These babies are available on Okadabooks and Bambooks!

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Amazing discount!!!!

He Sees Me

Book Blurb:

God, do you see me? Or am I just existing?

Life happens. Disappointments arises. Discouragement comes; and it's more painful when it comes from the ones you trust. Then the lies come, whispering you were and can never be good enough.

In a world where the pressure is on to be noticed and accepted, you should know God loves and chooses you. He chooses you all the time. Don't live in the wake of insecurities and let depression weigh you down.

He Sees Me will show you how to fight to get victory over the lies of the enemy and truly see yourself the way God sees you.


This BOOK IS FREE ON OKADABOOKS FOR A LIMITED TIME. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD YOURS NOW.


https://okadabooks.com/book/about/he_sees_me/33598

Hi Everyone!

Like I mentioned earlier... I have a new book out. The sequel to Dance with Me.

Here's the book blurb:

Almost everything in Shola's life seems to be falling apart. With a rain of emotions breaking him, Shola faces the temptation of returning to his past life of women and alcohol, yet no matter how sweet it was, he must also remember it's a past that almost cost him his life. But will Tobi's long kept secret be the final blow that pushes him over?

Tobi is fed up with her marriage after hiding her true sexuality for years. She has only wanted one thing in life: freedom. And she's so close to getting it. The itch to leave her husband for a woman appeals to her day by day. One thing is clear, she must also deal with the consequences of her actions when everything comes crumbling.

This is one story of crumbling hearts and, a touch of hope.



It's available on Okadabooks and Bambooks

Here are the links:

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/crumbled/34020

[url]
https://www.bambooks.io/Book/BookDetail/Crumbled/12737[/url]

Hope you check it out

New Book Alert!!!!!!!!!

Sorry this book has already been published.

Inteltower:




are you willing to sell your unpublished work to me

Ann2012:


Congratulations dearie

Thank you

I have a new book out!

Oh wow. I haven't been online for a while. Sorry, I though you understood I wouldn't be posting any longer.

***

A couple walked into the store holding hands and the guy laughing at whatever the beautiful woman had said to him. A fleeting thought of himself and Adesewa came to mind but he banished it immediately. There was no use going back to the past. It only brought pain and anger.
Bible study session wasn’t happening that week. The leader of the bible study wasn’t available and the someone else was taking it. Daniel didn’t feel like sitting through someone else’s teaching. He was seated at the ice-cream place Mitchell liked. He wondered if Ulunma would like the place as well. These days he felt bad for having dumped her at his parents’ place. It wasn’t like he had abandoned her or anything . . . He just needed to sort out his life first.
Efe’s lawyer had contacted him a few days ago and asked how soon he could sign the divorce papers. Daniel was amazed at how fast she wanted to be out of his life. Well, it wasn’t as if he had treated her well since they said ‘I do’. He had tried calling her but each time he dialled her number he cut if off before he rang. What did he want to tell her? He had nothing to say to her.
He picked up his phone and checked his messages.

Daniel: I’ve missed you and all your preaching at me.
Mitchell.A: Awww. . . I’m flattered. How are you doing? How’s your daughter? Work and all?
Daniel: We thank God. All fine.
Mitchell.A: Cool. So have you finally decided to go back to your wife?
Daniel: I’m still praying about it. *SIGH* I don’t love her.
Mitchell.A: *Shocked face* What’s your definition of love?
Daniel: LOL. Is this a trick question?
Mitchell.A: NO
Daniel: Errm. Deep emotions. Attraction. It’s just there when I see the person. Heart flips. Stomach twisting. You get?
Mitchell: Wow. Is that how you see love? Interesting . . . To me love is more than all those feelings. It’s a decision to commit to someone. Just like God does towards us. Don’t worry we can discuss more when we meet.
Daniel: Which is?
Mitchell.A: Later this evening. Let’s say 6 ish. At that ice-cream place I like so much. You’re getting me ice-cream today.
Daniel: See this madam o. Okay nau...As you wish


Daniel stared at the messages and checked the time. It was six-fifty and he hadn’t heard from Mitchell yet. It was strange ‘cause she wasn’t one to be late. He tried calling her again but her line was busy. At least it was better than a few minutes ago when he was just getting a reply that her phone was switched off. He decided to wait a bit before calling but she beat him to it.
“Na wa for you o! I’ve been trying to call you since.”
She coughed. “I’m sorry. Something came up and I might not be able to make our meeting.”
Daniel frowned. Her voice didn’t sound right. Had she been crying? “Are you okay? You’re not sounding yourself.”
“I will be fine. Just minor things.”
He wasn’t convinced. “Can I come over to yours?”
He felt her hesitation over the phone. She sighed and said it was okay for him to come. He decided to buy her a cup of ice-cream and some snacks before heading over. Worry filled his thoughts as he manoeuvred his way to her house with the traffic that was building up.
“I’m here.” He said once he parked not to far from her house. He got out and leaned against his car while checking updates on his phone. It took her a few minutes to come out but when she did Daniel couldn’t believe his eyes. She looked pale and thin despite the blue kaftan she donned on.
Wasn’t it just a week ago he had seen her? When had she become like this?
“Mitchell, what happened to you?”
She folded her arms against her chest. “I wasn’t feeling too well for sometime but I’m getting better now.”
If she was getting better and still looking like this, he couldn’t imagine how she looked like when she was ill.
“What exactly is the problem?”
She looked up at him. Her eyes sad but her lips tilted up in a smile. “I can’t really explain it to you Daniel. It’s a long story but I’m better now. I smell doughnuts. Yum!”
He blocked her way and grabbed her by the arms. “Explain it to me. It’s not like I’m dumb and I won’t understand what you’re saying. Talk to me nau.” He added when he saw her hesitate.
She swallowed hard. “I’m dying.”




*********

Thank you all for reading thus far. I sincerly appreciate your taking out time to read and for those who shared their thoughts with me. Thank you. God bless you!

There's still a whole lot to come.

Will Daniel and Efe get back together?

What does Kobina have up his sleeves?

What will become of Zainab?

You can get the full story on Okadabooks and Bambooks

Below are the links:

[url]https://okadabooks.com/book/about/separated/30584
[/url]

https://bambooks.io/Book/BookDetail/Separated/11941

***

“You don’t mean it.”
“I actually do. He told me yesterday.” Ebuka told her. He had dropped by ta her office to say hello and then conversation had diverted to Daniel. Adesewa knew she was partly, if not totally, at fault over the rift between husband and wife. Never had she thought she would have ‘home-wrecker’ as part of her portfolio. If she and Korede started seeing each-other, how would she tell him of her sordid past? What would he think of her?
“Ade, are you okay?”
She nodded and licked her lips. “Yes, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? You just zoned out after what I told you about Daniel. Are you still into him?”
“What?! No! I’m just thinking it through. I feel it’s my fault they are having this issue.”
“Common. It’s not totally your fault. They had their own issues. Don’t forget it was Daniel that cheated on you in the first place-”
Adesewa cut in. “And then he got married and I thought the best way to avenge myself was to sleep with him on his wedding day and leave my lingerie in his pocket so I could hurt his wife for stealing him from me.” She closed her eyes. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Yeah, you shouldn’t but there’s no need in beating yourself over it. I knew Daniel was having doubts about marrying Efe. He was still bent on winning you back. He didn’t love and I don’t think he would ever love her . . . The way he loves you.”
Adesewa opened her eyes and frowned at him. “What are you trying to do, Ebuka? You want me to feel pity for him and go back to him? What’s your plan?”
“I’m sorry. I guess I was just trying to see if you were still crazy about him. I’m sorry.”
She covered her eyes and took a deep breath then dropped her hand on the table. The coffee her secretary had prepared for the both of them would have turned lukewarm. She was no longer interested in drinking it. Ebuka’s news was already a bitter taste to her.
“Did Daniel say what he plans to do?”
Ebuka shook his head and downed his coffee before saying anything. “He’s not sure what to do. He’s confused. He sent her out of the house just before she started NYSC. He wants to divorce Efe and he wants to keep her. Like I said, he’s confused.”
Lord, please help them. Help them make the right decision; not based on their own emotions or thinking but on what You want them to do.
“It is well,” was all she could say.
“And what about you? I can see your business is booming. What about your social life? Are you seeing anyone?”’
Adesewa raised her brow.
He laughed out loud.
“I’m not trying to be nosy if that’s what you’re thinking. I just care about you. Even if we can’t be a couple it doesn’t mean I should stop caring. We’re friends after all. Aren’t we?”
“Sure we’re friends. My social life is fine. Work keeps me preoccupied most of the time. What about you?”
“I’m taking my time. Don’t want to rush into anything and end up rushing out.”
“I totally understand. So when are you going to take up the invitation to attend my church? You’ve been posting me for a while now.”
He laughed. “If I agree does that mean you would consider me again?”
“My answer remains no.”
“It’s fine. I was just joking anyway.”
He rose to his feet. “I need to get going. It was good to see you again. You’re looking great.”
“Thanks, Ebuka. You too.”
He winked at her and took his leave.
Adesewa sighed, Daniel and Efe heavy on her mind.

Chapter 17



“Mu - mummy . . .” Efe stuttered as she looked at her daughter and back to her mother-in-law. “What are you doing here?”
“Ahan Efe, is that how you would greet me and your daughter after not seeing us for the past few months?” She said, balancing Eluwa on her hip. Efe shook her head and apologized. She rose to her feet and took her daughter from the older woman’s arms. Her daughter smiled broadly and made excited sounds and clapped her hands together.
“At least your daughter knows how to welcome someone.”
“Mummy, I’m sorry nau. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting to see you. It’s a huge surprise. Please seat down ma.” As she did so, Efe looked around and saw a few of her colleagues were not interested in what was happening while a few others were stealing glances at her. Some mouthed, ‘Is that your baby?’, ‘She’s so cute.’, ‘Your mum?’. Efe answered them with a nod, smile and shaking her head. Efe didn’t want Amanze to see them here. She thought of how she could arrange for them to get to the apartment she shared with Pamela.
“Mummy how did you get to Calabar?”
“I took a flight. Your father-in-law didn’t want me stressing myself and Ulunma by taking a bus. He sends his greetings. I hope we are not disturbing you at work. I told them at the reception that I wanted to see you and a man directed me here.”
A man? “It’s fine mummy. I actually have a lot of work to do now and I’m sure you must be tired. It would be better if you and Eluwa go to my apartment and when I’m through with work I would come home. I cooked yesterday so there is food in the fridge. Hope that is okay?”
She shrugged. “It’s fine.”
Efe inwardly sighed and quickly made arrangements for a cab to come to the office and take them home. She gave her mother-in-law the keys to the apartment and promised to be home as soon as she could. Unfortunately, Pamela wasn’t at the office, it was her CDS day. Efe made a mental note to update her on the turn of events.
“You have a beautiful daughter Efe.” A colleague said after her guest had left.
“Thank you.”
“And that’s your mother-in-law? She try o! To travel all the way and bring your daughter here. . . She must really love you.”
Efe forced a smile and nodded as she thought Daniel’s mother would soon be her ex mother-in-law if there was anything like that.. “Yes, she really loves me.”
“Lucky you. My own mother-in-law can be very annoying. She criticizes everything I do. Even if it’s the soup that I cooked for my husband she would have something to say. My husband likes my cooking but she doesn’t . . . Who am I to please?”
Efe wasn’t in the mood for the conversation.
“Anyway sha . . . It is well. See you.”
Efe waved her good-bye and sat at her desk.
Lucky me? I’m sure she came here to talk about the divorce. Is this the sign I asked God for? Why can’t everyone just leave me alone and mind their business? Efe suddenly felt guilty over her line of thoughts. She knew the older woman wanted what was best for her. She was just tired of everyone telling her what was best for her and her daughter. What about Daniel? Were they talking to him as well? Were they telling him I was best for him? Or was he still bent on kicking her out of his life? A terrible thought came to mind. What if they wanted to keep her daughter? Her palms balled into fists.
She would never let that happen.
It was a few minutes past eight when she got home. The apartment smelled of soup and she could hear the high tunes of the cartoon characters on TV. Pamela had said she wouldn’t be returning home but would come straight to work from her parents’ place. Efe was worried about her. She had been acting odd for the past few weeks and any-time she asked if everything was okay she got the same reply, ‘I’m fine.’
“Welcome my daughter. How was work?”
Efe bent low to kiss her daughter’s forehead. “Fine ma. How are you? Hope you were able to get some rest.”
“Yes. We just finished dinner. Should I set yours up for you?”
“No, don’t bother. I would change and dish it out myself.”
The older woman clucked her tongue. “I will dish it for you. Your cooking is wonderful! I enjoyed eating my dinner. Where did you learn to cook like that?”
Efe chuckled, glad that her time in Calabar had been spent well. “I learnt from a friend of mine that owns a mama-put.”
The older woman looked amazed. “Wonderful. Oya go and change and eat.”
Efe did so and returned to eat her food in silence. Her mother-in-law hadn’t said her reason for coming and Efe wasn’t sure she was ready to bring the topic up. It was when she had put Eluwa to bed that her mother-in-law stated her reasons for the surprise visit.
“Efe. My daughter, you know I see you as my own daughter.”
Efe nodded.
“I have known you since you were small. I watched you grow up to be a beautiful and independent woman. Your mother would have been so proud of you. I know you see me as a mother as well . . .”
Efe nodded again.
“I’m happy to be one to you. Please, listen to me. I know you think I’ve come here to change your mind or say reasons why you shouldn’t leave my son. If I look at you as a daughter then I should also identify with the pain you’re going through. Biko, I want you to be happy. I want the both of you to be happy. If the two of you can’t be happy together . . . Then feel free to leave him.”
Efe wasn’t sure she heard right. “Mummy, are you saying I can divorce Daniel?”

***

Adesewa dropped the glass cup on the table and swiped a hair from her eye. She knew the conversation might not go the way she wanted it to but but she was ready to stand her ground.
"Like I said earlier on... I'm not going to drop my clients for whatever business you're presenting now. You should have checked with me first before promising anything." Adesewa said to Kobina.
They were currently in his office having a discussion on the company, staff and salary. Things were going very well. They needed to decide on taking on more hands.
Kobina looked at her, deep in thought. He cleared his throat. "So what do you expect me to tell them?"
She shrugged. He could tell them whatever he wanted. After all, they were primarily his clients and he could buy some time till she was done.
"Adesewa, you seem not to understand. These people require urgent attention. Don't you want to bring in more clients?"
"I do but let's do it right. We build loyal customers here who refer us to other people. Besides, what if your friends have shady deals they want to cover? Did you consider that?"
He sat up, the smile he had when she entered his office had long since disappeared as their conversation progressed.
"Watch your words miss Shonibare. I would try my best to see that they hold on but you would do well to keep your insinuations to yourself. I think we're done with this meeting. I believe you can see yourself out... I have other things to attend to."
Adesewa blinked. Without saying a word she picked up her files and left his office. Knowing full well there was more to those accounts than he was saying.

***
No matter how hectic it was at work she had a lot of things on her mind. Efe had thought about Funlola’s words the other day. It had been heavy on her mind for the past couple of days.
No matter the mistakes the both of you have made... is it too hard for God to fix?
No, it wasn't too hard for God. Nothing was too hard for Him. She felt torn between a happy ending with Amanze and a flimsy relationship with Daniel. She had prayed enough. She had waited enough. Amanze had already called his lawyer and he was drafting out the divorce papers.
God please just give me a sign... let me know You approve of us getting a divorce. Please.
"Efe?"
Efe looked up and saw Daniel's mum standing in front of her with Eluwa in her arms.

***

Pamela shoved her food away and bit her lip. She didn’t want to cry; not here. She would do her tears secretly when no one could see her. At least she could have that much to herself.
“You just keep disgracing me. You think you know what you’re doing but you don’t. For goodness sake why can’t you just stick to what you studied? Why must you think making money half-naked is the best thing for you?” He hissed and shook his head; a look of disgust on his face.
"Nnamdi take it easy nau. Everyone makes mistakes-"
"This one is not a mistake!" Her father interjected. "It's her sheer stupidity that caused this nonsense. If only she had listened to me."
"Yes, she was stupid to have done what she did... but crying over the matter won't solve a thing. We have to think of what is best for her and the baby."
Pamela wished she could run out of the room and out of their lives. Who would have known that her father would walk in on her when she was confessing her sins to her mother? She knew without a doubt that the baby had to be for Rex. But Rex was a forgotten matter. He didn't look like the type to take responsibility for his baby.
Was this how she was going to say goodbye to her dreams of modelling?
I can always abort... it would make everything better.

***

It was a comfortable setting. There weren't a lot of people that early in the morning and she felt nice having breakfast with him before heading to work.
“How have you been?”
"I’m fine, though I can’t say the same about Zainab. I’ve been trying to reach her but she’s not picking my calls or returning my text messages. I just don’t know what to do.”
Korede cleaned the sides of his mouth with a paper-napkin. “Just keep praying for her. It’s all in God’s hands now.”
Adesewa sighed. “Yeah.”
She had met up with Korede at a fast-food restaurant to catch up and also with the hopes that she could clear her mind from all the issues around her.
“Cheer up nau. It’s all good. Okay so I have an idea. How would you like to go out with me?” She raised her brow in surprise. “We could catch a movie, have dinner and take a walk or we can do whatever you want to do.”
She coughed a little to hide a smile then looked at him with her head tilted to the side. “Korede Williams. . . Are you asking me out?”
He opened his hands and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“Why?”
“I like you.”
“Is that all?”
“Oh, you want me to give you a list of reasons to take Adesewa out?”
She laughed. “Haba, no nau. I jut would like would like to know why all of a sudden you want to ask me out. We have just reconnected barely a month now and you like me.”
“Okay. I think you’re a clear-headed woman. You know what you want to achieve in life and you’re going after it head on. You’re a godly woman and you have this passion and zeal for God that’s so beautiful. Need I say more?”
Adesewa smiled at him. Her heart was racing at his words, but then she didn’t want to jump ahead of God or make a decision without consulting Him. How would I explain that I want sometime to thing about it? Won’t he think I’m being too ‘spiri-koko’ or something?
Even before she could get an answer to the questions on her mind Korede spoke up. “It’s okay if you want to think about it. When you’re ready just get back to me. Is that okay?”
Very okay! She nodded. “Yes. Thanks.” God let Your will be done. I like him a lot . . . But I don’t want to start this if you aren’t in it.

***

Office laughter and happy mood in the air. It was going to be a sour holiday, while everyone around him was jubilating and looking forward to spending time with their families; Daniel didn’t feel the same way. The air around him didn’t feel like Christmas. His world had turned upside down and he didn’t know if there was anything he could do about it.
His mother was heart-broken and his father wasted no time in telling Daniel how he felt; saying everything was his fault. Apparently, Efe had told his parents about their divorce before breaking the news to him. For what? Make him look like the bad guy and further turn his own parents against him?
He sighed deeply and covered his eyes with his hand.
“Hey. . . Daniel what’s up?” Daniel shifted his hands from his face and opened his eyes. Ebuka standing in his office, a concerned look on his face. “I knocked but you didn’t answer.”
Daniel dropped his hand on his table. “Sorry about that. I’ve a lot on my mind.”
Ebuka chuckled. “I think that’s obvious.” He walked further into the office and sat on the edge of Daniel’s table. “Care to share? I know we haven’t been on the best terms of recent but I’m hoping we can get past it.”
Daniel wasn’t too sure about that. The water between them was too large for them to make any attempt at building a bridge. Ebuka’s betrayal was still heavy in his heart.
As if reading his thoughts Ebuka continued, “I know it may be hard for you to forgive and forget but don’t forget how far we have come-”
“Which makes it even harder for me to forgive.” Daniel cut in. “You knew I loved Adesewa. You knew how far I would have - you knew how far I went to have her by my side. Then you confess that the both of you had an affair and you expect me to just take it casually and forgive and forget?”
Ebuka got off the desk and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“I know I messed up and I said I was sorry. I would leave you to it then. Whenever you’re ready to talk... I’m here.”
As he made his way to the door Daniel stopped him with his next words. “Efe wants a divorce.”
Ebuka’s shoulders slumped and he turned around to face Daniel once again. “I’m sorry to hear that. So what do you plan on doing?”
Daniel shrugged. “No idea. I haven’t been too good to her since we got married. I sent her packing . . . Mhen, I’m all out of options. It just seems everything is working against me. I thought I could have both worlds but I was just a fool.”
“I second that.”
Daniel frowned at him and Ebuka spoke quickly to his defence. “It’s true nau. No matter how much you want to beat me up it’s still the truth. Having a wife and a woman at the side is never a good thing.”
“Fine. I’m a fool for acting the way I did. A part of me wants to give Efe the divorce so we can both move on with our lives, then another part of me remembers how sweet and caring she is and maybe we can sort it out.”
He recalled his conversation with Mitchell the other day. If she says she heard from God then you need to hear as well. If it’s not God’s will you guys are still married. Just pray about it and get direction from God. Simple!’
"I wish it was as simple as that." Daniel muttered.
"What?"
Daniel sighed. "Nothing. I was talking to myself."
"Look Daniel, I know it's tough and all but you have to let the past be the past. Move on with your life; with or without Efe."

Chapter Sixteen


"What are you doing here?"
Her biological father was the least person she expected to see; expecting he might have gone back to Lagos. He looked older than the last time she had seen him. Stressed, like he carried a huge burden.
He smiled. "I came to check on my eldest daughter. Are you going to let me in?
Zainab closed the door after he walked in and strolled over to her couch and sat down, not bothering to ask him to have a seat. She didn't care much. She just wanted him to leave her alone.
He took the couch opposite hers and kept his eyes on her, as if studying her. Not bothered by the scrutiny, Zainab took a stick of cigarette from the pack on the side table and lit it. The silence of the room reminded her of how empty her life was. She closed her eyes and exhaled the smoke. Where was she going to start from? Her life was crumbling down all around her and there was nothing she could do about it.
"Zainab, how are you doing?"
She opened her eyes then, having temporarily forgotten that she had company. She took another drag of her cigarette.
"I'm okay."
"It doesn't look like that."
She rolled her eyes. "Well, if you know that then why are you asking me?" She got up from her seat and went to the dining table to pour herself a drink.
"I'm asking because I want you to tell me how you feel. Express yourself. Don't lock up and pretend everything is okay when it's not. I know you are going trough a lot now... tell me what's on your mind."
"Why? I don't need you to counsel me or do whatever you pastors do. I hope that's not why you came over." She took a sip of her drink and enjoyed the tingling sensation of the hot liquid going down.
"Your friends are worried about you. Audrey called-"
Zainab almost choked on her second sip. She cursed. "Audrey?! What business does she have calling you? She's just a busybody that can't keep her mouth shut; you shouldn’t pay any attention to her. I'm fine and you can go back to Lagos."
"You think I'm one of your friends you can push over? Or perhaps you think I don't care about you. I don't know why you would think that after I explained I had no idea your mother had you. I missed a huge part of your growing up but I want to be here for you now and take care of you. You might not expect me to do that but that's what I want to do. If you have a problem with that... That's your problem."
She took a sip of her drink. She acted like she didn't care but she was touched that he cared about her.
"Everyone who cares about me leaves me. My mother did. My fiancé. What am I to think now?"
He rose up and came to stand next to her. He took the drink from her hand and placed it on the table. "I'm here for you as much as God would allow and I'm hoping to build a relationship with you. No matter how stubborn you may prove to be. You're my daughter." He pulled her into a hug despite her stiff stance.
Zainab hadn't known the tears had been in her eyes until they came falling down her cheeks. She was happy someone cared about her other than her friends. Adesewa had called her a million times and she hadn't deemed it fit to answer. Audrey had done her worst and called her father. He was the only family that actually cared about her.

***
The sleep had been good but it still made her awake to her reality. Her depressing reality. Zainab got up from her bed and walked bare feet to her kitchen. She pulled open the fridge and found it empty. She uttered a profanity and slammed it shut. She looked over at her dispenser bottles... even those were empty. She screamed and slammed her hands on the marble counter, tears filled her eyes from the sudden action. She bit her lip and made her way to the living room and collapsed on the couch.
Her cousin Sonia was the cause of her pains and sorrow. Zainab knew if she saw Sonia she would do serious damage to her; probably even kill her. But what was the point?
It may make her feel better but it wouldn't reverse what had happened. I.K wouldn't even consider her if she was a murderer!
She closed her eyes and laid her head on a throw pillow. Nowadays she couldn't sleep. Her business we suffering from it and she didn't know how to get past it. Her usual drugs didn't seem appealing. It repulsed her now. What was she to do? Audrey had tried being of comfort to her but she had chased her away and said she wanted to be alone.
Her door bell rang. She didn't get up to answer it, thinking maybe someone had heard her scream and was coming to check if she was okay. She laughed at the thought. This was Nigeria... did anyone care about anyone? The door bell kept ringing and she got up to check who it was. She had not expected who she saw standing in front of her.

***

Why have you forsaken your First Love?
The question plagued Efe. She hadn't let go of God. She still loved Him. She still read her bible and prayed; so how could she have forsaken Him? If it was about the divorce she didn't believe God wanted her to keep suffering in a dead-end relationship.
Her ringing phone was a welcome distraction from her thoughts. She smiled at who was calling and picked it immediately.
"Hi Funlola!" She settled on her bed and stretched her legs.
"Efe dear how are you?"
"I'm great and you? How's pregnancy treating you?"
"Well, I thank God. Asides the morning sickness and dizziness and the hunger pangs for local food joints. . . I'm okay."
Efe laughed. She knew Funlola loved eating out. "Do you still eat your amala and gbegiri?"
"Ehn! Please don't mention that food again. I can't stand it. Now I go for jollof-rice, fried-rice, peppered chicken and pepper soup. I seem to have more cravings for pepper."
"Awww... don't worry after pregnancy you would enjoy your amala again. Just trying not to get too fat with all that chicken."
She hissed. "Abeg, let me eat and enjoy the pregnancy. When I give birth I can focus on loosing weight, funny enough PJ likes the added weight. He said it makes me look more beautiful. Anyhow sha. So how are you?"
Efe wriggled her toes. "I'm fine. We’re working on our end of the year party here. I miss Eluwa. I wish she could be here and we could spend Christmas together."
"Won't you be returning for the holidays?"
"No, I won't. I prefer to be done with youth service and come back when I'm done. I guess it's more economical for me." Her hand toyed with the heart pendant. It would also give her more time to spend with Amanze. He was going to bring his son on their next date and she looked forward to it.
"Okay. Does it also have anything to do with Daniel and the divorce you want to give him?"
Efe blinked. How did she know? Probably Daniel had mentioned it to them... or maybe his mother had told Uncle John and he had told Funlola.
"It has nothing to do with that."
"Efe, why do you want a divorce?"
Efe wasn’t prepared for her line of questioning. It was her life for goodness sake. "Funlola you of all people should understand. You know what Daniel did to me. You know he never really loved me and he had an affair. Doesn't that count? Why are all of you questioning my decisions?! Why can't you go and meet Daniel and ask why he kicked me out of our matrimonial home and cheated on me? Why am I suddenly the bad person?"
Funlola sighed and told her to hold on. The few seconds gave her time to calm down. She heard sounds of plates and pots.
"I'm back. Sorry I had to get something to eat. Babes, I'm not accusing you. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty or anything. I just asked why you want a divorce."
Efe rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm tired. I'm tired of waiting and holding on to false hopes. I don’t love him and I feel it's best we go our separate ways and move on with our lives. It's not easy to forgive when you've been hurt."
"I haven't been hurt the way you have but I did betray PJ when I was sleeping around with different men. I even got pregnant and couldn't tell who I was pregnant for. Isn't that crazy?"
Efe could remember that time in her life. How uncle John had suffered and had waited for her to come back to him.
"And to top it off... I wasn't really in love with John. I married him for his money and his father's fame. Why should he want me or love me knowing all that? Shouldn't he just divorce me and get married to another woman that can be a proper pastor's wife? God wanted him to love me. God wanted him to wait for me and take me back. How could I have turned a blind eye and closed my heart to that kind of love? I would only do that if I'm very very ... In fact a million times stupid!"
Efe removed her hand from the pendant and closed her eyes.
"Sweetie... what has God told you to do? Don't follow the masses and think divorce is always the best option. No matter the mistakes the both of you have made... is it too hard for God to fix? Think about it please. Pray before you make any more decisions. I love you sis. I have to go now."
Efe nodded. "Thanks for calling. I love you too. My regards to uncle John."
"He would hear."
As soon as Efe dropped the phone it rang again. This time it was Amanze calling. She hesitated before picking the call.
"Hello."
"Hi sweetie!" He sounded happy.
"Hi..."
"Why do you sound so down? Are you okay?"
She shrugged. She couldn't tell him all she and Funlola had just discussed. "I'm okay. Just tired."
"Hmm... I'm coming over with pizza and a bowl of ice-cream. Hopefully, we can cheer you up and bring that sweet smile of yours to your face."
Efe laughed. She could use the company even if it want the right one she needed. "Okay. See you soon."
"Bye, girlfriend."
"Bye."

***

Pamela was on the verge of giving up on her dreams of being a model. No matter how hard she tried things just didn't work out the way she wanted them to. Her father was breathing down her neck and she was tired of him. Other than those problems she hadn't been feeling too well in the last couple of days. She figured it was malaria or stress from work. Either ways she planned on skipping CDS and resting at home.
"Pamela are you okay?" A female colleague of hers asked, disrupting her thoughts.
"I'm good jare. Just stress."
"Pele dear. Don't worry the year would soon be over and you would be free from all this office wahala. Have you thought about what you want to do at the end of service?"
"No. I thought I would be modelling by now but things haven't worked out the way I want them to."
"Eh-ya. Don't give up. You're still young. You can fulfil your dreams if you keep at it."
Pamela nodded. She knew all that.
"In the meantime I have a friend who is displaying her works next weekend. She needs some models and I thought you would love to be a part of it. She's paying 20k for it."
20k? "Erm, sure I wouldn't mind. Just send me the details and I would be there."
She smiled. "Alright then. We'll talk later."

***

She stared at the ceiling. Her phone was switched off to stop the endless calls and messages she was getting. It hurt that he hadn't even called once to check on how she was doing. The only man who had an interest in her was her father.
But she wasn't interested.
Zainab took the injection from the table and injected the contents into her blood system. It was only a matter of time.

***

Her mother acted out exactly the way Adesewa thought she would.
"Oh that poor girl! Why would a man just abandon his fiancée two days before the wedding?! What is happening these days? Adesewa your own will not be like that in Jesus name. By this time next year you would be married and pregnant with your own children. No nonsense man would cross your path... only a sensible and God-fearing man."
"Amen." Adesewa said and took a sip of her orange juice.
"But did she do anything to warrant him making such a drastic decision?" Her father asked from where he sat at the head of the table.
Adesewa was about taking a spoon full of her goat-meat pepper soup when he asked. " Well, they had a few issues but I believe it could have been sorted out without calling off the wedding."
He shook his head. "I can't imagine how she feels. It's better a broken engagement than a broken marriage. It could have been far worse. Who knows the future? Maybe things would not have gone well with them."
"I never thought of it that way." She wondered if it all happened for a purpose and God was interested in doing something new in Zainab’s life. The thought made her excited.
Her mother scoffed. "And what if things went on well between them? It's all a matter of chance."
"I don't think one should take chances in marriage. It's a serious deal to make a decision to commit to one person for the rest of your life; no matter the situation you both find yourselves in."
Adesewa just ate her meal and enjoyed the conversation between her parents. She had missed dinners like this; when they could have meaningful discussions and laugh and be a family.
"I remember when your father and I got married. In the beginning things were a little hard with money. We both just finished Youth Service and we were trying to make ends meet. All our struggles brought us closer together instead of driving us apart. We made sure we placed God as the centre of our lives. If not for God I don’t know where we would be right now."
Adesewa smiled at her parents. "Thank God for all He does in our lives."
"Darling, you know I love you. It's not because of any desperate need to have grandchildren -"
"Are you sure?" Her father cut in.
Ignoring the comment her mother continued, "I want the best for you. I know I've been pressing for you to get married but God knows best. I just don't want you to be the one closing doors on possible husband materials. Be open-minded, but let God lead you."
"Thanks mum."
Her mother blew her a kiss and they moved on to other topics.

Chapter Fifteen



"Actually, it's two questions."
Efe looked back at the black box on the table and back at him. He had a smile on his face. That sweet smile that made her insides do flip-flops.
She licked her lips, the taste of her strawberry lip gloss less appealing to her. "Amanze, what are you doing?" I hope it's not what I think it is. . .
He reached out and took her hand in his; caressing the back of her hand softly. She was glad she had used the perfumed hand-cream she purchased recently. It did wonders in making her skin soft.
"Efe love, I'm doing what any man in my position would do. I'm taking that bold step. The first question is, would you please let me handle your divorce for you?"
Her eyes widened. "My divorce? Why would you want to handle it?"
"Because I know it's a part of your life that's difficult, but what I really want to do is handle the expenses. If your husband hasn't agreed to the divorce there may be some issues and it may not be a smooth ride."
"Even if he's the one that cheated on me?"
Amanze shrugged. "People can get really sneaky during such cases. So what do you say?"
Efe looked away from his questioning gaze and stared off at a couple a few tables away from them. They seemed to be having an awesome time eating, chatting and laughing at whatever was being said. Suddenly, she imagined it was her and Amanze seating together like that in the near future and also having fun. She was still shaky about her decision for the divorce but she knew it was better she went along with it. She looked back at Amanze. He was still staring at her, concern written all over his face.
"Okay." She nodded. "I would let you handle the divorce."
His lips curled up into a smile. "The second question is, would you please be my girlfriend?" He left her hand and too the little box and opened it to reveal a silver necklace with heart-shaped pendant that had a single diamond on it.
Efe gasped; having mixed feelings of relief and disappointment.
"I know you might have thought I would be proposing to you, but I don't want to jump the gun yet. I want us to take it slowly. So what do you say? Would you be my girlfriend?"
She giggled and nodded. "Yes. Yes I would be your girlfriend."
Why have you forsaken your First Love?

***

There was still sleep in her eyes as she drove to work on Tuesday morning. She had wanted to stay back with her friend and comfort her. But she wouldn't allow it, making statements that it was not the end of the world. Life would go on. Nothing was permanent. Adesewa couldn't shake the guilt away. She felt like she had a hand in Zainab’s troubles; praying for God to make a way out of the situation for her so she wouldn't be involved in a marriage built on lies.
Was she so selfish that she couldn't think of her friend's happiness?
Thoughts along that line just kept building up and making her feel worse than she already felt. She decided to turn on her mp3 player and listen to the collection of her favourite Christian songs she had complied awhile back. The tunes of Nathaniel Bassey's 'Onise Iyanu' drifted from the sound system and she sang and tapped along on the steering wheel.
Traffic was a little heavy that morning so she listened to as much as six songs till she parked her car in the office compound. By that time she was way better off than when she left home. Hopefully, her filled up day would distract her. She had meetings lined up and dinner with her parents later on at their place. Adesewa could also already imagine how her mother would react to Zainab’s wedding. She would start praying for her and asking her when she planned on getting married and how age wasn’t on her side any more.
Adesewa’s thoughts drifted to Korede as she greeted staff members and made her way to her office. He had offered to pick her up from the airport and take her home. She smiled. She wasn’t sure where things were going but so far she knew God was involved in whatever was brewing between the both of them. She also knew if he asked her out she would say a big yes.
Till then... she was just going to enjoy their friendship.
The day went by in in a blur with a lot of work to do. She had important clients pressing to have their work done by her and had to cajole some of them to give her some time and promised to attend to them as soon as possible.
"It's a beautiful sight."
Adesewa looked up from the papers in front of her to find Kobina standing at the door. She was getting used to his occasional drop-ins. She raised her brow. "What do you mean?"
He spread his hands wide. "Seeing you seated her in your office, and I must say you look absolutely beautiful. Abuja weather must really be good. How was your wedding?"
"It was interesting."
He walked further into the office. "That's a strange word to use. Usually, you ladies say it was beautiful, wonderful and then you gush over the wedding gown and all that sordid details men are not interested in."
She smiled. "Depends on the kind of ladies you hang around. How can I help you this afternoon?"
He took his seat. "I have a proposition for you. I have some very important clients in Ghana and some in Lagos that need your expertise. They are willing to pay double."
"Double? Why?"
"Because their work is urgent and they need an expert on the field. You would have to cancel with other people and focus solely on these jobs."
Adesewa chuckled. "You're joking right?"
He shook his head. "Why would I joke about business?"
She frowned. "Kobina, I can't just drop clients just like that. I gave them my word."
"Then let other people handle their case. We have people trained to do this and we can focus on the big fishes." When she still wasn't budging he said. "Look, I know you're a woman of integrity and your word is your bond. That's perfect. But we need to think business. You need to broaden your horizon."
Broaden my horizon? What is he talking about? She leaned back on her seat and rubbed her forehead gently. "I've been working with these people for a while and they trust me to keep my word. Can't you just hold off your guys for a few more weeks till I sort my clients out?"
"My clients are your clients as well. Don't forget this is a partnership between us. I can't tell them off. If your clients trust you so much then they should trust our staff to do a good job since you trained them. A key quality in leadership is training people who can do the work you do as efficiently as possible."
"I see."
He rose up and buttoned his jacket. "We would talk more about it, but I presume you've bought my idea already. Have a nice day, Ade. Keep up the glow." He winked at her and as quietly as he had walked into her office he walked out.
"Lord what do I do?"

***

It was a different restaurant than the one he took her to the last time. It was classier and more expensive. They were both very hungry so they ordered their meals.
"I was thinking we could go sightseeing tomorrow. Let me show you some of my favourite spots in town. Is that cool with you?"
"Sure. I would love that. How's Ezra?" She asked as she forked some pieces of meat in her mouth.
"He's fine. He doesn't cry much when I carry him. He's getting used to me. I would like you to meet him someday. Hopefully soon."
Efe smiled. "Alright. So tell me how the end of the year party is going. Is everything going according to plan?"
"Yes. I still have a couple of people to call though. I have a surprise up my sleeves."
"I'm sure you won't disappoint."
Efe excused herself to use the toilet. She took care of business and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked good. Pamela had done well to choose the black lacy gown she wore with silver pumps and accessories to match. Her hair packed up in a bun. She took a deep breath and walked out of the ladies. She got back to their table and took her seat. It was a few seconds before she notice the small box on beside her plate. She looked up at Amanze.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?"
"Yes, this should be the thirteenth tome now. Amanze...What's this?"
"There's a question I've been meaning to ask you for a while now and I hope you say yes."
Efe swallowed hard. What question?

***
They had been at his house for more than thirty minutes and he was yet to open the door.
"I don't think he's home." Zainab said. "He might have gone to a bar or a smoke joint. He would rather take the pain away than stay in an empty house feeling sorry for himself."
"Do you know exactly where he would go to?"
Zainab shrugged and took out a joint from her pocket and Adesewa snatched it away from her.
"What's your problem?"
"Smoking weed is not going to help you either! You have to be in the right state of mind."
"Ade, just mind your business! Give me back that weed jor!" She said angrily.
"No." Adesewa threw the joint far away from them. "Where can we find I.K?"
"You owe me money for what you just did." Zainab rattled off an address and they drove over there. Luckily they found I.K's car parked outside the building. But it wasn't just his car they found. Zainab knew he was with another woman.
"Girls let's go. The wedding is off."
"But Zainab we can confront him-"
"And do what? Please let's go. It's over."
Adesewa looked at them again before she drove away. Silence filled the car as they headed Zainab’s apartment.
"I need you guys to call everyone and tell them the wedding has been cancelled. Audrey you can look into the bills that should be settled. Ade, you can call my dad and tell him there's no wedding. After that you girls can leave. Thank you. Sorry I wasted so much of your time."

***

If it wasn't for the cold seeping into her body she might have enjoyed him being so close to her. His warm hands around her shoulders. This was far better than she had envisioned their date night; watching movies at the cinema and then heading to a restaurant to have dinner. What wasn't there to like? And to top it off he had a gift she wasn't to open until dinner. She smiled to herself.
Thank You Lord for giving me another chance.
Efe felt a nudge on her shoulder and looked up at Amanze smiling down at her. "You good?"
She nodded. I'm perfect!
The movie had her laughing and smiling. It was a Romcom and she enjoyed the love brewing between the couple despite so many oppositions. She frowned as doubts crossed her mind if she and Amanze would always be together or if something would tears them apart. The thought scared her. She wasn't ready for another heartbreak. Besides, Amanze was near perfection and he made her happy. She couldn't imagine losing him.
"Did you enjoy the movie?" He asked as they made their way out of the hall. He stood aside to let her walk in front of him.
"Yes, I did."
"What was your favourite part of the movie?"
"Hmm. . . It was really funny. I think the best part was when the couple decided nothing was going to keep them apart regardless of how difficult it might be. I think that's what love is about. What was your favourite part?"
They were almost at the car park now.
"You took the words right out of my mouth. Love is fighting for whom you love. You fight against trials, you fight obstacles. I know I've been in relationships where nothing was worth fighting for... Maybe 'cause I never really loved them. I did love Kokoma but I just couldn't handle what she did. It was beyond anything I could ever forgive.
Efe stopped to look at him then. "So are you saying there are some things love would never fight for? Like there would be something I do that would make you stop loving me?"
"I'm not saying I'm perfect. . . I'm learning and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to make us work. I believe the reason God brought you here was for me. I love you Efe."
His answered satisfied her for the moment but it didn't keep away the tiniest bit of doubt within her.


***


She sighed. "At least I now have an idea why I wasn't told I have a grandchild."
"I can't keep living my life this way. I need a man. My baby needs his father. He told me there's someone else! I can't imagine Amanze being with someone other than me." She crossed her legs and arms as she faced the elderly woman seated in front of her.
"My dear wasn’t it you that made the mistake? Wasn't it you that cheated on him? And you expect him to just take you back easily? You must be out of your mind."
Kokoma looked away from her. "People make mistakes. I made mine, should I be punished for it forever?"
"There are some mistakes that take years to let go. There are some that can never be remedied. If you really want to make things right then you have to try your best to fix it. Don't think it's seduction that can do it."
"Seduction always works."
The older woman shook her head. "I know my son. It would never work. So who’s this girl that has grabbed his attention? That must be why these days he's always on the phone and smiling all the time." She smiled. "I haven't seen him this happy in a long time."
Kokoma gritted her teeth. "But mum what if you don't like her? What if she's of a low class?"
She shrugged. "My son's happiness matters to me. Whatever his choice is I would accept."
Kokoma stood up and moved close to the older woman, kneeling in front of her. "Mum you've always loved me as your own daughter. Would you let my mistake stop you from loving and accepting me?"
She patted her head. "I love you dear but it is my son that has to make the decision to love and accept you. I can't make that choice for him."

Chapter Fourteen



Adesewa swiped the tears from her eyes. Yes, she had prayed for God to do something... to tell her what to do but then she hadn't expected I.K to call the wedding off. She rubbed Zainab’s back gently as she shed silent tears.
Audrey had been trying to reach I.K and talk sense to him but he wasn't picking her calls. She looked up as Audrey made her way towards them with a defeated look.
"Still no luck?"
Audrey shook her head. "He has switched off his phone now. What else can we do? Should we go over to his place?"
"We could try that."
"I need to see Sonia." Zainab said abruptly and rose from the floor. She swiped the tears from her eyes. "That sick bitch thinks she can mess with me! She would know she's not the only one that can play dirty."
Adesewa didn't think it was a good idea said as much. "Why do you want to see her? She's done her worst. Now what's left to do is try to work things out with I.K."
Zainab’s eyes blazed with anger. "So I just let her have her way with me?"
"I'm saying it's over. There's nothing left to do. Going over to meet her wouldn’t solve your problems with your fiancé! Go and talk to I.K."
"Maybe it's just God's punishment for my sins. Maybe I'm not to have it good in this life." Zainab wrapped her arms around herself and stared out the window. "I know I.K, once he's made a decision there's no going back to it. He really doesn't want to get married."
"Zee, don't give up hope. Let's just go over to his place and talk to him. Please." Audrey said.
Adesewa didn't wait for her to answer. She hurried to the room to get the car keys and change, all the while praying for God's will to be done.

Ohibenemma:
Finally at the end of it! Discovered it only this afternoon and have gobbled it like a long sought snack, taking chunky bites at every opportunity.

I like the way you write, TopeOmotosho, and more importantly, I like the message you're passing... I can't wait for more... I don't like waiting for updates so soon!

You're welcome to the party

***

Zainab knew something was wrong when I.K walked into the kitchen while she and the girls were having a late breakfast. Adesewa and Audrey exchanged looks and made to get up from the table but I.K told them to remain seated. He sounded tipsy.
"I.K are you okay? Are you high?"
He placed a hand on his chest. "Me? I'm perfect baby. I'm as normal as I can be. What you guys are eating smells good. What is it?"
"Err - Scrambled eggs, sausages, boiled tomatoes and toast."
He chuckled. "Smells good but sounds boring. Not like my Zainab here. Smells good. Tastes good and is not boring at all. Abi Zainab?"
Zainab frowned at him. "What exactly is your problem? Why are you behaving this way?"
"Oh, I'm sorry dear." He walked up to her and planted a kiss on her lips. "Okay then food also tastes delicious." He pulled Zainab up to her feet and kissed her soundly and with so much passion that had one of the girls sigh. Zainab was sure it was Audrey. He pulled back and they stood face to face, his breath warming her nose.
"We're getting married tomorrow Zee. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. Have kids. Build our lives together and grow old. We would have kick-ass fun. Don't you think so?"
She nodded, not sure what was happening but guessed it to be the excitement of their wedding tomorrow. "I believe so. We are good together I.K and I love you."
His eyes turned dark all of a sudden and he shoved her aside. "Bullshit! This is all bullshit! You love me? Do you also love Sonia as well?"
Zainab heard a gasp.
"What are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about? Are you really asking me that question? Okay... why don't you explain to me when you developed a liking for women? Are you a lesbian? Are you bisexual? Transgender? Or maybe you're an hermaphrodite!"
He pointed at her friends who were still seated at the table. "Are you doing them as well? You guys having a party? Gosh! Zainab you are sick in the head! If I hadn't seen that video for myself I wouldn't have believed all the lies your cousin had been telling me all this while."
Zainab suddenly felt cold. "What video? What did Sonia tell you?"
He shook his head in disgust. "She didn't have to tell me much... the video said it all. The wedding is off Zainab. Enjoy the rest of your life as a crazy woman. I sent you the video. You can check it on your phone." With that he walked out of the kitchen and she shook when she heard she door slam. She turned slowly to back to her friends. Adesewa looked sad, Audrey in shock. Zainab took her phone from the table and downloaded the video. It took less than a minute. She played it and watched as her life crumbled down. She didn't know when the phone left her hands and she dropped on her knees to the floor.
The tears came... just like in her dream. The hurt and pain was too much. This time she wished she was dreaming and someone would wake her up fast.

***
Mitchell's heart ached. The burden and need to pray heavy on her. She hurried up with the dishes and made her way to the best place of the house. Her bedroom. It was a place she never got tired of being in. It was where she cried out to God in worship, pain, anger, joy and happiness. It was where she also met with Him in times of dire need. This was one of those times. She knew the burden in her heart had something to do with Daniel and his wife and God wanted her to pray and pray hard.
She took her bible from her reading table and sat on the floor beside her bed. She started with worship songs and praised God.
"Daddy, I don’t know how or what to pray... but You do. You know exactly why you placed this burden in my heart. Please lead me to pray as You want me to. Give me the words Daddy."
Mitchell opened her mouth to pray and she started speaking in tongues. The burden in her heart getting deeper and tears sprang up in her eyes. She prayed and prayed till the burden turned to peace and she was relaxed in her spirit. She looked at her wall-clock; it was a quarter past twelve. She had prayed for two hours! She was physically exhausted but Spiritually joyous. She knew God was up to something great. Something that would help a lot of people and not just Daniel.
She laughed and praised God as she climbed on her bed and fell asleep.

***

Efe believed she had made the best decision for the both of them. Life would be easier now. At least she hoped it would. As she knew he would, her father had tried to dissuade her from her actions and asking on what grounds would she be divorcing him.
"Adultery. Dad he cheated on me when we were married. He even took Eluwa with him. Can you imagine that? What kind of man is he?"
"Efe, are you sure of what you're saying?"
"Yes, dad. I know what I saw in his eyes when I found him at her place. Guilt! Guilt!" Efe had snapped her eyes shut as the scene came to play in her mind... taunting her as it had for the last few months. She had been pushing it away. Telling herself she deserved such punishment for what she did to him as well. But no she couldn’t bear it any more.
"I'm sorry my dear. So sorry. But you know two wrongs don't make a right. You know God does not approve of divorce."
"Does that mean God wants me to suffer? He wants me to be with a man that might never love me? How do I cope with that? What kind of life would that be? Daddy," she sniffed. "Daddy, you tell me. As my father doesn’t it hurt for you to see me go through this pain? I deserve to be happy."
She heard her father sigh. She could imagine him sitting in his study one hand with the phone pressed against his ear and the other one pressed against his forehead with the table beneath it as support. She knew her father may have a hard time agreeing with her but there was nothing left to do.
"I would be praying for you Efe. You know my stance against divorce. I love you and would pray for God's will to be done. He alone can salvage what others see as impossible."
That was a couple of days back. He had told her he was off to Abuja for Zainab’s wedding and should be back the next week. Efe had wished him a safe trip.
She tucked in a strand of her hair behind her ear and licked her chapped lips. The weather was getting cooler these days and her lip gloss had finished the week before. She would have to stop at a super-market soon to get things she needed before she got busier. According to her colleagues, this was the busiest and most fun time of the year in the office. There would be the closing of accounts and fixing budgets and plans against next year and the end of the year party. Efe knew Amanze was busy with plans and preparations for the party and also had to spend time getting to know Ezra.
The meant little time for her but he had promised they would have this Saturday to go sightseeing and have some fun. She looked forward to it now more than ever. The thought of someone who would love and care for her as a man should made goosebumps creep up on her body. She smiled to herself. She could hardly wait!

***
What was it Mitchell had said? That his first separation started with God and spiralled into other areas of his life? Well, she was right about that and so many other things she had told him. For a woman that young she definitely had a profound wisdom for her age.
Daniel briefly put aside the campaign-Ad he was currently working on and sat back on his seat. Efe's call had come as a shock to him, even more her request for a divorce. He hadn't spoken to her for two months prior to when she called and had no intentions of doing such. He was still trying to get his life back together; trying to figure out God's plans for him.
'Maybe this is what God wants for me.' He thought. But as quickly as the thought came to mind he doubted it. Would God want both of them to give up so easily? A marriage that had not fully started would end just like that? Daniel knew Efe to not make rash decisions.
What about the rash decision she made to seduce you and get pregnant? Do you really know her as well as you think you do?
Daniel was more confused than ever. Maybe it was best they both moved on with their lives. When he told her to move out months back, had he expected they would get back together in the future? Truth was he didn't know what would happen. He just needed time apart but he also knew he couldn’t stand being with her in the same place.
He thought about what he had learnt so far at bible study. Being the man God wanted him to be and loving his wife.
"God, do you really expect me to love this woman after everything she did to me?"
Haven’t you hurt her as well?
Daniel knew he had. But if she hadn't meddled in his life in the first place none of this would have happened. He might have married Adesewa, had beautiful kids with her, have fun times as they always did. What was going to happen now?
The words came swiftly, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
"Okay God, so what are Your plans?"

Chapter Thirteen

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

She couldn't bare the look of disgust on his face. The anger in his eyes. Tears filled up her eyes and trailed down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry I.K . I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just who I am. You know me... I'm crazy and I do crazy things. My life is anything but normal."
"Oh shut up! Are you the only one with problems? You think I don't have problems? I do! Yet you don't see me pulling crazy stunts or going around doing it with men!" He slammed his palm into the wall and she jumped at the sound. "Zainab I knew you were sick but not a lunatic!"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She trailed off.
Zainab eyes snapped open and it took less than a minute for her to realise it was just a dream. She swiped the drops of sweat off her forehead and took deep breaths. The dream seemed real to her, but thank goodness it wasn't. She threw her covers off her and sat up. Her head in her hands she tried to calm herself a little bit then got up and went out to the kitchen to get a drink of water. She was getting married the next day and she was nervous.
The dream made her extra nervous.
What if something went wrong? Why would she be having such a dream at this time? She hook her head and gulped down the water until the bottle was empty and she binned it. She had to stop worrying about unnecessary things or they may become a reality. Besides, Sonia had already promised not to tell I.K anything as long as she was getting her own end of the deal.
Zainab grimaced.

***

"Yes, Kobina I will be back on Sunday. Yes, I check in on the office once in a while and I'm told it's all running smoothly despite my absence." She laughed. "Thanks for the compliment. Oh... okay I Will see to those cases immediately I get back. Alright then. Take care."
She ended the call and tossed her phone on the kitchen counter. The feeling of earlier still there. She couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was coming. She prayed about it briefly then kept it aside. She had been preparing dinner when Kobina, her partner called to check in. She couldn't wait to resume work and get back to reviewing accounts. She also couldn't wait to get back to Korede.
She smiled to herself as she diced tomatoes and onions. The church Korede directed her to had been wonderful. She had missed being in the presence of God with other Christians. The worship had been awesome and the Word was excellent. She loved how the pastor took time in teaching about living like Jesus in a world filled with distractions and obscenities. How as Christians they shouldn't compromise with the world and fall prey to its ways. It made the burden to pray for Zainab and Audrey more heavy on her. Her friends needed to know what peace and joy they could have in being with Christ.
Zainab's wedding was here already and still she hadn't said anything to I.K about her issues with Sonia. She kept praying and praying and asking God what she should do. Would it be okay for her to stand up for her friend when her marriage was based on lies?
"Babes, what are you cooking? It smells delicious!" Audrey walked into the kitchen and took the lid off the pot. "Wow this looks good. What's for dinner?"
"Spaghetti and meatballs with mixed vegetables."
"Gosh your husband will enjoy o!"
Adesewa chuckled.
"I hope so. Who knows? Maybe he would be a chef of a restaurant and wouldn't want me cooking."
Audrey eyed her. "Maybe he's white then. 'Cause I can't imagine any African man saying that."
"Saying what?" Zainab asked when she walked into the kitchen.
Audrey related what they had said and Zainab agreed with her. "He would probably be white. I.K loves fresh food. He can't stand eating food cooked a day before, says it disrupts his digestive system."
"Na so. So how do you manage?"
Zainab shrugged and stole a slice of tomato and popped it into her mouth before Adesewa couldn't complain. "I just have someone cook and deliver fresh meals to me whenever he comes over."
Adesewa gave her a weary look. "That wouldn't be so convenient by the time you guys get married. You should take up cooking classes."
"Oh please. It's too stressful. I.K isn't hard to please. He can eat swallow and rice and noodles..."
"But what about the soup and stew?" Audrey asked cheekily. "Can you cook them?"
Zainab waved her hand as if swatting a fly. "You ladies should leave me, abeg. If I need help I would just call Ade and ask her how to do things. Besides, IK can cook. He's not marrying me based on my cooking skills."
Audrey shook her head while Adesewa busied herself with getting dinner ready.
"My father is coming in tomorrow for the wedding. He will stay in a hotel. In the meantime, IK will be here soon. I'll go and freshen up."
The feeling came back again... heavier this time. All Adesewa could do was pray and pray hard.