《Contract husband》


 Chapter 1

    She sat in her office, gazing out of the window, as the pregnant cloud threatened to release it¡¯s content.


    With her hands sped on herps, she was lost in thought.


    The ambience of the weather, which was just too windy for a bustling Monday morning, brought about a sort of sour, juggling her memories of the past, as she sipped from her mug of smoking hot coffee.


    She had no doubt, metamorphosed into apletely upgraded version of who Omar had been in the time past.


    But that¡¯s just life.


    Life is a teacher.


    And she was a fast learner.


    She smirked, swivelling her chair from one end to another, fumbling with her office keys.


    The wind howled violently, rattling the window panes of her air conditioned office, bringing in the euphoria of the memories she had buried so deep in her heart ¨C the good and bad memories, the rough and peaceful memories.


    Her office line rang, and Brenda; her PA¡¯s voice, echoed from the background.


    ¡± Mr Kanayo is here to see you. Should I send him in?¡± Brenda asked.


    ¡± Send him in.¡±


    ¡± Ok ma¡¯am.¡±


    In no short time, her office door opened and Mr Kanayo walked in.


    ¡± Well well well greetings to the queen bee herself.¡± Mr Kanayo beamed and chuckled, settling on the seat directly opposite her.


    ¡°¡­ You look smoking hot as a coffee ¡­. Darling.¡± He blew her a kiss, and continued.


    ¡°¡­ Hope you like the gift I sent youst week?¡±


    Omar scoffed, putting on her professional demeanor as she adjusted confidently, her biro blue organza shirt, which revealed more of her cleavages than she nned to showcase.


    ¡± Two things I value most Kanayo ¡ª my time and my money. If you aren¡¯t here for any of the above then I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ve just wasted your time.¡± Omar replied sternly.


    ¡± Haba Omar! Not even a good morning from your end, that¡¯s no way to treat your lover after a long trip.¡± Mr Kanayo chastised.


    Omar scuffled unbelievably.


    ¡± You mean Ex client¡­.. our contract ended 3 years ago¡­. Why are you in Nigeria? I thought you moved to the UK permanently.¡±


    ¡± Yes I did honey, but I couldn¡¯t get you out of my mind dear. I came back for a conference, and so I decided to check up on you, and possibly we could hook up for the weekend¡­ you know.¡± He shed her a tempting smile.


    ¡± You know that¡¯s not possible. I y by my rules which is¡­. I do not date a client twice. Your tenure is over Kanayo, and that¡¯s that¡­. But I could send you one of my girls for the weekend.¡±


    ¡± Fine! I¡¯ll go for any one the queen bee rmends¡­.. but that¡¯s not why I¡¯m here.¡± He said stroking his beards in a cocky manner.


    ¡± Why are you here?¡±


    ¡± I brought business¡­. And this one is a deal breaker.¡±


    ¡± Hmmm.¡± Omar rubbed her chin, resting her back on the swivelling arm chair.


    ¡°¡­ So what¡¯s the drill?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s a contract Marriage.¡±


    ¡± A contract marriage!! really!¡± Omar scuffled in disbelief, her arms akimbo.


    ¡°¡­ Look Kanayo, you know my line of business is to provide a temporarypanionship to wealthy men who are lonely, for a short time base and i get paid for it, but delving into the marital aspect is a no no for me and my girls. I¡¯m a rtionship entertainer, meaning my job is to make men happy, and not some hooked up dummy wife!¡±


    ¡± Calm down Omar. this is a really mouth watering deal that could scale up yourworth¡­.. I mean, this man is highly connected, and from a prestigious family and you will..¡±


    Omar interrupted with a wave of hand


    ¡°My principles supersedes my greed Kanayo. you know me too well enough to understand my misgivings about contract marriage. Moreover, I consider it too risky a venture for me¡­..¡±


    ¡± He¡¯s willing to buy you a property in Banana Ind!¡± Kanayo said which made Omar to suddenly keep quiet.


    Omar paused in-between herst speech. Her mouth was agape as she fell silent.


    ¡± A property in Banana Ind?¡­. Are you sure of what you are saying?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m 100 percent urate.¡± Mr Kanayo assured her with a grin, knowing fully well he had her where he wanted her to be.


    The Omar he knows, was too greedy to deny a tempting offer.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Consider me in. send me details of the client with a full detail of what he has to offer.¡±


    She said, wearing a straight face.


    He pushed the barbell with all his strength as he continued his routine bench press exercise, which he had grown ustomed to.


    But this time, he was stretching beyond his endurance capacity as he repeatedly lowered the barbell up and down his chest height, with his back resting on the bench.


    He counted¡­ ¡± 17¡­ 18¡­. 19¡­.. Arrghhhh!


    And with all his might, he pushed through,  screaming as he pronounced thest number.


    ¡°20!¡­.. Arrrghhh!!!!


    Ifed Mike Davis, dropped the barbell on its stand,pletely exhausted.


    He mopped his face and chest with a fluffy hand towel as his heartbeat gradually regted itself, before hopping into the bathroom to take his shower. And in the next 30 minutes, he was up and ready for work.


    His schedule was usually crazy, especially on Monday mornings, ranging from the loads of files piled up on his desk, to the never ending meeting he had with thepany¡¯s staff.


    He pulled up his Range Rovertest model in front of thepany and entered through the entrance automated ss doors.


    ¡± Good morning sir.¡± Mark; his Personal Assistant, greeted.


    ¡± Good morning Mark¡­. What¡¯s my schedule for today?¡±


    Mark scrolled through his tabloid trying to ess the schedule file on his screen.


    ¡± You have a meeting with Director Chang; the manager of Chang sin resort center, in two hours from

 Chapter 2

    now¡­¡­ as well as a stack of files on your desk awaiting the appending of your signature.¡± Mark announced, following his boss to his spacious office.¡±


    Ifed sighed as he settled on his executive chair.


    ¡± Prepare a memo for a meeting by 3pm with all the members of staff and make sure to pass it round to ensure my staff are duly informed¡­¡­ because I won¡¯t  be listening to any excuses whatsoever if anyone fails to attend¡± Ifed instructed, as he scrutinized the files one after the other on his desk.


    ¡± Right away sir.¡± Mark replied and turned to leave.


    ¡± Wait!¡± he halted Mark who was midway.


    ¡± Who brought this files?¡± Ife asked his PA.


    Mark paused for a while, trying to recollect thest person to submit the files.


    ¡± It¡¯s Mr Perkins¡­. He was thest to submit his file sir.¡± Mark informed his boss.


    Ife creased his brow into a frown, with irritation visibly inscribed in his expression.


    ¡± Tell Mr Perkins to see me with immediate effect!¡± he instructed Mark angrily.


    ¡± Yes sir.¡± Mark said and hurried out wondering why his boss was angry on a Monday morning.


    After a few minutes, Mr Perkins entered into the office.


    ¡± Good morning sir¡­.. You sent for me.¡±


    Ife lifted up his gaze to meet thepany¡¯s ountant. His eyes shooting daggers.


    Mr Perkins had been thepany¡¯s head ountant for 20 years now, and he was no doubt good on the job.


    He was quite elderly, and would have passed as a father figure, but he wasn¡¯t looking for any father figure.


    ¡± Care to tell me what this is?¡± Ife asked, waving the file to his face.


    ¡± This is the statement of ount you asked me for.¡±


    Ife chuckled, tapping his fingers on the surface of his desk, and wondering if this was a prank or something.


    He stood up and faced the familiar ountant he had known all his life. His expression hardened more as he shed him a questioning look.


    ¡± I need a good exnation as to how a whooping sum of 90 million Naira disappeared from thepany¡¯s ount between a space of two freaking days!!!¡± Ife queried.


    Mr Perkins sighed.


    ¡± 80 million Naira was transferred to a domiciliary ount on the forex domain, plunging us to the investment quadrant in the binary sector. Together with 10 million which was wired into Kimberly¡¯s trust fund ount.¡±


    Ife mused. Mr Perkins must be frigging kidding him.


    ¡± What!!!¡±


    ¡°¡­ Forex domain? Binary and trust funds!!!!¡­. I never remembered having such discussion with you as regards that¡­. So you need a candid exnation as to how you can take such decisions independent of me!!!¡± Ife fired angrily.


    Mr Perkins lowered his gaze, fumbling with the adjustment of his rmended sses, as he shifted ufortably.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry sir, but this happened when you were away to Florida¡­.. and there wasn¡¯t much time to brief you of the happenings.¡±


    ¡± On whose authority did you carry out this instruction?¡± Ife threw the question, raising his voice.


    ¡± Mr Richard gave the instruction sir.¡±


    ¡± Richard gave you the instruction!¡­. ¡± Ife repeated, and gave a hardugh.


    Then suddenly paused and red at the ountant as if he could tear him into pieces.


    ¡± You know,¡­.. for once I thought I could trust you, given the history you had with my father, I can see right now that youck credibility¡­..¡±


    ¡± Ife it isn¡¯t what you think!¡­..¡± Mr Perkins was saying but was interrupted by Ife¡¯s angry outburst.


    ¡± Don¡¯t call my name!!!¡­.. don¡¯t just dare!!¡­. You are a disappointment to this establishment as to carrying out Richard¡¯s instruction¡­.. Who is Richard to give out such authorization? ¡­. Is he an heir of thepany? How dare him!!!¡±


    ¡± It was authorized and signed by your father.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Ife charged towards the ountant and held him by his cor.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you ever call him my father¡­.. my father died seven years ago!!!¡­. And so the next time you call that greedy beast my father, I will not hesitate to drive a punch on your face!!¡± Ife threatened the ruffled ountant and marched down to his step father¡¯s office, pushing the door open without an invitation.


    ¡±  I need a candid exnation as to why you¡¯ll endorse a transfer to a binary ount without my consent!!¡± Ife demanded angrily.


    Mr Dele Coker sat gazing at his step son, who had just barged into his office without invitation.


    He had a female guest but Ife never cared. He only cared about one thing!


    And that was to embarrass him and he will give him a dose of his medicine¡­.


    Such a thwart !!


    He quickly signalled to his guest to excuse them, with a smile stered on his face.


    ¡± You have no right to barge into my office uninvited!!¡±


    ¡± And you have no right to call the shots in mypany!!¡±


    ¡± I am your step father¡­. And I have the legal right to run thepany on your behalf till youe of age¡­¡­ Isn¡¯t that what was written in the will?¡±  Mr Coker questioned him, with a countenance that was ready for a confrontation.


    Ife calmed down,pletely taken aback by Mr Coker¡¯sst statement.


    ¡± You are right!¡­¡± Ife said and pped his hands in a mocking manner.


    ¡°¡­¡­. The only reason why you are still seated in that position, is because of one thing¡­¡­which is¡­. I am single!¡­. I guess it¡¯s time to fulfill my mum¡¯sst wish by getting married, so I can have the full ownership of my father¡¯spany.¡± Ife said, stressing out hisst statement.


    Mr Coker chuckled, he would not be intimidated by this small boy. He had cracked people who were tougher than this, and had them broken.


    ¡± Suit yourselfd.¡± He muttered.


    ¡± Watch me.¡± Ife threatened and banged the table with his fist, before walking out of his sight.


    Omar elbowed her way through the throng of crowd that were gathered, until she got to the main entrance of the building. Where she saw Ashley; who had been frantically scanning the crowd as though she were looking for someone.


    The air was thick with curiosity and anticipation as the guests miled about. Their eyes alight with curiosity and eagerness, admiring the magnificent building.

 Chapter 3

    Ashley heaved a sigh of relief the moment she spotted Omar, and let out a scowl.


    ¡± You arete!!¡­.. This is definitely no way to support your friend on her house warming party.¡± Ashley stressed still wearing a scowl.


    ¡± I know Barbie¡­.. I was caught up in a tight schedule today, coupled with the traffic on my way¡­.. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Omar said pleadingly.


    ¡± Not sure Judith will buy that story.¡±


    ¡± I know¡­. But could you please plead with her on my behalf?¡­. I promise to make it up to you both¡­.. cross my heart.¡± Omar assured her best friend.


    ¡± I¡¯ll see what I can do, but in the meantime¡­. Follow me.¡± Ashley instructed.


    ¡± Thanks Barbie.¡± Omar expressed her gratitude, following Ashley as she led the way.


    ¡± The house is grand¡­. Emeka must have invested a lot of money buying such a property¡­¡­ Infact! our Judith really caught a big fish this time.¡± Ashley chipped in, as she ushered Omar into the building.


    ¡± Lucky indeed, she is!!¡± Omar whispered, gushing at the breathtaking sight of the interior decoration of the ssy building.


    Whatever charm Judith had used on Emeka, it must have been a very potent one!


    Hmm!


    This was a house located in the Fourth Avenue of Banana Ind!¡­.. A house of her dreams. And now, Judith is officially the first to acquire such a property among them.


    Anyway! Her¡¯s would be the next and would be definitely more grandeur than this.


    Judith was at a corner talking to some of her guest, when she sighted Ashley and Omaring towards her.


    ¡± Oh Judith! I¡¯m really so sorry foringte¡­.. I was caught up in¡­¡­¡± Omar was saying, but Judith interrupted her.


    ¡± Nevermind bee, we¡¯ll have that discussionter¡­. But for now, let¡¯s take some pictures and enjoy the moment.¡± Judith said, beaming with  smiles.


    ¡± Congrattions dear¡­. I¡¯m so happy for you¡­.. Emeka spared no expenses at all in going extra mile to please you.¡± Omar added.


    ¡± He has no choice honey¡­. I ain¡¯t a y queen for nothing and I tell you¡­. this is just the beginning!¡­¡­ I¡¯ll reap him off till he dries up like a leaf.¡± Said Judith.


    Ashley chuckled and said.


    ¡± Come on Judith, you should try to spare some crumbs for his wife and kids¡­.. he has a family¡­¡­ you know?¡±


    ¡± That ain¡¯t my business Barbie, I¡¯m in for the juice and when I¡¯m done sucking it¡¯s content, I¡¯ll throw away the chaff¡­.¡± Judith boasted proudly.¡±


    ¡± Oh poor Emeka.¡± Ashley groaned pitifully.


    Judith chuckled. ¡± No man is worth an ounce of my pity¡­. Not in this world that I am , besides, ¡­.. I n to scale up myworth before my birthday and Emeka will help me achieve that¡­..¡± She added, smiling towards Emeka, who was chatting with his clique of friends at the dinning area.


    Omar focused her gaze on Emeka.


    If only he knew the implication of what he had gotten himself into?


    Judith wasn¡¯t just an ordinary woman.


    Among the trio,  she was the most aggressively merciless towards her victims, never giving a damn on what bes of them afterwards, when she must have rendered them useless.


    One thing they all shared inmon, was the painful heartbreaks they had all suffered from the cold hands of ruthless men.


    This pain brought them together.


    This pain!¡­.. they all channelled into intensive work, till they¡¯re souls cracked out.


    If it were a physical pain, they would have quenched it with some pills¡­.. but nothing!¡­.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Absolutely nothing! Beats the trauma of a deep seethed emotional pain¡­ Although it had the positive angle of it all, which is how they had channelled the pain, into the birthing and nourishment of courage to stand through the toughest storms.


    But nevertheless, Omar feared they had taken it to the extreme, and got lost in the pain, even though they found their strength.


    Emeka noticed his lover and her friends gazing at him and replied back with a wink at Judith. With a smile on his face, he began to walk towards them with his close friend by his side.


    ¡± Wait a minute! Isn¡¯t that Stanley walking towards us with Emeka?¡± Omar asked, totally perplexed.


    ¡± Calm down girl, he¡¯s just a tag along.¡± Judith muttered, tapping Omar on her shoulder.


    Omar rolled her eyes in total disgust, she faced Judith.


    ¡± Did you invite him?¡­. You know that guy is a pest and you invited him!¡±


    ¡± Take it easy bee!¡­ he is Emeka¡¯s closest friend and there¡¯s no way I could stop him froming¡­. Just y cool and stylishly let him off the hook.¡±


    ¡± Oh goodness!¡± Omar let out a fustrated whisper, faking a smile to the men who were now in front of them.


    ¡± Hi Omar, thank God you are here now¡­. Judith was really worried you wouldn¡¯t show up at her house warming.¡± Emeka said and stretched his hands for an handshake.


    ¡± Hello Emeka, I¡¯m so d to see you¡­. I can see you are really taking good care of my friend.¡±


    ¡± Isn¡¯t that the way it should be?¡±


    ¡± Definitely!¡±


    ¡± Hello Omar¡­.. it¡¯s been a while.¡± Stanley voiced.


    Omar swallowed hard, thinking of the best excuse she could muster.


    ¡± Hi Stanley¡­.. how are you doing?¡±


    ¡± Not good¡­. Ever since you left me.¡±


    Omar sighed deeply.


    ¡± It¡¯s been a month Stan¡­. That is enough time to move on with your life. Besides I have fulfilled my end of the deal.¡± Omar replied.


    Stanley was Omar¡¯sst client. She had met himst year on her Instagram handle, and they had initially had a brief affair, until he came back and offered her a deal ofpanionship in exchange for an handsome pay, and she took it.


    ¡± We need to talk.¡±


    ¡± There¡¯s nothing to talk about Stan¡­. ¡±


    ¡± Please Omar! I wouldn¡¯t take much of your time¡­. Please!!!¡±


    Omar sighed again and hesitated. ¡± Okay then.¡± She agreed and Stan took her to the garden, for privacy sake.

 Chapter 4

    ¡± Omar, I really love you¡­. Please!!¡­.. I promise to make you happy if you give me a chance¡­.. I might not be the definition of your prince charming right now¡­. But I¡¯m willing to try.¡± Stanley voiced his heartfelt emotions, and took her hands into his palm.


    ¡°¡­.. Please give me a chance.¡± He continued in whispers, allowing his emotions take him over, as he let out his feelings.


    Omar swallowed hard.


    Stanley was just too emotional for her liking. She would have milked him dry just like the way Judith did her victims but he was just too innocent, for her to do such a thing to.


    She never liked soft men. Infact! She got irritated by softies, but there was something about him that made her fond of him, and that was his pure intentions. He truly was a victim, trapped by her womanly expertise.


    ¡± You are in love with the wrong woman Stan¡­. Please Stan¡­. I¡¯m too broken to ever love a man¡­.. you are handsome, rich, and caring¡­. And you deserve a woman who would love you for who you are. I¡¯m not such woman Stan,¡­. and I do not believe in love¡­¡­  please!¡­. Do not destroy yourself by chasing after a woman who would never love you.¡± Omar said.


    But Stan wouldn¡¯t hear of it. He instead went on his knees to beg her.


    Omar let out a fustrated sigh.


    There might have been a time she would have given herself away, and allowed herself to be loved. But that was once upon a time,


    Because right now, she never gave a damn!.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Stanley¡­. I can¡¯t give you what you are looking for.¡± Omar said with a note of finality and walked out on him,  into the open space where she parked her car.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    She turned on the stereo, listening to the second single by Adam Lambert


    ¡± Whataya want from me!¡± ying from the speakers of her newest car.


    ¡± Hey handsome¡­. I can keep youpany for the night.¡±  She suggested, lurking her lips as a sign of invite.


    But he paid her no heed.


    ¡± Hey!¡­ Hey!!¡­. I¡¯m talking to you ¡­. Fine boy¡­. Or don¡¯t you want me for the night?¡± She persisted and brushed her hands on his shoulder seductively.


    He turned to her sharply, obviously irritated by her touch.


    ¡± Are you so daft to know that you aren¡¯t wanted!!!¡­. Take your silly self and bugger off!!!¡± He rebuked rudely.


    ¡± Ahan¡­ abeg do not insult me o, as if I no be human being sef¡­. No be hustle I dey hustle¡­. Useless guy.¡± She responded and left his presence with a hiss.


    He sat on a stool by the bartender, sipping from a ss tumbler of chilled water, asionally refilling his ss whenever it was empty. There were so many things on his mind, that made him drift in thoughts.


    ¡± If only!!!¡± He fumed.


    ¡°¡­.. if only she wasn¡¯t so na?ve¡­ he wouldn¡¯t have been fighting the battles he was fighting now.¡± He thought deeply, as he ruffled his hair with his palm.


    He missed his father so much, even after seven years.


    His father had willed thepany to her care, because of the love and trust he had for her. But that was the greatest mistake his father; Gbenga Mike Davis made.


    He loved her¡­ no doubt.


    Yes he did!


    Not only because she was his mother, but because she was docile, innocent, and carried an air of positivity around her, which pretty exined why his father married her.


    She was his father interpreter in their early days. A fluent speaker of Spanish and French. And that was what brought them together.


    His father had met her in France. In one of his official visits to his french clients. And was enthralled by her captivating beauty, ss, and fluency, for a woman 10 years younger than him. So then he brought her to Nigeria and married her.


    But several years, after thepany had grown sorge, she slowly began to withdraw her involvement, by reason of  the excuse that she needed enough time to nurture her suckling child.


    She began to drift furthermore, and eventually became a contrast of the Mrs Selina Mike Davis she once was. Then became uninterested in thepany¡¯s affairs and stopped broadening her mental horizon. She transformed into a full domesticated house wife, tending to the son she loved the most.


    Their only child.


    But things changed drastically, when she lost her husband in a ghastly motor ident that changed their lives forever. She was broken, devastated and lonely. Struggling toe to terms with the fact that the husband she loved so much and depended on totally for financial and mental support, was gone!


    Nevertheless, his father left all his financial investments, including thepany, in her care. But Selena Mike Davis couldn¡¯t handle thepany.


    He was only 15 years old then, and had learned the ropes of the business from his father. That was the major reason he was homeschooled.


    Until one evening, after he had returned from an outing with a girl he met in the neighborhood. That was the day she finally opened up.


    ¡± Ifed Mike Davis¡­. Pleasee seat with me dear¡­ I want to have a word with you.¡± She beckoned.


    Ife who was about climbing the stairs, retracted his steps and sat by her side.


    ¡± How are you holding up?¡± he asked her calmly.


    She chuckled.


    ¡± I should be the one to ask you such questions.¡± She countered.


    ¡± It is my duty to look after you mum. And ensure you are fine¡­.. since I¡¯m the man of the house now.¡±  He replied, giving her hand a light squeeze.


    She became still and forced a smile, trying to avoid his gaze.


    ¡± Talking of the man of the house¡­.. there¡¯s someone I want you to meet.¡± She said faintly.


    Just then, the maid ushered in a tall semi built man.


    ¡± Ife,¡­ I want you to meet Mr Dele Coker¡­. A forex analyst, and a former manager in Leroy¡¯s Splendourpany¡­. We¡¯ve been dating for a while now¡­ and we are nning on taking it to the next level.¡± Mrs Selina Mike Davis informed her son.


    Ife stood speechless rooted to the spot


    To say he was stunned was an understatement. His mum was thinking of marriage just a year after his father¡¯s demise!!


    Mr Coker stretched out his hands to him with a grin.


    ¡± Hi Ife,¡­ it¡¯s nice meeting you for the first time¡­.. your mum has said a lot about you, including how you take up responsibilities so fast for your age.¡± Mr Coker said, still reaching out his hands for an handshake.


    He looked from Mr Coker to his mother once again, with hurt and disappointment written on his face. He knew his mother was making a grave mistake.


    ¡± Thest time I checked¡­. She never told me a thing about you, which makes you an irrelevant item.¡± Ife challenged Mr Coker, leaving his stretched out hand hanging.


    ¡± Ife¡­. Please be polite to your guest¡­. He¡¯s going to be your step father soon.¡± His mother said pleadingly.


    But lfe saw beyond the now. He saw a man with an agenda to plunge his father¡¯s wealth,


    the unspoken gold digging greed written in his eyes, spoke volumes.

 Chapter 5

    But he needed a proof to show his mum. And that is what exactly he would do!¡­. he would dig deep, until he finds the dirty secrets of his past.


    ¡± You are stranger here¡­. And that¡¯s how it¡¯s going to be¡­. Just bear in mind Mr¡­¡­ you will never be weed in my home!!!.¡± Ife issued the warning, looking him straight in the eye, before walking out on them and ignoring his mother¡¯s pleas.


    He signalled to the bartender for another refill, and sighed as he resumed sipping the water. And feeling the cold liquid soothe his parched throat.


    His phone began to ring from his trousers pocket.


    It was Chima; his business associate and closest friend.


    ¡± Hey man.¡± He voiced tiredly.


    ¡± Guess what dude?¡± Chima¡¯s voice vibrated from the background.


    ¡± You know I¡¯m not good at guessing¡­ whatever it is you want to say¡­ be out with it.¡±


    ¡± Fine!!¡­. We just found the perfect candidate for a contract wife.¡±


    ¡± This is hrious!!¡± Omar chuckled in disbelief, ncing from Kanayo to Chima, before she finally took a long look at Ife.


    ¡± What is hrious?¡± Kanayo inquired, trying to understand what Omar meant.


    ¡± Can¡¯t you see he is a child?¡­. he¡¯s just too young to get married¡­. I mean, what does a 22 year old know about life?¡± Omar voiced, with an expression that showed she was visibly perplexed.


    ¡± That shouldn¡¯t be your concern Omar¡­.. Have you forgotten this is a business deal?¡­. This is a contract marriage, that would only linger for a period of time¡­.. isn¡¯t that what we discussed?¡± Kanayo asked in agitation.


    ¡± But you never told me he was a child¡­. and¡±


    ¡± Enough!!¡± Ife interrupted Omar before she couldplete her statement.


    ¡± I do not take kindly to insults and do not refer to me in the third person again, while I am present.¡± He cautioned her.


    ¡± Hmm! Have you forgotten this is my office, and I will refer to you whichever way I deem fit!!¡± She fired back.


    ¡± I can see you have a sharp tongue for a y queen.¡±


    ¡± And I can see you were not properly trained!!¡±


    ¡± Please calm down everyone¡­. This shouldn¡¯t be a topic for banter¡­.¡± Chima said, and then turning to Omar, he continued.


    ¡°¡­ This is a business deal,¡­ you either ept it or decline¡­.. you do not need to throw insults.¡± He corrected.


    Omar fell silent for a while. She knew she was out of line. This was not what she expected, but she desperately needed the property in Banana Ind.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­.. please forgive my manners.¡± She apologized.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t expecting you to be this young¡­. Cos I¡¯ll be 32 years in a couple of months and that¡¯s roughly ten years older.¡± She said calmly.


    ¡± And I wasn¡¯t expecting you to be this rude, considering the fact that you were aware of this contract before hand.¡± Ife replied.


    ¡± I said I¡¯m sorry¡­. I know I went overboard and I¡¯m owning up to my mistakes.¡± Omar pleaded again.


    He hesitated, then sighed.


    ¡± Apology epted.¡±


    ¡± Thanks for epting¡­. So can we get started?¡± She announced.


    ¡± Yes¡­. Here are the terms and conditions for the contract.¡± He said, handing her two pieces of typed documents. One was containing the terms and conditions binding the contract, while the other was a prenuptial agreement form.


    She reached out her hands and collected it, taking her time to read it¡¯s content.


    ¡± Fair enough.¡± she said in agreement.


    ¡± Good I¡¯ll send mywyer to finalize the deal.¡± He replied, getting up on his feet.


    ¡± Alright then¡­ It will be a pleasure to finalize this business deal with you.¡± Omar said with a smile on her face.


    ¡± The pleasure is all mine.¡± Ife replied and they shook hands before he left with Chima his friend.


    Omar knew this man, who stood before her a while ago, may be young, but was a hard nut to crack.


    ¡°So what do you think about the offer?¡±


    Kanayo asked, stroking his beards habitually.


    ¡± It doesn¡¯t state a house in Banana Ind, but the pay is good enough to purchase a house there.¡± Omar pointed out.


    ¡± ¡­. Besides,¡± she continued.


    ¡± That guy seems tough and interesting a personality¡­. With a lot of stringent rules and regtions¡­.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll agree with you on that¡­. But I trust there¡¯s no Personality you can¡¯t handle¡­.. moreover, the contract is only for a space of three years, and you will have your life back.¡± Kanayo remarked.


    ¡± Yes¡­. Three years is no joke, but I can handle it.¡±


    ¡± Trust you can¡­. And do not forget our deal of a 10% rebate¡­ since I brought you the business deal.¡± Kanayo reminded Omar.


    ¡± That¡¯s not a problem as far as Omar is concerned.¡±


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


    ¡± Really!! He¡¯s 22 and he controls that much wealth?¡± Ashley eximed with her eyes almost popping out from it¡¯s socket.


    Judith continued crunching on her springles, but her interest was aroused now, as the three friends sat in Omar¡¯s living room on a Saturday morning.


    ¡± Hmm! Queen bee!!¡­.. Are you thinking what I am thinking?¡± Judith who had plunged into a deep meditation, asked Omar.


    ¡± What are you thinking Judy?¡±This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± This is your opportunity to cash out big time dear¡­. You need to give him a run for his money and transfer his fortune to you!!¡± Judith exined.


    ¡± Hold on a second Judy!! If your idea of transferring his fortune, is through the use of charms like you do,¡­ then count me out!!¡± Omar retorted.


    ¡± Calm down bee!!¡­. You see the problem with you both is that you are a pair of scared chickens¡­.. especially You Omar!!! And that is why you are the poorest among us.¡± Judith pointed out.


    ¡± What I¡¯m saying is this¡­ Gold are not found on the streets, you need to dig deeper!!¡­.. Meaning You must invoke the supernatural forces to back you up¡­ I have a spiritualist that is skilled in this things, so I¡¯m going to take you to her to prepare strong charms for you so you can have a powerful influence over his wealth.¡± Judith exined further.


    Ashley waved her hands in protest and said.

 Chapter 6

    ¡± I do not buy your idea Judy¡­ Not everything requires charm.¡±


    ¡± Same here.¡± Omar seconded.


    ¡°¡­. I¡¯ve lived long enough on this Earth to know that such evil charms carries repercussions¡­. Besides, I don¡¯t want to be an heartless witch like you.¡± Omar replied and bursted intoughter together with Ashley.


    ¡± So what are you?¡­. A saint?¡± Judith threw the question mockingly.


    ¡± I¡¯m no saint Judy¡­ but I still have conscience, unlike you.¡±


    ¡± Fine¡­. Do your thing¡­but do note running to me for help.¡± Judith warned.


    ¡± Not in your wildest dreams gurl.¡± Omar returned and bursted into another round ofughter with Ashley.


    Judith hissed and threw the springles on them.


    Omar exhaled deeply, as she signed thest of the documents presented to her by Ife¡¯swyer.


    ¡±  Finally, we have a deal.¡± She said, smiling with her hands sped as she turned to Ife.


    ¡± Yes we do.¡± Ife replied abruptly, equally scrutinizing the documents in his hands.


    ¡± Omare Edeh.¡± He pronounced.


    ¡± Yes that¡¯s my name.¡± Omar replied.


    ¡± Hmmm! What state are you from?¡±


    ¡± I hail from Benue State¡­ an Idoma from Gboko to be precise.¡± Omar replied.


    ¡± Hmm! That¡¯s nice¡­.


    Benue is where my Ex is from.¡± He said.


    ¡± Really! She must have been an interesting person.¡± Omarmented.


    ¡± yes she was¡­. Women from Benue are quite entertaining¡­. But can also be filled with a bag of issues.¡± He remarked.


    ¡± ¡­. Anyway,  that aside¡­.. Our first move is to attend our anniversary at Davis Entertainment Empire¡­.. that¡¯s the name of mypany.¡±


    ¡°..¡­ Our anniversary ising up this weekend and I n to introduce you as my fianc¨¦e to my business associates and family.¡± Ife added.


    ¡± Ok then.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Please I¡¯ll like you to equally y along and act as convincing as possible, cos I¡¯ve got a very sensitive family¡­.. especially my paternal uncle, whom you¡¯ll be meeting as well.¡± He informed her.


    ¡± ¡­. If anyone asks you how we met, ¡­. You can tell them we met on a vacation trip.¡± He slotted in.


    ¡± Ok then, Roger that.¡± Omar replied already liking the feel of it.


    ¡± So how do we meet?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯ll forward my home address to you. You can pick me up from home.¡±


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


    ¡± Emeka! Emeka!¡­. Where is this fool!!¡± Binta ranted from the stairs, looking for her husband.


    She sighted him reading a newspaper in the living room, with his leg resting on the center table.


    Marching down from the stairs angrily, she continued shouting his name.


    ¡± Take it easy darling¡­. You don¡¯t need to tear down the house, yelling my name like that..¡± Emeka said with aloofness.


    ¡°¡­ Come sit on myps and talk to daddy¡­¡± he continued with a smile, beckoning at her.


    Binta stood, ring at her husband, and at the same wondering if this was the man she married at all. She threw a document at him.


    ¡± This is the third time you are withdrawing exhorbitant amount from thepany¡¯s funds without a proper exnation as to what you used it for!!¡±


    ¡± ¡­. Do you want to ruin thepany we worked so hard to build?¡± Binta asked, still yelling in anger.


    ¡± I said you should take it easy woman! and stop yelling at me like an animal!!¡­. Moreover, it¡¯s none of your business what I do with thepany¡¯s fund.¡± Emeka replied his wife coldly.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Binta scoffed unbelievably.


    ¡± I am your business partner¡­. And I have toiled day and night with you to build up thatpany, and yet you are saying trash!!!¡±


    Emeka sighed deeply. He had expected her to rant, and he was ready for it. This woman was always monitoring him like a detective.


    ¡± I borrowed it for a future investment that is personal to me¡­. I¡¯ll return it back as soon as it yields.¡±


    ¡± What kind of investment is it that you never carried me along?¡­. An investment that caused that huge an amount of money!!¡±


    ¡± Binta stop ranting¡­. The kids will think we are quarrelling if you continue like this¡­. why don¡¯t we settle it in bed¡­. You know, with candle light and perfumed roses!!¡± he gesticted and curled his lips into a tempting smile which infuriated Binta the more.


    Binta dragged his shirt and began to cry. ¡± You must return that money right now!!¡­ Or I will sue you.¡± She shouted as she continued locking his shirt.


    ¡± Leave me alone this woman or I will beat you up o¡­. Is this what your pastor teaches you in church? To be disrespectful to your husband?¡­.. And you are the head of Sunday school department!!¡± Emeka yelled, trying to free himself from her suffocating grip.


    ¡± And what about you?¡­. Are you not the head of ushering department in church¡­. You have allowed the devil to use you and you must pay!!¡±


    Binta continued to drag her husband by his shirt as she wailed.


    ¡± I will not let you destroy me you this man¡­. Return the money o ¡­ you must return the money!!¡­. I know I have made a mistake by marrying you already¡­. But I will never let you destroy mybourpletely.¡± She continued.


    ¡± Mummy your phone is ringing¡­. Pastor Nathaniel is calling you..¡± Somto called his mother, running down the staircase.


    But Binta did not let go.


    ¡± Mummy why are you fighting daddy?¡± Somto asked.


    ¡± Are you not the one that said people who fight are children of the devil?¡± Somto probed further.


    ¡± Yes dear¡­. Don¡¯t you know your mother is a devil, that is why she is fighting daddy.¡± Emeka replied Somto, still struggling to free himself from her strong grip.


    Binta; obviously hit by her son¡¯s word,  finally let go of Emeka¡¯s shirt and sat on the floor crying.

 Chapter 7

    Emeka was going to render them poor. The doom she had feared had finally happened to her.


    ¡± Mummy don¡¯t cry!!¡­ Let¡¯s go to church¡­. we are alreadyte.¡± Somto said, wiping his mother¡¯s tears.


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


    ¡± IN CHRIST ALONE, MY HOPE IS FOUND. HE IS MY LIGHT, MY STRENGTH MY SONG.¡± The congregation continued to sing the hymnal.


    Binta found herself struggling so hard to concentrate on both the hymnal and  the sermon for the evening service. Consequently drifting away to the event that urred with her husband earlier on that day.


    Service ended and she was about to leave when a member of the protocol department, came to meet her.


    ¡± Pastor Nathaniel wants to see you in his office.¡± The Man informed her, and took her to the pastor¡¯s office.


    ¡± Good evening pastor.¡± She greeted.


    Pastor Nathaniel looked up to meet her gaze. ¡± Hello sister Binta¡­ how are you doing?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m not doing badly pastor.¡± Binta replied with a sad countenance.


    ¡± I called your line earlier on today but you weren¡¯t picking up¡­. Hope all is well?¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± All is not well pastor¡­ infact the devil has built a two story building in my home, through my husband¡­¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s ok sister Binta¡­. Calm down and tell me what happened.¡±


    Binta narrated her ordeal amidst tears.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what hase over Emeka.¡± She ended.


    Pastor Nathaniel paused for a while, then spoke.


    ¡± He that breaketh the edge the serpent will bite¡­.. your husband has entered into a snare, deeper than you think¡­. So fighting him physically will be adding more salt to the injury¡­¡± Her pastor counseled


    ¡°¡­.. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds¡­.. your husband has be a prey to a strong woman¡­. But nothing!¡­. Absolutely nothing! beats the Power of God¡­ I have been praying for your family for a while now and I will not back out.¡± Pastor Nathaniel assured Binta.


    ¡± But why pastor?¡­ I pray for him almost every day, I¡¯m an active worker in the Lord¡¯s vineyard, I sow seeds and pay my tithe¡­.. if there is anyone to experience this¡­. it shouldn¡¯t be me.¡± Bintained.


    Pastor Nathanielughed briefly.


    ¡± God¡¯s ways are mysterious to man Binta. God wants to win a general to his vineyard through this event¡­. Just watch and pray¡­. And see the mighty power of God manifest¡­. Do not be troubled at all¡­. God is working out something on Your behalf.¡± Pastor Nathaniel told Binta with a smile.


    But Binta wasn¡¯t totally convinced. She must investigate Emeka, and find out what he was up to.


    Omar looked at her reflection in the mirror for the fifth time. She was dressed to kill. It was going to be her first appearance in her husband to be¡¯s establishment, and she must make a good andsting impression. Davis Entertainment Empire must recognize her presence as their boss¡¯s wife to be, and she was arising to the asion of a CEO¡¯s wife.


    She waited for about 30 minutes for Ife toe pick her, and he was right on time.


    ¡± Shall we?¡± He asked with a slight grin on his face.


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    ¡± By the way, you look gorgeous.¡± Hemended her outrightly, with a straight face, as he started his car engine and drove off.


    ¡± I must create a good impression on my to- be inws.¡± She replied.


    And he gave a nod.


    He was quiet all through the journey to the venue and never took a second nce at her until they got to the venue.


    That was when he took a long nce at her.


    ¡± My paternal Uncle and cousins are the only family I¡¯ve got right now and I hold them dear to me.


    All other person¡¯s are irrelevant¡­.. I already told uncle Makinde that I would be bringing my fiancee and introducing her, and he is expecting you.¡± Ife informed her.


    ¡± That¡¯s not a problem¡­. I¡¯ll y cool as possible.¡± Omar muttered dryly, a little disappointed that Ife wasn¡¯t drooling over her, even though she neverplemented his looks. It was her first time of observing his broad chested abs, which had fitted perfectly into his wine velvet suit.


    ¡± Alright then¡­¡± He replied and opened her side of the car door. He held her hands as they walked side by side into thepany.


    The program was about to get started when they got there.


    Omar walked gracefully in style, counting her steps on her stilletto heels, the moment they entered the hall. She spotted a handful of ssydies and was instantly d she was well dressed for the asion.


    Ife stole a quick nce at Omar, he didn¡¯t know she was this attractive a woman.


    Damn!


    He swallowed hard.


    By her appearance only, it would be difficult for him to concentrate and stick to the end of their contract if she continued dressing this way. She looked bold and daring; a trait he kind of liked in a woman.


    He smiled inwardly, satisfied that all eyes had turned in their direction. He could hear the whispers from those who turned their direction. Among them was Richard; his opportunistic step brother, and his sister; Rita.


    They whispered something to their father who eventually turned their direction.


    ¡± Who is thatdy with him?¡± Rita asked her father in uttermost surprise.


    ¡± That¡¯s what we are about to find out.¡± Mr Davis replied his daughter and started walking towards their direction, while his children tagged along.


    He had never seen Ife with another woman, apart from Zoey; the only woman he had a soft spot for, the woman who broke his heart two years ago and made him vow openly that he wasn¡¯t going to ever get married.


    This same vow, was the reason Selena gave the one condition that was attached to her will. The only condition that made Ife her heir.


    ¡± Who on Earth is this ssy woman smiling boldly and glued to his side.¡± Mr Coker thought, as he drew closer to them.


    ¡± Hi Ife, you are right on time for the party.¡± Mr Coker said with a fake smile on his face.


    ¡± Hi brother.¡± Richard greeted also forcing a smile as well.


    ¡°Happy 26th anniversary to Davis Entertainment Empire.¡± Mr Coker added, raising his ss of champagne simultaneously with Richard and Rita.


    Ife smirked. He knew why they came. They came to know who thedy with him was.


    ¡± And who is this pretty damsel?¡± Rita asked trying so hard to mask her curiosity.


    ¡± None of your business!!¡­¡± he replied sharply.


    ¡± Hey take it easy man¡­. Just wanted to know my brother¡¯s guest.¡± Rita replied back coldly and gave a scowl.

 Chapter 8

    Omar looked from Ife to his siblings and knew instantly that their rtionship was a rocky one.


    ¡± There¡¯s my Uncle¡­e on dear¡­. Let¡¯s go meet him.¡± Ife said to her and held her hands, leaving Mr Coker and his Step siblings staring at them in confusion.


    Uncle Makinde was spotted at the right side of the hall, having a chat with Mr Perkins, when Ife and Omar joined him.


    ¡± Oh my God!! She is beautiful!!¡­ Ife you really got it right this time.¡± Uncle Makinde eximed in amazement, already assuming Omar to be his nephew¡¯s woman.


    ¡± But I haven¡¯t introduced her yet uncle.¡± Ife voiced, clearly surprised.


    ¡± You do not need to introduce her, I already know she is the one¡­e hug me dear¡­what is your name?¡± Uncle Makinde asked as he beckoned on Omar, stretching his hands for a hug.


    ¡± my name is Omare Edeh sir.¡± Omar replied with a courtesy smile.


    ¡± You are weed Omare into the Davis family¡­¡­ would love to host you for the weekend with my family¡­. And I want you to be in attendance¡­ so we can get acquainted with you and discuss about the wedding preparations¡­.¡± Uncle Makinde told Omar.


    ¡± I will be there sir.¡±


    ¡± Is that a promise?¡±


    ¡± Definitely sir.¡±


    ¡± Great.¡± Then turning to Ife, Uncle Makinde asked.


    ¡± When is the wedding?¡±


    ¡± We n to do it the Saturday after Easter celebration.¡±


    ¡± That will be next weekend.¡±


    ¡± Exactly.¡±


    ¡± Hmmm¡­. That¡¯s perfect.¡± Uncle Makinde confirmed and dropped a kiss at the back of Omar¡¯s palm.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you make it public now.¡± He suggested.


    ¡± Right away uncle.¡± Ife confirmed with a smile and walked down to the podium, consciously taking calcted steps to attract his audience attention.


    Climbing the steps of the podium, he buttoned up a loosed button of his velvety suit, and paused for effect.


    Satisfied he had gained the full attention of his audience, he picked up the microphone and began his speech.


    ¡± I greet you all members of staff, well wishers, marketing coordinators and Stakeholders, et al, of Davis Entertainment Empire.


    Today we celebrate not just an anniversary¡­. But a legacy of excellence, doggedness, and evidential results in our dispensation.¡± He said and paused again.


    ¡± Today.¡± He continued. ¡± We also celebrate thebor of my father; Director Gbenga Mike Davis, for his relentless effort in the birth of this wonderful Conglomerate¡­. And notwithstanding, we are not backing down in our wins by andrge and topping up our diversification of skills¡­..


    This being said¡­ I will like to digress a little, with your permission of course!, and introduce someone special to me¡­ my woman,


    my fiancee!!¡­. as I plunge into the next level of newness and greater dimensions¡­


    It would be my pleasure to invite you all to my weddinging up next weekend, where I tie the knot with my bethrothed¡­. Omare Edeh!!¡±Ife announced proudly and everyone gave their thunderous ps, followed by audible whispers as Omar climbed up the podium to join her husband to be.


    Amidst the ps and celebrations, Ifeughed inwardly as he saw the expression of shock and anger written on Mr Coker and his grown up kids.


    They looked like they were hit by a tornado.


    ¡± What!!! This can¡¯t be happening!!¡± Rita objected furiously.


    Richard froze on his spot, still trying to regain himself from what he had just heard.


    He turned to his father.


    ¡± You cannot let this happen!!¡­. If he marries her, he takes preeminence of thepany!!¡­ We have to do something father!!¡± Richard spoke with urgency.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok son. Stop jittering¡­.. it¡¯s time to switch to n B.¡± Mr Coker replied his son.


    His face stone cold as an ice.


    ¡± What is the n B?¡±  Rita asked, looking from her father to her brother.


    Mr Dele Coker shook his head pitifully and turned to Rita.


    ¡± If you were not so morose as your mother, you would have kept yourself updated on our recent ns, instead of unting the affluence your generation cannot afford.¡±


    Rita¡¯s face turned sour.


    ¡± You don¡¯t need to be harsh on me father¡­ I was only asking out of my concern for you.¡± Rita countered.


    Mr Coker chuckled.


    ¡± Concern for me or for the money?¡± He asked her sternly.


    Rita gave him an icy stare.


    ¡± Ever since you abandoned me and my mom at the mercy ofck, to marry a rich woman¡­. We neverined, and worse still¡­you denied us as your family.¡± Rita challenged him with a shaky voice.


    Her emotions had been running wild this days, especially with the word banters between her and her father.


    ¡± Rita¡­ calm down¡­ we shouldn¡¯t be bringing this up at the moment¡­. Right now, we are trying to find a solution to the matters arising¡­. So rx and give it some rest.¡± Richard told his sister.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Mr Coker remained calm and unmoved by his daughter¡¯s speech, he  ignored her and turned to Richard.


    ¡°Get the hit men ready tonight¡­. Ifed would not believe what would hit him.¡± Mr Coker voiced.


    ¡± Right away dad.¡±


    Richard replied and made the call.


    His apartment had mostly been the center of their meeting, each time they  came up with their devilish ns. His wife; Amanda had gone out with the kids earlier that day. And so they had the liberty of conversing without the fear of his wife eavesdropping.


    Richard dropped the call and exhaled.


    ¡± Arrangement has been made¡­. He and his woman would be silenced on their way home tonight.¡± He announced.


    ¡± Good¡­. In his next life¡­. Ife wouldn¡¯t think of daring me.¡± Mr Coker replied with a smirk on his face, then standing up to leave, he added.

 Chapter 9

    ¡± Tell those hit men to make sure his uncle is framed for it¡­.. with this¡­. My enemies will bepletely eradicated¡­. Making the house and thepany fully mine!¡­. Then we can live together as a family with your mother by my side.¡± He said, focusing on Rita and smiling.


    ¡± Or isn¡¯t that what you¡¯ve always wanted?¡± He asked Rita, holding her by the shoulders.


    ¡± I know I abandoned you and your mom¡­. But it was for a good course¡­ I needed to secure your futures forever and that is what I¡¯m doing!!¡­.. just take a look at your brother; Richard¡­. And consider the sacrifices I made in ensuring that Richard had some shares in thepany¡­.. the only two left now is you and your mom, and I¡¯m working on that¡­. Just give me some time.¡± He pleaded with his daughter.


    Rita nced at her father and exhaled deeply, her hands were folded together as she nodded her head.


    Mr Coker let out a grin And left, bidding them goodbye.


    ¡± Rita, I think you should cut father some cks¡­. He¡¯s really trying his best to secure our future¡­.. but Ife is giving him a hard time¡­. You need to try to understand.¡± Richard advised his sister.


    Rita fell silent as she poured herself a drink from a wine cer.


    ¡± You know Richard¡­.. I worry more about you than I worry for thepany.¡± She voiced concernedly.


    ¡± Why are you worrying about me?¡± he asked her.


    She sighed.


    ¡± I worry that what I fear the most is happening to you.¡±


    Richard straitened and shot her a serious look.


    ¡± You are talking in parables Rita¡­. Why don¡¯t you go straight to the point and shed more light!¡±


    ¡± Richard¡­. When was thest time you called Mom?¡± She questioned.


    ¡± It¡¯s been a while¡­. I believe she¡¯s doing fine Rita¡­ what has that got to do with our discussion?¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s the point Richard¡­. Exactly my point¡­. Mom and I feared you were going to turn out like dad, and that was why she was hesitant to send you to father and his enstranged mistress 5 years ago!!¡­. Look at how you turned out to be¡­. You¡¯ve totally forgotten your root¡­. You¡¯ve forgotten the toils of your mother!! All because you were too deep chasing another man¡¯s fortune!!¡±


    Richard scoffed unbelievably.


    ¡± With fortunees sacrifices Rita¡­. I am fighting this battles for all of us!¡­ You! Me! And Mom!¡­. I expect you to understand Rita¡­.. poverty is an evil bastard and I do not want it reurring in my generation¡­. That is why I opened a trust fund for Kimberly; my daughter¡­ so she won¡¯t have to go through what we went through!!¡± Richard voiced passionately.


    Rita swallowed hard as she drifted in her thoughts.


    Her brother was drifting away like the wind, and she was slowly losing her grip of influence on him.


    Richard had transformed just within five years of being under his father.


    If only her mother listened at all to her counsels of not letting Richard go. But she wanted to be the submissive wife.


    Her eyes were moist with tears when she wiped them off with an handkerchief and turned to Richard once again.


    ¡± You still do not get it Richard.¡± She voiced in emotions.


    ¡± The real poverty is not in theck of money¡­. But being unloved, abandoned, and uncared for, is the greatest poverty of all times¡­. Do not abandon your family all in the name of chasing wealth¡­. Because in the end¡­ you¡¯ll realize they are the ones that matters the most¡­..¡± Rita paced around as she spoke.


    ¡± Evil is taking over you Richard¡­.¡± She continued.


    ¡°Have you ever even thought for once that if you were to switch ces with Ife, how will you feel if your father¡¯sbour was taken away from you!!¡­. How will you be able sleep at night knowing fully well you murdered a man to steal his fortune!!¡±


    Richard hissed in irritation.


    ¡± Why did youe back?¡­ Is it to give me sermons on how to be a good boy!!!¡­. See Rita¡­. Father mustn¡¯t know you said this or else he will not hesitate to send you back!!!¡­. This world is about the survival of the fittest¡­. Only the strong wins the battles¡­ if you know you are notfortable with our ns, then leave!!¡­ But remember something!!¡­. This boy¡¯s fortune was what you got you the house you and Mom live in!¡­. This boy¡¯s fortune sponsored your education through school¡­ this same fortune is what made you who you are today!!¡­. This¡­.¡±


    ¡± Enough!!!¡­. Enough Richard¡­. You are apletely different man from the Richard I grew up with!!!¡­. You know daddy will never bring Mom back because of her condition¡­. Instead he is busy frolicking with other women and you turned a blind eye all because of greed¡­.. I will never be a party to terminating a man¡¯s life in other to steal his money!!!¡± Rita yelled in tears.


    ¡± You know what Rita!!!¡­. You can go back to your poverty lifestyle and embrace it!!!¡­. I do not give a damn!!!¡±


    Rita broke into loud sobs.


    ¡± Mom is sick!!!¡­. Richard!!¡­. your mom has been sick  for 3 years and you never bothered to visit her for once¡­.. you got married in your mother¡¯s absence¡­. Whatever happened to your conscience Richard!!¡± Rita used her brother tearfully.


    Richard sighed in frustration.


    ¡± mom is a distraction to my mission right now!!¡­ And besides she made it clear that she didn¡¯t want to set her eyes on me again!! ¡­. So why the emotional ckmail, as if I¡¯m a devil?¡±


    ¡± I thought it was a thing of the past¡­. Why is your heart darkened with so much bitterness?¡± Rita asked emotionally.


    Richard stamped his foot angrily.


    ¡± You know what Rita¡­. I need some space before my wife gets back¡­ you cane again some other day.¡± Richard said and walked out of her presence into his bedroom.


    They had barely entered the car, when he received a disturbing call.


    He sighed heavily and was silent for a while; as if trying to make a difficult decision.


    ¡± Everything ok?¡± Omar asked, a bit out of concern.


    He rested his chin on his arm, and fell silent, letting out a deep breath.


    ¡± We need to leave town andy low for a while till our wedding.¡± He announced.


    ¡± What do you mean byy low?¡­ I do not understand your insinuation.¡±


    Ife turned to her slowly. He wasn¡¯t expecting things to go to this extreme, much less, endangering her life.


    ¡± Do you want to die Omar!!¡± he asked her concernedly.


    ¡± What kind of question is that?¡±


    He fell into silence, and took in a deep breath to ease off the tension.


    ¡± My Step father is nning to kill us!!¡­


    That is why we have to leave town ande up with a n for our wedding¡­¡±


    ¡± Kill us.¡± Omar gasped, popping her eyes in utter disbelief.


    ¡± You know Ife¡­. The first time you entered my office¡­. I sensed you will put me into trouble¡­. And here we are!!!¡±


    ¡± Calm down Omar¡­ this is not what I nned¡­ I underestimated my step father¡­. But not to worry, I have it under control.¡±


    ¡± You have it under control and you are running away!!¡­.¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 10

    ¡± Omar please this is not the time for disagreements¡­. I need you to understand.¡± Ife pleaded.


    Omar sighed heavily, trying to control the anxiety which was ravaging her.


    ¡± How do you know your step father is after our lives?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡± inner sources informed me.¡±


    ¡± How well do you trust your inner sources?¡±


    ¡± Enough to know that we are in danger.¡±


    Omar bit her upper lip anxiously.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Fine¡­. You¡¯ll drop me off at home so I can pack my stuff..¡±


    ¡± There won¡¯t be time for that¡­. We are going from here.¡± He announced and started the car engine and drove off, ignoring Omar res at him with her mouth agape.


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


    She turned on the ignition of her car and trailed carefully the Hignder, which was parked in front of the shopping mall a while ago. She had been watching for a while the vehicle, right from the moment it left the office, to the point it picked up the strange woman at the T junction, until they arrived at the shopping mall.


    And now, it was about leaving the luxurious mall.


    She had done her due diligence in hacking into his device a week back,


    to track his log of phone chats and conversation, and had arrived at an evidential proof beyond a shadow of doubt that her husband had been cheating on her.


    Her instincts was right all along. She let out a fustrated sigh, her face contorted in a disappointed expression,pelling her to pant painfully.


    Whoever this strange woman was, she was making him spend heavily and draining thepany of funds.


    Apany she had built from the scratch with her ungrateful husband.


    She took charge of the wheel and manouvered it expertly into a street bend, where the Hignder led. Careful enough to avoid being seen by her targets.


    The Hignder abruptly came to an halt and a skimpily dressed fairdy alighted from it and kissed Emeka, before leading him to her luxurious apartment


    Binta¡¯s eyes were already weary. She had been driving for long from her Estate into the Banana Ind. Although she couldn¡¯t enter thepound, but a nce at the building spoke volumes of it being a very expensive apartment.


    ¡± Is this what Emeka is spending thepany¡¯s money on?¡± Binta thought to herself, with a rage of anger brewing inside her as she tapped her feet impatiently on the floor of her Mazda.


    She must cook up a n and it must be very soon. Emeka must pay for his betrayal, and thatdy! She will rot in hell!!


    She picked up her phone and dialed Emeka¡¯s number repeatedly, until he picked it up on the fourth ring.


    ¡± Hello darling.¡± Emeka voiced.


    ¡± Emeka, where are you?¡± Binta asked abruptly.


    There was a pause from the other end for a few seconds.


    ¡± I¡¯m at Stephen; my friends house¡­. We needed to meet up and discuss something urgent¡­.. why are you asking?¡±


    Binta swallowed painfully. Her husband was a good for nothing.


    ¡± I asked because today is our wedding anniversary, and I was thinking for once you¡¯ll spend some time to take me out but you chose to stay out all day! ¡­. Emeka what has happened to the vow we shared between us¡­. The vow that you made to me at the altar on our wedding day.¡± Binta asked shakily, wiping the tears which had long been threatening to fall.


    Emeka paused from his end. He knew his wife was crying from the sound of her voice and that made him ufortable.


    ¡± Binta I¡¯m sorry¡­. I actually forgot it was our anniversary¡­. But I promise to make it up to you¡­. Please¡­.. I¡¯ll be home soon with a gift¡­ and I want you to wait up for me so we can celebrate it.¡± Emeka voiced pleadingly.


    Binta wiped her tears with a white handkerchief from her bag, and sniffed.


    ¡± Fine¡­. I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± She replied and ended the call.


    She wined down the ss of her Mazda to inhale the freshness of the breeze through her skin. It was evening already and she needed to get home on time to prepare the kids for bedtime.


    Turning the ignition once again, she reversed a little, then zoomed off.


    Cuddled beside him was Judith whose head was lying on his bare chest in a lovey dovey mood.


    Emeka took in a deep breath, pondering on the perfect excuse he could muster, so he could go home and fix the pending issues.


    His wife had just called him a while ago, and in all honesty; hepletely forgot it was their wedding anniversary because this days, the thought of Judith mostly flooded his head.


    Scratching his head subconsciously, his thoughts began to drift to his family.


    ¡± Emeka what¡¯s wrong¡­. You¡¯ve been all moody since you received the call from your wife.¡± Judith spoke softly, stroking the hair on his chest in a romantic manner.


    Emeka gave a quick smile and shifted ufortably.


    ¡± Hum¡­.. Judy¡­. It¡¯s nothing¡­.. something just came up and I need to go home.¡± Emeka gently replied.


    Judithughed softly.


    ¡± Emeka¡­. Hmmm¡­. Emeka¡­. So you want to leave me here and go to your wife abi?¡± Judith asked, wearing a frown on her face.


    ¡± Judy honey¡­. Please let me go tonight¡­. I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡± Emeka pleaded.


    ¡± That wasn¡¯t our agreement Emeka¡­. we agreed to spend the night together and that is exactly what we will do.¡± Judith affirmed.


    ¡± Judy¡­ today is my wedding anniversary and Binta will be hurt if I do not show up.¡± Emeka exined.


    She removed her gaze from his chest she had been stroking, and stared straight into his eyes.


    ¡± Emeka¡­. Before we entered into this rtionship, you promised to take good care of me¡­. You said your wife didn¡¯t really matter because she was boring in bed¡­.. so why the sudden concern for her?¡± Judith asked, shing him a questioning look.


    Emeka breathed heavily and shifted his gaze to the bedspread.


    ¡± Judy¡­. You know I love you, and I will do anything for your sake¡­.. I¡¯ve always made sure to stick to my promises to you my queen and even spend more time with you than I do at home¡­. I just need to go this one time¡­. Please.¡± He said, pleading with his eyes.


    ¡± Fine you can go dear¡­. But bear in mind that the moment you step out of that door, this rtionship is over!!¡± Judith threatened with her eyes as cold as ice, and turned to the other side of the king sized bed.


    ¡± Oh my Judy¡­. I do not mean to make you angry at all¡­. If you like, I can even stay for two more days¡­. I¡¯ll do anything for you dear¡­. I promise.¡± Emeka said shakily, holding her in a loving manner.


    Judy turned back to face him and smiled.


    ¡± Good.¡±

 Chapter 11

    She loved the control she had over him, over all her men. The euphoria of the feeling of seeing that sheepish look in Emeka¡¯s eyes, was fascinating.


    But one thing she was dissatisfied about was his sudden concern to spend more time with his wife this days. And this was not a good sign at all.


    She must double the love portion, and drive an irreversible wedge between him and his family.


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


    Binta yawned tiredly.


    She must have dozed off after the series of heart rending tears she poured out some hours ago.


    She nced at the wall clock for the uptenth time and swallowed hard the lump that had long gathered in her throat.


    He asked her to wait!!¡­.. He asked her to wait up for him.


    ¡°It was 1:20 am already. Why would Emeka make a fool of her.¡± Binta pondered deeply, allowing her memoryne lead her to the past during their early days of courtship.


    They had met in church. But they were more like total strangers, not until they met at the workers meeting mid year report program. That was the first day they had struck a conversation that ignited the spark of attraction between them.


    She was in the Sunday School department while he was the head of the ushering department in church and also one of the most sought after men among the eligible bachelors then.


    They spent most of their leisure times on dates and outdoor events that got her falling head over heels in love with him.


    And when he proposed, she was overjoyed, even the head pastor approved of him and within a short period of time, the wedding took ce.


    ¡°But why were things falling apart now?


    Why has Emeka changed so much?¡±


    This were thoughts that flooded Binta¡¯s mind as she brooded with fresh tears pouring from her eyes.


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


    ¡± Attention all!!¡­. We are pleased to inform you that the time ofnding is approximately 10 minutes ahead of schedule.¡± The flight attendant¡¯s voice echoed from the speakers.


    Omar yawned tiredly. She felt worn out by fatigue in an impromptu journey.


    She turned sideways to see Ife sitting beside her, typing on his iPad.


    ¡± Come on, it¡¯s time to go.¡± He whispered to her, as he stood up to pull   his small suitcase in a nearby bin.


    They alighted from the ne and checked into a very expensive hotel in Dubai.


    ¡± So what next?¡± Omar asked Ife as he lied on the bed and seemed to be brooding.


    ¡± We will go get you as many clothes that canst for a week.¡±


    ¡± And?¡±


    ¡± Then we will have a good meal tonight.¡±


    ¡± And then?¡±


    ¡±  We will include the purchase of a wedding gown among your clothes, because tomorrow is our wedding.¡± Ife announced.


    Omar chuckled unbelievably.


    ¡± Tomorrow is our wedding?¡­. Since When did we change the ns?¡± She asked him.


    He slowly got up from the bed and faced her.


    ¡± Since now.¡± He whispered.


    ¡± Do you take this man as yourwfully wedded husband? To love and to hold¡­¡­..¡± The priest¡¯s voice echoed in Omar¡¯s ears.


    Omar shivered¡­. She thought she had it under control, after all, it¡¯s just business. Not until now that she realized it was harder than she thought it would be.


    This had happened before!!


    Though not exactly the same scenario, but it was simr. She could feel the rumbling in her stomach and the palpitation of her heart.


    ¡± Are you alright Omar.¡± Ife whispered into her ears. He must have noticed her uneasiness as they stood before the priest to take their wedding vows.


    Omar straightened up and looked at her sweaty palms inspite of the air conditioner, blowing cool air into the atmosphere.


    She was feeling all sweaty due to the tension brewing inside of her that made her nervous.


    She managed to force a smile at him.


    ¡± Please may I use the rest room?¡­. I feel a difort in my tummy.¡± She exined.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok Omar¡­. Take your time and use the rest room.¡± Ife permitted and signalled to the priest to hold on.


    There were only three guests present in the auditorium, which were Uncle Makinde, his wife, and Jades; one of his daughters whom Ife fondly nicknamed as Jade.


    Uncle Makinde and his family had been earlier informed by Ife about the change in ns for the wedding, and took the next avable flight to Dubai.


    Omar stared at her reflection in the mirror once more. She was gorgeously dressed in a simple white ssy wedding gown.


    Nevertheless, she felt so tired!! Tired of living a life of deceits.


    Tired of the loneliness in the midst of many men.


    And most importantly, she was tired of being broken!!


    Hmmm!Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even a mirror, when broken, bes a razor!.


    This was exactly what she had been transformed into. A time bomb in form of a woman, waiting to explode. A woman who had spent most of her time chasing the shadows of her past.


    Happiness was now a luxury she desired desperately for, but she knew beyond a shadow of doubt that in other to be happy, she must first of all start with the woman in the mirror, and make a conscious effort in changing the pattern of life she was towing.


    Although it might take a long process of time, but she would take it one step at a time.


    Taking in a deep breath, she exhaled.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok Omar¡­.. This is just business as usual.¡± She told herself and exhaled once again, before going into the church auditorium.

 Chapter 12

    ¡± Feeling better now?¡± Ife asked her.


    ¡± Yes thanks.¡± She muttered as her face brightened into a smile.


    ¡°Ife always looked real good on coperate wears.¡± She thought to herself. But he had a presence that dominated hers in ways she cannot exin.


    They said their wedding vows and we¡¯re pronounced husband and wife by the priest.


    ¡± You may kiss your bride.¡± The priests voice echoed.


    Before she could process the information, Ife pulled her closer and kissed her fully on the lips, stimting ps and cheers from the audience.


    ¡± Congrattions Ife.¡± Uncle Makinde voiced, pulling Ife into a fatherly hug.


    ¡± I¡¯m so d that you found love¡­.. now you can take back the leadership of Davis Entertainment from your sly step father.¡± Uncle Makinde added.


    ¡°Thanks uncle¡­. Thanks for attending and Aunty, you really made my day by gracing us with your presence.¡± Ife voiced cheerfully.


    ¡± You are wee dear¡­. Now it¡¯s left for you to adjust your life style to the one of a married man now¡­..¡± Uncle Makinde¡¯s wife was advising when Jades pulled Ife by his ears.


    ¡± Ouch Jade that hurts.¡± Ife winced.


    ¡± That¡¯s exactly my intention Ife¡­. why did you change the wedding ns all of a sudden without giving me time to make proper preparations?¡± Jade asked Ife with her grip still on his ears.


    ¡± fine!! I will exin if you free my ears from your hands!!¡±


    She let go of her grip.


    ¡± Ouch don¡¯t you know that hurts?¡­. I¡¯ve always told you to be calming down.¡± Ife said, rubbing his aching ears.


    ¡± Exnation!!¡­. Or I¡¯ll pull your ears again.¡± Jade demanded.


    Omar chuckled at the sight of watching Ife handled that way by his cousin. She seemed like a toughdy.


    ¡± Ok fine¡­. It¡¯s a sensitive matter I¡¯ll like to discuss with you alone¡­. I promise to tell you all about it.¡± Ife replied.


    ¡± Fine¡­. I¡¯ll patiently wait.¡± She replied with her hands akimbo.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    They had the camera man take their photographs, after which, Ife headed back to the hotel with his bride.


    ¡± What would you like to eat for lunch?¡± Ife asked Omar as soon as they got to their private lounge.


    She shrugged decisively.


    ¡± We could go to the Africana First Restaurant to have a decent native meal, if you want.¡± Ife suggested.


    ¡± That would be perfect.¡± Omar concurred as she tapped on her phone.


    There were missed calls on her phone.


    One from Ashley and three missed calls from Judith.


    She sighed.


    A lot had happened within the past few hours, that she hadn¡¯t even remember to inform her friends. Ranging from an unnned journey to Dubai to an impromptu marriage.


    She decided to call Judith first and break the news.


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


    Judith had just alighted in front of the spiritualist home, when her phone began to ring.


    She checked her caller ID, it was Omar.


    ¡± What¡¯s up bee¡­. Ashley and I have been trying to reach you since yesterday but you weren¡¯t picking up.¡± Came Judith¡¯s voice.


    There was a brief pause from Omar.


    ¡± I¡¯m currently at Dubai.¡±


    ¡± Dubai?¡± Judith chuckled.


    ¡± Yes I got married this morning.¡± Omar announced.


    ¡± What¡­. I don¡¯t understand¡­. You are at Dubai?¡­. You got married without informing us¡­.¡± Judith repeated what she just heard.


    Omar sighed.


    ¡± It¡¯s a long story dear¡­. But I promise to exin everything when I get back.¡± Omar said.


    ¡± Yes you owe us an exnation¡­. And it had better be tangible¡­.. or better still, we can video chat tonight to catch up on the recent happenings.¡± Judith suggested.


    ¡± Yes, that will be better.¡± Omar agreed.


    They spoke for a few more minutes before Omar finally ended the call.


    Judith took brisk steps towards the spiritualist home and entered.


    ¡± Omar had better have a tangible exnation as to why she didn¡¯t invite her and Ashley to her wedding¡­.. or else she will see their wrath¡± Judith thought as she walked into the weirdly furnished sitting room of the spiritual home.


    Right now, she had more pressing issues to handle with Saloma; her spiritualist.


    Saloma stood in her red apparel, with her back against Judith, in the middle of the sitting room.


    ¡± You are 10:05 minuteste!!¡± Saloma pointed out, with her back still against Judith.


    ¡± I know¡­ I was held up in traffic¡­. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Judith apologized, shifting ufortably. Saloma¡¯s presence at times sends goose bumps on her skin.


    Holding a mantle on her right hand, Saloma turned to face Judith squarely.


    ¡± I asked you toe by 3pm prompt!¡­. Don¡¯t you know that the matters of the spirit requires urgency?¡­. The spirit awaits you at the set time.¡± The young spiritualist voiced loudly..


    ¡°I had to offer a peace offering on your behalf¡­. And that will definitely cost you an extra sum of money.¡± Saloma added.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry¡­. I¡¯ll pay the extra money¡­. Money is not my problem.¡± Judith said amidst baited breath.


    ¡± Fine¡­. Let¡¯s get down to business.¡± She said, carrying a pot burning with fiery mes round a circle carved in the middle of the sitting room.

 Chapter 13

    She did this for about 10 minutes and stopped abruptly.


    ¡± There are forces pulling your man away from you. These forces are strong and maic,ing from his wife and her shepherd.¡± Saloma exined.


    ¡± You must activate the blood convenant ritual to bound his soul to yours forever.¡± Saloma told Judith.


    The mention of the blood convenant ritual, sent chills on Judith¡¯s spine. She had never dabbled into such an extremeness in her dealings with all her clients. But Emeka was a gold mine she wasn¡¯t ready to let go.


    ¡°I will do it.¡± Judith stated clearly.


    ¡± It will cost you a lot of money.¡± The spiritualist warned.


    ¡± I have told you¡­. Money is not my problem!!¡­ I¡¯m ready to do the ritual.¡± Judith said with determination.


    ¡± Fine¡­. It will take 14 days to prepare the ingredients for the ritual.¡± Saloma said.


    Judith nodded. ¡± What do you mean by he didn¡¯te home?¡± Mr Coker shifted ufortably on his chair, focusing his gaze intently on the crooked looking figure in front of him.


    He had a mean demeanor, like one who had been hardened by life itself. Spider was his name. He was the one on the mission to terminate the necessary evil of a stepson and his enstranged fiancee.


    Spider straightened in his tailored coat. The weather was disturbingly cold beyond the usual this days, and very unpredictable for a rainy season.


    ¡± We haven¡¯t set our eyes on him since the day after thepany¡¯s anniversary.¡± Spider repeated the information he had earlier told Mr Coker.


    ¡± Howe you and your boys are so ipetent as to loose track of his movement¡­. and why the sudden disappearance of both him and his fiancee at the same time?¡± Mr Coker asked Spider for the uptenth time that evening as they sat in his visitors lounge.


    They were three present; and Richard was thest, sitted adjacent his father and seemed to be in a world of his own thoughts.


    Spider had the straight faced expression on his face as he sat opposite Mr Coker. His roughly outlined cheekbones, entuated his chiseled face.


    ¡± They probably went on a vacation somewhere outside town.¡± Spider voiced his opinion.


    ¡± Or they probably got wind of the information of the hunt for their lives.¡± Richard interjected.


    ¡± How is that possible?¡­.


    We were only three present when we reached the decision¡­ And I know no one of you dares spills such an information¡­. So what made you arrive at such a prediction?¡± Mr Coker directed his question to Richard.


    ¡± Because the Ifed I know never absents himself from thepany for any reason and even when he does, he never fails to inform Mr Perkins of where he was going to.¡± Richard opined.


    ¡± Perhaps he got distracted with his love escapades with this one girl.¡± Mr Coker suggested, tapping his fingers on the ss stool beside him. He hated to be left out in the dark.


    Ife was bing unpredictable, and he didn¡¯t like the sound of it.


    ¡± Something was not right!! Ife must be up to something.¡± Mr Coker thought deeply.


    ¡± I¡¯ll suggest we wait for him toe around, then we can figure out his next line of action¡­. We do not have anything to worry about¡­. After all, we have a mole on his trail.¡± Richard replied his father. Then turning to Spider, he instructed.


    ¡± Make sure you double up your efforts and track him down¡­. we must get to him and it must be as fast as possible.¡±


    ¡± Yes sir¡­. We will not relent in our efforts to trail him.¡± Spider replied.


    Mr Coker exhaled.


    Ever since Ife announced his uing wedding, the members of the staff of Davis Entertainment had broken out in whispers of how Ife was eligible enough to take over his father¡¯spany. After all his efforts in thest few years in leading thepany to a better financial positionpared to how it had been in the past, the members of staff still preferred Ife to him. But thank goodness he had been able to make a few friends.


    Mr Coker chuckled in mischief.


    He and he alone will be the Executive director of Davis Entertainment till the day he dies. He will make sure of it!!


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


    The purple sequin dinner gown clung perfectly on her body. It was one of the dresses they had purchased at the fashion store the day before their wedding.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Uncle Makinde had invited them over to dinner in his newly purchased property he bought in Dubai some months back. It was three days after their wedding and the family still hung around in Dubai, probably still in the mood for vacation.


    Just yesterday, they had gone for sightseeing and glided on the majestic Dubaindscape on a private hot air balloon for two, after which they entered a G wagon which took them to the ssily thatched pce to have a  private romantic dinner in the desert.


    It was an ectastic experience for Omar due to the fact that in all of her adventurous outings with her clients, this was a first and a good way to spend their honeymoon.


    Ife sat crossed legged at the dinning area, already dressed in a white senator material clothing, reading a magazine as he patiently waited for his newly wedded bride to get dressed.


    This marriage of a thing was a new chapter in his life he had to get adjusted to, at least for the next three years of his life.


    He had thought her tough at the beginning, until he saw her tremble on their wedding day, that was when he caught a glimpse of her vulnerability, and knew for a certain that deep within the toughness she exhibited, there was some sort of tenderness she tried so hard to mask. He suspected she had been a victim left with a gruesome scar.


    And for every scar, he knew there was a story behind it.


    The cking of steps from the bedroom, interrupted his thoughts, prompting him to impulsively lift up his gaze to see Omar.


    ¡± Oh heavens!!¡­.¡± He gasped quietly.


    Her beauty reflected in different dimensions in this recent times, which was beginning to trigger an impulsive desire to protect her and reach out to soothe her hidden scars.


    There was something about this particr woman that intrigued him right from the very first day he saw her. At first he, he had judged her to be nothing but a y queen, but now,  he saw more. But his experience with his ex made him understand that women were unpredictable.


    He hoped he wouldn¡¯t lose his guard.


    ¡± What¡¯s the matter?¡­ Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Omar asked, wondering if there was any oddness in her dressing.


    ¡± Was just admiring your outfit¡­ it looks really good on you.¡± Ife replied sincerely.


    Omar smiled. ¡± I always look good.¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡± Yes you always do¡­. Shall we?¡± He said, getting up to his feet.


    ¡± Sure.¡±


    Theyughed heartily at a joke uncle Makinde cracked, while Jades passed the bowl of peppered grilled chicken.


    ¡± So how did you two meet?¡± Aunty Des; uncle Makinde¡¯s wife directed the question at Omar.


    Omar exchanged a nce briefly with Ife and cleared her throat.


    ¡± Uhmm¡­ we met at a resort center in Tanzania.¡±


    ¡± Is that so?¡­ What¡¯s the name of the resort center?¡± Jades asked amidst bites, with her interest aroused.


    Omar gave a soft smile.

 Chapter 14

    ¡± The Hotel Riu Pce in Zanzibar.¡± Ife quickly cut in.


    ¡± Come-on Ife, I was talking to Omar, not you.¡± Jades pointed out and everyone chuckled.


    ¡± What difference does it make if I answer the question for my wife?¡±


    Ife asked Jade with a smirk.


    ¡± Sorry dude¡­ we want to hear Omar¡¯s side of the story.¡± Jade replied cheerfully.


    ¡± Fine.¡± Omar said andughed.


    ¡± So tell me how it all happened?¡± Said Jade to Omar.


    Omar paused briefly before she began.


    ¡± It all started on a sunny day¡­ when I went to the beach for a tan.¡± Omar began.


    ¡± meanwhile, I had been nning on going for a vacation in Zanzibar for months to escape the monotony of my daily routine life. So when I finally went, I was quite ted.


    And on that very day, I was content to spend my day lounging by the beach side and reading books. So I sat on a beach chair, engrossed in a novel, when I caught a glimpse of a shadowing towards my direction. I looked up to see a young man I had earlier seen, swimming on the shoreline a few minutes ago, walking towards me with a singlet hung on his broadened chest like that of a model, and exuding much confidence. He bent In front of me and introduced himself as Mike Davis.


    Initially, I wasn¡¯t paying much attention to him due to the fact that I was so much into the novel already, but he wasn¡¯t any bit discouraged about my attitude. Infact he had a cadence of one who was out for the chase.


    Although, he was initially brisk and business like in his approach, until he began to talk about his dreams and favorite books, and that was what ignited my interest. I was so much impressed by his intelligence and wit.


    And as the day turned into night, we found ourselves sharing dinner at the hotel¡¯s restaurant. We talked andughed for hours and walked each other back to our rooms.


    That was how the spark that ignited the fire of our true love began.¡± Omar ended.


    Ife mused in utmost surprise.


    Jade rested her palm on her chin totally mesmerized by Omar¡¯s speech.


    Uncle Makinde cracked up, while his wife pped happily.


    ¡± Love is a beautiful thing you know?¡± Uncle Makinde added.


    ¡± Yes dear¡­ it is.¡± His wife concurred.


    Turning to Ife, Jade asked.


    ¡± Now it¡¯s your turn Ife, what attracted you to strike up a conversation with her in the first ce¡­. Cos I know you are not one to frolic around with women.¡±


    Ife chuckled proudly, resting his gaze at Omar.


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t help but notice her beauty and grace¡­. But as we struck a conversation there and then, I waspletely drawn to her infectious smile.¡± Ife replied, ying along with what Omar had said.


    ¡°Hmm!¡­. So is he romantic?¡± Jade asked Omar, clearly not ready to drop the conversation.


    ¡± Uhmm.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s ok¡­¡± Jade waved her hands in dismissal.


    ¡± I know Ife is a piece of work dear¡­. And can be too serious and boring for your liking, but he wasn¡¯t always like that¡­. It only started from when Zoey broke his heart¡­ that was when his love life never remained the same.¡± Jade pointed out.


    ¡± Why involve Zoey in this?¡± Ife asked Jade, with seriousness in his expression.


    ¡± Because I want her to have a better understanding of the kind of man she married.¡± Then turning to Omar, she said.


    ¡± Ife appears hard on the outside dear, but deep inside him, he is a sweet and caring man¡­.. I need you to know that you are in good hands¡­ and if there¡¯s any issue at all, feel free to share with me, I know how to handle him for you.¡±


    Ife scoffed loudly.


    Omarughed heartily as they continued chatting for a stretch of hours. She loved this family and the bond they shared. If only she had half a family like this, she wouldn¡¯t have turned out the way she did.


    By the time they returned back to their hotel, it was 8pm already and time for a video call with her friends.


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


    *Six hours earlier.*


    Ashley let out a fustrated sigh, checking for nothing in particr as she opened her car bot.


    If she kept looking like this, she would be runningte to her destination. Her mechanic wasn¡¯t living anywhere near the area her car stopped abruptly, but she called him anyway.


    She didn¡¯t mind footing his transportation expenses with an extra tip on it, as far as he revives the car back to life.


    ¡± Hello Musa¡­. Where are you?¡± she asked frantically, on a phone call with her mechanic.


    ¡± madam I dey for area, I deye.¡± The mechanic told her.


    The zing sun scorched through her soft skin, leaving her to curse under her breath.


    She waited for 30 mins extra, but the mechanic didn¡¯t show up, so she concluded to use a taxi.


    Her sister wouldn¡¯t like the idea of a taxi, but right now, she had no choice.


    Ashley trekked further, abandoning her car in front of a supermarket by a motor park, she began gging down any taxi that came her way, but they all seemed to be upied. She trekked further, ignoring the nudging pain of the stilletto heeled shoe on her feet.


    ¡°Today was gonna be one hell of a bad day for her.¡± She thought as sweat trickled down her face.


    So engrossed she was in her thoughts, that she didn¡¯t notice the Jeep that alighted some distance ahead of her. By this time, another 30 mins had already psed, prompting her to double up her steps.


    ¡± Hey Ashley¡­. Need a ride?¡± The voice of the man halted her steps.


    She faced the Jeep and peeped into it.


    ¡± Oh Stanley!!¡± She gasped in relief.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Come on hop in¡­. Let me give you a ride.¡± Stanley offered.


    Without waiting for a second invitation, Ashley quickly hopped in and settled beside Stanley.


    ¡± Thank you Stan¡­. You can drop me at the garage were I can find a taxi heading to the airport.¡± Ashley voiced tiredly, stiffling a yawn.


    ¡± You look really stressed out Barbie¡­. Must have had a long day today.¡± Stanley replied.

 Chapter 15

    ¡± My car broke down on the busy road a while ago¡­. So I had to take the option of getting a taxi.¡± Ashley exined.


    ¡± I could drive you to the airport if you do not mind.¡± Stanley volunteered.


    Ashley let out a sigh of relief, followed by a genuine smile.


    ¡± Oh thank you so much Stan¡­. I really do appreciate your kind gesture.¡±


    ¡± You wee Barbie¡­. If you don¡¯t mind me asking why you are going to the airport.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m going to pick up my younger sister who just arrived from South Africa.¡± Ashley replied.


    ¡± Oh wow!¡­. That¡¯s great¡­. Didn¡¯t know you had a younger sister.¡± Stanley said as he manouvered the steering into the express road leading to the airport.


    He knew Ashley and Judith through his rtionship with Omar some months back. It was quite unfortunate that Omar never reciprocated the deep feelings he had towards her.


    But what gave him concern most, was his friend¡¯s dedicated involvement with Judith. He never expected Emeka would go that far in pulling thepany funds just to buy a property for his mistress at banana Ind. But Emeka¡¯s ears were suddenly deaf to his counsels.


    He had decided to forget all about Omar, until that very day he saw her at Judith¡¯s house warming. That was the moment he knew he might never get over his feelings for Omar. So he decided to try again in professing his love to her but got so disappointed and heart broken.


    He sighed.


    ¡± Are you alright?¡± Ashley asked him, noticing his sad countenance.


    ¡± Yes I am dear¡­. Just meditating on something¡­.. that reminds me¡­.. it¡¯s been a while I saw Omar, how is she?¡± Stanley asked concernedly.


    ¡± Omar is doing great¡­.. why don¡¯t you call her to check up on her?¡± Ashley suggested.


    ¡± Will do that¡­. Thanks.¡±


    It took them about an hour thirty minutes more, to get to the airport.


    Ashley was already 40 minste as she scanned through the terminal looking for her sister.


    Her sister saw her first.


    ¡± Ashley!!¡± She called.


    Ashley turned to her right and saw her. Her face creased into a smile as she ran to hug her sister with Stanley standing a few meters behind.


    ¡± You¡¯ve added a little weight!!¡± Ashley was saying to her sister as she beckoned her to turn around.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    They both broke intoughter.


    Stanley coughed a little, indicating his presence.


    ¡± Oh Stan¡­ forgive my manners¡­. I want you to meet my younger sister who has refused toe home in thest two years¡­.. her name is Zoey.¡±


    ¡± Hi Zoey¡­. It¡¯s nice to meet you¡­. My name is Stanley.¡± Stanley said holding her hand in an handshake.


    ¡± He said our lives are in danger¡­. His step father is after our lives.¡± Omar exined to her friends through a video chat.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t he exin to you initially, that he had a beast of a step father, instead of putting your life at risk of a looming danger?¡± Judith asked.


    Omar bit her lower lip.


    ¡± ording to him, he underestimated his step father¡­. And never believed he would go as far asing after our lives.¡± Omar replied.


    ¡± This is a serious matter Omar¡­. So what is his n of ensuring your safety?¡± Ashley voiced as she stood in front of her mirror holding a cotton wool and a cleansing lotion.


    Omar fell silent.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡­. But he told me he has a n that I should trust him.¡± She finally said.


    ¡± And do you trust him?¡± Ashley asked.


    ¡± Kind of.¡±


    Judith gasped.


    ¡± Omar¡­. What has happened to you this few days you were away?¡­.. You¡¯ve suddenly grown so soft!!¡±


    ¡± And withdrawn.¡± Ashley added.


    ¡± What do you mean?¡± Omar asked.


    ¡± I hope this is not a case of the hooker has been hooked syndrome.¡± Judith remarked.


    ¡± I mean the Omar I know wouldn¡¯t have agreed to go through with the wedding in the face of danger¡­. Infact, you would have damned his freaking offer!!¡­.. So Why?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t understand you.¡± Omar asked feigning ignorance.


    ¡± Why did you agreed to marry him inspite of the danger involved?¡± Ashley stressed the question.


    Omar fell silent again.


    ¡± Hmmm¡­. When a Omar bes weak in her business dealings¡­. It¡¯s only an indication of something.¡± Judith said, eyeing Omar suspiciously.


    Omar scoffed.


    ¡± What thing?¡± She asked in confusion.


    ¡±  Omar is in love!!!!¡± Judith and Ashley chorused together and bursted intoughter.


    Omar chuckled.


    ¡± Are you both kidding me?¡±


    ¡± No we are not!!¡± Ashley replied.


    There was a brief pause from Omar.


    ¡± Love is an old wives fable that has ceased to be in existence in my life a long time ago.¡± Omar retorted.


    ¡± Is that what you tell yourself?¡± Judith threw the question and resumed herughter with Ashley.


    ¡± Hmm¡­¡­ this guy must really be an interesting Personality to have the nerve to hook our Omar¡­. We must meet him as soon as you both arrive in Nigeria.¡± Ashley pointed out.


    ¡± You both are talking gibberish!!¡­. This is a business deal and nothing more!!!¡± Omar replied abruptly. But her friends didn¡¯t stopughing at her.

 Chapter 16

    ¡± The hooker has been hooked o¡­.¡± Judith screamed into the phone.


    Omar hissed.


    ¡± Abeg let¡¯s change the topic!!¡± Omar said in annoyance.


    ¡± Madam you don¡¯t need to be angry¡­we are only pointing out the obvious¡­. Anyway, my sister just arrived earlier today¡­. I would have added her to our video chat¡­.. but she is sleeping right now.¡± Ashley said.


    ¡± Oh wow! That¡¯s nice¡­ I would love to finally meet her when I get back to Nigeria.¡± Omar replied cheerfully, d that her friends had changed the topic.


    ¡± So that brings us to the question.¡±


    ¡± What question?¡±


    ¡± When are youing to Nigeria?¡± asked Judith.


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


    The office door creaked open and the rotund smallish man entered.


    ¡± Good morning Mr Coker.¡± He greeted.


    Mr Coker stood facing the window, with his back against the man. He seemed to be staring into the thin air, with his hands carefully tucked in his side pockets. He remained there for a while before slowly turning to face the man.


    ¡± Please have a seat Mr Judas.¡± Mr Coker said, ushering the middle aged man into a seat.


    Mr Judas took his seat and sat crossed legged.


    Mr Coker paused for a while, as if he was lost for what to say.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    He suddenly began.


    ¡± Mr Jide, I believe you have been an active share holder in thispany for 15 years now and ever since I came on board, I believe I have been very good in dispatching my duties to you all and thepany atrge. Especially to you, in ways that cannot be counted.¡± Mr Coker said and paused for response from Mr Judas.


    ¡± Yes you have been Mr Coker¡­. And thanks to you, Davis Entertainment has been able to diversify In her capacity.¡± Mr Judas responded.


    Mr Coker nodded his head. That was the kind of reply he was expecting.


    ¡± I need your help Mr Judas.¡±


    ¡± And how may I be of help to you?¡± Mr Judas asked.


    Mr Coker exhaled, and finally took his seat.


    ¡± I received an information from an insider that Ife is trying to fast track his wedding date, so he can take over the Directorship position from me¡­¡­ so I thought we could set up a meeting with the board of trustees to activate the leadership by vote proposal, instead of the leadership by shares¡­. Because the moment he gets married, he gains total entitlement to his 55% shares of thepany¡¯s proceeds¡­.. so I want us to call an impromptu meeting and activate the leadership by vote system, before he marries that girl. ¡± Mr Coker said.


    Mr Judas rubbed his hands on his chin.


    ¡± That will be a tough call me Coker. Considering the fact that Ife has the support of most of the members¡­. I¡¯m afraid what you just suggested might be impossible. Mr Judas replied truthfully.


    ¡± That is why I came to you Mr Judas¡­.. I know you are not in support of Ife¡¯s methods of operations because you feel it has a touch of modernity that takes away the original traditional method we¡¯ve always practiced¡­.. I also know you are a close friend of Mr Lawal, Mr Nwachukwu and Mr Bernard. And whatever you convince them to do is what they will do. I already have the support of two other shareholders and if I can have the four of you on my side, then I am guaranteed of winning the case¡­.¡± Mr Coker replied.


    ¡± So how do you think we can go about this?¡± Mr Judas asked.


    ¡± It¡¯s very simple Mr Judas¡­. We will call a crucial meeting with the shareholders and fix it within a short time frame¡­. I learnt Ife is not in town¡­. And so we will give him a short notice of the meeting about a few hours to the time of the meeting. By doing this, Ife wouldn¡¯t be able to meet up and attend the meeting.¡± Mr Coker said.


    ¡± Hmmm!!  So what is in it for me if I help you?¡± Mr Judas asked, scratching his beards.


    Mr Coker chuckled.


    ¡± That¡¯s a small thing Mr Judas¡­. Check this out.¡± Mr Coker said, handing him a piece of document which Mr Judas took and scrutinized.


    A smile lurked on Mr Judas lips.


    ¡± We have a deal.¡± Mr Judas said, reaching out his hand for an handshake.


    Judith let out a sigh as she hanged up the call. It was a call from Saloma who had informed her the ingredients for the blood convenant ritual was ready, but one item was missing and Judith was to produce the item.


    ¡± You must bring his blood.¡± Saloma had told her.


    ¡± But how do I get his blood without harming him.¡± Judith asked her.


    Saloma gave a wildughter.


    ¡± That is a small thing Judith¡­. All you need do is to prick him with a sharp object and clean it with a cotton wool¡­. But make sure his blood drops, even if it¡¯s as little as a drop.¡± Saloma informed her.


    ¡± Ok¡­.. how long will it take toplete the ritual?¡± Judith asked.


    ¡± If you bring his blood today,¡­. We can start the ritual right away.¡± Saloma replied abruptly.


    ¡± Ok then¡­. I¡¯ll bring it today.¡± Judith voiced and hung up.


    She was losing her grip on Emeka drastically, more than she imagined.


    He spends less time with her these days and wasn¡¯t as quick to obey her instructions anymore.


    She racked her head, thinking of a quick way to lure him to her house and like a sh, her eyes popped out in excitement.


    ¡± Bingo!!!!.¡± She eximed suddenly with a smile escaping on her face.


    Picking up her phone on the center table, she dialled his number.


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


    The phone vibrated repeatedly on the table despite the fact that it was on a silent profile.


    It was bing a huge distraction for Emeka as he shifted ufortably. He had taken a quick nce at the screen earlier on and knew it was a call from Judith. Nevertheless, he was in a very important meeting with some important clients of hispany. As they were embarking on a highly profitable project.


    Thepany needed connections, and more especially, thepany needed more contract deals by reason of the fact that he had repeatedly pulledrge chunks of money from thepany¡¯s funds. He needed to work twice as hard to rece the money before the investors starts to raise their eyebrows.


    Binta was the one doing the talking, while he supported by adding a few brilliant points.


    The meeting finally ended and there was an exchange of handshakes between Emeka and his clients, when his phone rang again for the sixth time.  He had to excuse himself to pick the call.


    ¡± Why was Judith calling him at a working hour?¡± he wondered while he picked up.


    ¡± Emeka I have been trying to reach you all day¡­..¡± Judith voiced loudly.

 Chapter 17

    ¡± So sorry darling¡­. I was in the middle of a very important meeting¡­¡­¡±


    ¡± Whatever!!¡­.. I need you right now Emeka¡­.. my tummy hurts¡­.. I think I¡¯m having menstrual cramps.¡± Judith said in agitation.


    ¡± Oh so sorry dear¡­.. have you taken any medications.¡± He asked her.


    ¡± No¡­. I¡¯m too weak to get any medications.¡± She replied weakly.


    ¡± Ok I¡¯ll be there now¡­. Please hang on.¡± Emeka replied hurriedly, and entered his office to get his keys.


    ¡± Where are you going to?¡± Binta asked him.


    ¡± it¡¯s an emergency Binta¡­. One of my friends is sick.¡± Emeka said.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Binta shed him a worried look, resting her back on the wall.


    ¡± Which of your friends?¡± she asked him.


    Emeka sighed.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know this one.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    ¡± No!!¡­. I mean there¡¯s no need¡­. Someone has to stay behind to run thepany.¡± Emeka gave the excuse


    and sighed again.


    ¡± I will be back soon.¡± He whispered softly and grabbed his keys.


    He opened the door and saw pastor Nathaniel standing about 2 meters away from him.


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


    Mr Coker let out a cocky grin as he swerved left and right on his office chair.


    The door immediately creaked open and Richard entered wearing a smile as he approached his father.


    ¡± Everything is going perfectly¡­. The meeting is about to start now and the Shareholders are gathered already¡­¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s good¡­. What of Mr Dele?¡± Mr Coker asked his son.


    ¡± Mr Judas is present as well¡­. I spoke to Mr Nwachukwu, and Mr Lawal a while ago¡­.. and it appears that Mr Judas has done a fantastic job in convincing the others.¡±


    ¡± And Ife?¡± he asked.


    ¡± Ife is absent¡­.. my source tells me he is still in Dubai and he wouldn¡¯t be able to make it down, considering the short time frame the meeting was scheduled¡­.. it¡¯s time for the meeting dad¡­let¡¯s go.¡± Richard said to Mr Coker.


    Mr Coker shook his folded hands excitedly in a way that signified victory as he got up to his feet and followed Richard to the conference room.


    It was 2pm. All the board members were seated already. Mr Coker cleared his throat before he spoke.


    ¡± It¡¯s 2pm already¡­.. Members of board, shall we start?¡± He said confidently.


    Mr Bernard nodded his head.


    ¡± Yes we can.¡± Mr Nwachukwu said.


    ¡± No!!.¡±


    Everyone turned to see Mr James. He was a strong supporter of Ife.


    ¡± And why can¡¯t we start?¡± Mr Coker challenged him.


    ¡± Because we aren¡¯tplete yet¡­. Ife isn¡¯t here.¡± Mr James replied abruptly.


    Mr Judas scoffed.


    ¡± Ife is well aware we have a meeting¡­. Why should we all be kept waiting by him?¡­. This shows he has no regard for the members of the board¡­.. and on this note I think we can proceed.¡± Mr Judas spoke.


    Mr Arnold stroke his beards deliberately. He was another supporter of Ife.


    ¡± ording to the rules of Mike Davis Entertainment, a member of the board is given a grace of a minimum of 15 minutes before a sensitive meeting begins¡­. So we will stick by the rules and wait for Ife!! ¡± Mr Arnold said tantly.


    Mr Ambrose, Mr Raymond, and Mr Williams, remained calm. They were the oldest investors and shareholders of thepany and had been there from the early days of the establishment.


    ¡± And who are you to give such an order?¡± Mr Bernard challenged Mr Arnold.


    ¡± It is not an order¡­. It is the rules!!¡± Mr Arnold retorted.


    ¡± To hell with the rules¡­ we start now!!¡± Mr Nwachukwu dered.


    And an argument broke out. But was silenced by the voice of Mr Coker.


    ¡± Fine!!¡­. As head of Mike Davis Entertainment¡­. I will suggest that we stick to the rules and wait for Ife for the next Ten minutes.¡± Mr Coker announced.


    ¡± Ten minutes is too small!!¡± Mr Jamesined.


    ¡± Ten minutes!!¡­ And that¡¯s final!!!¡±mr Coker insisted.


    And they waited.


    Richard¡¯s heartbeat began to palpitate.


    Ten minutes suddenly looked like ten years in his eyes as everyone waited amidst the tension.


    He let out a sigh of relief 8 minutes down the line.


    ¡± Ife wouldn¡¯te afterall.¡± He thought and rxed immediately the ten minutes grace psed.


    Mr Coker let out a mischievous grin.


    ¡± I told you all he wouldn¡¯t show up!!¡­. This is an height of disregard to the members of board!!¡­. And Ife must be sanctioned.¡± Mr Coker said aloud.


    Just then, the door creaked open and everyone turned to see who had entered.


    It was Ife.


    Richard gasped in bewilderment.

 Chapter 18

    Mr Coker sat glued to the spot with his eyes widened.


    Ife walked in briskly in a business like manner, with a smile stered on his face. He nced at Mr Coker and Richard quickly and saw their expression. It took him a lot to resist the urge of bursting out intoughter at their bewilderment.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry foringte my fellow dignitaries¡­. I had an emergency to attend to.¡± He said and took his seat.


    *24 hours earlier.*


    Ife woke up suddenly to the rm clock by his bedside. It was 4am in the morning, his usual wake up time. He turned to his side of the bed to see if Omar had also been awoken by the sound of the rm. But


    Omar was still soundly asleep with her leg curled up on the bed in a babylike pattern. He narrowed his gaze closer to her and smiled.


    ¡± She looked beautiful and harmless in her sleep.¡± He thought and stretched his arm and feet. He would have wanted to do his morning barbell exercise, but this was Dubai, and there were no barbells in his room except he goes to the gym.


    He opened a nearby drawer beside his bed, and brought out hisptop, whisking it in his arm with his phone in his other hand, he headed to the adjoining sitting room.


    cing it carefully on a breakfast table, he began to scroll through the  documents sent to him by Mr Perkins one after the other.


    That was when the call came in.


    He picked his phone from the table and checked the caller ID. It was one of his secret mole in the establishment. There were only two feeding him with the top secret information.


    He had barely tapped on the receive call bottom when the voice of the caller echoed in the background.


    ¡± Your step father is at it again¡­. He is really hot on your tail and is currently nning something worst.¡± The voice beamed into his ear.¡± What is the drill?¡± Ife asked in seriousness.


    There was a pause.


    ¡± You need to take the next avable flight down to Nigeria¡­¡­ he knows you are in Dubai and is scheduling a meeting for 2pm tomorrow with ns to inform youte so you wouldn¡¯t be able to show up¡­.. he wants to turn the heart of the members of the board against you!!!¡± the voice on the other end said to Ife.


    Ife sighed.


    ¡± Does he know I¡¯m married yet?¡± Ife asked.


    ¡± No¡­.. but he suspects you will fast track your wedding ns.¡±


    ¡± Ok thanks so much sir¡­. You have been very helpful to me.¡±


    ¡± You are weed¡­. Just be careful out there¡­.. Goodbye.¡±


    Ife sighed again.


    ¡± Goodbye Mr Lawal.¡±


    Moments after he hanged up, he turned and saw Omar standing a few meters behind him, still on her pyjamas.


    ¡± Is everything ok?¡± She asked.


    ¡± Yes it is¡­. It¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡± Time for what?¡±


    He sat on the couch and gazed at her.


    ¡± It¡¯s time to return to Nigeria.¡±


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


    *Back to reality.*


    ¡± I told you all he will show up.¡± Mr James said with a grin stered on his face.


    Mr Williams; one of the oldest board members, cleared his throat and spoke.


    ¡± You are weed Mr Ife Mike Davis¡­. Shall we proceed to the reason why we are gathered here.¡±


    Mr Coker straightened from his position and quickly masked his amazement. He knew Ife¡¯s presence will bring moreplications to his ploy, but he will fight to the end. He leaned forward and spoke.


    ¡± You are weed Ife¡­. Despite the fact that you kept us waiting for a couple of minutes¡­.. nevertheless, without wasting our time any further, let us proceed to the matters arising¡­¡­ we are gathered here in review of the proposal submitted some weeks ago about the activation of the leadership by vote system instead of the leadership by shares we are used to.¡± Mr Coker boldly said.


    ¡± And why should we review that?¡­.. We all know that Ife is the rightful heir of thispany by virtue of inheritance¡­. And you Mr Coker, is just a caretaker¡­.. so why should we activate the leadership by vote just a week to Ife¡¯s wedding if you do not have any ulterior motive behind this?¡± It was Mr James who spoke, But Mr Nwachukwu immediately countered him.


    ¡± Haba Mr James¡­. Why are you talking like a child!!¡­. We all know that Ife, although an heir of thepany, is still too young and has not much experience in running thepany. Besides, his methods are just too modernizedpared to ourid down traditional approach¡­.. Mr Dele Judas, can attest to that fact¡­.. Or isn¡¯t it true Mr Dele?¡± Mr Nwachukwu directed his question to Mr Judas.


    Mr Judas; also known as Mr Dele by the board members, nodded his head in the affirmative and spoke.


    ¡± I agree with what Mr Nwachukwu just said¡­.. and in addition to that¡­. we need a matured mind who has a lot of experience as our leader.¡± Mr Dele Judas said.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Ife scoffed unbelievably but maintained his silence.


    Mr Arnold furrowed his brows into a frown and pointed a finger at my Coker.


    ¡± Why now?¡­. Why are you suddenly pushing for the leadership by vote a week to Ife¡¯s wedding.¡± He asked Mr Coker angrily.


    ¡± Because he knows that the moment Ife gets married, he will be immediately asked to handover the leadership.¡± Mr Arnold interjected, fixing his gaze on Mr Coker.


    Mr Coker scoffed.


    ¡± Enough of this banters¡­. I am still the head of Mike Davis Entertainment until  the moment Ife gets married¡­. And so what I say stands right now!!¡± He dered, banging the conference table furiously.


    Ifeughed out loudly and faced his step father squarely.


    ¡± You lie step father!!!¡­.. I always knew you were power hungry and warned my mom about you¡­ but she wouldn¡¯t listen!!¡­. And now look were it led us?¡­.. Never ever will I let history repeat itself again and today is the day your evil deeds will be exposed!!¡± Ife challenged Mr Coker boldly.


    Mr Cokerughed defiantly.


    ¡± And who are you to challenge me?¡­. You had better be a good boy and be quiet or else you will be dealt with!!¡± Mr Coker yelled.


    Ifeughed out loudly for a second time.


    ¡± You want to deal with me?¡± he repeated Mr Coker¡¯s word and scoffed.


    ¡± Just like you killed my mother and attempted to kill me!!¡± Ife challenged him loudly.


    There were loud murmurs among the board members.


    Richard clenched his fist in anger and charged towards Ife.

 Chapter 19

    ¡± How dare you speak to my father that way?¡± he shouted as he charged towards Ife, but was held by two of the board members.


    ¡± Mr Richard, please calm down¡­. Let¡¯s not break into a fight.


    Ife gave a scowl and faced Richard squarely.


    ¡± If I were you¡­. I¡¯ll be thinking of getting a goodwyer for my dad right now because your father is about to be jailed!!¡±


    ¡± What?¡­ Ife how dare you speak to me in that manner?¡± Mr Coker shouted furiously.


    Ife pulled out a picture from his suit and threw it at Mr Coker. The picturended on the table.


    ¡± Do you recognize this man?¡­.¡± He asked Mr Coker with a straight face.


    Mr Coker took a nce at the picture and was dumbfounded.


    Ife saw his expression and smiled.


    ¡± I thought as much¡­.. his name is Spider and you sent him to my apartment to kill me!!¡­. But not too worry dear step father, he has been taken into the police custody and is being questioned right now¡­. You two have a lot of catching up to do in jail!!¡±


    Mr Coker exchanged a nce with Richard and turned back to Ife.


    ¡± I don¡¯t understand what you are saying?¡­. Are you using me of attempted murder?¡± Mr Coker stuttered.


    ¡± Yes I am!!¡­. But that is not all!!¡± Ife said and threw two other documents on the table.


    ¡± What is this?¡± Richard asked in confusion.


    ¡± This is a newspaper publication were I have openly dered that if anything should happen to me and Omar, the police should have you arrested!!¡­. You can also check online for more information.¡±


    ¡± And what of the second document sir?¡± Mr James asked Ife.


    ¡± This is the document of my marriage certificate¡­. Which means I am legally married now and so I want my dormant shares activated and the leadership handed over to me with immediate effect!!¡±


    There was another loud murmurs among the board members.


    ¡± You mean you are ma¡­ married?¡± Mr Judas stuttered.


    Just then the door opened and Omar walked in gracefully.


    ¡± Distinguished board members¡­. I will like to officially introduce to you my wife¡­.. Mrs Omar Mike Davis.¡± Ife said with a grin on his face.


    ¡°Good afternoon pastor. What a pleasant surprise sir.¡± Emeka greeted Pastor Nathaniel, surprised at the pastor¡¯s visit.


    ¡± Good afternoon brother Emeka. How are you doing?¡± the pastor asked still standing at the door step of Emeka¡¯s office.


    ¡± Doing fine pastor. Pleasee in.¡±


    The pastor entered Emeka¡¯s office and saw Binta resting on the office table. Binta straightened immediately and greeted the pastor.


    Pastor Nathaniel, after he had fully settled on the visitors chair, began.


    ¡± Without taking much of your time brother Emeka, I¡¯ll like to go into the reason why I¡¯m here.¡± The pastor said.


    And paused for a while.


    ¡± I was at my office this afternoon, when I had a strong leading in my spirit toe and pray for you and your family.¡± The pastor said and continued.


    ¡± Prior to that time, I had a revtion about you brother Emeka¡­. The enemy is set out to sieve you like a wheat¡­. But I have prayed for you that the Lord will have mercy on you and loose you from every shackles of bondage so that you won¡¯t loose everything you haveboured so hard for¡­¡­¡± Pastor Nathaniel said.


    Emeka¡¯s phone began to ring.


    He sighed, knowing who it was.


    ¡± Pastor, I was actually about to go out for something very important, before you came in¡­.¡± Emeka said a little hurriedly.


    Pastor nodded his head and looked up at Emeka.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry brother Emeka¡­. Whatsoever it is you need to attend to, can wait¡­. But this prayer¡­.. it cannot wait.¡± He said and rose to his feet.


    ¡± Shall we pray?¡± Pastor Nathaniel said.


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


    *One Monthter.*


    The wind rustled on the window panes followed by a lightening, then an angry thunder storm which vibrated, shaking the very essence of the building as the heavy rain poured down mercilessly.


    She turned from one side of the king sized bed to another, shivering inspite of her unconscious state. There was a struggle as she turned from side to side with tears pouring from her eyes. She continued breaking into intermittent shivers as the wind rustled, followed by  more thunder storms.


    Her heart palpitated as she picked herself from the floor and began to run as fast as her legs could carry her. The thunder was catching up with her in the thick forest as she kept running, supporting her pping breasts with her hands and screaming for help to whoever it may concern. At first, it was the thunder that pursued after her, but now, the very ground she stepped on had opened it¡¯s mouth in an attempt to swallow her.


    She increased her pace as she ran on, until she saw a small building in the midst of the forest.


    ¡± There must be someone in it to help me out.¡± She thought, and began to run towards the very building. The gate was opened and she managed to get in and forcefully locked the gates against the boisterous wind.


    Immediately, there was calm.


    She walked slowly as if she counted her steps as she approached the building entrance.


    Opening the door, she entered in the same pace. The room was dark, except for a littlentern that lit the far end of the room.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    The familiarity of the room hit her as she moved closer to the light with her heart palpitating. The dampness of the rags lying carelessly on the floor, filled her nostrils.


    The building looked deserted already. But she could hear whispers as she approached, whispers that became clearer and clearer, until she saw them each, sitting on a stool and staring at her. They were five in number which focused intently on her.


    But the oldest of them was a man and a woman putting on faded pieces of clothes that looked like rags. The man supported his frame with a stick.


    ¡± Wee home Omar.¡± The man¡¯s voice vibrated in the small room.


    Omar shook her head in despair, with a look of disdain in her eyes.


    ¡± This is not my home!!¡­. And I don¡¯t know you all!!¡± She said, pointing her hands at them.


    They all broke into an hystericalughter that sent shivers of fear down her spine.


    The old man stood up immediately and began walking towards her. Revealing his toothless gums as he approached her.


    The more he approached, the more she moved backwards.

 Chapter 20

    The man saw this and broke into a deep frown.


    ¡± No matter what you do Omar¡­.. You cannot run away from your family!!¡­. We are your family!! And I am your father!!¡± The man said with authority.


    ¡± No!! You are not my family!!!¡­. I don¡¯t know you all¡­. Please stay away from me!!¡± Omar yelled.


    Suddenly, the wind began to rustle again, prompting the other four to stand to their feet and walk towards her with a frown on their face.


    They began to chant loudly and in unison as they approached her.


    ¡± A Leopard cannot change its spot, this is where you belong!!¡­.. A leopard cannot lose it¡¯s spot, this is where you must return!!!¡±


    They chanted on and on as they closed in on her. She turned suddenly in an attempt to run, but she saw the thunder moving close to her in speed. Suddenly, she turned back and saw five hands pull her aggressively.


    She opened her mouth and screamed at the top of her voice, shaking vigorously as more tears poured out of her eyes.


    ¡± Wake up!¡­.. Wake up Omar¡­.. it¡¯s a nightmare!!¡± Ife shook Omar vigorously on the bed as she kept turning from one side to the other, letting out a deafening scream.


    Omar vibrated aggressively on the bed until she suddenly jerked awake and saw Ife holding her. Beads of sweats broke out on her face inspite of the intense cold the heavy rain ushered in.


    ¡± It¡¯s just a dream¡­. ok.¡± Ife whispered, still holding unto her with deep concern written on his face.


    He took out a piece of cloth and mopped the beads of sweats on her face. As he reassured her that it was just a dream.


    The lightening shed and the thunder struck aggressively, causing her to shiver again in fear as more tears flowed from her eyes.


    ¡± Omar it¡¯s ok stop crying..¡± Ife said calmly and gathered her in his arms, petting her as he stroke her hair tenderly.


    ¡± I hate thunder storms!!¡± She said tearfully.


    ¡± I know you do¡­.. it¡¯s ok.¡± He assured her. This was the second time he had seen her in such a state, under the simrity of the condition that there was a thunderstorm too.


    ¡± Let me get you some coffee¡­. Ok.¡± He said and stood up to leave but she held onto his hands.


    ¡± Please don¡¯t leave me here!!¡± she begged.


    He nodded and stroke her hair more tenderly.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok¡­.. let¡¯s go together.¡± He said and pulled her to her feet and they headed to the kitchen.


    It¡¯s been more than a month of their wedding in Dubai and she had learnt so much about the man she married. Such as his strengths, his weaknesses, his daily routine, and habits. But what stunned her the most was his culinary skills.


    He was a fantastic cook who had no domestic staffs apart from the gateman and a cleaner who came in thrice a week to clean.


    Even amidst his busy schedule at the office. He always found time to cook and served her and the middle aged gate keeper.


    There were times she had taken it upon herself to also cook him meals, but he never enjoyed her cooking and would rather have several things to correct about her meals.


    At first, she felt offended at his insistent corrections, but eventually decided to rx and leave the cooking aspect to him.


    He was stubborn, and a perfectionist who always liked his things left exactly the way he kept them. She also discovered he was strong willed and seemed to have a shock absorber for any situation he found himself. He was also a fast thinker and didn¡¯t like tosciviate in his decisions, especially at thepany, since he took up the leadership position of thepany about three weeks ago.


    He does his routine exercises five times in a week, except for Tuesdays and Thursdays, and loved to take chilled sses of water after his exercises. He only slept for five hours at nights because he spent most of his time in his study room, scrutinizing documents and files and seemed to be serious most of the time.


    Ever since Mr. Coker was forced by the members of board to hand over the leadership of thepany to Ife, he had been going in and out of the police station undergoing intense questioning by the police about the rtionship between him and a man called spider. Mr Coker had denied vehemently about his involvement in Ife¡¯s attempted murder case, despite the fact that spider confessed he was being sent by Mr Coker. But Ife never relented in his decision to charge his step father to court.


    Richard, on the other hand, had kept his distance from Ife and never interfered in his decisions in thepany.


    Ife had suggested to her that he would love her to be actively involved in the activities of thepany, and she epted as a reason of the fact that she didn¡¯t want to remain at home alone in the boring house. Although, she could have spent the time in thepany of her friends, but she was curious to know how thepany operated, besides, she wanted to limit down the time she spend in thepany of her friends, because she was resolute in turning a new leave.


    And in turning a new leave, she needed something new.


    And so, she followed him to work on daily basis. She had an office given to her which was close to Ife¡¯s office.


    As days turned into weeks, Omar found herself more interested and intrigued by the work in thepany.


    She loved attending meetings and watch Ife dish out instructions in an orderly manner. The more he handled thepany firmly, and manouvered his way through delicate situations, the more she got attracted to him.


    Age they say, is truly just a number!!


    Guilt washed over her each time she remembered how she had initially looked down on him because of his age until she realized now, that he had the intelligence and maturity way above his age.


    Back in the kitchen,


    Omar stood resting on the kitchen b with a mug of steaming hot coffee in her hands, as she watched Ife expertly marinate the chicken on the gas, while he also removed the toast bread from the toaster. The aroma filled the kitchen, igniting a strong appetite in Omar as she licked her lips in anticipation of the sumptuous meal.


    He was wearing a thick robe, but the outline his biceps still protruded inspite of the robe.


    He turned to her and smiled sweetly, wearing the posture of a chef, he said.


    ¡± Breakfast is ready ma¡¯am¡­. Why not go to the dinning table, so I can serve you.¡±


    Omar chuckled softly and bit her lower lip.


    ¡± On the contrary sir¡­. I think I¡¯ll rather have it here.¡± She said and helped herself to a mini dinning table in the kitchen.


    He smiled more.


    ¡± As your worshipfulness pleases.¡± He said and bowed.


    And Omar bursted intoughter. He had a way of making herugh genuinely with ease these days.


    A way of breaking down the wall of defence she had built around her over the years. And the more she grew attached to him, the more she feared.


    She feared that his niceness to her was probably his way of carrying out his side of the contract. She wished there and then it wasn¡¯t a contract marriage.


    She hated to be vulnerable but she couldn¡¯t help it around him anymore.


    ¡± Are you alright?¡± Ife asked her, noticing a touch of sadness in her expression as he served her more pieces of toast bread and refilled her mug of coffee.


    She looked up and met his worried gaze, and smiled.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I¡¯m alright¡­. Thanks.¡± She said in more of a whisper, watching him settle beside her with his te of toast bread and coffee.


    She reached out her hands and took a bite of the snack.


    ¡± Hmmm!!¡± She eximed involuntarily, biting hungrily into the snacks and savouring the taste.


    ¡± This taste real good.¡± She said in honesty.

 Chapter 21

    ¡± Thanks dear.¡± Ife said and smiled.


    ¡± Where did you learn how to cook like this?¡± she asked him.


    ¡± From my mother¡­. She was more of an house wife who spent more time in the kitchen cooking and tending to my needs.¡± He said.


    ¡± Wow!!¡­. Your mom must have been an excellent cook!!¡± Omar remarked cheerfully.


    ¡± Yes she was¡­.. until my father died and she lost her vigour.¡± Ife replied subtly.


    ¡± Oh! So sorry about that¡­.. the death of your father must have affected her so badly.¡± Omar voiced in a sad tone.


    ¡± Yes it did¡­.. my father was a good man who cared deeply for his family¡­. Even till his death.¡±


    ¡± How did he die?¡± She asked.


    Ife exhaled.


    ¡± He was involved in a ghastly motor ident on his way from the airport.¡±


    ¡± Oh!!¡­ I¡¯m so sorry about that!!¡± Omar apologized.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok dear¡­it¡¯s been seven years now and I have moved past that stage a long time ago.¡± He said with a smile of assurance.


    She nodded her head and they resumed eating their snacks in silence.


    But Ife broke the silence.


    ¡± What about you Omar?¡­.. You never spoke about your family for once¡­. Even when I asked you the day before our wedding, you smartly changed the subject.¡± Ife said.


    She froze in-between the bites and met his intense gaze.


    ¡± Tell me about your family.¡± He said.


    ¡± Tell me about your family.¡± Ife repeated the question a second time as they sat, eating a snack of toast bread and brewing hot coffee at the kitchen dinning.


    Omar sighed .


    This was a topic she had avoided for Fifteen years of her life. It represented  the darkest times of her entire life that birthed the story of who she¡¯s turned out to be.


    ¡± I¡¯d rather not talk about it right now.¡± She said quietly with sadness written in her eyes.


    Ife sighed softly.


    ¡± We all have our fair share of life experiences that hasid the foundation of every fiber of our being ¡­.. but you see, there¡¯s no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.¡± He said calmly.


    Omar fell silent for what seemed like eternity. She stood up slowly and open the backdoor of the kitchen which led to a balcony. It was 6am in the morning, and there was still darkness. The half shaped moon litted the sky, giving expression to the coldness of the morning. The heavy downpour of rain had also finally reduced to light drizzles.


    Omar felt a hand on her shoulder and knew instantly that it was Ife. He had followed her from the moment she transitioned from the kitchen to the balcony.


    ¡± Omar.¡± He called softly.


    She turned and faced him.


    He was silent for a moment before he spoke.


    ¡± There is something eaten deeply inside of you¡­¡­ and this is the reason for your nightmares¡­. You need to let it out, so you can heal up¡­.. because bottling it in will only make you hardened and depressed¡­.. What is your story Omar?¡± He asked.


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


    *shback*


    *15 years ago!*


    They sat on the block of stones outside their verandah. It was dark already, except for the moonlight that lit the background. Their mother had gone to fetch firewood for their dinner.


    Although, it was the sole responsibility of Omar to fetch the firewoods, but she had spent the whole day hawking and was already exhausted.


    She sat with her younger siblings in form of a circle. An habit that had turned into a daily ritual for them. They were four in number with Omar being the first, then Grace, followed by Peter; the only male child among them, and Mary; thest born.


    ¡± Sister Omar¡­.. tell us our favorite story.¡± Mary; thest child, pleaded.


    Omar yawned.


    ¡± Not now Mary¡­. Maybe tomorrow¡­ I am tired.¡± Omar replied tiredly.


    ¡± But you promised to tell us today.¡± Peter reminded her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Did I?¡± Omar asked, feigning surprise.


    ¡± Yes you did¡­. You always postpone our stories this days.¡± Peterined.


    ¡± But I¡¯m tired!!¡­. I had to hawk all day!!¡­. If you cannot wait till tomorrow, then forget it!!¡± She replied harshly and sighed.


    ¡± Ok fine!¡± She began softly as she stiffled a yawn.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t we do it this way tonight?¡­.. Each of you will tell me how your day in school went¡­.. then tomorrow, I promise to tell you all stories.¡± She said softly.


    They all smiled and agreed.


    ¡± Ok, I¡¯ll start first.¡± Grace said cheerfully.


    ¡± No¡­. Mine is more interesting¡­. Let me start first.¡± Peter said.


    ¡± No you can¡¯t start first!!¡­.. Have you forgotten that I¡¯m your senior?¡± Grace challenged Peter.


    ¡± You might be my senior, but after dad, I am the man of the house¡­.. you will get married off someday, but I will still remain!!¡± Peter fired back angrily.


    ¡± Stop it you two!!¡­. This shouldn¡¯t be a cause for argument, let us start with Grace!!¡± Omar instructed.


    Grace chuckled loudly, and wagged her tongue at Peter. While Peter folded his hands stylishly and frowned.


    Grace was about to tell her story when they heard the familiar sound of the motorcycle.


    They all froze!!


    ¡± Daddy ising!!¡­. run¡­. Run¡­. Run!!¡± Grace announced and in the speed of a lightening, they all ran inside the only little room they all shared and switched of the candle light, closing the door behind them as they heard the footsteps of Mr Edeh approach with his walking stick paving the way.


    And then, everywhere went still.

 Chapter 22

    Until the coarse voice called out.


    ¡± Omare!!¡± The voice thundered but was greeted with no response.


    ¡± Omare!!¡­.. Get right here now!!¡± The voice thundered.


    Omar crawled in the darkness, until she located the handle of the door and opened it. She left hurriedly into the presence of her father.


    ¡± Good evening sir.¡± She greeted quietly, with her head bowed.


    ¡± Are you telling me you didn¡¯t hear me calling you Omar?¡± Mr Edeh¡¯s coarse voice filled the room.


    ¡± No sir¡­. I was sleeping.¡± Omar lied.


    Mr Edeh cleared his throat loudly and belched.


    ¡± I believe your mom has discussed with you as she said she would¡­.. you must get your things ready!!¡­.. Your bride price will be paid this week and the wedding preparations will begin immediately¡­.¡± He said with authority.


    Omar stood silently rooted to the spot. She knew better than to argue with her father, except she wanted another round of aggressive beating.


    He observed her silence, and continued.


    ¡± You are seventeen years now and you are no longer a child¡­¡­ now that you are done with your secondary education, it¡¯s time for you to get married so that you will assist in raising your younger ones¡­.. besides Chief Ogbu is a wealthy man, and he will take good care of you.¡± Mr Edeh added.


    Omar was still silent.


    The door opened and Mrs Edeh entered and greeted her husband. She had just returned from fetching the fire wood, so she began preparations for the family dinner immediately.


    ¡± You can leave now!!¡± Mr Edeh instructed and Omar left his presence, recoiling back to the small room she shared with her siblings with tears streaming down her eyes.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± Omar¡­.. mummy is calling you!¡± Grace called out to her amidst the darkness of the room.


    Omar got up immediately and left to the kitchen, fuming in anger.


    ¡± I thought I told you I don¡¯t want to marry that man!! ¡­.. why is daddy still forcing him on me?¡± She asked her mother amidst anger.


    Mrs Edeh gazed at her daughter and sighed.


    ¡± Omar my child¡­ this is not my wish for you, but you must make sacrifices for your family.¡± She answered softly and sighed again.


    ¡± You see.¡± She continued.


    ¡± Ever since your father lost his job five years ago, we have been living from hand to mouth¡­.. Chief Ogbu is a wealthy man who has a good record of taking care of his wives, ¡­¡­ so he will take care of you and this family¡­. He ising this weekend for the wedding rites already¡­.. please my child, this family is counting on you¡­¡­ do not disappoint us..¡± Mrs Edeh begged Omar.


    ¡± Mom!!¡­.. How can you all be so selfish!!¡­. Why should I be the one to make the sacrifice of being the fourth wife of a chief that is old enough to be my father!!¡­.. All because of your selfish gains!!¡­. Go and tell your husband that I won¡¯t marry chief Ogbu!!¡± Omar retorted amidst sobs and walked out of her mother¡¯s presence.


    The weekend came and Chief Ogbu came with some elders to carry out the wedding rites.


    But Omar refused toe out when she was called upon. It took Mr Edeh excusing himself from his inws and going to Omar¡¯s room to threaten her, before Omar reluctantly came out.


    She wore a frown and ignored the songs the women sang in her praises, as she sluggishly walked up to the elders.


    Their smiles andughter irritated her more as she approached, until she was taken over by rage.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to marry you!!!¡± she yelled at chief Ogbu angrily, and ran out of thepound in tears, ignoring the call of her parents.


    Omar didn¡¯te home until it was midnight.


    She quietly called out to Grace through the window of their small room, and Grace opened the front door for her.


    That was the beginning of her woes.


    As soon as she entered her father¡¯s house, she saw every member of her family seated in the living room.


    They had been waiting for her toe home. Omar saw this and was about to walk out, when her father pulled her by her clothes and gave her the beaten of her life.


    Mr Edeh was no doubt enraged by Omar¡¯s misbehavior before his inws and he never failed to take it out on her. After beating her to his satisfaction, he locked her in the store room and kept the key in his pocket for 3 days, then he threatened everyone not to open the door.


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


    *Back to reality.*


    ¡± I never forgave my father for torturing me that night and locking me up without food and water for three days.¡± Omar said with tears in her eyes.


    Ife exhaled deeply.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for all that you went through Omar¡­.. but how did you get out of the store room?¡± Ife asked her.


    ¡± On the third day, it was Grace who broke me out of the store room. That was the beginning of life outside my father¡¯s house.¡±


    Ife narrowed his gaze and gave her arm a light squeeze.


    ¡°I journeyed down to Lagos through the help of one of my neighborhood friends named Ruth¡­.. she took me to her Aunty¡¯s ce to live with them¡­.. that was when I met Paul; Ruth¡¯s Aunty¡¯s eldest son¡­..¡± Omar said and sighed, but she was not done.


    ¡± Paul told me he loved me and I believed him¡­..  I got pregnant¡­.. his mother found out and threw me out of the house¡­..


    the streets became homeless and survival was tough for me¡­.. when my due time came, I gave birth but lost the baby¡­¡­ it was during my struggle I came across the agency that shaped the path of my profession¡­.. it was through this agency that I met my friends; Ashley and Judith.¡±


    ¡± Once again Omar, I¡¯m really sorry about what you went through¡­.. I believe everything you went through happened for a reason, and one of it is to strengthen and make you an inspiration to as many who are also passing through simr situation.¡± Ife said.


    She nodded her head calmly and he gave an encouraging smile.


    ¡± Come on, let go finish our breakfast.¡± Ife said and led her back to the dinning table.


    They were greeted by a knock on the door but ignored it, until it came a second time. It was a Saturday and they weren¡¯t expecting any guest.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get the door.¡± Omar said and went to open the door.


    It was her friends standing right in front of her.


    ¡± Hello bee!¡± They chorused.


    Omar gasped in surprise.


    She had never given them her home address. So how on Earth do they know her home?


    ¡± Surprised to see us?¡± Judith asked.


    ¡± Yes!¡­. How did you know this ce?¡± Omar asked surprisedly.

 Chapter 23

    ¡± We traced you down to your house thest time you visited Judith.¡± Ashley said cheerfully.


    Omar smiled and ushered them in.


    ¡°So we¡¯ve finally known your ce, even though you were avoiding giving us your home address.¡± Judith remarked.


    Omar scoffed.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t avoiding giving out my address to you¡­.. it just usually skips my mind after I¡¯ve had a long day at work.¡± Omar replied as she led them up the stairs to the main living room where Ife was seated, watching a TV program.


    He lifted up his gaze and saw Omar¡¯s guest.


    ¡°Dear¡­ I want you to meet my friends¡­. This is Judith, and this is Ashley.¡± Omar said, pointing at them.


    ¡± Nice meeting you beautifuldies.¡± Ife said as he shook hands with them and ushered them to a seat.


    ¡± We are so d to finally meet you Mr Mike Davis¡­. Even though Omar did not invite us to her wedding¡­. But she never told us you were this handsome.¡± Judith said coyly.


    Ife chuckled.


    ¡± Thanks for thepliment ma¡¯am¡­.. and I want to apologize on her behalf for not inviting you over to our wedding. It was due to the circumstances that surrounded us at that point in time.¡± Ife said with a smile.


    ¡± That¡¯s no problem sir¡­. We have moved past that.¡± Ashley responded, gesticting with her hands.


    ¡± I¡¯m d to hear that ma¡¯am¡­.. I¡¯ll excuse you all to have your women¡¯s chat.¡± He said immediately, then turned to Omar.


    ¡°I will be in my study.¡± He said and leaned forward, nting a kiss on her forehead, before he left.


    Judith pped her hands in wonder immediately Ife left.


    ¡± Eeehen!!¡­.. This does not look like a contract marriage Omar!!¡± She eximed.


    Ashley giggled and crossed her legs.


    ¡± So this is what you¡¯ve been enjoying Omar!!¡­.. That is why you no longer have our time abi?¡± Ashley voiced loudly.


    Omar scoffed.


    ¡± I told you both I have been busy at thepany¡­.. I¡¯ve hardly had time for myself this days¡­. There¡¯s always a lot of work to do and a lot of clients to meet¡­.. sometimes I have to go to important business meetings with Ife as his wife¡­.. that is why I haven¡¯t really beening around.¡± Omar defended herself.


    Judith exchanged a nce with Ashley and they bothughed.


    ¡± What is funny in what I just said?¡± Omar asked them.


    ¡± You are funny Omar!¡­. Omar¡­.. the way you talk this days is a sign that you have a strong seated feelings for this guy¡­¡­ you better confess now so we can help your life¡­¡­ are you in love with this man?¡± Judith asked Omar in seriousness.


    Omar didn¡¯t respond, instead, she narrowed her gaze to the center table and seemed to be in deep thoughts.


    ¡± Omar¡­.. this is unprofessional!!¡­.. it¡¯s against the ethics of our profession and you know that¡­.. you have suddenly forgotten that this is a contract marriage and the reason why he married you has been achieved already!!¡­.. He has gotten his ownership of thepany shares and this is all business for him¡­.. do not fall into the trap of falling in love with him so you wouldn¡¯t be heart broken at the end!!¡± Judith counseled.


    Omar still did not respond. Ife¡¯s presence in her life had brought about apulsion that had softened her so much and brought about her unexined attachment to him.


    ¡± I tried¡­¡­. I really tried¡­¡­ but he has a way of breaking down my defense¡­.. Ife is not any of the men I have been with in my life¡­.. he is different¡­¡­. He carries a presence of strong influence that I cannot exin and I¡¯m so much in love with him right now¡­. even though I know I shouldn¡¯t be¡­.. even though I know I¡¯m supposed to protect my heart.¡± Omar said with emotions.


    Ashley sighed deeply.


    ¡± Omar¡­. Look at me.¡±


    Omar rested her gaze on Ashley.


    ¡± Vulnerability is what you cannot afford right now!!¡­.. You need to break it off¡­.. do not forget, you are ten years older than him¡­.. and that is a big disadvantage on your side¡­.. and you see this rich guys¡­.. most of them do not like tomit¡­.. they love their independence Omar and this pretty exins why he picked a y queen like you¡­.. because he knows you are capable of pulling it through with no strings attached!!¡±


    Ashley added.


    Omar exhaled. This was a matter that weakened her to her bones.


    ¡± But his actions depicts he has feelings for me¡­.. I can feel it even in his bodynguage!!¡­..


    Maybe I should talk to him and express my feelings so I can get rity of his feelings for me.¡± Omar said calmly.


    ¡± What!!¡­.. Do not try it!!¡­.. Have you forgotten that expressing your feelings to him gives him the impression that you are vulnerable!!¡­.. And therefore gives him the license to treat you anyhow¡­.. you should be thinking of extracting extra money from the guy!!¡­.. Omar you are expected to know this already¡­.. be the professional that you are and stop acting like an amateur!!¡± Judith replied.


    And Ashley seconded.


    ¡± So what do you suggest I do?¡± She asked her friends.


    ¡± reduce your involvement in the activities that brings you two together¡­.. for example.¡± Ashley paused to rack her brain.


    Then suddenly continued.


    ¡± is it written in the contract that you both must sleep on the same bed?¡± she asked Omar.


    ¡± No.¡±


    ¡± Good!!¡­.. you can start by sleeping in a separate room. And even reduce your involvement in hispany¡¯s affairs.¡± Ashley advised.


    Omar nodded her head soberly and listened to more of the advisesing from her friends.


    Judith eventually said a joke they allughed to, while Omar served her friends some snacks and drinks to apany it.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    ¡± So how is Emeka your lover?¡± Omar directed her question to Judith.


    Judith gave a long hiss.


    ¡± Abeg forget that jelly fish jor.¡± Judith said, waving her hand dismissively.


    ¡± What happened Judy¡­¡­ what did he do this time?¡± Omar asked her.


    Judith hissed again.


    ¡± I suddenly got tired of him and let him go.¡± Judith replied with a frown.


    Ashley scoffed and bursted intoughter.


    ¡± Don¡¯t mind Judith o¡­¡­ she¡¯s just too embarrassed to admit that her juju was no longer working on him.¡± Ashley replied and Omar bursted intoughter.


    ¡± What?¡± Judith yelled in infuriation.


    ¡± So your juju has suddenly lost its potency?¡± Omar asked jokingly.

 Chapter 24

    Judith hissed again.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the charms Omar¡­.. it¡¯s his wife¡­.. she¡¯s using some sort of powers to counter my enchantments¡­.. Anyway, I¡¯m on the look out for another victim¡­.. and from the look of things, it seems I have found one who is even richer than Emeka.¡± Judith said.


    ¡± Hmm!¡­. Judy, just be careful.¡± Ashley told her and returned her attention to Omar.


    ¡± Yes Omar¡­.. we came for a reason¡­.. and it is solely to discuss the ns for your uing birthday.¡± Ashley said said immediately.


    ¡± So what¡¯s it gonna be?¡± They chorused.


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


    Zoey¡¯s eyes suddenly flew open. She thought she was dreaming but no. It was real.


    Whoever was at the door, had been persistently knocking for a while now.


    She suddenly got up to her feet and hurried to the door. She opened it immediately and noticed the person was about to leave, when he finally turned back.


    It was Stanley.


    ¡± Good evening Stanley.¡±


    ¡± Hi Zoey¡­. Sorry to disturb you but Ashley asked me toe teach her how to write a proposal for a foreign client.¡± Stanley said.


    ¡± Ashley isn¡¯t back from work¡­. But you coulde in and wait for her¡­.. she will be back shortly.¡± Zoey said, rubbing her sleepy eyes.


    ¡± Ok then.¡± Stanley replied and Zoey ushered him in.


    The sleep had slowly worn out of her eyes.


    ¡± Would you prefer a soft drink or alcohol?¡± She asked Stanley.


    ¡± Soft drink will be fine thanks.¡±This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Zoey scurried to the kitchen and brought out a pack of juice in a tray and a tumbler, with a saucer full of cashew nuts. She filled the ss with a drink and handed it over to Stanley.


    ¡°Thanks¡­.. why don¡¯t you get an extra ss and join me.¡± Stanley said.


    ¡± No thanks¡­. I¡¯m fine.¡± Zoey replied.


    ¡± Come-on¡­.. I insist.¡±


    ¡± Ok then.¡±  She got up to take another ss and poured herself a drink as she turned on the TV and adjusted to an epic movie.


    ¡± So how do you feel, adjusting to the climate of Nigeria?¡± he asked her.


    ¡± Well it¡¯s all good¡­.. though the heat bothers me sometimes, but I am gradually adjusting.¡± Zoey replied with a smile, sipping slowly from her ss of juice.


    Stanley nodded his head in agreement


    ¡± That¡¯s good to hear¡­¡­  Ashley tells me you were a clinical psychologist back in South Africa.¡± Stanley eagerly pointed out.


    ¡± Yes she¡¯s right¡­¡­ I began my career as a clinical psychologist in Nigeria, and continued over there.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s impressive¡­.. so you can read my mind?¡± Stanley asked jokingly.


    Zoey chuckled.


    ¡± I don¡¯t read minds Stan¡­. My job is to identify and diagnose any form of behavioral issues in my clients and to develop a treatment n.¡± She said softly.


    ¡± Fantastic!!¡­.. So can you also diagnose issues that has to do with matters of the heart, such as love and heartbreaks?¡­.. because I¡¯m seriously in need of a psychologist right now.¡± Stanley said jokingly.


    Zoey couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡± Sure¡­.. why not!!¡±


    ¡± Hmm!!¡­. That¡¯s really interesting¡­.. I guess I¡¯ll be needing your services then¡­.. will you be staying permanently in Nigeria now that you are back?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­.. I havee to stay¡­..¡±


    ¡± Hmm!¡­.. So what¡¯s your n on getting a job here?¡±


    ¡± There¡¯s no n Stan¡­.. I already have a job in a prestigious private hospital.¡± Said Zoey.


    ¡± Really!!¡­. How nice!!¡­. Congrattions to you!!¡±


    ¡± Thanks dear.¡±


    There was a long pause before Stanley broke the silence.


    ¡± if you don¡¯t mind my intrusion Zoey¡­. South Africa is a better developed country than Nigeria¡­. Need I ask you the reason you left it all for Nigeria?¡± Stanley asked.


    Zoey smiled but remained silent for a while.


    Stanley sensed her hesitation.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to answer the question if you don¡¯t want to.¡± Stanley added.


    ¡± No it¡¯s ok.¡± Zoey cut in, wetting her lower lip with her tongue.


    ¡± I came back to find my true love¡­.. I know this is funny but there was a man I left two years ago¡­¡­ and ever since then, life had never remained the same for me¡­.. I regretted walking out of my rtionship with him and I came back because I miss him so much and intend to find him¡­. But I truly hope it¡¯s not toote¡± Zoey said soberly.


    Stanley steadied his gaze on her and nodded.


    ¡± Love truly is like a medicine to the soul¡­. I understand how you feel Zoey and I encourage you to find him¡­.. you must take away any form of fear and never say never.¡± Stanley encouraged her.


    She smiled warmly.


    ¡± Thanks Stan¡­.. I feel relieved talking to you about this.¡±


    ¡°You are weed ma¡¯am.¡±


    A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.


    ¡± That should be Ashley at the door.¡± Zoey announced and went to open the door.


    Meeting new clients daily was a side of life Omar had gradually be so used to. Her encounter with a good number of thepany¡¯s clients, was great, as each encounter broadened the scope of her horizon to innovative ideas that had the potentials to move thepany forward.

 Chapter 25

    One of such, was her encounter with herst client.


    Thepany had received an email from apany named Avnche investiture, one Monday morning, it was a reminder of their scheduled meeting with a representative of thepany. Ife had gone out for an official duty as usual, and asked her to handle things at thepany. So she had to take up the responsibility of hosting the meeting.


    That was when she encountered the beautiful woman who inspired her to step up to her next level. Right from the moment she came into Omar¡¯s office in elegance, till the time she left, Omar was enthralled.


    With every conversation struck, Omar found herself bing more exposed to diverse ideas and perspectives, that awakened her creative spirit.


    After the meeting ended, Omar knew she wanted more than a formal rtionship with this intriguing woman.


    ¡± Please may I be reminded of your name again?¡± Omar asked eagerly.


    She smiled warmly.


    ¡± My name is Binta Nwachukwu, and mypany looks forward to getting the contract from Mike Davis Entertainment.¡± She said in the most pleasant tone.


    Omar nodded her head in the affirmative.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice meeting you once again Mrs Binta¡­. I will discuss with my husband and revert back to you¡­¡­ you have nothing to worry about ma¡¯am¡­.. I will sure put in a good word for yourpany¡­.. Once again, my name is Omar.¡± Omar replied courteously.


    ¡± I¡¯m ted to meet you Mrs Mike Davis¡­.. here is my contact card¡­.. I will be expecting your call.¡± Binta replied warmly.


    The sound of being called Mrs Mike Davis, was like the sound of a Melody to Omar¡¯s ears. She loved the honor and respect given to her by thepany¡¯s staff and clients generally, even on days she followed Ife to official meetings outside thepany, she was highly regarded.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Moreover, she loved the name ¡® Mike Davis¡¯ because it sort of gave her a sense of ssiness.


    Although, she had trouble fitting in at first, because of the intellectuals she had to work with, and the pressure of meeting up to thepany¡¯s expectations.


    This happened for a stretch of time, until she began to join Ife in his study and asked questions she didn¡¯t understand.


    Ife on the other hand, saw her willingness to learn and was ever ready to teach her. She could remember vividly the first lesson he had taught her that very night she entered his study. He had taught her the vital things she must look out for, in striking a good deal, and many other valuable informations.


    The first 3 days after Judith and Ashley¡¯s visit to her house, was very unpleasant for Omar. She had taken to their advise and withdrew herself from Ife.


    At first, he ignored her, probably thinking it was some sort of mood swing, until she refused to join him in bed and moved to another room the first two nights.


    ¡± Are you in any way angry with me?¡± He had asked her worriedly on the third day.


    Omar gave him a snobbish look and turned her face away.


    ¡± Omar¡­. If there¡¯s anything I did to anger you¡­.. I prefer we talk about it, and stop acting childish.¡± He said.


    ¡± Really?¡­. So you mean I am childish right?¡­. Do I look like a joke to you?¡± She yelled, feigning anger.


    Ife gave her a confused look and became quiet for a while.


    ¡± Omar¡­. What is the matter?¡± he asked her.


    ¡± I just need some space!!¡­..¡± She shouted and walked to her room.


    She was about to open her door when she noticed he had followed her behind.


    ¡± What is it Ife?¡­.. Don¡¯t you get the message?¡­.. I said I need some privacy!!!¡± She yelled at him. But his next action threw her off bnce.


    He pulled her closer to him and kissed her deeply. Omar¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, she never saw iting.


    At first she struggled to free herself from his grip, but he deepened the kiss, making  her defense to grow weaker and weaker, until she was forced to sumb and melted like a defrosted water. He suddenly released himself from the kiss and lifted her face to meet his gaze. She had tears in her eyes.


    ¡± We need to talk.¡± He said calmly and led her to his room.


    He observed her countenance again and sighed, she had more tears streaming down her eyes. He had seen different dimensions of her but he had never seen her weep this much like a baby.


    He bent down and faced her.


    ¡± Omar¡­¡± he began gently.


    ¡± Does this have to do with me?¡± he asked her.


    She nodded her head in the affirmative slowly.


    He sighed.


    ¡± If there¡¯s anything I did to hurt you¡­. You need to let it out so I can apologize.¡±


    ¡± He said calmly.


    She sniffed and he handed her an handkerchief.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t do anything wrong¡­.. but I¡¯m just so confused Ife!!¡± Omar said.


    ¡± What are you confused about?¡± he asked her, still maintaining his calmness.


    She fell silent for a while.


    ¡± This is looking so much like a real marriage Ife and I¡¯m used to being in control of my emotions, I always call the shots!!¡­.


    but right now!! The more I stay with you, the more I loose control and get so vulnerable¡­¡± She said softly.


    ¡± I know we are in this marriage for the purpose of business¡­..¡± she continued amidst sobs.


    ¡± one day, this contract will be over and we will go our separate ways¡­.. I don¡¯t want to be hooked Ife¡­.. it¡¯s little more than a month we got married and I¡¯m already loosing myself¡­. I¡¯m worried¡­. I¡±


    ¡± Sshhhh!¡± Ife interrupted her.


    They fell silent for a while.


    ¡± Do you love me?¡± Ife asked her softly.


    She exhaled deeply.


    ¡± Yes¡­.. I¡¯m sorry!!¡­. I know this is unprofessional of me and it¡¯s supposed to be a business deal, but¡­..¡± She was saying but Ife interrupted her with a deep and passionate kiss thatsted for a while, before releasing her.


    Omar shivered as she bit her lower lip. She was no doubt a shadow of the Omar she had been in thest fifteen years of her life.


    She wasn¡¯t called the ¡®queen bee¡¯ for no reason at all. She had earned the name by merit from the first agency she worked for by being ruthless in her dealings with men and would sting any man who misbehaved in any way. But here she was, shivering uncontroble in the presence of a man! with her emotions growing wild.


    Ife stroked her hair soothingly and kissed her palm.


    ¡± Do you love me?¡± She asked him calmly, bracing herself for whatever response that came from his mouth.

 Chapter 26

    He sighed.


    ¡± love is an understatement Omar¡­..¡± He said and sighed again.


    ¡± If there was something stronger than love, I would have used it right now¡­.¡± He continued.


    ¡± Right from the day you stood before me at the altar to take our wedding vows,¡­. I had an unquenchable desire to hold you by my side forever, and never let you go if God wills¡­. But I wasn¡¯t sure of your feelings towards me until today¡­.. and right now Omar, you have made me the happiest man on earth!!¡±


    Omar chuckled unbelievably and suddenly became serious.


    ¡± Do you mean what you say?¡­.. Or are you doing this not to make me feel bad?¡± Omar asked in seriousness.


    Ife sighed.


    ¡± Omar¡­. I am nothing like Paul who broke your heart and threw you out to the streets several years ago¡­.. If I say I love you, then I am hell bent serious.¡± He said.


    Omar smiled warmly and ruffled his hair tenderly.


    ¡± So where do we go from here?¡± She asked.


    ¡± We will take it one step at a time.¡±


    ¡± Hmm!¡±


    As beautiful and perfect as it is that Ife had the same feelings towards her, Omar couldn¡¯t help but get worried.


    ¡± I am not a saint Ife¡­.. I have a dark past that is very bad¡­.. I am a y queen but I¡¯m trying to change¡­. I¡¯m really scared if this will work out.¡± Omar voiced her concerns.


    ¡± I¡¯m also not perfect Omar¡­.. and I don¡¯t care about your past¡­.. your past should be left in the past¡­. Right now, we forge ahead¡­¡­ and like I have said earlier, let¡¯s take it one step at a time, starting with keeping no secrets from each other ¡­. And trusting one another as well.¡± He said and paused.


    ¡± I trust you.¡± She said softly.


    He smiled and nted a light kiss on her cheeks.


    ¡± I trust you too.


    Ife walked into her office and sat on the table facing her.


    ¡± Hey love¡­. How are you doing?¡± He asked with a smile, his gaze focused on her.


    Omar looked up at him and chuckled.


    ¡°This one you areing to my office every ten minutes Ife¡­. I hope all is well?¡±


    He folded his hands and smiled broadly.


    ¡± It¡¯s actually an interval of one hour Mrs Mike Davis.¡± He said coyly.


    She bit her lower lip, loving the way he pronounced her titled name.


    ¡± hmmm!¡­. Is it?¡± She asked, feigning ignorance.


    He had a look on his face that depicted he was up to something.


    ¡± I was just checking up on you to see how you are holding up with the pressure these days, given the fact that our activities have doubled up and we are stretching our capacity to amodate expansion.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± So how are you doing really?¡± He asked in concern.


    She took his hands in her palm and held it tenderly.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine dear¡­. Just a little tired.¡± She said and sighed.


    ¡± You know you can take a break to rest¡­. I don¡¯t want you looking all stressed out.¡± He replied, brushing his hand on her cheeks.


    ¡± You know,¡­. I wonder how you sort out these files one after the other and still attend to official matters, without being tired¡­.. coupled with the fact that you still do the cooking at home¡­. Don¡¯t you feel fatigued at all?¡± She asked him.


    ¡± I do feel fatigued¡­.. but I must say it¡¯s a lifestyle I¡¯m used to already.¡± He said.


    She nodded and narrowed her gaze to  his soft palm.


    ¡± Let me do the cooking tonight?¡­. Pleeease?¡± she pleaded, batting her eye lid like a child.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry¡­. I won¡¯t add too much seasoning this time¡­. I¡¯ve watched you cook a couple of times and I can proudly say I know your methods¡­. But in case you are in doubt, I could call you to season it yourself.¡± She added.


    He chuckled.


    ¡± Ok¡­. If that is what you want.¡± He said in approval.


    ¡± Thanks love.¡± She blew him a kiss and heughed more.


    ¡± You know the first time I met you, I never knew you couldugh this much¡­. You looked too serious and strict, always trying to perfect one thing or the other.


    ¡± I really like it when youugh dear, it does great stuffs to me¡­.. you should do this every minute of the day¡­¡± She remarked tenderly.


    He scoffed.


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not possible.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± Because only a mad manughs every minute of the day.¡±


    They both bursted intoughter.


    He held her palm into his hands.


    ¡± let¡¯s take a break honey¡­.. let me take you out for lunch.¡±


    ¡± really?¡­. I thought you only eat freshly prepared home made food?¡± She asked surprised.


    ¡± I do eat out sometimes¡­. I¡¯m only just selective of the kind of eateries I go to.¡±


    ¡± Hmm!¡­. Ifed Mike Davis is a man full of surprises.¡±


    ¡± Am I supposed to be predictable?¡±


    She gave him a light punch on his broad chest.


    ¡± Ouch that hurts!!¡± he replied, feigning pain.

 Chapter 27

    Sheughed out.


    ¡± I¡¯ll tidy my desk ande pick you in twenty minutes.¡± He said and kissed her on the cheeks before leaving.


    Omar smiled in contentment. The drastic change in their love life seemed like a dream to her.


    A dream she didn¡¯t want to wake up from. She made a silent prayer to God every night, thanking him for bringing Ife her way and asking further that her life with Ife would continue to remain sweet.


    So far so good, her prayers seemed to be working.


    Ife came back in exactly twenty minutes time to pick her and they both went to a prestigious restaurant in town.


    He ordered a six course meal for them, apanied with one of their best fruit wine.


    Omar wasmenting about their excellent services when she noticed Ife¡¯s eyes roaming on her body.


    ¡± Ife!!¡±


    ¡± Yes love.¡±


    ¡± What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m looking at you dear¡­. You¡¯ve added some weight¡­. It shows I¡¯m doing a great job in feeding you well.¡±


    She chuckled.


    ¡± Is that what you¡¯ve been staring at?¡± .


    He shrugged and sipped some wine.


    ¡± I was also thinking the blue dinner gown i bought for youst night, will fit perfectly on you for your birthday which is this weekend¡­.. I¡¯ve also booked for the cakes, and drinks¡­. But since you said you wanted it celebrated on a low key, I have refrained from inviting staffs of thepany and some acquitances¡­.. uncle Makinde and his wife are not in town, so only Jades would being¡­.. and I know your friends will definitelye.¡± He said.


    She smiled.


    ¡± If possible¡­. I want to spend my birthday with you alone and no one else.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry love, we will have some lone time after the guests are gone.¡± He said and gave her a wink.


    Sheughed a little and became lost in thought.


    ¡± Honey do you remember thedy I told you I met from Avnche Investiture?¡±


    ¡± Yes I do.¡±


    ¡± I am thinking of inviting her also for my birthday so you could meet her one on one and discuss further.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s fine by me¡­. Anything you want.¡±


    She giggled and put a call through to Binta.


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


    ¡± Please send in the next patient Lisa.¡± Zoey instructed her assistant.


    ¡± Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Lisa replied and exited her presence. She could hear her assistant calling ¡± Next¡± in an audible voice.


    In less than a minute, the door clicked open and a man entered.


    ¡± You are weed sirrrr¡­.¡± She was saying, when she noticed it was Stanley standing right in front of her.


    She mused.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Hi psychologist Zoey¡­. How¡¯s work going ma¡¯am?¡± he asked In broad smiles, with his hands carefully tucked in his pockets.


    ¡± Hi Stanley¡­.. how did you know my work ce?¡± She inquired in surprise.


    ¡± Ashley provided me the address.¡± He replied still wearing his smiles.


    She chuckled.


    ¡± So Ashley is now your information provider?¡±


    He shrugged.


    ¡± Well¡­. Probably for the time being.¡±


    ¡± Are you here to visit me or you are here for the a therapy section?¡± She asked with a smile.


    ¡± I am here for both ma¡¯am.¡± He replied, sping his hands on his thighs as he settled on the seat opposite her.


    ¡°Hmm!¡±


    ¡± So which should we start with ma¡¯am?¡± he asked in courtesy.


    ¡± let¡¯s start with the therapy section¡­¡­ sirrrr.¡±


    He hesitated a little.


    ¡± Fine¡­. I need a new act of indulgence, that serves as a distraction to take my mind away from someone I love so badly¡­.. how can you be of help with that?¡±


    She paused a little.


    ¡± To procure a solution to your case Mr Stanley, I need some more information about what happened in your rtionship life¡­.. so tell me¡­. How did it all begin?¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡± It began on a cold windy day, I was scrolling through my Instagram page, when I saw this beautiful image of a dashingly bold and lovely woman. I suddenly had thispulsion of visiting her profile and I obeyed.


    I kept scrolling and scrolling non stop and was mind blown already, just checking out her beautiful collection of pictures.


    Oh! I must say it was love at first contact. I upped my game and sent her a message on her dm. Her response was quicker than I expected, and in a couple of weeks, we finally met.


    I found out she was the materialistic kind of woman but I never minded. All I wanted to do was just have her by my side all the time, which I knew she wouldn¡¯t do it for free. So I offered her money in exchange for herpany and that was the moment I got hooked. When my money expired, she left immediately and I became devastated.


    . I¡¯m still yet to get over her right now¡­. And what¡¯s worse is¡­.. her friend told me she¡¯s married now¡­. I really feel so bad right now¡­. I just wished I had pressed further.¡± He said and sighed.


    Zoey steadied her gaze on him as he spoke. Although he sounded casual, but she could sense a tone of seriousness in his voice.


    ¡± First of all¡­. I¡¯m sorry about what you went through Mr Stanley¡­¡­ but this  situation is a clear indication that we will have to focus more on you moving on¡­.. we will discuss further on this in your next therapy section if you do not mind.¡± She said in a pleasant tone.

 Chapter 28

    ¡± No I do not mind at all ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡± Ok¡­. So therapy section is over.¡±


    ¡± Yes that brings us to the visitation aspect¡­. So tell me,¡­.. how do you find your new job?¡± He asked cheerfully.


    She smiled.


    ¡± It¡¯s cool¡­. I get to meet new patients on a daily basis and attend to some kind of sensitive cases¡­.. Although  I find it quite challenging because of my busy schedules, coupled with the traffic I face on my way home¡­.. I have to use a taxi most times because Ashley¡¯s office is quite different from my route so it¡¯s quite difficult for her toe pick me up.¡± Zoey said.


    ¡± Hmm¡­. So sorry about that¡­. But if you don¡¯t mind, I coulde pick you up¡­. Luckily for you, mypany is not too far from here.¡± He replied.


    Her eyes brightened.


    ¡± Really!!¡­. I will be really d if you do¡­. Thanks so much Stan¡­. I really appreciate this.¡± She replied happily.


    He gave her a warm smile.


    ¡± You are weed ma¡¯am¡­.. I have to rush back to my office now¡­.. what time do you close so I coulde pick you?¡± he asked her.


    ¡± I close by 5pm.¡±


    ¡± Alright¡­. That tallies with my closing time too.¡±


    ¡± Thanks so much Stan¡­. You just brought a great deal of relief to me.¡±


    ¡± You are weed ma¡¯am.¡± He said and rose to his feet to leave.


    ¡± See you in a couple of hours.¡± He said and walked to the door.


    ¡± Stan¡± She said in more like a whisper.


    He turned.


    ¡± I was wondering if you would like to apany me this weekend to a birthday party¡­.. Ashley invited me and I¡¯ll like somepany.¡± She asked pleadingly.


    He shrugged.


    ¡± I will add that to my list of schedule.¡±


    She smiled broadly.


    ¡± Thanks once again Stan.¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡± Goodbye.¡± He whispered and left.


    Richard highlighted from his car, at the front of Kimberly; his daughter¡¯s school. Kimberly had just began her entry into the secondary school and was full of enthusiasm. Her little sister; Nelly, was still In the primary section in apletely different location from the secondary. His wife had called him earlier on to inform him that she was stuck in traffic on the way from the market. And so he had to pick the kids from school.


    He had just returned from picking Nelly, so he had to stop by at Kimberly¡¯s school as well.


    His phone beeped and a message entered. He clicked on the message icon and smiled. It was a message from his newly found lover. They had only been together for two weeks and yet he was already liking the vibes she showed. They met at a shopping mall downtown, and it had been from one romantic dinner to the other, they had also spent a few nights together.


    Her name is Judith and she had the charisma that intrigued him to his bones. Although he sensed she was dangerous, but he didn¡¯t mind. He was dangerous too and no woman dared cross him. Besides, he wouldn¡¯t be keeping her for long.


    ¡°Just a few nights more and he is done.¡± He thought as rubbed his hand on his chin.


    ¡± Daddy!!¡­. look at Kimberly!!¡± Nelly called out to him from inside the car.


    He lifted his gaze and saw Kimberly trotting towards him with her ss teacher by her side.


    ¡± Daddy!!¡­.¡± Kimberly shouted happily and hugged her father.


    ¡± How are you dear?¡± he asked her as he patted her back.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine daddy!¡±


    The ss teacher greeted Richard cheerfully, and he left with his daughter.


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


    Jade was the first to arrive for Omar¡¯s birthday. She came holding a sizeable rounded cake in her hands.


    ¡± Cheers to the birthday girl!!¡± She announced happily as soon as she sighted Omar.


    Omar chuckled as she came down the stairs in her blue dinner gown. She gushed and embraced her husband¡¯s cousin.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± it¡¯s your special day today dear¡­. And I¡¯m wishing you a happy birthday.¡±


    ¡± Thanks Jade.¡± Omar beamed.


    ¡± Hmm!¡­. You look damn good, rocking that gown!¡­. and you¡¯ve pretty much added a few more pounds since Ist saw you¡­. This means my cousin is doing a good job in taking care of his baby!!¡± Jade remarked.


    Omar gushed.


    ¡± Oh thanks Jade¡­. The cake is beautiful.¡± She said softly, collecting the cake from Jade


    The door opened immediately and Ife, apanied by Judith and Ashley,  ushered in the Trumpeter, who expertly blew the trumpet in the happy birthday melody, while everyone sang along.


    ¡± Happy birthday to the queen bee herself!!¡± Judith and Ashley chorused together and pulled Omar into an hug.


    ¡± You look zing hot like fire!!¡± Ashley added, beckoning her to turn around and she did.


    ¡± Thanks so much my dear friends¡­. And thanks for showing up for my birthday.¡± Omar appreciated them.


    ¡± Come on Omar we are your friends¡­ therefore it¡¯s our primary duty to be here!!¡­. Infact, my younger sister should be on her way here anytime soon. She needed to attend an important meeting today at the clinic. That is why she didn¡¯te with us¡­ but she¡¯ll be here as soon as she finishes from work.¡±


    Ashley said cheerfully.


    ¡± Oh¡­ I can¡¯t wait to meet your sister Barbie!!¡­¡± Omar replied excitedly.


    As this was going on, the door bell chimed and Ife went to open it.


    It was Binta who entered, holding a gift bag in her hands.


    ¡± Happy birthday ma¡¯am¡­. I wish you a life of sound health and prosperity.¡± Binta said, beaming with a smile on her face.


    Omar embraced her happily.

 Chapter 29

    ¡± I¡¯m d you came ma¡¯am¡­. I see you¡¯ve met my husband already..¡±


    ¡± Oh yes ma¡¯am¡­. He is a wonderful man indeed.¡± Binta replied warmly.


    ¡± Yes he is¡­. I want you to meet my friends too¡­. This is Ashley¡­. And this is Judith.¡± Omar said.


    Binta grew stiff the moment she sighted Judith.


    Judith saw Binta and widened her eyes in surprise, her expression grew cold instantly.


    ¡± Do you two know each other?¡± Omar asked in curiosity.


    ¡± Yes ma¡¯am¡­. We¡¯ve actually met before.¡± Binta replied feigning a smile.


    ¡± really!!¡­. It¡¯s a small world.¡± Omarmented.


    Judith shrugged and shifted uneasily.


    ¡± Can I have a word with you bee?¡± she said and pulled Omar along with her till they got to arge corridor.


    ¡± What is it Judy?¡±


    ¡± Why is she here?¡± Judith asked almost immediately.


    ¡± Who?¡­. Do you mean Mrs Binta?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­. Why did you invite Emeka¡¯s wife to your birthday?¡±


    Omar popped her eyes in surprise.


    ¡± Emeka¡¯s wife!!¡­. I didn¡¯t know she was Emeka¡¯s wife!!¡­ Wow!¡±


    ¡± She is Emeka¡¯s wife Omar¡­. Infact!!¡­. How did you two cross paths?¡± Judith questioned Omar.


    ¡± We met on a business tform¡­.. wait a minute!!¡­. You mean you knew Emeka¡¯s wife all along?¡± Omar asked Judith.


    She shrugged indifferently.


    ¡± We met once when she came to my house and warned me to stay away from her husband.¡± Judith replied.


    ¡± See¡­. I¡¯m notfortable with that witch in this house¡­. You need to send her away!!¡±


    Omar sighed.


    ¡± I can¡¯t send her away Judith¡­. She¡¯s Ife¡¯s guest¡­. You just have to manage through with her being around.¡± Omar said and patted her on the back.


    Judith murmured some more before they returned back to the living room where the guests were.


    A soft music yed in the background and the party kick started. They all danced to the music and merried, until Ife presented her with a gift that made everyone marvel. It was a Venzatest model.


    ¡± Wow!!¡­. This is lit!!¡± Ashley whispered to Judith as they watched Omar kissed Ife tenderly and profess her love to him.


    ¡± Yes it is¡­. uhm but I¡¯m afraid Omar is bing too attached to this man¡­. I wonder if she even took our advise at all.¡± Judith expressed her concern.


    ¡± You are right Judy¡­.. I hope Omar doesn¡¯t get her heart broken by this man¡­. I mean, it¡¯s going to be disastrous judging from simr cases we witnessed at the agency.¡± Ashley replied in agreement.


    ¡± That¡¯s it¡­. But Omar wouldn¡¯t just listen¡­. This men are like Hawks¡­. As soon as their done with their prey¡­. They leave them off the hook ruthlessly¡­.. I hope she doesn¡¯te to me crying like a baby, because I wouldn¡¯t listen to her at all. ¡± Judith said in a hushed voice, wrinkling her nose.


    ¡± Yes¡­. But Judith¡­. Don¡¯t you think this man might also be in love with her¡­. Although this happens in rare cases, but we cannot rule out the possibility that it can happen.¡± Ashley replied in whispers as she focused her gaze on Omar and Ife.


    Omar and Ife were locked in an embrace, when Zoey arrived with Stanley.


    ¡± Hey Sister¡­.. so sorry I¡¯mte¡­. The meetingsted more than I expected.¡± She whispered an apology, with Stanley standing a few feet away from her.


    Ashley and Judith saw Stanley and gasped.


    ¡± Stanley what are you doing here?¡±  Ashley voiced in surprise.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok sis¡­. I invited him.


    ¡± Hi Judy¡­ how are you doing?¡± Zoey greeted.


    ¡± Hey Zoey¡­. I am good thanks.¡± Judith said with a smile and sighed. She turned to Stanley.


    ¡± You know this is Omar¡¯s birthday party and it won¡¯t look good if she sees you here.¡± She told Stanley.


    Stanley mused.


    ¡± Omar¡¯s birthday!!¡­. Oh that makes it great!!¡± He said immediately and walked up to Omar.


    ¡± Hi Omar dear¡­. Happy birthday to you dear¡­..  in love, joy and happiness!!¡­.. You look beautiful as always¡­. Just the way I like it.¡± He said wearing a broad smile.


    Omar rolled her eyes in astonishment and gave him the ¡® what are you doing here?¡¯ look.


    Ife studied Omar¡¯s gaze and noticed her difort.


    ¡± Are you alright dear?¡± he asked.


    ¡± Yes I am¡­.. uhm meet Stanley, an ex client of mine.¡± She said hurriedly.


    ¡± It¡¯s nice seeing you Stanley.¡± Ife said wearing a straight faced expression with his hands tucked in his pockets.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    ¡± The pleasure is all mine.¡± Stanley replied with a smirk, stretching his hand for an handshake which Ife didn¡¯t reciprocate.


    Ashley dragged Zoey forward hurriedly.


    ¡± Omar¡­ I need you to meet my younger sister Zoey¡­. She¡¯s a qualified psychologist who is now fully based in Nigeria.¡± Ashley said cheerfully.


    Omar quickly stretched her hands to Zoey but Zoey¡¯s attention had drifted to an intense gaze at Ife.


    ¡± Ife!!¡± Zoey eximed.


    Ife froze as if he had seen a ghost, transfixing his gaze on Zoey.


    Ashley and Judith exchanged a puzzled look.


    ¡± Zoey!!¡­. Wow!! Zoey¡­. It¡¯s quite an age!¡± It was Jade who spoke.


    ¡± Jade!!¡± Zoey eximed with her mouth agape.

 Chapter 30

    ¡± Wow!! ¡­ How did you find us?¡± Jade asked in curiosity.


    ¡± I uhm¡­ I mean¡­I was invited by my sister¡­.. I didn¡¯t know you live heeere.¡± Zoey stammered.


    Jade scoffed unbelievably.


    ¡± What a small world!¡±


    ¡± What the hell just happened back there?¡± Ashley threw the question at Zoey the moment they got home.


    Zoey remained quiet as she struggled to curtail the emotions that had built up in her.


    Ashley sighed and gave Zoey a gentle touch on her shoulder.


    ¡± Zoey¡­.. how did you know Ife.¡± She asked calmly.


    ¡± He is my ex¡­.. he is the man I told you I dated two years ago before I traveled to South Africa.¡± Zoey replied calmly.


    Ashley exhaled in exhaustion and held Zoey tenderly by her arm.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Zoey¡­. I didn¡¯t know¡­.¡±


    ¡± Its ok Ashley, I understand¡­. I guess he¡¯s the one married to your friend now.¡± Zoey said softly.


    ¡± Yes¡­.. Although the circumstances is quiteplicated.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean it¡¯s quiteplicated?¡± Zoey asked in curiosity.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Ashley swallowed hard and paused briefly.


    ¡± It¡¯s a contract marriage.¡± Ashley spilled.


    ¡± A contract marriage?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­. Meaning it was based on a business agreement which would expire in a few years From now.¡±


    Zoey rolled her eyes in surprise and was about to say something but she hesitated.


    ¡°I know how much you love this man Zoey¡­.. and I also know he is the reason you came back to Nigeria¡­. And I don¡¯t know what to think about this because from the look of things, Omar loves him too.¡± Ashley said and sighed.


    ¡± So what do you n to do?¡± She asked Zoey.


    Zoey fell silent for a while.


    ¡± I need his number¡­. Please can you get it for me?¡± Zoey asked her sister.


    ¡± Zoey¡­. I don¡¯t mean to sound offensive but¡­. Why this man?¡­.. Why not move on with your life and get another man¡­. See¡­.. I could link you up with some really cool men if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Zoey shook her head in refusal.


    ¡± I want Ife¡­. He is the only man I can ever love!!¡­¡± Zoey replied soberly.


    ¡± Zoey¡­. Please do not short change yourself¡­. There are several men out there who would love and cherish you ¡­. Why not move on with your life!!¡± Ashley advised her sister.


    ¡± Why are you discouraging me Ashley?¡­. I thought you said it¡¯s a contract marriage?¡­. This means I might have a chance!!¡­. Or is it because your friend also loves him?¡± She fired at Ashley.


    Ashley swallowed hard.


    ¡± I am only saying that whatever it is you shared with this man, was in the past!!¡­. There are so many men out there who will kill to have you!!¡­. Why don¡¯t you move on!!¡±


    ¡± Move on you say?¡­. Do you know how much I¡¯ve beenbing the city looking for Ife?¡­. I even went as far as going to his family house, but I didn¡¯t find him there!!¡­. I¡¯m sorry Ashley, I can¡¯t move on!!¡­. I came back because of him¡­and I¡¯m going to have him!!¡±


    Zoey fumed.


    ¡± Are you giving me his number or not?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t have his number Zoey!!¡±


    ¡± I know you can get his number if you want to do it!!¡­. Please Ashley, I need his number!!¡± Zoey pleaded desperately.¡±


    ¡± Fine!!¡­ I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡± Ashley said and rolled her eyes.


    ¡± Thanks Ash¡­. I¡¯m grateful.¡± Zoey replied with a smile.


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


    *Three weekster.*


    ¡± Wow! This is great Binta!!¡­. I am really optimistic that this project wille out with a bomb!!¡± Omar eximed in enthusiasm.


    ¡± Yes ma¡¯am¡­. Infact this is just the beginning of what we have in store for Mike Davis Entertainment¡­. I told you we are up to the task and we will deliver!!¡± Binta replied, letting out a broad smile.


    ¡± Yes you did¡­. And I believe you!!¡±


    Binta crossed her legs and smiled.


    ¡± Thanks so much for believing in Avnche Investiture and awarding us the contract¡­. We promise not to disappoint you¡­. In a couple of weeks, we will round up the project and submit it ma.¡± Binta said.


    Omar nodded her head.


    ¡± Your services are good!!¡­. I must say ma.¡± Omar replied in agreement.


    And Binta giggled.


    ¡± Would you love to join me for lunch Mrs Nwachukwu?¡­. There¡¯s this very good restaurant my husband took me too some weeks back and their recipes are very good!!¡­.. We could even discuss some more about our amazing project over lunch.¡±


    Binta chuckled.


    ¡± It will be my pleasure ma.¡± Binta replied pleasantly and together, they both left.


    One beautiful thing about Binta was not just only the way she handled her business expertly, but was also in the way she carried an air of positivity around her, her pleasantness and her humility. These were the attributes that attracted a strong bond between Omar and her.


    They finally arrived at the restaurant and ordered their meals.


    ¡± This ce is really good Mrs Davis¡­. their services are truly top notch.¡± Bintamended.


    ¡± I told you so¡­. Ever since my husband brought me here¡­. I have be addicted toing here.¡± Omar replied cheerfully.


    ¡± You can say that again ma¡¯am¡­. Their services has an affinity topel people intoing a second time.¡± Binta agreed.

 Chapter 31

    Omar nodded her head and exhaled.


    ¡± Please can I ask you a question Mrs Nwachukwu?¡±


    ¡± Yes you can ma.¡±


    Omar raised her head and shrugged.


    ¡± Do you have kids?¡±


    Binta chuckled.


    ¡± Yes I have a handful of them.¡± She replied.


    ¡°How do you manage to bnce it all¡­. I mean¡­. Your work¡­. Kids and marriage?¡±


    Binta smiled broadly.


    ¡± It¡¯s by the Grace of God ma¡¯am¡­. I just take it one day at a time¡­. And I must say¡­.. God has really been helping me.¡± She said and chuckled.


    Omar nodded.


    ¡± Have you ever had a nagging fear in your heart that your husband might fall in love with another woman and leave you someday.¡± Omar asked.


    Binta almost choked on her drink. She let the ss gently on the table and directed her gaze at Omar.


    ¡± Why did you ask?¡± Binta inquired.


    Omar shrugged.


    ¡± Because I feel that is what is about to happen to me.¡±


    ¡± Why do you feel so?¡­. Did you see any sign or something suspicious about your husband?¡± Binta asked her in curiosity.


    ¡± No¡­.¡± Omar paused in hesitation as worry creased on her face.


    ¡°but ever since my husband saw his ex on my birthday, he had been unusually so calm and quiet¡­.¡±


    Binta sighed.


    ¡± Have you discussed this with him?¡± she asked Omar.


    ¡± Yes ¡­. I mean¡­. I asked him about what happened in his rtionship with her, but he said he¡¯d rather not talk about it¡­. And I must be frank with you¡­. This gets me deeply worried¡­. Especially when I remember the way he transfixed his gaze at her on that day.¡± Omar replied.


    ¡± Hmm!¡­. I think you should give him sometime¡­.. he woulde around¡­. Just continue to pray for him and show him so much love.¡± Binta advised.


    Omar nodded her head and narrowed her gaze to the te of food in front of her.


    ¡± I think he had quite an history with her¡­. And I¡¯m really scared these days¡­. Ife has be so withdrawn and I feel like he is slipping away.¡± Omar expressed her worry.


    Binta sighed.


    ¡± like I said earlier¡­. Just take your worries to God in prayer and show him some more love and understanding¡­. He might be going through something totally different from what you think¡­. Men can be like that sometimes.¡± Binta said.


    ¡± Okay¡­. Thanks ma¡­. I¡¯ll do as you have said.


    ¡± please call me Binta.¡±


    ¡± Ok thanks Binta.¡±Omar replied and continued eating her food.


    They discussed extensively for a few more minutes, before returning back to the office. And from that day on, the bond between Binta and Omar grew stronger, leading to a cordial friendship between them.


    He woke up with a sharp pain on his chest. Groaning quietly in a bid not to wake her up. Thest few weeks had been awfully distasteful for him, bringing memories he wished he could erasepletely from his memory. But today was the worst of the days.


    He swallowed hard as pain engulfed him. Reaching towards the drawer in front of him, he brought out a bottle of aspirin and threw two tablets into his mouth.


    The pain he felt was both the physical and the emotional one.


    Skipping his routine exercise, he moved slowly into the bathroom and grudgingly took his bath, groaning quietly as the sharp pain on his chest engulfed him.


    He managed to take his bath and stepped out of the bathroom dripping wet, with his towel wrapped around his waist.


    In the same slow pace, he dressed up and climbed down the stairs with his suitcase. That was when he noticed she had been up a while ago and seated in the dinning table.


    Omar got up immediately she saw her husband descend the stairs.


    ¡± Hi darling¡­. I hope you slept well?¡± She asked, shing him a smile.


    ¡± Yes I did¡­. Thanks.¡± He said dryly and was about to move past her, when she quickly stood in his way.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± I prepared your breakfast already¡­. Let me serve you your meal.¡± She said in enthusiasm.


    ¡± Thanks but I don¡¯t have the appetite to eat anything¡­.. I will see youter..¡± He replied dryly, and brushed past her.


    ¡± Ife!!¡­. What is the matter with you?¡­.. Why have you been acting so withdrawn and cold towards me¡­. Is there something I did that got you offended?¡± She asked in annoyance.


    ¡± Omar please not now¡­. I¡¯m not in a good mood.¡± Ife replied wearing a grimace.


    Omar scoffed loudly.


    ¡± really!!¡­. Is this the new normal between us?¡­. You have not been in a good mood since you saw your ex!!¡­.¡±


    ¡± Omar please!!¡­. Don¡¯t make this about Zoey!!¡­. I just want to be left alone for now¡­.. is that too much to ask?¡± Ife retorted.


    Omar scoffed a second time.


    ¡± Yes!!¡­. It¡¯s too much to ask Ife¡­. You said we could make this work!!¡­. And everything was going well between us until that witch came on my birthday!!!¡­. And since then, you¡¯ve been acting all cold despite all my efforts to reach out to you!!¡±


    ¡± Omar please¡­. Let¡¯s have this discussionter¡­. I¡¯ve got some work to do!!¡±


    ¡± No¡­. I think it¡¯s time we trash it out now!!¡­. Do you want to go back to her!!¡­. Is that it?¡± Omar queried angrily.


    ¡± That¡¯s it Omar!!¡­. I think you are overstepping your bounds¡­. Learn to respect my privacy!!¡±


    Omarughed loudly.


    ¡± Privacy you say!!¡­. I¡¯m your wife Ife and thest time I checked, there¡¯s no privacy in marriage!!¡±


    ¡± And you also seem to have forgotten¡­. This is a contract marriage!!¡­. And I Ife!!¡­.. I call the shots in this rtionship¡­. It will be good for you to know your ce and stick to it!!!¡± Ife fired back and winced a little.

 Chapter 32

    Omar shivered and bit her lower lip as tears gathered in her eyes.


    ¡± Is this it?¡­. Is this how you feel?¡± She asked and nodded her head, allowing the tears stream down her eyes.


    Ife ruffled his hands on his head as he felt the impact of migraine on his head. The pain relief didn¡¯t seem to be working fast and he had to find a quick solution.


    He sighed and walked out.


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


    The doctor examined him for the third time and penned down some information.


    ¡± I¡¯m through with the examination¡­. Pleasee with me to my office Mr Davis.


    Ife nodded and followed the doctor to her office.


    ¡± What is wrong with me doctor.¡± He asked anxiously.


    The doctor adjusted her sses and smiled.


    ¡± Calm down Mr Davis¡­. It¡¯s nothing serious¡­¡­ the test shows that you had a panic attack which could be due to stress¡­. Or probably some events that had urred within the past few days.¡± The doctor said.


    Ife sighed.


    ¡± So you mean it¡¯s nothing serious?¡± he asked in rification.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing serious Mr Davis¡­.. Whenst did you had a good sleep?¡± She asked him.


    Ife exhaled.


    ¡± It¡¯s been weeks¡­. I got somethings on my mind which had been nagging at me!!¡±


    The doctor nodded.


    ¡± you need some days of good rest and you will be alright¡­. I will add some sleeping pills to the drugs I¡¯ll be prescribing for you.¡± The doctor said and jotted some things down.


    ¡± Here you go Mr Davis¡­.. you¡¯ll get the drugs avable at our pharmacy.¡± The doctor said, handing him a prescription form.


    ¡± Thanks doc¡­. I¡¯ll get them on my way out.¡± He said.


    ¡± You are weed Mr Davis¡­. Make sure you take some days off from work and rest well.¡± The doctor advised.


    He thanked the doctor one more time and left, transfixing his gaze on the prescription form on his way down to the pharmacy department, and passing through the long corridor of the hospital, when he almost bumped into ady.


    ¡± Oh!!¡­. I¡¯m so sorry ma¡¯am¡­..¡± he was saying as he took a second nce at her.


    It was Zoey.


    ¡± Ife!!¡­. Oh!!¡­. What a coincidence!!¡± Zoey said in smiles.


    ¡°Zoey¡­. so we meet again.¡± Ife muttered.


    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± She asked him eagerly.


    ¡± I came to see a doctor.¡±


    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± he asked her in curiosity.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She chuckled softly.


    ¡± I work here.¡±


    ¡± Oh!¡­. That¡¯s good¡­. Nice to see you again.¡± He said and was about to walk out when she tactfully stood in his way.


    ¡± Uhm¡­. Ife¡­. I actually need us to talk.¡± She said.


    ¡± There¡¯s nothing to talk about Zoey.¡± Ife replied immediately.


    ¡± please Ife¡­. I promise I won¡¯t take much of your time¡­. Please.¡± She said pleadingly.


    ¡± Fine¡­. Where do we talk?¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s go to my office.¡± She said and led the way.


    ¡± So I¡¯m all ears.¡± Ife said, immediately they settled in her office.


    Zoey narrowed her gaze and exhaled.


    ¡± Ife¡­. Please¡­. I¡­ uhm¡­.. I¡¯m sorry for walking out on our rtionship¡­. I¡¯m really sorry¡­. Thest two years of my life has been a life of regrets¡­. And that¡¯s why I came back¡­. I¡­ uhm ¡­. Please Ife¡­.. I need you back in my life.¡±


    Ife rested his gaze on her for a while and chuckled.


    ¡± So you thinking to me with a few muddled up words of apologies will cut it?¡± Ife asked.


    Zoey swallowed hard.


    ¡± I had to leave as at that time¡­.. Ife I didn¡¯t mean to leave you hanging when you needed me most¡­.. I loved you¡­.. and I still do.¡± Zoey said, choking back the tears from falling.


    ¡± I don¡¯t think this is the best time to discuss this¡­. I¡¯m not in a good mood right now.¡± He said and got up.


    Zoey nodded her head.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok¡­.. I¡¯ll wait for you toe around.¡± She said in whispers.


    Ife swallowed hard.


    ¡± I¡¯ll see you some other time Zoey.¡± He said and left.


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


    ¡± Are you alright Mrs Davis?¡± Binta asked Omar when she noticed she was loosing concentration and had a far away look on her face.


    But Omar was still far gone.


    ¡± Mrs Davis?¡­.. Mrs Davis!!¡± Binta called and tapped her lightly, causing Omar to jolt back to reality.


    ¡± So sorry ma¡¯am¡­. I got distracted.¡± Omar apologized immediately.


    ¡± You look bothered Mrs Davis¡­. Care to share your worries?¡± Binta asked.

 Chapter 33

    Omar¡¯s expression grew pale.


    ¡± I think my husband is having an affair.¡± She said soberly.


    Binta expression changed to that of concern.


    ¡± And why do you think he is cheating on you ma?¡±


    Omar shrugged.


    ¡± Because he haspletely changed¡­. See Binta¡­¡­ I¡¯ve been in this rtionship game for many years and I can categorically tell you that I have experience in this things¡­.. I tell you Ife is cheating on me, and that is the reality.¡± Omar said painfully.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry about what you are going through Omar.¡± Binta replied sadly.


    ¡± I remembered how I felt when I discovered my husband was cheating on me with a brute woman¡­.. it was really painful¡­. And I must say I understand how you feel.¡± Binta said in sympathy.


    Omar shook her head sadly.


    ¡± I would have dealt with them both by now¡­. But I am really pained because I truly love him¡­. And marrying him was the best thing that ever happened to me¡­. but just when I thought I would be forever happy¡­.. then this happened!!¡­.¡± Omar said and broke down in tears.


    Binta sighed and wrapped her hands around Omar tenderly.


    ¡± it¡¯s ok Omar¡­. This is not the end¡­.. if I can get my husband back¡­. Then you can too¡­¡±


    ¡± How did you do it?¡­.. Please tell me how?¡±


    ¡± I prayed Omar¡­. Prayer is the key¡­. Have you really taken your time to pray for him?¡± Binta asked her.


    Omar sniffed.


    ¡± Prayer¡­.. I don¡¯t even know how to pray anymore¡­. And sometimes when I mumble some words I wonder if God listens at all¡­. I also wonder if that is even the right way to pray.¡± Omar replied in honesty.


    ¡± God is your father¡­. And he knows what you are passing through¡­. he listens Omar¡­. What you need do is to confide in him¡­.. what if I invite you to church?¡­. Would you honor my invitation?¡± Binta asked her.


    Omar chuckled.


    ¡± Its been ages since I ever went to church¡­¡± Omar replied.


    Binta nodded.


    ¡± We have our evening service tonight, and I am inviting you.¡± Binta said.


    Omar sighed.


    ¡± Fine¡­. I¡¯lle¡­.. but I do not know the address.¡±


    Binta gave a broad smile.


    ¡°I coulde pick you up this evening.¡±


    Evening came and Binta came to the house to pick Omar.


    ¡± I¡¯m not feeling too well Binta.¡± Omarined.


    Binta smiled.


    ¡± I think it¡¯s because you are not in a good mood right now¡­


    but trust me, the moment you step into the atmosphere of his awesome presence, every burden on your shoulders bes light¡­.. in his presence¡­. There¡¯s fullness of joy!¡± Binta said.


    Omar sighed.


    ¡± Fine¡­. I¡¯ll go dress up.¡± She said and dragged herself to go prepare.


    After 15 minutes had psed, she came out fully dressed.


    ¡± Is this outfit ok for a church gathering?¡± she asked Binta.


    ¡± You look just great Omar.¡± Binta replied.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Shall we?¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡±


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


    The car came to a stop at the front of Judith¡¯s gate. Richard wound up his ss and they kissed.


    ¡± So when are we seeing again?¡± he asked her.


    She giggled.


    ¡± How about we see tomorrow evening.¡±


    ¡°Hmm!¡­ Tomorrow evening will be just fine.¡± Richard replied, rubbing his chin with his palm.


    ¡± I had a great time today girl¡­. I must confess¡­you are really sweet!!¡­. your sweetness beats my imagination.¡± Richardplemented her.


    Judith bit her lower lip temptingly.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you had a great time.¡±


    ¡± But there¡¯s a slight issue honey.¡±


    ¡± What is it?¡± Richard asked concernedly.


    ¡± I need some money to celebrate my uing birthday next two weeks.¡± Judith said coyly.


    Richard scuffled.


    ¡± What about the money I gave you yesterday?¡± he asked her.


    ¡± Yes I used that one to pay some bills dear.¡± She replied swiftly.


    ¡± good¡­ why not use the bnce to run your birthday program.¡± Richard replied immediately.


    ¡± Come on Richie¡­. You only gave me Five hundred thousand naira¡­. And it¡¯s finished¡­. I still need about a million naira for a start, tomence the nning of my birthday.¡± Judith replied abruptly.


    Richardughed.

 Chapter 34

    ¡± Judith honey¡­. You seem to think I am plucking money from a tree¡­. That is why you are making ridiculous demands¡­. I think what you need do now is to go and get a good paying job that will help you value the importance of hard work in money making¡­.. that Five hundred thousand I gave you, is your allowance for the month¡­. And I don¡¯t have any extra to spare!!¡± he said abruptly.


    ¡± Really Richard!!¡­. Is it because I asked you for just one million Naira that you are insulting me?¡­. it¡¯s not your fault¡­ I guess I¡¯m to be med for getting involved with a man like you.¡± She said and hissed, then opened the door of the passenger¡¯s seat.¡±


    ¡± Where are you going?¡­. Come on babe¡­. You don¡¯t have to get angry¡­. I was only correcting you to know how to value money¡­..¡± Richard said holding her hand.


    Judith hissed loudly.


    ¡± Ok fine¡­. I¡¯ll give you a hundred thousand naira.¡±


    He said.


    ¡± A hundred thousand naira?¡­. What will a hundred thousand naira do?¡± She asked tly.


    ¡± that¡¯s what I have to give you Judith and I¡¯m not giving you beyond that¡­. If you do not want it¡­ then you can leave it!!¡± Richard said.


    Judith sighed and paused.


    ¡± Fine!!¡­. I will take it, even though it¡¯s too small.¡± She replied.


    Richard smiled.


    ¡± Ok then I will send it tomorrow.¡±


    Judith alighted from the car, wondering why her new found guy was just so stingy¡­.. despite the fact that he had more money than Emeka.


    She entered her gate and hissed.


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


    Omar sat down throughout the evening service. And when the service was over, she picked up her bag as fast as she could and headed to the gate.


    Binta, who was sitting at the workers stand saw her and hurried quickly to catch up with her.


    ¡± hope you enjoyed the service tonight?¡± Binta asked her.


    Omar nodded her head.


    ¡± the service was great¡­ even though I¡¯m not feeling well¡­.. I need to go home fast so I can take some medications.¡± Omar said.


    ¡± Oh! ¡­ So sorry¡­. I think you just need some rest¡­..¡± Binta was still saying when Omar rushed out of the gate and threw up.


    Binta quickly got water and cleaned her up.


    ¡± Probably it¡¯s something you ate that upset your stomach¡­. Don¡¯t worry¡­. I¡¯ll drive you home¡­¡± Binta said.


    Omar whispered her thanks and entered the car weakly.


    Immediately Omar got home, she threw up again and began to run temperature.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    ¡± You really look ill Omar¡­.. should I take you to the hospital?¡± Binta asked concernedly.


    Omar waved her hands in dismissal.


    ¡± No¡­. I¡¯ll be fine¡­. It¡¯s probably a stomach upset or something.¡± She said weakly.


    ¡± Let me fetch you some aspirin.¡± Binta said and went to a nearby chemist to buy.


    She returned and dropped two of tablets on Omar¡¯s palm and handed her a ss of water.


    ¡± Have it.¡± She said.


    Omar took it and thanked her.


    ¡± Does your husband stays this long out?¡± Binta asked Omar concernedly.


    ¡± No¡­. He doesn¡¯t¡­.. I don¡¯t know why he isn¡¯t home yet¡­.. please can you help me give him a call?¡± Omar asked.


    ¡± Ok ma¡­. Right away.¡± Binta said and dialled Ife¡¯s number.


    ¡± his line is not reachable.¡± Binta said.


    Omar sighed.


    ¡± I¡¯m sure he¡¯s probably caught up in traffic¡­. He will be home soon¡­. You have done enough for me Binta¡­. I think you have to go home cos it¡¯s gettingte.¡± Omar said.


    ¡± I can¡¯t leave you in this state Omar¡­. I will have to wait till your husbandes home.¡± She said.


    ¡± It¡¯s not necessary Binta¡­. Remember your home is still quite far from here.¡± Omar said.


    ¡± I insist¡­.. I¡¯m not leaving you here all alone.¡± Binta replied.


    They waited for another 3 hours, but Ife didn¡¯te home.


    Omar became really worried.


    ¡± Ife had never spent a night out before since we got married¡­. Do you think he is safe?¡­. His lines are not reachable and I¡¯m worried.¡± Omar said.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Omar¡­. I believe he is safe¡­. Right now¡­. You are still running temperature and we need to do something about it.¡± Binta said and dashed to the kitchen to get a bowl of water and a clean towel.


    She began to mop Omar¡¯s body as she shivered.


    Omar vomited for the third time that night before falling asleep.


    Binta quickly sent a message to her husband to inform him that she would be spending the night at a friend¡¯s house.


    Omar didn¡¯t wake up until 9am, the next morning.


    She still felt weak, and was shivering as well. Binta quickly made a light breakfast of pap and bean cake for her.


    Omar managed to eat a few spoonfuls and rejected the rest.


    ¡± I need to take you to the hospital.¡± Binta said worriedly.


    Omar nodded.


    ¡± can you please call my husband again and let him know the state of things.¡± Omar begged.

 Chapter 35

    ¡± Ok then¡­. I¡¯ll call him right away.¡±


    Binta picked up her phone and dialled Ife¡¯s number.


    ¡± It¡¯s ringing but he¡¯s not picking up.¡±


    ¡± please try it again.¡±


    Binta tried it a second time. This time he picked. She stepped outside and spoke to him, before entering into Omar¡¯s room.


    ¡± Any luck?¡± She asked.


    ¡± Yes¡­ he picked and I¡¯ve informed him¡­. He said he¡¯s on his way.¡± Binta said.


    Omar heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡± Thank you so much Binta¡­ thanks for taking care of me¡­. You have really been helpful.¡±


    ¡± You are weed Omar¡­ the most important thing is that I need you to be alright.¡± Binta said and patted her lightly on her back.


    Binta was washing the dishes when Ife arrived. He heard the sound of water pouring on his zinc, and entered the kitchen.


    Binta sighted him and greeted him.


    ¡± Good morning Mrs Binta¡­. Please where is my wife?¡± he asked anxiously.


    ¡± She¡¯s upstairs in her room sir¡­¡± Binta replied.


    Ife rushed up the stairs and entered Omar¡¯s room with Binta following him closely. He met her sleeping and touched her forehead.


    ¡± She¡¯s running temperature.¡± He said concernedly.


    Binta nodded.


    ¡± When did this happened?¡± he asked.


    ¡± Yesterday night.¡±


    ¡± I have to take her to the hospital.¡± He said.


    He whisked her gently into his arms and carried her into his car.


    ¡± Thanks so much Mrs Binta for staying with her all through the night¡­. I am most grateful to you.¡± Ife appreciated her.


    ¡± You are weed sir¡­. I want to follow you to the hospital¡­. Then I will leave from there.¡± Binta said.


    ¡± Ok ma¡¯am¡­. Thanks so much once again.¡± He said and started the car, driving speedily but carefully out of thepound.


    He took her to the nearest hospital around and she was admitted.


    Binta stayed a while at the clinic before leaving.


    After about 2 hours had psed, the doctor came out and ushered Ife into his office.


    ¡± How is my wife?¡± Ife asked the doctor.


    ¡± your wife is fine sir¡­ she should be on admission for a couple of days sir.¡± The doctor said.


    ¡± What is wrong with her?¡± he asked the doctor.


    ¡± What is wrong with her is a good news sir¡­. Congrattions Mr Davis, Your wife is four weeks pregnant.¡± The doctor announced.


    Ife opened his mouth in utmost surprise.


    ¡± Omar is pregnant?¡±


    ¡± Yes she is.¡± The doctor confirmed.


    Ife allowed the tears rolled freely from his eyes.


    He horned repeatedly expecting the gate man to open the gate. Within a few seconds, the gate opened and he drove in.


    He killed the car engine and got out, opening the door of the passenger¡¯s seat for her.


    ¡± Wee Oga¡­¡­ wee madam¡­¡± The security man greeted them warmly.


    ¡± Thank you Mr Musa¡­.. please help me take this things inside.¡± He told the middle aged security man.


    The man quickly carried the bags and followed Ife.


    ¡± How do you feel now?¡± He asked her for the uptenth time that day.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I¡¯m ok.¡± She said tly and got out of the car. Ife made to support her but she refused.


    ¡± I ampletely fine and can help myself thanks.¡± She said abruptly.


    Ife nodded his head and followed behind her as she walked into their home.


    She settled on the sofa and searched for the remote control.


    ¡± I¡¯ll fix you something to eat.¡± He said.


    ¡± No thanks¡­. I¡¯m not hungry.¡± She replied curtly.


    Ife sighed.


    ¡± Omar¡­. Why are you trying to fustrate my efforts?¡­. Ever since you were admitted into the hospital, you¡¯ve been giving me a cold shoulder.¡± Ife said.


    She didn¡¯t reply him.


    He took a stool by the Sofa chairs and sat in front of her.


    ¡± Omar please¡­. Let¡¯s not fight¡­. It drains me out when we do that.¡± He said.


    She still didn¡¯t reply.


    He sighed again and got up to leave.


    ¡± You were with her that night¡­.. weren¡¯t you?¡± Omar asked in agitation.

 Chapter 36

    He turned to face her.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know who you are referring to.¡±


    ¡± Ife please I¡¯m not stupid!!¡­. Do not y dumb with me.¡± Omar countered.


    ¡± Omar why do you have to involve Zoey in our conversations?¡­.. why do you have zero trust in me?¡± he asked her dejectedly.


    Omar shook her head in agitation.


    ¡± Ife where were you the night I fell ill?¡± Omar asked him once again.


    ¡± I was at Chima; my friend¡¯s ce.¡± Ife said calmly.


    ¡± So why was your phone not reachable?¡± Omar fired at him.


    Ife was about to speak, when she halted him with her hands.


    ¡± I forgot you don¡¯t owe me any exnations¡­¡­ after all¡­. This is a contract marriage and I should know my ce!!¡± She said and gave a sarcasticughter.


    Before going to her bedroom.


    Although better than the past three days, Omar still felt a little bit of weakness and nausea.


    She fell asleep for a couple of hours, and when she woke up, it was evening already.


    She turned to the other side of the bed, and saw a bouquet of flowers.


    There was a note attached to it.


    She picked it up and it read.


    ¡± I¡¯M SORRY LOVE. FORGIVE ME FOR HURTING YOU DEEPLY.


    YOUR LOVE????Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    IFEDOLA M. D


    She didn¡¯t know when a smile escaped from her lips. The flowers and the note somehow magically dissipated her built up anger towards him.


    She let out a yawn and her stomach churned noisily, indicating that she was hungry and thirsty too. So she gently climbed down the stairs and entered the kitchen.


    She was greeted with the aroma that indicated some delicious delicacies had been prepared. Ife was wearing his chef apron, when he diced thest pieces of the water melon, and mixed with the already diced apple.


    He turned and saw her.


    ¡± Hey love¡­. You are awake.¡±


    He quickly ushered her into a seat.


    ¡± How are you feeling now?¡± he asked in concern.


    She nodded her head.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine.¡± She said softly.


    ¡± I made pepper soup for you to ignite your appetite.¡± He said.


    ¡± Thanks¡­.¡± She said softly.¡±


    He dished some content into a bowl and asked her to eat, while he poured the semovita flour into a pot of boiling water.


    She drank slowly from the pepper soup. And savoured the taste. Ife was truly an excellent cook and thorough cook.


    After she was done with the pepper soup, he gave an interval of thirty minutes before giving her the fruit sd.


    He was quiet all through as he watched her eat.


    The night rapidly came and it grew cold making her shiver. He saw this and quickly got one of his sweat shirts and handed it over to her to wear.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Omar¡­. I shouldn¡¯t have said those hurtful words to you regardless of what I was passing through¡­..¡± he said and paused.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t mean every damned word I said that day¡­. I was just in a foul mood and didn¡¯t know how to open up¡­. And I¡¯m sorry¡­.. I¡¯m really sorry¡­. And I promise it won¡¯t repeat itself again¡­¡± he said soberly.


    Omar stared at the floor.


    ¡± What about the part you said this was still a contract marriage¡­.. did you mean it.¡± She asked calmly.


    ¡± No Omar¡­. I didn¡¯t mean it¡­. I was just so unhappy that day.¡±


    Omar sighed softly.


    ¡± Where you with her that night?¡± Omar asked him.


    Ife exhaled deeply and sat on the table in front of her.


    ¡± Omar¡­. I was with Chima that night¡­.. see honey I love you¡­. And I will never disrespect you by abandoning you and going to my ex¡­.. whatever feelings I had shared with Zoey was in the past¡­. And right now¡­. What matters to me now is you and my baby!!¡± Ife said and kissed her on the cheeks.


    He took her hands into his palm.


    ¡± please Omar¡­. I don¡¯t want you to feel insecure about Zoey¡­. I promise you she will note In between us¡­¡± Ife assured her.


    She rubbed the back of his palm tenderly.


    ¡± So why were you on a foul mood for several weeks.¡± Omar asked calmly.


    Ife sighed.


    ¡± because the previous weeks brought memories of the past I try so hard to forget¡­.. ¡± he replied and exhaled deeply.


    ¡°3 days ago was the anniversary of the day my mother died, and that period was the darkest times for me Omar.¡±


    ¡± Oh! I¡¯m so sorry¡­. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Omar asked.


    He paused.


    ¡± Because I wanted to deal with it alone¡­.. I¡¯ve been used to having to deal with it alone before you came¡­. I¡¯ve not been able to get over it¡­¡­¡±As at the time I got to the hospital, she was already dead.¡± Ife exined soberly.


    Omar rubbed her hands on his hair lovingly.

 Chapter 37

    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry to hear this Ife¡­. Was she sick?¡±


    Omar asked.


    ¡± Yes she was¡­. She had a partial stroke when she found out Mr Coker had been married before with two children¡­.. he had brought in Richard to the house, iming that Richard was a son he had out of wedlock and his mother died a long time ago¡­.. my mom waspassionate and took him in¡­.. but yearster, she discovered that everything Mr Coker ever told her were lies¡­. That was when she had the partial stroke¡­¡­


    I was greatly affected that period of my life, that I had to go see a psychologist¡­. That was where I met Zoey¡­.. Zoey encouraged me and helped me regain my emotional stability¡­. Until we became so close and addicted to each other¡­.. initially she refused a rtionship with me¡­. iming she was Six years older than me¡­. But she eventually sumbed.


    I was left with the responsibility of taking care of my mother while I drew strength from Zoey¡¯s encouragement and positivity around me¡­.. until one day.


    She eventually became pregnant for me and lost it in a car ident. I was so devastated but I eventually overcame it and our love grew stronger¡­. Until one day, Zoey disappeared and I couldn¡¯t reach her!!¡­. Ibed every nook and corner of the town searching for her, but I couldn¡¯t find her¡­ Until one of her colleagues opened up and told me Zoey had travelled to South Africa.


    I was so broken by the news that I vowed by my mum¡¯s sick bed, never to get married¡­..


    Shortly after this, my mother died and I was thrown off bnce¡­..


    Those were the darkest times in my life Omar¡­.. and I had questions in my mind¡­.. because my mom had already began to recuperate so fast and it was unfathomable to think she would die suddenly.¡± Ife narrated and sighed.


    ¡± A month after my mom¡¯s death.¡± He continued.


    ¡± Her personal maid who left immediately after her death, contacted me and asked that we meet up¡­..


    I agreed and set a date to meet her¡­.. she was the one who confessed to me that Mr Coker connived with the doctor to give my mom the wrong medication which led to her death¡­.. A week after her confession, the maid was found dead In her sitting room¡­. In what seemed to be ruled out as suicide.¡±


    Omar gasped.


    ¡± I¡¯m really so sorry you went through this Ife¡­.. I wish you had confided in me¡­. we would have gone through it together.¡± Omar said sadly.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Omar, I didn¡¯t want you to go through any stress because of me.¡± Ife replied soberly.


    ¡± From today¡­. No more secrets between us¡­.. do you promise that?¡± Omar said.


    ¡± Yes!!¡­. I promise you Omar¡­.. can I get a hug now.¡±


    She smiled broadly and gave him a warm hug.


    *Three monthster!*


    Ife arranged ordingly thest stack of files on his table and rested a little. Thepany was expanding at a pace he never expected, and that meant he had more work to do.


    Today, he had been engaged in one meeting or the other and was exhausted.


    But he had promised Omar yesterday that they would both go for their baby shopping together today. So he had to close early from work. In exhaustion, he closed his eyes briefly to take a nap but the incessant ringing of his phone jerked him awake.


    It was an unsaved number, but his instincts told him to pick.


    ¡± Hello¡­.¡± He voiced.


    There was a slight pause from the other end.


    ¡± Hi Ife¡­. It¡¯s Zoey¡­.. it¡¯s been a while I saw you¡­.. I just needed to give you more time toe around¡­.. but I think it¡¯s time we talked things out¡­.¡±


    Ife mused and wondered how she got his number.


    He threw the question.


    ¡± Zoey¡­. Please how did you get my number?¡± He asked her.


    There was a brief pause.


    ¡± How I got your number is not important right now¡­.. I know you are married now, and would like to keep your distance¡­.. but I believe I still owe you an exnation regarding why I left the way I did¡­..¡± Zoey said and paused.


    ¡± And I know you also desire an exnation.¡± She continued.


    ¡± Ife¡­. I just want us to meet and talk.¡± She said.


    There was a pause from Ife.


    ¡± Fine¡­. but that wouldn¡¯t be today cause I¡¯ve got a lot of activities stashed up for me.¡± Ife answered.


    ¡± Ok¡­. What about 2pm on Saturday?¡­.¡± She asked.


    ¡± It works for me¡­.. where do we meet up?¡±


    ¡± let¡¯s meet at our favorite spot at the beach.¡± she said.


    He sighed.


    ¡± Ok then.¡± He said and hung up.


    Grabbing his suit hunged on his chair and his suitcase, he exited thepany¡¯s building and headed home.


    Omar was on a call with Binta when he entered.


    ¡± Hey love.¡± He greeted and kissed her on the cheek.


    She blew him a kiss and rounded up her call.


    ¡± How was your day my love?¡± She asked him.


    ¡± It was busy and brain demanding.¡±


    ¡± hmm!¡­. Sorry¡­. Hope you are not too tired?¡±


    ¡± No dear¡­.. I¡¯m okay thanks.¡±


    ¡± Any gist for me?¡±


    He chuckled and paused.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± Zoey called me.¡± He said.


    Omar¡¯s brow creased into a frown.


    ¡± What does she want?¡±


    Ife smiled.

 Chapter 38

    ¡± Calm down honey¡­. She just wants us to meet up and to exin the reason she left.¡±


    ¡± But that¡¯s in the past already¡­.. you have moved on!!¡­. So she should do the same!!¡±


    Ife cleared his throat.


    ¡± I understand your point Omar¡­. But I need to know the reason she left too¡­.. honey you got to trust me on this one ok?¡± he said persuasively.


    She hesitated, then sighed.


    ¡± Ok.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    He nodded and rubbed her cheeks with his palms.


    ¡± So are you ready for our baby shopping?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­. Let me get my purse.¡± She said and climbed up the stairs. She came back in less than ten minutes, and they left.


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


    Her office door creaked open and Omar walked in.


    ¡± Omar!!¡­.¡± Ashley gushed.


    ¡± What a pleasant surprise to see you visit me after a long time!!¡± She said with a smile stered on her face.


    Omar didn¡¯t return the smile. She sat down instead and fixated her gaze on Ashley.


    ¡± What is it?¡­. Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Ashley asked her.


    ¡± I didn¡¯te here for pleasantries Ashley.¡± Omar said in a serious tone.


    ¡± Then why are you here?¡± Ashley asked in amusement.


    ¡± Mying here is very simple Ashley¡­.¡± Omar said, resting her arms on Ashley¡¯s office table.


    ¡± Tell your sister to leave my husband alone Ashley!!¡­.. There are so many avable men out there!!¡­. Let her pick from them, and leave Ife alone!!¡± Omar said, half yelling.


    Ashley chuckled loudly.


    ¡± If your husband loves you so much honey¡­. why the insecurity?¡± Ashley asked mockingly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not insecure¡­. I¡¯m only marking my territory!!¡±


    Ashleyughed out loud.


    ¡± You do not need to mark your territory and fight shamelessly for a man who is married to you based on a contract!!¡± She said.


    Omar scoffed.


    ¡± I¡¯m not here to banter words with you Ashley¡­.. I¡¯m just here to warn you¡­. And this would be my first andst warning!!¡­.. Tell Zoey to stay the hell off my man!!!¡± Omar warned, half yelling.


    ¡± Or what will you do?¡± Ashley challenged her angrily.


    Omar scoffed.


    ¡± You wouldn¡¯t want to know what I would do Ashley¡­. Do not underestimate me!!¡­.¡± Omar warned further, pointing her fingers at Ashley.


    ¡± Get the hell out of my office.¡± Ashley fired back, further escting the arguments between them as they yelled at themselves.


    The door suddenly opened and Judith entered hurriedly.


    ¡± Judith!!!¡­. Thank God you are here!!¡­. Imagine this fool having the audacity toe to my office to threaten me!!¡­.¡± Ashley was saying, but was quickly interrupted by Judith.


    ¡± I have been duped!!!¡­.. I have been scammed Ashley¡­.. all my investments are gone!!!¡­.. As in gone!!!!¡±


    Judithmented loudly, throwing her bag on the floor and cing her hands on her head.


    ¡± Wait a minute Judith!¡­. Calm down ¡­.. I don¡¯t understand what you are saying¡­.. can you take it easy.¡± Ashley said, trying to calm her down.


    But Judith panicked more.


    ¡± The business I informed you aboutst month that I invested all my savings in?¡±


    ¡± Yes!¡­. Yes!¡­. I remember¡­. You said you wanted to buy some shares in a foreignpany!!¡± Ashley replied.


    Judith nodded anxiously.


    ¡± Yes!!!¡­. Ashley it was a scam!!!¡­. And I fell for it!!!¡­. All my savings are gone!!!¡±


    ¡± My savings!!!!¡­.. Do you believe I sold my property in Banana Ind to raise enough money for the investment?¡­ Everything is gone Ashley¡­.. I am ruined!!!¡± Judith said and began to weep profusely.


    Omar swallowed hard.


    ¡± You mean you sold your major properties to purchase some shares in a foreignpany?¡± Omar asked subtly.


    Judith wept loudly.


    ¡± I thought it was legit¡­.. he made me believe it was all legitimate¡­ he even took me to thepany and showed me some evidential proofs!!¡­. I didn¡¯t know it was all a set up!!!¡± Judith replied.


    Ashley sighed painfully.


    ¡± So how did you find out you were scammed?¡±


    Omar asked in curiosity.


    ¡± I went to thepany building¡­.. but there was no one there¡­. It turns out the building had been abandoned for a while now¡­.. and the guy who introduced me to thepany, was suddenly not reachable¡­. All his social media handles has been blocked!!!¡­. I am doomed!!!¡­.¡± Judith said as she continued weeping.


    Ashley and Omar, tried to console her but she was inconsble.


    ¡± You¡¯ve grown more handsome within thest few years.¡± Zoeyplemented him as they sat in a rxed form by the beach side.


    Ife smiled faintly and sipped from his ss of lemonade.


    ¡± Sitting here with you by the beach side, brings me some memories of the past¡­.


    Memories of how we used to hang out after a long and stressful day¡­. You know?¡­. This was our favorite spot Zoey.¡± He said with a smile on his face.


    Zoey smiled broadly.

 Chapter 39

    ¡°Yes it was¡­. we really looked good together¡­.. and couldn¡¯t even go a day without seeing each other.¡± She replied with a far away look on her face.


    ¡± Yes¡­. but that changed the moment you walked away and left me hanging.¡± Ife said and sighed.


    Zoey swallowed painfully.


    ¡± Ife¡­.. I know I must have really hurt you by leaving the way I did¡­. But that was not my intention¡­¡­ I had no choice than to leave.¡± Zoey said.


    ¡± What do you mean you had no choice?¡­..¡± he asked her.


    She sighed.


    ¡± four days before I left.¡± She began and gave a long pause.


    Ife focused his gaze on her and noticed she was pained.


    ¡± I¡¯m all ears Zoey.¡± He said.


    She nodded her head and continued.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± four days before I left for South Africa¡­¡­ I was abducted on my way back from work.¡±


    Ife squinted his eyes in surprise and shed her a questioning look


    ¡°Yes!!¡­. I was abducted.¡± She rified and continued.


    ¡± On the second day of my abduction, the leader of the gang told me his boss wanted to have a word with me, so he led me to another room where I saw a man dressed in suit, sitting down and waiting for me¡­.. it was Mr Coker.¡±


    ¡± Mr Coker!¡­. My step father?¡± Ife asked in bewilderment.


    Zoey nodded her head.


    ¡± Yes!¡­. It was him.¡± She replied and swallowed a lump of saliva.


    ¡± Mr Coker told me that I was standing in the way of his ns to establish a fatherly rtionship with you¡­. He said he didn¡¯t like my influence on you and he wants us to be separated¡­¡­¡± Zoey said calmly.


    Ife scoffed unbelievably.


    ¡± Mr Coker threatened you!!!¡­.¡±


    ¡± yes he did¡­.. he wanted me to leave you alone for good, or he would kill me¡­. I begged him not to kill me and so he made me sign an undertaking that I would totally cut off any ties with you¡­.. then he made necessary arrangements for me to travel out of the country to Moro¡­. I had to lie to my colleagues that I was traveling to South Africa¡­.. but after staying six months in Moro, I migrated to South Africa.¡± She said.


    Ife fell silent for what seemed like an eternity.


    He was hurt.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me he threatened you?¡± he asked her eventually.


    She exhaled deeply.


    ¡± Because I didn¡¯t want to die¡­.. Ife you were still too young to stand up against your step father¡­.. Mr Coker is a very evil man who would clear out anything and anyone who gets in his way¡­.. besides, your mom was sick and you had a lot to deal with.¡± She said.


    Ife shook his head sadly.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry you had to go through all of this because of me¡­.. I feel so bad right now!!¡­. I¡­. I just wished you had at least, found a way of telling me.¡± Ife said sadly.


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t have Ife¡­. I was afraid of Mr Coker and what he could do.¡±


    Ife nodded his head.


    ¡± I understand¡­.. so why did youe back to Nigeria?¡­. Knowing that Mr Coker is still very much alive and at alert?¡± he asked her.


    ¡± I¡¯m no longer the timid Zoey of then Ife¡­. I have seen a lot in this life and I can categorically say I¡¯m not afraid of anyone.¡± She said.


    ¡± I¡­. uhm¡­I actually came back because I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about you¡­. I needed to exin things to you and I nursed a possibility in my heart, of us getting back together.¡± Zoey ended.


    Ife swallowed hard and fell silent.


    ¡± Ife¡­. I still very much love you¡­. And I am very much willing to get back together with you.¡± She said calmly and held his hands.


    ¡± Zoey,¡­. As much as I feel so terrible about what happened between us,¡­.. I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t get back together.¡± He replied.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    He sighed.


    ¡± I¡¯m married, and I am determined to stay faithful to my wife¡­.. Zoey¡­uhm¡­. I know this is hard for you, but we can¡¯t be together.¡± Ife said.


    Zoey exhaled deeply.


    ¡± Ife,¡­. I know you are in a contract marriage¡­. and it¡¯s ok¡­. I can wait patiently till the contract is over, so we can get back together¡­. You ¡­.¡±


    ¡± Wait a minute!! ¡­. How did you know it¡¯s a contract marriage?¡± he asked in surprise.


    Zoey shrugged.


    ¡± it doesn¡¯t matter how I know Ife¡­ I just know there¡¯s a possibility we can be together.¡±


    Ife scoffed.


    ¡± I love Omar¡­. And there¡¯s no way we are getting separated¡­. Not now¡­. Not ever¡­.. see Zoey¡­. I need you to move on, because I have moved on and I¡¯m happy¡­¡±


    He sighed again.


    ¡± You have a great future ahead of you Zoey¡­. Do not jeopardize it by sticking to a married man¡­. There are so many good men out there, who will love you unconditionally¡­. Please Zoey¡­. open up your heart to love again and forget about me¡­. I already belong to another.¡± He said.


    Zoey bit her lower lip in agitation.


    ¡± Ife¡­. look into my eyes and tell me you don¡¯t love me?¡± She said and drew closer to kiss him, but he stood up.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Zoey¡­. This can never happen¡­. I wish you good luck in your endeavors¡­. Goodbye.¡± He said and walked out, ignoring her calls for him toe back.


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


    Judith paced around her apartment anxiously, thinking of the next step to take.


    She was ruined¡­. Likepletely ruined!!


    How could this have happened to her?

 Chapter 40

    How could she be this trusting of that guy?


    Hot tears streamed from her eyes as she meditated on her next step.


    She needed cash badly to survive and has almost exhausted all her options except for one.


    She decided to call Richard.


    Judith picked up her phone and dialled Richard¡¯s line repeatedly, but there was no answer.


    She continued dialing it, until he picked on the fifth ring.


    ¡± Richard!¡­. Where did you keep your phone?¡­ I¡¯ve been calling your line repeatedly, but you did not pick¡­I don¡¯t¡­¡± Judith was saying but was suddenly interrupted by Richard.


    ¡± What do you want Judith?¡± Richard asked her sharply.


    ¡± I ¡­. Uhm¡­ actually I need some money to get a few more things for my birthday.¡± Judith stuttered as she spoke on the phone.


    Richard chuckled loudly.


    ¡°So you have the effrontery to still call me for money after you¡¯ve infected me with hepatitis B¡­. And sadly enough¡­. I transmitted it to my poor wife!!!¡­..¡± Richard used.


    ¡± What?¡­. Hepatitis B?¡­.. I clearly do not understand what you are talking about.¡± Judith retorted.


    ¡± Are you trying to feign ignorance now Judith? ¡­.¡± Richard queried angrily.


    Judith scoffed.


    ¡± I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about Richard!!¡­ I do not have hepatitis!!¡­. Perhaps you could go check up with one of your girlfriend¡¯s!!¡±


    Richard hissed.


    ¡± See¡­. I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with you from now henceforth!!¡­ I owe you nothing and would not hesitate to get you arrested if you try calling me again.¡± Richard warned and hung up.


    She opened her mouth, dumbfounded by Richard¡¯s rude response to her.


    ¡± Hepatitis B!!!¡­. There was no way she could be infected with it.¡±


    She banged her fist on her table in utter fustration, and sat on the floor crying.


    Every rtionship offers one of two things:


    A blessing or a lesson.


    And this two dimensions, Omar had tasted in her journey through life.


    The good, the bad, the not so good, and the ugly.


    But amidst it all, she was thankful for what life brought her way.


    Life with Ife had been the sweetest dimension she had tasted so far and now that she was closer to God, she felt more of tranquility and inner joy;This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Thanks to Binta who had influenced her greatly in her Christian journey, and had put her on the right track.


    Initially, she had felt it so odd, adjusting to the church lifestyle, but Binta¡¯s constant follow up on her, did the magic.


    Each time Binta visited her, she made sure she took her time sharing faith filled scriptures with Omar and teaching her soundly the word of God. With time, this became really enjoyable for her and she chose Binta as her best friend.


    Omar in turn, had also sessfully influenced her husband to follow her to church, and gradually, Ife began to develop more interest till he became even more vibrant than her.


    Nevertheless, one major aspect that bothered hertely, was her constant nightmares about home, especially during thunderstorms.


    Her husband had advised her one morning, after they had their morning prayers together.


    ¡± Omar¡­.¡± He called her name in a whisper.


    ¡± Yes love.¡±


    ¡± I think it¡¯s time we have a proper wedding.¡±


    Omar rolled her eyes in amusement and chuckled.


    ¡± Proper wedding in what way?¡± She asked.


    ¡± I want us to renew our wedding vows¡­ this time we will celebrate, with friends and family in attendance.¡± He said.


    ¡± Or don¡¯t you want us to have a proper wedding?¡± he asked her.


    Sheughed.


    ¡± Of course dear¡­. It will be my utmost joy to do this with you.¡± She said.


    He smiled and brushed his hand on her cheeks.


    ¡± This time, we must do it the proper way¡­.. We will go to your family, so I can pay your bride price.¡± He said.


    Her countenance suddenly changed to that of worry.


    ¡± You know you have to see your family Omar?¡±


    Omar sighed.


    ¡± I know,¡­¡­ it¡¯s just that¡­.. uhm¡­I mean¡­. It¡¯s been over fifteen years I left home¡­ I don¡¯t even know if they  still live in the family house anymore.¡± She expressed her worries.


    ¡± That¡¯s what we are going to find out dear¡­. Your family is your root Omar¡­. Ande what may, you shouldn¡¯t detach from them.¡± Ife said.


    Omar nodded.


    ¡± So when do we go and visit them¡± Omar asked.


    ¡± You are almost due for delivery already,test by next month, you will put to birth¡­. So I think we can go when our baby is three months old.¡± He said.


    Omar shook her head in agreement.


    ¡± But I must warn you dear¡­.. my family is very poor¡­. I hope you will cope?¡± Omar said.


    Ife chuckled.


    ¡± Wether rich or poor¡­. they are your family¡­. And also my family¡­.. put your mind to rest Omar¡­. You worry too much¡­. Everything will be alright.¡± He assured her.

 Chapter 41

    ¡± Ok dear.¡± She whispered softly and rested her head on his chest.


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


    *Four monthster!*


    ¡± Honey are you ready?¡± Ife asked his wife.


    She sighed softly and smiled.


    ¡± Yes dear.¡±


    He nodded and said.


    ¡± Let¡¯s say a word of prayer before we leave.¡± He said and held her hands while they prayed.


    Picking up his daughter from her cot, heid her gently on his shoulders.


    He turned to his wife once more.


    ¡± Shall we?¡±


    ¡± Sure.¡± She replied, picking up her bag.


    They held hands and left the building, with the gateman carrying their luggages behind.


    A lot had happened in thest four months.


    First of all, the couple were greeted with the shocking news that Mr Coker was involved in a ghastly motor ident that almost took his lifepletely. The doctor had said some his vital organs had been affected due to the impact, and he was taken to the ICU were he remained unconscious till date.


    Judith on the other hand, developed a mental illness and was taken on admission to a psychiatric home for treatment.


    But the impact the bad news brought, changed, immediately Omar was delivered of a bouncing baby girl.


    Ife was overwhelmed with joy the moment heid his eyes on his daughter.


    Although Omar had seen him happy before, but not in this dimension.


    ¡± I will name her Ayanfe.¡± He said brightly.


    And that became her name.


    The naming ceremony was done borately with Ife sparing no expenses at all. The gate was opened to as many guests that came and there were several delicacies to choose from.


    The guests danced to the rhythm of music yed by different bands and ate to their fill, chattering and humouring happily.


    Back to reality.


    They were on a journey to her family house to see her parents and siblings. And as they journeyed through, Omar drifted into thoughts.


    There were so many uncertainties on her mind which brought about fear.


    Fear of what if her parents were dead?


    She had already forgiven her parents in her heart a few months back. But right now, she really hoped to meet them all in good health and soundness of mind.


    The ne bnced steadily in the air, and journeyed smoothly. The weather was fair and there was no turbulence of any sort.


    She watched as Ife stroked little Ayanfe lovingly, and felt a tinge of jealousy.


    She exhaled deeply and smiled.


    The nended eventually in Makurdi and reached its terminal in about an hour thirty minutes. They were able to locate their luggage easily and immediately boarded a taxi that took them to the family house. There had  surprisingly been development in the area since shest left. She had to ask around from passersby for directions to her home.


    Standing in front of the family house once again,


    Omar was taken aback by the memories the building brought. Although it had been renovated from the dpidated form it used to be, but there were still simrities that made the building peculiar, and these was the memories it brought.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡± Is this your father¡¯s house?¡± Ife asked.


    ¡± Yes.¡± She replied in whispers.


    A little child ran out of the front door yfully. He was bare chested but wearing his shorts.


    He suddenly came to an halt the moment he sighted Omar and her husband.


    ¡± Hello dear¡­ how are you doing?¡± Ife greeted him tenderly.


    He looked from Ife to Omar and then back to Ife.


    Just then, they heard the voice of a woman calling out a name as she rushed out of the building.


    ¡± John!!¡­. Won¡¯t youe and eat your food¡­.. if I see you ying with those manner less kids again, I will beat you!!¡± she said loudly as she marched towards the boy.


    She stopped immediately she saw him in thepany of an unfamiliar couple.


    ¡± Good morning ma.¡± Omar greeted.


    ¡± Good morning¡­. Please how may I help you?¡± She asked impatiently.


    ¡± Please is this the Edeh¡¯s household?¡± Omar asked further.


    ¡± Yes¡­ who are you looking for?¡± The woman asked in an interrogative way.


    There was something striking about her face, and there was a note of familiarity in her voice that made Omar wonder quietly.


    The woman gesticted impatiently.


    ¡± See madam, if it is Peter you came to see,¡­.. Peter is not here at all¡­.. you can check him at the Bet naija shop where he is gambling away his life¡­. You can drag him there to give you your money, because I have no penny to pay for a debt I do not owe.¡± She said loudly.


    Omar gasped.


    ¡± Grace!!!¡­.. Grace!!!¡­. Is this really you?¡± Omar eximed.


    The woman widened her eyes in amusement.


    ¡± Please who are you!!¡­. And how did you know my name?¡± she asked Omar in confusion.


    Omar exhaled deeply.

 Chapter 42

    ¡± It¡¯s me Omar!!¡­.. Omar your elder sister!!¡­. it¡¯s me!!¡± Omar said breaking into tears.


    The woman widened her eyes.


    ¡± Omar!!..¡­Omar!!¡­. Omare!!¡± she kept calling with her mouth agape, she drew closer to have a closer view of Omar¡¯s face.


    ¡± Is this really you?¡± She asked shakily.


    ¡± Yes¡­.. yes it¡¯s me Grace!!¡­¡±


    Grace broke down in tears and ran back to the building as she announced loudly.


    ¡± Omar is back!!!¡­.. Everybodye out o!!¡­. Omar is back!!!¡± Grace announced continuously.


    Then there was silence.


    Five minutes psed before the door suddenly opened and they came out.


    Her mother, Grace and Mary.


    Omar stared at her family with bated breath, as tears flowed freely from her eyes.


    ¡± Omar!!¡± her mother whispered softly.


    ¡± Yes it¡¯s me mother.¡±


    She opened her arm stretched wide and beckoned on her for an embrace.


    They all embraced tearfully and expressed how much they had missed her.


    ¡± Omar I¡¯m sorry¡­. I¡¯m so sorry¡­. I was ignorant to have agreed with your father.¡± The mother said tearfully.


    ¡± It¡¯s ok mama¡­. It¡¯s all in the past now.¡± Omar replied, still locked in her embrace.


    ¡°Let go inside my child.¡± Her mother was saying when they noticed Ife standing a few feet away from them.


    ¡± Is that your husband?¡± she asked Omar.


    ¡± Yes Mama¡­.. that¡¯s my husband and my baby.¡± Omar replied.


    Ife greeted them all and they embraced him as well.


    Omar¡¯s mother cried more when she held Ayanfe in her hands.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    ¡± She¡¯s so beautiful..¡± the mothermented, wiping away the tears from her eyes.


    ¡± Aunty Omar, let us go inside.¡± Mary thest born said and carried her luggages.


    Omar nodded and they all went in.


    A man was seated on the chair with his head slightly bent, when they entered.


    ¡± That¡¯s your father Omar¡­. go and greet him.¡±


    Omar walked towards him and went on her knees to greet him.


    He raised his gaze and looked at her. There was tears in his eyes.


    ¡± My daughter¡­.. you are weed home.¡± He said and embraced her.


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


    Richard sat by the bedside of his father, in the ICU unit, watching the heart monitor beep continuously.


    He had been visiting ever since the ident issue urred some months ago.


    He sighed.


    Life was really a teacher, which had taught him a lesson even beyond his capacity to learn.


    He nced once more at his father.


    Mr Coker was wrapped up in bandages almost from head to toe, with his legs hung up.


    The doctor had said his chances of survival were quite slim due to the fact that most of his vitals were badly damaged.


    Richard exhaled and shook his head sadly, suddenly feeling the heat of loneliness overwhelm him.


    He was alone and very miserable.


    Barely a few days before the ident, his wife had used him of having extra marital affairs after she found out she had been infected with the hepatitis B virus.


    She became very bitter against him and threatened him with a divorce and ever since then, she hadn¡¯t failed in giving him the silent treatment.


    But thank God he hadpleted the treatments and was totally cured from the virus.


    He cursed under his breath, ming Judith for the mishaps that had befallen his marriage.


    Judith was the only woman he was seeing as at then, and if there was anyone who had transmitted the virus to him, it must definitely have been Judith.


    He ran his fingers across his hair, while he anxiously tapped his feet.


    Reflecting on the life he had lived over the past few years of his life. His thoughts suddenly drifted to his mom as he felt the pang of guilt wash over him.


    If only he had known better.


    If only he could turn back the hand of time and had listened to his mom¡¯s advise.


    It had been ages hest saw her since theirst disagreement.


    Memories of the life he shared with her, came flooding in, and choking back the tears which had taken over his emotions. Perhaps, if he had remained with his mother, his life would have taken a different shape.


    But right now! He desired to be wrapped in her loving arms again and hear her soothing words, telling him everything will be okay.


    He really needed herforting words of encouragement because happiness was slowly bing a fa?ade to him, leaving him longing desperately for a shoulder to lean on.


    ¡± I must go and see my mom.¡± He said to himself soberly.


    ¡± What is her name?¡± Mr Edeh asked, as he carried his grand daughter in his hands.

 Chapter 43

    ¡°Her name is Ayanfe.¡± Omare replied her father.


    ¡± She is a beautiful one¡­. just like her mother.¡± He said.


    Omar smiled.


    He lifted his gaze at Omar once again and said.


    ¡± God is great¡­. God is so great Omare¡­. You know for the past ten years, your mom and I have been praying to God for you toe home¡­. And you finally did¡­. You didn¡¯t onlye, you brought your husband and your daughter to your family¡­..¡± He said and sighed.


    ¡± Thank you for forgiving me my dear daughter¡­.. and as you have honored me today,¡­. May God also honor you and give you your heart desires¡­..¡± Mr Edeh went on and on, showering prayers on her.


    After the prayers, Grace announced it was time to for lunch, and they all moved to the little dinning section.


    ¡± My son, ¡­.. you said you havee to pay her bride price?¡± Mr Edeh asked Ife.


    ¡± Yes sir¡­.. that¡¯s the reason we came together¡­. To meet my wife¡¯s family and to pay her bride price officially¡­.. Omar and I are renewing our wedding vows in a few days from now¡­. That is why we came to do the right thing.¡± Ife replied.


    ¡± May The Almighty God bring it to pass.¡± Mr Edeh prayed.


    Everyone chorused Amen.


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


    Rita opened the door and saw Richard at her doorstep.


    ¡± Hello brother.¡± She muttered dryly.


    ¡± Good evening Rita¡­. May Ie in?¡± he asked calmly.


    She opened the door wider and he came in.


    ¡± How are you Rita?¡± He inquired.


    ¡± Since when did you care about my well being?¡± she asked amidst a scuffle.


    ¡± Since now.¡± He replied soberly.


    She nodded.


    ¡± How is dad?¡± She asked.


    ¡± He is still in the ICU¡­. The doctor said he has a 30% chance of survival¡­.¡± He said and sighed.


    ¡± you never bothered to visit him at the hospital¡­.. despite the fact that you know he is in a critical condition.¡± Richard used.


    Rita scoffed.


    ¡± Since mom had been sick,¡­.. have you and your father ever for once, came to visit her¡­. So please save me the pep talk and tell me why you are here?¡± Rita retorted.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Richard nodded and swallowed painfully.


    ¡± I went to the house yesterday but didn¡¯t see mom¡­. Do you know where she is?¡± he asked her.


    Rita scoffed, and ignored him.


    ¡± Rita please¡­. I really need to see mom¡­I know you know where she is¡­.. please tell me?¡± Richard begged.


    ¡± Why now?¡­. Why are you justing to look for her!!, after she had waited for you for years toe to her!!!¡­. you never came¡­. Instead you chose to join daddy in his evil schemes!!!¡­.. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s toote Richard.¡± Rita said with emotions.


    ¡± What do you mean by it¡¯s toote Rita?¡± Richard asked impatiently.


    She didn¡¯t reply, instead she turned her back against him.


    ¡± Rita please I need to see mom!!!¡± Richard repeated.


    ¡± Mom is gone!!!¡­. She is dead¡­. She has gone to rest for good!!¡± Rita replied in agitation.


    ¡± What?¡­. How?¡­.. when?¡­.. Oh my God!!!¡± Richard groaned painfully, cupping his face with his palm. His eyes were evidently red, and in no time, tears poured out.


    Rita¡¯s sat on her chair sobbing profusely.


    ¡± She died this morning!!!¡­. She died calling your name!!!¡­.. Richard how can you be so heartless as to abandon your mom just because of a slight misunderstanding that you refused to let go!!!¡­.. How could you be so heartless as to ignore your mother when she needed you the most!!!!¡± Rita yelled as her sobs increased.


    Richard ruffled his hair with his hands.


    ¡± No¡­. No Rita¡­. You must be ying a prank on me!!!¡­. Mom cannot be dead!!¡± He retorted loudly.


    Rita looked at him and shook her head.


    ¡± I begged you Richard¡­. I begged you to go and see mom, but you refused!!!¡­. you were busy scheming evil with Dad instead, to collect properties that belonged to another!!!¡­.¡± Rita used her brother.


    ¡± I was the only one left to take care of her!!¡­ Only me took care of our mom for two good years Richard!!¡­. While you and your dad frolicked around with women!!¡±


    Richard sat on the floor and wept like a baby.


    If only he could change the hand of time¡­


    If only he had listened to his sister.


    He bit his lower lip in regrets as memories of the times he spent with his mom poured in.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you inform me?¡± he asked her.


    She shrugged.


    ¡± Because you never cared if she lived or died!!¡± Rita replied.


    ¡± Oh Rita¡­. I cared¡­. I cared¡­. I was only stupid and insensitive¡­. I wish I had done better¡­. Oh mummy!! I¡¯m so sorry!!!¡± Richard continued sobbing.


    He sobbed till he had no more tears to shed.


    Then turning to Rita, he asked.


    ¡± Where is she now?¡±


    ¡± Her body was deposited in the mortuary this morning¡­.¡± Rita replied and sniffed.


    ¡± Please take me there.¡± He said.

 Chapter 44

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


    Stanley pulled over at the gate of her apartment.


    He had been dropping her off right from the day he volunteered to always give her a ride home after she closed from work.


    ¡± Thanks so much Stan¡­. Thanks for the ride.¡± Zoey appreciated him genuinely.


    ¡± you are wee Zoey¡­¡± he replied with a faint smile.


    He had really stressed out himself today. From the load of work piled on his desk , to the hectic traffic they had experienced on their way.


    ¡± Hope you aren¡¯t too stressed out because of the traffic?¡± he asked out of concern.


    Zoey smiled.


    ¡± I actually am¡­. And I will sure take a long bath and ensure I go to bed on time tonight, so I don¡¯t gote to work tomorrow.¡±


    She replied tiredly, stiffling a yawn.


    He nodded.


    ¡± You deserve a good rest after the day¡¯s work.¡± He emphasized.


    ¡± thanks Stan¡­. And you too.¡±


    ¡± Good bye Stan.¡± She said and was about opening the door, when Stanley halted her with his words.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡± Zoey¡­. Uhm ¡­ I was thinking¡­. There¡¯s this new movie I¡¯m about to book for¡­. and I was thinking if you could go with me to the cinema this weekend¡­. Or we could probably go for a lunch in a really good eatery¡­. I mean more like a date¡­ if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Stanley said and lowered his gaze.


    Zoey chuckled.


    ¡± I do not mind Stan¡­ I think a date will be just perfect.¡± Zoey replied with a soft smile.


    Stanley smile broadened.


    ¡± Thanks Zoey¡­. I¡¯ve been wanting to go on a date with you for a while now¡­. But I wasn¡¯t sure if you would ept.¡± He said truthfully.


    Her smile widened.


    ¡± Well¡­. I have epted.¡±


    She replied with a chuckle.


    ¡± Thanks¡­. And good night Zoey.¡±


    ¡± Yeah¡­. Good night Stan.¡± Zoey replied and got out of the car.


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


    ¡± I think this fit perfectly on you more than the other gown.¡± Grace gave her opinion, as she sat in Omar¡¯s bedroom and watched Omar trying to figure out the perfect gown to wear for her wedding vow renewal tomorrow.


    Her bride price was paid sessfully and their traditional wedding was done in Makurdi, with her father¡¯s blessing solidly behind their union. Ife got her family a lot of gifts and they were so grateful. Among the gifts were two Range Rover SUV, which he got for her parents.


    Omar¡¯s mom danced for joy, while her father showered them with more prayers.


    After the traditional rites was done.


    They all travelled with Omar back to Lagos for the renewal of her wedding vow which was going to be borate.


    ¡± Are you sure this gown fits perfectly on me?¡±


    Omar asked her sister.


    ¡± Come on Omar¡­. I tell you this gown is the perfect match.¡± Gracemented.


    ¡± Ok then¡­this is what I¡¯ll wear.¡± Omar said cheerfully.


    Grace sighed softly and looked at her sister.


    ¡± You got lucky after all¡­¡± She said.


    Omar hung the gown in her wardrobe and turned to her sister.


    ¡± Why do you say so?¡± She asked.


    Grace sighed.


    ¡± After you left Omar¡­.. our suffering tripled and everyone became desperate to survive¡­. But the pressure was more on me since I was next to you¡­ and so I was expected to take up the responsibility of taking care of the family¡­..¡± she said.


    ¡± At first¡­. Daddy wanted me to marry Chief Ogbu since you refused to marry him and ran out of home¡­. But Chief Ogbu refused and continued to me daddy for the embarrassment our family brought upon him¡­.. so daddy began to look for a wealthy man like chief Ogbu to marry me, but we didn¡¯t get so lucky¡­¡­¡± She continued.


    ¡± Until one Christmas day, when I met a man from the city, who came to the vige to greet his family¡­. He appeared to be rich and told me he had a sessful business in the city¡­ I fell for it and got pregnant for him¡­.. when I informed him, he told me to keep the pregnancy that he wanted to go to the city to make some arrangements, after which, he woulde back and marry me¡­.. I agreed and nursed my pregnancy, until it dawned on me that he was nevering again.¡± Grace narrated.


    Omar shook her head sadly.


    ¡± I¡¯m really so sorry for what you went through Grace¡­.. non of this is your fault¡­. You were only caught up in the circumstances of life¡­. But do not worry¡­. Your days of tears are over my sister¡­. I spoke to my husband yesterday and he is nning to buy Mama and Papa a property on the ind¡­. And as for you, ¡­.. I would give you some money so that you can start a business to empower yourself.¡± Omar said.


    Grace wiped a tear drop and hugged her sister.


    ¡± Thank you so much Omar¡­. You are really a blessing to our family¡­¡­ and I¡¯m really so happy for you that you married a rich man¡­..¡± Grace said as she hugged Omar.


    ¡± Omar!¡± She called.


    ¡± Yes Grace.¡±


    ¡± please if you want to help Peter, you can buy him anything, but do not give him money¡­. Or else Peter will squander it on betting.¡± Grace advised.


    Omar chuckled.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Grace¡­. I know just how to handle Peter.¡± Omar assured her sister, while they hugged.


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


    The guests filled the hall in their numbers as they filed in toe and celebrate with the couple.


    They all pped and cheered as Omar and Ife shared their wedding vows once again.


    Apart from the couple¡¯s family members, some of the guests were staff of thepany, while some others were acquaintances and friends from the church.


    Among which was Binta and Emeka.


    ¡± Congrattions Omar¡­¡± Binta beamed with smiles.


    ¡± Thanks a lot Binta¡­. You have been more than a friend to me, but a sister¡­. May God bless you abundantly¡­. As you have shown me so much love.¡± Omar expressed her gratitude and they hugged.


    It was time for photograph. And the guests surrounded the couple in their batches as they took photographs.


    ¡± Wait for me!!¡± Jade screamed as she held on to a cake, while she joined the couple in taking photograph.


    The air was fun filled with joy, as the guests joined the couple to dance.


    The End.


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