As promised!

E shock you? That's what motivation does to me!

Vote!!
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Let me take my rest now! 😩🤧

Body no be firewood.

The 288 people that are reading this book, are they ghost cause I don't understand anymore oh.🤣😂😂

Why aren't you voting???

Ghost readers .... Say hi.

I'm passing the vote stamp to a ghost reader that has never voted before.

Oya take, ⭐

🌋Chapter 64🌋

Unedited

Lanre's captivating smile illuminated under the restaurant's soft glow as he listened intently to Bimbo. Her hands danced animatedly, sharing her workplace anecdotes. "I can imagine Mom saying, 'Se o o le dákẹ́ jẹ́ẹ́ nii? Bimbo oniso ku so! (Can't you keep quiet? Bimbo the talkative)' I'm talking too much while eating bah?"

Her infectious laughter filled the air. Lanre's gaze locked onto hers. "I'm not complaining am I? It will make it boring. Besides, I love to hear you talk."

As they savored steaming jollof rice, Bimbo cleared her throat. "Papa suggested branding Grandma's garri Ijebu." Lanre's brows arced. "Papa is brilliant. You know, I had that in mind; I was just looking for a way to tell you."

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. Bimbo's fingers tapped the tabletop. "It will be a lot of work. I'll have to follow Grandma to harvest cassava, pay for grinding services and frying...."

His reassuring touch calmed her fluttering hands. "Life is a risk, and I've got your back. Your sister can help out. You can even create a full garri experience delivery package - garri, groundnuts, and milk in a food basket."

Bimbo's face lit up as she considered the idea. "True oh! There'll be an Ajebo package, with coconut and fruits... the Sapa package, garri and sugar only." Lanre's smile broadened. "Now you're buying into the idea."

As they laughed, the clinking of spoons against plates harmonized with gentle chatter from nearby tables. Bimbo glanced at a loving couple nearby, smiling warmly.

"Men... that will mean more production, harvesting cassava, grinding, frying... Grandma won't be able to keep up, and my weekends will be drained," Bimbo said, concern etched on her face.

Lanre's conviction deepened. "Outsource services. When I heard the idea, I knew it was absolutely brilliant." She exhaled worriedly. "When I'm not even sure of returns yet."

"Life is a risk, and I've got your back. You don't have to ask for support," Lanre reassured.

"I'm not asking for support," Bimbo replied.

"You don't have to. I'm in support of this brand already," Lanre said, his fingers intertwining with hers.

Bimbo's smile returned. "Awn, what's going to be the name?" Lanre grinned. "There's time to think of that now. You'll think of something creative."

She blushed. "The way you hype me, ehn... sometimes I'm scared to disappoint you." Lanre teased, "I'm sure you've got this! Your mind is an avalanche of creativity."

Bimbo laughed. "Lanre, stop it!"

Their laughter harmonized, blending with the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere. Soft Afrobeat music from the band and murmured conversations filled the air.

"Your head is swelling; you're saying stop it!" He teased and she rolled her eyes, "You had better stop it before you start picking brain residue on the floor, 'cause it's gonna burst," She teased and he chuckled. "Imagine your brain bursting, ideas will be littered everywhere on the floor!" He leaned back in thought.

"You know that Tech program I said I'll be running from August, I was looking for a theme for it. Ideas on the floor just resonated in my spirit. I'll figure out a way to keep it simple but..."

Bimbo shrugged, "Why not use the The Idea Floor', like when you give someone the floor to express himself, like a platform but in this case they're expressing themselves in tech. I don't know if I'm making sense but you can go back and just figure it out." She added dismissively.

He beamed, "Brilliant! See, I told you! You've got it!" He teased again and she playfully rolled her eyes. "Abeg!" "The motto might be the ideal tech home or express yourself in tech. I'll have to pray about it but I know something will come sha." "Very important!"

"I'll talk to the CEO of Tech Palace; they'll give you commission." He decided and she laughed, "Are you not the CEO?"

"I'll put in a good word."

Their giggles filled the air.

Lanre's expression turned sincere. "Mom called; she praised Grandma's garri." "She called me too." " There's something special about that garri."

His gaze intensified. "I've always loved you, but when I tasted the garri on Valentine's Day... it was love at first sip. I lack words. I've never made this confession to you but after thw first like how many sips, I had this conviction in my spirit that you would be my future wife. God spoke through the garri."

Bimbo's heart skipped a beat, "What did you say?" "I said there's something..." "No! Not that, you said it was love at first sip." Her blush deepened then she added, "It's funny how I just got a name for a brand I've not started. Thank you, Jesus; this conversation has been revelatory."

Lanre shrugged, "What's the name? Do you want to surprise me?" He asked but her smile illuminated his face. "You just said it! Love at first sip." "Avalanche, avalanche God! This your brain, there's no part that I'm not fascinated by Kai!" Ge complimented to her amusement.

"Except my Agbero (tout) side." She replied and he held her hand across the table.
"Sometimes, that part of you can be hot, especially when you're being defensive over something moral. I had love at first sip and I couldn't stop coming back. In Jesus name, anyone that have a taste of your love at first sip will not stop coming back."

"I haven't even started yet."

"Just say Amen. Your fiance has spoken." His fingers brushed against hers.

"Yes, Prophet. Amen. Thanks." She replied glancing at the wall clock, it was already 15 minutes past 8. "Geez! Is that the time?"

Gbadamosi's room echoed with "Day and Night" by An Endless Ocean, softly playing from his Bluetooth speaker. His anxious eyes scanned the dimly lit space. Rising, he dialed Kilahi's number; it was switched off.

"Weird," He muttered, furrowing his brow. He expected Kilahi to have probably gotten to the house. He assumed her delay was because of she wanted to freshen up.

Gbadamosi's hands grasped his phone tightly. He called Uncle Adzer. "Good evening, Sir."

"Good evening," He replied calmly.

"I just wanted to know if Kilahi has settled in."

"No, toor she's not back yet."

Gbadamosi's eyes widened. "What?"

"I've been in the sitting room; she's not back."

Gbadamosi scoffed, "That's not possible, she told me she was close to the house thirty minutes ago. She was supposed to call me after she had settled in."

"Are you sure?"

"She... She told me she could see the gate and Kilahi is not the kind to lie about her location." Gbadamosi answered, "But she hasn't been here. Let me ask her mother." Uncle Adzer's voice shifted, concern creeping in.

"Please don't worry Mummy. My cousin ordered a cab for her, I'll call him, maybe there was something she had to stop to buy.". "Are you sure?" He asked and Gbadamosi nodded, "I'll give him a call Sir.

Gbadamosi's eyes darted unsettling.

Manny's call came in almost immediately he ended the call. "I was about to call you. I spoke to Kilahi a while ago, now her number is switched off. Abeg, help me call your cab guy."

"Exactly why I called. Gbada, we have a problem."

Gbadamosi's heart sank. "What problem?" "There was like an ambush, Kilahi' was hijacked."

His eyes froze, horror-stricken. "I'm driving over to your place right now. ." He paused but Gbadamosi still stayed quiet.

"You're not saying anything. What should we do? Maybe we can report to the nearby police station."

Gbadamosi hung up, scoffing, scratching his head. "No!" Laughter replaced panic. "I see what the devil's trying, but I won't be shaken. Kilahi will be fine.. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds Kilahi both now and forevermore." He knelt down, eyes closed, faith steadied his racing heart.

Muyiwa lay back, gasping for air, a wide smile plastered across his face, basking in the afterglow of lovemaking. "You were saying?" Sharon asked, her tone playful yet probing, as she watched him with keen eyes. They both giggled. "Damn that was something." He confessed.

"I'll never speak badly about you again, I was greedy and I'm sorry." He apologized again and they both laughed. The laughter that had danced between them moments ago faltered and Muyiwa's gaze shifted toward the ceiling, his smile slowly fading into a contemplative frown.

"Do you..." He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. After a moment, he shook his head, dismissing whatever thought had crossed his mind. "Nothing."

"Come on, what is it?" she pressed, her brow furrowing with concern.

"Nothing. It's crazy," He muttered, but the weight of his thoughts hung in the air like a heavy fog.

"Let's not do this," Sharon replied, sensing the shift in mood, "What is it?"

"Okay, but do you ever feel like God is watching us?" He blurted out, his voice tinged with a mix of humor and sincerity. "I just feel like the man upstairs is down there staring at me. I know I prayed for you, but I don't know...it feel like I order something and the delivery company brought it straight to my house out of trust that I'll pay .It's like I got something I ordered and I'm using it without first paying for it. Does that make sense? Or do I sound stupid?"

She shook her head, her expression softening. "It makes perfect sense. I was never supposed to give up my virginity cheaply.""You didn't," He countered, his voice firm. "I suffered. You were not cheap.""I did anyway," She shot back, her eyes looking away from him. "You're enjoying what you've not paid for. It's an insult to God, to my body and my parents. I was listening to a sermon that had me feeling so guilty recently. It was Pastor Gbadamosi's message, he was like, your body is the temple of God, what are you using it for? He made a joke that some of us go days without bathing literally."

Muyiwa laughed.

"And he went further to talk about those of us who open up our temple to every Dick,Tom and Harry." "You're not like those ladies, you've only opened up to Dick."

"Yeah.." She replied innocently, "One dick." He reiterated and she gasped, "Muyiwa!" She snapped slapping his arm and he laughed lifting up his hands.

"Sorry, continue."

"I felt so guilty and based on the fact I was single as the time I listened to the message. I said I wasn't going to test any man again, whoever my future husband will be will have to wait. I broke my promise just like I did the first time."

"I'm sorry for being irresistible."

Sharon rolled her eyes, "Is that all you can say?" "Okay I'm sorry for making you break your hymen and promise." "Muyiwa you're not serious." She nudged him and he laughed.

"It shows you have no value for this product."

Muyiwa groaned, frustration bubbling within him. "You're not a product. You're an asset." "You don't have the legality to claim this asset. Muyiwa, I know you're trying to do your usual, 'I'll just brush it under the rug thing'." She sighed, "If you're feeling convicted right now, maybe it's a wake-up call to do things the right way. Sex can wait," She said, her voice steady.

"Nooo!" He exclaimed, shaking his head vehemently. "Thw question I asked, what I said, I was just thinking out loud."

"Were you?" She challenged, and he scoffed, knowing deep down that the weight of her words was striking a chord within him.

"Fuck!" He muttered, and Sharon laughed.

"This is our second chance at love, Muyiwa. If we want to do this, let's do it right, okay?" She said earnestly.

He pouted, crossing his arms in mock defiance. "See why I didn't want to talk? Oya, can we have one for the road?" He suggested, a glimmer of mischief returning to his eyes.

"Let's do this the right way. You won't die, I promise you, Muyiwa, you won't," She teased, laughter spilling from her lips.

"Speaking of dying, how's Tokunbo?" he asked, his curiosity aroused, "Really? I'm wondering why his name came after speaking of dying, how does it correlate?" She asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Because, i wish I could see his face after he finds out we're together."

"Are you in Grade 5? What's the deal between you two?" She pressed, genuinely interested.

"Didn't you hear the woman when she was nagging at Paint and Chill?" He answered, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Sharon chuckled, shaking her head. "Woman?" "Give him a damn skirt; he acts like one. Is he still your buddy?"

"No! After that day and after he sent the picture of you in a bar, I stopped feeling comfortable with him. Why would he go to that extent?" She exclaimed, frustration evident in her tone.

"Tokunbo has always been that way. He hates losing, and when he does, he acts like a big baby about it. No sense of maturity whatsoever," Muyiwa scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Sharon exhaled, her shoulders slumping as she surveyed the mess around them. She noticed the dirt stuffed under the couch, a testament to Muyiwa's careless habits. "Look who's talking about maturity. Muyi, you're such a pig, and I feel like an assistant to a pig right now."

"Are you ready to take on the challenge of cleaning up after me?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm definitely going to have my work cut out for me."

Together, they sat amidst the chaos, hands intertwined, the warmth of their connection grounding them. Muyiwa glanced around the room, embarrassment washing over him as he took in the clutter that surrounded them. "You know, I didn't think you'll come, or else, I would have had it cleaned up. I'll hire one of all these cleaning agency. Or maybe I'll just set fire to the whole place and start anew."

Sharon playfully slapped his arm, "I've got a better idea." She said climbing on him and he grinned in expectation, "What's that?"

"We'll clean it up together." She answered picking up her gown and then wore it. "And then, we'll make some new memories to replace the mess."

The spark in Muyiwa 's eyes went off, "Not what I had in mind."

Sharon leaned in, her voice soft and mocking, "You need to soak your mind in hypo cause at this rate. I doubt you really gave your life to Christ. Get up and get busy, you can't afford to leave me to do all the heavy duty this time around. I'm not going to be that wife material anymore, you'll have to learn to clean up!" She snapped and he smiled, his heart swelled. Muyiwa turned to Sharon, his expression serious. "I want you to know that I'm committed to making this work. I love you, Sharon."

Her breath caught in her throat, and she felt a rush of emotions, "What did you say?" She feigned, "I said what I said."

"I just want to hear you say it again." She answered and he laughed looking up at her.

"I love you Sharon, I never thought I'll ever hear myself say this. What was I thinking, letting you go?"

Sharon smiled, "I love you too." She confessed blushing uncontrollably.

The soft melody of the live band filled the grand ballroom, mingling with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The gala was in full swing, a dazzling display of Lagos' elite gathered to see and be seen. Tommy's eyes scanned the crowded room, his gaze darting between the elegantly dressed guests.

Even in his tailored tuxedo,, a growing frustration simmered just below the surface. Where was Brenda? He had been searching for her for what felt like hours, his mind racing with unanswered questions. He was tired of flashing fake smiles.

"Where the hell are you?" He muttered under his breath, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone as he maneuvered backwards through the throng of people, his movements becoming increasingly erratic,

Suddenly, he collided with someone, his elbow connecting with a soft shoulder. The impact jolted him from his thoughts. "Can you watch it?" He snapped, irritation lacing his voice as he turned to face the person he had bumped into.

But his tone softened as he took in the vision before him. Shalewa stood there, a stunning beauty, he was a kind to admire any woman's beauty.. Her floor-length two piece hugged her in all the right places, she wasn't curvy but she does know how to nakena man turn heads.

Her bantu knot hairstyle gave her am Africana outlook. "Hey, beautiful," Tommy said, his charm flickering to life, a practiced smile spreading across his face. Shalewa raised an eyebrow, her full lips curling into a sly smile. "Hey."

Tommy's expression turned persuasive, his confidence unwavering. "Can you watch it next time?"

Her eyes flashed with annoyance, her voice sharp as a knife. "Excuse you? You bumped into me. In fact, I'm waiting for an apology."

He scoffed, "For what exactly?" "For pushing me. I'm waiting..." She replied, her tone daring him to dismiss her further. "For what?" "My apology."

He chuckled, a low and smooth sound that seemed to draw her in despite the tension. "Nice try. You're funny. Are you single?"

She rolled her eyes, "Wahala, it's like all you rich people are on drugs or something." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Tommy's smile turned arrogant, his eyes glinting with mischief, "How much for the apology then?"

Shalewa's eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open slightly. "You want to pay?" "Yes. In place of the stupid apology. How much? What's your worth?" Tommy asked, his voice laced with condescension, as if he were discussing a transaction rather than a simple apology.

Before Shalewa could formulate a response, Ugo appeared at her side, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern as he took in the scene. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice steady, a protective edge underlying his words.

Tommy turned to face him, his expression nonchalant, as if the previous exchange had been nothing more than a casual chat. " Tommy, right?" Ugo asked, AKA, Marc and Cheese. He said within. He hasn't been able to forget the lame joke since the wedding!
Ugo's lips curled into a smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement, as if he were privy to an inside joke.

"Yes. I didn't get your name the last time; it was Igbo and complex." Tommy said with a grin, and the response resounded in Ugo's ears.

Igbo and Complex! Was he being tribalistic?

He brushed the thought off stretching his hands at him, "Ugochukwu, Ugo for short."

"Yeah, that." Tommy shook his hand clearly uninterested in his name

Ugo's gaze shifted back to Shalewa, concern etching lines on his forehead. "What's going on here?"

Shalewa planted her hands firmly on her hips, a posture that spoke volumes about her irritation. "As if it's not worse that this arrogant human being bumped into me, he's now asking for my price for the apology I requested for?"

Tommy laughed, a rich sound that seemed to reverberate through the air, his eyes glinting with amusement at the absurdity of the situation. "Is she your girlfriend?" He asked innocently, as if unaware of the dynamics at play, or perhaps deliberately feigning ignorance about his own girlfriend, Brenda.

Shalewa scoffed, "You're lucky this is an ajebutter event; I would have lost composure on you."she snapped with a final glare at Tommy, who merely shrugged and walked away, still searching for Brenda, Shalewa turned to Ugo, her voice exasperated. "People will be dating rubbish sha! God, I've suffered; the rate at which I have been hit on! Your friend better come and take me away, cause..."

Her gaze followed Tommy's retreating back, her eyes flashing with annoyance, a mix of disbelief and irritation swirling within her.

Ugo watched Tommy disappear into the crowd, his thoughts racing. He wondered if Tommy was even aware he was Brenda, or if he simply didn't care.

Shalewa continued, shaking her head as if trying to rid herself of the encounter. "It's funny how you meet someone and just know that this one is trouble! God forbid this one happens to anyone I know!" She snapped, her frustration palpable as she turned to face Ugo, her expression shifting from annoyance to curiosity. "How do you know that man?"

Brenda stepped out of the grand event hall, the cool evening air embraced her. Her mind was elsewhere. She placed her glass of champagne on a crafted pavement, the delicate crystal under the lights. Leaning in, she pulled out her phone from her purse. A WhatsApp message from Ugo put a radiant smile on her face.

Ugo: I miss you! Shalewa is frustrating me. The girl is a village girl? I should send her off to Bauchi!

Brenda laughed out loud. She felt a pang of guilt for lying to Ugo about being at home, but she couldn't reveal the truth - not yet. Her thumbs flew across the phone screen as she typed.

I wish I was there with you.

Ugo's response came quickly.

How are you feeling?

Still sick.... Love sick actually.

Good thing you're dating a doctor. So... What should we do about that huh? I hope you know I can come over to visit right?

This night?

Brenda hesitated, her eyes scanning the crowded hall. She couldn't let Ugo come over; her father would disapprove. She needs to talk to him first.

Why not? Once I'm done with this, I can come over.

No.

Why?

Babe, there's something I want to tell you. I've been procrastinating.

Brenda typed, her fingers still hovering over the keyboard.

What?

I'll tell you later.

Brenda replied, buying time.

Why not now?

You'll be leaving Shalewa bored.

Bored?? Someone that's already having a conversation with a lady. It started with, 'I love your shoes' and now she has abandoned me. My supposed date abandoned me.

😂🤣
Sorry.

Should I call you?

I'll go somewhere quiet where we can talk.

Brenda glanced around, her heart racing. If Ugo called, he'd know she was lying about being at home. The slow music inside the hall would give her away.

She typed out a hasty response.

No. Mum just called me. I gotta go.

No problem. Take care. You too.

Brenda slipped her phone back into her purse, her mind reeling. She lifted the glass of champagne to her lips, but before she could take a sip, Tommy appeared beside her, grabbing the glass then he placed it back on the pavement.

"Enough, that's the third one, or is it the fourth?" He said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"See who's counting!"

Tommy's smile was charming, his teeth flashing. "I won't want to walk around with a drunk girlfriend. Get a grip of yourself." He snapped and she scoffed. "Girlfriend?" She asked then she laughed.

"I've been looking for you for like twenty minutes now. What's going on with you tonight?"

Brenda shrugged, her shoulders barely moving. "Nothing."

His eyes narrowed. "Are you sure? You can tell me anything, Babe."

Brenda's gaze dropped, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. The sound of babe from his lips twisted something in her guts.

"Don't..." She trailed off, then she continued. "I feel...." hesitated.

"I feel like I was forced to come here. I didn't have the interest and I had plans."

His smile returned, "Can I make you happy?" "How will you do that?" Brenda asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

"Follow me." He said with a grin and she glanced at the glass.

"Leave it," Tommy demanded.

Then he pulled her back into the hall. The music swelled, the lights dimming slightly. His eyes locked onto hers, his grip on her hands tightening. "What's going on?" Brenda asked quietly, "I want to make you the happiest woman in the world," Tommy declared.

The room fell silent as Tommy knelt down before her, his eyes never leaving hers. The soft music faded into the background, and all eyes focused on the intimate moment unfolding.

"Brenda, I know it's only been a few weeks, but right from the day I saw you and I took that free seat, I just knew you're the one person I'll love to sit with and love forever. Will you marry me?" Tommy asked.

Brenda's gaze darted to her father, who beamed with pride, his face radiant. Her mother's expression was uncertain. Cameras were flashing in that moment.

Her mind reeled. It's just a damn question, she thought. But she knew it would be embarrassing to say no to Tommy in front of this esteemed crowd, the crème de la crème of Lagos society. They'll be the talk of the evening, perhaps even the century.

She exhaled, weighing her options. All she had to do was say yes and then go back on her word later, call it off with Tommy. She had a boyfriend, for crying out loud.

"What's your answer?" Tommy asked.

Some ladies echoed, their voices like a chorus. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Brenda faked a laughter, her voice trembling. "Yes, I will."

Tommy rose, his face alight with joy.

He slipped the ring onto her finger, the diamond sparkling under the lights.

He forced a kiss on her lips, but Brenda pulled back.

The room erupted into applause, congratulatory whispers spreading like wildfire.

Then she saw him - Ugo - standing at the back of the hall, his eyes wide with shock. Brenda's heart sank, heavy with guilt.

Wasn't she supposed to be at home? Why did his girlfriend just agree to marry another man? And why was another man kissing her?

Rage and hurt simmered inside him. Why did she lie to him?

He scoffed, his face twisted in disgust.

Without hesitation, Ugo turned and rushed out of the hall, leaving the celebratory atmosphere behind. Shalewa noticed Ugo's abrupt departure and quickly followed him.

Meanwhile, Brenda tried to make a hasty exit, but her father, held her back. "Congratulations, my baby," he said, beaming with pride.

Brenda's eyes pleaded with her father. "Daddy, wait... I need to do..." She trailed off.

Mr. Arolowo wouldn't let go, "We should celebrate," He insisted but her gaze darted towards the exit, her heart racing. She knew she had to catch up to Ugo, to explain everything. She wrenched her hands free and ran after Ugo.

She burst through the door, scanning the parking lot for any sign of him. She saw Shalewa stood by Ugo's car then she approached them.

Ugo sat in the driver's seat, his face twisted in anger and hurt, his eyes blazing with betrayal. "Baby." "Baby? Isn't that an irony?" He spat.She clasped her hands together, pleading. "I can explain."

"Explain what exactly?" His voice dripped with venom. "Explain why you're engaged to another man or explain why another man was kissing my own girlfriend? Or have you been cheating on him?"

She shook her head frantically. "No!" "Who's your real boyfriend?" Ugo demanded.

"You," Brenda replied.

"Whose ring do you have on your hand?"

Brenda cried out, touching the ring on her finger, a mixture of guilt and desperation on her face. "I can explain." "Why did you lie to me?" Ugo's voice cracked. "You told me you were sick, and I believed you. How many minutes ago when I offered to call, you told me your Mom was calling you. Brenda, you lied."

"I didn't lie about being sick, I was love sick," She explained. "This is all Dad's idea, baby. I can explain, just give me a chance."

Ugo's expression remained unyielding. "Shalewa, get into the car, let's go." "Ugo, wait!" Brenda cried out.

Shalewa intervened, "Please, Ugo, I'm sure there's an explanation for this?" She entered through the other side of the car.

Brenda continued, "It was Dad who started to accept his evening family date, I didn't endorse it but Dad did." "Wait... You mean all these while you were.... It was with him?" He asked and she nodded. "Dad thinks Tommy is the right man for me. He wants someone who can guarantee my future." "And I can't," Ugo stated, his voice laced with pain. Her voice trembled. "No! It's just... Dad wants someone I can travel with. Someone who can handle my flight ticket. Dad is obsessed with making sure I have the best."

"And I'm not," Ugo concluded.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Not that. I swear, I wanted to tell you, but I just didn't want to disappoint him." "So it all boils down to wealth."

Brenda cried out, touching the ring again, as if it burned her finger. "No! Aren't you listening to my explanation? I don't want to disappoint my Dad." "Then don't," Ugo said coldly. He started the engine and the car sped away leaving her alone in the parking lot.

"Ugo!!!!" She screamed, slowly bending down. Her body shook with sobs. "What have I done? What have I done?" She muttered to herself. She screamed and cried out loud.Her heart shattering into a million pieces.

Face reveal for Ladi.

Kilahi was escorted into a dingy garage in blindfold and a gag to her mouth. Her blindfold was yanked off and her eyes blinked in accomodation. Ogiso's menacing gaze locked onto hers. "Sit!" He barked, gesturing to a worn plastic chair. Kilahi's heart raced as she observed the dimly lit garage, the air thick with the acrid scent of oil and rust. The flickering fluorescent light overhead cast an eerie glow, illuminating the peeling paint on the walls and the scattered debris that littered the sandy floor.

She could feel the weight of Ogiso's gaze, sharp and penetrating, as if it could pierce through her facade. His dark eyes narrowed, and the muscles in his jaw tightened. Capricorn, on the other hand, lounged against a rusted workbench, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. His demeanor was more relaxed.

"Sit!" Ogiso barked again, and Kilahi complied, her body stiff with apprehension. The plastic chair creaked under her weight, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that enveloped them. She glanced around, taking in the scattered tools and the old, battered car that sat in the corner, its once-shiny exterior now dulled by years of neglect.

"I'm going to take off the cloth from your mouth. If you scream, you'll be dealt with, if you try to run, your own go jus burn." He untied the gas and Kilahi's lips stung.

The salty taste of the cloth was on her lips- perhaps it was sweat, but whose sweat? She winced in disgust, she didn't want to think too deeply on it.

"Where are we? You guys didn't drive far before getting here." She asked, she knew there was a mechanic shop not too far from her junction, she wasn't sure if this was it.

"Shut the fuck up and sit." Capricorn snapped then she carefully sat down glancing at Capricorn and Ogiso, "Caprison" She called out, "Capricorn, why you dey spoil my name like that?"

She chuckled, "I know, I just wanted to go for it." She replied with a smile at Ogiso, "I didn't get your name the last time." She said warmly and Ogiso scoffed, "We no come for family meeting, abi wetin dey do this one?" He asked and Kilahi lifted her hands.

"My bad, I mean since you guys caught me, it's only fair you tell me your name."

"I no tell you my name, Aunrt rest!" He snapped and she smiled, "Why you dey smile sef?" He asked and she shrugged, "I don't know. God already told me this would happen and I guess I was expecting you guys but I didn't think it will happen this way."

Her attention returned to Ladi, who was now glaring at her with a mixture of disdain and anger. He leaned back in his chair, the gun in his hand a constant reminder of the power he wielded in this moment. The cigarette dangled precariously from his lips, the smoke curling upward in lazy tendrils.

"it's a weird situation but it feels good to see you guys again." "Fuck you!" Ladi flared up,"Fuck you!" he shot again , his expression hardening. The contempt in his voice cut deeper than any physical wound. Kilahi's brows furrowed as she tried to understand the source of his animosity. Why was he so consumed by hatred?
He pulled a chair close and sat opposite her. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her as the fumes invaded her senses."Could you please put that out?" She asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

They both exchanged glances. . As cigarette fumes wafted, Kilahi winced again.

"Fuck you!" He repeated and Kilahi wondered what the hate was for. "Not like I expected an 'I miss you too' response, but..." She trailed off, exhaling slowly as she tried to mask her disappointment. "I have to sincerely express my disappointment. What's the hate for?" She pouted slightly, her eyes searching Ladi's for some sign of understanding.

Ogiso exchanged a confused glance with Capricorn, both men clearly perplexed by Kilahi's calm demeanor. "Wetin dey do this babe?" Ogiso whispered, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Na the Baba way sell Liver give her naim I blame!" Capricorn replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Ladi tightened his grip around the gun, "You're such a hypocrite you know." He snapped and she shrugged, "Have I done something to make you think so?" "Anyone who listens to you would be swayed and feel you're being honest, but not me. I know the truth," he said, taking a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke swirling around him like a dark cloud.

"Well, Godswill, it depends on your definition of the truth cause truth is subjective." She countered.

"Don't call me that, my name is Ladi." He interrupted, his voice rising in frustration.

"Your parents didn't give you that name." She argued.

"I don't have parents." He snapped.

Kilahi exhaled slowly, trying to keep her composure. "Okay, why do you think I'm a hypocrite? Even in the lion's den, I have an integrity to protect and promote."

"You acted like a fucking preacher when you clearly sold us to the police. You lied that day! You said you didn't send them when you did. I knew you weren't to be trusted," Ladi accused, his voice laced with anger.

"I didn't lie," she insisted, her voice rising slightly.

"Liar!" he shot back, his face contorted in rage.

"I'm not lying," she replied, desperation creeping into her tone.

"Shut up! You did! Someone told me you did," he spat, the cigarette smoke curling around him like a shroud.

"Who did?" she pressed, her heart racing as she tried to grasp the crumbling threads of their connection.

"Why don't you figure it out yourself, since you have super powers? God tells you everything, right? PA to Jehovah," he mocked and his guys laughed.

Kilahi exhaled, "They are not super powers and God only reveals to me what He feels I should know. Whoever told you whatever they told you has fed you with lies, obviously you guys had your full. I didn't even know Garba was coming that day." She clarified.

Lies! Are you trying to say you didn't pay to keep us in prison?" His eyes narrowed, sharp and accusing,
Kilahi's expression was a mixture of incredulity and defiance. "Whaaaat? Why will I do that? I don't have anything against you." Her voice was steady, yet a hint of desperation flickered in her eyes. She leaned slightly forward, her hands resting on the table, as if trying to bridge the gap between them. "There's no day I don't ask about you guys, but it wasn't in my power to get you out. I heard you guys were famously dangerous, but I clearly didn't wish you guys evil. Who said this to you?"

"I don't believe you," He retorted, his jaw clenched tightly, the muscles in his neck taut.

"What reason do I have to lie?" Kilahi shot back, her tone firm. She gestured animatedly, her fingers slicing through the air as she emphasized her point. "You know I'm saying the truth. Who said this?"

"Someone who knows you very well."

"Name?" Kilahi pressed, her brow furrowing in suspicion.

"Bella Afrik."

Kilahi's scoff was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Wait, what?" Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she leaned back, crossing her arms defensively. "I'm lost. How did she..." She paused, her mind racing, and suddenly, a realization washed over her. "How is that woman following me? Geez!" She scoffed again, shaking her head in frustration, her long hair swaying with the movement.

"She lied." Kilahi interjected, her voice rising slightly, her passion igniting. "All she wants is my fiancé. She's just jealous I have Gbadamosi and she doesn't. She's just bitter, and it makes sense for her to be jealous, but going to the extent of telling you? How did she locate the police station? It doesn't make sense. Jesus Christ!" She rubbed her hands over her forehead, her fingers threading through her hair as if trying to comb away the chaos in her mind.

Ladi's hardened expression softened, the anger in his eyes giving way to confusion. He studied her, searching for any sign of deceit. "Are you being serious?" His voice was laced with disbelief, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly.

Kilahi gave a subtle nod, her astonishment palpable. "I'm just shocked."

"So you didn't keep us in prison?" Ogiso asked, his voice low and cautious. Kilahi nodded again, her eyes reflecting a mix of regret and sincerity. "I'm sorry. I regret your prolonged confinement."

Capricorn, who had been silent until now, shifted his weight, his brow furrowing in thought. "Let's just ask where Mercy and the baby dey, make we commot here." His voice was firm, yet there was an undercurrent of anxiety.

"Where is Mercy and my baby?" Ladi demanded, his voice rising again, a sense of urgency creeping in. Kilahi scoffed, crossing her arms tighter against her chest, her body language radiating defiance.

"I'm not telling you."

"You have to," He insisted, but she shook her head, her resolve unwavering. "I'm sorry, I can't."

In a sudden surge of frustration, Ladi lifted the gun, "Do you know what this is?" he growled, his grip tightening around the weapon.

"Yes. I won't let you terrorize Mercy." Kilahi's voice was calm, almost serene, as she held his gaze unflinchingly. "I'll blow your fucking head off," he threatened, his face contorted with rage.

"I'm confident that that gun will jam because God clearly instructed me not to be afraid, for He has gone ahead of me. If you wanted to kill me, you would have pulled the trigger a long time ago." Her calm demeanor unnerved him, and he could see the unwavering faith in her eyes, which only fueled his anger further.

"Don't test me," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

"Don't test God, Godswill," she shot back, her voice steady, her chin lifted defiantly.

Ladi, overwhelmed by a mixture of rage and confusion, stood up abruptly, his chair scraping harshly against the floor as he threw it aside. The cigarette fell from his fingers, as he groaned in frustration, a primal sound that echoed in the small room. "Ogiso, Capri, get out!" He snapped.

Kilahi turned towards Ogiso as he walked out with Capricorn, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination.

Ladi paced left and right in the room, the flickering fluorescent light overhead casting intermittent shadows across the concrete walls. His breath came in sharp, ragged exhales, and he pressed his palm over his face, as if trying to shield himself from the weight of the conversation.

He abruptly stopped, turning to face her, desperation etched into his features. "You said you didn't have anything to do with me being in prison. I believe you. All I'm asking is where my son is." His voice cracked slightly, the vulnerability breaking through his tough exterior.

Kilahi's eyes were like steel, unwavering and locked onto him. Her expression was stern, yet there was a flicker of compassion beneath the surface. "I can't tell you. I can't put the lives of people at risk because of your crazy desire for revenge." She stood firm, arms crossed, as if bracing herself against a storm.

"I don't want revenge!" Ladi's voice rose, his frustration spilling over. He knelt closer to her, the distance between them shrinking as he pleaded, "I just want her back. I want her with my child. They are..." His words faltered, and he lowered his gaze, the weight of his emotions pulling him down. "They're the only blood relatives I have. I miss my son, and I just want to see him. That was the only reason I went that day."

Kilahi's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze unwavering. "You have a dysfunctional way of showing love. I'm not telling you still. Mercy's life is at risk." Her voice was calm, but the urgency behind it was palpable.

"I'll protect her," he insisted, desperation seeping into his words.

"Or make an example of her," she countered, her tone sharp like a knife.

Ladi shut his eyes tightly, as if trying to block out the reality of her words. "Tell me, and I'll let you go. You can get the hell out of my life and dream completely." His voice was laced with a mix of anger and sorrow. "Dreams?" Kilahi's brow furrowed in confusion, and he looked away, a flicker of something deeper crossing his face. "I'll let you go if you-"

"You're going to let me go anyway," she interjected, cutting through his thoughts with an annoyance that simmered just beneath the surface.

"Ugh!" He screamed, rising abruptly, his frustration boiling over. "Where are you getting this damn confidence from?"

"From the one who created you." Kilahi's voice softened, almost reverent. "Jeremiah 1:5, 'Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto nations.' I draw my confidence from the one that sees beyond human understanding. The one whose wisdom surpasses ours! To an ordinary man, you're a lost cause, but to God, he sees you as a lost sheep and wants to draw you close to Him."

Ladi's face twisted in anger. "I don't know God."

"That's the special thing about Him; he knows you by your name, Godswill."

"Don't call me that," he snapped, the name striking a nerve.

"It's your name, and I'm not going to call you what you're called in this Babylon. Your name is Godswill; your parents named you Godswill for a reason." Her voice was steady, unwavering.

"Don't talk about my parents!" The words burst from him, raw and unfiltered, as if her mention of them had opened a floodgate of pain.

Kilahi exhaled slowly, her gaze softening. "That day you were arrested, I saw a frightened little boy that left the house. You were very young when you left." Her tone was gentle, almost maternal.

"I don't want to talk about it." Ladi's voice was a low growl, a warning.

"A problem shared reduces its weightiness upon our conscience. What happened?" She leaned forward slightly, her eyes searching his.

"Why don't you ask God?" he scoffed, bitterness dripping from his words. Kilahi nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're right. Why don't I ask God then? I need something to work with. If you don't want to talk, God can give me clarity." She paused, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Were you being molested? You were being molested by someone."

"Shut up! How are you getting these things?" His voice cracked as he fought back tears, the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.

"I'm getting fragments of images. Should I be honest? I'm not a pastor. I don't know how to interpret these things; I'm just saying it as it's been revealed. God loves you."

" God doesn't love me! If he did, he wouldn't have let me pass through all I did. You can shove the whole 'God loves me' sermon elsewhere. I don't fucking care; you're preaching to the wrong congregation." His voice was a mix of anger and despair, echoing off the walls like a haunting refrain.

"God cares," Kilahi replied softly, her eyes never leaving his, as if trying to pierce through the layers of pain that surrounded him.

Ladi pulled a chair from the side and sat opposite her, the wood creaking under his weight. "Where was God when I needed him to save my mother? Where was God when my father, a fucking pastor, was out there messing with his church members, sleeping all around with choristers? Where was God when Deaconess Felecia was brought in to take care of me? Where was God when I was molested every night? While Dad traveled here and there for crusades. I prayed, I cried; he didn't hear me. He was deaf." His voice trembled, the rawness of his memories spilling forth like an open wound.

"God isn't deaf," Kilahi countered gently, her voice steady, yet filled with empathy.

"Maybe there are people he only listens to. What kind of God gives preferential treatment but leaves the ones in need?" Ladi's eyes were wild, filled with a mixture of rage and sorrow, as he gestured emphatically with his hands, punctuating his words with sharp movements.

Kilahi exhaled slowly, her heart aching for him. "I'm sorry about what happened to you. Traumas have this way of sticking to you like a tattoo." She leaned back slightly, her posture relaxed but her expression serious.

"I'm not traumatized!" he barked, the denial spilling from his lips like a reflex. "God heard your prayers, Godswill. Who is Charles?"

"Charles?" Ladi's brow furrowed in confusion, the name pulling him from his spiraling thoughts.

"God sent someone to help you, a particular mature man named Charles was coming in to take you away to Lagos at the time." Kilahi's voice was calm, but the weight of her words hung heavily in the air.

"Uncle Charles, that's my mother's brother," he replied, staring at Kilahi in shock, the realization dawning on him like a flickering light in the darkness.

"But you ran before he could come," she continued, her tone gentle yet firm.

"He was a pastor, and I didn't want to go through the same hell I've been going through. I knew touts that were better than my own father! I didn't know how his family would be; he had a wife and children. I didn't want to go through the same shit. I spoke to someone, a known tout, and he helped me and sent me here. That was how I started staying with the gang and..." His voice trailed off, the weight of his choices crashing down on him.

"Uncle Charles would have made your life better. He was God's answered prayer, but you weren't patient enough. I don't blame you, though; it's just sad how your life turned out." Her voice was filled with a deep understanding that seemed to bridge the gap between them.

He scoffed, "There's nothing sad about my life." "You were living without purpose and when the purpose of something is not know, abuse is inevitable. God called you for a purpose to live for him and stay in his will. This thing you're doing, it isn't God's will, this gun you're holding, God wants to replace it with another kind of weapon. For the weapon of our warfare are not carnal, the word of God is our sword in this kingdom. God cares about you, he wants you to draw near to him, he wants you to hear his voice. He's talking right now but you can't hear him because you have to change this Goat lifestyle and be a sheep. He says my sheep hears my voice. Stop being a goat!"

His broad shoulders shook as he turned his back to Kilahi, his body racked with sobs. "Why should he care? I've done things, I'm not even worthy, I can't remember the last time I saw a Bible, much less read one."

Kilahi's voice was gentle, filled with compassion. "A man has hundreds sheep and one got lost. It will be quite understandable to forget about that one since you already have the ninety-nine, but this man left the ninety-nine in search of that one. That's God for you; he doesn't want to know if there are ninety people available to do his work, he's ever interested in that lost sheep to bring it back because to himself because he's the Good Shepherd. Come back to God, Ladi."

Ladi faced her, and Kilahi's heart went out to him. His face was streaked with tears, his eyes red-rimmed.

"You don't understand the things I've done," He aid, his voice cracking. "The things I do, I'm a street guy, I smoke, I sell drugs on the street. What business does God have with me?"

Kilahi's heart ached for him. She could see the flicker of hope buried beneath layers of hurt and anger, and she wanted desperately to help him unearth it. "Even after the prodigal son came back to his Father, he literally threw a party to celebrate his comeback," she reminded him, her voice imbued with warmth. "You might have strayed, but God is waiting to embrace you."

Ladi's eyes dropped, shame etched on his face. "I've been having nightmares ever since I got into that prison. There's no night I don't see you come into my dreams to preach to me."

Kilahi's eyes sparkled. "There's no night after that night that I don't put you in my prayers. I prayed that God encounters you. My dear, that's not a nightmare, it's the sweetest dream ever."

Hiss gaze lifted, his expression tormented "I can't turn my back on the guys. They're my blood."

Kilahi's voice was firm. "No, they are not! They are bad influence, and you need to cut ties from some people completely; they can either leave or join the bandwagon. This isn't life; there is no life apart from the life that Christ offers. There's no peace other than the peace God offers. That's the same peace Mercy experienced that made her leave. Didn't you notice the difference after Mercy gave her life to Christ?"

Ladi nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I did."

Kilahi's eyes locked onto his. "Don't you want to experience that life too? Come on! Make a choice, Godswill."

Ladi's face contorted in anguish. "They'll turn on me. These guys, if I..." "Let God fight for you; why don't you try God and see. He has never failed, and he won't start now. Godswill, please give this a try." Her smile was unwavering.

Ladi's shoulders slumped, his defenses slowly crumbling as the tears began to flow freely.

As he knelt before her, his sobs echoed in the garage, bouncing off the cold concrete walls. Kilahi's heart swelled with compassion; she knew this was a pivotal moment. She could see the flicker of desperation in his eyes, a plea for understanding and forgiveness that transcended words. "How can God forgive me for everything; I've erred."

"He can." She replied filled with conviction.

His voice was laced with despair. "You don't understand; I'm a horrible person."

Kilahi's eyes shone with tears. "I know of a horrible man God used in the Bible. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians. God arrested him and looked past his sin; God saw someone instrumental to spread His gospel, and you are one."

Ladi's head bowed against her lap, his body shaking with the weight of his past. Then he dropped her gun on the floor. Kilahi's heart broke for him, and she cradled his head in her hands, her fingers tangling in his hair as she whispered words of encouragement. "God loves you, Ladi. Jesus already paid the price for you. He sees you, not for who you were, but for who you can become. With him you can have a getaway, a vacation where you'll recover your life."

The garage felt smaller, the air charged with a palpable energy as Kilahi prayed silently, her heart pleading for Ladi's breakthrough. She could sense the shift within him, the flicker of hope igniting in the depths of his despair. "I don't know what to do; Can you just help me, beg God to forgive me, if he can," He implored, his voice trembling with vulnerability. "Cause I don't think..."

Kilahi nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Of course, I will. Together, we can ask for His mercy." She closed her eyes. She patted him on the back in gratitude to God, tears streaming down her face. She hadn't thought it would be easy, but apparently, God had made it. "Lord I come to you with a heart full of faith. I lift Godswill to you asking for your forgiveness and grace. You alone know his struggles, his pain and the weight of this past. PLease show him your love and mercy. Help him see that he's not bound by his mistakes but by your love and compassion."

Bella knocked on Tito's door, her heart racing with anticipation. After a disappointing day, coupled with how angry she felt, she need some activity to distract her. When the door creaked open, her excitement quickly turned to shock. Tito stood there in nothing but his boxers, his expression a mix of surprise and fear.

"Fuck!" He muttered, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of her. "What are you doing here?"

"Surprise!" Bella announced, a playful grin spreading across her face. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing against his bare chest, hoping to draw him in.

Tito's eyes darted nervously behind him. "You couldn't even call?" he whispered, his voice laced with urgency. "That's the whole essence of surprise, right?" she replied, her tone teasing as she leaned in a little closer.

"No! My fiancée is around," He hissed, glancing back into the house as if expecting her to appear at any moment.

Just then, a female voice called out from inside, "Babe, who's that?"

"My neighbor!" Tito yelled back, the panic evident in his tone. Bella scoffed, feeling a mix of irritation and longing.

"Go," He urged her, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm angry and horny, I need you." She shot back, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

"How is that my business?" He asked, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Don't you have other people to call? See, my babe is around, and if she sees you... I can't start answering questions."

Bella bit her lower lip seductively, trying to entice him. "Why not ask her if she's interested in a threesome?" "Jeez, Bella!" He exclaimed, rolling his eyes in disgust. "Good night." With that, he began to shut the door, and she felt a pang of heartbreak as it closed in her face.

Stunned, Bella turned away from the door, her heart heavy with disappointment. She had hoped for a different reaction, one that would lead to a night of passion and excitement. Instead, she felt rejected and alone. Tears threatened to spill as she walked down the path, her mind racing with thoughts of what to do next.

She considered a few people she could call-friends who might be willing to keep her company-but none of them were in the state, some weren't in the country. Then, an idea sparked in her head. Tega! He was always up for a spontaneous adventure, she has been seductive but they've never been intimate.

He wasn't the most attractive candidate but anything will do at the moment.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed his number, her fingers tapping impatiently against the screen as she waited for him to pick up. "Hello, Boss lady," Tega greeted, his voice bright and teasing. Bella rolled her eyes, knowing he was likely in the middle of something important, but she didn't care.

"Where are you?" she demanded, cutting straight to the point.

"I am working with a friend on-"

"Clear your fucking schedule," She interrupted, her tone leaving no room for discussion. "My body needs to be attended to. If you're not in for it, no problem."

"Cleared!" He exclaimed, the excitement in his voice palpable. "What did I even say I was doing?"

"Where are you?" She asked again, urgency creeping into her voice.

Ugo dropped Shalewa off in front of her building, the car's engine purring softly as it came to a halt. The streetlights flickered overhead, casting a warm glow on the sidewalk.The air was thick with tension, punctuated only by the distant sound of laughter from a nearby café, a stark contrast to the quiet ride they had just endured. Shalewa peered into the distance, "Mama Boma's pharmacy is opened, thank God, let me go and buy painkillers."

"Why didn't you tell me, we could have stopped by one of the big pharmacies."

"The headache began from enduring so much silence. For real!" She answered and he scoffed.

"So much for people dating rubbish. I don't understand why Brenda will double date," Shalewa said, her voice breaking the silence on the topic. She leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on her knees, eyes wide and earnest, searching Ugo's face for some sign of agreement.

"I don't want to talk about this," He replied, his jaw clenched, his gaze fixed straight ahead at the road. His fingers drummed nervously on the steering wheel, each tap echoing his frustration. The dashboard lights illuminated his face, revealing a furrowed brow and a slight twitch in his left eye.

"You'll feel better when you talk about it," Shalewa pressed, her tone insistent yet softening, as she leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms defensively. The tension in the car seemed to thicken, wrapping around them like a heavy blanket.

"I don't," He repeated, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. He turned his head slightly towards her, his dark eyes narrowing, but the flicker of vulnerability was there, just beneath the surface. He was close to tears.

"As long as you can't put a Dutch tape across my mouth, I'll still talk. I mean, that guy is a very rude somebody, you don't need to be spiritual to know that he's a walking red flag." Shalewa's voice rose with passion, her hands animated as she spoke, punctuating her points with sharp gestures. "Arrogant human being... see, based on her explanation. I just think..." She trailed off, her gaze drifting to the window, where shadows danced in the streetlight.

"He kissed her."

"And I notice how quick she moved away from him. I would have thought the guy had a smelly breath if I didn't speak to him. She moved quicker than a lighten bolt. Take it from a girl, she didn't want to be kissed."

"Are you sure they've not been kissing?"

Shalewa shrugged, "Don't turn me into an advocate abeg! Maybe you should ask her." "I'm not talking to her." "Don't be childish!"

Ugo scoffed, "She lied, Shalewa, even when I chatted her up. She lied, she has been lying, all those outings, she lied! It's a fresh relationship. I can't do life with a liar." His voice was strained, and he ran a hand through his hair, frustration radiating from him like heat.

"She had her reason, I know it's very bad but... I don't even know what to say. Just don't write her off. People make mistakes." Shalewa's voice softened, her eyes meeting Ugo's, trying to reach him through the wall of anger he had built.

"People trip and fall, people walk over important papers, that's a mistake, but lying consistently, come on! She made her choice tonight. She's engaged." Ugo's voice rose again, and he leaned back in his seat, arms crossed tightly over his chest, as if trying to shield himself from the truth.

"Engaged to garbage if you mean." Her eyes sparkled with indignation, her brows knitted together in disbelief. "She chose him!" "According to her, he's her father's choice."

"Who am I to compete with that? Di you know how much Brenda loves her Father?? A minute with them and you'll think they're lovers. How can I compete with that? How is she going to call off the engagement without bringing disgrace to the man? How? I'm so angry!" Ugo confessed, his body tense as he leaned against the steering wheel, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. His fingers gripped the wheel tightly.

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken word.

Kilahi dialed Gbadamosi's number from the back seat of the car. "Hello?" Gbadamosi's voice came through. "Hey Choicest," Kilahi said.

He lets out a sigh of relief. "Where are you?" "I'm heading home," She replied.

"What happened?" He asked. "Manny and I were about to head to your place."

"There's no point," Kilahi answered, "I'm already on my way home."

Gbadamosi's concern grew. "What happened?" "Let's just say I was held captive for a while." Her tone was calm.

Gbadamosi wondered how someone could sound so relaxed after being held captive. "Are you sure you're fine? They didn't hurt you?" "Choicest, I'm fine." Kilahi reassured.

Gbadamosi exhaled in relief. "Thank God! How did you get out?"

Kilahi referenced the earlier instruction. "Remember what I received today? Let's just say the lost sheep has returned to the Shepherd. That reminds me, we need to pray for Bella. Maybe a deliverance session or something cause...."

"Why?"

Kilahi's voice remained steady. "She indirectly orchestrated this. She told Godswill where I lived and... I'm sure it's all divine orchestration, nevertheless, but she claimed I masterminded their arrest and extended detention."

Gbadamosi's shock was palpable from the his voice,-"Jeez!"

Kilahi's tone turned reflective, "I don't think she's okay oh. I pray for a lot of people, I pray for her too even though sometimes I feel restrained to but why aren't I seeing results?"

"n my experience as a pastor," Gbadamosi explained, "I've learned that prayer alone isn't always enough. Some people won't change, no matter how hard we pray. They're like rocks, they won't move unless an external force acts on it. If they're unable or unwilling to confront their own flaws, they'll remain stuck in their destructive patterns. There are no two ways about it, except intervention but don't expect everyone to repent."

Kilahi exhaled, "Toor, it's well." "How did Bella get involved anyways?"

She sighed. "It's a long story. I'll tell you when I see you."

His concern grew. "Are you sure you're safe now?" "Yes, I'm safe," Kilahi reassured.

"Do you need me to come over?"

Her voice softened, "No, I just need you to pray for me too. I'm exhausted." "And you haven't even broken your fast." "As Is ehn... It's well."
As they ended the call, she gazed out the window, lost in thought.

Bella's actions had left Kilahi stunned. She struggled to comprehend the depth of Bella's malice, a woman she barely knew, yet was willing to kill her over Gbadamosi - it has to be a twisted obsession! The kind that clouds reason and drives someone to act irrationally.

9:55 pm

As the Arolowo family stepped into their home, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Brenda trudged in, her shoulders slumped and her eyes puffy and red from crying. She looked like a ghost of her former self, her usual vibrant energy drained away. Her phone buzzed incessantly in her pocket, but she couldn't muster the strength to answer it. It was Tommy's mother, and the thought of facing her made Brenda's heart ache even more.

"Answer your call," her father nudged her, concern etched on his face.

"I'm not in the mood," Brenda replied flatly, her voice barely above a whisper.

With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly answered the call, her mother's voice crackling through the speaker. "Good evening Ma," she said, her tone automatically shifting to one of politeness. She glanced at her mother, who was watching her with a mixture of sympathy and concern.

"Brenda is unable to get to the phone at the moment. She's exhausted, she even left her phone in the car. She's in her room bathing," Her mother said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her worry.
"Oh, she must be stressed out. I heard the good news oh.This journey they have started will end in praise. Anu ati ojurere olorun kio ma tele won lo ni oruko jesu. (Mercy and Goodness will follow them in Jesus name ." "Amin Ma."

Loruko Jesu Ajalu Buburu ko ni ja lu aye wa. (Evil affliction shall not affect our life.) "

"Amin Ma, Thank you so much Ma and goodnight Ma. " Mrs Arolowo answered, but the forced cheerfulness was evident. Brenda could almost hear the strained smile on her mother's face as she handed the phone back to her.

"Good night Mom, good night Dad," Brenda muttered, her voice lacking any warmth as she turned away, her heart heavy with sorrow.

Mrs. Arolowo shot her husband a sharp glare, her frustration boiling over. "Have you seen what your greediness has caused?" she snapped, her hands on her hips, her brow furrowed deeply. She scoffed, turning on her heel to storm away, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the house.

"She'll thank me in the future. I'm trying to secure a good life for her! A good life!" Mr. Arolowo insisted, his voice rising defensively, the tension in his body palpable as he clenched his fists.

He turned away, frustration etched on his face, and dialed a number with a quick flick of his fingers. "Have you gotten the picture?" he asked, his tone demanding."Hmm," came the response from Bella's PA, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Yes, Uncle A."

"Tell Bella to make it spread," He instructed, his eyes narrowing as a sly smile crept across his face. "I might meet her one of these days to see how we can add pepper to this good news. You know how you bloggers do your thing." His words dripped with ambition, the glint in his eye revealing his intent to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

As he hung up, the silence of the house enveloped him, but inside, he felt a sense of satisfaction brewing. "It's out of love that I'm doing this. She's going to thank me some day in the future."

Kilahi cut out a morsel of eba, her fingers shaping it into a small ball. She rolled it between her palms, her movements fluid and practiced. With a quick dip into the rich, thick Ogbono soup, she brought the morsel to her mouth.
Sewuese stared at her, mouth slightly agape, disbelief etched across her features. "How can you comfortably eat?" She blurted out, her voice a mix of incredulity and concern.

Kilahi shrugged, her shoulders rising and falling in a casual gesture. "Why won't I eat? My fast continues," she replied, her tone light but assertive.

Aunty Mabel, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in, her brow furrowed. "You're supposed to gather body before your wedding day," she complained, her voice laced with maternal concern.

Kilahi rolled her eyes playfully, but her smile faded slightly as Sewuese spoke up again, her voice trembling. "I've lost sleep," She admitted, her hands wringing together anxiously. She glanced towards the window, as if expecting shadows to materialize outside.

"They know where we live," Aunty Mabel added, her tone serious. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms protectively over her chest. "Kilahi, you are no longer safe in this house. I'll say, you'll find somewhere, maybe your in-law's house."

"I'm safe in God. I'm not going anywhere!" Kilahi declared, her voice firm and unwavering.

At that moment, her phone rang, the sound cutting through the tension in the room. She lifted the phone with her left hand, her fingers brushing against the screen as she glanced at the caller ID.

"Eat first," Aunty Mabel whispered urgently, her eyes darting between Kilahi and the phone.

Kilahi hesitated, her thumb hovering over the answer button. "Maybe she heard. Let me tell her to call back," She said, her voice softening as she pressed the button to answer.

As soon as she heard Brenda's voice, it was like a dam had broken. "Oh my God, Brenda, what happened?" Kilahi gasped, her expression shifting from casual indifference to alarm. She leaned forward, her brow furrowing deeply, concern washing over her features.

Brenda's loud sobs echoed through the phone, causing Kilahi's heart to race. She instinctively placed a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with worry. "Brenda, take a deep breath," she urged, her voice soothing yet firm. "I'm here. Just tell me what's going on."

Ladi knelt before the chair Kilahi sat on, his hands resting gently on the seat as if he were trying to hold onto the remnants of something powerful. Tears streamed down his face, he couldn't help but cry. There was so much going on with him that moment that he couldn't put into word.

Just then, Ogiso walked into the garage, holding Ladi's phone with a furrowed brow. They stood afar off staring at him. "Boss still dey cry?" He asked, concern lacing his voice. Capricorn, who stood nearby, shrugged his shoulders, his expression a mix of sympathy and confusion. "E taya me oh," He replied, shaking his head slightly.

"Big T dey call oh. He wan know where we dey. General meeting supposed dey this night but this one way area boss be like this. Wetin we go do?" Ogiso pressed, glancing between Ladi and Capricorn, seeking a solution.

Capricorn sighed, "We gatz interupt this rubbish oh. You know wetin go happen to anybody way miss meeting. I no want wahala abeg." With that, he approached Ladi, his expression softening.

He cleared his throat, the sound echoing slightly in the quiet room. "Area boss," he began gently, but Ladi shot him a fierce look, his eyes blazing with determination. "You dey mad? I say no interruption!" He snapped, his voice thick with emotion.

"Na Big T dey call. Wetin make we tell am?" Ogiso asked, his voice cautious. Ladi shrugged, his shoulders slumping slightly in defeat.

"Tell am say, I dey vacation with God," He replied, his tone almost distant.

"Boss you say? How I go take tell am?"

"Anyhow you like "

"You know say na you dey run our side and we no fit go without you," Ogiso pressed, his brow furrowing with worry. "Join me for the vacation," Ladi insisted, his voice firm despite the tears still glistening on his cheeks.

"Which kain vacation? For where and who dey pay for the vacation?" Ogiso asked, skepticism creeping into his voice.

"Na all expense paid trip," Ladi said with a faint smile, looking almost lost in his thoughts.

Capricorn leaned in, curiosity piqued. "Abeg, no vex, who pay for an?" He asked, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Jesus," Ladi said, his smile growing brighter as he looked back at the chair. "Jesus pay for the vacation, once and for all. All we just need to do na to believe and check in to the venue, you get?"

Capricorn blinked, his confusion evident. "Which venue again? This thing no clear for my eyes again. Boss no vex, this vacation, na for where?" He asked, scratching his head.

"Here," Ladi answered, reaching out to touch the chair, his fingers brushing over the plastic as if he could feel the lingering presence. "Just touch the chair, the presence be like Aboki perfume. She don commot but she leave something on top this chair. Touch am"

Ogiso creased his brow, trying to comprehend Ladi's words. "Wahala, e be like say preacher woman don use jazz for Boss," He muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Capricorn scratched his head, his mind racing. "Naim mean say, if we no go true true go that vacation, our own don burn be that," He concluded, both hands on his head, a look of panic spreading across his face.

😂🤣🤣🤣

Okay Guys.......
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Thank you.