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Diane's life falls apart when her husband suddenly disappears from home few months after their wedding. Will her relationship with God suffer? What happens when she meets and falls in love with a wealthy hunk only for her husband to reappear later?
















Now the king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women, and she won his favour and approval more than any other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.-Esther2:17




ONE

Rain patted on the roof of Genesis eatery with lightning, flashing across the city. One would have thought that the rain wouldn’t be heavy owing to the fact that the sun was still shinning over the horizons.

I was seated with my palms wrapped around a cup of steamed coffee. The eatery was bustling with people as usual with people who were either buying food or sitting down to eat. A couple sat opposite me, they looked young, the gold band on the lady’s index finger indicated they were married. It reminded me of my first few months with Lekan when we got married. We toured the state together, from one event to the other all in the name of having fun and making sure we got what we wanted.

The young lady giggled at whatever he whispered to her –it reminded me of lekan again, I would giggle at every little thing he said even though it didn’t seem funny.

“Hey? Good afternoon. You must be Diane?” a man, stood tall at 6ft 2 inch, clad in deep blue Armani suit gestured to me. His bright smile brought me from my reverie.

“Yes please” I fixed a small smile on my face, one that didn’t reach my eyes. “…and you must be Mr Ikechukwu Charles?” I stood up.

He smiled again, this time, revealing his perfect set of dentition. He nodded and proceeded to sit. His smile was contagious, one that made me conscious of not revealing my scattered dentition.

“Wow, I must confess, when our mothers set up this blind date, I was expecting to meet someone I wouldn’t connect with but my heart skipped a beat when my eyes rested on you.” I felt shy under his gaze. He looked like a –straight to the point guy and somehow I liked that.

I remembered when mum came visiting in late November last year, she had gone to the mall in Jabi to get some groceries when she coincidentally met her friend Mrs Michaels who happened to be Ike's mother. The woman had been friends with mum since childhood and ever since, she has been away in the states but decided to relocate with her family down to Nigeria for personal reasons best known to them. Ever since November, she had been a regular caller at my house and when she set her eyes on me, she concluded that I would be a right fit for her son which I was against but mum would always tell me to ‘grab the opportunity before I grow old’.

“So beautiful, my mother wanted me to meet you for lunch and right now, I’m glad I listened to her”. He smiled again, his gaze was intense.

“You can call me Diane please.” I added. He chuckled, my ears warmed up despite the cool weather. Ike was attractive, he was the regular guy every lady would want to have. The tall, dark, wealthy and nicely built man with all the cliché but somehow, I wasn’t interested in this meeting that mum had forced me to attend.

He kept talking about himself, he tried bringing me into the conversation several times but he sensed my withdrawal and ordered for our food instead. He requested to have Chips and chicken –that could have been what lekan would order if only he was here with me.

“Would you like the same order as mine or something else?” his tone was soft, he was trying to thread softly with me.

“Uh, yeah I would like something else please.” I turned to the waiter. “Chinese rice, salad with beef will do. Thank you”. And anything that would make me forget about lekan, I almost added.

He took our orders and in 10 minutes, he returned with what we requested for. We dug into our food. I was quiet the whole time, he on the other hand kept talking about his life in the states, his friends and his cocky neighbours. Most of all he kept talking about his pastor and church, a topic I never got interested in since lekan left.

“So what church do you attend?” he dropped his spoon on his almost empty plate.
The food got stuck in my throat; I grabbed a cup of water and gulped it, pushing down the stuck food down my throat.

“Sorry, please take it easy okay?” his eyes tender.
I gave a small smile. “Thank you.” I proceeded to eat.

“So what church do you attend here?” he asked again. This time, his gaze was fully on me.

“No church for now. I uh…just stay home” I concluded sadly, wishing I had told him a lie. He looked like he was a good Christian and even though I was reluctant about meeting him, I still didn’t want to brush aside, a good man when it was scarce to get one in times like this especially for people like us who were single mothers.
My eyes flickered to his face, surprisingly he looked calm which was shocking because I remembered telling a colleague of mine that I don’t attend church and he simply stopped speaking to me afterwards.

“Okay, perhaps you haven’t found a good church then?” he folded his arms now, interested.
I simply shrugged.

We finished eating, he paid for our meals and we stepped out of the eatery. He offered to drive me back to my place of work at SHANZ hotels where I served as a baker. I accepted, he drove me down to work and we exchanged numbers.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin………and all her justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:20,24


TWO

Three weeks had passed since Ike’s visit. His calls have been frequent and other times, intrusive. I found out that I was beginning to get use to the fact that he calls me right after dinner to ask about my day, he would ask about my mum who was also residing with me and sometimes I would have to hurry him off the phone whenever Kara enters into the room.
Although I was getting fond of him but then, knowing that he knows nothing about Kara made me feel guilty.

Victoria orenze’s brooding kept playing from the radio situated at the corner of the sitting room. The sound filled my two bedroom apartment causing the hair at the back of my neck to stand. I turned off the radio, leaving me to absorb the perpetual silence of my abode. If it were to be 5 years ago, I would have left the radio on until the song soaks my spirit leaving an imprint on my soul. Instead, I was interested in listening to my neighbour’s yelling about something unimportant.


“Mummy!” Kara flung her small frame at me, clutching my neck tightly with her frail hands. I hadn’t heard the door open.

I kissed her head and set her down to her feet while she raced into the room we shared. My mum came in right after. She had worn the same George material and white flowery blouse she wore when dad died years ago. Sometimes I wondered why she still had such clothes in her wardrobe.

“What is it? Why are you staring like you’ve just seen a ghost?” she set down her black leather bag on the center table and slumped into the sofa.

“You came back quite early what happened?” I adjusted the throw pillow against my back.

“The pastor decided to close early today. In fact he mentioned something about going to one of our church member’s house for house warming and we’re all invited.” She massaged her forehead that now had new lines probably as a result of worries.

“Oh, okay then. There’s food in the pot. I made Jollof rice.”

“It’s not Jollof rice that I want, Diane! Everything isn’t food!” her tone was hard. She was probably angry about something, because whenever she spoke in this manner, it meant ‘hell was about to be let loosed’.

“Mum, what is it again? I don’t think I have done anything to offend you.” I knew better than not raise my voice especially when she was this way.

“You and I know what the problem is! Yes you know! So stop pretending!” she sat up, her eyes looked weary at the same time, it could set anything on fire at the moment.

I forced down the anger welling up inside me and spoke up. “Mum, it’s better you state what the problem is and let me know because I am tired of you, getting angry at every single thing!” I finally let it loose. “You asked me to go on a date with your friend’s son, I complied, you asked me not to tell him about Kara, and I complied! What else do you want! You have virtually taken over my life and you are living it for me just the way you’ve always wanted!”

She gasped, but I knew she wasn’t hurt by my words. Her pride must have probably been hurt because I spoke back at her. Mum had always been fearsome to me, especially when my brothers and I were little. Whenever I played with Ekene and Emeka, my brother’s friends, she would always spank me with the black wire stuck under a pile of old books in her cupboard. Mum was a primary school teacher and she never wasted time in dealing with her children whenever she deemed it fit to.

“Diane, you dare raise your voice at me? Accusing me of what I never did?” she chuckled dryly and raised her palms upwards. “Chineke! I never knew putting Diane’s scattered life in order would earn me an insult this afternoon!” she yelled.

My insides tightened, my hands shook. I hated it when mama yelled. We had thin walls that could help transport our voices like a speed of light. I was sure Baba Bili and his nosy wives could hear what she was saying.

“So Diane, just because I want you to go back to church, I have now turned to a witch right?” she queried.

My mouth was probably agape, I wanted to speak but the words were stuck in my throat. When did I call mama a witch?

“Diane! Go to church and stop living your life like a pagan! Go to church!” she clapped to my face.
I stood up, my eyes red, rage almost blinding me.

“Mum! Leave me alone! If the church is filled with hypocrites like you then I would rather not go! Remember I left church because of people like you, and guess what mum, I wouldn’t go back!” I remembered that after I put to bed and Lekan was nowhere to be found, different news from gossip mongers in the church, carved out a story for me that I had chased away my husband with my character problems, some even said I had HIV that was why my husband left.

I walked into my room, Kara was seated on the bed, staring at the door when I came in. her eyes looked droopy from sleep, I shut the door to prevent her from hearing mum’s rants.

“Sweetheart, I know you’re sleepy try to go to bed.” I patted her loose cornrows. “Don’t worry when you’re awake, I will plait your hair and decorate it with colourful beads so you can look all beautiful for school tomorrow, deal?” I searched her eyes, and my heart skipped. She had Lekan’s caramel skin, long dark hair, and doey brown eyes but she had my pointed nose. Her teachers in school normally called her a ‘miniature’ of me, little do they know that she was more of a ‘miniature’ of lekan than me.

“Mum?” she laid her head on her pillow.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Promise me, you won’t fight with granny anymore.”

Fear gripped me, she had heard after all. I’ve heard from people never to let a child listen to a quarrel, it leaves a bad effect on them emotionally.

I forced a smile, licked my cracked lips. “Ah sweetheart, mum and I were just arguing trust me we never fight. We love each other that is why we argue okay?”

“But she was yelling at…” I raised a finger to silence her.

“Kara, granny and I had a little argument and we’re fine okay? No fighting? I love you, try to sleep okay? When you get up, tell granny to give you food from the kitchen okay?” I stood up from my squat state and changed into a free gown.

“Mum where are you going?” her eyes were closed.

I glanced at her briefly and walked up to her. “I’m going to the nearest coffee shop. I will be back in no time dream of me and sleep well.” I kissed her head again, grabbed my purse and headed out. Mum was lying on the long sofa, her eyes were open. I mumbled where I was going to her and she nodded faintly. By the time I stepped out of the house, I was fully certain I needed a cup of coffee to clear my head.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.


THREE

I was late and I knew it, as soon as the long hand stuck on 12 and the short hand on the big, white clock hit 6. Ike would be here any moment and I didn’t want to create an impression that I was tardy. I wasn’t much of a makeup person but then, I needed a little touch of lipstick on my lips and I needed to cake my face with sleek powder.
Whoosh, see babe. I winked at myself and patted the wine coloured crepe gown I had bought few days ago from a trendy clothing store in Wuse.

The gown accentuated every bit of my feminine curves. My stomach was flat against my cloth.
I smiled, I looked like a young girl of 22 while in the real sense, Ike would probably argue that I wasn’t 30 yet. My eyes were small and bright. The eye pencil I applied must have done justice to my bright eyes because my eyes weren’t particularly bright although they were gorgeous in their own form. My hair was parked into a ponytail and I wore a 4 inch healed shoe. I applied red lipstick to bolden my features and I was certain it complimented my fair skin colour.

The door opened, mum walked in and surveyed me. I ignored her piercing gaze and focused on my face.

“You look very good, like fine wine omalicha nwa’m.” smile tugged at her lips.

“Thanks mum.” I grabbed my purse as soon as I heard a knock on the door.

“Wait now, calm down. Adjust this lipstick very well. Is it not too much? In fact I think you should try to reduce it now, you know you have natural pink lips.” She concluded.

I rolled my eyes, grabbed a tissue from the dressing table and adjusted my lipstick so that it was nearly faint on the lips.

“Is it okay now? Are you satisfied?”
She smiled in satisfaction. I stepped out of the room. As I approached the sitting room, I heard hushed voices. I walked quickly so as to be sure, that Kara was okay only for me to find Kara in front of Ike. He was squatted right in front of her, clad in a dark suit, with a red bow tie. A quick glance at his side profile made my insides quiver but what made my outside quiver was Kara. Ike had finally caught up with the secret I was trying to hide.

I cleared my throat, our eyes met. I made eye gesture to Kara who quickly went inside. I was left, standing alone with Ike.

“You look stunning.” He broke the glassy silence.

“Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself.” My heart raced again when I settled my gaze on him. Still, he looked rather tall even though I was on heels.

“So, shall we?” he gestured to the door.
I forced a smile and proceeded towards the door.

“Oh, please. Let me say hi to your mum I’m guessing she’s inside?”

I nodded and called mum out. He greeted her briefly and cracked a small joke with her, something about me getting all my beauty from her. My mind was still with Kara. I wondered what Ike now knows.

“Your seat belt please?” he raised his brows.
His voice jerked me back from my reverie. I wondered how we had gotten into the car. Suddenly the car felt too small, as I could suddenly feel him close, Ike’s masculine cologne filled the car, grasping my senses and toying with it. Whatever he said got me opening my mouth in laughter until he asked the next set of question that almost got me blank.

“So is that your little girl?” his eyes were on the road.
I did a dramatic laugh and tapped his taunt arm.

“What, no! Do I look like a mother?”

The brief silence was almost like a criminal awaiting a judge’s verdict.

He looked me over briefly, and sighed. “Well no! You don’t look like a mother.”

“Good! So she’s my niece one of my brother’s daughters.” I concluded briefly. I was certain my tongue would feel bitter all through that night because I had just lied about my daughter.

“Wow, she is pretty and she’s got pretty nose too.” He looked at me and then focused back on the road.
I felt like a deer caught in the rain. I stayed quiet afterwards, unable to make a nice conversation with him until we got to the event center.

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Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.




FOUR

“please I want you there, with me.” He paused briefly and continued. “by my side” he whispered the last part but I still heard him.

We were seated right in the restaurant section of the hotel where I work. According to Ike, he had come for a business meeting in the hotel and he decided to say hi. Although his reasons didn’t seat well with me as I felt he had left wherever he was, to come see me during my luch break. I could tell my colleagues were whispering from the looks on their faces. They were probably wondering how I got a drop-dead gorgeous hunk stuck to me like super glue. I didn’t care, I had seen more gorgeous guys in my lifetime, and not even Ike’s great dress sense could drive me nuts. Lekan was also handsome only that he didn’t have a nice dress sense. His tatse in fashion was terribly sour that I would have to stop him from combining a teal green tie on a light brown shirt.

“I, don’t know what to say, because I have…” I bit my tongue. I wanted to tell him that I have Kara to take care of but I couldn’t think of a more better way to put it. He wanted me to go with him, to his company opening. That had been his sole purpose of coming home in the first place.

He wanted to open another branch of his company in Nigeria where he runned a top notch media services with emphasis on advertising.
I tucked my clammy hands in my trouser pocket and steadied my gaze on him. I let my eyes dance around his outfit once more. Little wonder why my female colleagues had been gawking at him. He was stylishly dressed in a nice red coloured Ankara suit, on a deep blue jeans. His shirt was plain white with the first two buttons undone showing a tiny bit of his caramel skin. I shifted my gaze from him, disregarding any lustful picture I must have formed in my heart.

“okay, no problem.” I resigned, rested my back on the chair. He smiled and did a fist pump in the air. “but on one condition.” I watched his face crumble. “I would only be with you for two hours.” I added.

His face brightened a little. “it’s honestly fine Diane but am sure you’re going to change your mind towards the end of the program.” He grinned.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring how my heart skipped at his grin.

“may I say you look absolutely stunning in your baker’s outfit. I was wondering you would have the baker’s cap on or something?” his eyes twinkled in excitement.

I was clad in a pair of blue jeans and a pink chef shirt with a baker’s design at the front. It was one of my best baker’s outfit and I was sure I looked good in it like he said.

“well, thank you dear sir.” I teased him with an English accent and did a mock bow, “well I do have the baker’s cap, only that, I left it inside.” I gestured towards the kitchen. “I love your suit too, it fits perfectly.” And you have a great sense of fashion….ugh! I wanted to add that but I wasn’t good with complements.

“well, thank you kind ma” he teased me back in an English accent. He took a bite from his waffles and took a drink from the iced tea. “so, did you make this?”

“yes I did. I do not only bake but I also make small chops, any snack you can think of” I added with enthusiasm.

Finally glad to talk about my passion with someone who cared to listen. Lekan never listened to me when I talked about cake and others. He wasn’t interested in what I did. Instead he believed that doing business was a poor man’s way of persuading people to donate their money in exchange for something. He kept spooning me his ideology until I had to quit anything cakes within the first few months of our marriage and I focused on getting white collar jobs.

“this tastes amazing Diane. You cook well.” He took another bite.

“Thank you. I cook well but I’m very passionate with baked goods. I promise to faten you up during your stay in Abuja. Trust me, you will enjoy it.” I crossed my arms.

“wow, I can’t wait.” He gave a short throaty laugh.
“but Diane on a serious note, why don’t you start up your own business. You know, since you work this hard for your boss, you can as well channel the energy to owning your own cake shop with baked goods or what do you think?” his gaze was intent.

“I don’t really think it’s a nice idea to start a business.” I shrugged my shoulders and told him about Lekan’s idea of business but I didn’t tell him it was Lekan’s.

“okay, of a truth, you have really been brainwashed about what business really entails Diane. Now I’m not asking you to quit working for your lovely boss but then I want you to just give business a try. It is another means of generating income Diane! Your salary can never and will never make you rich!” he stressed.

I shifted in my seat, the truth hitting me directly across the face but then, I was still skeptical about it.

“okay, let’s do this simple arithmetic. How much is your monthly salary?” he typed on his phone.

“ a hundred thousand naira per month.” He flashed me a surprise look and shook his head.
“what? Isn’t it decent enough?” I asked.
He smiled. “sweetheart, trust me it is.” My heart skipped another beat. He had called me sweetheart! I forced back my attention to him, so I wouldn’t miss what he was about to say. “Diane, how much does a client offer for a cake in a day?”

“well, it all depends. We get orders up to 10 or more persons in a day but then, I do not know the cost of each cake because I only get the orders and description of the cakes the customers do not order directly from me. They order from the reception.”

He laughed again and I became more confused. Why was he laughing? “Diane, your boss is really the smart one here but it’s all about business I do not blame him. the thing is, in the states, a one tiered cake goes for about $20 which is about #7,200 naira here in Nigeria.”

I nodded my head, his explanation gradually becoming clear.

“so just imagine you make one tiered cake for ten people in a day how much do you think that will cost?”

“72,000 naira?” I exclaimed.

“exactly! Diane, open your eyes, you’re sitting on goldmine! You can own your business, strike a deal with your boss to do her work only on contract basis and trust me the sky would be your starting point. You know what Genesis 30:29-30 says?” he scrolled through the bible app on his phone. “…Jacob replied, you know how faithfully I’ve served you through these many years, and how your flocks and herds have grown. For it was little indeed you had before I came, and your wealth has increased enormously; Jehovah has blessed you from everything I do! But now, what about me? When should I provide for my own family? Remember Jacob in the bible?” he looked at me.

“I’m not that daft Ike, I did children’s bible class?” I unfolded my arms.

A smile tugged at his lips.

“okay, am sorry about that. But what am trying to say is, if your read the whole of genesis chapter thirty, you will understand that Jacob had served Laban faithfully for years and still he felt like it was time he needed to be on his own since he now had a family to cater for. Meaning, his wages was no longer enough for him and his family. You can go home and check through this chapter and I pray the holy Spirit ministers to you and make you understand.” he stretched his arms on the table and pushed his ‘now’ empty plate aside. I nodded, digesting the scripture he had just mentioned.

“amen. Thank you Ike but I think I should go now. My lunch break is over.” I stood up.

I walked him out to the car park and he thanked me for lunch. He engulfed me in his broad arms, somehow I felt myself stiffen in his embrace. He must have felt my reaction because he pulled back immediately. we said our goodbyes and he drove off in his venza jeep leaving me with the familiar scent of his cologne.

Nice story...... Good job, you are good in this. Hope u will complete it

OLAFIMIX:
Nice story...... Good job, you are good in this. Hope u will complete it

Oh yes I will! There's no problem with the completion. Thanks for stopping by, please help mention others. Thanks!

New Update!


Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

FIVE

Wind swept across the street, slapping everyone’s faces with the cold harmattarn air. Whenever it was December, the cold always doubled in the north. The street wasn’t particularly dusty, at least I was grateful for that else, my outfit would have been marred with stripes of dirt from dust. It was a cold Monday morning for me, dressed in a short blue skirt and a black top with a pair of loafers that aided my easy steps, I sauntered into the reception of the hotel where I worked.

Two whole weeks passed since Ike spoke to me about owning my own business and somehow, my mind kept going back to it. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to own something of my own after years of serving under someone.

As usual, the receptionist was behind her desk, typing away on her computer. My grew clammy as soon as I drew close to the reception counter. I had reharsed what I wanted to say and how I wanted to drop my letter of resignation incase my contract terms wasn’t met but then I simply couldn’t find my voice as soon as I stopped in front of her.

“Diane how are you doing now” she shifted her seat closer. The receptionist was a petit beauty and one would think she wasn’t smart enough to handle certain official issues that seemed bigger than her physically but she awed our boss with her wisdom and strength especially when the case of suicide happened in the hotel a year ago.

“Fine my dear, how is work?” I shuffled my feet.

“Fine dear, how is Kara baby? You don’t even bring her here anymore.” She teased, her eyes twinkled.

I laughed. “Kara is in school now, I can’t bring her here all the time. Moreover my mother is still around.” I rested my arms on the counter.

“Wow, mama is still around? She must like it here in Abuja o!” her mouth pressed into a smile.
I murmured a reply,

“So what’s up? Do you need something?”
I smiled intead, displaying my imperfect dentition. Now how do I tell her to give my letter of resignation to my boss? I wasn’t even sure I had enough confidence in being on my own yet. I stalked the letter away in my bag.

“Nothing o, I just simply wanted to say hi and head back to the kitchen”. We chatted some more, she told me about her upcoming wedding and the price we are to pay for asoebi, finally I retired to the kitchen, at the baking section where my tasks for the day awaited me.

I felt the buzz of my phone in my bag, I knew the only person who would call me by this time of the day would be Ike and so it was. I ignored the call, pressed the volume button at the side of the phone to put it on silence. I was scared of picking his call. I didn’t know how to tell him that I didn’t have the guts to deliver the letter to my boss yet. I was sure he would be disappointed in me. During the past few days, he has been helpful with the registration of my business name at CAC, my graphic design and some of the equipments I needed to buy.

Ike even wanted renting a shop space for me at Wuse 2 but I had to beg him not to. Most times, I would have to tell myself that Ike was too good for me and that he couldn’t possibly fall for me by the time he knows about my baggage but then, the way he listens to me when we talk, the way he stares at me with those intense, dark gaze of his and the way he holdsmy hand when am not looking all made me believe that he could be in love with me?

With a sigh, tossed the used plastic bowl to the sink, I stared out through the windows and my gaze flickered on the set of blooming flowers in the garden located just behind the hotel. It was one of my most beautiful site ever since I started working here and there was something about the garden, it communicates tranquility to me and suddenly, I knew the answer to the question bugging my mind. I was going to tell him, that I was married, and that Kara was my daughter and I was going to wait until my husband gets back home to me, dead or alive. I was certain my mum would go ballistic with this idea of mine but it was my solely my decision to make since God decided to let bad things happen to me by tearing my husband away from me!

Tears trickled down my face, I wiped it with the back of my hand. I’ve made a resolve not to go to church or have anything to do with God until he returns my husband back and I was going to stick to it even if it took a lifetime. I shifted my thoughts away from my predicament and moved to set up the mixer.

Thank you for updating. It's short now. Can we ask for more. Oliver twist

OLAFIMIX:
Thank you for updating. It's short now. Can we ask for more. Oliver twist

Lol okay dear, please mention other readers thanks!

Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.


SIX

“you are not married!” mum screamed to my hearing.

I moved to the dressing mirror, applied my lipgloss. Mum kept talking on top of her voice. Luckily I had dropped Kara in her friend’s house for a sleep over. I had more time to prepare for Ike’s company opening tonight but mum kept talking my peace away ever since I told her that I was going to tell him that I was married.

“Mum please, it’s my life not yours! Just let me be!” I yelled and for the first time that night, mum stopped talking. She sat on the bed and kept shaking her head.

I rose up from the chair and adjusted the black flowing dress I was clad in. I quickly strapped on a pair of silver heels and proceeded to leave the room but mum spoke.

“Diane? Please ehn, do this for me. Don’t put me to shame. All these things am doing is all for your sake please understand.” She persuaded.

“Mum, you are forcing me to keep lieing for my sake? How about Kara, what becomes of her after am married?” pain flashed briefly across her face but she was quick to mask her face into a sad smile.

“taking care of Kara is not an issue. She will follow me back to Lagos or I would drop her with one of your brothers.” She rose up and advanced towards me.

I gave a short dry laugh. “thank you mum! Your suggestions sound nice but this is my daughter we are talking about and she is my life just incase you don’t know!”

I stalked out of the room and she followed behind pleading for me to reconsider my decision. I was glad by the time I heard a knock on the door. It was Ike. I bade mama goodbye and stepped into the dark with him he had his hand on the small part of my back, guiding me towards his Range rover jeep.

*******************************************************************

Excitement had eaten deep into the night that I gasped by the time I glanced at the bold time on the screen of my phone.

“11:25pm?” I whispered.

Ike turned towards me, his brow raised in surprise. He had a pleading glint in his eyes but I didn’t want to stay a minute longer even though I didn’t want to leave his side. The company opening had gone well, Charles had done well to invite some top dignitaries in the business and political world and even though a few had left, most people remained claiming that the night was still young.

“so you want to leave me, all alone?” he formed a puppy face as if to convince me to stay glued to his side the way I’ve been all through the night.

Even though I liked the feel of staying glued to his side, I didn’t enjoy the popularity that came with it. Most ladies that I saw, kept staring daggers at me. Probably wishing I would be struck dead by an unknown hand so they could be with him. I should feel special and excited but…

“no, I just uhm, really need to go because I …” I gasped for air, his presence was intoxicating and I needed to leave before I said something that would leave me regretting in the morning.

“Your niece? You need to get to Kara is that why you are leaving?” his eyes were glassy now. The comedian on stage, said something and everyone erupted into laughter except us. Charles didn’t tear his gaze off me, my insides churned with tension. The way I felt now, was different from the way I felt when I had when I first met Lekan, this was more intense.

“What? No! I mean, I need to get to work tomorrow.” I added.

“Work? You still work? Tomorrow is Sunday Diane not Friday” he chuckled. “Okay, grab your purse let’s leave this place.” He whispered to me and grabbed my hand. I wanted to tell him that he didn’t have to leave his party for me but we were already out of the hall, strolling into the car park.

“I’m guessing you haven’t quit your work yet?” he looked at me.

“Yes, I didn’t have the guts to strike a contract deal yet or leave the company.” We turned towards, where his car was parked.

He opened his car and we sat in it, leaving both doors open.

“Diane, life itself is a risk and since you haven’t given up on life yet, then it means you’re a risk taker. You don’t have to leave your boss. You can just strike a contract deal and be your own boss by working from home since you rejected my offer for a shop space.” He teased.

His words sank deep in my heart and suddenly I felt a rush of energy in my bones. “Probably by coming Monday, I will take my final decision about this.”

“It’s fine Diane. Take your time but have it at the back of your mind, that you have a choice to be successful.” He tucked some strands of hair behind my ear and my insides tingled by the slight graze of his finger.

“okay, thank you Ike.” I smiled.

“have I told you, how stunning you look today?” his gaze had turned dark now. I could hear my racing heart and I was sure if something didn’t happen, I was certain my heart could bust.

“Diane,” he continued. “In as much as, we’ve only known each other for two months now, it feels like I’ve known you for years. And when my mum told me about you, I …” he swallowed, his adams apple blobbed. “I spoke to the holyspirit about meeting you and he gave me a go ahead, I just want you to know that we all have a reason for bringing certain people into our lives. I haven’t succeeded in breaking your walls yet but I’m certain the holy spirit would do that.” he gave a small, nervous smile.

I looked away from him, my heart still raced and I fiddled with my fingers.

He continued “I, probably was brought into your life, to help you know more and open your eyes to the reality of owning a business and I’m afraid to say,” he smiled. “That I’m in love with you and I can’t help myself. In as much as am saying how I feel and I would really love to spend the rest of my life with you, I would love you to take your time in thinking about it?”

My gaze met his. His eyes was a lot glassy now, I wanted to scream back, tell him I felt the same way but the words got stuck in my throat. The air was tense around us for some brief seconds before I broke into a shaky sob.

“I’m so sorry Charle’s. you can’t love me.” I sobbed.

He extended his arms to hold me but I shierked away from him. “please I can’t love you. Am sorry.” With that I sauntered out of the car and walked quickly out of the park. I was quick enough to hide behind some few cars parked away in the dark when he kept screaming my name in a bid to stop me.

He eventually stopped, his shoulders slumped into a sad one and he turned his back to return to the hall. By the time, I was sure he was gone, I stopped a taxi, which took me home while I kept sulking at the back of the car about my ill fated life.

oluwatymylehyn, Babsopey, BlissfulJeff, Atayis, rdvubiGoldenprinz, Tife101, wizsolzy, ikombe, Sammyfreshsmooth, Shakyroh320, Missmossy. holufunmie, harunablezin, damis28crown, marvwhite, olatex25, evajael, aminzy, damis28crown, eniqurl, princessadeola, jane1234f, musampa73, herosakin777, chizzymaris, alamiendagash, yungtemy, dtobs, wizsolzy, ikombe, azeequeen, lilyjoe567, nikz, heemah, queenitee, zika1, holuwanoisy111, angelinastto, hormobolanle, yewandequeen, damibiz, dannybomb, xolocious and TheblessedMAN,Ann2012

OLAFIMIX:
oluwatymylehyn, Babsopey, BlissfulJeff, Atayis, rdvubiGoldenprinz, Tife101, wizsolzy, ikombe, Sammyfreshsmooth, Shakyroh320, Missmossy. holufunmie, harunablezin, damis28crown, marvwhite, olatex25, evajael, aminzy, damis28crown, eniqurl, princessadeola, jane1234f, musampa73, herosakin777, chizzymaris, alamiendagash, yungtemy, dtobs, wizsolzy, ikombe, azeequeen, lilyjoe567, nikz, heemah, queenitee, zika1, holuwanoisy111, angelinastto, hormobolanle, yewandequeen, damibiz, dannybomb, xolocious and TheblessedMAN,Ann2012

Thanks for the call

HAPPY SUNDAY GUYZ AND HAPPY NEW MONTH!

NEW UPDATE ALERT:

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.

SEVEN

The sound from the mixer didn't disrupt my thoughts. I was baking a red velvet cake for my first client and for the first time since Ike spoke to me about owning my own business, I was grateful for taking such bold steps. It gave me a sense of ownership and capability that I could handle anything that life throws at me. However in all this, I was thankful to Ike.

I scrolled through my phone to dial his number but then, I couldn’t tap the screen for fear of the unknown. I didn’t know if he would be at least warm towards me because ever since, he professed his feelings to me, i refused picking his calls neither did I text him back. Sometimes, I would want to pick his call but then, I wouldn’t have the courage to do that.

I sighed, set the phone down on the counter. Somehow, I was going to find a way to reach out to him and let him know about my business. Kara being in school, gave me ample time to finish with the cake. In 45 minutes, I was done with it. I sent a message to my client that I was done. He had seen my advert on facebook and he wanted to see if my service was better than others. To me that was a good catch and even though I have never met him, I was sure to hit it big this time. I focused on wrapping the un-decorated cake and proceeded to the sitting room.

My phone beeped, revealing that I had a message. It was from my client.
Wow, I can’t wait to have my cake! Number34 Kumasi street, Asokoro. That’s my address.
my lips compressed into a smile. Asokoro was known to be strictly for the wealthy in Abuja and if my client lived in this place, surely this was certainly going to be a hit. I walked towards the bedroom to change into something comfy yet fancy.
*****************************************************************

It wasn’t a flat, neither was it a mansion. It looked like a comfortable duplex, just like the other houses in the street, his house still stood out in beauty. It had nice displays of colours and the windows were not like my normal sliding windows, but they were the trendy French louvers. I stood at the black iron gate, admiring the house until I heard the gate open. a young man probably in his mid thirties, dressed in a security uniform attire, approached me.

“Excuse me ma’am are you lost? Or you’re looking for someone?” he had a mischievous glint in his eye. He looked too smart to be a mere security and I was beginning to wonder, didn’t security men speak pidgin? Why was he different?

“Ah,” words got caught in my throat. I managed to fix a small smile, and gestured towards the cake I was holding.

“Oh, I see you’re here to deliver a cake? I see, you must be?” he stuffed his hands in his pocket.

“I’m Diane,, the baker for my client Mr Marcus. He gave me this address.” I showed him my phone and he nodded. He brought out his phone and dialed a number. He took two steps away from me, said some words on phone that I couldn’t decipher and he walked back to me after he had put away his phone.

“Okay, my boss is expecting you and he has given orders to let you in.” he nodded.
I followed him into the compound and he gestured towards the garden section of the house.

“Mr Marcus is having a little get together with his friends that was why he requested your service. Anyway he would be here in ten minutes” he turned and left me alone in the stillness of the beautiful garden. I wondered who tended the flowers, but they looked and smelled nice. Just at the middle of the garden, a small water fountain was mounted and somehow, it completed my view of what my dream house would look like.

I could hear distinct chatter of men, they were probably laughing over something. I wish I could laugh over whatever too but the silence seemed to stretch on. It made me think of Ike again, I could brave up and call him, later? And maybe, just maybe I could laugh about something….or be joyful about something?

My mind wandered off to my life entirely. I was a complete mess and I was scared of Ike seeing my mess, he would be ashamed of me. I scoffed.

'I'm not ashamed of you, I love you.'

Cool air pricked my skin, I turned around. The voice had been clear only that there was no one around me to pin it on. Who just spoke back to me? There was no one in the garden I was sure of that. Even if there was, there was no how the person could have heard my thoughts. Surely God wouldn’t speak to me because I was still bitter about him, even when I was religious, God never spoke to me not to talk of now that I was a …..

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

I turned to the direction of the baritonic voice. I wanted to tell him there was no problem but my mind went blank as soon as my gaze landed on him. those familiar brown eyes, the thin scar on his left jaw….made me knew my eyes weren’t deceiving me. By the time he drew near, I was gasping for air. He extended his hand to reach me but I avoided him swiftly.

“Dianeee”

I was right! My ears twitched from his raspy voice. The way he dragged my name at the end was the exact way Lekan normally called me. I wanted to throw myself on him, hug him, tell him how much I missed him and profess my undying love for him but his next words had me weighing my unspoken action.

“What are you doing here?” Lekan said almost in a whisper. He was clad in a fitted yellow t-shirt that enhanced his large biceps. He had always been a fan of large muscular arms and I wasn’t perturbed when I saw how fit he looked now.
I hissed. “This is insane.” I narrowed my gaze at him “I should ask you instead, where have you been for the past five years!” I yelled the last part, tears trickled down my face.

“Diane, I’m terribly sorry. I don’t know what you’re doing here but am sorry about the last five years.” His gaze softened.

My eyes strayed to his glowing dark skin, pangs of jealousy gripped my belly. “So you have been living so well all these years while you left me and my daughter to starve during your mysterious disappearance? Lekan I was 6 months pregnant when you suddenly walked out of our home, my life….our marriage.” I broke into fresh sobs.

“Our daughter?” I ignored his impending question and he continued “Diane, I know what I did was cruel but I really had to leave. My mother…”

“Your mother? you mean your mother instigated you to leave your pregnant wife?” I shook my head in disbelief. “I do not believe you! I trusted you! I loved you and I believed in you!” he tried to hold me but I halted him with my hands raised upwards.

“I’m sorry Diane. It was never my intention to. You also hurt me! You lied and cheated which was why I left!” he yelled in frustration.

“Wait! I never cheated on you. It has always been you all along Lekan. What are you talking about? Are you trying to shift blames now?” I scoffed.

“My mother told me that she overheard you telling a friend of yours who came visiting that the child in your womb wasn’t yours.” He concluded.

“What!” I laughed dryily. “And to think that I ever gave you my heart. I never cheated on you and my daughter is yours!” I sighed. My voice calm,

“Your mother must have heard me discussing with Tomiwa our neighbor. She was the one who told me that the child in her womb wasn’t for her husband not me!”

“My goodness! But my mother said…”

“Your mother said? You’ve always preferred your mother to me. I shouldn’t have fallen for you. I stopped speaking to God all because of you! I wish I hadn’t met you.” I whispered.

Lekan was still trying to apologize when a young lady who was probably around my age range walked into the garden. Lekan had his back to her so that he couldn’t see the entrance of the garden.

“What’s going on here? Darling?” she directed his gaze at him and then it fully rested on me.

My gaze slipped to her face and settled on her protruding stomach. She looked like she was close to delivery with the way her stomach almost tilted downwards. She looked beautiful despite her condition and the yellow sundress brightened her dark skin. Pain gnawed at my heart by the time my gaze flipped to her index finger, a gold wedding band sat gracefully on it.

“Well, this is my ex wife, Diane.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Diane, this is yemisi, my wife.”

I was certain my heart shattered a million pieces that afternoon but how I didn’t have a heart attack marveled me.

“Your ex wife? you never divorced me you bastard! I can see you got yourself a Yoruba woman like you always wanted. I leave you in God’s hands Lekan. My God will pay you back!” I yelled, tears trickled down my face.

I left his cake behind and marched out of the garden. I could hear him yell my name and I was sure he wanted to chase right after me but his wife must have halted him. Angry, I wiped the tears with the back of my hand and sauntered out of the gate. I was still wiping my face when I bumped into a figure. My heart beat palpitated fast as soon as our eyes met and he exclaimed.

“what in God’s name are you doing here?”

With tears streaked face, I asked.

“Ike? What are you doing here?”

Lekan is a goat

Thanks for the update

Wow, this is deep. Like deep

New update: enjoy....

EIGHT

The drive home was quiet, the air was tense between us. The air condition in the car didn’t help matters as my insides quivered with cold. I wondered what was going through his mind because he had an unreadable expression on his face. But I noticed his grip on the wheel of the car was quite tight from the veins I see on his hands.

He kept grinding his teeth and occasionally I would see him working his jaw.
I wanted to tell him that I was sorry I kept this from him. I wanted to tell him that I have always wanted to tell him about my past and that Kara was my daughter but the words didn’t get right past my mouth. From his side profile, I concluded he was angry. He didn’t speak much to me since he found out from Lekan that I was his ex wife. the only words he spoke to me was 'get in the car, I’ll take you home'.

Right now his silence killed me. He turned the wheel of the car swiftly and drove down my street until he stopped in front of my gate. My first instinct was to get out of the car as fast as I could but I was rather too slow to move as fast as my thoughts could.

“Thanks for the ride. I’m really grateful” I avoided his face and moved to open the door.

“You didn’t tell me that you started your cake business.” His voice was mild

My heart beat doubled. “What?” I was expecting him to talk about what just happened.

He smiled, one that didn’t reach his eyes although I knew he was trying to be sincere but somehow I knew he was hurt….i had hurt him.

"You started your cake business without letting me know. I would have been your first client.”

“Oh, I wanted to but…” I fumbled with my hands.

“It’s okay. It’s still not too late to place orders right?”

I nodded.

“Good. I would need a 4 inch cake for a friend that will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. So if you don’t mind, could you please drop the cake by tomorrow with the receptionist? I would drop your money for her.”

My gaze met his and for the first time since that day, I noticed a glint of pain in them. “I, you don’t need to worry about that. Since you’re one of my first customers and my business mentor, I will do it free.” I forced a smile.

“Oh no please. I’m sure Mr Lekan, paid for his cake so I will definitely pay for mine.” He didn’t smile.

I felt a painful slice in my heart, I didn’t smile. “Ike, I’m sorry. I was supposed to tell you that I w…”

“that you were married and still in love with the father of your child?” he scoffed

I wanted to explain futher but I could feel my eyelids were getting wet. I mumbled a thank-you and left the car with my heart heavy.
*******************************************************************

A month passed right after my encounter with Ike and he stopped calling me. He would only call my mum since he had her number, then he would speak to Kara and that would be all. Even at that, the calls stopped being frequent and Kara began asking questions. Telling Kara about her dad was quite difficult at first and then gradually she took it in good fate. When I told mum about Lekan, she kept saying;

“I warned you about that Yoruba demon but you never listened! Instead you claimed that I was tribalistic now see where you got yourself into.”

And for the first time since five years, I agreed with my mother that I was foolish. Foolish to have fallen in love with Lekan, enough to marry him. I lost everything because of him. I lost my pride, I lost my place in God. I stopped going to church because I thought something bad must have happened to Lekan not knowing that he was the architect of my misfortune. I had blamed God entirely about Lekan and I was sorry.

Lekan would sometimes call me so he could take Kara out for a daddy and daughter time but Kara wasn’t always comfortable and if I chose to go with her, his pregnant wife would tag along with him as the case was today. He had called as usual to spend some daughter time with her and Kara as usual asked me to tag along. I wore a simple blue jeans and a multicoloured blouse with a black sneaker to match with that of Kara who was also wearing the same shoe as mine but a short gown.

He picked us along the way, with his pregnant wife at the front, we all went to magic land. Lekan took Kara by hand as soon as we got there, they walked a little father from us leaving me in the company of his wife. she would glance at me with disdain in her eyes and laugh sarcastically but I would simply shrug. I wasn’t here for her anyways.

“So you think you can still get him back?” she seized me up with her eyes.

“Excuse me?” I turned in my seat, faced her properly. It was sunny and I began to wonder why parents would allow their kids play under the unfriendly sun. my eyes found Charles and Kara close to one of the playgrounds. I sighed.

“You are all dressed like a young girl, face pimped up, you think you can get his attention back to you?” she lashed out. she was beginning to draw attention to us. Some couples even glanced at us and when they met my eyes, they looked away.

I hissed, Irritated at her conclusion. “You must be insane. Look! I’m only here for my daughter. I don’t care about you neither do I care about Lekan!” I snapped.

I took a long drink from my cocktail. I thought our short argument was over not until I was completely taken aback when Yemisi gave a short dry laugh.

“No wonder he left you. Let me guess, you were such a careful little thing huh? Always doing what he tells you” she laughed again, her body shook from the laughter. “He told me you snore. Oh my goodness that must be disgusting! He even told me that your private area st…”

My palm lashed across her face before she could conclude her words. I stood up. She wailed like a newborn, dragging attention to us fully. I felt like a child that was caught stealing a piece of candy. People gathered and began pointing accusing fingers at me while some listened to her gibberish.

Lekan waded through the crowd with my daughter. Kara quickly latched unto me, asking me what had happened. Lekan, after several minutes of consoling his wife, turned to me after the crowd had dispersed.


His eyes were bloodshot. He was angry. “I brought you because Kara insisted and you paid me back by slapping my wife? this is so low of you Diane.” He scoffed.

Pain sliced through my heart and I felt myself fight back tears that threatened to pour. “You speak as though you don’t know me! I would never have slapped your wife, if she hadn’t insulted me!”

“You know what, just go, go home! I will bring Kara back later”

“No! if mummy leaves, I will leave also!” Kara replied.

Lekan’s gaze softened as soon as he heard her. He turned to his wife as if taking commands from her. But before he could turn back to me, I spoke up.

“I stopped knowing God because of you. But ,” I laughed sadly, “I’m calling on my God, the God I haven’t spoken to for 5 years now to please judge you and judge your wife! for humiliating me!” I wiped the sturbborn tear with the back of my palm and walked out of Magic land with Kara in hand. It was when we got outside that I realized that I had left my purse at home and Kara and I were stranded.

Ann2012:
Lekan is a goat

Thanks for the update

Thanks for stopping by dear

Interesting, she should just apologize to Ike

New update.... Morning guyz



Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

NINE

The air was tense, even though Ike and Kara tried to joke around, it still wasn’t enough to break the ice. The hard glare I got from his date was enough to pin me to the car seat. I found myself calling Ike as soon as I found out about our predicament. I wanted taking an uber but then, I didn’t have the uber app on my phone neither could I download one as my mobile data was exhausted. I had even stopped a green and white taxi to take us home but he had called an outrageous sum of money that I wasn’t willing to dash out for just a ride home. But right now, I wished I had taken the ride home in the expensive taxi.

“I'm really sorry I interrupted your date.” I apologized again.

His soft eyes found mine through the mirror. “I’ve told you that you didn’t interrupt anything and stop it, you were not a bother okay?”

I sighed. “Yeah I understand.” My eyes met with his supposed date again and this time, she was practically seizing me up with her eyes through the mirror. Surely I wasn’t cursed or was I? why does every lady see me as a threat to their man?

“Ma’am I’m sorry if I interrupted your evening with Ike. It’s Saturday and I’m sure you were just on your way out.” I smiled.

“Oh no. Diane, Caroline and I were just about to step out for a business dinner nothing more. As soon as I get you and Kara home safely, we will be on our way. So you didn’t interrupt anything.” he replied.

Caroline hissed. We all turned towards her direction. Ike asked her what was wrong and she said nothing. He got us home like he promised and drove off with fuming Caroline. Even though the day wasn’t the way I expected, I was still glad we got home safe.
*******************************************************************

The sonorous voices from the choir as they sang Amazing grace made me realize how much I’ve missed church. The previous night, I was all restless, thinking about how my life had turned out and how I had totally failed God. My heart was heavy and for the first time in 5 years, I went on my knees and prayed to God.

Tears flowed freely down my face. After I finished pouring out my heart to God, I felt light and somehow, I felt really happy, a sudden peace I couldn’t explain poured over my soul. I located mum’s bible on the dressing table. I opened to the first book that came to my mind

Romans 5:8, but God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The last part rang in my mind. While I was yet a sinner, Christ still died for me, while I blamed God concerning Lekan, he still loved me. Fresh tears poured down my face, I kept whispering, I love you lord until I was satisfied and went to bed. I was sure that I had finally regained a reconnection back to God which was why I was seated on the third pew with mum and Kara seated by my sides, listening to the choir.

The choir finished their ministration and the pastor, a tall, lanky man, clad in a coffee brown suit stood at the pulpit. He kept talking on grace and he used the story of David and Bathsheba to illustrate God’s sufficient grace upon us. I turned to my side and realized everyone was listening with rapt attention now.

“what made David a man after God’s own heart was because he cried for mercy and acknowledged that he was wrong to have taken another man’s wife, killed her husband and got her pregnant! He didn’t argue with God! Some of us here are guilty of so many things, some of us harbour bitterness in our hears, unforgiveness, prayerlessness, fornication, lies, adultery name them! We have all these laced at our finger tips yet we give God reasons for doing them.” He paused, dabbed his face with a handkerchief and continued.

“why don’t you act like David this minute. Stop holding onto your sins, stop holding on to the grudge against your neighbor, stop holding onto masturbation, stop holding onto bitterness against God! God is saying today that he has given you the grace to overcome it all, why don’t you surrender all to Jesus, he alone can make you light and joyous again. Become a man or a woman after God’s heart, win God’s heart again!” he broke into prayers while the choir kept singing;
your grace is sufficient for me, your grace is sufficient for me, o! matchless boundless Grace of God, your grace is sufficient for me!

Tears trickled down my face. What I needed was sufficient grace. I was completely bitter against God for taking Lekan away from me 5 years ago but now I know that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord. I needed to win back my place in God’s heart, I wanted to be like David.

I broke into fresh tears. I could feel mum’s piercing gaze, I couldn’t control my tears. I wept uncontrollably and when the pastor called for rededication, I rose up and went to the altar alongside few others. When the service came to a close, I felt sad that I was about to leave the presence of God and then strangely the pastor spoke before we shared the benediction.

“don’t just leave this wonderful fellowship with God in church. The lord desires that we have an intimate relationship with him even after church. So continue enjoying intimacy with the holy spirit even in your home and work place, God bless you!”

By the time I got home, I was completely overwhelmed with the message of the service that I kept singing amazing grace. Even though I didn’t know what it meant to have amazing grace, I knew that it was God’s amazing grace that made me go through labour and deliver safely despite the fact that my heart was saddened at Lekan’s disappearance, it was still God’s amazing grace that kept me and Kara up until now and it was still his amazing grace that connected me to Ike.

My heart beat dropped, Ike. The other day he called, through mum as usual and he asked to speak with Kara. He never asked to speak to me and even though I longed for him to speak to me at least, he never did. I wanted to speak to him about church and that I found Christ again after five years. I wanted to ask him what it means to be intimate with the holy spirit and I wanted to tell him about my business but I was skeptical about calling him, what if he didn’t pick?

I opened mum’s bible that night before going to bed. The bible divider was in 2 corinthians chapter 13. My eyes darted to the last verse 14 which says, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the fellowship of the holy spirit, be with you all. Amen.

I remembered we shared the benediction with the verse but then I still didn’t understand. I made up my mind to speak to Ike on Monday evening since he knew more about God. Peace settled inside me and I went to bed happy with the last verse on my mind.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.



TEN

I didn’t call Ike on Monday neither did I call him all through that week. I was busy with my business. Although I had few cake contracts but then I felt my business wasn’t picking up as I expected and then a miraculous thing happened as soon as I spoke to the holy spirit about it, the following day which was a Friday, I got a permanent contract of supplying birthday cakes to a company on each of their worker’s birthday. To me it was a huge win and that was how I got the money to rent a shop space in the heart of Wuse for my business.

Mum had been elated when I shared the news with her. But I also wanted to share the news with Ike only that, he wasn’t picking my calls even when I tried calling him and that was my cause of worry that bright morning. Kara had gone to school as usual and mum was asleep in the room. I was adding finishing touches to a client’s cake when it suddenly occurred to me to go to his office since he wasn’t responding to my calls or texts.

Excited about my thought, I rushed into the room, showered quickly, threw on a dark penciled skirt and a flowered peplum blouse. I wore a light make up and combed my tousled natural hair, packed it in a bun. Slipped my feet into a black pair of flat shoes and carried a mini cake I wrapped earlier to give to Kara when she returned from school, surely she wouldn’t mind if I gave it to Ike. I smiled, picked my handbag and walked briskly out of the house.

Rexit advertising company was a one storey building, located at central area, the heart of Abuja. Though a bit small compared to other tall buildings that graced it sides, it still looked unique in its own way. The name of the company was painted in pure gold. I remembered Ike had told me that golden yellow, the colour of the sun was his favourite and to him, the colour gold meant money. I chuckled.

“Madam, we don reach.” The taxi driver alerted me as soon as he drove into the premises. I paid him and he drove off. I walked into the semi large reception and was greeted by a pretty chubby face.

“Hi good morning how can I help you?” she asked.

“Good morning. Please I’m here to see Mr Ikechukwu Charles, the CEO.” I placed the mini cake on the counter.

She typed something into the system before her and met my gaze again.

“Business or personal?”

“Business please.”

She nodded and pointed towards the direction I should go. By the time I got to his office, I realized that I had to pass through his secretary’s office before going into his office. Just as I approached the secretary to ask about him, I froze as soon as my eyes landed on the figure behind the desk.

“You, you again?” she scoffed. “What are you doing here?”

It was Caroline. She looked a bit better than the last time I met her. She was clad in a beige button down dress which hugged her slender frame, missing all the curves that aren’t there. Her cake was well primed like it was her wedding day, infact I was sure that her lashes could kill a fly in just one flutter.

“I’m here to see Mr Ike good morning.” I forced a smile, trying to be more professional.

She gave a short mockery laugh and paused to speak. “Well, do you have an appointment with him?”

I shook my head, she clicked the mouse, scrolled through her system and then looked up at me.

“Since you do not have an appointment with him, you will have to come by whenever you get an appointment because Mr Ike is currently busy.” She rolled her eyes.

That was the clue I needed to know. She was trying to get back at me for the other day. “Look, I know you hate me but it’s important I see him today so please, could you inform him that I’m around?”

She gave a short dry laugh again, clapped her hands and replied. “Who are you? See I never forgave you for interrupting my evening with him the other day. You were all acting like an innocent baby mama but guess what I know your type! You like perching where you didn’t even reap at all! When people like you rubbish their lives, they go about looking for the next innocent man to pour their baggage on!”

Her statement sliced through my heart, I raised my hand and smacked her right across the face, spoiling her well made up face. My palm was clad with the powder on her face.

“How dare you speak to me that way? You do not even know half of my story! Who gave you the right to judge me!”

She looked at me, eyes red, ready to pounce on me and just like that, within some split of seconds she began shedding tears like a child, smearing her face.

“What’s going on here?”

I turned to see Ike behind me. He wore a blue Armani suit this time with a white shirt on the inside, emphasizing his physical features. I swallowed, dragged my gaze back to Caroline who was now spewing lies about what had just transpired between us. He told her to clean herself up while he motioned for me to follow him into the office.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen. She touched a vital part of me and I just flared…” I took my seat in front of him.

“You don’t go about slapping people in their place of work.” His face was stoic, so was his tone. I felt cold and unwelcomed, I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me that he didn’t want me close.

“Excuse –me? You’re concluding without hearing my own side of the story?” my heart beat doubled.

“Whatever the story is Diane. It’s highly improper to go about harassing people in their place of work.” He replied again. He avoided my gaze, his eyes focused on the computer before him. my insides melted with sadness.

“Harass? You know what, I think I better get going.” I rose up, disappointed, my cake and bag in hand, I turned towards the door and stopped when he spoke again.

“I thought you were here to see me?” I turned to meet his gaze.

“No” I forced a smile, pressed my lips together to suppress the sob that threatened to come out. “I was simply passing by, to deliver a cake to a client and I decided to say hello.”

He nodded slowly and spoke again, his eyes flashed a sudden glint and then it was gone before I could decipher it but then, I noticed his stoic face, softened. “I will need a cake for one of my clients by next week if you don’t mind. Just a plain cake.” He rose up from his seat.

“Oh, as much as I would love to take the offer. Thank you I really do appreciate but I will be busy next week please get someone else to do that for you.” I bit my tongue in triumph when a bewildered look displayed across his face.

“Why? You know what never mind. I will get someone else.” His feature hardened again “Have a nice day”

I simply nodded and walked out of his office, Caroline wasn’t behind her desk and I was grateful for that. I simply walked out of the building without turning back. It was when I entered the uber I called, that I let out the sob I had been holding.

Update in a bit.............

I'll slap Caroline myself, what sort of rubbish stunt did she just pull

Can Ike and Diane just settle their difference already.
Thanks for the update

Ann2012:
Lekan is a goat

Thanks for the update

Goat ke. He is an ewu, a red bororo, a West African dwarf goat.

Gosh. If we talk now, they will say we are talking.

Honestly, mother-in-laws will ruin marriages if people are not careful.

But I guess everything was to bring her to God's will for her.

swankmee:
John .

“Whatever the story is Diane. It’s highly improper to go about harassing people in their place of work.” He replied again. He avoided my gaze, his eyes focused on the computer before him. my insides melted with sadness.

“Harass? You know what, I think I better get going.” I rose up, disappointed, my cake and bag in hand, I turned towards the door and stopped when he spoke again.

“I thought you were here to see me?” I turned to meet his gaze.

“No” I forced a smile, pressed my lips together to suppress the sob that threatened to come out. “I was simply passing by, to deliver a cake to a client and I decided to say hello.”

He nodded slowly and spoke again, his eyes flashed a sudden glint and then it was gone before I could decipher it but then, I noticed his stoic face, softened. “I will need a cake for one of my clients by next week if you don’t mind. Just a plain cake.” He rose up from his seat.

“Oh, as much as I would love to take the offer. Thank you I really do appreciate but I will be busy next week please get someone else to do that for you.” I bit my tongue in triumph when a bewildered look displayed across his face.

“Why? You know what never mind. I will get someone else.” His feature hardened again “Have a nice day”

I simply nodded and walked out of his office, Caroline wasn’t behind her desk and I was grateful for that. I simply walked out of the building without turning back. It was when I entered the uber I called, that I let out the sob I had been holding.

All this pride and ego, and you will go and open that mouth and pray.

God will help this Diane of a lady. Mama, learn to control your temper.


Bro Ikechukwu, learn how to judge matters.

Ann2012:
I'll slap Caroline myself, what sort of rubbish stunt did she just pull

Can Ike and Diane just settle their difference already.
Thanks for the update

Hahahahaha thanks for stopping by

millieademi:



All this pride and ego, and you will go and open that mouth and pray.

God will help this Diane of a lady. Mama, learn to control your temper.


Bro Ikechukwu, learn how to judge matters.

Don't mind them. Thanks for stopping by dear

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

ELEVEN

The holy spirit was my solace for the next few weeks, that followed after my encounter with Ike. I moved around the house like a heart broken lover. It was just the same way I felt when Lekan disappeared, horrible. Mum would simply leave me to myself and sometimes, Kara would just hug me tight just to tell me she didn’t have to understand what was wrong with me but I’ll be okay.

She was right. I did turn okay in the days that followed, It was one of those days that I stopped mourning about my lost chance with Ike that I noticed that I got more close with the holy spirit.

I studied my bible more, suddenly I noticed the scriptures were more alive to me because I understood them in different light. I couldn’t explain the joy I felt whenever I worshipped and prayed to God and then afterwards, I would sit down, in the comfort of my room alone and converse with the holy spirit as if I was speaking to Kara. It was a whole new experience for me.
one morning, I was reading through the cake business book I got from the bookshop. Kara was on a mid term break and was watching one of her favourite cartoons on TV, Mama was somewhere in the room while I was in the kitchen, trying out another receipe and reading the book I had just bought when my phone rang. It was an unknown number. My heart jumped with excitement knowing that it could be an unknown client calling.

“Hello?”

A female voice answered. “Hi, please am I on to Kara’s mum?”

“Yes, this is she speaking. How may I help you?”

“Well, My name is Barrister Maryann Okocha, I'm Mr Lekan Marcus's lawyer, I just called to inform you that Mr Lekan was involved in a ghastly motor accident and died a week ago.”

I yelled attracting mum, who bolted out of the room like a speed of light. “A week ago and no body told me?”

“We’re sorry about that please. His bereaved wife gave us your contact. His burial will be taking place by tomorrow, by 10 am and the reading of his WILL, will take place right after, in his home. I will text you the address and time. Thank you.”

She ended the call abruptly.

I screamed and cried uncontrollably. Even though he had hurt me and deserved to die, I never wished him a premature death.

“Diane, biko calm down! Are you sure, this isn’t another ploy deviced by Lekan to run away again?” mum sat on the kitchen stool.

I stopped wailing and wiped my tears. “Run away? Why would he want to run away?”

“He might be thinking that you may want to get back with him remember he simply disappeared the last time. How are you sure this is not another disappearance? Who knows where you will find him again? Maybe in Owerri this time.”

“You know what, I will go there to see for myself tomorrow, you and Kara will come with me. I have to see him in the casket with my own eyes.”

“That’s better we will come with you, but I want you to stop crying. I believe Lekan got what he deserved after all he deserved after all he’s done to you.”

“Mum he didn’t deserve to die. Remember, we’re all sinners. If Christ still loved him and wished for him to come to repentance then who am I to wish him death.” Mum nodded, my phone beeped. It was a new message from the unknown number that had called. She had texted me Lekan’s home address and the time to come by. I showed mum the text and we concluded to wait until the following day to fully confirm that Lekan was really dead.
******************************************************************
“Dust to dust…...the Lord gives and takes away…” the priest kept speaking. It wasn’t until I saw the casket lowered into the freshly dug grave that it struck me completely that Lekan was dead and gone forever. Only a few people were in tears others simply shook their heads in pity. A few others were just quiet. I fell in the last category.

Mum and Kara stood beside me, Kara kept staring at the grave, I wish I knew what ran through her mind but I was sure she was trying to comprehend what was happening.

Soon the priest finished his short sermon on living a peaceful and holy life, the small crowds began to disperse. Some went towards Yemisi, clad in a long white dress, her body racked with uncontrollable sobs, her protruded tummy shook in turn. I felt moved by her state and wished that God would console her.

“Mum, did they just put my dad in that large hole?”

We had just stepping out of the burial ground and was standing by the road to flag down any available taxi. I turned to Kara.

“Yes dear. Listen to me honey, daddy is gone and I believe he is in a safe place with God, up in heaven.” I pointed to the sky. She nodded her head.

Just then a red Range rover sports stopped in front of us and revealed Ike. He was dressed casual in a tee shirt and plain blue jeans. My heart skipped as soon as his soft gaze landed on me. What was he doing here? The road was getting busy so he motioned for us to get in.

“uncle Ike! I’ve missed you! Did you come with my chocolate like you promised?” Kara exclaimed as soon as she slid in. mum followed suit, hushed Kara who kept talking excitedly. I slid into the front seat and strapped on the seat belt.

“Mama good morning ma. Hope you’re good?” he glanced briefly at mum

Mum answered him enthusiastically as if she had won a lottery. I wondered why she was happy. His masculine cologne was probably mixed with his aftershave because I could perceive minty cucumber and it was enough to set my heart on fire again. My heart beat tripled by the time he said hi. I rubbed my palms on my skirt and mumbled a reply. Throughout the ride, we didn’t utter a word to each other save for Kara who kept speaking to him.

“Are you going home or what?” he asked
I glanced at him, his eyes on the road. “No. we’re headed to Lekan’s place for the reading of the WILL.”

He looked at me, puzzled. “Reading of the WILL?”

“Yes. His lawyer contacted me last night and asked me to come with Kara, so that’s why we’re here.” I averted his gaze.

He nodded, drove the car to a turn and drove down Wuse towards Aminu Kano Cresent until we got to the street where Lekan’s house was situated. He pulled in front of the gate, Kara and mum stepped out, walked into the opened gate, I was about stepping out of his car when Ike called.

“Diane, I’m sorry about the other day. I simply let my emotions cloud my sense of reasoning.” The intensity of his eyes could sear a hole through me, I averted his gaze to calm my racing heart. I simply nodded and proceeded to leave when he stopped me again.

“Please say something Diane?” he begged.
I sighed, wore a plastic smile and faced him.

“You know, I never asked how you got to know Lekan.”

He exhaled, unclasped the seatbelt and faced me properly. “He was simply a client. More like a client who wanted to be my business associate. I never really liked him so it never worked.”

“Right, I guess I better go in.” he held my wrist, I could feel tiny sparks shot through his touch. I withdrew my hand from him. I was certain there was disappointment in his eyes but he simply masked it with a look I couldn’t decipher.

“You’re right. You better go in, see you soon.” He moved to strap his seat belt.

I stepped out of his car, slammed the door shut. I didn’t care if I shut the door rather hard. Ike had hurt me again and this time, it felt like a knife had pierced my skin. I longed for him to step out of his car and race after me. Instead, I heard his car zoom off only then did I release the breath I didn’t knew I was holding.

God I love him, I blinked back the tears from falling. When I saw mum, I went straight to her and hugged her tight. She held me tight in her arms, I could also feel Kara’s little hands wound round my waist.

My grace is sufficient for you, Diane.

“Mum, did you just speak to me?” I jerked out of mum’s embrace.

“No. I have been quiet since you came to steal my embrace” she smiled. “I didn’t say a word maybe you misheard.”

I smiled back. Yes, I misheard, I misheard man to hear God. He had clearly spoken to me again and I felt peace on the inside. I had just heard God speak to me! To me it was a fabulous breakthrough in my Christian journey and I was glad for that.

Although I can’t seem to get Ike, I was sure that I have God’s attention and to me it was the most amazing thing ever. I laughed excitedly, mum and Kara glanced at me, bewildered.

“Don’t worry guyz, I’m not crazy.” We soon stepped into Lekan’s home.

millieademi:



Goat ke. He is an ewu, a red bororo, a West African dwarf goat.

Gosh. If we talk now, they will say we are talking.

Honestly, mother-in-laws will ruin marriages if people are not careful.

But I guess everything was to bring her to God's will for her.

Exactly!!!

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11



TWELVE

Six months passed swiftly with no word from Ike. Just like that, he stopped keeping in touch. At first I thought I wouldn’t have been able to handle the pain that came with it but then as time went on, I found myself, in less pain and gradually, I felt no pain. I was almost tempted to go in search of him in his company when Kara asked about him but I knew better.

So much had happened within those space, asides from the fact that Kara became a millionaire under 24 hours with fixed properties at home and abroad assigned to her name made me realize that God could change anyone’s situation in minutes. Lekan had WILLED, 80% of his properties to Kara, wrote me a long apology note he planned giving me before he died mysteriously. Yemisi had cursed his cold body saying that he would rot in hell for willing just 10% of his properties to her. She almost pounced on me, saying that I was bad luck to her, she even threatened to make life miserable for me and my daughter but the family lawyer held her by her threats.

“Eyah, so he travelled with his family to the U.K.” mum commented, her eyes pinned on the 18 inch screen TV. We were watching our favourite family soap that evening. Kara was fast asleep, leaving mum and I.

I rose up and walked to the kitchen, grabbed a drink and then walked back to the sitting room. I emptied the contents of my cup, thinking I would feel at ease with whatever was going on with me but then, it seemed my uneasiness just began.

“Ehen, that reminds me. Ike’s mum and I spoke few days ago, and she told me her son had gone back to the states again.”

My heart skipped a bit, I glanced at her briefly. Thoughts of the possibility of Ike travelling and never coming back filled my mind. “Are you serious mum? You mean he travelled? What about his company?”

Mum had a puzzled look on her face. “Are you asking me? You should know better now. I thought you both speak to each other at least. He still runs his company here but from abroad. According to his mum, he has been gone for three months now.”

I shrugged, my heart still skipped another beat. I forced my eyes on the TV but my thought was far off.

“his mum has been pestering me to speak to you to sort out whatever happened between you and her son. She doesn’t want him married to those women with no culture like she said.” Mum chuckled.

Pictures, imaginary pictures began forming in my mind about Ike, getting married to a white woman? Well, if it was God’s will for him to, then so be it. the uneasiness continued, my attention was no longer on the programme as I suddenly felt a sense of urgency. Mum noticed my uneasiness and turned to me.

“Are you okay?” worry laced her eyes.

“No, I feel like there’s something I need to do.” I was tensed.

“Abi you need to talk to God again?”

That was it! prayes, I needed to pray like mum had rightly deciphered. I jumped to my feet and rushed to the room. The first few worship songs I took, got me reeling in the amazing atmosphere of the presence of God. I spoke in tongues all through, even though I didn’t know why and what I was praying for, my prayer intensified until I felt a relief. It was after I was done, that I got to understand that, my uneasiness had been the holy spirit nudging me to pray. I smiled absentmindedly, my Christian walk was really going interesting and more amazing than I thought. That night, I went to bed in peace, with no trace of worry whatsoever.
***************************************************************
Several times, we’ve been taught in Sunday school or the preacher had preached in his sermons that our Christian walk will sometimes be characterized by trials, temptations, persecution and it is our decision to choose if we want to stand rooted in the faith like Job, who despite the misfortune that befell him, loved God despite it all and at the end, got more than he had in the beginning.

The scripture James 1:2-3; my brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

This, rang severally in my head as I stood, stuck to a spot and watched the black smoke from the Plaza rise up to the sky, the plaza where my shop space was located was burnt beyond recognition. Shop owners wailed, kicked and scratched, some talked about their multi million naira that had now become ashes. My eyes found my shop space again, the whole building was pitch black, my cake supplies were all gone, my cake machines, deep freezer were all gone in 24 hours.

Tears welled up my eyes. I felt for my phone in my bag, dialed my pastor’s line. He picked on the first ring and I asked if he was in the church. My ride to church which should normally take about thirty minutes, seemed like an hour drive to me. By the time I saw my pastor, I busted into fresh tears. My whole body shook with sobs.

“I don’t understand what went wrong?” I said between sobs. “I thite to keep my heavens open, I give to the needy and to the church, I pray everyday and I believe I have a healthy relationship with the holy spirit so what is wrong!” I yelled, I didn’t understand. Was this the way Job felt when misfortune befell him?
Pastor allowed me wallow in self-pity for a while until I was calm and then he spoke.

“sister Diane. I want you to know that God doesn’t do evil.” He paused as if, waiting for that to sink in. “I hope you know that God didn’t cause Job’s misfortune? The devil did and that was because the hedge around Job was opened for the devil to strike! And since Job wasn’t the one who let the hedge around him open, God doubled all he lost at the end. I want you to search your life, have you broken the hedge? Perhaps through fornication, lieing, stealing or what have you. And If you haven’t I want you to know that ALL things, work together for the good of them that love God.”

I wiped my face with the back of my hand. I was sure I hadn’t broken the hedge in anyway. “it’s just that, I’ve been through a lot. I loosed my husband at first, the other man that looked promising, left me just like that and now, my only source of livelihood is gone…..just like that? This is all too much for me Pastor.” Tears trickled down my face.

Pastor patted his blue tie, as if lost in thought. He soon sat up in his chair, hands clasped together, he put it out on his desk. “for God to walk with and through you, he would check if you truly love him. will you love him if you loose everyone around you? will you still love him even if he demands your life and time?”

He pinned me down with his gaze. I stopped crying now. “I would be sincere. It was quite hard to still love God after this. This was exactly how I felt when my husband disappeared suddenly in our first year of marriage. I was bitter and I shut God out for five years. So in as much as it’s hard, I’m not willing to let go this time.”

His mouthstache expanded just as his lips pressed into a smile.

“I’m happy to hear that sister Diane. Through it all, no matter how long it will take, keep your faith alive in him. remember, he owns the whole world and even your own very life so go home rejoicing instead of wallowing in sorrow and self pity for you can’t even add a cubit of life span to your life.”

I nodded my head, satisfied with his counsel, I took my bag and headed home. Even if I wanted renting a new shop, I couldn’t touch Kara’s money or properties until she was eighteen. Like the pastor had said, I decided to fix my mind on something else, rather than remembering the black smoke that rose from the building to the sky.

“Holy spirit, I need more grace….i need strength!” I mumbled. Just as I sat at the back of the taxi that day, I heard the holy spirit, still and clear my grace is sufficient for you.

God bless you sis, this your story is a message to my life. Something I have asking from Holy Spirit, he used this story as this answer. More anointing. The Spirit of the living God won't depart from you.