Third Person's POV.

Mrs. Aniobi tried her best to appear strong and put herself together. She tried her best to convince herself that her daughter was safe and she had been so restless and worried, the minute the news of Chioma's kidnapping got to her ears. She wanted to disagree, refute without thinking twice, but it was all over the news, it made the headlines and it arose panic in some - if not all - of the workers and aids at the Aniobi mansion.

Amara hadn't come out of her room ever since, she'd refused going to school and no one had the courage to tell her otherwise. They knew she wouldn't listen and understood she wouldn't be able to understand anything she'd be taught cause her mind wouldn't be at peace. The poor girl hadn't even eaten anything and had been crying uncontrollably ever since. And despite all the efforts put in by her parents, she still refused to get out of her room or stop crying.

Now, Mrs. Aniobi hated herself for ignoring Chioma like that - like she'd done at the hospital despite Chioma's attempt to talk to her. She feared something terrible might happen to her and she didn't want to believe that her daughter could be dead. She'd admit that she was mad at her, but not so much that she wasn't hurt by her disappearance. She felt bad - awful. She felt she could've handled the situation better and she hoped and continuously prayed Chioma would be fine.

Over and over again, she'd watch her husband space out, lost in his own thoughts and barely having anything to say to anyone in the entire household -  not even her. She felt he'd fall sick with his continuous overthinking and had tried severally to calm him down.

She hadn't realized the fallen tears that trickled it's way down her cheeks, not until they landed into her palms. She didn't bother wiping them off and instead, she let them roll down freely.

Recalling her words to Chioma, on the day she left the house, she felt a certain pang of guilt slipping into her conscience - clawing at her conscience and thereby making her feel embarrassed by her outburst. She let her anger get the best of her, and she let it all out on Chioma.

It was too late thinking about all that, now. She had other things to worry about. Her daughter's whereabouts were her first priority and she hoped no harm whatsoever would come to her.

* * *

It didn't take long before the few minutes of peaceful sleep had to come to an end. All through the night, she'd soaked her pillows with her salty tears and hadn't gotten any sleep due to the uneasiness and restlessness she felt. She wondered how Agozie would be doing and despite her continuous pleads, to go see him again, her parents had declined. They felt she couldn't handle going back there, they felt it'd only end up hurting her the more. And they weren't wrong either.

On their request, she'd stayed home and hadn't gone. She had the entire house all to herself, although the maids and servants were all at home with her.

With great difficulty, she got up from her bed and finally went into her bathroom to take a shower and then brush her teeth. Afterwards, she slapped on a simple yellow summer dress and packed her purple hair extensions into a ponytail.

As much as she tried ignoring the splitting headache she was having, she couldn't, and she resulted to heading downstairs to get some aspirins herself.  She didn't want to yell after any of the maids' names 'cause that would only add to her headache. For the first time since last night, when they'd returned from the hospital, she finally stepped out of her room, and headed downstairs to get her some aspirins for her headache.

Her eyes were all puffy and heavy and she felt as if her head had a live band performing on it. She didn't have enough strength to reach for the first aid box at the top shelve at the store room, so she called after a maid to help her with it. The maid, Atinoke, hurriedly did as told, offering her a pitiful look the minute her eyes landed on what used to be a really cheerful Amanda Chukwuka.

Anyone who'd known Amanda before this entire thing, wouldn't be able to recognize her 'cause she wasn't feeling or looking like her old self anymore. Just one look at her will make a person send her pitiful glances and sympathetic smiles. She knew she didn't look so good, she was aware of her terrible appearance and didn't care in the slightest.

Once she was done taking the aspirins and taking a large gulp of water, she placed the glass cup on a coaster and got up from the soft white couch in the living room, about to head upstairs to her room.

The sound of the doorbell brought her to a halt, but she somehow continued to walk upstairs the minute a maid ran towards the door and opened it. She had no interest in whomever it was at the door and didn't have the energy to entertain any questions from anyone. All she wanted, was to be by herself.

"Please, where's Amanda?" She heard the all too familiar baritone she'd come to love so much, and hadn't stopped loving - not even now - say. The sound of his voice was enough to stop her from walking any further. She half-expected him to come over and she was sure he was really worried about her cause he wasn't really the outgoing type.

He was a calm guy that was very selective of his words and friends. He was really free with Amanda 'cause he had grown so fond of her over the years and had gotten to the point where he could tell her anything, and she too could tell him anything, anything at all.

He was a really tall guy, he towered over her and although she didn't like that fact, she didn't hate either. He wasn't too muscular but was ripped to a reasonable extent. He had the calmest, gentlest and most reassuring voice she'd ever heard and she loved the way his words rolled off his tongue in a reserved manner. One could tell, just by the sound of his voice and the way he composed himself, that he was very intelligent. He was brown skinned, had perfectly arched brows, arched to perfection, and his hazel shaped eyes were perfectly outlined in an alluring manner.

He had a button-like nose, and his right earlobe had a white stud pierced onto it, and he also had neatly trimmed hair with sportin' waves. A few hairs dusted off his upper lip area, just beneath his nose. He had broad, slightly pink lips which were brown outlined. And he had curly lashes and a beautiful set of pearly whites, his dentition sculpted to absolute perfection and captivity. Deep brown orbs, calm and gentle...lacking arrogance.

"She's in her room, upstairs" the maid replied and Amanda walked towards the living room area, she'd worried him so much, the least she could do was see him.

"Okay, tell her that I'm..." He trailed off, the minute his eyes came resting on what used to be a vibrant, happy and ever smiling girlfriend. Amanda looked like she had been beaten up or something, and the minute he saw that, his heart clenched within his chest and he wished he'd arrived sooner, to keep her company and comfort her.

Knowing the kind of person she was, he knew she wasn't someone that could handle anything bad happening to the ones she cared about. She'd do anything to see them happy, and when they're either sad, hurt or in trouble, she wouldn't be at peace. And that was one of the many reasons why he loved her so much - and still does.

"Amanda..." He started, finally letting himself in as he walked towards her with concerned eyes, running a hand through her hair and face the minute he got closer.

She tried holding it in, but couldn't cause she wanted his attention more than ever, and so she began to sob - lips trembling. She threw her hands around him, snuggling into his chest and taking in his scent; honey and lemon extracts...with a hint of vanilla. She loved that scent, she loved him and suddenly felt stupid for ignoring his calls. Ignoring him.

He hugged her back, placing kisses on her forehead and head, while she continued sobbing.

"Come, let's go to your room" he said and she nodded her head weakly, while he held her close to him and led her upstairs to her room, making sure that his arm was around her; firmly.

Once in her room, he made her sit on his lap and look him in the eye while he wiped the tears that kept fighting their way down her cheeks. It hurt him to see her like this, he had never seen her this sad or worn out. Usually, she'd be all smiles, joking and looking for ways to annoy him intentionally - not that he complained, he loved that about her. She always knew a way to make him happy whenever he had a rough day. She was perfect and he hoped he could at least return the favor now.

"Look at me" he pleaded, with a calm yet soothing voice, cupping her face with his hands and looking intently at her. Amanda tried looking away again but he didn't let that happen.

"Manda, I hate to see you like this. I miss the old you, please, stop doing this to yourself. I'm here, talk to me...please" he said - his voice sober and concerned, all at the same time - and she sniffled, happy he'd taken the time to come over. She would've sulked all through today.

"Agozie is in a coma, Ade. I'm afraid he..." She sniffled. "He might...he...I can't even say it!" She cried all over again and he brought her closer to him, whispering into her ears that nothing bad would happen to him.

"Manda, look here..." He gently raised her chin to meet his eyes, locking eyes with her once again. "You trust me, don't you?" He said and she nodded her head affirmatively.

"Good. Now please trust me when I say nothing bad will happen to him. It's all about faith..." He cupped her face again, placing a peck on her lips. "Have faith that he'll be fine" he added and she sniffled.

"I...I...I just don't know anymore. I fear if I keep my hopes up, I'll__"

"No, have faith. Don't hope, have faith that he'll come out of that hospital, like the old Agozie you used to know. Smiling, joking and laughing again" he said and Amanda said nothing.

"I love you, you know? And that means seeing you this way is hurting me. It's doing things to me that I don't like, so please smile for me" he said and she shook her head, no.

"Ade, Chioma..." A fresh batch of tears followed and she choked on her words, trying so hard to get the words past the lump in her throat.

"I know..." He started in a really calm tone, now drawing imaginary circles at the back of her palms. "...but you need to have faith that she'll be okay as well. Chioma will be fine, and she'll come home soon. Trust in God to bring her back safely and heal Agozie" he said to her and she offered him a half-smile.

She threw her hands around his neck and placed her head on his shoulder, she needed a hug. She needed that assurance and she hoped he was right about all he'd just said to her. She hoped they'd both be okay.

Slowly, Ade snaked a hand around her waist, hugging her back and pulling closer to him once more.

"I love you" she muttered as she kept hugging him, she didn't want to let go. She didn't want him to go either.

"I love you more" he said, he said it with so much intent and she smiled, drawing even closer.

The minute he pulled away, she tried protesting but was stopped when his lips found hers. Soft, luscious lips. The kiss was slow, yet intent, assuring, yet passionate, breathtaking, yet perfect - al at the same time. Breaths fanning against each other's faces, as he deepened the kiss, needing more.

Finally, they broke from the kiss, out of breath and hearts racing erratically within their chests. As always.

"I needed that" Amanda said to him, a small blush finding it's way to her cheeks; thereby heating them up.

"I know" he smiled, pulling her closer, breathing her in and satisfied she'd at least smiled a little. He couldn't get enough of her.

"Thanks for coming. I really needed that assurance and..." her words came to halt with the look on his face, his deep brown orbs staring deeply into her soul. Like he couldn't look away.

He ran a thumb through her lips, gazing lovingly at her, a satisfied smile on his face. He was staring at her like she was the prettiest girl in the entire world, in fact, she was to him. Crazy. Amanda drove him crazy, and although he didn't say that much, he couldn't deny it.

"No need to thank me" and he pecked her on the lips again. "Now come, you look really tired. I'll tuck you in" he said, helping her off his laps and leading her to her bed.

"You'll stay with me, yeah?" She said and he chuckled.

"You want me to stay?" He asked and she nodded her head, yes.

"Stay. Please" she pleaded, her eyes desperately pleading that he stayed. She knew she was being selfish, 'cause he had work and all, but she wanted him to stay with her - even if she had to be selfish about it. She didn't want to be left alone, again.

"Sure" he smiled down at her, laying beside her on the bed and pulling the duvet over them.

With a small grin, she put her arm around him, and he did same, pulling her closer to him - as she snuggled and squirmed under his hold - and placed a kiss on her hair.

"You'll always have me" he whispered into her ears before she finally fell asleep, eyes fluttering close with a bright smile now on her face.

* * *

Femi's POV.

"You need to rest" my mom protested, and I rolled my eyes, turning my head to the side. I'd asked that she let me see my dad, seeing him for myself would really do me some good. I needed to be sure he was okay and know he was indeed getting better.

"I'm not paralyzed, mom. And besides, I feel a bit stronger now" I replied and she shook her head, no.

"The doctor clearly said you need to rest. You're not going anywhere till you've fully recovered" she replied and I heaved a sigh and said nothing else, knowing she wouldn't listen.

"I'll be back, I need to check up on your dad" she smiled before placing a kiss on my forehead and getting up to leave.

"Sure" I replied and with that, she left.

With her gone, it gave me sometime to think. Chioma hadn't come to see me, and I know I shouldn't have had my hopes up on her coming to see me. But I felt we were cool now, and she'd probably be a little concerned. A little worried, maybe?

Maybe she doesn't know.

I don't think she doesn't, though. Her parents are aware and I'm sure she must've heard about it cause I'm sure it was on the news. To be honest, a part of me felt bad she didn't come. I hoped she'd come and I wondered if she'd come today. I missed her, I wanted to see her. Maybe she'd make me laugh. Or maybe just seeing her was all I wanted.

Funny how I thought she'd make time for me. We aren't that close and I shouldn't have had my hopes up, it was silly of me. But then again, I considered her a friend and I guess that's why it hurts.

Suddenly, the door came open and my mom walked into the room with a small smile on her face. I was glad she wasn't crying anymore, her smile was really beautiful and contagious. Just one look at it and I was smiling too, I guess that's where I got my smile from.

"Your father's asleep" she announced as she sat beside me on the bed, smiling down at me. She ran a hand through my hair, her smile never leaving her face.

"You won't sleep?" She asked and I laughed. She has been treating me like a child ever since I had my accident. Seeing me laugh at her question, she quirked a brow at me, wondering the reason behind my laughter.

"What's so funny?" She asked and I sobered up.

"You, mom. You're so funny. You're treating me like a child, don't forget that I'm a man now oh" I said and it was her turn to laugh.

"See this boy!" She laughed again. "In my eyes, you'll always remain a child. My child" she replied and I shrugged.

"True" I muttered and she smiled at my confirmation.

I pondered asking her about Chioma, I really wanted to know what was up with her and I had this strange feeling something wasn't right somewhere. I couldn't really pin-point the exact feeling but I could feel it in my gut, that something was wrong somewhere. I could be wrong, probably my mind looking for an excuse for her not being here, but there's no way I could be sure not until I ask. Maybe my mom would know something about her. Maybe.

"Mom...?" I started and she immediately looked at me, her eyes telling me to go on. "Can I ask you a question?" I asked and she nodded her head affirmatively.

"Sure, go on" she replied and I continued.

"Um...I'm not sure you'd know anything about her. But I just wanted to know if Chioma was here on the day of my accident" I replied and she stared at me, expressionless for a moment, but then it morphed into a small smile...then a sad smile.

"Yes..." And a sad look ripped the smile off her face. Something was definitely wrong. Did something happen to her? Was she in trouble?

"Mom?" I called and she turned to look at me.

"Yes?" She replied.

"What's with the look? Is something wrong?" I asked and she heaved a sigh, shaking her head with a sad look still glued to her face.

"Well, today...on the news...she...she has been kidnapped. Last night. I don't really know the full story" she replied and my heart sank, I gripped the sheets as my heart skipped a few beats. My eyes widened in shock and doubled in size.

"What?" I mouthed, shock washing over my face and I ran a hand through my thick hair.

I wondered what she must be going through right now and I wondered how her family were doing. Worry slapped me in the face and I spaced out while my mom continued talking. If I had been mad at her before, right now, I wasn't. Right now, I was more worried and terrified than mad.

Who would kidnap her? And why?

* * *
Third Person's POV.

Kunmi didn't know how exactly to feel about the news on everyone's lips. All through work, she'd been hearing people talk about it, it was all over the news and she was sure many were wondering who may have been responsible for the kidnapping.

Chioma...

The same girl she despised for reasons she couldn't really pin-point. Her first encounter with her wasn't a pleasant one at that. She was rude, overly obnoxious, and not to mention; proud.

But on hearing the news of her kidnapping, she wasn't sure if she was happy, sad or just confused.

Mixed feelings.

Guess that could be the word to use. She didn't know if she was to celebrate her kidnapping 'cause lately she'd been feeling threatened by her. She felt she was making advances at Femi, and she liked him, no doubt. This time, she couldn't ignore it.

It wasn't the first time she's had this feeling, many times as well, but each time she'd ignore it. She'd tried to push it down, choke the feeling and kill it before it fully blossomed but each time she tried, it kept coming back. And she didn't want that 'cause she liked the way things were before it came rushing into her system.

The true reason she'd avoided Femi after he left the country, was because she was trying to fight the feelings she had for her best friend. And what tortured her the most and hurt her, just thinking about it broke her heart, was the fact that Femi might not even like her that way. He might not even see her that way. Maybe he saw her only as a friend. It hurt, and she tried before it was too late to end it...but couldn't, she failed miserably.

Then, along came Chioma - out of nowhere - and she suddenly started feeling kind of... jealous. Yeah, that's the word. No matter how hard she'd tried to erase such jealousy, it kept poisoning her mind and she couldn't help but feel threatened by her.

Femi was loosening up to her, he was getting fond of her and would utter her name from time to time - even when they were together, and she wasn't even there!

Chioma. Chioma. Chioma.

She didn't want to have a problem with her, but she found herself having so much hatred for her. All she wanted was Femi, nothing else. She'd think about him more than she should've. His name arose a smile on her lips and as much as she hated it, she couldn't stop herself from feeling that way.

Now, the exact same girl she'd seen as a threat over these few months she'd known her - was finally out of the picture, she hoped. Chioma was now missing, kidnapped - so to say.

But was she happy about that? Did she really hate her that much to rejoice over it? Was she that heartless?

The answer...was - and still is; no.

She wasn't! But she couldn't help it! Not even if she tried.

What's done, is done.

And maybe, just maybe, this was all for the best. After all, she really wanted her out of the picture, for good.

______________________________

Hi, hi, hi!!!!

So...what do ya think about Kunmi now?🤭

I think she's just confused, can't help the feeling. It's circumstances that use to make Crayfish bend😂

Anyways, what about Femi? And Ade??

The pic up ☝️ is of Ade. I found him really cool😁

What did you think of him? Please let me know in the comment section.

Kasala will soon burst ohh!! Lemme just be saying it now😂😂 you dey feel am? (Are you feeling it?)

Lemme gerraout before person will murder me biko🤭

Till my next update,
Bye...