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Efe closed her eyes and breathed out. The temptation to call Daniel each day and find out what he was up to was alarmingly high. She found it hard to trust him now that she was in school and he was home alone; alone with whomever he was seeing behind her back.
Her ears plugged she listened to the cool tunes of Don Moen, but it didnβt calm her nerves. She was going to try really hard to concentrate on school-work, but knew it would be difficult. Even more difficult than living with him.
She had discovered being married to Daniel was a different ball game altogether than knowing him as a family friend.
He wasnβt what she had expected. But then what had she expected? A happy home and the both of them playing house with their daughter and having a great time? That they would make love all morning and he would declare his undying love for her? She laughed at her silliness.
None of that was happening.
Daniel didnβt clean after himself, so she had two babies to look after. He was the type to leave tiny hairs in the sink after combing his hair; claiming he didnβt see it due to power failure most mornings. The TV was his domain and had his full attention, asides when his phone rang occasionally and he would whisper into it while watching her surreptitiously when she was around him.
And when she asked who it was he had a guarded look on his face and stammered an answer to her.
Was this how men were like? Was this how marriage was like or she just happened to be caught in this mishap with Daniel?
Uncle John and Funlola had advised her to play it cool; actually Uncle John had said that. Funlolaβs advice was to call his bluff and address the issue immediately before it got out of hand.
John hadnβt agreed.
βCome on PJ! You donβt just seat back and watch when your man is putting his βthingβ in another womanβs VJJ! I think itβs wrong on all counts when you donβt address the issue if you arenβt okay with it!β
Uncle John looked at Funlola. Both John and Efe were amazed at her outburst; one would have thought she was the one with the problem. He had calmed Funlola down and faced Efe.
βEfe I know itβs hard on you right now, especially just after your wedding, but you can win the battle. Donβt lose your temper and donβt walk out-β
Efe glimpsed at Funlola rolling her eyes at what Uncle John said.
βBut Uncle John itβs not easy. I donβt know why Daniel is doing this. I wonder who the woman is. I – I hav- have a feeling itβs Adesewa.β
βIt doesnβt matter who it is. Whomever it is just have a neutral mind and continue to respect him as your husband and be submissive. I would try my best to talk to him but thereβs little we all can do except pray.β
And that was what she was doing. Praying. But then she was worried as well. The bible said not to worry, but she couldnβt help it. The thoughts in her mind were making it hard.
βEfe?β
She opened her eyes and gazed at Chukwuemeka.
βOh,β She sat up. βGood evening sir.β
βEfe,β His eyes strolled down to the wedding bands on her finger and back to her face. βHow are you?β
βIβm fine.β
βNo, you donβt look it. You look stressed out and worried. Whatβs the matter?β
βNothing. Well, project work.β
βAnd married life? Ever since you got married instead of being happy you look morose and depressed.β
For an instant Efe wondered why she didnβt go for Chukwuemeka. She wanted to confide in him. His gentle tone and concern almost made her walls break. But it didnβt. Daniel was her husband and she wasnβt going to discuss her issues with a stranger that knew nothing about their situation.
Besides, if she really wanted to go for the lecturer her heart wouldnβt let her live freely. It always betrayed her by loving Daniel and only him. It was all her fault she was in this predicament; because she didnβt wait on God to let Daniel come to his senses but had hooked him in a wrong way.
βMr Benson, Iβm fine. Canβt wait to graduate and move on to the next stage of my life.β
He studied her, as if doubtful of her response. But then he said, βOkay. But you know if you want to talk Iβm here. It really hurt me when you told me you were getting married. I would have welcomed you and your child into my home with open arms. I would have treated you the way you should be treated; with so much love and care. But -β
βBut what?β Efe interjected. As he spoke her anger had been building. βBut you think you can make me feel bad with your words? You want me to regret not getting married to you?β
She shook her head as she picked up her books. She hung her bag on her shoulder against Chukwuemekaβs protests.
βHaba, Efe I didnβt mean it like that nau. Yes, Iβm jealous but I wish you all the best. I even met someone I like at your wedding; a photographer. Her name is Jasmine.β
βOh . . .β Efe felt silly for her behaviour. She forced a smile. βThatβs great. Iβm happy for you.β
He nodded. βIβm happy too. Maybe thatβs why you and I were to meet; so I could meet Jasmine.β
Efe nodded trying to hold back the tears.
βErm – I have to go now, lots of work to do.β
He frowned. βHope itβs not because of what I -β
βNo. No. Itβs not. Have lotβs of things to do.β She felt terrible for lying.
βOkay then, see you later.β
She rose and walked out of the cafeteria with tears in her eyes and wishing with all her heart that she could have a happy ending.
***
Married life was way much different than she had anticipated. Her parents, due to their actions, had given her the mindset that it was no good and unnecessary. John had proved otherwise. Their first day as a married couple she got a car, the second day was breakfast in bed and pampering her. The third day giving her shopping bags of new clothes and shoes.
The sex?
The book must have paid off full time βcause he was a fast learner. In all, he was too good to her and she had no idea why. That was the most common word on her mind lately; Why.
Why had she cheated on him the same week of her wedding? Why had she gone out to mess around with Dele when John left for a vigil? Why was her life complicated all of a sudden?
Surprisingly, Funlola felt bad about what she did and knew John didnβt deserve such treatment from her. He had been too good to her. But she couldnβt help it.
Why did you choose me PJ? Iβm not the best person for you. Iβm just like my father! No matter how much I wanted to deny it I was just like him.
She wasnβt faithful. She wasnβt a good cook. She clearly wasnβt a good wife or helper . . . The only thing she could call herself useful for was sharing her body with her husband. Even though he was still learning the ropes.
I donβt think I can do this.
As a pastorβs wife people expected certain things from her of which she had no way of meeting up. She needed her freedom. She needed to take the ring off and flutter her wings a little. That was why she had slept with Dele. He was bad like her. He understood her. He worshipped and adored her body.
On the other-hand, she didnβt feel useful to John.
John didnβt appreciate her skills in bed like Dele did. He respected her, which was okay, but she wanted more.
βFunlola dear.β
Johnβs voice snapped her attention immediately, making her feel guilty for her thoughts of promiscuity and running away. She avoided his eyes as he took his seat beside her on the arm of the red love seat.
βYou good?β
She nodded. βYeah, I am. Just thinking about life. John, I donβt want to sit at home all day and not have anything to do.β
βHmm. Okay, what do you have in mind? Business or going back to work?β
Funlola thought about it. She had always wanted to be a consultant for business people but her experience was very little. She had to start her own business, but then she had pending issues to deal with.
βI want to work at my old bank.β
The puzzled look on his face said he found her idea strange. βWhy? They let you go nau.β
βI know it sounds ridiculous but I have some things to sort out.β
βIt seems thereβs more to this story than you have told me. Want to share what really happened with me?β
βNo.β
βHaba Funlola. What if I bribe you with Cold Stone Ice-cream?β
She snickered. βIβm not going to be bought for a cup of ice-cream Mr. Man.β
Funlola gazed up at him and stuck out her tongue while wondering if there was any point lying to him. She felt he was too soft when dealing with certain issues and might dissuade her. Still, she would share it with him.
βOkay, I would tell you.β
He smiled broadly. βI was going to tickle you if you didnβt.β
She chuckled then narrated everything to him about how she got her clients and the nasty women in her office and the boss. This was a part of her life John knew nothing about. What she had shared was just a little part of it. She wondered how he felt about her, knowing all that he knew now.
She asked him.
βHonestly?β
She nodded, feeling nervous all of a sudden.
βIt hurts to think of all those things you did with those men; to think of how it all went down, but if I ruminate on it for long Iβm just going to be hurting myself. Whatβs in the past is in the past.β He smiled. βI have you all to myself now and thatβs all that matters.β
He rubbed her shoulders gently and Funlola flinched inwardly from his touch. If only he knew what I was currently doing . . . He would never feel the same way.
βSo what do you plan to do with your former boss?β He asked.
βI canβt allow anybody walk on me like that.β
βSo what do you want to do for them asides destroying their ear-drums at our wedding.β
Funlola gasped.
He gave a cheeky smile. βYou think I didnβt know?β
She gave a half-shrug as she played with the hem of her skirt.
βLook Funlola thereβs no need going back there to prove anything to them. You may not believe it, but God pulled you out of that situation because He has better plans for you.β
βJohn nau . . .β She pouted. βPeople canβt just take advantage of people. They need to be taught lessons.β
βAnd let God teach them; donβt play god in peopleβs lives. Draw up your business plan and let me see it. We would start your business as soon as possible.β
He bent low and placed a kiss on her forehead.
βI have to check on some goods Iβm expecting and I would head to church. Would you be going with me tomorrow?β
She shook her head.
βOkay. I love you. See you later.β
He grabbed his car-keys and walked out of the house. She was all alone and had time to kill. She knew just how to spend it, despite the guilt gnawing at her heart.
***
Her plan was going on well, though it had hit a little snag. Daniel was frequenting her place often but didnβt allow her come to his. He didnβt want his neighbours gossiping about him and Efe later hearing about it.
Adesewa wasnβt too happy about it.
The other day Adesewa had asked if Efe new anything about them.
βNo and thatβs a great thing.β
But it wasnβt great for her at all. Everything seemed to be hitting a brick wall. She had to think of something fast to break them. Enough for Efe to hate him. Enough for her to pack her bags and leave. But when she leaves, then what? Do I go back to him?
βAde.β
She removed the pen from her mouth and looked up to see Ebuka staring down at her. Oh no! How did he know I was here?.
Annoyance crossed her features. He had called her earlier on, saying he needed to see her. She had rebuffed his request and refused to pick his calls. Now he was here.
βEbuka are you stalking me or what? What are you doing here?β
He raised his brow. βKFC is a public place. It doesnβt have Adesewa written all over it. Besides I got to your house just in time to see you leave, I followed you here.β Without permission, he pulled out the seat opposite her and sat down. He placed both hands on the table and clasped his fingers.
βWhat can I do for you?β
βExcuse me?β
He asked the question again. βWhat can I do for you to forget Daniel and move on with your life? Ade, you know better than this. I really care about you.β He cleared his throat. βI have loved you for a long time.β
He loved her? Ridiculous! Abeg he shouldnβt bring emotion into this. She ignored his latter statement and said, βYou also know better than to sleep with your best-friendβs girlfriend.β
βEx-girlfriend.β Ebuka corrected and Adesewa gave a cheeky grin.
βNo, girl-friend.β
He was confused at what she said until understanding dawned on him and he scowled.
βYou are still messing around with Daniel?β
She picked up her drink as a form of reply.
He shook his head in amazement. βThatβs really low of you Ade. Very low. After all Daniel did to you you still go around sleeping with him?!β
βLower your voice Ebuka.β
βOh! You donβt want people hearing you are behaving like a slut to win back a married man that rubbished you? Are you that desperate for a man? That cheap? Too proud to accept defeat after it has bitch-slapped you too many times on the face?β
Adesewa balled her fists tight.
βGo to hell Ebuka.β
βYou seem to be so many steps ahead of me in that direction.β
She picked up her bag and literally ran out of the building to the pouring rain. Her whole body instantly getting drenched in rainwater. She hurried over to her car and got in. The little warmth comforting her.
She tossed her bag on the passengerβs seat and hit the steering wheel. How dare he speak to me that way! That useless good for nothing man!
Her tears mixed with the rain drops and her hair was ruined. But more of what was ruined was her heart and self-esteem. Ebuka was right on all counts but she had to finish what she had started.
She just had to!
***
βYou are committing adultery.β
The words couldnβt have been more direct.
Daniel wasnβt in the mood for his cousinβs preaching. βYou guys wanted me to marry Efe, and I did. So whatβs the problem?β
βDaniel, please. Donβt you know youβre hurting Efe?β
βWhat Efe doesnβt know canβt hurt her.β
βHonestly, you are the biggest clown of all. Who told you Efe doesnβt know? You think women are stupid and ignorant?β
You sef you donβt know what your wife is doing behind your back. Daniel felt sorry for his cousin. Here he was, trying to help him out but unaware of how Dele bragged about sleeping with Funlola; giving explicit details of how they made out.
βJohn can I ask a question and you wonβt be offended?β
βIt depends on the question.β
βHo – β Daniel scratched his head. Not sure how to out together his words. βHow – how do you do it?β
βDo what?β
βErm – you know youβve never done it before and I -β
βOh!β
He threw his head back and laughed. Daniel felt uncomfortable.
After John calmed down he said, βWe do it normal nau.β
βAnd itβs good?β
John shrugged. βItβs okay.β
Daniel wanted to ask another question but John raised his hand for him to stop. βI didnβt come for you to ask me about my sexual life but to talk about you and Efe. You know what youβre doing is bad Daniel. You donβt feel bad for what youβre doing to Efe? Is it because you donβt love her that you can do this and feel no regret?β
βJohn have you ever been in love?β
The question left John silent and faced downwards.
βExactly. You donβt know what love is like. You donβt know how it feels to be with the one woman you love and want to spend the rest of your life with her. When you arenβt with her your life has no meaning. You canβt really picture your future without her. What you have with Funlola, thatβs just lust. Nothing more. What I feel for Adesewa is -β
βGone,β John interjected. He stared at Daniel. βYou have to face reality. Ade is your past and Efe is your future. What makes you think Ade was the woman for you in the first place?β
The answer was obvious. βBecause I love her.β
βYou donβt end up with everyone you have ever loved. Ade isnβt the first woman you fell in love with. She isnβt the only one you slept with. Why would a single woman be offering herself to you on a platter of gold and not expecting anything in return? Doesnβt make sense Daniel. Think about Efe.β
After John left Daniel decided to sit down and think like John had suggested. He thought about Efe. He thought way back to when she had a crush on him. She was the sweet Christian girl and he was the bad boy trying to keep up with the terms of Christianity; living a holy life. Now he had given up on that. Efe deserved a better man; someone like John who would love and respect her. Someone that would treat her right.
Daniel clearly wasnβt that man.
And if in fact she knew he was cheating on her, why hadnβt she accosted him?
***
Eghosa missed Zainab and her trouble-some ways. He had asked her questions of her life in Abuja and what she did. She making a living doing what she loved pleased him. He wasnβt exactly pleased to hear that her boyfriend was twelve years older than her and were probably sexually involved with each-other, but he kept it to himself. It wasnβt time for him to dictate what she should or shouldnβt do with her life.
Not just yet.
The little time he spent with her wasnβt enough for him but she had refused to permit more.
He had to tell Efe about it and that was why he asked her to come over when she was free. And so when she sat before him he wondered how to present it to her. He massaged his brow and took a deep breath.
Lord, please give me wisdom.
βI donβt think I ever told you about my youth.β
Efe looked at him quizzically. βOkay?β
He cleared his throat. βBack in the days – when I was in Jos, I had a girlfriend. Muslim. She was a beautiful and stubborn woman.β Even as he said it, Samiraβs face popped up in his head. βWe were in love and had a silly idea of getting married when we both knew it was impossible because of her father. But we allowed ourselves dream. To cut the long story short, we messed around and I didnβt know she was pregnant when I left. I guess what Iβm trying to say is I – I didnβt know I had another daughter thatβs older than you, until recently.β
Efeβs mouth dropped open. βWhat?β
βIt was before your mother and I met and got married.β
βOkay, so what happened? Why are you telling me now?β
βI saw your elder sister.β
βOh. When did this happen? Do I know her?β
Hereβs the difficult part. Eghosa rubbed his brow. Zainab had told him of how Efe had ruined Adesewaβs relationship with Daniel and he had defended his daughterβs honour. Clearly there was already a dislike for Efe on Zainabβs part.
βIβm not sure. Do you know any Zainab Baruwa? Sheβs a friend of Adesewa whoβs apparently your husbandβs former girlfriend.β
Efe gasped.
βDaddy what did you say? Za- -Zainab is Ad – Adesewaβs friend?β
He rose from his seat and came to sit next to her. He reached out for her hand but she drew it back from him. The action hurt him.
βEfe Iβm sorry but I never knew about her until her mother passed on weeks ago. She left a will asking her to come see me. Efe, Zainab is a wreck. She lives life recklessly and -β
βDaddy, why are you telling me this? I just find out my rivalβs best-friend is my half-sister. Obviously she would never like me.β
Eghosa said nothing βcause Efe was right and affirming it would hurt her feelings. Zainab had blatantly said she didnβt want to see her or there would be words coming out of her mouth that would have Efe hating her.
Efe ran her fingers through her wear as tears ran down her cheeks. βWhy is this happening to me? God isnβt my punishment enough?β
Eghosaβs heart ached for Efe. He wondered how she was faring. βEfe what punishment are you referring to?β
She sniffed and wiped the tears on her face. βI just feel Iβve been through enough of troubles.β
βTell me, is everything okay at home?β
She looked at him and forced a smile. βI will be fine dad.β
Somehow he didnβt believe her but thought it best not to press her. He would leave it all to God. But there was no telling what he would do if he found out Daniel had a a hand in his daughterβs unhappiness.
***
Audrey handed Adesewa a hot cup of tea and rubbed her back in a circular motion. She didnβt know what was going on with her friend. She and Zainab had been planning something behind her back but she had no idea what it was. She knew for a fact it had to do with Daniel.
βYou want to tell me what happened?β
She shook her head.
βCommon Adesewa. Tell me whatβs wrong, or would you rather call Zainab up and tell her?β
βAudrey I just want to be alone to think.β
Audrey opened her mouth to speak when they both heard the door open and turned their gaze to see Funlola walk in.
βHi ladies!β
βOh no . . .β Audrey muttered.
βHow are you girls doing?β
Funlola dropped her bag on the dining table.
βYou know you should just leave that key behind now that you arenβt staying here any longer.β
βYes sister-in-law.β Funlola teased.
Audrey snorted. βWhy are you here?β
βCame to pick the last of my things.β
βJust pick whatever you want to pick and get out!β Adesewa snapped at her.
Funlola raised a brow.
βWhatβs wrong with you? Did I cross your path? Did I do anything to you? Why the beef? Abeg keep your man wahala to yourself.β
Adesewa rose to her feet, eyes blazed in anger. Funlola stood, unfazed.
βMy man wahala? What is that supposed to mean? Who said I have any man issues? You know I have never liked you. Youβre just a stupid gold-digger with no scruples. You sleep around with different men and pick the richest guy to marry you. Now you are cheating on your husband with Dele!β Audrey gasped and her eyes shifted to Funlola. βWhat would you do if John found out?β
βJust so you know . . . We are very much alike despite how much the thought would annoy you. I may say silly things or act silly but I am not stupid. So gbo?β She smiled then added, βYou also lack morales. Sleeping with a married man for revenge? Thatβs very low.β
Adesewa raised her hand to slap Funlola but Funlola held her hand just in time.
βViolence never solved anything Adesewa. Iβm not the cause of your problems so go and deal with it yourself. Donβt ever try to hit me again because if you do you would regret it.β
Adesewa pulled her hand off Funlolaβs grip and glared at her.
Adesewa is sleeping with Daniel and Funlola is sleeping with Dele? Funlola is cheating on my brother? This is serious drama o! But gosh I feel like scratching Funlolaβs eyeballs out for sleeping with Dele! Audrey thought as she looked at the both of them.
Adesewa picked her bag and walked out of the house, leaving her alone with Funlola who went off to her old room.
Then it suddenly dawned on Audrey. βWait o – Sheβs cheating on my brother?β She got up and ran to Funlolaβs door and pulled it open.
βYou are cheating on my brother?!β
Funlola spun around to face her. For a slightest moment Audrey thought she saw guilt on her face but then it was gone.
βAudrey donβt believe everything you hear. Iβm not cheating on PJ.β
Her eyes squinted at Funlola she said, βI donβt believe you. Why should I mistrust my best-friend? Look Fu-fu I love my brother and if I happen to find out you are truly cheating on John. . . You would hate that you joined the Ngwube clan.β
She walked out and slammed the door shut.
Next . . .
She went down on her knees and grabbed the toilet seat with both hands as she threw up the remains of her dinner last night. She wiped the side of her mouth with mounds of tissue. Minutes later another wave of nausea hit her.
Adesewa found herself throwing up whatever was left in her stomach. She dreaded what she was going to do next.
When she was finally done she tore open the pregnancy kit and took the test. The next few minutes were the longest of her life. . .
Ghen Ghen…… I hope madam Ade ain’t Preggy for Dan Funlola should just stop this madness nd face her husband nd home omg!!! Poor efe looking forward to the next episode
I hope so too. Hope Funlola listens to you…
Thanks for reading Iyanu π
Shame!!! Adesuwa, o ti loyun abi? *lipsealed*
Awaiting d next episode, thanx Temi.
You welcome Tomii… see you next week
Ghen Ghen… Adesewa is preggy. Being waiting for that to happen. And thanks for hooking Jasmine up ?, baby girl just had to be had.
John’s reaction when Daniel asked him if he had ever been in love, I should reread that book of hosea again. Wonder how he’ll take when dele boasts to him about sleeping with his wife. Kai! Lemme be observing biko
You welcome @ hooking Jasmine up. Oh cool… did you reread it? What did you come up with?
It has been a hit from one episode to another!
Thanks Ngozi π
Hmmmnnnn! As I said in previous episodes sometimes revenge isn’t the best course of action. If Adesewa is pregnant then she has bitten more than she can chew. As for Funlola I pray she sees the light soon. Lol! Great job Temitope! I’m really enjoying your work.
Lets hope it’s for Ebuka…. Please let it not be for Daniel.
*Fingers crossed*
Thanks much Mariam. π Glad to know you enjoying it.
I love funlola mehn! Adesuwa shd have slapped her and see what happens to her now *sigh*. I just hope dt one isn’t pregnant fr Daniel o. Beautiful piece ?
Lol… Thanks Carah π
Why do I just want to sing Davido’s omo see gobe?
Hehehe π
Interesting episode…..well done Tope, I love every bit of it
Thanks Bola! Much love π
Adesewa don carry belle shakara don end ooo!!! Lol.. Its definitely for daniel, funlola *sigh* I guess dat cocky ass dele would brag ’bout it sexcapade widt fufu to PJ soon, I wonder how he’ll handle it… Feel for efe sha and Yh yay Jaz is been hooked… Nice piece temmie… ThumbsUp
Lol… let’s see what happens. Abi… Jaz has gotten the man she wants; someone better than Dele. Patience is good.
Thanks π
This Funlola gal sef, john deserves better. I hope Adesuwa is pregnant for Daniel, is dat time dat she will know dat revenge is stupid.
Hmm… let’s see how John handles it all.
If you don’t learn to Love urself, den u can never trully love another or understand how they love you wholeheartedly. Funlola needs to get broken n den run to God to find herself b4 she can love anyone. Thank You Temitope.xoxoxo.
I completely agree with you. Funlola doesn’t understand the kind of love John has for her. Thanks for pointing that out Tobi! π
You are welcome. Thank. You too for d great decent story. Ciao.
OK, OK, now there’s lots of dirt to throw around.
Adesewa’s scorned and hasn’t held back on nothing. So we have a lot mudslinging and we have a case on our hands.
Now John will know of Funlola’s dirty waka, Efe would likely know of Daniel’s too…
I wait to see how this will pan out.
Meanwhile, Aunty Ade haf goan get belle abi? And Daniel’s ‘kini’ haf likely put him in trouble, except there’s an unexpected twist sha.
Big ups Tope. Good work
Feeling sorry for Efe cos she’s going through a lot and will still go through more before it ends. I had hoped Funlola will change after marrying pj but that hasn’t happened yet, well, let’s see how it all pans out at the end of the day.
Wow, this club is getting crazier! Hmmmm