± So soon?¡± I asked not happy about the poor reception I gave her, What a bad first impression from an host to a visitor! I thought ¡± Yes sir, I promised my mom that I will visit her today but I had to honor your invite first¡­ and now I need to start going because I¡¯m already runningte! ¡± Oge said and picked up her purse to show her seriousness about wanting to take her leave I heaved before replying ¡± Okay Oge if you say so, till tomorrow then!.. please take this as your transport fare¡± I said and stretched out a bundle of ten thousand naira note to her, which she collected after a little persuasion from me ¡± Thank you so much sir.. I appreciate¡± she said to me smiling as I walked her to the gate and waved her goodbye.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. Woaw! I think I have just found myself a perfect hired wife! I thought as I walked back into the house smiling. ¡°Good morning sir¡± I heard a soft familiar voice from the back as I stood facing the gas cooker, wondering what to prepare for Angie this morning. I turned shocked on seeing Oge standing at the kitchen door, I kept wondering how she got into the house without me opening the door for her Then my memory reminded me of how I gave her one of the house keys before she left my ce yesterday. I gave it to her just in case the need to use it arises. I checked the time on my wrist watch and it reads 8:35am She is actuallyte on her first day at work, but either ways I smiled as I replied to her earlier greetings ¡± Good morning Oge.. how are you today?¡± ¡± I¡¯m fine sir, I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you at home by this time.. are you not going to work today?¡± Oge asked smiling widely as she moved her hands upwards to adjust her hair. That¡¯s when I actually noticed she made a new hairstyle from the one I saw yesterday ¡± Yes Oge I am off work today.. I see you made a new hairstyle, it¡¯s beautiful¡± Iplimented and briefly scanned her dressing to see that she is smartly dressed in a flowery mini gown with a pair of ck scandals ¡± Thank you sir¡­ Hope you slept well?¡± she replied blushing, moved to a stool in the kitchen while trying to strike a conversation with me without even bothering to first ask or check on her patient, Angie ¡± I see you are cooking.. what are you cooking?¡± She asked as she sat down on the stool, still smiling ¡± I¡¯m yet to decide that.. Angie says she wants to take something light excluding tea, golden morn, cornkes or custard..¡± ¡± .. initially I was nning on making Irish potatoes with sauce for her but then her doctor advised against anything tomatoes, yam or potatoes¡± I continued wishing she could actually suggest something since she is Angie¡¯s nurse ¡± oh! too bad.. So what¡¯s your favorite food sir? We could prepare that instead¡± She asked ¡± It¡¯s chicken stew and rice but that isn¡¯t an option too¡± I said frustratingly ¡± Why not? I love chicken stew too.. lets prepare it please¡± she said and I looked at her wondering if she is suffering from few minutes amnesia ¡± Did you read the manual I gave you on all of Angie¡¯s medical dos and don¡¯ts? and where you even listening at all to what I said earlier about the doctor¡¯s advise against tomatoes for Angie?¡± I asked looking intently at her ¡± Oh! you did?¡± Oge asked feigning surprise as she continued ¡± .. I¡¯m sorry sir.. I was just too carried away when I heard chicken stew since it has actually been a while I ate that, and I was also overwhelmed that coincidentally we share the same favourite food!¡± Oge said remorsefully or so she made it seem I heaved as I stared at her ¡± you did not even bother to ask of your patient Angie whom is your main purpose here.. and to be honest I¡¯m not impressed at all Oge¡± I told her with all sincerity ¡± Oh! about that.. I checked on her beforeing to see you in the kitchen and she was soundly asleep!¡± She replied but I knew deep down that she was lying because my Angie is in her gym house that is erected at the backyard. I personally took her there few minutes ago before I came to make breakfast for her ¡± Really?¡± I asked hoping to hear the truth from her ¡± Yes sir!¡± She answered still lying confidently ¡°Okay¡± I said as I turned to face the gas cooker to put it on after finally making up my mind to prepare noodles for Angie ¡± Sir I think I will go back to check on Angie again.. hopefully she will be awake by now!¡± ¡± No problem Oge.. Feel free¡± I said gently. As I watched her leave the kitchen to Angie¡¯s bedroom, I kept wondering if I am not making a mistake entrusting Angie¡¯s care to someone who is so nonchnt and tells irrelevant lies too I continued with Angie¡¯s noodles preparation and I was almost done when I heard footsteps followed by Oge¡¯s worried voice ¡± I can¡¯t seem to find her in the bedroom sir.. I have searched everywhere inside the house but I still can¡¯t find Angie anywhere¡± Oge said as she moved closer to where I stood beside the kitchen cab Chapter 4 ¡± That¡¯s because Angie is in her gym house.. she sometimes loves going there every morning before breakfast and I personally took her there shortly before you came!¡± I told her and watched as her mouth open agape in shock that her lies about checking up on Angie earlier, was long detected ¡± I¡¯m so sorry sir, I lied about checking up on her earlier.. I just didn¡¯t want to create a bad impression on my official first work day, please forgive me sir¡± she said apologetically I heaved as I responded ¡± Oge it doesn¡¯t change the fact that you just created a bad impression of you and as her personal nurse it¡¯s quite discouraging!¡± I gently said to her as I dished Angie¡¯s food into a t te and ced it on a food tray ¡± I¡¯m sorry sir.. please pardon me this once¡± she continued pleading almost kneeling but I stopped her midway ¡± It¡¯s okay Oge.. I did already that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t discharge you immediately.. but please note that Angie is your main priority here so try to be more intentional about it, okay?¡± I asked to be sure what I am saying is sinking in ¡± Yes sir! Thank you so much¡± Oge said and slowly took a sit on the kitchen stool ¡± can you help me take Angie from the gym house please? It¡¯s erected at the backyard directly facing the pool.. I want her toe eat her food before it gets cold¡± I humbly requested from where I stood staring at OgeN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± No problem sir¡± Oge said and wanted going before I halted her with my question ¡± I forgot to ask.. are you a fan of noodles? or would you rather drink tea and bread instead? Sorry it skipped my mind earlier¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay sir.. I would prefer to take tea.. thank you for asking¡± she said formally, I guess she still felt bad over what happened ¡± Okay Oge.. that makes the two of us then.. I am a tea fan but not the noodles fan¡± I replied smilingly in an attempt to brighten the tensed atmosphere between us, I sincerely don¡¯t want her still feeling bad about what she did I felt happy when she beganughing heartily before replying ¡± Ah sir! we are both tea fans then, it¡¯s only remaining to be the bread fan.. okay I should get going to Angie¡¯s destination now before it will turn to Chelsea fan¡± She saidughing and then left to bring Angie. I smiled relieved that the tensed atmosphere is clear now. ********* In a short while, the three of us; Me, Angie and Oge was done with breakfast and moved to the sitting room. I sat rxing on the couch with Angie sleeping on myps, while Oge sat on the opposite couch viewing a television program that is been disyed on therge sma screen on the wall I checked the time and realized that it was 10am which is the exact time for Angie¡¯s medication. I turned expecting Oge to take a move for Angie¡¯s medication as her personal nurse but it seems that she is fast forgetting things. And here I am thinking that nurses are actually suppose to be more intentional and cautious about people¡¯s health. I cleared my throat to get her attention and thankfully I got it as she turned to look at me ¡± Any problem sir?¡± Oge asked as she turned her eyes to the television screen yet again ¡± Mmm.. Oge it¡¯s ten minutes past 10am. We both know that 10am is actually Angie¡¯s schedule time for medication, or weren¡¯t you informed by the doctor?¡± ¡± Oh! that¡¯s true¡± Oge answered rmed, she abruptly got up from the couch and made her way to Angie¡¯s medication box which I kept secured locked in one of the sitting room cabs ¡± .. oh my God! the keys!¡± I heard Oge talking to herself Concerned I asked her ¡± Any problem Oge?¡± ¡± No.. I mean yes sir! I¡¯m sorry but I think I have forgotten the spare keys of the cab you gave me in the house, I guess it¡¯s because I was so much in a hurry¡± Oge apologized for the umpteenth time today God I can¡¯t believe thisdy is actually ying with my daughter¡¯s health, I thought as I stood up andid Angie on the couch gently to avoid waking her up. I walked over to where she stood confused and opened the cab with my set of the cab keys, took out the necessary medicine for Angie without saying a word to Oge I guess it¡¯s because I didn¡¯t even know what to say to her Her performance was notmendable and I knew without a doubt that with such disy of nonchnce, she will need to be reced as soon as possible Heaven knows I can¡¯t imagine leaving my daughter with her even for a day let alone for subsequent days to her eye surgery. After sessfully helping Angie take her medication, I carried her to my room so we could both take a nap leaving Oge alone in the sitting room ******* Towards evening, I was awoken by a knock on my bedroom door, Oge¡¯s voice followed afterwards ¡± Please may Ie in sir?¡± Oge¡¯s voice requested from behind the door ¡± No Oge! Angie is sleeping and I wouldn¡¯t want our voices to wake her up.. just wait in the sitting room and give me few minutes I will join you¡± I said and turned besides me to check on Angie, thankfully she was still sleeping soundly I turned towards the wall clock in my bedroom and the time showed that was few minutes to 6pm I yawned feeling so hungry, I can¡¯t believe I slept for so long I gently got up from the bed careful not to wake Angie. I felt pressed so I made use of the convenient room to relieve myself. After I was done, I opened the bedroom door with the intention to meet Oge at the sitting room, only to see her still standing in front of my bedroom door Obviously she never left, as she saw me she knelt down immediately Chapter 5 ¡± I¡¯m sorry sir for my attitude today.. I really don¡¯t want to lose the job you¡¯ve entrusted to me.. give me a second chance sir please¡± Oge said to me already crying ¡± Oge I never said I was going to sack you or did I?¡± I asked quite surprised that she mentally figured out that I was nning to rece her ¡± You may not have said so in words but your countenance shows that you will sack me for everything that happened today.. please sir I am sorry, it won¡¯t happen again¡± ¡± Are you sure Oge?¡± I asked and she nodded in the affirmative while I heaved before giving a reply ¡± okay if you say so Oge, I will give you a benefit of doubt thisst time.. please you can get up now, it¡¯s weird seeing a fellow human being kneeling before me¡± I said and helped her up ¡± Thank you so much sir¡± ¡± You¡¯re wee.. and Oge for today you can go early before 8pm since I am home¡± ¡± Does that mean I can go now?¡± She asked happily ¡± Sure Oge! you can go if you want to do so now.. see you tomorrow then¡± I said and turned to go back into my bedroom but I halted when I heard Oge¡¯s request ¡± How about I stay for a while and we talk over a drink at the bar.. I mean to get to know ourselves beyond the work and medication talks¡± Oge offered as I stood considering the offer ¡± It¡¯s not a bad idea.. okay no problem let go then!¡± I said and made to follow her to the bar but I couldn¡¯t continue as I kept hearing Angie¡¯s voice call out to me from my bedroom ¡± Daddy! Daddy.. where are you?¡± I heard Angie¡¯s soft voice calling for me ¡± Oh! My daughter is awake.. I¡¯m sorry Oge you know I can¡¯t leave Angie alone because of her condition.. we will do this next time, I promise¡± I said apologetically to Oge ¡± It¡¯s okay sir, I understand¡± she said forcing a smile but I cared less, my daughteres first to me ¡± Thanks for your understanding Oge!¡± I said and left to join Angie in the bedroom. As I left, I heard someone hiss behind me or maybe it¡¯s just my subconscious hearing things I just hope Oge is really sincere with her apologies because as it is now I am beginning to nurse doubts about herpetency to fit into the hired wife I need to fulfill my promise to Angie. Anyways, I believe that the subsequent days will tell if she is fit for the role of a hired wife or not. For now I can only wait and observe. Two dayster, I walked into Angie¡¯s bedroom that early morning which is a Thursday, I wanted to wish her a good morning like I usually do before leaving for work. I opened her bedroom door only to see my daughter sitted on her bed, dejectedly staring into space. Angie looked so lost in thoughts that she did not even notice my presence at the door I was rmed as I walked towards her on the bed and sat beside her, worry clearly written all over my face as I looked at herN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± Angie, baby are you okay?¡± I asked worriedly and she jerked back to reality ¡± Yes daddy.. I am fi.. fine¡± she answered stammering but her eyes said otherwise ¡± Angie you are clearly not fine! when did you start lying and hiding things from daddy¡­ please Angie talk to me, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± I probe further still looking at her although she couldn¡¯t see me ¡± Daddy I am fine.. just thinking about mom, that¡¯s all¡± she answered and sighed ¡± Are you sure?¡± I asked to be sure that was all that was bothering her ¡± Yes daddy.. is mummy really going toe back and stay with us as you promised me?¡± ¡± Yes Angie, she will.. she even wants to talk to you in a video call tonight¡± I said and watched Angie¡¯s eyes lit up in delight ¡± Really daddy? Mummy wants to see and talk to me tonight?¡± Angie asked excitedly I can understand my daughter¡¯s excitement right now, because it has been a long while since Sophie her mother thought of having a video call session with her. For reasons best known to her Sophie usually avoided having call sessions with Angie until after so much persuasion from me. I¡¯m only sad because I knew very well that she is only having tonight¡¯s video session to lie to Angie about a voice surgery, and not necessarily because she sincerely wants to speak with her daughter. She actually promised to do the call four days earlier when we spoke on phone but failed as she usually does, I pray she keeps to her promise tonight so Angie¡¯s excitement and hope would not be ruined and dashed ¡± Yes baby.. mummy will be talking to you tonight so please cheer up, you know daddy hates seeing you sad!¡± I affirmed touching her cheeks tenderly ¡± I know daddy¡­ thank you so much, I can¡¯t wait to talk to mummy and tell her about my eye surgery and other things¡± ¡± Okay baby.. I will be off to work now, I just wanted to check up on you my angel before I leave¡± I said softly ¡± Daddy you are going to leave me all alone here?¡± Angie asked staring at me although she couldn¡¯t see me ¡± Of course not baby¡­ Aunt Oge your personal nurse will be here soon, don¡¯t worry okay¡± I watched as Angie¡¯s face changed into a deep frown, and then into a dejected look ¡± please daddy I don¡¯t want her today.. I can stay alone until youe back from work!¡± Angie begged as if her life depended on it ¡±mon Angie.. Aunty Oge will take care of you better especially with your medication because it is what she¡¯s paid to do¡± I exined to Angie and she heaved defeated ¡± Okay daddy.. I understand¡± Angie said with a stic smile on her face I stood up as I kissed her goodbye on the forehead, I was wondering why Oge isn¡¯t here yet, she is probably makingteness to work an hobby already. I had to stay a little longer with Angie to keep herpany while waiting for Oge. Chapter 6 Some minutester, she came and apologized as usual foringte. I shook my head as I left home to my car and drove out in silence on my way to my workce. All through my drive to work, my mind was troubled, I kept wondering why Angie was so against Ogeing today. Negative thoughts kept flooding my mind as I kept driving, wondering if my daughter is actually in safe hands because Angie doesn¡¯t just disapprove of someone without a valid reason. When I couldn¡¯t help the thoughts anymore, I reversed my car and changed direction towards my house I knew I really needed to have an heart to heart talk with Angie to be able to put my mind at ease while at work On reaching the street my house is located, I packed few distance away from my gate and came down from my car I walked the few distance to my house, opened the gate and used my key to get into the sitting room but neither Oge or Angie was there. I decided to go meet Angie at her bedroom but I halted when I heard yelling voices in the kitchen followed by my Angie¡¯s crying voice ¡± Will you wash those tes fast and sparkling clean!.. idiot! you only know how to eat food but to wash te is a problem¡± I heard Oge¡¯s voice loudly as I quietly drew closer to the kitchen ¡± .. I know it¡¯s your daddy that is spoiling you and giving you such liberty, blind bat!¡± She continued unperturbed On reaching the kitchen door I met it open with Oge¡¯s back facing the door, making it impossible for her to see when someone is at the door I stare in shock at the scenario before me Angie, my blind daughter was over the sink washing dirty dishes despite her delicate condition, whilst Oge was with a cane behind her issuing instructions not minding Angie¡¯s tears and struggles ¡± Angie or whatever your name is! Finish that te fast before your dad returns from work so that you will continue from where you stopped yesterday in washing your dirty clothes and my clothes which I brought from the house, let the washing machine rest small abeg!¡± Oge concluded and turned to move out of the kitchen but halted in shock on seeing me standing there staring intensely at the scenario ¡± S.. si.. sir, yo.. you are back so ear.. early¡± Oge stammered while I left the kitchen door and angrily moved into the kitchen directly towards her ¡± Oge! Are you out of your mind! what do you think you are doing to my daughter! ¡± I shouted and before she could regain herposure, I gave her two resounding ps ¡± I¡¯m sorry sir.. it is the handwork of the devil¡± she begged and it fueled my anger even more ¡± Devil you say! Okay I will show that those phrases doesn¡¯t work where my daughter is involved!¡± ¡± daddy is that you? Let mee and meet you!¡± Angie sulked from the sink where she stood. She made an attempt to move towards me but I stopped her movement with my next words ¡± No Angie don¡¯te, wait where you are so you won¡¯t fall.. let me first sort out this issue!¡± I said holding Oge on the arm before bringing out my phone to ce a call to a police officer who is a close friend. After the call ended, I went to the kitchen door and securely locked it to ensure Oge doesn¡¯t escape before the arrival of the police. I stood beside the door with my eyes fixed intensely at Oge to be sure she doesn¡¯t try anything stupid, as I knowdies like her are unpredictable both in words and actions, I won¡¯t want to risk it with Oge after what I have seen today. ¡± Please sir, I am sorry, please forgive me sir.. it will never happen again, I swear! Angie please help me beg your daddy!¡± Oge begged kneeling but all her pleas fell on deaf ears, no one messes with my daughter and goes scot free ¡± Daddy.. please let her go, I don¡¯t want her to flog me with her cane¡± Angie said but I ignored her, I rather became angrier after hearing the flogging part Soon my phone rang and when I picked I was informed by my friend that his policemen were outside Perfect! I turned to Oge and told herN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. ¡± Move gently outside or I will be forced to move you outside myself!¡± I said with no iota of sympathy for her When she made no attempt to leave the kitchen, I walked towards her, yanked her up by pulling her on the hair. I opened the kitchen door and led her out of the house to the gate area where the policemen were standing, and eagerly waiting for the unfortunate culprit of child abuse I handed Oge to them as I promised toe over to the stationter in the day to make a statement, and also file a case against her for mistreating my daughter which is against our work terms After the policemen arrested Oge and took her away, I went into the house to properly attend to Angie, my daughter I met her still standing beside the kitchen sink, crying heavily Oh! how I hate seeing tears in my daughter¡¯s eyes but that daughter of Jezebel had made my daughter shed painful tears ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Angie.. forgive daddy for employing such a wicked aunty for you Angie¡± I said as I moved into the kitchen and led her to the kitchen stool ¡± Daddy I think she must be the wicked aunty I saw in my dream the other night¡± Angie said still crying as she sat down ¡± I think so too Angie, but tell me when did all this ill treatment start and why did you not tell me about it?¡± I asked kneeling before Angie who is sitting on the kitchen stool ¡± It started two days earlier, daddy she makes me wash the dishes and also her dirty clothes, sometimes she keeps me hungry until few minutes to when she knows you will be back home..¡± Angie exined and paused before she continued inaudibly ¡°.. she always threatened to beat me with her cane if I dared talk on what she does to me, that¡¯s why I was so scared to tell you.. daddy do you believe aunty Oge uses hurtful words on me? she is always calling me a spoilt brat and a blind bat!¡± Angie concluded and bursted into heavy tears. I looked at my fragile daughter and did not know when I began shedding tears too I hugged Angie while soothing her with words ¡± Daddy is so sorry Angie.. I promise this will never happen again and I will also make sure Oge neveres close to you ever again, rather someone better will take her ce¡± I promised while rubbing her back to calm her down ¡± Please daddy I don¡¯t need another nurse again.. if it is not my mom then I don¡¯t want any other woman!¡± Angie said firmly Chapter 7 ¡± It is okay Angie.. I will talk to your mom so she cane back before your eye surgery.. are you happy now?¡± I asked as I released her from the hug ¡± Yes daddy.. thank you so much daddy!¡± Angie answered happily ¡± Anything for you my Angie.. now baby please clean your tears and smile for daddy!¡± I said and watched as Angie wiped her and afterwards smiled brightly ¡± I love you daddy!¡± ¡± I love you more Angie¡± ¡± Lets go to your room and dress you up so we can go out and catch some fun.. how about that?¡± I asked smiling at her although she couldn¡¯t see me ¡± Hurray daddy! I am excited already, I want to wear that pink dress and sneakers you got for me.. lets go!¡± Angie said almost jumping down from the kitchen stool ¡± Careful baby! Let me carry you today¡­ It has been a while¡± I said and carefully carried Angie up ¡± .. wow! my young daughter is growing heavier by the day!¡± I continued sarcastically and we bothughed, as we continued cracking jokes on the way to Angie¡¯s room. That night Iid on my bed and still couldn¡¯t believe that I had almost damaged my daughter¡¯s physical and emotional health unknowingly So what if I did not take Angie¡¯s morning uneasiness serious and choose to return back home? Then my daughter would have continued suffering in silence in the hands of that inhumane nurse, Oge I will be extra careful with whom I leave my daughter with from now onwards As for Oge, I will make sure she spends years in jail for what she did to my daughter, by the time she manages to get free she will learn a bitter lesson never to mess with people¡¯s children again, mine inclusive. 7:35pm. Loud pop music was ring from the huge speakers of the grand club poprly known as the Relieve Club. This was the most exquisite and famous club in town for men and women, who want to have fun and relieve themselves of the day¡¯s stress and trouble. Ever in need of a club to relieve yourself of your sorrows or have the wildest fun, then here it was. I guess this is what brought about the name Relieve Club. At the far end of the club, two young men sits at the bar with two alcoholic drinks in front of them. One is me, dressed in a blue jean trouser with a simple T-shirt and the second man sitting beside me is Dave, my childhood friend who is engaged to be married. ¡± are you serious with all you¡¯ve just told me now?¡± Dave asked unbelievably after I was done with my narration of what happened with Oge ¡± Yes man, have I ever joked with you about something rted to my daughter?¡± I asked back while sipping from my drink ¡± Wow! some women can be so wicked and unpredictable.. so what are you nning to do to the silly girl for such acts?¡± Dave inquired about Oge ¡± I went with Angie to file a case against her today, on Saturday I am going to see mywyer so we can push the case in such a way that Oge doesn¡¯t spend less than five years in jail.. that way by the time she is out, she will learn her lessons with people¡¯s children¡± I said determined ¡± I agree with you man.. So how is Angie doing now? I mean partaining to her mental health and why did you leave her home alone? ¡± Dave asked concern written all over him ¡± Angie is okay.. I took her out today to have fun and help her to mentally forget her experience with Oge, after which we went together to the station to file a case against Oge¡­¡± I said and paused to sip my drink before I continued ¡°.. by the time we came back she was tired and wanted to sleep but was having insomnia, so in other to help her I gave her mtonin supplement to aid her sleep.. I decided to use her sleeping time to cool out with you today¡± I concluded looking at Dave ¡± No wonder! I almost thought you were joking when you called on phone and requested that we should see at the Relieve Club.. it has really been a while we sat out, I think thest time we did was thest time your wife visited and stayed home with Angie¡± Dave said and I was moved emotionally ¡± I¡¯m sorry Dave.. you know it¡¯s because I cannot leave Angie alone in her condition¡± I exined and saw him nod his head in understanding ¡± It¡¯s okay man! I totally understand.. so what is Sophie saying after what happened with Oge today? Has it changed her mind?¡± Dave inquired looking at me ¡± I initially thought she would have a change of heart and return home, but no, she still insisted that I hire a wife in her ce until when she is given a leave from work.. as usual her workes first before me and Angie¡± I replied feeling sad Dave heaved as he looked at me pitifullyN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± Tony I¡¯m short of words.. so what is the way forward now that Oge disappointed in what you wereter hoping to hire her for?¡± ¡± I honestly don¡¯t know.. I am already skeptical about leaving my daughter for any third party but I don¡¯t have a choice.. I just have to fulfill my promise to Angie¡± I responded ¡°¡­ anyhow I believe I will find someone good for the job before then, so please quit with the pity face!¡± I said as I heaved ¡± I understand man.. so about the nurse aspect, have you thought of anyone to rece Oge?¡± Dave asked further ¡± I haven¡¯t neither do I want to choose using facial appearance this time.. I think I will just call Angie¡¯s doctor tomorrow or next, to rmend someone for the job since I believe he will know better who fits for the job amongst his nurses¡± I replied whilst sipping my drink in silence. ¡± No issues man.. I am always behind you in every decision you make!¡± Dave assured me as he equally drank from his own drink. Not long afterwards, an announcement was made on the club stage, that a dancer would soon be performing to entertain people in the club. To my amusement, everyone in the club shouted excitedly including my friend, Dave. I became curious and had to ask Dave ¡± Dave, what up? why is everyone so excited about the dancer girl, is she a celebrity or what?¡± ¡± Celebrity ke? which celebrity will want toe and be performing in a club?¡± Dave asked back and I then realized how dumb my question was ¡± You¡¯re right, so who is it then and why the excitement?¡± I probed further Chapter 8 ¡± Just one fine girl like that! for the past two months now she has beening to the club every Thursday to perform and entertain the clubbers.. everybody is excited because the girl sabi dance eh¡± ¡°.. she can whine her waist in such a way that you won¡¯t even know when you stand up to dash her money.. she¡¯s that good!¡± Dave expounded Although I felt like he was just exaggerating, I still decided to y along ¡± Wow! which means I have been missing a lot o¡± I said and ordered another drink since the one I have been drinking is almost finished ¡± Don¡¯t worry, you will see for yourself.. and aside the dance part, the girl is a goddess in human form in terms of beauty¡± ¡± Okay o, let me see for myself because I know you to be good at exaggerations¡± I said and we both bursted intoughter, but it was cut short when the bright stage light went off. Shortly afterwards, a dim light came on and a moderately slim girl came into view, I am guessing it is the dancer with the way everyone was shouting joyfully. She began dancing and moving her waist so flexibly that I was wowed! Shouts of encouragement filled the air and soon people stood up individually to drop money at her feet, probably for appreciation. Wow! Dave was actually right about her, she is indeed beautiful and such a great dancer. I did not realize when I also stood up alongside Dave and walked to the stage like others did, to drop money at her feet. Few minutester, the dance ended and everybody including me pped wishing it never ended, but everything that has a beginning has an end too. She left the stage and I couldn¡¯t stop smiling and shaking my head at such dancing talent. Dave beganughing and I knew very well that hisughter is actually directed at me as he asked sarcastically ¡± Tony my man! So now you¡¯ve seen for yourself, what is your review?¡± ¡± She is truly good at dancing and also beautiful but not like a goddess as you painted it.. I believe my wife Sophie is more beautiful than her¡± I simply replied ¡± Seeparison.. tell me what concerns a dancer and your wife? whyparing them nau?¡± Dave asked looking at me ¡± You thatpared a dancer to a goddess nkor? what concerns a dancer and a Mami water?¡± I asked back and we both bursted into wildughter. This made me realize how much I missed us and our petty friendly arguments. ¡± But on a serious note, Tony have you noticed? Anytime we talk about any woman you must alwayspare them with Sophie your wife, it¡¯s not right nau¡­¡± Dave said and paused then continued ¡°¡­ me I believe every woman is beautiful in their own unique way¡± Dave concluded and I saw sense in what he was saying ¡± You¡¯re right.. I guess it is because I love my wife so much that¡¯s why I unconsciouslypare every woman with her.. I will try to stop the habit if I can¡± I said sighing ¡± I know you love your wife, I have never argued on that and you know it.. that aside, something just crossed my mind now!¡± Dave said and I looked at him in anticipation ¡± Really? What¡¯s that?¡± I asked curiously ¡± It¡¯s partaining to the hired wife issue.. I think this dancer would actually fit for the role since she somehow has Sophie¡¯s physique and round face¡± Dave suggested to meCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± I never thought towards that area.. but I don¡¯t think she fits the role moreover physique doesn¡¯t really matter as I will make sure to get rid of Sophie¡¯s portraits in the house before the contractes to y¡± I said nonchntly ¡± So Angie doesn¡¯te across it and discover the truth?¡± Dave asked a question that already has an obvious answer ¡± Isn¡¯t the answer obvious? all the same, like I said earlier I don¡¯t think she is fit for the job of my hired wife!¡± ¡± Why? she seems okay to me¡± ¡± Dave, if a home trained money earning nurse would actually behave the way Oge did, how much more a club dancer who might have tasted enough street life before finallynding here in a club.. I don¡¯t need any second problem!¡± ¡± There you go with the whole generalization andparison thing again.. Tony! everything is a trial.. who knows, she might actually be different from the rest¡± Dave said in a convincing manner ¡± What really makes you think so? Give me two solid reasons¡± ¡± Well.. First, she is physically beautiful and can dance very well too.. second, hiring her is like having a free dance entertainment in the house for as long as the contract willst¡± Dave said jokingly and I bursted outughing at such sarcastic reasons he gave ¡± you¡¯re so funny Dave, please stop being sarcastic and be serious abeg!¡± ¡± Jokes aside, you can¡¯t deny the fact that the girl is physically very beautiful both in face and shape.. I believe she would actually fit to be the hired wife you are currently looking for¡± Dave said to me with all seriousness ¡± True.. I won¡¯t deny the fact that she is beautiful physically but is she beautiful at heart? So you know Oge actually taught me a lesson about judging physical beauty only¡± I said in all seriousness too ¡± You know what? do what your heart tells you.. but if I am to advise you as a good friend, I will say you should go for her, at least a trial is okay!¡± Dave concluded and sipped from his drink silently ¡± Wait! let me ask you.. do you even know her name?¡± I asked Dave ¡± I do hear people call her Nmesoma.. I think that should be her name¡± Dave replied ¡± Nmesoma? isn¡¯t that an Igbo name?¡± ¡± Obviously it is, why?¡± ¡± That makes it a red g then.. Oge came from the same tribe!¡± ¡± Tony o! I give up on you withparison, do what you want abeg!¡± Dave said raising his hands up in a dramatic manner I was embarrassed and also I felt like I should actually think this through thoroughly beforeing to a decision, instead of simply concluding base on past experience with Oge who is an Igbo girl. I turned to Dave and said in defeat Chapter 9 ¡± Okay fine.. I will think about it tonight and if my instinct gives me the go ahead, then I wille here tomorrow to find out more details about her..¡± I paused when I saw Dave¡¯s happy reaction before I continued ¡°¡­ if possible I will see her tomorrow too, talk to her about it and if she agrees to the contract agreement, we will take it from there¡± I said and heaved already tired ¡± That¡¯s my man! Now you are talking¡± Dave apuded happily as he checked his wristwatch, that¡¯s when I became conscious of time and inquired from him ¡± Please, what is the time now?¡± I asked ¡± It¡¯s 10:28pm, I think we should get going now since we are not much a fan ofte nights¡± Dave said standing up ¡± I agree with you Dave.. let me go home and rest ahead of tomorrow¡± I said also standing up From there, we both walked outside to the garage where our cars were parked. Then we hugged each other goodbye, entered our cars and drove off to our individual homes.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. The next day, I went to the club after thinking about what Dave said and made a decision to give it a trial. At first, the bartender was skeptical about giving me the information I needed but after bribing him with a few naira notes, he sumbed and told me all I needed to know about the dancer. ording to him, her English name is Tessy while her native name is Nmesoma. She is from the Igbo tribe andes to the club every Thursday to dance for money, which I knew already. I asked of her age, family and educational background but he seems not to know, so I let it slide but I made sure to get her house address from the bartender before leaving the club. I drove in my car that evening searching for the address location, and asking for directions from people I came across. God knows that if not for Angie¡¯s request and Dave¡¯s suggestion, I won¡¯t have embarked on this kind of stress. After driving for a while, I was finally able to locate the neighborhood but it wasn¡¯t what I had expected. It was an undeveloped neighborhood which I did not even know existed in town until today. I looked around wondering if I am truly not going to regret this decision I made, at some point I began having second thoughts about pushing through with it. But then I remembered that I had less than three days before the surgerymence on Monday. So I held myself as I walked to the wooden door and knocked on it gently while asking ¡± Knock! Knock! Please is anyone in? Hello!¡± Almost immediately, a female voice answered from behind the door ¡± Yes! who is there? Lisa, babe is that you?¡± ¡± No, it isn¡¯t Lisa, my name is Tony.. I am here to see ady by the English name Tessy¡± I answered hoping that whoever was inside, would open up already ¡± I am Tessy.. please which Tony? From where?¡± The female voice probe further ¡± I hail from Delta State.. I¡¯m one of your dance viewers at the Relieve Club and I got this house address from there too¡± I said ¡± why will you get my house address at the club? Is anything the problem?¡± ¡± No, everything is fine¡­ I just want to see and discuss with you about something¡± I answered, already out of patience with the numerous questions ¡± What¡¯s that you want to discuss with me?¡± She asked and I lost itpletely ¡± Don¡¯t you think it is rather proper that you open the door, meet your visitor and at least offer him a sit so we talk like adults instead of all this interrogation outside the door¡± I shouted already pissed with her questions ¡± So before we were talking like children? And what interrogation are you talking about, does this look like a courtroom?¡± ¡± Madam Tessy, please have mercy on your servant and open the door so we sit and talk.. my legs are already sore from standing abeg ¡± I begged dramatically There was silence and after a while, the door was opened by the dancerdy who stepped out of the house and began scrutinizing me as though I was a criminal, as handsome as I am. After she was done with her scrutiny, she looked at me in the face with boldness ¡± I am Tessy, who are you and why do you want to see me?¡± Tessy asked still looking at me ¡± Like I said earlier.. I am Tony Donald from Delta State, I am here to discuss something with you, it¡¯s more of a job proposal¡± I said exhausted ¡± Okay.. let me bring you a chair, I¡¯ming¡± she said and I breathe out, thankful to God that she finally found me worthy enough to be given a chair to sit. She brought two stic chairs and we both sat down side by side, after which I went straight to the point as to why I was at her ce, the contract proposal and everything else she needs to know about me. After everything, I looked at her face to read her mind but her face was unreadable, just nk with no emotions on it ¡± so now I have told you all that you need to know, are you interested in the job as my hired wife?¡± I asked still looking at her ¡± What is the payment involved and how long is the contract meant tost?¡± Tessy asked calmly ¡± I will pay you three hundred thousand naira (300k) monthly for the job.. and I think it willst for like three months, hopefully my wife should be home before or by then¡± I exined ¡± Okay! did you say a young girl of four is involved?¡± Tessy asked to be sure ¡± Yes, my daughter is four years old¡± I confirmed ¡± Okay.. but you are yet to tell me why are you lying to her about her mother, to the point of hiring a wife?¡± Tessy inquired looking at me Chapter 10 Well I¡¯m not surprised at her question, as I kind of observed that she seems to be a very inquisitive person. ¡± It¡¯s actually personal Tessy.. so tell me are you interested in it or not?¡± I asked already out of patience ¡± If it¡¯s for the money alone I won¡¯t ept to y such a game of lying to a child, but then for the child¡¯s happiness and emotional state I will do it¡± Tessy said while I looked at her in amusement ¡± You¡¯re doing it for the child¡¯s happiness and emotional state.. so does that mean you don¡¯t need the payment?¡± I asked sarcastically ¡± I do need the money no doubt but I have values and principles too .. anyways because a child is involved, I don¡¯t need to be paid that much amount of money, just one third of the payment (100k) from what you are offering is okay by me¡± Tessy said and I opened my mouth in awe. She is the first person, a woman for that matter who is turning down a huge sum of money because a child is involved, others would have actually bargained for it to be topped instead of being reduced. Iposed myself and smiled at her as I asked her sarcastically ¡± are you sure about you¡¯ve just said?¡± ¡± Do I look like I have the time to be exchanging jokes with you?¡± Tessy answered my question back with a question Interesting youngdy! ¡± Okay It means we have a deal then.. here is my house address, you cane over tomorrow to meet my daughter and also sign the contract agreement¡± I said stretching forth a paper with my house address on it She got it from me and stared at it for a while before replying ¡± Okay I will be there! Thank you.. you forgot to tell, what is your daughter¡¯s name?¡± Tessy asked looking at me ¡± Angie.. that¡¯s her name¡± I answered her smiling ¡± Such a lovely name, I can¡¯t wait to meet her¡­ is she a lover of choctes and ice cream?¡± Tessyplimented and asked whilst smiling wildly ¡± Yes she is.. you seem to be a lover of children, am I right?¡± I asked impressed ¡± Yes I am.. so did you leave her home alone?¡± Tessy asked back Fortunately I¡¯m already getting getting use to her answering my questions back with a question. ¡± No, my childhood friend Dave was with her before I left home and he promised to stay with her until I am back¡­ although I know Angie must be missing her daddy by now!¡± I said ¡± Yes, that¡¯s how kids and parents bond is suppose to be.. anyways you should get going now as I have a part-time job to get ready for¡± Tessy said standing up from the stic chair she satCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± No problem.. we will talk more on the terms and conditions when youe to the house tomorrow.. see you tomorrow then¡± I said standing up from the chair I sat as I made my way towards my car ¡± No problem.. see you tomorrow!¡± I heard her say as I drove out of her neighborhood, promising myself never toe back there again for whatsoever reason. I was almost driving outpletely from her neighborhood when I remembered that I didn¡¯t get her contact, and so therefore had to drive back to her house to get it. it was when I almost reached her house address, that I realized that I just broke the promise I made to myself few minutes ago I smiled shaking my head in disbelief, life can be so unpredictable. Before I could drive into herpound, I saw hering out of her door well dressed. She was actually surprised to see me back there, I got down from the car and walked towards her ¡± Did you forget something?¡± Tessy asked immediately I reached where she stood ¡± Yes! I forgot to get your phone number and also your ount details so I can send you some money for at least five huge portraits, we will need them around the house pending when the contract willst!¡± I exined ¡± Oh okay.. where is your phone?¡± Tessy asked and stretch forth her hands to get it from me, after which she imputed her phone number and returned it back to me. She went into the house and shortly afterwards, came out with a piece of paper and gave it to me ¡± That¡¯s my ount details over there.. I will meet a photographer and painter today after work to arrange for the portraits, at least to know if the can deliver it to us between today and tomorrow Sunday!¡± Tessy said calmly while I looked at her in surprise ¡± Thank you so much for your understanding Tessy!¡± I said with all sincerity ¡± It¡¯s not a problem.. anyways I am runningte for work, we can talkter on phone¡± Tessy said and turned to look her door As she made to walk out on me, I asked ¡± Can I at least drop you off as an appreciation?¡± I asked looking at her expectantly ¡± No problem as long as it wouldn¡¯t inconvenience you.. thank you¡± Tessy said and we both walked to my car as I drove out. We got talking in the car, and I got to know some few things about her. She is a twenty-four year old university student but had to suspend studies for an academic year, to gather money for her academic fees and other expenses. She is actually fun and interactive in chats, and I admire the fact that she is a questionnaire. ¡°Wait o! I think I actually forgot to ask.. what course are you studying in school and which year are you now?¡± I asked although my mind was already suggesting massmunication orw because she talks like someone who is studying any of those two courses. And I was confirmed right by her answer to me ¡± I am studying massmunication.. I am currently in my year three although would have been done with school if not for my frequent suspension of studies!¡± Tessy said while I bursted out inughter while controlling the steering wheel. ¡± Why areughing? what is funny?¡± Tessy asked confusion written all over her face Chapter 11 ¡± Iughed because I guessed your course of study right.. your inquisitive and questionnaire personality already sold you out¡± I said stillughing and she soon joined in theughter.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. Soon afterwards, I reached her part-time ce of work, it was a bakery. I dropped her there, waved her goodbye and drove back home to meet Angie and Dave. I reached home and walked into the sitting room to meet Dave cracking jokes for Angie who wasughing so loud, that it was infectious. I smiled as I walked towards them and kissed my daughter on the forehead ¡± Good evening Angie.. I see you are enjoying yourself and have forgotten all about daddy!¡± I said jokingly ¡± No daddy, I missed you so much and that¡¯s why uncle Dave has been cracking jokes to make me feel better¡± Angie said in her little voice ¡± Is that so? so Dave you are now stealing my daughter from me¡± I asked Dave jokingly ¡± Leave me man! See the time you areing back.. see as you forget your daughter and I here in this house for two hours plus, shame no catch you! ¡± Dave replied teasingly ¡± Shut up jhor! As I gather liver leave you with my beautiful daughter, you know thank God¡± I teased back, I can¡¯te and carryst nau ¡± I don¡¯t have your strength now, till some other time¡­ for now gist me how your outing went¡± Dave asked while smiling sheepishly ¡± it went well, I will give you the full gistter.. let me first make dinner for Angie, give her an evening bath and put her to bed before I give you the full gist of everything¡± I said standing up ¡± don¡¯t worry about dinner.. I made dinner for us, I was just waiting for you toe back so we can eat together¡± Dave said and I looked at him rmed, hope it is not what the doctor against ¡± what did you make? Hope it is not anything tomatoes, yam or potatoes?¡± I asked ¡± No man! you told me about the doctor¡¯s warnings on those kind of food so I avoided cooking them.. I made porridge ntain¡± Dave answered and I replied smiling ¡± Thanks Dave, you¡¯re the best!¡± ¡± I know already man! There¡¯s no need saying it again before my head will swell¡± Dave said dramatically which got Angieughing as she said ¡± You¡¯re funny uncle Dave¡­ yes daddy uncle Dave is right, we were waiting for you toe back so we eat together¡± ¡± No problem Angie, let me go to the kitchen and fix the meal in the dinning room for everyone, I¡¯ll be back¡± I said and left to do as I said. Shortly afterwards, I called Dave and Angie to the dinning room and we ate while cracking jokes, ignoring the good table etiquette. After the meal, I helped Angie with an evening bath and put her to sleep in her bedroom, before joining Dave who was rxing in the sitting room. Typical of Dave, he did not even let me sit properly before curiously bombarding me with questions ¡± Tony my man! Talk nau curiosity is killing me already! what happened? did she ept? will she be able to cope with being Angie¡¯s hired mother? what is her personality like? Is she cuter on a closer look?¡± ¡± Dave calm down nau! All of these questions for just one person! First of all, yes she epted the hired wife proposal and for the coping part, I think so because she seems to be fond of young children¡± I said and went further to narrate everything that happened to Dave as he listened attentively. ¡± Wow! I usually think women don¡¯t joke with money but from your narration she seems different and cool, I like her already!¡± Dave said smiling sheepishly, I wonder what was funny ¡± Like her ke? Shea you remember you are engaged and that I know your fiancee very well.. I will just call her now to inform her that you are liking another woman in my house¡± I jokingly said to Dave and watched as he bursted outughing ¡± Natty knows I can never cheat on her not now, not even in the near future.. I love her too much to even think of liking someone else¡­ So man keep your new wife to yourself¡± Dave said as I looked at him in amusement ¡± My new wife? you better don¡¯t let my wife, Sophie catch you using those kind of jokes o, or else you are on your own!¡± I joked ¡± leave me jhare! where will she stay and catch me? Is it at London where she is but jokes apart you are really a good man and deserves better than this¡± Dave said and heaved ¡± How? I don¡¯t understand¡± I asked although I knew where he was driving at ¡± Nevermind man! but tell me onest thing Tony.. how do you do when you feel horny, abi konji no dey catch you?¡± Dave asked as he looked at me in amusement, I knew he just wanted something tough about, what a funny guy! ¡± well it does but then since my wife is hardly here, all I do is to either take a cold bath or I cover nket and sleep¡± I said shrugging while Dave heaved ¡± I¡¯m so sorry man! so did Sophie talk to Angie as she promised to? you forgot to tell me about that¡± ¡± oh! sorry, many things has been on my mindtely.. yes she did call and she also told Angie about the voice surgery thing.. so now that Tessy has epted my proposed, everything is settled¡± I said exhausted ¡± It is well man, so when is sheing?¡± Dave asked ¡± she ising tomorrow to sign the contract but she is starting fully on Monday¡± I answered and Dave looked at me strangely ¡± Did you ask about her status.. if she is married, divorced, engaged, in a rtionship or single?¡± ¡± No I didn¡¯t.. was it important to ask?¡± ¡± yes nau.. what if she is married, engaged or in a rtionship.. how will she fully concentrate on being a hired wife without thinking of her husband, children, fiance or boyfriend?¡± Dave asked and I saw sense in his exnations ¡± That¡¯s true Dave! I sincerely forgot.. I will ask her tomorrow, lest I forget I promised to send her money for portraits when I get home.. let me do that now before I forget again¡± I said as I brought out my phone to make the transfer ¡± No problem man.. I wish you good luck with Tes..¡± Dave was saying but was cut off by his phone ringing tone ¡± ¡­ it¡¯s my fiancee.. I think she is missing me already!¡± Dave said smiling sheepishly before picking his call. After the call ended, I walked Dave to his car, after which we bade each other a good night sleep and he drove out. As I went back into my house; I switched off the lights, checked up on Angie before finally going to my bedroom to sleep. ********** Chapter 12 In the afternoon of the following day, Tessy came as she promised She signed the contract agreement which stated all the terms and conditions, one of which includes that her family or part-time jobs should note in between her job and she agreed. After signing the contract, we sat down at the sitting room area whilst drinking the fruit juice I brought for us We soon got talking and I asked the question I have been curious about ¡± So are you married, divorced, engaged, in a rtionship or single¡± I asked while sipping from my apple juice ¡± I am single¡± Tessy answered nonchntly ¡± Okay no problem.. it makes it simple to cope then¡± I said ¡± Yes, so where is Angie? I brought her choctes, biscuits and ice cream.. I pray the ice cream hasn¡¯t meltedpletely by now..¡± Tessy said and looked into the white bag she came with ¡°.. thank God it hasn¡¯t.. so where is she?¡± Tessy probe further ¡± Actually she went to the children¡¯s yground with Debbie, my friend¡¯s fiancee who is also her home teacher¡­ moreso you aren¡¯t to meet her yet until tomorrow after the surgery¡± I told her and watched as her face dropped ¡± Oh! you never told me this on time.. I wouldn¡¯t have gotten all this¡± ¡± That¡¯s not a problem.. I can still give it to her, I¡¯ll just keep the ice cream in the freezer until tomorrow when she will be told her mum got it for her¡± I said and was caught off guards when I heard Angie¡¯s little voice ¡± My mummy got something for me? daddy, you mean my mum is actually here in this sitting room right now?¡± Angie askeding into the sitting room with Debbie, Dave¡¯s fiance guiding her. Debbie brought Angie to me and walked over to where Tessy sat to get acquainted with her, as Dave had already filled her in on all she needed to know about the hired wife. ¡°Hello.. good afternoon, I am Debbie, Dave¡¯s girlfriend¡± ¡± Nice to meet you Debbie.. I am Tessy¡± Tessy answered although she did not even know who the Dave was, she just knew she had to y along ¡± I have heard a lot about you Tessy.. sorry I won¡¯t be staying for long for some chitchat¡± Debbie said smiling as she turned to look at me ¡± Tony I will have to get going now.. Dave your friend is waiting for me at my ce!¡± ¡± No problem Debbie.. see you!¡± I bid her goodbye and she walked out, left with only me, Angie and Tessy in the sitting room Angie¡¯s little voice brought me back to the reality of things unfolding before me ¡± Daddy! is it really mummy? mummy are you really here?¡± Angie said blindly looking around the sitting room I was lost for words and had to signal Tessy to y along. From all indications, it seems her hired wife job might actually start today instead of tomorrowProperty ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Yes Angel.. mummy is here¡± Tessy said standing up from where she sat and walked towards Angie She got to where Angie was and carried her up as Angie giggled happily. Sophie has never done that, I kept inwardly praying that it won¡¯t make Angie suspect that something is amiss. Thankfully she didn¡¯t as Angie was rather happy about her supposed mother¡¯s change in behavior towards her. I sat there watching them and soon heard Tessy saying to Angie who giggled more ¡± Seems my baby has gotten bigger and heavier than when Ist saw her¡± ¡± Yes mummy! I am now a big girl.. but mummy your voice has changed, did you really do that surgery you told me about on phone?¡± Angie asked in her little voice ¡± Yes Angel I did.. do you like my new voice or you prefer the first one?¡± Tessy asked as she sat down on the sofa with Angie on herps ¡± I love this one more mum, I can¡¯t wait for my surgery tomorrow so I can see how beautiful you are¡± Angie said smiling as Tessy bursted outughing ¡± Okay Angel.. I too can¡¯t wait to see your eyes radiate in happiness knowing your sight is back..¡± Tessy said and saw as Angie eyes became clouded with tears and I became rmed ¡± What is the problem Angie, did mummy say something wrong?¡± I asked walking towards their side of the sofa ¡± No daddy! I just realised how much I¡¯ve missed mummy so much.. please don¡¯t leave me again mom, I love you a lot¡± Angie said which moved Tessy to tears ¡± I love you too Angel and won¡¯t leave you.. so don¡¯t worry okay, everything will be fine¡± Tessy said and kissed Angie on the cheek as my daughter smiled ¡± so mummy, what is it you got for me that daddy was trying to hide from me until tomorrow?¡± ¡± Don¡¯t mind your father.. I got you choctes, biscuits and ice cream¡± Tessy said and handed over the items she brought to Angie who shouted excitedly ¡± Thank you mummy! you know how much I love choctes and ice cream.. I am d you remembered to get it from the states for me today!¡± ¡± I¡¯m happy that you are happy Angel¡± Tessy said looking at Angie ¡± Mummy, I love your new name too and even my new name¡± ¡± Our new names? I don¡¯t understand Angie¡± Tessy asked confused and I won¡¯t deny the fact that I was equally confused as to what Angie meant by new name ¡± you introduced yourself to aunty Debbie as Tessy but your first name was Sophie and also you¡¯ve been calling me Angel, a name you never referred me with before!¡± Angie said as we both looked at her with mouth agape. God I totally forgot to fill her in on the name part. I soon recovered from the shock and looked at Tessy begging her with my eyes to say something to cover up the mess we made Chapter 13 ¡± yes Angel I changed my name after my voice surgery¡­ and for your new name, I figured that it will be lovely to give you a pet name synonymous to your real name and I¡¯m d you actually love it too¡± Tessy said smiling although Angie couldn¡¯t see her ¡± Thank you mummy.. how is the states and you haven¡¯t gist on how your journey was or are you tired today? I will let you rest until when you are ready to¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± yes I am tired Angel.. I need to rest for a while but I promised to fill you in on everythingter tonight¡± Tessy said ¡± Really mummy?¡± Angie asked excitedly ¡± yes baby.. I wille to your room to gist you so better get fully prepared¡± ¡± I¡¯m always prepared but mummy also be prepared to spend the night with me in my bedroom not daddy¡¯s bedroom as always.. tonight is only for me¡± Angie said and Tessy agreed Angie¡¯s statement made me realize that we still haven¡¯t made a decision on some things, including how to manage our sleeping space without Angie suspecting anything I n doing all that after dropping Angie at the hospital for the surgery tomorrow, she will be asked to spend extra two to three days at the hospital after the surgery so hopefully before she is back home the portraits and everything else will be put in ce. Tessy soon prepared dinner for us and after eating she assisted me to give Angie her medication, after which we sat down in the sitting room to talk as a family would. Tessy was just sitting there telling Angie lies on how the states and the journey back was, while Angie was sitting on herpsughing with all her teeth showing. As I sat down watching them, I wished Sophie was actually the one making Angieugh this way, since as a mother she is in a better ce to do so than Tessy who is a hired wife. I checked the time on the wall clock and it showed 9:50pm ¡± I think it¡¯s time to go to bed Angie¡­ you know that we need to wake up early for your appointment tomorrow¡± ¡± yes Angel.. daddy is right, lets go to bed so you can wake up early tomorrow.. don¡¯t worry I will tell you bedtime stories to enable you sleep faster¡± Tessy said and carried Angie up on her back ¡± Please Tess.. help me give her an evening bath before putting her to bed¡± ¡± Tess? my name is Tessy not Tess.. and for the evening bath don¡¯t worry I nned doing so already¡± Tessy said and I looked at her in amusement ¡± I thought everybody is having a new name.. so what¡¯s wrong with me giving my wife a new pet name as well? Or Angie what do you think?¡± I asked looking at Tessy to see her boiling in anger ¡± I think it sounds lovely daddy! mummy I think you should also give daddy a new pet name¡± Angie said moving excitedly on Tessy¡¯s back, it¡¯s a good thing that Tessy was holding her firmly ¡± No baby.. we are fine the way we are, don¡¯t worry about us okay¡± Tessy said tried pacifying Angie but my daughter wouldn¡¯t have it as she kept pestering ¡± No mummy, I don¡¯t agree with you.. please give daddy a new pet name too.. please Mom, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee¡± Angie begged and I watched as Tessy sighed before replying ¡± It¡¯s okay, if that is what my Angel wants.. I will call daddy by the pet name Ton, do you like the name?¡± Tessy asked looking at me as she awaited my response ¡± Well it¡¯s okay.. I like it although it sounds a little weird and funny!¡± I said shrugging ¡± It¡¯s settled between me and daddy then.. so can we go to your room now Angel?¡± ¡± yes mummy! goodnight daddy, I love you¡± Angie said waving at me from Tessy¡¯s back ¡± I love you too Angie, goodnight Angie and goodnight to you too Tess¡­ Sweet dreams¡± I said and watched as Tessy left the sitting room with Angie firmly on her back. I¡¯m d that they were actually getting along fine. I sat in the sitting room for a while before finally getting up to switch off the house lights and then made my way to my bedroom. Before going to my bedroom, I made sure to stop by Angie¡¯s room to check on her and Tessy, and I was happy when I saw them sleeping soundly in each other¡¯s embrace. Maybe this wasn¡¯t a bad idea afterall, I thought as I left to my bedroom for the night. ****** The next morning, Tessy made breakfast for us all and got Angie dressed and I drove them to the hospital before leaving for work. I had a contract to sign at the office after which I intend toe back to the hospital to stay with Angie as I won¡¯t want to inconvenience Tessy too much, considering the fact that staying with Angie at the hospital wasn¡¯t in her job description or agreement. I stayed longer than I intended to and by the time I was back, the surgery was already sessfully carried out. I walked into Angie¡¯s hospital room and met Angie sitting on her hospital bed with her eyes in bandages She was giggling loudly at what Tessy was saying, I think it was children¡¯s jokes but at least I was grateful to her for keeping Angiepany and making herugh in my absence ¡± I see you two are really having fun.. you have forgotten all about this handsome man here¡± I said jokingly as I sat beside Angie on her hospital bed ¡± Daddy you are back, wee back¡± ¡°Wee back Ton¡± Tessy greeted without bothering to look at me ¡± Thank you¡± I said and we talked on other random things and soon we were interrupted when her phone rang I was expecting Tessy to pick the call there but instead she excused herself and walked out of the room to pick her call That¡¯s strange, I thought but then I didn¡¯t want to let her personal affairs bother me, so long as it doesn¡¯te in the way of her job as my hired wife then it¡¯s fine by me. As soon as we left the hospital room, Angie turned to me with her bandaged eyes as she smiled mischievously ¡± What is it Angie? why giving me that smile of mischief?¡± I asked looking at her ¡± It¡¯s nothing mischievous as you think daddy.. actually while you weren¡¯t here mummy was saying something about organizing a wee party for me with other children in attendance and I am so overjoyed!¡± Angie said and I was surprised Chapter 14 ¡± Really? mummy said that?¡± ¡± yes she did! you can ask her when shees back¡± Angie confirmed and shrugged ¡± No problem Angie, I have never doubted you and wouldn¡¯t start now.. as mummy suggested we will surely organize a wee party for you on your return from the hospital, it¡¯s a promise¡± ¡± Thank you daddy.. I am feeling a little sleepy¡± Angie said and I noticed that already through her bodynguage ¡± No problem Angie.. take a nap, when we are awake we will talk more okay?¡± ¡± Okay daddy.. take care of mummy, tell her we will talk when I wake up¡± Angie said as I helped her toy downfortably on the bed and soon she doze off. After watching Angie sleep, I left the hospital room in search of Tessy as I kept wondering what was keeping her for so long. If I¡¯m not mistaken, it¡¯s approximately twenty minutes since she left to pick her phone call privately. I met her at the hospital lobby still on phone and I walked towards from the back as I called out to her ¡± Tess.. you are still on phone till now?¡± I said and watched as she almost dropped the phone in shock but quicklyposed herself ¡± Ton, are you now trying to lecture me on the time frame to talk on the phone? Is that included in the job agreement because I am not sure I saw it¡± Tessy said defensively in her usual questioning manner ¡± No Tess.. I know it was wrong to ask you that and I am sorry okay¡± I apologized and she heaved with no response. I watched as she ced back her phone on her ears and talked briefly, before ending the call with an ¡®I love you¡¯ to whoever it was she was talking to. God knows who it was, but it¡¯s her personal affairs hence it¡¯s not my business whatsoever. After she brought down her phone, I went straight to the main conversation that brought me here in the first ce ¡± Angie said you talked about throwing a wee party for her.. am I correct?¡± ¡± yes I did.. I figured it is only normal considering the fact that she just regained her sight after some years.. why? was the suggestion bad?¡± Tessy responded looking curiously at me ¡± Not at all.. it¡¯s actually very nice and I¡¯m happy you could actually suggest something so wonderful.. thank you¡± ¡± I will take that as apliment although it almost came out as an insult.. for your information I have many wonderful suggestions imbedded in me but eitherways you¡¯re wee¡± Tessy said and attempted to walk back to the hospital ¡± Angie is sleeping and I will advise we don¡¯t disturb her.. maybe we should make use of her sleeping time to talk on the party arrangements.. or what do you think?¡± I asked praying inwardly that she says yes ¡± Okay no problem.. where do we sit to discuss on that?¡± Tessy asked and I pointed at the hospital¡¯s garden that is opposite where we stood ¡± We can sit over there at the hospital¡¯s garden.. there are rxation chairs for visitors¡± I said and Tessy nodded. I led the way and Tessy followed behind me quietly. We sat and talked about the party arrangements. From her exquisite suggestions, I must admit she was really good at nning parties that I had to ask ¡± Are you or have you been an event nner or organizer before?¡± ¡± Not really an event nner.. but I have many part-time jobs so helping to organize parties and events is one of them¡± Tessy answered nonchntly and I was wowed! We talked on other life subjects as we sat enjoying the evening breeze and each other¡¯spany. Weter joined Angie at the hospital and I excused them to buy dinner at the hospital¡¯s cafeteria. When I came back, we ate dinner together. Initially, I wanted to spend the night with Angie at the hospital but my daughter insisted on her mother staying instead. Thankfully, Tessy had no problem with it and so I left them and went home a happy man, knowing that my daughter is in safe hands. I walked into the Hall that is to be used for the surprise wee party, yes! Tessy suggested that we make it a surprise although I don¡¯t know how she intends to do so when Angie has already been told about it and is even looking forward to it. Eitherways, I sent her money and left it to her. I did so with the trust that she will make something beautiful out of it. She is reliable, that I havee to like and admire in her personality. And In the past two days, we¡¯ve gotten more closer and rte more freely with each otherpared to before that she usually kept me at arms length. But then I observed that her private calls is bing more frequent, which gets me nursing the belief that; she is actually in a rtionship but trying to hide it from me because of the contract. Time will tell though. I entered the hall not expecting much but was wowed by the whole preparation; there is a cake with the design ANGIE on a huge ss table, in the middle of the hall. Balloons, ribbons, flowers and glittery lights are used to beautify the atmosphere. I saw an area where chairs were kept and at a side of the hall different dishes and snacks were disyed in transparent ssic sses and basins. I also came across different children¡¯s game materials, and a small refrigerator which contains Angie¡¯s favourite ice cream and chocte bar besides the food stand. A stage was set in the far end of the hall, for only God knows what she has in mind. I looked further and saw a huge portrait of Angie beside where the gifts for guests were kept, it is in that instance I noticed that the wallpaper used in designing the room had Angie¡¯s face and name all over it. Wow! It was simple but also very exquisite. I am sure Angie will love it. I continued looking around and that¡¯s when I came across the invite card on the floor.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. Looking at the card, I saw that she had invited and probably paid for three children¡¯s singers and drama actresses to be present at the party, which will likely make it more fun for Angie and the children that will be present. Now I understand why the stage has been set!. Chapter 15 I looked around some more before I finally left the hall to the hospital to check up on Angie. Her bandage was discarded yesterday and the doctor confirmed her fit to be discharged, so she will be discharged to go home today. I walked into Angie¡¯s hospital room and found her sitting on her bed looking so dejected and unhappy. Tessy who was sitted beside her, equally had a dejected look on her face. I wondered what was wrong as I walked towards them on the bed. I sat down beside Tessy as I asked in concern ¡± Tessy, Angie what is wrong? why are you two sitting and looking this way, did something happen?¡± I asked touching Angie who can now see me She looked at me with sad eyes and said inaudiblyProperty ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Mummy says that the party will no longer hold because she has to travel today¡­ I am not sad because of the party is not holding, I am actually sad because she is breaking her promise of not traveling to the states again!¡± Angie said and bursted out crying while covering her face shyly I looked at Tessy wondering what this is about, but instead she gave me the signal to y along with everything. I do hope that whatever this is all about is actually worth my daughter¡¯s tears, else I might not take it lightly with her for making my daughter cry over a lie. ¡± It¡¯s okay Angie¡­ I think it¡¯s best we try to understand mummy but don¡¯t worry okay, it wouldn¡¯t change anything since we can celebrate your party together without mummy¡± I said trying to appease Angie ¡± No need daddy.. the best part of this party which I looked forward to was mummy¡¯s presence, she has been absent from me for too long and so I wanted spending time with her¡± Angie said and I was shocked as I never knew my daughter truly felt this way all the while she kept iming to be fine with her mum¡¯s absence. I looked at Tessy who kept pleading with her eyes for me to keep ying along, amidst the mixed emotions I am feeling ¡± Tess.. please listen to our daughter and don¡¯t go! Please lets organize the wee party for her as we initially nned to¡± I said but just at that instance something urred to me, and I began getting a clearer picture of what she was doing. Clever girl! I thought as I smiled ¡± Please mummy, don¡¯t go today¡± Angie added with pleading eyes ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Angel, I will really need to go back today because it¡¯s very important that I do¡­. but not to worry when next I return I will get you your favourite ice cream and chocte bar, and we will also throw a big party for you to rece the one of today, okay?¡± Tessy said as she gently but swiftly wiped Angie¡¯s tears with her handkerchief I watched as Angie sniff before she repeatedly knocked her head ¡± It¡¯s okay mummy since I can¡¯t change your mind to stay with us¡­ you don¡¯t need to worry about the ice cream and chocte¡­ all I do want is for you to take good care of yourself for me and daddy!¡± Angie said in understanding whilst I was touched and so proud of my daughter ¡± Thanks baby.. I should get going now¡± Tessy said getting up before turning to look at me ¡± Ton please take good care of yourself and Angel.. also don¡¯t stress my Angel with anything, you know she needs to rest so take her home from 7pm, that way she will get enough rest¡± Tessy said as she wink at me and I got the signal immediately ¡± It¡¯s okay Tess I understand¡­ Let me drop you off at the airport¡± I said getting up but she objected smartly ¡± Not to worry Ton.. I am fine, you can just stay here with Angel so she won¡¯t feel so lonely without mummy!¡± Tessy said and I shrugged as I sat down ¡± No problem then.. I will call you, please take care of yourself¡± ¡± I will Ton, take care of yourself and Angel for me.. I¡¯ll get going now¡± ¡± Goodbye mummy, drive safely.. I love you¡± Angie said wearing a smile on her face ¡± I love you too Angel.. bye Ton, bye Angel¡± Tessy said kissing Angie on the forehead, she continued waving at us before finally walking out of the door. I turned to Angie and met her almost in tears ¡± Daddy, I will miss mummy so much!¡± Angie said looking at me ¡± It¡¯s okay Angie.. everything will be fine, trust me!¡± I said and hugged her as I patted her on the back soothingly. My phone beeped indicating that a text message came into my phone. I looked at the message sender icon and saw it came from Tessy. I opened the message which reads: ¡± Make sure you and Angie arrive at the venue party before or by 7:30pm. I am going out to make sure everything will be kept in ce, including the children and adults I invited to be in attendance before the stipted time without Angie suspecting a thing. I told you already that I want it to be surprise hence the game I pulled earlier. Try to make her sleep while in the car before reaching the venue of the party but if she doesn¡¯t sleep, when you reach the venue make up something so she doesn¡¯t suspect anything. 7:30pm it is, please don¡¯t bete¡± I read the message smiling because I caught on the game already. I turned to my side to see Angie sleeping soundly and I looked at her wondering what I¡¯d do without my daughter in my life. I discarded the thoughts and heaved as I looked at the time on my wrist watch, it is 6pm on the dot which means I still have an hour more. Hopefully, Angie should be awake and ready by then. ******************* I arrived at the venue at 7:26pm with a wide-awake Angie after sessfully lying to her that I have an urgent business meeting and contract to sign there, hence I needed her to wait for me so we will go home together. I opened the door for Angie and carried her up as she giggled happily ¡± Daddy, if you and mummy keep carrying me up like this¡­ I will get use to it even after I reach six years¡± Angie said jokingly and Iughed wondering why she sometimes tend to speak and act older than a six years old. ¡± you¡¯re my baby Angie.. so you have the free ticket to get use to it all you want¡± I said locking the door of the car ¡± But daddy, hope you won¡¯t take long in signing the contract.. I am missing home already!¡± Angie said and I smiled, if only she knows what awaits her inside she won¡¯t be missing home at all. ¡± No Angie.. I won¡¯t take long but I doubt you will want to go home afterwards¡± I answered smiling as I carried her inside the hall to meet it very dark, that I began wondering if I was at the right hall or I missed my way ¡± daddy! are you sure it is here you are having the meeting? why is it so dark in here?¡± Angie asked but I became silent not knowing what response to give her Chapter 16 I blindly brought out my phone to ce a call to Tessy to ask her if the venue has been changed, but before I could do so, the lights came on as postcards and shouts of ¡®WELCOME BACK FROM A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY ANGIE¡¯ filled the air. Saying Angie was shocked at the scenario disying before her was an understatement. From my daughter¡¯s facial expression, I knew she was so wowed by everything she saw! Her biggest surprise was when she saw Tessy dressed in a simple party gown and heels,ing out of the midst of the children and adults present. Dave, Debbie and few acquaintances were present too. God knows how Tessy was able to get to them because I can¡¯t remember giving her their phone numbers or addresses. ¡± Mummy?¡± Angie called out to Tessy who smiled wildly as she came closer to where we stood ¡± Yes Angel.. hope you love the wee surprise party?¡± Tessy asked looking up at Angie on my shoulder Angie kept disturbing to be kept down and when I kept her down, she immediately ran to hug Tessy who carried her up ¡± I love it so much, thank you mummy.. I never expected something like this since you told us already that you were traveling.. or were you just pulling I and daddy¡¯s legs?¡± Angie asked looking at Tessy who bursted outughing ¡± Your legs, yes! but daddy¡¯s legs, certainly not! because he knew of this surprise arrangement too¡± Tessy said and I watched as Angie turned to look at me in amusement ¡± Really daddy? so you and mummy were making a joke out of me? I will report you to the police¡± Angie said jokingly and Iughed as I went round to greet the invitee present at the party. Angie soon came down from Tessy¡¯s shoulder and joined the children present who kept joyfully chanting ¡®wee Angie¡¯. I have never seen my daughter so very happy and socializing. She was pratically glowing with happiness and it was infectious. Soon Angie was called upon to cut the cake after which different refreshments were shared.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. On the stage, stood different singers and actresses who were entertaining the invitees with children¡¯s songs and drama. I sat on a chair enjoying myself when Dave walked up to me ¡± My man! you are really enjoying this your hired wife o¡± Dave said jokingly and I looked at him smiling ¡± You¡¯re right.. she is not a bad idea afterall¡± I answered sincerely ¡± But man when I was making the suggestion, you were adamant.. for that you need to pay a fine!¡± Dave said ¡± Leave me jhor.. but honestly I am still surprised at how she was able to invite you and everyone else present today, to the party!¡± I rhetorically said ¡± She called me on phone to invite me and Debbie.. why? you were not the one who gave her our contacts?¡± Dave asked but I shrugged dramatically and weughed it off as we continued chatting and enjoying the rest of the evening. After the entertainment, Tessy danced on the stage specially dedicating the dance to Angie, who did not even know she could dance that expertly. People pped in appreciation of her dancing skills, and some of my single friends who knew that she isn¡¯t actually my wife tried to get her contact but she politely declined. After the dance, games were made avable for children who yed and won different gifts prizes. Towards the end of the party, Tessy made sure that all the children and guests had at least a gift with them before leaving. The party soon came to an end and everybody left in smiles including Angie, Tessy and I. I walked into the gym house to find Tessy and Angie exercising, amidst loud sounds ofughter. It was beautiful just standing there to watch themugh and y in a way a mother and her young daughter would. I have to admit, the past two months with Tessy has been so wonderful and worthwhile. Tessy made me realize so many things I was missing as a man who is actually married, but living single. For the two months Tessy has stayed with us as my hired wife, she wakes up every morning to ensure that breakfast is ready and that we all sit to eat together as a family. She also ensures that Angie is physically and emotionally fit through gym exercises, and motherly attention which Sophie had deprived Angie of, for the seven years of her life as a child. Should I talk of the number of times she has spent the nights in Angie¡¯s bedroom, telling her bedtime stories until she sleeps. Honestly, I can¡¯t thank her enough for all she has done for my daughter¡¯s happiness. Now, Angie tends to smile,ugh, talk and y freely without a care in the world. Talking of Angie, she has grown too attached to her as though she is her biological mother, which she of course thinks Tessy is. This gets me scared sometimes, my fear is on the possibility of Sophie been able to win her over when she finallyes back from the states. I¡¯m also scared of Angie¡¯s reaction when she gets to find out that the woman she has lived with for thest two months and has grown to love as a mother, is actually a hired wife. Eitherways I heaved and push the thoughts behind me, as I walked towards them in my white jersey which exposed most of my hairy chest. Tessy soon stopped what she was doing as she was pratically staring at me down to my chest region and I can swear I saw her swallow some saliva down her throat. Well I knew I was well-built and handsome to look at. This is evident in the many stares and love requests I get from women Ie across, even upon knowing that I am a married man with a daughter. I reached where there were exercising and Angie jumped on me as she kept chanting happily ¡± Daddy! daddy! daddy! Mummy was teaching me how to do squats, she says it helps to increase the bumbum area.. is it true daddy?¡± Angie asked innocently as she looked expectantly at me for an answer ¡± yes Angie.. it does but it is mainly for adults and not children¡± I said as I looked at Tessy in amusement and said to her in a serious tone than I intended to ¡°.. wow! Tess I see you are now teaching my daughter how to grow bumbum¡­ Keep up the good works you hear?¡± Chapter 17 ¡± Thanks Ton.. sure I will keep it up and you are wee to join us as well¡± Tessy threw back at me in a mocking tone ¡± Mummy you mean daddy needs to grow his bumbum too?¡± Angie inquired turning to look at Tessy who shook her head in the negative ¡± No Angel.. I was just pulling daddy¡¯s legs, men don¡¯t grow bumbum like women¡± Tessy said shrugging ¡± I¡¯m d you actually said ¡®women¡¯ and you¡¯ve clearly seen that Angie isn¡¯t one¡­ the Sophie I married would never have done that!¡± I uttered before I could stop myself ¡± Daddy, mummy changed her name from Sophie to Tessy which means mummy is the same person¡± ¡± Yes that¡¯s true Angie.. probably the name change is why she is behaving like apletely different person¡± ¡± please daddy, don¡¯t be angry with mummy anymore¡­ I was the one who had insisted on her teaching me how to do squats when I saw her doing it on her own¡± ¡± Angel this is adults talk so please let daddy and I settle it okay?¡± Tessy said to Angie who nodded in understanding and immediately kept mute. I watched as Tessy walked closer to me and whispered inaudibly in my ears, so Angie wouldn¡¯t hear what she is saying to me ¡± you are right Tony!.. we are two different people with different personalities, perspectives and characters. ¡°.. she is your legal wife Sophie while I am your hired wife Tessy.. even our names are different same as our faces, so never you make the mistake ofparing me with anyone ever again!¡± Tessy concluded and walked out of the gym boiling in anger. I stood watching her as she walked out on Angie and I. Guilt slowly crept in and Angie¡¯s sorrowful face wasn¡¯t helping issues either. Angie and I soon walked back to the main house in a sulked mood. Honestly, I did not need a soothsayer to tell me that my daughter was angry with my actions towards Tessy. As she entered the sitting room and sat down on the sofa, I realized the need to make things right between Angie and Tessy who is probably in her bedroom sulking. I sat beside Angie and turned her to face me directly ¡± Angie, daddy is sorry for what I said to mummy.. I know I should have acted differently but I overreacted.. don¡¯t be angry with daddy anymore okay¡± I appealed and watched as her angry face slowly dissolved into a pity face ¡± I¡¯m not angry with you daddy.. I just feel bad because I was the one who insisted on mummy teaching me the squats, and now mummy is angry over what you said to her, I just feel like it was my fault!¡± Angie expounded and I sigh in understandingCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± you don¡¯t need to feel that way baby¡­ I will go to mummy¡¯s room to apologise to her so please cheer up Angie.. you know I don¡¯t like seeing you unhappy¡± I promised and stood up to show Angie how serious I am Slowly, Angie¡¯s face lit up in a smile and jumped down from the sofa she sat on ¡± I will love to go with you daddy¡­ I believe mummy will forgive you easily when she sees me too¡± Angie happily suggested ¡± Okay Angie.. lets go¡± I said and immediately Angie ran ahead of me towards Tessy. I smiled as I shook my head at how tight their bond has be in such a short while. I reached Tessy bedroom door, knocked and after an approval from her, I opened the door and stepped in Stepping in, my face changed into a frown at the scene I saw before me As usual, her bedroom was in a disoriented state; her clothes, shoes, panties, bedsheets and sanitary napkins were scattered everywhere on the floor. I wonder how a woman as beautiful and smart as Tessy would be externally disorganized and untidy. Two months of staying with us made me see this imperfections of hers, her personal space is usually disorganized. Even in the kitchen after making meals for Angie and I, the kitchen would be left in such a disorganized state with utensils and food crumbs scattered everywhere And being someone who doesn¡¯t fancy disorganize ces, I end up tidying up and arranging everywhere afterwards. Oh! that¡¯s what makes me love my wife Sophie so much, not only does she know me too well, she equally loves organized ces and everything is always in ce with her around. I heaved as I realized that I am still making the same mistake I did earlier, the issue ofparison and generalization of which Tessy is still angry with me about. Normally, I do hastily react with words on her habit of leaving things in a organize state and sometimes evenpared her to Sophie without mincing words. But for today, If I need to apologise to her for Angie¡¯s sake, then I will need to overlook this instead of adding to what I said earlier. This issue would have to wait until some other time, for today let me focus on what I came to do which is to tender an apology to Tessy. Angie¡¯s littleughter made me look up from the scattered belongings on the floor, I looked across the room to see her yfully throwing Tessy¡¯s clothes from the bed to the floor, without a care in the world about the appearance of the room. Tessy on the other hand was tickling Angie on the waist region, while yfully trying to snatch her clothes back. I guess that¡¯s what makes children easily lovable, they don¡¯t judge nor do they see errors. ¡± I¡¯m sorry Tess for what I said earlier.. I know it was wrong for me to havepared you with someone else¡± I said as I stood in front of her and Angie. I watched as she ignored me and continued with what she was doing as though she hadn¡¯t heard what I said. ¡± I¡¯m sorry Tess.. please do pardon me, it won¡¯t happen again.. I promise¡± She stopped what she was doing and turned to look at me in amusement ¡± Are you talking to me or Angie?¡± Tessy asked sarcastically ¡± Mummy please pardon daddy.. he is sorry for hurting you with his words.. mummy please¡± Angie said pleading on my behalf, whilst pulling at Tessy¡¯s fingernails And just as expected, Tessy heaved before saying to me Chapter 18 ¡± It¡¯s okay.. I forgive you Ton but don¡¯t do that again.. it¡¯s fast bing an habit for you topare me with someone else at every little provocation¡± Tessy confessed and I nodded in understanding ¡± It¡¯s okay Tess.. I promise it will never happen again¡± ¡± Okay Ton.. I believe and forgive you¡± ¡± it¡¯s okay but why is the whole ce so disorganized? where you searching for something?¡± I asked and she nodded in the affirmative ¡± yes I was.. my only jumpsuit was missing, I thought I left it behind but thankfully I¡¯ve found it now¡± Tessy confessed I nodded in understanding as I began picking the clothes one after the other, while Tessy looked at me in surprise I ignored her and Angie¡¯s surprise look as I was more focused on arranging and putting her stuffs in their right ces Whenever I was confused on where some of her private stuffs were kept, I asked her and made sure to arrange it neatly. Soon afterwards, I was done with the arrangements and the room was looking organized as it should be. Tessyter excused Angie and I to go prepare lunch for us in the kitchen, as she usually does. After lunch, I went to the kitchen to arrange and organize things which had be a routine for me, because I believed that as usual it was in a mess after the meal she just prepared. I walked into the kitchen only to meet it in almost the same organized way Ist saw it, just a few crumbs on the kitchen counter which wasn¡¯t so badpared to the other times. The kitchen is not fully organized but at least it was way better than the other times. I was wowed and also impressed. I¡¯m guessing what I did earlier touched her, hence the impromptu improvement without me having to shout or call her attention to it as always. I was happy as I walked back to the sitting room to show my appreciation and if possible take her out, because she surely do deserve it for being a good hired wife to both Angie and I. We came back homete at night very exhausted after the outing, Angie went straight to her room to take a rest whilst Tessy and I decided to y a game of ludo in my bedroom. We sat down on the bed with the ludo in front of us eager to begin the game. Before we began, I felt it was necessary to appreciate her efforts directly with words because although it was a paid job, I know for a fact that not everydy would be as nice and considerate as she is, even Oge that I intended paying higher wasn¡¯t anywhere close to Tessy. I looked at Tessy in the eye before my utterance ¡± Thank you so much Tess for all you do for Angie and I.. I so much appreciate it especially with the way you left the kitchen organized after the sumptuous meal you served us earlier¡± I said smiling sheepishlyN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± It¡¯s okay.. I am only doing the job I was paid for, it¡¯s nothing special to be thanking me for¡± Tessy answered nonchntly unable to meet my eyes I smirked as I stared at this shy side of hers that I never knew existed ¡± Really ma¡¯am? You are just doing your paid job, so cooking for us was also included in your job description?¡± I asked jokingly folding my hands ¡± Should I stop doing so since it is not included in my job description?¡± Tessy asked looking at me seriously, it was then I realized that maybe I had gone too far with my jokes ¡± Noo.. not at all Tess.. I¡¯m sorry if you took it the wrong way, I am only trying to let you know that it is a big deal and for the fact that you do it selflessly, you deserve every des and appreciation you get from me¡± I said in a attempt to rify things between us ¡± okay if you say so.. I don¡¯t just want you thinking that I am probably doing it for a desperate motive or anything of that sort, some men sometimes tend to think such of alldies¡± Tessy said and I began to understand her point of view I smiled as I said to her truthfully ¡± I have never thought of you in that way.. besides you never liked me and clearly stated that you are epting the job for Angie¡¯s sake.. except maybe you¡¯ve started liking me but then I know it¡¯s almost impossible¡± I said shrugging and almost immediately Tessy began coughing seriously ¡± Should I get you water?¡± I asked out of concern ¡± No don¡¯t worry.. I am fine now!¡± Tessy answered and indeed she was fine as the cough ceased, but she became unusually quiet like someone who was in a meditating mood ¡± Are you okay Tess? why are you suddenly quiet? Is something wrong with what I said?¡± ¡± Yes Ton everything is fine and no you said nothing wrong¡­¡± Tessy said whilst adjusting herselffortably on the bed, and then continued ¡°.. lest I forget! thank you so much for all the appreciative words earlier¡­ I appreciate all your kind words and actions towards me since my stay here¡­ I must admit that you are a nice and considerate person too¡± Tessy concluded as I kept looking at her wondering if she is the same person who spoke those words, or someone else is speaking through her And then I thought, so Tessy can speak softly and sweetly? Wow! I wonder if there are other sweet sides of her am yet to see or know of. I was still curious about the semi organized kitchen, hence I decided to ask her directly ¡± I am sort of curious though¡­ Why did you tidy up the kitchen today? that¡¯s quite unlike you or were other times always an intentional act to see my reaction?¡± I asked curiously as I awaited her response But instead she looked at me andughed without giving me an answer to my question ¡± Please Ton, can we begin the ludo game now? I am already tired of this question and answer sessions¡­ except maybe you are no longer interested in the game, then I can go to my bedroom to get a short nap before Angie wakes up for her bedtime stories¡± Tessy said avoiding my question and since obviously she wasn¡¯tfortable giving me an answer to my question, I decided to just let the sleeping dog lie, at least for now ¡± Okay no problem¡± I consented and I stretched my hands forward to bring the ludo game more closer to us on the bed When I did, I began arranging it After I was done with everything I need to put in ce, the game kicked off between Tessy and I. Unfortunately for me, Tessy was very good at ying ludo and kept winning against me. Chapter 19 It got to a point I became so tired of loosing, and had to tactfully end the game to preserve my man pride. ¡± I¡¯m tired please.. you are just an expert in the game of ying ludo, I doubt I can actually beat you¡± I said as I sigh andid on the bed exhausted ¡± Not really.. I keep learning since I y it a lot with someone I love so much!¡± Tessy replied as her countenance changed into a sorrowful look ¡± Are you okay?¡± I asked out of concern and she nodded in the affirmative ¡± yes I am okay Ton.. don¡¯t worry about me!¡± ¡± Okay if you say so.. just curious; the loved one you are referring to, is the personte? I¡¯m asking because of your sudden change in countenance¡± I asked Tessy although the question I intended asking was if it was her boyfriend, but I was scared of her reaction so I switched the question to this particr one ¡± God forbid! She isn¡¯t and will never bete!¡± Tessy said firmly I breathe out a smile satisfied that I had effortlessly gotten an indirect answer to my other question It¡¯s actually a ¡®she¡¯ not a ¡®he¡¯ like I thought it was, but then why am I so concerned about her rtionship status? Could it be that I¡¯m beginning to like Tessy more than an hired wife? I thought inwardly as I stared at her face ¡± Is anything the problem?.. you keep staring at me, is anything on my face?¡± Tessy asked self-consciously, which made meport myself ¡± No Tess.. you look beautiful hence I stared more than I intended.. I¡¯m sorry¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay.. anyways thanks for thepliment, though it¡¯s weird that ising from Mr ¡®my perfect wifeparison¡¯, if you understand what I mean¡± Tessy said and smirked I nodded, well aware of my ws and imperfections ¡± I understand Tess, even Daveins the same thing about me so I know it¡¯s actually true¡­ but then I¡¯m working on it, that way you won¡¯t be constantly getting offended with me over the same issue, like you did this morning¡± I confessed as I sigh loudly ¡± Same way I¡¯m also trying to work on my disorganized and disoriented habit with handling physical things, since you are often displeased with it¡­ and today at the kitchen was a first attempt at doing so but I felt my performance was still poor, that¡¯s why I felt embarrassed admitting it earlier¡± Tessy said and shyly looked away I smiled and ced my hands on her left hand that was closer to me on the bed ¡± No it wasn¡¯t poor.. it wasn¡¯t too perfect but then I was so impressed and pleased that you even attempted to keep it organized today without me saying anything.. thank you Tessy!¡± I said and she turned to look at me before saying ¡± thank you too Ton for arranging my room earlier.. honestly I was thinking of how I was going to start fixing the mess I created because arranging things as never been my thing, but then you came in and silently helped me fix it without me asking you to.. thank you!¡± Tessy exined whilst I smiled If only she knew what my thoughts were when I first came in and saw the room in that state, but thank God that today I reacted differently, But it¡¯s actually weird as well as cute seeing Tessy of all people praising and thanking me this way, gets me wondering where the ¡®mighty¡¯ and ¡®questionnaire¡¯ Tessy disappeared to. It means that indeed kind words and actions has a way of endearing and changing people quickly. I looked at her as I smiled and asked sarcastically ¡± So was what I did in your bedroom, what motivated you to want to change? Tell me the truth o¡± ¡± Well I won¡¯t lie.. it was what motivated me at first but not anymore though, because I realized that as ady I really needed to work on that habit of mine, so that¡¯s my greatest motivation now!¡± Tessy said and I nodded in understanding. ¡± No problem Tessy.. I will always be here to guide you through, and you don¡¯t have to worry about motivations¡­ I will make sure to always triple it¡± I said and we both bursted outughing like two lovestruck teenagers. We kept on cracking jokes and talking about random things until we eventually fell asleep in my bedroom. ******* The next morning, it was a call from Sophie that woke me up from my morning sleep. I knew it was her because I had set a customized ringtone specially for her. At first I didn¡¯t want to pick up but I knew I had to when she called more than twice which was unusualing from Sophie. I woke up to pick the call but it ended before I could pick up I hissed as I dropped the phone and wantedying back down but I couldn¡¯t when I saw whoid beside me It was Tessy! At first, I was surprised but slowly memories began flooding in and I remembered how we fell asleep. I stared at her face smiling to myself, as I remembered how we talked andughed yesterday before sleep finally took us away. My phone rings for the fifth time this morning and it was still my wife Sophie calling I picked the call and her voice came on my loud speaker almost immediately ¡± so Tony, it has gotten to a point that you are now ignoring my calls?¡± Sophie said sniffing and I became rmed ¡± are you okay baby?.. are you crying? Why? Is it because of the calls I missed? If it is, it¡¯s because I was heavily asleep.. I apologise, I¡¯m so sorry Sophie¡± I said all at once, expectingughter but instead I heard Sophie bursting out in tears over the phone ¡± I¡¯ve been sacked Tony.. I don¡¯t know how to feel, it hurts badly because I had invested my all into this job only to get discarded as though I am a piece of trash!¡± Sophie said crying loudly over the phone ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Sophie.. but babe did you ask why they are sacking you? or did you do anything to warrant such?¡± I asked in concern ¡± I wish I did but I didn¡¯t.. you know I love my job so much, so I¡¯m always careful and strictly abide to the work terms.. I am sacked because ording to them, they need limited staffs and will have to discharge of some, which I happen to be included¡± Sophie exined and I heaved before sayingCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± I¡¯m so sorry baby.. please try to calm down, I¡¯m sure with time you will get over it or probably get a better one¡±I said trying tofort her ¡± It really hurts Tony.. I don¡¯t think I still want to stay back here after all this emotional torture¡­ that¡¯s why unfailingly I will being back home this weekend!¡± Sophie dropped the bombshell, which is closely followed by a ¡®wow, that¡¯s quick¡¯ from Tessy who isying beside me now fully awake. Chapter 20 I kept praying in my heart that Sophie didn¡¯t hear it but unfortunately she did ¡± Where are you Tony? and which female voice am I hearing close to you so early in the morning?¡± Sophie asked in a tone that depicts danger, which made me go silent unable to utter a word. ¡± Mmmm¡­ Sophie it¡¯s actually not what you think!¡± I said trying to find words to exin things to her but couldn¡¯t find the appropriate words. ¡± May I ask what you think I am thinking eh?¡± Sophie resonated on the phone and I realized that I needed to say something very convincing to calm her down, before things gets out of hand. ¡± Sophie, it was actually Tessy.. she came to inform me that Angie doesn¡¯t want to wake up early for school today, that¡¯s all!¡± I said hoping that this convinces her, and inasmuch as I dislike lying to my wife, I also knew that telling her the truth in a situation like this is not an option either. How will I start telling her that another woman who isn¡¯t her, slept besides me in my bedroomst night? I just couldn¡¯t! even though it was unintentionally and nothing intimate happened between us, Sophie would not take it lightly and might probably blow things out of proportion, which I¡¯m trying to avoid. ¡± Tony are you sure about what you are telling me? Maybe you brought a woman homest night and you are now trying to lie to cover up!¡± Sophie asked and I was slightly angry that my wife doesn¡¯t find my words trustworthy ¡± Babe are you now doubting my fidelity?¡± I asked quite surprised, because I know that I have never cheated on my wife nor do I ever n to do so for as long as our vows at the altar still stands. ¡± Well I¡¯m not saying so, I just want to be sure because I do know that all men can be funny at times¡­ there are never satisfied with one woman and when that happens, cheating surely steps in¡± Sophie said with so much boldness that overwhelmed me ¡± Sophie, are you sure you are okay? why are you speaking like a hurt woman who has been cheated on before whereas we both know that in all our eight years of marriage, I have never thought of loving or seeing any other woman¡¯s naked body aside yours!..¡± ¡°.. moreso I¡¯m the only one taking care of Angie after you choose your job over us.. so tell me which free time I have to frolick around and cheat?¡± I said fuming, I still can¡¯t believe that Sandra can doubt my fidelity to her let alone address me as ¡®all men¡¯ ¡± I¡¯m sorry Tony.. I suppose me loosing my job is actually taking a huge toll on me.. honestly I trust you and I¡¯m sorry I doubted your faithfulness to me¡± Sophie apologized in a soft tone that immediately calmed me down I heaved before replying ¡± It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t like what you said.. I have and will never cheat on any woman, let alone mywful wedded wife.. I still don¡¯t understand where all those usations came from Sandra¡± I said feeling seriously pained ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Tony, I am dealing with a whole lot here and it was out of frustration I said those things to you¡­ Forgive me! as my husband I do need all your understanding and support at this point in time¡± Sandra said sniffing and it got me emotional ¡± It¡¯s okay Sandra.. you¡¯re my wife and I will always stand by you no matter what happens.. I¡¯m also sorry for the way Ished out at you earlier¡± I apologized and that¡¯s how we settled things amicably. We spoke for a short while and throughout our conversation she kept insisting that she wants Tessy gone before she returns home to take her ce. ¡± babe that¡¯s going to be so difficult because Angie has gotten so fond of her, as though she is her real mother¡± ¡± It doesn¡¯t matter Tony.. when Ie back we will tell Angie the truth and from there I will resume my ce as her mother, so send your hired wife away before I return!¡± Sophie said firmly and I sighed in understanding ¡± It¡¯s okay I will work towards doing that.. but hint me on how you intend to win our daughter over after Tessy is gone?¡± ¡± For now I don¡¯t know yet until when I get back from the states¡± ¡± Okay babe¡­ I will be expecting you by weekend, it¡¯s going to be on Saturday right?¡± ¡± Yes Tony.. make sure you prepare my favorite soup for me.. I¡¯ll have to go brush now, take good care of yourself and Angie for me.. I love you¡± ¡± Okay babe.. see you on Saturday¡± I said and was about hanging up when her question halted me ¡± Just that? what happened to ¡®I love you too¡¯, that¡¯s quiet unusual of you Tony because you are usually the first one who says it even before I do¡± Sandra exined and yes, she wasn¡¯t lying but for some reasons which I am yet to understand, I found it hard saying those words back to her ¡± I¡¯m sorry, it must have skipped my mind today.. I love you too babe¡± I said to avoid further queries from Sandra, before finally hanging up. After dropping the phone, I turned to the side of the bed where Tessyid, wondering why she was being so quiet throughout my phone call with Sandra, although inwardly I knew it was in other to avoid trouble between Sandra and I. I saw as Tessyid quietly with her eyes tightly closed but with the way it was continuously blinking, I knew she was only pretending to be asleep to avoid any conversation with me. I checked the time and saw it was some minutes past 6am which is almost time for breakfast, and probably Angie is already awake by now. I stood up from the bed and made my way out of the bedroom I first checked on Angie and when I saw her still sleeping soundly, I moved to the kitchen to prepare morning breakfast of fried yam and egg for everyone. Medically, Angie is now permitted to eat all kinds of food, hence the reason I had choosen fried yam and egg for this morning breakfast. Halfway into the breakfast preparation, Tessy joined me in the kitchen and quietly assisted me in frying the yam whilst I fried the eggs. The silence in the kitchen was taking longer than I expected it to, so I decided to break the silence since obviously Tessy doesn¡¯t intend to ¡± How was your night, hope you slept well?.. ¡± I asked and awaited her response but she said nothing ¡°¡­ Tess, about my conversation with Sophie earlier.. hope you aren¡¯t angry about it?¡± I asked because I knew that her mood must have been associated with all that she heard ¡± Why should I be angry? she wants me gone before she returns, so I will surely go on Friday!¡± Tessy said slowly and from the tone of her voice, I could dictate that she was truly hurt knowing that she will soon have to leave Angie whom she has gotten emotionally attached to as a daughter.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. Undoubtedly, I was having conflicting emotions too Although I still don¡¯t understand my feelings towards her, I do know without being told that I was going to miss her so much when she leaves. ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Tess.. I can understand how you feel but I can¡¯t stop it.. I¡¯m sorry!¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t need to exin anything to me.. I was hired for the job and so therefore need to go when the time is finally up!¡± Tessy emotionally said while removing the fried yam from the pan on fire into a t te. I moved towards her and slowly touched her on her shoulder ¡± Tess, stop talking this way please.. it¡¯s only going to make me feel worst, as it is now I am already confused on how to even exin things to Angie!¡± I said and watched as Tessy heaved before she gave a reply Chapter 21 ¡± I can understand.. so what will you two do now?¡± ¡± I don¡¯t know honestly but I believe we will figure out a way before then!¡± I said scratching my head in confusion ¡± Okay no problem then, God help you both!¡± Tessy said nonchntly and began taking the food to the dinning room I assisted in taking the rest of the food out and together we arranged the table. We were almost done arranging the table, when Angie came into the dinning room fully dressed for her new kindergarten school. She sat on one of the dinning chairs and we followed suit ¡± I see someone is fully ready for school today without waiting for me to drag her out of bed¡± Tessy teased smiling ¡± Yes mummy, I decided not to stress you today¡­ because I came to your room yesterday night to listen to my bedtime stories but I didn¡¯t find you.. Iter checked daddy¡¯s room and found you asleep there¡± Angie said innocently ¡± Yes Angie, your mummy decided to sleep in my bedroom yesterday.. please hasten up with your food, you know you arete and your bus would be here soon¡± ¡± No problem daddy¡± Angie responded and at that exact moment, we heard a loud horn outside the gate ¡± I think your bus is here Angel.. so you should get going now¡± Tessy said as she got up ready to walk Angie to the gate where her bus usually waits for her ¡± bye daddy¡± Angie said to me as she kissed me on the cheek before holding Tessy¡¯s outstretched hands ¡± Bye Angie.. take care of yourself and remember to stay out of trouble¡± I said waving at her as she waved back whilst walking out hand in hand with Tessy. I sat alone on the table enjoying my breakfast when Tessy¡¯s phone rang and the phone screen disyed ¡® My treasure¡¯ calling. I wondered who it was but although I was curious, I knew it was wrong to pick her calls so I ignored the call and continued eating my food. It rang for the second time before Tessy finally came in. Immediately she saw the name on the phone screen, her face lit up in delight and as usual she excused herself to pick that particr call in private. Curiosity was slowly eating me up as I wondered who this her private ¡®treasure¡¯ is, and so to cure my curiosity I tiptoed to the door of her bedroom to eavesdrop on her phone conversation with whomever. The phone conversation; ¡± Baby I miss you so much too¡­ hope you¡¯ve taken your breakfast? and what did you eat?¡± ¡± Really? you miss my cooking? I equally miss cooking for you too¡± ¡± Don¡¯t worry okay.. I wille and see you tomorrow¡± ¡± I love you more baby.. take good care of yourself for me okay¡± Tessy concluded and slowly ended the call with a blown kiss to the caller. I was dumbfounded after the phone conversation I heard and for some unknown reasons I felt sad knowing Tessy actually lied to me about not being in a rtionship with anyone. But why do I care? Could it be that I have fallen in love with Tessy? No! it can¡¯t be But who could this her treasure be, and why does she usually pick the call specially and in private away from Angie and I? I stood there lost in thoughts and didn¡¯t realize when Tessy opened the door toe out, only to meet me standing there. ¡± Ton.. what are you doing at my bedroom door? were you eavesdropping on me?¡± Tessy asked staring at me suspiciously ¡± Me? why would I? Moreso what¡¯s so hard in telling me that you are in rtionship with ¡®your treasure¡¯?¡± I asked feeling jealous Tessy looked at me and bursted outughing which annoyed me even more ¡± See the way you are acting like a jealous lover whereas you aren¡¯t jealous at all, just being childish.. anyways please leave me alone, whether or not I am in a rtionship, it¡¯s my personal affair!¡± Tessy said and attempted walking out on me but I stopped her by standing in front of her ¡± So what if I tell you that I am indeed jealous as a jealous lover would be?¡± I said sincerely, as I stared intensely at her and watched as she began acting shyly likest time ¡± Jealous? but why would you be jealous because of me Ton?¡± Tessy asked now looking directly at my face ¡± Do you want the truth?¡± I asked and she slowly nodded ¡± Yes I do!¡± Tessy answered shyly unable to meet my eyes ¡± Okay.. let me show you why I am jealous then¡± I said as I slowly moved closer to her and mped my lips on hers for a passionate kiss. Surprisingly, Tessy responded and together we kissed with so much passion like our lives depended on it.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. Tessy first broke the kiss and there was clearly this look of confusion on her face, also that of mixed emotions. ¡± why did you kiss me?¡± Tessy asked and out of curiosity, I had to reply her question back with a question ¡± And why did you respond to my kiss?¡± I asked as we both stared at each other eye to eye ¡± It¡¯s because you kissed me first and I couldn¡¯t resist it no matter how much I tried to¡± Tessy said now unable to meet my eyes, I have observed that she does this a lot when she is confused or feeling shy. ¡± And why couldn¡¯t you resist it?¡± I persisted because unlike her, I was no longer confused of my emotions and feelings towards her ¡± Maybe it¡¯s because it has been a while I kissed¡­ that¡¯s why¡± Tessy answered and I looked at her as I shook my head Chapter 22 ¡± Tess, that isn¡¯t it and we both know it.. first, I¡¯m sorry I kissed you without your permission but just like you I couldn¡¯t help nor could I resist it.. and since you don¡¯t want to openly admit the ¡®why¡¯, I will have to admit mine first¡± I began but I was already developing cold feet I couldn¡¯t help wondering how Tessy will likely react or if she even felt the same way towards me, I had fear of many things altogether I was scared of Tessy¡¯s reaction and also scared of hurting Sophie, whom I thought loves me so much I was also scared of running faster than my shadow only to end up getting hurt, if truly Tessy is in a serious rtionship with someone else ¡± Admit what? Sorry but I don¡¯t understand what you mean!¡± Tessy answered bringing me out of my thoughts, and I knew right there that I needed to clear the air by confessing my feelings for her no what the oue would be. It¡¯s either today or never! I thought inwardlyCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. After deciding this, I looked at Tessy straight in the eyes and boldly told her all the words in my heart; ¡± I don¡¯t know when or how it happened but Tess I think I have fallen in love with you¡­ infact I no longer think nor am I confused, I know and I¡¯m one-hundred percent sure that I have fallen in love with you and want you as my woman..¡± I confessed and stared at her to see her reaction before I continued unabashed ¡± ¡­ at first I didn¡¯t want to admit it, I even tried fighting it¡­ I kept living with the denial that it is my wife Sophie that I love and not Tessy my hired wife, but Tess after hearing all those phone conversations and weighing all the jealousy and emotions in my heart¡­. I realized without a doubt that it is you that I am now in love with but I kept on running away and living in denial for fear of the unknown.. now I am openly admitting to you that I love you Tess!¡± I concluded and after the confession felt as though a weight has been lifted off my chest I watched as Tessy eyes kept flickering, and then it became unreadable ¡± Okay I¡¯ve heard you Ton but unfortunately for you, I don¡¯t feel the same way towards you¡­ I came here to work for money and would love to do that without any distraction or anything or anyone getting in the way.. so please let me focus on my job by keeping whatever happened between us today behind us.. thank you¡± Tessy said and boldly walked out on me I stood fixated there, unable to take a move This was one of the things I was scared of and trying to avoid, rejection! God knows how Tessy thinks of me now; maybe as a loose boss who is only trying to get in between her legs. I heaved heavily before finally walking away from where I stood. I went into my bedroom to rest my head as I knew that I needed it badly after that rejection from Tessy. ************* We continued living like two strangers in the house, only using casual and monosybic words with each other. It got to a point Angie noticed the cold atmosphere between us and had to ask us what the problem was, but we simply told her it was adults matters. Thursday evening I decided that enough is enough, I¡¯ve epted the fact that nothing is ever going to happen between us, we are boss and employee and that is how it might likely remain forever. Moreover my wife Sophie ising back on Saturday so I need to put my acts together, who knows? probably after re-channeling my love and attention to her, my love for her will return back afresh. I just want us to return back to how we were as cool friends, before that kiss and confession I made happened. After making that decision, I moved to her bedroom so as to talk to her, this was shortly after bathing and putting Angie to bed. I opened the door and got into her bedroom to see an impressively arranged bedroom I smiled at the new change I have been seeingtely I heard sounds of stifle cries from across the bed which immediately got my attention because Tessy is the only oneying on it, which means it¡¯sing from her. But why is she crying? Did something bad happen at home? I thought in concern as I walked closer to her bed, only to meet Tessy crying face down on her pillow ¡± Tess why are you crying? is everything okay?¡± I asked getting rmed After hearing my voice, Tessy slowly lifted her head from the pillow and with puffy eyes answered that she is okay, but I knew that she is lying to me ¡°.. please Tess talk to me, why are you crying? did something bad happen at home?¡± I asked for the umpteenth time since I came in but she still kept quiet sniffling ¡± it¡¯s nothing Ton, I¡¯m fine¡­ It¡¯s just personal affairs which you don¡¯t have to worry about, I will sort it out myself.. that aside why are you here?¡± Tessy said wiping her tears and trying to appear all strong, but on her face it was clearly shown that whatever it is that is breaking her down was clearly still hurting her ¡± Since you don¡¯t want to tell me what is bothering you¡­ No problem! I came for us to discuss on what has been going on between ustely¡± I said inly looking at Tessy ¡± What do you mean by that?¡± Tessy asked pretending not to know what I mean ¡± Tess I have epted that we can never have anything together aside a boss and employee rtionship¡­ so please lets go back to how we used to be as good friends instead of all this cold treatment you keep showing me¡­ Angie too is getting emotionally affected even though she tries not to show it¡± I told her all with all honesty ¡± Do you honestly think that we can still go back to how we used to be as good friends after those love confessions you made to me?¡± Tessy queries looking at me squarely ¡± Well I know it will be difficult but lets just give it a try, at least for Angie¡¯s sake!¡± I answered shrugging ¡± Okay but I¡¯m still curious though.. why do you love me when we both know that you are married? what is it you really want from me? or are you trying to keep me as a side chick? I don¡¯t get it Ton!¡± Tessy inquired and I smiled Oh! how much I¡¯ve missed this her questionnaire side of her. ¡± One question at a time Tess.. I am not aputer you know!¡± ¡± Okay.. first question; why do you love me as a married man that you are?¡± ¡± I do know that your looks, talent and personality is what first attracted me to you.. but with every passing day I¡¯ve lived with and gotten to know you.. I¡¯ve grown to love you deeply as a person beyond your looks, talent, personality or ws! I love you Tess¡± I confessed unable to control myself ¡± Okay.. the second question; what is it you really want from me?¡± ¡± When I am sure about my feelings for a woman, I will want a serious love rtionship with her.. that¡¯s the same thing I want from you Tess!¡± Chapter 23 ¡± Okay.. now the third andst question; what happens to your wife Sophie or are you nning to keep me as a side chick?¡± ¡± Mmm.. I don¡¯t know about that but I believe time and future will sort itself out!¡± ¡± That¡¯s not an assurance Ton.. that¡¯s only a probability!¡± Tessy resonated with a firm face ¡± Okay Tess, I don¡¯t know if this is enough assurance but I can boldly tell you that I am not a man who double dates¡­ if we happen to be in a rtionship that progresses smoothly, I will love to spend the rest of my life with you as my wife hence Sophie and I will likely go our separate ways because my heart is no longer with her¡± I slowly said and watched as her eyes gradually softened ¡± It¡¯s okay, I have heard you!¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. ¡± So Tess.. what do you have to say? Do you feel the same way for me? I need to know if I should just forget about my feelings for you and move on¡± I said but got no response from Tessy ¡°¡­ Tess please say something!¡± I begged but still yet, Tessy just kept staring at me without uttering a word I heaved and concluded that she is silence because we did not share mutual feelings for each other I made up my mind to let go of whatever I felt for her and move on with Sophie, although I knew my heart is no longer with her but with Tessy. ¡± .. it¡¯s okay Tess, I understand the silence.. not to worry I will work towards eliminating my feelings for you, so like you once told me, lets just behave like nothing was said and move pass this phrase.. but we can at least pretend to be cool in Angie¡¯s presence. Thank you!¡± I concluded and stood up to walk out but her next words stopped me from going any further ¡± Wait Ton.. please don¡¯t go¡± Tessy said with pleading eyes which made me reconsider I sat down again and watched as she heaved as one who is fighting inner emotional battles with herself. I kept watching her quietly as I stayed silently and decided not to interfere on her inner issues. Tessy finally decided to break the silence by confessing; ¡± I was silent because I didn¡¯t want to admit this but I do know that with time I will have toe to terms with it amidst my fear and insecurities¡­ Yes, at first I know I was confused too but then everyday I see and stay close to you, I have every reason to believe that I have fallen in love with you too Ton¡± I looked at Tessy with mouth agape, I kept asking myself ¡® am I dreaming? did those words trulye from Tessy or my mental imagination of her?¡¯ To save myself from every agent of confusion, I had to ask ¡± Tessy you love me or you are just ying jokes on me?¡± I asked and Tessy nodded in the affirmative ¡± Wow! I¡¯m so happy and I think this is the best news I¡¯ve heard this month¡­ Tessy feels the same way towards me. Wow!¡± I shouted jumping up from where I sat on the bed ¡± Calm down Ton.. see the way you are behaving as a child would¡± Tessy teasedughing at my performance ¡± No Tess, you can¡¯t imagine how I feel knowing you love me too¡­ Can I ask you a question¡± I said seriously as I sat down on the bed staring intensely at Tessy ¡± Sure Ton.. what¡¯s the question you want to ask me?¡± ¡± It¡¯s actually a very big question, should I still ask?¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay Ton.. ask me whatever you want to ask me, nothing can be too big for me to answer!¡± Tessy said staring at me I sighed before gathering the courage I needed to ask her the question that is on my mind ¡± Tessy Ikenna Ugo¡­ Please will you be my girlfriend?¡± I asked expectantly but instead of getting an answer, Tessy bursted out in tears so much that I became worried, wondering if there¡¯s anything hurtful in what I had asked earlier. ¡± Tess why are you crying? did I say something wrong?¡± I asked touching her on the shoulder but she continued crying without saying a word to me ¡± Is it that you don¡¯t love me enough to be my girlfriend?¡± I asked getting confused Tessy sniffed as she slowly wiped her tears and uttered in low tunes, such that I was barely hearing her ¡± Ton I love you and it hurts because I know that it is morally wrong to be in love with a married man, it¡¯s something I know I won¡¯t feel happy if I am in Sophie¡¯s shoe¡­ moreso what if you are still in love with your wife and probably just attracted to me but confusing it with love?¡± ¡°¡­ I won¡¯t want to be painted as this desperate woman who was hired as a wife only to end up falling in love with her married employer, and now wants to snatch him away from his wife!¡± Tessy exined and I understood from her perspective I heaved and using my palm, I held her face lovingly ¡± Tess I am not a confused man, I make sure of things before pursuing it.. as for people, there will always talk no matter what so I don¡¯t see that as a reason to cry. I love you and you love me, that¡¯s all that matters here or don¡¯t you love me like I do?¡± ¡± Ton I love you.. but then I am scared that I am not your type of girl because of my indigent background.. I am insecure because I feel that if we decide to take a tour on the rtionship path, Sophie who has been married to you for eight years has a greater chance of winning you back to herself when shees back¡­ I am also scared that you might not ept everything about me¡­ I am scared of so many things Ton¡± Tessy confessed with all sincerity and I sighed ¡± Tess, I love you and I am willing to ept all of you¡­ As for Sophie, I will tell her everything and sort it out with her when shees back.. for now lets take it a step at a time¡± ¡°¡­ so I am going to ask again.. Tessy Ikenna Ugo are you going to be my girlfriend?¡± ¡± Are you sure about this Ton?¡± ¡± Very sure, just the way I am sure about my love for you!.. so for the umpteenth time will you be my girlfriend?¡± I asked already exhausted and anxious Tessy nodded and slowly backed it up with a loud ¡®YES¡¯ I smiled widely, feeling so ted. Finally! Out of the excitement I hugged Tessy whilst stering kisses all over her face while she kept blushing in excitement I eventually stopped and we sat there staring at each other such that I can¡¯t remember for how long we did before I spoke out ¡± I am so happy!¡± I eximed in excitement as we continued staring at each other Chapter 24 ¡± You are so beautiful Tess.. thank you so much for epting me!¡± I said touching her cheeks lovingly ¡± You don¡¯t need to thank me Ton¡­ I epted you because I felt the same way towards you!¡± ¡± I know but I am still thankful to you for considering me worthy of being epted as your guy!¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay Ton! Thank you too for considering me worthy to be your girl¡± Tessy answered shyly ¡± Can I kiss you?¡± I requested staring hungrily at her lips Tessy blushed shyly as she fidgeted with her fingers and gradually nodded a ¡®Yes¡¯ to my request. As soon as she gave me the nod, I mped my lips on hers and together we kissed passionately without a care in the world Our hands unconsciously began roaming everywhere on our bodies and before we could realize it, our upper wears were off and thrown to the floor I was left shirtless with just my shorts on me, while Tessy was left with only her pink bra and trousers on her body. We slowly fell on the bed with me on top of Tessy and Tessy beneath me. We continued kissing and flipping over each other whilst smooching and romancing. I soon took off her bra and was about sucking on her breasts when I abruptly stopped, knowing this wasn¡¯t right in all ramifications! First, I love Tessy and want her as mywful wedded wife whom I can get to savor on our wedding night without any regrets or guilt whatsoever, if we continue with this I know that we will surely regret it after we get back to our senses. Secondly, I know doing this with her on the first day of our rtionship will only make her feel like I only came after her body which isn¡¯t true at all. Moreover I am still married to my wife, and doing this with Tessy before my separation with Sophie would only mean that I have broken my policy of never cheating on any woman. As I evaluated everything and I came to a conclusion, I adjusted slowly from Tessy on the bed and began wearing my shirt that was lying on the floor ¡± What¡¯s wrong? why did you stop?¡± Tessy asked looking at me, I guess she was taken unawares by the way I had abruptly stopped ¡± Tess please wear back your clothes, we can¡¯t do this for now¡­ we can control ourselves until our wedding night because if we allow our emotions control us now you might end up feeling used after the act¡­ I won¡¯t want us doing something we might regret afterwards!¡± I exined to Tessy touching her cheeks Tessy heaved and nodded in understanding ¡± I understand Ton¡­ you are right; we were moving too fast due to our emotions and would have eventually regretted it afterwards¡­ thank you so much Ton for stopping us before we made that huge mistake¡± Tessy said as she took her bra and clothes from the floor and began re-wearing them right before me. ¡± I¡¯m sorry I initiated the kiss which made us go that deep and also thanks for your understanding Tess!¡± I said andid down on the bed waiting for Tessy to finish dressing upN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± Thank you too¡± Tess replied and slowlyid on my chest Weid in silence for a short while before I broke the silence ¡°I know I¡¯m asking thiste and that you¡¯ve also told me before that you are single but I still need to be very sure¡­ Are you in a rtionship currently?¡± ¡± No Ton.. I am not in any rtionship and haven¡¯t been in any for two years now¡± ¡± Okay.. then who is my treasure whom you saved on your phone? and why do you keep taking that particr call in private when it rings and the name pops up¡± I asked curiously ¡± It¡¯s because of the contract and Angie, that why I take the call in private to avoid lots of questioning¡­ if not for Angie¡¯s sake, I would not be hiding my daughter because she isn¡¯t something to be ashamed of!¡± Tessy responded in a nonchnt manner ¡± What are you saying Tess? I¡¯m seriously confused¡± I asked out of confusion ¡± I have a five year old daughter Ton and that is whom I saved as my treasure because that¡¯s what she is to me!¡± Tessy confessed To say that I am shocked by her confession is merely an understatement, I am stunned! ¡± I still don¡¯t get it.. you have a daughter outside wedlock?¡± ¡± Yes I do Ton¡­ She will be six years by next month¡± ¡± How did it happen? Mind sharing?¡± Tessy heaved then slowly she began; ¡± Seven years ago I was in a rtionship with a male friend Ben, whom I actually thought loved me whereas he was just using me to win a bet with his friends¡­ he is my first boyfriend and the one who had deflowered me but after I took in, he denied the pregnancy and broke up with me¡± Tessy said with a shaky voice ¡± Oh my God! I¡¯m so so sorry Tess¡­ I didn¡¯t know you were hurt this much¡± I said already moved by her story ¡± No Ton, don¡¯t be sorry for me because I am no more hurting¡­ my daughter is the best thing that has happened to me and no matter what happened in the past, I have never regretted having her even till today¡± Tessy said and I nodded because I perfectly understood that feeling, I do feel the same way with my daughter Angie. ¡± I know right.. children tend to change so many things about a person and are also capable of making people hurt less especially when we look at them and hear them call us ¡®daddy¡¯ and ¡®mummy¡¯!¡± Tessy said and I nodded in affirmation before saying ¡± You¡¯re right¡­ that¡¯s the same way I feel whenever I look at my daughter Angie and hear her call me daddy¡± ¡± Yes, children are indeed blessings from God¡­ that¡¯s one of the reasons I love and immediately felt so endeared to Angie because I have a cute daughter like her as well¡± ¡± I understand.. so what¡¯s your daughter¡¯s name?¡± I asked smiling ¡± Her name is Chioma but I do call her Chiom.. she is cute just like me, her mother¡± Tessy said and we both bursted outughing ¡± Yes of course, I don¡¯t need a soothsayer to tell me that¡­ A beauty will always beget beauty¡­ I really do wish to meet her, where is she now?¡± ¡± She is with my mom at the other side of town¡­ I do visit her at least twice a week and every weekend to bond with my daughter. I miss her so much¡± Tessy confessed and I knew she meant it Chapter 25 ¡± You will be fine Tess¡­ what about her father? I mean your ex boyfriend, has he been inmunication with his daughter after her birth?¡± ¡± I wish but no he hasn¡¯t¡­ After he broke up with me, the next thing I heard was that he was taken to the states by his uncle who lives there¡± ¡± United States?¡± ¡± Yes, that¡¯s what I heard from his maternal aunty¡± ¡± Oh! that¡¯s the same state Sophie is¡­ don¡¯t worry Tess, everything will be fine okay!¡± ¡± Yes I know that and by God¡¯s grace, my daughter and I is fine already without him in our lives¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay.. so when am I meeting my second daughter?¡± I asked teasingly ¡± When do you want to meet her?¡± ¡± How about this weekend?¡± ¡± How is that going to be possible when we both know your wife ising back on Saturday¡­ That reminds me, how and when are you going to tell her about our rtionship? I need to know what I¡¯m getting myself into Ton¡± ¡± Give me a week, I promise to sort things out by then¡­ Meanwhile bring Chiom over tomorrow, I want to meet her¡± I said and Tessy lifted up her head to look at me ¡± Are you sure about this? you are really epting my daughter as yours?¡± ¡± Yes, why not? If you love and has always epted me and Angie even before you fell in love with me, then tell me why I can¡¯t do the same to you and Chiom?¡± ¡± Well we both know that this part of the world favours men more than women¡­ especially when it is a child gotten out of wedlock, the woman would automatically be seen as one who was loose in the past!¡± Tessy said and I felt that there¡¯s more to the utterances ¡± From your utterance, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ve been disappointed by men in the past because of Chiom!¡± ¡± Yes, about three men have left me simply because I told them the truth that I have a daughter out of wedlock¡­ one of them even asked me to choose between my daughter and him¡± ¡± And I¡¯m guessing that you had choosen Chiom?¡± ¡± Obviously I had choosen her that¡¯s why I am still single, I will always choose my daughter and family above every pleasurable things¡­ besides I believe that any man who truly loves me will ept everything about me which includes my daughter¡­¡± ¡°.. so I don¡¯t view it as a disappointment at all, I see it as God saving me from self-centered men.. Ton I love my daughter so much and that¡¯s what matters to me¡± Tessy concluded whilst I heaved as I remember those instances Sophie had always choosen her work and other things over Angie and I. Tessy is different and I love that about her. Everyday, it seems like the more I am getting to know my hired wife now my girlfriend, the more I get to fall in love with her nature and personality. ¡± You did the right thing Tess.. I¡¯m sure Chiom will someday grow to be proud of her mother who had never abandoned her for a man!¡± I said somewhat wishing Sophie had done the same thing back then, instead of exposing Angie to such emotional turmoil of a mother¡¯s absence added with her previous condition. ¡± Ton I am curious about something!¡± ¡± What¡¯s that Tess?¡± ¡± Were you really serious about the no sex before marriage? and you really meant it when you said you want me for keeps, that is marriage?¡± ¡± Common Tess, sex is meant for the married and I intend to respect your body by waiting for the right time¡­ As for the second question, where you really expecting me to date you for fun at this point in my life? Of course yes I want you for keeps, that is marriage!¡± I said and Tessy bursted out in tears again wetting my shirt This time she kissed me first while I reciprocated. After we disengaged from the kiss, she looked at me with so much emotions as she said to me with all honesty ¡± Thank you Ton, you¡¯re a good man because all men I came across always demanded for sex before marriage¡­ and although I wasn¡¯t sofortable with it, I gave in to two out of the three men I dated after Ben, Chiom¡¯s father!¡± ¡± It¡¯s okay Tess, that¡¯s in the past now¡­ moreso I am not pure either because before Sophie came into my life I had dated three girls in the past, and I had premarital sex with them as my girlfriends¡± I confessed to make Tessy feel at ease with herself. I guess I seeded because she heaved and after a while said; ¡± Well like you said, everything is in the past now!.. we are in the future so lets face it together!¡± ¡± Yes Tess, we will face it ande out victorious.. I love you Tess¡± I said putting her head back on my chest, that way she would easily hear how much my heart beats for her ¡± I love you too Ton¡± Tessy said and slowly dozed off with her head on my chest. Friday came and by evening Tessy brought her daughter Chioma over to the house, as she promised me she would. I already informed Angie that a visitor ising to the house and that she is someone very dear to mummy, hence also refers to Tessy as mummy too. Typical of children she nodded her head vigorously, happy that someone her age grade is going to being to the house. When the young girl came, I became immediately endeared to her, she is indeed beautiful and a replica of her mother, Tessy. Chioma who is the same height as Angie, walked into the sitting room and following Tessy¡¯s instructions to greet Angie and I, she first walked up to me and stood in front of the sofa I sat ¡± My name is Chioma Ikenna Ugo and I am my mother¡¯s daughter¡± Chioma, Tessy¡¯s daughter introduced herself whilst bowing in a dramatic manner in front of me ¡± My name is Tony and you are wee to my home Chiom¡­ you have a nice name. I love it!¡± Imented smiling at her and she smiled back at meN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. ¡± Thanks uncle Tony.. mummy has told me a lot about you, she says you are a nice person!¡± Chioma said to me and moved over to Angie¡¯s side of the sofa ¡± My name is Chioma Ikenna Ugo, it¡¯s nice meeting you¡­ What¡¯s your own name?¡± ¡± My name is Angie Tony.. it¡¯s nice meeting you too!¡± Chapter 26 After the brief introduction between the two kids, they surprisingly bonded so well and were soon behaving like children who has known each other from childhood. Tessy went to the kitchen to fix something for everyone, while I assisted her in the cooking and arranging of the dinning table. Soon we were done and invited everyone to the table. Shortly afterwards; Angie, Chioma, Tessy and I were sitted and eating whilstughing as one happy family. After the sumptuous meal, Angie took Chioma to her room to show her all of her nice toys and games. After the kids left; Tessy and I cleared the tes together, washed it and made sure the kitchen was in order before we went to the sitting room to rest on the sofa with Tessy lying on my chest. Tessy began caressing my chest in a romantic manner, this my girlfriend is such a temptress. ¡± you¡¯re looking for something, aren¡¯t you?¡± I asked teasingly ¡± Not really!¡± Tessy said but I knew she was lying to me ¡± Remember Tess, we promised each other no lies? why are you now lying to me? Tell me the truth or else I won¡¯t leave you¡± I said tickling her waist as Tessy bursted out in crazyughter ¡± Okay fine, you caught me!.. the thing is that I¡¯ve missed your lips and would love to kiss you again but I don¡¯t know how to demand for it¡± Tessy admitted shyly and it was now my turn tough at her shy expression ¡± Really? Common Tess¡­ there¡¯s no point to get scared or shy over asking me for something like that¡­ I am your guy now so you are as free as the bird to ask me for anything aside sex of course, since we¡¯ve decided to wait until after marriage!¡± I said to her and Tessy nodded her head slowly as she lifted up her head from my chest. She stared at me still contemting whether to kiss me or not. I would have kissed her to make things easier for her, but I would rather she learns to build that confidence to initiate a kiss with me anytime she wants to. I don¡¯t know what her fear is but I want her to ovee it. After staring for a while, Tessy gathered the courage and kissed me on my lips. She bite softly on my lower lips seeking entrance and I willing granted her the entrance because to be honest, I too have missed her lips so so much. We continue contesting on who is going to win the kissingpetition we had created for ourselves, when we heard a voice that abruptly ended our short moment of bliss.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. ¡± What! What exactly is going on here Tony!¡± Sophie¡¯s voice rang out at the door as she stared at me and Tessy defiantly I was short of words and at the same time surprised to see Sophie back today, I hadn¡¯t expected her until tomorrow ¡± Sophie I can exin!¡± I said getting up from the sofa and Tessy face showed her displeasure on my demeanor ¡± What is there to exin Tony? the fact that you are kissing another woman in my matrimonial sofa and home¡­ Or that you might even be sleeping with her on my matrimonial bed¡­ you are cheating on me, are you crazy?¡± Sophie thundered in a loud voice, whilst I stood scratching my head not knowing what to say to calm her down ¡± Sophie please calm down¡­ Lets talk after you¡¯ve eaten and rested, this is not the right time or ce for this kind of confrontation.. Angie is inside and your voice might bring her out!¡± I exined softly in low tunes, and at the same time demonstrating with my fingers so the children won¡¯t hear us ¡± Let here out so she will see her father¡¯s whore!.. look at me madam hired wife! Please was it written in your job description that my husband should be snatched?¡± Sophie asked moving towards Tessy who looked at her unmoved ¡± I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.. I am not one to snatch a grown man who is old enough to make decisions for himself!¡­ and as a mother like you, I will advise that you lower your voice for our children¡¯s sake, please Sophie!¡± Tessy responded whilst continually looking at the entrance which leads to Angie¡¯s bedroom Clearly we shared the same fear which is the children¡¯s emotional safety, if they get to see this scene ying out between three matured adults. ¡± She is evenmanding me to keep quiet in my own house, wow! This is serious!¡± Sophie shouted and I knew how she can be when she starts this way ¡± Sophie please calm down.. okay, if you insist we can talk about this outside.. I¡¯m saying this because Angie and Tessy¡¯s daughter Chioma is inside the bedroom, we can¡¯t risk exposing them to see this kind of scenario at least for now!¡± I said trying to get her to reason with me, but Sophie wasn¡¯t ready to listen to any voice of reason ¡± She even has a daughter?.. that makes it more interesting, let here out and see what a slut her mother is¡­ her name is Chioma right? Chioma! Chioma! Angie! Angie! Angie! Come out¡­ mummy is here, Angie!¡± Sophie shouted at the top of her voice and almost immediately, Angie and Chioma came running into the sitting room. ¡± Mummy! we heard voices followed by someone calling us, is it you?¡± Angie asked looking at Tessy who nodded in the negative before replying her ¡± No Angel.. it isn¡¯t me! It¡¯s the woman over there who is shouting your name¡± Tessy replied pointing at Sophie who ignored herpletely. I kept praying in my heart that Sophie will be considerate of Angie¡¯s emotions and calm down, it¡¯s very risky to reveal the truth about Tessy to Angie in this unnned manner. ¡± Angie it¡¯s me Sophie your real biological mother who called you.. I just got back from the states only to see your father cheating on me with this woman named Tessy!¡± Sophie thundered sitting down on one of the sofa, feeling unconcerned about the oue of her utterances on Angie¡¯s and Chioma¡¯s young mind. ¡± Mummy, what is this woman saying? what does she mean by she being my real mother? do I now have two mothers?¡± Angie queried and Chioma who was equally in a confused state, had to ask Tessy ¡± Mummy, is Angie truly my sister, howe I¡¯ve never heard of or seen her before now?¡± ¡± Chiombaby and Angel, please you two should go to your room for now.. I will join you girlster to exin everything to you okay!¡± Tessy replied trying to send them away but Sophie stood firm in her decision not to let them leave without exposure ¡± They are going no where! Tony tell my daughter the truth now because if I do so, trust me, my words would note out nice¡­ So better start exining to our daughter before I lose itpletely!¡± Sophie said and I looked at her, wondering where the whole anger and insensitivity wasing from when we both know that the whole arrangements was her idea in the first ce. Chapter 27 ¡± Sophie this whole arrangements was your idea in the first ce¡­ so what¡¯s with this whole involvement and insensitivity on our daughter!? Please let her be for now!¡± I tried convincing her for thest time but Sophie wasn¡¯t having it ¡± So you cheating on me with the hired wife is also my arrangements right? Just admit the truth Tony! you wanted it but was only waiting for me to suggest it and boom! you took it from there immediately¡± Sophie uttered and I looked at her wondering if she lost her mental nuts in the states. ¡± What are you even saying Sophie? that isn¡¯t true, you and God knows it.. okay fine! you want us to exin everything to her daughter now right? No problem!¡± I answered angrily as I turned to Angie and Chioma. I beckoned to them toe closer to me and when they did, I bent to their height and right in front of Sophie, I exined everything to them without mincing words. ¡± Mummy Tessy is not my real mother? you two has been lying and deceiving me all along daddy!¡± Angie said in a shaky voice and from her expression, I could tell that she was hurt by everything she¡¯s been told ¡± I¡¯m sorry baby¡­ Please forgive me, I wanted to fulfill my promise to you but I couldn¡¯t because your mother here wasn¡¯t willing toe down to Nigeria until during her work leave!¡± I expounded further but instead of giving a response, Angie ran towards the direction of her bedroom in tears. Oh! how I hate to see my daughter cry and to know that I¡¯m the main cause of the tears, hurts more. I heaved as I stood up from where I bent, I looked at Sophie squarely on the face to see her smirking. What an insensitive mother she is! ¡± Now Angie knows the truth today¡­ are you happy now?¡± I asked and she shrugged ¡± Well you caused this.. now you and this b! tch of yours can sort yourselves out, but please Ton get her out of my house afterwards¡­ I no longer need her so her work is officially done here!¡± Sophie said and walked out on us into the bedroom we share together. I turned to look at Tessy only to see her crying whilst Chioma was by her side soothing her. I guess she isn¡¯t angry with her mother knowing Tessy epted the job offer partly for money sake, so as to continue taking care of her and grandmother. ¡± I¡¯m sorry mummy¡­ Please lets leave here already!¡± Chioma said pulling at Tessy¡¯s fingernails ¡± You¡¯re right baby.. lets go please!¡± Tessy replied and was about walking out with Chioma when I stopped her with my words ¡± Tessy please we need to talk.. you can¡¯t leave like this!¡± I said touching her shoulders but she pushed my hands off ¡± Ton I don¡¯t know if we will ever work out, you clearly still have feelings for your wife that¡¯s why you couldn¡¯t defend me from all her hurtful words¡­. you watched her order me to leave without saying anything and now you want me to stay?¡± Tessy asked not looking at me but I knew that she is fuming in anger ¡± Please Tessy give me a week like I asked you to.. I promise I will sort this out ande for us.. don¡¯t give up on us now!¡± I pleaded almost in tears Tessy heaved as she walked up to me to touch my cheeks before telling me in low tunes ¡± Ton it¡¯s okay I understand.. for now I¡¯m so worried about Angie! she must be so hurt by all that has happened.. Please go meet her, my belongings are still here and I intending to pack them tomorrow, so possibly when Ie I will apologise to Angie for the deceit I had equally participated in!¡± Tessy said and kissed me lightly on the lips after which she walked out with Chioma. After Tessy left, I came to Angie¡¯s bedroom door and knocked lightly before opening the door to get in. I met Angie sitted on the floor of her bedroom crying with a stifle voice, whilst cing her head on her knees. ¡± Angie! Angie! Can we talk please?¡± I asked pleadingly as I stood in front of her ¡± Leave me alone daddy!¡± Angie shouted but I was unmoved ¡± Angie please talk to daddy! I feel hurt seeing you this way¡­ I¡¯m sorry for all I did but believe me when I say I did all I did for your happiness and not to hurt you¡± I exined and slowly sat down beside Angie as I ced my hands on her young shoulders. ¡± It still hurts daddy because I loved mumm.., sorry I mean aunty Tessy so much and I believed she loved me too¡­ or was all those affection she showed me fake too?¡± Angie openly expressed herself in a way I have never heard before. ¡± No Angie.. Tessy loved you so much beyond the job she was initially hired for¡­ Infact you were the main reason she split her pay money into three parts and took just one part¡± I exined and watched as Angie slowly lifted up her head from her knees ¡± She did that for me?¡± Angie asked me and I confirmed with a slow nod ¡± Yes she did Angie! that¡¯s why I¡¯m here on behalf of Sophie, Tessy and even myself, we are so sorry for deceiving you.. please forgive us Angie¡­¡± I apologized but I got no response from Angie which worried me even more ¡°¡­ please Angie say something to daddy..N?velDrama.Org ? content. I feel hurt each time you ignore me this way!¡± I said but Angie still remained silent staring into space ¡°¡­ you don¡¯t want to talk now? do you want to be left alone for now?¡± I asked and when I still got no response from her, I took that as a ¡®yes¡¯ to my question. I heaved as I stood up to walk out but Angie held my hand which stopped my movement ¡± I¡¯m no more angry with you daddy! I understand you did everything you did so as to fulfill my wish and make me happy.. so I forgive you and everyone else!¡± ¡± For real? Wow! Thank you Angie¡­ I¡¯m sure Tessy and Sophie will be so happy!¡± I eximed in joy as I sat down again and hugged my daughter ¡± About them.. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to face any of them for now especially the woman who had introduced herself as my real mother¡­ As always she had choosen her work in the states over me!¡± Angie murmured almost in tears Chapter 28 ¡± Angie you are too young to be bearing grudges¡­ you know I taught you that when we forgive someone, we should forgive him/her wholeheartedly, remember?¡± I asked staring at Angie and she nodded in affirmation ¡± I remember daddy! I¡¯m sorry for what I said earlier¡± Angie answered staring back at me ¡± It¡¯s okay Angie¡­ you should get some rest now, okay?¡± I said and Angie slowly nodded as she stood up ¡± Yes daddy.. thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for my happiness¡­ I love you daddy and nothing will ever change about that!¡± Angie confessed as she climbed her bed andid down with her back on the bed. ¡± Daddy loves you too Angie.. what will you love to take for breakfast tomorrow morning?¡± ¡± Spaghetti with chicken.. I love the way mummy, sorry I mean aunty Tessy cooks it!¡± Angie said and I saw the struggle in her eyes. I knew she was still finding it hard to ept the fact that Tessy is not her real mother but an hired one. ¡± It¡¯s okay Angie¡­ I am not against you calling Tessy mummy neither does she have a problem with it.. also I know this is hard and I¡¯m sorry for putting you through all this!¡± I said feeling sorrowful ¡± It¡¯s okay daddy.. I understand everything, you don¡¯t need to worry about me, I¡¯ll be fine!¡± Angie assured but I was still worried about my daughter, she is too young for this kind of emotional stress ¡± Are you sure Angie?¡± ¡± Yes daddy.. I¡¯m very sure¡± ¡± Can I ask a request from you?¡± I asked Angie and when she gave a nod, I continued ¡°¡­ please give Sophie your real mother a chance to get to know you as a daughter¡­ I believe she loves you so much although she has her shorings¡­ please Angie do this for me¡± I said and when I got no response from Angie, I decided to give her time to recover from all this present happenings. ¡± It¡¯s okay Angie, I will give you time to think this through, for now take a nap¡­ I¡¯ll be back to check on youter okay¡­ keep in mind that Daddy loves you always okay!¡± I said kissing Angie on the forehead before walking out of her bedroom. My next location was my bedroom. Sophie and I needs to talk about what she exposed Angie and Chioma to earlier. I opened the door and stepped in only to see Sophie sitting sexily on my bed, she was putting on her short revealing purple nightwear which I used to love so much in the past, with no bra or panties to hide her privates. She stood up and began catwalking seductively towards me, while uttering in hushed sexy tones ¡± do you remember this Tony?¡± Sophie asked me referring to the nightwear she wore while I simply gave a nod still holding the door handle ¡°¡­ you bought this for me on one of your short travel trips.. and if you still remember, I was so ted that we had made love all through the night, so much that the room felt how much we loved and valued each other!¡± Sophie said romantically as she finally reached where I stood quietly beside the bedroom door ¡± I do remember all those memories Sophie¡­ there¡¯s no point reminding me of them!¡± I answered as I slowly closed the door and fully came into the bedroom. ¡± So what changed Tony.. why did you share my lips with another woman?¡± Sophie asked slowly using her hands to caress my lips ¡± A lot changed Sophie¡­ A lot!¡± I said slowly moving away from Sophie, I don¡¯t want to risk falling into temptation considering how scantily dressed she was,bined with the way she was caressing my lips and chest. ¡± True, a lot indeed changed¡­ you changed from the upright Tony I used to know into a cheat, who was kissing his slut in my matrimonial home!¡± Sophie shouted but I ignored her vulgar utterances ¡± Tessy is not a slut Sophie!.. and what I meant by a lot changed isn¡¯t what you said, what it meant is that my feelings for you changed!.. Tessy is now whom I love ¡± I said calmly ¡± I will pretend like I didn¡¯t hear thest line.. I just want to keep believing that Tessy woman seduced you into sleeping with her behind my back, because the Tony whom I know would never think of looking at another woman aside his wife, which is me Sophie!¡± Sophie replied clearly fuming in anger ¡± Sophie I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s why you were always taking advantage of my love for you because you knew me so well¡­ did you ever consider how I was coping those cold nights I was so horny and neededfort?.. did my emotional needs and that of Angie ever matter to you at all?¡± I gave an honest response already tired of keeping it all inCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡°.. Sophie your work and selfish desires always came first before your family¡­ Angie and I cried, begged and talked to you severally on some of your self-centered decisions but you were always insensitive as you still are¡± I shouted staring at her without blinking whilst Sophie was standing quietly, unable to say a word but when she finally did I was shocked at her response ¡± I¡¯m I the first woman to go to the states to work leaving her husband and daughter here?.. others do that all the time but in my case, my husband decided to cheat on me by sleeping with his hired wife!¡± ¡± I¡¯m not surprised you are saying this, you¡¯re always seeing faults in everyone else aside yourself.. anyways you are wrong about Tessy and I, we¡¯ve never been intimate with each other no matter how much we wanted to¡­ I still respect myself, Tessy¡¯s body and my wedding vows to you!¡± ¡± Really? thank you so much Tony for not breaking our wedding vows by sleeping with that whore¡­ I love you so much, that¡¯s why I will forgive you for kissing another woman aside me, but don¡¯t do so again¡± Sophie eximed happily and I chuckled at how funny everything seems ¡± I don¡¯t need your forgiveness or love anymore Sophie.. I love Tessy now and for Angie¡¯s sake, I¡¯ll take our separation process slowly so you will get to know Angie as a mother should.. I¡¯m sorry we had to end this way though¡± I said walking to the bed to pick a pillow so I will go over to the visitors room for the night, as I knew sleeping with Sophie in my bedroom is not an option. Chapter 29 ¡± Tony you¡¯re not serious right? and were are you going to?¡± ¡± I¡¯m not joking Sophie.. I no longer love you and as for where I¡¯m going to, it¡¯s the visitors room.. that¡¯s where I will be sleeping in for now!¡± I said as I walked out of the bedroom and closed the door. *** The next morning, I woke up and while dressing for work in the visitors room, Angie walked in all dressed for school. ¡± Good morning daddy! thanks for the spag.. it was nice just the same mummy Tessy prepares it¡± Angie said and I was wowed! ¡± I¡¯m d my baby enjoyed it.. I had to call Tessy to ask for her cooking recipe since you said yesterday that you love the way she makes her than mine¡± I said making a puppy face and Angie keptughing at my childish behavior ¡± You¡¯re acting like a baby daddy¡­ Don¡¯t tell me you are now jealous of mummy Tessy?¡± Angie said and I was so happy knowing that my daughter is better than she was yesterdayProperty ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Of course not Angie¡­ I¡¯m rather happy, you are feeling betterpared to yesterday!¡± ¡± I told you already that I¡¯ll be fine daddy.. so tell me daddy why did you sleep in the visitors room? Is you and mummy Sophie fighting?¡± ¡± I see you¡¯ve now crafted out a name for your two moms? Mummy Tessy and mummy Sophie.. it¡¯s nice Angie¡± Imented smiling, I am trying to avoid the question she asked earlier because I don¡¯t want to trouble her young mind more than I¡¯ve already done so far. ¡± Daddy I know you are intentionally trying to avoid my question.. it¡¯s okay I will let you be since I believe it is the usual adults matters¡± Angie replied and I nodded with a smiling face that indicates appreciation. ¡± Yes Angie.. you are right, it is adults matters and we will sort it okay!¡± I assured Angie who nodded in understanding ¡± Okay daddy¡­ I have to go to school now, it¡¯s almost 7:30, I believe my school bus should be here anytime soon.. bye daddy, see you at noon!¡± Angie said as she walked out of the door waving at me ¡± Goodbye Angie.. take care of you and please stay out of trouble.. love you!¡± I said waving back and chuckled when I saw her popping her head through the bedroom door to say ¡± I love you too daddy¡­ have a nice day at work and don¡¯t miss me too much.. bye¡± After she left, I heaved as I thought of everything that has happened in my life so far. I wondered how Angie will cope with the news of my separation with Sophie because I knew that a real mother will always remain dear to a child no matter what happens. I sighed as I picked up my briefcase to walk out when a phone call came on my phone. The phone screen showed that it¡¯s Tessy calling. I smiled as I picked up the call as I was also nning to call her when I get to the office but unfortunately for me, her call came in first before I could call. ¡± Good morning Tess.. I see you are missing me already!¡± I teased sitting on the bed ¡± Good morning Ton.. yes I missed you and also needed someone to talk to right now, that¡¯s why I called¡± Tessy said and I noticed that her voice was a bit unsound ¡± Are you okay Tess? you don¡¯t sound too good?¡± I asked and when she kept quiet, I knew that definitely something was wrong with her ¡± I¡¯m not fine Ton.. it¡¯s Ben, he is back for Chiom!¡± ¡± Which Ben? do you mean Chiom¡¯s father? ¡± Yes Chiom¡¯s father who abandoned us for five years now.. he is back from the states for Chiom and I!¡± Tessy said and I was silent unable to utter a word. ¡± Ton are you still there?¡± Tessy asked when she was no more hearing a word from me. ¡± Yes Tess.. I¡¯m still here, just sort of speechless over what you¡¯ve said¡­ what exactly did he say he needed and why is he back now? I¡¯m confused, please make me understand Tess¡± ¡± I don¡¯t know Ton¡­ he gave me some baseless exnations and ording to him, he came back to Nigeria yesterday noon and came to see us this early morning after he got our house address from his investigator¡­ Ton can you imagine the effrontery?!¡± Tessymented over the phone as she went further Chapter 30 to tell me everything that transpired between her and Ben that early morning. ¡± Wow!¡± was the only word I could utter as Tessy exined everything to me without mincing words. ¡± I¡¯m still boiling in anger Ton and needed someone to talk to¡­ I mean how dare him! does he think close to six years is six days?¡­ I¡¯m so pained Ton, Just seeing him today brought back memories of how he had denied and abandoned me with a foetus in my womb!¡± Tessy eximed and bursted into tears over the phone ¡± calm down Tess.. I understand how you feel because I am experiencing something simr over here with Sophie¡­ I was about going to work but I think I will skip for today since my woman obviously needs myfort and attention¡± I said slowly dropping my suitcase on the cupboard ¡± No Ton! Please don¡¯t skip work because of me.. don¡¯t worry about me, I will be fine at least until you¡¯re back from work.. I didn¡¯t know you were going to work, if I did I wouldn¡¯t have bothered you with my personal issues¡± Tessy countered over the phone and I shook my head as though she could see me ¡± I disagree with you Tess.. you have every right to bother me with your issues, seems like you are forgetting that you¡¯re my woman and as your man I deserve to know when my woman is going through hard times so I canfort her¡­ As for skipping work, to me familyes first before work Tess¡± I expounded while taking off my work clothes to put on something simple andfy ¡± Are you sure I am not bothering you with my personal affairs too soon?¡­ I mean we are barely a month old, I won¡¯t want you to see it as a red g¡± Tessy exined with a low emotional voice ¡± Not at all Tess, I am instead happy that you trust me enough to share your personal issues with me and from now henceforth your personal problems is my problems too.. so now tell me, where are you presently?¡± I asked picking up my car keys from where I usually keep it ¡± I¡¯m at the bakery for my part-time job but I took a sick break so I will be going home anytime soon! why did you ask?¡± Tessy inquired ¡± I¡¯ming over there Tess and I¡¯m d you took the break because you really do need it¡­ you can get your stuffs ready, I should be there in the next 30 minutes to pick you up so we can go somewhere rxing which I believe will make you feel better.. please don¡¯t keep me waiting outside for long ¡± I concluded and ended the call before she could protest. I opened the door to step out but I halted when I saw Sophie standing there, staring at me with angry eyes It¡¯s obvious that she has been eavesdropping on my phone conversation with Tessy but then I care less about that ¡± So you are really doing this to me Ton?.. tell me what she has that I Sophie doesn¡¯t have?¡± Sophie asked with hands akimbo and I answered her without batting an eye ¡± Empathy Sophie! the heart to love andpromise wholeheartedly for those she loves.. do you have that? ¡± I asked sarcastically and Sophie was silent, out of shame I guess ¡°.. do me a favor Sophie.. instead of stalking me around the house, use this same energy to get to know our daughter and let her enjoy the motherly love you deprived her of.. please ma¡¯am¡± I told her sarcastically ¡± What¡¯s that supposed to mean Ton? have I not been showing our daughter motherly love all this years?¡± Sophie fired back defiantly ¡± Really? Okay let me ask you¡­ as a mother since yesterday noon that you came back to Nigeria¡­ you¡¯ve been in this house for more than 10 hours but have you bothered to check up on Angie to see how she¡¯s faring after yesterday¡¯s drama? the answer is no you haven¡¯t but here you are eavesdropping on me.. is that the right way a mother should behave?!¡± I asked ignoring her angry face. I awaited a response from her and when she didn¡¯t say anything more, I walked out on her on my way to pick Tessy up. ************* I arrived at her bakery and thankfully Tessy was already outside waiting for me. As usual, she was looking beautiful and breathtaking. She was dressed in a purple jumpsuit full of flowery designs with a pair of purple sandals to match her outfit. I packed close to where she stood and signaled her to hop in and after she sat beside me on the passenger seat, I zoomed off I have ns of spoiling her with outings today and I believe that by the time I am done, she will be out of her foul mood We had a conversation while in the car and it was Tessy who spoke first ¡± I¡¯m sorry for bringing you out here, when you are suppose to be at work now!.. believe me when I say it isn¡¯t intentional¡± Tessy said whilst fidgeting with her fingers ¡± It¡¯s okay.. we¡¯ve never really had an alone time so maybe this is an opportunity for us to do so.. or don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡± Yes you¡¯re right.. eitherways thank you so much for this immediate attention andfort.. it¡¯s something to be appreciated.. thank you Ton!¡± ¡± you¡¯re always wee your majesty.. always bear in mind that I¡¯m always at your service!¡± I said jokingly which made Tessyughed aloud ¡± You¡¯re funny Ton.. you¡¯ve finally seeded in making meugh.. you are a darling Ton, thank you¡± ¡± I¡¯ve told you already that you don¡¯t need to thank me¡­ I am doing this because I love you¡± I said touching her hands while using my left hand to control the steering wheelCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. Chapter 31 ¡± I love you too.. I earlier forgot to ask about Angie, how is my daughter emotionally doing now?¡± Tessy queried and from the look in her eyes I knew that she was truly worried about Angie¡¯s emotional well-being after all that transpired yesterday ¡± Angie is okay, although she appears strong and tells me everything is okay but I know better that she is still hurting over what we did and Sophie as a mother isn¡¯t helping matters either.. how about Chiom, how is she coping with Ben¡¯s return and all?¡± I equally asked as I drove into a restaurant garage, packed my car and came out to open the other side of the door for Tessy I opened the door and Tessy came out before replying my earlier question ¡± Chiom pratically went to school with puppy eyes today¡­ My daughter is pained that her father has been alive all this while but never bothered to look for her until today¡­ Well I still had to drop her off at school after making a promise to exin everything to her when she returns home¡± Tessy replied heaving heavily Together we walked into the restaurant hands in hands, and sat down opposite each other at a table that had just two seats ¡± Our children will be fine.. I believe so, we just need to be there for them no matter the circumstance¡± I said as I beckoned on a waiter to take our orders, and when he left Tessy said looking at me with tears in her eyes ¡± I know and I pray so too.. Ton I love both Angie and Chiom and seeing them hurting is too hard to bear as a mother.. also I was nning toe see Angie in the evening but I¡¯m scared that she might not want to see me after everything we did!¡± Tessy uttered trying to control her tears and I held her hands infort ¡± Angie doesn¡¯t bear grudges.. moreover I talked to her yesterday and apologized on our behalf and trust me when I say that my daughter is no more angry with us¡­ She is still hurt no doubt, but that won¡¯t stop her from seeing you Tess¡± I assured her and she looked up at me smiling ¡± Are you sure about what you are telling me now?¡± ¡± Yes Tess I am very sure.. I know she misses you although she doesn¡¯t say it out.. do push through with your ns ofing to see her, I¡¯m sure she will be so happy to see you!¡± ¡± I¡¯ve missed my Angel so much too¡­ I wille see her this evening with Chiom unfailingly. Thank you so much Ton, I¡¯m happy I met you in my life¡± Tessy said looking down and fidgeting with her fingernails What a shy angel I have as a girlfriend! ¡± Me too Tess.. but I do have a question though¡± I said smirking ¡± What¡¯s that?¡± Tessy asked curiously looking up at me ¡± Well.. my question is this; who could believe that the questionnaire Tessy will be this shy in front of her man and why is it so?¡± I rhetorically joked to Tessy who bursted outughing the moment she heard myic question ¡± Stop it Ton.. that¡¯s not true, I¡¯m not shy in front of you!¡± Tessy answered but we both knew she was lying ¡± it¡¯s very true Tess.. you are usually shy in some instances Tess!¡± I affirmed smiling widely ¡± I¡¯m not Ton!¡± Tessy denied unable to meet my eyes ¡± Should I prove it to you?¡± I said looking at her lips, and Tessy yfully hit me on the shoulders already knowing what I have in my mind to do. ¡± Naughty boy, we are in a public ce please.. okay fine, I admit that there are times I feel shy in front of a guy but that¡¯s if only I have feelings for him, and I have feelings for you!¡± Tessy admitted blushing and I stared at her lovingly caressing her cheeks ¡± We¡¯ve moved pass the feelings stage.. we are now in the love and rtionship path!¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Yes I know.. but I still can¡¯t help feeling shy sometimes!¡± ¡± I understand.. and you know what? I love your shy side the most!.. It makes it easier to tease and kiss you¡± I said smirking and Tessy keptughing Shortly afterwards, the waiter brought our orders and we ate, cracked jokes and had fun all through our meal time. After the restaurant, we visited the spa, sightseeing centers, a female boutique and two different french restaurant. At about past 3pm, we were done at the final ce we went to which was a love garden, I drove Tessy to her ce and while in the car we spoke; ¡± Thank you Ton for making meugh and enjoy myself so much today¡­ I honestly appreciate everything!¡± Tessy said holding my hands that is on the steering wheel ¡± I know you do.. and thank you too foring into my life Tess!¡± I answered smiling at her but I noticed her countenance changed into a sad one ¡± Are you okay Tess? you know you can talk to me about anything right? I am always ready to listen!¡± I assured nodding at her to tell me what was on her mind Tessy heaved before saying what has been on her mind ¡± I won¡¯t lie Ton that I didn¡¯t know how to react after seeing Ben today.. at some point I was so angry and sent him away but then I know that Chiom needs to get to know her father irrespective of our differences in the past!¡± Tessy said to me ¡± That¡¯s true.. so what do you intend to do about Ben now?, do you n going back to him maybe to sort things out, at least for Chiom¡¯s sake?¡± I asked shrugging although I was actually scared of what her answer would be Chapter 32 ¡± No! God forbid me to do so.. what if I was married with kids, would I possibly leave my husband and kids to go back to an ex?¡­ I love Chiom so much and would dly do anything for her happiness but that¡¯s out of it.. I will just give him a chance to get to know his daughter, that¡¯s all¡± Tessy said and I nodded in understanding ¡± That¡¯s the same thing I told Sophie this morning¡­ I want to be with you and no one else!¡± I said and Tessy looked at me ¡± Me too Ton.. and looking at you now makes me feel like kissing you!¡± Tessy said while I touched her lips and nodded ¡± Then do it Tess!¡± I gave the response and we kissed right there in the car, until someone gently knocked on the car window putting an abrupt end to our pleasurable moment. We abruptly stopped the kiss and rposed ourselves before Tessy winded down the ss window, since the knock actually came from her end.N?velDrama.Org ? content. The ss window winded down to reveal a young man, dark inplexion and considerately good looking. Normally I wanted to ask him who he is and his reason for knocking at my window, but the look of familiarity on Tessy¡¯s face gave me a glue of who the young man might be. My mental assumption was right, it¡¯s Ben who is Tessy¡¯s ex-boyfriend and daughter¡¯s father. He stood outside the car, staring at us who is inside the car with a look of contempt. Tessy stepped out afterwards to confront him and I followed suit although I stayed behind her, not wanting to intrude or get involved in their discussion. ¡± Ben, what are you doing here?¡± Tessy asked as she stood in front of Ben, awaiting an answer from him ¡± I came to see you and my daughter, but I see that you are very busy with someone¡± Ben said emphasizing on the word ¡®busy¡¯ as he briefly turned to look at me in disdain, before returning his gaze to Tessy ¡± Yes I have been so busy.. as for Chiom, since you¡¯ve forgotten, let me remind you that it is still school hours here in Nigeria, so she isn¡¯t home but in school!¡± Tessy said and turned to me ¡°¡­ Ton please lets go in, I need to change to something simple so we can go pick my Chiom up at her school and then move over to your ce so I can see my Angel¡­ since it¡¯s almost evening I figured there¡¯s no need waiting again!¡± Tessy said lovingly to me whilst walking pass Ben to her apartment. I nodded in understanding but as I attempted to follow her, Ben swiftly stood in front of me automatically obstructing any further movement from me ¡± So it¡¯s you who is confusing the mother of my daughter with this handsome face of yours huh?¡­ well get this straight! Tessy and Chioma are mine and can¡¯t be taken away so back off now that it is still early!¡± Ben resonated staring at me, and I scoffed at his arrogance added with his low sense of entitlement over someone. ¡± Ben or whatever your name is, Tessy is not a property to be taken away without choice¡­ She is my woman by choice so you¡¯re the one ought to back off!.. Moreso you left her first, so what¡¯s the fuss about?¡± I asked staring back at him ¡± The fuss here is simple; I need my family back together, that family includes my daughter Chioma and her mother Tessy.. do you understand that now?¡± Ben asked me but I smiled before replying in low tunes ¡± Well I¡¯m so sorry to disappoint you Mr Ben.. your family is taken already, Tessy is my girlfriend and Chiom is more of a daughter to me so if you are that pained by it, then you can go back to the states where you came from and let them be¡± I said and wanted walking out on him but his next words stopped me, it was at that exact moment Tessy came back to join us too ¡± Your girlfriend you say? did your girlfriend tell you that I¡¯m her first boyfriend and the one who had deflowered her?¡± Ben asked sarcastically and I smiled mockingly at the child game he is ying at ¡± Sure she did and so?.. me as a man I was once a virgin, had a first girlfriend and got deflowered by someone too, so what¡¯s there to be loud about?¡± I answered and watched as Tessy smiled at the reply I gave Ben ¡± Ben stop all this stunts of yours.. it doesn¡¯t work on me anymore, I¡¯m no more that Tessy of seven years ago you were used to manipting so stop it!¡± Tessy saiding in between us to face Ben squarely ¡± Tessy I still love you and I want you back my love.. I¡¯m back for us so lets leave the past in the past please!¡± ¡± In the past you say? did I beg you toe back.. Ben it¡¯s been six years, what if I was married with kids by now?.. Stop this! I¡¯m warning you for thest time to stop harassing my boyfriend, it¡¯s him I love not you!¡± Tessy replied holding my hands tightly I watched as Ben smirked before looking at me and then back at Tessy, before saying sarcastically ¡± It¡¯s him you love yet you kissed me so passionately this morning and even told me how you missed me fucking you¡­ did you tell your boyfriend all that happened between us this morning?¡± Immediately Ben said that, I turned to look at Tessy for exnations but she pleaded with her eyes for me to calm down, and then turned to look at Ben ¡± shut up Ben! you are lying and we both know it, you had forcefully Chapter 33 kissed me and I didn¡¯t even reciprocate that kiss¡­ and for the second part, when exactly did I say I missed you fucking me? I never said anything like that, so quit the forged words!¡± Tessy thundered in defense and I stood quietly watching the word exchange in front of me, too hurt to say a word to either Ben or Tessy. ¡± Just admit it Tessy¡­ you still love and want me back, but this man over here is confusing you.. yes I had kissed you first but we both loved it and that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t push me off until some secondster, tell him Tessy¡± Ben said and Tessy began crying as she kept shaking her head in the opposite direction ¡± Stop this Ben! it¡¯s not true that I love you or want you back¡­ Ton please don¡¯t believe him please!¡± Tessy pleaded looking at me and still holding me tightly by the handN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. I was hurt by everything I was hearing but seeing Tessy¡¯s emotional state, I knew that showing my hurt in front of Ben would only make him believe that he won against us. So I made a quick mental decision to defend my woman regardless of what I heard then in private we can sort out ourselves, because of a truth Tessy owes me a whole lot of exnations on why she hid the kiss part from what she told me transpired between them this morning. As I decided this mentally, Iughed out surprising both Ben and Tessy who looked expectantly at me ¡± Mr Ben, is that all you¡¯ve got against my girlfriend? a few seconds kiss?¡­ well you¡¯re right, she never told me all that and you know why?¡± I asked rhetorically and Ben looked at me without giving a reply but I continued nevertheless ¡°¡­ it¡¯s because I clearly told her that she has the liberty to exempt telling me things about you that she doesn¡¯t consider relevant or important.. So if she didn¡¯t mention that part of your meeting to me, then you can already guess that it means your forced kiss is an irrelevant and forgotten matter to her.. am I right baby?!¡± I said smilingly looking at Tessy who nodded smiling too ¡± Yes Ton, you¡¯re right¡­ you¡¯re my boyfriend whom I love so much¡­ you know I love you and it¡¯s only kisses and touches from you alone that are important and memorable to me!¡± Tessy said emotionally and I smiled touching her cheeks ¡± I know baby, you don¡¯t need to exin further.. Mr Ben I believe you¡¯ve heard from the horse¡¯s mouth clear and sound? so back off now and leave my girlfriend alone¡­ Tess, let¡¯s go in and leave this moron standing here!¡± I concluded and dragged Tessy by the hand out from the ce we stood with Ben. We walked the short distance in silence until we got into Tessy¡¯s apartment and I locked the door firmly. Tessy spoke first the moment we sat down on the stic chairs in her sitting room ¡± I¡¯m sorry Ton.. I know I was wrong to hide that part from you, but believe me it wasn¡¯t on purpose.. he lied, God knows I never reciprocated or enjoyed the kiss nor did I say all what he used me of! I can swear¡± ¡± Tess ording to you, you never reciprocated or enjoyed the fact that you and Ben¡¯s lips met forcefully¡­ yet you kept it away from me and I had to hear it from the other party¡¯s mouth? do you know how embarrassed I felt, huh Tess?¡± I vented boiling in anger and Tessy flinched as she has never seen me this angry before now ¡± I¡¯m truly very sorry Ton.. trust me I wanted telling you but I was scared you might get it misinterpreted like you¡¯re doing now¡­ also I couldn¡¯t forgive myself as I felt like I was at fault too for standing close to Ben and not being alert at his antics¡­ please Ton I¡¯m sorry, I will do anything to make it up to you so please don¡¯t be angry with me anymore¡± Tessy pleaded softly almost close to tears and I slowly softened Looking at Tessy, I asked a question I have never thought I was going to ask until after what happened earlier ¡± Be honest with me Tess.. do you want sex involved in our rtionship? am I starving you by opting for abstinence until marriage without your consent? If yes is your answer, then I don¡¯t mind us having sex here and now, that way you won¡¯t go looking for such outside when I still have my erection intact¡± I said shrugging and Tessy countenance changed immediately to that of anger ¡± stop it Ton! I am not a whore who can¡¯t control her sexual urge, hence will start going outside for sex with my ex Ben when I¡¯m in a rtionship with you!¡­ do you even realize how long I have stayed without sex? close to three years now yet I am still alive and happy¡­ you know why? because my family is essential to me than all that..¡± ¡± ¡­ so why can¡¯t I stay without sex until after marriage and no! you were wrong about me not consenting to the abstinence you suggested¡­ we both know I did consent to it and honestly I was very d you decided to respect me and my body, so what are you saying now Ton?¡± Tessy concluded and I began regretting everything I said to her, she¡¯s right we both consented to the abstinence. ¡± Tess, I love you.. I¡¯m sorry I went too far with my words but please lets stop with the secrets, I tell you everything that happens between me and Sophie at home so you won¡¯t feel insecure¡­ but you should know that you make me feel insecure when you keep essential things from me Tess¡± I exined and she nodded in understanding Chapter 34 ¡± I know Ton and I promise it will never happen again.. Ben will nevere between us, he is my past and that¡¯s where he will always remain¡­ you are my future and Ton I love you!¡± Tessy confessed truly and that¡¯s how we reconciled because we can¡¯t stay angry with each other for too long. ¡± I love you more and more and more and more Tess¡± I answered smiling and Tessyughed before replying too ¡± No, I love you morer and morer and morer and morer and morer.. that¡¯s if the English is even correct in the dictionary¡± Tessy saidughing and I equallyughed kissing her forehead ¡± Lets start going to Chiom¡¯s school so we can pick her up and head home.. Angie would be back home by now and will be hungry so I need to be home to prepare dinner okay¡± I said standing up and Tessy stood up too ¡±mon Ton.. you don¡¯t believe I will be at home with you and still allow you to prepare dinner for the kids, do you?¡± Tessy answered smirking and I smiled in response ¡± I trust you Tessy.. lest I forget, Angie confessed that she missed your cooking and I do miss it as well.. that¡¯s why I had to call you on phone this morning to ask you for some of your recipes and preparation techniques!¡± I said and Tessy was wowed ¡± Really? she said that?.. well, I suspected when you called for my recipes but then I didn¡¯t want to ask until you tell me yourself.. and you finally did!¡± Tessy saidughing as we walked hand in hand to where my car is packed. We both got into the car and put on our personal seat belts. ¡± Naughty girl.. hope you know you are sleeping over at my ce tonight?¡± I asked smiling as I prepared to drive out ¡± Really? you would have told me earlier nah so I will pack Chiom¡¯s night clothes since some of my stuffs are at your ce already.. anyways let me go back to the house and do so, wait for me!¡± Tessy said and attempted to leave the car but I stopped her with my hands ¡± Don¡¯t worry about that Tess.. I intentionally kept quiet so you won¡¯t pick anything because I wanted us to go shopping for the kids and even ourselves too.. bills on me so sit well, lets go Tess!¡± I said and Tessyughed shaking her headN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± This crazy boyfriend of mine is always full of pleasant surprises.. I see you learnt from the best which is me!¡± Tessy joked as she sat well in the car and I kept onughing at her jokes as I drove off. After shopping with Tessy for the kids, we went over to the food mall to get foodstuffs for vegetable soup preparation. Shortly afterwards, we arrived at Chiom¡¯s school to pick her up and from there we drove home. As soon as we arrived home, I went straight to the visitors room where I am presently staying for the meantime, Tessy went to the kitchen to drop the foodstuffs we brought while Chioma went to meet Angie in her bedroom to share with her the goodies we shopped for them. In the bedroom, I took an evening bath and changed into something simple so that I can go and help Tessy out in the kitchen. As I approached the kitchen I began hearing loud female voices, it¡¯s more like people were quarrelling in there. Straining my ears, I recognized the voices to be that of Sophie and Tessy, curiosity got me wondering what is happening between them. ¡± Bitch! it¡¯s not a enough that you¡¯re gradually taking over my husband and daughter.. now it¡¯s my kitchen you¡¯re nning to take over¡­ Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself husband snatcher? !¡± was the first thing I heard the moment I opened the door and came in ¡± Sophie I¡¯m warning you for thest time to stop calling me names¡­ God knows that I have not taken or snatched anything from anyone without the person¡¯s mutual consent¡­ so please let me be now that I don¡¯t want trouble, just allow me do my cooking and I will leave you to shallow your kitchen if that¡¯s your problem!¡± Tessy retorted and continued with the vegetables she was washing in the sink, while Sophie stood behind her with a serious face and hands akimbo It¡¯s funny how I end up meeting women that are fire and a bit of trouble mixed together; the Sophie I know won¡¯t back down from a fight or a word exchange so easily and the Tessy I know is not one to back down so easily either, so I guess that as a peace loving person I¡¯m hooked. Now I understand why researchers said that opposite attracts, because that¡¯s the case with mine. At first, I wanted to intervene but after seeing the way there were both ready to reciprocate each other¡¯s spiteful words, I was amused at the disy and decided to wait behind to see where this exchange will end. ¡± If I were you I would have some shame youngdy!.. your mates are happily married in their husbands houses with kids but here you are in my husband¡¯s house with your baggage of a daughter and worst still trying to snatch the man who hired you¡­ Are you that miserable Tessy?¡± Sophie echoed behind Tessy and I saw Tessy face slowly be gloomy, it¡¯s obvious that the words Sophie just said had hit her directly and got her hurt. She left what she was washing and turned behind her to face Sophie who smiled victoriously ¡± Sophie I can take any insult from you but not when it concerns my daughter¡­ yes I admit and I have never denied the fact that I am a single mother.. but then so what?¡± Chapter 35 ¡°.. also for your information I don¡¯t consider my daughter a baggage, she is my treasure¡­ so I am stating this clear to you, leave my daughter out of whatever you have against me! I won¡¯t warn you again¡± Tessy warned looking at Sophie whoughed hysterically ¡± Isn¡¯t it the same antics of snatching people¡¯s spouses through that overused thing you have in between your legs, the same you used in birthing a bastard?¡­ Can you tell me Tessy, whose husband is her father?¡± Sophie asked sarcastically and I could tell that she is trying so hard to get to Tessy who is visibly angry ¡± My daughter is not a bastard, she has a father whom she knows and who knows her too.. and do you care so much about my daughter that you want to know her paternity?¡­ Well thank you but she doesn¡¯t need your care! instead transfer it to Angie, she needs it more from a woman who is her mother but doesn¡¯t talk or act like one!¡± Tessy said and it was now Sophie¡¯s turn to look sullenN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± How dare you try to lecture me on what to do and not do as a mother¡­ and wait! did you insinuate that I am a bad mother just now?¡± Sophie asked frowning in a manner that showed that she wasn¡¯t pleased with what Tessy said to her ¡± Well I never said so.. probably it¡¯s your conscience eating you up because I don¡¯t understand how work will make a woman prefer another location to her husband and daughter over here..¡± Tessy said and paused to see Sophie¡¯s reaction before she continued undeterred ¡°.. are you sure it was truly just work? I¡¯m a woman too you know and can tell vividly how a woman¡¯s mind and emotions work¡­ for a woman it¡¯s family and the people she loves the most, that is usually everything to her! I wonder why yours is the exact opposite miss Sophie¡± Tessy concluded looking at Sophie who was visibly boiling in anger at Tessy¡¯s use of words ¡± I see Tony told you all about us.. and what exactly are you insinuating now? that there¡¯s more to the work I went to do in the states? Is that what my husband thinks too? Start talking you bitch!.. I will make sure Tony also hears of this usations of yours so he will exin better¡± Sophie said and Tessy realized that she went too far with her words but the words has been said already ¡± No! Tony never told me anything of sort¡­ I¡¯m sorry for all I said earlier, even though I knew those judgemental remarks were senseless, I still said all of them with the intent to get back at you for insulting my daughter¡­ I guess I went too far with my words but you had pushed me to do so, eitherways I¡¯m really sorry Sophie!¡± Tessy said sighing heavily in remorse ¡± Well what did I say about your daughter that were actually lies or insulting?¡­ isn¡¯t it true that she is a bastard child bore out of wedlock?¡± Sophie asked spitefully and I knew right there that if I don¡¯t put an end to this now, it will gradually deteriorate into something worst, like a physicalbat. ¡± That¡¯s enough Sophie.. you¡¯ve insulted my future step daughter enough already¡­ Like Tessy said Chiom is not a bastard child, she actually has a father who is back for her!¡± I said walking forward to where the women stood angrily facing each other ¡± So you are now defending her against me?.. what about me? or didn¡¯t you hear all that she used me of?¡± Sophie said now directing her gaze to me and I heaved staring at her ¡± Sophie I heard all that and yes I know Tessy did go too far with her words but I equally heard her apologise to you for her choice of words¡­ so I believe you should do same instead of trying to fuel the fire using Chiom as the subject matter¡± I said although I knew already that Sophie will not ept it ¡± Tony did I just hear you say that I should do same by apologising to this bitch?.. hell no! this Sophie here will do no such thing!.. you know what? to hell with you and your hired wife but let me make this clear to you both that I will go nowhere from this marriage!¡± Sophie concluded and walked out of the kitchen leaving Tessy and I standing there. I heaved and turned to Tessy who still looked remorseful ¡± you went too far with your words Tess, I know you said it out of anger but your assumptions were still too extreme and wrong¡­ I told you all that happened with Sophie and I don¡¯t remember telling you that Sophie was doing anything in the states aside work¡­ See Tess! I may no longer have feelings for Sophie but I still won¡¯t speak ill of her, Sophie has always been a virtuous woman who as a wife never cheated on me throughout our years of marriage till date, so please don¡¯t allow what you insinuated earlier repeat itself again¡± I said to Tessy who slowly nodded her head in understanding ¡± Yes Ton I understand and believe me I am still sorry for all I said to her¡­ she insulted Chiom and I couldn¡¯t take it so Ished out words I couldn¡¯t fathom where it came out from.. I¡¯m sorry, you can still apologise to her on my behalf!¡± Tessy said and I heaved before saying to her ¡± It¡¯s okay I will¡­ I¡¯m equally sorry for all she said about you and Chiom.. it was also too extreme and even though I heard all of them, I didn¡¯t think it was right to interfere between youdies words exchange¡± I said and Tessy nodded in understanding before returning to the vegetables she was washing in the sink. Chapter 36 ¡± Tess, hope you aren¡¯t upset with me for doing that?¡± I asked walking over to her at the sink area and I wrapped my hands around her waist as I awaited a reply from her ¡± No Ton I¡¯m not upset with you.. although I¡¯m already tired of everything but then I will give you a month to sort yourself out with Sophie like we agreed on¡± Tessy said and I kissed her neck, impressed at her understanding nature ¡± Thank you for always understanding me Tess, anyways I think it¡¯s enough for Sophie¡¯s issue.. tell me Tess, what do you need me to help you with for the soup preparation?¡± I asked releasing my hands from Tessy¡¯s waist as I looked around the kitchen in search of what to help her with ¡± I¡¯m done with everything I need for the soup, all that is remaining now is the cutting of the vegetables¡­ I don¡¯t know if you can do that while I start preparing the soup?¡± Tessy asked and I nodded taking a knife from a shelf ¡± Sure that¡¯s not a problem babe¡­ But you know something Tess?¡± I asked already cutting the vegetables bit by bitProperty ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± What¡¯s that?¡± Tessy inquired lighting the gas to begin the soup preparation ¡± I just realized that we haven¡¯t really drafted out a love name for ourselves or are we going to keep calling each other by our names all the time?.. I find it boring sometimes you know¡± I said to Tessy who nodded in affirmation ¡± that¡¯s true.. okay then I will be calling you lots of sweet names from now henceforth!.. names like: my love, hunnie, babe, baby, sweetheart, sweetie, and so on.. but above those names I think I will prefer calling you ¡®Ton¡¯ the most¡± Tessy said sarcastically and Iughed before responding ¡± No problem, I don¡¯t mind it so long as it ising from you Tess.. but I do have a special name for you though¡± ¡± Special name for me? which is?¡± Tessy asked curiously ¡± I will be calling you Crystal because even though you were hired as a wife, you had brought so much brightness into my life and that of Angie¡± I said to Tessy who blushed shyly ¡± Thank you Ton.. I love the name already!¡± Tessy excitedly shouted dancing with her waist moving in different directions Gosh! It¡¯s actually been a while I¡¯ve seen her dance and now she¡¯s doing so, I¡¯m enchanted with the way she is flexibly moving her waist even without music, she is indeed talented. And God knows that I can¡¯t wait to touch her flexible bare waist, as well as make love to her and watch her moan my name on our wedding night together. We had fun gisting in the kitchen and soon the soup was done and ready to be served. Some minutester, Tessy and I left the kitchen together after making sure everybody¡¯s meal is fixed at the dinning table. Tessy went to inform the kids that food is ready, that way she can get to see and directly apologise to Angie as well. While I went to my bedroom now upied by Sophie to inquire from her if she will love to join us in the dinning room for dinner, or if she will prefer to eat hers separately in her room like she usually do. The second reason I went there was to apologise to her on Tessy¡¯s behalf for those assumptions and words she was told in the kitchen earlier. I knocked and opened the door to find the bedroom empty, meanwhile I was hearing Sophie¡¯s hushed voice in the bathroom. I decided to quietly sit on the bed and wait for her toe out, because I thought that maybe she was taking a bath but when I still heard no water droplets for the minutes I spent in the room, my instincts told me that something was up. So I stood up quietly and tiptoed closer to the bathroom door to eavesdrop, so as to know what she is doing in there Now at the door, I observed that she is on a phone call with someone and I wondered who it was that is making Sophie speak in such hush tone in the bathroom. I pressed my ears tightly to the door to enable me hear what she was saying over the phone. ¡± Benny what exactly do you take me for?¡­ like after cheating on me with that dumbass, I am supposed to continue dating you?¡± Sophie asked lowly over the phone getting me confused over what she means by what she¡¯s saying ¡± Do you know what hurts me the most Benny? the fact that it wasn¡¯t even a woman like me but rather it was a goddamn dick¡­ you are nothing but a cheat and a gay who is fucking your fellow men for money!¡± Sophie said further which confused me even more ¡± don¡¯t call me again Benny, we are done and dusted.. men like you are scums, if after four years of being together you could do this to me then it means you aren¡¯t worth even a drop of my tears you asshole!¡± Sophie said now raising her voice and I actually thought she was going to hang up the call but she didn¡¯t, instead she said something that shocked me even more ¡± your child? like were you expecting me to still keep your seed in me after your betrayal?.. Benny I got rid of it beforeing back to Nigeria to meet my family.. I mean I have had two abortions for you in the past so what¡¯s the big deal now?¡± Sophie retorted scoffing and I had to cover my mouth with my hands so I won¡¯t shout out loud in shock Sophie in a rtionship for four years and from what she has just said she has gotten three abortions so far, Jesus Christ! Chapter 37 I felt so betrayed and cheated by her, I mean God knows that I have been faithful to this woman for eight years but for half of those years she has been cheating on me with another man using work as a excuse She deprived Angie and I of her time, love, body and attention with the excuse of my work this, my work that! Only for me to find out this were all deceits!. God! this is just too much for me to shallow and I feel like going in there to confront her about all everything I¡¯ve heard her confess but I knew I had to keep my cool, so I would hear more from her conversation with her supposed lover abroad ¡± I don¡¯t care if you are here in Nigeria to look for me or not, all I do know is that I am done with your cheating escapades and nothing, I repeat nothing can ever reunited us again.. I am back with my family now so fuck off Benny!¡± Sophie said and abruptly ended the call ¡°.. men are indeed stupid! Gosh, can you imagine Benny calling me to return back to him after all he put me through? what exactly does he take me for? Infact let me block his number now, asshole!¡± Sophie soliloquized hissing and I didn¡¯t need a soothsayer to tell me that she would be out soon, so in other to avoid being caught I tiptoed quietly out of the room. I went to the visitors room which has been my abode since Sophie came back, to clear my head because it is really heavy To say I was hurt and pained by what I heard earlier is an understatement, more than the hurt and pain I was in a serious state of confusion. I walked around the room considering where I went wrong in our marriage to warrant such betrayal from her, what is it she really needed that I couldn¡¯t offer her that led her to do what she did at the states My thoughts wandered far Was it for money? I know I am not the richest man on earth but I know I wasn¡¯t and I am still not doing bad financially. Was it for looks? I know I am good-looking to a fault, this makesdies flood around me like a running river even after knowing I am married! Was it love and attention? Angie and Sophie are the only family I have so I made sure I showered then with all the support, love and attention I could offered. Or maybe it¡¯s for sex? but I know I wasn¡¯t bad in bed either, my penis size is perfectly okay, also in the past I ensured that anytime we made love it was memorable, adventurous with new things to try out and I also made sure that she was well satisfied before I slept off. So why did she do what she did and exposed me and Angie to such emotional turmoil? Gosh! I am so confused and need direct answers from her to clear the whole resentment already building up in my heart. I now love Tessy no doubt but I am human and it¡¯s only normal that I feel hurt that my wife for eight years was a big betrayal! She took me for a fool for all those years and to imagine that I had even cautioned Tessy who had earlier assumed correctly! No I won¡¯t take thisying low! I must confront Sophie, that¡¯s it! I decided and left the bedroom on my way to my bedroom where Sophie stays presently. I opened the door in anger but I met the room empty with only her phoneying on the bed, I checked the toilet and bathroom but she wasn¡¯t there.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content. I guess she is in the dinning room eating with the others, I wanted going to confront her there but another nce at her phoneying on the bed made me change my mind. I still craved to know more information about her selfish act in the states, I was skeptical though As my wife, whenever Sophie was back home from the states her phone was usually locked and truthfully before now, I never cared or suspected anything because I trusted her with everything in me. I picked up the phone hoping to find it locked as usual but I met it unlocked which got me wondering if it is a trap or something, but I cared less! What matters is me confirming what I heard earlier and from the look of things, she must have unintentionally dropped the phone on the bed out of anger when she came out of the bathroom, without actually checking if it was locked or not. I swiped the phone whilst sitting on the bed and went through her chats on WhatsApp First thing I saw was a pinned chat with dozen messages from a particr number, although it was now showing blocked. I opened the chat and read through the current messages I nearly had an heart attack with the little I read, my heart was bleeding when I saw the ce where the Benny guy wrote that he misses my wife¡¯s ass, imagine that! In his words: ¡®I miss your tight ass baby, when are you going toe back so I can ruin your beautiful ass baby?¡¯ and she responded that she will be back the following week because she missed his dick too Going further down, I saw the next message which reads: ¡®your husband is really a dummy who is missing a lot, how can he be letting your ass go in vain simply because he believes in this godly scripture that anal sex is ungodly and medically unhealthy¡¯ what a man! Doe back fast baby!¡¯ I saw this message and screamed in shock! Sophie and anal sex? no wonder she kept suggesting it whenever we made love but I am so against it Chapter 38 For God¡¯s sake, what exactly hasn¡¯t this woman done before? and do I even know the woman I married at all? I thought inwardly as I kept reading their dirty chats until I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I threw the phone back on the bed and moved out of the bedroom, my next destination is the dinning and sitting room to confront Sophie because I need exnations before my head explodes in fury. I reached the sitting room and saw whom I was looking for sittingfortably in one of the sofas in the sitting room, eating the soup Tessy and I prepared. Tessy and the children was sitted on the other side of the sofa ying a game I can¡¯t currently tell the name. Tessy looked up from the game she was ying and saw me standing at the entrance staring intensely at Sophie She paused the game with the kids and walked over to where I stood ¡± Ton what¡¯s up with you?.. I was worried and wondered why you didn¡¯te out to join us for dinner but then I thought maybe you had an urgent work to attend to, so I decided not to disturb you.. but I was nning to check up on you after thest game we are ying now¡± Tessy said to me which got Sophie¡¯s attention from the meal she is eating, she looked up to see me staring at her angrily ¡± are you okay Ton? you don¡¯t look happy and why are you staring at me like that?¡± Sophie asked but I kept quiet still staring at her not knowing how to start confronting her. ¡± Daddy! are you okay? why are looking at my mummy Sophie that way?¡± Angie asked in her small voice staring at me ¡± Uncle Tony.. is everything okay with you?¡± Chioma asked next and I nodded wearing a stic smile on my face ¡± Yes babies I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry about me¡­ please babies can you excuse mummies and I? it¡¯s adults talk so please Angie go with Chiom to your room okay¡± I told Angie and Chioma who nodded immediately before going out leaving me alone with Sophie and Tessy. ¡± Sophie who is Be..¡± I was about asking Sophie who Benny is but I was cut off when a soft knocknded on the door of the sitting room ¡± Who is there?¡± Sophie asked whilst standing up and walking to the door to see who was knocking ¡± Benny what exactly are you doing here? ising to my husband¡¯s how far you can go to find me huh?¡± I heard Sophie saying in a low voice at the door ¡± I should be the one asking you what you are doing here because I didn¡¯te here for you.. I was directed here to see someone else, not you Sophie!¡± I heard the second voice replying her Tessy and I exchange confused nces before we slowly walked to the door to check who the visitor is, and what the word exchange at the door was all about. We approached the door but who we saw there shocked us; it is Ben, Tessy¡¯s ex-boyfriend ¡± Ben what are you doing at my guy¡¯s house?.. have you gone crazy already?¡± Tessy asked looking at Ben who was equally staring at three of us in a confused state ¡± Tessy I was directed here because I wanted to see you and Chiom as I knew for a fact that if you aren¡¯t at home, you will surely be at your new boyfriend¡¯s house¡­ But what I don¡¯t understand, is what you Sophie is doing here¡± Ben asked moving his gaze to Sophie ¡± Tony is my husband.. so tell me why I can¡¯t be at my husband¡¯s house, huh Benny? and who exactly is Tessy to you that you came here to see her? ¡± Sophie replied clearly fuming ¡± It¡¯s none of your business Sophie.. we both know that I do not owe you those exnations anymore but I will still tell you anyways, Tessy here is the mother of my daughter whom I came back to Nigeria for!¡± Ben said proudlyCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± you came to Nigeria for the mother of your child yet you were blowing me with lies over the phone!.. wow! now I see that you are not just bisexual but also a pig!¡± Sophie vented as though she was forgetting that Tessy and I were still standing there ¡± Ben you are bisexual?.. like sleeping with your fellow man too?.. Wait! you and Sophie knew each other in America, I still don¡¯t get what exactly is going on¡­ Ton won¡¯t you say something, why are you suddenly quiet?¡± Tessy asked looking at me but I still kept quiet unable to say a word ¡± Yes Tessy I am bisexual, so what?¡± Ben answered looking at Tessy before turning to look at Sophie whilst smiling mischievously ¡°As for you Sophie you called me a pig? so what do you call yourself that kept sleeping around with all the rich bosses you worked for back in America.. or you think I didn¡¯t know? I¡¯m no fool Sophie, I saw all the chats and sex videos on your phone so quit acting like a saint when we both know you are not!¡± Ben replied and Tessy shouted in shock but for me I kept my cool, no longer shocked about anything that has to do with Sophie, so far I have seen and heard enough for today! ¡± you know what? Just get out Benny and stop telling lies against me in other to break my home apart.. Tony baby don¡¯t believe him, he is lying against me, I can swear it!¡± Sophie tried defending herself but I shook my head in disgust and walked out on them to my bedroom. ¡± May Ie in?¡± Tessy inquired sticking her head beside the door of my bedroom and staring at me Chapter 39 who wasying on the bed, thinking about how today has been filled with painful revtions. ¡± you cane in Tess if you want toe in.. but please I will rather love to be left alone because I am in no mood to talk now!¡± I said slowly as I adjusted upwards on the bed to face the celling, still in thoughts I heard the door close gently and just when I thought that Tessy honored my request of being left alone, I felt her sitting on the bed sighing heavily ¡± I can¡¯t leave you all by yourself in this state Ton¡­ I know you are hurt but you need to vent and let it all out¡­ keeping it all in is not healthy for your emotional health Ton!¡± Tessy said but I quietlyid therepletely ignoring her ¡± .. you didn¡¯t seem surprised by what you heard at the sitting room, so I have every reason to believe that maybe you knew about Sophie¡¯s cheating on you earlier before Ben came.. am I right?¡± Tessy asked and I nodded with tears slowly streaming down my eyes ¡± I got to know about it today but I never knew that it was your ex, Ben¡­ and I didn¡¯t even know that there were more men she was sleeping with in the States!¡± I vented and Tessy heaved before responding ¡± I understand Ton.. I am shocked myself, I know that I kind of assumed that there is more to her loving the States more than here in Nigeria that her family is.. but I never knew that it was going to be this filthy andplicated!¡± Tessy said shrugging and I nodded my head in affirmation ¡± I couldn¡¯t believe it myself, that¡¯s why I came to the sitting room to confront her directly¡­ yes, I no longer love her as a wife but all those wasted years still hurts Tess¡­ I mean she kept deceiving me and Angie for close to five years with no remorse whatsoever, Gosh!¡± I shouted sitting up from the bed ¡± Calm down.. I was equally shocked finding out that Ben was dating your wife and also sleeping with his fellow men abroad yet he had the nerve toe back here to try iming Chiom and I.. God have mercy!¡± Tessy resorted gently circling her hands around my waist with her head on my shoulder ¡± It¡¯s still very hard to believe that the woman who did everything I found out today, is the same Sophie whom I married, trusted and loved with all of my heart.. Tess I gave her pratically everything I had but she took it for granted¡­ why?¡± I resonated emotionally drained ¡± I don¡¯t know because I am not her Ton.. and can you please stop already? you are beginning to sound like you still love her and it scares me that I might end up being a rebound or beingpared to her¡± Tessy said and I adjusted in a way that I could get to look at her ¡± No Tess you will never be a rebound and you already know that I no longerpare people¡­ thanks to meeting you, I changed and realized that every individual is different and so therefore should not bepared with another¡± I slowly said and then paused to wipe my tears with my palm before I continued ¡°.. I am happy I met you Tess and if there¡¯s anything I will remain thankful to Sophie for¡­ it is the fact that she made the suggestion of me hiring a wife which of course connected us.. Tess as a human I am hurt by her past betrayal but please don¡¯t doubt my love for you as that will break me even more¡± I said and Tessy nodded in understanding before saying ¡± I¡¯m sorry Ton but I just couldn¡¯t help it.. now you¡¯ve reassured me of your love for me, I am happy and no longer doubt it¡­ so about Sophie issue, what do you intend doing next?¡± Tessy asked and I heavedN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± I don¡¯t even feel like talking about orying my eyes on Sophie again.. I guess I will just tell her to leave my house while I send her the divorce papers either tomorrow or next!¡± ¡± I¡¯m not against your decision Ton.. but have you thought about Angie¡¯s feelings?.. you know she only really got to see her mother with her two eyes this week so to separate them again in so short a while is going to hurt her¡± Tessy said and I stared at her in confusion ¡± So what would you have me do? to continue keeping Sophie in my house after everything she did to me?¡± I asked Tessy who sighed heavily ¡± I don¡¯t know Ton.. I¡¯m only talking out of worry for a young girl whom I have grown to love like she¡¯s my daughter.. I think you should just let her stay¡± ¡± That woman is leaving my house tomorrow morning and that is!.. if you ask me, I think my daughter Angie is actually better off without a negligent mother like Sophie!¡± I concluded as I released Tessy¡¯s hands that were still on my waist andid fully on the bed ¡± It¡¯s okay Ton, I respect your decision.. it seems you really do want to be left alone so I will leave you to rest now, hopefully by tomorrow you will feel much better emotionally!¡± Tessy concluded and stood up from the bed to walk out but I held her hand halting her movement ¡± Please Tess for tonight stay here in this room with me.. I don¡¯t want to continue fuming or sulking over a woman that is a part of my past since you came into my life.. instead I will love to cuddle you and look at your beautiful face as we sleep on this bed¡± I said to Tessy who looked at me shocked at my sudden change in mood Chapter 40 ¡± Okay I won¡¯t argue with you sir Ton.. I will sleep on your bed for tonight but you remember that we agreed on no sex right?¡± Tessy said and I nodded in affirmation before replying ¡± Yes I know that and I promise that there will be no intimacy between us until our wedding night¡­ It¡¯s just going to be cuddling that¡¯s all, you do know that I am a man with self control and I do keep to my words so you have absolutely nothing to worry about Tess¡± I said to Tessy who smiled as she climbed the bed andid wrapped in my arms. ¡± Thank you Ton.. I love you so much!¡± Tessy said wrapping her hands protectively around me ¡± I love you too Crystal!¡± I said smiling sheepishly ¡± So you still remember the special name you gave me in the kitchen? I thought the whole drama of today would make you forget everything¡± Tessy said childishly which got me cracking in bouts ofughter ¡± I will forget everything in just one day? like someone who is suffering from amnesia abi?¡± I answered stillughing heartily and Tessy shrugged dramatically ¡± We never could tell.. anyways I am so d to see youughing just now.. you see what I¡¯m saying? you will surely be fine Ton, I know that for sure¡± Tessy assured me palming my cheeks ¡± Yes Tess I will be fine.. and you know why? because God gave you to me as a hired wife¡± I replied kissing Tessy on the cheek and she blushed shyly without saying anything more. I don¡¯t know for how long weid there in silence but we soon slept off in each other¡¯s embrace. ******** The next morning we were awoken by a knock on the bedroom door by Angie. She opened the door and came in without even waiting for me to give her the permission toe in. That¡¯s unusual because my daughter only does that when she is agitated or in a hurry and from her facial expression, I believe the former is the case ¡± Good morning Angie.. this one you came into my room looking this way without even waiting for me to permit you toe in¡­ hope daddy is safe?¡± I asked slowly getting up from bed, careful not to wake the sleeping Tessy up ¡± All isn¡¯t well at all daddy.. why do you want to send my mummy Sophie away?¡± Angie shouted looking at me and I was taken aback by how she knew or did she eavesdrop on my conversation with Tessy yesterday? I quickly discarded such thoughts knowing vividly well that I¡¯ve never trained my daughter to be one who eavesdrops on adults conversation and if she has never done so in the past, why would she start doing so now?. I thought inwardly but then I kept my cool equally looking at her, as I asked in a gentle voice ¡± Where did you hear that from Angie? I don¡¯t remember telling you anything like that or did you just assume it?¡± I asked in other to indirectly get words out of her and thankfully it worked ¡± No daddy.. I did not just assume it, mummy Sophie came to my room this morning and told me herself that you want to send her away because of mummy Tessy¡± Angie said moving her nce to Tessy who kept stirring from her sleep probably disturbed by the whole noise we were making ¡± Sophie came to your room to tell you that?¡± I inquired to be sure of what I was hearing ¡± yes she did and she also said that she did something wrong to you, that¡¯s why.. daddy you¡¯ve always taught me about forgiveness and not bearing grudges.. so daddy if you are nning to send my real mummy away, please don¡¯t do it anymore.. you know how much I missed her and how I want to spend more time with her here¡± Angie said pleadingly pulling at my fingers but I wasn¡¯t focused on that, my focus is on Sophie I don¡¯t understand what exactly she is nning to do, is it to manipte and take advantage of our daughter¡¯s love and emotions to her favour? Can this woman really go to such an extent with a child? God, who exactly did I get married to? I was inwardly flooded with thoughts until Tessy¡¯s voice brought my mind back to the room, I didn¡¯t know she was awake until she spoke ¡± Angel, my baby I think you should let things be¡­ for now let daddy and Sophie sort themselves out as adults okay¡± Tessy said trying to soothe Angie who ignored her and continued pulling at my hands ¡± Please daddy don¡¯t send my mummy Sophie away.. she said she loves me a lot and even apologized for leaving me alone with you in Nigeria¡­ daddy she is sorry so please forgive her for whatever she might have done to you¡± Angie said to me but I still kept quiet while Tessy heaved before standing up from the bed and walked towards where we stoodN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± Angel did you hear what I said earlier at all?.. I think that we should let daddy be for now since he doesn¡¯t want to talk about mummy Sophie¡­ baby just give him some time okay,e let me carry you to your room¡± Tessy said and came over to carry Angie up but Angie surprisingly refused to be carried by Tessy Another thing I found unusual because Angie loves to be carried up but for her to refuse such offer from Tessy without a second thought, it only means that whatever fabricated lies Sophie must have told her was truly bad and well constructed Her next words and reaction shocked both Tessy and I Angie left my hands and immediately ran to the bedroom door and stood beside it, in such a way that will enable her walk out easily Chapter 41 ¡± Leave me alone, I don¡¯t want you to carry me again!.. mummy Sophie said that you are a bad person and that you want to take daddy away from her so that he will send both of us away from this house¡± Angie said eyeing Tessy in a way that gets me very worried for my daughter¡¯s innocent heart I understand that Sophie is only trying to mislead Angie in other to use her against Tessy and I but I wasn¡¯t liking this one bit ¡°.. she also told me that you are an hired mother who wants to harm me and daddy so I should stay far away from you or else she will not talk to me again¡­ I don¡¯t want my real mummy to stop talking to me, so please leave my daddy alone and go away from us¡± Angie concluded as she ran out of the door leaving me and Tessy in a state of shock and dilemma. For a few minutes, I still stood transfixed at the spot speechless after Angie left the room. Tessy on the other hand slowly went to sit on the bed, she was equally speechless for some minutes unable to fathom what went wrong with Angie for her to say such spiteful things, but for me I already knew that Sophie is behind everything ¡± don¡¯t let your thoughts wander too much Tess, it¡¯s clearly Sophie who is trying to instigate Angie to hate you¡­ God! that woman is so shameless that it¡¯s stinks!¡± I said pacing around the room ¡± Yes Ton, I do know that but I¡¯m kind of speechless .. I can¡¯t believe a mother can actually instigate a child as young as Angie to say or do bad.. I understand that she views me as a home wrecker but hearing it from Angie¡¯s mouth, makes it hurt differently!¡± Tessy replied and I stopped pacing around ¡± Tess that¡¯s exactly what she wants! Sophie knows already that you love Angie as you would love your own daughter.. she knows that you would be more hurt and moved by Angie¡¯s words, hence she¡¯s trying to use my daughter for her selfish gains¡­ But don¡¯t worry Tess I will fix this today, enough is enough!¡± I said slowly pacing around again ¡± Ton maybe you should just let everything be the way they are, at least for Angie¡¯s sake¡­ I¡¯ve realized that somehow Angie is right, yes I do know she loves me as a mother, but she loves and needs her real mother the most¡­ so please let her be Ton!¡± Tessy pleaded looking at me but my mind is already made up, I can¡¯t take this anymore ¡± I¡¯m sorry Tess but I won¡¯t let everything be as they are when it is clearly inconveniencing me¡­ even though Sophie is Angie¡¯s real mother, she is clearly a bad influence on my daughter and you know what? I refuse to be manipted by her.. besides you two women are all the same in deceit so please excuse me!¡± I concluded as I took my phone on the stand where I kept it and walked out of the vistors bedroom, on my way to the bedroom Sophie stays. Before reaching the bedroom I made sure my phone was kept in a voice recording mode, since Sophie wants to be ying games with Tessy and I using Angie, I need to be extra careful When I finally reached the door of the bedroom, I angrily opened it without knocking I came in to see Sophie putting on a towel sitting on the chair that faces the dressing mirror on the wall, seems she had just finish taking a shower ¡± you should have at least knocked Tony¡­ what if I was naked? it¡¯s not like I would have mind since you¡¯ve actually seen my bare body several times over and over again.. and I believe your hired wife wouldn¡¯t mind either¡± Sophie said looking at me romantically ¡± Don¡¯t you have some shame Sophie? you don¡¯t need to answer that because I know that you lost it a long time ago!.. Anyways I¡¯m not here for that, what exactly are you trying to do with my daughter Angie?¡± ¡± You talk like Angie isn¡¯t my daughter too.. I am her mother so I share equal rights to her, I can do whatever I want to do with our daughter Tony.. so if that¡¯s why you are here, then I¡¯m sorry but I have no answer for you¡± Sophie answered shrugging and I stood there looking at her in amusement ¡± Wow! you are now iming entitlement to a daughter whom you never cared for?¡­ Sophie you kept depriving Angie of every motherly love she needed at an early age, almost every single year our daughter kept begging for your attention, time, calls and visits yet you turned her down and made it seem like she was asking for too much¡­¡± I vented out in anger, paused to take a deep breath and then continued ¡°¡­ Sophie you deprived us here in Nigeria but rather you were unrepentantly frolicking with your lovers in the States while you kept using work as a cover up!.. for close to five years Sophie you kept prioritizing your work more than us, only for me to find out that it was actually your lover and bosses that you had prioritize and choosen over us¡± I retorted scoffing in disgust ¡± That¡¯s not true Tony.. Forget what Benny said yesterday, he actually lied against me.. he is ckmailing me and wants to soil my reputation in front of you because of the one night stand we had at the States when I was drunk.. you know me too well that I can never cheat on you with my right senses intact¡± Sophie said standing up to walk towards me and in the process of doing so, her towel fell to the floorProperty ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 42 exposing her nudity but Sophie never seemed to bother as she walked pass it and stood in front of me in her nude state ¡°.. do you like what you are seeing?mon Tony it¡¯s been a while we made love so lets do now that my body is craving for your touch!¡± Sophie continued romantically touching me on my chest. I stood where I was as I stared at Sophie not moved or even fascinated by her nakedness anymore, if only she can open up my mind eye to see how much everything about her disgusts me now then I bet she would have quickly covered up her nudity and forget all this seducing schemes of hers. ¡± I thought I did but realized that I don¡¯t know you at all Sophie and please have some shame and cover yourself up! nothing about you moves me anymore¡­ and about what Ben said yesterday, I¡¯m sorry but you can¡¯t talk your way out of this one.. tell me Sophie! why do you think I came to sitting room and was looking at you in that angry way before Ben¡¯s knock came?¡± I asked pushing Sophie¡¯s hands off my chest and when I got no response from Sophie, I continued undeterred ¡°¡­ It¡¯s because I knew what about your escapades and wanted to confront you about it¡­ do you want to know how I knew? I will tell you, yesterday in the bathroom of this room, I heard all of your phone conversation with your Benny¡­ to top it up I saw some of your WhatsApp messages with him, abortions and anal sex Sophie? aren¡¯t you scared for your health at all?¡± I asked looking defiantly at Sophie and saw her visibly shaking as she moved backwards, picked up her towel on the floor and tied it back on ¡± I guess you know everything and there¡¯s nothing I can say now that will change anything¡­ So tell me Tony, what now?¡± Sophie retorted going back to sit on the chair, with no remorse whatsoever on her face ¡± I will give you two hours to pack up your stuffs and leave my house!¡­ tomorrow I will file for a divorce and serve you the divorce papers so we can sign it and peacefully go our separate ways!¡± I said and Sophie said to me smirkingCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± You want us to go our separate ways so that you can marry that hired wife of yours.. am I right Tony?¡± Sophie inquired looking at me frowning ¡± Even if Tessy wasn¡¯t in the picture I would still not stay under the same roof with you Sophie¡­ as for me and Tessy, if I love her enough ¡± Even if Tessy wasn¡¯t in the picture I would still not stay under the same roof with you Sophie¡­ as for me and Tessy, if I love her enough to marry her then I don¡¯t think that is any of your business!¡± I retorted almost raising my voice ¡± No problem, I will go away from your life if that¡¯s what you want Tony but not without my daughter Angie¡­ as you know, just like you I am financially buoyant enough to legally fight for her custody¡± Sophie said nonchntly which got meughing for a short while ¡± Quit the emotional sphemy Sophie because it¡¯s actually cracking me up.. you want to fight for Angie¡¯s custody knowing too well that you can¡¯t cater for her emotional and even physical needs?.. whichw court would even grant custody of a child to a negligent mother like you after everything you¡¯ve done?¡± I asked still staring at her ¡± Well thew court favours a mother more when ites to a child¡¯s custody.. moreso they don¡¯t know anything about me so Tony I¡¯m still on the safe side¡± Sophie answered smiling sheepishly and I scoffed bringing out my phone to y the voice recording Sophie was shocked to hear that all what we said had been secretly recorded by me ¡± See? I can easily y this recording in the court if my words isn¡¯t strong enough to defend me¡­ Butmon Sophie, lets quit with the back and forth! we both know that you are only going to be fighting for Angie¡¯s custody in other to spite Tessy and I, not necessarily because you truly want to be a mother to Angie¡­ So for once Sophie please stop being self-centered!¡± I said to Sophie who nodded her head nonchntly ¡± Well you¡¯re right Tony.. you know that I don¡¯t fancy children because of the stress involved in keeping them, I never even wanted any but you kept insisting that you can¡¯t get married without a fruit of the womb to show for it¡­ anyways Angie is going to be a baggage to me which I don¡¯t want, so yes you can have her all you want!¡± Sophie uttered nonchntly and got up to start packing her stuffs into her traveling boxes. ¡± Sophie I am not going to take our daughter Angie away from you.. you are still her mother so you can visit her anytime you want to, I won¡¯t stop you so long as you don¡¯t try to negatively influence her thoughts like you did today¡± I said gently and she nodded in understanding ¡± No problem Tony I understand¡­ well, your consideration of me is actually cool but no thank you because I don¡¯t think I will have the free time or strength to visit her¡­ and certainly not here in this house where I will get to see that ugly hired wife of yours!¡± Sophie retorted still packing her clothes, shoes and bags to throw it into the open boxes ¡± No problem Sophie.. you can suit yourself, but please before going make sure you erase whatever fabricated lies you told my daughter about Tessy!¡± ¡± And what if I don¡¯t? what would you do Tony?¡± ¡± I will erase it myself using this voice recording as a back up.. Chapter 43 . you know how children can be and I bet you won¡¯t want to be remembered by Angie as a bad mother¡­ so please reserve some dignity to yourself and don¡¯t push me Sophie¡± I warned turning to walk out of the room but Sophie threw a pillow at me ¡± Fuck you Tony!¡± Sophie shouted in rage ¡± And you too Sophie!¡± I retorted andpletely walked out of the bedroom. I went to the kitchen to fix breakfast for everyone and met Tessy already there preparing Marconi and tea for breakfast. ¡± How was your confrontation with Sophie? and what have you two decided?¡± Tessy inquired the moment I sat down on the kitchen counter ¡± She is packing up and would be out of my house in the next two hours¡­ tomorrow we will sign the divorce papers and peacefully get done with this whole facade I called a marriage!¡± I answered looking at the pot of Marconi on fire ¡± Oh okay, no problem.. I¡¯m d everything has been peacefully settled between you two¡± Tessy said and continued cooking in silence obviously not in the mood to talk further with me. I know she is still hurt by what I said about her and Sophie being the same in deceit, deep down I regret saying that to her and want to tender an apology but at the moment I am not in the mood to talk to anyone either. She soon finished cooking and together we set the cooked food on the dinning table and Tessy called the children out of their bedroom for breakfast. Tessy, Chioma, Angie and I were on the dinning room taking our breakfast when Sophie angrily walked out of the house with her traveling bags without even saying a goodbye or giving Angie a second nce. We kept eating in silence until Angie spoke up, therefore putting an end to the silence in the dinning room ¡± I¡¯m really sorry mummy Tessy for what I had said to you this morning¡­ my mummy Sophie came to my bedroom a while ago before I came down for breakfast and said that what she told me about you were only for joke purposes¡­ she also said that she doesn¡¯t want daddy anymore so she is going away to the States and might not be back to Nigeria again this time around!¡± Angie said with tears already streaming down her eyes while Chiom and I looked at them in silence not wanting to interrupt ¡± It¡¯s okay Angel, I was never angry with you in the first ce.. and don¡¯t worry about mummy Sophie, I am here for you and promise to be your mummy from now henceforth¡± Tessy replied using her palm to wipe Angie¡¯s tears, since she was sitting the closest to her ¡± Thanks mummy Tessy.. I know that I will miss mummy Sophie but since you¡¯re here, I believe that as usual I will still be fine without her presence¡± Angie said and Tessy smiled before saying to her ¡± That¡¯s my Angel.. so now lets start with you calling me just mummy like before instead of mummy Tessy.. can you go back to doing so?¡± Tessy asked and Angie nodded now smiling ¡± Yes mummy..¡± Angie said and turned to Chiom smiling ¡± .. you see Chiom, I told you before that we will be sisters¡± ¡± Yes you said so the day I first came here with mummy¡­ but uncle Tony can I call you my daddy too?¡± Chioma asked smiling as she turned to look at me for a reply ¡± Sure Chiom you can call me daddy afterall you are my daughter too..¡± I said smiling and turned to look at Tessy ¡± Tess I¡¯m sorry if I hurt you with my response earlier¡­ please Crystal can we put everything behind us and start afresh without grudges?¡± I asked hoping that Tessy forgives me ¡± It¡¯s okay Ton I have forgiven you.. so now lets give a toast to a new beginning!¡± Tessy said and together we gave a toast and continued eating happily as a family that we now are. I sat with Tessy watching as the children yed and happily ran round the sand of the seashore and I couldn¡¯t help smiling alongside Tessy to join in the children¡¯s happiness. It¡¯s a Sunday and Tessy had suggested that we go on a family pic to help cool off and clear our heads of the week¡¯s happenings. Truly the week has been hectic and filled with activities: First is; Sophie and I got officially divorced on Friday and fortunately, I was given full custody of our daughter Angie. Second is; Tessypletely warned Ben off Chioma and herself. Weter heard that he went back to the States together with my ex-wife Sophie, and although I don¡¯t know how true the rumor is but God knows that I care less about those two. That¡¯s why I had wholeheartedly taken Tessy¡¯s suggestion of a family outing and now here we are at a beautiful sea shore enjoying ourselves. ¡± Daddy! Daddy! Angie is feeling hungry and me too dad¡± Chiom said running with Angie to meet me and Tessy at where we sat on the sand It¡¯s beautiful how they both love and look out for each other like biological sisters would. ¡± Are you two done ying now?¡± I asked and Angie nodded followed by ChiomCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org. ¡± Alright Chiom sit and rx with daddy.. let me dish the food and also share the fruits and snacks for everybody okay¡± Tessy answered before I did and stood up to dish the jellof rice and shared the snacks we brought along with us. After which we satughing, gisting and ying together as one happy family before we finally went home. **************** **One Year Later** I sat down on my bed as I reminisce on how far we¡¯vee and I feel so fulfilled. Chapter 44 The weeks passed by quickly and right now I can proudly say that it is already one year of being in a love rtionship with Tessy. One year in a rtionship filled with bliss, love, forgiveness,promises and happiness overflow. Tessy made me happy in a way I never thought existed, having her in my life made me realize just how much I was missing while I was married to Sophie. Today is a Saturday and as usual she ising over to the house to stay for the weekend In the past one year, Tessy has be a sessful business woman which makes me so proud of my woman. On the evening after our outing pic five months ago, I had discussed with her about quitting her numerous part-time jobs to focus on one personal business of her own. I had even offered my assistance to singlehandedly open a personal business outfit for her to enable her gain independence as a woman, instead of constantly relying on her part time meager sries. At first she was reluctant and sceptical as she was scared that I might in future use that to control or maybe start feeling overly entitled to her After consistent assurances from me and out of her love for me, she obliged but on a condition. Her condition was that; she will gradually pay me back the amount of funds and capital that I invest in the business. Although I found it absurd that my woman wants to repay me for what I intended giving to her freely, but I epted Tessy¡¯s perspective of independency and not wanting to feel indebted so I gave my consent to her condition. We talked some more and at the end of the discussion she made a decision on what personal business she would love to venture into. It was baking she opted for and I gave my whole support to her. Throughout the speedy process of erecting a vast bakery, I gave her my assistance physically, financially and intellectually. To cut the long business story short, my Tessy is currently running the bakery smoothly while also schooling, which is why I said earlier that I am so proud of my woman Tessy. I am also impressed about her transparency to me, she is a woman of her words because every month for the past one year in her baking business, she ensures that a certain percentage of the proceeds is paid directly to my bank ount. Gradually she has paid 60% of the funds I invested and even though I don¡¯t really need it, I am actually happy to know that I am going to be getting married to a woman who knows what responsibilities and financial independence entails.N?velDrama.Org ? content. Yes you read right, I do want to get married to Tessy who is my happy pills and also my soon-to-be finacee. I have wanted to propose some months ago but she was seriously caught up with school and opening the bakery shop I was also busy with so much office work activity. Tonight I n proposing to Tessy over dinner but I do know that for now I am only of liberty to refer to her as my soon-to-be fiancee, at least until l get from her a big yes to my proposal! Gosh! I can already envision my Crystal shouting ! Yes! to me in front of Angie and Chioma, and believe me when I say that I can¡¯t wait for tonight toe so I can make it a reality. I can¡¯t wait to call Tessy my wife, make sweet love and birth beautiful kids with the hired wife who has stolen my heart. We¡¯ve already talked and decided on the number of kids we would love to have, Tessy wants two in addition to Angie and Chioma but as a lover of children I initially wanted three children. I soon saw reasons with her choice and had topromise, afterall that¡¯s what love is about. That¡¯s how we finally decided to have two children in addition to Angie and Chioma. Still sitting on my bed, I opened the side drawer and brought out the gold engagement ring I ordered online yesterday. I stared admiring it for a long while before finally putting it in my trouser¡¯s pocket, continually smiling at my own fantasies. The doorbell rang bringing me out of my reverie and fantasies. I think that is Tessy at the door and I do know it¡¯s only a matter of time before she woulde into my bedroom to check up on me, that¡¯s how sweet and loving my Crystal is. I wasn¡¯t far from the truth as some minutester, my door was opened and Tessy came in closing the door behind her ¡± Babe I¡¯m here.. how is my lover boy doing today?¡± Tessy inquired smiling as she catwalked to meet me on the bed and sat down beside me ¡± I¡¯m okay now that you are here beside me my beautiful Crystal.. so tell me baby, where did you keep my second daughter Chiom? it¡¯s unusual that she didn¡¯te along with you to my room¡± I asked with a smiling face as I gave Tessy a peck on the lips ¡± I suppose she is in Angel¡¯s bedroom.. Ton that your second daughter didn¡¯t even let me unlock the door fully.. when she flew to Angel¡¯s room saying that she wants to first show her sister the new toys I brought for them at the market yesterday¡± Tessy said now kissing me fully on the lips, we kissed for some seconds before we broke off ¡± That¡¯s okay Crystal, obviously those two have gotten so close and I¡¯m so happy for our kids¡­ but babe I still don¡¯t understand why you do knock at the door before unlocking it with your spare keys¡­ isn¡¯t it funny when this is equally like your house!¡± I said looking at her skeptically ¡± Common Ton it¡¯s just courtesy besides it¡¯s not officially Chapter 45 my house so I can¡¯t just barge in like that¡­ yes I do have the spare keys but I love knocking first, and if I don¡¯t get a response from anyone inside that¡¯s when I open it for myself¡± Tessy said and I nodded in understanding ¡± It¡¯s okay your highness, I have always respected your perspectives and wishes¡­ but that aside, Crystal I have missed you so so much and I¡¯m happy you finally came to see me after dumping me here for weeks because of school and work ¡± I said pretending to be angry ¡± You¡¯re funny Ton! please stop being sarcastic with me¡­ you¡¯re exaggerating and we both know that it has only been two days since west saw each other at my bakery¡± Tessy said shrugging ¡± Yes but that two days seem like ten years to me¡­ Crystal I know it wasst two days we saw each other but it still doesn¡¯t change the fact that I miss you and I can¡¯t wait to make this house officially yours.. that way you will move in permanently with me¡­¡± I said and as I continued Tessy kept blushing like a lovestruck teenager ¡°¡­ if you move in here permanently, I will get to see your angelic face everyday, forever and always until death do us part¡± I expressed with all sincerity looking at Tessy who smiled shyly in ignorance If only she knows that I am indirectly trying to get her answer and also giving her verbal hints about what I have in mind to do today. ¡± you and this your sweet mouth Ton! you¡¯re always making me blush.. anyways you are right because I missed you too.. and just like you I can¡¯t wait to live here with you, Angel, and Chiom together as a family¡­ eitherways I believe everything is a gradual process and that we will get there someday¡± Tessy said and I smiled satisfied by her response ¡± I¡¯m so happy babe..e here¡± I said as I hugged and kissed her joyfully while Tessy looked at me surprised by my sudden reaction ¡± Why are you happy now? did you win a spiritual contract?¡± Tessy inquired amusingly after we released from our hug ¡± I think I actually won more than that Crystal.. but don¡¯t worry you will get to find out soon okay!¡± I said and Tessy shrugged before saying ¡± Okay if you say so.. so tell me, what would you like to have for dinner tonight? I¡¯m hungry and I believe the children must be feeling hungry too¡± Tessy inquired and I shook my head in response to her questionN?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡± No Tessy don¡¯t stress yourself in preparing dinner.. I will do tonight¡¯s cooking so just rx!¡± as I said this I stood up from the bed and I pecked Tessy on the cheeks before going out of the bedroom, making sure my ring box is still intact in my pocket. I entered the kitchen and soon finished cooking a simple meal of coconut rice with fried chicken, after which I set the dinning room and called everyone out for dinner. We were chatting while eating and when were almost done with the meal, I stood up and walked over to where Tessy sat in between the children. ¡± What is it Ton? is there anything on my mouth you want to help me clean?¡± Tessy asked dropping her spoon and staring directly at me who now stood in front of her nodding ¡± Yes there¡¯s something I want to clean but it¡¯s not from your mouth¡­ It¡¯s from your heart!¡± ¡± I don¡¯t understand Ton.. what do you want to clean from my heart? is it my feelings for you?¡± Tessy asked looking at me in amusement ¡± May God forbid that¡­ No Crystal, it¡¯s not that¡± ¡± Then what is it Ton?¡± ¡± What I want to clean from your heart is the status of a girlfriend that is presently inscribed there¡± I said gently And when I was sure that I had sessfully gained the children¡¯s full attention, I gently went down on one knee in front of Tessy bringing out the ring box I kept in my trouser pocket I opened the box revealing the ring whilst looking up at Tessy who kept staring at my hands in surprise and with mouth agape ¡± Wow! Oh my God! I never expected this so soon Ton!¡± Tessy shouted in surprise and I smiled in fulfilment ¡± I know and I equally wanted it toe as a surprise to you and the children..¡± I told her and then paused to see her reaction before I continued with my words pouring out all the emotions I had in my heart ¡± ¡­ Tessy Ikenna Ugo, you came into my life as a hired wife and gradually you turned out to be someone so important to me¡­ you¡¯re like an air that I can¡¯t do without, you are my Crystal and my forever amore¡­ Tessy I love you and can not imagine a life without you or the children, that¡¯s why I am here on my knees today to ask you one question.. please Tessy Ugo will you marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?¡± I asked looking at Tessy whose look was now fixed on me with tears streaming down her eyes ¡± Please say yes mummy!¡± both Angie and Chioma chorused ¡± Yes! Yes! Yes Ton!.. of course I will marry you over and over again.. yes I will marry you..¡± ¡°¡­ I have waited so long, I was afr¨¢id that you will never ask. I will marry you Ton..¡± Tessy shouted and the children shouted cheering us on The moment I heard her answer, I slipped the ring into her middle finger as I stood up and swept her off her feet spinning her round the dinning room in happiness. ¡± Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much Tess¡± I shouted dropping her on her feet again and excitedly kissing her all over her face. Chapter 46 ¡± Congrattions mummy and daddy¡­ so when is the wedding day going to be?!¡± Angie asked childishly ¡± Yes I am with Angie on this inquiry.. when will the wedding date be fixed daddy? mummy?¡± Chioma asked next and I turned to look at Tessy in a way that had silently passed the message ¡®you get to decide the wedding date¡¯ across to her Tessy nodded in understanding of my unspoken words and smiled at me before answering ¡± It¡¯s going to be on the 14th of next month Angel.. and guess what? you and Chiom, my two cute babies is going to be the little brides for that day!¡± ¡± Hurray, hurray!¡± Angie and Chioma chorused jumping down from their chairs to run around the dinning room in happiness. As I stood close to Tessy I decided to be naughty by whispering in her ears inaudibly, so that the children who were now ying would not hear what I¡¯m saying to herAll text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org. ¡± I¡¯m so d that you had choosen a closer date Crystal¡­ on that day I promise to savor your lovely body and make sure you scream my name telling me not to stop the pleasure, I am saving specially for that night¡± I said and winked at her ¡± Leave me alone jhor, naughty lover boy¡­ well you are actually very free to bring it on, so you know! I will be delighted to surrender to your touches and to be all yours for that night and subsequent nights!¡± Tessy answered smiling shyly and I smiled back at her ¡± I love you so much my Crystal.. and everyday I thank God for letting me meet you as a hired wife!¡± I confessed with all sincerity ¡± I love you more Ton my amore¡­ you are the best thing that has happened to me this year.. thank you for showering me with so much love and care!¡± Tessy confessed too and I signaled her that I wanted to kiss her in the bedroom Tessyughed and nodded in understanding of my signals We immediately left the children who were still busy ying as a way of celebration. At the bedroom to celebrate our engagement, Tessy and I shared various kissing sessions. Weterid on the bed to discuss about the wedding arrangements and ns. In all, we are optimistic about our future marriage and strongly believe that together as a couple we will conquer whatever obstacles that maye our way. My prayer now is; May the Almighty God help us, Amen! THE END The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!