《HER POSSESSIVE HUSBAND》 CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER ONE As a typical Nigerian girl, I grew up being groomed to one day get married and have a family. That was the goal and I really had no problem with it because I loved the idea, I had always craved for a He went abroad to make more money for us like a typical Nigerian father but he never just came back. Mother wouldn''t stop telling us everyday about how he was going toe back and how he still loved us. but then, I wondered why he stopped reaching out to us one year after he got to the United state of America. At first, I was scared something had happened to my dad until the day I heard mother talking to her friend about how he had a new family abroad now then reality dawned on me that we had been abandoned. I grew up pretty first and mother tried her best to raise the best girls ever. Having to work multiple jobs to be able to send my sister and I to the best schools in the country. I finished with a first ss degree in nursing just this year at 20 and my sister was still in the second year of her ounting degree. My name is Tesleemah Kareem and this is my story. I and Ridwan recently just got married and since he lived in Abuja we decided to live there. I was sad to leave my mum and sister in Lagos and the fact that I had lived and schooled ingos all my life didn''t make the move any easy. "This ce is really beautiful" I said as I pulled my box and followed Ridwan as we walked into the Three bedroom apartment we had just bought in an estate in Abuja. "I love it too" he said as we both admired the interior of the house as we stood in the middle of the sitting room. "I am sure this will cost a fortune and moreover it''s Abuja again. I have heard about how freaking expensive things are here" I said "It didn''t cost much. Let''s say 20million" he said and I eximed "what!!!, that''s a lot" I said. "You have to get used to this kind of luxury now Tes." He said "let me give you a tour of the house" he added. Oh, I forgot to mention that Ridwan Khan''s father is a federal Minister. A very wealthy politician and they where one of those who had made a lot of money from the oil business in the early 2000s and had invested heavily in building severalpanies and owning shares in very bigpanies. A lot of people actually wonder how we even managed to meet because we are not even in the same social circle. I met Ridwan while we were both in university ofgos, I was new in 100level, he was in 200level studying ounting and he had helped me locate where we were having a lecture. And from then henceforth our friendship had grown. I had to move to college of medicine in my 200level but we still remained very close friends and the fact that he was in a rtionship when we met, didn''t make us consider being anything more than friends until he had invited me to his convocation and he had asked me to be his girlfriend. So now, five years after I met him and one year after we stated dating. We got married. "I will just shower and make something for us to eat after" I said as I unpacked my bag. "I think we should just order food to be brought, we have had a long trip. I wouldn''t want you stressing yourself out baby" he said as he wrapped his hands around my waist from the back. I looked back and smiled over my shoulder. He spun me around as I looked up into his eyes. I knew I found "the one". My love. I kept my hand around his neck as I leaned in for a kiss. "I love you, I really don''t think anything can ever make me stop loving you" I said, smiling. "I love you even more and I am extremely d that you''re mine and I am yours" he said kissing my forehead. "You''re the best thing that ever happened to me" he added and I couldn''t help but just kiss him again. I loved him and there was no doubt about that. "I want you" he said, as he puts his hand underneath my top caressing and I could feel my heart beating a little bit faster. It felt like this everytime I was with him. The butterflies in my tummy too wouldn''t let me be and the more I looked into those amazing brown eyes of his. The more difficult it was for me to find my way back from being lost in it. My phone suddenly started ringing disturbing the beautiful moment I was having. I looked over and i Original content from N?velDrama.Org. say the caller i.d and it was mum. "I should probably get it and tell her we arrived safely" I said picking up my cell "Hello mum" "Hey, it''s karina" it was my little sister. "Are you not supposed to be in school" I asked wondering why she was even calling me with mothers phone. "It''s lecture free week, I came home to take some foodstuffs back to school" she exined. "Okay" "I wille to Abuja when we are on vacation o. So please be expecting me" she said and we both "Where is mum" I asked "Let me give the phone back to her" she said "Hello mum" I said "I miss you and Karina so much already" I said almost as if I was about to cry. "We miss you too darling" she said "How is Ridwan too, by the way" she asked "He is good, we are both Alright. I will visit when I can Alright" I assured "Take care of yourself dear" CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 11 Karina was leaving today, so I had decided to drop her at the airport with the driver. "Bye Karina, I hope you visit us sometime again and next time you need to stay for a long time" Ridwan exined with his hands in his pocket, standing in front of the door with Ayo beside him as I helped Karina with her box into the car. "Yes, I will" Karina smiled looking back at Ridwan after dropping herst bag in the boot of the car. "Bye, Aunty Karina" Ayo said with a wide smile on her face. "Bye dear," Karina said as Ayo walked towards her and immediately engulfed herself in Karina''s arms for an embrace. I opened the car door letting myself in and as Karina released herself from Ayo, she also entered into the back seat. Karina waved at Ayo and Ridwan as the driver started the engine of the car and drove off. I looked down at the screen of my phone repeatedly as I bit on my lips while swallowing unnecessarily. "What''s going on, you look anxious and uneasy," Karina asked, looking in my direction. "Hawa said the result for the exams will be out today and a mail will be sent if we were picked for the cement" I exined. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "I know how you get when you''re expecting and anticipating something Te,s," Karina said cing her fingers over mine that rested on my side. "It''s going to be alright, you just have to believe " she assured in a ca and soothing tone. Karina had always been my go-to person when I had issues and needed someone to help me solve it. She was younger but then sometimes she gave good advice. "So, how will you tell Ridwan or has he epted that you can work now," Rina asked curiously "I don''t know how I will tell him but at this point, he doesn''t have a choice but to let me work. This is what I want, this is my dream, so why would he want to take that from me" I exined with a furrowed eyebrow because all Ridwan was doing wasn''t making sense to me anymore and I felt it was ridiculous and senseless. "I hope he does understand that because from what you exined to me, it seemed like his mind was made up," Karina said "And my mind is made up too" I added "We are here," The driver said as he halts the car. I and Karina got down from the car, we proceeded to the boot of the car as I helped her with her boxes down. I dragged one of the boxes behind me as marina also dragged one next to me. "I will miss you dearly, Take care of yourself and mother," I said as I pulled her into a tight hug "I will, you take care of yourself too," Karina said then picked up the box I had been helping her with as she waves and I just watched her walk away. My phone beeped immediately Karina was out of sight. I looked at the screen of my phone as I slowly walked back to the car to get going. It was a message from Karina. "The mail will be delivered to your ce, I hope you have received it and congrattions for passing. A friend told me you had the best score too" I smile as I read the message but then as I got into the car and closed the door next to me, it dawned one that the only person avable at home was Ridwan and Ayo and so I prayed silently that the mail had been dyed or that it was Ayo who received it instead. "Please can you go a little bit faster than this," I said to the driver as I adjusted in my seat putting on my seat belt. I bit on my nails continuously, my heart felt like it was beating faster than it had been. I could feel hot even though the Air conditioner was turned on. I kept checking my phone to see if I got a message from Ayo or Ridwan about anything. I rubbed my feet against one another in a nervous way as I kept my face straight carefully monitoring how many minutes we had to get home. I just wanted to be home right now, it felt like every minute we spent on the road increased the likely hood of something happening at home. I didn''t like how I was feeling but I couldn''t control it either. I could sense the fear in mine. It was unconscious but I didn''t like the fact that he was making me feel this way though. A few minutester, the driver pulled over at the driveway and I immediately opened the door to the car walking as fast as I could into the house. I knocked for a bit before Ayo opened the door. Her face was a bit gloomy and I could tell something was wrong. I entered the house and as she closed the door behind me. I whispered in a low tone to her. "Please did you receive a package for me" and I silently prayed she said a yes but her face looked ahead into the living room. I turned my face to the direction she was looking at and then I saw Ridwan stand from his seat holding up a package. "Are you looking for this" he questioned as he walked slowly towards where I was standing. Ayo looked at me briefly with an "I wish I could help you" face before walking away as Ridwan came closer. I felt helpless but more than that I felt fear, I didn''t understand how the man I had falling in love with some years back had be someone I couldn''t recognize and someone that made me have palpitations just by the sound of his name when I did some things. I didn''t like this feeling. "You have some exining to do," Ridwan said with a straight face as it felt like his eyes were piercing through my soul. CHAPTER 12 CHAPTER 12 I also stared straight into his eyes and it felt like we were having a staringpetition until I finally decided to break the silence. "I don''t have anything to exin to you, you know how much this thing means to me. And i got in, Are you just going to let me miss this opportunity because of your selfishness" I spat angrily. My eye brows were furrowed together with an intense stare. "You are not going to take this job and it remains so, you really like to ho against me and this will be thest time I will ever allow such a thing happen because you won''t even be able to leave this house a next time. Just listen to me and we wouldn''t have to always fight" he said pacing back and forth as he clenched his fist together, ready to punch into something,anything. His jaw was clenched and the anger on his face was too much for what was going on. It was all so confusing and I was understanding anymore. I just wanted to get out of here. "You can''t tell me what to do with my life!!!"I suddenly screamed not even aware that I did, the anger let itself out and i couldn''t even control it.i was furious. "I can and I will" he said as he stopped in front of me fuming, it felt like I could see mese out of his eyes, his fist still clenched as he gave me a deadly stare. I had never been this scared in my life. "I won''t talk about this again because this is my final decision" Ridwan said as he brought out the mail from his pocket. With two hands, he raised it up in front of my face as he tore it into two and tears threatened to spill down my face.i was devastated and I felt helpless as the torn papers shattered on the floor in front of me and and I just watched unable to do anything. Ridwan picked up his car keys from the table in the living room as he opened the front door to leave. The tears I had been holding then spilled and I just picked up my purse and rushed up the stairs angrily. I banged the door behind me as I copsed with my face on the pillow as I cried out loudly into the pillow. There was nothing I could do and that even made it worse and made me even more furious. I wanted to just go away from all of it. It was frustrating. This wasn''t the man I had married, he was totally different from the person I had met years ago in the university and that wasn''t helping. I weeped silently in my pillow until I slept off. I hadn''t even realized when Ridwan got back pr anything. I remember Ayoing to knock on my door asking if I wanted anything to eat but I had refused to answer and not stand up from where I was. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. I opened my eyes slowly as the sun ray from outside shun on my face. I rubbed my hand on my face. I looked to the side and Ridwan wasn''t there but then I had seen some boxes scattered around the bed but my eyes had been blurry so I walked into the bathroom to rinse my face. CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 13 I looked into the mirror hung on the bathroom wall, my eyes were swollen with bags underneath, one could easily tell that I had not slept well yesterday. I looked terrible. I took my toothbrush to brush my teeth then washed my face with water as I was looking really bad. I walked out of the bedroom then I noticed the different designer bagscon the bed and even on the floor, I moved closer to it as I checked each box one after the other, some had clothes in them, some shoes, bags and some jewellery. They all seemed very expensive and I could guess it was Ridwan that had gotten it all for me. I went down the stairs to get food to eat because I was starving, all the tears I had cried the night before had drained all my energy and I just needed to refill and get fed. "Good morning ma" Ayo said as she got out from the kitchen meeting me by the door. "How are you, when did Ridwan leave the house" I asked. "I am good ma, This morning" She answered "Did you see all the gifts he ordered for you" Ayo enthusiastically asked. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. "Yes, I did" I said as I walked into the kitchen. "Did you make anything " I asked "There is food, I made Jollof rice and chicken"Ayo said "Please can you help me get it to the dining, I need to do something" I said then went up to pick my phone, I had forgotten it upstairs. "Alright ma" The rest of the day went by like the rest of my days in the house, tiring, stressful and very unproductive. I sat by the desk in the room as I picked up a new novel Kina had brought for me fromgos when she visited. I had been too engrossed in the book and had not noticed when Ridwan walked in the room. I looked up then our eyes met, we still weren''t talking, he untied his tie as he dropped his brief case on the floor by the bed and I just stole nces at him while reading my book and behaving like he wasn''t even there. "Did you see what I bought for you" Ridwan suddenly said. "Yeah I did, thanks" I said and then went back to reading my book. "I hope you like it though" he said while moving closer to where I had been sitted. "Yeah, they were nice" I said "But you still seem angry though, Tes" he said as he ced his hands on mine over the book I was reading and then I looked up at him. "No, I am not" I said "I know you so well Tes and this is you being Angry about something" He said "I am not angry"i said I didn''t want to talk at first but then I had no choice but to and I really didn like what had been going on between the two of us. So much had changed and it wasn''t really making me happy. "Just say something Tes, anything to make me feel like you are not"Ridwan said I stood from where I was sitting then moved closer to him "There is so much I want to say to you but I don''t even know where to start from"I said. CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 14 Just say anything then"Ridwan requested I moved closer to him and when we were just an inch away from one another I spoke. "It''s like I don''t know you anymore, That guy I met in Uni those days. The one I fell in love with so dearly. It''s like he has gone away and it feels like I wake up to a new person everyday" I said, as I looked into his face. "I am still here Tes, I am still the same man you fell in love with years ago" Ridwan said "Then why doesn''t it feel like it. It feels different" "Listen to me Tes, I love you so much and I don''t think I can ever stop loving you"Ridwan said holding one of my hands up in his "Everything I do is because I love you and I want the best for you. It might not seem so now but I really hope one day you understand that and see all what I am doing for what it really is" Ridwan exined. "I hate that we fight everytime, I don''t want us to fight anymore, it makes me really sad and angry" I exined. "We don''t even talk anymore, we don''t have a proper meal together. We always fight once wee together for anything and that''s very sad. We weren''t like this before.This house used to be full with so much happiness and joy and love but now we live like roommates who are strangers and it hurts" I said. There was so much on my mind and i just said it as it came. I felt peace as the words came out from my mouth, I had been holding it all in for far too long and it wasn''t doing me any good. "You know what Tes, I choose to be with you for the rest of my life because I have always known Original from N?velDrama.Org. there was something special about you. I want you to know that it isn''t changing anytime soon because I love you a lot" Ridwan said and I just let out a small smile on my lips. He moved closer to me, pushed back the strand of hair on my face behind my eye. My eyes longed for him more as I stared into those beautiful eyes of his. He bent a bit as he crushed his lips on mine. Slowly he removed the top I had been wearing without letting go of his lips on mine. He carried me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist now in my underwear as I slowly unbuttoned his shirt. He moved me closer to the bed as heyed me gently on it. I had missed him so much, I wanted him so much in me. He removed the rest of his clothes as he came on me on the bed. He stared into my eyes and after a long time, it felt like I knew this man again. The night went well and was one of the best I have had in a long time. I just wanted to remain like that CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 15 I opened my eye slowly and I looked to my side on the bed expecting not to see Ridwan there and surprisingly he still was sleeping peacefully and then I just watched him for a minute smiling as he slept. I loved watching him sleep, I know it seems weird but really it''s always fun for me. I loved waking up to his beautiful face and it always made me so happy when I woke up before him to watch him sleep. I decided to make breakfast this morning as I was overly excited. I got out of bed and as I was about to leave the room, my phone started ringing where I had kept it on the table. I reached out for it and when I checked the caller I.d I realized it was Hawa. Then I figured she had also called metest night but I had missed her call. "Hey dear" "How are you doing" I asked "I am sorry I missed your call" I added "Ohh, no problem. I am good. I just wanted to make sure you were fine. I figured you had not gotten back to me about the result and all" Hawa exined. "So, when will you be starting work" She asked and I just stayed silent for sometime. I didn''t know what yo tell Hawa, she had worked so much on my application and was very excited for me to start but then again I really didn''t want to start a fight with Ridwan again especially since we just reconciled. Maybe I was the one pushing too hard, maybe if I listened to him more, we wouldn''t fight so much" I thought. "Are you still on the call" Hawa asked "Yeah, it''s just that I realized that since I just got to Abuja and all and I just recently got married. Maybe I need more time with my marriage before workes in the picture. You know how much working in the hospital can demand from someone" I exined not knowing what else to say. "Are you sure this is what you want, you were so excited to start thest time we spoke about this. You sounded do enthusiastic and optimistic about everything" "Yeah, I am sure. This is what I want to do" I said "Okay then, are we still up for my birthday dinner tomorrow anyways" Hawa asked "and don''t tell me know, you promised. Remember tomorrow is my birthday and I only invited a few friends. Original from N?velDrama.Org. "Yeah, no problem" I said even though I wasn''t still sure about how Ridwan would react to it. "Take care of yourself dear, see youter tomorrow" "Take care of yourself too" I said before dropping the phone. I turned to look at Ridwan and he was still asleep as I thought about how much I actually really wanted this job but then Ridwan was more important to me and keeping my family together is a big deal to me. CHAPTER 16 CHAPTER 16 I went down stairs to make breakfast. "Good morning ma" Ayo said as she walked up to me from her room. "How are you this morning dear" I asked with a smile as I walked into the kitchen. "Very well thank you" Ayo responded "You seem very excited this morning ma, I haven''t seen you like this in a while" Ayo said and I just looked in her direction with a smile. "I am just really happy today" I said "So, we are making Jollof rice this morning, can you please help me bring the rice out from under there" I requested. "Here ma" Ayo said handing it over to me. I poured the rice in a bowl and as I was about to rinse it, I looked in Ayo''s direction and realized she wasn''t really looking as jovial as she always did. "Is something the matter" I asked "I want to talk to you about something that''s it" she responded. "Okay, I am all ears" I said This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "Our exam form came outst week and i just wanted to let you know that registration has started" She said in a rather low tone. "Is that it, I was the one who told you to inform me anytime it is out, you should havee up to me since" I said "You haven''t really been avable that''s why" She exined "So, I will give you the money today, remind me once I am done cooking and then we will sort it all out" I informed. "Thank you very much ma" Ayo said with a smile. "There is no need to thank me really" I said. "And I will be doing the cooking so just go to your room and read for your uing exam. Alright" "Thank you ma" Ayo said and she walked out to her room. She was such a lovely girl to be around and she reminded me so much of my self as a young teenager. As I was cutting the onions, I felt a hand behind wrap around my waist and as I looked over my shoulder I realized it was Ridwan. I smiled and he turned me around as I dropped the knife in my hand. His hands were still around my waist as he pulled me closer to him. I wrapped my hands around his neck as I gently yed with his hair. He kissed me on the lips while I just smiled thinking about how much I missed us like this. "So, is there no work today" I asked curiously. "Do you want me to go" he said with a smirk "Of course not, I miss you so much, you do so much work these days." I said "I decided to spend the day all alone with my favourite person in the world. So today is my day off" Ridwan said and I just smiled. "That''s good cause I have missed my husband so much" I said leaning in for another kiss. "I miss you so much to" Ridwan said as he kissed my forehead. "I will soon be done with the food, I just need a few minutes more" I said "Anything I can help with" Ridwan asked. "At all, There is nothing I can''t handle alone" I said. Ridwan let go of his hands on my waist as I then continued to cook. CHAPTER 17 CHAPTER 17 This is really nice"Ridwan said as he ate a spoon from the Jollof rice that had been served in front of him. I was done cooking and had served our food. I sat next to Ridwan as I let out a smile on my lips after theplement. "Thank you" I replied. Ayo had decided to read in her room probably after sensing I and Ridwan probably needed our alone time. "You know what, I think we should go on a trip in December, we deserve it, we haven''t really had anything like an honeymoon" Ridwan suggested and I was overly excited about the idea. "That''s perfect, I really can''t wait for it"I said as my face lit up. "We should watch a movie after this"Ridwan suggested and then I just looked at him surprised in a way. Today felt really different. It felt like this was what I had always wanted and now it was happening. "Yes, yes!!" I said We talked about other random things like his work ce and how I really missed Lagos too. Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "I really do miss home" I said "You know I wouldn''t want to be left all alone here" Ridwan said "What if your mumes to visit" Ridwan suggested. "I have told her but she keepsining about how she doesn''t want to leave her business."I exined. "Even if it''s only for a few days, tell her I can pay all she would probably lose during those few days to her" Ridwan said "You know mother, she wouldn''t agree. But I will try to persuade her again to see if it''s going to work" I said. "I will talk to her too for you if you want" Ridwan suggested. "No, don''t bother" I said. "I saw my dad the other day" I suddenly said after a few minutes. I hadn''t really had the time to talk to Ridwan about it since the only thing we ever did these days was fight. "Really? What did he want and how did he find you" Ridwan asked curiously. "Apparently, he called mother and told her he would like to speak with I and Karina and when Karina came to Abujast time, she had told him about where we were going and I saw him there" I exined. "Did you talk, what happened" Ridwan asked "I couldn''t talk to him, how can I possibly just forget all he did to mother, I and Karina. He left and he can''t juste back now all of a sudden and start acting like the father he never really was" I exined angrily. "Did you give him a chance to at least talk" Ridwan asked and I was even more furious at the question. Why was everyone''s making it seem like I am the bad person her. What could he probably have to say. He has no excuse for everything he had done. He made us go through hell. "Why does everyone keep saying that, I am sure there is nothing he would say that it worth my time" I said "Let''s not spoil the mood today, I think we should start the movie now" I suggested "If you say so" Ridwan said. We both stood up to go and sit in the living room and put up the movie. CHAPTER 18 CHAPTER 18 We deemed the light and made it seem like we were in a cinema as we both sat on the big sofa. We had a bowl of popcorn in front of us even though we had just eaten. We had drinks too and Ridwan had asked if I wanted pizza or anyother thing. I rested my head on Ridwan''s shoulder as he pulled my closer to himself while I scrolled through movies to see which one to watch. I clicked on one I felt we might both enjoy. It was a thriller. When the movie was about to start I decided to tell Ridwan about Hawa''s birthday dinner tomorrow and even though I wasn''t sure how he was going to react to it and I really didn''t want to spoil the happy mood we were in but I still had to ask anyways. "So, You know Hawa right" I asked "Yeah, your very close friend in uni, how is she by the way" "She is okay, I told you she also moved to Abuja about the same time I got her too" I said "Yeah, I remember you telling me that" he said as he focused on the screen as the movie was just starting. "So, her birthday is tomorrow and she is organizing a small evening dinner at a restaurant for her close friends. You could evene if you want to, she asked me to invite you" I said and Ridwan was silent. I didn''t know what he was going to say and I I really wanted to go too. "Okay, you can go but make sure you are back early and I know when you get there and leave too" Ridwan said and i was actually really surprised he agreed. I had really been hoping that he would actually. "Thank you, Thank you so much. I promise I will let you know how everything goes" I said as I kissed him on the cheek. "Hope it''s not an all night thing though" Ridwan asked again probably still having some reservations. "It isn''t and it''s private too. Just a few friends over" I exined. "Okay" Ridwan said I focused back on the screen to concentrate on my movie back. I was actually really excited for Hawa''s birthday and if not too excited. I had not really gone our in a while, I missed lunch dates, the cinemas and visiting every new hangout spot even if it was just to take a picture. I did that a lot in Lagos while I was in uni with my friends especially Hawa and I always looked forward to it but now so many things had changed about me or probably because I just had to conform to everything because I probably didn''t have a choice. I didn''t even know when the movie ended because I had slept off on Ridwan''s legs while watching it. I N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. really never watch a whole movie in one sitting but then Ridwan would have to exin to me what had happened after I slept. I knew Ridwan had carried me up into the room because I had woken up there. it was really nice having someone look out for you, I loved Ridwan and my Love for him grew even more with each passing day. CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER 19 Ridwan had left for work early this morning before I woke up. I ate breakfast then came back to the room to pick out my outfit for this evening. I brought out a long flowery dress from my wardrobe as I stood in front of it. I had other options and I knew I was quite indecisive too so I resisted the urge to bring out other options from my wardrobe and just decided to go for that one. It was 12pm already. I needed to take a shower then start getting ready so I could at least do a light make up and avoid Original content from N?velDrama.Org. gettingte because surprisingly I could meet with a traffic on the way. As I was about getting into the bathroom, my phone beeped, I picked it up from the table and realized it was Hawa. She had sent a text to confirm if I was still going to make it. "Yes girl, i am not going to miss it for anything" I texted back. I went in to take my shower and few minutester I was done. I started to get ready. Got on my dress then sat in front of my dressing mirror to do my make up. I just applied a bit of foundation, powder, drew my brows and added a nude lipstick. It was almost 2PM now. I didn''t realise how much time had passed until I checked. I thought of also stopping my the super market to get a gift for Hawa since I hadn''t really prepared ahead. I picked up my bag and when I was about to leave, I sent Ridwan a message letting him know that I was leaving the house at that moment. He had also insisted that the driver take me and didn''t want me to drive alone. I got into the car and the driver starts the car "Please, we will be stopping at the mall for a bit. I want to get a gift for hawa" I said "Okay Ma" he said After a short while, we got to the Mall. "I will be back in only a short while" I said getting down from the car. As I was about to enter into the mall, I saw a very familiar face walking up to me. "Tes, is that you?" He inquired as he moved closer to me. "Ade" I said "Wow" I smiled "So good to finally see you, I thought I would never get to see you in Abuja" he said and I just smiled remembering how he had asked if we could meet up when we both had a chart. "I just had so much to do then" I said "It''s no problem, just d to finally get to see you after a long time. You look even more beautiful than I had imagined" he said with a smile. "Thanks" I said "So, are you leaving already" I asked "Yeah, I just came to get a few stuffs" he said as he showed me the small bag with him. "You" he inquired "I came to get a gift for a friend. I really don''t even know where to go. I wouldn''t like to roam about all day because I am kinda runningte already" I exined. "I can help with that, it''s not like I am doing anything really. I can show you to where I think you can get really nice stuffs" Ade said "Thanks alot" I said then followed him by the side as he led me inside. CHAPTER 20 CHAPTER 20 I and Ade walked into the mall further from where we had been standing by the entrance. he seemed to be more familiar with Abuja than I was so it was a good idea to let him help me. "i think we should get what we are looking for over there" he said pointing to one of the shops ahead of us. "So, how have you been, how has marriage been like" Ade asked as we walked on. "Good, good. it''s been mostly fun and I am enjoying it " I said with a smile on my face. "Are you married too and what have you been up to" I asked curiously "No, I am not. I have just been about work and all. I am also waiting for the right woman toe around but apart from that work is the only thing upying my mind right now." he said and I just smiled. "Well, I hope you find that perfect person for you" We got into the shop, it had different gift items around, colourful too. I and Ade walked around to get a good view of everything they had and to choose what I wanted to get for her. I and Ade where still checking out some stuffs in the shop when I suddenly heard a familiar voice behind us. "Teslimah"!! I immediately looked in the direction of the voice behind me and then to my utmost surprise, I saw Ridwan. I was shocked and very surprised too. Ade turned in the direction too as Ridwan came even closer to us. "You''re going home with me now" Ridwan said as he dragged my hand with him and then suddenly Ade held my other hand preventing me from moving "Who are you anyways"Ade asked as he looked sternly at Ridwan.. "Her husband and who are you to be asking me such questions" Ridwan said angrily. "I am just a friend of hers, I just decided to help her pick out some gift items for a friend" Ade said trying to exin himself to an already furious Ridwan. "We''re leaving" "Ridwan" I called out cing my hand on his in an attempt to at least stop him. "Let''s just all talk about this" Ade said as he came in front of Ridwan and I and before I could even think of anything. Ridwan hit him across the face and immediately Ade fell to the side and I was about to help when Ridwan dragged me away with him. "Why did you do that" Iined as we both walked out "that was totally uncalled for!!!" I eximed. Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "Next time, he will know not to interfere in matters that absolutely do not concern him" Ridwan said as he still dragged me by the hand with him. Once we got outside beside the car I jacked off my hands from his angrily from him. I didn''t know what to think, I was still processing what had just happened. "What the hell is wrong with you!!!" I eximed angrily. CHAPTER 21 CHAPTER 21 The drive home with Ridwan was a very quiet one as I looked out the window through the whole ride. I could I have been stupid to think things changed in a few days. I had actually really thought he changed but he was still the same. We were on our way home and I was also missing my friend''s birthday because my husband is insecure about several things I don''t still understand. He pulled over by the driveway and I got down immediately without even waiting for him. He walked behind me with speed and as I was going up to the room angrily. His voice made me stop on the staircase. "Are we really not going to talk about this" he said and I looked back walking down from the stairs. I moved closer to were he was standing with confusion about what he really even felt we needed to talk about. "What is it exactly you want us to talk about Ridwan, The fact that you''re treating me like a child that can''t take care of herself or the fact that you just embarrassed me in front of a whole crowd and punched my friend or the fact that you are making me miss my friend''s birthday because of reasons I will never understand" I exined angrily as I stared into his eyes. "The fact that I saw you with that man" Ridwan suddenly and I got even more irritated and angry. "So, you''re just going to ignore the fact that all the other things I mentioned matter too right?" I said. "You tracked me Ridwan!!! You freaking have a tracker on your phone monitoring anywhere that I am and you don''t think that''s ridiculous!!! Why did you get married to me when you don''t even trust me!!! I can freaking take care of myself and until you understand that, things won''t change!!" I eximed. "You still haven''t answered my questions!!" Ridwan said Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "You know what, I am done with this" I said turning to leave then I looked back for a moment. "The guy you punched was a ssmate. I met him at the mall and he decided to show me to where to get a gift for Hawa. Do with that what you want. I am out of here" I said, then walked upstairs angrily. Iyed on the bed tired with my head faced up, I stared into the ceiling with my hands supporting my head behind. I didn''t know what to think about, I was furious at Ridwan for everything. I wondered if he knew how much he hurt me or he was just oblivious to all that is happening around because I really didn''t seem to understand why he was acting so unbothered. I was still lost in my thought then I felt my phone vibrate on the bed. I looked to the side to catch of glimpse of who was calling then I realized it was Hawa. I really didn''t know what to do at first as I just stared at the phone on the bed. CHAPTER 22 CHAPTER 22 I immediately sat up straight on the bed wondering what I was even going to say to her. I had nothing in mind. I hated breaking promises. I had told her I was going toe and she probably already had it in mind that I was going to show up. Was i just going to pick up and tell her how Ridwan came to the store when I was getting her a gift and how he said I wasn''t leaving the house. Iter answered the call after some moments. "Hey babe, where are you? Everyone is here. Is it traffic? Please get here fast na" Hawa said "Hey, I was about to call you. Something came up at home and I had to attend to it with Ridwan. I am really sorry I couldn''t make it. It was an emergency" I exined "Ohh, hope everything is okay. I was worried, that''s why I called." "No, it''s okay. please don''t worry about me. It''s your day today!! Enjoy it and have plenty of fun dear" I said "I will dear but I am going to miss you here" "I will see you some other time and I will send your gift across too" I affirmed. "Bye dear, take care. My regards to Ridwan." Hawa said "I will, enjoy your day" I said then dropped down my phone. When I was done talking to Hawa, I then realized that It was only going to be right for my to text or call Ade to know if he was Alright because I wasn''t even able to ask how he was doing after I Ridwan had forcefully dragged me along with him. I picked up my phone then dialled his number. He picked on the second ring. "Hey Ade, I am extremely sorry about what happened today. I am so so sorry" I apologised "It''s okay, I understand. Are you okay though?" He asked "Yeah I am, thanks for asking but it is you we should be worried about now though" I said with thoughts of what had happeneding to my head. "It''s all good but please take care of yourself and if you ever do need any help at all. Please call me" Add said then I wondered how he could possibly still be nice to me after everything Ridwan put him through today. "I will, thanks alot" I said then ended the call. Ridwan had gone out minutes after we spoke. I wondered why he would even put a tracking device in the car to monitor me and know where I will be. I was furious about all that was going on but then again I was confused, really confused because this man I was leaving with now felt like a stranger. I didn''t know him. I felt I needed to talk to someone about what was going on.maybe I was the one overreacting and maybe this was how a marriage was supposed to be but then I wasn''t sure if I should. While I was still thinking about what to do. I suddenly saw Salma''s call. "Hey Tes!!! Guess what, I am getting married!!!" She eximed and a smile lit up my face. This just Original from N?velDrama.Org. made my whole day. CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 23 I stared into the mirror hung on the toilet wall as I brushed my teeth, I wasn''t feeling so good this morning but I felt it was probably the stress I had gone through the day before. I felt nauseated and a slight headache too. I thought about the good news I had received yesterday. "Are you really serious about the wedding" I asked excitedly. "Yes I am!! Would I lie about a thing like that" Salma said. "So, the wedding is this weekend" Salma informed "Wow,that''s early. That''s in like 3 days from now " "Yeah, there was no point in waiting and since it''s just going to be a small garden wedding with close families. We decided to make it earlier" Salma exined. "That''s great, is there anything I can help with though. I would love to help" I said "You can, there is a lot to do. I won''t refuse free help" Salma said N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. "Alright then, I should be there tomorrow" I informed before she ended the call. I opened my wardrobe to pick out a cloth to wear to Salma''s ce. After several minutes of picking out different clothes. I finally made a decision. I picked out a gown and wore it. I got down the stairs and was about to open the door to leave the house when I realized it was locked. It was never locked especially since people were inside. I realized it was locked with a key. "Ayo" I called out "Yes ma" She answered as she walked up to me. "Where is the key to this door and why is it even locked" I asked "The key isn''t with me ma" she answered. "So, who is it with then" I asked "Oga(Ridwan) took it with him when he was going" She said and then I figured Ridwan had actually locked me inside the house. "What!!"I eximed then proceeded to where I had dropped my phone on the table to call him. I scrolled through my phone to dial is number then I realized my phone had been tampered with. The sim card in my phone was a new one with just Ridwan, my mum and sisters number on it. I immediately dialled his number then he picked on the second ring. "Hey" he said "Why would you lock me inside the house, what kind of behaviour is this. Like I am a prisoner, in my own home" I said angrily. "Yeah, I locked the door and no one is saying you are a prisoner. Somethings just have to be done to make sure everyone is safe and okay" he exined. "What does that even mean, there is no excuse for this" I said "You really should just sit at home and rest. No need going about outside" "And what did you do to my phone and where is my sim card" I asked "I changed your sim card and since the important numbers you need are there, you really don''t need any other number" he said and I became even more furious. What the hell was going on. I really couldn''t wrap my head around it all and before Ridwan could say another word, I ended the call. CHAPTER 24 CHAPTER 24 I couldn''t even call Salma to tell her about the fact that I wouldn''t be able toe anymore. I was very confused as to why Ridwan was even doing all this. I decided to read a book for the rest of the day anyway since I wasn''t going to be able to go anywhere. I slept off on the couch and hadn''t realized when Ridwan opened the door but then I heard footsteps and woke up from my sleep. I was a really light sleeper and got distracted easily by things. "you''re back" I said, then walked towards where he was by the stairs. "I really don''t understand why you''re doing all this Ridwan, I am not a child, you know. I am old enough to make my own decisions and because you''re my husband doesn''t give you a right to treat me this way" I said "Everything I am doing is for your safety and you will one day thank me for it" Ridwan said then walked up the stairs and I just watched him go. I didn''t want to fight or argue with him but he just always found a way to get us in such situations. My head was also banging and I had even thrown up a part of the food I had eaten today. So i really didn''t have the strength to argue. I just wanted to sleep. I went up the stairs, Ridwan was still in the bathroom having a shower. I got into bed and pulled a duvet over myself. I woke up several times in the middle of the night to throw up and Ridwan had also woken up all those times. He was concerned about what was going on and I also had a little fever. "Are you better now" Ridwan asked as he walked me back from the bathroom where I had gone to vomit again. "I don''t know, I just want toy on the bed" I said andyed on the bed and I closed my eye as I went to sleep back and Ridwan watched me sleep. When I woke up the next morning, Ridwan had gotten a doctor home and I was feeling kinda better too anyways but not my normal self. The doctor said he was going to take my blood for sampling and was going to get the result across and also tell if I will be needing any medication but for now he rmends rest. "Are you sure you''re better" Ridwan asked for the 100th time after the doctor had gone. "Yes I am, really" I said "Salma''s wedding, how is the preparation for it" I asked "Good" "I can''t wait for the day" I said "Are you sure you need to, you should rest though" Ridwan said trying to convince me. "I said I am fine really and when the testse back. I am sure it''s nothing serious" I said Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "I just want you to be fine, you should rest. Is there anything you need at all. What would you eat too?" Ridwan asked "I am fine, I will like to take rice" I said "Alright, I can order in something" Ridwan said. I just want to call the office to tell them I won''t be "You really can go to work, I will be fine" "There is no one to watch over you" he said "Ayo is here though" I said "I want to be here to, there is nothing much to do at work anyways" Ridwan said "Alright then" I agreed. CHAPTER 25 CHAPTER 25 The rest of the day was quiet as I mostly slept all through with Ridwan pampering me all day. "Hey, wake up" I heard Ridwan''s voice and I slightly opened my eyes as I looked up at him, he was sitted next to me on the bed. "Doctor Ben is on the phone" he said and then I sat up straight as I rubbed my face with my hands. "Hello doctor, she is up now" Ridwan informed and ced down the phone on the bed in between us as it was on loud speaker. "Teslimah, I hope you''re feeling much better now" Doctor asked. "Yes, I am" I replied "So, I have two things to say. First, you tested positive for mria parasite, so I will have to prescribe an antibiotics for you as soon as possible tomence treatment" he said. "I will get them for her as soon as I can"Ridwan offered. "What''s the second thing" I asked curiously. "We also carried out a pregnant test and found out that you''re 3 weeks pregnant" The doctor said and my face lit up immediate as i looked at Ridwan who had a wide smile on his face too and pulled me into a big hug. "Congrattions to you two" Doctor said "Thank you, thank you so much" Ridwan said before ending the call. "This is the best news ever" Ridwan said excitedly and I could see how excited he was. Thest time he was this excited was on our wedding day and looking at him excited made me even more excited. "I am overwhelmed with joy" I said smiling. Ridwan got up from the bed as he paced back and forth in the room excitedly and I just watched him with a smile. "I really don''t know anything about motherhood. I am both excited and nervous at the same time" I said facing Ridwan who walked closer to were I was on the bed. He offered me a hand as he helped me up from the bed. He stood close as he looked in my eyes. "I know nothing about being a father too, you know but I know with you by my side, we are going to be fine and I know that. We are in this together and it''s going to be one amazing journey" Ridwan assured smiling then he bent a bit to kiss me on the forehead. For the rest of the day, I couldn''t get the thought of the baby I was having out of my head. Ridwan had called his mum to inform her about the news and had also called mother too. She was so excited and at first had insisted oning to abuja fromgos the next day but I had told her it wasn''t necessarily and that I was going to be fine. "Aunty" Ayo called and I looked to the side reducing the volume of the show I was watching to listen to her. Ridwan had work to do in the study and since I didn''t want to justy in bed all day, I had decided to watch TV. "Yes Ayo"i said looking at her "Congrattions aunty" She said with a smile, I was going to ask how she know but then I figured she must have heard from all the calls we were making. "Thank you dear" i said smiling. "I wanted to tell you that i will be leaving tomorrow, my exam is next week and I also have some things to prepare for at home" Ayo informed. "No problem dear, make sure you read well and pass your exam. I know you''re a smart girl and I trust you" I said and then she smiled almost tearing up. I could see tears almost falling from her face. "Come here dear" I said standing to pull her into a hug. "I will miss you aunty" she said as she wiped her face with her hands. I and Ridwan had decided that she shouldn''te back here after her exam and that we would sponsor her education through N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. university. "Thank you so much for everything aunty" She said still wiping the tears on her face as I let go of her. "Just make sure to take care of yourself" I said. CHAPTER 26 CHAPTER 26 Today was Salma''s wedding. I hurried to get my purse as we were runningte already and Ridwan was already outside in the car. He had "Hey, sorry I amte" I said, as I hurried into the car. "Salma just called, they are about to start" Ridwan said as he drove off. We got there in about 15 minutes, no traffic, the road was quit free for a weekend. We got there as they were just about to start. When we got in, we were looking around in the venue to see where to sit then we saw Ridwan''s mum wave at us to know where they all where sitted. It was really a small gathering like Salma had said. It was a done in a garden with beautiful decorations,it was very sophisticated yet simple. "Hello ma" I said as I sat next to Ridwan''s mum. "How are you my child and how is the baby" She asked with a smile. "Fine ma" I replied smiling back at her. They said their vows and within minutes, the reception stated and people were served with drinks and food in a small but extremely beautiful hall that we had transferred to. I sat next to Ridwan as I watches the couples dance and it brought back memories that I hadn''t realized when a tear dropped from my eyes as I smiled watching them. They looked so happy, one could easily see it on their faces. I was extremely happy for Salma though, she deserved it and had even gone through so much before she got here and it made me even happier that she finally found the love of her life. "Hey, why are you sitting by your self" Salma said as she pulled out a chair to sit next to me. "He had to help Dad with something about work I think" I answered. "You look so beautiful, your dress is amazing" I said to Salma as I admired her look. "Thanks dear and thank you foring" She said "I wouldn''t miss it for the world and you know" I said smiling. "And congrats too, mother told me" Salma said smiling as she looked down at my tummy and I rubbed my hand on it with a smile. "Thank you" "You look so happy today and I haven''t seen you like this before. You must really like him" I said to Salma with a smile. "I really do, you know what, we met just 3 months ago and he proposedst week. He said "why wait when all he wanted was to spend forever with me anyways". He is the best man I know and I love how he loves me, how he cares for me and how he wants the best for me.he is all I have been look for in a man" Salma said as her face lit up with every word. She loves him and one could easily tell. "I am extremely happy for you" I said with a smile.They both reminded me of when I and Ridwan just got married. The romance and every other thing. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "Thanks dear" Salma said and I leaned in for a hug from her. "Can I borrow Salma for some time" I looked to see who it was talking and it was Salma''s groom Khalid. "Sure" I said with a smile. "And congrats to you two again" I added "Thank you" khalid replied. "Make sure you don''t leave without letting me know okay?" Salma said before leaving "I won''t" I said I watched smiling as khalid held Salma''s hand and they walked on together. CHAPTER 27 CHAPTER 27 I stared at the full length mirror in my bedroom as I rubbed my hand gently on my tummy. I was seven weeks gone now and each day felt like a part of my journey with my baby and I couldn''t wait for my baby to be here. The past weeks have been really lonely for me as Ridwan still refused me to go out or even let anyone into the house. He says it''s for my safety and that of the baby. It''s even worse now since Ayo had gone back to her house and it was just me at home all day. Sometimes I watched the TV, other times I read a novel or a book to my baby too. Sometimes I talk to my baby like it''s right there. Sometimes I feel like I am probably starting to go crazy with the fact that I am indoor all day but then there was nothing I could do. I had argued with Ridwan about him locking me in the house all through the first week and he didn''t still change his mind so I figured he probably still wouldn''t. I realized I probably really needed to talk to someone about all that was going on because it didn''t really seem normal to me anymore. Ridwan was overly protective, insecure and over thinks every single thing. I wasn''t okay, I was starting to lose my damn mind and it seemed like there was no one to help me. I went down the stairs after sometime to watch a movie. Ridwan had me brought food every afternoon and made sure I didn''t have to cook myself except if I wanted to warm food. I decided to call mother after I got to the living room, I was bored and needed someone to talk to. "Hey mother" I said "Hello, my dear, how are you and the baby doing. Hope you are eating for two. You know you need all the energy you can get now. Just make sure to be fine" mother said going on and on about the correct diet and exercise and how I shouldn''t forget to take my drugs and all. "Mother, I will be fine I promise,I am doing okay. I just really miss you" I said "I will beingter in the week remember, Ridwan has booked my flight too. So I will be seeing you very soon" mother said "Yeah, I really can''t wait" I said. "Bye mum" I said before ending the call. I really did miss her and I also needed someone around me. I was starting to go crazy already. Ridwan had deleted all of my social media apps and I had only three Original content from N?velDrama.Org. numbers to call on my phone too. It was frustrating but there was really nothing I could do. "How was work" I inquired as Ridwan tried to untie his tie and get out of his work cloth. "It was good, how are you doing" he asked "I am good" I answered "I see you have stoppedining about keeping you indoors, you''ve finally realised all what I am doing and how it is for your sake and that of the baby" Ridwan said as he moved closer to where I was. "How is my baby doing" he asked with his hands on my tummy. "Good" I replied with a smile. "Let me take a shower quickly" Ridwan said after giving me a kiss on the forehead. Immediately Ridwan entered into the bathroom, I stood from where I was sitting then searched all his stuffs if I could find my other sim card at least or the extra key to the door. While I was still searching i suddenly heard the door knob turn and when he was about toe in, I sighted my sim card and immediately took it keeping it behind me. "Hey, I think I should go to bed now" I said after Ridwan came in "This early?" "The baby needs some rest too" i said "Alright dear, Good night" he said after helping me with the duvet on me and I gently slipped the sim card beside me then slept off. CHAPTER 28 CHAPTER 28 I gulped in another spoon of the cereal in my cup as I watched the my favourite TV show that was showing. I had also changed back inserted my old sim card back into my phone and had decided to call Hawater in the day,I hadn''t been able to reach her in a while. I was super excited that mother was Thinking about how I thought marriage will be and how it is, I really didn''t expect it to be this way, mother told me aboutpromises I guess, she told me that sometimes you would have to do things Original content from N?velDrama.Org. you don''t want to because that''s what your partner wants. She didn''t say so much about the other parts. She always tried to say the little she felt I should know just like how every african mother would. No one prepare me for a lot of things and it''s not like i me her because that''s probably what her mother, my grandmother also did so it was always just like that. But i hoped to be different with my girl child, i will tell her everything she needs to know and always have the hard conversations with her and not trying to shy away from it. I respect mother so much especially after all the sacrifices she made for I and my sister, I keep looking up to her and I hope one day I will be half the woman she was because she is magnificent. I realized the water I had in my bottle had finished and as I tried standing to get another one, I felt this very sharp pain in my tummy, it was sudden, sharp and was all over my tummy. I tried standing up straight but I couldn''t becauseI was in so much pain. Ridwan had locked me in so there was no wat I could call our neighbours. I was in so much pain that water had started to drip down my eyes. I tried teaching for my phone which was on the table and tried calling Ridwan but his number wasn''t going through and then I became even more scared and my heart was already beating so fast because I couldn''t think of what else to do. Then I immediately thought of calling Hawa since I now had my phone, she was the only other person I knew well in Abuja. I dialled her number and she picked on the second dial. "Hello" I said in a very low tone and as Hawa was still trying to talk about where I had been and how she hadn''t seen me since, I cut her off "Help me Hawa, please help me" I said then the phone dropped from my hand. I fell on the ground and now my eyes were beginning to close gently then I suddenly saw blood dripping down my cloth. Few minutester before I heard banging on the door I had almost passed out. There was no way Hawa could open the door, I think she hadter gotten some people to help break down the door after several minutes and when she was finally able to enter, I was on the floor and thest thing I heard was Hawa''s continuous yell of " Tes!!" CHAPTER 29 CHAPTER 29 "How is my baby" were the first words that came out of my mouth as I opened my eye slowly. It was all still blurry but got better as I opened it wider. I could see Hawa sitting in by my side. "You''re awake!!!" Hawa said excitedly as she ran out to get the doctor I guess. Momentster I saw the doctor walk in. I was still a little bit lightheaded and I still felt some pain in my abdomen. "I am d you are awake, how are you doing" The doctor asked standing by the bed with Hawa next to him. "I really don''t know how I feel" "You will feel better with time" he assured. Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "Doctor, how is my baby" I asked in a low tone then I watched how both Hawa and the doctor nced at one another. "How is my baby doctor" I said again but now tears dropped down my eyes because I had a feeling something bad had happened. "There was a miscarriage as at the time of your arrival at the hospital it was alreadyte and there was nothing we could do" he exined and I had never felt so heartbroken in my life, I felt like my whole life just crumbled, I felt no life in me. I felt devastated and furious at everything. The tears dropped uncontrobly and even though I was trying to control it, I couldn''t. I just lost the one thing I felt could finally give me peace. "Tes, it''s going to be Alright" hawa said as she touched me gently after the doctor left. "You don''t know that" I said then turned my face to the other side as tears rolled uncontrobly from my eyes. This was the worst moment of my life and it wasn''t going to get any better I thought. "Your mum said she is on her way here by the way" Hawa informed but I still didn''t turn to look at her. "Ridwan also went to your ce to pick up some of your stuffs" immediately I heard Ridwan''s name. I finally found someone to me for all my misery. Ridwan was the cause of all of my pain and heartache and no one could tell me otherwise. There was nothing anyone could say that would change my mind about that. Immediately hawa mentioned Ridwan''s name, I sudden heard his voice as he entered into the room. "She is awake" Hawa said "Tes" Ridwan said trying to move closer to me then I turned to look in his direction. "Please go,I don''t want to see you!!!" I eximed. "Tes, calm down what''s wrong. This is your husband" Hawa said. "Hawa, I don''t want to see this man, tell him yo leave" I said facing hawa. "You killed my baby" I said facing Ridwan. "What do you mean by that" Ridwan said "it''s my baby too remember" "You did this to me" I said with tears in my eyes. "If only you didn''t lock me in that house, if only you didn''t try to keep everyone away from me. Maybe, just maybe I could have gotten to the hospital earlier and my baby would still be with me. " I exined in tears. "Tes, you know all I do..." he was about toplete the statement then i did. "Is to protect me right, now see where your protection as ended me" I said then "Just leave!!!" I screamed thenyed back on the bed facing the other side. "Maybe you should leave, she is still recovering, give her some time" hawa said to Ridwan. Ridwan then left and I was still left crying. CHAPTER 30 CHAPTER 30 Hourster mother arrived the hospital "Mother!!" I screamed as she pulled me in a hug. I was excited that she was here but then my eyes had been swollen with tears and I looketired and very pale too. Hawa had gone earlier to get us something to eat. "My darling, what happened. Hawa told me a few and Ridwan called me too. I was thinking about it all through my Journey" mother said, as she sat on the chair next to my bed. I sat straight on the bed as I looked at her, tears threatening to spill from my face. "I lost my baby mum" I said as the tears spilled. "My dear, I understand your tears and your anger towards everything but there is nothing that can be done really. Don''t beat yourself too much" mother said as she stood to hug me. "I don''t know mum, it hurts a lot and he is to me for everything" I said out loud angrily. "Teslimah, this isn''t anyones fault really, you and Ridwan have to eventually settle this issue. You shouldn''t just me him you know and find a way to forgive him if he wronged you that badly" mother exined but I wasn''t sure if I could forgive him just yet. It was hard, it was really hard. "Mother, he locks me at home, he changed my sim card, monitors everywhere that I go to and so overprotective and insecure that he hurts me doing it. I have endured enough mother, I don''t think I can anymore. I just want to leave" I exined. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "Are you sure that''s what you want?" Mother questioned. "You two can still have a conversation about it you know" mother added. "I am sure mum, we could but maybe not now. Maybe what we need now is that space to figure out what is actually going on. I still Love Ridwan a lot mom, but it isn''t going to work like this. I am hurting." I exined. "I thought marriage was a whole different thing from what I am experiencing. I am not happy mum. Ridwan isn''t the man I fell in love with anymore, he has really changed alot and it''s affecting every aspect of our marriage" I continued. "If it''s time you need then you will have all of it. I just want you to be happy because darling, you deserve it" mother said "Thanks mum" Mother being here had lightened my day up a bit, I wasn''t thinking so much about the baby I had lost and how Terrible my life had been and was probably still going to be. I just wanted to be with mother and talk all day long. my phone started to ring then I looked to the side to see that it was Ridwan, mother looked at me as she nced at the phone. "Are you not going to talk to him at all" mother inquired. "I don''t want to mum, I really just want to sleep" I said then turned to the other side to sleep. CHAPTER 31 CHAPTER 31 It''s been about a week since I had been in the hospital and I was getting discharged today. Ridwan still didn''t stop calling then I had to switch off my phones and he called mother or Hawa instead to check on me and ask about how I was doing. Sometimes he even came to the hospital when I was asleep to Original from N?velDrama.Org. check on me and ask them not to wake me because he knew I didn''t want to see him. I was still furious at me probably not as much as I was the first day but then I had made up my mind about moving back togos once I packed my stuffs from the house. I and mother would sleep at an hotel before our flight which i had asked Hawa to book for the next day. "You should take care of your self and do not forget to use all the medications that was given to you too" The doctor advised before letting me go. He stood by my hospital bed as I sat up straight listening to all he had to say. "I will doctor, I feel so much better actually" I said with a smile. "I am d to see that smile" The doctor said "Please take care of her" The doctor said as he nced at mother. "Yes I will" mother nodded abruptly then the doctor left and it was time to leave and apparently when we had wanted to settle the bill told me that Ridwan had insisted he was going to since it was his responsibility to me as his wife. "Hawa, please have you booked our flights for tomorrow" I asked as I turned to face her. "Yes I have" she confirmed. "Thanks " "Are you sure you want to do this, are you sure it''s the right thing to do" mother asked concerned. I knew she was vividly concerned.her first daughter wanting to just pack out of her husbands house after just getting married Whatfor about a year. What would the world say? What would people say? I could see it in her eyes. "Mother, I really don''t know what is right about this whole thing and what is not. I just have a gut feeling that this is what I need to do and what I have to do" I exined. "So, are you leaving him. Getting a divorce?" Mother asked concerned. "Mother I don''t know yet, it could get there but right now I know I need my space. We probably both need that space" I said "If you say so" mother said then I strectched my hands on hers gently. "I will be fine mother, you don''t need to worry about be as much as you used to. I am a grown woman now and I can make some decisions by myself. All I need from you is your support in all this. I can''t do this alone, I still clearly love Ridwan and I know this step I am taking is going to be really hard for me and I need you. I need all of you to be there for me" I exined. "I will always be here for you and you know that" mother said then smiled. CHAPTER 32 CHAPTER 32 Few minutes after we left the hospital, we arrived at home.Ridwan wasn''t home but we were able to open the door with the extra he had given mother when she came to pick up some of my stuffs. I walked inside and I could feel the sense of being at home again but then memories of what had happened the other night shed in my head. I looked around remembering all the memories I and Ridwan had shared in this ce. I loved all the good times more though, The times when weughed uncontrobly and just enjoyed each otherspany. The times when fall asleep while resting on his arms while watching a movie or the times when he carried me all the way up to our bedroom after I sleep off on the couch. His intentional love for me and how he cares about me. I thought about all of it and didn''t know I had started to tear up while standing in the centre on the living room. "Teslimah my dear" mother said as she stood next to me with her hands on mine. "You know you don''t have to go if you don''t want to"mother said but my mind was made up even though I wasn''t sure of what was going to happen from here on. "No mother, my mind is made up. I should pack my stuffs from the room now" I said as I wiped the tears off from my face and went towards the stairs. I picked up most of the clothing I needed and all my other important stuffs. Mother also came up to help me pack some stuffs. While we were packing I had seen some of my books about pregnancy and child birth, the ones that had kept me upied while I was always home alone. They brought back memories of how much I was looking forward to having my baby.Mother had noticed how I was looking at them. "Do you want to take them with you" mother asked N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. "No, there is no need for it" I said then put then back on the table by the bed. Few minutester when we were done I had texted Ridwan to let him know I was home and we needed to talk. Not long after I had texted Ridwan, he was already at the door. My bags were packed and i had arranged them by a corner in the living room. "Hey, I am so d you''re back home" Ridwan said excitedly as he walked into the living room. He looked like he had rushed down from work to get here as fast as he could. I stood from the sofa then walked to were he was behind the sofa. "Are you going somewhere" Ridwan asked confused as he saw the boxes I had packed by the side. "That''s actually why I called you" I said "Let me leave you two to talk" mother said standing to go out. I could see on Ridwan''s face that what I was about to do was something he had probably never expected and I knew it was going to break him. It was hard for me too but I knew one thing for sure and it was that, we couldn''t continue this way. I was tired and it felt like I was being choked. CHAPTER 33 CHAPTER 33 "Please don''t tell me you''re leaving" Ridwan said with so much pain in his eyes and one could easily tell he felt guilty about all that was happening. He moved closer to me and held my hands and tears threatened to spill down my face as I had never thought we would be in this kind of position today. We were so much in love, what happened!!!. "I have to Ridwan" I said, as I removed his hands from my arm gently staring into his eyes. "Please don''t do this to me, to Us. You know how much I care about you and love you so much. I can''t imagine my life without you Tes, please" Ridwan begged. "Things have changed Ridwan, This isn''t how it used to be. Can''t you see, there is so much difference. And your ability to overprotect is hurting me and it made us even lose our baby. I don''t know what to tell you anymore because we have talked about this over and over again and it''s still the same. You clearly have some issues you need to sort out first and I need my space too" I exined while struggling to hold in the tears. I couldn''t look into his face as I spoke, I asionally looked down because I might just change my mind then. "We can work this out Tes, I promise to change. I won''t track you, I will let you go anywhere. Just please don''t leave me" Ridwan begged again. I had never seen him so helpless and confused. He knew it was kind of over but then he probably felt there was something he could still say to change my mind. "I can''t do this back and forth with you anymore Ridwan. I think we both need to figure this out separately." I said. "We can figure it out together, please Tes" Ridwan pleaded again. I knew I couldn''t stay there any longer. I was probably going to start crying. "I and mother are leaving forgos tomorrow morning, we will be staying over at Hawa''s ce tonight. I should leave now" I said as I saw mother alsoe to help pack some of the bags. Ridwan held my hand from behind pleading with me to stay. "I have to go" I said, releasing my hand from his. I could see the tears threatening to fall down Ridwan''s eyes too. We both were devastated but I felt this was for the best anyways. I looked at him for thest time as he called out my name before I closed the door behind me. Immediately I did, I ran up to mother to hug her as I let out all the tears I had been holding in. "It''s okay my dear" mother said as she rubbed on my back slowly. Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "You have to be strong to pull through this. No one said it''s going to be easy but I know it''s going to be worth it so don''t be hard on your self" "I will miss him mother, I still really love him" I said as I sobbed. CHAPTER 34 CHAPTER 34 I and mother woke up early the next day for our flight. Hawa was to take us to the airport the next day, I looked out the window from the back sit as Hawa drove slowly to the airport. I was actually starting to really love Abuja even though I didn''t even really know it very well. I hadn''t really explored Abuja. I was still new to some things but I was already missing the whole ce. We boarded the ne few minutes I looked out the window as Karina drove I and mother home. I had been very quiet all through the journey and I could feel mother could sense how I was feeling and she had tried earlier to get me to talk about talking about an aunt of mine that just got back from the states but I hadn''t been interested. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. It felt good to be back home but then I wished it was on a different circumstances. I could already see the hustling and bustling in Lagos. It was so different from Abuja, people going about with some bus drivers shouting at bikers and others either shouting at one another, some people rushing to grab the bus and others going about their normal business. "Is there anything you will like us to get before we get home" mother said as she looked back at me from the front seat. "I am fine" I answered. "There is this new pizza ce not far from here. I think we should get it. It''s very nice, the way you like it" karina said trying to convince me. "No,I think I am okay" I answered. I never reject a pizza offer and so Karina and mother new something was definitely still disturbing me alot. "I just really want to sleep now. I am tired" I said and I saw mother and Karina look at one another. They were vividly very worried about me. I wished there was a way I could make them less worried and concerned but there wasn''t. I didn''t want to bother them so much about my issue but there was nothing I could do. About an hourter with traffic on the way. we finally got home. Karina and mother helped me with my bags inside. "I have arranged your room for you"karina said, as we entered into the house. "Thanks dear, I will just go upstairs to shower and sleep" I said. "Are you sure you''re okay, you can stay with I and Karina down here fo talk and all" mother suggested concerned. "Mother, I am fine, trust me" I said before going up the stairs to my room. I wasn''t sure my self if I was doing fine or not. I just wanted to be fine. I was confused and was second guessing my decision every minute. Maybe I should have stayed, maybe I was too harsh, maybe I was over reacting. So many thoughts in my head and I hated it. I closed my eyes tightly afterying in bed, I just wanted it all to go away. I wanted to sleep and at least forget all this was happening even if it was for some hours. CHAPTER 35 CHAPTER 35 I ate on the dinning table with mother and Karina silenty. It''s been almost a week since I got back to Lagos now. "Teslimah, it''s been almost a week now since you got back to Lagos and nothing seemed to have changed still. You''re always in your room and onlye down to eat and sometimes you don''t even do that. You have really not been yourself and I know you know that too"mother said worried" . Karina you need to talk to your sister" mother added facing Karina. "I have also spoken to her mum, I don''t think she would listen to anyone. She really doesn''t want to go anywhere"karina said "I want to go and get stuffs for my convocation today" karina said to mother. "Teslimah will go with you, she needs to get out of the house from time to time and stop wallowing in self pity" mother said and I just watched as both of them spoke. It was the truth anyways. There was nothing i could say about it. "It''s not easy, it hasn''t been. I have been struggling and that''s why I have always been indoors. It''s not like I don''t want to go out but anytime I try I just don''t have the vibe too" I exined sadly as I paused on the food I was eating. "You are in this fight now dear and there is no going back now, you''re strong and very resilient too and I know you can do it. I am just really worried about you, I don''t want you to lose your self in all of this. I know it''s not easy" mother consoled. "But I and your sister will always be here for you. That''s what family is for" mother added and I forced a smile on my lips. "Thanks mum" I said. "I think you should go and get ready for our outing now" karina said as she packed the tes on the table to the kitchen. "I don''t feel like it though. I am not ready for this today" "We never really know when we are ready for anything" karina said as she went into the kitchen. "Your sister is right about that" mother said. "You should really just go out, you guys can also go out to enjoy yourselves from there too" mother said convincing. "Alright mum, I have heard you" N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. I was about to leave to go and get dressed when my phone beeped again and it was Ridwan. Mother nced at me as she also saw the caller Id. "Are you not going to talk to him" mother asked curiously. "I feel I have told him all I want to say really" I said "Don''t you think you deserve to hear what he wants to say to" mother asked "I don''t know mother, what else could he have to say" I said "Just hear him out first" mother advised. Ridwan calls and keeps texting me every time since I left Abuja. I read all his texts but never reply to them. He knows I read them but I just don''t know if I have anything to say to him. "I will think about it" I said then I went up to my room to get dressed to go out with Karina. "I really do miss him" I said as I and Karina walked around the mall. "Then talk to him, you clearly still love him, you don''t even have to go back just yet but be clear about everything" karina advised. "I think I am pretty clear about a lot of things. He hurt me Karina, he did some things he shouldn''t have" I exined. "Weall make mistakes Tes, we are not all perfect. I am not saying what he did to you is fight or even justifiable but don''t you think he deserves a chance to be heard too" karina said. "Look at you all grown up now" I teased and Karinaughed. "Just hear him out okay, it probably won''t change much but at least it won''t leave you guessing about somethings you want answers too" CHAPTER 36 CHAPTER 36 I and Karina got home after hours of going around the mall looking for the perfect dress for her because she was quit indecisive and we had also stopped by to take ice cream and pizza before heading back home. I was d i decided to go out. I loved it and it made me feel so much better. I was about going into the bathroom to freshen up since we just got back when I saw my phone ring and when I checked the caller I.d I realized that it was Salma. I hadn''t heard from her since the wedding. She and khalid had gone on an honeymoon outside the country and I didn''t want to disturb her with my issues with Ridwan. "Hey dear" "Hello, it''s been a while" I said as I sat by the edge of the bed. "We just got back from the maldives. How have you been, you didn''t tell me about leaving Abuja" Salma said in a low tone. "I didn''t want to disturb you with my issues" I said "You''re like a sister to me Tes and you know that, you kept everything that was happening away from me and couldn''t trust me enough to tell me" Salma said rather sadly than angry. "I am sorry about that, I just didn''t know how to" "He told me everything and trust me I know he is at fault and I med him alot because i know how much you love my brother. But you know how much Ridwan loves you too Tes. You know he does and everything he did was out of the fact that he thought he was protecting you but didn''t know how over board he had gone" Salma exined. "Remember a Sarah I told you about"Salma asked and at first I didn''t remember then I remembered the girl in the pictures with both of them and the one Salma had mentioned. "Yes I do" I answered. "She was our sister, our younger sister" Salma said. "Was?" I asked confused "Yes, was. She passed away when we were younger and Ridwan still mes himself for what happened till date even though we all have tries convincing him that it isn''t his fault" Salma exined and then some things became clearer to me. "What happened though" I asked curiously. "Ridwan loves Sarah alot. Everyone in the house knew they were each others best friend. Our parents had taken me to see a dentist out of town one day and had left a 10 year old Ridwan to watch over a 3 year old Sarah that particr day. They couldn''t get anyone to babysit or stay with them so they had no choice. Ridwan was always so overprotective of Sarah and wouldn''t even let her out of his sight but that day, he had slept and didn''t know when sarah went out and before he could realized. She was hit by a car and from that day on he has still not forgiven himself for everything that happened" Salma exined and I felt pity for Ridwan. He had to go through that at a very young age but I was angry he didn''t let me into his world. "He mes himself and still mes himself till today, I guess" I said "Yes, he does and i think he sees Sarah in you. That same overprotectivness and all. He loves you alot and doesn''t want anything to happen to you. He probably wouldn''t forgive himself if anything Original from N?velDrama.Org. happened to you and that was his reason for all that" "But I can take care of my self and nothing would happen to me. He doesn''t need to babysit me every time" I said "That''s one thing he didn''t realise and what caused everything that happened. He should have understood that he didn''t need to take care of everyone and that you could watch over yourself but he couldn''t even do that while ming himself for what happened years ago" Salma said. "I know right" I agreed "Thanks for telling me all these" I said ''Thanks for listening to me and hearing me out. I think you should do the same for Ridwan. He really does love you" Salma said before we ended the call. I thought about all Salma said through out the night and couldn''t even sleep well. I was frustrated that he didn''t trust me enough to share this with me and was sad that he had to go through all that he did and deal with all that alone. I wanted to speak to him now but just to talk. I was still thinking about that when I suddenly heard my phone ring and it was Ridwan. "hey" I said "Wow, thank you for answering my call. I thought you wouldn''t. Thank you so much" he said and I could sense the relief in his voice. "I just wanted to talk to you that all. Please give me a chance to talk and hear me out" Ridwan pleaded. "Okay" I said "Really?" He asked surprised "Yes" I answered " I am in Lagos right now. Can we see tomorrow" he asked and even though it was nned earlier I actually wanted to see him. "Okay, no problem. Send me the location and time" I said "Thank you so much. I sure will" Ridwan said and I could swear he had a smile pitched on his face. It felt like I made his night. CHAPTER 37 CHAPTER 37 I looked around the restaurant to figure out where Ridwan was sitted then I saw his hands waving at me toe in his direction. I was actually really d to see him, that was one huge effect he had on me. "Hey" I said as I sat across from him. "Hello, thanks foring to see me" Ridwan said. "Do you want anything" he asked so he could order for me. "Just a drink"I answered then he called a waiter to get it for me while he also ordered a drink too. We both sat in silence probably waiting for one of us to start the conversation. I didn''t know where to start from or even what to say. I had everything nned and rehearsed in my head before leaving home but surprisingly it felt like I didn''t have a n again like I thought I did. "You go first" we both said simultaneously "You start" I said after "I just really want to say you should not get divorced from me. I promise to be a better man for you" Ridwan said rather scared. "No one is getting a divorce Ridwan at least not now" I said "Then pleasee home" he pleaded. "That I am not doing, we still have a lot of things to settle. Issues unattended to or solved and if we go back like this we would have the same issues we had before"i exined "But I am willing to change Tes, I have realized all my mistakes and I am really sorry. I didn''t realise how much I was hurting you and felt I was protecting you. I am sorry" Ridwan said. "Why didn''t you tell me about Sarah"I suddenly asked and Ridwan was surprised about how I probably got to know. "Salma told me everything" "I don''t know, I probably felt it wasn''t so important" "It was Ridwan, it is something that is still affecting you till today and affected our marriage too because you still me yourself for everything and feel you have to male up for what you didn''t do for Sarah with me and that''s why you kept trying to keep me boxed and out of everything because you felt it would keep me safe but I can protect myself and you didn''t understand that" I exined. "I am sorry I didn''t mention it to you" N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. "You should have because then I would have been able to help you and we would have worked on it like a couple. We could have fought this before it destroyed our marriage" I said "I am sorry I let that happen, I didn''t realise a lot of things until now and I really hope it''s not toote because I really love you Tes, I really do love you" he said and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. He didn''t even need to tell me, I knew he still loved me and it made me even more willing to work on US together. CHAPTER 38 CHAPTER 38 I love you too Ridwan, I really do, I never stopped loving you. That day in Uni when I met you, I knew you were going to be my husband and when you proposed I was overly excited to spend forever with you. You''re my best friend and lover and I need that back. I need the man I fell I love back because obviously this isn''t him here" I said "I can be that man back Tes. Just please give me the chance to prove my self worth of your love again" he said "I think first you need to forgive yourself about what happened in the past. You need to move past it and not me your self for a mistake that wasn''t your fault. I need my man back again" i said "I started seeing a therapist Tes and we can also go for that marriage counselling you talked about once before. I am more than ready now.i will do anything to have you back. I miss you alot" he said "Here are their numbers" he said as he ced both business cards on the table. "I told my therapist she could talk to you about anything we discuss and talk about and we can go to the marriage counsellor anytime you''re ready. No rush at all. Just please give me a chance to show you we can fight through this together" he pleaded. "I don''t know Ridwan but I want to trust you" I said "We can do this together and I am sure of it. Trust me. Anytime at all you''re ready, we can start the counselling. Take your time" he said I thought about Ridwan all the way home. He deserved a second chance and that I knew. I decided to still stay back ingos and I decides it was better if we still gave each other space to figure out somethings on our own. Ridwan told me how he would always be ready anytime I choose toe back and I should take all the time that I needed. "How was your talk with Ridwan" mother asked as she sat at the edge of my bed "He seemed like he really was going to change. I think he probably deserves another chance" I said "He loves you Teslimah. People do so many crazy things for love but Ridwan realized his mistakes and most importantly he his ever willing to work on it and be better for the both of you" mother exined. "He started seeing a therapist too" I informed. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "Now that''s someone willing to make amends. Give him time and he will be the man you fell in love again." Mother said "But I still told him we probably still needed our spaces" I said "Take as much tim as you want my dear but what''s important is that you both are willing to make this union better and i know by the time you two decide toe back together again. It will be better than you ever imagined" mother said "I hope so" I said "I know so" mother said "Thanks for everything mum" I said as I hugged her. "You''re wee darling" CHAPTER 39 CHAPTER 39 I woke up still thinking about all the conversations I had with Ridwan the other day. I missed him a lot too, I made my decision to work with him in this and let''s fight for our marriage together. I stared at the business cards he had given to me and his therapist he had asked me to contact. He was so determined to get better, it made me even happier. "Hey dear" mother said after she entered into my room. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "How are you doing" she asked "I am okay mum" I answered. "Someone is here to see you" mother suddenly informed. "Who?" I asked "It''s your father" mother said and I hadn''t expected that. "I can ask him to leave if you''re not ready to talk to him or if you don''t want to" mother informed. "No, it''s fine. Let hime in" I said Few minutes after mother left, father walked in. He looked the same way he looked when I saw him in Abuja. He sat my the edge of the bed and I sat next to him in silence. Thest time we had met didn''t end well but I just really felt it wouldn''t hurt to hear him out. "I know there is probably nothing I say now that will change anything you feel about what had happened but I want you to know that I love you and your sister alot and this family really means a lot to me" he exined sadly. I could easily see the guilt in his face. I wondered how many years he had lived like that. "If we mean that much to you then why didn''t you return, you know after you left I hoped for your return everyday until I had no hope left. My little spirit could take only so little. I would look up excited anytime I saw a ne pass by and I would be excited that it might just be you until I stopped looking out for those nes. I waited by the phone almost all days, hoping someone would call and that it would be you. I had so many milestones in my life and I wished my father could share them with me but he was nowhere to be found. He had gone." I exined but this time i wasn''t angry so much, i just wanted exnations and answers. "Why didn''t you return for us" I asked not sure of the answer I was going to get but I wanted to know either ways. "When I got abroad, i wanted nothing more than to work hard, send money home to you guys and when everything isfortable Ie back for you all. But the ns changed,I found out my papers were not real and that I was staying illegally. There was no way to go. I couldn''t call home because I didn''t want you all to panic and I couldn''te back because I wanted to make life easier for us. The first few months were really hard and even though I was able to send home few amounts of money, it had been from several jobs I was working on. After sometime I lot contact with your mum, my phone got lost, there was no one to send a letter home for me, I couldn''t. A friend told me he felt the only way I could stay legally and earn more was to get married to someone who was a Citizen. I agreed because I wanted toe back to see you guys and not empty handed. I knew ourst savings went into making me travel. I wanted toe home with good news. So I got married short time to get my papers and started working legally. After a year when I already had a stand, I could travel back home. I found a cousin of mine who I asked to contact your mum for me" father exined "Then what happened" I asked curiously. "He told me you guys moved that the house we had been leaving in, thendlord had sent you packing. I was even more devastated but I still couldn''t leave just yet.my papers weren''tplete but I wouldn''t stop looking for you guys. It took me another 6 months after calls from family and friends and I I finally found your mother. The friend that had helped me told me she started seeing a new man and that you guys moved on" "What!! There wasn''t a day mother didn''t think about you. Sometimes I even caught her crying alone in the room with your picture by her side." I said. "It was Williams that told me that" father said then I remembered how my mother had gone to him to also inquire about father. "Mother also went to him to ask about you and he was the one that told us you were married with kids" I said to father. "Your mother told me, apparently he yed all of us" father said. "I ended the marriage for my papers when I got my papers. I haven''t been married to anyone else. You guys are my only family" father said. "I didn''t forget any of you. I knew every milestone you achieved. I knew all your graduation, your schrships and how well you and your sister were excelling in life and it made me happy even though I was far away" father continued. "What made youe back" I asked curiously. "I decided no matter what happened and that it was only wise I heard your mother''s part of the story" father said. "And I am d I decided toe back, so many things we both wouldn''t have found out. Sometimes things are much better resolved when we talk about them. I am really sorry I made you feel like you had been neglected. I really admire your strength and the woman you have be.your mum did an excellent job with two of you and I am proud" father said and I smiled. "I am sorry too dad, I should have listened to you too. And sorry about all you had to go through abroad" "I should be the one saying sorry and I am d we talked." "I am too" I said and we hugged one another. CHAPTER 40 CHAPTER 40 I was finally getting back to how I used to be. I and father settled our issues and now hees to our ce sometimes to eat or just chill with us. He had mother seemed to still have a connection and I Original content from N?velDrama.Org. wouldn''t be surprised if they decided to get back together again. He made herugh a lot and I could tell they were both still in love. Thest time she was this happy was before father left. I could see it in how both of them rte with one another. I guess we never truly stop loving the ones we love. Ridwan also didn''t stop messaging me from time to time and now I was starting to reply to them back. Karina''s convocation was today and I was excited for her. "We are so going to bete for this thing, if we don''t get going now" mother said to me as I hurriedly applied some make up on my face. "I am done, I am done" I said as I picked up my bag and headed for the car. "Congrats again my love, I am so proud of you dear" I said to Karina as I looked to the side of the car where she was sitted. "Thanks sis" she said smiling. "Father said he will meet up with us at the venue" Karina informed. "Alright then" several minutester we got in after so much traffic on the way into the school and looking for somewhere to park. Karina was issued her certificate. "I have something for you" father said to Karina as he handed her a gold ne. "Thank you so much dad" karina said as she hugged him tight and I and mother just stood smiling. I was happy she had her whole family here with her, she deserved it and she really was happy. We decided to go out for dinner to celebrate, it was amazing to be with everyone. Who would have thought I would be able to experience a day like this. As we sat in the restaurant eating. "I am so happy you all are here, I couldn''t have asked for a better convocation gift" karina said. "We are also excited to be here to celebrate with you my darling" mother said "You deserve it and more" father added. "Do you remember how you and your sister wouldn''t let your dad leave for work because you two always wanted to go with him"mother reminded. "Until he tells us to go and wear our slippers and he leave us" I added and we allughed. "True, true" Karina confirmed. "It wasn''t intentional my dears" father said and we allughed. "It was and you still got us everytime with the same trick" I saidughing. My phone began to beep and it was Hawa calling. I excused myself from the table before answering the call. "Hello dear" hawa said excitedly. "You remember I told you I was going to put in a good word for you with my boss" "Yes I remember" "He went through your CV and I also told him about how you passed the previous exam and he wants to hire you to work in the hospital''s branch in Lagos" Hawa said excitedly. "Wow,that''s amazing.thank you so so much" I said then immediately after ending the call. I went back to tell everyone the good news. "I got the job!!" I eximed excitedly "Wow, that''s amazing. I knew you would" mother said with a smile. "Congrats dear" "I guess that''s one more thing to celebrate now" Karina said with a smile. Everything was finally falling into ce and it couldn''t have been better. Chapter 41: PROLOGUE Chapter 41: PROLOGUE ONE YEAR LATER It''s been a year now since I had gotten back togos, father and mother seemed to be even more closer now and we might be having a wedding soon. Karina travelled out for her master a month after her graduation with a schrship to the united states. I am working in one of the best hospitals in the country and I absolutely love my job. I and Ridwan are still always in contact and he had invited me out on a date tonight. I was also starting to think about moving back to Abuja and so we can start our session with the marriage counsellor. I recieved monthly updates from his therapist about how he is doing and he is doing pretty well and might even end therapy soon. I was happy for Him, for US. I searched through my wardrobe for the best cloth in it. I was excited to see him. Thest time we had seen was three months ago when he came togos on a business trip and had stopped by the house. "I see someone is excited about this date" mother said after walking into my room. "Mother, I am just my normal happy self" "I know you so well Teslimah and this is you overly excited. It''s okay to be, it''s still evident you love him alot anyways" mother said. "I am just really excited to see him, it''s been a while" I said. "I understand" mother said "I am thinking of moving back to abuja too" I said "About time already" mother said smiling. "Are you kicking me out of the house" I said and we bothughed. "I would greatly miss you and you know but I guess it''s about time you stop being scared of what could be and live. You both love each other a lot and Ridwan has proved himself worth for a second chance so why wait" mother said. "I guess so and what the deal with you and father by the way. Hees here every day now" I teased "We don''t know but things might just happen soon" "Like a wedding right" I said excitedly "something like that" mother said blushing "It better be" I said and weughed. I got to the restaurant and sighted Ridan from afar. He looked as handsome and ever and suddenly I felt butterflies in my stomach like the very first date we had and at that moment I decide it really was time to move back home. "Hey, you look beautiful as always" Ridwan said after he helped me with the chair to sit. "Thank you" I said sitting down. "You look great too"I said "Thank you" "My therapy is ending soon by the way" Ridwan informed. "Yeah, I was informed" I said. "I am proud of you" I said with a smile. "I am proud of us for fighting through this" Ridwan said as he keeps his hands on mine. "Yeah" I answered. "I have decided to move back to Abuja, to move back home" I said and I could see the excitement in his face and how happy he was. "Wow, are you really serious!!! That''s amazing. Thank you, thank you" Ridwan eximed happily and I was excited to see him happy too. I smiled at his reaction Original content from N?velDrama.Org. "The hospital I work with here said there might be a space for me to work in Abuja too since they have a branch there too" I said "That''s amazing then, the is the best day I have had this year and in a long time too" Ridwan said with a smile. "So when will you being" Ridwan asked "I can leave with you when you are leaving" I said and I could see his face lit up happily. "Wow, it all just feels like a dream. I hope I am not dreaming" Ridwan said and I just smiled. His happiness was contagious and I felt too happy to go back to Abuja too. I informed father about my decision when he dropped by the houseter that day and he agreed it was the best thing to do. And told me of his ns to ask mother to marry him. I was happy for both of them. It was nice they didn''t give up on their love for one another and it made me even believe in love more. "I am happy for both of you and your love story makes me believe in love even more" I said to father. "It doesn''t have to be perfect but there will always be someone that makes it all feel worth it" I said to father. "Yeah, that''s one thing you should always remember. Nothing is perfect in life, we all make mistakes and our ability to correct those mistakes and strive to be better is what makes it better. I know you and Ridwan are going to be okay because even before being lovers, you have a friendship that binds you two together and even on days when you don''t want to talk to each other as lovers, try talking to one another as friends and then you will see how things will be different" father advised. "Thanks dad" is said as I hugged him I and Ridwan moved back to abuja the week after that when he was done with what he had to do in have the man I fell in love with back again. I was d he did this for us. "You know what, this is the beginning of a new start of our lives together" Ridwan said with his hands around my waist as we stood in the middle of the living room with my hands aroused his neck. "I can feel that too"i agreed "A new beginning of the best days of our lives. You are in my life and that''s all that matters. We went through some really tough times but I am d we scaled through and I just really want you to know that you''re one of the best things that ever happened to me and I love you so much" I said. "I love you so much too my darling wife" Ridwan said before kissing me" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!