Hiya!
This is Sally. Short message before you read this final episode of The Marriage Ultimatum. I’ll be out of here until further notice. When I return, you’ll get to have your copies of In The Name of Papa. I promise!
Enjoy the dry spell and know that I’m returning with double the fun. Maybe even triple π
I love you and I’ll miss you.
β₯
He had gotten back to their hotel room and found her gone. She had taken only her handbag and phone with her. The suitcase sheβd brought along had still been in the closet. He had tried her numberβover and overβbut it had remained switched off. He had looked everywhere he could think of that night for her. When he couldnβt find her, heβd returned to spend the night at the hotel and had taken the first flight back to Praia the next morning.
Still with no news of her and her number not going through, Dominic was beginning to feel overwhelming fear. What if she had run out of the hotel in the state of mind heβd left her and come to some harm? If something happened to her, could he ever forgive himself?
He hadnβt expected to find her gone. He hadnβt expected to return from his calls and the long walk heβd taken to clear his head to find her gone and her number unreachable.
He had been so mad at her. Dear Lord, surely he had reason to be?
When sheβd confessed her love for him, heβd suddenly realised, there and then, that he too had fallen in love with her. He had realised that the incomprehensible emotions swirling inside him for days now were feelings of love. He hadnβt recognised them for what they were because heβd never felt that way for any woman. And he had called her meu amorβmy loveβsomething heβd never called any woman ever in his life.
He had just realised he was in love, and only minutes later had come to another realisation, that he was in love with a lie. She hadnβt been the woman heβd believed her to be all along. She had lied and deceived him. And realising that, he had felt anger that sprung mostly from the pain and hurt of being made a fool of by the one he loved.
He had been angry, furious and for that moment, his love had tasted like hate in his heart. Heβd wanted to hate her. To wrench her violently from his heart and love her no more.
Yet he couldnβt.
After his calls and heβd decided he needed a walk to clear his head and to clarify his emotions, heβd realised as he walkedβand cussedβthat he was in love with her for life. He loved her and heβll forever love her.
And right there and then, heβd also realised that he was happyβproudβbe her first. He might never appreciate her lies but he somehow understood it then and heβd found himself relishing the thought that she was all his. He wouldnβt have to share her with his brother or with any other man. Heβd returned to the hotel to tell her thatβbut she was gone.
And now, he was torn between fresh feelings of anger at her impatience and at himself for making her think he was unforgivably angry with her. But it wasnβt only anger gnawing through him right now, fear and helplessness also vised their grip around his heart.
βYou mean you went around the Island and couldnβt find her anywhere?β
His motherβs question broke into Dominicβs thoughts and irritated him because he wasnβt in the mood for tedious repetitions.
But still he repeated himself. βYes, mama, I looked everywhere we went toβplaces I never took her toβpractically the entire Island and she was nowhere to be found. And the damnable thing is that her number is switched off!β
βWell, it will be if she is looking to get away from you.β Mia grumbled, glaring at him. βBut really, where could she have gone to? And at that time of the night too. She knows no one in Sal. She canβt even speak Portuguese. Did she have much money with her?β
Dear Lord, the questions women ask! βI donβt know, mama! I donβt snoop through my wifeβs purse to inquire into its content.β Impatience and helplessness made Dominic snap. βI donβt know how much cash she carries aroundβif any. Or if she just has her credit cards.β
βThat snappy Kojo-Edwards temper of yours is how we ended up here clueless as to where she is.β Mia snapped back. βYou shouldnβt have left her alone like that. Not without properly sorting things out.β
βGood Lord, mama, I didnβt leave her. I only stepped out to make calls! I just got the news about Tobi and there were arrangements to make. I needed to speak to you!β He threw up his hands in exasperation. Trust women to always cast the blame on the man! βAnd did you even hear anything I said? Did you understand it? She lied to me, mama.β It hurt afresh because of the sting of his motherβs blame. βDamn it, she lied to us. She wasnβt… isnβt Tobiβs mother. She never knew my brother. There was no need for us to have gotten married.β
βSo now you regret your marriage?β The question was quietly asked. βEven after you found her a virgin and knew her to be in love with you, you can still regret your union with her?β
Heβd never thought he would regret marrying Kaine, even when the goal had been solely to bring home his nephew. He hadnβt thought deeply about what the outcome of such a coldly contracted union would be but heβd never believed it would be an act he would ever regret.
But did he now regret it?
Sheβd asked him same question with shocked, pained, tear-filled eyes. But heβd still been too angry , too hurt himself, Β to answer her rightly.
He let out a long weary sigh, slogged to the seat beside his motherβs and dropped into it. βHow can I regret ever meeting and marrying the woman who will become the love of my life, mama?β
βAh, meu querido.β Miaβs eyes clouded instantly with affection and she took for his hand. βMy firstborn son finally realises he has fallen in love. The evening you dashed out of here like a jealous fool, I knew she had captured your heart and each time I saw her eyes light up at your presence, I knew without the merest doubt that you too had her heart.β
βHer deception hurt me, mama. I am overjoyed to be her first… but still, she could have trusted me. Isnβt trust a part of love?β The pain his heart had felt even as he claimed her as his dug deep. βIf she was afraid when I threatened to take the baby and if that fear pushed her to exchange vows with me under deception, what about afterwards? After we came back here. After we started getting to know one another. After I showed my desire for her… couldnβt she trust me then? Why did she never confide in me? In you, if she feared me.β
βShe is young. Innocent, naΓ―ve. Possibly scared, especially after her heart became involved.β Mia rubbed his hand. βI was always struck by that very perceptible innocence but I thought it the innocence of a pure heart. She was wrong to have lied to us and I know how much you stand against lies… donβt we all?β
She chuckled as she raised her hand and caressed his cheek. βMaybe sheβd wanted to tell us and fear had stopped her. Maybe she had tried… I donβt know. And we will never know unless we bring her back to explain to us. She hurt your heart but Iβm thinking you must have broken hers for her to run away like she did.β
βWe had a fight. I was still too angry; too devastated by my discovery.β Dominic shook his head. βThen the news about Tobi came and Iβ¦ I couldnβt think straight. Not then. After I spoke to you, I walked for some time and tried to rethink things. I came back so we could talk again but she was gone.β
βShe ran away. Foolish girl!β Mia pursed her lips in faint disapproval. βShe could fight for her sisterβs baby but cannot fight for her heart.β
βI want her back, mama. This hurt me but I love her. I never planned to; never thought I would but I do and I canβtβwonβt do without her.β
βA Kojo-Edwards loves once, loves truly and loves forever.β Mia smiled tenderly at him. βHow proud your papa would be right now. You protected your family and now youβve found a good woman.β
βHe would be proud too that his other son has been found.β He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. βI know it broke your heart when we believed we had lost him. Youβre happy now, arenβt you, sweet mama?β
βI shall even be happier when I smack that rascally brother of yours so hard he wonβt ever think to do crazy things.β Mia clucked her tongue, then let out a rich laugh. βOf course, I am happy and I will be happier yet when we find our Kaine and bring her home. I donβt know what kind of a woman her sister is to leave her baby sonβI reserve my judgment until laterβbut I know that the one who protected him with all sheβs got is a great woman. And she deserves our forgiveness.β She looked into his eyes. βShe deserves your wholehearted forgiveness, my gallant Nico.β
βI guess she does. But dear God, where can she be?β Desperation gnawed his insides.
And as if in response to his question his phone chose that moment to ring.
He pulled it out of his trousersβ left pocket and then his eyes narrowed at the caller id. βItβs Kanny.β He murmured. Why hadnβt he thought of him? That was the only other person Kaine knew here and was friendly with.
He punched the answer key and lifted the phone to his ear. βYes, Kanny?β He listened quietly and then he nodded. βThank you, Kanny. Iβll be there right away.β
He ended the call and turned to his mother. βKaine is at Kannyβs. Sheβs planning to take the flight to Dakar today.β He got up. βI have to go and get my one-way thinking and impulsive wife, mama. But I wonder now if itβs forgiveness she needs or a lesson?β He bent and kissed her cheek. βSee you later, mama.β
βWhich ever you decide to give her, give in love.β Mia called in a laughing voice.
Dominic decided that he might have to add spanking to whatever he was giving as he strode through the front door, for the sleepless night and heart pain sheβd caused him.
β₯
Kaine sat alone in Kanayoβs living room. He had gone out; to round up arrangements for her flight, heβd said.
She didnβt want to go. Sheβd spent a sleepless night in Kanayoβs guest bedroom. A sleepless, tearful night. It seemed once the human body was awakened to the pleasures of anotherβs passionate touches, it yearned unceasingly for them. She had lain under the bed covers, her body a cold fever of unquenchable desire, longing for Dominicβs kisses, his tender handsβhis lovemaking. She had woken upβmeagre hours after drifting offβand the desire to race to the Koji-Edwardsβ villa and fling herself into his arms had been a temptation almost impossible to resist.
And when Kanayo had asked her if she hadnβt had a rethink, sheβd almost told him to take her home. But sheβd remembered the way Dominic had looked at her like he hated her and sheβd shaken her head.
Now as she awaited Kanayoβs return, she wondered what he might have done when he returned to the hotel room and found her gone.
Had he been relieved to see the wife he should not have married gone? Had he looked for her? Had he been worried? Was he worried now? Were they all worriedβMama, Catia, Raquel, the entire household? Would they miss her after they find out sheβd gone back to her home country?
She had written two lettersβone for Nick and the other for mama. Kanayo had instructions to deliver them after sheβd boarded her flight. She hoped that after they read her letters, they would come to understand her motive and maybe even forgive her. Sheβd told Nick in his letter that he was free to divorce her. She wouldnβt contest it and would never demand anything from him. That might break their family tradition of never having a divorce, but she supposed heβd be too relieved to be rid of her to care.
She wonβt be relieved though. She would never be relieved or happy to lose him. He had changed her life. He had come into it so suddenly and changed it completely. Her heart was no more her own and neither was her body. They both belonged to him and longed only for him. Maybe this was why Anwuli had to leave to go after the one she loved. She would run after Dominic too, if she believed he loved her even half as much as she did him.
She heard the creaking sound of the front door and hastily swiped off her eyes and plastered on a calm smile. She wanted to remain calm and courageous before Kanayo.
But it wasnβt Kanayo who entered the living room. It was Dominic.
βHe called you.β She wasnβt asking a question for she knew it could only be Kanayo whoβd have told him she was there.
βHe did.β Dominic strolled into the room in short measured steps.
He looked tired, like he too hadnβt had much sleep during the night. But despite the lines of fatigue, he looked carelessly handsome in the Khaki trousers and Polo shirt with his hair a messy mop on his head.
Kaine wished she could just jump to her feet and run into his arms. And beg him to tell her heβd forgiven her and everything would be all right. But she couldnβt. Instead she stared at him as she wondered why he had come. Wasnβt he relieved she was willing to leave?
βSo, this is where you spent the night.β He looked casually around. βOdd that I have only been here onceβwhen Kanayo was sick with a severe flu about two years ago. Heβs redecorated. Nice.β He faced her, smiled faintly. βDid you have a good night, wife of mine?β
Was he still trying to punish her? To hurt her? βNo, I didnβt.β She said truthfully. No more lies for the rest of her life. Not if she can help it. βWhy are you here? I was going to leave quietly; without making any trouble. I know divorce is forbidden in your familyββ
βIβm glad you remember that, so that makes your desire to leave pointless. May I sit?β He gestured to the space on the couch beside her.
Annoyed by his interruption and his apparent lack of seriousness, Kaine glared at him. βYou can sit but not on this couch. Sit elsewhere.β
βAh, bad tempered this morning, arenβt you? Would it be the result of a long sleepless night longing for your husband?β He sent her a wicked grin.
What the heck was he up? Had he suddenly forgiven her? Or was he just there to toy with her emotions?
Too weary to squabble, Kaine sighed and said wearily. βWhy are you here, Nick? I lied to you and you said you hated lies, why have you come then? Are you looking to make me pay for my deception?β
βIβve thought up quite a number of ways on the drive down here to make you pay and I think Iβm going to carry out each one of them.β He slid down beside, grinned when she glared at him and shifted away. βWant to know what punishments I thought of, querida?β
He called her querida and he was looking at her in that amused, teasing manner. Kaine felt her heart begin to thud. βI donβt know. I only know Iβm sorry I lied to you and wished I never did.β
He reached out his hand and caught the tear that slipped from her eyes. βI hate lies but now Iβm glad you lied to me.β His hand caressed her cheek. βDo you know why, querida?β
Oh never stop calling me that, her heart silently begged. βWhy?β She croaked aloud.
He drew closer, raised his other hand and cupped her face. βBecause Iβd rather be married to you than be still single with my nephew here with us.β
βYouβd rather be married to me?β Oh God, surely this was a miracle? This has to be a gift from God. βYou donβt regret our marriage anymore?β
βI never did.β He trailed a finger across her lower lip. βI was just too angry and too hurt. But you didnβt give me a chance to get over my anger and pain before you ran off.β
βYou looked at me like you hated me, Nick.β Even now that hurt. βI didnβt think you will ever forgive me.β
βI didnβt hate you. I could never hate you. What you saw in my eyes was the anger and the hurt my poor heart was feeling.β
She blinked, sniffed. βYour heart was hurt? Why?β
Dominic angled his head, a small smile played about his mouth. βWhy do you think, querida? I had a terrible night. A night I should be rejoicing because my brother was back from the dead, I spent in anguish, worrying about my runaway wife.β
βYou were in anguish?β Hope soared and gave wings to the love that dwelled in her heart for him. βSo, you spent the night longing for your wife?β
He let out a rumbling laugh. βI did. It is one of the reasons I shall be punishing you.β
βOh.β She bit her lips. Her tears were quickly drying up. βAnd what are these punishments you have in mind? I am curious to know.β
βFirst tell me again you love me. I want to hear you say it over and over again.β
And she wanted to keep telling him what her heart would forever feel.
βI love you, Nick.β And because she was beginning to feel confident that everything was going to be all right, she drew closer and slipped her hands around him. βI love you, meu querido. I love you with all of my heart.β
βMinha queridaββ
βNo.β She shook her head. βI want what you called me last night. I think it meant more.β
He grinned. βIt did, meu amorβmy love. I donβt know all that love means but I know I want you with me always and I never want to lose you. I have fallen under your sweet, innocent spell and I never want to find the antidote. You are what my heart has been seeking without my knowing it, meu amor. And now Iβve found you, Iβll keep you with me forever.β
Kaineβs eyes filled and she didnβt bother to stop the tears. Her heart was singing melodies of love and joy. βOh Nick, I must be the most blessed woman on earth to have found a man like you. I promise that I will always love you and be true to you. And I will never again lie to you.β
βAh, trying to be sneaky… I wonβt allow it.β He tweaked her nose and grinned. βYouβre serving all of my punishments, promise of repentance or not. And the first is that you come home with me and never again plan to leave without my permission.β
βI think I can serve that punishment.β Kaine beamed, the joy in her heart uncontainable.
βSecond is that you and I are going on a month long honeymoon as soon as I can get home my rascally brother whom my mother is waiting to slap silly.β
βOh God, mama, she must be mad at me!β Kaine exclaimed, looking at once contrite.
βShe is, for your running away from us. But wait until you see her before you start making penance.β He lifted her up and into his arms. βMy other punishments, I will tell you as time goes on. They are lifetime punishments, you see. You must spend a lifetime with me to complete your penance.β
βThat long? How scary!β She nuzzled against him, breathed in his scent and tingled at his soft caresses. βSo, when do we get to the part where I make penance with plenty kisses?β
Dominic laughed. βThat is not a punishment. That is my pleasure.β And he bent his head and covered her mouth with his own, kissing her with passionate tenderness.
Kaine felt her heart leap and then settle to a steady beat. And with the slow, steady beats, knew she had found her resting place forever.
β₯
THE END.
The Marriage Ultimatum has a sequel: Never Let You Go.
It is the story of Anwuli, her wild goose chase after Tobi and Tobiβs return to life and close-hearted decision not to let Anwuli back in his life again.
Find Never Let You Go on Okadabooks and on the Life and Spices.com e-Store.
Cheers.
Dear TM,
Thank you for sharing this gift with us. God bless your pen and fill your head and heart with unending inspiration. On behalf of everyone on this blog, I say thank you, once again.
The Marriage Ultimatum
The greater thanks goes to you, Sally. I am indeed grateful for this chance to share this story on your platform and to be blessed by the fruits it had yielded.
May God bless you and your talent and I wish you unspeakable success in all things.
Thank you.
Love the ending. so glad Dom didnt run to Camilia or what ever her name is out of anger. On to okadabooks for the sequel.
Kudos to you dearie. This was and is always a masterpiece.
A big thank u to u TM, am so delighted to read this lovely story. God bless u dearie
Thanks TM, I enjoyed this and happy Kaine did not run back home. Going to okadabooks for the sequel…
Thanks a lot TM, I really enjoyed the series. I love happy endings……… Sally I’ll miss you but from experience I know good things are coming!
I loved every bit of this…
This is a lovely ending.
Sally enjoy your break and we look forward to your return…
Perfect ending…so kaine finally get to stay forever…welldone TM
Was abt asking of Anwuli when i say d sequel…running to okadabooks with immediate effect
Let me begin by stating that I was notably and unpardonably absent almost throughout the posting of this story and for this I sincerely apologise to all. But being absent had not made me any less appreciative of comments I have been privileged to read and access easily.
Today, the curtain is drawn on this story, and I want to sincerely offer my thanks to this celebrated author who graciously accorded me the opportunity to use her space and take advantage of her time, once again, to share one of my stories.
Thank you, Sally, for this. I am truly grateful.
I also would love to thank everyone who read this story and appreciated it. I, above all, thank all of you who took the time to comment and share your thoughts and feelings about the story. Every single comment was highly appreciated by me.
Whilst this has ended, I hope you all have the chance in future to enjoy and be a part of my other stories.
Thank you.
I really enjoyed reading this and I’m happy it ended on a happy note. thank you
Am dancing all over…. Wow am glad I was part of d readers from top to bottom TM more ink jhare. It’s end well, okadabooks here I come ? ?
Yipee, finally in the name of Papa is done, can’t wait to buy a copy
Hey T.M,
Thank you for sharing your brain child with us, it was an amazing journey with you, aaawwww, our Kaine….ohhhh, my nick….loool. We look forward to more amazing stories.
Dear Sally,
Words are not words enough to describe you.
Modupe
?
?
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Thank u TM nice one…… N d sequel is even nicer i bought it yesterday on okadabooks n i pulled an all night just cos i couldnt wait…. God bless ur works.
Sally u r jes too much…. We r impatiently waiting for ur return….
Thank you!
Thank you, Oladimeji. Glad you enjoyed the Anwuli-Tobi story
A great read, bought never let u go already can’t wait to start reading
???????? great work! I enjoyed every episode. Do you sell in pdf tho?
I do, Rikitava. Please contact me via: tmdavidwest@gmail.com.
Thanks
Finally, what a beautiful end. Thanks TM, do you sell in PDF? Waiting patiently for your respond and to read the sequel…..Never Let You Go.
Yes, please. Contact me via: tmdavidwest@gmail.com
Hi I read the story a while ago on your blog and loved it! I tried buying the sequel on Okada books but alas it just says to “add review”. There is no “buy” button.
That is odd, Modus, because many have made their purchases yesterday and today. Could you reach me via: tmdavidwest@gmail.com. Thanks
????? hmmmm I just discovered that I bought it before that is why it is asking for a review ????. Lemme go and refresh my head. Please ignore the screenshot I emailed you.
Well, I’m glad it’s been resolved.
Thank you Sal.
Thank you TM.
I love you both
See me grinning like a fool. Lmao. Salllllly am going to miss you so much.. …but I known you always come back better. TM Thank you.. .v read some of your other stories.. .it’s always a delight
TM,this story is lovely…Sal , ya d best..always
This was a beautiful read thank you so much ma’am TM God bless you ?β€οΈ To My darling aunt Sally thanks for always featuring the best β€οΈ
AWWW… enjoyed every bit. please i cant buy on okadabooks oo do you sell pdf? if so, how can i get it
I like the way you write about love.
Even if we don’t agree about other things which I can’t remember
We agree about this.
thank you so much. this has been a pleasant read
Thank you TM. Had fun reading. Will be contacting you for the sequel.
Thank you Sally for being the medium. I appreciate you. Looking forward to your return.
Please when is DHM 18 coming on? I keep refreshing the page hoping it’s out but to no avail, I really want to know how far with Malique
I enjoyed every episode. Felt like the characters are with me as i read. Spectacular narration. Thanks for sharing it.