THE HEART OF A WOMAN
Episode 11
Stella’s narration continues
Two days later, I inspected my new house with the girls. It was something that gave me great joy. The house was just my taste, beautiful, spacious and enchanting.
The only ugly side of it was the location. The house was just at the outskirt of the capital city.
I did all the necessary paper work, left Lydia to complete the rest and headed back to Imo state the very next day. I returned to owerri as a changed person.
My heart was black, filled with hate and revenge. I had no care for anything and even avoided Amara the only close friend i had in Owerri. She on her own side was surprised by the noticeable change in me but couldn’t just figure out my problem because i hid my breakup with Kelvin from her, using my new political appointment as an excuse to avoid her.
Yes i got the expected political appointment, just like my dad wanted. I was made a special adviser, an appointment which weighed more power in book than in responsibility. Seriously i never got the opportunity to perform any credible task, but yeah i was well paid monthly, plus the government car i got for the position.
_____
I headed back to Abuja after two weeks to continue with my revenge. I was a woman whose ego was totally destroyed by a guy she loved. There was nothing else in my mind than revenge. Creepy isn’t it??. Don’t judge yet till it happens to you.
I quickly moved into my new house with Chika who insisted in staying with me in order to keep an eye on me. Sure the girls were supportive of my revenge plans on Kelvin, but something they saw in me suddenly made them skeptical about my true feelings, thus the hesitation i got from Lydia when i demanded Gutso’s contact from her.
“we all love you Stella, and we want the best for you. We have supported you in everything, but we need assurance that you aren’t planning on killing Kelvin” Lydia seriously said to me, while Chika and her twin sister nodded in agreement. I gasped with shock.
“jeez. I’m speechless. You girls are turning on me or what?” I asked.
“no dear, we just want to be assured that you aren’t going to kill that b#####d. C’mon it makes no sense that you want him kidnapped and kept in a forest only for you to go kick his legs. We believe you have something else in mind, and that’s the main reason you insist on beating him yourself. Please tell us, we need the truth” she begged, while i breathed deeply.
Of course they were right. I had something else in mind, but no, i wasn’t going to play into their conscience nor admit anything to them. I was smarter than that.
“I have paid Gutso the hundred and fifty thousand {N150,000} he demanded. Surveillance, vehicle, house and everything is ready, all we just need is the truth” Lydia begged anxiously.
“I just want to see the fear in Kelvin’s eyes, when he sees me holding a gun to his face. I want him to plead for his life. To scream and beg for it, that’s all i want” i said slowly as if i meant every word, and it just was a very satisfactory and convincing answer to them.
They believed me without knowing i Lied.
Stella’s story continues
One week later, Kelvin was abducted from his apartment on a good saturday morning by Gutso and his gang. He was taken to a small camp at the outskirt of Suleja town.
A very hilly dangerous forest, good for my plan.
Just like Lydia assured me, Gutso did a good clean job. I truly was astonished at how swift and capable he was.
“madam we have arranged the cargo. We are on point waiting for your next order” he informed me at exactly 5am that fateful day.
“just relax. I’m coming over” i said with excitement, hung up the call and quickly headed to Chika’s room.
“Kelvin is now with Gutso. I have to go finish my plans” i informed her with a smile. She quickly sprang up and held me.
“c’mon, what are you doing?, trying to delay me or what?. You know i have been up all night waiting for Gutso to deliver” i said with an excited voice.
“of course i know, but you have to give me time to dress up. I can’t allow you to go out all alone to that dangerous place by this time of the day. We are going together” she said strongly.
“i’m not scared, i have a gun” i informed her, pulling out a gun from my handbag. She froze with shock.
“holy mary!” where did you get that?” she asked, while i smiled.
“have you forgotten i’m a government official?” i asked. She shrugged.
“i know how to use a gun very well. I learnt a lot in USA” I added convincingly.
“but still you do need me my dear. That area is a very dangerous, plus the bad terrain, remember how difficult it was when we were checking out the place two days ago” she insisted strongly.
_______
6:55AM, In A Forest, Heart Of SULEJA
I slowly drew close to Kelvin who was firmly tied to a tree and gently removed the piece of cloth used to cover his eyes. He stared at me with shock and surprise. He couldn’t believe his eyes.
“yes Kelvin. It’s me, why are you so surprised huh?” i asked with an unforgiving smile. His lips quivered, his face coloured more deeply. Tears instantly melted his eyes. Unfortunately none of it moved me. My heart was already made up and cold.
“Dear me!, Stella i beg of you. What’s in your mind?, what are you planning to do to me?” he managed to ask with trembling lips.
I stared at his youthful body. He was so handsome, young and charming, but deep inside, he was nothing but a crook. A cunning b#####d. A gold digger.
I pointed the 9mm gun i held to his face, cocked it and smiled,
“nobody pulls a fast one at me. My face will be the last thing you will ever see in your miserable life” i threatened with a laugh while he screamed with all his might. My finger went to the trigger, Chika screamed from a distance away.
“Please Stella don’t!” she screamed, running towards me with a very swift pace. Somehow it looked as if she suddenly figured out i was actually going to pull the trigger. my9jarocks.info
Finally Kelvin was just a breathe away, a second away from a well thought out death…….
“Please don’t do it. I beg of you” Chika begged again and again, saving Kelvin with her pleas. I breathed deeply and hesitated, my finger still on the trigger.
“c’mon look at him. He is already dead with fright. Give me the gun” she ordered, while Kelvin shook and sobbed like a child.
“please don’t take my life. I got a family at home. My parents and siblings all depend on me. Please have mercy and spare my life” he begged passionately. I drew back and bit my lips.
“you want me to let you go huh?. You think i don’t know the next place you will be heading to is the police station. I’m not dumb” i said searchingly.
“noooooo i swear on my parents life. If you let me go, i won’t say a thing. I swear” he pleaded. Chika drew close slapped and kicked him roughly.
“now it’s enough. Let’s go. He has suffered enough” she said with a heavy breathe, reached forward and dragged me out of the scene, leaving Gutso to find a way in setting him free.
_____
We returned to my house at exactly 10am, very tired and hungry. Chika wasted no time in picking on me.
“seriously you would have shot that guy. You are so mean girl” she attacked me,
“don’t you know love and hate are siblings. They work side by side” i laughed while my ringing phone instantly interrupted us. It was Gutso calling.
“madam i still have mr Kelvin here ooo. Now listen and listen good. You have three days to fetch ten million Naira for me or i’ll call his friends, colleagues and family, collect the money from them and then reveal the person behind the whole thing” he threatened and hung up coldly, leaving me extremely frightened and devastated.
“s##t!” i screamed nervously,,
“what’s wrong?” Chika asked curiously, rushing to my side.
I needed no telling that i was in a one big pot of soup. I just was confused on how to play with a back stabber like Gutso.
Lydia walked into my apartment by 4pm looking very serious and agitated.
“This is bullshit. Gutso must be out of his mind” she breathed fiercely.
“seriously this wouldn’t have happened supposing Chika allowed me to finish off Kelvin when i had the chance” i complained with regret.
“baby girl think very well. I just saved you from a lot of troubles. Imagine what would have happened supposing you killed that imbecile. Gutso would have demanded 50million” Chika defended.
“seriously i never planned on going through all these troubles just to have a little chit-chat with Kelvin. Now i’m also to pay for his freedom and mine” i murmured with regret.
“relax dear, we have two days to plan. We aren’t giving Gutso no dime. He is a big fool who is trying to bite the finger that fed him. I have a cousin who is a federal agent. I trust him with my life. I’ll get him track and locate Gutso. He’s a good agent” Lydia said with a reassuring smile while Chika and I gasped speechlessly.
“you mean an Agent as in Secret service?. What the hell are you thinking, trying to involve a white collar cop?” i asked with shock.
“don’t worry yourself, just give me the money you planned giving Gutso as the balance for his job. The money will be enough to make him do the work” she answered with certainty, leaving me shaking my head with worry.
“I hope the whole thing won’t blow out of proportion?” i asked fearfully.
“relax dear, i already told you he is my cousin. I trust him with my life” she assured me again, shaking her head with concern.
“my dear revenge is always a bitter game. It always ends badly, but I can assure you, that my cousin will hunt Gutso down within a day. All he needs to do is just track the fools phone number. Relax okay” she said seriously but i was far from relaxing.
“do you really believe your cousin will risk his career working for us. He is a federal agent for Christ sake” i asked again.
“We are in Nigeria, where favours are done every now and then. Don’t fear yet let me talk to him first” she replied, while my phone rang that same moment, drawing our attention.
“hello good evening, am i speaking with Stella?” a familiar female voice asked.
“yea” i answered curiously.
“it’s me Lilian, Kelvin’s colleague” she introduced herself. I kept quiet.
“Kelvin was taken from his house by unknown gunmen early this morning. I don’t know who else to call, I saw your number in one of his books. The police are already aware. Do you know any of his close family member here in this city?” she asked, leaving me gasping for breathe with her words. my9jarocks.info
It was very obvious. I was in a big s##t.
evelopment.
“seriously i can’t say” Lilian answered calmly.
“don’t worry, i’ll see what i can do and get back to you” i promised halfheartedly, ending the call abruptly.
“it’s Lilian” i informed my friends coldly.
“I have to get going dear. I’ll return with my cousin later in the evening. Don’t panic, i got things under control” Lydia promised and hurried out, leaving Chika and i all alone.
I ran to my room and locked myself inside. My heart was filled with pain and regret.
Lydia kept her word by showing up with her cousin at exactly 10:15pm. I was extremely delighted and anxious.
“This is a very delicate matter, but unlike in most kidnap cases we are dealing with a familiar person, which truly can yield very positive results. All we need do is convince him to give up his location which i know he will easily do because he doesn’t consider you a threat. He knows you will never involve the police due to your involvement in the whole scheme” Lydia’s cousin {the sss operative} wasted no time in addressing us. His words showed how intelligent and good he was. My hopes rose with great speed.
“we don’t have much time to start tracking him. The only way is to get him reveal his location. My friends and I will then storm the place and rescue Kelvin” he added seriously.
“how do we get Gutso to reveal his location?” i asked curiously.
“type out his number and hand me your phone” he answered intelligently. I quickly did as he asked and watched him curiously.
“he dialled the number and switched the phone to speak out mode” Gutso answered seconds later. His gruff voice very harsh and rough.
“don’t tell me the money is ready madam?” he asked,
“good evening Mr man. My name is Francis, madam Stella’s brother. I’m here on her behalf and from now onwards we deal together” the agent said swiftly, sending Gutso speechless for some seconds.
“i’m dealing with Madam Stella and nobody else” he barked.
“why do you care who you deal with as long as your money gets to you. This is something for men and we are doing this together, unless you want to back out which i really don’t care about, after all you are doing this for money and i can promise you the guy you are holding has no friends nor family who can raise half a million Naira for you. So if you really want to get any money from us you have to deal on my terms” the agent said ruthlessly.
“what are your terms?” Gutso asked,
“first i need to see that your captive is hale and hearty. I don’t need pictures nor to hear his voice. I just want to see him with my own eyes and secondly, ten million is too much, we will negotiate a better price when i come to see your captive” he answered effortlessly.
“you must be crazy. You are playing with me” Gutso barked and hung up, sending fear across my heart.
“don’t fear. The man has nothing, he is going to play ball. Relax the night is still young” the agent assured me with a calm nod.
Fifteen minutes later my phone rang. It was Gutso calling back. I heaved a sigh of relief.
“I hope this isn’t going to be a set up?, because it will end up badly. I have forty strong men, battle ready and vicious. I hope you aren’t trying to play games?” he asked the agent.
“of course not. You are aware we are equally deep in this s##t to involve the police or play games. All i want is a peaceful understanding and settlement between us. I don’t want my sister to go to jail” the agent answered convincingly.
“fine, i’ll send the location. Don’t play games with me” Gutso threatened and hung up, while our guy smiled at me.
“you see the fool got nothing up his sleeve. Making a kidnapper lose control of a negotiation is a very cheap way of scoring an easy win. He’s good as busted, all we need do is now plan how to strike and cover the s##t up because it’s going to get bl0*dy” the agent said softly….
Episode 6
*
we were soon on his bed where he took his time making love to me.
He was so accurate. His kisses were so on point. His caresses strong and superb. He simply lit my body on fire, while i moaned away with all my might. He was so wondrous.
“i love you with all my soul. You can’t just imagine the kind of love i have for you” he breathed into my ear when we were done making love. I smiled and looked up at him lazily.
” I Love you my queen” he murmured before brushing my lips with his again and sending me back to paradise.
“I wish i have something better to offer you. I’m just a poor boy with nothing” he suddenly added, dropping his face sadly.
“you know when my parents abandoned my siblings and invested in me with everything they got. They thought once i graduate, that their sacrificies will be repayed. But here i’m years after graduating. I still have nothing. Since I’m unable to offer my family anything, what then can i offer to a rich wonderful lady like you?” he lamented, leaving me extremely touched by his outburst.
“you shouldn’t be saying such things in our first night together” i pleaded with great feelings. He breathed deeply and kissed me again,
“yea you are right, but i’m scared you will get over me someday, moreover i’m your employee” he concluded. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.
“kelvin please it’s okay” i commanded with a sigh. He nodded, smiled and buried his face on my bosoms, tickling me at the same time.
His words really had great effect on me, pushing me to discard my selfish interest and help him further. I had the contacts to get something good for him, but it could only mean that he wouldn’t be under my care and control anymore. I made up my mind that same night to push him into greatness.
“He is mine already and nothing will change it. Polishing him more will equally be good for my image” i reasoned.
I never knew the cunning bas.tard simply wanted to use me as a stepping stone. I was so fu.cking decieved into believing he was in love with me.
As i prepared to leave early the next morning, he carried me on his laps, kissing my neck profusely.
“I hope last night meant a lot to you?, because it did to me. I’m so scared of many things” he whispered and bit my right ear. My body quickly lit up again. I felt intense heat underneath.
“seriously you don’t have a girlfriend?” i asked curiously, my feminine feelings taking control of me. He breathed deeply and dropped his eyes.
“no girl likes a boy who has nothing to offer. I have no girlfriend, moreover it hasn’t been long i started working for you and It will be foolish of me to go after girls when i have loads of things to do. For example, i rented this little apartment with all my savings, immediately you employed me” he explained calmly, kissing my neck again.
“but working with you got me to see life in a different perceptive. It made me realise that sometimes, the things we climb up the mountain to search could be within our very reach without us realising it. Working with you got me to see what a real woman is all about. A real woman is divine, strong, ambitious, passionate, friendly, helpful and overly beautiful. It took me two days of working in your hotel to fall in love with you. I had to hide it of course, but it wasn’t easy till last night when the feelings overwhelmed me” he spoke nicely, caressing me as he showered me with beautiful words. I never knew a Nigerian could be so romantic with words.
“so what do you want with me?” i managed to ask. He breathed deeply and licked his lips,
“my intention is to lock you up and spend every moment of my life worshipping you” he replied and made for my lips with great passion. I was so carried away by the euphoria of his romance. My lonely heart couldn’t sense the deception in him. To me he was my ideal man, my creation, my everything.
“you can move in with me if you want. My place is very big and empty which you know. We can stay together while i use my connections to find you a better job” i offered with a pure heart.
“no no i can’t be a burden to you. I’m so ashamed, i have my pride to protect” he murmured with a coloured face which made him look very innocent. I hugged him calmly, my eyes wet with tears.
It’s really hard for we ladies to fall in love, but when it does happen, we do fall with all we have got. We do fall with our body and soul.
Episode 8
I told Amara all about the new plans i had for kelvin but unfortunately she wasn’t too pleased with it.
“i’m not against you helping someone in need, but doing it for love or to get something in return is what i won’t approve. I need not go further in this silly idea of yours” she said with a smile, expertly waving the topic aside.
I paid no heed to her and went ahead with my plans, travelled to Abuja days later and met Maj. Gen. Johnson who was a family friend and a very influential Army officer. He had strong connections with the ruling class and was in a good position to help.
I presented Kelvin’s case to him and had a hard time convincing him to help. He finally agreed after striking a deal with me.
Three weeks later, kelvin got a very lucrative position at the federal ministry of finance. To him It was a dream come true.
The love we made the night we got the news really was very stunning. He took me to paradise a hundred times over.
“you are more than an angel” he kept whispering in my ear all through the night.
____
He left for Abuja days later with his hopes, plans and expectations on the high side. I made sure he had everything he needed, virtually paying for all of them.
Our relationship continued as i hoped, We spoke almost every hour and we equally visited each-other as often as possible. Each visit revealed how well he was doing for himself.
In the first week of december 2009, he was used on a money laundering scheme {which really was the deal i struck with the Army General months back with my position as surety. It was because of the laundering scheme that he got the job in the ministry of finance}.
He returned a week later with his share of the loot. A very substantial amount which could make a bank manager gasp with wonder. He came running back to me, full of gratitude and love, surprising me with stunning gifts which left me totally happy. Everything was going as i wanted. I was so happy, very happy.
He proposed the next day, Sending my happiness to the limit.
“will you marry me?” he asked as we showered together after a night of passion. I couldn’t believe my ears,
“huh?” i murmured, cleaning my face with speed.
I opened my eyes to see a well shaped golden ring greeting me with its sparkle.
Episode 9
“so what are your plans?” i asked hours later as we lazily laid beside each other on my bed. He breathed deeply, kissed me and smiled.
I really was on top of the world, i havn’t felt so happy in a long time. I stared at the beautiful ring on my finger, my head swelled with satisfaction.
“i have a whole lot of things going through my mind at the moment. I feel like marrying you right away but i still have a long way to go” he answered and bit my ear softly.
“you know i’m still a nobody?, i can’t just walk up to your dad and tell him about my intention. He will be disappointed, seriously” he added with a sense of humour. I eyed him, saying nothing.
“i plan on renovating my dad’s house this december, and equally start up a more fitting building in the village, plus bills and everthing. But then i will deprive myself of buying my dream car and it’s a very painful sacrifice to make. You know how the city of Abuja works, without a good car you are nothing, moreover due to the kind of deals i’m now into, i badly need to upgrade my status at least to give the impression that i ain’t a hungry Nigerian. Besides i equally need to impress your friends you know” he poured out seriously, sending me into deep thought with his feelings.
“maybe i can be of help. You are already a big boy and we are now into this together. How about i get you your dream car while you fix other things with the money you have made so far” i offered innocently. He quickly sprang up and stared at me with disbelief.
“you mean you can make such expensive sacrifice for me?” he asked with excitement,
“why not, you have already proven your loyalty and love. The best i can do is to help you out” i answered quietly. He instantly fell on me with joy. He undoubtedly was overjoyed by my offer. So was i, because i was head over heels in love with him.
Two days later, Just like i promised, I got a very expensive Toyota SUV for kelvin. He almost ran mad with happiness which meant a lot to me.
I was never bothered about spending so much money to make him happy, moreover the surprise and envy i saw in Amara’s face when we invited and told her about our engagement made me very satisfied. She really was highly impressed by what she saw, and for the first time acknowledged our relationship.
“jeez you are one persistent lucky b.itch. Kelvin is now a big boy and all yours to enjoy” she commended with a naughty smile.
Episode 10
Unfortunately things changed as soon as Kelvin returned to Abuja in January {the following year}.
His calls drastically reduced, leaving me with no choice than to be the one making all the calls. Yet whenever he answered, his voice lacked the normal affection and care. Of course i aired my fears to him, but he waved them off giving countless reasons for his change of atitude. Work stress, fatigue and so on.
I wasn’t convinced but swallowed my fears. I gave him the benefit of doubt thinking with time things would improve, but on the contrary it worsened. It really got to a stage when he began finding it difficult to answer my calls.
“please baby i’m in a meeting, i’m busy, i’ll call you later” soon became his pattern of answering me. Sometimes he called back in the middle of the night, most times he failed to keep his word.
I really wasn’t happy. I was broken and dejected. I began feeling his absence. I began getting lonely, i slowly slipped into total despair.
Then i got fed up. I couldn’t take his behaviour any-longer. I decided to sneak up on him which was very unladylike but necessary.
Thinking of it now, i blamed myself for totally surrendering to him and giving him all i had, even as he failed to introduce me to his family during the festive period we spent together. It really crossed my mind that period, but i kept my feelings to myself because it was his duty as a guy to bring up the topic, moreover i never saw it as an issue since we were engaged. I truly loved Kelvin with all my body and soul. The kind of love i had for him almost made me lose my mind.
I travelled to Abuja to see things for myself. To satisfy my curious mind and set my fears at rest. I knew Kelvin’s behaviour was out of the ordinary, but i never allowed my mind to believe that he could be cheating on me. The engagement ring on my finger was still a strong prove of his affection, I believed. Yet it never stopped my heart from pounding furiously as i got close to his apartment that fateful saturday.
One thing about love is that it never discriminates. It happens to everybody, both young and old. Once it happens, you are at the mercy of your inner-most feelings…… And When it crashes, it comes crashing down with a force more deadly than a plane crash that whatever remains of your heart thereafter will be as good as dead.
TBC……..
Episode 11
Alighting from the taxi when i got to my destination, i called Kelvin on phone.
“hullo dear, how are you doing?” he greeted as soon as he answered my phone call,
“i’m cool, hope you are at home?” i asked sweetly,
“sure, i’m just resting” he answered,
“beautiful. I’m right at your door” i informed him with a laugh,
“huh!” he exclaimed,
“serious?” he managed to ask,
“just open the door jare” i commanded and hung up with a smile.
_____
Kelvin was extremely shocked to me. The expression on his face as he welcomed me said it all. Of course he had every reason to be surprised but shocked?, no he had no reason to be shocked.
However he tried his best to act cool and loving by making sure i had a very wonderful evening. He took me out for a lovely dinner and later wrapped it up with a very memorable s-x.. my9jarocks.info
I must confess that his behaviour played down my fears but as a woman it never stopped me from noticing how nervous he was and how he fidgeted each time his phone rang. I felt he was hiding something but then i waved my fears aside In other not to be too nosy since i was being treated nicely without anything serious to complain about.
“i know i havn’t been caring as i used to be, but it shouldn’t have stopped you from notifying me on time that you were coming. At least it would have enabled me to prepare and set things right for your visit” he whispered as we held each other after making love. I smiled without saying anything. All that was going through my mind that moment were prayers. I was praying for happiness. I was praying for our relationship. I was scared, terribly scared.
“so how long do you intend staying with me?” he suddenly asked, surprising me with the question. I breathed deeply and closed my eyes.
“one week dear” i replied calmly, even though i felt the question was a bit insulting, since i just arrived barely seven hours ago.
“wow that’s wonderful” he murmured and kissed my forehead, leaving me extremely clueless on what next to expect….
Episode 12
I woke up early the next day, probably around 4:30am to hear Kelvin making a phone call in the sitting room.
His voice was very low, preventing me from getting much of what he said, but the little i heard almost exploded my heart, bringing up my suspicion to a very alarming level.
“yea you know i’m just tolerating and pretending because i feel grateful and indepted. I’ll call you later” were the exact words i picked up and it left me wondering if he was actually discussing me over the phone.
He returned to the room seconds later to see me sitting on the bed. He drew close and stared at me with concern.
“hey what’s up?, are you alright?” he asked,
“yeah just woke up. Couldn’t find you” i answered with a fake smile.
“i was speaking to a colleague concerning a little deal that didn’t go right. I had to make the phone call in the sitting room in order not to disturb you” he explained convincingly, but my mind told me he was lying.
“so let’s go back to sleep my dear. I really have lots of engagements to honour later in the day” he said and forced me down on the bed.
After breakfast, he left me all alone in the house and headed out. I really felt bad watching him leave, but had to wear a smiling face and pretend as if all was fine with me.
I had no reason to stop him since he claimed it was work related, but i knew better than to believe the silly lie.
“Work issues on a sunday morning huh???”.
However I took the oportunity to visit Gen. Johnson later in the day, using the visit to thank him for the help he gave to me by getting a Job for Kelvin. I spent close to an hour with him before heading over to Lydia’s house in Kubwa.
Lydia was my agemate and a family friend. She was lucky to get married at the peak of her youth. She married a naval officer at the age of twenty five. A marriage blessed with two cute kids. She equally was the person who arranged and set up Kelvin’s apartment when he moved over to the capital city the previous year and as a true friend kept minute tabs on him, though the information she supplied weren’t much nor anything appalling.
I showed up at her house at exactly 3pm that fateful sunday.
She was very glad to see me.
“i truly don’t understand what you see in that boring Owerri you folks call the Eastern heartland. Move over here jor and set up a restaurant, i bet you will make much more than what you earn in Owerri over here” she joked as we hugged.
“hmmm madam know all. Leave me jare, where will i get legit land or a decent site in this Abuja without getting scammed a hundred times over. Abeg free that matter” i laughed,
“as if you don’t have connections in the right place to buy even Aso Rock” she joked.
“I came to see how well my fiancee Kelvin is doing. I came into town yesterday” i informed her seriously. She breathed deeply and shrugged,
“hmmmm how much do you trust that guy?.” she asked curiously, making me nervous with the question.
“well we are engaged. Have you forgotten we chatted about it all through christmas” i answered with a smile.
“well, there is this girl who works in his office, he usually hangs out with her almost every weekend. But i’m not sure if anything is actually going on between them. They always look serious together, so i don’t know if it’s just work things or something else. I have seen them a couple of times at Mrs ladipo’s eatery. Emmm Oh God I have forgotten the name of the place. It’s just in front of my hair salon. I don’t know why it always skips my memory. You know mrs ladipo nah? The woman you once gave things to bring for me some years back in U.S” she explained carefully, piercing my heart with the little information she gave me.
“why then did you keep such information away from me” i asked, instantly feeling dizzy and sick.
“are you okay? You don’t look too well” she asked, jumping to my side and holding me with concern.
I just didn’t understand what happened to me that moment. The sitting room began revolving around me. I hard difficulty breathing while body slowly drenched with sweat…
“i’m okay, just a little headache” i replied, closing my eyes as i tried to calm down my failing nerves.
“hey you have to take it easy on yourself. Let me get some pills” Lydia said with concern, left the room and returned with a glass of water and some pills which i took from her…..
“you know you really have to take it easy on yourself. What happened to you some moments back is a clear sign of stress. It’s obvious you labour yourself too much. I advise you make your stay in this city to at least a month. A month of rest without anything to bother you” she seriously advised after i regained composure.
my9jarocks.info
“i think you are right. I’ll follow your advice, but then I will need a new favour from you” i said with a weak smile. She drew closer and stared at me curiously.
“i need a house. A good bungalow. Just find me one i can buy or rent. You know my taste. I think i’ll not only be staying a month in this town, but will be staying forever” i said calmly. She nodded and laughed with happiness, without leaving her eyes off me.
“I hope you won’t mind me asking what made you make such a sudden unexpected decision?” she asked suspiciously.
“i do mind Lydia, but don’t worry in due time you will get to know” i smiled at her. She shrugged with resignation and smiled back.
“i’ll get a nice place for you within a week” she promised.
I dropped my eyes and thought over my decision. It probably was going to cost me a fortune, but yea it was a sacrifice i had to make.
“Kelvin is mine and no sharp-eyed girl is going to reap where she didn’t sow” i promised myself, before standing to leave.
“one more favour” i said to my pretty friend, who nodded with full attention.
“i need all the information you can get about the mystery girl. I mean the girl Kelvin always hangs out with” i said,
“arhhh, i see. Consider it done” she accepted with a provoking smile, which gave the impression that she was slowly discovering what i was holding back from her.
I ignored her smile and quickly changed the topic to another thing.
______
Kelvin dutifully took me for a little walk later in the evening. He equally used the opportunity to apologize for being away most part of the day.
We strolled down the street discussing like dedicated lovers. I pretended as if all was fine while deep down i was dying to ask him many questions.
I wasn’t a dumb little girl and so had to hold back my questions. There wasn’t any need asking him of the unknown girl since i knew he would definetly lie about her. I had to investigate and get every information by myself.
“i’m no longer leaving in a week. I think i’ll be staying permanently” i informed him after a little thought. He stumbled and almost fell with shock.
“what???” he gasped.
Episodde 13
“really?, seriously that’s wonderful but i’m curious to know what prompted the decision?” he asked, trying his best to conceal his feelings. I shrugged and breathed deeply.
“i’m doing it because i want to be very close to you. I can’t bear staying away anymore” i answered calmly. He stared at me unable to know what to make of my revelation.
“i have talked to Lydia, she will be setting up a new place for me” i added, watching him keenly. He drew me to the side of the road and stared at me searchingly.
“i hope you know what you are doing?” he asked, surprising me with the question,
“of course my dear, c’mon don’t you think it’s a great idea?” i asked with a smile,
“but you should have consulted me first. I’m your man you know, moreover you shouldn’t have asked your friend to set up another house for you. My place is spacious enough for us” he complained. I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
“i know my darling and i’m sorry” i apologised. He shrugged and never mentioned the topic again.
Unfortunately he never slept that fateful night. He kept tossing on the bed without knowing that i was fully awake.
I kept still and pretended as if i was sleeping. I couldn’t imagine what was going on in his mind.
whatever it was, I cared not. I was very determined to keep him from going astray. I had to do anything necessary to protect my interest.
Early the next day he left for his office, while i went out to visit a couple of old friends and equally do a little shopping. It was a very busy day for me, and it truly helped by keeping my mind off Kelvin.
But later in the day i got a very shocking surprise of my life. Kelvin returned from work, accompained by a very attractive slim, well shaped young girl {who was in her mid twenties}. I was shocked beyond words.
“my darling, i brought my colleague and a good friend home for you to see. Since you will be staying for a while, i thought it best to introduce her to you. I know Abuja is a small town and i wouldn’t want any gossips to fly to your ears. Her name is Lilian Isaac” he said to me before facing the girl who stood respectably a distance away. my9jarocks.info
“Lilian meet my wife stella” he introduced sofly. I couldn’t believe myself. I was so dumbfounded. It all looked so innocent to be real.
It was just like a movie. Of course she was no other person than the same girl Lydia mentioned to me the previous day.
I simply stared at her without knowing what to make of her presence…
“it’s really quite a pleasure meeting you. Seriously” Lilian said with a quick smile, drawing closer to me. I returned her smile and offered my hand to her, which she shook softly.
“it’s an honour my dear and i hope we can be great friends. How about we have dinner at my place tomorrow” she offered politely, surprising me a great deal with her superb acting skill.
She was perfect with it. Her smiles and gestures very innocent and harmless, but i wasn’t a little girl who could be fooled by such a show.
“of course i’ll be more than glad to know your house” i answered and threw at glance at Kelvin whose jaw slightly tightened with worry. .
I kept smiling and laughing to all she said even though i was dead with worry and jealousy. If not for my money, i knew i was no match for the bright eyed girl. It got me very worried and insecured. She left after spending close to thirty minutes with us.
I tried very hard to conceal my feelings, but Kelvin soon noticed that i wasn’t looking alright. As we were about sleeping later in the night, he asked if anything was bothering me.
“nothing my dear” i lied, but he wasn’t convinced. He slowly brought down his lips on me and kissed my right ear softly.
“i know you don’t like Lilian. I apologise for bringing her over. I really thought i was doing the right” he said softly, his hand slowly going for my right b—m. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.
“yea there is something in her i don’t trust. Well let’s just watch out” i said quietly, which kind of shocked him that he slowly withdrew his hand, saying nothing else to me…..
The next evening, i honoured Lilian’s invitation and landed at her house with Kelvin who had no choice than to accompany me. It really was a great moment and an opportunity for me to study the young girl who was bent on playing games with me. I took my time taking mental notes of everything.
I slowly studied everything about her with the little time the dinner accorded me. I equally felt the young girl was up to something, but couldn’t place my hand on anything.
Unfortunately, i fell ill the following day. A simple running stomach slowly degenerated into a fever, keeping me indoors and bedridden for the rest of the week.
I couldn’t understand what was happening to me.
I slowly slipped into a shadow of myself….
Episode 14
kelvin tried his best to make sure i was alright. He took me to a lab test and equally paid a nurse to stay at the apartment and see to my needs.
If not for the little doubts that had already found their way into my heart. I would have been very satisfied with the level of care he showed.
Even though he was hardly present to keep me company, he always made sure he brought something nice each time he returned home.
On friday {three days later}, Lydia came visiting and was shocked to see me very sick.
“oh goodness me!. Stella what’s happening. You never told me you were sick” she cried with concern.
“i’m almost better dear” i smiled weakly. She shook her head, studying me seriously.
“i came to tell you how far i have gotten with the house you requested, without expecting to see you this sick and pale” she said slowly,
“how about the other mission. The information i asked you to get concerning kelvin’s mystery girl” i asked curiously. She breathed deeply and stared at me with disblief.
“you see?. You worry too much for Kelvin which is quite bad. Anyway i did the job. I had to befriend an old annoying gossip who worked in the same office with your guy. Just get better my dear, I have lots of stories to tell you” she said with a smile.
“The girl’s name is Lilian Isaac. Can you believe Kelvin actually brought her here?” i informed my friend who gasped with surprise.
“that’s exactly how surprised i was when he brought her to me my dear” i concluded.
“hope he also told you she is the daughter of his boss. Her father is a director in the Ministry” she added slowly, nodding seriously.
It was my turn to gasp with shock and worry. I instantly pictured the girl in my head.
No doubt she has it all. Beauty, money and youth. I was far from being a match to her.
“d–n” i breathed.
“we have lots of things to discuss sweetheart, but it will be when you get better. I think it’s better you stay at my place which you know will be more fun. Moreover Chika and her twin just arrived the country, so my place is very lively with people you care about. You shouldn’t be here suffering” She said seriously.
“fine you can come pick me up tomorrow” i agreed weakly.
____
Kelvin came home at exactly 7:39pm that fateful day. As usual he brought a beautiful flower which he told me was a healing flower he got from an indian spiritualist..
“i’ll be moving over to Lydia’s house tomorrow. I’ll finalize the arrangements i’m making for the new house she arranging for me from there after which i’ll head back to Imo state” i instantly informed him.
Unfortunately my words had a very terrible effect on him. He frowned and stood up with anger.
“you always like making decisions on your own. I wonder how we will live as husband and wife. Who will be the husband and who will be the wife. You always act as you wish, with no consideration to my feelings. Gosh i’m fed up” he screamed, shocking me with his outburst.
It was the first time he was raising his voice on me and it really hurt.
“You said you are fed up with me?” i asked with shock.
“yes i’m, what do you expect huh. You are free to leave and never come back” he fired defiantly.
An alarm instantly rang in my head. I almost fainted with shock.
“i can’t believe you said all those foul words to me. Seriously you just shocked me” i screamed weakly. He breathed deeply, stared at me for a while before drawing close to me.
“i’m very sorry dear. It won’t happen again. Don’t mind what i just said sweetheart” he apologised, calming me with his words even though i was far from being appeased.
His outburst really made me think deeply and recheck myself. I saw some truths in his words but there wasn’t much i could do about it nor was i ready to change my personality for him.
I grew up to be respected and obeyed. I was fond of making my decisions and I had never yielded nor submitted myself to any man apart from my dad who equally found it hard controlling me.
I looked at Kelvin with understanding and held his hand.
Sure he felt caged under me, but what else was he expecting.
I was older, more successful and equally his old boss.
“Things can’t just change within a twinkle of eye. It dosen’t happen that way, moreover i do give him the respect he deserves but no he wants more and I can’t just turn into a little girl for him” i reasoned silently.
Very early the next day, Lydia showed up to pick me. I expected Kelvin to protest again but he did no such thing, instead helped me to gather my things, making sure i left nothing behind.
“dearest, i do apologise for the decision i took. You know it’s for the best, we arn’t yet married to be living together. I promised to stay a week which i did. So don’t get mad at me. The house i’m equally acquiring is for the beautiful family we will be starting soon” i said to him, while Lydia rolled her eyes and scratched her hair.
“i understand my dear. Just get better and beautiful for me” he murmured sweetly, drew close and kissed me strongly. A very passionate kiss that stayed in my head for months…
“hmmm my dear i can’t help but smile over the scene you guys acted some minutes ago. You guys are just opposite of each other. You are dreaming in wonderland while he is struggling to wake up and bolt” Lydia joked as she drove me to her house.
“shut up” i screamed playfully. But dear me, she was right…
Episode 15
As Lydia drove away with Stella. I breathed deeply and dialled Lilian’s number.
“she just left with her friend. She’s gone” i informed her.
“hmmm that’s cool huh. Hope you are still coming over?” she asked,
“yea” i answered, hung up and walked into my apartment.
I was a bit relieved to see Stella leave but i equally was scared because a big girl like her was capable of anything. Moreover she left with no just cause to be with her friend, which was kind of suspicious.
“well i know i tried to make her happy” i said to myself. my mind flashing back to how it all started.
Stella truly turned my world around, bringing me out of poverty to a life of happiness and i appreciated everything but to be sincere i was very scared of making her my wife because she was just a lady with strong spirit. She was very fond of commanding respect and equally behaved sometimes as if i was her junior brother while in return i always behaved myself in her presence. Always conscious of everything whenever i was with her..
Yes I behaved like a woman whenever we were together while she behaved like a man always making all the decisions. But no matter her behaviour she was very generous and deeply in love with me and i owed her quite a lot which was why i proposed to her out of gratitude….
Lilian on the other hand was very friendly, playful and extremely pleasant to be with. She was my close friend, colleague and mate. We shared almost everything together that people soon began thinking that we were having a relationship which i would have loved but stella was in the way and it really wasn’t in me to cheat on a woman who changed my life, even though my feelings for her reduced by each passing day.
I remained committed to Stella. I had no choice than to continue loving her, which was why i felt so bad that she could decide to move over to her friend’s house and also get a new house without discussing it with me. It made me snap which i very much regretted…..
So watching her leave that fateful saturday left a huge mark on me but i had no choice than to push away my feelings, freshen up and head over to Lilian’s house to finish a project report which we were to submit on monday.
I had a very lucrative but demanding job that gave me no time to rest and enjoy the money i was making daily…
I walked into Lilian’s spacious living room, holding two files with my right hand.
I was very tired and hungry, but kept a smiling face as if all was well. Gently i quietly lowered myself on a couch, breathing deeply.
“are you alright?” Lilian asked with care, drawing close to me.
“yea i’m, though hungry” i answered playfully.
“well breakfast is ready. You are very lucky i’m eating late today. You would have missed it, let’s go to the dinning table” she invited sweetly. I stared at her, shook my head and smiled.
“don’t tell me you are ready to share your breakfast with me?” i asked jokingly,
“abeg stand up jare. It’s just bread that i’m having, which you know i can’t finish alone. So get your lazy as.s up” she smiled and headed to the dinning room. I quickly followed her, many thoughts running through my head.
She obviously was the kind of woman i needed to make my wife. She really understood me a lot and we behaved like agemates which made being with her very exciting. Moreover I felt more like a man with her.
As if she knew what i was thinking. She asked me a very surprising question as she prepared tea.
“hope Stella cooks?” she suddenly asked,
“hmmm yea, she cooks whenever it pleases her but that won’t be a problem because i know she will be getting our home filled with house-helps” i answered with a smile.
“hmmm that’s cool” she murmured and said nothing else…
_________
scene 2
@the other side of the town…
LYDIA’S HOME
Stella’s story continues…
Lydia led me to a well furnished room she prepared for my arrival. I was so astonished at the beautiful well designed room that i gasped with bright eyes.
“i hope you like it?. You are a big girl with high taste” she smiled to me. I nodded happily.
“of course i love it. It just looks like a presidential suite. Oh my God” i thanked her, my eyes going round the room.
Everything was just in there. Super blankets, nice curtains, state of the art electronics, a working bathtub. Infact nothing was lacking.
“I just love the colour and settings of everything. You will have to design the house you are getting for me like this. I will like to surprise Kelvin with the house” I said happily, while she rolled her eyes and smiled.
I calmly sat on the gigantic bed and dialled Kelvin’s number which he answered on my fourth call.
“hey dear what took you so long to answer my call. Where went you?” i asked curiously,
“i’m so sorry dear, i never knew my phone was on silent mood. I’m really very busy with a proposal i’m submitting with my colleague on monday” he explained.
“your colleague!, Is Lilian there with you?” i suddenly asked without knowing what pushed me. He kept quiet for some seconds.
“yes she is” he answered slowly, leaving me feeling extremely bad with his answer. I instantly hung up and exchanged glances with Lydia who i knew overheard everything.
“that loser is with him” i murmured, almost breaking down in tears.
I had nothing against the little girl at the moment but i hated everything about her….
Please just in case you got confused. The episode above has two scenes…
Scene one shows Lilian with Kelvin..
Scene Two shows Stella with her friend Lydia..
More at my9jarocks.info
Scroll down and click on the next page number to continue…
Add this number to get the latest episodes on whatsapp +23480xxxxxxxx
