millieademi:
So with the prostration and the awesome update, I totally forgive you for starving us almost a month.

Thank you, love.

Nathan's a *pardon my French * dick. Selfish, self absorbed and unwilling to make sacrifices.

I'm definitely in support of her dating Jamal, though I know Eni only has eyes for Nathan. Eni rile him up enough to make him realise you're all he wants.

At this rate (of no updates) I'll permanently just lie on the floor, use me as your carpet o.

Still, thanks a lot Millie for your support.

Culin:


At this rate (of no updates) I'll permanently just lie on the floor, use me as your carpet o.

Still, thanks a lot Millie for your support.

You? I just dey look you since.

I will not just say anything. I even thought you'd update your Wattpad version but no show there either.

Sha let Sunday be Sunday.

Missed you, though.

CCCCCCCUUUUUUULLLLLLLLIIIIIINNN!!!!!!

I hope it's this Sunday you were referring to.

Hiya by the way.

millieademi:
CCCCCCCUUUUUUULLLLLLLLIIIIIINNN!!!!!!

I hope it's this Sunday you were referring to.

Hiya by the way.

Hahahaha yes ma! I am coming. Editing and formatting. First update in few mins.

This chapter is dedicated to Adeboizy11 . President of the 'pepper body association.'

Chapter Eighteen—Chickens come home to roost

"The past is never dead. It's not even past." — William Faulkner


Song— Stay by Zedd ft Alessia Cara


NATHAN

"Not again," I sighed, rising from my bed after Annabelle's father—Mr Martin's persistent calls had woken me up at five and alerted me of Annabelle's attempted suicide.

That explains the continual calls from her family yesterday. All the time I ignored, thinking it was wedding-plans related, she'd been in the hospital. I couldn't help the guilt that rose in my chest. What if she did it because of the way I'd been treating her. Lord knows it wasn't intentional. Lifting my head from my head and pushing myself off the bed, I quickly put on a T-shirt over the sweatpants I had on. With my car still at Shiro, I picked the key of the abandoned car in my garage—the one Ivan's boyfriend had transferred the trackers to and headed out.

****
The cool morning air and heavy smell of disinfectants had wiped every trace of sleep from my eyes by the time I walked into Annabelle's hospital room. The nagging headache from my drinking bout last night still there and I tried to keep my mind off Enitan or her date with the doctor—and the fact that she refused to change her mind about letting him into her life.

Mrs Amara Martin's bulky frame rested on the single armless settee in the middle of the room-beside the bed while her tired eyes stared at me without any expression. I knew she was angry that I ignored their calls and just showed up many hours after her daughter had tried to kill herself. But she could conceal her emotions, unlike her stout husband who's wicked grin was permanent on his obese face. Thankfully he was no where in sight. One Martins was more than enough for my hungover self to handle at six am.

"I'm sorry, I just heard. Yesterday was too much to handle—at the office," I blurted. "And I was too tired for my phone by the time I arrived home."

"Of course," she nodded with pursed lips while her large eyes scrutinized me from head to toe.

“What happened?" I asked, hoping to take her attention off me.

"Martha found her unconscious on her bedroom floor yesterday," she sighed, lazily standing up from the settee and walking to Annabelle's side. "Doctor said she overdosed on Morphine and we're lucky to have found her on time."

I pitied Martha, Annabelle's younger sister who had somehow become the older sister over years.

"But how? This wasn't supposed to happen again."

She'd been diagnosed of Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder years ago. She'd get overly excited and hopeful during her manic episodes, that. But during one of her depressive episodes, she tried to slit her wrist out of guilt for almost pushing me over the balcony of her house during an argument, that I couldn't handle. The doctors said things were going to get better with continuous medication and therapy.

"Well, her sister found untouched packs of Latuda and Valproate in her night stand drawers. Apparently she'd stopped taking her meds-" she sighed as she adjusted the pillow under Annabelle's sleeping head. "I guess she got overwhelmed with everything."

My heart fell, I knew how difficult the previous years were for her, her family, and me. My eyes travelled to Annabelle. Was I so terrible that she gave up trying. She wanted to get better—well enough to be in a perfect frame of mind for the press and glamour life.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered. Strolling to Mrs Martins side, I placed my palms lightly on her hands. "You should go home, have some rest and change of clothes, I'll stay here for a while."

She nodded weakly, kissing Annabelle on the head. She walked to the chair and picked up her scarf then turned back to me. "Please take care of her."

I nodded and she left the room, quietly closing the door behind her. I sent a quick text to Miss Maria to hold things down at Avalon while I stayed away.

Remembering the first phase of my plan to keep that opportunistic Jameel away from Enitan's life, I stepped out and called Dr Helena, Enitan's Gynaecologist to register as the babies' father and schedule our private appointments but she didn't pick up, I guess it was still too early for official calls.

Stepping back into the room, I dragged the settee across the tiled floor, closer to Annabelle's bed. Lowering onto the chair, I carefully lifted her hands and placed them in mine, silently praying I wasn't the reason why she tried to take her life. Hours of me guilt tripping and staying by her side went by, until an elderly doctor walked in.

He looked at me then back at the door. "Are you a relative?" He asked with furrowed brows, obviously surprised to find someone other than the Martins.

"Fiancé."

"Oh! The Fiancé." His hands dropped from where it was pointing at the door. "Sorry about that. Dr Noah," he said, stretching out his hand.

I gripped it in a firm handshake. "It's fine. How is her situation?"

"We’ve pumped her stomach and administered Nalaxone, but still had to place her on Diazepam so she could rest. The worst has passed and she'll be ready to go home by tomorrow."

I nodded. His frown and sceptical expression didn't reflect the good news he just passed. "But?" I urged.

"But I'm afraid for the future. She'll need lots of care and observation. Someone to keep an eye on her. Since you're her Fiancé, you're in the best position to do that."

"Okay?" I knew where this was headed, and it bothered me. "How?"

"I know it's out of tradition— and out of my place to ask, but as her doctor, it will be best if you two moved in together."

What the hell?

He must have noticed the dread on my face. "I can't mention how important this is," he continued immediately with a serious look on his face. "Being around her family hasn't helped much, so I believe love can save her."

'Love can save her'? What is this? Doctor Phil's counselling session? 'Are you even a real medical doctor?' I almost asked.

"Thanks, doctor, for your concern but I'd have to run this by her parents first."

"Oh, we spoke at length after she was brought in yesterday. They both agree it's the best step."

"I see," I smiled.

Chapter Eighteen contd.

***
I silently watched her as she stared into empty space and ignored my presence. It didn't surprise me, I had a new penchant for pissing off the women in my life.

"You're going to have to talk to me sooner or later, you know that."

"Where's Ma?"

"I sent her home to rest."

"Why!" She asked. "We both know you don't want to be here."

"I'm not a monster!"

"Yea, right," she scoffed, "I don't need you to stay here to satisfy your conscience. I don't want your pity."

"Anna," I said perplexed. It had been a while since I called her that, she noticed too and stared at me like I'd grown horns. "I want to be here. Before any of—this, we were friends, and I cared."

She remained silent.

"Just why in God's name would you do this to yourself again?"

"Look at me," she said quietly, her head lolling and dull eyes meeting mine. I could tell she was struggling to keep her eyes open. "Former 'most beautiful girl Nigeria' and I can't even get the man I love to love me back," she dragged the words and let out a short laugh.

"What are you talking about? You broke up with me and made it clear you were done with feelings." This had nothing to do with feelings, this was about her family's greed.

"Why do you think I was part of the deal?" She asked.

"Let's see. Because your father wants his grandchildren to become heirs to the greatest establishment in Africa? Because it's the only way you can own four—percent shares at Avalon without drawing attention. You tell me."

"That's not true!" She sniffled. "It's because I still love you," she said in a quiet tone. "I wanted a breakup because I couldn't stand myself. I thought maybe if you left I wouldn't feel guilty about how I flipped on you some times or think you were with me out of pity."

"But you knew it wasn't out of pity! You knew I loved you."

"Did you? Because not long after our breakup you moved on to another woman like you'd been waiting for the glorious opportunity."

"Come on! Anna," I muttered. "Did you expect me to stick around and cling onto you like a suckling child?"

"But you promised!" She yelled. "You promised to never let me go even if I wanted. But when I broke up with you, you didn't fight it."

"Does it matter now? You have me right where you want. So why try to kill yourself and put the blame on me!" My voice grew louder than I projected. What else did she want from me?

"Do you know how frustrating it has been. Despite my efforts to make things work."

"It's not my wish that things play out like this. I love someone else now and you know it."

She wiped a strain tear from her eyes then put on a straight face. "Do you know the things I've done to get you back—the things I'll do to keep you?"

"You did nothing to get me back. You took advantage of my father's mistakes and laxity."

"Advantage?" She scoffed. "How do you think a so called whist blower appeared after all these years and claimed to have evidence of Avalon involvement in corruption?"

My shoulders unconsciously lifted from where it was bent towards her, I sat straight on the chair. My eyes squinted inquisitively at her while I shook my head. We knew it had to take someone high at the agency to know such documents even existed, but the Martins?

"It can't possibly be-" I laughed, hoping by some miracle her trash talk was the effect of the sleeping medication.

"I thought If he had something on you or your family, he could use it to pressure you and I'd still have the man I love. He accepted," she said, biting on her bottom lips. "I knew he wanted to get rid of me—the psychotic daughter," she laughed, "he wouldn't need to constantly buy medications worth hundreds of thousands of Naira or pay for therapy, and he'd gain more money. I didn't care because it was a win-win for me."

"Stop," I breathed. I feared the new surge of hatred boiling in my chest. I fear it was going to spill if she continued speaking.

"I changed my mind sometimes. But, he remained adamant to follow through. He said he found a way to shake the 'Almighty Williams Adakole' but I still couldn't believe it. It was just a floating idea until he told me there was another woman. I knew I had to act before I lost you forever,"

"So, the Independent Financial Crimes Agency suddenly ordering an investigation into Avalon construction and oil, over deals that happened in the past administration? That was all your doing?"

She shrugged, "Well, my father. I don't know how he did it but, he got your father really spooked and willing to compromise."

"Your father specifically targeted me, found dirt on my father—used his position as the IFCA chairman to blackmail my family! All because I didn't run back to your arms after you broke up with me?

"All because I love you!"

God! She was really sick and needed help.

"You said you were doing us a favour—" I said distant minded. "You have no idea what you've done. You pitched my father and I against each other!"

"I went overboard. But I want to make amends now." She held onto my hands and I was surprised at the strength."

"Make amends?" I pushed her hands off me and lurched off the settee. "He almost killed Enitan—my children too," my voice became a low whisper. I intertwined my hands to stop them from shaking.

"It was supposed to be a scare but you resisted for months, my father had to order an official investigation. I didn't know you were going to be such a hard head for her. God! What is with you Adakole's and baby mamas."

W-what did she mean by that? I was certainly the only Adakole with a child out of wedlock. My brother, Kelvin was way too busy with his medical profession to pay attention to any woman. Father had to hire private investigators to make sure he wasn't gay. Maybe the drugs had effect on her—made her tongue loosed. This part was certainly trash talk.

"You and your father threatened my father's freedom, our livelihood and legacy. Not that you'll understand, because all you do is make money off people you label corrupt." I ran both of my palms over my face. "But you don't get to make amends. You want love in return for destroying my life? It's never going to happen." I paced the room then turned back to her. "The pity you detest, is all you're going to get."

"Understand why I did it, please!" She sobbed.

"Your doctor and family think you'll become less suicidal if you move into my apartment,” I laughed bitterly. “Your driver can drop you off at my place after the doctor signs your release papers." I walked towards the door and opened it then turned back to her. "Apologise to your mum on my behalf. Tell her something urgent came up," I said before walking out of the room and slamming the door.

***
"Can the penthouse suite be ready for me by tomorrow?" I asked the Avalon homes manager on the phone as I walked out of the hospital building into the sunny car park. I'd spent my morning and afternoon for nothing.

"Unfortunately, sir, your sister—Miss Ivan is currently resident in the penthouse, but we can make arrangements for any of the other top notch suites in a short time, sir."

Leaving home to camp away in a hotel? It had to be because of that bodyguards of hers. Can't believe she was still sleeping with him after she found out he placed trackers on my car—and participated in Enitan's elevator accident.
I ran my palm across my face. The penthouse was part of the apartments under my management, which made it the best place to lay low without any attention from the press or my father. "There'll be no need for that. Thank you, Jack." I said and ended the call.



Author's Note : Hey guys, long time no post. Hope y'all good. This chapter is a bit legthy and kind off not sparking electricity (what does that even mean!), but vital to the plot, so... it also needs more editing and adjustment but that would be after the story is completed, so kindly bear with me. Thanks for your continuous support. This story is ending first week of August, so, brace yourselves for the end... heartbreaking end. Will post the next chapters in a bit.

@culin 'pepper body association' firstlady don't let it end in heart break na. ��� I heart heart breaks fa. Thanks for the dedication boo. Made me feel like someone values me.

adeboizy11:
@culin 'pepper body association' firstlady don't let it end in heart break na. ��� I heart heart breaks fa. Thanks for the dedication boo. Made me feel like someone values me.

You're valued.

This Chapter is dedicated to Ann2012 You're a true gift and support system to writers here on Nairaland.

Chapter Nineteen - I'm not okay

I used to be fine in my loneliness
but something
or someone
snapped me out of it
and showed me company. What it’s like to feel at home,
and so the going on by myself part wasn’t as easy anymore.
Seasons happened and things got colder and harder and suddenly I found myself smoking circles in the air
by myself in the snow
and I was not okay.

Charlotte Eriksson; You're doing just fine.


Song- Not Okay by Kygo Ft Chelsea Cutler

ENITAN

"Sorry, Dad, but I can't make it home today," I said, pushing away the silk duvet and rolling the most part of my body that could to the edge of the bed. It was almost noon and I still hadn't left the bed-or closed my eyes. I'd tried to find sleep all night without any luck and spent most part thinking about Nathan's offer two days ago-maybe his apology was sincere and I could count on him. Maybe thinking of a future with Jameel so soon was just my selfish way of looking to repair my already damaged reputation in society.

"What is wrong?" He asked with concern in his voice. I placed the phone on speaker and pushed myself off the bed.

"Nothing!" I strode to the window and opened the large drapes, smiling at the breath-taking beach scenery, I could never get used to it

'Wait till your second week here.' Nathan's mum had said.

"I can't take such a long trip today," I continued, walking to the silver ornate rectangular mirror by the wall. I took in my reflection and snuggled my robe from the sheer horror; puffy eyes and a face as round as a football. My bump was only beginning to show, yet I felt like an extra large balloon on a stick. Damn you, Nathan. "I feel bloated. What is so important that you need to see me?"

He heaved a sigh of disappointment. "Maybe I'll feel less better by the weekend," I quickly put in. Truly, I did feel bloated and couldn't endure a drive from the Island to the mainland today but most importantly, I couldn't miss my lunch with Jameel. I needed to ask him face to face.

"I can't have your mother around till the weekend," he muttered.

"Have my mother around'?" I asked baffled.

He went quiet for a while then replied, "Yes. She's here and insists on seeing you."

"What?" My mouth fell open. Frustration quickly replaced my surprise. "Wait-you let her in the house!"

Who was she to come back to Lagos and make requests like nothing happened-after she'd sworn to never look back on our poor pathetic family-so she called it.


"She's in the restaurant-as a customer, we're dealing with low patronage already," he sighed, I could tell he was either scratching his beard or afro, a habit for when he was caught in a tight position. "I can't create a scene."

I lowered my head onto my hands. "After all this time-what does she want?"

"You should ask her in person."

"Dad, I'm not coming!"

"Look, your sister-in a foolish attempt to prove whatever point, may have bragged to your mother that you were pregnant for a billionaire," he enunciated the last word with disdain. "I guess she's here to confirm."

"Tolani!" I bit my thumb. What a silly thing to do. Little wonder she'd refused to come home from school, using project work as an excuse.

So what if our mum had left us to start a new family with someone richer, it didn't make this a competition. I'd warned her in the hospital after she'd fantasize all day about us joining the big leagues through my child, being a baby mama for a billionaire was nothing to brag with, especially when that billionaire was getting married to another woman in few weeks.

"Please, tell me she didn't mention Nathan Adakole's name to her," I asked with bated breath.

This was a pregnancy only few people could know about. Why did she have to get our mother involved. I would've been relieved if Tolani had announced it with a microphone in Oshodi market instead.

"If she did, your mother would be at Nathan's office right now demanding for grandma allowance." I laughed and shook my head. It was great that he found humour in this. I'd always prayed he moved on from the pitiable state she left him. His restaurant was still recovering from the divorce but his mind was healing and that was all that mattered.

"Come see her first, find out what she wants," he said, giving me a few minutes to reply. "Maybe she's here to offer moral support and be a mother to you during this challenging period of your life?" He chuckled.

I snorted and my face skewed in disgust. "Please!" I packed my hair into a bun and walked away from the mirror to search the closet for any dress that could cover the little bump.

"She won't leave my restaurant unless you come see her," he said in one last attempt.

"Then kick her out! She doesn't get to give ultimatums. Not after everything she's done to us." Finding a short free gown from the upper shelf, I tossed it onto the bed and knelt to select a slippers from the lower shelf.

"You know how stubborn that woman can be, please don't leave me to suffer this alone," he pleaded and I laughed lightly at his theatrics.

"Mr Steven Alaide, you got control of this," I emphasized on each word. "I promise to come see you-and with a new scrabble board whenever she returns to her husband and child."

He mumbled some incoherent words and a bitter goodbye then the line went dead.

I stepped into the bathroom and sat in the tub for a while, puffing out air and letting my worries take over a minute. I missed my old life. Sleep. Work. Long calls from the one person I cared most about. I let out an exasperated sigh and turned on the shower.

Everything will fall in place. Everything will fall in place.



***
"Jeez! I'm only five minutes late and you look this moody already?" I raised my head from my phone to find an exhausted looking Jameel giving a large closed-lip smile. The sleeves of his light blue checkered button down shirt were rolled to the elbow but the shirt still neatly tucked into his plain dark blue trousers.

When he called yesterday to ask if I could join him for lunch in the cafe close to the hospital he worked, I didn't hesitate-even though we'd only hung out two nights ago and Everest-after much persuasion-was driving me again, I needed this meeting for my sanity.

Although I'd never been to the cafe, I was thankful Jameel picked it. There was little activity and the air was thick with Vanilla scent. The small building with plush furniture and pastel colour schemes served both as a kitchen and a confectionery shop for mostly outdoor orders.

He flashed his perfectly arranged dentition and for some odd reason, it lifted my spirit. "Oh," I smiled, "this isn't you," I said pointing to my face.

"Ok." he pursed his lips and nodded. "I'm relieved. You good?" He asked, dropping his car keys, wallet and IPhone on the round wooden table before sitting.

"I can't sleep!" I groaned. "Please, prescribe something strong."

He tilted his head and looked at me with one squinted eye.

"A sleeping drug," I clarified.

"Yeah, I got you the first time." I folded my arms and waited for him to say when he would get it. "I just don't understand why."

"I just told you. It's all thanks to Zaron concealer I'm not looking like a vampire or Zombie," I said pointing both index fingers to my eyes.

My attempted joke fell flat on it's face as Jameel's expression remained impassive. "Listen. When I said you could count on me for anything, that didn't include me being your drug dealer."

"It's just a simple prescription pill," I shrugged.

"It's dangerous! You could get addicted and dependent for life." I looked into his eyes and they held so much seriousness-and concern. "Why don't we talk about what's really bothering you."

I buried my face in my palms. "I don't know. The fact that my dad may be ashamed and just accepting my child because he doesn't want to loose me like he lost my mother-or that society will never know who the father of my children is, therefore labelling me a LovePeddler who slept with too many men to know which one was responsible. I don't know."

"That's an absurd conclusion! I'm sure everyone knows you're far from being a whor-whatever." He waved dismissingly.

"Do they? Because this is Nigeria, where virginity is considered by many to be the utmost and maybe only trophy of a single woman, and one who, evidently, has lost it and worse, concieved is demonized."

He reached for my hands on the table. "If it's so important to you, I could be the father to your children. For society, I mean," he stuttered, "or whichever way you want."

This Chapter is dedicated to Humbleness You comments are encouraging and always a delight.

Chapter Twenty - ... And I'll Never Be


“Doctoring her seemed to her as absurd as putting together the pieces of a broken vase. Her heart was broken. Why would they try to cure her with pills and powders?"

Leo Tolstoy

Song- First Man by Camila Cabello


ENITAN

My heart thumped in my chest. God! Did he even know the implication of what he was asking-his girlfriend and family's reaction. Also, that would piss Nathan off and send him into a murderous rage.

"That's really sweet, J. But it's more complicated than it sounds. Also, Nathan and I talked-" Mentioning it was on the night we met, just outside Shiro would freak him out even more, so I left that detail out. “He’s willing to do all the dad stuff with me."

"But, in private."

"Yeah," I replied, my eyes falling to my hands on the table.

"I strongly belief in God's plan. I don't know why God let me find you again and at this exact time in your life."

My heart thumped even harder-like I was going into a cardiac arrest anytime soon. I'd imagined it in my head-wishful thinking-a happy distraction. But not Jameel himself saying it out loud.

'He's only being nice, he's a doctor after all. You're his responsibility.' I stayed up thinking, after I'd sent Nathan away that night. Maybe I'd said all those things to sound like I had my shit together-not to look totally helpless to Nathan. But what made me think a man as hot and sorted after like Jameel would want to be with a single mum like me. In the end, Nathan would have the better life and last laugh-or so I thought until thirty seconds ago when Jameel mentioned 'God's plan' and 'finding' me in the same sentence.

I wanted to ask about his girlfriend, or someone special to him. But that would make the air even more awkward. Did his decision have anything to do with his feelings or he saw me as a charity case? Did he mean marriage or just adopting my kids?

God, I had to stop over thinking...

"Uhm-"

"Don't give an answer yet. Take your time." He tapped my hands and laid back on his seat, signalling the young female waiter in a black apron over and saying something brief to her. His lips were moving but I couldn't pick out the words.

"Sorry, what?" I asked when I heard my name.

"So, what are the other thing that keep you awake at night?" He asked, casually like he hadn't just mentioned fathering my children few seconds ago.

"That's basically everything."

"Really?" He asked, a bit unsatisfied .

"Yeah. Why?"

"You're suffering from insomnia, Enitan. And it's not because you got hooked on the 'many drugs' you took at the hospital-neither is it as a result of all the things you just mentioned. You may be suffering from PTSD."

"Post traumatic stress disorder?" I tittered, my eyes bore into his, hoping to find hints of amusement in them. "No. I just told you all the reasons why I can't sleep," I replied when his humourless gaze met mine with the same intensity.

He raised his palms, gesturing me to listen. "That's not my field but, after surviving a scary accident like you did, you'd eventually need to talk to someone-most likely a doctor."

"No. Please, no more. I'm tired. The hospital has become a second home these past few months and it's overwhelming."


"I know. But sedatives are not the solution. We need to cut the problem from the root."

"How!" I asked, frustration sipping in.

"Why don't we talk about the accident?"

"There's nothing to talk about. I stepped into a malfunctioning elevator at Avalon HQ, it spiralled out of control, the rest is hazy."

"Is that all there is to say?"

"What else! Doctor?" I yelled, frustrated now.

"The fact that you almost died! And you can't talk about it. The panic you experienced that moment you thought you were going to loose your life-the fear of never seeing your family again-your life flashing before your eyes-the fear you experienced when you had to go though a corrective spinal cord surgery-the thoughts that you could have lost the use of your legs-the trauma doesn't just disappear after your body heals."

The waiter arrived with our food and I couldn't have being more thankful for the interruption.

"Ah, you're spilling real doctor shit here , J," I laughed, bubbling my head and rubbing my misty eyes with the back of my palms to avoid proving to him he was right-that he knew my plight even before I did. I sniffed hard to unclog my passageways and dug into the Yoghurt Parfait in front of me.

"I'm a real doctor, Miss, and I'm dead serious." He laid back on the chair again, opening the box of Pizza and placing a few slices on our plates.

"You know, back then when you knew I was right about something, you'd try to piss me off by ending the discussion with a silly joke," he said with a reminiscent smile.

"You remember?" I asked in disbelief.

"I do. And now isn't the time for it." His smile now replaced by the serious look he had on earlier. "It doesn't have to be me. But talk to someone about it-and soon."

I nodded, "thanks, Jameel."

You're like an angel sent to me in my darkest times, I completed in my mind.

After a moment of silent chewing from both of us, the smart wristwatch on his left wrist beeped and he exclaimed, "Wow! Where did all the time go?"

I slumped in my chair and relapsed into the mood I had on before he arrived. He noticed it and drew forward. "What is wrong?"

"I just need to find something to do with my life. Tanya is busy as a bee and you've practically being the only one I've been hanging with." I pouted. "I'm going to die of boredom!"

"Amazing!"

"Amazing?" I asked, arching a brow at him.

"Because I have an awesome distraction for you this Saturday," he said, grabbing the glass of lemonade and taking a swig.

"Yoga class for expectant mothers? No, thank you."

He laughed, choking on his drink but still laughing. "No!"

I sighed, relieved, "What then?"

"A gala."

"A gala?"

"Yup! The National Medical Association have this annual celebratory dinner to honour medical practitioners, partners and organizations in the country who've contributed to a healthier and better medical care."

"Ok? Sounds serious."

"It is. And you're coming with me."

"Whoa! Hold on. Have you seen how I look lately?"

"Like one who could get all the men in Lag tripping over themselves?"

"Stop with the flattering!" I slapped his hand.

"I'm not! You look perfect, miss Alaide."

"Thank you," I smiled, bending my head and fiddling with my dress.

"So, tomorrow and Friday long enough to get a dress-or do you need intervention."


"I'm good." It felt strange-exhilarating even. Jameel Nenkat, crush of the nurses and envy of all the male doctors in Midridge hospital wanted me to a come along to a work function. I'd never been to any of those. The last dinner I'd attended was college graduation dinner-which I'd dragged Tolani along as date. Not even one with Nathan as our relationship needed to stay low-key."

Nathan.

Why did I have to think about him now. I put on a wider smile to make sure the heaviness in my heart didn't reflect on my face.

***
"He's going to unleash hell if he finds out you're meeting with that man again," Everest said more than halfway into our ride back home.

I stopped scrolling through my Instagram feed and turned to him. "'That man,' is my doctor. And Nathan, is another woman's husband."

"Also the father of your children," he chipped in.

"So? It's not like I'm sleeping with the doctor," I shrugged.

I didn't realise the words would sound terribly awkward once they left my mouth-awkward for me at least. Everest's stoic face gave up nothing as his face remained straight on the road ahead.

Although he'd pretended to not have heard the conversation between Nathan and I two days ago in the car-he'd become oddly nicer-more sympathetic to me since then. Not saying much but at least the intensity of his frown had reduced. He'd stopped insisting I sat at the back seat of the car and threw in one or two chuckle or lip-twitch whenever I ranted about something or someone.

"Where are you from, Everest?" I asked, locking my phone and slightly turning my shoulders toward him.

"South."

Not giving up, I pressed on, "well, do you have any family? A wife maybe? "I smiled. "I've never seen you make any non-work-related phone calls and you don't talk much about yourself."

"Used to," he replied curtly, his Adam's apple bobbed from swallowing a lump.

"Oh," I blurted out, shocked at his reply.

Was this where I asked what happened or shut up?

"What happened?"

A flash of pain passed through his eyes and for the first time ever, I saw a trace of weakness-brokenness in him. The car accelerated and my breath caught in my throat. Turning forward, I grabbed onto the edge of my seat. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked," I apologized.

"Yeah."

An apologetic look crossed his face and I forgot the anger rising from the scare. Everest was never impulsive, he would never abandon caution. Whatever happened must have been terrible for him to react the way he did.

I unlocked my phone again as he took the road by the water that led up to the beach house.

My feed refreshed itself automatically and I hissed. But a blog post on the screen with upper case caption caught my attention.

'TOP MODEL AND FASHION DESIGNER, ANNABELLE SIMA MARTINS ANNOUNCES MOVING IN WITH BUSSINESS MOGUL FIANCÉ, NATHAN ADAKOLE.'

I stared harder at the caption. Maybe it wasn't my Nathan, but Annabelle and Nathan's pictures were in one grid of the photos attached while a video of her in Nathan's house-on his bed was in the other grid. My fingers, like a robot's, tapped the comments.

'Awwn! When the love is too strong and you can't wait to get married.'

'Couple goals.'

'God when!'

'Our babies. Can't wait for y'all to walk down the aisle.'

'Divorce won't be your portion IJN.'

The comments were endless.

Again, my breath caught in my throat and I couldn't swallow. The tears that stung my eyes and blurred my vision followed. I stared at the device lying on my hands, yet I could feel nothing.

The car came to a halt and I realized we'd arrived home.

"There's another set of wheel tracks leading to the compound. Stay in the car till I confirm they're that of Mrs Adakole Or Nathan," Everest said with a stern look.

I nodded absent minded, what was the big deal if another car drove in? Nathan was moving in with his wife already. He had this planned even while he tried to hold my hands two nights ago and lie to my face.

'I want to do this together,' he'd said.

Liar. Bloody liar.

'But he didn't say he was leaving her for you,' my subconscious chided.

I swallowed through an already clogged throat and wiped away the tears. Unlocking my phone again, I opened the text message app on my phone and tapped Jameel's number.

My fingers, on their own accord moved across the keyboard. Typing in the last word, I reread the text again.

'I don't need to take my time anymore. I accept.'

"There's no sign of a breaking in and the cameras don't show anyone around the property," Everest said when he returned to the car and unlocked it.

I nodded, throwing my phone into my purse and stepping out.

"Are you ok, Ma’am? My apologies about earlier-"

"I'm ok." I raised my hands in affirmation, walking past him and hurrying into the building.



A/N: Wow, two Chapters down. I hope you enjoy reading this episode as much as I did writing it. Please, pardon any error(s) you may have noticed, I'll fix them in the final draft.


Good morning and have a blessed Friday.

Hasty decisions always come back to bite you in the ass Eni. Didn't anyone ever tell you that?

SMH.

Good job Culin

Thanks for the update Culin

Waiting for the next so as to know what decision Eni will make, as well as Nathan's reaction to the news update.

This chapter is dedicated to the president of the Noise makers association, Khriztarl .she be mentioning me upandan on people's thread. You're appreciated.

Chapter Twenty-21—And So Help me God

There is no greater glory than love, nor any great punishment than Jealousy. —Lope de Vega

Song—Tems— Try me

NATHAN

"What the!" Startled, Ivan swiftly grabbed something from the sofa and turned to the opening elevator, eyes wide and slender hands pointing straight ahead.

"Jesus Christ! Put that down!" I yelled, panic shooting up my spine at the sight of the gun. The gun didn't scare me—Father had ensured we legally owned and knew how to use one by seveenteen, it was the fact that Ivan was the one pointing it at me that bothered me.

She heaved a sigh of relief then dropped her hands to her side. "It's just you."

Who else would come up here!

I scowled at her as I stepped out the elevator and walked further into the penthouse. I'd always had the access codes to the last floor of the 18 story building—and they couldn't be changed without my permission, so yesterday when Mr Jacobs had mentioned she was resident here, I didn't bother to call-or search for another suite.

"Why do you even have that?" I asked, gesturing to the weapon. "Isn't that what Tony is here for?"

Her eyes moved from my hand to the packed trolley firmly held to the floor by its handle and then to the black leather briefcase on my other hand. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question. Where is he?"

"Who?"

"Your side piece bodyguard, who else?"

"I gave him the week off since I'll be cooped up here alone anyway."

I eyed her suspiciously and swept a glance through the great expanse of Brazilian Pecan wooden floor, cream plush furniture and rug, cream drapes beside large window frames with skyscrapers as backdrop. "You're all by yourself?" I exclaimed. "Then explain why you left home to stay here."

"You've been all by yourself too, having your bodyguard running errands for your little pregnant chic, there's no one scolding you for that."

"Ivan— I sent her a warning glare. Now was definitely not the time for sass.

"I just needed my space. Home has become even more unbearable with the constant bickering," she said, turning and throwing herself on the sofa.

"Did something happen?"

"Other than Mum inviting Ms Maria Ahmed over for a Sunday dinner that turned awkward? Nothing much."

"How do you mean?" I asked, Ms Maria's name piquing my interest. She'd become more than my father's secretary— and mine over nineteen years, but the rare Sunday dinner at the Adakole's home was sacred—a family-only affair. My sister, Monic, her husband and her two beautiful boys, then Kevin, Ivan and I. That's how it had always been. Family only.

"I wish I could explain. So for how long do you intend to say here?" She asked, changing the topic and folding her arms across her chest.

I glanced at her in surprise. "Madam, I oversee...and would soon own the building, I can stay for as long I want."

I dragged the trolley by its handle and proceeded to the master bedroom with her following few steps behind. Thankfully, it wasn't the one Ivan had occupied. She'd always been the 'small and cozy apartment' kind of lady anyway, the massive room would have been out of character. I placed the briefcase and trolley on the bed, carefully unpacking.

"The manager said you haven't been here since the two years you moved out."

"And so?"

"You just decided to take a vacation?"

I exhaled sharply, sitting on the bed. "Annabelle tried to kill herself then blame me for it."

"Oh!" She exclaimed, hands flying to her mouth.

"She'll be alright though. She's been giving the clear and will be leaving the hospital today." Her confused gaze held mine and I could tell she was wondering what that had to do with my presence. "She's moving into my house—" I checked my wristwatch. Great! Eleven am. I left early enough. "Like in an hour."

"Wow! You're running from a woman you're eventually going to marry?"

"There'll be no marriage if I'm pushed to murder her first," I spat.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" She exclaimed, raising both hands. "What more did she do to get you so riled up?"

****
"It doesn't make any sense!" Ivan said, shaking her head while she leaned against the door frame of the bedroom with ankles crossed. I'd settled in and narrated everything Annabelle had told me at the hospital.

"What? The fact that my family is in this deep mess because of me? It makes perfect sense," I replied, leaning against the dresser.

"It's such a petty reason to kick-start a sequence of unpleasant events, don't you think?" Absent minded, she said, "I reckon hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

"See? Right there! That's the thing. I did no scorning. She wanted out. I let her go. Man's got no time for a woman's games."

"Yes. Just like you have no time for your side woman's."

"Enitan isn't—" I tried to protest.

"Then what is she to you? You need to figure out soon what is it you're doing here. You can't eat your cake and have it, else you have a runny stomach."

"Yes Ma!" I stood up, shaking my head in amusement. My twenty-two year old sister was beginning to sound like our big sister, Monic. I slipped my foot back into my Oxfords and fitted my phone into the back pocket of my Jeans. Luckily, I'd retrieved my main car from Shiro without any fuss.

"It still makes no sense!" She threw her hands in the air, clearly frustrated.

"It does. I told you already. Annabelle has always been—very sensitive."

"But dad has spent so much money trying to keep things balanced, keep government officials quiet... for years! Everything has remained stable. Why would things suddenly change because of a scorned lover." She raised a finger, as if realizing something. "And dad? The fact that he let those hooligans intimidate him. This is dad we're talking about here. The same man who dragged Futocorps to the ground because they filed that stupid construction litigation suit against him." Her eyes bulged out as she talked with her hands and walked closer to me.

"He dabbled in political affairs, Ivan. Made quite a few enemies. No matter how crushable Mr Martins and his family are, our company has generated lots of unwanted attention already."

"Have you seen the desperate look in his eyes since this began? Dad, I mean. It's like he'll go to any lengths to get this marriage done. He's not fighting it. It's almost like he knows it's hopeless.

"It is! And you're thinking too much into this."

"Maybe because the pieces are starting to fit."

"Ha! Ivan. I have no time for this." Or your theories. Ivan was the type that believed Illuminati existed and Beyonce was their leader. "Got to head back to Avalon. You'll be good on your own?"

"Been good for days."

"Ok," I nodded, walking back to the living area and towards the elevator.

"Hey."

"What!" I turned back to her with a 'just drop it already' glare.

She rolled her eyes then in a second, her expression turned to the one she always had whenever she wanted something—puppy eyes and pouted lips.

"So, Kev invited me to his work thing. He's been given the medal of Valor for his services in Chibok."

"Yeah, I heard about that. I'll be sure to call to congratulate him."

"The thing is I won't be able to make it. I'm still adjusting and don't think I'm ready to mingle yet."

"Why didn't you tell him then!"

"It will break him! I'm the only family member he trusted enough to invite. I'd ask mum but you know she wouldn't dare cross her husband about supporting Kev. Monic can't even leave her kids for an hour."

"Ivan!" I grunted. She didn't have to say it, I knew what she was asking.

"Please do this for him. It'll be great if he has family around."

"My weekend is fully booked."

"Please! Don't turn your back on him like dad did."

Emotional blackmail, always works!

"Fine!" I grunted. "I'll get the details when I return. Can I go now?"


***
Fridays used to be exciting.

TGIF.

Work, hangout and party with Patrick and some of the boys from the office. But as I sat at the outdoor restaurant for lunch, the day bore no semblance of excitement. Even the sunny weather reflected my agitated countenance.

Enitan hadn't called or returned my calls yet. Annabelle was in my apartment and announcing it to the whole world all over social media. I had to stand in for Ivan at Kevin's award night, not that I didn't want to. I loved Kevin, he was the Ideal big brother. But his kind—doctors saw my kind—businessmen as out of place and people who only showed up to display how much money they could spend...and in Kevin's words, "money they tried to use to buy the humanity their hearts can't give."

I munched on the Jollof rice, but my taste buds were totally useless, So I dropped the cash plus tips on the table and headed for my car. Sitting in the still parked car, I brought out my phone and redialled Enitan's Gynaecologist again, relieved that she answered this time.

"Hello, Nathan."

"Good day, Doctor."

"What a lovely surprise to hear from you too. Your mother and I spoke earlier this week."

Lovely suprise? I've been trying to reach you for two days now!

"Yeah, about that. I'm calling concerning Miss Alaide."

"Your mother's niece expecting the twin babies? What about her?"

"No, No." God! Was that the best lie my mother could up with? Enitan, her niece? "No doctor, she's not my cousin. I'd like to register as the father of her children and be kept in the loop."

Silence.

"Doctor?"

"I'm sorry, I'm beyond shocked. Just how are you the father?"

'Just how am I the father?' We had sex and she got pregnant!

"That's not a discussion we need to have. But I'd like to get fixed into Enitan's appointment—and also request a new meeting place for them."

"Now I'm even more confused."

"The niece thing was just a front, to keep the news away from the public!"

"I'm afraid there's been a mix-up, because Enitan already called yesterday to say the father of the children was ready to come in with her, I registered him in the files and I'm afraid it's not you. It's a Jameel something, Nenkat or so."

"Mm," I groaned inwardly. Could today get any worse! It wasn't enough to take him to her appointments, but to claim my children as his? If she wanted to spite me, she was totally succeeding.

"The only mix-up is that the mother of my kids is going through pregnancy stress." Or maybe going crazy. "Doctor, do let me know when is suitable for us to meet, our appointments need to be discreet as possible."

"I'm sorry but I'd have to discuss this with my patient first."

Mm! My lips pressed into a thin line.

God! I was loosing it.

I took the phone away from my ear, my teeth grinding so hard against each other.

In no time, I was driving to the beach house. I didn't want to put Everest in the same position I did at shiro so I didn't bother calling to ask of her whereabouts. Even if she wasn't home, I'd wait and put some senses into her head. And so help God that I don't lay my eyes on that doctor.


Authours Note: Another chapter down. I'm so determined to finish this story before my birthday (6th of August), so, I'll be dropping chapters as often as I can now.

Culin:
This chapter is dedicated to the president of the Noise makers association, Khriztarl .she be mentioning me upandan on people's thread. You're appreciated.
The

Authours Note: Another chapter down. I'm so determined to finish this story before my birthday (6th of August), so, I'll be dropping chapters as often as I can now.

Another August baby.

Whoop whoop!!

Thanks for the update, love.

Waiting for the award ceremony. Clash of the egos.

*Rings bell*

Fight two.

Culin. Me. President. Noise makers. Association. Lol. Chai. Thanks for the honour. I appreciate alot. jsyk, i'm following the lead of enirock and herbiedeen ni..

Khriztarl:
Culin. Me. President. Noise makers. Association. Lol. Chai.
Thanks for the honour. I appreciate alot.
jsyk, i'm following the lead of enirock and herbiedeen ni..

tuaaaah...me that is very gentle like a storm

Nice one culin..
How come you hoarded the story for so long..And now you're dropping them as often as you can

Herbiedeen:
tuaaaah...me that is very gentle like a storm

irony. Lol.

millieademi:



Another August baby.

Whoop whoop!!

Thanks for the update, love.

Waiting for the award ceremony. Clash of the egos.

*Rings bell*

Fight two.

Yea mama! You're an August baby too?

It's going to be a "clash of the egos" indeed.
Much love Millie.

Khriztarl:
Culin. Me. President. Noise makers. Association. Lol. Chai.
Thanks for the honour. I appreciate alot.
jsyk, i'm following the lead of enirock and herbiedeen ni..

Always welcome.

jupitre:
Nice one culin..
How come you hoarded the story for so long..And now you're dropping them as often as you can

Thanks a lot. But I didn't hoard updates. I'm just super motivated to get this over with by August.

Culin:


Yea mama! You're an August baby too?

It's going to be a "clash of the egos" indeed.
Much love Millie.

Yes o.

August 28.

Love you too baby

Thanks for the update dearie

millieademi:



Yes o.

August 28.

Love you too baby

Wawu! God keep us till then.

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update dearie

UWC Ann

Dedicated to Opeade939 for coming out of Ghost mode. Thanks

Chapter Twenty-Two—Run, Enitan. Run

“If all hearts were open and all desires known — as they would be if people showed their souls — how many gapings, sighings, clenched fists, knotted brows, broad grins, and red eyes should we see in the market place!” — Thormas Hardy


Song—Party Scatter by FireboyDML

ENITAN

"You really are not going to answer his calls?" Tanya asked, her eyes darting from her phone to mine that was ringing silently.

"Nope." I replied as I sprawled across the floor in the living room of her two bedroom flat, while faking attentiveness to the music channel on the flat screen TV.

She sat up straight on the rug she was laying on. "Not only did you make an irrational, illogical and reckless decision. You're not going to talk to him about it?" She demanded..

No. Not after listening to him bang the door of the beach house and try to get in. Not even after watching him from my window fall asleep in his car and angrily drive off late in the night. The fact that I'd forced Everest to drive me to Tanya's at ten pm and swear an oath of secrecy was proof enough. Nathan was sweet when he needed to be, but not this time.

"I will, when he's calm."

"He'll never be calm! You should call that Jameel guy now and tell him you've changed your mind. Have you even asked yourself what's in it for him?"

"Jameel is a selfless person. There's nothing in it for him."

"You're angry. I understand. But have you thought of the implications on your children? They'd grow up and you'll have to explain, eventually."

"For a woman in my position, I made the best decision."

"But is it fair to Nathan? How do you expect him to feel."

Oh, I hopped it ripped his heart apart. What right did he have to pause my life while his continued like a merry-go-round.

"Same way he expects me to feel about his new life—cool."

"Babe na! You're making an already difficult situation even more difficult!"

"I'm the one making things more difficult? If I wasn't pregnant for him we wouldn't even be having this discussion!"

"It's not about your pregnancy. Nathan cares for you!"

"Cares for his children! And honestly, I'm sick and tired of his obsession with this pregnancy and being just a baby vessel that he needs to monitor. Jameel is offering more and I'm not passing out on the opportunity."

"What are you saying? Even before he found out about the pregnancy, he was so worried about you that he had to place that hunky bodyguard of his at the hospital, and now he has him following you around."

"What?"

"Yes, duh! Told you it's not about the babies."

"No. Not that. The part where he had Everest at the hospital."

"Best believe it babe! That man is crazy over you."

All through my time with Nathan. I never had a need for a body guard, until now and I assumed it was because he didn't want anything happening to his babies. I didn't feel elated discovering this. Instead I felt disturbed.

I joined her in sitting, crossing my legs. "Well, Nathan is a douchebag," I said, waving my my index finger in the air. "And guess what that makes anyone who supports him?" I tilted my head and looked at Tanya knowingly.

Her mouth fell open and her eyes widened in shock. "If you weren't pregnant with my god-children right now, I'd smack you upside the head!" She slapped my legs.

I smiled and she held my hands. "I know you're hurt, but can you take days to think about this first?"

"Ok." I'd say anything to escape another long lecture from her.

"Well, got to sleep now. I'm on ATM duty tomorrow and Sunday. I need all the sleep I can get." She stretched and yawned.

"Yeah, sweet rest, Bunny." I left out any information about the Gala I had to attend with Jameel tomorrow. I didn't want a dress-down again, it would be triple the one she gave after I told her about my other two meetings with Jameel. She'd probably tie me to the bed post this time. Luckily, she was going to spend all day at the bank were she worked, I'd be out before she returned.

****
The crowd at the ground floor of the Eko hotels and suites was more glamourous than I imagined. Who knew medical practitioners could be so fashionable! The sun had descended beyond the horizon, making the evening bearable with all the heavy outfits.

Jameel intertwined his arms with mine as we walked away from the red carpet where we'd just had our pictures taken.

He looked dashing in a blue suit with black revers combined with a white shirt and black bow tie. While I wore a red deep U-neckline fitted gown with shimmery golden overlay and feathered embellishment below the knee. The gown was styled with golden accessories and nude makeup.

When it was time to go upstairs for the main event, I pulled off my heels and in silent understanding, he walked the stairs to the third floor with me.

"Hey Doctor," a busty and half-clad woman hailed as we entered the gold themed hallway that led to the banquet hall. "Congratulations on the award. Maybe we can get to celebrate later, at my place," she flapped her fake lashes that looked like those Chinese hand fans.

"Thank you, Nurse Cindy. But as you can see, I have my girlfriend right here," Jameel replied and I gulped.

Girlfriend? My heart thumped. Was that what we were now? Lovers? It should've sounded pleasing to my ears that a fine young man still wanted a used good like me. But instead the word made my stomach clench into a knot.

"You didn't tell me you were an award recipient tonight," I asked, completely ignoring his girlfriend remark as he passed on two envelopes to the men in suit by door and we walked into the blue lit hall.

"I didn't?" He feigned surprise. "Must have totally slipped my mind."

Ushers dressed in black satin gowns and coloured neck scarves lined the aisles, one showed us to a table. Each of the round tables had six seats around them, with glowing sculptured ornaments, drinks, champagne flutes and multi-coloured flowers on arranged on them. Jameel, ever the gentleman, pulled out my seat and I sat, acknowledging the two couples that sat to our sides.

A beautiful lady opened the ceremony by gracefully singing the National Anthem, followed by prayers from both an Imam and a popular Pastor. Star artist, Simi's performance dulled any memory of the excruciatingly long welcome speech. The awards began and I could see how much good people there still where and how many sacrifices we didn't even know where being made.

"At this juncture, distinguished ladies and gentlemen," the hostess with a British accent rapped through the tiny wireless headset microphone. "We would like to honour our very own, one who has sacrificed so much for the good of Nigeria. For four years, he ran a hospital in Dapchi as the sole doctor, then moved to Chibok to support the town's dwindling medical services. He's back to Lagos on an assignment and we're privileged to have him in our midst. Join me to welcome this year's Medal of Valour recipient, Doctor Kevin Adakole!"

The hall erupted with cheers, clapping, and a standing ovation from the crowd, I joined them too. I recognised the name. He was Nathan's brother. The one who, against his father's will to study Law in an Ivy league school had insisted to study medicine in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nathan didn't talk much about him, but whenever he did, it was in admiration.

Kevin took giant strides to the platform, his large frame overshadowing the hostess. I clapped even more, not just for his bravery in the field. But his wit to stand up to The Williams Adakole.

The crowd settled on their sit but there was one vaguely familiar figure who stood through out Kevin's appreciation speech and clapped till Kevin returned to his table and hugged him.

Oh my God!

My stomach churned. I felt dizzy and sweaty.

Nathan Adakole. How was this possible! I'd avoided him and ignored his calls all through only to end up five tables from him—with Jameel at my side.

I bent forward to rest my elbows on the table. My head was floating and I needed to rest it on something.

Calm down! It's a big hall with hundreds of people. He'll never see you.

"Are you ok?" Jameel asked, placing a hand on my back and looking at me with creased brows.

"Mm mm," I replied, barely able to open my lips. The hostess droned on and on, while people clapped and one or two walked up to the stage. It felt like everlasting torture. I just wanted this over with.

"Jameel Nenkat!" The name jerked me back to the present. I realized everyone one was standing and clapping, while Jameel rose with a wide smile. I stood up too, completely clueless. I didn't even know what he was been awarded for. He hugged me and made his way to the stage.

"It's an honour to stand before great men and women today. Medicine in Nigeria has come a long way and it is thanks to all of you. When the council sent the letter to me weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with joy—I still am, " he chuckled. "I want to thank you all, especially all staff of Midridge hospital. And to my girlfriend, Enitan who, against unlikely odds, was able to make it here with me tonight." Heads were turning around, looking for the girlfriend.

Would it be rude if I didn't stand to acknowledge his appreciation, if I just sat and smiled back, or maybe waved.

The lady beside me, tapped me, urging me to stand. Soon, the whole table joined in loudly. I stood, clinging to the edge of the table. "You inspire me everyday," he finished. I sat back in a haste, looking towards Nathan's table, hoping I didn't catch his attention.

Disappointment gripped me as he stared back at me, his face transforming to that of the Devil—I didn't need to have seen the devil before to know.

Jameel made his way across the aisle and I noticed Nathan whispering something to his brother before standing up. We were in public. Nathan wouldn't do anything stupid or scandalous. Or would he?

Out of Impulse, I picked my clutch, grabbed the train of my dress and made for the exit of the hall. Sparing a glance behind me, fear and relief at the same time flooded my body as Nathan walked towards the exit instead of towards Jameel.

I doubled my steps and reached the door, I resigned to the temptation to glance back one last time, no! Jameel was trotting right behind Nathan.

I can't imagine Nathan's look right now
And Jameel might just be doing this mushy mushy with Eni just to spite Nathan

Thanks for the update

Culin:
Dedicated to Opeade939 for coming out of Ghost mode. Thanks

Chapter Twenty-Two—Run, Enitan. Run

“If all hearts were open and all desires known — as they would be if people showed their souls — how many gapings, sighings, clenched fists, knotted brows, broad grins, and red eyes should we see in the market place!” — Thormas Hardy


Song—Party Scatter by FireboyDML

ENITAN

"You really are not going to answer his calls?" Tanya asked, her eyes darting from her phone to mine that was ringing silently.

"Nope." I replied as I sprawled across the floor in the living room of her two bedroom flat, while faking attentiveness to the music channel on the flat screen TV.

She sat up straight on the rug she was laying on. "Not only did you make an irrational, illogical and reckless decision. You're not going to talk to him about it?" She demanded..

No. Not after listening to him bang the door of the beach house and try to get in. Not even after watching him from my window fall asleep in his car and angrily drive off late in the night. The fact that I'd forced Everest to drive me to Tanya's at ten pm and swear an oath of secrecy was proof enough. Nathan was sweet when he needed to be, but not this time.

"I will, when he's calm."

"He'll never be calm! You should call that Jameel guy now and tell him you've changed your mind. Have you even asked yourself what's in it for him?"

"Jameel is a selfless person. There's nothing in it for him."

"You're angry. I understand. But have you thought of the implications on your children? They'd grow up and you'll have to explain, eventually."

"For a woman in my position, I made the best decision."

"But is it fair to Nathan? How do you expect him to feel."

Oh, I hopped it ripped his heart apart. What right did he have to pause my life while his continued like a merry-go-round.

"Same way he expects me to feel about his new life—cool."

"Babe na! You're making an already difficult situation even more difficult!"

"I'm the one making things more difficult? If I wasn't pregnant for him we wouldn't even be having this discussion!"

"It's not about your pregnancy. Nathan cares for you!"

"Cares for his children! And honestly, I'm sick and tired of his obsession with this pregnancy and being just a baby vessel that he needs to monitor. Jameel is offering more and I'm not passing out on the opportunity."

"What are you saying? Even before he found out about the pregnancy, he was so worried about you that he had to place that hunky bodyguard of his at the hospital, and now he has him following you around."

"What?"

"Yes, duh! Told you it's not about the babies."

"No. Not that. The part where he had Everest at the hospital."

"Best believe it babe! That man is crazy over you."

All through my time with Nathan. I never had a need for a body guard, until now and I assumed it was because he didn't want anything happening to his babies. I didn't feel elated discovering this. Instead I felt disturbed.

I joined her in sitting, crossing my legs. "Well, Nathan is a douchebag," I said, waving my my index finger in the air. "And guess what that makes anyone who supports him?" I tilted my head and looked at Tanya knowingly.

Her mouth fell open and her eyes widened in shock. "If you weren't pregnant with my god-children right now, I'd smack you upside the head!" She slapped my legs.

I smiled and she held my hands. "I know you're hurt, but can you take days to think about this first?"

"Ok." I'd say anything to escape another long lecture from her.

"Well, got to sleep now. I'm on ATM duty tomorrow and Sunday. I need all the sleep I can get." She stretched and yawned.

"Yeah, sweet rest, Bunny." I left out any information about the Gala I had to attend with Jameel tomorrow. I didn't want a dress-down again, it would be triple the one she gave after I told her about my other two meetings with Jameel. She'd probably tie me to the bed post this time. Luckily, she was going to spend all day at the bank were she worked, I'd be out before she returned.

****
The crowd at the ground floor of the Eko hotels and suites was more glamourous than I imagined. Who knew medical practitioners could be so fashionable! The sun had descended beyond the horizon, making the evening bearable with all the heavy outfits.

Jameel intertwined his arms with mine as we walked away from the red carpet where we'd just had our pictures taken.

He looked dashing in a blue suit with black revers combined with a white shirt and black bow tie. While I wore a red deep U-neckline fitted gown with shimmery golden overlay and feathered embellishment below the knee. The gown was styled with golden accessories and nude makeup.

When it was time to go upstairs for the main event, I pulled off my heels and in silent understanding, he walked the stairs to the third floor with me.

"Hey Doctor," a busty and half-clad woman hailed as we entered the gold themed hallway that led to the banquet hall. "Congratulations on the award. Maybe we can get to celebrate later, at my place," she flapped her fake lashes that looked like those Chinese hand fans.

"Thank you, Nurse Cindy. But as you can see, I have my girlfriend right here," Jameel replied and I gulped.

Girlfriend? My heart thumped. Was that what we were now? Lovers? It should've sounded pleasing to my ears that a fine young man still wanted a used good like me. But instead the word made my stomach clench into a knot.

"You didn't tell me you were an award recipient tonight," I asked, completely ignoring his girlfriend remark as he passed on two envelopes to the men in suit by door and we walked into the blue lit hall.

"I didn't?" He feigned surprise. "Must have totally slipped my mind."

Ushers dressed in black satin gowns and coloured neck scarves lined the aisles, one showed us to a table. Each of the round tables had six seats around them, with glowing sculptured ornaments, drinks, champagne flutes and multi-coloured flowers on arranged on them. Jameel, ever the gentleman, pulled out my seat and I sat, acknowledging the two couples that sat to our sides.

A beautiful lady opened the ceremony by gracefully singing the National Anthem, followed by prayers from both an Imam and a popular Pastor. Star artist, Simi's performance dulled any memory of the excruciatingly long welcome speech. The awards began and I could see how much good people there still where and how many sacrifices we didn't even know where being made.

"At this juncture, distinguished ladies and gentlemen," the hostess with a British accent rapped through the tiny wireless headset microphone. "We would like to honour our very own, one who has sacrificed so much for the good of Nigeria. For four years, he ran a hospital in Dapchi as the sole doctor, then moved to Chibok to support the town's dwindling medical services. He's back to Lagos on an assignment and we're privileged to have him in our midst. Join me to welcome this year's Medal of Valour recipient, Doctor Kevin Adakole!"

The hall erupted with cheers, clapping, and a standing ovation from the crowd, I joined them too. I recognised the name. He was Nathan's brother. The one who, against his father's will to study Law in an Ivy league school had insisted to study medicine in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nathan didn't talk much about him, but whenever he did, it was in admiration.

Kevin took giant strides to the platform, his large frame overshadowing the hostess. I clapped even more, not just for his bravery in the field. But his wit to stand up to The Williams Adakole.

The crowd settled on their sit but there was one vaguely familiar figure who stood through out Kevin's appreciation speech and clapped till Kevin returned to his table and hugged him.

Oh my God!

My stomach churned. I felt dizzy and sweaty.

Nathan Adakole. How was this possible! I'd avoided him and ignored his calls all through only to end up five tables from him—with Jameel at my side.

I bent forward to rest my elbows on the table. My head was floating and I needed to rest it on something.

Calm down! It's a big hall with hundreds of people. He'll never see you.

"Are you ok?" Jameel asked, placing a hand on my back and looking at me with creased brows.

"Mm mm," I replied, barely able to open my lips. The hostess droned on and on, while people clapped and one or two walked up to the stage. It felt like everlasting torture. I just wanted this over with.

"Jameel Nenkat!" The name jerked me back to the present. I realized everyone one was standing and clapping, while Jameel rose with a wide smile. I stood up too, completely clueless. I didn't even know what he was been awarded for. He hugged me and made his way to the stage.

"It's an honour to stand before great men and women today. Medicine in Nigeria has come a long way and it is thanks to all of you. When the council sent the letter to me weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with joy—I still am, " he chuckled. "I want to thank you all, especially all staff of Midridge hospital. And to my girlfriend, Enitan who, against unlikely odds, was able to make it here with me tonight." Heads were turning around, looking for the girlfriend.

Would it be rude if I didn't stand to acknowledge his appreciation, if I just sat and smiled back, or maybe waved.

The lady beside me, tapped me, urging me to stand. Soon, the whole table joined in loudly. I stood, clinging to the edge of the table. "You inspire me everyday," he finished. I sat back in a haste, looking towards Nathan's table, hoping I didn't catch his attention.

Disappointment gripped me as he stared back at me, his face transforming to that of the Devil—I didn't need to have seen the devil before to know.

Jameel made his way across the aisle and I noticed Nathan whispering something to his brother before standing up. We were in public. Nathan wouldn't do anything stupid or scandalous. Or would he?

Out of Impulse, I picked my clutch, grabbed the train of my dress and made for the exit of the hall. Sparing a glance behind me, fear and relief at the same time flooded my body as Nathan walked towards the exit instead of towards Jameel.

I doubled my steps and reached the door, I resigned to the temptation to glance back one last time, no! Jameel was trotting right behind Nathan.

thanks for keeping me occupied all day. Beautiful style of writing.

MejiLoyon:
thanks for keeping me occupied all day. Beautiful style of writing.

Thank you and you're welcome!

Chapter Twenty-three - Be My Mistress


"The cure for a broken heart is simple, my lady. A hot bath and a good night's sleep." -Margaret George

Song- Know Your Worth (afro version)- khalid ft Davido and Tems

ENITAN

"Enitan!" Nathan roared behind me as I removed my heels and walked faster towards the emergency staircase. The elevator would've been much faster but I wouldn't dare, not after the last time.

"You'll stop walking right now and talk to me! Enitan!" He called again but I quickened my pace instead.

"Let her be!" Jameel's voice brought me to a halt. I whisked around to see both men standing, glaring at each other and then suddenly, Nathan charged towards Jameel like a bull.

Dear God! What have I done!

I sprinted towards both men, too late to stop Nathan. The only time I'd seen Nathan punch so hard-or punch anything at all was during his gym workouts. But right now, I could have mistaken Jameel's face for a gym's punching bag.

"Stop!" I cried, tugging at Nathan's hands and suit, but he continued like he'd gone deaf. "Nathan, please, stop!" I begged, completely breaking down. "Please!"

He stopped and stepped back. Pacing the breadth of the hallway, he covered his face with both palms.

I was furious. Furious that Nathan would do this. Most of all, furious that Jameel had clearly refused to defend himself, not even a finger raised.

Did he have a death wish!

I cupped Jameel's face, his dark skin starting to show darker patches. His eyes were a shadow of sadness as he looked into mine. I broke into another fit of sobs. "I'm sorry, this is all my fault. I'm so sorry," the words rolled of my tongue for what seemed to be the hundredth time.

"You and I need to talk. Get this man away from me before I completely loose it!" Nathan thundered beside us.

"No. I'm not talking to you, Nathan, not when you're in this state."

He laughed, "oh, you will!"

"I'm not leaving her alone with you, psycho!"

Nathan surged towards Jameel again and I jumped into the way.

"Fine! We'll talk!" I yelled at Nathan.

"No, he's out of his mind. I'm taking you home."

"Jameel, I don't want this to turn to a public disturbance and involve security." He looked at me, somewhat disappointed in my choice. "I'll be fine, and I'll join you shortly."

Nathan didn't wait for his permission as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down the hallway and into the restroom.


***
"What has gotten into you!" I screamed, hitting his chest repeatedly after he let go of my wrist. "You had no right to do that to him! Or me!"

"Neither did you have the right to make that decision for me and my kids!" He spat and covered his face with palms, clearly frustrated.

"Nathan, you're unreliable. You're insensitive. You're thoughtless and have no respect for me for my feelings."

He stopped pacing, then chuckled, "does this have anything to do with Annabelle's recent tweets?"

I backed away from him and dumped my shoes and clutch on the countertop, leaning against it and folding both arms across my chest. My eyes conveyed all the answers he needed.

"Wow," he nodded and bowed his head. "That wasn't my doing, Enitan."

"Here you go again with the 'it's not my doing' crap."

"But it isn't! Annabelle tried to kill herself and the doctors insisted she stayed with me."

"Wow! You're just unbelievable."

"I don't even live there any more. I moved out even before those tweets. You have to believe me!"

"I can't," I raised my hands, pleading for his silence. "I can't do this."

"You have to think this through, Enitan."

"I already did."

"I won't let you."

I raised my head, putting on a serious demeanour. "You can't stop me. Listen, you still get to call them your kids when they're born. But Jameel will help me with appearances and my reputation."

"I don't want that!"

"I don't care about what you want! I don't."

"You have to care! This is absurd!"

"I get it! You're scared. You're scared I may do something nasty with your kids still inside of me." His stoic expression faltered, his eyes moving to my belly. "I'm not stupid and Jameel is a gentleman. My moving on in that aspect would be after I've nursed my kids to full satisfaction," I mumbled the last sentence, but I could tell he caught on anyway as he kissed his teeth and his jaw tightened.

Closing the gap between us, his breath fanned my cheeks and his body pressed mine against the Marble countertop, I held tight to it's edge for support while leaning backwards.

"That's not what I fear," he said drawing even closer. I turned my neck sideways to avoid his warm breath. "I can't stand seeing you with another man," he whispered, nuzzling into my neck while the back of his palm stroked my cheeks, gradually making me forget why I needed to stay angry at him.

"It's not your place anymore."

"Then why does it feel like my chest is about to snap?"

I swallowed. "Because you're a narcissist who always wants to have his way."

"Is that so?" He smiled, bending his head even lower. His thumb moved over my lips, wiping off my nude lipstick.

"Yes," my voice faltered.

"Ok," he chuckled as his lips brushed mine.

"Stop-" I breathed.

The rest of my protest was lost in his lips as he captured mine in slow sensual strokes. His breathe, too calm unlike my heart that was racing above speed limit. A moan escaped my lips and my knees began to fail.

His other hand wrapped around my waist, holding me steady before my knees could give way. I wanted him. Legally and publicly. Not in a rest room of a hotel. It became clear; this man would be the death of me. My arms clutched to his sides weakly for support.

"Leave her," I said, pulling my lips away and trying to breathe. He remained silent, my voice must have been so croaky he didn't hear me. "Leave her," I repeated. "We could start all over like this never happened."

I couldn't believe myself. A part of me was ashamed at my desperation-the other part clung to hope.

"I can't," he inhaled, resting his forehead on mine, his strong arms still firm around my waist. My heart crashed to the pit of my stomach.

I nodded my head in realization. He wasn't going to change. I managed to whisper, "okay." I pushed away slightly and tried to move past him.

He pulled me closer, his grip so tight it hurt. "Eni-this can still work. We can still have what we use to."

"As what? Your mistress?" I laughed bitterly. "No."

"You make it sound awful. At least we still get to have each other." His free hand tucked a loose strand of my pony tail behind my ear.

My neck fell to his sturdy chest, swallowing up the cry that threatened to burst out of my throat. I didn't know how to feel; disappointed at Nathan for even thinking of cheating on his future wife, or insulted that he made such a proposal?

"I can't trade the things I have to loose for what you want."

Wow.

"Let go," I said in a monotonous voice. "Please."

He did. I exhaled deeply, my nerves tried to sort out the hurt, anger, disappointment and incomprehensible emotions that surged through me. It was happening all over again. I never learned. I nodded and moved past him, grabbing my clutch and shoes from the countertop and swaying to the door.

"I wish you a happy married life," I said, sniffing, walking out of the door and shutting it behind me. My eyes welled with tears. I stood against the door and tried to regain my composure.

You can't cry Enitan. Not over him.

With a blurred vision, I turned to make my way back to the hall, but I bumped into someone, a woman, with a familiar strawberry scent.

"I'm sorry," I said, wiping my eyes and clearing my vision.

Annabelle stood with a taunting smile plastered across her face. Her skimpy black dressed settled above her thighs while a silver purse slung over her shoulder.

"Poor Enitan, crying her eyes out." She placed her hands under my chin, shaking her head. "He dumped his seed in you and you thought you were one in a million."

'It's not my doing' he had said. But he brought her along. Liar.

I slapped her hands off, putting on a strong face for my dignity, if I had any left.

"It's nothing special," she continued, "he's done it with me once, wanted us to be a happy family. Nathan is sweet like that. But unlike you, I wasn't stupid enough to keep it," she laughed, throwing her shoulders forward.

"I'm sorry. I-" I stuttered. I didn't know what I was apologizing for. Maybe I was sorry for myself. My pathetic stupid self.

"You're only a set back to his big aspirations. Enitan, why have you refused to understand?"

I walked past her but she grabbed me by my arm. "You will stay away from Nathan. Or this time, his father would have to finish what he started in the elevator."

My face snapped sideways in confusion. "What does that mean?"

"Ouch!" She said, faking hurt and placing a hand on her chest. "Nathan didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"That his father was responsible for-"

"Annabelle? What the hell are you doing here?" Nathans deep angry voice cut her off.

"Responsible for what?" I asked, shaking her arms and ignoring Nathan's interruption.

"You'd get the hell out of here at once. Or so help me God, I'll-" Nathan said, shutting the rest room door.

"You'll do what? Tell me! If you think I'd encourage an adulterous habit like your mother encourages your father's, you're in for a-"

A loud slap came across her face before she could finish her sentence. She screamed, holding both palms to her right cheeks. I didn't even notice he'd moved to our side.

Nathan adjusted his suit and stormed off, not looking back once.

"How dare you!" She turned, screaming at him. "This is all your fault!" She spat at my face before storming off behind Nathan.

Air sucked out of my lungs, I held onto the wall, guiding myself to sit against it. I supported my folded knees with my hands, letting my head fall to my knees, I let all the pain out through my eyes.

The only thing I could be to him was a mistress. His father was responsible for my accident. My kids weren't his first. I'd shamefully begged him even after he'd punched the one person who was looking out for me. I sunk my head deeper into my knees and let out a string of sobs.

"Enitan!" Jameel's voice called as the echo of his footsteps drew closer.

I dared not lift my face to look at him. How would he react if he knew I'd begged a man who punched him to leave his fiancée and take me back, and worse, just three days after he'd offered to cover my shame and be a father to my kids.

Who have I become.

He crouched before me and grabbed my face in both hands. "What happened?" His eyes bulged out and his pupils dilated. "Did he do this to you? The bastard!" He yelled, moving swiftly to stand, but I held his hands.
"Please, just take me home."

Hey guys! How is the weekend going?

So, when I read novels, I watch out for clues to how the novel might end or hints to plot twists. I've sure been dropping lots of clues, hope you've been catching them. Have a blessed Saturday people.
Catch me on Wattpad and Instagram @EneChelsea

All I can say is thank God I was not here when this amazing piece began- the wait and the suspense and the updates not coming as at when due would have given me a heart attack and possibly stroke.


That said, Culin I must acknowledge and appreciate your skillful /silky penmanship and arrangement accompanied by music(a soothing relief to the soul). You made it look so simple that dull head like me'(in terms of writing), would want to give writing a try. Thanks for blessing us with your gifts and seeing that the updates are now frequent, I stand and beat my chest to say ' na God win'.

We eagerly await more as we believe you would not leave us hanging, given how close your birthday is(seeing as you would want to end this piece before then). I don't know what else to say other than Thank you and pray that this gift of yours continually improve, make way for you as you strive to keep us entertained/happy.

I am dancing Alanta right now(don't mind me, I am an old soul like that).