CHAPTER ONE

The tall slim lady sluggishly left her bed and walk to the window. She groaned and hugged her body to with her arms. Sparing a glance at her bedside clock, she angrily stamped her foot on the tiled floor like a teenager.

“I hate August!” she exclaimed to herself.

She hated being cold and the month of August comes with its own share of cold-after every downpour. It had rain almost throughout the day and she hated it, as if that was not enough, it continued all through the night. It was still drizzling.

“I am cold.” She said to herself.

The door opened, Shan spurned to see who it was. She smiled at her elder sister.

“Good morning Tara.” She called cheerfully.

“It’s cold and I happen to know that my little sister hates being cold.”

“I do hate being cold, Tara.”

Tara went to the closet and picked up a red cardigan. She returned with it and helped her sister into it.

“Better?” She asked
 thank you!”

“Aren't you going to the hospital today?”

“No Ta, it’s my day off.”

“Okay.”

“It is 6 am Tara. I happen to also know you love your morning sleep. Why are you here?”

“I am here to help reassure my sister of course. What else?” Tara pouted then smiled

“I am thirty-two. I need no help against the cold. You can go help Beth or Jordan.”

“Nonsense, I just passed Beth's room, she is all coiled up under her blanket and sleeping like a day old.”

Shan beamed and then asked, “What about your husband?”

“Cold weather doesn't bother him. Eugene had taken after him. Can you believe that despite the cold he slept nude?”

 Shan laughed, her sister smiled tenderly at her.

“Go join your husband, big sister, unless there is a problem which I happen to know there is none. I saw your husband picked you up to your room to make you warm when you complained of cold after dinner.”

Tara smiled dreamily, remembering their passionate night.

Shan, on the other hand, had other things in her mind. She shrugged and said in a very calm tone, “Tara, anything more?”

Tara shifted her weight on her left legs.

 “Come to sit on the bed, actually, yes, I came here to have a few words with you.”

Shan groaned inwardly. She knew why her sister was here. Slowly, she walked to the bed and sat down, followed by her sister. Tara held her hands and looked very concerned

“I'm all ears.” She tried to hide the anger in her voice

“You know I love you, Shan, don't you?"

I know.” Shan replied, staring at her toes

“You also know I promised mother I will take care of you and never let you lack, don't you?”

“I do know that Tara and you've done exceptionally well. I am now a medical doctor. I can't thank you and Jordan enough.”

“Shan?” Tara called very softly.

“Yes?”

“I am not fulfilled. I am not happy”

'Tara...' Shan began but her sister cut her off.

“You will be thirty-three years old in six months and you don't even have a boyfriend.” Tara sounded as if it was a crime to be thirty-two without a boyfriend.

“Tara, I thought we've discussed this? I haven't met a man I love. I want to marry a man that would make me happy the way uncle Jordan makes you happy.”

“Kenneth has been asking you to marry him for about two years now.”

“I don't love him, Ta.”

The two sisters stared at each other for about thirty seconds without saying anything

“Look, we don't always marry men that we love. Trust me; you will grow to love him when you marry him. I didn't love Jordan when I married and now, twenty-one years later, I am helplessly in love with him. Okay, look at Mich and Joel, there was no one bit of love between them when they got married, they had now fallen head over heels in love. Don't forget Henry and Linda, they...”

“Tara, you've told me all these countless times already and I told you I don’t want to marry Ken.”

“Give me a good reason why you don’t want to marry him.”

“I just said I don't love him.”

“Who wouldn't love ken? He is rich, handsome, intelligent, and a celebrity.”

'Tara, are you taken by his money or character?”

“He is a good catch!” Tara exclaimed

“Okay, he is easy going, he loves you and he fears God. What else do you want?”

“I don't love him,” Shan said with a shrug

“Shan, little Leila is now twenty-two years old. Soon, she will bring a man home to her father.”

Shan was immediately offended.

'Tara, please don't bring this topic again.”

“Marry Ken.”

“No. There is something about him that doesn't seem right.”

“Please, think about it.”

“There is nothing to think about Tara, what about my happiness? Doesn’t my happiness counts also?”

“No woman will truly be happy unless she is married with her own kids.”

“I am happy here.”

“I know. Okay, look, you just complained of being cold and it’s your day off at the hospital. If only you were married, you would have been in the arms of your husband, warmed or maybe, making love and catching fun.”

“Tara...” Shan began

“I want to fulfill my promise to mother. You are a lady, and an African Shan, you ought to get married and have your kids. Menopause is approaching.”

“I still have years before it comes knocking. Please, Tara, I know I am well overdue but I am not desperate so, don't be desperate for me.”  

“Shan...”

“Please leave my room, Ta.” Shan was already upset.

“Did I upset you? I am sorry but...”

A tear slipped from her eyes.

“Just go Tara, please.”

Tara slowly left the bed and the room. Shan coiled up in bed and cried her heart out. She wasn't totally ignorant of what was said about her. Her colleagues at the hospital talked behind her back. Shan wasn't desperate but her sister was and at the moment, she would do anything to fall in love and get married if only to make Tara happy.

 

 

****

During breakfast a little while later, her brother-in-law noticed her absence. Shan hardly missed breakfast and he was baffled.

“Daddy, aunty Shan is not here.”

Elizabeth, now sixteen said. Jordan looked tenderly at his daughter. She reminded him a lot of Tara. She was fair, like her mother, beautiful but then she was tall, like him.

“Beth, go knock on your aunt’s door. She must have slept in.”

The girl ran upstairs and returned two minutes later.

“Daddy, I knocked, she didn't answer me, I opened the door and she told me to go away. Her voice was husky.”

Jordan looked at Tara and frowned. This was very unlike Shan.

“Sweetheart, can you go check on your sister?”

“Sure...” Tara said and pulled back her chair

Jordan wasn't hungry anymore. No one knew it but Shan was one of his weaknesses. He loved her like a daughter and hated seeing her sad. Slowly, he pulled back his chair and walked upstairs to her room. He knocked once and pushed the door open. He saw her turned her back to Tara.

“Is she ill?” He asked his wife.

“No.” Came the simple reply

“Then why is she turning her back to you? Shan?” He called softly.

“Just go away.” She shouted at them.

Jordan almost laughed. His own ward just dismissed him?

“Young lady, when I talk to you, you will sit and listen to me. Now sit up.” He said in a do not argue with my voice.

Shan loved Jordan and she recognized the tone he had just used on her. It meant, he wasn't about to leave until she talked to him. Slowly, she sat up and turned to look up at him. Jordan wasn't prepared for the tears on her cheeks or her look of total failure. He tried to think of the last time he saw her cry. She was fifteen and rebelling.

He went to the bed and sat down, slowly; he pulled her to him and wiped her tears with his palms.

“Did anyone hurt you?”

“Uncle Jordan…”

“Who hurt you?”

He asked

Tara shifted uncomfortably and looked at him.

“Tara...?” Jordan inquired, raising a brow at his wife.

“I only told her to marry Ken. Can’t you see that she is on her way on being left on the shelf?”

Slowly, he released Shan and turned to look at his wife. He looked at her, and then shifted his gaze to Shan.

These two sisters were separated by twelve years. The older was petite and very fair in complexion while the younger was tall, slim and dark. The older sister although fourty-four years old looked thirty-five while the younger, at thirty-two looked twenty-six. They were both used to family members and friends marveling at how both sisters never aged, especially the older, whom despite two kids of twenty and sixteen still looked young and fit.

There was no ounce of resemblance between the sisters. Tara was much endowed with bosoms while her younger sister was not. The only thing they shared was their strong, perfect white teeth which they had gotten from their beloved late mother.

“Tara?” Jordan asked again

“Don't look at me like that. She is my sister and I love her. I just want her to settle down like her mates and friends.”

“Did I warn you to never bring up the issue of marriage to Shan? Did I?” He was so angry Shan could see the veins in his neck.

“Don't shout at me Jordan. I am only looking out for her.” Tara shot back

“By making her upset? Tara, for crying out loud, allow Shan to live her life. Subsequently, she would fall in love and marry. I thought we agreed to let her decide if she wants to marry or not?'

“I want her to be happy Jordan.”

“Did she say she is unhappy?” He retorted, spreading his hands

“She is thirty-two. Jordan, please tell her to marry Ken. She listens to you more than she listens to me.”

“I won't tell her that. She doesn't love the man Tara. Isn’t her happiness more important?”

“Society expects her to be married with kids at her age.”

“Who is the society? You? Please do not push this girl into marrying the wrong man. I am begging you, leave her be.”

Jordan pleaded with his wife.

“Ken is such a wonderful man. I am sure he would make her happy.”

“I don't like him, Tara,” Jordan shouted

“Oh, I see. You've been the one instigating her to not marry him. He loves her and would make her happy.”

“You were forced to marry me, don't force your little sister to marry a man she doesn't love.”

“I love you Jordan. Shan would grow to love him.” Tara insisted

“Tara, I know you. You are bothered that she would be fourty, without a man or kids. Not everyone is meant to marry and besides, she is just thirty-two. Who knows, she might meet a man soon.”

“I promised my mother I will...”

Shan was not listening again. She hated it that her sister and her husband were fighting over her; she hated seeing her sister look at her very sadly. She felt like a horrible person.

“Shan?” She heard Jordan called.

“Yes?”

“Can you get away from the hospital for two weeks? How about you go on a vacation?”

“She is going nowhere.” Tara angrily shot at her husband

“Tara, Uncle Jo, I am an adult and it hurts to see you fight over me. I think it’s high time I get my own place.” Shan finally blurted

“No.” Jordan and Tara chorused

“I am not asking for permission.”

“I know you aren't but I can't let you go live alone. Shan, you are like my own flesh and blood.”

With that, he walked out. Tara looked at her sister.

“Shan, you may not know it but I am looking out for you.”

“Then don't ever mention marriage to me,” Shan told her sister without baiting her eyes.

“Is that what you want? Will this make you happy?”

“Yes, it will make me happy.”

“So be it sweet. I won't ever mention marriage to you again. Can you forgive me for upsetting you this morning?”

“Okay, no problem.”

“The last time I saw you cry, you were fifteen,” Tara remarked

“I know.”

“How about we go shopping later?”

“No”

“I want to make it up to you.”

“Let's not go shopping, why don't we go to a spa?”

“Spa it is. Should I send someone up with your breakfast?”

Tara asked

“Please do that.”

At the door, Tara slowly looked back towards her sister.

“Please Shan, don't ever leave us. This is your home, I am sorry I made you feel uncomfortable.”

She didn't wait for a reply; Tara walked out and shut the door behind her. She didn't go back to her breakfast; she ran to Eugene's room and let the tears fall. The room was empty because he was in school. She considered herself a failure because Shan hasn't found her happiness yet. All she wanted was for her sister to finally have her own home and bear her own kids, that's where true happiness lies.

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

After that episode, Jordan had openly told his wife off in their bedroom. He told her to never bring up marriage to her sister again. Tara had already promised Shan and she was bent on keeping her promise.

Two weeks after the incident, Shan had just returned from work and was walking past the study when she heard voices.

“Tara, stop crying.” A deep male voice that did not belong to Jordan was saying

“I am sad Kelvin. I failed my mother.”

“You didn't!” He tried to make her feel better.

“Shan is bent on not getting married. I don’t understand what is wrong with her.”

“You are overrating marriage. Shan is an adult and she has the right to decide what she wants. You can't force her.”

“You don't understand. That's my mother's dream. To see us all happily married. Mother is of the opinion that every woman deserves to be loved and feel loved.”

“Your sister is loved, she knows it already.”

“I've left Elizabeth in Eugene's care, should in case something happened to Jordan and I. Though Shan is an adult, I can't ever find peace until she is married and happy.” Tara quietly sobbed.

“You are talking like her mother, which you are not. Let her be.”

Shan heard Kelvin’s baritone voice told Tara off.

“I already did.” Tara cried quite miserably

“Then why have you been so sad Tara? Jordan said you hardly even sleep anymore.”

“Was that why he called you?”

“Yes. I can’t understand why you would deny yourself sleep over Shan’s private affairs. She isn’t twelve anymore. Trust me; she is very capable of taking care of herself.”

Shan heard Barrister Kelvin, the manhandling Tara's law firm said. Quickly, she walked past the study to her room. She loved her sister too much but she was making her sister sick with worry. Shan changed her clothes, wore her swimsuit and went for a swim. Her life was a mess right now. She was almost thirty-three, single, and without a boyfriend.

“Family is all about sacrifice.” She remembered her mother's words to her and Tara back in Kaduna.

“She is your big sister Shan but always look out for her. Never you let the fact that you do not share a father destroy the bond you have.”

Shan remembered her mother's words and slowly walked back towards the house with a towel around her waist.

“Shan?” She heard Kelvin called her

“Good evening sir.” She said, absentmindedly

“How was your day at work?”

“It was okay sir. You are here to pay Tara a visit?”

“Yes, and I am about leaving. Stay safe Shan and send my regards to Jordan.”

“I will.” Shan murmured and walked away

 

******

***

Two weeks later

Clad in a high neck silver dress that reached just below her knees and a pair of red stiletto heels, Shan alighted from her ash colour Mercedes-Benz, GLA class, and her red clutch in her arms. The car was a gift from her beloved uncle Jordan. Although Jordan was her brother-in-law, the huge gap of about twenty years between them made her call him uncle. Besides, he had taken her in when her parents both died and had raised her like his own. She was thirty-two but Jordan had always remained her uncle and she had always been his little Shan. She didn't mind that he sometimes treated her like a teenager, instead of the adult she had grown into. In fact, she loved the unnecessary fuse, time and attention he gave her. She knew it that she held a very special place in his heart. He was quick to laughter and also anger. She and Tara had learned to deal with both sides of him perfectly. Shan loved and respected Jordan. Marrying her sister was the best thing that had happened to both she and Tara. They were homeless and penniless before Tara married him, today, they were doing well. She understood why he wasn't disturbed that she hasn't found a man to bring home to him, he wanted her to be happy with the man she would finally decide on.

Tara, on the other hand, was adamant. She wanted to fulfill their late mother's dying wish of seeing both daughters married with children.

“You made it!” Shan heard Kenneth said from behind her.

She smiled, whirled around and entered the arms he had offered her. He kissed her cheeks and she stepped back to look at the man she had finally decided on.

Ken was tall, almost as tall as Jordan who was six foot tall. He was fair in complexion with an athletic body. Simply put, Kenneth was a perfect example of a god. He was perfect, from his curly black hair, down to his charcoal eyes, a contrast to his fair form. His lips reminded Shan of Uncle Joel, Tara's gynecologist who had married aunty Mich, Jordan's younger sister. A lip that made women wished to be kissed with. Ken was everything a woman would want in a man but it baffled Shan that she didn't feel attracted to him.

“What's taking you away from me?” He asked her.

“I love your dress sense, Ken.” She said matter of fact.

“I am a celebrity. I ought to dress well for the fans that always look upon me.” He told her while looking at his perfectly tailored and ironed suit.

Shan laughed as he pulled her into his arms again. This time, she could perceive his expensive cologne and lingered a little in his arms.

She took a step back and smiled at him. He smiled back, held her waist and led her into the chez Victor cuisine. Shan wasn't surprised when head turned towards them as soon as they walked into the building. Ken was a retired footballer. He had started as a young boy of seventeen and made his fame during the 1999 FIFA under 20 world cup hosted by Germany. Ken was a midfielder who had scored the second highest goal of the tournament. Although the Nigeria team lost the championship to the host Country, Ken became one of the sorts after player. His team returned home as heroes and were given an opportunity to dine with the then President of the Federal Republic, Professor James Joseph. A few weeks later, Kenneth signed a three years contract with the city’s club, one of the richest clubs in the world. He was a star loved by many and within ten years, he had become a millionaire and had played for different clubs across the world. Five years ago, Ken sustained an injury while playing a premier league game and was forced to retire.

He had spent three years studying at the Connecticut business school and had returned home to start up his own business of real estate.

Shan met Ken two years ago, at Kelina hospital, Gwarimpa, where she worked as a gynecologist.

“Your mind has wondered again!” He jolted her back to the present.

Shan beamed at him. They got to their table and both sat down. A waitress came to them with a menu and Shan ordered fried rice and fish.

“I will have what she is having,” Ken informed the Waitress.

“Okay, sir.” The waitress said and went away. Shan was too nervous to take notice of her surroundings.

“Shan, let's get to business,” Ken said, caressing her with his eyes

“Okay, Ken.” She retorted with a beam

“So, you said you wanted to have dinner with me.” He asked her, searching her eyes for answers.

“Yes, actually, Ken, we've been friends for over two years. I've come to respect and value that friendship.”

“Yes, you do.” He was being sarcastic.

A waiter came in with their Champaign. He poured some into two glasses.

“Thank you,” Shan said

“You are welcome.” The Waiter said and walked away.


So?” Ken asked after a few seconds, he added, “Shan, I love you. I've loved you from that day I walked into Kelina hospital to book an appointment with a dentist. You looked so young and innocent to be a medical doctor.”

“I was thirty!” Shan exclaimed

“You looked twenty-four.” He said, smiling

“Don't flatter me, Ken.”

"I mean it, Shan. We became friends and when you allowed me to start visiting you at home, I thought you would say yes when I pop the question. Three times, I've asked you to marry me and three times you turned me down.”

“Ken...” Shan began

“What is it, Shan? I thought we feel something for each other? I've met your family and you've met mine. Since I began my football career, I haven't taken a girl home to my mother. I took you to see her.”

“We were friends Ken; I saw nothing wrong with it. How was I supposed to know you've never taken a lady home to her?” she asked and then began eating her food

He took a sip of the Champaign to calm his nerve. He needed all the charms and control he could afford.


So Shan, what are we now?” He asked her, hoping his voice did not carry his anger.

Shan stopped eating and looked into his eyes with uncertainty

“Kenneth, I will marry you if you will still have me.”

Surely, he didn't hear her correctly. Finally, after two good years

“What did you just say?” He wanted to hear her say it again

“I will marry you, Kenneth Jeffery.”

“Shan, oh my God, I love you so very much. Our wedding shall be the talk of the town. We shall invite...”

“Ken...”

“Shan, please can the wedding held in a month's time?” He pleaded with her.

“Wouldn’t it be too early? Besides, I haven't told my sister and her husband yet.”

“We both know your sister would approve. She had been waiting for this day Shan.” He said, flashing her perfect white teeth.

Goodness, this guy is the most handsome man I’ve ever set my eyes on

Shan thought.
He couldn't help it; he stood up, leaned towards her and kissed her for the first time since he had met her. She was clearly taken aback.

“Ken, you are a celebrity, I don't want this reaching the media before I tell my family.” Shan chided him

Ken was not listening; he inserted his hands in his pocket and retrieved a diamond ring. It looked very expensive. At this time, the two had gotten everyone’s attention. Ken looked around,

“Everyone, my heartthrob had finally agreed to marry me. I am getting married in a month's time.” He declared, looking proudly towards Shan

Shan was dumbfounded. She looked up to shake her head but stopped midway. Their table was getting crowded and there were people with phones and cameras. Damn it, Nicholas had always tried to stay away from the media and bloggers.

Ken went on his knees and slipped the diamond ring into her fingers. She forced a smile, and then another as shots came from everywhere. Damn it, how would she explain this to Jordan?

 

**********
At home, Shan slipped upstairs to her room. She removed her clothes and lay on her bed. She should be happy, but she wasn't. She tossed and turned until she finally slept off. She was awakened in the morning by Jordan and Tara

“Shan, wake up sweetie,” Tara called, gently shaking her.

“Go away.” She murmured.

“No Shan, if the video Eugene sent to me is true, it means you are getting married in a month.”

Shan eyes flew open. She sat up and remembered the engagement.

“It went viral?” She asked her sister.

'Yes dear, have you forgotten that Ken is a popular figure? I am so happy for you. We shall start shopping right away. A month is a bit too soon but it will do.”

A knock sounded on the door and Jordan stormed in with a newspaper in his hand. He threw it at her and she looked at her face, in it. She read out the headlines.

“Retired football legend got engaged last night. Who is this pretty lady?”

Shan nearly jumped from the bed. Her past, her life would be out to the media before the end of the day.

“Shan, what is the meaning of this?” Jordan asked

“Uncle Jo, I am engaged.” She said, forcing a smile

“I can see that. Why do I have to find out through the media?”

“I am sorry Uncle Jo. Ken got too excited.”

“Shan, you don't even love that guy. Why would you want to marry him?” Jordan asked, perplexed.

“I like him and I will spend my life with him.” She replied, quite stubbornly

“No. I won't approve of this wedding.” Jordan threatened.

Tara looked at her husband as if he was insane.

“The hell you will Jordan. Shan is an adult and she has decided.”

“Tara, this is your entire fault. You are pushing her into a loveless marriage.” He accused

“Ken is a wonderful guy. He loves her and she would grow to love him as I did grow to love you.”

Jordan looked frustrated. He pointed a finger at his wife and said, “This is different. Shan is a dove and Ken is a wolf.”

Tara laughed at her husband “So I was when I married you.”

“I don't like that guy,” Jordan shouted

“You never liked anyone Jordan, everyone that came to ask for Shan's hand in marriage are either gold diggers, womanizers, drunks or even too old for her. I get it, she is our little Shan, but she is all grown up and its time she built her own home.” Tara shot back at him

“Is that what you think Tara?”

“Yes, and when it is Elizabeth turn to get married, never dare you to think you can choose a man for her.”

 “Shut up.”

“What will you do if I refused?”

Shan looked at the couple. She wondered if she would forever be their 'little Shan'.

“Uncle Jo. I have decided on him. It’s Ken I want to marry and you can't stop me. It’s either you give me a church wedding or watch me move in with him and have kids for him.”

“I don't like that guy.”

“You didn't like Joel at first, remember? You two are now friends.” His wife reminded him.

“Joel is different. Ken, on the other hand, has a skeleton in his cupboard. I'm sure of it.”

“So you kept saying but all investigation made on him claimed he is clean. He is rich, so you can't say he is a gold digger. He isn't too old for her; he is handsome loved both in and out of the pitch.” Tara put her hands on her waist. “What else do you want, dear husband?”

Jordan, too angry to say another word kept mute.

“By the way, Shan, Jordan and I have been saving money for your wedding. We shall throw the best wedding in town. Your wedding gown shall be imported. We shall spend a fortune on you sweet.” Tara informed Shan

“We are not touching that money, Tara. It won't be touched. Let Ken sponsor his own wedding. That money will not go to him.” Her husband informed her with a note of finality in his voice

“If you say so Jordan, but you forget that I am also very wealthy in my own right. I will use my money but my sister’s wedding will be the talk of the town.”

“Whatever.’ He said and stormed out

“I have saved enough money to help,” Shan told her sister

No, I will sponsor it, Shan. Don't mind Jordan, he would soon get used to the idea that his little Shan is getting married.

 

CHAPTER THREE

In the other part of town, Ken dressed expensively in a shirt and pants that cost a fortune was at Zenith bank’s head office, conversing with its Manager.

“Mr. Jeffery, sorry, the bank can't loan you such huge amount of money without collateral.” The manager, a short man in his late fourties informed him.

“Mr. James, I can afford the money in less than a year. I have a mansion in Lekki, I want it used as a collateral.”

Mr. James sighed. He pressed the keys on his computer and looked for about five minutes.

“All your houses have already been used as collateral. You have nothing more to offer.”

“Of course I have,” Ken said in frustration.

What? You have a loan with a sterling bank, first bank, fidelity bank, Guaranty trust bank, access bank and now you want more?” The older man looked at Ken as if he was insane.

“You don't go online, do you?” ken asked the man, very slyly

“Of course, I do.” The manager defended

“Then you already know I am getting married to an heiress?”

“She isn't an heiress. She is a medical doctor.” The older man retorted without smiling

 Ken sighed, placed his hands on the oak table and asked, “Have you ever heard of the Nicholas?”

“Sure. They are billionaires. Jordan had brought in more profits to the Nicholas since his father retired. He had doubled the business annual profits. He is considered a very capable businessman.”

“How do you know that?” Ken asked

“I have friends in high places.”

“Then you should know I am marrying a Nicholas.” He said very proudly

“Doctor Shan is not a Nicholas. Her sister married a Nicholas!”

“What is the difference? The Nicholas raised her. She is one of them and I tell you, they won't let her off without a penny.”

“Mr. Jeffery...”

“Do you know that Shan and Tara's grandfather owned a law firm which he left for them? The firm is worth millions of Naira. You see, I am marrying an heiress.” Ken said, looking very pleased with his achievement

“That's not the news Mr. Jeffery, the firm was willed to Tara. Shan has no right to it. It belongs solely to Mrs. Nicholas.”

“When I marry Shan, be sure I won't do business with you again.”

“Mr. Jeffery...”

“Will I get that loan or not?”

“Do you have collateral?”

“Yes.’ Ken grinned mischievously, “My wife to be.”

The manager looked at Ken as if he had gone mad.

“I have no power to give you a loan without collateral.”

Then you can have my Maitama house. It’s the only house I didn't use to secure a loan.”

The men shook hands and sealed the deal. Jeffery walked out of the bank with a smile on his handsome face. Finally, he would have the Nicholas Chit. It was quite unfortunate that Elizabeth was just sixteen, she would have been better than Shan. Well, he would cut he loses.

He entered his car.

“How was it?” A soft famine voiced asked

“I will have the loan, but I had to put up my Maitama house as collateral.”

“You did well Ken.” The voice said.

“We shouldn't be seen together. I have things under control.”

“Yes, my love. I understand why I have to share you with that girl. We need the money.”

“Yes, darling. All I need is for the chit to give me one child, and then...”

“We shall get rid of her and the child shall inherit the money, which will pass through you,” Olivia said

“You are smart, my darling.” Ken applauded her.

“Yes. But then, be wary of Jordan Nicholas. That man is very dangerous.” Olivia warned.

“You worry too much. Jordan Nicholas is now an old man. He is fifty-two and now wearing glasses. Age is finally catching up with him. No one can stop me.” He vowed

“I know. You've come this far already.”

 

******

That evening, at Wuse 2, another part of Abuja, Fred Jacobs was having drinks with his friends when the name Shan David popped in.

“Imagine the fact that mid-fielder Ken is marrying a medical doctor,” Oluwa commented

“She is a nobody,” Zane replied

“She is all over the newsman, and you are not,” Oluwa told his friend with a smile.

“The lady is beautiful, anyway,” Zane said and then took a gulp of his drink

“She is beautiful with plenty of brains,” Fred spoke for the first time.

The friends laughed at him. “How would you know that?”

“I know her; we attended the same secondary school.”

His friends looked at him then burst into laughter again

“What's funny?” Fred enquired.

Zane smiled, slapped Fred’s thigh and said, “Guy, have you forgotten I saw your certificates? You wrote your WAEC in a public school.”

“So?” Fred asked them

“That girl, whose picture we are staring at on the screen, attended the best schools in town. She was brought up in money.” Oluwa stressed the word ‘money’ as if to remind Fred that he was very broke.

Fred didn't want to argue. They wouldn't believe him so there was no need.

Zane observed that Fred was staring at the picture of Shan on the big screen with longing.

“Fred, you want the girl? You are staring at her with longing.”

“Shan David, you've grown into a beautiful woman and had gone ahead and achieved your dream of becoming a medical Doctor.” He said to himself.

His friends heard him. They looked at him and pitied him. Fred was a lawyer working for a private firm. At thirty-three, his salary could hardly pay his bills.

“You mean you really knew her?.” Zane asked

Fred laughed very sadly.

“We used to be in love. After all those years, I haven't forgotten her. I lost contact with her years back.”

Opening his wallet, he showed them an old picture he had kept. A picture he had refused to let go of, a picture that had given a teenage boy hope to dream and a man, regrets.

Oluwa and Zane took the photograph and stared at it. They saw teenagers in school uniforms. Their friend was not mistaken to them. He looked rich and polished, like the beautiful fifteen years old girl whose waist he was holding. She was tall, almost as tall as he and she had the same smile as the Shan David they just saw on screen.

“Fred. You knew her; you attended the same school with her.” Olu accused.

“We were in love.” He said very dejectedly.

“What? But your certificate states you graduated from a Public school.”


Yes, I did graduate from a public school.” Fred replied without an ounce of shame. 

“But you are with Shan David in this picture.”

“It’s a long story.” He told them as bittersweet memories came back to him.

“What are you not telling us? We've known you from law school but you've never told us your parents were once very wealthy.” Zane accused

Fred shrugged.

“What's the need? We lost all our fortune a long time ago. My mother and sisters have moved on. I also did move on.”

“What happened between that lady and you?” Zane asked

Fred laughed. Seeing Shan on the screen had made him realized why he had always dated tall, dark slim ladies. It was her he was looking for. He had been looking for her in every stranger’s face. She was his first love. He had loved her enough to buy gifts for her. He had loved her enough to make sure his mates never punished her when she came late to school.

He still had feelings for her. He knew it, if not, why had he held onto that photograph. She would be married in a Month but he didn't want her to be. He loved her; from that Monday evening that she had allowed him sneaked her to

room and deflowered her. Two days later, she was transferred from the school and her phone was always switched off. Many times, he went to the Nicholas mansion but the security guard had always sent him away.

The following month, his family's name got caught in a scandal and everything they ever held dear to them was taken. They were left disgraced, homeless and penniless. He and his sisters from then on were forced to become adults.


https://okadabooks.com/book/about/dreams_could_come_true/23314

Finally, Shan's story is ready. I have to first apologize to you all for all the time I wasted. I got emails from some fans and even calls. Thank you all for bearing with me
Those interested can get this book at the rate of 300 at okadabooks. Pdf copies are available for purchase.

I tried purchasing this wonderful piece using the link u dropped but it's not going through
It keeps writing not available
Pls help me out
Thanks

anneboy02:
I tried purchasing this wonderful piece using the link u dropped but it's not going through
It keeps writing not available
Pls help me out
Thanks

Good morning dear, I have changed the link and you can now make use of it. Please don't forget to write a review after reading the story

Please ma Okada book and I have not being friends. Can I send 300 and the story be sent to me? Thank you

TiffanyJ:
Finally, Shan's story is ready. I have to first apologize to you all for all the time I wasted. I got emails from some fans and even calls. Thank you all for bearing with me
Those interested can get this book at the rate of 300 at okadabooks. Pdf copies are not ready yet.

Please oooo. I prefer pdf, i will send the cash to your bank account

Bolanlevivian:

Please oooo. I prefer pdf, I will send the cash to your bank account

A pdf copy is not available yet. I am still working on it but by his grace, it would be available by next week

kasey18:
Please ma Okada book and I have not being friends.
Can I send 300 and the story be sent to me?
Thank you

Can you wait for a pdf copy to be worked on? I will try to make it available by next week

Am interested in the pdf copy

ifyude:
Am interested in the pdf copy

I will try and make it available next week. How have you been dear?

Wow madam tj your welcome back please can we read without buying it

Chizim1:
Wow madam tj your welcome back please can we read without buying it

The story is on Okadabooks. It costs #300. How have you been sir? It has been long

TiffanyJ:

Can you wait for a pdf copy to be worked on? I will try to make it available by next week

Ok I'll wait

Finally......the long-awaited book is out. This is good news but please....I'm on my knees, we still want this story to continue after Shan's story. It's not my fault o, it's just that I can't get enough of this story. From Reluctant bride to this current one. @ TiffanyJ More grace, wisdom, and inspiration to my Role model.

rachealfst:
Finally......the long-awaited book is out. This is good news but please....I'm on my knees, we still want this story to continue after Shan's story. It's not my fault o, it's just that I can't get enough of this story. From Reluctant bride to this current one. @ TiffanyJ More grace, wisdom, and inspiration to my Role model.

Lol, Rachealfst, thanks for loving my work. As for another story for this series, I will think about it.
Thanks dear for being a friend.

I read all of it on okada books
U are really talented I pray all ur heart desires be granted
More grace

TiffanyJ:

Good morning dear, I have changed the link and you can now make use of it. Please don't forget to write a review after reading the story

Sure I won't

anneboy02:
I read all of it on okada books
U are really talented I pray all ur heart desires be granted
More grace

Thank you sir.

Yaaaaayyyyy
TiffanyJ we are here!

Jazmiynne:
Yaaaaayyyyy
TiffanyJ we are here!

Welcome ma

kasey18:
Please ma Okada book and I have not being friends.
Can I send 300 and the story be sent to me?
Thank you

Good evening, pdf copies are now available. Sent me a mail and get yours

Bolanlevivian:

Please oooo. I prefer pdf, i will send the cash to your bank account

Good evening ma. Pdf copies are now available. Contact me

ifyude:
Am interested in the pdf copy

It is now available. Send me a mail

TiffanyJ:

Good evening ma. Pdf copies are now available. Contact me

Please your email again

Bolanlevivian:

Please your email again

ayanicomfortambrose@gmail.com

Tiffanyj I sent you a message please respond to it ma

triplemmm3:
Tiffanyj I sent you a message please respond to it ma

Check your mail.

Shan's story is it the first part of the story? I want to know before I start reading

It is not the first oo

LilySopi:
Shan's story is it the first part of the story? I want to know before I start reading

Check Your Mail I Just Send U A Message

LilySopi:
Shan's story is it the first part of the story? I want to know before I start reading

Shan's story is the fifth in the series.
1. The reluctant bride
2. A man to call my own
3. Deceitful couple
4. Captor of my heart
5. Dreams could come true. (Shan's story)