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🛞 Chapter 54 🛞

Unedited

Anambra

A trailer came to a sudden stop then a guy tapped the metal side of the trailer while another opened up the back and a group of about fifteen women emerged, their faces devoid of expression. They moved in unison, their eyes glazed over, completely unaware of their surroundings. The charm that had been cast upon them had rendered them unconscious to their surroundings; they looked like zombies.

Buchi and his cohorts stood below. Buchi had a gun in his hands, a smirk playing on his lips as he observed the women descending. "My investment has arrived," he declared with a satisfied grin. Ray, who was standing beside him, seethes with anger, he fought the urge to retaliate. If he weren't undercover, he would have delivered a well-deserved blow to Buchi's face and save those women.

The fact that his hands were tied aggravated him even more. If only the police could come out from a hiding place and raid the whole place but this wasn't a movie and it wouldn't be that easy to achieve that.

Buchi wasn't an easy catch! He has never been one.

"Why you dey look me?" Buchi's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, "You wan kiss me?"

"No Boss, I just dey.."

"Shatap your mouth and do your work!" He snapped then he ordered a thorough search of the women, and upon its completion, he turned to Alonso with a grin. "Well done on this one. When Buchi dey happy, everybody go happy too, joy go full ground." He laughed maniacally. There was no bad investment.

Aunty Abebi dressed up, tiptoed on her shoes a headed for the door. Emmanuel was apparently a deep sleeper so she was able to do a whole lot that morning without his knowledge. She sneaked out of the house quietly, making sure not to make any noise that would alert him.

Muyiwa slowly opened his eyes to the reality of a pounding headache and a wave of nausea crashing over him. "Ugh!" He groaned, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. He knew he was one to indulge in alcohol, but the jealousy that consumed him was just the amount of alcohol boost he needed.

Taking in his surroundings, as he tried to focus his sleepy eyes, he realized he was not in a familiar place but the room felt strangely familiar, maybe a memory from a distant past or an image he has seen somewhere.The faint scent lingering in the air tugged at his memory, reminiscent of Sharon's perfume.

Suddenly, a jolt of realization struck him - this had to be Sharon's room. It had to be! He has never been In her room because Sharon was always uptight about allowing a man into her room but he has seen it from her pictures and video calls the period he was still trying to woo her.

He lifted up the bed sheet covering then he sniffled at it. The perfume! It was definitely Sharon's, damn he missed her smell! He missed his home smelling that way too.

His sniffles at it, this time longer than before. He couldn't believe he was shamelessly acting like a bloody obsessed wolf over a lady's scent. He dropped the bed sheet in shame.

Muyiwa's mind raced as he struggled to recall the events of the night before. Flashes of laughter, clinking glasses, and whispered conversations between her and Tokunbo flickered through his memory like disjointed snapshots.

Sharon and Tokunbo together??? Nah! To think the guy was so comfortable with her, he was in her face almost all through the day! He didn't even give her a breathing space! Almost as if he didn't want her to breath without him!

Suffocating her with fake love treatment! It wasn't so easy to see through his plans.

"Fuck!" He groaned feeling another headache hit him. He suddenly wondered where Sharon was at the moment. With a furrowed brow, he made his way into the toilet, then he got out into the kitchen area, following the tantalizing aroma of Sharon's cooking. He poked his head to find her in, she didn't notice him walk in.

"Something smells incredible," Muyiwa remarked as he entered, causing Sharon to startle in surprise. "Jesus Christ! Muyiwa, you scared the life out of me," she exclaimed.

He chuckled softly. "It's just me, not an armed robber." He replied laughing teasingly and she scoffed, "Well speak for yourself, not every armed robber come to steal money, some just come to traumatize people and them uncomfortable with life itself or make the idea of life become unbearable."

It was a dig at him!

"Those ones are the worst!" He engaged and she continued, "Thank God you know. It would have been better for them to take the money and leave or just walk away before barging their way into people's lives."

" Are you being metaphorical right now?"

Sharon shot a look at him then she ignored him stirring the noodles.

Muyiwa forced a laughter, "It was the way you acted like you've seen a ghost." "A ghost from the past is enough to scare me isn't it? Who will see a ghost and not be scared? You might just be here to haunt me?" Sharon retorted cynically.

He grinned, "I'm very much alive and kicking." "Too bad! You know one fact about ghosts? They're supposed to remain resting at the other side where they've been buried not walking around everywhere trying to haunt poor souls."

"I've not been buried."

She turned back facing him with a grin, "Are you sure?" "All these talk about ghost and armed robbers.."

"Muyiwa, you know very well what I mean, don't act like you don't understand." Sharon let out a sigh. "I guess you can call me a Nigerian ghost, I don't back down easily, we always have unfinished business."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Uncle, you and who? You better go and find the person you have unfinished business with cause I ended every business I had with you. I'm only putting up with you because I helped you last night. Just stay on your lane and I'll stay on mine okay? Our paths does not have to cross but If it does, let's just go our separate ways. Or is that so hard to understand? Or what do you want from me?"

"I...." He stammered with a heavy heart and a resolve to make amends. Muyiwa closed his eyes, the weight of his hangover matched his remorse.

"I want water." He replied and Sharon rolled her eyes, "Really?"

"No, I'm serious.... I'm thirsty and there's this headache. Do you have paracetamol? Any pain killer, or as they call it in your village. Parastamol." He teased but she kept a straight face.

"You're wasting my joke."

"If you're looking for an audience to laugh to your stupid joke. Go and host a comedy show in Lekki, I'm sure there'll be more girls trooping in to see you perform, I'm not that kind of audience anymore." She snapped at him and he chuckled, "What's funny?"

"Is it bad to laugh."

"Yes! You don't break a girl's heart and get to laugh when you feel like it."

Muyiwa sucked his laughter in, "Which section of the constitution can I find that law?" "Get out!" She snapped and he laughed. "Muyiwa, this isn't funny." "Sorry now, I'm interested in knowing so I can know the steps to take to indemnity."

"What will you be indemnifying for? There was no loss, I didn't lose anything that belonged to me in the first place."

He huffed in disbelief and she scoffed, "I didn't lose you Muyiwa, I should be felicitating instead and tagging this break up a glorious exit, it's this type of break up we call good riddance to bad rubbish."

"Ouch."

"Yes, there are some garbage we keep in our homes out of attachment to it but the sooner you realize it's just taking space the easier it becomes to dump them in the refuse."

"More ouch."

"No offense though even though it was said to offend you."

"I noticed." He replied with a grin.

"I guess, I came, I saw, I conquered." She confessed and he faked a smile.

Perhaps , the indemnity he was referring to was for him to claim what he lost.

He cleared his throat and looked around, "The water. I'm thirsty."

Sharon pointed to the fridge, "I supposed you know how to open it or do you need an opener or maybe I should use my teeth." She teased walking out of the kitchen.

Muyiwa shut his eyes in guilt, he knew Sharon won't let go of that careless statement he made. He walked over to the fridge, opened it up to see four Fanice plate.

"Oooh" He lifted the lid to see Egusi in it, he lifted the other two only to find stew and Ewedu in it.

Sharon returned with a card of pain killer then he turned back to her with a smile, "Is there any Fanice plate has an actual ice cream in it? Not Ogbono, ewedu or stew cream, I'm talking actual ice cream." He asked and she withhold her laughter and rolled her eyes.

"None."

"Wow. You're slowly turning into an African mother, you've turned all the butter plate into food-storing containers in the freezer." He teased trying to build up a peaceful conversation but she didn't seem interested.

He took out a bottle of water then she handed him the pain killer. "Take." She said and he grabbed her palm instead, "What?" She asked harshly but he sniggered.

"Thank you for last night." He appreciated but she didn't respond, he watched her return back to her cooking while he took the drugs.

Sharon quickly turned off the gas, dished in the noodle into a plate, she placed it into a tray along with a fork then she handed it over to him. "Bon appetite" "Thank you." He responded grabbing It then he placed it on the counter watching her eat hers from the frying pan.

"Do you have to be a bush woman all the time?" He asked but she said nothing. Her usual answer was 'Nothing hits better than the bottom of the pot' afterwards he'll make dirty jokes about it.

Gosh did he miss those moments with her.

She must be really mad at him and she had every reason to be. He just wasn't in the mood to give up without a conversation.

"It smells nice. You've always made the best noodles," He paused dipping the fork into a meat, "Is this Suya?"

Sharon arced her brow at him, she is supposed to respond with a 'Thank you' but she didn't feel like it.

"Thank you for bringing me down here,"

"Well...." She trailed off shutting her eyes, "See, I've talked enough already and I don't feel like talking again. Heck! I don't feel like answering your questions too. You know me, I can be honest for Africa and I will never lie about my feelings."

"I get it." He picked a slice of suya with his hands then he plunged it into his mouth. "Hm!" He savored the taste of it while a grimace spread across her face, "You haven't washed your hand." "Did i touch igbe (shit)?. "

"Have you peed?"

"Yes."

"See!"

"I washed my hand now."

"No you didn't, it's your dirty habit!"

"Even though, even though, it's my stuff, who else is supposed to touch It?" He asked and she scoffed, "I never knew there was exclusive right to your manhood, the last I checked, it was a public service tool."

Muyiwa gasped then he nodded and clapped, "Wow." "Oh sorry, did it touch you?" "I didn't come along with my Odechi vest, i almost forgot that with you it's always stray bullets."

Sharon held back her laughter, if felt like old times but it in this case, she wanted strangling him. "We should sue you guys for germ spreading cause I don't understand how you'll use that thing and then go about shaking everybody's hand like you rubbed anointing gel in your hand."

"It's a kind of anointing that breaks the yoke." He winked and she gasped, "Really Muyiwa?" "Yes now, it break through holes and"

"Hoes?"

"I didn't say that."

"You were the one who turned a simple conversation into a sex talk, do I look like your girlfriend or someone who wants to flirt with you? I simply said anointing gel."

"What are we supposed to do before as men? Hold our stuff with a nylon before urinating? Do you hold microphones with nylon? No."

Sharon grimaced, "Ugh! You didn't just compare your stuff to a microphone." "It's doing loud things, it amplifies and speaks in volume." "Yours has to be the one they rent out to every event center in Lagos. Public with poor servicing."

Muyiwa coughed out a laughter, "Ouch.... It services well, it's the renters that can't handle it well. "

Sharon rolled her eyes recalling how he had spoken ill about her insufficiency in bed. "Why don't you guys walk about with sanitizers and save souls! You guys need it more for your health sake!"

"Corona didn't even make me walk that shit." He answered then he continued eating the noodles.

As they stood in the warmth of the kitchen, the unexpected reunion brought a mix of emotions and memories flooding back.

"This your suya hits every right spot, mehn! You make noodles look complicated, yet delicious. Tantalized have got nothing on you." He complimented but she rolled her eyes instead.

"Yesterday's food was fooding too, in Gen Z term."

"Thanks." She finally replied, "For referring me." She added.

"You're a GOAT in cooking. You didn't have much hand helping you. I saw that girl, what's her name....."

"Tamara."

"Yes. Why was she the only one there?"

"The others said they were busy and besides, it wasn't a planned event, we didn't even know the number of people coming so I wasn't sure whether to tell them to come."

"When are you planning to expand?"

Sharon rolled her eyes, "We are not mushy to have this conversation." "It's a harmless question." "Ugh! I won't want you thinking we're friends and some of us have to go to church Muyiwa!." "Will you invite me? Maybe I can finally meet that your usher colleague that keeps watching you so you don't sit at all."

She chuckled unconsciously, she didn't think he'll remember that detail about her church. He noticed her shock, "You're surprised shey? I mean you complain about him all the time, I think I should remember him."

"I'm not going to my church, it's Pastor Gbadamosi's church, your friend. Remember you were supposed to introduce me until you messed up."

"Shar.."

Sharon cuts in, "There's this women's conference I was invited to." "Wow, funny thing I was planning on meeting Gbadamosi too," He lied and she gave him a look and tried to read him.

"You're lying."

"Yes."

"See!"

"No.... I'm not lying."

"If you're not lying, let thunder strike you from the left."

Muyiwa moved to the right side of the kitchen, "Point taken. It's his mom's party today. I can drop you off."

"You car is at Mrs Ukeme's place."

"We'll get an uber to pick us up."

"I don't want to be in the car with you, it's worst we're sharing the same space right now, you dont matter to me."

He nodded in understanding, "I see what you just did there, matter, space." "Muyiwa, leave me alone!" She snapped weakly chewing on Suya.

He scoffed, "Is it that bad? I thought the Bible encouraged us to forgive and forget."
Sharon rolled her eyes then she scoffed, "You know what Muyiwa, it's your audacity for me. You're using the Bible against me. You're lucky I'm not God cause I would have had your tongue fried like chips."

"So you can eat it as usual."

"Muyiwa!"

"Talking about Chips, I miss your chips, chicken and sauce especially and dipping into that sweet sauce." He answered giving a dirty look.

"And all the sauce."

Sharon felt a familiar racing of the heart and something coiled within her. She couldn't believe the idiot turned her on!

"It's a Holy day."

"Did I say anything unholy? What's unholy about chips, chicken and dipping into sweet sauce, especially with my fries." "Muyiwa!" She cuts in then she exhaled in frustration. "What? You have a dirty mind don't you? I was simply talking about food, I don't know what you were thinking of but it's definitely not my fault."

"Oh?" She asked breathing hard.

"What were you thinking of?"

"A church that I might go late to because I helped and decided to cook foryou!"

Muyiwa grinned, "When are you planning on expanding? I'm sure you'll blow with your food content." He started up another topic she wasn't interested in.

"What's your business with that?"

"You might want to employ me."

"Did your boss finally realize how much of a douche bag you are or are you that jobless?" She snapped and he managed a smirk, "Maybe I want internship, to know how to cook other than boil water."

"Funny thing to ask from a bottle opener. In respect to the way you regard me Muyiwa, am I the perfect person to want to be an intern under?"

The room seemed to close in around him, suffocating him with its silent judgment. His mind swirling with unanswered questions and unspoken apologies. "Sharon... I get you're still angry." "Angry? No Muyiwa, no words can describe the way I feel."

"I'm sure somewhere In the Bible says forgive and forget somewhere in between Genesis and revelation." He teased but the firm look on her face discouraged him. "See, I know I screwed up badly." He picked up where he left off but she cuts in angrily, "Save it Muyiwa! I'm not interested in what you have to say, afterall, I was the fool who thought I had a chance with the bad boy. "

"You had your chance."

"Screw you!"

He shut his eyes in guilt , "That came out wrongly." "No! It came out exactly as you thought. Muyiwa, I know this is Sunday but I'm sorry, you're an idiot and I was the bigger idiot to think you'll fall in love with me."

"But I like you!" He admitted scratching his head, those words were on the tip of his tongue. He had no idea where the bravery came from to spill. She probably won't believe him.

How can someone like him love? He couldn't believe he was making that confession too. "It seems unbelievable but I .... I do like you, I'm not crazy over you but I like you and it's not exactly the confession you want to hear but... I do Sharon, even though I hate to admit it."

Sharon moved closer to him then she scoffed, "Bullshit!" "I'm serious." "Bullshit!" She cuts in, "Pure bullshit ! You liked me but you told the whole world that I sucked in bed." "I didn't say you sucked in bed, I said you didn't last in bed, two different things."

"Oh wow, I'm suddenly having a change of mind." She said sarcastically and he rolled his eyes. "Sharon..." "Screw you!" She screamed in tears, "I said I wasn't going to shed another tears for you so just shut the fuck up and leave me the hell alone!"

"I know I overstepped and mis-yarned. I said somethings that I shouldn't have said and I'm sorry."

Sharon scoffed, "No you're not. I mean to you, I was nothing more than a house servant that cooked your meals, that girl with the bottle opening teeth. I was nothing more than two minutes Sharon; my food even hit more right spot than sex with me ever did." She snapped.

"Sharon."

"Fuck off!" She snapped leaving the kitchen then she returned back. "And no, I'm not going to church with you! You're not invited so find something else to do with your Sunday not make life difficult for me."

Sefa found herself once again inside the eerie building where she had been kidnapped. The darkness enveloped her as she heard faint voices echoing from door to door, all whispering, "Help me!"

As she made her way through the shadowy corridors, she reached a door that seemed familiar - it was the room where she had been held captive. Just as she was about to open it, a knock came from the other side, followed by a desperate female voice pleading, "Is someone there? If you can hear me, please save me!"

A surge of fear gripped her as she hesitated before the door. Suddenly, she felt a cold, masculine hand on her shoulder, and the sound of heavy breathing near her ear sent shivers down her spine.

Her heart pounded with terror as she slowly turned around, only to come face to face with Buchi, staring intensely into her eyes.

With a gasp, Sefa jolted awake from her haunting dream. Tears streamed down her face in silence. She tried to contain her emotions, not wanting to disturb anyone with her distress.

"Will this ever end? Lord, can't you make it stop? Please, make it stop," she whispered through her sullen sobs.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, Sewuese sat perched on her bed as Kilahi meticulously finished weaving the final strands of her hair.

"Time is ticking, Sewuese," Kilahi grumbled. "This is the last strand. Why the fuss? Toh, you've taken your bathe It's just a matter of getting dressed and putting on some makeup. Our makeup," Sewuese replied.

"I don't get it. What do you mean by 'our makeup'?" Kilahi questioned, emitting a small sigh. "It's barely past six o'clock," Sewuese defended. "Before we know it, it'll be nearly seven. I need to be at the church by 7:30; the Women's President messaged me as early as 5 am. 5 am oh!"

"I'll be the one doing your makeup, I don't waste time. Besides, It's the only time we have to catch up after these days," Sewuese explained, then she sensed Kilahi's withdrawal. "Sewuese..." Kilahi's voice trailed off.

"I didn't say it to make you feel bad. I understand, we're both busy. It just feels like we hardly have time to talk anymore, and I miss our Saturdays together."

"Essentially, you miss the days when I was unemployed and when Gbadamosi wasn't in the picture." "In a way, yes," Sewuese admitted, and they both shared a brief laugh. "It worries me, Kilahi. I'll be leaving the country, and you'll be moving out in a matter of weeks, weeks Kilahi!" Sewuese mused, dabbing away her tears.

"Am I repeating myself too much? Do I sound like a broken record?" she added, to which Kilahi shook her head, holding back her own tears.

"I'm genuinely happy for you, sis. I'll miss having my sister around. I wish we could have more time together, but I understand that you can't split yourself in half," Sewuese joked amidst her tears, prompting Kilahi to embrace her.
"You guys are making this marriage decision difficult for me. I'm still trying to sit in the thought of living with a man." "And having sex with this man."
Kilahi tightened the hair and Sewuese groaned and laughed, "Ouch! Kilahi you're wicked!" "I'll miss you guys too." "Iffa hear, not when you'll receiving all the goodies from Pastor Gbadamosi." "I hope you're aware you're talking about a man of God."

"I hope you're aware sex Is more physical than spiritual. He's a man of God, there's a man before the God, it's that man you need to take you to the realms where you'll begin to see revelation"

Kilahi tightened her grip on the hair and she screamed in pain, "Ouch! Kilahi now!" "Toh, is it painful? Continue talking, you'll see more pains." Kilahi asked, "Not as painful as your first time will be!"

Kilahi gasped, "Its like you don't want to finish this hair." "Whatever! Well, whether you like it or not, you're getting your makeup done! I won't be the one speaking in front of the entire congregation-you will!" Sewuese jokingly reminded her of the upcoming speaking role.

"Ugh! Please don't remind me!" Kilahi groaned. "I can't bear the thought of all those eyes on me! I even pleaded with the Women's President not to include me in the program schedule. May God spare me from dying of embarrassment," she lamented.

"You'll do great," Sewuese reassured Kilahi as she finished weaving the very tip of her hair. "All set!" She announced proudly. "Abeg I have talent jhoor. My talent is fearing me."

"Its your pride I'm scared of."

Kilahi chuckled then she sighed, "Hey, we need to talk about something important." She noted and Sewuese smiled giving her a look, "Is it about intercourse?" "No! Jesus Christ Sewuese! This kind of mind on a Sunday morning, I need to sprinkle Holy water on you and your mind."

"I thought.."

"No! I meant Sefa, we need to talk about Sefa. Our sister is going through stuff and I feel we need to be there for her every step of the way. In between our busy schedule, we can't leave her to deal with the aftermaths of her disobedience all alone." "What's going on?"

"Well, she's still traumatized and she's meeting up with a stranger in church today." "Wait who?"

"Someone she met on Instagram?"

"What? Is she mad?"

"Exactly why we need to keep eagle watch over her today."

"Let her cancel the meeting."

Kilahi shrugged, "It won't stop the person from coming so, we need to keep watch. I promised to be with her when she talks to the guy but I won't rule out the fact that i might be busy."

"Busy busy woman!"

"Abeg jhoor! You and Sam can help out."

"Sure. If wishes were horses ehn or if Nigerian police system was good, Shebi they would have gotten those bastard kidnappers and just let someone feel free about moving around. Did you watch the new video one girl uploaded on how she was almost kidnapped?" She asked watching Kilahi's eyes widen in surprise.

"The world isn't safe anymore."

"It will be safe for us in Jesus name, we are more than conqueror and by the special grace of God, these guys will be caught someday. There can be 364 days for a thief but In the remaining day left, the owner will ask for all. In that day, there'll be recovery."

With a sleepy eyes, Emmanuel lifted his hands to place on Aunty Abebi but was disappointed to realized she wasn't sleeping on the bed with him.. He opened up his eyes and looked towards the bathroom area, perhaps she was having her bath but there was no sound coming from that angle. He got out of bed and walked into the kitchen, calling out for Abebi but she wasn't in the bathroom.

He checked the living room but there was no sign of her. Her bag, her dress and her shoes were not in the position they were the previous night. Panic started to set in.

Thoughts raced through his mind - had something happened to her? Where could she have gone?

As he reached for his phone to dial her number, he noticed a note slipped underneath it. The handwritten message read: 'What we had was a fairy tale, a make-believe. Fairy tales don't exist; let's not live a lie and pretend we can have a happily ever after. Don't call me or look for me. Yours truly, Abebi Salami.'

He slowly sat down, the words pierced his heart like a dagger, leaving him stunned and heartbroken. He quickly gave her call but the number didn't go through. Almost like she had blocked him.

He tried his other line but it didn't go through too. She had blocked him on both lines.

"Oh God, why now! Ababy why?"

Word Foundation Church

🎶 When you see me dance, I dance like a winner man🎶 The music minister raised and everyone danced and chorused the song.

Deja directed Muyiwa and Ire to a seat then they both stood side by side. Ire quickly slipped out his phone from his pocket then he messaged Sefa.

I'm in church already. Where are you?

Are you sure?

He took a picture and sent it to her.

Incase you decide to look for me, just look around for an handsome prince wearing that. It's unmissable

🤣😂

Shouldn't you be offline?? How can you be in church and you're online at the same time?

Really?

Perhaps you're trying to get signals from God.

Hahaha very funny.

😂🤣

Were you waiting for my message? Did you think I'll get lost?

I'm not answering you again. I'm going offline so you can be happy and not report me to God.

😂🤣
As per the assistant God that I am.

Bite me.

Where are you and what are you doing ?

Going offline....

Aren't you going to bother asking me where I'm seated or what I'm wearing?

You sent a picture already, I'll find you.

I don't do well at hide and seek. 🤧

Who's hiding and who's seeking?

I thought you were going offline.

Is that how you're doing it?

Doing what? I wasn't the one going offline
😂

He laughed out loud as he watched Muyiwa peering at him with interest . "And here I was thinking I was the only one who came to church because of a woman," he whispered. "Apparently, I'm not alone." He added and Ire creased his brow in a disturbing thought, was he reading his messages???

"You're probably wondering why a grown ass man like me was reading your messages. Your facial expressions gave it away."

"No, it's not what it-" Ire trailed off, staring at Muyiwa's unyielding look. "She's not my girlfriend."

"She doesn't have to be. Chill, I'm not judging you, you know as the saying goes, a man gotta do what a man gotta do."

Ire gave up.

Meanwhile, Sefa stood on a raised platform, watching as the media team took live coverage of the church service. She was volunteering for the media unit, and at least it was a good distraction from the crazy nightmares that had been plaguing her. Her white top bore the inscription "HBC 4.0 Media Volunteer" and she had paired it with black palazzo trousers.

She slipped her phone into her pocket while her eyes scattered in search of him.

Kilahi stepped into the church bathroom, exhaling heavily as she gazed into the mirror. She needed a reprieve from the numerous eyes that had been fixed on her during her spoken word ministration. The intensity of their gazes had left her feeling like she'd almost wet her pants. "Toh, did I do well?" she whispered to herself, seeking reassurance.

Just then, Bella walked in, and Kilahi cleared her throat, preparing to leave. "Don't leave because of me," Bella said, her voice laced with a hint of malice.

Kilahi raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed. "Why would I?" she replied, her tone nonchalant. "I was leaving anyways "

Bella's eyes narrowed. "You're practically running away from me."

Kilahi snorted. "I only run from masquerades, the ones who walk with canes and cutlasses."

Bella's expression turned icy. "Are you calling me a masquerade?"

Kilahi held up her hands. "God knows I didn't say that. I need to get back to the auditorium."

Bella's gaze seemed to gleam with a sinister light. "Have I congratulated you personally on your engagement?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Kilahi's eyes rolled.

"Congratulations on being the chosen one," Bella said, her arms outstretched in a mocking embrace but Kilahi refused. "Don't be rude." She poured feigning disappointed then she continued, "Just like every other pastor's wife was has been chosen. You don't worry about your husband being satisfied; we'll take care of that for you."

Kilahi's face twisted in disgust. "We're in church, Bella, and this isn't the place for this conversation. I know you have a thing for talking to people in the toilet, I find it irritating, especially when the topic of interest is just as disgusting."

Bella's smile grew wider. "Just thought you should know, since you weren't informed. You're staring at your husband's future side chic."

Kilahi's laughter was derisive. "You must be delusional to think Gbadamosi would cheat on me with you." She scoffed afterwards. Bella's face darkened. "Why wouldn't he?"

Kilahi's voice was laced with contempt. "If he never blinked years ago, even after seeing you naked, what makes you think he'll take a second look at you now?" Her eyes flashed with warning.

Bella's fists clenched, "Why are you deceiving yourself? Take a look at moi, I'm beautiful, I'm hotter than you will ever be" "Oh wow" Kilahi mouthed in mockery, "And my bed skills are enough to blow him away. Have you looked into the mirror Kilahi?"

"Toor I just did." She responded pointing to the mirror lined up in the toilet area.

"Didn't you see how ugly you look?"

"No." She replied hiding her hurt, "Actually...I see a girl God is helping, I see myself from the lenses of God, beautiful beyond description. Trust me, I won't blame you if you can't see it or describe my beauty. Even God was speechless when he saw his creation. Toor, I mean not everyone sees things from God's perspective, instead they are blinded by their own vision and as myopic as you may be Bella, the good news here is that a change in perspective and mindset can help you correct your bad sights. All is not lost." She replied with an unwavering smile.

Bella scoffed, "See this ugly thing giving herself hope." She replied and Kilahi looked around, "I wonder who you're calling Ugly, there's no ugly person in this room." "The reality will soon dawn on you after I send you my first picture with your husband and then like every other Pastor's wife, you'll be left speechless and hurt but wont be able tonsay anything to the world. I bet I'll rock his world, I can promise you that. We'll share him together."

Kilahi sniggered, "I'm not scared of you, Bella. On the contrary , I feel sorry for you and whatever twisted game you have etched in your wonderful wonderful mind. Gbadamosi is God's vision for me, but you're too myopic to see that, I mean if you can't see that I'm beautiful, I don't know what you can see. The earlier you start seeing things for what they are, the clearer your vision. He's a devoted man of God and whatever your gimmick might be, I'm sure it will fail. My prayer for you is that you find light and happiness out of this dark place you've plunged yourself in and may God help you."

With that, Kilahi turned, making out of the bathroom, leaving Bella seething with anger then she halted with a sigh. "Let this be the last time you stop me to talk about something as useless as this," Kilahi said over her shoulder. "The next time you approach me, it had better be to lead you to Christ." She faced her fully, "I'll be praying for you and I pray we have an understanding cause I don't want to end up having this same conversation with you.." She concluded leaving the toilet.

Bella groaned angrily, "Damn you!" She muttered tightening her fist, "Gosh I hate this bitch! Ugly thing, Ugly rubbish duckling! Ugh! Talking me to like she's even beautiful. The audacity of the ugly thing itself is infuriating."

Shortly after introducing first timers, Gbadamosi leaned against the podium on the altar, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he began his announcement. "Let us prayerfully prepare for Rehab... If you have a friend struggling with addiction, bring them to camp and witness God's healing power. Registration is ongoing, and volunteers should indicate their interest - prayer volunteers, ushering, media team, and all others. How was church today, everyone?"

The congregation erupted into a chorus of cheers and screams, and Gbadamosi chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, our men's program will exceed your expectations!"

As the commotion died down, he continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Before we say the grace, I want to fulfill all righteousness. This is a women's program, marking the beginning of a new era. May the Lord grant you understanding."

Amen!

He paused, a low, husky laugh rumbling in his chest. "As God said in Genesis, it is not good for man to be alone. And we all know I've been alone for a long time."

The church members interrupted him with another joyful scream, and Kilahi, seated in the front row, covered her face, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Gbadamosi's eyes locked onto hers, and he was about to call her out when he continued, his voice booming through the hall.

"The Bible says, 'Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.' I spent years searching, traveling almost the entire world and all 36 states in the country, including the FCT. But as a Yoruba boy, my search ended when I found a woman from Benue State. And the Lord said, 'Here is the flesh of your flesh and the bones of your bones.' I stopped searching because I found a good thing in her."

The screams and cheers took on a new intensity as Gbadamosi declared, "Church, I present to you my missing ribs, Kilahi Agbo!"

Bella frowned and Tega scoffed whispering into her eyes, "Missing ribs kor, wetin dey missing mean say them never find am. Papa never find him ribs at all." He complained and she laughed.

"She looks like ribs so.... I mean you heard him, he found the bones of his bones in the literal form."

Tega threw his head backwards in laughter, "True talk."

The congregation whistled and applauded as the women's leader and her vice rushed to bring Kilahi forward. She stepped out shyly, her eyes cast downward, as if she wanted to disappear.

Gbadamosi teased, "Awn, she's shy!" and Kilahi shot him a playful look, "She's going to say Ah" He trailed off and Kilahi added immediately "Avoid me!" "I knew it." He bragged and the church erupted into a round of celebration, with voices echoing, "That's our Mama!"

"Our beautiful Mama!"

"For those that would have probably seen a fine girl and was probably hoping to get her contact after service." He teased scratching his ears, "Sorry to disappoint you guys, this beautiful woman is taken." He joked and everyone laughed while the men clapped their hands.

He quickly skipped to the benediction ,"Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, rest and abide with us, now and forever."

After church service drew to a close, the auditorium remained abuzz with activity. The congregation lingered, reluctant to disperse, and the air was filled with the hum of conversation and laughter. One of the protocols walked up to Bella who was giving her opinion during a meeting with the media unit. "We didn't invite ushering here oh." Tega snapped jokingly and some chuckled. "Sister Bella, your audience is needed now." "I'm in between a meeting."

"Right now Bella, the elders are waiting."

Bella laughed nervously, "Can I at least continue what I was saying?" "They're waiting." The guy answered and she faced the crowd back. "In my opinion, the media needs to open a blog where a whole lot can be documented on it. I'll hold my thought, you guys just think of it and give me feedback." She pats Tega and he nodded assuring her to give her the full gist.

Her phone rang almost immediately while she made her was out of the room, "Ma, you're needed here." Her assistant announced, "Why? Don't I pay you guys well to handle things?" "Well Ma... Today was not a good day to go to church, there's a party to plan towards and"

"Are you trying to tell me what to do?"

"No Ma but.... If things don't go as you've stated you won't be pleased."

"It's your job to make sure I'm pleased. That's what I pay you guys for. I'll be there once I'm done here. Do the damn job well and your next call better be to tell me everything is in place."

"Yes Ma." Her assistant replied ending the call.

Amidst the throng, Sewuese's eyes scattered in search of Sefa. The media team had a meeting about thirty minutes ago, she was getting impatient waiting for her.

"Sefa is fine." Sam assured but she was still jittery.

"The meeting is taking forever, until I leave this place with her, my mind won't just rest."

"Everything will be fine." Sam assured, "You saw how I was after she got kidnapped, I won't stand to watch it happen again." "She won't be kidnapped, we've got our eyes on her." He assured again with a smile and she chuckled folding her hands.

"That's the smile that should always be on that face. You just lit up my world right now." He teased and she giggled poking his chest.

"Are we even looking out for Sefa like this? We're getting distracted."

"Sorry, your beauty distracts me everytime."

She blushed slapping his chest playfully, "Sam!" She called out stomping her foot like a baby. '"Your beauty is my distraction everytime single time. Walaitalai" He responded and she giggled, "This oyinbo will never cease to wonder me, who taught you walaitalai? I wasn't even asking for validation."

"You don't need one. Take your crown Babe, you're the real African Queen. You should be crowned Queen of the whole Africa."

Sewuese blushed then Manny walked up to them, "If you guys are watching Sefa, then you're doing a bang up job about it." He complimented and Sam laughed while Sewuese gasped.

"Geez! I almost forgot." She replied looking towards the room they were having their meeting then she faced Manny with her brows raised, "Wait.... Did Kilahi instruct you to also watch Sefa?"

"She can't be too careful and she was right."

Sam rolled his eyes, "You're just jealous I'm looking into my girlfriend's eyes and not yours?" "Wow, very funny Samantha." Manny replied and Sewuese laughed. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for Sefa. The media team had met thirty minutes ago, and she was growing impatient waiting for her colleague to emerge.

"Sefa is fine," Sam assured her, but she remained jittery. Manny saw through her fears, "I didn't come to make you scared Sewuese, I just thought to remind you to be on the look out. Sefa will be fine, if anyone tries any rubbish here, the person is sure to collect."

Sewuese smiled, "Thank you Manny." "You're welcome." He replied leaving the two of them alone.

"The meeting is taking forever," She complained, her voice laced with concern.

Sharon noticed Pastor Gbadamosi talking to some children alongside Kilahi then she walked up to Bimbo, "Good afternoon Ma." "Good afternoon." "Is it possible to see Pastor Gbadamosi today?" "We won't be attending to people today." "Ehya." She frowned, "I hope all is well."

"I guess I need someone to talk to before my heart explodes in pieces." Sharon replied and she could dee through her glistening dark eyes.

"You can come for counseling or if you need to talk to someone, I can lend you my ears."

Sharon rolled her eyes blinking her tears in, "Thank you. I'll be fine." She replied then she noticed Muyiwa move to close her, "If you move a step closer Muyiwa, I swear before God and man that I'll slap you right in this church in front of everyone."

"Sharon.." He called out watching her zoom off.

Bimbo watched them she clicked her tongue, "Uncle this one that this fine Aunty is using ikanramo (Anger transference) to go like this. What did you do?" She asked unconsciously, not like it was her business.

He hissed on seeing Bimbo, "You again." "What did you use to break her heart, hammer, mallet abi tractor cause this heart is looking like something that bulldozer fell on, something that I'm sorry cannot fix."

Muyiwa scratched his brow, "I don't even have the strength for this." "Why will you have the strength when the only strength you should have is used every night in the club and in the other room."

"You haven't told me how exactly you know me."

"Let's say you're a club celebrity."

"Or you probably had a massive crush on me."

Bimbo scoffed, "Sorry, I was never the kind to crush on people who crush girl's heart and serve it to them as breakfast. I had standards, I never stooped low, same club life, different standard." "I get your point. You don't have to push it. Gosh you're so annoying." He snapped.

"You're pretty but I don't like you."

Bimbo lifted up her fingers to show her ring, "Get off your high horse," "Oh. Funny I wasn't at the club last night."

Bimbo gasped, "Say God."

Muyiwa exhaled, "How do you get a girl to see that I'm truly sorry." "Only if you can pull out your heart and show it to her." "That's impossible." "Most likely, it's either that or you have like a size 12 spanner to fix this cause I'm sure pe, this wahala is a big one."

"Yeah..." he exhaled scratching his brow once again.

More like size 20! He thought to himself.

In the Pastor's meeting room, the elders sat in a semi-circle, their solemn faces expressed a picture of concern for the women in their midst. Bella sat directly in their midst, her eyes darting from one face to another as she wondered why she had been summoned before them. She scoffed and finally spoke up, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I suppose you didn't call me here to stare at my beautiful face."

The women president chuckled, a warm motherly smile spreading across her face. "Very funny, Bella. You know what, you're beautiful indeed."

Bella's gaze narrowed. "Thank you, Ma. But I don't do matchmaking demands."

The women president's expression turned serious. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of choosing you for my son. Not that you're not...okay. But even mothers have their specifications."

"Sister Bella" Pa Akintola called out, his voice gentle. "Sister Bella, right?". Bella gave a curt nod, her eyes squinting from one face to the other. "Isabella , Anabella, Elizabella, which or the Ella again?" He asked and the woman President laughed .

"Which one is Elizabella? Is it not Emmanuella?"

"Ehn hen!" Pa Akintola agreed and chuckles broke out of every elders mouth.

Bella faked a chuckle.

"Which or the Ella?"

"I don't see how this is important to this conversation."

Pa Akintola gave the elders a look at though trying to point out a bad character. "So Sister Bella, I hope you're comfortable." He added and she shook her head.

"No, I'm not," she replied, her voice firm. "All I'm interested in is knowing the point of this meeting. I have an engagement, I'm here out of respect and honor. Have I done something wrong?"

"And we appreciate it, God will honor you too for honoring us."

Pa Akintola went through a note that had been passed over to him by Elder Victor. Bella repeated her question, her voice rising. "Have I done something wrong?"

Pa Akintola lifted his brow, hesitating. "Oh...we..." He trailed off, passing the note to the women president. "Well..." He trailed off again, thinking of how to delve into the situation on the ground.

"There's no beating about the bush my dear. We called you here to quickly address an issue. I heard you're a Yoruba girl. The Yoruba will say, A fi igi n'le, ko ma a mu 'ra re (Deal with the tree while it's still in the forest, before it becomes a log in the market). For those among the elders that don't understand what this means, this proverb emphasizes the importance of addressing issues promptly, before they become unmanageable or get out of control."

"Elders don't beat around the bush, they speak directly! I've been seated for the past ten minutes and no one has said a word of reason to me."

Pa Akintola smirked, "Well... We know what transpired between you and Papa," He noted, his voice stern and unyielding.

Bella scoffed, feigning innocence. "I don't understand what's going on? What transpired between Papa and I? I'm lost."

Elder Victor's expression turned cold. "This is not a place to pretend, Sister Bella. We are quite aware of your plan to seduce Papa."

Bella's eyes widened, and she assumed the role of a victim. "Oh my Gosh! I can't believe this, I'm the victim here," she protested, her voice trembling. "Your so-called Papa made advances at me, and now he's trying to make me look bad. I'm not the guilty party here."

The women president's face contorted in disgust. "There's no need to dish lies, no one is buying or eating it," she snapped. "You guys will always stand on the side of the Man of God, right? Even though I'm the victim."

Bella's tears flowed like a river, but the women president was unmoved. "Enough of this crocodile tears, jare! Does this look like a movie set to you? Or do we look like fools or monkeys to be fooled with bananas? Clear those tears; no one is falling for it."

Bella's expression turned defiant. "A church member will be victimized, and as usual, the church elders will-"

The women president cut her off with a sharp rebuke. "Oh, please rest! Imagine the liar, turning back to accuse Papa of something he didn't do. What if he didn't record the conversation he had with you? I wonder what vile statement would have gotten out. We know the truth; we listened to the recording, so I don't see the use of you explaining yourself."

Bella swallowed hard, her eyes flashing with anger. "Are you guys going to ask me to leave the church?"

Pastor Kay smiled, his voice was firm. "As elders of the church, we have reached a unanimous agreement. No one is asking you to leave the church. Who are we to tell you to go? God can decide to arrest you like he did Paul. Do you know Paul, Ma?"

Bella remained silent, her eyes cast downward.

Pastor Kay repeated the question, his voice firm. "Sister Bella, I ask again, do you know Paul?"

Bella's silence persisted, her eyes fixed on the floor.

Pa Akintola continued, "He was arrested on his way to persecute Christians. The devil might have sent you to tempt our Papa, but God has chosen to strengthen him to withstand your seduction. What we're asking is that you stay far away from him. You are not to go near him during service time, after service, or go into his office. The elders, from now on, will monitor all you do in this church. We crave your indulgence in case you're summoned just like this again or instructed by the ushers to do something."

Bella scoffed.

"And if It still gets to our knowledge that you're still seducing Papa, we might have no choice but to excommunicated you." He continued.

"Are we clear?" He asked but she scoffed again.

"Are we clear on this? It's either you stick to our terms or you leave the church ."

"Yes Sir."

"On which of the terms?"

"I'll stay away from Pastor Gbadamosi, I fell in love with him but i just want to work for God."

"Do you promise to do better?" The women president asked and she forced a smile at her, "Yes Ma, I promise to do better." She replied lifting up her palm in promise.

Aunty Abebi entered her room, her eyes fixed on the phone in her hand. She had missed calls from a strange number, and her curiosity got the better of her. She picked up the call without saying a word, her silence a shield against the unknown.

"Ababy?" The voice on the other end was familiar, and her heart skipped a beat. "Ababy," Emmanuel repeated, his voice echoing through the line.

Aunty Abebi ended the call abruptly, determined not to engage in any conversation with him but the voice lingered in her mind, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of nostalgia that washed over her. She tried to be strong, to push aside the memories that threatened to surface.

She turned on the water in the bathtub, the sound of the flowing water a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. As she slipped into the tub, tears began to flow, streaming down her face like a river. Thoughts of Emmanuel flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right decision.

Was it for herself or for him? The question swirled in her mind like a storm leaving her lost and uncertain. She quickly called Kilahi

"Aunty Abebi quickly puts a call through to Kilahi. "Good afternoon, Ma," Kilahi answered with a sharp and bright tone.

"Where are you?" Aunty Abebi's voice came out rough as she tried to withhold her tears.

"I'm in church," Kilahi replied.

"There's no need then," Aunty Abebi said, her voice laced with a hint of despair.

"Oh my God, Aunty Abebi, is everything okay?" Kilahi asked, concern etched in her voice. "I'm fine," She replied, her words laced with a hint of uncertainty.

"You don't sound fine," Kilahi pressed on. "What happened?"

Aunty Abebi hesitated before responding, "I got back home and I needed someone to talk to, but it's fine."

Kilahi shook her head, her mind made up. "I'm coming over."

"You don't have to," Aunty Abebi refused, her voice weak.

"Ma, I'm coming over now. See you in an hour and thirty minutes, plus Lagos traffic," Kilahi said, her tone firm.

Aunty Abebi trailed off, "Kilahi, don't..." But Kilahi had already ended the call, leaving Aunty Abebi to her thoughts."

Sefa's eyes scanned the room, searching for Ire, but she couldn't find him. Instead, she walked up to Sam and Sewuese, who were standing nearby. "Hey Sam!" she exclaimed, embracing him and kissing him on the cheeks.

Sewuese raised an eyebrow, giving her little sister a look. "Sam?" she asked, her tone hinting at the informality of addressing someone without a honorific title, 'brother this and that' like a typical Nigerian.

"But he said I should call him Sam," Sefa replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Sam chuckled. "Yeah, I did. I wasn't exactly named Brother Sam."

Sewuese shot her a look, and Sefa lifted her hands in surrender. "Okay fine... Good afternoon brother Sam, it's good to see you."

"Good to see you too, you look good."

"Are you whining me? When are you going back?"

Sam plunged his hands into his pockets, and a sly smile spread across his lips. "Ouch, do you want me gone?" he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Sefa shook her head, her hair swaying with the movement. "No, it's just that we haven't gone out, and I'm asking as your future sister-in-law," she explained, her voice husky and playful.

Sam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Where would you like to go?" he asked, his deep voice low and smooth.

Sefa's smile faltered for a moment as she avoided her elder sister's piercing gaze. "I'll see you in camera," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to make someone jealous."

Sewuese's eyes narrowed, her expression stern. "Oh, wow. You do realize he's my fiancé, right?" she asked, her voice firm but laced with a hint of warning.

Sefa's smile returned, wider and more mischievous than before. "Yes, and he's my brother-in-law too," she said, her eyes sparkling with defiance. "Go and find yours?" Her arms entwined across his.

Sewuese teased, "Maybe if you had gotten into university how many years ago, I would have probably had one."

Sefa gasped, "Ouch, Aunty Sewuese! You had to go there."

Sewuese laughed, "It was tempting." Her eyes sparkled with mirth.

Sefa's eyes searched for Ire, then she glanced at her phone, sending him a message on WhatsApp:

Where are you?????

Sewuese rolled her eyes, "Don't tell me you still want to meet with this guy?"

Sefa replied, "Sis, I don't know. He seems genuine."

Sewuese countered, "Not everything that glitters is gold, Sefa. You don't have to get kidnapped again to know it."What if it's all a ploy by the kidnapping organization to get back at you for exposing the whole thing on social media?"

Sefa sucked her lips in thought, she never really saw It in that light. "Wow, I never saw it that way." "See! That's why you need to be careful." "I really get your point Aunty Sewuese but two ladies were almost kidnapped yesterday and this guy thinks his sister has been kidnapped."

"We can't trust any Jack or James, I won't lose you again."

Sefa smiled, "Awn! My super woman." "Madam, this isn't funny and I'm serious. I'm not letting you out of my sight for..."

Just then, Ire interrupted their conversation. "Good afternoon, Sir, good afternoon, Ma..." He trailed off, his eyes locking onto Sefa. "Good afternoon, Sefa, I hope I pronounced it well."

Sefa's gaze met Ire's, and she was struck by his handsome appearance, even more captivating than his Instagram photos. "Good afternoon, Dr. Ire, right?"

Ire smiled, "Flesh and blood."

Sefa chuckled, "Wow, you look different than you do on Instagram." "Different bad, good, better, or best?" Ire asked.

"Good, not bad at all."

"Maybe I'm wearing filters."Ire joked and she giggled, "Of course, you are."

Ire exhaled, "I guess pictures on Instagram don't really match reality; you look way better than you did on Instagram and that live interview."

Sefa smiled, "Thank you." She replied with a smile, "I guess it wasn't so hard to locate me since you didn't have to call."

Ire smiled, "Maybe a bit, I've been searching for a while and worried you might not like it when I call. I'm trying to respect the fact you said you hated being disturbed with calls. I had to do it the good old fashioned way."

She smiled and shrugged then she suddenly remembered Sam and Sewuese were standing close to her. "Oh!" She exclaimed, "Um... Dr Ire meet my elder sister Sewuese and her fiance Sam."

Ire shook hands with the both of them, "It's nice to meet you Sir and Ma." "I won't say the pleasure is all mine cause I don't know you from Adam." Sewuese responded and Sam laughed nervously giving her a 'really?' look.

"We don't know him ." She mouthed then she voiced out, "I can't pretend about how I feel about this meeting. For what we know, he can be a kidnapper."

"Babe." Sam called out.

"Not like she hasn't been kidnapped before."

"Aunty Sewuese," Sefa called out, blinking her eyes at her elder in a pleading gesture, hoping to get some sort of cooperation or get her to tone down her overprotective side.

"No Sefa" Ire replied firmly. "Your sister is right. I know I'm not exactly trustworthy now, but I asked Sefa to give me the benefit of the doubt. Permit me to ask for one too. I wouldn't be here if this wasn't an important matter."

Sewuese spoke up, "I guess you'll understand if I keep an eye on my sister, more like chaperone this meeting."

Ire nodded in agreement. "I completely understand."

"Thank you," Sewuese replied, still standing with them.

Just then, Sam pulled Sewuese away, saying, "We can chaperone from a distance."

As they stepped back, Sewuese's expression turned worried. "I'm worried," she said, her eyes fixed on the scene before her.

They both stood nearby, watching with interest. Kilahi walked up to them, "Hey guys, where's Sefa?" She asked, and Sam pointed towards her direction. "Hey God, he's a fine guy. Even I have to admit it"

Sewuese laughed, "I'm shocked." "Not all that glitter is gold. This guy might just be a wood painted gold or brass on the inside or maybe he has real golden character. You guys should not let your eyes off her, I already told Bimbo and Ade to help me out too."

"Are you going somewhere?"

Kilahi nodded, "Yes. Aunty Abebi needs help." "Wait... You're going there?" "Yes. She called, if you heard her voice, she was crying." "Babe calm down, you still have to prepare for your mother in law's birthday party, make up and the rest."

"There's time."

"There's no time. Madam you're not invisible, you had better not break down. You can't save everybody." "Let me save those that I can. Please don't forget Sefa."

"Sure." She replied rolling her eyes, "Does Pastor Gbadamosi..." She trailed off rolling her eyes again when she realized Kilahi was already dashing off to the door.

"She thinks she can save everybody but herself. She's not even thinking of herself and she's tired but she doesn't want to admit it."

"Kilahi is strong." Sam assured.

"For how long? Body no be firewood, I'm just scared she'll break down and she doesn't even realize it."

Sefa exhaled, staring at Ire, then cleared her throat. "Dr. Ire..." She called out, " Ire is fine, or Bryant." "Bryant? Or Brian?" She asked confused about the names, "Bryant, actually, but I've always preferred my Yoruba name." He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Let's not be formal. Please call me Ire, leave out the doctor. "

Sefa nodded, her eyes fixed on him. "Are you really a doctor?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism. Ire quickly pulled out his wallet and slipped out an ID card. "Dr. Iremide Ogunmolu, but I prefer you call me Ire."

Sefa's gaze lingered on the card before she nodded, her expression softening. "Okay." Ire smiled, tucking the wallet back into his pocket. "So... firstly, I'm sorry about what you went through. I can't even begin to imagine what happened there or the things you saw." He trailed off, his eyes clouding over.

Sefa's hand shot out, grasping his arm. "Don't even think of it, I pray to God that your sister, Ife, right?"She asked and Ire nodded, his jaw clenched. "Ogunmolu Faith Ifeoluwa. It's an two name thing in my family, you stick with what you love. Mom calls me Bryant but Dad prefers Ire. She prefers to be called Faith. Am I confusing you?"

"No. My name is Jane too so... Sefa Jane Adzer, although a lot of people call me Sefa, Jane comes in whenever my parents are angry with me. How old is she?"

"Eighteen... 200 level, studying human nutrition at the University of Ibadan." Sefa's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "God! I have friends in UniIbadan, School is still in session; how will she cope?"

Ire scoffed, his voice laced with pain. "That's not my business; I want her back. She's the only girl in the family. Why do I keep saying she's the only girl? It's just the two of us; my parents had. Mom waited ten years before eventually having her. Faith was God's promise to my parents; mom and Dad had faith, and she came as a light to our world." His voice cracked, and Sefa's eyes welled up with tears. "I mean, I took care of her; I backed her whenever she cried. Mom and Dad can go anywhere, just knowing she's safe with me. I feel like I've failed them."

Sefa's hands closed around his shoulders, her grip firm. "Hey... " She trailed off, her voice barely audible. Ire blinked back tears, his eyes fixed on hers. "Faith will tell me everything until she stopped."

"I hope to God she hasn't been kidnapped; it's not a good experience there." Sefa's grip tightened. "How?" Ire asked, his voice laced with desperation. Sefa's eyes clouded over, her voice barely above a whisper. "Well, I think you should sit for this."

Ire pulled two chairs, and they sat, their eyes locked. Sefa's voice was laced with pain. "I hope to God that..." "I told you already; I know when God is direct about something or when he's trying to send me a message. I was supposed to pray about it, but the whole situation with Ife, and..." He trailed off, his voice cracking.

Sefa's eyes shut, her voice barely audible. "I already gave a glimpse of what happened on the interview, but saying it doesn't do justice to what those animals do to the women they kidnap. I mentioned that I left with my boyfriend to spend a night with him because..." She trailed off, her voice laced with shame.

Ire's eyes softened. "You can say; it's one of those moments. I guess youthful exuberance, right?" Sefa nodded, her eyes still shut. "I mean, the following morning, these guys covered my nose and pulled me into this Siena, and I blacked out until I woke up in a moving truck full of goods and women and girls too."

Her voice cracked, and Ire's grip on her shoulders tightened. "I was scared and weak, and there was a guy pointing his gun at me, so I couldn't even scream." Sefa's eyes snapped open, her gaze fixed on Ire. "We got to the place, and... They forced me to come down, and there he was... The leader of the pack, with charms on his body. The others were hypnotized, but I wasn't."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "He touched me with something, but I don't know what, and he could see through me. He knew what I had done, and then he ordered that his men take me into a room, and when they asked where, he said either the sex factory or the baby factory."

Ire's eyes widened, his face pale. "Hey, hey!" He warned, his voice firm. "It's okay... You don't have to talk again; you can stop here."

Sefa's voice trembled as she spoke, "I was taken to the... Baby factory." Ire's eyes filled with compassion, and he gently held her hands, urging her to stop. "It's okay, Sefa. You don't have to talk."

But Sefa's emotions were raw and visible. She exhaled, shaking her head, "I can still smell it, the stench of that room. Like stale blood and excreta. I've never smelled anything so horrible in my life. And they were pregnant women there."

Ire's eyes widened in shock. "Pregnant women?"

Sefa nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. They bring pregnant women or people who weren't affected by the juju to that place. They keep them there until their Dibia comes to finish the work and wipe their memories. Those women were zombified, Ire. Walking dead."

Ire cursed under his breath, his face pale. "They sell their organs, they sell babies to those who need them for rituals, the placenta and fetus."

Sefa's words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Ire closed his eyes, his face twisted in anguish. "Shit, shit, shit! You said this man happened to see through you."

Sefa nodded again. "Yes. He placed his juju on my forehead, and he could literally see through me."

Ire's eyes snapped open, his gaze intense. "And they put all pregnant women in that facility?"

Sefa's voice was laced with pain. "Yes. Why do you ask?"

Ire rose to his feet, his movements agitated. "Is everything okay?" Sefa asked, concern etched on her face.

Ire scoffed, his voice bitter. "No, nothing is okay. Where should I start?"

He paused, taking a deep breath. "Ife is pregnant."

Sefa's eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious?"

Ire nodded, his face tormented. "Yeah. That was why she came to Lagos. To do what? Abort it?" Sefa's voice was laced with disbelief.

"Yes, but I wanted to talk her into keeping it. She didn't want to, she wanted me to put her through the process of aborting the pregnancy, but it was against my ethics. This is all my fault. Damn it, Ire! Damn it!"

His ran his hands through his trimmed hair, his eyes filled with self-blame. "Damn it! This is all my fault."

Sefa blinked completely confused, I'm lost," Her voice was soft. "How is it your fault? It's not your fault from what you just explained."

Ire laughed bitterly, "Some time in December, during the Christmas holiday, Faith came to spend some time with me." "Jesus Christ! Don't tell me...." "No! I'm not that kind of, I wouldn't even dream of... Ugh!" He grimaced.

"Sorry."

"Well, I found out it was all a coy to meet some guy from school. I warned her not to see the guy, I swear I did, but she insisted it was just an evening, harmless date, and the guy was someone she could vouch for, and they weren't going to be alone; she had one of her school friends too. Faith didn't come home that night till the following morning. When I called, she told me she was with one of her female friends from school. Bottom line is, they had sex, but it wasn't completely consensual."

Sefa's voice was filled with empathy. "Geez, I'm sorry..."

Ire's face contorted in pain. "I wish I had been more strict on her."

Sefa's voice was firm. "It wasn't your fault, Ire. Mom, Dad, Aunty Kilahi, Sewuese, and Terdoo blamed themselves for not being strict with me. I'm eighteen years old too, and I guess sometimes we just want our freedom so fast, we want to grow up so fast without proper guidance, and sometimes the outcome is not always palatable. I got kidnapped, Faith got pregnant.."

"And kidnapped too." Ire's eyes filled with tears.

"We can't be so sure of that yet. I pray and hope to God that your sister comes back. That dungeon is not a place I wish for my enemy." Sefa's voice was laced with disgust.

"Don't get me wrong but how did she get pregnant?"

Ire shot a look at her and she swallowed hard, "Perhaps you want a doctor to explain the biology of reproduction." He managed to joke and she chuckled. "Not that. How could she be so clueless to know what to do in this age and time?"

Ire's voice was barely above a whisper. "It was her first time."

Sefa's eyes rolled her eyes ,"Even though she was Saint Mary, the original sex education we receive is to first take emergency contraceptives after rape. Didn't you say she was with a female friend?"

Ire nodded, his face filled with shame. "That was what she said."

Sefa's voice was filled with incredulity. "Wow... You don't even believe her. How are you sure she was raped?" "She was. Faith was naive, she liked the guy but she didn't want to have sex that night."

"So she didn't realize she was pregnant till this month or when? " She asked and he responded with a simple, "Yep."

Sefa's eyes widened, her voice filled with exasperation. "I've seen clueless, I've not seen her kind of clueless." She shook her head, her gaze filled with a mix of frustration and empathy.

His chuckle was faint, a soft sound that barely escaped his lips. "Any man that forces a girl is a coward and doesn't deserve to be living with humans," She said, her voice firm while his eyes flashed with anger.

His voice filled with a fierce intensity. "I almost killed the idiot when I got the address. Of course, he denied it, he said Faith asked for it and he gave it to her. There was no proof since she didn't reveal it on time and a rape kit test was not done to prove he forced her." His sigh was deep, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his emotions.

"She came into Lagos on Thursday, but she didn't stop by at the house, till now..." he said, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and concern. "Her number is still switched off. Tell me Sefa, is that normal?" He asked and she kept quiet.

"We're not praying for the worst."

"Apparently it's upon me and the only solution is to ask God for some sort of intervention and maybe tell my parents."

Sefa shook her head, "If they're like my parents, they're going to be mad at you." "I've kept it away from them for too long, mom is hypertensive." "And you still want to tell her." "My parents have the connection, if Faith is still alive, I can't save her alone, with God on our side, together we can save her."

"How?"

"You escaped right?"

"It wasn't with a clear eyes, I didn't even know when I got to the road side. I thought it was Kilahi holding my hands all along. The only thing I know is that I was taken to Anambra. Anambra is a big place, we can't conduct a search like that. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. At this point, the only thing we can really do is create more awareness and hope Anambra government and police system look into the situation. With my parents connection, they can do something."

"You speak like your parents are commissioners."

"God is helping them." He replied and Sefa scoffed, "That's not a direct answer." "That's the answer you can get for now, they're not commissioners, they just know people that know people."

"Hopefully our corrupt system doesn't come in the way. Do you think these policemen are not aware of what's going on?" She asked but he laughed being reminded how the policeman behaved towards him when he tried to report.

"The only they can do is dish blame on victims."

"Ugh! Like this Oga Cornelius I met, I've never met a more annoying police officer."

Sefa chuckled, "It's either Cornelius is a very popular police name or we've both visited the same police station." She chipped and they both opened their mouth to speak.

"Quadric Estate?" They said in unison then they busted out laughing.

"How?" Ire asked and she chuckled, "I went for prison evangelism and there was this girl talking about a missing friend. What's her name, she's a Moslem.... I think Kadirat or something or Suliat. This Policeman assumed they went for runs."

Ire scoffed, "He assumed my sister was a prostitute too. He kept on raining insults but expected respect in return." "Exactly!" Sefa agreed then she exhaled.

"The police can be stiffed-neck for all I care. With God by our side we can overcome any kind of circumstance."

Sefa chuckled admiring his faith, "If your sister is really there, she must be hypnotized." "Even though they have her on some juju treatment, Faith might be in trouble but remember when the Bible said, in all these, we are more than conquerors. In all these, whatever tribulation or trials we're going through, in all these, the best we can do is proclaim the victory we have ahead of time. Faith is not dead, that I know. Am I pained, am I worried about what she must be going through? Yes! But just like Job went through what the did, God gave him over to the devil to do what he wanted but did he touch his life?"

Sefa shook his head, "No." "Exactly, no matter the tribulation we are given to, our life is the hands of the one who gave it to us in the first place and unless he says otherwise, no bastard can attempt anything on her life even though they're wearing the devil's mask." He bragged and she chuckled.

"That's the confidence i have."

"That's a whole lot of confidence." She chipped and they both laughed. "Yes I know but really, what's man without faith and hope? The only reason I've been able to even work these past few days with her missing is faith in God."

"The elephant in the room now is how you're going to let your parents know about this. God will certainly not speak on behalf of you, I promise you that."

Ire laughed hard, "I guess I'll have to exercise that same confidence." "Same thing I was saying in mind, I didn't want to sound like the unempathetic version of me." "There's an unempathetic side?"

Sefa chuckled, "This side of me is called Glory to God, if you had met me a month ago. I probably would have said, what are you having faith for? Your sister must be dead."

"Really?" He asked and she rolled her eyes, "Yes. I was a horrible person, I still am. I guess the whole kidnap was an eye opener for me. It taught me a different approach to what life really is."

"Nice to meet the 'Glory to God' part of you. I guess the old you has been called to glory."

"Yeah..." Sefa choked when she heard his response then she laughed and he joined her. "I guess so." She replied still laughing even more as his response played in her mind. Is it okay to laugh in this kind of situation?" She asked shaking her head while watching him chuckle.

"Happiness is free, right now I'm standing on three Bible portions, cast they burden upon the Lord, and worry for nothing. He who sits in heaven laughs."

"It was really a 'called to glory' thing indeed, I assure you it wasn't a painful exit. I really need to shed that character and God is working on me."

"To will and do his good pleasure and I'm sure you'll do fine."

Sefa shrugged, "Thank you."

Gbadamosi approached Sewuese and Sam, his brow furrowed in concern. "Have you guys seen Kilahi?" he asked.

She creased her brow, her expression puzzled. "She left."

"Where to?" Gbadamosi pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Sewuese shrugged. "Uh... didn't she tell you?"

Gbadamosi's face fell, his voice tinged with disappointment. "She didn't."

She offered a sympathetic smile afterwards , "She was in a hurry, though. Maybe you should give her a call." . Gbadamosi nodded, his eyes clouding over. "Yeah." He replied, walking past them as he pulled out his phone. He dialed Kilahi's number, his heart racing with anticipation.

'You have one minute remaining ' the network provider warned.

As the call connected, Kilahi's voice came through, laughter dancing in her tone. "You're not a bastard, I was just thinking about calling you."

Gbadamosi's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Where are you?"

Kilahi's response was hesitant, her words measured. "Oh, I left."

Gbadamosi's brow furrowed again, his tone sharpening. "Why would you leave without telling me?" He asked and she hesitated. "It's not like that." "You just thought it wasn't necessary to tell you were leaving." He assumed and she scoffed.

"Umm..."

"Wasn't it important?"

"Where is all this coming from?" Kilahi's voice faltered, her words tumbling out in a rush. "You tell me, I wasn't the one who left without telling her partner." His voice laced with disappointment.

Kilahi's tone turned defensive, her words snapping with irritation, "It skipped my mind, not like it skipped my mind, I remembered but along the line I was like, I'll give you a call rather wait to see you in the office." "I wasn't in the office,"

"Oh. Yeah, I think I saw you talking to the teenagers department."

"She noticed..."

"I was in a hurry but what kind of response was that Gbadamosi?"

"Gbadamosi?" He asked shocked to be called by his name in that situation.

Sefa kept quiet, "I call you that from time to time, let's not make a drama out of that. You know what? I think you should call back later. I'm in the car already." "Going where? I just feel you should have at least told me before leaving."

"I said I'll call you."

"Did you?"

"I was going to. I had it mind, this isn't a big deal Choicest."

"You're not seeing where you went wrong."

"This is a molehill, don't make a mountain out of it. I don't even know what we're arguing about but If I must confess, I don't like your tone."

"The point is you could have as least told me or drop a message but you're indifferent about it." "Is this your way of asking for an apology?"

Just then, Pa Akintola walked up to Gbadamosi, his voice firm. "The elders are waiting."

Gbadamosi nodded, his eyes lingering on his phone. "I'll call you back love." "Are you angry?" She asked and the call ended abruptly, leaving Kilahi staring at her phone in disbelief. "Did he just end the call on me?" she whispered, her eyes welling up with tears.

With a scoff, she dialed Gbadamosi's number again, only to hang up then she tossed her phone into her bag. "Wow... True colors are coming out. Wow... God!" she mouthed, her eyes brimming with tears then she called Hilary.

"Hey twinnie."

"Hey, where are you? I haven't seen you for a while now. Did the women kidnap you?" Hilary asked, "I'm not in church."

"Huh? What do you mean by you're not in church? Where else will you be?"

"I left... Aunty Abebi called, there was a situation so I had to run off."

"I hope all is well."

"I don't know." She blinked her tears, "Nawa oh! You didn't even tell me." "Not you too!" She whined like a baby.

"What happened?"

"You won't believe Gbadamosi, I told him I went out and he got angry." "Wait, you didn't tell him too?"

Kilahi shrugged, "I wanted to but I was thinking of how I'll wait to see him and.... The truth is I wasn't even thinking. When I heard Aunty Abebi's voice I was just thinking of what could have happened, I zoomed off."

"Tell me you were the one who called to inform him."

"He called."

"Chai!"

Kilahi rolled her eyes, "I was going to call him before I received his ....his ... his call." She pouted, "Can you believe the question he asked me? Why did I leave without informing him?" "Exactly the question I'll ask if I were him."

"He sounded rude, I swear for a moment I forgot he was a man of God. He sounded harsh like I did something bad."

Hilary exhaled, "Let me say this as someone that has being married before and also your best friend and twin sister. You need to realize men have their ego, whether they love you or not, whether they're men of God or not. These tendencies rise and in situations like this, a man will always want seek validation. That tendency of to seek affirmation, approval, or acknowledgement from their woman, it's both ways. This often bolster their self-esteem or sense of worth from it. If Sefa doesn't let you know she's going out in this circumstance, how will you feel?"

Sefa rolled her eyes, "Like she doesn't respect me." "Voila! (There it is). There you have your answer."

Kilahi exhaled, "Why did he sound that way?" "One the many vocal expressions you're going to hear. You're probably wondering if they should be termed red flags." " As in! I don't doubt that he's God's choice for me, I hated that tone with passion. It was so demanding."

"Men will always be men. Is that cold feet? Who's putting my twinnie's leg in freezer?"

"You know who. He ended the call on me. He said he'll call back but when I asked him if he was angry and he ended the call. Couldn't he have answered before...." She trailed off blinking her tears. "I don't know if he ran out of airtime but Gbadamosi never runs out of airtime. Never!" She wiped the tears that had made its way down her cheeks.

"You two should talk it out."

Kilahi rolled her eyes, "Not now. I'm just trying to be in a good mood. Apart from this Aunty Abebi call, i needed to get out of that church. People were staring and that Bella was just everywhere. I'm not comfortable with her."

"Are you jealous?"

"Of who? Hils, I'm not, I just.... I just have this bad vibe from her. I can't even explain it, can you believe she came into the bathroom with me after my spoken word?"

Hilary scoffed, "You don't mean it. I hope she didn't physically assault you, tell me so she can pick on someone twice her size cause I'm going to show her what an habanero pepper go through when put in a grinder."

Kilahi laughed, "You didn't just call her an habanero pepper." "I'll grind her and show her pepper." "I can handle her myself." "You can't fight to save your life." "I have my words, but I must confess. I don't like the vibe I'm getting from her. I feel she has some plan up her sleeve and we need to be careful. Gbadamosi needs to be careful."

Hilary exhaled, "I think you should call Papa and straighten this out." "I hope you guys are watching Sefa?" "Yes. Your sister has been laughing since she started talking to this guy. Are you sure he's not a comedian?"

"Really? But they're meeting for the first time."

"I'm even tempted to think it's a date sef. Don't mind me jhoor, I have to go now, my eyes are glued on her like a hawk, you have nothing to worry about." "Thanks."

"My regards to Aunty Abebi."

"She'll hear."

Hilary walked up to Manny then she pointed at Sefa and Ire, "Isn't this Sefa that Kilahi was jittery about? The same Sefa that Kilahi suspects they want to kidnap? Isn't she the one laughing with a stranger as though she's laughing with her bestie?"

"Trust me, I've been asking the same question. They've touched hands, shoulder, I've watched their faces go from sad, mild and happy, now they're laughing. If I didn't know any better, I'll say they were on a date."

"Same thing I told Kilahi. Are you sure they're meeting for the first time?" Hilary laughed, "Kilahi said they are." He answered glancing at her, "Why are you acting surprised? Have you forgotten so soon how we were when we met?" He asked and she laughed covering her lips in realization.

"You're right. I didn't even think of it that way. Well, na so e dey start oh, before you know feelings will creep in"

Manny cringed, "Sefa is eighteen now," "Someone that had a boyfriend, maybe I should even say have, I dont know." "These two are young. The boy should be like, give and take 22 years old and I'm being generous." "Haba now." Hilary laughed staring at Ire, "Maybe twenty five."

"25 ke? All these overgrown GenZ." He assumed watching Ossy walk up to Sefa and Ire.

"Look who's going to mark attendance.' He joked and Hilary chuckled, "No be small attendance."

"Hello," Ossy said with a wave at Sefa and Ire. "Hey Kiddo" Ire replied with a wave and Sefa smiled "Hey Ossy, What are you doing here?"

"I came to worship God, just like you did or maybe I should speak for myself, since you came to see this Uncle here."

Ire laughed, and then muttered, "Oh wow."

Sefa scoffed. "I didn't come to see any Uncle. I volunteered to be here, and of course, I wasn't asking why you're in church. I wanted to know why you're here, in this place."

"Oh," Ossy trailed off, whispering into her ears. "Aunty Kilahi said...this mister might be a kidnapper, so I promised Aunty Kilahi that I'll watch over you."

Ire couldn't help but hear him, and he tried his best to hold back his laughter. "Awn, even you."

"Yes, you can call me a Spy Agent Ossy," Ossy said with a grin.

Sefa laughed. "What's the situation now, Agent Ossy? What have you observed?"

"You've been laughing since, but I noticed he touched you from the beginning. Maybe he's using charms to make you laugh. Aunty Sefa, if you're not fine, just tell me, and I'll inform someone to save you. If you look at me, just wink, and I'll know you need help."

Ossy pulled back, and Sefa smiled. "You're not winking."

"Because I don't need help," she whispered back, and Ossy moved closer to Ire. "Mister man, are you sure you're not using charms to make Aunty Sefa laugh."

"I'm funny like that, it's a natural charm." Ire replied, and Sefa scoffed. "Oh please! What if I'm just forcing myself to laugh?"

She asked, chuckling, and then cleared her throat, pointing at Ossy. "Meet Ossy, my...it's a complicated relationship, but I'll like to see him as a little brother. Ossy, this is Ire...Dr. Ire."

Ossy's eyes widened. "Doctor? What kind of doctor? Native doctor or witch doctor?"

Ire laughed. "None of the above."

"Which one are you?"

"The one that works in a hospital."

"The one that kills patient and suck their blood."

"The one treats the patients."

"A doctor?" Ossy asked surprised to see a young doctor then Ire smiled. "I believe that's what they're called and that's what I've been trying to say."

"I don't understand. How old are you? I heard you have to be like 40 years old to be a doctor. The ones in my village are old; I heard they didn't graduate early. Are you up to 30? You look like a university boy. It's not as if I've seen them before, but your face looks younger than all the doctors I've seen."

"Well, I'm a young doctor, and you can be one too with the right kind of determination."

Ossy smiled, "That will make my grandma happy but I've not decided what I want to be yet. It's between being a Lawyer, a doctor or a policeman cause there are people that I want to arrest. There's this big head in my school, and there's Isioma my cousin. Well, if I arrest her it's to ask her where she kept the train toy that mommy bought for me one day. One hour in the prison cell till I intercom the truth from her."

Sefa creased her brow, "Intercom?" "Yes... I will ask her questions," "It's interrogate Olodo!" She laughed and Ire gasped, "What kind of Agbaya is this? I'm sure when you were his age, you had no idea what interrogate meant. He's smart to even have this kind of imagination."

Ossy smiled, "Now I see why Aunty Sefa was laughing, you have sugar in your mouth. You can't bribe me easily. If I'm a policeman, I'll arrest people like you and release them when I'm sure they're not kidnappers. "

Sefa laughed pointing at Ire. Ire nodded interestingly,  clapping at the same time. "It's nice to meet you Ossy or should I say Agent Ossy." Ire said with a chuckle.

Ossy gasped. "You heard our conversation?"

"You need to work on your whispering," Ire teased.

Ossy squinted his eyes strictly at him. "Maybe I wanted you to hear; I'm not that sloppy."

Ire laughed. "Wait, how do you know the word 'sloppy'? How old are you again?"

"I never told you in the first place. An agent never reveals his age, but I'm seven years old, though."

"I'll keep it a secret," Ire said with a smile.

"So, you're not using charms on Aunty Sefa bah?" Ossy said.

"I can't really say, Agent. Like I said, I have natural charms," Ire replied.

Sefa chuckled and then she shook her head at how vauntful he was. "I have to go now, but if I find out that you're trying anything fishy, I'll throw you in the sea. There are more than one agents watching over Aunty Sefa, and trust me, they are not one feet tall like me. So, I'll advise you to behave well if you don't want to go with a black eye or end up in prison."

Ire nodded. "Point taken."

He watched Ossy leave. "Smart boy."

"I know; you're natural with children."

"Like I said, I have natural charms."

"If I hear anymore bragging, Ire!" Sefa warned with a laugh.

Nurse Perpetual entered the toilet with two bloody gloves then she took one off putting a call through to Buchi. "Any good news?" "Erm..." "This one way you dey start with erm.... No good news?"

"The baby didn't survive."

"Why the baby no survive?"

"There were complications."

"For my investment again?"

"The pregnant woman lost a lot of blood and apparently she had complications that needed certain expertise but I don't have the necessary tools to.."

"Which tools you dey talk about? A whole quack like you."

"Quack okwaya? No be you employ me?"

"Na me you dey follow talk to?"

Perpetual scoffed, "Boss, you ask me why the baby no survive." "You for shut up if you no get anything to talk." "Yes Sir. Well, except you want a dead baby, there's nothing available now." She replied and placed the phone on the toilet sink, the call still blasting through the loudspeaker.

"The client wants a live baby."

She turned the faucet, expecting water to flow out so she could wipe her bloody gloves and her hand clean but nothing came out. 'Shit' she cussed within, frustration and urgency etched on her face.

"Where I want get am from?"

"No be four pregnant women dey there? Why you dey ask stupid question?"

Perpetual scoffed, "They are not due yet," "I think say one dey there way be almost nine months." "Boss, she no dey labour." "Do the needful, induce labor or cut the baby open." "Lord Buchi..." "No arguments, see! Na small thing dey make me vex. I say cut the belle open."

"The woman fit die."

"She wan survive before? Which kain useless talk be this? The only thing I want is a baby." "What if the baby does not survive?" "Then we go cut every pregnant woman inside that room."

"Okay Boss, send boys enter, I'll need all the hand I can get."

"Like how many?"

"Three go do."

"You for say make I send you my whole team," He replied sarcastically then he added, "I go send two."

She smacked her lips nonchalantly, "Okay Boss and Boss," "Wetin again?" "At least tell the guys make them repair water for baby factory. E don stop again." "That one no be my concern."

"I need to wash the" Buchi ended the call before she could add, "Blood." She scoffed and exhaled taking off the other glove then she walked into the room grabbing a hand towel. Her eyes trailed the pregnant woman who was lying on the floor.

She rolled her eyes knowing she'll doing a local caesarean surgery on her. The flow of blood without a means to stop it made it even more irritating. Suddenly she heard a movement then she turned her head to Faith who had just sat up from where she lay, looking around the familiar room with a mix of confusion and disorientation.

Her gaze landed on Nurse Perpetual, who was watching her with a concerned expression. The pungent smell of the room hit her like a punch to the gut, and she grunted in displeasure. "Gross."

As she took in her surroundings, memories began to flood back - the kidnapping, the charm that failed to work, and the Dibia's attempt to erase her memories. But why were the memories returning now?

Nurse Perpetual knelt beside her then she asked ,"Are you okay?" Faith shook her head, still trying to process her thoughts. "The smell..." she trailed off, her voice weak.

Nurse Perpetual's expression turned suspicious. The women under hypnosis aren't sensitive to the environmental stench, she thought to herself. They are not supposed to smell anything. Something was definitely wrong!

"What's today?" Faith asked, her voice laced with a hint of desperation.

Nurse Perpetual hesitated before responding, "It's... it's Sunday."

Faith's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh, I should be in church. Is it morning? What's the time?"

Nurse Perpetual glanced at her phone, her hand trembling slightly. It was 1:25 pm but she was too scared to say it out. "I've missed church, my parents must be worried sick, Brother Ire would be blaming himself now."

"Do you remember your parents?"

"Yes."

"Who is this brother Ire?"

"My brother."

Nurse Perpetual swallowed hard, "And what's your name?"

"Faith Ifeoluwa Ogunmolu. "

Nurse Perpetual rose up walking towards the toilet then she instantly puts a call through to Buchi, "Boss..." "What is it again? Do you have my investment?" "How I wan do am?" "Don't call me unless you have my investment."

"We have a problem."

"You had better start opening up every womb in that room if you don't want my trouble. I already sent in Ray and Okwudili." "This isn't about the baby," "Don't tell me that oh. Everything today should be about the" "Boss!" She snapped in frustration, "We have a situation at hand. That new girl Dibia worked on, she's remembering things again oh."

"The pregnant one?"

"Yes."

"That's impossible, no now! It can't happen. How do you mean she can remember things, when did you start to read minds and brain?" He bursted into Ibo and she rolled her eyes looking towards Faith's angle.

"I think you should come and have a look for yourself. After all, seeing is believing." She ended the call now staring at her trembling hands. "This isn't good, why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this girl?" She whispered then she shut her eyes in worry.

"This bad luck.... This is real bad luck."

Alonso watched Buchi drop his phone on the desk while his eyes squinting from the bad news, "Is everything okay Boss?" He managed to ask and Buchi rose up, "They say we have a situation,"

"What situation?" ALonso asked, "That's what I want to find out."

Drop your opinion on today's chapter! 😊😉

Ire...........

Gbadamosi's and Kilahi's reaction...

Have you ever been in that situation?

Please vote!