Dina and Lizzy followed Baby and I to the bus park. It was a Saturday and a lot of people were traveling so it was very rowdy. Lizzy and I sat on an iron bench at a corner of the park while Dina went to the ticket stand to get me a bus ticket.

Lizzy cleared her throat before she spoke. "Cherry abeg, in case Baby Papa reject una just jejely come back come meet us, our door still dey open to una. Life goes on."

She raised Baby up from her laps and kissed him on his cheek. "Don't forget me o! I know you'll see plenty fine Lagos Babes, no mind them na me love you pass." Baby laughed and she kissed him again.

Dina returned with a bus ticket and gave it to me.

"Here take this." She said as she pulled out a bundle of Naira notes from her purse and handed them to me. "If things no go as planned use am take sleep for hotel and enter bus back tomorrow... Standard Hotel o, for una safety."

I thanked the both of them profusely.

"We know say your head dey touch, no do anything to our boy o!" Lizzy warned while she pulled her ear for emphasis.

I rolled my eyes and nodded.

Baby and I finally boarded the bus. As the bus moved, I peered out through the window and waved at Dina and Lizzy till I lost sight of them.

With Baby on my laps, I reclined on my seat and stared out of the window as I made a review of my plans.

I was going to abandon Baby at Musa's gate.

I looked at Baby who was sleeping in my arms. I was almost 19 and I had 2 children already, I had no idea where my first child was and I was about to dump the second one. I sighed deeply.

I was very sure Musa wouldn't want to dent his reputation with this child, he would surely deny him and Baby would be placed in an orphanage. I couldn't care less, he could do whatever he wants with his child, he could even kill him, I didn't give a hoot. My top priority to get the burden (Baby) off me and not living with the guilt of killing him.

After that, I would return to Benin city to hustle with Dina and Lizzy.

I was penniless and as a high school dropout, the salary of a 'decent' job wouldn't suffice. I needed quick money. I had to save up enough to return to Mama and Nkiru in the village. I would open up a small supermarket there for myself and also get a small stall for Mama at the market where she could trade so she wouldn't have to work on people's farms anymore. I also planned to sponsor Nkiru's education.

I silently prayed for my plans to go smoothly. I had suffered enough, the past few years had been hell for me. I longed for the peaceful life I tried to run away from in the village.

When we arrived in Lagos, Baby and I lodged into a cheap but decent hotel very close to Musa's estate.

I was very anxious. What if I got caught trying to dump Baby, I would surely get arrested by the Police and they could link me to Broda's murder.

The room was fully air-conditioned but I felt hot and sweaty. I kept on praying my plans to go smoothly so I could get the hell out of Lagos the next day.

I looked at the wall clock. It was 6pm. It was still early, I planned to leave for Musa's house with baby by 11pm.

My stomach began to rumble, I was hungry. I sat up on the bed and reached for the phone on the beside table. I saw a pamphlet with images of food and drinks beside the phone and picked it up to glance through the food menu, I gasped as the prices were exorbitant . I put down the phone as I had a tight budget.

My hunger pangs grew worse but I couldn't risk going out of the hotel to look for something to eat, what if someone identified me?

Baby began to cry. He was also hungry. I hadn't fed him for almost 3 hours. I picked him up and placed him to my breasts.

"This is the last time I will feed you, so suck very well because you won't see me again." I said to him and smiled. "Take your bad luck to your useless father."

We both fell asleep some minutes later.

Baby's cries woke me up. I rubbed my eyes and looked at the clock. It was 11:30pm. I had overslept!

I jumped down from the bed and hopped into my jean trousers and wore a facecap on my head. I wore Baby a thick sweater, a wooly cap on his head with a pair of knitted gloves on his hands and also wrapped him up tightly in his shawl to protect him from the cold night, he could be there for hours before he was found and the last thing I wanted was for him to be found dead.

We headed out of the hotel and I boarded an okada to Musa's estate but we had to stop at the entrance because bikes weren't allowed in. I showed the Estate Guards my ID card from Musa's company and lied to them that Musa had asked me to come. They didn't ask me further questions because I was with Baby. I had trekked from the Estate gate to Musa's house with Baby in my arms.

My heart pounded wildly and my palms became sweaty as I got closer to his house. The streetlights made the whole place bright and I could easily get spotted. I had to take the risk.

Low hedges surrounded Musa's fence and I thought that was the best spot to hide Baby. I slowly lowered him behind the hedges and placed him on the carpet grass just by the gates. I placed the note I had written earlier 'This is child is yours Musa. I can't take care of him. Cherry' on Baby's body.

I didn't bother to say goodbye or take one last look at Baby, I felt a bit relieved and was eager to leave.

As took a few steps back, Baby began to wail loudly. I started running. I heard the gates open behind me but I didn't turn to look back, I kept on running. My heart was beating so fast, I thought it would rip out of my chest any second.

"Hey! Hey! Madam stop there!" I heard a male voice call behind me. I doubled my speed.

I kept on running till I reached the gates of the estate. To my dismay, the gates were locked.

"Stop there!" A security man ordered as he scanned me with his flashlight. "Don't move!"

I was too tired to stand still. I placed my hands on my knees as I gasped for breath. My chest felt tight.

"Were are you running to?!" He came closer and pointed the flashlight on my face. "No be you come with baby? Where the pikin?"

Just then, the phone from inside the security post rang. Another Guard who was standing behind him went in to answer the call.

"Yes, We have seen the girl Ma, We would bring her over to your place right away." I heard him say.

I blacked out immediately.

I've never been so grateful for a movie/story sequence turning out to be a dream!
Phew!
Thanks OP

Hmm...this Baby spirit strong o. Good 4 the wicked Cherry. I hope she gets arrested.

Nice work Op

Renderhelp:
Sorry for the late update. I'm going to over compensate

@leosmaria, this one is for you

hurray Renderhelp wrote this one for me.....
thanks dear

Thanks for the update it's a bomb

What a sweet revelation,to help reset her malfunctioning brains

Thanks @Renderhelp,Pls keep it flowing

this is looking like a life story -well done Renderhelp

Hmmmmm.

Finally caught up. And all I can say is Wow! Wow!! Wow!!!

This really triggers emotions. I've never been this emotional reading a story. And considering this is ur first story, I must say you've got massive talent.

Just keep up the good work.... I see you going places.

Gbest90:
Hmmmmm.

Finally caught up. And all I can say is Wow! Wow!! Wow!!!

This really triggers emotions. I've never been this emotional reading a story. And considering this is ur first story, I must say you've got massive talent.

Just keep up the good work.... I see you going places.

Thank you sir

The security guards waited until I fully regained consciousness before taking me back to Musa's house.

We were escorted into the compound by one of Musa's security guard. The beauty and affluence of the house was breathtaking but I was too apprehensive to admire it.

We were led to the front porch where a young lady stood with Baby in her arms. She was dressed in a maid's uniform. She looked at me with disgust before handing Baby over to me.

"Excuse me, let me call Madam." She announced before she walked into the house.

My heart skipped and my stomach turned. Madam would surely be Musa's wife, how would I face her and tell her Musa was Baby's father? She would surely get me arrested.

I wanted to turn to leave but one of the Security guards grabbed me by my shoulder and held me firmly.

"Where you think say you dey go?" He spoke with a gruff, masculine voice. "Na so all this small small girls dey do, dem go born come dump am for one rich man house, later dey go come back come claim--"

He stopped talking when the door opened. A woman walked out of the house, she wore a long black hijab which covered her ears and went down past her knees. No part of her body was visible except her face and fingers. She was closely followed by the young maid.

The scent of her smoky and sweet Arabic fragrance filled the air as she walked towards us. The security guards bowed to greet her and I followed suit.

When she came closer, I noticed her face was wrinkled and her eyes were the same shade as Baby's.

She looks too old to be Musa's wife. She must be his mother, I thought to myself.

"Is this the lady?" She asked no one in particular.

"Yes Ma." Everyone answered but me.

She squinted her eyes and looked me over. The old woman had an authoritative aura which made me feel inferior and a bit jittery, I lowered my eyes and stared at my feet.

"The both of you can return to your post. Leave the girl with me." She said to the Estate Guards. They nodded and left us.

"Ma... Please I'm sorry--"

She held up a hand to stop me from speaking before signalling to me to walk into the house with her.

We walked into a large living room with a simple but modern decor. I was marveled at the size of the television. I got so carried away by the interior design that I didn't notice Musa was sitting on a couch watching me, I almost tripped and fell when I saw him, I quickly regained my balance and stood by a pillar.

His eyes bored holes into me. I opened my mouth to greet him but words did not come out. I closed my mouth and felt awkward.

Musa's mother sat on a couch beside where I stood.

"What were you thinking abandoning him like that, He wouldn't have survived the night's cold."

No one offered me a seat so I remained standing. Holding Baby for so long made me tired, I rested my back against the pillar.

"I'm sorry ma...I didn't have a choice."

His mother brought out the note I had written earlier from under her hijab.

"You claim the infant belongs to my son, Musa." She said as she held up the piece of paper.

"Yeh--Yes Ma." My voice cracked.

She turned to Musa who had a big frown on his face. "You know her?"

"Yes... She was a worker at the noodle plant but I don't--"

"That's enough." She interrupted him.

Musa's mother signaled to me to move closer with her index finger. I trembled as I did so.

"I want to see the child's face."

I stretched forth Baby in my arms to her. He was asleep. She pushed the blanket away from his face and pushed back the cap on his head as she inspected him. She nodded and I stepped back.

"First thing tomorrow we do a DNA test to confirm the paternity of the child. If my son is truly the father then you two get married, but if he is not, 'uqsim biallah taealaa you will rot in jail."

She stood up and left Musa and I in the living room.

I felt exposed when she left, I didn't want to be alone with Musa. The air-conditioned room suddenly felt too hot. I needed an excuse to leave the room. I worked a hand into Baby's blanket and gave him a pinch which made him squeal.


"Shh...don't cry." I rocked Baby.

As I was about to walk out of the living room, Musa caught up with me and roughly turned me to face him. I gasped.

He placed his hand on my neck and squeezed my throat. I tried to scream but he smashed my head against the pillar. Baby's head also hit the wall and he shrieked loudly.

" You gold digging whoore. Sharmota! If you don't leave with your bastard, the both you won't make it to the hospital alive. Mark my words." He said before turning to leave.

It just keeps getting hotter. But I believe Cherry's child is the route to her success.
Thanks for the update.

Cherry don entire fire @renderhelp more ink to your pen

just feel pity for that innocent child

Wetin cherry no go see for musa hand

This has to be the most interesting and didactic thing I've read this year.

Babe, your work is interesting, REALISTIC, straight to the point and goddamn awesome.

Your work has thought me one thing that diamonds are really found in the rough. I mean Dina and Lizzy their kind-hearted nature rivals that of some born again sisters.

I really hope things turn around for Cherry.

You have a fan in me.

millieademi:
This has to be the most interesting and didactic thing I've read this year.

Babe, your work is interesting, REALISTIC, straight to the point and goddamn awesome.

Your work has thought me one thing that diamonds are really found in the rough. I mean Dina and Lizzy their kind-hearted nature rivals that of some born again sisters.

I really hope things turn around for Cherry.

You have a fan in me.

Thank you so much sis, it means a lot coming from you.

Renderhelp:


Thank you so much sis, it means a lot coming from you.

It's no biggie sweetie. Now, when are we getting updates?

millieademi:

It's no biggie sweetie. Now, when are we getting updates?

help me ask her ooo

I nursed my sore head as I tried to get over the shock. Baby was still crying .

I shook him roughly. "Shut up, if you had kept quiet in the first place we won't be in this mess."

Musa's threat frightened me, I had to leave the house that night. I was thinking of an escape plan when the young maid walked in.

"Madam said I should show you to the guest room." She had a snobbish tone in her voice.

I followed her out of the Living room and we walked down the hallway. I looked around in awe, from the shiny marble floors to the beautiful chandeliers, the wall arts and magnificent sculptures. The house was bigger than I had thought. She stopped at the last door at the end of the hall and I followed her into the room.

The guest room was beautiful. It had a simple monochrome theme and it felt very cosy, I wished I could stay to enjoy it.

"The bathroom and toilet is behind that door." She said and pointed it out to me. "I will bring in your food in 30 minutes. If you need anything else, let me know."

"I am not hungry." I said to her. What if Musa poisons my food?

She nodded before she briskly walked out of the room.

I dropped Baby on the bed. He looked exhausted as he stared up at me.

My phone rang and I took it out of my back pocket. It was Lizzy.

"Hey babe, what's up? Sorry o...we never call you since, I know say you go don curse us tire, e get one small parole wey we run, we no get chance since. How my boy?"

"He dey fine." I answered and sat on the bed next to Baby.

"Una don meet him Papa?"

"Yes."

"Wetin him talk?"

"He no gree say the pikin na him own o...him Mama talk say we go go do DNA test tomorrow morning and if Baby na truly him son, we go marry. He talk say him go kill me before tomorrow...I wan escape this night." I cried.

"Babe no cry...he no fit do anything to you, he just dey make mouth--"

"This one pass make mouth o! Him use my head take nack wall, Baby head sef hit wall."

"What?! Him dey craze?!" Dina yelled at the background.

"Babe chill...shebi him Mama dey the house? Him no fit do you anything, he just dey make mouth and besides where you wan run go this night?"

We talked for a while and they made me feel calm, I finally realised it made no sense running out at that late hour.

I locked the door securely before laying down on the bed to think things through.

Lizzy and Dina were right, Musa's threat was only to scare me away. It was obvious that he never loved me from day one, coupled with the fact that Broda and I had tried to scam him only made him hate me.

If I marry Musa, it will be hell for me. I can't undergo any more abusive relationship, besides he could find out I had murdered Broda.

I turned to look at Baby who had already dozed off with his light snores, maybe Musa would grow to love him with time. He had a better chance than I did staying there.

"I will leave after the DNA test tomorrow." I mumbled to myself before I fell asleep.

**
My plans were foiled when Musa's mother told me the test results will be ready within a week or two and I had to wait in their home.

I was taken to the hotel where I had lodged earlier to pick up my things.

I thought of escaping on the first night after we returned from the hospital but the burly security guards at Musa's gate scared me.

As days passed I started to enjoy my stay in the house even though I was mostly in the guest room.

I had never experienced the joys of 24hrs electricity in my life. Binge watching TV shows and the coolness of the air conditioner in the room quickly made me forget I was being held hostage.

On the first day of my stay, I asked a maid to boil water for Baby's bath. She chuckled and showed me how to switch the shower from hot to cold. I was awed.

The food I was served was the best I have ever tasted even the juice I drank tasted different, I realised the ones I drank in the past were just water and flavor.

Musa avoided me like a plague during my stay. I barely saw him. The times I had breakfast and dinner with his mum at the table he never joined us, he always ate in his room.

Anytime I heard Musa's car leave the house for work in the morning, I would take Baby out for a stroll in the compound. There was a large swimming pool at the back of the house, we usually sat there and relaxed.

I began to see changes in my body when I looked into the mirror. I had put on a little weight and it didn't look bad at all. My skin looked smooth and my complexion became clear, the ashy undertones were gone. My eyes looked brighter and I no longer had bags under them. I finally looked my age.

I started to think more about my life as Musa's wife. I began to ask myself if it was worth it to degrade my body any further by going into Dina and Lizzy's line of work.

I would become a millionaire the second I get married to Musa, he could abuse me all he wants after all, I had survived Broda's abuses without a penny to show for it. I survive again and this time as a millionaire.

On the 9th day, the result of the DNA test finally came. Musa's mother seemed excited to know Musa was my son's father. She hugged me and apologised for all the stress I've been through. She declared I was going to marry her son and I would be converted to Islam, she didn't even ask me if I was willing to.

That evening, I was in the guest room watching TV as usual, there was no good show. Baby was fast asleep so I decided to go for a stroll to the swimming pool area. I opened the window slightly to scan for Musa's office car at the car park and I was relieved it wasn't there.

I lost track of time and it was a bit late when I remembered to go back in. My heart missed a beat when I saw Musa's office car at the park, I crept in as silently as I could into the house.

As I walked down the hallway, I heard voices from the living room, it was Musa's and his mother's. Curiosity got the better part of me as I stood by the entrance where I was sure they couldn't see me to listen.

"Mother, I will not marry her!" Musa yelled in anger.

"Do not raise your voice at me, I'm still your mother. The child is yours and you must do the right thing."

"I have a wife and two children...Kalila would be heartbroken and you know it!"

"Kalila cannot bear you a son, if she loves you she would do what is best for you. Think about how your father would be rolling in his grave that you do not have a heir--"

"My daughters are humans! They can--"

"I will not hear of that! Your brother's sons would take your share of the companies if you do not have a son and that remains final."

"Mother, that thought is old school and archaic, women can do a lot these days--"

"One of your daughter is a rebel who lives in and out of prison and the other is an im.becile." His mother spoke as a matter-of-factly.

There was heavy silence in the room.

"Marry the girl. I won't have my male grandchild be tagged a bastard. She could even bear you more sons."

"She was just a fling, I don't love her." His voice sounded defeated.

"I didn't love your father when we got married. Marriage is not about love."

I heard heavy footsteps coming my way and I immediately crouched down behind a statue. It was Musa. He didn't notice me as he walked past.

When I entered the guest room, there was a flutter in my stomach. I felt happy. I picked up Baby from the bed and kissed him as he giggled. That was the first time I had ever played with him.

"My handsome son! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me." I whispered to him and kissed his cheek again.

Nice one. Thanks for the update.

Good work.... keep it on!!!

Eternitymedia88

I just saw your post. Please can you tell me the site where you saw my story?

Thanks for the update.

Check it out @ coolval22.com.
List of ongoing stories.

Eternitymedia88:
Check it out @ coolval22.com.
List of ongoing stories.

Thank you.

The owner of the site is a thief. He/she stole so many stories from Nairaland without giving credits to the writers. So despicable!

Otondo cherry
Her stupidity no get mate

Thanks alot @Renderhelp, keep it flowing

"As my son's wife, you have to dress decently, like every good Muslim woman should."

Musa's mother spoke from behind as a seamstress took my body measurements in the guest room. Musa's mother went on and on on how and why I should always keep my hair and body covered.

I nodded in agreement as she spoke, I was ready to do all it takes to be her son's wife.

A date for the nikkah(wedding) had been set. Musa's mother asked for my parents and I told her my father was dead and I had lost contact with my mother and sister. I would have loved for Mama to see me get married but not to a man who doesn't love me and it would have broken her heart to see me convert to Islam. I wanted things to settle first before I invited them over.

Musa hadn't returned home since the night he argued with his mother, it had been over a week. I asked his mother about it and she said he was only acting out and I should give him time.

She had already given Baby a name, Zayan. She doted on him and he grew attached to her.

Three days before the nikkah, Dina called.

"Ahn Babe...no be so oh..you just push us go one corner."

I chuckled. "Sorry, I have been very busy here, with the wedding plans and all." I lied. I spent most of my days alone in the guest room while Musa's mother handled everything.

The frequency of my calls to Dina and Lizzy reduced drastically, I tried to distance myself from them. I thought it wouldn't be nice having such crude girls coming over to visit me, with their skimpy wears and uncouth behavior. Musa's mother would be offended.

"We been dey even plan to come Lagos for the wedding but we say make we chill as you never give us date."

"Na this weekend but-- but una know say I still dey try gain ground for this house..."

"No problem Babe. We understand." I could hear the disappointment in Dina's voice. "Enjoy your wedding. Help me say hello to my boy." She said and ended the call.

I sighed with relief. When I have enough money I would send them some for their troubles, I promised myself.

The nikkah was a very simple one. It took place in the living room with just 5 people present.

Musa came in about 2 hours late. I had thought he wouldn't show up at all. His mother was very angry but she did her best to stay calm. Musa was obviously reluctant during the exchange of vows, he kept on giving me bad looks which made me sad.

After the ceremony, I raised my hands to admire the beautiful diamond ring Musa had placed on my finger and smiled. I was finally a married woman and to a millionaire.

As I was about to go into the guest room, Musa's mother stopped me.

"Where do you think you are going to? Go up to your husband's room immediately!" She ordered. "Zayan would spend the night with me."

She took my hand and led me upstairs into the master's bedroom. When we got inside, I marveled at the size and beauty of it.

"I had the maids move in your clothes into the closet earlier. I also got you some beautiful night dresses, they are in the closet." She smiled at me and left the room.

I felt a knot in my stomach. The thought of being alone with Musa made me fear for my life. I took deep breaths and tried to keep calm. I would try to stay out of his way, even if it meant sleeping on a chair, I thought to myself.

I entered the walk in closet. Everything in the house was luxurious, I thought.

Musa had over 40 pairs of shoes arranged in rows. I wondered what a man needed so many shoes for. His clothes took up so much space in the large closet. I looked at a corner and saw my few clothes and 3 pairs of shoes. I shook my head and hoped for the day I would be allowed to go out shopping.

I took out one of the nightdresses his mother had bought for me and hissed. It looked old-school and was too modest with it's long sleeves, I didn't have an option and so I had to wear it.

I took it with me to the bathroom. I pulled off my clothes and turned on the shower. I subconsciously took extra care to wash my body. I wondered why I did that, I was almost sure Musa wouldn't touch me that night.

I felt a hand on my body which grabbed then slammed me to the tiled wall. The floor was wet and I slipped and fell. I heard a thud as my head hit the ground.

I looked up to see it was Musa. He kicked my sides and raised me up by my hair.

"Please stop." I managed to say as I struggled to breathe.

He used my head to smash the wall again and pressed me to it while holding the back of my neck.

"I don't know what silly games you and your boyfriend are playing this time but I swear to have both of you killed."

His face was close to mine and his mouth reeked of alcohol.

"I am not playing games...I swear! My boy-- he left me a long time ago, I don't know where he is!"

Musa pulled my head back and smashed into the wall again and I cried out loud. I started feeling dizzy.

"You lying bitch!"

"I swear! Don't hurt me. I don't know where he is, he left me with the pregnancy and took all the money you gave us."

"Why did you come back?! You and him planned all these."

"No, no! I didn't have money for an abortion, I couldn't take care of the baby so I came to drop him here and that was when I was caught. I didn't plan anything, I swear!"

Musa hit my head severally on the wall again. When he was done, everything seemed like a blur to me. I could barely make out what he said.

"You would leave the same way you came. Gold digger!" He spat at me and walked out of the bathroom the bathroom.

I felt something dripping down my forehead, I raised my hand to touch it and it was blood.

Musa's room had a mini parlor, I laid on one of the couches that night while Musa was on the bed.

I held up a cloth to soak up the blood from my head. I was too afraid to fall asleep.

**
That same night, I felt pressure on my neck and I woke up to see Musa standing above me.

"Musa please...."

I held his arms and struggled for him to release me but it was of no use, he was far stronger than I was.

The lights in the room started getting dim. He finally removed his hands and I quickly sprang up to a sitting position and gasped for air.

He waited for me to catch my breath before punching me in the face and stomach.

He raised me up and made a fist to punch me again but I managed to escape from his grasp and ran out of the room.

I slipped and fell as I ran towards his mother's room, I looked back and saw he didn't chase after me. Adrenaline made me pound wildly on her door.

"Who is that?" She opened the door. She wasn't taken aback by my disheveled appearance. "Isn't it too early--?"

"Ma, Musa wants to kill me!"

"Lower your voice and speak like a lady. What do you mean he wants to kill you? My son is not a killer. Try to make peace with your husband and don't go about spoiling his name like a bad wife. I need to get some sleep. Go back to your husband's room."

She said and slammed the door at my face. I stood there with my mouth wide open.

Musa has turned into a monster, but I can't blame him, because of what Boda and Cherry did in the past. He should try and forget about it and move on. Make he no kill Cherry oo.

What the......

Well, I'm sorry Cherry. What's written in the stars for you seems to be SUFFERHEAD.

I don't really blame Musa anyway. Once bitten twice shy. But I feel settling Cherry to leave would be better. When you push a woman to the wall, she'll fight back.

And Cherry please, if you kill Musa, you will die in prison. His mother seems like the type to lock someone up even if they're innocent.

Renderhelp thanks for a beautiful story. I've found my new resting place. If I'm not writing, I guess I'll be here. Please, don't starve us.

Cherry don enter one chance big time, thanks renderhelp for this update

This cherry na low key bitch Sha. Dina and Lizzy took care of her and her baby now she is ashamed of them. God dey. Thumbs up op

Omo this bi like one chance.How she wan take escape am.Security dey gate