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Very long episode!!!!

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Chapter 49

Unedited

Morenike kissed Osifo on the lips, "That kiss is as saltless as the sauce you cooked" she complained and she pinched his arm. "Will you let go of that already?" She complained making him laugh.

He heard his phone ring for the twentieth time that evening then he rolled his eyes. "I think I should just switch it off, maybe it's Nkoyo" "No, let it ring. Trust me when i say, it's a turn on for me" she replied pressing her lips against his.

"Why don't I add some salt to this kiss"

"I'll really like that" he answered and she kissed him deeply, now running his hands across his chest.

This was followed by a knock on the door. It was Nana, even though she hated to break up whatever was going on in there. They needed to know that Tacha had been rushed to a hospital.

"Who is it?" She shouted, "It's me Morenike" "What is it?" She groaned and Osifo laughed.

"I hate to break your romance sugbon nkan to sele. Please open the door" she begged and Morenike quickly pulled her night robe wearing it then she ran towards the door to open it.

"What happened?"

"Its Tacha, she was rushed to the hospital"

Hospital

Osaze was pacing left and right the hospital hallway while Osas cringed her face at his inability to stay calm for a minute. "Osaze calm down" Osas begged and he shot a look at her.

"No worry, carry on" she replied looking away and he walked up to her. "I didn't mean it that way" he whispered. "I no vex, I'm just leaving you to yourself"

"I just can't calm down. For crying out loud, I'm scared" tears ran down his eyes and she wiped them off. "Let's be hopeful. Let's leave it to God and the doctors to do their job"

Osaze sobbed wiping catarrh off his nose, "I won't forgive myself if she dies. I'll never forgive myself" he placed his hands on his arching chest. "Just take it easy. Osaze I swear, if you get heart attack for here, I go house leave you" "I don't want to take it easy, I just want to cry my eyes out"

"Ehya. Cry me a river. Make I bring pail come make you for kukuma cry inside. At least I get wetin I go use baf tomorrow, na that kain water I dey like. Abi make I dig hole make you cry put inside, make I for swim inside" she chipped in leaving him speechless.

Kubiat leaned on the wall with his hands on his head. "I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to Tacha" "Hey, it's not your fault" Ejiro said running her hands on the shoulder holster he had on.

"It is"

"You told her to stay back, you did your best to make sure she stops the investigation but she didn't. How is it your fault? Don't blame yourself for this, no one saw it coming"

"I did! Tacha.... She's just so stubborn" his phone rang. He sniffled before answering the call. "Hey" "How is she?" Detective Kenneth asked, "Nothing. The doctors are trying to revive her" he sobbed and the detective kept quiet.

"We got the dealers. It was successful. That was all I wanted to... say. I'm sorry about Tacha" "Oh save the apology Kenneth, she's not dead!" He snapped hanging up. "Can you.... Can you imagine this guy?" He stammered through then he hissed loudly.

"Take it easy. It's going to be fine"

Madam Davina was seated on one of the chairs along with Mathias. Chike sat on the floor, his head in between his legs. Osas joined him. "Oga hold body, no dey do like say you go faint right now. After today, all of una go dey claim men are the strongest"

"I don't want anything happening to her, with the way we ended things." Tears ran down his eyes and she pushed his head leaning against her shoulder. "It's going to be alright little bro"

Vera cried clasping her hands, "God please, don't let her die. She can't die!" She sobbed and Philip embraced her. "Honey, you have to take it easy" "Take it easy? That's my baby sister"

"Then take it easy for our baby, please"

A nurse walked up to them, "Please you all will have to leave this corner" "If I sound you ehn!" Vera raised her hands up, "Leave kor, leave ni. My baby sister is fighting for her life and the best you can say is leave. Let me see you move me now, come and move me"

"Vera!" Osas yelled.

"See as all your muscles dey pop out, you fit even enter emergency labour oh. Just calm down"

"Dont tell me to calm down Osas"

"You vex? Make una no calm down oh. Get hypertension because of the matter, when Tacha don come out alive and all of una go come dey hospital bed, na who go come sorry for who then? My point is, we all need to be strong for Tacha now. Our personal prayer and hope will go a long way! The doctors are trying their best, let's hand it to God"

"Osas has a point" Philip replied.

At this point, Morenike, Osifo and Nana walked towards them. "Where's she? Where's my daughter?" Morenike asked and Vera walked closer hugging her father. "She's in the ER Daddy, she's in the ER"

"What happened?" He asked, "She had a heart attack, by the time she was brought here there was no barely a pulse" "Heart attack?" Morenike asked in shock, "One idiot she was investigating overdosed her Mommy" she busted into tears now shifting to hug her mother.

She had no idea why she hugged the woman, maybe it was because what she wanted that moment was a motherly hug.

"They overdosed her" she repeated once again while Morenike combed her fingers through her daughter's hair. Tears ran down her eyes from hearing Vera call her 'Mommy' after a long time. "God forbid that Tacha will die now, she's going to be fine"

She replied now looking into her face, she turned towards Osaze hoping to get the same reaction but he only looked towards his father. "Good evening Dad" he greeted and Osifo approached him.

"Good evening Sir, good evening Ma. Good evening Nana" Osas greeted rising up. "Good evening My dear" Osifo replied, "Good evening" Morenike answered back and Nana walked up to Osas.

"Thank you for taking care of the situation. That's a what a real woman does. Your will reap it" "Thank you"

"Good evening Ma" Chike rose up and she placed her palm against his cheeks. "Awwwn, my boy. See how red go r eyes are"

Osas forced a smile now meeting Osaze and his father.

"Kubiat" Morenike called out staring sternly at him. He hasn't seen that look since his secondary school. He clasped his hands getting ready for some heavy nagging. "Ma'am I'm sorry for this. It wasn't supposed to be this way, I warned Tacha, she's just stubborn"

"If i were you, I won't even put the blame on him cause if it wasn't for him and the police who came to the rescue. The worst would have happened" Madam Davina replied and Morenike exhaled, "What are you doing here?"

"Long story made short, I made the call to the detective. The mission wasn't even to save Tacha, she was lucky, I just hope she makes it out of this"

Morenike exhaled.

"What are the doctors saying?" Osifo asked his son who cleared his throat before answering, "She went into heart attack, because she didn't get the right first Aid.... By the time they brought her here, there was little or no pulse, they were able to stabilize her at first but then it started again. They've been inside doing their best to revive her" he facepalmed himself then he returned his gaze back to his father. "I've been calling you all day" "I was..." Osifo trailed off, then he cleared his throat. "I was with your Mom" "Doing what?"

"I stopped by at the house and we've been having intentional uninterrupted conversations"

"Conversation with her? What kind of conversation cause i called like ten times"

"They've been having intentional uninterrupted conversations, Osaze! No dey do like Ozwor (mumu)" Osas gave him a look and he returned his gaze back to his father. "Wait...." He trailed off, his facial expression reading all manner of surprise!

"A smart woman you've got there"

"Oh...." He trailed off then they both cleared their throat. "I ... I was..." Osaze stammered and Osas felt cold, her spiritual radar was on but she ignored it.

She usually ignore those kinds feelings in hospital because people die everytime. It possibly can't be Tacha.

She looked sideway, spotting Tacha walking by.

"Osano...." She trailed off and Osaze creased his brow in confusion, "What?" "Huh..... Nothing" she knew if she said anything about seeing this, everyone will lose their cool in assumption that she's dead. So she quietly excused herself, following Tacha down the hall.

"Tacha!" She called out and Tacha turned back.

"You can see me? How.....?"

"I don taya to dey explain. Oh my God, its not possible, you can't be dead. Abi I dey dream? Where you dey go?"

"To the light"

"What light? Wait Tach, calm down. Which light you wan go meet?"

"There's a light there" she pointed and Osas exhaled. "Why you dey always do like who no get sense. You no dey watch film? You no know say when once you enter that light you don kpai (dead) be that. No wonder doctors no fit revive you, your spirit no even dey your body. You sense sef don run leave your spirit"

"Ouch"

"Yes Ouch. Na so this night be, I dey enter people anyhow. God no go allow your village people succeed for your case. Tacha, you're not going into any light, listen to me, you're going to back to where you come from"

"Where?"

"England, where else? At least you don die small na, your mumu suppose end, na your kind ghost go knock for door before them enter house"

"Ouch again"

"You're going back into your body"

"How?"

"How I go know? Do it like the Nigerian movies, I've heard stories about people spirit walking and then jumping back into their bodies. Tacha you can't afford to die, didn't you see your family waiting out there for you.

"Why? All I've ever done is hurt everyone, maybe they'll be happy with me gone"

Osas rubbed her forehead, "E just be like say make I just slap you. How can you say that? Osaze and Vera feels terrible, they want you back! Even Kubiat! Your parents are even back together"

"What?" She asked and a smile formed on her face.

"They are"

"You're whinning me"

"Why will whine you?" She asked and a nurse walked by looking at her. "Madam, are you okay?" "Yes, I dey.... receive text" she brought out her phone.

"But you were not with your phone"

"Nurse thank you for the concern, please you can go now. God bless you"

The nurse walked away still turning back at her and Osas waved at her. "Tacha you need to go back into the emergency room. Your family needs you, they'll be devastated with you gone. I swear to God if you no go back now, I no go even attend your burial I go"

Tacha vanished and Osas shut her eyes.

"Jesus, mumu follow the light" she leaned against the wall, "Abi...." She trailed off now walking back to where everyone was.

Back in the emergency room. The nurse operating the defibrillator called out, "Charged!"

The doctor pressed the metal paddles hard against Tacha's chest. "Clear!" There was no improvement or reaction.

Osas walked up to Osaze and Osifo she looked towards the emergency room now shaking her head. His father tapped him walking away to meet Morenike.

"Osaze, you have to take heart" Osas blurted out, "Huh?" He asked, "You do know that take heart is worst than saying keep calm?"

She blinked her eyes, "Did I say that?" "Yes" "Are you sure?" "Yes" "Where's your proof, recording or whatever? Sight evidence?" She asked and he scoffed.

"Its not only sight evidence, it's ear evidence. Osas what's going on?" He asked and she exhaled. "Um..... Osaze, I... I don't even know how to put this in words"

"Say it in pidgin then"

"I....."

The doctor stepped out with a hopeful smile staring at the crowd of wandering family in the hallway. "Doctor how is she?" "We've been able to resuscitate her so she's stable"

Everyone sighed in relief. "Thank you doctor" Osifo replied and Morenike shrugged walking towards him. "I hope you won't mind us transferring her back to our family hospital when she's awake"

"What's wrong with this one?" Osaze asked arcing his brow angrily, "Its not exactly five star, no offense doctor" "None taken Ma" "I appreciate your work but our family hospital has been our patronage for years now. I think it'll be better we move her there" she suggested turning towards her husband.

"What do you think dear?"

Vera and Osaze arced their brow in shock? Dear? What happened to SIFO? And when has she ever cared what their father think?

Osifo wrapped his hands around his wife's waist, "Darling I think we should leave her here, the hospital is not that bad" "It's not five star, if anything happens, the records and..." "She'll be fine here" he added and Morenike exhaled.

"My husband has spoken. We'll keep her here"

Madam Davina whispered into Mathias' ears, she was about to leave. "I'll stay with him" he answered and she gave a gentle nod holding Chike away, "I'll have to return back going back to the club" "I understand. What are we going to do about Dickson?" He asked and she shrugged cluelessly.

"I'll inform his family and there'll be a burial."

"I'm not thrilled he's dead, i mean he technically raised me as his own even though he was annoying most of the time but..... I guess you're free"

She nodded in agreement. "I am"

Morning

Morenike got of the toilet bumping into Osaze, "Osaze, you're awake" "Yes, so are you" "I couldn't really sleep because of the mosquitoes" "I didn't ask you why" he answered walking away.

"Benjamin" she called out and he shut his eyes. "What do you want Mrs Briggs?" He asked glancing back at her, "I'm sorry" she apologized and he scoffed, "You're sorry? For which part Mom? Which part? You think it changes anything just because you're here or because you presented those evidence in court everything is okay? No, Ma'am, its not. Newsflash, it doesn't change a thing" he snapped walking away.

Morenike leaned against the wall crying.

A call from Folabi forced Osas to wake up from the bench she laid on. "Oga, where did you keep your phone? I've been calling since yesterday. I thought you and Eniola would be coming to the beach" "Yeah.... We were going to but we got held up"

"Held up, for inside traffic?"

"Not that kind of traffic"

Osas laughed, "A-fo-la-bi!" "I'm sorry, for missing the stuff" "You don kolonbi my sister shey?" "Osas! You and this Kolonbi" "Make una no sha carry belle" "Osas" "Na my area be this, you use condom?"

"What's up, the call seemed really urgent. I saw about almost fifty missed calls"

Osas watched Osaze approach her with a can malt and a customer nylon. "Na Osaze sister, them hospitalize her, I being want make una know in case una dey find us. I was shocked when I found out I had no missed call from you or even Omo.

Osaze sat down close to her, "Is it Vera?" "No, Tacha" "Ehya, what happened?" "One bad guy overdose her with drugs, na long story and I no get airtime to give you gist. I get plenty people to call."

"I'll let her know. She's kind of sleeping right now"

"After you don damage her finish"

"Jesus, I'll call you back" he answered hanging up then she laughed to herself. "Who's that?" "Folabi" "Oh" he paused sipping from the can malt. "He spent the night with Eniola" she winked at him and he coughed out.

"Wait. I don't understand, what happened yesterday? Its like everyone was celebrating the victory more than us. We didn't get to go home last night"

Osas smiled and he passed her a can malt. "I got you can malt and meat pie, its not fresh meat pie but it'll do" "Didn't you see Pepsi?" She asked then he nodded keeping the can malt to himself.

"More for me"

"Oga give me my malt, you didn't tell me your ancestors were from Ijebu" she collected it and he laughed. "Mom is not even from Ijebu. Shey you were doing shakara"

"Shey you were crying yesterday, now you're smiling"

Osaze laughed drinking the malt. "Point taken but Babe, you're very heartless. I hiow you know that" "Really? What di d I do?"

"Thw whole cry mwe a river comment. How can you just say that kain of thing and not feel pity"

Osas laughed, "E enter? "Very well! It was pretty inconsiderate," he chipped in then he laughed. "And funny too"

Osaze sniffled from having catarrh, " See, you don get catarrh now, I no dey like make person dey.." She sniffled continuously, "When i dey sleep, I go just pursue you commot for room"

He laughed and a full blown balloon popped out of his nose making Osas laughed. He instantly covered it with his palm then he looked around to see if anyone was looking at him.

"No touch me with that hand"

"Which hand? This hand?" He touched her by the wrist and she gasped, "Iyama, you're a dirty boy" "I know I'm a very dirty boy" he moved his face closer to hers and she laughed.

"Osaze, it's official, you don sakan (rotten) finish, na just for us to find where to dump you put naim remain" she laughed and he did too. "Thank you"

"For what?"

"Being here to keep me safe, I know I can be a difficult man"

Osas placed a finger across his lips, "I know but at least you're lucky I can handle you" "You really do know how to handle me" he kissed her lips and her phone rang. It was a call from Imade, "Imade, good morning" "Morning Osas, how far I don dey go oh"

"You no even come sabi where I dey live"

"Another time. My transport oh, you know say na support I come support you"

"Imade as i dey now, I no get cash in hand, make we do am like this, use anything way you get now. When I reach my Papa I go transfer give you. No vex ehn, Osaze sister sick, the matter being get as e be as I dey so, na hospital I dey. No vex, thank you for the support"

"I hear. Greet Osaze for me"

"I hear. Safe journey" she added ending the call and her gaze fell on Osaze. "Why didn't you just ask me for it?" He asked and she exhaled. "Because I didn't want to bother you with my family wahala"

"They say when a man marries a woman, he marries her family and her wahala"

"We're not married"

"In a short period we'll be. How much does she want?"

"How do you feel?" The doctor asked Tacha who had just woken up. "Any pain?" "Yeah, this pain on my face" she touched a black spot on her cheek, "Maybe it was because I got punched by that.... Apart from that, I feel chest pains" she replied and he took note. "What about your breathing, abdominal pains? Any specific pain, any pain"

"Just the chest pain and the weakness. Am I okay?"

"Yeah.... I'm sorry Miss, you lost the baby" he announced and she quietly stared at the doctor. "Were you aware of the pregnancy?" "I was"

"Oh. You're indifferent about it"

"I'm sorry, I won't say I'm not happy about losing it" she answered truthfully and he cleared his throat. "It's complicated doctor" "Your family members are outside, they can't wait to see you, you're lucky to be alive"

"I bet I am"

He tapped her palm, "We'll run more test but for now, you'll be fine" "Thank you" she answered weakly and he left.

The crowd of family members all marched into the room making Tacha smile. "Oh my God, you're all here" she looked up at Mathias, "Even you? Awwwn, I feel so loved. I'm glad I didn't follow the light" she answered looking at Osas.

"What light is she talking about?" Nana asked and Tacha chuckled looking at her parents. "I'm glad you and Mom are back together" "How did you find out? You just woke up" Morenike asked and she laughed.

"Osas told me"

"When?"

"When I was about following the light, I was almost dead, wandering the hall when she saw me and we spoke. She gave me a whole lot of reasons to be alive even when I felt there was no point"

Morenike arced her brow, "I don't understand, she's a medium or what?" "Even me sef never get to understand my gift, no too think am Ma." "Someone forgot to mention it to me"

"I didn't want to scare you. It got to a point that I thought she followed the light"

"That was when you told me to take heart"

Osas laughed. "Exactly" "I'm happy to be back. Even with the baby gone, I believe everything happened for better." "Save your strength!" Osas snapped and she laughed. "First, I want to say a big apology to everyone, especially Kubiat, I know I was being stubborn. I just wanted to prove to everyone that I can do something right for the first time in my life"

"The operation went well, they caught the dealers. You were brave Tacha, although you scared the shit out of me"

"I'm sorry" she exhaled looking at Mathias. "How was I saved? I'll like hear the story. What happened to KC, the last thing I remember was trembling from all that drugs in my system"

"Madam Davina called me in order to save her ....friend Mathias. Luckily for me, you were there. We were able to rush you in before....."

"Wow. I feel so lucky"

"Tacha, save your energy" her father warned, "You're not the usual talkative, I don't understand why you're talking so much"

"I saw death Dad, permit me to talk"

Morenike rose up, "I'll ask everyone that's not part of the family to please leave the room. No offense" "None taken Ma" Ejiro answered leaving with Kubiat so did Chike and Mathias.

"Babe, I'll be outside" Osas said, "You can stay Osas"

"Oh.... Okay" she replied excited about the development.

"Since we're all here, the whole family and all, I just want to use this medium to say that ..... I'm sorry to my children, Benjamin, Vera, Tacha. I know I've not been the best mother, I've been self-centered, I've made decisions that I now regret. I already spoke to Tacha already. Vera I'm sorry for trying to come in between your marriage with Philip. I think you have an amazing amazing husband and I've been really unfair to him. He reminds me of your father, even when I was been awful to him, he still kept on trying"

Philip smiled.

"Osaze"

"Don't" He snapped, "Please don't say it" "I'm sorry" "And its what supposed to wave everything away"

"Babe, that's pretty much the essence of apologies" Osas tugged at his shirt, "Wetin dey do you?" She whispered and he sniffled.
"Well this apology isn't cutting it for me"

"Osaze"

"Mrs Briggs, I already told you, just because you presented the evidence in court doesn't change a thing"

"Please don't listen to him Ma, we are grateful for the help. Osaze, if nur be your Mama, we for no win" "She was trying to clean up the mess she made, I'm sure there was a whole ulterior motive to it like there always is for you"

"Osaze" Osifo called out, "Dad, I'm sorry, I know this isn't what you expected but I'm being sincere. You can paint me as the bad guy right now in this scene but I have more than enough reasons to stay mad at this woman if I want to!" He snapped in tears.

"Osaze, I'm sorry"

"Weren't you the one who sent me out of my home?A gift you gave me, you threw me out of my company? Were you possessed by something? No, it was all you! My own mother turned her back at me when I needed her the most, why, because I didn't want to date the woman she wanted for me. Deep down Ma, I think you're still the same evil person"

"Cut Mom some slack, somethings are not her fault"

"What did she use in brainwashing you?"

"Everyone is not like Osas, we all have our ways of reacting mentally to rape!" She snapped and all eyes fell on her. Morenike busted into tears then she ran out of the room while her husband followed her.

The focus wasn't on Osaze's response, all attention fell on Tacha, "What did you mean by that?" Vera asked and Tacha shrugged, "Mom was raped when she was thirteen"

Vera turned towards her Nana, "Nana is that true?" "Yes. Your mom had a rough start you know, she had a controlling father, after she got raped and got pregnant"

"Pregnant?"

"Her father made her go through abortion. It's not an excuse for her behaviour but its partly the way she behaves certain ways because she doesn't like people seeing right through her. That's why I always tell you all to take it easy with her. The Morenike I raised was a sweet gentle girl, she wants to redeem herself for everything she has done, it won't be easy but with your help it'll be easy for her."

Vera face palmed herself, "Oh my God, I can't believe this

"Osaze, I know you have every reason to be angry, we all do but let's please cut Mom some slack"

Osas left the room and Osaze followed her out.

"She didn't even act like I mattered, look she wanted to talk to me" Chike complained to Mathias,

"She had her entire family with her, you didn't expect her to just focus her attention on you" "She took noticed of you Sir but she didn't even notice me"

Ejiro scratched her eyes, she was feeling sleepy from being sleep deprived the previous night. "You should go home" "No. You need the company" "You need the rest. You've done enough already. Thank you"

"For what?"

"Standing by a crying annoying grown man last night"

"It was nothing. If I don't stand by you who will?"

"You need the rest, I don't need to be told you're tired"

Ejiro laughed. "So are you, you need a change of dress, you need to shower, we both need to shower, maybe together, maybe not" she chipped in and he laughed. "She's fine Kubi, I told you she'll be fine" she rubbed her palm on his cheek.

He held it kissing it.

"You're kissing the hands that I've not washed"

He kissed it once again.

"I haven't taken my bathe yet"

"I don't care" he kissed it again.

"You're kissing the hand that has been used to kill mosquitoes"

He kissed it again and she laughed, "Okay I have to be a lot more convincing to do. You're kissing the hand that has used this hospital public toilet" she added and a grimace spread across his face.

"Okay, that's just gross" he added and they both laughed.

Morenike and Osifo passed by crying, "What do you think must have happened?" Ejiro whispered and Kubiat scoffed covering his lips. "I don't know, but if we're making bet, I'm sure Osaze is at fault"

Ejiro shrugged. "Why?" "Do you want to bet?" He asked and she laughed then he exhaled scratching his hair. "It's over baby" "What's over?" "The drug saga, I'll be going on a leave and it'll be the two of us Kubi and Ejiro, to ourselves"

"Too bad I'll have work"

"Don't worry, I'll play be at home playing wifey, giving you the best massage when you get back home, cooking your best meals, and then we'll get back to the special part of the evening"

Ejiro bit her lips, "That's sweet" "You deserve it for being the best gift a man can ever ask for" he answered then they got distracted by Osaze calling Osas' name. "Osarieme" Osaze called out and she turned towards him.

"I'm not going to argue with you Osaze, I get that you're still angry. Just try find one place for your heart to forgive your Mama. You hear wetin Tacha and Nana talk, no be everybody fit commot mind, pretend like say rape no happen, or dey normal like me. If she say she wan be better person, the least we can do is help her through this journey." She replied walking towards Kubiat and Ejiro.

"How far, couple of the moment"

"She has started with this her whining again" Ejiro replied and Osas laughed. "Not like we're doing Amebo or anything, what happened in there? Mrs Briggs just walked out in tears and Mr Briggs followed"

Osas laughed, "Well.... Mrs Morenike dey try apologize but Osaze come spoil the whole thing" "I knew it" "I knew it" Osaze micmicked and Kubiat laughed. "Ask Ejiro, I already placed a bet on it"

"Don't drag Ejiro into it. I'll be leaving now sef, I need to sleep" "Ehya, you don try. The mosquitoes way parade this hospital yesterday no be from this place" Osas answered now scratching her body.

"I mean it! Bye Osaze"

"Thanks for the support"

"Anytime, Osas" she hugged her then she kissed Kubiat on the cheeks before leaving. Kubiat turned back staring at her. "God I have to put a ring on that girl's fingers" he muttered and Osas smiled.

"Are you serious?"

"This one that you've told this Madam, I'm sure the whole of Lagos will hear"

Osas pouted tapping his belle and he laughed. "I'm not a talkative, I have secretion" she replied sharply and he laughed, "Secre.... What?" "Secret..." She stared at Kubiat who was trying hard to hold his laughter then she brought out her phone checking through the meaning of secretion.

"Oh" Osas said on stumbling on 'secretion', "I have spoilt English for the owners. But there's this word that sounds like it" "Discretion" Kubiat and Osaze replied and she snapped her fingers in agreement, "That's it"

"What made you realize you need to propose?" Osaze asked, "Because..... I was speaking to her I realize she's the best gift a man can ever ask for, she doesn't deserve to be just a girlfriend. I want to make her my wife"

Nana, Vera and Philip for out of the room, then Nana walked up to Chike, "Tacha will like to see you alone dear". Chike rose up bowing his head at her before entering into the room.

"Hey"

"Hey" she replied with a smile, "I thought you didn't notice me"

"Why won't I?" She asked then he watched her hands shake then she covered it under the sheet, he sat on the bed now holding her hands. "Hey" "My hands" "You just went through something serious, its totally understandable to need it. I heard the news after I performed on stage last night. I couldn't concentrate, within me I was like, is this it? Is this how you'll end?" "Shocking on my stubbornness bah? I know you warned me but at least I got the job done, I'm not entirely useless"

"No one said you are. Stop limiting yourself, just stop it! You already proved what you wanted, you don't have to prove anything to any one any longer"

"I still have a lot I want to achieve"

"Let's do it together then. Chike and Tacha the unstoppable" he chipped and she chuckled, "Sounds like a band name,are you hiring back ups? Cause I'm going to be spoiling your songs really well"

Chike chuckled moving his lips close to her, "I don't care, you can lip sync to whatever I sing, I'll still let you take the glory" "Sounds sweet, I have a chance to be alive again and I want to create more difference in the world, I want to trot every globe, I want explore the world and it's possibilities"

"Let's do it together"

"I don't want to hold you back Chike and that's the only thing I'm going to do. There's this big hole inside of me, ever since the rape and I've been trying to fill it" "We'll fill it with love"

"I want more Chike and I want more than love, I want the adventure, like the thrill I had yesterday and I don't want to hold you back"

Chike scoffed, "You're always bringing up excuses to set us apart, is it because your brother is my brother in law and my sister is your sister in law, is that it? You feel like we're related in some way. Have there been complaints?" "No. I don't care about all that. After I left this place, KC called, I went over because I needed drugs, I needed to feel better"

"We can work through it"

"We can't cause I'm only going to keep hurting you, Dr. Joke was right, our relationship will become toxic and now i understand it more. The hole in me will keep getting bigger and you won't be enough to fill it. I need to go through therapy, discover myself, see the world. I love you Chike, I love you so so much but the truth remains. I'm a ticking time bomb, I can explode any moment and I won't want to do that on your face. You deserve better Chike, better than the tears, better than me"

He placed his forehead head against her forehead both crying.

Eniola open her eyes to find Folabi seated beside her typing on his laptop. "Good morning Baby" "Good morning Sunshine, someone's finally awake" "It won't be bad to wake up every morning to this, seeing you in the morning

"Ah.... I see your gimmicks, you're trying to cajole me into not leaving" "Me? Cajole you?No! Just saying you're going to miss out on all of this" she laughed and he gazed at her passionately.

His attention ran down to her breast and she laughed. "You've been doing that since last night." "Maybe I'm crazy over it like a hungry little baby" he replied keeping his laptop on the drawer then got over got over positioning his lips close to her nipples where he flicked his tongue over the erect nipple, took a look at her before swallowing more deeply.

"You never struck me as the breast kind" she replied and he leaned his head against it. "I just found a new pillow to lay my head on" "Too bad, you won't be laying on the pillow for a while"

Folabi laughed, he knew she was trying to influence his decision to go back to Benin. "Women" he muttered and she smiled rubbing his hair. "That reminds me, Osas left several missed calls and then a message on your phone and also mine"

"I forgot to inform her. Have you called her?"

"Yes I did"

"What did she say? Does she know?"

"Yes. The first thing she said was, you don finally kolobi my sister shey?"

Eniola laughed, "Sounds like something she'll say." "No,at first I apologised for missing the stuff and then she said, you don finally kolonbi my sister shey? Then she said,no sha carry belle" he chipped and she laughed.

"That's impossible, I'm safe"

"She also said, Osaze's sister was admitted at the hospital"

"Oh my God, who? Vera?"

"No, the other one"

"Tacha. Why is all the bad happening to her? What happened?" "Someone overdosed her on drugs so she had a heart attack but she's doing better now" "I'm glad. That girl has suffered"
"You have missed calls from Jemmy, Queen, your Mom, Dad and Mummy Temmy."

"Mummy Temmy?"

"Who's she?"

"My dad's sister. Where's my phone?" She asked and he tossed the phone to her. She instantly put a call through to her. "Mummy good morning" "Morning"

"Where are you?"

"I'm at .....home" she answered shutting one if her eyes, she hoped that her lie will settle in, "Which home?" "Home home" "Which home oh, cause I'm at your place and I can't find you there"

"That was what I meant. I'm at Jemmy's home, you know Jemmy my friend na, I'm in her home, her home is like my second home" she replied and Folabi laughed.

"Shhh" she mouthed listening to her Aunt's response.

"Oya fi phone fun Jemima ki n soro pelu oun (Give the phone to Jemima let me talk to her)"

"Jemmy!" She called out, "She's in the bathroom Mummy"

"So you have started lying"

"I am not lying, I'm serious"

Mummy Temmy handed the phone over to Jemima who instantly busted into laughter. "Hello Enny" "Oh my God, shit Jemima! Why are you there?" She asked and Folabi busted into a loud laughter.

"Is that Folabi?"

"Yes, I can't believe you just called his name out loud"

"Sorry. I called you last night, but you didn't pick up, I called Folabi and it was the same. I was worried, so I came here to wait knowing you wouldn't spend your night elsewhere. I waited and waited but you didn't show up"

"And I just lied to Mummy right now"

Jemima laughed. "Its so funny" "You could have given me heads up" "How?You weren't picking up your calls and I left you several this morning"

Mummy Temmy collected the phone back. "Madam, I hope you have found another lie" "Mummy Mummy love, you know I love you" "Oya give this Folabi the phone now"

"Mum...my" her voice sounded subtle then she passed the phone to him."What?" He asked, "She wants to say hi to you" "We both know its not hi" "Get the phone" she whispered putting it on loud speaker.

"I'm waiting oh. It's credit that I'm using oh"

Folabi collected the phone. "Good morning Ma" "So you are the one that's making Eniola not to sleep in her parent's house" "It wasn't intentional Ma, ejo ema binu (please don't be offended" "So you're a Yoruba boy"

"Yes Ma"

"I want to see my child oh after how many month. I'll be going for a wedding, why don't you bring my daughter so I can see her this evening. Let's have dinner"

"Yes Ma"

"Don't waste my time oh"

"Rara Ma (No, Ma), we'll be there"

Ochuko knocked on Madam Davina's office then he walked into it. She was seated clad in a black lacey gown. "Good morning Madam Dee" "Good morning Ochuko" "Them dey wait for you" "Thank you." She replied rising up and he turned back to leave.
"Ochuko" she called out and he turned.

"Hm?"

"Thank you, truthfully I never thought you could shift loyalty" "You get Osas to thank for that one"

"Maybe after this break we're about to go through to mourn Dickson, we can later talk about your promotion"

Ochuko smiled. "Higher pay?" "Why not, but there's a condition," "What?" "You are to apologize to every staff you've used, you know what I mean and you're not to abuse any one that needs job, if there isn't any vacancy, let them go, no unnecessary flirting with staffs, or firing of staffs for no reason. This is my club now and if I want to run it, I'll like to do it the right way, one stupid move and I swear, I go show you the way out"

"Yes Ma"

"Ochuko you look like who supposed be better person, maybe if you change, you fit marry next year"

Ochuko laughed in disbelief, "Amen"

Osifo walked up to Osaze and Osas, "Where's Mrs Briggs Sir?" She asked, "The security guy, took her and Nana home" "Wait, i thought Nana was with Vera and Philip and what Security guy are you talking about what?" "Specialised security operatives were hired to guard your Mom in case these men tru anything funny. Your mom is scared they'll..."

"That's why she's seeking for forgiveness"

"I know she's not going to die. I know you're angry, i was angry too but as a father, all I'm asking from you is for you to be considerate, your Mom feels horrible for everything that has happened. All she wants is a second chance . I want you to think about it"

"I've heard"

Osaze's house

Osas stepped into the bathroom naked, she turned on the letting the water pour down her body. She exhaled thinking of how the stress of the previous day, her joints from all the stress, something she would normally overlook! On a norm, she'll do a lot more work and not feel a thing! Now she's having joint pains she didn't think exist.

She laughed off the thought of it then she blamed Osaze for making her lazy! Then the thought of her victory crossed her mind and she exhaled, silently thanking God for it.

She thought of Adetutu and Ezekiel. She thought of Chief and his cohorts, she wondered of they had all been caught. What about Simone? What about those guards working with him? Is something else going to go wrong?

Then she thought of Morenike and Tacha's confession about her getting raped. Her mind breezed back fifteen years ago when she gave her that advise. The one advise that kept her moving on.

You don't get it, rape isn't the end of the world. People get raped all the time, you can get on with your life, act like it didn't happen.

She became even more grateful for being a survivor without a single blemish. How she psychologically made it through her ordeal, she had no idea. The only she could do that moment was to be grateful to God!

Her head was literarily on overload! She was beginning to have headache when she felt Osaze's arm from behind, encircle around her chest region. She chuckled biting her lower lips.

"I'm not angry at you if that's what you think"

"I was thinking about that, thank you for being there for me " he kissed her neck and she moved her head to give him more room.
"I was thinking, let's invite the whole family here for dinner"

Osas turned towards him turning off the shower, "Whole family Iike.....?" "Your family and my family for dinner" "You dey whine my nipples?" "I'm only staring at your nipples, I'm not whining them" he replied and she laughed. "Serious now" she tapped him and he smiled. "I'm serious"

"Oh my God. Thank you for trying" she said and he smiled. "Anything for you" he answered kissing on the lips. "Calm down. What should we cook, as I dey like this, I am clueless"

"I don't know, just do something simple, I don't want you stressing yourself after this again." "I'm stressed out already, I'm having joint pains where I usually don't have joint pains and it's your fault"

"How is it my fault?" He laughed and she bit her, "You've been making me lazy, I haven't hustled in a long while." "Because I don't want you suffering again, ever again. You've suffered enough, just sit down and let Osaze take care of you"

"The only thing I do is cook and cook" "You forgot to mention" he brought his lips closer to her ear and she laughed. "Tah! I know wetin you want talk, spoil spoil pikin!" She snapped and they both laughed.

"Where will we host it? I'm putting Papa into consideration"

"Yeah, you're right. I didn't think of it, let it be over at your Dad's place then"

"Thank you"

"You're forever welcome"

Osifo knocked on Tiffany's door, the second time, she opened up leaning against the door. "I've been calling you since last night, what happened?" "Tacha had a little accident" "Again?" She asked, "Again? Was there an accident?"

"The pregnancy, the drugs, the rape, no offense darling but everything with her feels like an accident. Are you going to stand by the door? Let's go in"

"No. There's absolutely no need for that, everything about Tacha is not an accident, its a mistake just like you were my mistake" "What?" She asked, "Nkoyo, I'm sorry but I'm back with my wife. That was the reason I didn't return your calls yesterday"

Tiffany scoffed, "You can't.... You can't be serious" "I am serious. We're back together" "Why? Because she what? Did what she did in court? That's not enough reason to go back to her. Baby, have you forgotten so soon, she doesn't love you, she'll never love you or show you the love you deserve but I can"

"I'm sorry Nkoyo if you feel hurt about this, I just came to make it clear to you that I'm back on track with my wife. Good bye" he concluded turning his back to leave. "Uou mean, back on track suffering once again, nursing a broken heart. What does she have that I don't? I've got it all, I'm young and sexy, she's all old and rusty"

Osifo turned back, "You're young and sexy alright but that old and rusty woman moved me in way your young body never did. I was hoping we could have a civil discussion and agreement. I'm back with Morenike, you just have to get used to it. Thank you" he chipped in walking towards Aunt Avia's house.

When he remembered his sister wasn't at home, he walked out of the gate.

George sat in the living room reading a newspapers with the headline Chief Akinola's arrest; a sample to curb ritualism? when Osato ran towards him with his phone. "It's Aubty Osas" he picked the call placing it against his ears.

"Hello Osarieme"

"Papa good afternoon"

"How your body?"

"Body dey, e dey well. Papa, abeg we want get dinner" "Osaze don call me already. He called and I said yes, why not? This is what I've always wanted"

"Thank you Papa"

"Anything for you"

"You don chop?" "Yes. I was even reading the newspaper" "Make I no disturb you now. Take care" she added hanging up the call.

A call came in from a strange number and she picked up. The only thing she could hear was sobbing. "Hello, who am I speaking to?" "I'm sorry" the voice finally said hanging up and she blinked her eyes twice then she called the number back to no avail.

"Jerry?" She asked then she shook her head in disbelief, "It can't be"

Chika entered into Osaze's sitting room dropping her hands bag on the couch. "Babe. Have you been on Instagram today?" "No. Its God that brought you here, I was looking for a cooking partner sef"

"Wetin concern Instagram concern cooking? I was asking if you've been on Instagram" "No. I sent you a message on WhatsApp now, I told you what happened to Osaze's sister " "She sha did not die now, you could have peeped into your Instagram. Babe, just make me your social media manager"

"No be small. Weren't you at the beach?" "I was, I was trying to get falz attention but it was completely futile" "You have no shame" "Abeg let me shameless and blow!" She replied.

"You need to put a video out there, thanking people and celebrities for the support and massive love yesterday. It's called showbiz and it's super necessary. Get your wig and rub powder"

Osas exhaled, "I hear" "So how is she? Osaze's sister" "She dey fine"

Vera stepped into her bedroom where her husband was, he had a big smile on his face.
" Nana called, she said Tacha is sleeping" "Didn't she leave?" "She went back home to freshen up, she's back. I'm pretty sure she came with all the gadgets in preparation to stay for extra days. I love my Nana"

"She's a gem. You know, today feels like my birthday I don't know why. What your mom said about me, I wish I had it on record, a mark in history when your Mom called me an amazing husband. I was like, wait, did this woman just call me an amazing amazing husband. In my mind I was like, today has to be judgement day!" He chipped in and she laughed.

"You're amazing husband. No kidding but I feel sorry for Mom. Experiencing such a thing at such a tender age" "Yeah but never the less, i feel a wonderful reunion coming"

Hospital

Detective Kenneth, Kubiat and Theo visit to Tacha made her blush so much. "On behalf of the Nigerian police force, we are thanking you for being part of this investigation"

"Awwwwn. I really appreciate this visit"

"Don't worry, your medal is coming soon"

Tacha clapped her hands, "Please let the neck line be in pink, or whatever it's called"

Detective Kubiat got out of the room to find Kenneth leaning against the wall. "I thought you left" "I was going to but I realized if I don't say this to you, I'll be a prick" "You've always been a prick"

"You were right about the whole diversion thing and I was wrong. You detected it right. I don't deserve the credit, you do. You and Tacha"

Kubiat smiled, "I think I kind of snoozed off after you said you were right and I was wrong"

Detective Kenneth laughed, "I had other speech but I think I'm just going to keep it to myself" "I already heard the best part so.... Don't sweat it, I've always been smarter than you" he replied walking away and he laughed.

"Asshole. You know what? I take it back!"

Osifo enters into the room to find Morenike all dressed up to leave for the hospital. "Someone's all ready to leave" "Yes. So you can come in a different car this time. I'm sorry you had to order for a ride"

"It's okay. I went to Nkoyo's place to straighten things up"

Morenike exhaled, "It must have been very difficult for her" "It was, no one will want to let go of this wonderful, good looking man and I have proof" he answered tickling her and she laughed trying her best to wiggle out of it. "You're pushing it. Well, I hope you didn't talk to her upclose cause your mouth stinks" she attempted to run but he dragged her back planting kisses on her face.

"On my God, there's bacteria all over my face right now" she teased and he laughed. "Bacteria of love"

"Did you just say bacteria of love?" She asked and they both laughed.

Then his eyes fell on the document on the envelope on the bed. "What's that on the bed?" He asked, "Oh. Check it" "No more suspense abeg, what is it?" "That's my last will and testament"

Osifo rolled his eyes, "Morenike" "For when I either die or retire" "Retire, just give me the summary of the whole thing, please don't tell me you made me the benefactor to the firm cause I no do, abeg, me see wan rest, abeg"

"I made my decision since i started making plans to bring Chief down. I wasn't going to give you my company so that you could enjoy with a young woman who will end up having children and then my legacy will be given to her children"

He laughed shaking his head, "Honest but I like the it" "It's in Osaze's name, he was a worthy competitor in court, there's no better person to give. The question is if he'll accept it. I know my son and I know he's stubborn"

"Just like you"

She rolled her eyes. "He might just reject it" "He might also accept it, think of it, he's organizing dinner in his father in law's house" "He is?" "Yes and he's inviting us. You know what this means Morenike? He's giving it a try. Let's be hopeful"

Evening

George's house

Osato opened up the door for Obianuju who walked into the house with Raymond. "Sister good evening, Uncle good evening" he hugged her and she smiled, "Good evening Osato, how are you?" "I'm fine Ma" he replied and Raymond looked around.

"I hope Zuwa is sleeping before someone will come and hug me to death"

Zuwa ran towards him with speed now embracing him tightly and Obianuju laughed. "If there's anything like being sentence to death by hugging, this is it" he replied making them laugh.

"It's funny you tell that joke every time you see them" she chipped in; Raymond arced his brow wondering what she meant by it.

"It was funny the first time three times you said it" she replied and he laughed. "Its Stoll funny, the boys are still still laughing"

"Because they have no choice, they are young and young people usually laugh to anything so that the big ones don't feel bad" She analysed chuckling to herself. "Uncle it's funny" Zuwa shouted letting go of him.

"Collect one" Raymond paused bumping fist with him.

Osaze walked up to them, "Hey guys" "Good evening Sir" Obianuju replied moving close to him, "You look stressed out. I am stressed out alright but not as stressed out as you are. Thanks for handling everything on my behalf. After all this madness is done with, I'll get back to work in full force"

"You'll be planning for a wedding then"

He exhaled. "With wedding I know that money can handle whatever I need. I'm just thankful God brought you my way" "Dude that's someone's wife you're talking to" Raymond replied and they all laughed.

"Where's Osas?"

"She's in the kitchen"

George wheeled in and Obianuju scuttled off into the kitchen. "I smell Egusi and it smells really nice. Good evening Osas, evening Chika" "Good evening" Chika replied. "Let me start going before they start asking me the family I come from" she added and Osas laughed.

"Thank you Chika, God bless you, even though na only your phone you been dey press"

"You're welcome. Bye Osas, Bye Uju, you guys have a lovely dinner" she said running off and Osas smiled. "How are you and the baby?" "We are fine."

"How are you coping with your after victory?"

"I never rest at all. Osato! This boy, don leave me inside kitchen"

"He must be talking to the men"

"He said they're organizing a debate and the school chose him as one the the representatives to partake in their internal competition and after the internal, he'll represent them external..externally" she completed laughing. "Make I no go bite my tongue abeg"

"You're doing great Osas, you used to speak pidgin at a stretch. Lil sis is proud of you" "Awwwn. Thanks" " Oh my God, I'm happy for Sato, that's very good, we have an exceptional gene running in our blood streams. Go Ovbiokponwan!"

Osas laughed, "You're still pronouncing it wrongly. At least you try pass Efe and Uwa" "Where's Uwa?" "She has dinner with her family tonight so she can't make it"

There was a knock on the door and Zuwa ran towards the door. "Who is it?" He asked peering into the keyhole. When it saw Osifo, he quickly opened the door, "Good evening Ma, good evening Sir" then he hugged him. Afterwards he hugged Morenike.

"Welcome" he added while Morenike stared strangely at him. "Who is he?" "Osas lil brother"

"Osato, if you want a debate, what you should do is be attentive to what your opponent says then at the right time, use it against him." Osaze advised and Osato gave a nod.

"The only focus to win a debate is to be conversant with the happenings in the country and beyond" Raymond noted and Osaze scoffed, "Oga, how many debate you don go, you want to follow a lawyer to argue" he chipped in and Raymond laughed.

"One and I failed" he answered. Osato and George laughed. "Don't just laugh Osato, take note of every word, you're staring at two potential men, do all your best to learn from them if you want to excel like them"

This time, they all turned towards Morenike and Osifo. Morenike exhaled looking at Mr George, she instantly remembered almost accepting Esther's plan to change the will.

George wheeled close to them, "Good evening Mr and Mrs Briggs. You two look stunning" "You too Sir. Good evening Sir" Morenike replied feeling uncomfortable. "Feel free, you are most welcome to my home. Osaze has not met me personally to discuss bride price and all but at least we know that there'll be a union soon so technically we are one family already so welcome"

"Thank you"

"Osaze you will not do the needful" Raymond dipped his hands into his pocket and Osaze chuckled. "Mumu" he muttered under his breathe.

Morenike moved closer to the both of them, "Good evening Ma, Good evening Sir"

"Good evening Raymond" Morenike smiled at him. "Ray my man, I hope you're good?" Osifo asked, "I'm good Sir" "I hope you're preparing for fatherhood"

"Even in my dreams"

"Osaze, we need to speak" Morenike requested, "I was in the middle of a..." "Please" she begged and he led her up the stairs. He stopped at the hallway, "Here's private enough, what?" He asked.

Morenike passed him the envelop, "What's this?" He asked removing the content. "Last will?" "Just read it" she begged and he scanned through it.

"Is this suppose to what, make me change my mind"

"Osaze, I'm sorry. I know I have committed a great sin as a mother but" Morenike knelt down and Osaze widened his eyes quickly trying to lift her up. "What are you doing? Please rise"

"No"

Osaze knelt down, "Mom, please I'm begging you, rise up. This isn't necessary" "Did you just call me Mom?" "I did and I'll do it a hundred times, don't kneel before me, its unnecessary. I don't like it"

"You can?"

"Can what? Call you Mom a hundred times? I can if it'll make you rise up"

"It will"

"Mom, mom, mom, mom. Please" he said repeatedly and she chuckled hugging him, both still on their knees. "Thank you. I was just being selfish" she pulled away. "I am willing to accept your decisions." She wiped her tears while Osaze blinked his tears in.

"You're my first fruit and I love you, I love so much but I didn't exactly show it and I'm sorry. You didn't deserve all of that" "I'm sorry you got...."

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault. I thought you were still angry when I walked in"

"Someone cannot do shakara in peace. If I wasn't ready to give you a try, I wouldn't have planned dinner" "Thank you for giving me a chance"

"I think you should thank Osas"

"She's something right?"

"Mom I love her"

"And I'm not disputing it. I think she's an amazing person and we, our family is blessed to have her"

"Whoa!" He blurted out rising up then he wiped some tears off his face "I don't know who's cutting onion beside me, I'm just so emotional"

Mr and Mrs Badmus, Mummy Temmy, Eniola. Jemima, Queen and Folabi gathered at the table eating. Eniola avoided any gaze with her Aunt. "Folabi ...." Mummy Temmy trailed off, "Can we not talk while eating?" Mrs Badmus requested.

"Have you and Eniola define this relationship?"

Folabi gave Eniola a look, "I believe we have" "In what way? Where is it heading to? Is it just sex alone, abi it's more than that?" "It's more than that, we're dating" "Its better cause this girl that you see here, she's my niece oh even though not by blood. I even see her as my daughter seg but her mother spoilt her.

"Mummy Temmy" Mrs Badmus called out. "Cab we leave the poor young man alone, he is dating my daughter, fine, let's leave the issue. Whether he's having sex with her or not, it's none of our business because they are adults"

"Adults?"

"Yes Ma"

"I'm saying it because it is better to use our own hands to advise the men that comes to marry from our family. That is what I do, I tell the guys the truth about my children. What's there to hide, Eniola's character is not good, let me not say at all because there are times she behaves of character but most times she's like a child. You have to tell her what to do and what not to do. Her mouth is cho cho cho, she speaks like a parrot without control,that was how she was raising shoulder the other day, speaking anyhow to Musa the gateman."

"Mummy, I'm trying to change"

"Wo enu re (Look at her mouth). You see this girl, she can't cook. Boys she knows how to cook indomie gan, I don't know"

"She already enrolled in a cooking school" Mrs Badmus replied with a wide smile, "We are proud of you darling"

"Igbayii laaro! (Did it just dawn on you?). There is nothing she can do, cloth oh, she can't wash, she'll say I can't spoil my nails"

"Mummy" Eniola moaned in frustration.

"Ma, the first day I met Eniola, she was so rude to me. I've witnessed her rudeness quite a number of times but then I realize she had something hidden, some part I could actually penetrate. I realized her sweet part and slowly, I mean it, it wasn't even intended. I just started falling in love with her."

"Awwwn" Eniola blushed.

"When I learnt that she can't cook. In my mind, I must be sincere, Eniola that day, I was like Temi bami (I'm done for)" he paused and everyone laughed. "I remember saying ko o jo ( it can't be) like a hundred times"

She giggled.

"I never intended falling so deep for her, but here I am" he stared at her and she rest her chin on her palm, "I never intended falling in love with you but here I am" she replied biting her lower lips and Mrs Badmus exhaled.

"This is beautiful, if we're being honest, I didn't think my daughter will be getting married to someone below her standard"

"Mom!"

Mrs Badmus raised her fingers, "Let me finish.... I didn't think my daughter will be getting married to someone below our standards, quite honestly, I would have been forced to think you're out for our wealth but the truth is that deep down inside of me, I know you're a good person and my husband is convinced you're a good person"

"In fact you're the person we've been waiting on to come and sweep our sweetheart off her feet"

Mrs Badmus laughed, "I know Eniola has her bad sides and I owe responsibility for it" "Thank you for pointing that out" Mummy Temmy responded and she chuckled, "And its because I've always been the lazy perfectionist, I can't do anything myself but i expect people to and when they don't do it the way I want them to, I shout at them. She took that from watching me"

"I'll straighten her up Ma" he answered and everyone busted into laughter. "You're doing that already. Thank you" she answered holding on the on to her husband's palm then he squeezed.

"I'm glad we had dinner, this is really nice"

"It really is my dear"

"That reminds me" Eniola pouted, "Folabi will be leaving for Benin on Monday and he doesn't even know when he'll come back" "Oh. He is going back to resume work there?"

"He hasn't decided yet"

Folabi cleared his throat now drinking water from the glass cup, "I only came to Lagos to make sure the people who killed my sister receive justice. My mom is ill at the moment and I have to see her" "Its necessary"

"Dad! I'll miss him. If he stays there, I'll stay there too"

Mrs Badmus gasped then her vibrated on the table. "Hold that thought, I really don't like picking calls during dinner but this is an old friend and I don't know why she'll be.. Excuse me" she walked away from the table where she quickly answered the call.

"Good evening dear" she said and the female busted into tears, "Janet I'm done for, I don't know what to right now, i'm confused, I just want to die" "Calm down, calm down, stop crying" she said attracting everyone's attention.

"Jerry is dead"

"Jerry is what? How? Bawo lo se sele? (How did it happen)" She paused, "He committed suicide" "Suicide? When?" "I don't know how it happened, he has been feeling guilty about that thing that happened since that lady came. During the course of her case with Chief Akinola, he has been saying she'll come after him next. We found his body this afternoon, he hung himself and left a note. Ore mi (my friend), I don't know what to do"

"I'm greatly sorry for your loss, I'm really sorry. What can I do? I don't even know what to say. I'm really sorry" she rambled and the caller hung up then she turned towards the dinning table.

"Jerry killed himself"

"What?" Mr Badmus asked, "They said he did it out of guilt, he was scared Osas will come after him, he hung himself"

Mummy Temmy shut her eyes then she snapped her hands, "When last have you guys heard from Goriola?" She asked and Mrs Badmus quickly dailed the number. "Its ringing" she announced, "But he's not picking up. Oh my God"

"I'm sorry that I'm not able to make it to the dinner" Tacha said on video call, "There'll be other dinner" Osas answered and everyone nodded. "I hope there'll be egusi too"

"If that's what you want" Osas replied moving the camera from one face to the other. "I want you to see everyone here" "My eyes is turning me already" she answered and Osas stopped.

"Sorry" she apologized, "Thank you for allowing me see this Osas, you're the best sister in-law in the world. Love you" she blew kisses and Osas smiled. "Good night dear. I go call you before I sleep" she hung up taking her seat.

"Awwn. She's alone with Nana"

"They will gist, there's no dull moment with Nana" Vera replied.

"It's amazing how the technology of the world has gotten to the point where you can see someone far just from the phone" He chipped in leisurely and everyone laughed.

Morenike cleared her throat, "I want to say a few word if I'll be permitted to" "Go ahead Ma" George replied and she smiled. "I want to say a big" her phone buzzed interrupting her.

"I'll ignore it. I want to say thank you to the host, my son and his fiancé and my future in law, Mr George. Osas, thank you very much for effort. I was making a speech earlier on in the morning, I was coming towards your side before Osaze got angry. Osas, I don't recall being nice to you but you were so damn persistent, you and Philip. I still remember the day you two stormed into my office. If I'm being sincere, I cried after you left. Those words touched me, you two believed in me even when I was still playing tyrant even when my children stopped." Tears rolled down, "I just want to say, thank you and I appreciate everything, speaking to my son, making him chubby and healthy. It takes a good woman to do that. You two actually do compliment each other cause you look amazing Osas and the food tasted great by the way."

"Thank you Ma"

"I'll need more sef" Osaze replied and Osas rose up, "See him mouth, look at how he's blushing because of one reunion, after he'll be forming baddo, I can't forgive my Mom" she micmiked his voice and everyone busted into laughter while she made her way into the kitchen while Morenike pulled her phone closed to check who the caller was.

Osaze received a call from Obinna, he swiped the phone with his left hand. "Guy, I'm having dinner" "Calm down, Jerry don die" "What?" "Them say Jerry don die, him commit suicide hang himself"

"When?"

"Like three hours ago, the news leak this evening." "Why now?" "See question way you dey ask, e no dey obvious? Shey i follow him sister chat. The wahala na say, I don dey try reach Goriola, him no pick call. It might be that the spirit of suicide is flying today."

"I hear. Thanks for the information man"

"No wahala" he answered hanging up.

"Jerry is dead" Morenike answered, "I just got a text from Janet Badmus" "Which Jerry?" Osifo asked, "She said he committed suicide and she's worried for Goriola"

Osas unconsciously dropped the plate of soup she held on hearing the news. It finally made sense who had called earlier on. "Oh my God" she muttered and Raymond quickly dialed Goriola's number. "He's not picking up"

Osato quickly rushed to get the mess on the floor cleaned up.

Osas picked up her phone, "I don't think I have his number saved" she passed her phone to Raymond and he dialed it in. The moment she called, Goriola picked up. "This has to be a cold day in hell, I'm either dreaming or some aboki is going to speak now for me to realize it's network issue"

"Raymond called you, why didn't you pick up?"

"My parents called I didn't even pick up, my sister did and I didn't"

"Why did you pick mine"

"Because you're special and you know that" he slurred and she sighed. "Are you drunk?" She asked and he laughed, "Why did you call?" "I heard Jerry is dead"

"You probably called to see if I also joined him in committing suicide. No, I've been trying, I just don't have the guts to." "If you ever try to kill yourself, I swear to God, I'll flog your dead body and then I'll spit on it."

Goriola laughed. "Awwwn, someone cares" "I don't care like that, he should have turned himself in, suicide is not an option. You wait for Karma to pay you back or start doing something right" "Like?"

"I don't know. You figure it out"

"Congrats on your victory" "Thank you" she replied hanging up now looking at everyone.

"He's fine"

Live on Real TV studios

"Rape can be very much traumatizing" Osaze paused after Osas had given an account of her rape experience. Then he stared into the eyes of the audience seated. "I've seen cases of people, some usually end up scaling, many don't"

"Exactly that's why my counsel for everyone there is that, don't make the fact you got raped make you feel like you are rejected or you start to feel dirty, useless. No! That's what the rapist want you think. All you have to do is rise up from that mentality. I didn't let the fact that I got rape hold me back, no! You move on, because life is moving train, it doesn't wait for any man. Na mentality be the Koko, I know it hurts, I recounted how the woman I was living with dealt with me that day. She called me a names but within I knew that God dey, there is a God in heaven and him alone be the master planner, no come decide say because them don rape, you go start dey do anyhow. They vex for people anyhow, involving in some..."

"Immoral act" the host continued.

"Exactly. Rape is not an excuse for that, I told my sister the other day that life is no bed of roses and as you lay your bed, so you'll lay on it. No one has ever seen a bed with natural roses planted on it but if we put this roses on it so we lay on it. If you want to build your life on hate because of rape, it won't work. You'll be do more harm to yourself. Love yourself despite your experience, have a focus in life, it can be one hustle or the other and live above the stigma thank you" she chipped in and everyone clapped including Osaze.

"And one more thing, if you're the kind that thinks, oh, I got raped, no man will ever love me, blah blah, blah. That's a lie from the pit of hell, this man here fell in love with me"

Osaze smiled holding on to her hands, "By God's grace we'll be getting married soon. Yes you can have that bed of roses, it all depends on you! God no go shame us!" She chipped in.

This was followed by another round of applause and standing ovation.

"We've heard a whole lot of advise from our guest speakers. We'll go for a quick commercial break right now, don't go anywhere cause when we come back ehn, we'll be finding out from Mr Osaze, six ways to avoid getting raped, I'm sure you're wondering, are there ways to avoid rape? Well, he'll be educating us on it while Miss Osarieme will be throwing more light on what to do when you get raped. It's our No to rape series, 2020 edition. Don't go anywhere, we'll be back!"

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