I'm grateful to God for being alive to see this day.

It's my birthday!!!!

Happy happy birthday to me!!!!
💃💃💃💃

It's a two in one chapter

Vote and Enjoy!

Chapter 25

Unedited

"Is that period?" Osaze asked and Osas rolled her eyes, "No, it's menstruation, what will it be again?"

"Why are you angry?"

Osas slapped her face then she exhaled as more fluids rushed down making her feel uncomfortable. "Oh God. I'm angry at myself, look at what I just did" "I'll have the sheet given to the dry cleaner, you don't have to worry about it"

"My blood? No way! This world is too wicked"

"Okay, what do you want to do? What should I do?"

"Do you have pads?"

"I'll go check if I remained some from last month" he answered and she arced her brow at him then she chuckled. "You for just say no now" "That was supposed to be sarcastic and funny but I've always been accused of telling extreme jokes" he  answered and they both chuckled looking into each other's eyes.  

"Do you have tissue?"

"Yes. What are you going to use it for?"

"What else to put under my...." "I learned those things are not hygienic. They usually end up tearing apart and hence blocking the uterus"

"If na so, e for don block my uterus since! Na just for the time being, I don't even have pant to wear. I'll just it to control the blood"

"I have more boxers"

"The tissue will fall off" she answered and he shut his eyes, he couldn't believe he was having this conversation with her. "Should I get pads?" He asked, "What about the wedding way you dey go?"

"I'm not going there to clean their chairs or open the gate. I'll call Vera or Mrs Obianuju or my little sister Tasha. Anyone that comes quickly with pads and underwear." He grabbed his phone then he stood up from the bed dialing Obianuju's number.

"I'm sorry" she apologized and he shrugged, "For what?" "The stain" she rose up and he saw a glimpse of the stain on her buttocks before she pulled out the bed sheet now wrapping it across her chest.

"I'll be in the guest room" she said leaving.

"Good morning Sir." Obianuju picked  up, "How's Osas?"

"Uh.... She's holding up, she's on her period. She has no pads or panties to wear and the stain is really bad, really bad."

"Why don't you just go out to get it?" Vera suggested and he scratched his head. "I've never done that" "There's always a first time."

"Obianuju is coming"

"If you say" Vera answered hanging up then she called Obianuju. "Good morning to you" "Good morning Mrs Vera" "You're not in the office Uju, sometimes, you need to chill and stop being official for a moment"

Obianuju laughed. "What's going on?" "Can you please delay for a bit? I learned you're bringing pads, Osaze called me too. I want him to get it by himself" "I really want to see Osas, she's been through hell and back"

"I want to see her too but this is for the both of them"

"What? I don't understand"

"Let me explain things clearly to you Uju sweetie, listen really well"

Osaze held a folded shirt and boxers then he towards the guest room. He knocked severally on it, after a while, Osas opened up with a white towel across her chest. "Sir"

"Yeah, I brought you something clean to wear"

"Thank you Sir" she answered receiving it, she was in a hurry to leave, "Uh.... I'm heading out to get you pads"

"Shey you say you don call Mrs Obianuju"

"Something happened, they'll be running late so.... I'm left without a choice"

"I'm sorry Sir, how many minute, I don dey stress you already"  "I'll be heading out and I'll lock the doors after leaving so you don't have to open for anyone. It's not safe"

"Thank you Sir" she answered then a drop of blood fell from in between her laps on to the floor. Osaze looked at it in horror, another dropped and she tightened her lap.

"Bye Sir" she said shutting the door then she groaned looking down at her lap" "Which kain wahala be this for person house?"

Two men, returned back to the building on searching for the other guys sent to kill Osas. "Sir..." One of them trailed off, "What happened?" "Sir......" "Will you open that mouth and speak or have you gone dumb?"Chief Akinola barked. "Did you or did you not see the men we sent?"

"We saw them Sir, actually we saw the car lying close to a bush so we followed the tracts to their body. They are both dead, both shot Sir" Judas explained to their disappointment.

"Was the girl's body also there?"

"No Sir"

"Ah han? How can one stupid girl outsmart and shoot two men?" Another mature man from the club asked, "What kind of guards are we employing. How can they let her escape"

"Nkan sele! Wo, she cannot escape oh, wherever she is, she cannot escape." Chief Akinola shouted now adjusting his agbada, "E o mo girl yii? (You don't know this girl) I had an encounter with her and I'm sure when I spoke last night, she recognized my voice. She can't escape"

"It has never ever happen, we cannot face our first loss, no way! We must find this girl and kill her. O di Dandan (It's a must?)"

"This one is saying let's catch the girl, another is saying let's catch the girl but the calculated question, what should be pertinent to us should be, how we can achieve that?" Hon Patrick asked and Chief Kolade hissed, "Wo, erm, let me not deceive you, all this English that you're blowing calculated, pertinent is nothing if your wealth is taken away from you"

"Why are you all frightened by her?"

"Because we know those kind of girls, shebi you heard Baba's warning. Erm," Chief Kolade paused looking at the guards. "Make sure you scout the whole of Lagos in search for her but for now, we must vacate this building"

"I know of someone that knows where she lives. Emi naa, I've been trying to kill this girl since the day she tried rubbish with me" "What are you still waiting for Chief Akinola, make the call!"

Eniola folded her legs in bed and her best friend Jemima walked in with breakfast. "See as I'm bringing you breakfast in bed as if I'm your boyfriend" she answered. Eniola busted into tears on hearing the word boyfriend and Queen shot a glare at her.

"You just said boyfriend"

"Babe, the guy doesn't like you, get over him. I'm sure there's someone out there for you" she dropped the food on the drawer while Eniola blew her nose into a tissue paper.

"At this rate, you'll get sick"

"Jemima, I wish you saw the girl he dumped me for. A complete village girl" "I don't care Eniola, all I want is for you to get better, I'm sorry this happened but you have to get back on your feet. For instance, go to the wedding party today, meet new guys"

Eniola shook her head, "Osaze will definitely be there and I don't want to see him" "Babe, 60% couples in Nigeria actually met up in people's wedding. You might end up meeting love there"

"How sure are you?"

"I'm not sure but I know that you'll finally meet that guy that'll make your heart beat again, I'm so so certain of that Eniola" Jemima advised and Eniola smiled.

Hello boo 😍😍

Tasha messaged to Chike who was online.

Are you busy?

Never too busy for the love of my life 😍

I miss you, I didn't see you yesterday and I'm not feeling too good 🤧

How was the case yesterday?

Not too great, the judge adjourned the case 😢

Sorry about that

It's okay, I would have loved to see you if I wasn't going to be stucked in that stupid wedding! Not like I even know the person getting married oh 😢

🤣🤣😂
Isn't that the African way? Mo gbo mo branch

Except in this case Mom is forcing me to go. I missed you

I missed you more, check it out, I'm sick from missing you 🤒🤒

He replied sending a picture of himself and she found herself laughing.

Her mother entered into her room and she didn't even noticed  "Good morning darling" she greeted and Tasha dropped the phone. "Hey Mom" "What's making you giggle?" "Huh....." She trailed off.

"Is it Denrele? Didn't you invite him? Well I spoke to him today. I invited him already, he said he'll be coming" 

"What?" She asked and Morenike nodded. "Yes. I can't wait for the two of you to finally get married, I'm sure the wedding will be the best in town" she winked at her.

"The make up artiste is here. Hurry up Tasha, we don't want to be late" she added going back then she tightened her fist shutting her eyes in tears on remembering how Denrele drugged het into having sex with her.

She stretched her hands removing the white substance from her bag. There was a little remaining.  She poured it all on her palm sniffling it, then she rubbed at her nose. She leaned back on the bed then she shuddered with slight glee from the impending rush.

Mall

Osaze walked towards the tampons section of the mall. Then he looked at the varieties of sanitary pads there. A dark complexioned man stood close to him then Osaze turned towards him, wondering if he also came to get pads.  He forced a smile the man laughed. "Your wife has sent you on pad errands shey?" He asked and he chuckled nervously.

"She's not my wife, she's an employee"

"Even employees can become wives too" he joked and Osaze laughed. "If a man can bring himself down to buying things like pads in public, then the girl has to be dear to your heart. You see pads, I never even had the guts to buy it for my little sister that year. Four years and I've been buying it for my wife"  the man answered and Osaze smiled.

"I don't know which to pick"

"What kind of flow is she having? Heavy or....."

Osaze blinked his eyes and the man busted out laughing, "See as you carry face." "I don't know but she was dripping while talking to me when she was just in her towel" "And you call her an employee? I understand that kain employee now. How far? Why period come spoil show?"

"There was no show..... she's just...."

"It's not my business. I think you should go for something generic, the ones that contains everything"  "Like which one?" He asked cluelessly and the man laughed again. "Mehn, you never start"

Osaze walked towards the lady at the counter dropping the basket containing all he bought. The lady smiled, "Your wife must be lucky. My husband will rather die than buy pads for me. "

He quietly handed his card to her then he cleared his throat, not ready to start giving any explanation. "Do you  know where I can get female underwears?"

Osaze got back home then he knocked on the door. "Osarieme!" He called out, "Come in!" She shouted and he walked in seeing the shirt and boxer in bed.
"Where are you?" "In the bathroom"

"Why?"

"I can't come out or do anything"

"I got you the pads and underwear"

"Thank you!"

"It's on the bed" he dropped it, "I bought bread, what will you like to have for breakfast?"

"You dey whine me ni? You don buy bread, you still dey ask wetin I for like chop for breakfast" she answered and he chuckled softly. "I'll go now, uh.... The clothes are on the bed, I'll leave now so you can come get it" he answered leaving and she gave a faint smile.

While Chika held on to a basket full of wet clothes from the previous day in order to dry outside when two men stopped her. "You Sabi who them dey call Osas?" Judas asked, "Oga no ask me question this cold Saturday morning, you no see say rain fall? Abeg I no get joy this morning, na since yesterday I dry this cloth, the thing never dry, you no see the smell way they come out?"

"Wetin concern rain concern question way we ask?" He raised his top up to reveal a gun and she laughed nervously.

"Nothing! Oga, na why I no like Lagos boys, una body too dey hot. How body go dey hot for this kain weather. Abeg wetin be that question way you ask again?"

"Osas"

"Osas, for this compound? Which time Landlord Osas for this compound"

"You dey whine us ?"

"Oga abeg, Lagos is a mind your business city, why I go relate with people way go come pour sand sand for my garri?  Abeg, I don't know anyone with that name. I live for hojse with my cousin, if you want follow me check, please be my guest."

"What about the girl way them call Ejiro"

"She dey live for the other side, wetin you want with her?"

"No be your business"

"No be your business but you get mind come dey ask me questions"

He glared at her and she looked away. "I fit go dry my cloth now?" She asked and he walked past her. So she scratched her neck walking behind them. Just when she was sure they had left, she entered into the room locking the door.

"I just escaped death! Ejiro, you won't believe what just happened. Some men come find Osas, them con find you too, if you see their face, them be like all this club bouncers. As them ask for Osas, I throw useless answer give them naim them show me their gun."

"Where them dey?"

"Them don go! Abeg call Osas number"

"I've been trying it since yesterday, nothing yet! I hope she's alright"

"Babes, you seriously need to find another place to stay, even me sef need to commot cause if person join me join this matter when, e mean say my own has finish. I get one babe place way we fit stay for a week or, abeg pack up abeg."

"I need to call Kubi"

"Call am now"

Osas wore Osaze's shirt and boxer, she walked into the sitting room where she sighted the table already prepared for breakfast.

She didn't want to eat alone so she decided to call him so they could have breakfast together. She knocked on the door and he opened up, he had a Osas.

Seeing his body on display, from his chest to his abs, Osas couldn't help but drool over it. She had to snap herself out of that thought into full consciousness. She obviously shouldn't be entertaining thoughts like this! She still had problems to deal with. She's still mourning fir crying out loud!

"Thanks for the bread, I came to...." She trailed off noticing there was a new bed sheets on the bed. "I'm sorry for the stress" "It's okay. I have to say it was weird trying to figure out which pad to get." he answered and she chuckled.

"I didn't even know if it came in sizes"

"The pants na undersize sha, you know Sabi size woman yansh. The pant just dey enter my yansh as I dey waka  she pinched it out of her buttocks and it made noise making Osaze scoff, "Why will you do that?" "E dey enter my yansh, it's entering my bombom"

Osaze chuckled on hearing her say that. "It's like you couldn't wait for the challenge to be over!" He answered and she chuckled then he shook his head, "You can do the most embarrassing things!"

"Don't you scratch your own?"

"I obviously don't do it when others are staring"

"Well, it's because of the small pant you got me. What's embarrassing there?" She pinched against the pant and the strap made noise.

"Didn't you see the one that was smaller than this?" She asked and he laughed.  "Remind me to never get you underwears" he replied and she laughed. Her eyes fell back on his chest and she bit her lower lips.

"Let's have breakfast together"

"Start without me"

"I'll wait for you, don't worry. I'll like to see Ejiro today if you don't mind. I'll need small transport, you can deduct it from my salary. Ejiro has to know that I'm okay" "Are you sure it's a wise decision?"

"I don't know what's wise anymore. Assuming I know her number like this now, I would have called her. Wait, call Kubi"

"Why?"

"He was there on Tuesday, maybe he got her number"

His phone rang and he looked at the caller ID, it was Kubiat. "Talk about the devil" he muttered answering the call. "Funny thing I was planning on calling you"

"Hey. How is she?"

"She's fine, speak to her" he handed the phone to her and she placed it against her ears.  "Good morning Kubiat" she greeted and he sighed, "I heard what happened," "You hear say them kill my friend?" She asked almost busting into tears.

"I'm sorry about that. I'm glad you're okay"

"Thank you." She blinked her tears in, "Abeg, you get Ejiro number?"

"Yeah. She called a while ago, I already told her everything to the best of my knowledge. Some men came looking for you and also Ejiro, they were armed"

Osas exhaled, "Them don find out say I no die, which kain wahala be this? I don tell Osaze say I go go back Benin" "That's not necessary!" "See ehn, I no wan die oh, no be say I get any sure reason to stay back" she answered and Osaze gritted his teeth once again in anger.

Why does she keep saying she has no reason to stay back?

"What about me?" Kubiat asked and she chuckled. "If I die, you go see me again?" She asked and he laughed. "You won't die, I'll protect you, Osaze will protect, you're lucky you have strong men protecting you"

Osas smiled. "Thank you"  "Please hand the phone back to Osaze" he requested and she did.

"Hey Osaze"

"Hey"

"Don't let her leave, her life isn't safe. Ejiro called, some men went there looking for her and they were armed" "At least help me with the arrest on Chief Akinola"

"I will on Monday, it's the weekend and the truth is I had to rush over to the village to meet Mom" "How's she?" "She has introduced me to two women so far, I wish I knew it was a journey to help me pick a wife, I would have stayed back. I'll definitely be back on Monday and then we can have that bastard arrested then, for now, try to make her happy, keep her preoccupied, keep your eyes on her and keep her safe"

"I will" he answered and Kubiat ended the call.

He stared at Osas and her words ran through his mind like salt upon his injury. "I wonder what those people around your life will say when they hear you say those words" "What word?"

"That you have no reason to stay back"

"That's not what I meant, I didn't mean it like that. I have people I care about" 

"I'm not concerned about it, it's actually none of my business" he cuts in and she exhaled. "Would you still like to use my phone?"

"No" she answered and he raised his brow in surprise, "You said" "I know what I said, I no use again." She walked away but he kept on stretching the phone at her.

She returned back grabbing the phone from him. "You fit help me buy car" "I have enough airtime" "For the hunter way help me, don't worry you can deduct it from my salary"

Osas watched him fiddle with the phone then he raised his head after sometime. "Done. Are you going to call him?"  "Yes"

"You can make any call you want"

"I'll repay you back"

"I didn't ask you to" he answered handing out the phone to her and she smiled, "Thank you." She answered looking at the phone screen, "No vex, I don't know how to use this your phone. Give me tips"

Raymond entered into Osaze's room, he was still in shock from seeing Osaze's sitting room arranged.  "Did Osas arrange the sitting room or you did out of shame?"  "She did" he answered wearing his shoes and Raymond laughed in mockery.

"I never knew you had a chair, I couldn't see the chair from all those cobwebs covering it" he joked and Osaze laughed. "You're feeling yourself shey?"

"Mehn she try oh. That's the wife material we're talking about oh. Oga, what are you still waiting for?"

"Can you believe  she said she'll be going back to Benin?"

"I'm sorry about all you had to go through" Obianuju apologized while they were seated on the three seater chair. "It's so sad" Vera agreed placing her hands over her palm and Osas cried once again.

"I don't even know how I'll tell my friend Folabi that his sister is dead. I might not even say it till next week sef" "I'm sure the guy will be devastated"

Osas exhaled, "I'm planning on going back to Benin sef" she opened up.  Raymond and Osaze overheard her.  Osaze wore a white shirt tucked into a black trousers, he held a black suit in his hands. He hissed inaudibly on hearing her say those words again. 

"She's saying it again"

"It's just women gist now"

"It's her third time saying it and it's annoying"

"Why will you want to leave?" Obianuju inquired, "For safety, I need to start my life again. At least for Benin I experience issues but at least I didn't have people who wanted me dead." Osas answered while Osaze looked away.

"Why are you bothered?" Raymond asked, "If you don't want her to go, simply  tell her now, it's all in your hands"

"How is it in my hands, she's been saying she has no reason to stay,  What about your wife or the friends she had made? What about me? Am i not reason enough?"

Raymond hissed, "Why you dey talk like person way no get sense like this? You're just a boss to her, she probably see you that way" "I thought she likes me" "Even though, say she go come tell you say she like you? Not like you'll die if you also tell her you like her"

"It's the manner she's saying it, I'm hurt and I say this on behalf of the friends she has made in Lagos."

Raymond laughed, "Oga speak for yourself! But she has a point though, Benin would be safer than this place" he answered and Osaze glared at him making him laugh.

"Abegi! Just admit that you'll miss her if she goes!"

Obianuju pouted her lips sadly at the news of Osas leaving. "You can't leave like that, I'm beginning to get used to you and the idea of having you around"  "Awwwn, seriously? Mr Osaze no even do like say the thing concern am" Osas answered wiping some tears off.  This time she wasn't sure why she was crying. Or maybe it was her hormone!

Vera turned towards Osaze, "Osas said she's leaving" she announced and Osaze shrugged, "And?" "Aren't you going to do anything about it" "Should I tie a rope around her neck, she's a grown up woman and if she wants to leave, it's her choice" he answered and Osas exhaled giving Vera a familiar look.

"See" she whispered.

"Monday morning, I don ship myself commot"

"Isn't it too late? What about tomorrow?" He asked and Vera scoffed, "Osaze can we speak for a bit?" She requested rising from the chair then she held him by his hands to the dinning.

"What are you doing?"

"She wants to leave right?"

"You're supposed to tell her not to and give her reasons why she shouldn't"

"What kind of reasons?"

"You shouldn't have given that response. Do you know how she'll feel now?"

"She has been talking about leaving Lagos to Benin, how do you think it makes me feel? Does she care about the way it makes me feel?"  "How is she supposed to know you like her? With this kind of attitude"

"I don't usually react this way, maybe sometimes when I'm trying to be professional" "Come off it! There's nothing professional about a Boss dating his employee and that's what's going to happen eventually so come off all these professionalism before it ruins things for us!"

"Us?"

"Yes! I've been doing the match making job and you're trying to ruin it. Come on big bro, you like her. You just gotta admit and take whatever happens. You're just angry at her for no reason, just apologize to her"

Osaze exhaled, "Fine, I will, but she has to she has to stop talking about leaving. It's hurts, it actually does." "We're women, trust me when I say this, all  she wants to hear is you say. Don't leave, I'll be with you and protect you with all I've got"

"I told her yesterday. That's another thing that's annoying me, I told her we're going to charge the stupid man responsible for this. Now she's planning to leave on Monday, how are we going to accomplish the goals without her?"

"You're not getting my point still, this is when you act like the man you are. This is when promises comes in, come on Osaze!"

"Maybe leaving is what's best for her"

Vera hissed, "If you're not older than me, I would have slapped you silly" "No Vera, I mean i don't have to see her again and... Maybe she'll meet someone better, someone whose friend didn't rape her"

"Shhhh. That will definitely be sorted out, first thing first Osaze, she needs you. I don't know why you're going for this wedding, you'll be leaving her alone. Just go and apologize to her"

Osaze shrugged walking towards Osas, "Osarieme" he called out and she turned her gaze at him, "If you can pay me my salary tomorrow, I'll be very happy" she answered and he nodded looking at Raymond then at Vera.

"There's food stuff in the house, you can make whatever you want. I'm out of here, goodbye Vera, Raymond, Mrs Obianuju" he answered storming out of the house and Vera laughed finding the scene funny.

"He didn't even say goodbye to me. Wait, did I make him angry, is it because I stained his bed or because he bought pads for me?"  She asked and Vera chuckled taking her seat. "I'm sure you don't want to leave yet"  She noted taking her seat and Osas exhaled deeply then she shook her head, "Sorry to ask this Osas but I'm trying to satisfy my curiosity, do you like Mr Osaze?" Obianuju asked and she shrugged now looking at Raymond.

"I'll be outside if you ladies need me" he raised his index finger,  leaving the house.

"Do you?"

"Of course she does!" Vera answered and Osas smiled, "E dey that obvious?" She asked then she chuckled. "I like him but I know he's my boss and nothing can ever happen. I no wan pass my boundary, anytime I pass my boundary, something bad must happen"

"Sometimes it's good. Like in this case" Vera commented, "Osaze needs a woman in her life" "What about Eniola? She's beautiful, she's educated, she speaks queens English, I'm still struggling to construct sentences"

"Who cares?" Obianuju asked, "I prefer you a hundred times to Eniola and besides they already broke up! Best news of the century! I think Mrs Vera's right, what Mr Osaze needs is someone like you. You make him happy, you make him laugh, the mood in the office changed the moment you started working there."

"Just a day and she already turned Osaze's house around." Vera answered and Osas looked at her then she turned towards Obianuju.

"You guys have that chemistry, it's been there from the first day, It's cool to like him, I also think he likes you"

Osas laughed hysterically, "Iffa hear" she answered now looking at Vera who had a serious look on her face. "Wait..... una dey whine me?"

Edo State.

Mathew stood at a bus stop with a phone against his ears. His scattered in search of Imade, "Where can this woman be?" She asked and Imade picked his call.

"Hello. I no dey like make people dey carry call disturb me. Oga which one is your own?" She asked then she dragged a long hiss. "I'm at the bus stop, I've been waiting for more ten minutes now. You told me you were already at the bus stop even before I got to the bus stop. Why will you like that kind of expensive lie"

"Shuu? So your own lie naim legit? You no dey bus stop but you expect me to come dey wait for you for the bus stop. Abegi! Oga, I don't know who you are, I no even know how you look like"

"Where are you?"

"I dey come" Imade replied sighting him among three men. "Shebi na you wear wine polo and jeans shey?" She asked and he gave a gentle nod turning his gaze at her.

"You're the one on native top and white trousers right?" He asked and she laughed. "Oga no ask stupid question. How many people you see dey carry phone make call?"

"It's a question"

"You no go cut? E be like say you get credit oh" she answered and he hung up looking up to the heavens. God let this be worth it! He said within as she approached.

"I'm the Mathew Henshaw, you've been speaking to on phone. You know I've been trying to get you all to no avail"

"Why? You wan give me money?" She asked and he shook his head.

"I came because of something really important"

"Money matter? See ehn, I get marriage to attend and I..." "George sent me" "Huh? Which George be that?" "George, Ese's husband"

"Ehn hen, point of correction, Na Theophilus I being hear say him name be and he's not her husband. E no do anything on top her head"  "Can we talk for a while"

"Wetin the man dey find now? After how many years? 

"People told me you can actually help me find his children"

Imade hissed walking away, "it's a matter of sharing his properties" he shouted and she turned back at him. "Property?" She asked then she walked back to him and a grin spread across his face, "For your mind, you dey feel say this woman too like money but I get one question to ask that man, him being dey sleep all this years? When my Aunty Ese dey suffer all these years, where him being dey? Where him being dey when Osas being dey suffer?"

"He wasn't in his right sense, I can explain to you but we have to find somewhere to seat"

"I no wan miss the free bus way go carry me reach my destination"

"I'll drop you off" he pointed to a car parked at the corner and she laughed, "No thank you. The world is a wicked place to dey enter person car anyhow"

"I just introduced myself"

"Even though you be my uncle. Wetin Theophilus dey find?"

"His children"

"That one that old news oh, them don carry them go Lagos"

"I heard about it. I heard Osas is still around"

Imade scoffed, "Osas way don travel, Osas no dey Bini again oh, Osas don go hustle for Lagos" "What?" "Yes, she's in Lagos" "Is there anyway I can reach her? Her father is in Lagos, it'll be actually easier to get to her"

Imade exhaled, then she called Osas' number. The number you're trying to call is temporarily not available at the moment, please try again later.

"Ah Han" she muttered, "Her number dey always go through oh for normal days" she tried the number again.

"It's not available"

"Just let me have the number and I'll continue"

Wedding reception

🎶Take take take take my heart if e no dey take my life carry cheque book write am out as e do you write am down
Carry cheque book write am out as e do you write am down
Write am down as e do you write am down🎶

Mrs Badmus hissed on seeing Osaze at the party. "What's he doing here?" She asked and Mr Badmus chuckled. "He's a guest" "I don't ever want to see him" "What's his crime?"  "He broke our daughter's heart"

"Eniola will find someone else"

"I Can't believe you're saying this"

"What do you want me to say? Should I hate the poor guy because he doesn't like my daughter? No, my dear, let's not deceive ourselves. We knew he didn't like our daughter, you've been the one forcing the whole thing on him. "I know someday our daughter is going to meet the man specially made for her and Osaze is definitely not that man"

Mrs Badmus glared at her husband and he looked away. "Ah" he pointed aimlessly, "I better talk to my sister" he said walking away.

Eniola stared at Osaze with a frown on her face. "Turn that frown upside down jare!" Jemima encouraged, "It's a wedding party and not a funeral"

Eniola clicked her tongue then he hissed now rolling her eyes.

Hilary 👆👆

A dark complexioned lady walked up to Osaze smiling, "I'll be damned" she said with a British accent. "Osaze Benjamin Briggs, wow" she she said and a smile curved across his cheeks.

"You look handsome as ever"

"You're looking great"

"Yeah..."

"What are you doing here?"

"Your mother invited me over"

"Seriously? So you flew in from London to attend a traditional marriage. You don't even know whose traditional marriage it is" "Yeah I know. She paid for my flight ticket here so, I couldn't say no"

Osaze scoffed, "How did she get to you?" "Your mother is influential and we spoke a few times this years we dated" "Let me guess, she sent you here so we could....." He trailed off and she smiled.

"I actually thought it was crazy judging from the fact our relationship wasn't defined but I liked you and I still like you and your Mom filled me in with your break up with your girlfriend. She also had me at marriage and I just thought, wait, it'll be a perfect chance to have that Nigerian wedding with you" 

Osaze exhaled and Morenike walked towards them, "I see you've met Hilary" she said almost as though there wasn't any quarrel between them.  "You know with Eniola gone, she should be the perfect substitute"

Hilary cringed her nose, she didn't like the sound of being anyone's substitute. "With her, I can reconsider the other deal. I can have the documents torn apart and we can start afresh"

"I already started moving. Thank you Mrs Briggs, I don't need the building back"

"What building?" Hilary asked and Morenike shut her eyes, "Benjamin" "Ma'am.... please, I'll like to speak to Hilary alone if you don't mind" he requested and she walked away embarrassed.

Hilary scoffed, "You weren't the one who suggested marriage right? It's all your mom's idea" "Yeah" "Shit! I'm an idiot, I should have known!" She replied then she slapped her face.

"I feel so stupid. But I'm here Osaze and we could rekindle the dead fire" "I .. can't, I'm sorry"

She rolled her eyes, "There's someone else right?" She asked and he shrugged, "I....." "There has to be someone else. Who's she?" She asked and Osaze smiled. "Oh my God! There is, tell me or I'll tickle you into telling me"

"Her name is Osarieme"

"That's like a Benin name right?"

"Yeah. Is she prettier than I am?" She asked and images of her sleeping besides him flashed through his head and he smiled. "You're in love with her" "Am I? The truth is I don't know what I feel about her and she's been yapping about going back to Benin"

"Dude, you're in love with her, why don't you let her know. Unless she doesn't like you, which will be good cause I'm still very much single and available" she answered and he chuckled.

"I think she does, there hasn't been a confession but....." He paused dipping his hands into the pocket of his trousers. "You know how difficult I can be" "I do. How did you meet her?"

"We met officially in on our way to Lagos" "In the airplane? Wow, let me guess, you both sat in the same seat" "It was in a bus. Mom got me angry and I took a the bus, and yes we sat together and we got separated and but we found each other"

"Awwn. Sounds like fate"

"She works with me"

"Tell your mom, let her know you're in love to save you and other girls the heart break that comes from a bad match making" "We're not on good terms, even if we are, she wouldn't agree to me getting married to her"

"Why?" She asked and Osaze gave her a look, "Oh. She doesn't have money right? I don't want to use the word poor"

"Yeah..... All she wants is someone with a degree from one of the best colleges in London or any girl with good professional and also from a rich home"

"What does she work as? You can upgrade her, get her a good job"

"She wants to be a doctor" he answered with a small smile, "Which is great! What is she now?" "A cleaner'

Hilary laughed nervously, "Your Mom's gonna freak out." "Yeah. I know but I don't care"

"Oh my gosh, do you need a soothsayer to tell you like her? I can see it. What's stopping you then from getting her if you don't care about what your mom thinks" she asked then she nodded afterwards in understanding. "The nightmares? I thought therapy was going well"

"It was. It worked but it didn't make me forget."

"I think if you finally have a shot at loving someone, you should give it a go, don't hold back or let anything hold you back." She advised and he exhaled, "Even though she has plans to leave"

"Even though" she answered and he smiled. "I have somewhere to be" he answered and she smiled, "Go on"  "I'm sorry you came all the way here for nothing"

"It's nothing Osaze, i guess I'm just going to enjoy the party then"

Denrele walked towards Tasha and she looked around to see if her mother was looking. "If you know what's good for you Denrele, you'll stay away from me" she said through gritted teeth.

"Babe"

"Don't babe me! It's one thing that I don't want to charge you to court or  make my rape public so if you know what's good for you, you'll leave me alone"

"What's your own self? See, I'm only here because your mother. Normally I don't usually press girls that I've messed with already but base on who you are, i'm still giving you face and you're still doing shakara. Don't you know you're like trash now, who manages trash?" He asked and she slapped him right there in front of the whole crowd.

The number of stares he got made him so ashame he wanted to slap her silly. "You slapped me?" He asked moving closer to her and Osaze got in between them.

"What's going on here?" He asked and Denrele scoffed, "Why don't you ask this bitch here" he snapped, "Did you just call my sister a ....?" Osaze asked, "That's exactly what she" before he could complete his sentence, Osaze punched Denrele in the face.

He scoffed touching his face then he walked away. "What was that for?" Morenike asked and Tacha walked away in tears while Osaze followed her. "Tacha" he called out grabbing her hands.

"What happened there?"

"Nothing"

"Did he say something to you?"

"He's just an asshole"

"Did he do something to you?" He asked and she stalled, 'He raped me' was at the tip of her tongue but she couldn't say it.

"Nothing"

"Nothing and you're crying. Tacha you can tell me anything. I hope you know that"

She nodded, "I do. I'm fine, I'll be fine"

George's phone rang and just when Esther was about to the testator's Barrister Lawson's office. She glanced at the caller's ID then she silenced the phone now walking into the office.

The man lifted his head, "Good morning Mrs George" he called out,  "Good morning Sir" "Long time, please have your seat" he requested and she did then she busted into tears leaving him concerned as to what her problem might be.

"How can you be inconsiderate? How can my husband be in this kind of state and you show no concern at all"

"Is all well with George? Pardon me but I haven't heard any news pertaining to him, the last time he called was on Monday morning. Is everything ok?" 

"My husband has gone mad"

"What?"

"Yes. He's been acting strangely, saying all manner of things that are not real. Things he made in his mind, I thought I should help him and get him help but then he strangled me." "What?"

"Yes Sir, the nurses witnessed it, if they didn't come in time, I would have been dead" she cried out wiping her tears. "I'm so heart broken, this didn't have to happen now"

"I'll need to see George for myself"

"The doctor said he's not in a good position to see anyone for now"

"Till when?"

"I don't know" she cried louder to avoid being asked anymore question. Barrister Lawson passed her an handkerchief which she used in dusting her tears off her face. 

"I know it's too soon but with my husband in this state, i don't know when it'll continue, I just want to know about his will and who he left his properties to. I mean as his wife, I do have the right to make such demands right?"

"George isn't dead yet"

"I know but he's indisposed, this condition might take years. I wish you saw how he strangled me" she touched her neck as though relieving the event. "I was scared. See, I'm his legally married wife and he has three children, it'll be nice to have his properties shared among the children. Especially my first son"

"Your husband might be currently incapacitated but I'm sorry, it's too early and I just only found out and now you're making demands for his will"

Esther frowned, "See Sir, I didn't come to negotiate, neither have I come to beg you. I am making this demand as peacefully as I can now. All I'm asking for is to see my husband's will or else I'll do I by force"

"I don't work well with threats"

"Well, get ready to work with this one cause you'll be seeing my face till you make me see my husband's will"

Barrister Lawson exhaled, "I don't usually keep his will here" "I'll wait or better still why don't you tell me what I need to know" she asked and he chuckled softly. "I think it'll be better for you to see it with your own eyes"

"See what?"

"George wrote a letter for you to go through as soon as he leaves earth but since you're after seeing his will, I think it's only pertinent to read it. I'll have it sent to you"

Barrister Lawson pressed his intercom requesting his secretary to bring in George's will. She arrived fifteen minutes later with it, she bowed her head leaving the office.

The Barrister handed her a brown envelope so she tore it open to read the content on the letter.

By the time you'll be reading this, I would have already been dead. I wake up one morning to realize that I don't remember the 26 years of my life. I don't even remember we had two other children, only to find pictures, I don't know what happened, I have no idea what you did but i feel that I've been charmed. I don't know how true this is but I don't think it's normal; I think you charmed me.

I know I haven't exactly been the beat husband to you but I want you to be reminded of the circumstance of our marriage. Esther I never loved you and you knew it! Sorry I'm sounding this way but you know me, I'm always this blunt. I haven't been the best husband, I cheated and I'm sorry for it.
I'm sorry I loved another woman more than I ever loved you. I have made some changes to my will and I expect you to accept it, even though I know you won't.

Let me drop the suspense, I've given my first daughter, my first child Osarieme, power of attorney over my will and over my and wealth and properties and estates, she'll be the one to share it to her siblings as she damn well pleases. 

Sorry Esther, but I'm not sorry for this decision

"What?" Esther asked in shock now taking her eyes off the paper in her hands. "George can't be serious! I'm sure he was mad when he wrote this" she threw the letter away.

"George was quite sane when he came to me!"

"Giving power of attorney to that illegal child? Where was she when I married him? Where was the wretched mother when George and I started life? Where was she? This can't be happening" She cried, this time for real. 

"I'm sorry"

"Don't tell me you're sorry! Cause if you're a sensible person yourself, you would have advised him on the right decisions to make!"

Barrister Lawson gasped, "Why the insults?" "Wo, see! I will challenge this will in court! Yes, I said it! I will challenge it, George wasn't in his right sense and I'll prove it! I swear!" She banged the desk leaving the office.

Judas barged into the Madam Davina's office and she rose up feeling better insulted. "There's a reason we have a door. Can't you knock?" "This is serious business"

"What serious business?"

"We're looking for two of your workers"

"What are their names?"

"Ejiro and Osas"

Madam Davina scoffed, "And who's looking or them?" "Just answer the question" "You can't come into my office making demands"

Judas brought out a gun placing it on the table and Madam Davina scoffed taking out her own gun then she placed it on a table too.

"Don't come threatening me in my damn office. You're not the only one with the gun and you don't scare me, not even for a bit."

The only fear she had that moment was for Osas. What does he want with her? Could he be one of Chief Akinola boys?

"I didn't come to cause trouble"

Her eyes wandered down his gun which was still seated on the table.  "The last I checked guns are not symbols for peace-making." "Maybe we started on the wrong foot. My name is Judas"

"And I don't care, whether it's Judas it Iscariot, it's none of my damn business. So why don't we skip the preambles to the part where you tell me why you're looking for these girls"

"My boss wants them for questioning"

"Questioning?"

"Yes"

"I already fired Osas"

"And this Ejiro, where is she?"

"She hasn't resumed work yet"

"Whenever she comes..." So picked a pen from the desk writing his phone number on a paper. "Call this number" he added then he picked up his gun leaving the office.

Madam Davina hissed, "Osas, what trouble have you gotten into again?" She asked now dialing Ejiro's number. "Good morning Ma" "Where are you?"

"I'm at a friend's place"  "Some men came looking for you. I don't think you should resume today or tomorrow, just stay away for a while"

"They came there too?"

"Is there anything I should know of?"

"Osas went for an ushering gig in a political event along with some girls, apparently the girls were used for ritual except Osas, she escaped narrowly and I'm sure they want her dead"

"Where's she? Is she..... Is she with you?"

"No"

Madam Davina's heart skipped, "Where is she?" "She's safe Ma" Ejiro answered and she let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God" she muttered. "Have you spoken to her?" "No, she doesn't have a phone anymore. She left it there but someone assured me of her safety. I'm sure she'll be fine Ma"

"Thanks"

"You're welcome Ma" She answered curious to know why she had suddenly developed interest in Osas. "Sorry Ma but .... Why do you suddenly care about Osas?"

Madam Davina scoffed, "Is it wrong for a boss to show concern about her employees? Didn't I also call to ask for your well-being?" She snapped with a hint of anger in her voice leaving Ejiro in regret.

"I'm sorry Ma"

Osaze returned back home holding two shopping bags, he had gone shopping for clothes, shoes and a phone. He entered into the house, not to thrilled about finding the door opened.

Osas got into the sitting room, "Welcome back" she smiled and he looked at the door. "You're supposed to keep the door locked, it's not safe"

"It hasn't been long since Mrs Obianuju left the house. I'm sorry"

"What's that?" She asked pointing at the bags and he stretched it out to her. "It's yours" he answered and she moved closer grabbing the bag from him.

"Thank you" she smiled sitting on the couch then she opened it seeing some dresses in it. She opened the other one removing a phone pack. "Seriously?" She asked in surprise  now rising up, "My phone Android phone"

"After you self

"We'll go retrieve your sim on Monday"

"Why you buy.....? But I no win the challenge" she moved closer to him still wearing the shocked express on her face. "You didn't but you deserved it, you deserve much more Osas." He confessed then he cleared his throat. "Thank you" she hugged him then she pulled away.

"God bless you for the phone and the cloth.  Abi na send forth gifts?" She asked and he scoffed angrily over her bringing up the topic again. "Wetin happen?" She asked noticing the change in his expression.

"Nothing. I'll charge the phone for you then I'll go back to the foundation" "Why?"

"I work on Saturdays"

"But you being no plan to go today" "Cause I had wedding plans" "Are you avoiding me?" She asked and he shook his head. "Why will I avoid you?"

"Cause I dey vibe am. I do anything to make you vex? If na the period way stain your bed, shebi I don wash the bed sheet? You dey make an be like say make I go now now now"

"Why do you want to go back so badly"

"Shebi you sef say make I go, why you come dey vex?"

"Go if you want to"

"Wetin dey there? Na hard thing, first thing on Monday morning, I don go park, enter first  bus to Benin" she snapped walking away then she turned back at him witholding her tears.

Na who dem say like me be this? Like kor like ni!

"No dey make me feel bad. I no dey like make I dey person house and the person dey vex for me. If no be condition make me dey here, I for no come here at all" she complained, crying out at the same time and Osaze felt guilty. 

"Osas" he called out and she walked away.

"Osarieme please" he called out and she halted still in tears. "Im sorry" he apologized and she turned towards him sniffling, "Wetin?" "Hey, I didn't mean to make you cry"

"Soon I'll be out of your hair so, you don't have to worry"

"Will you stop saying that?  Each time you say that thing, it makes me angry"

"Why?"

"Because I don't want you to go" he confessed, "Oh. Because of Chief Akinola case?"

"Not just that”

"Which other reason?" She asked and he exhaled suddenly feeling nervous. He moved closer to her, snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to himself, parting her lips with his and she kissed him back before withdrawing.

"I don't want you to go because i like you Osas and I don't think I can bear the thought of you leaving. Don't ever suggest it, don't even think of it"  he confessed and she broke into tears.

"What?" He asked on seeing the tears on her face. "Is it because of the kiss, I'm sorry.... I thought you liked me. Raymond said....., oh my God I'm sorry"

"For what?"

"The kiss"

"Kiss way I like" she admitted and he chuckled, "You do?" "Yes. You no care say I be ordinary cleaner?"  "I don't care, I love you just the way you are."

"But you dey always do like say I dey annoy you"

"Because you're annoying Osas! You're very annoying! You're a talkative most times, and you usually manage to make me talk to much. The truth is,  I like it when you talk, I love everything you do, I love the fact that even when I get you angry, you never hold grudges against me. You're the most selfless person I've ever met and I think you're amazing."

Osas bit her lips and Osaze looked right into her eyes, she knew he was going to kiss her and she instantly felt shy. He touched her chin lightly with his fingers and she chuckled.

"You still dey put me for suspense on top kiss again. Slow motion too much, e con be like say na indian film I dey watch." she snapped and they both laughed then she pressed her lips against his shutting her eyes. They both kissed passionately while Osaze's, hand moves around her waist sending a flush feeling through her body.

He stopped now looking at her as she chuckled softly in sweetest way ever!

Awwwwn

😍😍

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