HOTEL PALAVA

He surely caught them red handed. They were just offering eye services [hr] [b] LINK TO AVAILABLE EPISODES [/b] scroll down for episode 2 •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/2/ ][b]Episode 3[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/3/ ][b]Episode 4-5[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/4/ ][b]Episode 6[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/5/ ][b]Episode 7-8[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/6/ ][b]Episode 9-10[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/7/ ][b]Episode 11-13[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/8/ ][b]Episode 14-15[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/9/ ][b]Episode 16-17[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/10/ ][b]Episode 18-20[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/11/ ][b]Episode 21[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/12/ ][b]Episode 22[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/13/ ][b]Episode 23-25[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/15/ ][b]Episode 26[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/16/ ][b]Episode 27-28[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/17/ ][b]Episode 29-30[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/18/ ][b]Episode 31-35[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/20/ ][b]Episode 36-40[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/21/ ][b]Episode 41-44[/b][/url] •[url=https://www.coolval.com/forumsss/topic/hotel-palava-2/page/22/ ][b]Last Episode[/b][/url]

Gbam

Eye service

I love dis story...really taught alot

Episode 2 Adesuwa's POV It's impossible! I can't be caught, not like he's a ghost, i thought to myself. "Boom!" A familiar voice thundered behind me then I turned to seey best friend, Lilian. l placed my right hand on my chest, then i let out a sigh of relief. "You don kolo?" I yelled at her. She was cracking up with intense laughter. "You scared the crap out of me" I added, "What were you thinking scaring me that way?" "It was just a joke Adesuwa....Babe, you're taking this too seriously" Lillian replied a bit confused . She didn't understand why I was that spooked out. "Wetin happen?" She asked, "It's a long story" I answered trying to control my breath. "Well not that long" i added looking at my best friend who was clearly curious. "I walked in on a naked man in his room" she answered and Lilian gawked in shock. Lilian shook her unbelievably, Of course she knew how grave the situation was. I knew she was really going to throw a whole lot of crap on me. I already prepared my mind for it. "I'm waiting, tell me I'm careless, tell I'm the craziest person you've ever met" "Adesuwa, you're obviously the craziest person I've ever met! This one is very bad. Didn't you knock?" "I did, like ten times!" I answered with an exasperating sigh. "There was no reply so i walked in . I blame Mrs. Haruna! This is all her fault" "How is this her fault?" "She mistakenly told me to clean up room 29, instead of 49" "Are you sure you didn't hear wrongly?" Lilian asked and I glared at her. "Of course my ears are working quite alright!" I sighed again. Suddenly I remembered the guest's body. Damn! He had to be a model of one of these fast growing modeling agency. "Adesuwa!" Lilian brought me out of my thought. "Jesus! You're thinking of the man!" "What? He's good looking, I mean he looks really hot" "Show a bit remorse Adesuwa" "How much more remorse do you want? I'm being sincere, what that man has is not something a girl would see and regret." I fired back and Lillian's shook her head. "We'll all be punished for this, if that man reports and you know it!" I bowed my head slightly in guilt. A similar incident happened months ago and all the maids were punished since no one was willing to take the fall for it. "What was I supposed to do? This is all Mrs Haruna's fault." "Like she would accept the blame" "What do I do now? I guess I'll have to resign now" "You dey mad? You know very well that you need this job more than anything. I think you should just apologize to the man" I raised my brow in shock then I touched her neck to feel if she had a high temperature that was perhaps affecting her thinking. "What's this?" Lillian asked slightly offended. "Now it's my turn to ask, you dey mad? You know men! You know how men can be, he'll definitely ask for something in return. I'm not ready to go through another harrassment in my life." i answered and Lilian sighed in worry. "You're right sha but Adesuwa, e don be for you oh. What are you going to do?" She asked and i rolled my eyes. I had no clue whatsoever! "I guess I'll have to avoid meeting this man and just pray he doesn't report to the management." "It's too early to start having problems with the manager" Lilian pointed out and I agreed. I should be used to having problems with the managers but I'm not. It's gets tiring! It sucks to know there's this curse that follows me wherever I go to. I cause troubles wherever my feet touches. "Let's just pray he doesn't stay past today" i added. Henry's POV I woke up past six. Before I took my bathe I decided to play some cool high life or alternative songs on my music player. Those were my favorite genre. I pressed play. "Seven lives" by beautiful Nubia was first on the list. My love for Beautiful Nubia! Then I walked into the bathroom. Afterwards, I came out n*ked. It's a bad habit I love. Beautiful Nubia's Ife oloyin filled the whole room. **Ololufe nt'o ti nreti yen lo mbo l'ona yi (The true love you're expecting is on her way)** Baby mo r'ire mu bo n'irin ajo yea o, Ife oloyin ti ko l'abawon (Sweet love that has no comparison) **Jowo f'orijimi fa mi mo'ra** I was on the verge of busting a move when I saw the door open wide. I quickly grabbed on to the shirt on the bed covering my manhood with it. I've seen sh*t like this happen in movies and the ladies usually close their eyes or look back, even though the guy is clothed. She didn't. She just stood there, totally dumbfounded. "Who are you?" I asked, suddenly I noticed the uniform. She was definitely a maid; she was chocolate in complexion. Who are you wasn't even the pressing question. The real question should have been, "Why did you come in? Or What are you doing here?" I saw it as a high level of indiscipline for a worker to walk into a guest's room without being permitted to. "Wh.... what are you doing here?" I stammered before she dashed out. I wanted to gonafyer her but I needed to clothe myself first. My best friend Deji came in shortly. He was the only one I told that I was coming to Nigeria. None of my family members knew about it. I paced left and right the hotel room. I couldn't forget the look on the maid's face. I began to put together one or two reasons why the maid walked into the room without knocking. I didn't even call for room service! Maybe I was bathing and i didn't hear when she knocked that's if she knocked at all... Or could she be a thief? I paused on that thought. "Report her" Deji suggested walking towards the phone and I disagreed. Just as Deji made his way to the phoneline to report to the hotel management, I held him back. "Mistakes happen Deji, I'll just brush the whole thing off." I answered, my shoulder raised in a shrug. "For crying out loud Henry, you're the manager, what if there was nothing to cover your peepee, she would have seen it all" "Not like it's something she hasn't seen before" he retorted. Deji gazed at me suspiciously. I recognize that look. I wondered what dirty thought might be running through his dirty mind. "Is it that you like the fact she saw it? Is the babe pretty" "Jeez Deji! I'm trying hard to forget this ever happened. Don't put thoughts into my head. I'll just turn a blind eye to this. I'll make sure such mistake doesn't happen again." I sounded off. I didn't want to dwell on the topic again. I walked out of my room to the lobby where i saw "welcome to Nigeria" and ''Welcome our wonderful manager'' pasted on the wall of the lobby. They haven't even met me, how are they sure that I would be wonderful? Ass kissers! There were a few faces I recognized, like the receptionist and the maid called Michelle. The doorman was on a ladder with a hammer nailing something to the wall. "Abeg arrange the whole place. I want it to be sparkling clean before the manager comes back" I heard a lady in a blue and black printed ankara gown yell. "Na so them they clean something for your village?" Another lady asked Michelle who was mopping the floor. She seemed strict and harsh. "You fit mop like that make your husband happy?" "Mummy B, I never marry" "Why you go marry?" The harsh lady responded. "Haba? Which one na? Shebi na all of us they for this single business. I single, you sef single" I chuckled softly at her response. "You sef done dey follow sharp mouth like Adesuwa Shea?" She snapped and Michelle rolled her eyes then moved away from her. "One day, I go delete una commot for this hotel" she threatened and I saw Michelle raised her nose in disbelief. I could tell the lady was definitely a superior. There is always a superior-surbordinate conflict in every hotel. Hotel drama!! I laughed at the sight of everyone working to please me. If only they knew the manager they were all waiting for was already in the hotel. My phone rang and i picked up the call. "Hello Sir" I heard the woman in Ankara say, it dawned on me that the Mrs. Haruna I've been speaking to was the woman before me. "Sir. I just want to know when your flight would move." "I'm in Nigeria Ma" i answered and I saw her panicked. "Jesus!" She hung up. "Manager is in Nigeria oh, please arrange fast-fast," She puts a call through to me again. I managed to keep a straight face. Meanwhile all I wanted to do was to bust into laughter. "Manager, sorry about that, it's network. Nigerian network eh, you will understand when you get here." She lied. "Please where exactly in Nigeria are you" "The hotel" "Which hotel is that one?" "May hotel" "Are you by the street. Wait somewhere there, I'll send someone to come and get you quickly." She suggested and I laughed. "I'm in the hotel, I arrived last night. I decided to I surprise you all. I'm behind you Ma" i answered hanging up the call and Mrs. Haruna turned back at me. There was shame clearly written on her face. I won't like to be in her shoes right now. "I'm surprised Sir" she began, "That was the idea" I replied with a wry smile. "Good morning Sir" she greeted feeling even more embarrassed. "Mrs. Haruna, is the manager close by?" The harsh lady walked towards them, and Mrs. Haruna sighed. "You're looking at the manager" she answered in Yoruba and Mummy B scratched her hair. "I thought they said he's a white man and he has long hair? This one that is dark like this?" She asked in Yoruba dialect and i tried hard not to laugh. Of course i understood the language very well. I even speak it fluently. I won't let them know. "Sir my name is Mummy B, that's short form for mummy Bisi. I'm the head of cleaning department Sir, we are happy to have you here Sir" she introduced herself and I nodded gently. "Can you gather the whole staff before 9 o clock?, I'll like to address them" i proposed and Mrs. Haruna nodded. "Yes sir" Adesuwa' POV The whole staff of May hotel gathered at the multipurpose hall while they waited for the manager to turn up. I was getting tired of waiting already. "I hear say the man na pure oyinbo man" Lillian repeated and Michelle laughed. "Oyinbo kor, oyinbo ni, man wey black like charcoal" Michelle answered and I chuckled. "How you take know?" Lillian argued. "Man we I see with my korokoro eyes" "Na so the man ugly reach?" Lilian asked, "Don't misquote me oh, if na fine, that man fine. The man resemble model. Him accent na to die for" That took my attention; model and accent. "My body don dey move me already, this manager go hear am for Bukola hand. I go finish this man life" Bukola answered shaking her bosy rhythmically. Michelle, Lillian and I hissed as though on cue. "Asewo! Na so so f*ck you sabi, " Michelle snapped. "Fuck go kill one-day" she added. "You no dey f*ck?" The girl snapped and a guy turned back at us. "Please reduce your voice. I prepared myself spiritually for this day." "Abeg shut up!" The girl snapped at the guy. Attention turned towards our direction, but it felt like everyone were looking at me. Mrs. Haruna walked in with the n*ked man from this morning and i bent my head in fear. At least he was dressed in a stripe shirt tucked in a black trousers. "Wetin do Ade?" Michelle asked and I walked out using the back door and Lilian followed. "Ade!" She called out. "Would you guys go back to the hall before I open and close my eyes" Mummy B commanded and I turned to Lilian. "My period don start, I wan borrow Lilian pad" i lied walking into a room. "What's going on?" Lilian walked in, "The man I walked into, the n*ked man, it's the manager." I revealed with my hands on my head. "Ade e don be for you" she answered and I agreed. . She can say that again. I was literally toast! "Why does life have to be unfair ehn? All of the men in this world, I had to walk into my manager naked. It's so certain that I have to look for another job in case I get caught." "This is really bad. I'm sorry Ade." Lilian apologized. It seemed more like an advanced apology. Two weeks after the incidence, I had managed to escape trouble the whole period. I spent every single day in avoiding eye contact with the manager. At least till I get a good job. I'm yet to find a job that pays twenty thousand naira like May hotel. I didn't want to settle for less. This day was an exception, while going around my normal round of cleaning, I received a call from Mrs. Haruna to meet her in her office; Lilian opted to escort me. While we climbed up the stairs, my eyes met with the manager, Mr. Henry Babalola. I couldn't turn back again, it was just impossible and it would look suspicious. Fortunately i held a blue plastic laundry basket so i used it in hiding my face. Unknown to me, he had seen me already. "Babe why you dey hide?" Lilian asked, "Manager" I whispered, Lilian then turned to him, nodding her head in understanding. "You!" He yelled, we both turned towards him with a blank expression written on our faces. "Me?" Lilian asked, "No" Henry answered. "I meant her" he pointed at me. My heart raced abnormally. "I recognise you, its you right? You came into my room the other day and..." he trailed off, "Then you ran away" "What's your name?" he asked. I panicked, I didn't know what to do, all I could say was.... "Bei be be be" Lilian eyes widened in wonder, I'm pretty sure the question running through her mind was , WHEN DID ADESUWA SUDDENLY BECOME DUMB? To be continued...

Na real deaf and dumb oh

Next ABEG the story is getting more interesting

Seems to have been posted on the platform b4. But I'm also yet to finish reading it. Perhaps, I will keep following it it get to where I stopped

It's really getting interesting... Oga manager,be careful u don't fall for dis damsel oo!!!

This story had been post here before oh

Hotel Palava Episode 3 Henry's POV I walked into a section of the hotel called multipurpose hall along with Mrs Haruna. There were about forty something workers waiting to officially meet me. I cleared my throat before I spoke. "I came into the hotel last night. There was no doorman to welcome me in. Every guest needs to be welcomed in . I noticed a high level of Indiscipline among the workers. It's enough to judge that May hotel has lost its worth without the real boss here in Nigeria to supervise it. The receptionist was gossiping on duty, she even forgot there was a customer waiting" "I'm sorry Sir" the receptionist apologized. "With all I've noticed, the only professional thing to do is reshuffle the staffs. Out with the old and in with the new" i paused and a whole lot of people gave apologetic responses, there were mumuring here and there while others placed their hands on their heads. "Of course I know the implication of doing that, we will have jobless asses out there and i will obviously would look like the bad guy responsible for it. I don't want to be the bad guy" "Please don't be the bad guy" Michelle shouted and all eyes fell on her. "I won't fire anyone.. for now . One thing for sure is that if Olaniyi, were to be around, Not Segun Olaniyi, I meant his cousin, he would have been disappointed. May hotel has always been a hotel that delivers services at it's best. This hotel was established in 1995 by a wonderful woman, if you care to know the history; her name is May Damilola Olaniyi. May hotel is a hotel of high standard workers. I've watched this family put in their best to make this hotel grow. We're going to make a few changes since there's a new management. I believe the hotel has rules and regulations. We're going to to need to work on them and maybe make a few adjustment. Every hotel should have a standard and we'll work at nothing but to achieve it together. Do I make myself clear?" I asked and the whole room chorused, "Yes Sir!". I had two or more slot to be filled in as I have taken my position as manager, the slot of assistant and Secretary were yet to be filled. Two weeks after the incident, as walked through the hotel hall with the staff supervisor. We discussed on his the search for a secretary and an assistant. "Sir, the ones that I've been coming nko?" Mrs. Haruna asked, she still didn't understand why i haven't made a choice among the applicants who came looking for a job days ago. "I promised to give them a call, but they're not qualified" I answered "The other one that had masters nko?" "For me it's not about your your degree, I look at your character too" he answered and she sighed. I knew she was getting tired already. "You're tired already" "Until you get an assistant, my work would still look so...." she stalled and i laughed. "I understand and I apologise for the stress" "It comes with the job description sha" she joked and i chuckled. "Sir I have to be in my office, I have pending business to .." "It's okay" I answered, suddenly I sighted the maid who walked into me naked from down the stair. Of course I recognized her, I never forget a face or a name. She was with another maid, i could tell from the uniform. She climbed up the stairs. I walked down the stairs with a wide grin across my face. I noticed she finally saw me. She tried to hide her face using the blue plastic laundry basket in her hand. "You!" I yelled. She suddenly brought the basket down. She and her friend had the same shocked look on their faces. "Me?" The other asked, "No," i paused, "I meant her" I pointed at the lady. "I recognise you, its you right? You came into my room the other day and..." I trailed off because of the friend. I didn't want her knowing. "Then you ran away" "What's your name?" I added. "Bei Bei Bei" she mumbled. I opened my mouth in shock. I was surprised at the turn of events. "She's dumb?" I asked the friend, "That's how we saw it" she answered. "Hey.. ey" she switched from 'bae' to the letter e" then she started to gesture with her hands. "What she meant is that we have things to do" her friend interrupted. "I'm sorry" i apologized. I felt awful for stopping her. I didn't even know why I felt awful. Or was it disappointment? "I didn't know that... You both can go" I added and they left. Adesuwa's POV After i left the manager, I made sure he was far away before i spoke. "Thank God!" I sighed. "That was close!" She added. Lilian couldn't help but shake her head. "You never cease to surprise me Adesuwa" "What could I have done? It was the only good thing I could do. You have to admit, it was brilliant right?" "Till when? How long can you keep up?" She asked a very good question that had me in thought for a minute. "Till I find another job that pays twenty thousand or more a month. " I answered and Lilian rolled her eyes. "You're not seeing the big picture here are you? There's something mum always say about lie, you can't erase them, they'll keep on heaping till you have a mountain-size of it." "I know, just give me till the end of the week, I'll try to get that job and quit this one" I answered and Lilian scoffed folding her hands. *** A keke stopped me close to my house in one of the wildest street in Lagos, Rashidi Bello street....more like a ghetto. My name is Adesuwa Ighodaro and I was born and raised in the ghetto. This is has been my home. I was given birth in Lagos without a father. Apparently i was an offspring from a fling mom had with her Boss. He rejected the both of us and sent mom packing when she was four months gone with some good amount of money. I live in a two room apartment with my aunt and niece. I have a promiscuous aunt whose alternative for me is nothing other than prostitution. I swore to live a decent life and that has been my quest. I walked into the noisy scenery of children playing outside our FACE ME I FACE YOU compound. "Aunty Ade!" they all cheered jumping and looking at my handbag, "You bring something come for us?" one of the kids asked as though they gave me something to keep for them. I laughed then I walked away only to see my aunt, come out of a room that wasn't hers. It belonged to a neighbour who was practically married. "Aunt Maggie!" I shouted bitting my finger in shame as i walked close to her. Aunty Magarette turned to me in surprise, "You don come back?" she asked, "Do i need to ask what you're doing in brother matthew's room?" I snapped, and she immediately covered my mouth with her palm. "He's married aunty!" "So?" she asked shamelessly. "The man gives me cash" she added. "Ah! Abeg leave person husband go marry your own oh!" I shouted in disgust then i went into the sitting room only to meet an unwelcomed guest- Chidi Benson, one of my many suitors. He was in the room with my twenty three years old niece Ivie. "You again" i complained. I was tired of his constant visit and proposal to date him. Chidi Benson is a chartered accountant and according to him, he fell in love with me after meeting her at the filing station where i previously worked in. He bought fuel and later demanded for a phone number which i refused him. However he bribed his way to get my phone number, even my home address. I rolled my eyes at the sight of him. "What do you want now?" I asked, then he knelt down opening a ring case with a wide smile on his face. "Be my wife Adesuwa, i want you to take me as your friend, a lover and a husband" His hands trembled in fear. "That has to be the longest proposal ever" I joked, "Is that a yes?" Chidi asked, "I had a horrible day at work. Abeg, I want to sleep, make i sleep" I replied sharply entering into the room where I collapse on the bed. Henry's POV After a stressful day, I was exhausted. I went to the family house. Mom wasn't at home, she was in India with Dad doing only God knows what. Apparently they went on a vacation. I took off my shoes, ready to sleep when my mother called me on the phone. I grudgingly picked up the call. "Just called to remind you about your date with Jumoke, do you still remember?" She asked and I scoffed. I wish she could just forget! Jumoke coker is the only daughter to a wealthy friend of my father. She has long been bethrothed to me. We had a fling, call it a relationship as teens which we continued till we were grown. Years ago, the idea seemed cute and innocent. Now, not so much for me. "You clearly forgot" mom assumed, "I didn't. I just hoped you would forget" I confessed and she observed a pause. "Well I didn't and you better stop sounding that way. You have no idea how long I've planned this for you" There was a brief silence. "Are you listening to me Henry?" mom cuts in, "Yes mom. I'll call her and I promise to make her day special" I assured. She was definitely glowing with smile from the other end of phone. The following day, i set out with the house help and my little sister, Tosin to the shopping mall. Well she's not so little anymore, she's twenty seven but I still love to call her my little sister. I ended a call I had with a friend then I chuckled. I've been conversing for the past ten minutes with an old friend in Yoruba. He has always been naughty. He still is very naughty! "Taiwo sha" he muttered to himself, then i heard Tosin laugh. "You amaze me brother. You've been gone for years, yet you speak like you grew up here" Tosin commended. "I did grew up here" I answered and she laughed. "For how long mister?" She snapped and I laughed. "I tried my best to still remain grounded to my root" I answered. "I heard mom is still insisting on Jumoke; so what do you think about her?" she asked, raising a packet filled with toileteries. "Do you still like her?" she added and I gave no reply. "I'll take your silence as a no then." She answered and I chuckled. Tosin has always known me. "It's not that I don't like her. It's been a while and I've outgrown the thought of getting married to her. I believe in changes,Tosin. . People change and I also believe In chances so i'm willing to take a chance on her, for mom's sake." *** I asked Deji for ideas on a good restaurant where i could prepare a date and he proposed one and before I knew it, venue for the date was set. Jumoke crossed her leg at the dinning table where she sat biting her lower seductively as she gazed at me . I was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the stare. "Remember those times Henry, when i'll sneak into your room and we'll.." I didn't let her finish her sentence "Let's finish dinner first" i interupted. Of course I remember the moments, we were young and adventurous, all we did was have s*x and more s*x. After the date, like a gentleman, I volunteered to drop her home but she declined. She would rather spend the night at the family house with me. Something smelt fishy. That night, while i wore my pajamas ready to sleep, Jummy entered into my room. She wore a short lingerie that left nothing to the imagination. "Hello Henry"she called out in the most s*xiest way that could turn any man on, then she hopped on the bed.This action had me running towards the door. "What do you think you're doing?" I asked, "Come on Henry, doesn't it look familiar?" She paused, "It's what we used to do years ago" "That was ages ago Jummy, you need to get out now" I requested opening the door for her to leave. "Are you being serious right now?" She asked and i nodded affirmatively. Jumoke scoffed then walked up to me touching my chest. "Don't reject me Henry" she pleaded, "And don't make a fool of yourself too. You're better than this" i added sharply, gently pushing her out of the room. Afterwards, I locked the door; twice. I didn't understand why she would come in here to make a fool out of herself. Perhaps I didn't know her the way i thought i did. Suddenly I started feeling guilty about the way i treated her. "Urgh!" I grunted laid in bed then I hit my head on the wooden egde. "Ouch" I groaned as the thought of the speech impaired lady crossed my mind. I felt bad for her. It must be really difficult for her to deal with the job demands. I also thought of how difficult it would be for her to communicate with guest and workers. Then next day, I decided to do a little investigation on the speech-impaired maid. I wanted to get close to her and know her better. To be continued...

Adesuwa you are in for long thing

Next

Oga Henry don't forget my warning oo cuz u r treading on a slippery path known as luv sha!!!

Adesuwa you don enter

Adesuwa done get alart....

Hotel Palava - Episode 4 Henry's POV My search for the speech-impaired lady was fruitless. No one could testify to having a speech-impaired maid working in the hotel. To be more certain, I decided to inquire from Mrs. Haruna. "Ma'am i'm curious to know; I was shocked to have stumbled across a speech-impaired maid who works here, i never knew the hotel hire such, not like i'm against it or anything" "Sir we have never done that." Mrs Haruna answered, "B-b-but i..." I stuttered, i was puzzled and then It dawned on me that i had been deceived. She has to be a good actress to have fooled me that way. Damn she's good! I had to hand it over to her. She's damn good! Being fully aware of Adesuwa's deceit, I ran towards the maid's quarter . The lies came streaming through my mind. I couldn't believe that someone would stoop so low as to pretend to be dumb. Wonders shall never cease! On getting there, after much description, i found out the person in question was named Adesuwa and she was off duty and had left earlier in the day. "Damn it!" I muttered as the interrogated maid, Bukola as she is called, stared at me. "What did you call that name again?" I asked to be sure. "Adesuwa" she replied. I left the hotel unfulfilled. I wished i had met Adesuwa . I imagined giving her a thorough interrogation and a piece of my mind. Adesuwa's POV After pretending to be dumb, I walked into Mrs Haruna's office. The only reason I finally met the manager was because she demanded to see me in her office. I hesitantly walked in after being invited in. "What's it with the long face?" She asked and I shook my head. "Is it that time of the month?"she asked and I shook my head again. This time, slowly. "Then what? Have you suddenly gone dumb?" She asked and I hissed within. Oh if she knew! "I'm just having a crappy day" "You're always having a crappy day Adesuwa. For once in your life try to smile and worry less in life. Don't take this life too serious or you'll commit suicide" "I'm not crazy. Why did you call me here? This one that you're not yelling at me or threatening to fire me" I stared suspiciously at her and she hissed. "The slot of the secretary and assistant manager is still open" "So?" "I was hoping you would go for it." She answered and i threw my head back in intense laughter. Was she being serious? From her response, it appeared so. "Are you being serious?" I asked and she hissed. "I don't joke around Adesuwa. You should know me by now" "I mean assistant manager? That will be a miracle" "Don't you think you're deserving of the position?" "If there's anyone who deserves that position it's you. You know this hotel better than anyone." "And you're a brilliant woman" she commented and I smiled and the compliment. "Wait.... Was that a compliment?" "Shut up" she snapped then we both laughed. "At least the secretary slot is still open" "I'm not going to go through this again. The last time I submitted my resume I got employed as a maid." " Mr. Henry Babalola seems like a good man. He's not like the others" "They are all the same! Slimy pigs who want nothing but s*x. All men are pigs" "Adesuwa!" Mrs. Haruna yelled. "I'm married to one and he's not a pig. Just submit the damn CV and see if you would get the damn job" "Okay" I answered. I reality, I wasn't going to submit anything. How would I appear before the manager for an interview without getting caught? The next day at work, I tried my possible best to avoid the Boss and thank God I was lucky enough. I arrived home in the day from another exhaustive day at work. I sighted Chidi kneel down in front of the compound. It was unmissable. I stood still, kind of embarrassed. I wasn't sure whether to run, or face the issue head on. "Will you marry me?" I heard him ask, he had a pathe tic look on his face, he whispered that i tamper his proposal with mercy. I took a quick look around the street. Cameras were flashing from different direction, both far and near. I was completely puzzled. I had no idea on what to do. If i reject his proposal in front of the public's eye and camera, i would be embarassing him. I took a deep breath, then I looked up to the heavens for help. Saying yes wasn't an option. I can't inconvenience myself for Chidi's convenience! I don't love him. "No" I blurted out coldly. "Chidi...i'm not the right woman for you. Trust me, you'll know the right one when you see her" I added walking out on him. Then I heard loud jeers from the neighbors. I felt horrible, he would probably be freezing from the cold way i rejected his offer. I resumed work the next morning. I walked into the maid's quarter, opened my locker where I removed my uniform from it. By the door were two maid staring at me, Uju and Bukola. "Any problem?" I asked, "Nothing" Bukky answered. "Manager came looking for you yesterday" she answered keened to see my response. I slowly turned my head towards Bukky with a surprised look on my face. "Why?" "He didn't say" Suddenly Lillian dashed towards me. She was looking at something on her phone. "Girls!" she muttered to herself, "Are so heartless" she added. That was her cue if she wanted me to pay attention to her. "Why do you say so?" I asked, "Good morning dear" she said as if remembering she had forgotten to greet me. "There's this video online...everyone is downloading it. It's a video of an evil witch heartlessly rejecting a guy's proposal." Lilian added shaking her head. "You should have seen the guy....so handsome! The girl sef ugly!" she continued looking into a mirror on the wall. "Did you see the girl?" Adesuwa asked, "I didn't oh; i only watched the end from someone's phone. But i dont need to see a witch before i know she's a witch." "Was the girl putting on a red top and jean trousers?" I asked silently praying for a "No". I sincerely hope for it to be another internet viral video. "Yes" Lilian hissed then turned over at her. "Wait...you don watch the video?" she asked and I slowly shook my head. "I don't need to...that girl...i" i stuttered, "That girl in red is me Lilian, that's me the wicked heartless witch." "Oh" Lilian paused. "Did i say heartless witch?" She asked, "Wait... I being hear something like that for street" she paused. "But babe you wicked oh, how could you have had the mind to reject him in public. Some people they find this marriage oh" "I don't like him Lillian. I can't just say yes to someone I don't love. I'm sorry but I can't" Henry's POV Deji sat opposite me in my office watching a video. He found whatever he was watching pleasing and amusing. "Stop the cackling deji, you sound like a chicken" I complained with a chuckle and i watched him take his gaze off his phone. "Just watch the video Henry. Trust me, cackling will be the trend of the day." "Another akpos joke?" I asked, "Even more interesting!" he answered handing the phone to me. I shook my head when i noticed that the guy in the video was on his knee. I knew it was definitely a proposal gone wrong. "This guy has some crazy guts. I'll never propose in public" The video was blurry, it felt like it was shot with Nokia 3310 camera. Five minutes into the tense short movie, I notice another thing. There was a blurry face i thought I recognised. Carefully observing the blurry face, it finally became clear. It was indeed someone i knew. There was no need debating over it. "Adesuwa" i muttered. I couldn't believe my own sight. "Adesuwa" i muttered once more... "Seriously" i added, my left palm unconciously covered my lip. "The video was suppose to make you laugh not leave you startled" Deji retorted and I gave him back his phone. "It's her Deji, it's the girl...that speech impaired chick, the one who walked into me naked" I explain and he raised his brow in disbelief. "Seriously?" "I think this girl has some serious issues" I continued. "Serious mental issue." Deji agreed. "First she walked in on you naked, then she faked dumb. This girl is crazy, let's call her a psychiatrist!" Deji suggested. "Now you're over-exaggerating it" "You don't know, we might be doing that babe a huge favour" I stood up from the chair walking towards the door. "And... where the hell are you going to?" He asked, "To talk to her" "Deal with this like the boss you are! Get rid of the girl." "Not without an explanation. See..." I paused in thought, "There has to be a reason, the lies...and the video...i just need to ask" "Well it's not your business Henry!" "Sorry man, but i'm making it mine" I answered going back to take my phone and I saw Deji roll his eyes then he let out a long hiss. "You never change! Go now! Carry person matter for head." ***** Jumoke's POV Henry and I have been best of friend since we were teens. I lost my virginity to him in secondary school. Actually, we both lost our virginity. From then on, I swore that I won't get married to any man that isn't Henry Babalola. His education in London caused a rift between us, though he would visit and we would continue in that line but slowly it stopped. Henry stopped coming back and I became disappointed. His mother would assure me that he would soon be back for me. She would try to cheer me up and let me know that if it isn't me, Henry can never be with another. Fine Henry wasn't the only man I've had s*x with, there have been several other. I try to stay out of stringy relationships. It never goes beyond sex. My joy knew no bounds when I heard Henry was coming back to Nigeria. The evening I got the news, I received a marriage proposal from a friend, my best friend. A proposal which I bluntly refused. Henry was coming back!!! I couldn't contain my joy. Days after he came back, he didn't pay me any visit. It was annoying and frustrating. I complained severally to his mom who was on a vacation in India with her husband. I finally got a call and a date venue. The date went well but I did notice some differences about my Henry. He wasn't the same Henry I knew, he wasn't trying to have a direct eye contact with me and he was obviously avoiding some topics. I didn't care, at least I was now with him. I had butterflies in my tummy and I was just so freaking turned on at the sight of him. I already saw myself waking up by his side the next morning. Things didn't turn out as planned as i noticed he wasn't making a move towards sex. I felt bored so I decided to have a little video chat with my girlfriends. I stared at my two friends, Emmanuella and Ayo. "Tell me you finally did it with him" Ayo assumed, and I shook my head. "He's playing virgin, acting all gentlemanly. It's annoying" I pouted, "He has no idea how much I want him" "Then show him how much you want him" Emmy suggested, "I don't want to look like a slut or look too desperate" "Babe, you need to be desperate, his mom is rooting for you! What are you waiting for ? Tell him you want him" "I don't know" I whined, "Just remember to let him know that I need a job sha" Emmy chipped in and Ayo laughed. I dressed up in my sexy lingerie, over a skimpy robe and I walked into his room. His door wasn't locked. "Hello Henry" I called out then I slowly hopped on the bed. Suddenly I saw him run towards the door. What was he scared of? Was I being scary? "What do you think you're doing?" He asked, and I shrugged, "Come on Henry, doesn't it look familiar?" I asked, "It's what we used to do years ago" I concluded and he shook his head. "That was ages ago Jummy, you need to get out now" he requested opening the door for me to leave. It was so embarrassing! "Are you being serious right now?" I asked and he nodded icily. I scoffed then i walked up to him touching his chest. "Don't reject me Henry" i pleaded, "And don't make a fool of yourself too. You're better than this" he retorted sharply, then he pushed me out of the room. Lillian's POV I started working at May hotel shortly after Adesuwa. Adesuwa and I have been friends for ages. I can't recall since when. We all grew up in Rashidi Bello street. I've been with her through thick and thin. Her life has always been disappointing. I worry about her now and then. Whenever she tells me she is cursed, I try to convince her that she's not but conversely, I think she is. Nothing good ever happens to her. It's like she's somehow jinxed; like anytime something good is about to happen to her, something awful would happen. She's lucky, but her luck is always quick to turn sour. With her walking into the manager naked and acting dumb in front of him, I was more than convinced that my best friend was cursed. I felt bad that she had to look for another job. Adesuwa suddenly sunk into a bad mood after seeing the video, she immediately breezed out and i followed her. I called her name severally bit she didn't respond. "You dey go house?" I yelled, but she gave no reply. "What if supervisor con ask of you? Adesuwa!" I yelled all to no avail. Shortly after, manager walked towards me inquiring on Adesuwa's whereabout. "She just left" "Gosh!" He groaned and I wonder what was going on. "How long?" He asked, "About two minutes ago. You can still meet her..." I paused realising i was speaking to my superior. "I'll run over to her now..." I stammered running towards a door. After running down the long stairs, and jumping out the gate like an action figure. I felt like a heroine-in-the-making, i found out that my efforts were in vain. She was no where near sight. "Yeye pikin!" I yelled under her heavy breath. . "See as she take allow me run" "I guess she escaped again" I heard Mr. Henry say behind me. I wonder why he said that. "She...had stomach pile or stomach upset..so...she went back home to purge it out" i lied. Things I do for that girl! "Pile...wow must be really hard for someone who's speech-impaired to pass that kind of information" He folded his hands then let's out a scoff. "She... Ade is good at pointing and making hand gestures" I answered. I wonder where he was getting at. "May hotel doesn't have any speech impaired employee...i know your friend faked it, so stop covering up for her." I stood still, my breath literally stopped and I bent my head in shame. I assumed it was over for me. I would definitely be kicked out with Adesuwa. "Meet me in my office" he ordered and my heart pounded in fear. I walked into manager's office, he ordered that I sit and I sat opposite him,with my heart beating fast. "You don't need to be scared.... Lilian right?" He asked, and I wondered how he knew. "Yes...i'm sorry for lying sir, all i've ever done is try to help my best friend, yet she keeps putting me in wahala" "All i need is her address. I can get it from her files if i want to..." he paused realising how he sounded. "I don't plan on firing you Lilian...just give me her home address." "What do you want to do?" "I want to get to know her. I think she's a mess, I want to know her before firing her, if the a cause arises to." "She's not that bad Sir, she's only in this because of crazy circumstances" i answered. There was a brief silence. It seemed like he was in thought. "So what do you say we keep whatever we just spoke on a little secret from your friend?" He requested and i blinked my eyes a bit confused. "I don't understand" "Don't let her know that ....I'm aware that she can speak." "She's my best friend" "This is the least I can ask for, just do this for me." he begged and I gave it a thought. To be continued...

Following...

No Henry wants to play her game

When Jummy gets to know about Adesuwa, that will be double problem for Adesuwa

Hmm getting intresting. Next

Dis game of pretence is going to be very interesting sha... Lemme sit back n watch!!!

Episode 5 Adesuwa's POV Rashidi Bello street, noisy as usual. Kids outside drawing figures on the sand, playing all sorts of games and singing rhymes with wrong lyrics. When I got back from work, I struggled to sleep amidst the craziness. In the evening, I felt a tap on my lap as i laid on the three seater couch. I didn't move a muscle . It was definitely my aunt. I knew she would leave eventually but she didn't. After several tries, she gave me a loud slap on my buttocks. I had to forcefully wake up. "Wetin happen?" I complained yawning, "Why you beat me like that na? You beat the first, second, third, fourth time, I resemble small pikin?" I snapped and she hissed. "Which kain mumu sleep you sef sleep so?" Aunt Magarette asked, "Wetin happen?" I cut in scratching my neck. "You get visitor oh" "Who?" "He dey outside, see for yourself." Grudgingly, i went outside. Then i notice a car packed outside the compound, beside the car was my manager. He leaned on the car with his lip curved in a smirk. I became scared. I walked towards him in fear, knowing I had to get into my 'dumb' character. I slightly bowed my her head before him. "You're Adesuwa right?" Henry asked, I nodded quickly like an agama lizard. "You must probably be wondering why i'm here,and you don't know how to say it" he added and I nodded once more. I sighed in relieve, it felt as though he was reading my mind. "I've been looking for you and you happened to have left earlier than you ought to..." My heart skipped a bit. Is he here to fire me? How was I supposed to tell him give a kind of gesticulation that I had things to do. "And..no i didn't come to fire you . ...your friend, Lilian, she told me you had pile." I nodded quickly, meanwhile cursing Lilian. Of all diseases, she picked pile. I began to wonder how a dumb person with pile act like? My face molded into a grimace as if i was feeling pains. Then I touched my belly. His look wasn't even encouraging. He just stood there, almost as though he didn't believe me. He later opted to get me drugs that I didn't need. I cursed Lillian once again. What happened to headache? Why pile? He insisted we went to a pharmacy and we did. Of all pharmacy, it had to be the one Lilian's elder sister works in. I felt awful when she asked me "How hustle and I couldn't give my usual "We dey push" response. When Manager told her I had pile, I could see the worry on her face. I still wonder why Lilian had to use pile. "Ade how e dey do you?" She asked and i raised a finger up. "Bae, bae, bae" i replied to make her understand my predicament. Felicia shut her eyes. I didn't know why she did, maybe out of shame. "How did it come to this?" She asked in bini dialect. My face molded into a pitiful one. She wouldn't understand. "Wetin you dey find, you go see am" she whispered looking at Mr. Henry. "I'll go get the drugs" she answered with a long hiss. Henry's POV I stared in wonder. I almost believed her, I have to give her props for her incredible acting skill. Should i play along? I thought to myself. "I'm sorry about the pile" i pointed at her belly. "Have you used drugs?" I added and she shook her head. "Why?" I saw her open her mouth to speak then she closed it., she probably didn't know how to explain it. "I understand a little sign language, you can let me know" She tried her best to make gestures but I didn't understand. "Sorry I didn't get that gesture" Then she raise her palm up then leaned her head on it. "Oh you were sleeping" I guessed and she nodded. "Adesuwa your phone dey ring oh!" I heard a lady yell and Adesuwa shut her eyes in shame. "Your phone?" I asked in shock. "You use phones too?" She nodded her head then gestured as though sending a text message. "Oh you strictly send text messages" i asked and she nodded. "I feel the need to get you drugs" "Uh-uh" she waved her hands. "It's no bother. Take it as a gentleman's gesture. I won't want you complaining that you couldn't show up for work tomorrow because you had stomach pile so..." I pointed to the car opening the door. "Lady's first" After several attempt to avoid going, she finally agreed. We stopped by at a pharmacy close to the street. Adesuwa didn't want to go in but i forced her anyway. We got attended to after waiting for a man who just bought a packet of condom. "Wetin una dey look?" He asked and Adesuwa scoffed. He was probably feeling judged. "Adesuwa, Adesuwa!" The pharmacist hailed. Adesuwa smiled giving her a thumbs up. "How your hustle?" She asked, all Adesuwa could was to fake a smile. I know a fake smile when I see one. The lady suddenly looked at me. "Oga good evening" she greeted. "Good evening Ma, i..." I paused only to be interrupted by the pharmacist. "Na who you reject Chidi for be this?" She asked and Adesuwa shut her eyes in embarrassment. "Na Oyinbo guy? Why him voice be like who act movie for abroad?" She asked and Adesuwa nodded. "The lady has pile and she needs drugs" I added and she turned her gaze to Adesuwa. "Ade how e dey do you?" She asked in a worried tone and Ade raised a finger up. "Bae, bae, bae" she replied and the pharmacist shut her eyes. I totally understood why she did. Anyone would! "I'll go get the drugs" "Thank you Ma" i answered almost chuckling. I got home in a happy mood. I just couldn't stop laughing at the turn out of the day even while i had dinner. "Someone looks happy" Tosin said and i smiled. "A penny for your thoughts?" She asked and I shook my head. "It's nothing serious" "Mom is coming back tomorrow. . Life is going to be miserable for you, that I can tell you. Well, except you date Jumoke" "I'm taking it slowly with her" "She said it's too slow" She said? I recognize that tone, she's definitely playing 'informant'. "Did she send you to talk to me?" I asked, "Yes she did" she replied and we laughed. Mom hasn't changed a bit. "And Jummy spoke to me too. She's still in tears from the cold way you spoke to her the other night" "She wanted to s*duce me into having s*x with her" "You never rejected her those times, why now?" "Cause...." I paused. I didn't want to tell anyone, i haven't even discussed the matter with anyone except Niyi. "I haven't said this to anyone but... Tosin i don't know if I'm going to stay for long, I'm not certain about staying in Nigeria." "Oh.." she paused, "I thought you were coming for good" "No .. it's on probability" "Why?" "For starters, in London I get to live my own life without interference from mom and best of all is that there's no traffic there too. Traffic here is horrible!" I answered and Tosin laughed. "In Nigeria, there are too much people trying to control and influence my life and affairs trying to control the choices I make. Mom, dad" "It's your choice" "How can I stop them? They're my parents. I respect them more than anything. I'm what I am because of them" "Someday you're going to have to stand up to them and make your own choice" Tosin answered. "And you?" He asked, "You're still under them, living in the same roof with them" "I'm still with them because of my twins. I made a foolish mistake to get pregnant and now I'm paying for it with my sweat." She answered laughing. "Are you going to tell me about what is cracking you up or you prefer I stay in the dark?" She asked and i laughed once more. "Okay there's this girl at the hotel," I began with a chuckle. To be continued... #StaySafe

God will see you through

Oga u are in love with adesuwa

Oga manager,I guess u have to admit DAT u r gradually falling for dis gal oo!!!

*Hotel Palava - Episode 6* Henry's POV I couldn't sleep well that night. I thought of how the following day would be. I also thought of things I could do to make her look even more stupid before actually revealing to her that I know the truth...... Adesuwa's POV After my encounter with Felicia, I had to go back to the pharmacy to better explain things to her. I walked into her advising a girl about contraceptives. "The only thing guys want na to see wetin dey under your skirt and I know say you don start man thing already" she said then our eyes met. She returned her gaze back to the girl. "So ...wetin I go advised na say make you dey protect yourself everytime . Use condoms always" "I hear" "No be matter of I hear be this oh, if you con meet me for abortion pills. I swear to God who made me, I go beat devil commot for your body." She threatened afterwards the girl left. "Good evening" I greeted and I watched her hiss. "So now you don get voice shea?" She snapped and I rolled my eyes. "Don't judge me, just listen to me. You can ask Lilian for the other side of the story, it's all a mistake and I'll try to fix it." "Everything is always a mistake for you . Adesuwa I'm not judging you, I don't like where you're heading to. Lies will never take you anywhere. It only builds up" "What can I say?" "Who was that man?" "My boss" I answered after hesitating. "Oh great! That's perfect, you lied to your own boss" she answered sarcastically. "Don't judge me! You don't know what happened. Just listen to me, please" I requested and she sighed. "I want to know from the top to bottom. Don't leave anything out." *** Then next day, I walked out of a room with a basket of dirty laundries, then i bumped into Lilian. "This one wey you dey frown like this, you chop bile" "Shebi if I chop bile I for just brush teeth waka pass? E no better make I chop bile?" I answered. "Wait, are you still thinking of his visit?" "Why won't I think of it? Give me one reason why I shouldn't think of it." "Because it won't change the fact that you lied" she stated and I hissed. "We both know it wasn't intentional. I was nervous" "Nervous or not, the deed has been done, don't think too much about it" "Easy for you to say, I'm the one who has to go around playing dumb until someone blows my cover." "Whose fault is that?" Lillian snapped and i laughed. "Let me just collect my October salary sha" I pointed out then I saw Henry walking towards us with a briefcase in his hands. "Good morning Sir" Lilian greeted and i bowed my head slightly. "How are you doing this morning Adesuwa?" He asked with a wide smile on his face. His British accent made my name sound hot. I mumbled some inaudible reply. "I suppose that means you're fine" he answered and i nodded. "See! I'm starting to get a hang of this" he replied with a smile. He seemed to be a very good mood. "The drugs must have worked" he added and i gave a thumbs up. "How was your night? I hope it was peaceful" I gave another thumbs up. "I wonder why you don't understand sign language. It's wierd" he gave a thoughtful look. I glared at Lilian to help me fabricate a story. "She didn't learn it because she had no one to teach her sir... She has been hustling all her life" He gave Lilian a look, suddenly I Lilian look down, I didn't understand why. "I'll ask around, there has to be like a school I can enroll you in" "Uh?" I asked in shock. He snapped his fingers. "Definitely, that sounds like a brilliant idea, don't you think so?" He asked and I shook her head in disagreement. Hell no!!! If there was any time to speak, now was the right time but nothing came out, I was still in character. "It's no bother for me. It will be a pleasure helping you out. I feel obliged to help you out" I continuously shook my head while he walked past me. "Adesuwa" Lilian called out to me. I was lost in my own thought. "Which kind kasala be this nah?" I asked letting out a troubled sigh. "From frying pan to fire. Life just Taya me as I dey so" I stomped my feet on the floor going. "Where are you off to?" She asked and I raised my brow rudely. Wasn't it obvious from the basket I held. "I'm looking for the nearest canal to jump in, where else would I be going to?" I snapped then I heard her laugh. I walked into Mr Henry's office later in the day. Mummy B had informed me that the Boss wanted to see me. "You're here" he said rising from his chair. "About the sign language thing, I made one or two calls and I fixed a meeting, more like an appointment with the lecturer of Dayspring School for the impaired" I opened my mouth in shock. "I'll pay the bills, you don't have to worry about it. Learning sign languages would make communication a lot easier with you" Another moment arose where i felt as though i should confessed but i couldn't bring myself down to do it. "Wanna have lunch with me?" He asked and i shook her head. "You must be hungry, let's have lunch" he demanded with a attempt to leave the office. I rolled my eyes. I had a feeling something bad would happen. At the hotel restaurant, My very own friend Joan walked up to us to take our order. "Good day Sir, Ade good afternoon" she waved at me. She seemed shocked to see me having lunch with the manager as the other workers who were on duty. Mr. Henry ordered for rice and moimoi, then he glanced at me. "What do you want for lunch?" He asked and Joan tapped me. "Ade wetin you want nah?" She asked and Mr. Henry quietly lookes at me. "Ade" Joan whispered now looking at the manger. She didn't understand why I was being quiet. She may probably conclude that I didn't want to speak to her because of i was having lunch with the boss. "Na so life be?" She asked, "Because of Oga shea?" She added glancing at Mr. Henry once again. I wanted to speak up but once again I couldn't bring myself to. "She'll have the same thing with me" He chipped in and Joan walked away. My eyes trailed on her till she left. I slapped her forehead in guilt. I felt bad for ignoring Joan. "Are you okay?" Mr.Henry asked and I nodded. "I hope you don't find it annoying that I made the order for you. I usually don't" I waved my hands as though there was nothing wrong about what he did. I have been working at the hotel for two years,the first time I tasted their meal was the last for me. The food was horrible. I know of few persons that cooks way better than May hotel's chef. Joan placed the order on the table. Mr. Henry immediately dug into it while i stalled. I hoped for God sake the meal will be better than the last. The rice was better, I didn't plan on touching the moimoi. "Moimoi is my favorite meal" he began, "I eat it now and then even though most times I end up sleeping in the toilet because of it" he explained and i chuckled unconsciously. "I really can't get enough of it" "What's your favorite meal?" He asked and i raised up the menu pointing at Fufu and Ogbono. "Seriously?" He asked with a wide smile glued to his face. "There's this African restaurant where I get these stuff over there, they are exquisite" Exquisite? I asked within. This guy hasn't been in Nigeria for a while, he wouldn't know what tastes exquisite even if it slap him on the face. Although with the way he said the 'Exquisite', anyone would believe it is. The accent sounded so hot! Once again, i noticed the shock on workers faces as they passed by. Mr. Henry picked up an incoming call, "I'm at the restaurant but I'll meet you shortly" he said to the caller. "You don't have to" he added and i turned my gaze at him. "Seriously?" He asked and then he dropped the phone on the table. "Sorry about that" he apologized and I wondered why he was apologizing to a mere employee. I dipped a fork into my mouth then I realized I had just taken a bite out of the moimoi. I immediately spat it out into the plate. If I wasn't over-conscious, i would have said "I'm sorry" "Is it bad?" Bad? I asked within, where should I start from? Lunch was over for me! I decided, then i cleaned my lip with the servette. "We're having company" he announced and i raised my head up in surprise. "It's a friend" I immediately stood up to leave when I heard him say, "You don't have to leave" and i shook my head. I didn't want to be a third wheel. "Henry darling" I heard a voice call out, i turned to see a lady in a glittery ash gown. She looked like one of those slay queens from rich homes. She came along with a friend, that looked as though acid poured on her. "Hey Jummy" Mr Henry said while the lady moved over to him placing her hands on his shoulder glaring at me. Of course I knew what she was trying to do. She was obviously marking her territory. She probably saw me as a threat. "Who is she?" Jummy asked, "She's definitely a maid, look at the uniform" the bleached one answered. I almost scoffed. . Then i looked her over bleached skin and black spoted fingers. "So you go around having lunch with maids right?" She asked and I saw Mr. Henry rolled his eyes. "I don't go around having lunch with maids and don't use that term it's derogatory" "Derogatory? Henry you're having lunch with an employee," "I needed the company" he answered and I rolled my eyes invisibly. Wrong answer! I said within. "So you couldn't call me to keep you company. You had to call this" she waved her hands at me, "This, this" she stammered. Mr. Cluless over there had no idea how to calm his raging girlfriend but I knew there was one way out of the situation. "Bae, bae, bae" i said out loud. Jummy stopped ranting the moment she heard this. "Oh" she paused pointing at me. "She's dumb" she added in guilt. "I'm sorry" she apologized, "I thought you were with my boyfriend in that kind of way" she added. Mr. Henry glanced back at her. "Manage this" Jummy brought out some money from her bag stretching it at me. I was offended! Who told her I needed money? "I would like to invest in your dinner" she said and i looked at the money then walked away. I walked into the kitchen where i found Joan slicing a carrot. From the way people stared at me, I knew they must have been talking. "You're not invited here oh" an elderly woman yelled and i rolled her eyes. She was the Chef responsible for the for all the disaster made in the kitchen. "I won't be staying for long" "At least cover your hair" "Maybe if one strand my hair enter the food, maybe e go try sweet" I snapped walking towards Joan who was chuckling. "I go go report to manager" "Naim I just follow chop, go report nah" she clicked her tongue. "Asewo! Na to the sleep with all the managers naim you sabi" the lady snapped and i hissed. It's not a first time hearing people speak badly of me. I'm just going to employ the same method i have been using all these years- I'll just walk away. "Joan of Ikeja" i hailed and Joan tried not to laugh. "I'm angry oh" she confessed and I touch her shoulder. "I know. I'm sorry about what happened there" "Firstly, why would you be having lunch with the boss and why did you ignore me?" "It's a long story." She paused, "I no fit yarn (talk) everything now but I go try cut am short" i sighed with my eyes shut. "I dey form dumbness for am" she answered and Joan stopped slicing. "How did it get to that?" "I'll try to rectify it, it's a minor problem" "Minor? Adesuwa, this man is our boss. If you call this a minor problem, what's your definition of minor?" "I'll sort this out as soon as possible" "This thing go come back con bite your yansh oh" Joan warned and i exhaled. I didn't know what to do anymore. To be continued... *Hotel Palava - Episode 7* Adesuwa's POV Lilian and Michelle walked into me writing on a stool. "What are you doing?" Lilian asked, and i stood up hiding the paper at my back. "What?" She insisted. "What are you hiding?" Michelle asked, and i brought out the paper. Michelle dragged it from me then she scanned through it. "Is this a resignation letter?" She asked, "No oh, love letter. What else do you see written as the heading?" I snapped. "Have you found a job yet?" Lilian asked, "No, but I know I will" "Why now?" I made a decision to tell Mr . Henry the truth. "I'm about to go to the manager's office to tell him the truth" Lilian shook her head. "You don't have to" Urgh! That reply almost made me go mad, what should I do, if telling him is wrong and keeping up with the act is also wrong, then what Is the right thing to do? "What truth and what does the manager has to do with anything?" Michelle asked, She seemed lost. "I heard you two had lunch together. Babe, what's going on between you two?" She continued and i sighed again. "Nothing, just lies." I answered looking at Michelle. "Can you guys explain in plain English, what the hell is going on?" "I gave the manager the impression that I was dumb and now I've been faking it" "That's messy Adesuwa . This has to be the most stupid thing you've ever done and I know you've done a lot of stupid things. This one wins it for me" she commented and I rolled my eyes. "Just talk to him,don't tell him you want to resign or he'll just accept it" Lilian advised and I rolled my eyes once more. Mummy B walked in and we all kept quiet. "Gossip would never cease from you guys mouth. You were probably gossiping about me" "We have better things to discuss about, it's not as if we lack what to discuss on" i blurted out in anger. Mummy B folded her hands. "Even the fan hanging from the ceiling is a better topic. So as you can see madam, we don't lack topics" "Do you have any idea that I'm your superior?" "Only the three thousand naira difference nah" I answered and Michelle laughed. "I'm older than you in size, in age, what are you saying, I have two kids" "Two kids?" I laughed. "Belle na just nine months oh, all I need na sp*rm" i pointed out, Michelle and Lilian laughed. "I no say if I wan go report to Mrs Haruna, she go forgive you but Adesuwa bet me, oneday I go watch you commot from this hotel" she promised and then scoffed leaving the room. I won the argument like I usually did. I don't enjoy insulting Mummy B, but I hated feeling defeated. The B in her name may stand for 'Bisi', for me it's 'bully' cause she's nothing but a bully. Henry's POV "What a rudie!" Jummy yelled after Adesuwa refused collecting the money from her. I was still yet to get over the whole scenario and the fact she referred to me as her boyfriend. I never got the memo that we were dating. "Did you see what she just did?" Jummy sat down where Adesuwa sat. "She just made me look like a complete fool" she continued. "You're causing a scene" i whispered. "Why did you refer to me as your" he didn't complete his sentence when she asked that her friend Emmy leaves us both to talk. "I take it she doesn't know we're not dating" "I may have told everyone that we had sex the night I slept over at the house." "Jummy we're not dating" "Why? Henry we used to be so good together?" "That's the issue, we used to be, there's a thin line between used to and now. That was in the past" "Henry I love you, I really do. I just wish you can open your eyes and see how much I love you" "What you just displayed" "Is an affection of how I really feel about you. I was jealous seeing you with her." "Why are you here?" He added trying to avoid the topic. "My friend Emmy, you know her Shea? She needs a job. I heard there's still a slot left for the assistant" I checked out her resume and I realized she's not even up to the requirements. She had a third class degree and she in no way had the characteristics I wanted. *** A call from mom was enough to ruin my day. She asked that i employ Jummy's friend. I didn't intend on employing her since her qualifications didn't meet up with my expectation. Someone knocked on the door twice then i saw Adesuwa walked in with a letter. "Hey" I said trying to smile. I was in no mood to smile or joke about anything. "Can you come back later, now's not a good time" Just as she turned to leave, i remembered the way she was embarrassed by Jummy. I deemed it fit to apologize to her. "I'm sorry" i said and she glanced at me once more. . She was probably wondering what i was apologizing for. "About the way Jummy spoke to you. She has never been that way. I know you must have questions" i paused, expecting she would open her mouth to say something. This was my cue for her to speak. Nothing would give me more relief than a confession that very moment. Rather she faked a smile giving a gentle nod. Then she turned her back to leave. "Your acting skills are laudable and superb. You almost had me going if I wasn't too inquisitive to be fooled" Adesuwa paused for a moment she was probably wondering what I meant by that statement. "I know you can talk...stop with the act, it's becoming annoying." A scoff escaped her lip, loud enough for me to hear. She turned towards me with her hands raised in surrender. It dawned on her that i knew already. "I guess i'll be fired then" she said, my first time of hearing her voice. For a wierd reason, i badly wanted to know how she sounded. Not bad, i thought to himself. "How long have you known?" She asked, "Today would make it the second day" Adesuwa nodded her head. "Who told you?" She asked, "I didn't need to be told, like I said I was inquisitive" "So I've been making a fool of myself this whole time, great" she added sarcastically. "So much for trying to keep my job." She added almost walking out the door. "We're not done miss" "Says who? You're not my boss, i've been fired" "And who says you've been fired?" She turned towards me, "Why didn't you fired ne when you found out the truth about me?" "Why did you do it? Why did you lie" i inquired in a subtle tone. "I asked you a question first" "Well I'm your boss" "I don't owe you or anyone any explanation" "I was lied to" "You'll get over it, i'm not your girlfriend" "But i'm still your boss" "Take the job if you want...u wan force me talk?" She blurted out in attempt to leave the office. "So i take it you're the kind to walk into men naked instead of doing your job. "That..... was a mistake" she answered without facing me. "And lieing...i take it that's a hobby for you." I continued, "What about publicly rejecting marriage proposal? Is it that you love the attention, or you're a just a horrible person" Suddenly she turned towards me rolling her eyes. "You have no idea who i am...or what i can and can't do. I'm going to advise you to mind your business" she pointed at me then she placed her hands on the table bringing her face close to mine while balls of tears rolled down her cheek. "Whatever i chose to do with my life, it's my life not yours...not Chidi's not..." She paused covering her face this was followed by a loud sob and a sniff. "I better leave" she added turning her back to leave. "Let's talk Adesuwa, like civilise people without the lies" i proposed feeling sorry about making her cry. Instead she dropped a letter then she walked out of the office. "Adesuwa!" I called out. To be continued... *Hotel Palava - Episode 8* Adesuwa's POV I walked out of Mr. Henry's office then I cleaned my tears. I heard the boss call out my name but I cared less. Lilian and Michelle were waiting at me at a corner. "How did it go?" Lilian asked, "I've been fired" I announced and Mitchel opened her mouth in shock. "Sir Henry doesn't look like that kind of person." "How do you know? Men are all the same" "Sir Henry is a very nice man Adesuwa. Did he personally fire you? I know you can exaggerate for Africa!" "He didn't" I confessed, "But I don't need to stay there for him to fire . You should have seen him, he judged me by what I did. Babes you won't believe that that man knew I wasn't dumb since yesterday. He was just playing me." I saw Lilian bow her head and then it occurred to me. "Lilian you knew!" I snapped and she moved back a bit. "It wasn't my fault. He asked that I keep it a secret" "What are we best friends for? Lilian, you could have at least given me a heads up" "I didn't tell him, he found out there was no dumb employee in the hotel so he came to me.... " "You're a horrible friend!" I yelled then I walked away. I sat inside the living room with a ear piece plugged on to my ear . It was dark, I was listening to jams that usually made me forget my frustrations but those jams didn't seem to work that moment. I thought of how I made a fool of myself. Moments with Mr. Henry came flooding through my mind. Each time It does I literally beat myself up. Suddenly the whole room became bright and Lilian walked in and I unplugged the earpiece. "Na me bring light come oh" she joked and I raised my brow. I was obviously still angry. "I can't sleep knowing you're angry with me. Adesuwa I'm sorry. I know I should put our friendship first but I didn't" "I'm trying to get over the whole thing, memories keeps on streaming like live videos in my head." I sat up and she sat down. She felt bad for me. "I don't want to be in your shoes" "When he walked up to the both of us and he said that sh*t about erm... Sign language" I paused and we both laughed. "God I'm stupid!" I admitted then I closed my face in shame. "I was just fooling myself" "Don't be too hard on yourself dear, i" Lilian encouraged, "Be harder on yourself" she chipped in, busting into laughter. **** Lilian walked into me that morning folding my uniform. I kept on scattering and refolding the cloth. I didn't feel like leaving the hotel, even though Iit felt like the right thing to do. "How long are you gonna keep folding and unfolding?" She asked and I pouted my lips at her almost in tears. "I don't feel like going" "I'll miss you" Lilian hugged her. "The hotel would not be the same without you" Henry's POV Haunted by guilt, I turned and squirmed in the bed. Then i tried to convince myself that I wasn't at fault. I got up quite early in the morning, walked towards the kitchen. I perceived the smell of burnt food from afar. I found Tosin fanning a burnt egg with a novel in her hand. Beside her was Jumoke. "I need to take a long bath" Jummy excused herself and I turned over to Tosin who was laughing. "What happened?"Henry asked, "That's what happens when you try to fry eggs without oil, on high heat" Tosin paused raising the novel up. "While reading a novel...Jumoke is hopeless" she added still chuckling. "When did Jumoke start cooking?" I asked unable to wipe off the surprise look off my face. "She's been learning for you and I've been teaching her. She spent the night here so she decided to surprise you" Tosin added. "She's hopelessly in love with you. She's absolutely clueless you don't want her again." "Gosh!" I exclaimed. "How will I make her know?" I added opening the fridge then suddenly I remembered Adesuwa's incidence and I groaned. I took out a bottle of mayonnaise. I wanted to make myself a little sandwich. "A penny for your thought?" Tosin asked and i dropped the bottle of mayonnaise. I picked up a jug of water then pour it into a glass cup on the fine marble-designed counter. Then I drank a little. Damn I was thirsty! "Why do girls lie?" I asked, this question provoked a giggle from Tosin. "Welcome to the world of sin bro. Guys lie, girls lie, i lie! Sometimes we don't choose to do it, we don't even want to but circumstances makes us do it...for example, fear, threat..." "Do i look scary?" I asked, "No" Tosin answered chuckling then she gave me that suspicious look. "Why are you asking?" She paused in thought. "Wait...is this about the girl who lied to you?" she asked. I knew she would figure it out. She's that smart. Tosin is a graduate retainee taking guidance and conselling in the university. "Are you trying to play shrink on me?" I asked and she chuckled. "I'm so angry and at the same time scared of her. People like her are the worst. She's an incredible liar" "She's not your girlfriend or sister, why are you angry then?" "I dislike lies Tosin, you know that very well" "Continue..." Tosin requested. "She publicly rejected a guy's proposal...i think she has issues" "So what if she said no? It's her life. She might not be in love with him" "The annoying thing was that when i confronted her yesterday to give me a reason for lying...i said some pretty nasty things, she cried. I felt sorry for her." Tosin quietly watched me, she didn't say anything, she just quietly watched me. I wondered why. Tosin's POV I quietly watched my brother like I would watch anyone that comes to me for guidance. My brother seemed fascinated by this strange woman, yet has no idea of it. This is usually the first stage of infactuation. I hoped to be wrong; for Jumoke's sake. I hoped to God that it doesn't exceed fascination. "Do you think she has issues?" Henry asked, "Calm down Henry, i'm not a voodoo priest. One might need to critically examine her before saying anything. I'm guessing she has fears...or lying issue or trauma. It might be a wide range of options or personal choices..." I analysed. "Mom didn't come home yesterday as planned." I announced and i could almost hear Henry say, "Thank God!" "I was even about asking about her" ****** Jumoke entered into my room with a wide smile while fiddling with her phone. "Jummy" i called out quite surprised since she normally doesn't enter into my room. She also looked gloomy. "Where's Henry?" She asked and I pointed at the door. "Henry left for work...what have you been doing in the room all day?" "I've been sulking in shame about what happened in the kitchen. "That's silly!" I answered laughing at him. "Tosin please do you have a minute to spare?" "I have to go to work and I haven't prepared yet for my class" "I won't take your time" "Is this about Henry?" She asked and Jummy nodded sitting on my bed. "Do you think I have a good chance with him?" She asked, "I want to know whether to give up or push my luck" "Don't ask me Jummy, I'm not going to ask you to do anything, just give him time. Get closer to him, talk to him. That's all my brother needs right now more than anything." He needs someone to talk to. In between my lecture, I received a text from Dad, they just arrived. They were already in Nigeria. I didn't know whether to be happy or not. "Where were we?" I asked the class. Henry's POV I took a short walk around the hall where he found Michelle cleaning the floor. Thank God! I muttered to myself then I asked where I could find Adesuwa. "She must have left already, she handed in her oral resignation to Mummy Bisi" My face face fell. Mom stopped by later at the hotel. I raised my head when i heard the door to my office close. I didn't even realize someone had opened it. I was lost in thought. "Mom?" I asked with a wry smile. "Is that how to properly greet your mother?" She asked, "Good morning Mom" i stood up bowing my head to her. "Or do you rather I prostrate?" I asked and she chuckled. "Don't be silly dear" she walked up to him pressing a warm hug against me. "I've missed you son" she lets out a sighed of relief. "I'm glad you're in Nigeria. There's nothing as sweet as being at home. There's absolutely no place like home. I was shocked when my cousin told me you would be coming in to manage his hotel for him" "Yeah" "It's only a matter of time before you realize the ugly truth, ajo o le dabi ile (there's no place like home) Sweetie I know you're staying for good" "That wasn't even a question mom, it wasn't even a request" "Sweetheart" she placed her palm over Henry's face. "Trust me, Nigeria is the place I've dreamt for you to be in, it's the place I've dreamt for you to get married and have kids" she continued with a wide smile. "I've had everything planned out already. All you just have to do is relax and enjoy the ride" she winked at me and I shook my head. "Does this ride has to do with Jummy?" I asked and mom nodded in agreement. "Mom if you've spoken to Tosin, you'll know that" "Ah, yes!" She sat on a chair, "Tosin rambled some nonsense to me about you wanting to make your decision" "Nonsense?" "Henry, it's just nonsense talk, I've had this discussion with Jummy's mom and dad. The wedding would be the talk of the town. Jummy still loves you and I know you love her too" "I loved her years ago" I argued but mom obviously wasn't listening. "I'm pretty sure somewhere in that your heart lies some dead feelings that can we resuscitated" she crossed her leg grinning. "Mom" "Sweetheart" she rose up. "You're my only son and if there's anyone that knows you in and out, it should be me. I know what's best for you. . Jummy is the key to your happiness" she suggested and I rolled my eyes. She wasn't even trying to listen to me. "Remember when you two would sneak around those times. You thought we didn't know but we did. You both were so in love" she continued. This forced a chuckle out me.I had a flashback. Yeah...those were good times. "Just open your eyes to the possibility of being with her, trust me, it would make everything easy." She advised picking up her bag to leave. "So soon?" "I have plans dear" "What did you guys do in India?" I asked curious as to know why my parents travelled to India. "We were trying to find out if we could have other kids" she teased and my face moulded into a grimace. Suddenly she laughed out loud kissing me on the cheek. "Give Jummy a chance. I planned out a date tonight at The Royal kitchen, Jummy doesn't know and you're going to surprise her" she whispered leaving the office. I called Jumoke up for an impromptu date that evening. We ate at the prepared venue. Though I felt forced, but I had to give it a go. Maybe it would make me forget the fact Adesuwa resigned and I'll feel less guilty for not stopping her when I had the chance to. I saw it as a way of trying to kill two birds with one stone. The night ended with the both of us in my hotel room. We had s*x quite all right, it was good, really good but It wasn't like old times. It was different. Thanks for the comments all. Keep it coming. ***Quick question guys*** What do you guys think about what Lilian did? Was it the right thing? Should she have told have let Adesuwa into the plan? If you were Adesuwa, would you have forgiven her? Let me know.

...

I believe adesuwa will come around

As for jummy she better go and stay one side. Next

Adesuwa made a foolish decision

In as much as Adesuwa made a bad decision, Lillian cud have still alerted her for de sake of their friendship... For me,I think Lilian betrayed her friend but Adesuwa shd forget abt it n forgive her!!!

Hotel Palava - Episode 7 Adesuwa's POV Lilian and Michelle walked into me writing on a stool. "What are you doing?" Lilian asked, and i stood up hiding the paper at my back. "What?" She insisted. "What are you hiding?" Michelle asked, and i brought out the paper. Michelle dragged it from me then she scanned through it. "Is this a resignation letter?" She asked, "No oh, love letter. What else do you see written as the heading?" I snapped. "Have you found a job yet?" Lilian asked, "No, but I know I will" "Why now?" I made a decision to tell Mr . Henry the truth. "I'm about to go to the manager's office to tell him the truth" Lilian shook her head. "You don't have to" Urgh! That reply almost made me go mad, what should I do, if telling him is wrong and keeping up with the act is also wrong, then what Is the right thing to do? "What truth and what does the manager has to do with anything?" Michelle asked, She seemed lost. "I heard you two had lunch together. Babe, what's going on between you two?" She continued and i sighed again. "Nothing, just lies." I answered looking at Michelle. "Can you guys explain in plain English, what the hell is going on?" "I gave the manager the impression that I was dumb and now I've been faking it" "That's messy Adesuwa . This has to be the most stupid thing you've ever done and I know you've done a lot of stupid things. This one wins it for me" she commented and I rolled my eyes. "Just talk to him,don't tell him you want to resign or he'll just accept it" Lilian advised and I rolled my eyes once more. Mummy B walked in and we all kept quiet. "Gossip would never cease from you guys mouth. You were probably gossiping about me" "We have better things to discuss about, it's not as if we lack what to discuss on" i blurted out in anger. Mummy B folded her hands. "Even the fan hanging from the ceiling is a better topic. So as you can see madam, we don't lack topics" "Do you have any idea that I'm your superior?" "Only the three thousand naira difference nah" I answered and Michelle laughed. "I'm older than you in size, in age, what are you saying, I have two kids" "Two kids?" I laughed. "Belle na just nine months oh, all I need na sp*rm" i pointed out, Michelle and Lilian laughed. "I no say if I wan go report to Mrs Haruna, she go forgive you but Adesuwa bet me, oneday I go watch you commot from this hotel" she promised and then scoffed leaving the room. I won the argument like I usually did. I don't enjoy insulting Mummy B, but I hated feeling defeated. The B in her name may stand for 'Bisi', for me it's 'bully' cause she's nothing but a bully. Henry's POV "What a rudie!" Jummy yelled after Adesuwa refused collecting the money from her. I was still yet to get over the whole scenario and the fact she referred to me as her boyfriend. I never got the memo that we were dating. "Did you see what she just did?" Jummy sat down where Adesuwa sat. "She just made me look like a complete fool" she continued. "You're causing a scene" i whispered. "Why did you refer to me as your" he didn't complete his sentence when she asked that her friend Emmy leaves us both to talk. "I take it she doesn't know we're not dating" "I may have told everyone that we had sex the night I slept over at the house." "Jummy we're not dating" "Why? Henry we used to be so good together?" "That's the issue, we used to be, there's a thin line between used to and now. That was in the past" "Henry I love you, I really do. I just wish you can open your eyes and see how much I love you" "What you just displayed" "Is an affection of how I really feel about you. I was jealous seeing you with her." "Why are you here?" He added trying to avoid the topic. "My friend Emmy, you know her Shea? She needs a job. I heard there's still a slot left for the assistant" I checked out her resume and I realized she's not even up to the requirements. She had a third class degree and she in no way had the characteristics I wanted. *** A call from mom was enough to ruin my day. She asked that i employ Jummy's friend. I didn't intend on employing her since her qualifications didn't meet up with my expectation. Someone knocked on the door twice then i saw Adesuwa walked in with a letter. "Hey" I said trying to smile. I was in no mood to smile or joke about anything. "Can you come back later, now's not a good time" Just as she turned to leave, i remembered the way she was embarrassed by Jummy. I deemed it fit to apologize to her. "I'm sorry" i said and she glanced at me once more. . She was probably wondering what i was apologizing for. "About the way Jummy spoke to you. She has never been that way. I know you must have questions" i paused, expecting she would open her mouth to say something. This was my cue for her to speak. Nothing would give me more relief than a confession that very moment. Rather she faked a smile giving a gentle nod. Then she turned her back to leave. "Your acting skills are laudable and superb. You almost had me going if I wasn't too inquisitive to be fooled" Adesuwa paused for a moment she was probably wondering what I meant by that statement. "I know you can talk...stop with the act, it's becoming annoying." A scoff escaped her lip, loud enough for me to hear. She turned towards me with her hands raised in surrender. It dawned on her that i knew already. "I guess i'll be fired then" she said, my first time of hearing her voice. For a wierd reason, i badly wanted to know how she sounded. Not bad, i thought to himself. "How long have you known?" She asked, "Today would make it the second day" Adesuwa nodded her head. "Who told you?" She asked, "I didn't need to be told, like I said I was inquisitive" "So I've been making a fool of myself this whole time, great" she added sarcastically. "So much for trying to keep my job." She added almost walking out the door. "We're not done miss" "Says who? You're not my boss, i've been fired" "And who says you've been fired?" She turned towards me, "Why didn't you fired ne when you found out the truth about me?" "Why did you do it? Why did you lie" i inquired in a subtle tone. "I asked you a question first" "Well I'm your boss" "I don't owe you or anyone any explanation" "I was lied to" "You'll get over it, i'm not your girlfriend" "But i'm still your boss" "Take the job if you want...u wan force me talk?" She blurted out in attempt to leave the office. "So i take it you're the kind to walk into men naked instead of doing your job. "That..... was a mistake" she answered without facing me. "And lieing...i take it that's a hobby for you." I continued, "What about publicly rejecting marriage proposal? Is it that you love the attention, or you're a just a horrible person" Suddenly she turned towards me rolling her eyes. "You have no idea who i am...or what i can and can't do. I'm going to advise you to mind your business" she pointed at me then she placed her hands on the table bringing her face close to mine while balls of tears rolled down her cheek. "Whatever i chose to do with my life, it's my life not yours...not Chidi's not..." She paused covering her face this was followed by a loud sob and a sniff. "I better leave" she added turning her back to leave. "Let's talk Adesuwa, like civilise people without the lies" i proposed feeling sorry about making her cry. Instead she dropped a letter then she walked out of the office. "Adesuwa!" I called out. To be continued...

Episode 8 Adesuwa's POV I walked out of Mr. Henry's office then I cleaned my tears. I heard the boss call out my name but I cared less. Lilian and Michelle were waiting at me at a corner. "How did it go?" Lilian asked, "I've been fired" I announced and Mitchel opened her mouth in shock. "Sir Henry doesn't look like that kind of person." "How do you know? Men are all the same" "Sir Henry is a very nice man Adesuwa. Did he personally fire you? I know you can exaggerate for Africa!" "He didn't" I confessed, "But I don't need to stay there for him to fire . You should have seen him, he judged me by what I did. Babes you won't believe that that man knew I wasn't dumb since yesterday. He was just playing me." I saw Lilian bow her head and then it occurred to me. "Lilian you knew!" I snapped and she moved back a bit. "It wasn't my fault. He asked that I keep it a secret" "What are we best friends for? Lilian, you could have at least given me a heads up" "I didn't tell him, he found out there was no dumb employee in the hotel so he came to me.... " "You're a horrible friend!" I yelled then I walked away. I sat inside the living room with a ear piece plugged on to my ear . It was dark, I was listening to jams that usually made me forget my frustrations but those jams didn't seem to work that moment. I thought of how I made a fool of myself. Moments with Mr. Henry came flooding through my mind. Each time It does I literally beat myself up. Suddenly the whole room became bright and Lilian walked in and I unplugged the earpiece. "Na me bring light come oh" she joked and I raised my brow. I was obviously still angry. "I can't sleep knowing you're angry with me. Adesuwa I'm sorry. I know I should put our friendship first but I didn't" "I'm trying to get over the whole thing, memories keeps on streaming like live videos in my head." I sat up and she sat down. She felt bad for me. "I don't want to be in your shoes" "When he walked up to the both of us and he said that sh*t about erm... Sign language" I paused and we both laughed. "God I'm stupid!" I admitted then I closed my face in shame. "I was just fooling myself" "Don't be too hard on yourself dear, i" Lilian encouraged, "Be harder on yourself" she chipped in, busting into laughter. **** Lilian walked into me that morning folding my uniform. I kept on scattering and refolding the cloth. I didn't feel like leaving the hotel, even though Iit felt like the right thing to do. "How long are you gonna keep folding and unfolding?" She asked and I pouted my lips at her almost in tears. "I don't feel like going" "I'll miss you" Lilian hugged her. "The hotel would not be the same without you" Henry's POV Haunted by guilt, I turned and squirmed in the bed. Then i tried to convince myself that I wasn't at fault. I got up quite early in the morning, walked towards the kitchen. I perceived the smell of burnt food from afar. I found Tosin fanning a burnt egg with a novel in her hand. Beside her was Jumoke. "I need to take a long bath" Jummy excused herself and I turned over to Tosin who was laughing. "What happened?"Henry asked, "That's what happens when you try to fry eggs without oil, on high heat" Tosin paused raising the novel up. "While reading a novel...Jumoke is hopeless" she added still chuckling. "When did Jumoke start cooking?" I asked unable to wipe off the surprise look off my face. "She's been learning for you and I've been teaching her. She spent the night here so she decided to surprise you" Tosin added. "She's hopelessly in love with you. She's absolutely clueless you don't want her again." "Gosh!" I exclaimed. "How will I make her know?" I added opening the fridge then suddenly I remembered Adesuwa's incidence and I groaned. I took out a bottle of mayonnaise. I wanted to make myself a little sandwich. "A penny for your thought?" Tosin asked and i dropped the bottle of mayonnaise. I picked up a jug of water then pour it into a glass cup on the fine marble-designed counter. Then I drank a little. Damn I was thirsty! "Why do girls lie?" I asked, this question provoked a giggle from Tosin. "Welcome to the world of sin bro. Guys lie, girls lie, i lie! Sometimes we don't choose to do it, we don't even want to but circumstances makes us do it...for example, fear, threat..." "Do i look scary?" I asked, "No" Tosin answered chuckling then she gave me that suspicious look. "Why are you asking?" She paused in thought. "Wait...is this about the girl who lied to you?" she asked. I knew she would figure it out. She's that smart. Tosin is a graduate retainee taking guidance and conselling in the university. "Are you trying to play shrink on me?" I asked and she chuckled. "I'm so angry and at the same time scared of her. People like her are the worst. She's an incredible liar" "She's not your girlfriend or sister, why are you angry then?" "I dislike lies Tosin, you know that very well" "Continue..." Tosin requested. "She publicly rejected a guy's proposal...i think she has issues" "So what if she said no? It's her life. She might not be in love with him" "The annoying thing was that when i confronted her yesterday to give me a reason for lying...i said some pretty nasty things, she cried. I felt sorry for her." Tosin quietly watched me, she didn't say anything, she just quietly watched me. I wondered why. Tosin's POV I quietly watched my brother like I would watch anyone that comes to me for guidance. My brother seemed fascinated by this strange woman, yet has no idea of it. This is usually the first stage of infactuation. I hoped to be wrong; for Jumoke's sake. I hoped to God that it doesn't exceed fascination. "Do you think she has issues?" Henry asked, "Calm down Henry, i'm not a voodoo priest. One might need to critically examine her before saying anything. I'm guessing she has fears...or lying issue or trauma. It might be a wide range of options or personal choices..." I analysed. "Mom didn't come home yesterday as planned." I announced and i could almost hear Henry say, "Thank God!" "I was even about asking about her" ****** Jumoke entered into my room with a wide smile while fiddling with her phone. "Jummy" i called out quite surprised since she normally doesn't enter into my room. She also looked gloomy. "Where's Henry?" She asked and I pointed at the door. "Henry left for work...what have you been doing in the room all day?" "I've been sulking in shame about what happened in the kitchen. "That's silly!" I answered laughing at him. "Tosin please do you have a minute to spare?" "I have to go to work and I haven't prepared yet for my class" "I won't take your time" "Is this about Henry?" She asked and Jummy nodded sitting on my bed. "Do you think I have a good chance with him?" She asked, "I want to know whether to give up or push my luck" "Don't ask me Jummy, I'm not going to ask you to do anything, just give him time. Get closer to him, talk to him. That's all my brother needs right now more than anything." He needs someone to talk to. In between my lecture, I received a text from Dad, they just arrived. They were already in Nigeria. I didn't know whether to be happy or not. "Where were we?" I asked the class. Henry's POV I took a short walk around the hall where he found Michelle cleaning the floor. Thank God! I muttered to myself then I asked where I could find Adesuwa. "She must have left already, she handed in her oral resignation to Mummy Bisi" My face face fell. Mom stopped by later at the hotel. I raised my head when i heard the door to my office close. I didn't even realize someone had opened it. I was lost in thought. "Mom?" I asked with a wry smile. "Is that how to properly greet your mother?" She asked, "Good morning Mom" i stood up bowing my head to her. "Or do you rather I prostrate?" I asked and she chuckled. "Don't be silly dear" she walked up to him pressing a warm hug against me. "I've missed you son" she lets out a sighed of relief. "I'm glad you're in Nigeria. There's nothing as sweet as being at home. There's absolutely no place like home. I was shocked when my cousin told me you would be coming in to manage his hotel for him" "Yeah" "It's only a matter of time before you realize the ugly truth, ajo o le dabi ile (there's no place like home) Sweetie I know you're staying for good" "That wasn't even a question mom, it wasn't even a request" "Sweetheart" she placed her palm over Henry's face. "Trust me, Nigeria is the place I've dreamt for you to be in, it's the place I've dreamt for you to get married and have kids" she continued with a wide smile. "I've had everything planned out already. All you just have to do is relax and enjoy the ride" she winked at me and I shook my head. "Does this ride has to do with Jummy?" I asked and mom nodded in agreement. "Mom if you've spoken to Tosin, you'll know that" "Ah, yes!" She sat on a chair, "Tosin rambled some nonsense to me about you wanting to make your decision" "Nonsense?" "Henry, it's just nonsense talk, I've had this discussion with Jummy's mom and dad. The wedding would be the talk of the town. Jummy still loves you and I know you love her too" "I loved her years ago" I argued but mom obviously wasn't listening. "I'm pretty sure somewhere in that your heart lies some dead feelings that can we resuscitated" she crossed her leg grinning. "Mom" "Sweetheart" she rose up. "You're my only son and if there's anyone that knows you in and out, it should be me. I know what's best for you. . Jummy is the key to your happiness" she suggested and I rolled my eyes. She wasn't even trying to listen to me. "Remember when you two would sneak around those times. You thought we didn't know but we did. You both were so in love" she continued. This forced a chuckle out me.I had a flashback. Yeah...those were good times. "Just open your eyes to the possibility of being with her, trust me, it would make everything easy." She advised picking up her bag to leave. "So soon?" "I have plans dear" "What did you guys do in India?" I asked curious as to know why my parents travelled to India. "We were trying to find out if we could have other kids" she teased and my face moulded into a grimace. Suddenly she laughed out loud kissing me on the cheek. "Give Jummy a chance. I planned out a date tonight at The Royal kitchen, Jummy doesn't know and you're going to surprise her" she whispered leaving the office. I called Jumoke up for an impromptu date that evening. We ate at the prepared venue. Though I felt forced, but I had to give it a go. Maybe it would make me forget the fact Adesuwa resigned and I'll feel less guilty for not stopping her when I had the chance to. I saw it as a way of trying to kill two birds with one stone. The night ended with the both of us in my hotel room. We had s*x quite all right, it was good, really good but It wasn't like old times. It was different. Thanks for the comments all. Keep it coming. ***Quick question guys*** What do you guys think about what Lilian did? Was it the right thing? Should she have told have let Adesuwa into the plan? If you were Adesuwa, would you have forgiven her? Let me know.

Hmmmm @fb-danieledem @Maths @kelly-kelvin @Harzaroboy @LadyG New episode

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@henrymary thanks jare i be your passenger now.....

@henrymary check out d name of d story naa, d palava go much o, thx my person.

Dis episode na repetition oo!!!

***NEXT***

does it mean nobody know this is a repetition

Episode 9 Adesuwa's POV I decided to take my bath in the evening after I got back from the hotel. Taking my bath was the last thing i needed that moment. I started to reflect on how much I'll miss my salary and how jobless I was. I was jobless for a long time before I got saved by Mr. Haruna. I wasn't ready to go back to that life. I wanted to cry! I needed somewhere to scream and someone to pour my heart out to. The bathroom was an excuse to cry . I didn't want my aunt seeing me so weak so I went into the bathroom and I played a music so loud no one would hear me cry. After bathing, I walked into the sitting room with a brown towel tied from my breast region to my lap. I found Mrs. Haruna seated with her legs crossed. I guessed she has heard the news. "Good evening Ma" I greeted. "Adesuwa please take your seat" "Let me drop the pail" "Please take your seat and don't make me ask twice" she ordered and I sat on the couch facing sideway. "I asked of you today and I heard you resigned because of something you did" she paused. "What's wrong with you Adesuwa?" "Dem do you?" She snapped and I tried to withhold my tears, still not looking at her. "Look at me when I talk to you Adesuwa!" She ordered and I turned to her heaving a sigh. "I didn't plan it" "Why would you lie to the Boss? That was the reason why you didn't want to submit the resume right?" "If it wasn't you who said 29 instead of 49, I wouldn't have been in this mess, so don't blame me!" I cried out cleaning the mucous coming out from my nose with my arm. "I didn't say 29" "You did! I didn't hear wrongly, that was what you said" "Okay fine, let's say this is partly my fault but it wasn't enough to act dumb. Kilode? it was too much" "I panicked, haven't you ever panicked before? Haven't you ever made a mistake before because you panicked?" I sobbed and Mrs . Haruna hugged me. "I'm worried about you Adesuwa. Your mother was my friend okay? and I promised her that I would try my best to take care of you and I swear, all I'm trying to do is to make sure you have a comfortable life" she paused touching my cheek. "Even while cleaning and scrubbing hotel toilet" she added and I chuckled. "I'll try to talk to some of my friends maybe they'll have something like a good job for you. Can I have your resume now?" She asked and I nodded. *** Days later, I decided to try out a secondary school, fifty naira away from the house. I was dressed in a white short sleeve top and a jean trousers. "What's your name?" The school proprietress asked, she had a thick Yoruba accent. "Ma, my name is on the file in your hands" I answered and the lady batted her eyes at me. "So in order words, I shouldn't ask stupid question" she assumed and i shook her head. I almost rolled my eyes; I knew her kind. She reminded me of Mummy B. "What did you study in school?" She asked, "Business Administration and management Ma and Incase you want to ask me what institution, it's Auchi polytechnic" "You didn't even go to a good polytechnic" the woman snapped at me and I wondered what brought my institution of study to the topic on ground. "I don't understand" "Be truthful to yourself Miss. Ighodaro, Auchi polytechnic was a second choice in case uniben didn't work out" she guessed and i scoffed and hissed within. As much as i hated to admit it, the lady was right. "You probably wanted to study political science, but your cut off mark were poor" It wasn't political science perse, i intended studying law but i didn't make it up to the cut off mark. "Do I get the job or not Ma?" "I don't like staffs with attitude oh, you even had the guts to wear trousers to a Christian School like this. Do you want for go to hell fire?" She asked and I tried not to roll my eyes. "I hope you know that we don't accept trousers here" she brought down her glasses to the brim of her nose. "I do" "And I hope you have skirts and lots of it" "Do I get the job Ma?" I asked, "You do know that that academic session started September and this is the end of October already" the lady noted and i nodded. "Because we're in need of teachers, you can manage the JSS 2 and 3 class with Business studies and SS1 with biology" "Biology?" I asked in shock. "Ma I studied Business administration not business science" "No oh, it's business biology" the proprietress chipped in, "Do i look stupid like someone that doesn't know what business administration entails?" "I was never a science student and I suck at biology" I argued but my argument fell on deaf ears. "Welcome to Nigeria Miss Ighodaro. You should be happy i didn't say chemistry. You'll be paid fifteen thousand. You can make extra through personal coaching so you won't complain that the money we're paying you is too small. Times are hard" the lady complained and I gave it a thought. "Okay Ma. I'll take the job" Henry's POV A week later, Mummy B knocked and walked into my office. I prefer calling her Miss Salami. She wore a sad countenance. "I hope all is good?" I asked and she shook her head. "Sir, my authority as the Head of cleaning department has several times being infringed upon. I can no longer take it any longer" "What's the problem?" "I fired two maids for their incompetence but they've refused leaving" "What did they do?" "They insulted me, insulted my past, present and my future. As a good woman that respects authority, I just decided to come here so you can fire them properly" "Tell them I want to see them" he ordered and she walked away with what seemed like a smirk on her face. Lilian and Michelle walked in afterwards. "Good day Sir" they both greeted and I bowed my head in response. "What's your deal with your head of department?" "Sir," Lilian paused, "That woman there..." She paused, "She's a bloody witch who has been doing nothing but to oppress us since Adesuwa left" "What did you do any to warrant it?" "Adesuwa is not the kind to take nonsense from her or let her win an argument and we've always been on her side. She's been making our lives miserable since Adesuwa left, just because we can't abuse her back." "What happened today?" "Today, we spoke back and we called her a Hippo. Well I called her a Hippo" Michelle answered. "Then she fired us, I can't leave this job oh. Most of us needs this job to survive," Lilian paused, "Adesuwa needed this job to survive." She added. I wonder why she added that. That was the third plea I've gotten that week concerning bringing Adesuwa back to the hotel. "The labor market isn't favorable for anybody these days" she continued, then i demanded that they leave. "I'll talk to Miss. Salami" I added and they both left. Miss Salami walked into the office almost immediately. "Sir you didn't fire them ni?" She asked and i shrugged. "They regret it and they'll never do it again" "But sir" She complained, "When you see Mrs. Haruna, let her know I want to see her" he demanded and Mummy B nodded. "Yes Sir" Shortly after, Mrs. Haruna walked in. "Sorry I couldn't come on time, I had some demands that I had to take care of" "I could have called, I wanted you to come at your convenience" I answered going through some paperwork. "It's okay, have your seat" i replied now looking at my laptop. "I hope no problem Sir" "Adesuwa Ighodaro, what do you know about her? Every discussion I've had with a few employee points at you. Why?" "I've been working for May hotel for over seven years. Two years ago I made a decision, more like a resolution to get jobless persons off the street and give them jobs. We have one thing in common; Rashidi Bello street. The street I once lived in. January 2016, I gave Adesuwa a spot here" "How has the experience been?" I asked and she looked down. "Well quite honestly, I mean without sugar coating, It's been from one complain to another" she answered. "What complain?" "Adesuwa doesn't like bullies, she'll get in her worst behavior when you bully her. She gets into trouble easily" "Oh... I guess that's good riddance for the hotel right?" I asked and she shook her head. "Adesuwa is a lot more than you can think of, she's a bundle of surprise, I get my best ideas from her. I'm definitely going to miss her presence here" "Currently I've had four to five persons coming in to beg on her behalf. Is she worth bringing back to work at the hotel. . What do you think Mrs. Haruna, I wanted your opinion" Adesuwa's POV My first time teaching biology was horrible. I had prepared my lesson note. I was going to take on living organism. I went to the board and I spelt orgasm instead of organism. Ever since then, students secretly calls me "Miss orgasm" especially by my arch enemy, Bamise; the most stubborn student in SS1. It wasn't a secret, I've heard them whisper it several times. I walked by the school backyard and i saw two familiar boys pushing a helpless boy down. One was Tobi the proprietress' son, the other was Bamise, my arch enemy. "Where is the money?" I heard Bamise asked, "I don't have it" the boy cried and I notice Bamise hold his neck. "Would you stop that?" I yelled and the both of them pulled back in fear. "What do you guys think you're doing?" "Nothing" Tobi answered. I ordered the little boy to go back into the class while I was left alone with the two bullies. "I'll report you both to the proprietress" "Feel free Miss orgasm" Bamise answered and i glared at him. "Bamise, in my office now!" I yelled. *** Bamise grudgingly walked into the staff room with a frown. "Are you not ashame of yourself? All the teachers talk about you, every complain must point at you" I pointed out a book at him and it fell on the floor. He reminded me of myself; except I wasn't a bully. Just as i bent down to pick the book, Bamise grabbed on my ass. I slapped him hard on the face. Then I gave him a beating of his life until teachers showed up. *** While the proprietress chastised me for beating a student up. A woman walked in with two policemen. "Mummy Tobi, where is that idiot that beat up my son?" She shouted and I scoffed. "I'm not an idiot and if you weren't so careless and stupid, you would ask what happened" I snapped back at her. "Of course I already know what happened. You assaulted my son but what happened that could have warranted that?" "Your son touched my buttocks" "So? What's there?" She asked, "Officers abeg arrest her" she yelled and the policemen walked towards my direction. "Madam you're under arrest for assaulting a child. You have the right to remain silent or whatever that you say would be used against you in the court of law" Do you guys think Adesuwa's reaction was right or she went overboard? Did Bamise's action deserve the reaction from her? Keep the comments coming.

Episode 10 Henry's POV I decided to pay Adesuwa a visit at her house that evening. Only to find out she had been arrested. With the help of her cousin Ivie, I located the police station and I paid her bail. Some minutes later I saw her come out with a police man behind her. "You for don sleep here today" the woman shouted and she hissed. I saw the shock on her face when she saw me. I guess she didn't expect that I'll be the one to bail her out. "What are you doing here?" She asked and I shrugged, "I.. . Uh ....it's a long story." I paused then I cleared my throat. "I came over to your house to see you then I heard you've been arrested" "How did you find this place?" "Your cousin Ivie brought me here" I answered and I heard her laugh. "It's pronounced Ivie" she corrected and I nodded. "Ivie" I pronounced again, indefinitely pronounced it wrongly cause she shook her head I disagreement. "Ivie" "Never mind, you're hopeless. Your accent would not even let you pronounce it well." "Teach me" "Forget it! What's the time?" "It's past ten" "Geez!" Adesuwa yelled. "It's late, this place is not safe . We need to get out of here before something bad would happen and they'll say it's Adesuwa's fault." She ranted moving to the front. "We have the police here" I answered and she scoffed. "If you know what's good for you, you would fear them" "Our lives are in their hands" I argued, "I'll be fine and relaxed if my life was in the hands of a five years old child than the police." She answered and I scoffed. "They're not that bad." We walked over to where his car was then we entered. There was a brief silence. "Why were you arrested?" I asked, "What did you hear?" "I want to hear it from you" "What does it matter?" "Just answer the damn question, would it kill you to answer a question?" "Well, welcome to Nigeria where we answer questions with questions" "In order words you're not going to say anything" I assumed and she smiled. I didn't know why she did. She had lovely dimples, I just never realized them. I don't even remember ever seeing her smile. "I was arrested because I disciplined a spoilt brat for touching my ass but they called it assault because these so called police have been paid a whole sum of money to make sure I sleep in jail." "Oh" i paused. "Rich folks are always trying to act like they can use their money to buy even the air you breathe. They think they're indispensable, like they're invisible, like they can get away with it" "Not all rich folks" I argued and she laughed. "No one has proved me wrong yet." "I came to bail you out" "I'm yet to find your ulterior motive" "Why would I have an ulterior motive?" I asked then I scoffed. Her must be messed up, I thought then I tried to avoid the topic. "Did you like kill a child on your street?" "It was in a school and no I didn't kill the child. Why are people so quick to assume the very worst of me?" "It was a harmless question" I argued and she scoffed. "How did it happen?" I asked and she sighed. "I took a teaching job" "That's... that's good, how's the job?" "I don't have it anymore" " Oh" I paused. Suddenly I heard her break into laughter and I chuckled. "I got fired" she answered. "Every child deserves discipline, the mother had the guts to ridicule me because she had the upper hand and once again I got treated like trash." She paused. "I always get treated like trash" she added with a scoff. For a moment there I thought she was going to cry. "I'm used to it any ways" she added and I nodded. "I'm sorry" I apologized and my phone rang. It was Jummy. "Why does this song sound familiar?" She asked and I wondered why she asked. "You know the song?" I asked and she nodded. "I heard this song...." She paused looking at me. From her look, it made sense where she heard the song. "The day you walked into me" I completed and she shut her eyes. There was a brief silence. "Why did you do it?" "Do what?" "Storm into the room while I was naked" "Like you said, it's probably a habit of mine to walk into naked guest" "I said that out of anger, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Why did you lie about being dumb, why did you come in when I didn't invite you in? Heck! I didn't call for room service" "That's a whole lot of questions for one night and it's already late" "I have the time" "The thieves wandering at this time will have our time if we don't find our way out. I'm serious it's dangerous" "And I'm dead serious! I need an answer" "God you're so stubborn!" She shouted and I chuckled. "Okay fine! Room 29 instead of Room 49. It was a misunderstanding. I was to clean the manager's room.... It was a coincidence and for what it's worth, I knocked like four times before going in" "It was probably the music" I concluded and she agreed. "I lied because I was dumbfounded" she answered and I laughed at her choice of words. "Nice choice of word" I interrupted and she chuckled. How come I never noticed the dimples? "I was nervous... When I saw you. I feared losing my job so......I pretended to be dumb" she paused. "It seemed like a brilliant idea at the moment. There were times I wanted to tell you" "Why didn't you?" I asked and she shrugged. "Because...." I paused, "I was scared of losing my job. Why didn't you fire me when you had the chance to?" "Because I ....." I stalled. I didn't have an answer to that question. Then I remembered what I told Deji. "I thought you had issues and I wanted to get to know you better and help you out" I answered and she nodded. "Yeah I have issues all right! It's like everything I do goes wrong. Like I never do anything right for once in my life" "That's crazy" "Story of my life" she continued then I saw her clean her tears. "Your friends really do miss you at work" I cleared my throat. "Really?" She asked with a smile curved around her cheeks. "It hasn't been the same without you. That's one of their quotes" "Definitely Lilian" she laughed covering her mouth. Suddenly she became sad. "So there's a job waiting for you at the hotel, that's if you want it" I chipped in and she turned to me in shock. "You're not firing me?" "I don't recall firing you, you only made that assumption. You have till on Monday to resume that's if you want the job or else" I didn't even complete my sentence when she hugged me tightly. "Thank you" she said then she pulled back apologizing for it. "I'm sorry" she apologized again. "It's okay" This time I inserted my key in the ignition and there no sound. I wondered why so I decided to check my bonnet. My car battery was missing. I turned over to Adesuwa who was already out of the car. She shut her eyes in probably in guilt. "I told you it isn't safe here" "It's okay?" "How are we going to get out of here without the car?" She asked. "You shouldn't have come for me, you should have stayed where you were. Now I'll definitely cause you troubles. Urgh!" She groaned kicking the car tyre. "Calm down" I begged holding her hands. "It's going to be fine, we'll find a way out of this mess. It's not your fault" I sighed. Then I noticed a policeman start his car. Then I suggested we follow them out and I'll get the car tomorrow. "What if the car disappears before tomorrow?" I'll go report to the policemen. There's no point feeling guilty about this. It's nothing" I assured walking towards the policemen. I got to the hotel some minutes before twelve, Jummy was already asleep. There was no means to reach Adesuwa to find out if she had gotten home safely. Her phone wasn't with her. Adesuwa's POV I arrived home five minutes before twelve. Lucky for me, there was light. I heard Ivie yelling. She wasn't the kind to shout. She has always been quiet. I walked in to see my aunt with a black face. Someone had beaten her. "Mom you might not have shame, but I'm ashame of you. Because of you every calls me a slut. I've had it up to here with this behavior" "Ivie no dey shout for my head" My aunt warned, "What happened?" I asked, trying to get a good understanding of the scenario. "Mom was caught with a cheating husband and she was beaten" "Na true?" I asked Aunt Margaret who hissed and walked into the room. Ivie sat on the chair in tears. She was sobbing. "We don't choose our parents Ivie, it's not enough reason to cry this way" "I'm not just crying over mom okay? I'm worried about Chidi." She confessed and I rolled my eyes. "He hasn't been feeling too well since you turned down his proposal. I think you should visit him, maybe he'll feel better." She pleaded and I gave the matter a quick thought. Then it occurred to me- Ivie likes Chidi! It finally made sense. I stopped by at the school since the secondary school students were having their Saturday lessons. I was told that my bag was in the proprietress' office. In the office, i noticed my money was missing, i didn't care about that. All I wanted that moment was my damn phone which was shockingly missing too. I glanced at the proprietress and then my handbag. "Mam, where is my phone?" "Are you crazy? Do I look like a thief in your eyes?" "Who brought my bag here?" "A student did" she answered and i sat weakly on the chair. Tosin's POV I've always lived a free life away from Mom's control. It was her control that drove me out of my way. I really don't like to pin my pregnancy on anyone but part of it was because I wanted whatsoever mom didn't want. My parents are not the happiest couple. I know a lot of secrets that I shouldn't about them. I've always been left on my own. I didn't get pinned to any relationship and my twins were well taken care of and loved by their grandparents; attending the best school in Lagos. Well I didn't get pinned to any relationship, not until mom came back from India. It was as though she left her sanity and sanctity in India. It was in the evening, I had just managed to put the twins to bed. Mom and Dad were in the sitting room. Mom was watching E! News. I just saw Dad give her a look. She must have definitely gotten the remote control from him by force. "Hello darling" she said to me and I laughed. "Should I be scared?" I asked and Dad laughed. "You're not in any reasonable relationship are you?" She asked and I wondered where the topic was heading to. "Come sit close to me" she requested and I shook my head. "I'm okay where I am" "Okay, whatever you say. So I kinda set you up on a date with a business partner" "Wait mom, are you serious right now?" "Do you see me laughing?" "Without my permission?" I snapped and she chuckled. "When have I ever done anything with anyone's permission?" She asked so casually with so much pride as though she was all-powerful and impenetrable. "Mom are you listening to yourself?" "I have ears and they're working well Tosin and watch your tone with me." "Mom I'm not Henry. You can't make decisions for me. What if I don't want to go for the date?" "I'm not giving you a choice here" "Daddy!" I yelled. "Say something!" "Sweetie" he called out and mom glared at him. "What does your father know?" She asked now rising up. "Tosin darling, I'm your mother. I know what's best for you" she said softly now placing her hands on my cheek. "Clement is the right man for you. Just go for the date and see for yourself if you won't fall in love with him" she added giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Good night love" she added leaving dad and I alone. "Dad you can't let her do this" I knelt down before my father in tears. "You know how your mom can be" "Urgh!" I groaned, "You're the man of the house, you better start acting like it!" "You know what she has against me, you know how emotional she can get" "Oh screw it! Mom is only playing on your mistakes." "I don't want Henry to know" He whispered and I rolled my eyes. "So what of he knows? He'll simply get over it! He's not a baby but you.... Mom is using this to manipulate you. You need to get out of this and be the man of the house" "I can't... I just can't" Dad answered to my disappointment. *** On a date with a very mature man about the age of fourty, i crossed my leg as I uninterestingly stared at the man as he spoke about himself and his adventures in cities across America. "Have you seen the empire State of art?" "No" i answered. "Don't you travel? You mom does" "I've chosen to stay in Nigeria, I have traveled out of the country, sure but I've come to realize that there's no place like home" I confessed to him. I've never been a travel freak unlike Henry who was born and brought up in London until he got moved because he was becoming a brat. "I don't like it here at all" "Why if I may ask," "There's no fun here, the real fun is over there. If we get married, I'll take you there, you'll see what I mean" I faked a smile, I hated the way he spoke. I just couldn't imagine being married to someone like him. "Clement, how old are you?" "Take a guess" he requested, "Fifty two?" I asked annoyingly and he laughed. "That's overboard, I'm not that old. I'll be fourty in a month" "Don't you have a wife or kids?" "I'm a divorcee, I sent my wife packing" "You sent your..." I paused, "Why?" "She didn't like the fact that my mom stopped by every weekend. She argued with my mom and that was it. I broke off everything I had with her. Ever since, I've been searching for the right woman who can stand me and my mother. Tosin I think you're the one" God forbid! I yelled within. There's no way I'll wound up with a man like this. His voice is a turn off on it's own. *** I walked into my car slamming my palm on the steering wheel. "God I hate you mom!" I yelled. I felt so irritated that the very thought of Clement being my husband made me itch. I picked up her phone dialing a number of a friend. "Hello Jane, the house you spoke about the other day, call the landlord up. I'll love to take it." I said quietly. "Are you being serious?" She sounded shocked. "I'm dead serious" I knew mom would be waiting for me to come back. I was more than ready to face her. Well i was welcomed by her mom who personally opened the door for her. "Welcome back sweetie" "Thanks" I said kicking off my shoes from my feet. "Clem called me, he seemed really happy, so are you ready for a second date?" "I'd rather kill myself" I answered sharply and mom raised her brow, "What do you mean?" "Mom I won't be going on any stupid date with that old man!" "He's only fourty" "If you want him badly, why don't you date him yourself" i snapped and mom slapped me on the cheek. "Urgh!" I grunted. "I've had it up to my neck with your control. I'm a grown woman! I can make my own decisions" i cried out. "I'll call Clement and I'll let him know you want another date" I walked away angrily into the room where I dragged my luggage down the stairs. "What are you doing?" Mom asked, "What I should have done years ago" I answered going back to get two more bags after which I came down with my kids who were in their pyjamas. "Mummy where are we going to?" They both asked, "You're not going with them" mom countered and I scoffed. "Watch me!" "I would like to see you take care of them, you can't even take care of yourself" "I'm pretty sure any life would be better than living under the same roof with you with your crazy controlling habit. Sweetheart let's go" i said to the girls then i dragged the luggage and a bag. I drove over to Jane's house where I spent the night with the twins who complained of virtually every single thing. Henry's POV Dad woke me up with the news about Tosin's decision to leave the house. "That's crazy" I muttered. "Your mom isn't ready to do anything about it. She even placed a bet that Tosin would not last two weeks." "What do you want from me" "Try to convince her, you know she's as stubborn as your mother and they both listen to you. Talk to the both of them" "She doesn't listen to me, mom doesn't listen to anyone" I answered. "I'm worried about my grandchildren, how will Tosin take care of them with work, she'll have to resign. I even suggested the maid goes to meet her but your mother sha... She's so adamant." "What do you want from me?" She asked, "I want you to convince Tosin to come back" "I'll try" i answered yawning then i hung up dialing Tosin's number. "Good morning" She greeted, "I guess you've heard the good news" "Dad just called me" I paused, "Tosin" "Don't even try to convince me Henry, since mom got back, you've been sleeping at the hotel" "You've endured her crap for too long. Why now?" "Cause she has never pulled that arranged marriage crap on me, now she wants me to date a fourty years old divorcee and stupid fourty years old Mama's boy." "Forty.... That's like..." I stalled, I can't picture my little sister getting married to a man older than I am. This was too much even for mom! "Henry I'm not returning back to that house. I'll go check out a house today and if it's good, I'll take it" "Where did you spend the night?" He asked, "At a friend's place" "How are the twins?" "They're sleeping, they couldn't sleep last night. They complained about the bed and there was no A.C and there's mosquito here." "This is going to be really tough for them, I hope you know" "I'm willing to go through this, the twins would just have to bear with me" "Hey dear" Jummy woke up laying her head on Henry's chest. "Jummy's awake" I announced. "Tell her I said hi" she answered then hung up. I dropped the phone while Jummy's eyes lingered on it. "Who was that?" "Tosin. . She left the house" "Why?" "She wanted her independence, you know how mum can be" "I don't see anything wrong with the way mummy is. She's only looking out for you all" I rolled my eyes. Jummy would support anything her future mother in law do or say. "Good morning sweetheart" she greeted kissing me on the lip and I rose up. "I have to get ready for work" i stood up naked and I noticed her eyes were still lingering on me. "One more for the day?" She bit her lip and i shook my head. "Sorry, I can't" I learnt Miss Emmy was at the lobby waiting to be called in for the staff meeting. She was about to be announced as the assistant manager. Courtesy of Jummy and Mom. Beautiful Nubia's ife oloyin filled the office, it was my new ring tone. I picked up the call. It was my cousin Niyi. He probably called to find out if I finally made you my mind about who should be my assistant. "Hey Niyi" I began and I heard him laugh. "Someone sounds stressed out" "Dude, stressed out is an understatement. I finally succumbed to mom's manipulation to make Jummy's friend the assistant." "Sorry about that" he apologized and I hissed tapping a pen on the desk. "Have you finally made your decision?" He asked and i shook my head. He was definitely asking me if I had made a decision to stay in Nigeria. "I don't know man, I just don't know what I want anymore" To be continued...

Continue

hmmm?

Getting interesting

Henry r u sure u r ready n willing to stay with Jummy,dis one DAT u r sleeping with her???

Episode 11* Adesuwa's POV Some personnel jumped for joy after i resumed work. Others were jealous and angry especially Mummy B whose mood changed on seeing me. She was definitely disappointed. She thought I would be gone for good. "What are you doing back here? You handed in your resignation" "Why don't you go and ask the Manager and not bother me with questions?" I snapped back knocking on Mr. Henry's Office then i entered with a faint smile. "Good morning Sir" i greeted and he nodded. He seemed preoccupied with a lot of things, especially his laptop . "I just came to thank you once more for helping me out of jail and thank you for giving me my job back." "You're welcome and I didn't give you back your job. I didn't fire you in the first place" he answered and I laughed. "You seem like you have a lot on your plate. What's going on today? The hotel seems..." I stalled, "Busy" I continued and I saw him type on his laptop. "Yeah.... Hotels are usually busy around this time... It's the festive season. You should know" "Apart from that, it's like something important is happening today" "Yes" he answered still typing. "The whole reason for asking is to know. I'm just saying not like I'm standing here to get the gist, I could go meet a few persons to" "Gossip?" He asked then chuckled . "I heard that's like your major" he said still typing and I scoffed. He finally took his eyes off the laptop. "There's a meeting today to choose the assistant manager" "Who?" I asked smiling. The assistant matters a lot. "Emmanuella Okoli" "Who?" "The lady with my girlfriend the other day at the restaurant" he answered and I scoffed. "Are you serious?" I asked, "What?" "You're going to put this hotel in your absence in the hands of a bimbo like that?" "Adesuwa" he said in a warning tone. "That girl hasn't handled anything in her life, I'm pretty sure the only thing she can handle is her make up" "Adesuwa!" "Sue me if you want Sir, fire me if you want but I'll say the truth. That girl is no Assistant... Maybe an assistant make up artiste. This isn't her field. She doesn't know Jack about the hotel management" "She'll learn" "Listen to yourself Sir, you just said she'll learn. Learn what? Why would give a position to a person who doesn't know shit about the job. Your girlfriend probably suggested it Shea? She's trying to help her friend" "You don't understand" "Understand what?" "The pressure I'm under from everyone! Mom... I already promised" "Think of the hotel Sir, for the first time, I think the hotel finally has a good person to manage it. If there's anyone that can make this hotel good again, it's you and every decision you'll make will either make or mar the management. Think of this" "What am I supposed to do? The boards are waiting, Jummy already told me Emmy organized a after party this night" "You're the boss, I'm not telling you to disappoint them. Just do what is right for the hotel" "What should I do about the assistant?" "The assistant should be someone who has experience with managing people. If you want my opinion, I don't think there's any reason looking for what's under your nose." "I don't understand" "If there's one person that should be your assistant, it should be Mrs. Haruna. She knows this hotel well enough and has tried to managed in the absence of a manager. She's amazing, and she knows every worker, she should be a better assistant. The essence of an assistant is having someone relieve you of your workload not having a workload you may need to relieve yourself of" I paused. "Good day Sir" I added then I left him to think about it. I walked into the maids quarter smiling. I've actually missed entering into it. There I found Lilian still on her casual, top and Jean. She was smiling bashfully. I believe the word for it is 'blushing'. "Welcome back once again" she announced and I laughed. "Let's bow for our queen" Michelle teased and I picked up a towel on a stool then threw it at her and she laughed. I noticed Lilian was still blushing so I decided to tickle her. "What's it with the smile? You've been blushing since I walked in" "Maybe I'm starting to crush on you" she answered bringing out her tongue and I chuckled. "Either that or someone has a new crush" I guessed and she scoffed. "Abeg help me ask, I've been asking since she came in" "I'm not currently crushing on anyone" "Lilian I'm your best friend, you're not supposed to keep anything away from me" I tried to play on her feelings and it worked. "Okay fine! It's not a crush. I met a guy on Saturday night. He's nice, like really nice and we've been talking." "Where were you on a Saturday night? The Lilian I know does not do bad things. Who is teaching you bad things?" I joked with a Yoruba accent and she laughed. "I took a friend's shift at Your best mall; that big mall across" "We know!!!" Michelle and I yelled. She was trying to describe the mall as though we're not in this same Lagos. We were dying of suspense already. "We spoke for a while and ....." Lillian's POV I tried Adesuwa's number all through Friday but I wasn't reachable. Information reached me that Adesuwa has been arrested. I was on night shift and there was no one to exchange with so I had to stay. I decided to pay her a visit the next day where she broke the good news that she would be coming back to the hotel. Later in the day I received a call from a friend about an emergency she had to attend to in her village. She wanted me to take her shift. "Babe I'm on night shift too oh, look for another person" "You don't understand. Lilian you're my last hope oh" "What am I supposed to do? Leave my job and attend to yours? It not fair. Explain things to your manager" "That wicked man? He said I should quit the job. You know how much I love my job" "I love my job too" I complained. "My supervisor said I should get someone to take my shift but if I can't I should forget the job" "Is it compulsory to go to the village?" "It's my mom, she's seriously ill. As it is sef, I'm already booking a bus down to Benin" "I'm sorry about your mom. Don't you have other alternatives?" "Lilian you know I'm a rudie, and I use people a lot. They don't even want to pay attention to me but I know that you have a good and tender heart. Lilian I'll begging you in the name of God, please take my shift" she busted into tears and I shut my eyes in thought. "Call your supervisor and tell him or her that you have a replacement. What time do you start?" **** I called Mrs. Haruna immediately. I told her I was sick. "You don't sound sick" she answered and I chuckled faintly. "Can I be sick for one night? I'm having issues here" "Take care of yourself before tomorrow" she answered and I smiled. *** I resumed Jennifer's shift before five. I didn't even know what the job description was. The mall was as busy as ever! Suddenly i saw a young lady walk up to me. "You must be Vivian. I'm Lara" "It's Lilian" I corrected. "Sorry" she laughed. "It sounded like Vivian when she called. You're to put on your uniform, the dressing room is over here, follow me" she suggested and I did. "So does Jennifer do?" "Smile and try to help customers." "Jennifer doesn't smile" I said unconsciously and she laughed. "Not when you're trying to earn some cash and tips from rich customers" she answered and I chuckled. "You're to stand on the East wing today. That was Jennifer's shift for the night" "East wing?" "That's the session for..." She paused laughing at me. I felt uncomfortable. "Don't worry. I hope you have a sharp memory cause I'll give you a tour of the mall" "Seriously?" "Yes" "Jesus!" I muttered almost dying of nerves. "Things I do to help a friend" i added and she laughed. "At least you have a great smile, use it well, you might get a tip or someone to take you home tonight" she advised handing a uniform to me. "I don't understand" "Some of do this job for the for the connection it brings. Welcome to Bestchoice mall" I stood by the East wing monitoring customers who bought things around that section and I also gave directions where to find specific goods. A guy walked up to me with his hands plunged in his pocket. He had a Bluetooth fixed to his ears. "Good evening to you Sir, can I be of any help to you?" "I am looking for the section to get toys for kids. I rarely shop here so ..." "Oh" I paused in thought trying to remember the section. "It should be there Sir" I pointed at any spot. "Okay. Thanks" he said and he walked away. I sighed hoping I haven't shown him to the wrong place. Whatever! It's not as if he would get lost. I tried to brush my thought away from it while I smiled to other customers. Suddenly I saw him walk up to me again. "You said it was that way" he pointed to the direction I gave and I nodded. "It wasn't" he laughed and I sighed. "I said it should be there... I think it's that other way" I pointed to another spot and he laughed. "Should? Think? Don't you work here? You're supposed to know this place like the back of your hand. Are you new?" "Yes and No. I work elsewhere, I'm just taking a friend's shift. I'm sorry" I smiled. "If I was asking of heaven, you could have shown me hell" he assumed and I laughed. "I'm sorry. I suck at this job, it's not my thing" I answered and he laughed. "At least you have the smile for it" he complimented and I laughed. "Can you walk with me? Let's find the section together, I could use your company" "I don't know if it's acceptable" "You're supposed to take care of the customers needs right? Just help me find the toys and probably pick them. I'm not good with kids and their stuffs" he answered and I followed him. "Seriously?" I asked, "Why won't you be good with your own child" "Nigerians!!" He chanted, "I never said anything about having a child" "Sorry, I just assumed." "Nigerians can assume!" He added and I laughed. "You laughter is beautiful" he added and I smiled once again. I was blushing like a little kid. Two comments in one conversation. He looked like a player. I needed to be very careful. "He's my godson not my son" "You suck with kids and someone made you her child's godson?" I asked and he laughed. "She's my best friend and I said the same thing to her too" "The child was names after me, Deji" he paused, "What's your name?" He asked and I sighted the toys section. "Lilian" I answered and he smiled. "We're here" I announced. "I have to go" I turned my back to leave but he held me back. "Please help me out" "I don't want to get my friend in trouble." "You won't. I have to get this to him before the day runs out." "Why?" "It's his birthday and I forgot" "You're an horrible God father" "I've called myself worse" he answered and I laughed. "I've had a lot on my mind and.... I forgot to set a reminder. The mom just called me a while ago to remind me. Junior would hate me if I don't get him something. He's just five but this boy can beef" "What do you think he would like?" I asked and he shrugged. "He loves toys and gadgets. That I know" "What kid doesn't like toys?" I asked and he laughed. "I'm horrible at these things. Just help out" "Kids usually love things with their favourite cartoons on it. What's his favorite cartoon" "That's easy it's PJ mask." "Well now it's depends on your budget. How much are you willing to use?" "You sound like an economist. Well any budget as long as I get the hell out of here" he moved over to a section of cars. The price tags on it were more than my salary. His phone rang and he picked it up listening to the caller. "Okay" he kept on saying till he hung up. "Please help me pick one out of these, I have to go now" he suggested and I picked one for him. "This should do" I answered and he nodded walking towards me while pressing his phone. "What your phone number?" He asked, "In case I want to call to appreciate you for helping out" "You can appreciate me now" "It's not the same" I looked up at the surveillance. "I don't want to be caught" "I'm just a customer bringing out my phone.. Just call it" he requested with a smile and I did. Afterwards he squeezed something into my palm. It was money. "I don't want" "It's a tip, it's a tradition when I shop. Thanks" he chipped in. Henry's POV I walked in late into the board meeting where I had partners present along with heads of departments. Emmy was present too. The room while was buzzing before I walked in. "I apologise for coming in late. I was making calculations" I sat down on the chair in the middle of the room. . All eyes fell on me. "We're all gathered here towards a particular vision, whether or not I would choose a person to fill position of the assistant manager." I noticed Emmy's countenance. She was probably wondering why I added whether or not. "I made a decision this morning, not for me, but for the growth of the hotel. Someone said to me a while ago that an assistant should be someone who knows the hotel, not just the hotel, but the staff too. I want to see the hotel grow. I would love to manage it with no other person than...." I noticed Emmy smile. Sorry to disappoint but... no other person but Mrs. Doyin Haruna" I concluded and she shook her head in shock. Then she turned over to Emmy. "I'm pretty sure everyone must have heard from sources that Miss. Emmy would be the assistant but I'm here to announce the information as false. Those are only rumours that should not be held to heart. She would hold the position of the secretary of this organization."

Episode 12* Henry's POV I walked out of the board room with a big smile on my face. I felt like I just did the right thing. Emmy came after me. "Henry!" She called out, "I don't understand, wasn't I supposed to be the assistant manager? She asked and I turned to her with a faint smile. "I'm sorry about the misunderstanding." "Misunderstanding? What happened in there was an embarrassment. How can I be a secretary?" "I'm sorry, but you can choose to let go of the position . A lot of persons would want it." "I'll let Jummy know! You can't do this to me Henry" she cried and I rolled my eyes. She was getting on my nerves already. "I believe that should be Mr. Henry" I snapped leaving her in shock. Five minutes later I was in the office trying to avoid calls from Mom and Jummy. Then I heard a subtle knock on the door.. "Come in" i answered and Mrs. Haruna walked in. "Ah, Mrs. Haruna. Just the person I wanted to see" "Sir I would love to talk to you about my appointment as the assistant manager." "Okay?" "Sir, I think there's a big mistake here, it doesn't add up" "You've been with the hotel for seven years Ma, you know practically how to run this hotel" "I told you already; I haven't been doing it alone, I've had help from others" "That's exactly why I chose you as my assistant. You're sefless and mature . Emmy on the other hand would be a disaster" "I got the news quite well Sir, you were going to hire the other lady, Miss Ella or Emmy, or whatever they call her" "Yes... But I had someone change my mind. Ma you don't have to feel bad. I don't regret making this decision. Congratulations Mrs. Haruna, you earned it" Adesuwa's POV "Manager don make Mrs Haruna the assistant manager oh" Michelle announced and I raised my brow in surprise. I didn't think he would take my advise in the first place. "Are you sure of what you're saying?" "I'm positive" A smile crept through my cheek. I had to find Mrs. Haruna and congratulate her in my own crazy way. I also had seeing the manager in mind. I didn't know why but I felt the urge to show my appreciation to him. On my way to his office, I overheard a lady talking to Mrs. Haruna. Her tone was somewhat rude. "Who are you sef?" She snapped, "I mean look at how old you are, look at me, I'm agile and beautiful. Yet Henry chose to give you the position and not me. You must be a witch, you must have used your witchcraft on him" "That's enough!" I yelled from behind and I saw her turn back at me. It was the lady the other day with Mr. Henry's girlfriend. She seemed shocked to see me. Perhaps she was shocked to see me talk. "Wait.....you can talk?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. "Wait till I let Henry know what a pathetic liar you are" "Okay" I moved closer to her. "Unlike Mrs. Haruna, I don't take shit from anyone and I won't take one from you" "Adesuwa" Mrs. Haruna warned. "Let me talk to this thing" "You just called me a thing" "I called you a thing, you deserve to be called worse. Mrs. Haruna here is not your mate, this woman is quite older than you" "So what? I don't want to listen to rubbish. Don't you have like a toilet to scrub?" She snapped and I charged close to her and she moved back. "Were you going to hit me" "I wouldn't dare, I don't want blood on my hands. With your bleached skin you won't even survive a punch" I snapped. "You didn't get the position, boohoo, suck it up and let it go. Don't try to insult Mrs. Haruna here. If there's anyone who deserves being the assistant, it's her and not you" "I wasn't talking to you, go your own way! Mind your business!" "I can't, you know why? Cause you just messed with Mrs. Haruna, you mess with her, you mess with me" I warned and she moved back again. "I'll have Henry fire you" she yelled running off and I laughed. Mrs. Haruna gave me a serious look. "Would it kill you to stay out of trouble?" "She was speaking rudely to you" "Did you see me give her any response?" "I didn't but she deserved it." "She's the best friend of the manager's girlfriend" "I know" I answered. "I have a feeling things are going to be different here from now on. It's best to ignore people like her" she paused then she busted into laughter and I wondered why. "Did you see the way she left? She was so scared" she added and I joined in the laughter. "Congrats Ma" I chipped in and she smiled. "Thanks to you" she answered and I wondered why she said that. "I know you spoke to Mr. Henry, even though he didn't say anything. He didn't need to. You spoke to him shebi?" "I have no idea what you're saying" "I see, now you're going to form as if you don't know what I'm talking about" she added and I laughed. "You deserve it. So now that your salary level will increase. How much would you add to our salary?" I asked and she raised her brow at me. I expected that reaction. "Do you want to get fired?" She asked walking away and I laughed following her. "Let's talk about the salary increase nah" I insisted. Henry's POV Emmy barged into me writing on a book. She had that angry look in her eyes. "She can talk!" She announced and I wondered what she was ranting about. Then I resumed writing. "The employee you were with the other day, she can talk, she was just faking it" she paused and I took off my gazed off the book. "I know" "Did you know all the while" "I didn't" "Then she must have faked it.. why haven't you fired her?" She asked and I shrugged. "I don't want to" "Well you have to cause she insulted me. This girl called me names" "I'm sorry I can't fired her" "Henry" "What?" "So you won't fire her" "Emmy, as you can see, I was really busy before you came in so....If you don't mind leaving, I would like to get back to my work" I snapped and she pouted her lips as though she would cry in any moment. "Jummy will hear of this!" She added storming off. Deji walked in almost immediately with that frustrated look plastered on his face. "Wetin do Emmy?" "She found out about Adesuwa and she wants me to fire her" "I already insisted you did" "Please don't bring up the topic again" "Whatever!" Deji took his seat opposite me. "What's it with that ugly face?" "Is it not Dad? You won't believe what the old Man said" "What?" "That man wants to frustrate me. He's seriously insisting that I leave my job and that I go back to Ekiti state to run his company" "You knew this day would come" "I don't want to go to Ekiti, period!" "Who dey follow you argue?" I asked in pidgin and he laughed. "I know how much you love to support the old man" "So...what are you going to do?" "I'll keep on avoiding the old man's call." "That's cruel, just tell him the truth" "Yeah... Like it was easy to tell your mom you don't want to date Jumoke" he answered sarcastically and I squeezed a paper throwing it at him and he dodged it. "Idiot" I laughed. "Can we exchange dads?" He asked and I laughed harder. "Sorry, I have a mom that gives me headache, I don't want your dad to add to it" I answered and he laughed. "How far the assistant? Did you choose Emmy?" He asked, that was his third time asking me that day, physically and on WhatsApp. "No I didn't" I paused, then I gazed suspiciously at him. "What's it with you and Emmy? I'm suspecting you both" "Nothing serious, it was never serious" he answered now fiddling with his phone. "I never knew there was anything" "Because it was never serious. It wasn't anything perse, i wanted sex and she wanted it too so...." He paused with a smirk. "Seriously?" "I promise you it wasn't serious. . Emmy is not someone I would like to start up something with" "Have you ever started up something in your life?" I asked and he laughed. "Does sex count?" He asked and I shook my head. Suddenly I saw him blush. "What's that?" I asked and he hissed. "Amebo, which one be your own sef?" He snapped and I squeezed another paper throwing it at him. "Who's the unfortunate girl?" I asked and he raised a brow at me. "What makes her unfortunate?" "Meeting a player like you" I answered. "I don't understand," "Deji, since I've known you, you've never been involved in a real or promising relationship" "I'm trying to gain experience. Who knows, the vacancy I may have future encounter with might tell me, ten years experience needed." He answered giving that naughty smile and I squeezed another paper. "What?" He laughed. "I pity that unfortunate woman that would be your wife" "Why are you talking about wives? I'm not getting married anytime soon" "So who's the babe you're playing?" "I'm not playing her. She's a friend" "Or a conquest" "Maybe very soon but she's cool though. I mean very cool. She has the sweetest smile and the whitest set of teeth. She's like model for close up advert." "But it all ends the same way for you with sex..." I answered and he paused then he chuckled softly. "We have movie plans tonight" "Are you trying to make her fall in love with you?" I snapped and he rolled his eyes. "Oga which one be your own for the matter? Are you her brother?" "Well... I just feel sorry for her soon to be broken heart"

Episode 13* Adesuwa's POV I knocked on Mr. Henry's door then I walked in. Someone was in with him. "Wait, you seriously haven't fired her still" the guy said and I wondered who he was and why he was being rude. "Deji" Mr. Henry called out in a warning tone and the guy scoffed. "I think you should just fire her once and for all. This babe go be bad news oh" "Deji" he added and the guy left the office. "Ignore him, he's my best friend" he answered as though I had made inquiries. "He knows about you and the lies..." He added then he cleared his throat. "Good afternoon Sir" I greeted and he gestured that I sit but I didn't want to. "I'm fine where I am" "Seriously? Sit before you'll start putting thoughts in that mind of yours that rich folks are egocentric and they don't offer people seats" I scoffed at his remark. "Was that why you accepted me back and you took my idea because you were trying to prove a point that rich folks are nice" "No!" He exclaimed then he quietly looked at me. "Your mind is twisted" he answered closing his laptop. "I took your idea because it was a great one . You were right about Mrs . Haruna. I was just too preoccupied to notice that" "I came here to thank you for giving me back my job and for Mr. Haruna. I promise that you won't regret it" "And?...." He asked and I wondered what the 'and' was for. "I want you to promise me that there'll be no one troubles with you" "I can't promise that" "Please, I need to make this hotel work and if I'm trying to deal with too many problems" "Of which I'm one" I chipped in and he shook his head. "That's not" his phone rang and he looked at the caller ID. "You've made your point Sir. I promise not to give you any headache or be a problem to you. Good day Sir" I added leaving the office in anger. I had tears in my eyes. Lillian's POV I couldn't contain my joy when Adesuwa came back. A lot of us couldn't. People like Mummy B were angry about it. Deji made plans with me to go on a movie date. He didn't really say it was a date, but I guessed that it was. There was this opening movie by Omoni Oboli that just got out a month ago in cinemas and I imposed my choice on him to actually watch it. He wasn't a a lover of Nigerian movies. I still wonder why most guys hate Nigerian movies. The old ghosts crossing the street, persons being shot in the head and afterwards being bandaged on the chest era has changed. There are actually good movies now. It was a romantic comedy so there was a lot of laughter from my end. Deji spent half of the movie watching me. "Eyes on the movie" I said to him and he laughed then moved his lips close my ears. "You're a better movie" he whispered and I laughed. "I really won't mind watching a full series of you." He added and I laughed. I was blushing like an idiot. I was trying to withhold myself from falling in love with him but gradually I was sinking in. The way my heart literally flutter when I see him, it's indescribable! He had a lot of incoming calls he ignored and I wondered if he was avoiding something. During the kiss scene in the movie, I felt a hand over mine. Then he squeezed it softly letting out a sigh, as though something was bothering him. After the movie, we went over to a nearby park where we sat over two cups of ice cream. I listened him complain about the movie. "That movie was perfect" I argued. "Girls and romance!" He complained and I laughed. "If it's not a science fiction or a thriller I'm not watching." He added and I shook my head. "Girls and telemundo ehn!" "It makes us believe and have hope that not all guys are jerks" "Ah I see... You speak like a potential guy hater" "I don't hate guys... I've met a lot of dicks" I explained and he gave me a serious look. "That many dicks?" He asked and I immediately knew what he was insinuating. "I meant dickheads!" I corrected and he nodded again giving me that naughty look. "Geez Deji! I meant assholes" I paused then I slapped my face at my poor choice of words. Deji immediately busted into laughter. "Don't pay attention to me, I was just teasing you" he added and I laughed scooping a spoon of ice cream in my mouth. "I've met a lot of guys, I've had just two in my life. Two assholes, I tend to meet bad guys. I'm a sucker for bad boys" "Seriously?" "They always toy with my feelings. It's like there are no good guys again" "That's a lie, there are...." He paused in thought. "There are good guys" "Are you one?" I asked and he laughed. "I don't brag about it" he answered and I laughed. Suddenly i heard him sigh again. He was interrupted by another call again. "Are you sure you don't want to pick it up?" I asked and he shook his head. "I don't" he answered and there was a brief silence. "It's my parents" he answered. "I can't give them what they want. You all this parents wahala nah" "I understand" i answered. "My dad is authoritative and annoying. I've always been waiting for the man to die" he added and I widened my eyes in shock. "Don't say such rubbish. Losing your parent is the worst thing ever!" "Losing dad won't be such a bad idea" he added then laughed. "It's not funny" I added. "No matter how bad they are, they're our parents. We owe them that respect. Someday you're going to have kids, how would you feel if your child says awful things like this." "At least I won't be an ass of a father" he added and I shook my head. "Gosh you're stubborn!" I snapped and he laughed. "Thanks for being out here with me" he answered and I smiled. "I would have been home getting frustrated." He added and I bit my lower lip. "You're welcome" I chipped in and I scooped another spoon of ice cream. "Aren't you going to take yours?" I nodded towards his ice cream then I dipped the spoon into my mouth. "I was having ideas" "What kind?" I asked and he moved his face closer to mine. "I was wondering how it will taste in your mouth" he answered and I raised my brow in shock. Before I could say anymore, his lips were over mine. In my mind I pushed him and requested to know why he kissed me but in reality, I was kissing him back with passion. I didn't even care if someone was looking at us, he was an amazing kisser and the punchline before the kiss had me going. I pulled back after I heard someone clear throat. I turned to see a lady with a child about ten years old. "You two should get a room, there are kids here too" she snapped and I apologized and she left. "Why are you apologizing again?" He asked and I laughed. "I didn't see this coming" I answered chuckling. "I've been dreaming of it since the say I met you" he answered and j raised my nose in disbelief. "Lies" "I mean it" he added bitting his lip. "I still want to kiss you" "No way" I pulled back. "The ice cream tasted great by the way" "You haven't even taken anything" "It tastes great from your mouth. I would really love to take it all in your mouth" he added and my heart skipped a beat. "I should be going home" I looked at my wrist watch, it was past ten already. I won't get home in an hour with the traffic. "Ill drop you off" **** "Thanks" I said to him after he dropped me at my nearest bus stop. "Let me drop you off at your house" "You probably won't make it back with your phone and car by the time you come out so I'll advise you to go back." "Why?" "It's a jungle in there" I answered and he laughed. I had a pressing question in mind and I didn't know how to ask. "Are we....what are we now? Are we..." "Dating?" He asked and I nodded and he pulled me close kissing me again on the lips. "What do you think?" He asked and we kissed once more. "Good night" I said then I walked out of the car smiling uncontrollably. "Would it be safe for you?" He yelled and I laughed. "I'm worried" he added then I pointed to the three line up of motor bikes. "I'll take the bike" When I got home, my elder sister gave me a suspicious look. Her six years old son was still watching cartoon in the sitting room. "Is your husband back?" I asked and she nodded. Her eyes still lingered on me. I saw Bright jump on me, he took he off balance. "Jesus Bright! I told you not to don't that again" I warned and he laughed. "Aunty where did you go to?" "I was out with a friend" "Friend or boyfriend? See your lipstick e has removed" he added and I faked a smile. "Go and sleep Bright" Felicia ordered, "Mommy" he whined and I saw my sister gave him the popular glare and he fled. "I ate oily food" I said loud enough for him to hear. Then I scratched my hair. Sister Felicia's eyes were still on me. "What?" I asked, "I don't know, you're glowing" "Is that a bad thing?" "I didn't say it's a bad thing, so who's the guy?" She asked and I smiled. "He's ...." I paused, "Do I know him?" "No" "Okay... Are you having sex with him?" "I'm not" "Just have safe sex" "Are you seriously going to dish that on me" "I don't want you to be a single mom. With the rate people are getting pregnant anyhow ehn, sometimes I wonder if the cost of condoms is worth more than the stress they would have to go through" "I'm not having sex with him" "You're not a virgin either so I would propose you carry your condoms around or use the pills" "Sister I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me. I'm not getting pregnant anytime soon" Adesuwa's POV The day turned sour after I left the office. I was really bothered about what Mr. Henry said. I started to think about what he said. Fine! It's my first time hearing someone say it, but hearing someone who barely knows me say it, it made me feel hurt. While I walked through the hall, holding a guest's dress, I bumped into Mr. Henry. "Good day Sir" I said coldly then I walked past him. "Adesuwa!" He called and I turned back at him, "Sir" I answered. "We're you really angry about what I said in the office" "Why would I be angry at my own boss?" "I didn't" "I'm sorry Sir, can I be of help to you in anyway? I have a service to deliver and i won't want to be of problem to anyone" I snapped emphasizing on the problem and he shook his head. "You're a grudge bearer aren't you" "I don't understand what you're saying" I feigned and he sighed. "You're free to go" "Thank you Sir" I added then went about my business for the day. I wasn't happy that day, I think everyone noticed; even Mummy B. On my way home, I withdrew some money. I wanted to get a phone for myself. I wasn't aiming to get a good phone, I wanted something to use in making calls. I needed to retrieve my sims too. I was too tired so I decided to go home and rest. The next morning I woke up early, I didn't want to go to work late so I made early preparations. Before leaving, I realized I couldn't find my ATM card, it wasn't in my purse so I poured out everything in my bag in search of it. Then i saw Ivie walk in, I noticed she didn't spend the night here. "Good morning Ade" she said and I turned to her. "What are you looking for?" "Is it not this stupid ATM card" "It's always in your purse nah" "Your village people have started following me" I answered and she laughed. "When do you use it" "Just yesterday" I answered letting out a loud hiss. I finally found it in a jotter. "Thank God" I sighed, then I remembered about Chidi's health. I started packing those things I poured out into my bag "How's Chidi?" "He's at the hospital" "Since when?" I stopped, "Since his blood pressure rose." She replied and I opened my mouth in shock. "Which hospital? I would really like to see him" "Seriously?" She smiled. "It's St. Micheal general hospital. He would really like that" "I'm not going there to make him feel better" "Please don't go. If you're not going to make him feel better, it's better you don't go" "Ivie" I paused. "Please" she begged and I rolled my eyes. "I'm on my way to work. I can't afford to go late" "It's rather too early" "I just don't like it when people think I'm irresponsible." "You've never cared about what people think about you Adesuwa" she said giving me that shocked look. "Do you think I'm irresponsible? Am i a trouble maker" "Adesuwa, most times people misunderstand you. Like the way people judge you and I from our parents mistakes. You're the best cousin in the world and I wouldn't have asked for another" she paused then hugged me. "Even though you're annoying at times" she added and I tapped her on her arm and she pulled back. "Bye" she added and I left the house. I boarded a bus from our junction. Minutes after, I notice the bus stopped and a passenger walked in. It was no other than my ex-fiance, Odion. I wasn't on good terms with him. Whenever I see him I feel even more hurt about what he did to me. There was a vacant seat close to mine, "Don't you dare" I mouthed and he sat there anyway. "Good morning Adesuwa" he said and my heart skipped. That moment when you meet an ex you still like. Odion has always been handsome, we both had dimples. While we were dating, we would always talk about having kids with dimples. He was all any girl would ever wish for. He had a good job, he lived in a decent house and he was ready to start a family. "I told you not to seat here" "I did it Intentionally" he answered and I scoffed. What guts! "Driver I would come down oh" I yelled and the driver pulled over. "She's just kidding, she won't come down yet" Odion yelled and the driver hissed. "Una don smoke this morning ni?" He asked and Odion apologized. . "Don't act childish Adesuwa, let's talk this out once and for all." "You know where I live" "You don't even let me in" "For the millionth time, I don't want to talk about anything" "We met this morning by fate. Just hear me out please I'm begging you to please hear me out" "Sister him they be nah, abeg hear wetin him get to talk na" a lady in the bus added and I shut my eyes trying to control my tears. "I'm sorry for what I did. Adesuwa I'm not deserving of your love but I need a second chance with you. You're the only one I love and I want to start that family with you. The ones with dimples" he added with a smile and I scoffed blinking my tears in. "Let me in once again" he added and I turned my face to the other side away from his face. "Adesuwa" "I'm not interested Odion, just let me be" I snapped. "I'll stop here" he added and then driver pulled up, then he jumped out of the bus. "I'll pay for the lady behind" I heard him say and I scoffed. "Pay for who? Odion, I'm begging you in the name of God, take your money back" "Adesuwa" "Is it by force? Abeg Passengers, is it by force for him to pay for me, I said I don't want!" "Oga no be by force oh, collect your change go!" A passenger yelled. After the transaction, the driver drove off. One by one, persons got down from the bus and I was left alone. "I go stop here" I signalled to the man opening my bag to remove my purse. To my shock, my purse wasn't there. Have I been robbed? I asked myself then I remembered that I must have left it on table when I was looking for my ATM card. I looked at the driver, who was already stretching his hands at me. "Madam give me money"

Hmmm

Lol See gbebe

Jesus see gbege

Episode 14* Adesuwa's POV "Oya madam pay oh" he added and I looked into my bag once more. "I don forget my purse" Just when I needed someone to bail me out, there was no one! I started to regret not accepting Odion's offer. "I.. Driver, I think I've forgotten my money" "You say what?" He yelled and I looked into my bag again. "I've forgotten my purse at home" "It's as if you want me to mad for you today . That is how you guys always do. You will be pretending that you forgot your money. Omoge (young girl) give me my money if you no wants see craze this morning" Henry's POV I walked into my hotel room after a hectic day at work. Jummy was inside, she was seated on the bed. She had that angry look on her face. "How many of my calls have you missed?" "I lost count after the fourth" I answered and she scoffed. "Why?" "Cause I knew what you were calling me for" "Why didn't you choose Emmy?" "I made a decision" "You embarrassed my bestie" she stood up walking towards me. "I did what was right for the hotel. Emmy was never the right choice" "Who is? That old woman?" "Jummy I already made my choice can we just let it go?" "I heard about the maid you had lunch with the other day" "Wow...she really did let you into everything that happened today" I unknotted my tie. "So you're not going to fire her for lying" "It was only a misunderstanding" "Wait.. . A worker lied to you and you don't want to fire her, why? Is she special?" "She's not special" I paused, I was trying to denote if she was displaying jealousy or mere anger. "As a boss, you have to let some things go" "Not lies, the girl deserves to leave. I'll let your mom know" she held her phone out and I collected it from her. "Jummy please" "She needs to go" "I can't fired her. You don't understand what's going on" "Who is she really?" "An employee that I'm willing to help out. She needs the job" I held her cheek and she shook her head. "It's wrong to lie to your Boss" "And she regrets it too... Can we not talk about this? Let's talk about something else" I requested kissing her on the lips then I wrapped my arms around her waist. The only way to distract her that moment was with sex. **** Emmy came into my office the next day with Jummy. I didn't want to start a Tuesday with nagging! She asked that I made her the staff director, Mrs. Haruna's previous position. "I'd rather you make me the staff director than a stupid secretary" "The position has been amended to staff supervisor, with the position of the manager and assistant filled up. "Deal! I'll take it" she answered and I nodded. Mummy B knocked and walked into my office. "Good morning Manager" she greeted and I nodded. I wonder what complains she had this time. "Good morning fine women oh" she added and Jummy smiled. She has always been a sucker for compliments. "Good morning" she answered and she turned her gaze at me. "Oga, Adesuwa has not shown up oh" Emmy whispered something into Jummy's ear. "Sir it's past eight already" "Sir, I want your permission to fire her" "Not yet" "If she comes late to work Henry, just fire her!" Jummy pointed out and I shut my eyes, it finally made sense what Jummy was whispering her. "I'll deal with this myself" "Henry" "I said I'll deal with it. Miss Salami, you can take your leave now. You all should leave" I demanded and they all left. I made a call directly to the receptionist to make sure Adesuwa comes to see me immediately she arrives. She walked in a while later raising her index finger up as though trying to explain something to me. "You're extremely late" "I'm sorry" "I should have you fired you know" I snapped and I heard her scoff. "Without even seeking to find out my side of the story" "Remember our deal" "It wasn't my fault okay?" "Whose fault was it then?" I asked, "You probably woke up late" "Sir, I woke up very early, I did all I had to do. I didn't want to be a problem to you" she answered and I almost rolled my eyes. Gosh! Grudges! Will she ever let it go? "Check the time Adesuwa, it's almost forty minutes past eight" "I was delayed by the bus driver because I couldn't pay my fare" "Why?" "I forgot my purse at home" she answered shutting her eyes. "I couldn't pay my way down and I couldn't beg either so I had to walk down here from the bustop" "You could have put a call through to someone" "I don't have a phone" I raised my brow in shock. "Since it was stolen?" I asked and she nodded then I saw her bow her head, she looked ashamed. I didn't mean to make her feel bad. "I made some withdrawal yesterday, I'll get a small phone tomorrow." She answered and I sank into deep thoughts. "I'm sorry for coming late and I'll totally understand if you fire me. I'm sorry for being a problem to you" she apologized and I sighed. "I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. I didn't mean it the way you took it" "It's okay Sir, I'm used to it." she replied. "Do I still keep my job or..." "Sure, just don't repeat it again" I warned and she nodded. Finally she gave me a smile. "Thanks" "How was your night?" I asked, I didn't even know why I did. "It was fine Sir and yours?" "It was splendid, thanks for asking." I answered with a smile and she nodded. "I better take my leave" she added leaving the office. Jummy's POV I walked out of Henry's office then I turned over to Miss Salami who was already walking away. "Miss Salami" I called out and she walked up to me. Emmy gave me that look, she wanted to know what I was up to. I didn't like the idea of my Henry being in support of that girl. Ever since I met her, there has been something off about her look. My spirit doesn't go well with her. She looks more like a threat. "Madam, how you?" She asked and I faked a smile. "I'm fine, do you know who I am?" I asked and she nodded. "You're Mr. Henry's girlfriend" "Good so, I heard you talking about that girl you want to fired." "Adesuwa" she added and I nodded. "I suppose that's her name" "Yes. That's the witch's name." She answered then she paused. "I don't like her" she added, "I don't like her too" "She don cross you too?" "My spirit doesn't go well with her" "E just be like say we get twin spirit. I dey know better person when I see one" she answered and I smirked. "Madam, let me just tell you the truth, I'm saying this because I feel like you're a good person. See as you fine" she complimented and I smiled. "That girl ehn, na every manager she dey always eye, whether them dey married or not" "I don't understand" "That girl na world class asewo, e no get any manager wey she never sleep with. Now that she's close to Mr. Henry, I'll advise you watch out well" she said and I tightened my fist In anger. I was literally boiling though I tried to contain it all while forcing a smile. "We have the same enemy, Emmy my best friend is going to be the new supervisor" "I thought it was secretary" "It's been changed" Emmy answered quickly. "We have the same enemy Miss Salami" "Please call me Mummy B" "Let's work together to pull this Adesuwa down, are you in?" Adesuwa's POV Another opportunity arose to get me fired but as usual, I overcame. I feared he was going to get me fired this time but he didn't. I sighed after leaving his office. Later in the day, Lilian and I walked through the Hall's discussing about a customer who was screaming at a lady for something we didn't get a grasp on. "Why is he always shouting at every girl he brings in?" Lilian asked and I shrugged. "Because he's an animal, people like that should be put in chains" I answered. Then I saw Mr. Henry coming. "Good afternoon Sir" Lilian and I greeted and he nodded. "Would you two like to have lunch with me?" "No" we both chorused. "I brought food from home" Lilian answered, "I intend to eat with her" I answered sharply. "Why do I feel like you're both trying to reject my offer?" "No Sir" Lilian answered looking at me. "Ade go now" she pushed me and gakree at her. "Are you okay?" I whispered, "Just try go now, I'm feeling guilty already" "Why you sef no go?" "The food wey I bring come go waste and I no even too carry the rice reach you sef" "You're selfish" I snapped and we heard him clear his throat. "I'm here and I can hear all you're saying" he answered. "Sorry Sir" Lilian apologized "Adesuwa has volunteered to have lunch with you." "What!" "Bye Sir" she added zooming off. "If I catch ehn!" I yelled and then I turned towards Mr. Henry. "It's okay if you don't want to have lunch with me" "It's not exactly that" I hesitated, "What is it then?" "First i don't want another girlfriend drama" I answered and he laughed. "You won't have that. So what's the second one" "I don't want to subject myself to the poison they cook in the kitchen" "Poison?" "Others call it food" I added and he chuckled. "Can you do better?" He asked and I laughed shaking my head. "I won't boast about being a good cook, but I cook better than May hotel chefs" "It's not bad" "Sir, with all due respect, you don't even know what good tastes like, you've spent a lot of time abroad. I've tasted good meals and I know just where to have the right one. Prove me wrong Sir, conduct an inferential research and tell me what you found out about the cooking. After that we can seat and talk about what to do to make it better" I added leaving him to his thoughts. Henry's POV I desisted from having lunch that day. She gave me an idea on how to improve efficiency and effective service delivery in the hotel. Mrs. Haruna was shocked when she saw it my already prepared questionnaires. "What's the essence of this" she asked, "You know how much I've always wanted to like be in the guest mind and just know what they think. Someone gave me an idea on what to do." "Adesuwa?" She asked and I nodded. "She's a brilliant lady" I told you already, most of my ideas came from her. It's her field" "What do you mean?" I asked and she smiled. "So I'm to send someone to disseminate the questionnaires to each room" "You just avoided my question" "Really?" She asked and I gazed at her expecting a response. "Adesuwa is a brilliant lady, always has been. She's a 1st class student of Business administration In Auchi polytechnic in Benin." "Seriously?" I asked bewildered by the information. "Are you being serious?" "I never joke about anything Sir. I'm dead serious" "Why is she a maid when she can get a job elsewhere" "Look around you Sir, the world isn't fair to everyone. We have graduates doing simple jobs for survival. The world gave us lemonades, we're just making lemons out if it. " "Didn't she apply with her certificate?" "She did... " She stalled, "She wasn't lucky enough" she answered. "She accepted since the pay was better than her last" "I'm shocked" "Should I send it now or wait till tomorrow?" "Now, have whoever will be giving to the guest to be nice about it and should also let the guests know the hotel is doing it to improve their services" "Yes sir" she answered leaving. I was left to ponder on what I just heard. It started to make sense. The way she speaks, there's a big difference between how she speaks and how Miss Salami speaks; she speaks like a literate. She doesn't look like a maid either. Suddenly I thought of the opened slot for a secretary. Maybe she could fill it, I thought to myself. Adesuwa's POV On my way home, I took a detour over to the hospital. I was directed to the room where Chidi was with several other patients. There was a big smile on his face when he saw me coming. "Adesuwa" he called out and I frowned. "You don't look happy" "I'm not" "Why?" "I've been having shitty days" I answered and he chuckled. . "Same here" he answered and I scoffed. "How did it get to this level Chidi? High blood pressure because of a woman?" I asked and he bowed his head in shame. "That better be shame Chidi. You should be ashamed of yourself" "What did I ever do wrong to you Adesuwa?" "Nothing! You haven't done anything wrong to me" I moved closer to him. "Why then do you hate me" "I don't hate you, I just hate the fact you were so persistent" i complained brushing my hands through the weavon on my head. "I don't deserve your love" "Am I that ugly? Is that why you're not attracted to me?" "You're not ugly, I'm not just worth the stress and headache. I can never love you" "Who will then? I like you because you're down to earth and you're not like other girls who are out for my money" "I know of someone who likes you and she's not out for your money" I answered and he looked at me, "Who?" "You're so blind! You don't realize it do you?" "What?" "Ivie!" I answered and he still had that confused look all over his face. "Wait" he paused, he was starting to get a grasp on what I meant. "Ivie likes me?" He asked and I nodded. "Duh? She wouldn't do all this if she doesn't like you" "I thought it was out of pity" "Now you know it's not" "Are you sure she's not dating?" "Ivie is as single as the letter 'i', she's not presently dating anyone. She wouldn't, not when she's in love with you" "Are you serious?" "If you ask me that question again, I swear to God I'll punch the high blood pressure out of you" I added and he laughed. "I never thought of it that way. I didn't think..." He paused in thought, "Okay now it makes sense" he sighed in realization. "It actually does makes more sense now" he added and then Ivie walked in with a food flask. "There's no rice at the restaurant so I was contemplating..." she paused looking at me. "When did you get here?" "A while ago" I answered then I cleared my throat looking at Chidi. "I was about leaving" "Why? You two seemed to be talking before I walked in" "I believe I've said the needful to him." I paused, "It all depends on him now" I continued and Ivie face molded perplexed. "I'm lost" "Bye Ivie" I chipped in leaving the both of them. I thought of how Chidi would feel, and how he would try to cope with the shocking revelation. I wondered if he would be bold enough to manage the situation.

Episode 15 Adesuwa's POV I got home to the sweet smell of fried chicken and jollof rice. I found my aunt sitting before a plate of four fried Chicken. "Life is good" I heard her mutter while she drank from a bottle of Coca-Cola. "This one wey be like say Maga don pay like this" I took one of the fried chicken taking a big bite out of it. "Where you see money?" "Na God oh" she answered. "As I dey arrange things, naim God bless me with the money" I immediately swallowed hard . I hope it's not my money she was referring to. "Aunty, abeg tell me say no be my money you use so?" I asked and she paused in thought, "You buy new purse?" She asked and I dropped the chicken back on the plate. "That's the purse I've been using for the past six months!" I yelled almost in tears and she shrugged. "How I for take know? Shebi I see money for inside naim I carry am" "What gave you the license to open it" "Ade no shout for me oh! Respect the fact say I be your mama sister. Na my house too" she answered and I tightened my fist as balls of tears rolled down my eyes. "When last have you paid the rent in this house Aunty Maggie, when?" "Why you dey talk like this?" She paused and I noticed she had tears in her eyes. I was so filled with anger. Aunty Maggie has always been reckless . Reckless in spending and every thing she does. I've been responsible for the upkeep of the house ever since Mom died in 2015. "No be say the money hungry me use but I just feel like say make I chop chicken and make una sef join chop. I never do any better thing make una chop before" "Na my money con sweet to use shea?" "No be your money we dey always use before?" She answered, "Besides, i just borrow am small." "Borrow?" I scoffed, "Ade, no dey do like say na big deal, how much dey inside sef? No be just six thousand? Change still dey my hand. I go give you back" "Forget it" "Ade" "I said forget it! You won't pay, you always make the same promises every damn time and you never pay back" I snapped then I walked out of the house. I needed to get some air. *** I woke up the next day with a swollen face. I spent half the night crying. Not because of what my aunt did, but because she was getting out hands. She was becoming a nuisance each passing day. Maybe it's our curse to bear. I walk into the hotel lobby, then I met Oge the receptionist. "How far?" I asked and she blinked her eyes. "I'm waiting for Susan to come and take her shift. I slept at night and it still feels as though I haven't. Babe my eyes are about to bust" she answered and I laughed. "Mummy B don show?" "Yes, the witch don come since!" She answered and I rolled my eyes. "That reminds me, Mr. Henry asked that you come into his office" "For what?" "Babe, I don't know oh." She answered. While I was leaving she called me back to know what was going on between Mr. Henry and I. "Nothing" "People dey talk oh" "No be today the talk start" I replied walking away from the counter. I didn't even reach the office before I met Mr. Henry. He had a gift bag in his hand. "Good morning Sir" "Good morning Adesuwa" he answered, "I heard you wanted to see me Sir" "Yes. I had a lot I wanted to talk to you about but first" he paused stretching the gift bag at me and I wondered what was in there. I checked and it was a phone. "I think you should have it" "I'm sorry I can't" I declined stretching it back at him. I didn't want any gifts from another manager. The last one was disastrous. I started to doubt Mr. Henry's motive. What if he's just like the others. That's usually the second step after trying to be nice. Afterwards they want s*x. It has always been the same shitty circle. "Why don't you want it?" He asked and I shrugged. I didn't know how to give a damn response without sounding rude. "Cause I don't want it" "But you have need for a phone and I got you one" "I don't want it Sir, please" I added almost busting in tears. "Please, I beg you, take it back" "Why?" "I'm sorry but when you come back asking for returns, I won't give it to you" "Returns?" He asked and then i saw him shut his eyes. He finally understood. "Adesuwa I'm not doing this for s*x or other benefits. I gave this out of the benevolence of my heart" "Are you sure?" I snapped cleaning off some tears before they made way down my cheeks to his sight. I didn't want him to see me cry. "I am sure. Why do you have a twisted mind?" "Cause they're all the same, you act nice, gift us with precious gifts and then you'll want sex. And when we can't give returns, you make our lives miserable" I ranted and tears came pouring. "I'm not the type to do that. You should know already" "I can't know for certain, men are unpredictable" He moved over to me, brushing his hand around my hair and I pulled back. "I was just trying to clean your tears" "I don't know the number of guys you've met in your life time, but one thing i know for sure is that I'm not one of them" he assured stretching the gift bag to me. "If you try anything silly, I'll return it back to you" "It's okay" he waved his hands smiling. "Thanks" I added. "Can we talk in the office?" He proposed and I gave him a suspicious look. "Geez Adesuwa! It's not to have s*x with you. I just want to talk" he clarified and I agreed. He took the lead and I followed him into the office. **** Henry's POV "I had a brief discussion with Mrs. Haruna and I have to say it was worth it" I said to Adesuwa the moment we walked into the office. "What was it about?" She paused. "If it okay to ask" "Your idea gave me a wonderful insight on how i could better run the hotel. Such ideas comes at a cost that's worth more than the phone" I answered and she nodded. I can guess what was running on her mind. She has probably concluded that the phone was tied to the idea she gave. "I guess the phone was tied to whatever idea I gave" "I had a feeling you were going to say that" I noted and she chuckled. I was studying her bits by bits. "So...what idea did I give this time?" "Inferential research? Does it ring a bell?" I asked and she nodded. "I prepared some questionnaire and as it , I'm hoping to get some answers to the endless question of how we could satisfy the guests and run the hotel more efficiently" "That makes sense, so instead trying to find out how guests feel about the cooking, you're trying to find out what they feel about every services we render" she concluded and I nodded smiling. "That's amazing" she muttered and I laughed joyfully. "Tell me that's not worth getting you a phone? Now you can tie your phone to the idea you gave rather than the idea of me having sex with you" I added and she nodded. "That's better" "What do you think about filling in the spot of the secretary?" "Why?" She asked and I shook my head. "Cause you obviously don't belong in the maid department" "Just because of few ideas? Anyone can do that" "Not everyone" I corrected. "Mrs. Haruna told me you studied business administration in school." I pointed out and she bowed her head. "You're not supposed to know" "Why?" "I'm fine where I am Sir, I don't need the job." "Are you sure?" I asked and she nodded rising up. "The pay is better" I chipped in to entice her. "You don't belong there, you're better so I'm going to give you time to think of it" "Sir" she interrupted, "Promise you'll think of it?" "Have a nice day Sir" she added and Emmy walked in. Just as she was about to leave, Emmy queried her. "Can't you greet a superior when you see one?" "Respect is given not demanded. Besides you're a secretary" "I'm a staff supervisor," she corrected and Adesuwa glanced at me. "Don't you have things to do?" Emmy snapped and Adesuwa walked out of the office. "What was that for?" I asked her and she faced the wall. "Just trying to impose my authority on the workers as their supervisor" she answered and I groaned painfully. Adesuwa's POV I watched Lilian have lunch while i seriously pondered on Mr. Henry's offer. "What do you think if I apply to be Mr. Henry's secretary?" I asked and Lilian turned to me. "That will be nice. Is the spot still open? I thought" "Well the post is still vacant. Miss Emmy is our staff supervisor." I answered and Lilian placed her hands on her head. "Our own don born oh" "The same thing I thought" "Mrs Haruna told Mr. Henry about my course of study and he offered me the job. I'm yet to give him a reply" "Are you crazy? What do you mean by you're yet to give him a reply?" "It will look somehow now, from being a maid to the secretary. It will look suspicious" "But wait oh" she paused, "What's Mr. Henry's gain in this?" "That's my fear. What if he's like the rest" "Mr. Henry doesn't look bad sha" "I'm just so scared" I answered in fear and Lilian hugged me. I walked up to the manager's office and I accepted his offer. He was happy about it. We discussed terms of payment then he showed me the results from the questionnaire. "A lot of persons felt as though the May Hotel food wasn't good enough" "I told you" "What do you suggest I do now? An idea occurred to me to employ international standards chef to help for the time being and also in turn train the chef here" "And how much money are you going to consume doing that?" I asked and he shrugged. "I have an estimate already" he passed a notepad to me. The figures on the note were too much to waste on an international cook that might not impact shit on anyone. "What would happen to the traditional meals?" I asked and he smiled. "Temitayo Sanders is an international chef and also a Nigerian" "Screw it! You'll waste so much when you can find another way out" "Do you have one?" He asked and I nodded. "I know of a local food seller, Iya Bilikis Kitchen. It's well known around Rashidi Bello street. The owner is a very close friend of mine" "What do you propose?" "The owner pays for the shop , and always been forced to pay one unnecessary fees or the other." I swallowed hard. "He puts so much efforts for a little gain. So I proposed a kind of merger. A contract to take them away from Rashbell to this site" "Would they do that?" "With the right agreement and a very convincing pay, they won't think twice to accept. Think of it Sir, if you pay them half of what you wish to give to this international cook, you'll have more to gain" I explained and he smiled. "Are they worth it?" He asked and I nodded. "I'll call my lawyer" he added pulling back the notepad. "This promises to be a wonderful boss and employee relationship." He gave a wide smile and I chuckled. "I would love to see you tomorrow" he added and I turned my back to leave. "In your corporate wears" he added and I laughed. "Yes Sir" I answered walking out if his office. Tosin's POV I've had the worst days with my twins. The complains continued. The house we parked into was more of a self contained. The sitting room is kind of spacious, so also the bedroom. Taiye and Kehinde had to share the same room with me. That was the first complain they made. Then it moved to how few their toys were. I didn't want to go to the house so I didn't bother getting them back. Gradually they both connived to ask about where they'll go to for their holidays. "Would you take us to America?" "With what income?" I snapped and they both looked at me. "See, we're no longer going there" I answered and both faces turned sour. "Why?" Taye asked, she has always been the emotional one. "Cause, I wasn't the one who made the promise, Grandma did" "Take us to Grandma then" "You guys would have to get used to the new idea that you won't be going there again" "Are you fighting with Grandma?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. "It's complicated" "You always say that" Kehinde snapped and I glanced at her. "Next year, I'll find a school for you guys to fix yourself in so you can start afresh, get to know new people" "Are we leaving our school too?" They both asked, this time they were both in tears. "Sweethearts" I paused almost in tears then I heard the door bell ring. Just when I turned back to get the door, I saw mom walk in with two gist bags. "You are so careless!" She snapped and I rolled my eyes. "Leaving the door open when you have two kids in the house" "Grandma!" They both shouted happily then they rushed to hug her. She pressed her body against them giving them kisses all over their faces. "Grandma misses you both so much, I hope you miss Grandma too" "Very much!" Kehinde answered. . "I brought gifts" she announced and they both screamed hugging her even more. "We were talking about you" "Ah I see, about what?" Mom asked and I shook my head. I knew these two talkatives would talk." "Mom said she'll change our school next year" "I always pay for the whole session" and the session will not be over till next year September" "It's spoiling them" I answered in defense and she scoffed. "You call giving the kids quality education spoiling them, Tosin that was the same way I spoilt you and your brother" "This is none of your business" "Is it because you're scared that you can't handle the school fees? Tosin you know the way out" "Mom also said we're not going to America" Kehinde complained and I shut my eyes. "That's a lie, we'll go together without her" "That will not be happening" "Don't listen to your mom" "Taye and Kehinde, leave your Grandma and I alone" i demanded and they both left with their gift bags. "Mom you can't come to my house to dictate things, should I remind you that those kids are mine?" "And they're my grand kids. Tosin I didn't come here for you. I know that when you experience that thing called life, you'll crawl back begging for forgiveness" "I will never grovel for mercy mom, you're incapable of feeling any emotions" I snapped and she slapped me. "Mom you're in my house!" "And I'm still your mom so you better mind the way you speak to me. I only can here for my kids. Look at how poorly fed they are" "I don't lack food" "But they lack proper care. Tosin, if anything happens to them, I swear to God, I'll take them off your custody and I don't care whatever dirty means I might use to accomplish that. Come back home peacefully and accept Clement" she suggested and I walked over to the door, opening it. "I won't go without having some time with my grandkids." "You've overstayed your welcome Mom, leave" ***** Of every single word mom uttered, I was scared of only one, her threat to get my kids from me even with dirty means. I became so scared. I knew I had to be careful with the kids. My job sometimes keeps me preoccupied, I didn't know whether to quit the job in order to have more time for my kids. Most importantly, I needed the cash too. To be continued on Monday Have a Great Weekend

@ladyg @fb-danieledem @maths @henrymary @kelly-kelvin new updates here......

Henrymary was here

what kind of woman is this that want her will to be done by all means. i wish henry could stand up to her too. Adesuwa congratulation on your new position as a secretary

Na family war be this oooo

*Hotel Palava - Episode 16* HOTEL PALAVA Deji's POV Everyone sees Deji Cyril Omojola as nothing but a womanizer. Well they're not wrong. I'm dangerous, but not as dangerous as ladies, okay some ladies. The only good woman I've ever met in my life is my best friend, Seyi. Well I call her Shay most of the time. I actually had a crush on her before she got married years ago. Ladies are ticking time bombs waiting to explode. I've met a lot of shitty girls and just like every bad boy, I've sworn never to be attached. I live for the s*x only. I met Lilian at a shopping mall . She had this amazing smile and astonishing white sets of teeth. I love any girl with good dentitions. She seemed like one of those reserved types. I didn't intend playing her, I just wanted to have a casual discussion with her but the bad boy in me had it's way. I didn't even realized I had gotten her number. I thought of it severally to let it go and just let her be. I just couldn't so I called her up that night and every night after that. Our first kiss had me feeling something I haven't felt in a while. Something I only felt with Shay. I just couldn't wait to have her in my arms. For the first time, I was in a relationship even if I didn't really see it as one, I kind of wanted to have a feel of how it feels being in a relationship. Shockingly I didn't want s*x with her . I say that from a honest heart. Maybe I had itches there to have s*x with her, but I just didn't want it to be that way. I was trying to control the bad boy in me. On a Wednesday afternoon while I was working in my office, Shay stopped by, she wanted me to babysit Deji junior and Genesis after school hours till she got back at night. I declined and she flipped. She wanted to know why I didn't want to, "Because I can't. Shay you know I'm bad with babies" "Would you shut it!" She yelled, "Argh! When you grow up! Gosh, have been hearing this excuse since Junior's birth. How are you going to take care of your own child?" she paused and I opened my mouth slightly shocked then I turned over to her belly bump. Must be the pregnancy hormones! "Next time you give me that excuse, I sweat to God I'll punch your teeth out. It's time you grow up and live life, not all this you're doing." "Shay" "Don't Shay me! This is why we didn't work out. I didn't see myself getting anywhere with you. Look at where we started, Deji I'm expecting a third child you're still wasting your life" "I'm not wasting my life" I argued and she laughed. "What are you doing then" "I'm currently dating" "We all know you're nothing but a big joke. You're going to chicken out eventually." "It's okay oh, before you finish me, yes I'll babysit your children for you" I answered and she finally gave a smile. "I'll write down a whole number of things to do. Thanks love" she kissed my forehead and my cheeks. **** I called Lilian up and she volunteered to help me babysit the both of them. I picked five years old Junior and f Three years old Genesis up at school then I took them home. It was a disaster, these kids turned my home upside down. Lilian came to my rescue afterwards. She was dressed in a blue casual gown. I was one point away from strangling the kids. "You have a nice home" she commented and I smiled. "The kids have messed it up" "You call this messed up?" She scoffed, then Junior came running after Genesis. "Uncle!" She hugged me tight and I glared at Deji. "She called me Mr. Toothless when he her teeth Is not even complete" he complained and I rolled my eyes. Junior turned his gaze towards Lilian. "Is she your girlfriend?" he asked and i laughed. "What do these kids know about girlfriend sef" I complained and Lilian laughed. "You'll be shocked" she answered. "A girlfriend is someone you kiss" Junior made kiss sounds and I shook my head. "Mommy and Daddy were girlfriend and boyfriend before they got married." He pointed out and Lilian laughed. "He reminds me of my nephew" she answered then bent towards them. "Hello dearies, my name is Aunty Lilian and I'll be helping your Godfather take care of you guys. What's your name?" "Deji Junior" "Genesis from the Bible" Genesis replied and I laughed. That reply never gets old. Lilian was naturale with the kids. She played all sorts of game and she also managed to put them to sleep. She bounced tiredly on the couch I sat on letting out a loud sigh. "I'm sorry for putting you through this" "It's okay" she answered and i moved my lips close to hers. "Thanks" I muttered then I leaned in for a kiss. I've been waiting to do that all night! I slowly wrapped my hands around her waist deepening the kiss. "Shouldn't their mom be here already?" She pulled away, this was followed by a knock on the door. I opened it and it was her. "I'm sorry I ran a bit late, it's just that" she paused on seeing Lilian. "Good evening" Lilian greeted rising up from her seat and Shay responded. "Did you hire a special babysitting agency to take care of my kids" She asked and I shook my head. "That's Lilian, my girlfriend" I answered and Lilian waved at Shay. "I'll go get the kids" she said before leaving. "Jesus Deji, that girl there looks innocent. Please don't hurt her" "Why are you always so negative about everything I do" "This girl looks like a naive saint" "And I'm the devil shea?" I snapped and she scoffed. "Don't hurt her" she whispered then followed Lilian. They both walked out with the kids, then Lilian walked back in smiling. . My heart was already pounding, I was scared about what crazy comment Shay must have made about me. "What did Shay say about me?" I asked and she laughed. "She didn't say anything bad," she replied then she walked up to me biting her lips, "Were you scared she would say something awful?" "Kinda" I answered chuckling. "Like what?" "Thanks for coming to my rescue" I answered trying to avoid the topic. "Like I said, it's okay" she replied and I pulled her close kissing her on the lip. We lingered and kissed, and my fingers stroked her arm. She pulled back, "My sister would be worried about me, I have to give her a call" she said and I kissed her again. Lillian's POV As our lips met again, Deji put his hand around my waist and it slowly moved my gown up. Now his hands were on my bare thigh. I shivered, and goose bumps rose on the surface of my skin. My nerves literally snapped. There was something in my head telling me to stop. That tiny voice telling me, it's too early, but the flesh was a lot more willing. My defenses were broken and we had s*x with him. I felt a bit guilty about it but there was just something different about s*x with Deji. It felt right. I felt like he maybe he was the one for me. I woke up in Deji's arms, he was smiling at me. Apparently he had been awake for a while. "Good morning" I muttered and he chuckled, "Good morning to you too" he answered kissing me on my lips. "Last night was..." He stalled and I chuckled. "I had a great time" "I did too" I replied then I turned over to the time on the wall clock, it was past seven. "Is that really the time?" I asked and he turned back. "Yes" "Jesus! I'm late" I jumped out of bed wrapping the bed sheet around my chest. "You're late for work" "Yes! My head of department would kill me!" I answered then I rushed into the bathroom. Apparently, I left my phone in the sitting room, there were missed calls from Felicia and Adesuwa's new number.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 17* Adesuwa's POV Felicia called Ivie by past eleven and she gave me her phone. She wanted to know the whereabouts of Lilian. I didn't want her to get worried, so I told her Lilian was close to me. "Is that why she cannot even pick my calls?" "She's sleeping, she was having headaches before she slept" "Just tell her I called" Felicia added and I nodded. "Sure I will" I answered then I tried calling her. She didn't pick up my calls . I grew worried but eventually, I slept off. I woke up earlier than anticipated. The bright light upon my face after Nepa brought their stupid light, woke me up. I haven't been able to sleep since then. I pressed a printed short sleeve top i bought in a market for three hundred naira. With it pressed, you'll hardly know I bent down and selected it. I also ironed a high waist pant trousers. I haven't worn it in a while. I thought of how the day would look like. I wore my top and i tucked it into the trousers on black cover shoe. Then I accessorised it with a belly belt. I wasn't sure whether to make up or not but I did anyways. The dress looked weird without make up. My aunt gazed at me in shock when I got out from the room . "Where you dey go?" "Work?" "Which work? You don see new job?" She asked and I shook my head. "No, I got promoted to be a secretary" "You colonbi your new manager?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. I expected it anyways. I had prepared my mind for what employees at work would say concerning me. "Think whatever you want aunty" I snapped walking out of the house. The shock on people's faces when they saw me walk into the lobby. I felt ashamed. "Jesus!" Oge the receptionist shouted and I chuckled faintly. "Babe you're looking good oh. Are you going out?" She asked and I shook my head. "Is Lilian around?" "No but Oga don call to ask if you dey around" "Thanks" I answered walking up the stairs where I saw Mrs. Haruna leaning on the metal bar on the stairs. "I guess congratulations are in order" she said and I laughed. "How do I look?" I asked and she chuckled. "From my old fashion opinion, you look really nice. " She commented then held my hands pulling me towards Mr. Henry's office. "The shoe is damn tight" "Did they force you to wear it?" She asked and then she pointed at a table already arranged in front of Mr. Henry's office. "That's your office" she pointed and I smiled. "What's my job description?" "The same thing every secretary goes through. You're the channel between the outside world and the manager. You're the intermediary" "I'm so nervous. So the only thing I'll do is just to sit here and smile" "And look pretty till the manager needs you. Your first point of duty is to give him the remaining questionnaire I got" she answered passing a brown envelope to me and I nodded. "Okay" I sighed. "You'll be fine Adesuwa" she commented and I agreed. "Unless something bad happens" I blurted out and she glared at me. "Out with the negative feelings and in with a new one. This is a big break for you, you can't afford to bring in your bad belief into this" I nodded continuously. "Out with the old and in with the new" I muttered. **** Mr. Henry showed up a while later in his shirt with his usual folded sleeves. "Good morning Sir" I stood up to greet him and he gazed at me for a while. I noticed he gave a gentle nod. I didn't know what for. "Forgive the gaze, you look different" "Is it a bad thing?" I asked, "Bad difference or a good one?" I added and he nodded once again. "It's good. You look nice" he added, "Thanks" I replied and he walked into his office. I totally forgot about the questionnaires! I stood up holding a brown file, i knocked on the door then I walked in. "I totally forgot, Mrs. Haruna requested I give you this erm..." I raised the envelope. "It's the remaining questionnaires" I added handing it to him. "Thanks" he received it with a smile. "Is there anything you want?" "Nothing for now. I called a technician to come fix the intercom and some things." "For me?" "Yes, and other offices for better communication. The intercom is faulty" "Are you okay Sir? You look a bit under the weather" I asked and he forced a chuckle now opening his laptop. "I'll be fine" "Okay Sir, I'll be outside if you need me" I walked out to my seat then I noticed Emmy walk towards me. "What are you doing here?" She asked and I rolled my eyes fiddling with my new phone. "I asked you a question" "And I don't feel like answering your question" I snapped and she scoffed. "What are you doing here" "I'm the new secretary" "Lies" "The manager is only a few steps away. Feel free to confirm" I answered and she walked in. She walked away shortly after hissing loudly. "Wetin be this girl own sef?" I asked, I thought of Lilian and Mitchel. I wanted to see them but I couldn't for the time being. Henry came out shortly after. "Can we check out the Iya Bilikis Kitchen?" He asked and I wondered, what was the rush for? "Now?" I asked and he nodded. "Is it too early? I need some air out of this hotel" he added. **** We drove over to the street with his car. Then we got to Iya Bikilis kitchen. "Adesuwa na you be this?" A guy asked and I laughed then whispered into his ears to help me call Fatai. Fatai was the owner of the restaurant. He came out shortly with an apron tied around his waist. He had a blue top on a black jean trousers. He smiled on seeing me and I walked up to him hugging him. "I won't want to stain you" he answered. "I heard you wanted to see me" he added and I nodded. "Not just me but my boss" I answered pointing at Mr. Henry. Then we walked up to him "Fatai, meet my boss Mr. Henry Babalola, manager of May Hotel. Mr Henry, meet Fatai, the owner of the restaurant" "I thought it was Iya Bilikis Kitchen" he answered and Fatai turned his gaze back at him. "He has a British accent" he concluded in Yoruba and I nodded. "I grew up there" He answered back in Yoruba which left me in shock. "Yes I understand" he answered as though reading my mind. "And I speak it fluently too" he added. "Iya Bilikis is my mother, I named it after her." He answered "Is she..." Mr. Henry stalled, she thought Iya Bilikis was dead. "Fatai!" A woman with grey hair immediately walked towards us. "You didn't tell me you had visitors" she said in yoruba and Fatai laughed. "Meet Iya Biliki" he said and Iya Biliki raised her brow in shock if seeing me. "Adesuwa, I almost didn't notice you were the one standing there." she said. Though she pronounced my name wrongly and I rolled my eyes. "Mummy, it's Ade-su-wa" I emphasized and she raised her nose. "Is this your fiance?" She asked pointing to Mr. Henry and I opened my mouth in shock. "Ah mummy!" I felt ashame. "He's my boss" I answered and Mr Henry laughed. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I came so we could discuss business, I hope you have time" "Business?" Fatai gave me a look and I nodded. Mr. Henry and I munched on a plate of whatever Fatai placed in front of us. It tasted like fried yam garnished with a lot of ingredients. It tasted great. Mr. Henry admitted to it. "What's this called" "Nostalgia. We all grew up with our mom frying yam and egg in the morning but lately no one wants to fry again because to them it's stressful. This cuisine is demanded by some customers. The yam tastes different shea? It's usually soaked in a mixture. It's my secret recipe" "Where did you learn how to..." Mr. Henry asked and Fatai smiled. "I grew up watching mom cook and I joined her. I loved it so I took a course to get better" he answered smiling. "You should taste his moimoi" I tapped Mr. Henry, "They to die for" I added and then I realized I was tapping my Boss. "I'm sorry Sir" I apologized. "It's okay." He replied. A car pulled up and some girls walked out, "My customers here" he added turning back. "How much is our bill" Mr. Henry asked bringing out his wallet. "It's for free" "I refuse to..." "Please don't pay, I decline" "Since you're declining, package me a plate of rice and salad with moimoi and big fish" "Do you want me to add meat to it?" He asked and I smiled. "And egg" "Ole! (Thief) Come and steal it now" he added and I laughed. "Do you really want it?" Mr. Henry asked still with his wallet. "I was just kidding" I answered, "Kidding shea?" Fatai asked and I glared at him. "Thanks for a beautiful breakfast." Mr Henry finally added rising, "What about the business?" He asked and he gave Fatai a gentle smile. "Another time" he answered and I rose too. "It was nice to meet you Sir" they both shook their hands. ***** "Why didn't you tell him about the arrangement?" I asked Mr. Henry while he drove back to the hotel. "Well... We won't want to scare him without a document. We have to present him with a documented agreement." He answered and it made sense. "I guess people would still keep on munching on the poison prepared at the hotel kitchen" I answered and he laughed. "Did you really want the food?" He asked and I wondered what made him think if it. "Did you?" "I was just joking" "For now, i want you to be free with me okay? Just talk to me like you would to anyone that isn't your boss" Henry's POV "Did you really want the food?" I asked and her face molded into a thoughtful one. She was probably wondering why I was thinking of it. "Did you?" I asked again. "I was just joking" "For now, i want you to be free with me okay? Just talk to me like you would to anyone that isn't your boss" "Okay fine, i wanted it. I wanted to eat it badly but I had no cash in hand. Just my transport and" before she could say anything, I made a turn going back to Iya Bilikis Kitchen. "What are you doing?" She asked, "Sir you don have to" "I choose to" I answered. "We have to head back to the office. People are going to start thinking of all sorts of things. They'll say Adesuwa has sold the manager oh" she said and I laughed. "They'll think I've kidnapped you" "Why would they?" "People don't waste time to think the worst of me, even you" "I remember apologizing several times for what I said. I've never met anyone that keeps grudges like you" "I don't forget events that hurts me. It's not grudges" "I believe the dictionary word for it is grudges" "I can't forgive you if the wounds are still fresh" she answered looking out the window. She sounded hurt. "I apologized for calling you a problem, I didn't mean it that way" "It's not you" she shook her head. "I have better people to channel my anger towards" she answered and I squinted my eyes trying to understand what she meant. "That means they're people you're channeling your anger towards" I added and she turned towards me. "Sir, can we not talk about this" "We're getting somewhere" "There's nowhere we can get with this topic, it only opens my wounds. I really don't like talking about it" "Perhaps your Ex-boyfriend did something wrong" "Can we not talk about this?" She snapped loudly and I raised my hands in surrender. "I'm sorry" she added, "I'm really really sorry Sir" "It's okay. I think I went overboard, a boss shouldn't Intrude into a worker's private life. I'm sorry" Lillian's POV I got to work by 8:30, while rushing towards the maids quarter, I bumped into Mummy B. "Who will save you now?" She asked and I wondered why she said so. "Go into the quarter and get your things. You've been fired." "Let me explain myself" "What do you want to explain" "That I sent her on an errand" Mrs. Haruna answered from behind. "Mummy! En paro (You're lying)" she answered and Mrs Haruna glared at her. "Ha han" she paused feeling insulted by what Mummy B just said. "I said I sent her on an errand, you're telling me that I'm lieing. When did that one start?" She asked, "Mummy B, you're my friend and I would hate to see this friendship go sour. Please try not to question my authority" "Okay Ma" she answered leaving us alone. "Thank you Ma" I sighed, "What's going on with you?" She asked, "I didn't expect this from you" "I'm sorry Ma, I woke up late" I answered and she walked away. She looked really disappointed. I sighed once again. I felt relieved. Adesuwa was nowhere near sight, neither was she at the quarter. Suddenly I remembered she had agreed to take up the secretary job. I later found out that Mr. Henry had gone out with Adesuwa. . Rumours were flying around about how Adesuwa had made way into the manager's heart through s*x. They didn't even know the real story. Adesuwa walked in during the day. She looked great. I've only seen her look that good during dedications and marriages. "Wow you look hot" "Thanks, how hustle?" She asked and i shrugged. "We dey push" I answered. "That reminds me, Felicia called last night, she wanted to know where you were. I told her you slept over at my place" "Thank you" I blurted out hugging her. "Don't thank me yet, where did you spend the night?" "Remember I went to babysit Deji's nephew and niece" "I don't remember cause you clearly didn't tell me" she snapped and I remembered that I didn't. I knew she wouldn't let me go. "I'm sorry, it skipped my mind" I answered and she raised her nose in disbelief. "Are you sure it skipped your mind or you didn't want me to stop you from going" "It was just for babysitting, I didn't intend spending the night there" "Just tell me you didn't sleep with him" she asked and I looked at my fingers picking some dirt out of it. "Jesus, Lilian!" She yelled. "It just happened" "You could have controlled it" "When we started kissing, I just lost all control. Babe I really like Deji" "At least tell me you had the decency to use a condom?" She asked and I look at my nails again. "There are diseases out there Lilian" "I wasn't thinking okay, but I think I'm safe" "You're on pills?" "No. Please don't ask anymore questions. The deed is done already and I don't regret it. I really like Deji, he's a cool guy and last night was..." "Abeg make I hear word. Just don't get pregnant" she chuckled. "How has your day been as the new secretary" "It started out great before something horrible happened" she answered and I wondered what happened.

Hmm.

Wat happened

What the horible thing that happen

Continue please

OK

*Hotel Palava - Episode 18* Adesuwa's POV I walked into Mr Henry's office during break time. I told him I was going to find a place to eat the food we bought and he requested we had lunch together, in his office! I brought in the food. The first thing he did was to munch on the moimoi. "Seriously?" I asked, "What?" He asked smiling. "The first thing you did was to eat the moimoi" "I told you the other day, it's my favorite" he answered and I chuckled leaning on the table. "This tastes divine" he answered and I laughed. "At least it's better than what that lady cooks downstairs" "Now I know the difference" he answered and I laughed now comfortably sitting on the table. "Sorry" I stood up on realizing it . "It's okay, there's no way you could possibly eat comfortably without sitting on the table" he answered and I sat back. Suddenly I heard him laugh hard and I wondered why. "What?" "Sorry, it's nothing really" "Seriously? Please tell me, I'm feeling uncomfortable already" "I just remembered that day at the restaurant when you were playing dumb" he answered and I covered my eyes in shame. "Urgh!" I groaned. "I thought I was done with that chapter of my life" "I'm sorry, every now and then, when I think of it, I laugh" he answered and I joined in the laughter. "To think you were messing with me" I dipped a spoonful of rice into my mouth. "How about the other day at the pharmacy?" He asked and I coughed out the rice on the table. Then I continued coughing. Mr . Henry rushed to get me a glass of water from the water dispenser then he handed it to me and I drank it all. I looked at the rice that poured on the envelope and some files. Oily stain were on them. I felt bad. "I'm sorry about that" "No, I should be the one apologizing" He answered and I tried to dust it all to the ground. "It's okay" "No it's not" "Let's eat first, we'll clean it up later" "Why do I do everything wrongly?" I snapped and rolled my eyes. "And why do you linger on things even when i try to brush it off?" He asked and I scoffed. "Cause you should be angry. I'm satisfied in life when people get angry over everything I do. It's like the only way the world can be in balance" "So if I get angry, what do I gain?" "It's not you, I'm used to it. I'll just move on and feel like it's another day for me." "It was a mistake" "Why do you apologize? You're the boss, you're not supposed to apologize" "I'll tell you a little about myself" he paused and I sat on the table with keen interest. "I was born in London, i grew up there and when I got out of hands, I was moved here" "Got out of hands" I pointed out, I didn't really understand what he meant by it. "I had anger issues and bratty issues" "I was shipped back to Nigeria. I had the strictest mom in the world." He paused chuckling. The joy in his eyes, he must really love his mother, I thought to myself. "She tamed me, she and a whole lot of persons. I swore never to go back to that life. I try not to get angry easily, I try to let go of things. I try to find things to cool me off or make me happy." "I guess Emmy is pushing your buttons" "Not just her" he answered with a sigh. " That's why I'm the way I am, and just because I'm the boss doesn't mean I'll have to get angry and give crazy orders" he stood up plunging his hands in his pocket. "But that's what they all do" "This is the second time you're saying 'they' or using such connotation" he said moving close to me and I bowed my head. "Who are they?" He asked nudging my chin up and a woman walked in and I stood up from the table. "Mom" He called out and I scratched my hair. "So it's true then?" She scoffed, "You're frolicking with the maid" she turned towards me and Mr. Henry scoffed. "Whose feeding you with lies?" "Lies you call it huh?" She laughed as though it was amusing. "I came here to find out for myself and I just walked into you almost kissing a lady in your office!" "We weren't" I tried to explain, "Shut up!" She interrupted, "You'll only speak when spoken to" "Mom you're being ridiculous" "Ridiculous? You haven't seen ridiculous. Jummy has given me several reports and I've been quiet about it. Is she the dumb girl?" She pointed at me, "The one you didn't fire and the one you just made your secretary" "How did you find out about that?" "Don't ask me stupid questions son. I came here for one mission. And no baby I didn't come for you" she tapped her son's cheek. Then she slowly walked towards me. "I came for her" "I've heard a great deal about you" "Mam" "I didn't ask you to speak" she interrupted and I tightened my fist. I didn't want to react. Mr. Henry was there. I needed to stay cool. "So you're the tramp trying to seduce my son" "I'm not a tramp" "Mom don't call her a tramp" "I didn't seek for your consent. You're worse than a tramp! My son is engaged to be married and I never knew my son to be a kind of person that double dates but since I walked into the two of you, I have no option but to conclude" "Mom!" Henry sounded off and she chuckled. "Apparently you're too dumb to realize that my son has been taken already. Listen and listen good tramp. I hope you're not too deaf to do so. I know your type, trashy social climbers. You're going to leave the hotel right now, never to come back again" "No one is leaving" Henry maintained and I packed up the plate we used in eating. "Adesuwa" he called out and I turned to him. "Take the day off, we'll talk later" he added and I walked out of the office in shame. Henry's POV "Mom what did you just do?" I asked and mom shrugged. "I hope that tramp isn't coming back again" "Don't call her names" "Why?" "She's not a tramp" "She was trying to kiss you" "That was only a misunderstanding, what you saw there" "I know what I saw and I know tramps like her!" Mom yelled then she exhaled trying to put her act all together. "Trust me when I say this. This girl is bad news. I'm sure she's trying to charm you." "I'm not firing her" "Not even if I ask for it. Henry I ask this one thing of you" "You've asked for more than one thing mom, you asked that I go on a date with Jummy and I did. You asked that I date her and that I'm doing now but this request I can't submit to. I'm sorry" I apologized and she scoffed. "You would rather cheat on Jummy" she added and I shook my head. "I'm not cheating Mummy and Adesuwa is just a secretary" "From being the maid to the secretary. Oh how convenient Henry!" She yelled in anger and I wondered where the anger was coming from. "What next? She would be warming your bed" "I got to find out she has a university degree. Mom she's brilliant, if you get to know her" "Why would I want to know her?" "I don't even like her" I answered and she gazed at me with unbelief. "Mom this is crazy. You just embarrassed Adesuwa and I" "I came for two reasons, one of it being that Deji's parents are back in Lagos and they're staying at the hotel" "Why not Deji's house?" "I'm about to find out" Adesuwa's POV I was fuming after my encounter with Mrs. Babalola. I felt embarrassed. I was lucky to find Liliy inside the quarter. "Wow you look hot" she commented and tried to force a smile. "Thanks, how hustle?" I asked and she shrugged. "We dey push" she answered. "That reminds me, Felicia called last night, she wanted to know where you were. I told her you slept over at my place" "Thank you" she answered hugging me. "Don't thank me yet, where did you spend the night?" "Remember I went to babysit Deji's nephew and niece" "I don't remember cause you clearly didn't tell me" i snapped. "I'm sorry, it skipped my mind" she lied and I raised my nose in disbelief. "Are you sure or you didn't want me to stop you from going" "It was just for babysitting, I didn't intend spending the night there" "Just tell me you didn't sleep with him" she asked. From her reaction, I knew she did it. "It just happened" "You could have controlled it" "When we started kissing, I just lost all control. Babe I really like Deji" "At least tell me you had the decency to use a condom?" I asked. She obviously didn't use one. "There are diseases out there Lilian!" "I wasn't thinking okay, but I think I'm safe" "You're on pills?" "No. Please don't ask anymore questions. The deed is done already and I don't regret it. I really like Deji, he's a cool guy and last night was..." "Abeg make I hear word. Just don't get pregnant" i added and she smiled at me. "How has your day been as the new secretary" she asked and I rolled my eyes. "It started out great before something horrible happened" I answered. "What happened?" She asked and I told her everything. "This is really serious! Did she really say those things?" "I go con dey lie?" I snapped letting out a loud hiss. "As I dey so, I no know wetin to do." "You can't afford to quit the job now." "I don't want to have issues with the mother either" "She doesn't work here, I don't see why you're worried" "Why would she think that I'm trying to win Mr. Henry's heart. It's not as if I like him or like I would even kiss him" "So you won't kiss him even if you're being dared to" "I...I.." I stammered. "It's not as if that will ever happen but if I'm being dared to kiss him..." I stalled in thought. If I was dared to kiss Mr. Henry, would I or would I not? I thought. I definitely won't deny that he had such lovely lips but I didn't see it happening anytime soon. "Abeg what's all this topic about kissing Mr. Henry, let's change the topic jhoor!" "To what?" She asked and I shrugged thinking of the embarrassing situation then I groaned. "Today could have been perfect. I was having a nice time with Mr. Henry." I whispered and Lilian gave me a familiar look. "It's not what you think, I was getting to know him, maybe he's not like the rest. I don't know" I chuckled and Lilian joined in. Mummy B walked in on us then she hissed at me. "Asewo" she muttered and I scoffed. "Mummy B I don't remember sleeping with your husband. Oh wait...you don't have one" I retorted and Lilian laughed. "Asewo oshi" "I won't condone those insults, who deserves to be called a prostitute here? You have kids from different fathers. . I don't have any" "Because you don do abortion die!" She answered looking at Lilian. "You better go and clean up that water in room forty before I fire you. Awon asewo! (Prostitutes) Birds of same feathers" she hissed walking away. Lilian's POV Room forty was a upper suite for very important personalities. I knocked while holding my mop and a pail, when I heard a lady say "Come in" I walked in. There were two women inside. "Good afternoon Ma" I greeted the both of them and they both answered me. "Please it's the water that poured somewhere there" a woman said in Yoruba and I nodded. "You understand the language shea?" She asked and I smiled. "I do ma" "It's my husband that poured the water oh" "You don't have to explain to her" the other woman snapped rudely. "It's her job to clean" she added. "Ireti Babalola! You haven't changed have you?" She said and the other woman hissed. "Please help me clean it before someone would slip and fall. I don't want to attend anyone's burial yet" she added and I started mopping. "What brought you to Lagos?" "It's this squabble between Daddy Deji and Deji. He doesn't want to take over his father's company in Ekiti and he has refused picking our calls so we came to see him" "Where is Daddy Deji?" "He went out to see an old friend. He didn't even rest" "Have you called Deji?" The mean woman asked , "He called me after he saw my text that I was in Lagos. He's on his way as we speak" she answered and we heard a knock on the door. "Come in, it's not as if I'm naked. Even if I'm naked" The nice woman shouted and the person walked in. I couldn't believe my eyes, It was no other than Deji....my Deji

*Hotel Palava - Episode 19* Lilian's POV I was shocked to see him. I turned over to the lady who talked about her son Deji and it all made sense. I smiled at him. I noticed he threw his face away from me. What just happened? I thought to myself. For a while I was uneasy. Did he just Intentionally diss me? I felt hurt. "Good afternoon Ma" "Good afternoon Deji" the harsh woman replied. "Why didn't you guys tell me you were coming? I would have" "Gbenu dake!(Shut up!) " The woman answered, "You're not human oh, Deji you're very wicked. So the only time you can take me seriously is after I've sent you that text message" "I'm sorry I...." He paused looking at me and I packed up the mop, ready to leave. "Ma is there anything else I can do?" I asked and she shook her head. "No oh . Omo mi, thanks." She said, "As you can see, I'm trying to pieces my son" she answered and I chuckled faintly. "Mummy Deji! You don't owe her any explanation" the other woman answered. "Leave her, it's village life that's affecting her" Deji answered and her mom raised the nearest shoe throwing it at him and he dodged it. I also imagined throwing something so big on his head too. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to leave. I didn't go far, I was around the corner, monitoring when he would come out . He finally did. I noticed he was looking around for me so I walked over to him. "Hey" he said to me and I blinked back the tears that were about pouring out. "Hey" as though I was a complete stranger. "About what happened in there" he began, "Did you see me?" I asked, I was so disappointed that I could accept any reason that moment. "I did" he answered pulling me away from hearing distance. "You probably don't want anyone seeing us together right?" "Lillian you don't understand" "Understand what? That you're ashame of me or the work I do" "I never knew you were a maid" "You met me as a salesgirl" "You never told me you were a maid" "Well you never ask! Newsflash Deji, I work as a maid in this hotel" I answered crying. "It's..." He paused. "It's what?" I asked, "Embarrassing, you can't date a girl who works as a maid but you were willing to give it a shot as a sales girl." "It's not that" "Then what is it?" "You don't have to cry about this please just listen to me" he begged and I nodded ready to listen. "Lilian I like you, we've shared great times..." He paused. It sounded like a break up. "I wish mom didn''t seen you, then I call you a girlfriend but she has. What would they think of me if I become serious with a maid" "Don't speak again." I moved back. "How could I have been a fool to give myself cheaply to you" I continued, "Lilian" "Don't even interrupt me!" I shouted stretching my hands at him. "Listen and listen good Deji. I don't ever want to see you again. Delete my number from your phone, I'll act like you don't exist and you'll also act like I don't exist. Right now my heart is full of hate for you. Anyone who can't accept who I am isn't worth being with me. Good day!" I nailed walking away in tears. I bumped into Michelle. "Babe wetin do you?" She asked and I walked away. "Lily!" She shouted. Deji's POV After I dodged the shoe mom threw at me, Lilian left afterwards. I walked up to mom hugging her. "Why are you pretending? You don't even miss me" she snapped and I chuckled. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed her like hell. The only reason I don't visit is because of Dad. Mrs. Babalola left afterwards. "Where's your husband?" I asked Mom and she clapped her hands. "I don't know, he said he wants to meet some old friends. He didn't even rest oh" "I better leave then, not without seeing him please" "Mom I have things to do" "I don't know why you two are so stubborn. You took your stubbornness from your father. I want you two to sit down and talk about the way forward for the company" "Dad wants to impose his will on me and I'm not ready for his wahala." "Is it until he dies that you would? She asked and I wondered why she uttered that. "Is the old man okay?" I asked and she smiled. "Im not going to use sickness to make you change you mind but Deji" she paused, "You're wicked" she repeated once again and I bowed my head in shame. "You didn't call your step siblings? You didn't your parents. You're going to bring enemies your way faster than you can think" "Urgh! Mom you don't understand" "It's you that don't understand life, you think life is the way you're living it?" "What your point?" "Your step sisters deserve a little concern but you're just like your father. You don't care for them" "Why would I?" "Listen to yourself! Recently, last year sha, your little step-sister, Gbemi had an altercation with your father and your father has refused paying her university fees. The man is sturbborn and I've been paying the fees since then, the only thing their mother knows how to do is drink her life away" "I'll talk to her and find a way to help her" "You're still womanizing shea?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. How did we end up on this topic? "Other mothers would wake up and pray their sons into success, but I, Ariola Omojola would wake up and pray that God, don't let a woman's curse work on my son. Is that fair" "Ma'ami" "You too examine it now, is it fair?" "You haven't seen anything yet! The day that you'll jam a woman that even your mother's prayer cannot overshadow. That's when you'll repent" "Mom when the right times comes, I'll do the needful" "That's if I would be alive. I want to carry my grandchild and play with him, spoil him with all manner of things" she gestured as though carrying a baby. "I'll call him Ayomide" she smiled and I scoffed. "You haven't even seen a wife yet you're giving the child a name already" I complained. "Mom, I would like to meet Henry real fast, I'll be back" I said leaving the room. I looked around in search of Lilian. I felt bad for ignoring her. I needed to apologize. "Hey" I said to her. I didn't know why I started with 'Hey'. It sounded as though I was greeting a complete stranger. "About what happened in there" "Did you see me?" She asked, why wouldn't I? I thought within. Only a blind man will miss that smile. Suddenly I felt blind for missing that smile she gave to me. "I did" I answered pulling her away from hearing distance. "You probably don't want anyone seeing us together right?" "Lillian you don't understand" "Understand what? That you're ashame of me of the work I do" "I never knew you were a maid" "You met me as a salesgirl" She snapped. She had a point there! "You never told me you were a maid" "Well you never asked! Newsflash Deji, I work as a maid in this hotel" she answered now crying. "It's..." I paused, "It's what?" She asked, "Embarrassing, you can't date a girl who works as a maid but you were willing to give it a shot as a sales girl" " she added and I was just left speechless. "It's not that" "Then what is it?" She shouted, I was feeling hurt by her tears. "You don't have to cry about this please just listen to me" i begged and she nodded. "Lilian I like you, we've shared great times..." I paused, I just wish mom didn't see her. I would have made her quit the job and polish her the more. "I wish mom didn't seen you, then I can call you a girlfriend but mom has. What would they think of me if I become serious with a maid" "Don't speak again." She moved back. On second thought, I realized how that sounded. There was no nice way to put it. "How could I have been a fool to give myself cheaply to you" she asked and my heart sank. I didn't know why. I've never felt that way before. "Lilian" "Don't even interrupt me!" She shouted stretching her hands at me. "Listen and listen good Deji. I don't ever want to see you again. Delete my number from your phone, I'll act like you don't exist and you'll also act like I don't exist also. Right now my heart is full of hate for you. Anyone who can't accept who I am isn't worth being with me. Good day!" She concluded walking away in tears. I wanted to call her, but I didn't. I just couldn't move a muscle. I went into Henry's office. He didn't seem to be in a good mood either. "You won't believe what happened to me today" we both said in unison, after a while we laughed it off. Then he asked that I go first. "I finally made love with Lilian" I confessed and he shook his head. "I'm pretty sure she's among your conquest now" "She wasn't supposed to be... I actually did felt something for her okay? I felt like I could start something serious with her" "So what happened ? I noticed your use of past tense" "You won't believe what I found out today" "What?" "I found out she works as a maid in this hotel" I confessed and Henry shut his eyes. "Jesus, it was Liillan you met" he buried his head in his palm. "I didn't know" he added, "I wish I knew" "What would you have done?" "Stop her from getting involved with a jerk like you" "Henry abeg I no want insult, I'm feeling horrible as it is" "Lilian is a very sweet girl" "I know! I just didn't expect she would be a maid in this hotel." "Don't tell me you said that to her" "I did" "You're an idiot" "She was in the same room with mum cleaning up and I swear I didn't mean to ignore her. Mehn I felt horrible for it" I shut my eyes as the image flooded through my head. It kept playing on and on. "She was so angry with me, she broke it off. She said she didn't want to see me again" "She probably felt hurt" "My heart feels heavy" "Dee I think you should apologize, go after her. You definitely like her" "I can't date a maid" "Listen to yourself! Are you even listening to yourself? They're humans with flesh and blood" "I wish she didn't meet mom but she has and I just can't introduce her to the family. No way, it's impossible" "I hate you right now" Henry blurted and I scoffed. "I hate me right now" I pointed out, "What's your own dilemma?" He asked and Henry exhaled. "Mehn I think we're both having a shitty day" Adesuwa's POV Lilian stopped by at the house before her shift ended and I wondered why. She busted into tears the moment she walked into the house and I was left confused. "Are you okay?" I asked and she fell on the chair sobbing. "Lilian you're scaring me, what happened?" "I saw him at the hotel today" she answered and I summed it up that she caught her boyfriend cheating. "He was cheating shea?" "No" she sobbed, "He was with his parents and he didn't acknowledge me. He was ashame of my job" "He's an idiot! God will punish him wherever he is" "I broke up with him" "I'm sorry" "It hurts Adesuwa, my heart" she touched her chest and I feared she would have an heart attack that moment. I touched her and I realized she was already burning up. I knew I had to call her sister. "See as your body take hot" Henry's POV I called Adesuwa severally after work hours but she refused picking my calls, I was worried so I drove over to her house. I sent a boy to call her out and he did. She showed up afterwards with a singlet on, it was dark, I couldn't detect the color. She had a shorts on. She scratched her eyes severally, I guess she was sleeping. "Good evening Sir" she greeted, "Why are you here?" "I called you severally you didn't pick up" "I haven't even looked at my phone since I called Felicia" she muttered, "I'm sorry Sir, I had an emergency" "What kind? I hope it's not serious" "Lilian stopped by and she was burning up so I had to call her sister. She owns the pharmacy we went to the other day" "Oh" "Yes" Immediately I blamed Deji for it. She must have been really hurt. "Was she sick?" "No. Lilian was fine not until..." She stalled, "Until what." "An idiot tampered with her heart. She met this player who played her and now it's over and you know girls, we can be overly emotionally attached to every relationship. I wonder why God created us that way." I sighed. I didn't know whether to tell her that I knew about the break up and it was Deji who was responsible for it. "I wanted to talk to her too. I wanted to apologize to her about what Deji did to her" I chipped in and Adesuwa scoffed. Then she pulled back. "So the idiot in question is your friend. Probably the rude idiot I met in your office" "Adesuwa" "Oh please Sir. He's an idiot and I make no apologies for it" she leaned on my car and she buried her head on it. I heard her sniff. "I wish I knew" she raised her head. "I don't ever want to see him. I don't think that will be possible cause I work at the hotel and he's your best friend." She scoffed. "Right now there are a lot of persons I don't want to meet" "My mom inclusive" I added and she sighed. "I'm sorry about what happened" I apologized and she leaned on the car so did I. "I don't know who's feeding her with those lies and I'm sorry she called you a tramp" "I told you already, I'm used to it. I'm used to having bad days and used to people pointing accusing fingers at me" she answered. "Why would she even assume we were about kissing?" "I don't know why?" "You're my boss, I'll never kiss you. You're not someone I'll kiss." She paused then she shut her eyes. "Not like I won't kiss you if the chance arises or like it's a bad thing to kiss you or you're not kissable. It's just" "I get it. There's a that thin line between a boss and his employee that must be respected" I explained and she agreed. "That's exactly what I meant" she answered then we busted into laughter. "Should I be expecting you to resume work tomorrow?" I asked and she nodded. "The documents are ready, can I get the chef's number? I would like to have a chat with him tomorrow" "Sure" she answered and I groaned. "You must be exhausted" "Exhausted is an understatement... All I need is some form of peace" "You can go have your rest. There's nothing a good sleep won't do" "Not when you have your mom and your girlfriend at your neck" I answered. "If I'm the cause of the problem..." "You're not...it's..." I paused, "It's..." "I hate to sound disrespectful Sir, but you're a grown up man. You don't need people to tell you what to do and what not. You have the right to make your own decisions and stick to it" "Easier said than done." "You shouldn't let others toss you left and right with their own opinion of what is right or wrong. You have your heart to help you with that" "My heart is divided. I don't know what to do. I'm scared of making mistakes and disappointing a whole lot of persons and I did it today" "What did you do" "I went against mom. I've never done that in my life. She wanted me to fire you but I declined." I turned over to her. "Why is she that way?" "Mom is the sweetest woman if she wants to be. She can be strict too. You just met her at a bad time." "And I'll keep on meeting her that way cause I just managed to make myself her enemy" she snapped and I chuckled. "You sound like a loyalist" she added and I smiled. Suddenly i remembered an old Yoruba ode to mothers. "Iya ni wura Baba ni jigi (Mother just gold, the father is the silver)" I sang the first note. "Have you heard of it?" "Yes" she nodded. "It really doesn't change the fact you're still a momma's boy" she added and I laughed this time. "Do you mind having dinner with me?" I asked, "I haven't had anything since lunch and I barely had lunch. I'm seriously famished" "There's nothing edible at home now. . But we could get roadside yam" "Yam for breakfast and yam for dinner. Just shoot me already" I muttered and she laughed. "What's at home? I'll manage anything" "There's left over stew from yesterday. Do you do left overs?" She asked and I smiled. "A begger has no choice" "You have a choice to eat out in any expensive restaurant of your choice" "I don't want to eat alone" **** Adesuwa invited me into her home for dinner. I had rice and stew before leaving her house. Even If didn't want to leave, I had no choice. When I got back to the hotel, I had Jummy nag me about coming in late. "Where are you coming from? I heard you left ever since" "I went to have dinner" "If you were at the restaurant, I would have found out" "Jummy please, not this night" I begged. "I really don't want to have any arguments with you" I took off my shirt and trousers. "So I guess you won't want to talk about why you made her the secretary then" she added and I shook my head. "You have no idea how shocked I was when Emmy told me this morning" "So you had to tell Mom" "Since you only listen to her. Have you fired her?" She asked and I shook my head. "I'm not firing anyone" "Henry" "Please not tonight, I already said it already. I really don't want any arguments" I answered entering into the bathroom. "Okay fine!" I heard her voice draw near. "Can we at least talk about moving to another place apart from the hotel? I can't keep on coming to the hotel. Let's get a place of our own" she suggested and turned on the shower. I rather hear the sound of rushing waters that moment than hear Jummy complain once again.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 20* Tosin's POV Taye and Kehinde didn't go to school, I had plans to go see Henry. I called him before I arrived. When I got to his office, I saw a beautiful lady in front. "Morning pretty" I said and she smiled at me. "Good morning" she answered looking at the twins. "You must be Mr . Henry's sister" "Yes I am" "How are you Ma?" She asked and I smiled. "I'm fine and you?" "I'm fine Ma. How's your husband?" She added and I almost laughed. "He's fine" i answered and my twins turned over to me in shock. "I hope Henry is in" "Yes Ma'am" "Please drop all those formalities. Call me Tosin" i smiled and she chuckled. I walked in the office with the twins questioning me about my so called husband. "It was a little lie" "But Mommy you said it's not good to lie" Kehinde noted and I laughed. "What did you do this time again?" Henry asked rising up and I laughed. The twins rushed to hug him. "Your secretary asked me how my husband was and I told her he's fine. These two talkatives will not allow me rest on the matter." "Mommy lied" Kehinde reported to Henry. "Liars will go to hell fire," she held strongly and Taye busted into tears . "I don't want Mommy to go to hell fire" then she hugged me. "She's always so emotional" I complained placing my phone on the table and Henry laughed. "I met your secretary" "Adesuwa" "Adesuwa?" I asked, the name sounded familiar. Then it hit me! "Wait...when the Adesuwa become your secretary" "Yesterday" "You're a horrible brother and you couldn't even tell me!" "I'm sorry." "She cleans up nice. She looks really pretty" "I've been having headache from Jummy and mom because of her" "What does mom have to do with this?" "You won't believe what happened yesterday. Mom came here making a scene. She saw Adesuwa and I together and she thought we were going to kiss." "She demanded I fire Adesuwa" "And she's still here? The Henry I knew would have done all in his power to obey his mom's wishes." "She still your mom you know" "Can you believe mom came to my house to threaten me. She said she'll take" I paused whispering to him. "She said she's going to take my kids away from me" "She's bluffing" "That woman is capable of the worst!" "I don't think so" *** On my way out, Taye complained about forgetting her wrist watch. "You're always forgetting something" I snapped then I realized I've forgotten my phone too. I dare not say anything. The kids would use it against me. "I'm going to uncle's office. In the name of God, stay in the lobby and don't move a muscle till i come back. Capiche?" I asked and they both nodded. I came down a while after to find out my kids weren't at the lobby anymore. Adesuwa's POV Listening to Mr. Henry complain about his girlfriend and mother that night, I felt bad for him. I felt bad that he had to be stucked with two strong-headed women. He probably didn't have anyone to give him the soothing words he needed. I felt better when I made him laugh. I never knew I still had that soft side in me. I thought Odion destroyed it. After he left the house, my aunty said something that bothered me at night. "You don dey date your Oga ni?" She asked and I told her I wasn't dating him. "Besides he's already with someone" I added and she sank in thought. "Ade no vex oh, but as expert for cheating matter, you supposed know say i sabi men very well." She assumed and I nodded. "Those kind of men naim we dey call easy to catch. The only thing wey fit drag man come to commot for him house come girl house we no be him girlfriend na frustration" She paused. "I mean serious frustration. Men like this easily fall in love depending on how you play your cards" "I'm not playing towards making him fall for me" "Well if you no play, just commot hand for the matter, if the person wey pursue am commot for house na mad person. You have to be careful or else them go wound you" she was definitely speaking out of experience. I didn't want the situation Aunty Maggie painted in my head happening. Was I making Mr. Henry fall for me by being close to him? I wasn't so free around him the next day at work. I tried not to over smile or joke about things and events. The only time I smiled was when Mr. Henry's sister and Fatai stopped by. Mr. Henry requested my presence in the office. We quietly watched Fatai read the agreement, "This is really tempting" he sighed and I wondered if he was going to accept the deal or not. "But?" I asked him and he grunted. "Urgh! My customers at Rashidi Bello street. What would I do about them?" "That's where the benefits comes in for the hotel. You're free to still keep your business running with other personnels but you're to run the kitchen affairs in May hotel. People who wants to eat something from you would have to come to the hotel" I explained and he groaned. "Fatai we're not forcing you to do what you don't want to do. You have every right to be to reject the offer" Henry said humbly. "Fatai you have every right but you have to think of this very well. The figures on that thing is worth more than your gain in a month." "I'm loyal to my customers" "See it as widening your horizons" "I'll have to let mom know first" Fatai's POV It was a tempting offer, Mr. Henry and Adesuwa brought to the table. I was going to be making more than twice my profit in a month. I wasn't sure whether to take it. I cared too much about my customer. If I was going to make any decision, I thought I should let mom know. As I walked through stairs, I heard someone crying, it sounded like a voice of a child. I followed it and i saw a little girl crying and knocking on a door. "Hey" I said to her. "What's wrong?" I asked her and she pointed at the door. "Who's in there?" "My sister, the man pushed her inside" she answered. "How old is this your sister?" I asked and she sobbed. "We're the same age" she answered and I started banging at the door. "Open the door this instant!" I shouted. "I swear to God if you hurt that girl, you'll spend your life time in jail" I knocked again. I was in panick, I didn't know what to do. I sighted a fire extinguisher and I thought of what I could do with it. I've seen where it's been used in movies to break knobs. I took it off and I crossed my fingers that it worked. After three trials, the knob broke and I managed to push the door open. Guests had already shown up to watch the show. I entered the room where I found the little girl in bed. She didn't move, she must have been knocked out of consciousness. A man that should be in his late thirties was on his knees close to the bed. "I haven't even done anything to her. Please don't call the police" he begged and I held him up giving him a punch on the face and he fell. "Kehinde!" The girl called out shaking her sister and I raised the man looking at his face one more then I punch him again. "You're going to jail" I held him down. A lady walked in afterwards. "I demand to know what's going on here" she asked. "Someone should call security or call the manager and get that child help" "Please, I'm the assistant manager, what's going on?" "This thing here?" I gazed at the man in irritation. I hated pedophiles, they're the worst! "Tried to rape this little girl" She immediately moved towards the girl carrying her out and her sister followed. Suddenly I heard someone making a rukus outside, probably the mother. *** I saw Mr Henry walk towards me making a call then he hung up. "Hey" he muttered. "I'm sorry about this" i apologized. "Sorry for what?" "The troubles" "You just saved a girl's life. You saved my niece's life" "Are you serious? Why did the mother allow them walk around the hotel without supervision?" "She left them at the lobby" he answered. "They're not the most obedient kids" he picked up an incoming call. "Mom not now" he added then he hung up. "I'm glad you came in today" Suddenly two policemen walked up to us. "Mr. Henry" one of them cleared his throat. "We just came to inform you that, erm.. the man we arrested just managed to escape" the police announced and I raised my brow in shock. "Are you guys being serious right now?" I asked, "How is it possible that a lazy person like that, a man that cannot even defend himself just bypass you guys that way" "What are you insinuating?" The other policeman asked and I moved close to him. "You two know very well what I'm insinuating" I answered and Mr. Henry pulled me back. "Are you talking to an officer of the law like that?" "I've always said this and I'll still maintain this that you guys are the real criminals" I snapped and Mr. Henry apologized then pulled me away. "Are you trying to get yourself arrested?" "Can you believe that guy paid himself out? That pedophile is out there now probably looking for another kid to scar for life" "Just let it go" he added and I sighed. "How's your niece?" "She's at the hospital" "I would really love to see her" "I'll give you an address. I don't know if Tosin would be thrilled right now to see any stranger " he answered and i boarded a keke over to a private clinic. I walked into a room where I found a lady laughing with her two kids. They were watching something on an iPad. They seemed engrossed in whatever they were doing. I knocked on the door and the Lady frown at me. I totally understood why she frowned. "Who are you?" She asked and the little girl pointed at me. "Mommy he's the one who broke the door" she answered and I waved at her. She waved back. Their mother stood up walking towards me. "Thanks for saving my little girl" she began and I shrugged. "It was the only logical thing I could do. Besides I hate pedophiles, when I saw her knocking I knew there was something wrong" "I just" she paused in tears. "I don't know what could have happened if you didn't show up" "Nothing happened. We have to be grateful to God that nothing horrible happened" "I would have hated myself" she cried cleaning her tears with her hands, then I handed an handkerchief to her and she stared at it as though it was unclean. "It's not dirty and I've not really used it today. I know I'm a stranger but you don't have to worry about disappearing too, I'm not diabolic" I answered and she chuckled in the midst of her tears then she collected the handkerchief cleaning the tears. "I'm sorry I'm acting silly" "Any mother would cry. It's totally understandable, especially when you were careless with them" I blamed and she scoffed. "I left them at the lobby" "With complete strangers. Mam the lobby isn't really a church, even kids are not too safe in churches. What's your excuse?" "They don't listen, they're in this mess because they didn't listen to me. They never listen. You don't know my twins, they're so stubborn" she argued, her voice was breaking already. "People are going to look at me that way right? Like I'm a careless mother who doesn't care about the well-being of her kids but I do. I love my kids" "No one is judging you" "You're judging me, it's in your eyes! The nurses are even giving me the judgy eyes" "I'm sorry" I apologized. "I'm really sorry, I have no right to say what I just did. I'm just really pissed off at that animal" I answered looking at the girls. "How's she?" I asked and she shrugged. "She'll be fine. . Kehinde is stronger than Taye. I'm glad this didn't happen to Taye she would have broken down" she answered. "The doctor said she needs to be spoken to" she added and I gave it a thought. "That sounds like therapy, but at this age?" "She's lucky she has a guidance counselor as a mother. I'll do it" She answered forcing a smile. "What are you supposed to do?" "Tell her the truth that people like that exists and she needs to be very careful." She paused in tears. I knew it was going to be very difficult subjecting a child to such at that age. "That's going to be very difficult" "She's curious, she'll want to know why the man dragged her in, they'll both want to know. I have no choice" she answered and I looked over at her once again. "She has a strong sister too. She's a hero" I added and she immediately busted into tears hugging me and I slowly patted her. Meanwhile I looked around for her husband. I didn't want to get punched for hugging another man's wife. "I'm sorry" I pulled back. "Your husband must be on his way. I don't want to get blamed for...." I stalled, "Good bye Ma'am" I said then I waved at the girls. Only one of them waved back. I guess Taye did. To be continued...

My dear @fb-atermarial i ve nt bn following dis story, anyway cos of u i "ll try, thanks.

I think fatai is gonna fall in loff with Henry sis

Palava everywhere...

Deji you don't know what you want

Fatai nd Tosin Henry nd Adesuwa

@henrymary you don't add deji and Lillian......

Dis one DAT u ve started hugging yourselves,u it's OK I don't want to jump into any conclusion sha!!!

@henrymary the match maker. Ride on

Adesuwa aunty is right about one thing for the first time in her life

@Harzaroboy demi doesn't not know what he like...

*Hotel Palava - Episode 21* Henry's POV I woke up in a good mood. Jummy had already left; that added to my happiness. I couldn't wait to go to the office. I was excited. I just didn't know why. I noticed a slight difference in Adesuwa, she acted differently and she barely smiled. We barely spoke too. She cuts me off whenever I try to bring up a conversation . I knew immediately that she was trying to avoid me. I had to let her be. **** Tosin stopped by with her twins. After she left the office, she came back because Taye had forgotten her wrist watch and she also forgot her phone on my desk. Shortly after she left I received a call from Tosin that took me off balance. "Henry have you seen my kids?" She asked and I laughed. "Are you joking right now. You left them at the lobby right?" "They're no longer here." "Check very well" "I have, I even thought they were playing a prank on me now it looks really serious" "Ask the receptionist" "I just did! She said she didn't notice. Henry I'm panicking" "Calm down Tosin, I'll be with you shortly" I answered then I walked out of the office and I found Adesuwa looking at her nails, I guess she was bored. She glanced at me, "Is there anything I should help you do?" She asked and I shook my head. "Are you going out?" She asked, this was followed by a violent sound as though someone was pounding on the wall or door. "What's that?" She asked and I told her to stay still till I got back. ***** I saw some guest gathering with Mrs. Haruna holding a child, Taye was crying beside her . I knew something had gone wrong. So I quickened my step. Tosin came through the other direction, she screamed at the sight of her daughter. "What happened to her?" "Someone tried to r*pe her" "Who?" We both asked, "He's in there, a guy is currently holding him down" she answered and Tosin attempted to charge into the room but Mrs. Haruna advised Tosin take Kehinde to the hospital and she agreed. I walked into the room where i found Fatai pressing the guy to the floor. He turned back looking at me. "Where are the securities?" He asked, "I don't know if they've been called." I answered and Fatai raised him up by neck. "I have money, I can pay you. Just name your price" the man proposed, "You better save your filthy money" I glared at the pervert right in front of me.I just wanted to punch him that moment. It took a lot to control my anger. I didn't want to lose it. "It was the devil" he added and I scoffed now calling for security. The police came afterwards and had him arrested. Even though they claimed to have lost him afterwards. Adesuwa's POV I felt useless just waiting to get some form of gist after Mr. Henry left to deal with the situation about his niece. I tapped my fingers on the desk waiting for someone to come my way. Sitting here ruined it all for me. When I was working as a maid, I would have had a full load down of what had just occurred. The phone line rang and I picked it up. "May hotel, please who am I speaking to?" I asked and the caller ranted in hausa. "I'm sorry, please who am I speaking to again" "I wasn't talking to you. Please I would like to see the manager" "What's your name and what time would be convenient for you?" I brought out a pen, "My name is Ibrahim, Tell Henry it's Ibro" "No surnames?" I asked and he laughed. "Ibrahim Hassan" "Your voice sounds beautiful, what's your name?" He asked and I rolled my eyes. "Adesuwa" "That sounds beautiful, Edo state shea? Where in Edo, I travel a lot" "I'm sorry Sir, this isn't business related" "A little pleasure mixed with business will not hurt anyone would it? Why are you being too serious Adesuwa?" I shut my eyes. Men are the worst! I didn't want to be rude. "I'll deliver your message to Mr Henry" "I haven't even dropped a message" "Please do Sir, I have a lot of things to attend to" I heard the man laugh. "Tell him his friend Ibro is in Lagos and I'll stop by sometime next week" "Why can't you call him through his phone line if you're a friend" "I misplaced his number but I heard he's in town and he's running the hotel. I dug this number from the hotel site. Unless you would give it to me" "No Sir, have a nice day Sir" I answered and he laughed. "You too Adesuwa" he answered then hung up. "What kind of person is this one?" I snapped then I saw Michelle walk up to me. I was so happy, Gist alas! "Madam" she began and I wondered why she would begin with 'Madam'. "Wetin dey bite your yansh" I asked and she quietly looked at me for a while. "You guys just forgot about me, una no even send me again" "As as how?" "Because say no don blow small and Lilian con get one boyfriend, una leave me" "Babe why you dey talk like this?" I asked, "It hasn't been up to a week yet oh" "When last did you guys speak to me?" "Babe I've been dealing with stuffs" "I didn't come for that sha, not like I'm concerned." He eyes immediately fell on my phone. "Who get phone?" She asked, holding my phone and I smiled. "Na me" "How much be your pay? Wow your levels don change oh" "That was a gift" I answered and she dropped the phone. "People are saying things Adesuwa. I hope they're not true" "Michelle, you're my friend and you know me, I can't sleep with the Manager to have this job or the phone" "Well your own better" she answered and I sighted Mr. Henry coming. I haven't even dived into the topic of interest yet. "Gossiping on duty?" He asked and I shook my head. "No Sir" "Manager good afternoon" Michelle greeted. "Good afternoon Michelle" he answered then he walked into the office. "I better go" she left and I walked into the office. "Sir, someone by the name of Ibrahim Hassan called," I paused and he chuckled. "Ibro" he chipped in, "Who told him that I'm the manager?" He asked as though I was supposed to answer the question. "What did the clown want?" "He said he's in Lagos but he will be coming in sometime next week. He wasn't really specific" "Okay" he answered and I scratched my hair. "Sir what happened a while ago?" He asked and he raised a brow at me. "You've been quiet all morning and now you decide to talk to me" "That's ... that's a lie" I stammered and he chuckled. "I talked to you when we were discussing with Fatai" "You talked to Fatai not me, there's a big difference. Adesuwa I noticed so you can drop the act now" he proposed and I shut my eyes in shame. I didn't think it was going to be that obvious. "I'm sorry" "I'm not going to ask why you acted the way you did" he glanced through some documents. "Didn't Michelle give you a load down of what happened?" "We weren't gossiping" "Okay. Some guy tried to r*pe my niece but Fatai showed up just in time. He has been arrested though" he answered and I sighed. "Thank God" "The police lost him afterwards" he added and I scoffed. "Or they made him escape" I replied and he shrugged. "Who knows?" "Those kinds of people deserve jungle justice" "i never been a fan of lighting humans on fire" "That little child could have been r*ped if not for Fatai, do you know what r*pe does an individual? It kills you, it destroys your will to move on....it" I paused exhaling. I was already getting personal. I paused in order to block all bad energies out! "Tell me that pedophile does not deserve one litre of kerosene poured on him and a tyres put around his neck and a matches lit on him?" I paused again. There was a brief silence. "So much hate" he broke the silence and I blinked my eyes. "I know how it sounds but this world doesn't deserve to have some people living in it." "I'm glad she was saved" "How is she?" I asked, "She'll be better." "And how are you coping with what happened?" "It's scary to think that .." he stalled. "When I saw the man, I almost lost it. I swear to God that I was just one step away from giving him a punch. I just had to restrain myself" "You could have punched him. You would have felt better" I advised and he laughed. "I'm serious" I added with a smile. "That's your first smile since this morning" he noted and I felt awkward. Why would he take notice of when i smile and when I don't? "I better leave before people would start making assumptions that I'm having quickies with the Boss" I turned my back to leave when he said, "Is that why you've been acting weird all morning?" He asked and I rolled my eyes. Then I turned to him. "I don't want to make it look like there's something going on between us or i'm leading you on" "What gave you that idea?" He asked and I laughed nervously. "I don't know" I answered, "I'm sorry Sir" "It's okay" he answered. "How would the husband take the news about his daughter? The man would be so angry" I said trying to change the topic and he laughed. "Tosin told me you asked about her husband" "Yes I did. It's only imperative that I ask." "Tosin's a single mom." "Divorced?" "She has never been married" he answered and I covered my face in shame. "Oh my God! That's really embarrassing" I sat on the chair and he chuckled. "It's really not that bad" he answered and I glared at him. "Okay may be it was a bit embarrassing" he laughed and I joined in. I felt bad. "I better leave" I stood up and he gave a slight nod. **** Mrs. Haruna stopped by at my office during the day. I heard her laugh as she approached me. "What's funny Ma?" I asked, "The sight of you sitting here" she answered and I chuckled. "I'm bored" "So you'd rather clean up after people's mess?" "Not exactly. I miss the gist" "You mean gossip?" She snapped and I laughed. "I heard about Lilian, how's she?" "I called her in the morning. She said she's fine, she finally took malaria drugs" "I'll see if I'll be chanced to see her" "Okay Ma. . Do you want to see the manager?" I picked up the phone, "No, I came so I can have a little chat with you" she whispered looking at Mr Henry's door. I knew it was secretive so I dropped the phone. "I heard about what Mrs. Babalola did to you" "How?" "People are talking about it" News spreads faster than wild girenin the hotel. Most times I wonder if people had nothing to talk on than to make me their topic of interest. "I swear to God Ma, I wasn't kissing the manager" "And I believe you. You know that I'll always believe you but Adesuwa you have to be more careful. Look around the hotel, you have more enemies than just mummy B." She paused, "That rude brat Emmy, Mr. Henry's girlfriend and now the mom" she listed and sighed. "It's not my fault. You know how things have always been" "That's why I'm telling you to be careful of what you eat or drink. You have to be alert" "You don't think I can be poisoned, that's far-fetched" "Hell has no fury like a woman's scorn, we're dealing with powerful women here. A jealous woman can do whatever to achieve her aim. You have to remember that"

*Hotel Palava - Episode 22* Lilian's POV Despite Felicia's advise that I take a malaria test before taking my drugs, i took a malaria drug I found at home. Felecia didn't open the pharmacy the next day, she was obviously worried about me. I couldn't help it, whenever thoughts of Deji crossed my mind, I would cry tirelessly. Felicia walked into me crying that afternoon. "Are you Okay?" She asked and I nodded. "The way you're crying is more than just malaria . I'm your big sister Lilian, you should talk to me" "I'm okay Felicia, it's the cold that's affecting me. I told you it's malaria" "I don't usually advise medication without test. If your self medication doesn't work, you'll have no idea buy to go for a test." "Deal" I answered and she smiled. "Bright is watching cartoons. I've been laughing, I know how much you love to watch with him whenever you're free. It could help you smile" "You don't have to worry about me" "It's my responsibility Sis. That reminds me, I made chicken pepper soup and rice if you want" she announced leaving and I smiled. She had me there, I stood up weakly then I walked into Bright watching pj mask. It only reminded me of the first day Deji and I met. I wasn't ready to let it put me off lunch . "This one that were eating chicken peppersoup because aunty Lilian Is sick, let her be sick everytime" He said I laughed. He immediately turned his gaze at me. He didn't realize I was there. "I was just joking" he added and we all laughed. I finally had something to laugh about. Fatai's POV I had a discussion with mom just before we closed the shop. I told her about the proposal and how my day went. I wanted her opinion on whether to accept it or not. She agreed to the idea. She told me she always knew I would go beyond just Rashidi Bello street. Afterwards she gave me her blessings. I gave Mr Henry a call to give him the good news. The next day I set off to the hotel where I signed the agreement. Henry's POV I had Chef Denise relieved of her position as the head chef but she chose to quit instead. She didn't see herself being under anyone. "You'll regret letting me go!" She threatened and Adesuwa laughed. "You this Asewo, what are you laughing at?" She snapped. "No insults" I yelled and I watched Adesuwa chuckle. "Sir no one cooks better than me" she yelled and Adesuwa laughed again. "Sorry Ma, but if you call what you do cooking, you haven't even started yet" she snapped and I shook my head at her. "You're making things worse" I added looking at the Chef. "I'll give you your severance package." "You'll call me back, I bet you will" she walked away and Adesuwa laughed out loud. This time she laid her head on the desk hitting the table continuously. "Adesuwa" "I'm sorry Sir" she apologized pointing at her. Then she closed her mouth still laughing. "I'm sorry, I'm trying not to laugh" she paused and I chuckled. Her laughter was infectious. **** Fatai resumed work the next week, so did Lilian. The comments from guests were better. People trooped into the hotel specifically to see him. The annoying turn out of the week was when Ibrahim visited me. It was on a Thursday. "Mehn your secretary is damn hot" he began the moment he walked in. "Good afternoon to you too" I answered and he laughed. "But seriously, is she single? Cause I obviously didn't see any ring in her hands" "She's my secretary, why would I know whether she's single or not" "I'll really love to date her" "Seriously Ibro?" "What? She's hot. I fell in love with her voice the moment I heard it. Just seeing her, damn, it's love at first sight" "And what would you call the one with your two wives" "The first one was dad's choice, the second one was because she I got her pregnant. If I get married to this one, I'll just make her my real first wife and the rest my concubines" "Seriously Ibrahim" "I'm damn serious. She's really hot." He answered taking his seat and Adesuwa walked in. "Is there anything you want Sir?" She asked and Ibrahim bit his lower lip. "No Adesuwa" "Speak for yourself Henry. I want anything served by her, I'll have anything you can think of" "Like?" "Anything" "Since you two don't need anything, I'll just go back" she answered "I need some..." Before he could finish, Adesuwa had left the office. It was intentional. I laughed. "God look at those ass" "What ass?" "Don't tell me you haven't noticed those gorgeous ass" "Are we seriously talking about my secretary's ass here like it's a topic" "That thing is a not just a topic, it's a headline. That ass can attract blessings. I'm moved to bless that girl's life" "Ibrahim" "Did you notice the shape? Look at those hour Glass shape and that complexion. She's like a model from a beauty shop. This girl is pretty" he commented and I hissed within. I was beginning to get irritated. "You obviously didn't come to discuss about my secretary did you?" "I didn't. I came to see you. It's been a while you know? Since I misplaced your number home and abroad. I've tried to reach you. There were times I met Tosin but you know her now, she refused giving me your number as though i want to borrow money from you" "Everyone knows you're a clown. How are your wives and kids?" I asked and he laughed. "They're fine, Haleefat is still barren, Shereefat on the other hand is very much pregnant. We're planning to drop the third. Adesuwa would drop the fourth" "Ibrahim" "Do you think she would be fertile enough?" "Can we not talk about this?" "What?" He asked, "Abi you sef join..." He stalled and I scoffed a bit insulted. I knew what he was implying. "She's my secretary" "When has that ever stopped anyone?" "Are you okay?" "I'm serious Henry, when has that ever stopped the flesh. Body no be firewood" "I'm with Jummy" "But you like her" "Don't say rubbish Ibro, Adesuwa is just a secretary and an adviser" i answered and he laughed. "I'm serious" i added. "She's sometimes acts as a friend too, she's a friend when you need one to talk to, she's multi-talented" I paused in thought and he laughed again. "So you were saying...?" He asked and I laughed shaking my head. "I don't like her" "So I can have my way if luck shines on me" "Why are you asking me as though you need some sort of permission." "I'm respecting the bro code" "As long as you tell her the truth and you don't hurt her. You're free to do as you wish" "Are you sure?" He asked and I hissed. "Let's have lunch" I suggested and Ibrahim agreed. While we were leaving he suggested that Adesuwa joined in. During lunch Ibrahim stole all of Adesuwa's attention. I didn't know why I felt bothered by it. "What do you think about a date tonight with me?" He asked and Adesuwa turned towards me. "I think he just asked you out" she answered and I laughed. "I see, she's trying to be funny" Ibrahim answered and she scoffed. "You do know that the question was directed to you" "What happened to your other wives?" She asked and I wondered how she knew? Perhaps they've been talking for a while. "I already told you. I want to make you my official first wife" "Official first wife?" Adesuwa scoffed, "Oh wait, that's a thing now?" "Seriously? Who broke your heart?" "I'm not ready to be a man's play thing so..." She paused staring at me. "You men are dangerous" "But I came out straight about having two wives" "It doesn't guarantee shit" she paused. "Well I like you Adesuwa and I would really love a date with you." "I can't.." she stalled, "I don't do dates" she answered. "Just a friendly date. It would be here at this restaurant, I promise not to do anything you don't want to do" he proposed. "Can we avoid this topic?" She asked and continued chewing on my fried rice. "Henry can vouch for me. I promise not to do anything silly" I coughed choking on the rice. I dragged a glass of water drinking it. "Don't drag me into this Ibrahim" I answered and I saw Adesuwa give me a look as though she wanted my approval. "I'll go if Mr. Henry agrees" she added and I hissed within. I didn't know why she had to drag me into it. "Should I go?" She asked and I turned over to Ibrahim and then back at Adesuwa. "Tell him she'll be safe with me. I'm not the kind to do crazy things to people" He was right about that. The Ibrahim I knew have always been honest and straight forward. "He's not wrong" i answered clearing my throat. "I take that as a yes then" "Yes" I cleared my throat and i heard Ibrahim laugh. "Fine" she turned to him. "You have yourself a date" Adesuwa's POV I resumed work on Thursday in a chiffon lemon shirt tucked in a black trousers. Aunt Maggie thought I was becoming over-conscious of the way I look. It made me feel uncomfortable. Not like I was doing it to draw any attention I thought to myself when I was in the bus. A man stopped by later, I watched him approach me with a wide grin on his face. I wondered why he was grinning. "Hello pretty" he said and I nodded. "Good morning, can I help you?" I asked and he smiled. "My name is Ibrahim Hassan if you still remember" I almost hissed. Of course I remembered him clearly. "I'll let Mr Henry know" I raised the phone up. "Wait, I would like to get to know you first" "Pardon?" "Give me a minute" he requested and I agreed. "You're really pretty and I like you" "Sir" "I'm taken by your beauty." "Thank you" "My name is Ibrahim Hassan, I'm a Moslem with two wives and I'm not kidding about that" "Seriously?" "But I'm willing to get somewhere with you. What do you think?" he asked and I rolled my eyes. What nerve! "I'm as real as can be baby, just say yes and you'd be married to be my millions" "That sounds convenient, to be married to your millions and not you" I said and he laughed. "To me and my money. I mean I would like you to be the mother of my children" "Is this how you got married to the first two wives?" I asked and he shook his head. "It was a lot easier, all it took was an arranged marriage for the first and the second got knocked up" "Do you want to see Mr Henry or not" "Are you offended already?" He asked and I put a call through to Mr Henry. Shortly after he entered into the office, I walked in to find out if they needed anything. Ibrahim's eyes were all over me. ** When Mr. Henry and Ibrahim came out of the office, they told me they were going out to have lunch, I was Invited by Ibrahim to tag along but I declined. He pleaded and I finally agreed. He had nerves. He didn't even care if Mr. Henry was there, the poured out every rubbish he had in mind. He asked me out on a date but I told him off, I wasn't ready to be a man's play thing. "You men are dangerous" I buttressed. "But I came out straight about having two wives" "It doesn't guarantee shit" i answered. "Well I like you Adesuwa and I would really love a date with you." "I can't.." i paused, "I don't do dates" i added. "Just a friendly date. It would be here at this restaurant, I promise not to do anything you don't want to do" he proposed. "Can we avoid this topic?" I asked, I didn't want to talk about it again. I felt bad that Mr Henry looked like the third wheel. "Henry can vouch for me. I promise not to do anything silly" Ibrahim added and raised a brow at him. I guess he was playing his final card. Mr Henry coughed then he dragged a glass of water drinking it. "Don't drag me into this Ibrahim" he answered and I gave him a look as though I wanted some sort of approval from him. Anything that moment would be good for me. "I'll go if Mr. Henry agrees" i proposed I didn't know why I said that. "Should I go?" I asked and he turned over to Ibrahim and then back at me. "Tell him she'll be safe with me. I'm not the kind to do crazy things to people" "He's not wrong" i answered clearing my throat. "I take that as a yes then" "Yes" He replied clearing his throat for the second time and i heard Ibrahim laugh. "Fine" i turned to him. "You have yourself a date" I retired early from work with permission from Mr. Henry. I wanted to change up for the date. I thought of seeing Lilian first before going. She just resumed her night shift. I found her mopping the floor, she had a earpiece stucked in her eyes. As I approached I could hear the sound of a gospel music blaring and I took the earpiece off. "Do you want to destroy your ear drums?" "Sorry, I just wanted to block some thoughts out" she answered and I understood just what she meant. "How are you doing?" "I'm fine" she answered and I stared in disbelief. "I'll be fine" she added and we laughed. I told her about the date and she got worried. "Are you sure about this?" "It's just for the fun" "Remember what happened at the last date?" She asked and I shrugged. "Affliction shall not rise again the second time" I quoted and she laughed. "I'll be fine" "Just take care of yourself" I raised a top up and Ivie walked in. She seemed so chirpy. "How's Chidi" I asked and she smiled. "He's fine." She answered. "Someone seems happy" "You know since he resumed work, he has been too busy. He said something about closing early today so I'll get to see him" "So you're happy because you're going to see him" "Is there anything wrong about seeing a friend?" "A friend?" I asked a bit taken. "Chidi hasn't asked you out yet?" I blurted out and she raised her brow in shock. "What do you mean by ask me out yet?" She asked and I shut my eyes. I didn't mean for it to come out that way. Ivie folded her hands waiting for some sort of response. "Is there something I should know?" "I know you like Chidi so I told him" I confessed and her face contorted. "Why would you do that?" "Because I think you deserve the best. I don't deserve Chidi but I think you do" "He did say something about having something important to say to me. Now I'm ashame of going" "Don't even try to run away from this. Chidi is a good man and you deserve someone like him. I see the way you smile when she talk about him" I teased and she giggled. "If he's too chicken to make the move, do the needful" I advised and she laughed. "What are you doing?" Ivie asked and I shrugged. "Someone invited me out on a date" "A date you say?" "No a calendar" I answered and she laughed. "Don't tell me you're wearing that ugly top? do you hate him that much?" "He's super annoying" "Is he the one that's been making you blush these days? Your boss" "No" I replied. Why would she say that? "Mom told me you like your boss even if you don't want to admit it" she added and I opened my mouth In shock. "So you guys also joined the Adesuwa gossip gang" "I didn't ask for any gist, she just started with, dont you see how Adesuwa looks younger these days" "Wait so then I looked older then" "I wasn't the one that said it oh" she raised her hands and I laughed. "I don't like my boss. . I just like him as a boss, do you understand that kind of relationship? I respect him and I see in him all I didn't see in other men" "Like Odion" "I said other men, you're calling Odion" I snapped and she laughed. "People mistake respect for love, I respect him and I like being around him. There's a good spirit that flows around him." "Sounds like you like him" "See!" I snapped. "Can we ...can we not talk about this?" I asked and she collected the top from me, throwing it away. "Clothes like that should be reserved to just wear at home or wear to the toilet" "Someone is trying to be funny" "Dress nice" "I'm not going on a date with my boss, it's with a man I met today. He's a Moslem, married already. He wants a third wife" I laughed. "I'm not taking this serious" "Whatever, just look nice and be careful. He might just be a ritualist" she added leaving. "Thanks for putting ideas in my head!" **** I finally decided to wear a red gown that stopped a bit above my knee. I bumped into Mr. Henry while I went up to my office. I didn't have a reason for going. I felt like strolling over. "You look radiant" he complimented and I smiled. "Thanks" I answered then I laughed looking at him and he drew close to me. I saw him raise his hands to my face then he cleaned something off the corner of my lip. "Lipstick smudge" he muttered and I chuckled a bit embarrassed then I flipped my weavon rubbing my neck. "Thanks" I answered then a call came in from Ibrahim. "I'm at the restaurant, where are you? It's bad to keep a gentleman waiting" he commented and I laughed. "I'll be there in a minute" I answered.

You guys are not encouraging at all.

comment reserved

That an advice from an elderly woman. Adesuwa take heed

Adesuwa abeg ooo... No go enter gbege ooo...

@igwe more grace nwanne... But you for dey call register so some people go know say this story dey go on...

Hmmm.

Hmm... Adesua! U like Henry

U guys don't want to accept the flow

@igwe i bring cold kunu for you o make u take chilas

Adesuwa you have to becareful with ibro just as how @ladyg have to with @atermarial ......

*Hotel Palava - Episode 23* HOTEL PALAVA Adesuwa's POV When I got to the restaurant, I sighted Ibrahim so I walked up to him, a few persons turned heads at me when I walked in. "To say you look beautiful is an understatement" "Thank you" I replied. I saw Fatai wave at me and i waved back. "Who is he?" "He's a very good friend of mine" "He's handsome" "he's not a friend in that kind of way" I snapped and he laughed. "I'm sorry, just teasing you" he answered pulling the chair out and I sat on it. "You didn't have to do that" "Just being a gentleman . Where were you? You kept me waiting" "I was at the office" "Why were you at the office?" He asked and I blinked my eyes unbelievably. "I don't owe you any explanation" "You don't, you're right about that though, but I'm interested" "I went to see if I left anything" "Like?" "Like....." I paused in thought. "Did you see Henry?" "Yes I did" "Did he tell you how pretty you look" "Why are you asking?" "Just curious, only a mad mad would see you and not comment on how pretty you look. I'm pretty sure you had a lot of persons calling you" "He did comment" I answered and he laughed . Why was he laughing? I didn't understand him, what game was he playing at? "I'm pretty sure you went there so he could see you" he assumed and I stood up, "Dinner is over I can't stand and listen to you say rubbish. I knew this was a mistake. I never should have agreed in the first place" "You went there cause you like him" "Oh screw it, I don't like him" I snapped. "Sit down Adesuwa, let's talk like civilized beings" he requested and I sat back on the chair. "I can be a jerk at times, I can be a lot of things but I'm not blind. I know when a woman likes a man and when a man likes a woman" "You're mistaken" "If I'm mistaken you wouldn't have sat down" he added and I sighed. "Mr. Henry is my boss, I don't like him, I respect him" "Whatever makes you sleep at night" he added chuckling. "I'm serious, why do people think I like him?" "So I guess I'm not the only one in the boat" "I don't like him. You've all got it wrong" "So you don't like him the tiniest bit, not even his smile" he added and I laughed. "Okay" I paused when I saw him look over at a corner. I turned back but there was no one there. "I like you Adesuwa, i really do and i wish that you can take my offer to be my third wife" "I thought bit was official first wife?" I snapped and he laughed. "I can't subject myself to that life of having to share my husband with two other ladies" "And i also can't subject myself to hurting my dear friend Henry" he answered and I rolled my eyes. I didn't understand his point! "What's your point" "He likes you" "What?" "Henry likes you and you like him too" "You're sick in the head. Mr Henry is currently dating" "I know what I see" "You're being delusional" "If he doesn't like you, he wouldn't have being here to spy on you" He answered and I looked around in search of Mr Henry. "He left already. He was here a while ago" he answered chuckling and I sighed. "Maybe he...maybe" I stammered. "Maybe he had" "What?" Ibrahim asked now busting out in laughter. "I just confirmed my suspicion, there's something between you guys, you two have some sparks and you're both not willing to accept it" "I don't want issues, he's dating" "Maybe he's not meant to be with his present girlfriend. Is it Jummy?" He asked and I nodded. "Those two have been together for a long time though" "See, you're wrong!" "I may be and I may not be wrong. Just admit your feelings first" "I don't know what I feel for anyone. I haven't felt anything since..." I paused in memory of Odion. "What did he do?" "He..." I paused. "I can't say it" I sniffled trying to control my tears from streaming down. "You're going to need to talk to someone someday. It's killing you" "Are you a psychologist?" "No. I'm nowhere close to being one. I'm just really good with words. That's how I woo my women, I still wonder why i don't have ten wives yet" "And you wanted to take a leap with me" I added and he chuckled. "I was serious about you. I wanted you to be the mother to my children" "How many kids do you have" "Three, you could have given me a fourth" "Seriously?" I laughed, "I'm a sharp shooter. I never miss a goal" he added and I laughed harder. "You're crazy." I added and he called on a waiter then he poured a wine into a glass. The waiter stood close to us. "Let's drink" he said and I shook my head. "I'm sorry I can't" "Why?" He asked, "It's not alcoholic, I'm not trying to get you drunk and besides I just poured it now, right in your front" "It doesn't count. Men are devious" Ibrahim requested that the waiter leave and he did. "Is this about what he did? Did he spike your drink?" He asked, "Can we drop the topic?" "Were you raped? Did he rape you?" He asked and that was it for the night. "Good night Ibrahim" I stood up leaving. "Adesuwa!" He called out but i paid dear ears to his calls. Henry's POV I got out from the office to meet Adesuwa looking gorgeous in a red gown. She looked priceless. I was lost for words. "You look radiant" I said to her and her lips curved into a smile. "Thanks" she answered then she laughed. I noticed a red lipstick smudge at corner of her lip so I cleaned it. "Lipstick smudge" i whispered then she flipped her weavon rubbing her hands on her neck. "Thanks" she replied. This was followed by an incoming call; probably from Ibrahim. She laughed after picking up the call. "I'll be there in a minute" she answered then hung up. It was definitely Ibrahim. "Good night Sir" she added walking away. My eyes unconsciously lingered on her ass for a moment. I've never taken cognizance of it. I quickly turned my gaze to the wall then I went back into the office. I couldn't get the thought of Ade off my mind. I thought of Ibrahim and his sugar-coated words. An imagination popped to into my head. Adesuwa got married to Ibrahim and then moved to Abuja with him. I didn''t understand why I was angry about it. I shuddered out of the thought then I stood up. I stood up ready to go into the room but I didn't even know when I my feet took me to the restaurant. I took a peek at Adesuwa she was talking with Ibrahim. I saw her laugh then I noticed Ibrahim look towards my direction. I immediately dodged. I didn't want him seeing him. How would I explain myself to him. I walked into the room where I found Jummy. She was in her lingerie and she was really happy. "Hey baby" she held my shirt kissing my lips. "Hey dear" "How was work?" "It was...." I paused, it's not everyday we hear her ask that question. I guess she was really in a very good mood" "You seem happy" "Yes I am. I'm happy to see you." She replied kissing me continuously. "I love you so much baby" "I love you too" I struggled to answer. "On Saturday is a friend's wedding and I want you to come with me" "No way, I've got the hotel" "That's why you have the assistant. Please baby, please" she begged and I sighed. "Okay fine. I won't stay for too long" "Thanks" she answered unbuttoning my shirt. "Come here let Jummy treat you right" "Not tonight, I'm really not in a good mood" "You better yield or I'll rape you" she threatened and I rolled my eyes kissing her and she moved my hand over to her ass. "Whether you like it or not, it would still be rape cause I'm still not in the mood" I replied laying in bed. "Henry?" She asked and I kept mute. "At least take off your shirt" "I'm better this way" i replied closing my eyes. "Are you seriously doing this?" She asked and I feigned asleep. **** I woke up from have a nightmare about Adesuwa and Ibrahim. Jummy was laying on my chest. I dragged my phone closer, it was just 4:35. I couldn't sleep so I went to the office, turned on my laptop then I decided to do some research on hotels all around the globe. I finally slept off on the desk. I felt a tap on my arm, I looked up to find Adesuwa with her hands raised up. She was about to hit me once again. She quickly dropped her hands. "Good morning Sir" "Morning Adesuwa" "Don't tell me you spent the night at the office?" "I didn't, I stopped by after I had a nightmare" "About what?" She asked and I thought of a lie I could use to wiggle out of her question. "How was your night?" "It was..." She paused, "You meant my date with Ibrahim right?" She added and I nodded. "Maybe" "It was fine but he ended up annoying me" "Are you sure?" I asked and I saw her quickly raise her brow up. "Why?" "When I stopped by at the restaurant you were laughing, you seemed to be enjoying the date" "What were you doing at the restaurant?" She asked and I paused in thought. "I had um... I was looking for.. well it's in the past. Not like it was important" I answered and she quietly looked at me. "I laughed while it lasted" Jummy walked in on us, "Hey" I said to her and she walked up to Adesuwa. "So you cannot greet?" She asked, "Good morning" Adesuwa muffled and she hissed. "Sweetie I noticed you weren't in bed at the early hours of dawn" she pointed out and I wondered why she was looking at Adesuwa. "Don't tell me you were with your secretary" "Jummy I wasn't with her. She just resumed work" I answered and she walked towards me. "I have some issues to settle with the agency, remember I told you about the international investors the other day?" She asked me and I gave a wry response. "Bye sweetie" she kissed me on the lips, I didn't want more drama so I kissed her back. I saw Adesuwa walk out from the corner of my eyes then Jummy wheeled the chair out, mounting on me. "What are you doing?" I asked, "What does it look like?" She grinned dragging the tie i wore. "Come on just a little quickie, we didn't make love last night nah" she complained and I held her hands. "In the office?" I whispered and she laughed. "When has that ever stopped us?" She asked kissing my lips and i withdrew. "Remember when we would do it every where, in the Kitchen when mom isn't around, in the parlor, even in the car" she added. "I know you want it, i can feel it already" she pulled down my zippers and I shook my head. "Not in the office please" i begged and Adesuwa walked in. I pushed Jummy away slightly and she got off me. "What degree of insolence! Didn't your mom teach you to knock before entering anywhere?" She asked, "I knocked twice before entering" "Now we're deaf right?" She charged towards her and Adesuwa closed her eyes. "It's okay Jummy! You don't talk to people that way" "What do you want?" I stood up and I realized she looked down at my zippers. "Sorry about that" I zipped up. "Um.. Ibrahim Hassan called, he said to inform you that he's on his way. I forgot to tell you." "Why didn't he just call me?" I asked and she shrugged. Jummy turned back at me. "When did Ibrahim get here?" She asked. "Later Sir" Adesuwa walked out. "Jummy you were rude to her. You should apologized" "Over my dead body. Sweetie I did what needed to be done. She's taking advantage of your kindness." "She's not taking advantage of anything. Why do you guys hate her?" "Call it natural perception, I don't trust that woman one bit. Bye sweetie" she kissed me once more before leaving. **** Ibrahim stopped by, he told me he was leaving already, his second wife went into labor. "How was your date last night?" I asked and he laughed. "It would have been great" "Adesuwa said you were annoying" "If you call asking questions annoying. That girl is damn scared of being intimate with someone. You ask her questions and she" "Withdraws" I concluded and he nodded. "If you want to press on, she gets even more angry" I added and he agreed. "I guess you've tried too. That girl is dealing with trust issues" "I know" I answered. "If there's anyone that can help her, it's you Henry" he suggested and I laughed. "What do you mean?" "If you get closer to her" "She's already my secretary" "Not that kind of closeness" Ibrahim hissed, "I meant..." "You're an asshole" I snapped and he laughed. "Look at his big head! Go ahead and deny you don't like her" "Ibrahim, are you sure you're not on something?" "Why are you being defensive now?" "Cause you're crazy. I don't like Adesuwa, she's my secretary" "So you weren't jealous that she was on a date with me last night?" He asked and i stalled. "Why were you spying on her then? I saw you Henry and I know what I see when you look at her" "What's your business?" "Call me cupid, everyone knows I'm as honest as can be. I just hate seeing two people wallow in secretive love for each other. If I like a girl, I walk up to her and I tell her. I don't hide it" "It's complicated Ibro" "What's complicated about telling a girl what you feel about her" "I'm with Jummy okay?" "Do you like Jummy?" "It's complicated" I answered, "Mom and her parents" "Wait..." Ibrahim laughed. "You did this for your mom?" "What choice do I have" "I fit slap you as I dey so. What kind of useless reply is that? You're a grown ass man" "That's coming from someone who's first wife was from an arranged marriage" "Dude I was twenty five years old. How old are you again, oh yeah, you're freaking thirty three years old. I can stand my ground now. My parents can't say interfer in my affairs again. Everyone grows Henry. You have to make her know you're all grown up now. Come on, you've always being mom's obedient dog. You have to break out someday" "I still respect her" "Do you like Jummy enough to marry her?" He asked and I shook my head. "She nags a lot, she doesn't listen but she expects you to listen to her. She's different from the way she was years ago" "How?" Ibrahim asked, "She's now a total snob" "Jummy has always been a snob. You were too stupid to notice that" he answered and I scoffed. "I guess your time out away from her made you sane. You were always so in love with her" "I don't feel the same again" "And Adesuwa?" He asked and i sighed. "She gets me, she's understanding, she's wise and when she speaks, she blows me away. I've been thinking of her a lot. I've been worried about her. I just didn't want to admit it to myself that .." "You like her" "Mom would freak out" I placed my hands on her head. "Let her freak out, that's the first step of breaking free Henry, take it from me. They'll freak out afterwards they'll come accept your choices." "What if she doesn't feel the same?" "She does. Take it from the love doctor here, the feeling is mutual" "How do you?" I asked slowly and he laughed. "My lips are sealed" he answered and I chuckled. "First thing first, break off whatever you have with Jummy. Then you move on to the second phase, asking that girl out" "Both phases are difficult. Jummy will kill me" "You just have to do it, unless you're willing to give Jummy a permanent try" he recommended and I shook my head. I didn't see myself living peacefully with Jummy. I might die of heart attack. Adesuwa's POV I knocked twice on Mr. Henry's office then i walked to the sight of his girlfriend on him. My heart became heavy at the sight. "What degree of insolence! Didn't your mom teach you to knock before entering anywhere?" I wanted to apologise but my voice seized the moment she uttered that word. I kept quiet out of respect for Mr. Henry. "I knocked twice" "Now we're deaf right?" She asked, oh I so wished that I could answer her back that moment. I informed Mr. Henry about Ibrahim's visit and then I left. I couldn't concentrate. I was obviously dying of jealousy. It finally dawn on me. I really do like Mr. Henry. I felt disturbed so I went to the quarters. . I was hoping Lilian would still be around. I found her sleeping on the table so I woke her up. "Hey" she said to me and the breath from her mouth blew me away. "You chop garlic for dream?" I asked her and she chuckled. "What's up? How was your date?" She sat up and I sat on a chair close to the table. "It was fine until he started to ask me questions about why I didn't want to drink the wine on the table and who hurt me. You know how those questions irritates me." I answered and she nodded. "How was the man" "He wasn't out to really make advances towards me, we talked about something different" "Like?" "Do you think I like Mr. Henry?" I asked and she raised her brow at me. "Are you just realizing it?" She asked and I pinched her. She laughed. "What made you realize it?" She asked and I sighed. "I'm jealous of Jummy and I don't know what I feel anymore. Ever since Odion, I've really distant myself from guys. He's like the first good man I've met in years and it started out as respect and just admiration. Lilian I want to pull out but I can't." "Ade" "He's everything I want in a man, he understands me. He doesn't give up on me. I lied to him and he forgave me. People don't forgive me easily but he did. He's just.... Perfect" I muttered as tears rolled down my eyes. "Come here" Lilian pulled me close for a hug.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 24* Tosin's POV At the hospital, after Taye's encounter with the pervert. Mom stopped by at the hospital. She seemed extremely worried. "What happened?" She asked i ignored her. "Are you deaf?" "Mom, they're okay there's no point making a fuss about this" "I warned you already If you can't take care of these kids I'll take them away and I mean it" "How are you going to take my kids away? I gave birth to them" "And I raised them! What could have happened if that man had raped her" "How am I sure you didn't send him to the job so I could look irresponsible" "I'm not that stupid and I won't put my grandkids in harm's way" she cried. "How could you think that of me?" She snapped and i shrugged. "If you can't take care of the kids, give them to me" "I'll take care of them" "Hire a babysitter or quit your job so you can take care of them properly" "I can't quit" "If you don't hire one, I promise you that i might have to take you to court and sue you for negligence . I promise you when I do, I'll take the kids from you" "Is that a threat?" "Take it as whatever you want Tosin . I don't care" ***** Jane helped me once when I needed accommodation. I needed to hire a babysitter so I called her up to help me with one. "You know the nature if all these baby sitters these day. Before someone would go and use your children for ritual or use your children to learn how to panel beat." "Don't you know anyone?" "I know them plenty but the thought of man they say is wicked. Babe if it's house you need, I'm game but this one, with the way your mama head dey always hot. I don't want to end up in jail for a crime didn't commit" she answered and I exhaled. I was running out of options. "Should i get a new job?" I asked and she hissed. "Are you mad? How are you going to pay for your bills?" "I'm scared of mom's threat" "I'm scared for you too but you still need your job. Don't do anything stupid" **** On Friday, I was in a little space I carved out as a study room. I was reading, I had my glasses on when my girls walked in. It was barely six am. I intended waking them up but six to prepare for school. "Good morning mommy" they both greeted. They both climbed on me, "Okay what's going on?" I asked suspiciously. "Kehinde dreamt of him" Taye said and my hear leapt. That was the last thing I needed. "Who?" I asked. "The man that came to the hospital" Kehinde answered and I sighed in relief. I thought she was having traumatic experiences. "In my dream, I told him thank you but I feel bad cause I didn't thank him that day" "He was even waving at her and she didn't wave that day" Taye pushed Kehinde forehead and they both started beating themselves. "It's okay!" I yelled. "She's making me feel bad" Kehinde said in tears and I pulled her close. She has gotten soft since the incident. She has been crying now and then. "We can go and see him today?" "In his house?" Kehinde asked, " No. I heard he now works at the hotel" "I don't want to go to the hotel" Kehinde whined. "Me too" Taye agreed. "It's fine. Mommy would be there to protect you, I'll be there to protect you like ninja tortoise" "Mom it's ninja turtles" they both corrected and I laughed. They both joined in afterwards. *** After the kids closed from school, we went directly to the hotel, specifically to the restaurant. Taye and Kehinde sat on a table for four while I walked up to a lady who was standing by the counter. "Good afternoon" I greeted her, "Good afternoon Ma. What do you want?" "I don't want anything. My name is Tosin, what's yours?" "Joan" "Sweet, I would like to talk to your head, I believe his name is Fatai" "Yes. I hope no problem ma" "No biggies" I answered and she walked in. I turned back, my kids were still there. He came out shortly after. He had a white uniform, one of those chef uniforms with May hotel inscribed on it. He smiled on seeing me. "Good afternoon" he greeted and I smiled. "Good afternoon" I answered. "I'm sorry, I didn't get your name the other day or should I just call you Iyabeji (mother of twins)" he asked and I laughed. "If you dare call me that, I swear to God I'll just..." I stalled. "I'm not that old" "You are a mother of twins aren't you" "And I have a name and it's Tosin" "My name is Fatai" "Henry told me" he answered then he looked over at the twin and he smiled. "You brought them" "They insisted I bring them so they could show gratitude" "Seriously?" He seemed surprised. "Wow they must really have good parenting" "I wish I can take the glory for that, they dreamt of you. I meant Kehinde dreamt of you" "Oh" he smiled. "Can you just say hi to them?" "Sure" he said walking towards them. Fatai began by giving a special yoruba praises given to twins. Taye and Kehinde stared blankly at him while I withheld my laughter. "Mommy why is he speaking in tongues?" Kehinde asked and I laughed out loud. "That's a Yoruba praise for twins" I answered. "Don't they speak Yoruba?" He asked and I shook my head. "They understand very well, they're refusing to speak." "How are you two doing today?" He asked, "We're fine" they both answered in unison. "How was school?" He asked, "School was fine" Kehinde answered. "It wasn't fine for me." Taye answered. "Mommy you won't believe what happened" she added. "Incoming gist" I turned to Fatai and he laughed. "My friend opened my bag and she took my biscuit and left the nylon in my bag." "Did you know who did it?" I asked and she shrugged. "How are you sure it's your friend?" "Grandma always say it's the person closest to you that hurts you the most. I'm suspecting one albino girl." She answered and I laughed. "When I catch the person, I'll have the person arrested." She continued just the way mom would. "She's too small to be arrested" Fatai pointed out. "And she's too small to be stealing" Taye snapped and I rolled my eyes. Fatai kept quiet. "I'm sorry, they get easily influenced. That's something my mom would say, they're copying her" "It's okay" "Thank you" Kehinde chipped in quickly, I almost didn't hear it. "What?" Fatai asked, "Thank you for helping me" she answered and Fatai smiled. "What would you kids love to eat?" "I was going to say the same" I chipped in. "I'll eat spaghetti" Kehinde answered quickly, "Me too" Taye agreed. "I'll have Amala and Ewedu. I haven't had that in...." I stalled. "Coming right up" he answered. Fatai's POV I went back to my kitchen duty after I served the three of them. I lost concentration. I felt the need to be with them. "I heard you had visitors" mom said, she was frying some fishes. She stopped by in the morning to assist me. "Yes ..the child I saved the other day, with their mother. They came to say thank you." "Didn't I train you well?" She asked and I wondered why she did. "You don't leave a visitor for anything. Go, I'll take care of the kitchen" she assured and I smiled rushing out to meet them. They had finished their meal already. A waiter was packing their plates. "It tasted like home" Tosin commented. "Did you cook it?" One of the twins asked, "Yes I did" "So you're a cooker?" "He's a chef, it's called a chef" her mother corrected and I smiled looking at her. "Where's our bill?" "You don't have to pay, it's all on me" "I can't do that" "It's fine. Trust me, it's all on me" "Who is Taye and who's Kehinde" I asked, "I'm Kehinde" one of them answered and Tosin laughed. "She's Taye, that's Kehinde" She pointed. "Taye has a more pointed nose like her father, Kehinde took my mom's nose. That's one way to I differentiate them." Tosin analysed then she received a call. "Excuse me" she said walking away. "Where's your dad?" I asked, "How is he?" "We don't know" Taye answered. "Why?" "Cause we don't know. We don't know him" "I thought...." I stalled. "She doesn't talk about him, grandma says he's a wimp. What does wimp mean?" Taye asked and I shrugged. I was lost for words. I wondered why she didn't say anything when I made the 'husband must be on the way' assumption. "Mom will go to go hell fire. Whenever people ask about her husband, she will say he's fine" Kehinde finally spoke up. Tosin sat down with a loud sigh. . "What have I missed?" She asked and I faked a smile. "That you're not married" I answered and she opened her mouth in shock then she looked at her twins. ***** "I'm sorry for not telling you the truth" she apologized as we walked towards a car and I laughed. "It's fine. You don't have to apologize" "People give me this look whenever I tell them I don't have a husband and I have kids. They judge me for having premarital sex and premarital kids" she answered and I laughed. "So I made a decision, whenever they people assume I have a husband, I accept it. You must think I'm a horrible person" "No. I understand. I can't judge you for this. My elder sister Biliki had premarital kids as you call it," I paused and she laughed. "Before she got married. Your past mistakes doesn't really dictate your present or who we truly are." "Thanks for the meal, it was great" she answered and I smiled. "You're welcome" "Taye, Kehinde, say your goodbyes to Uncle Fatai" she announced and Taye waved at me. Kehinde hugged me, "Thank you" she muttered, "You're my hero" she added and I smiled. That meant a lot to me.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 25* Henry's POV I thought deeply on what Ibrahim said. He had a very good point. I had to put Adesuwa and Jummy on a scale of importance. I've known Jummy since I was a teen. I remember the first day I met her, mom organized a party and she came with her parents. I crushed on her beautiful smile. When I was in SS1 and we had our first kiss . The next year we made love. I made a promise to her that moment to forever be her man. I promised to be the man to take her down the aisle. I was sixteen and foolish. When I came back to Nigeria and mom brought up the idea of dating Jummy. I thought I could give her a try or take a chance on her. I turned over to Jummy who was laying in bed with me and i asked myself the same question Ibrahim asked. Do I see myself waking up to see Jummy everyday of my life? My life would become miserable! I thought of Adesuwa and the moments we've had together. Suddenly I remembered the circumstance that led to our meeting. I knew I had to make a decision real quick. I knew what it was but I didn't know how to break Jummy and Mom's heart. **** I fixed a board meeting that day, every head of department had one thing or the other to iron out, I was looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions. There was a knock on the door and Adesuwa walked in, "The meeting will commence in fifteen minutes Sir" she announced and I nodded. "Thanks" I answered still scouring the net. I noticed she was a bit off today . "Are you okay?" I asked, "Yes Sir, why did you ask?" "I noticed you're a bit unhappy" "I'm just a little bit under the weather" she answered. "Do you want to take a day off?" "No. I'll be fine Sir" ***** The meeting commenced exactly by 12, Emmy complained about things that weren't necessary to the progress of the hotel like getting a new secretary that could use computers In typing minutes and moving Adesuwa to the receptionist counter. "Adesuwa's table is currently taking up space" "How that relevant now?" Adesuwa asked and she stood up. "There should be a change, don't you guys agree with me. In order to make the manager concentrate better" How does this link with your first point? I thought within. "And who says the manager isn't concentrating?" Mrs. Haruna asked, "What's this girl even insinuating?" She added and I saw Emmy bat her eyes at Mrs. Haruna. "Please I directed this opinion to the manager not people of inconsequential importance" she snapped and Adesuwa scoffed. I saw her whisper something to Emmy. "Who has relevant opinion to deliver, I didn't call this meeting so we could waste time on unnecessary topics" Some persons chuckled and Emmy sat down. I knew she felt hurt by it. Adesuwa smiled. Fatai raised his hands. *** Emmy followed me after the meeting. "Henry I don't like the way you treat me, it unfair!" "Do you realize you're talking to your boss?" "Screw it! She's always entering into your office. You're screwing with her and you know it! You're cheating on Jummy and it's wrong. It's not fair" she yelled and I exhaled. "For peace sake, if you love Jummy just let that bitch go. I'll keep making her life a living hell. I swear to God" "Are you through?" I asked, "Yes I am" "Great" I answered leaving her alone. **** I learnt Tosin stopped by at the hotel with the kids to meet Fatai and she didn't even bother to say hi so I drove over to her house. "You couldn't even stop by to say hi to your big bro" I snapped immediately she opened up her door. "I'm sorry, the kids were scared to go up" "Oh... Sorry about that. How are they coping?" "They'll be fine. Taye, Kehinde!" she called out, Uncle Henry is here!" She shouted and they both rushed out hugging me. "Did you bring anything?" They asked and I felt ashamed. "I'm sorry I forgot" I answered. "Cash is accepted too" Kehinde stretched her hands and I laughed. "Go and do your assignment!" Tosin yelled, "It's the weekends" Taye answered. "I've done mine" Kehinde answered. "Go and re-do it. In order words," she paused stretching her hands towards a room and they left. "These kids are giving me headaches!" She yelled and I laughed. Suddenly she placed her hands akimbo on her waist. "A toad doesn't run in daylight unless there's something chasing after it" "I can't believe you just used that proverb on me." I answered and we both took our seat on a couch. "What's up?" "What would you think of me if I break things off with Jummy?" I asked and there was a brief silence. "Why?" "I'm confused, I dont want Jummy anymore" "You want Adesuwa" she chipped and I raised my brow in shock. How did she know? "You're surprised?" She asked and I nodded. "Well what an elder sees sitting, a small boy cannot see when if he's thirty three and standing on an iroko tree" she answered and I laughed. "You're crazy" I commented and she laughed. "Henry I knew you liked that girl from the moment you spoke about her. The way your eyes lit, I knew there was something there" "I've come to realize I like her and I want more than anything to start something with her" I paused thinking of what mom would do. "Mom hates her" I added. "Are you going to do this or you'll chicken out? One way or the other you're going to need to break out of this chain" Adesuwa's POV While I was writing the minute of the meeting, Emmy complained about me writing a minute on a notebook instead of typing it. "The world is more advanced, if she cannot type let's find someone capable." "Any other idea?" Mr. Henry asked, then she proceeded to suggesting that I get move over to the receptionist counter. This got me really angry. For a moment I had to ask within, what have I ever done to offend her? I turned over to her, she sat close to me. "Adesuwa's table is currently taking up space" she added and .y mouth opened slightly in shock. What does space have to do with this now? "How that relevant now?" I asked and she stood up. "There should be a change, don't you guys agree with me. In order to make the manager concentrate better" "And who says the manager isn't concentrating?" Mrs. Haruna asked, I'm always glad when she has my back. "What's this girl even insinuating?" She added and Emmy bat her eyes at Mrs. Haruna. "Please I directed this opinion to the manager not people of inconsequential importance" she snapped and i scoffed. "You were being rude Emmy and you're seriously beginning to get on my nerves" I whispered to her. "Who has relevant opinion to deliver, I didn't call this meeting so we could waste time on unnecessary topics" Mr. Henry added and i smiled. That felt good. That should at least shut her up till the end of the meeting. **** I noticed Emmy coming my way, she was obviously fuming. "You prostitute, I know your kind nah." "Stop calling me names Emmy, please I've been trying to avoid having issues with you. I'm not this nice, don't try my patience" "If I call you names what would you do ehn? Who you be sef?" She asked. "Emmy have I ever wrong you?" "See question. You mess with my girl's man, you mess with me" "There's nothing going on between Mr. Henry and I" I confessed and she laughed nonsensically. "You think I don't know what happens behind that closed door" "You're crazy Emmy" "Crazy? Babe you haven't seen crazy" she answered walking away. Suddenly I began to wonder why it was difficult to get her a job despite the fact she was friends with someone as influential as Jummy. She could get a job anywhere. Why settle for less? Perhaps to serve as a watch dog, I concluded. **** In the evening, I packed up to leave. Mr Henry was in his office. I walked in to bid him goodnight. "I'm about to leave Sir" "Now?" He asked and I nodded then I laughed. He seemed funny that he was asking. "I'm sorry I asked, I wanted to talk to you. Can we talk for a moment?" He asked and I agreed. There was a brief silence and I cleared my throat. "Sorry I don't know how to start without coming off as..." He paused. "As?" I asked and he cleared his throat. "During your date with Ibrahim, I stopped by" "I know, you told me already Sir" "I did but I didn't tell you the real reason why I did. I was jealous" he confessed and my heart skipped. Was I dreaming? Why was he confessing? Mr. Henry stood up, "I was jealous Ibrahim would steal you away with his sweet words. I just wanted to see for myself if the date was going well or if it was a total disaster. When I got there, you were enjoying the date and I was angry." "Sir" "Let me speak, please" "Okay Sir" "I wasn't really sure of how I felt about you but my eyes has finally opened to the truth and I finally realized that I like you." He laughed nervously. "I really do like you Adesuwa." My heart fluttered, I was overjoyed by the shocking confession but then I remembered Jummy. "Why are you telling me all this?" I asked as though i wasn't excited to hear it. "Cause I won't be able to live with myself if I don't. I've been living a lie; living in pretense and I can't do that anymore." "What about Jummy?" I asked, "She's your girlfriend and you like her" "You're right about the fact she's my girlfriend but I don't like her. I did, years ago, not anymore" "It doesn't look that way when you were kissing her back" I snapped and he laughed. "Were you jealous?" He grinned and I pulled back. "I was..." I said haltingly. "It's not that, it's just" "Be honest with me as I am being honest with you Adesuwa. Do you in the slightest way feel what I feel for you" he asked and I shut my eyes in tears. "I literally shut my heart after Odion. He was my ex" "Is he the reason why your mind is so twisted?" he asked and I chuckled in midst of my tears. That's half the story, I answered within. "I've always seen wealthy folks as always trying to act like they can use their money to buy even the air the poor breathe. They think they're indispensable, like they're invisible, like they can get away with anything. You change my opinion. For the first time, I finally trusted someone that it hurts when you see me incapable of making peace or not causing trouble. I felt bad" "I'm sorry" he apologized, "It's okay, it's a good thing. I've always been used to people thinking the worst of me but not with you. I just had a better expectation, I thought it was respect I had for you. That crazy Ibrahim made me realize it was love I felt not just respect." I answered laughing and he moved close to me. "I felt jealous when I saw you kiss Jummy" "I'm sorry about that, I did that to appease her, to pacify her" "Why are you still with her? You're a good person and she's...." I stalled. "Im not trying to play the righteous person here; I have my flaws but they're not as bad as hers. . People like Jummy treat us poor people with disgust, like trash. You're the exact opposite. I don't have any right to throw insults but..." "I told you already, everything I do is because of mom" "And I already advised you to break free. For crying out loud Henry, you're a grown-up, you can make your own decisions" "I know." He placed both palm on my cheeks looking down at me, his thumb brushing along my cheekbone. "I know" he repeated. "I know very well that I'm a grown ass man and I'm willing to start by doing this" he paused pressing his lips against mine. We shared our first passionate kiss together. "Sir" "Please call me Henry" he whispered and his lips parted mine once again. His gentle hands ran through my waist. I literally froze. "Jummy" I whispered. "I'll break it off with her tomorrow. After the wedding she invited me to." He brought his lips close to mine once again. "Are you sure?" "I've never been sure of anything in my entire life. It's you I want Ade" "Your mom" "Mom would just have to accept you, I don't care if she likes it or not" he answered and I bit my lips chuckling. There's nothing more sexier than a rebellious son picking his woman's side. Damn I was turned on! My smile widened and I wrapped my hands around his neck kissing him on the lips. It felt like a dream, it was too good be true. I had a feeling something bad was waiting for me around the corner.

Who has the register should bring it up pls!

hmm.... now the. it's gonna be war.... the more intense , the more interesting..... can't wait for the next episode.... kudos to the poster

Hmm... Ade u are threading on dangerous ground

Hope there will no be a problem

hmmm? wahala done start be this o

The begining @ladyg where you make sure you don't call @atermarial ,@henrymary @fb-danieledem @kelly-kelvin @maths cuz they're not fasting......

@harzaroboy see u am here already.

Adesewa and Henry both of u should get ready 4 war. Bring it on

Nice story

*Hotel Palava - Episode 26* Deji's POV After the argument between Lillian and I, I came back to the hotel that night so I could see Dad. He wasn't too excited to see me. He gave me that strict look. "Good evening Sir" I bowed my head to him and shook his head. "How was your journey?" I asked and he sniggered. "Daddy Deji, answer nah" Mom chipped in, "Answer what?" He asked, "Only a worthy child is worthy of receiving answers to such question . You're not worthy" "If my presence isnt needed yet, I'll just leave" "Have you seen the way he answered" Dad asked Mom who gave me a familiar look to cooperate with him. "It's not as if I'm the one who really a favor" I added, "You're the one who really needs someone to run the company for you" "So now I'm a beggar?" Dad and I scoffed. "A good father leaves inheritance for his children, it's even in the Bible. All I've tried to do for you Deji is to give you a better life" "All you've tried to do is control my life. Those are two different things" "Deji you are ungrateful" Dad pointed out. "Leave me that way. Let me be free and ungrateful" "I don't blame you, I blame God for giving me just one son in this life, no matter how hard I tried" he hissed . "I would have kukuma sold you when you were born, o' o wu lo fun mi! (You are of no use to me)" he ranted and Mom walked up to me. "Deji think deeply on this" "I have a life here, I'm not willing to leave all I have and go to Ekiti" I answered. "Deji" mom called out again. Dad suddenly slumped. I was scared. I have never been more scared of anything in my life. We rushed him to the hospital. Mom confessed to me that dad had heart failure and had been asked to stay off work and smoking too. That was why he urgently needed me. I didn't know who to call that moment, Henry was definitely still angry at me. I thought of one person that could make me feel okay; Lilian. I dialed her number then I erased it. I'm the last person she would want to talk to. I called Shay and she came in the following morning. "How's the old man?" "He's in a critical state" "How critical?" She asked and I shrugged. "How are you holding up?" I asked, "I'm scared" I replied. "As much as I don't like the old man, I don't want him dead" "You've always wanted him dead" "That was me being immature" I answered almost in tears. "When Dad fell yesterday, I was scared. I've never made time with him, all I've done is fight and fight with him. Lilian was right, losing one's parents is the worst thing ever. No matter how bad they are, they're still our parents and we owe them that respect" "That girl has a good head on her shoulder. If I were you, I won't let her go" she answered looking at me. I bowed my head letting out an exasperating sigh. "Why do I recognize that look?" She asked, "You've screwed it up shea?" "Maybe" "What did you do?" "I found out Lilian works at the hotel as a maid. I just couldn't accept it" "You broke up with her" "Technically she broke up with me but It was my fault. I accept my fault, she was cleaning mom's room and I didn't show her recognition. I was ashame of her" I answered in tears. "Have you begged her?" "I haven't" "Why?" "Cause there's was no point now. I can't bring myself down to introducing a maid as my girlfriend. I still can't and I feel like a jerk for it. Now this thing with Dad" I cleaned my tears with my palm. "You can still make it work" "I have to be in Ekiti tomorrow" "And what about Lilian? Do you even care about her?" "What can I do? I can't accept her, what would dad think? Do I want to kill him? Besides I'll be in Ekiti and she'll be here. She'll move on and find someone better than me" **** I took a stroll around the clinic, then I clashed into some women praying in Yoruba and speaking in tongues. I stared at them for a moment, they were acting as though they've been possessed and praying as though their lives depended on it. A man walked up to me, "Young man, I hope no problem?" He asked and I shook my head. "I was just strolling?" "Do you have a sick relative? He asked. "No" I lied and he laughed. I didn't understand why he did. I've never been the over religious type. I didn't want someone giving me fake prophesies. "Do you have any request?" He asked, "God is a God that answers requests, if you have any, simply go to the altar and pray. The Spirit of the Lord dwells there" he advised and I shook my head. "I'd pass" I answered then I gave a second thought to it. I did have a lot of request. I walked over the altar covered with a blue rug. I knelt down and tears poured down my eyes. I haven't cried this much since my first break up. I presented dad's health to God, I presented Lilian's case. I prayed for forgiveness for the numerous hearts I've broken. I haven't prayed for that in years. "Just do something to make dad better and mend Lilian's heart, I know I'm not worthy of answers, just give me one " I withheld my tears. "Amen" I concluded. **** When I got to hospital, I learnt dad was awake. Mom tried to stop me from seeing him. She didn't want me to complete the job I started. I told her I had something important to tell him, "Please don't worsen your father's state" "I'll take over the company" I blurted out and Mom raised her brow at me. "Are you sure?" She asked and I nodded. I finally gained entrance into the room. Dad wasn't too thrilled to see me. "What do you want?" He asked and I pushed a seat close to him. "I want us to talk" "I'm not ready to die oh, just carry your wahala and go" "I'll do it. I'll run the company" I announced. The shock on his face was indescribable. Talk about the prodigal son coming back home! Jummy's POV I've had enough of Henry and his secretary drama. Emmy was my eyes and ears but it didn't make things better. Henry has been refusing to have sex with me and we've been having more arguments. All I wanted was a peaceful relationship but I wasn't going get one with that tramp around. I've been using my job as a means to get my mind off the thought of her stealing my man. Saturdays are for weddings! And this particular Saturday was a friend's wedding, one of my best friends. I had my make up done and Henry picked me up at home. Mom was super excited to see him. "When are you going to pop the question?" She asked and Henry laughed. I think the question made him nervous. "Jummy isn't getting old. I want to plan a wedding too" "Very soon Ma" he answered. We got into the car and then he drove off to the wedding venue. I noticed some difference in him. He was thoughtful most of the time. At the reception, I couldn't help but rant about how I wanted my wedding to be. "It's going to be the talk of the whole town. The newspaper and blogs all over the nation will carry it" "There won't any wedding" Henry blurted out and I scoffed. "Are you joking?" I asked looking around to find out if anyone heard him. "Are you crazy? What do you mean by no wedding?" "It's exactly what you heard" "Henry you're a year older than I am, I'm not getting younger. I've waited for you all my life" "I'm sorry about that Jummy but let's be honest with ourselves. We can't have a happy home" "We haven't even tried it" "Not when you're always jealous" "Is this about my jealousy? I'm jealous because I love you. Okay can we not talk about the marriage topic again. I'm sorry I brought it up" "I can't do this anymore. Jummy i don't feel the same anymore.... " "Are you breaking up with me?" I asked and he held my hands. "Is it because of her, it's because of that slut shea?" "Don't call her names" "I'll call her whatever I want!" I yelled and people turned head towards us. "You're leaving me for her Henry. you're leaving me; you can't do that, I'll let your mom know" "I don't care who you tell" He answered rising up. "Henry I waited for you" I cried. "I wasted my life just for you, you can't leave me" "This thing between us can't work, we're still together because of family ties. I'm sorry I'm no longer in love with you" "Is she the one?" "Yes... Adesuwa is the one I love" "What does she have that I don't have?" "Good attitude, she understands me, she listens and respects me" "Everyone respects their boss, she's just faking it!" "You're wrong" I answered and Jummy knelt down before me. "Oko mi (my husband), Oyin mi (my honey), I beg you with the love I have for you and the love of God. Please don't leave me. I'll change! Is it my bad behavior? I swear to God, I'll change. I'll stop nagging, I'll stop getting jealous. I'll even make that slut my friend. Please don't leave me" I cried People turned towards me but I didn't care. "Don't do this to yourself Jummy" "Please" "I'm sorry" Henry apologized. "Do you want a ride back home!" "Why would I need a stupid ride back home? Go!! Idiot just go!" I yelled and he heartlessly. I was on the verge of going mad. I picked my phone and I called Emmy to meet me there. By the time I got home, Mom and Dad was at the sitting room laughing over what I had no idea of. They stopped the moment I walked in. My make up was ruined, Emmy held me from falling. I've been drinking at the party. "What's all this?" Dad asked, "What's wrong with my princess?" He asked. "I thought Henry took her out, why didn't he bring her back?" Mom asked and I busted in tears. "Jummy you're scaring me oh, what happened?" "Henry heartlessly broke up with her at the party" Emmy answered and I sniffed. "What happened? Jummy what did you do?" Mom asked. "Nothing oh, Mommy, my friend didn't do anything. He just brought it up like that. Mommy you need to see the humiliation that Jummy faced. Upon the fact that she was kneeling and begging. Henry refused to listen" Emmy explained as though she saw the whole thing happen. "He even pushed her again" she exaggerated. "Are you serious?" "Mommy, Daddy I would never lie to you!" She answered and Dad looked at me once again. "You mean that little boy of yesterday did this to you?" He asked and I busted in tears. "I'll die if I don't get married to Henry. I swear to God, I'll kill myself" I threatened and Mom placed her hands on her head. "Marry what?" Dad asked, "A man that had the effrontery to treat you like trash. A whole Jummy Coker? Where was his parents when we started making money?" he added. "That boy must pay!" "Does Doyin know about this?" Mom asked and I shook my head. "I didn't know how to tell her" Mom picked her phone dialing her number. Dad dragged the phone from her. "Doyin" he called out, "Are you aware of what that your son Henry or whatever he's called did?" He asked, "Don't tell me to calm down! He broke up with my very own daughter. He even had the effrontery to push her. I thought he was a human being. Your son is an animal" he snapped, there was a long pause, "See i don't have anything to say to you." He added and Mom collected the phone from him. "We'll stop by later so we can speak better" mom summarized hanging up. "This isn't something we'll speak over on phone. We have to talk with that Henry and he's going to say right in our presence, the same thing he said to our daughter." Mrs Babalola's POV Mom would always tell me that everything she did was for my good and I've always believed her. I still wonder why my kids are being rebellious against me. I was never rebellious to my parents, not once. My parents gave me out to Theophilus Babalola, I was never in love with him. I didn't grow with the notion that you had to love to make it in marriage. I made it in marriage because I learnt to love and endure my husband. Tosin left the house because she didn't see herself getting married to Clem. Okay fine, he wasn't too attractive and all but I wanted her to marry him so she could have a secured future. Clem was rich, very rich. I knew she would have a good future with him but she bluntly refused and she left the house. Ungrateful child! A call from Wunmi Coker that afternoon drew my attention away from the t.v show I was watching. "Hello Wunmi" I said with a big smile only hear her husband's voice. "Doyin" he called out, "Festus" I said in shock, why would he use his wife's number to call me. "Are you aware of what that your son Henry or whatever he's called did?" He asked, "Please calm down Sir" "Don't tell me to calm down! He broke up with my very own daughter. He even had the effrontery to push her. I thought he was a human being. Your son is an animal" he snapped, "Mr. Festus are you sure about this? Jummy might be mistaken. Let's talk face to face over this" "See i don't have anything to say to you." He added. The next voice I heard was Wunmi's. "We'll stop by later so we can speak better" Wunmi Coker concluded, "This isn't something we'll speak over on phone. We have to talk with that Henry and he's going to say right in our presence, the same thing he said to our daughter." then she hung up. I quickly called Henry. He didn't pick up at first. I continued until he finally picked up the call. "Good afternoon mom" "There's nothing good about the afternoon Henry. Tell me it's not true. . Tell me that Jummy got the wrong idea" "It's true mom. It's over between Jummy and I" he answered and I laughed hysterically. "You can't be serious about that, are you drunk?" "Mom I'm not drunk. For the first time in a long time I've never being more okay. I've made my decision. I can't be with Jummy anymore. I don't love her" "Who cares if you love her or not? Who says marriage is built on love? Henry you're going to pick up your phone this moment and you're going to call Jummy and you're going to apologize to her parents. You're going to tell them you weren't in your right senses, but now you've come to realize that" I didn't finish my sentence when my own son hung up on my call. "Henry?" I called out in shock. "Theophilus!!!!" I screamed my husband's name in anger and he came running down the stairs along with some maids. I was fuming. "We're going to the hotel now!" I demanded, "Now?" "Are you deaf or was I speaking in french? I said we're going to the hotel and you're asking me now? No oh next year" I snapped then I looked at the maids. "What are you all staring at?" I shouted and they all ran away. "What happened?" "You really want to know?" I asked and he nodded. "You almost gave me a heart attack, I deserve to know" "Your stupid son broke up with Jummy Coker" "Oh now he's my stupid son" "He definitely got the stupid gene from you" "So what if he broke up with Jummy, he's a young guy and you know young men these days, they love to make their own decisions and they break up and make up all the time" "Theo you're so stupid, I don't even, I don't even" I stammered. "How did I even get married to you? I'm hurt here because of what your son did to that poor girl. You're here taking his sides" "I'm I getting this wrong idea Doyin? Did we actually give birth to Henry or Jummy cause I know where my loyalty lies, where do yours lie?" He asked and I tightened my fist. "Oh" I moved close to him. "See who's talking about loyalty, you have none! You're not loyal to anyone, you're not loyal to your family or even your kids. Do you still want me to remind you of what you've done?" I asked and he shook his head. "If you know what's good for you, you'll go to that car right now and drive us over to the hotel and maybe talk some sense to your son, capiche?" I asked and he sighed. "When would you stop bringing that topic up?" He asked and I moved even more closer to him. "When it stops hurting and haunting me" I replied and he picked the car keys up. "Let's go" "I'm not going anywhere with you dressed on a simple polo and shorts" "You can just call me your driver, I won't mind." He answered walking out the door. "Theo!"

Ok @atermarial am bringing it bt d chicken soup u forgot 2 add bread roll, cos that's hw it goes.

Ah wait a minute oo,is DAT ur husband u r talking to like DAT??? What de hell???

This episode go well

Am speechless

@atermarial she bawo?

Geting hotter ......

hmmm? it is well

Right decision Henry. Jimmy devil will give you our own husband

*Hotel Palava - Episode 27* Henry's POV After breaking up with Jummy I rushed over to the hotel. Adesuwa wasn't at her seat. I called her and she told me she was helping Mrs Haruna handle some issue with one of the guest. I sat in my office, I couldn't concentrate. I knew I should be expecting calls from Mom and Jummy's parents. "I'm sorry for coming in late, I had to handle a situation with the guest" she said closing the door. "What?" I stood up walking towards her. All I had in mind was to kiss her. "Plumbing issues, they wanted to report to the manager." "I thought we recently did maintenance on those things" I assumed and she shrugged . "I don't know" "You're supposed to be my secretary" I retorted and she laughed. "We did maintenance on a lot of things, sorry I wasn't tabs on everything. Do you want to have me fired now?" She asked moving her lips close to mine and I chuckled. "Not even in my worst nightmares" I answered kissing her on her lip. That was soothing. "Did you do it?" She asked and I nodded. "Do you feel bad?" "Not about the break up in particular. You should have seen Jummy, she knelt in front of everyone at the wedding and begged me not to break up with her" I sat on the chair letting out a deep sigh. "Seriously?" She asked moving to my back and I nodded. "You look stressed out" "I'm anticipating calls and criticisms" I answered . "Do you regret it?" She asked and I shook my head. "This is new for me" I answered and she began to massage my shoulders. I shut my eyes in pleasure.Damn that felt really good! It was as though she was reading my mind. That was exactly what I wanted that moment. "You mean going against your mom?" She asked jerking me out of my thought. "Yes, she's going to freak out and I don't think I'm ready to talk to her" "I'm scared" I added and she chuckled. "Mom would not give up without a fight. She won't even accept you easily" "You don't have to worry about me" she answered kissing me on the lips. I pulled her hands and she fell on my lap. Adesuwa's arm went around me, and she began giving me more of her gentle kisses. I wrapped my hands around her waist and she turned over to the door. She was worried that someone could walk in that moment. "This is totally unprofessional" I muttered with all manner of seriousness and she nodded. "We might have to consider Emmy's idea to move me to the receptionist counter so you can concentrate" she added and we busted in laughter. I leaned in for a kiss again, I moved my lips lightly against hers. We lingered and kissed, and my fingers stroked her arm and a mean escaped her lip. An incoming call from mom disrupted us, I didn't want to pick. "Pick it up" Adesuwa said and I shook my head. The call ended. "I don't want to speak to her just yet. I might just get angry" I answered and the phone rang again. Whether you like it or not you're still going to have to face her" she held the phone picking up the call and placing it on my ears. "Good afternoon Mom" "There's nothing good about the afternoon Henry. Tell me it's not true. Tell me that Jummy got the wrong idea" she asked, I turned over to Adesuwa. "It's true mom. It's over between Jummy and I" I answered and she laughed, it was more like a snigger. "You can't be serious about that, are you drunk?" "Mom I'm not drunk. For the first time in a long time I've never being more okay. I've made my decision. I can't be with Jummy anymore. I don't love her" "Who cares if you love her or not? Who says marriage is built on love? Henry you're going to pick up your phone this moment and you're going to call Jummy and you're going to apologize to her parents. You're going to tell them you weren't in your right senses, but now you've come to realize that" I didnt wait for her to finish her sentence. I felt insulted, she was speaking to me as though she was talking to a three years old child. I'm done with her manipulation. "How old does she think I am?" I asked, "I've given her every single thing she wanted, haven't I done enough? I've always been obedient, not anymore." "Take it easy Henry. She's not going to smile and welcome this new change with open arms." She resumed massaging me. "I better resume my job" she moved away and I groaned in disappointment. "Do you have to? I really need someone to talk to" "As much as I would love to be with you dear, we both have to get back to work" she answered and I smiled. "I'm glad I have you" I answered and she gave me a big smile then walked out of the office. **** About thirty minutes later, mom breezed into my office with Dad. "Mom" "Don't Mom me Henry" she paused. "If you have the slightest respect for me as a mom you wouldn't have done what you did to Jummy" "I don't love Jummy. I love another" "That stupid maid?" She asked pointing at her back as though Adesuwa was there. "Mom don't call her names" "That's what she is, a tramp. A social climber, an opportunistic bitch. She's just using you" mom yelled, "Adesuwa isn't that kind of person" "You've been deceived. Henry I think that girl has succeeded In charming you. Was it the food you ate that day?" "Adesuwa would never do that. Okay maybe I've been charmed by her good characteristics and her good heart" "Theo, we're looking at first degree love charm here" mom snapped her fingers continuously. "You can't afford to break things off with the Cokers" "Mom I'm tired of Jummy, we've never had any reasonable conversation about our future or about life. She's too controlling and she nags a lot. I don't want to feel like I'm married to you" I snapped. Then I shut my eyes realizing how that sounded. I think I saw dad chuckle. "Oh you think that was funny?" She snapped at Dad, "Instead of being useful, you keep quiet doing nothing" "I'll be outside" Dad pointed out leaving mom and I alone. "Dad hasn't done anything here mom, don't blame him" I snapped and she clasped her hands together as tears poured down her eyes. It's not everyday you see mom cry. "If you don't respect anything Henry, respect this tears. You can't afford to call things off with the Cokers. They're major investors in this deal we just made. If they pull out, we'll literally fall." "Is that the only thing you care about? Our alliance?" I asked and she shook her head. "It's bigger than you think" "Ayomide mi," she called out my middle name and I went soft. I shut my eyes in thought. "Mom I respect you so much, you know that so well." "I know Oko mi, (my husband) I know" "But I'm sorry, I've made my decision. I'm not going back to Jummy. If there's anyone i want to spend my life with, it's Adesuwa and not Jummy. Mommy if you care the least about my happiness, you'll respect that" "Henry" "I don't want to talk about this anymore" Adesuwa's POV I wasn't sure whether to let Lilian in on me dating Henry cause I wasn't sure if he will be able to get through with his plan to break up with Jummy. I called Lilian to let her know, she seemed excited. She wished she was at work so she could see me. She was on night duty. "How you go take cope with him Mama wahala, Manager babe go fit accept defeat so?" She asked and I shrugged. "When I get to the hotel and I have time, I'll stop by at your office." "That would be fine" I answered then I sighted Mrs. Babalola and a man walking towards me. I picked up the phone to call Henry. "Don't even dare" she snapped at me then I stood up. "Good after.." She walked by before I could complete my sentence. "Good afternoon dear" the man tapped me walking into the office. "Good afternoon Sir" Could that be Henry's dad? I asked myself. I was tempted to eavesdrop but I didn't. When I heard his mom yell. I had to walk towards the door then I placed my right ear on it. Her voice reduced and then I heard something about charms. As I struggled to ear, I felt the door open against me. It was the man. I quickly took my seat. "Eavesdropping?" He asked and I nodded. "I'm sorry, I hate being in the dark. I just wanted to listen so I would know what to expect when she comes out" "Trust me, I know the feeling" he answered then he leaned on my desk. "I'm sorry. I'm kind of used to eavesdropping, it comes with the job description of being a maid. I was previously a maid" "So I heard" he answered with a smile. How did he find out? "I'm sorry, I'm curious... who are you Sir?" "You see that woman in there, she's my wife and the man she's shouting at is my son" "Seriously? You're Mr.Babalola" I asked and he nodded with a smile. "I've heard that I'm younger than my age" he added and I laughed. "You're not like...." "The tiger in there?" He pointed in there and I laughed. "That didn't come out from my mouth" "I did read your mind shea?" He added and I chuckled. I was in shock, Henry's dad looked so normal. "I'm sorry for making her angry" "She's not that bad you know" he added and I rolled my eyes. "I have never seen her smile at me or even smile at all. She hates me" "I guess the mother-in-law, daughter-in-law hatred in Nigeria would still continue" "I don't want that for myself, she's your wife, how can I pacify her?" I asked and he chuckled. "Thirty four years with her and I still don't know how to pacify her." He answered and I chuckled. "Well there's another way, do you have ten million that you're willing to invest in the company?" He asked and I raised my brow in surprise and he laughed. "My wife loves money" "My twenty years salary cannot even cover that" I answered and he chuckled. "What's the name?" He asked, "Adesuwa" "One of my sweetest Benin names, Adesuwa, a child born in wealth" "How do you know Sir?" I asked and he withdrew immediately. Then he laughed. "Henry has a good eyes like his father. You have a nice smile" I commented and Mrs. Babalola came out frowning at me. She batted her eyes at my husband then at me. "You" she pointed at me, "You've taken my son to whatever marine altar and you've decided to use his brain and turn him against his family and what could have been his marriage to Jummy. Adesuwa, I hope you're ready for this war cause I promise you it's going to be hot!" She yelled leaving. "I'm sorry about my.." Mr Babalola paused, "Theophilus!!!" Mrs. Babalola yelled and he followed her. I saw Mr Haruna approach me. "I heard noises" Mrs. Haruna said, "That's Mr. Henry's mother, I meant Henry, sorry Mr. Henry" I brushed my hair with my fingers. I was confused. "Adesuwa" Mrs. Haruna gazed at me suspiciously, "What's going on?" She asked and I looked at Mr Henry's office. I knew I had to be there for him. "I promise to tell you everything later and not now. Let me just talk to Henry, Mr. Henry" I corrected walking into Henry crying. I knew this was going to be a hard one for him. I moved to his back pressing a hug against him. "I was wrong, it's not going to be okay" I whispered to him. "Your mom hates me because I'm poor. I'm not going to be rich anytime soon, unless through rituals" I joked and he chuckled. "Your dad is totally normal. I see where you got your good looks from" I added and he laughed admist in tears. Then he sniffled. "Your mom declared war on me, I don't know what to expect. She really hates me, Henry it's not going to be okay as I said earlier on cause I don't know what to expect, but i believe it's going to get better" I said softly and he raised my fingers up kissing them softly. Mrs. Babalola's POV I walked into the car so did Theo. "You have no shame! You were obviously hitting on that girl" "I wasn't" "You were! I know what I saw and heard. You even told she had a nice smile" "Is there anything wrong in that?" "I'm not going to give you any reply" "Fine! Out of the car, I'll drive alone" "Doyin" "I said out of the damn car!" I yelled and he walked out giving me the keys. I called Jummy to find out she was. She told me she was out in a friend's house. She gave me an address and I met her there. She was with her two best friend, Ayo and Emmy. Jummy had a cigarette in between her fingers. I heard she had the habit of smoking, It was my first time seeing it. She puffed it out then pressed it upon a tray on seeing me. "Good afternoon Ma" Ayo and Emmy greeted me except Jummy. "How are you feeling?" I asked her, "How am I feeling? Ma how am I supposed to feel? I feel horrible!" She yelled. "I don't even know what to do" "I already said it, let's finish this babe. It will take one good and quick job." Emmy suggested and Ayo rolled her eyes. "And who would be blamed for killing her?" Ayo asked, "You're so stupid Emmy. You don't think before talking" I agree with Ayo about that. That has to be the most stupid idea ever! Resulting to killing will only make Jummy's a prime suspect. "If you're worried about that, I can slowly kill her, poison her till she dies eventually" she suggested once more and Ayo hissed. "I don't like the way Emmy thinks on situation like this. Must you kill everyone? It's as if your last visit to the psyche Ward wasn't enough for you" she yelled and I quietly looked at Jummy. "I don't mind if she wounds up dead, I just want her out of the way" Jummy answered in tears then she sniffled. "Or we could bribe her. Since she's a gold digger, we could pay her off. Of course with a big sum of money" Ayo suggested and i smiled. "That sounds like a plan, let's do just that and we have to do it real quick. Preferably, this night. Who has any idea where she lives?" "I'll call Mummy B" Emmy answered. Adesuwa's POV I got a call from Ivie, she sought my presence at the house. She told me it was a surprise. I went back home, where I found Chidi and Ivie seated in the sitting room. There was a wine in front of Aunty Maggie, along with several gifts. "The last time I checked, Aunty Maggie here doesn't know her birthday so whose birthday are we celebrating?" I asked and Ivie laughed. "Why is this girl always looking for avenues to make me look bad?" Aunty Maggie asked and I laughed. "Good evening Chidi" I said looking at the wine. "What's going on?" I asked, "Remember when I told you I was spending the night at Chidi's place?" Ivie asked, and then It came running back to me! "You didn't even bother to find out how it went, if I got strangled or not" "I've been preoccupied in my own mess" I answered and everyone gave me that serious look. They wanted gist. "Amebo go kill all of una for this house. Let's not make this about me, what's going on here?" "Chidi don con tell us him mind about wetin him want do with Ivie" "Seriously?" I smiled. "Thank God say you no gree for am" Aunty Maggie added and I laughed. "Mama!" Ivie snapped. "Na true na" My gaze fell on Chidi, "You finally had the balls?" he chuckled. "I just came so your aunt can fix a day for us to meet the family even if it will be in Benin. I want to do the needful" he answered. **** While Ivie escorted Chidi out, there was a knock on the door and a little boy barged in. "Aunty Adesuwa people they find you oh!" "Na who oh?" Aunty Maggie rushed out then rushed back in. "Jesus!" She yelled. "Wetin happened?" She asked and I looked out the window. I noticed Mrs. Babalola so I walked out. I wondered why she would be hiding from her. "Good evening Ma" I greeted then Jummy came out of another car along with Emmy and another lady. "To what do I owe the visit?" I asked and Mrs. Babalola scoffed. "We're not here for chit-chat Adesuwa, quite the contrary. I'm here to warn you to leave my son alone" I scoffed. Anything new? "We didn't come empty handed dear" she pushed her head into her car then brought out a cheque handing it to me and I collected it. The figures were really tempting. Three whooping million naira??? "I believe you have never in your miserable life handled such money. I'm being generous, I'm giving you the privilege to be rich, on one condition; that you leave Henry alone" "Are you through?" I asked, "Okay if you are, I guess this is where I come in." I stretched the cheque back to her. "You can keep it, I don't want it" I answered and I can swear I saw surprise on her face. "You're bluffing. You can't be serious, this money will get you all you've ever wanted" "You're right madam, I've never in my miserable life handled such money and I can think of a thing or two I can invest in but your son is worth more than millions. I refuse to be bought, you can't buy my feelings and you stooping to the extent of bribing me, I have to say I'm disappointed." I snapped and she scoffed. "I'll double it" "To what end?" "It'll be a win-win situation. No one gets hurt, you go six million richer" "Mom would always say there's no better than wealth than having a good company." "Oh shut up! You're only after my son's money, you're an opportunist, a gold digger" "You're right about that, maybe im a gold digger, Henry is one gold I'm not willing to lose" I answered tearing the cheque. "Rather than trying to bribe me, there are better things you can use this money for." I answered and Jummy charged towards me angrily and her other friend held her. "What's all this? Do you want to embarrass yourself?" She asked. "Asewo!!! Husband snatcher" Emmy clapped her hands. "Emmy I'm this close to whooping your ass, I'm trying not to touch you out of respect for your bleached skin. Please don't even get on my nerves" "What would you do?" She asked and I sighed, trying to control my anger. "Good night" I added walking away. I walked into the sitting room, Aunty Maggie was looking out the window. "How did you know that woman?" She asked, "Do you know her?" "Did I say I know her?" Aunty Maggie snapped. "Why are you being defensive as of yiurr hiding something" "You're the one that knows what defensive means oh, thank God I didn't go to school" she answered walking into the room. "Aunty you're hiding something from me" "I don't know the woman!" She yelled. "Why then did you run" "She looked like one of those ladies I slept with their husbands that year nah. Na wetin make me run" "You're still lying" I folded my hands staring at her in disbelief. She was just stating the obvious. Lies comes out easily from her mouth, I knew my Aunt so well! "Aunty Maggi" I called out and she hissed. **** In the midnight, Ivie walked into the sitting room , I was still awake scouring the net with my phone. I couldn't sleep. I had a lot in mind. "Why aren't you asleep?" She asked and I looked at the wall clock. It was past one. "I was just thinking of a lot of things" "Like?" "Work and..." "The mess you're preoccupied in" she concluded sitting on the three seaters with me and I shook my head. "Did you store that in your memory?" I asked and she laughed. "How was your time with Chidi?" "It was great. . He asked me out that night and we kissed" "Hm hm" I brushed my shoulder against hers and she laughed. "I know what you're thinking, we didn't have sex. We haven't had sex yet, Chidi is a real gentleman" she bit her lower lip, "Awwwn, that's sweet" "I know" she answered then she brushed her shoulder against mine. "What's up with you? How did the date go?" "For starters, it was eye-opening. I realized I like my boss" "Hmm hmm" she chipped in and I laughed. "All those forming and talk about respect nko?" She asked and I smiled. "We're finally dating" "I'm happy for you" Ivie hugged me. "But I'm dealing with an angry mother-in-law here. She hates me and she even warned me to stay away from her son." "Let her go and jump in the ocean, it's not anyone's business. For the first in a long time, good things are happening to us. We won't sit and watch anyone take away our joy. We'll fight for what we believe in. We're going to let our past come in between our happiness" she said and I agreed.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 28* HOTEL PALAVA Henry's POV I sat on the bed thinking of what went down between mom and I, I thought of how the hotel staffs would react to the news then I put a call through to Tosin. "Good evening bro" "Yeah, I need a favor from you" "Okay, if it's within my reach" "That your friend, the agent that helped you get a place to stay" "Her name is Jane." "I want to rent a place" "For you and Jummy?" She asked and I shook my head. "For Adesuwa and I." "Adesuwa? Wait you finally did it?" She asked, "Yes" I smiled. "How's Jummy taking the news? She must be so devastated right now" "There's no way I could have done it Tosin . Can I get this Jane's number? I need that privacy away from people's prying eyes and wagging tongues" Mrs. Babalola's POV Wunmi Coker called me on the phone, she wanted me to set up a meeting with Henry present so we could discuss the break up and how to resolve issues but Henry didn't agree to it. A week after the break up, Theophilus called me from work. He wanted me to see him urgently at the office and I rushed quickly. "What happened? I almost had a heart attack" I snapped at my husband. "You might wanna sit down for this" he suggested and I wondered why he said so. It was definitely a bad news. "Tell me, I can handle anything" "Mr . Coker pulled out of the business deal" he announced and I nodded. I expected it anyways. "How much have we lost?" I asked, "Not so fast dear, that sneaky bastard managed to talk two people into abandoning the project." "Jesus" my legs felt weak. "How bad is it?" I asked and he passed me a financial sheet. I had no choice but to sit. I drove over to Mr. Coker's estate like a mad dog. His secretary told me he was in a meeting but I barged in anyway. There was a man and woman in with him. "Sir I tried to stop her" the secretary said and Mr. Coker waved his hands and she left. "We need to talk" I demanded, "Mrs. Babalola, as you can see I'm in a meeting" "I won't care less even if you were with the president" I yelled and he gestured that they leave and they did. "What has provoked this kind of behavior from you?" He asked and I scoffed. "Oh drop the pretense! Don't play dumb Festus, you know why I'm here" "I left, so what?" He shrugged, "It's not as though I was tied to your company." "Why did you drive the others away? That's dirty, even for you!" "The last time I checked Doyin, you don't play clean games and you hands are as well dirty" "Do you have any idea what you've just done?" "Do you have any idea how my daughter is hurting? She cries, morning, noon and night because of your stupid son!" "This is business Festus!" "My daughter is my business and your son messed with her. I will not stop until I see you all wrecked" I hate to grovel for Mercy just as much as I hate losing money. I had no choice here. "Festus don't do this to us, for the sake of our friendship. We can negotiate" "My daughter is still in love with your son. Except he proposes to her and takes her to the altar, forget about it" *** I couldn't sleep at night, I was really disturbed. Tears streamed down my eyes and I sniffled. I felt Theo's hand over me. "What's it baby?" He asked and I almost scoffed. He hasn't called me that in a while. "Why are you crying?" He asked and i hissed. As though he didn't know why I was sad. "It's going to be fine" he laughed placing soft kisses my shoulders. "What if we truly hit rock bottom?" "That can't happen, Festus is a complete fool, a born-fool" he insulted and I laughed at the way he called the 'borful'. "Even if we hit rock bottom, you've got me" he caressed me and I sat up angrily. "Must everything be a joke to you?" I snapped, "What did I do?" "You're sleeping alone tonight" *** It's been a while since I spoke with my therapist, Harriet since she brought up the idea of going for the couple's retreat in India to help build my relationship with Theophilus. I decided to pay her a little visit. I was already going nuts! I walked into her office and she gave me that look like she knew what I had in mind. "Someone doesn't look happy" "I wouldn't be here if I was happy" "How was the couple's retreat?" "It was fine" I lied. "I can sniff lies from miles away, how much more..." She stalled. "It wasn't fine. What happened?" She assumed and I rolled my eyes. "I had to leave earlier, my son was in Nigeria, did I mention that Henry is back?" "No you didn't. Nice digresion too" "I wasn't digressing, Henry is back" "And you're not too thrilled about his return. For someone that couldn't wait to have him back in Nigeria, you don't sound happy." She quickly held a pen writing on a book. "That will be our next topic of interest, so... why did you leave the retreat?" I sighed as memories rushed through my mind. "The teacher wanted Theo and I to consummate our bond. I haven't had s*x with him for three years now, I'm not planning on it" "Let me get this straight, you ended the retreat because you couldn't have sex with a man you've had sweet sex countless times with. You even have two children from him. Why did you go to the retreat if you weren't going to take it seriously?" "It was your stupid idea" "Don't pin this on me Doyin" I hate when she calls me by my name as though she was older than me. I'm eighteen years older than her! I sniffled withholding my tears. "I thought I could find a place in my heart to forgive him but I'm still hurt" I busted into tears and she handed an handkerchief to me and I wiped my tears with it. "Is Henry also responsible for the tears?" Harriet asked and I nodded. "You're a witch" I muttered and she laughed. I explained the whole situation to her and she laughed at it all as though It was funny. "What's funny?" "You are funny. So what if your son wishes to marry a secretary" "She's a maid" "Even if she was a beggar with no feet, you don't have any right to choose for your kids" "Don't even make me angry Harriet" "Madam, if you're my mother, I would have done my siblings the honour of poisoning you a long time ago" she snapped her fingers continuously. "I want their happiness, I'm a good mother. What's happiness without money?" "Doyin you still haven't dealt with your mentality. You think just because your mother made a choice for you, you can also make one for your children. It doesn't work that way. What if Tosin ends up in an abusive relationship or with a man that cheats" she asked hitting me on my soft spot and I cried. "Clem could have been perfect for her" You're not still seeing the big picture are you?" Harriet asked and I hissed. "I lost a lot money because Henry left Jummy, this new tramp doesn't have shit to offer. If I can get her out of the way" "Don't even think of killing her" "Not that" I paused. "I tried to pay the idiot off with three million, I even doubled it, she didn't agree. What can I do to make her leave?" "Doyin you're an idiot, sorry to say. You're a 54 years old fool. Listen to yourself, if someone like you meets me to leave your son for 6 million, I'll give you back your son and even give out my own son as an attachment" she joked and I laughed. "Doesn't that tell you she's a good woman?" She asked and I hissed. "I just don't like her. I prefer a woman with class like Jummy, not this one." Henry's POV Finding a good home has so far proved difficult. I wanted something that wasn't too far from the hotel. A place I could leave easily in time of emmergency at the hotel. I wanted a place I could find peace and serenity in, have my own privacy and build a family in. It's been more than a week and I still haven't found the perfect place. I've been annoying the hell out of Janet with complains from the previous places I already checked out. I'm so sure she would love to give me a punch on the face. Janet called me up once again. "There's another place" she began, "It's at the estate close to the place I found for tosin" she added. "Okay" I answered. "When should I meet you?" "I'm not doing anything for now, are you free?" She asked, I could denote that she was already tired. "I'm sorry" I apologized. "Are you apologizing in advance in case you don't like the place?" "I'm apologizing for the stress" "The place is really nice. You should see it" "I'll call you when I'm free" *** Later in the day, I checked out the house. It wasn't bad at all. It was a two room apartment, really spacious. "The old occupant left these interior designs but if you want it off" "It's nice, I'm sure the previous occupant had taste" I added and I saw her smile. "Does that mean you'll take it" she asked and I walked around once again. "Erm...I don't know" "Come on! The price is okay, I'm pretty sure you're more than capable of paying it. The house is almost perfect, there's a pool, it has a gate, its free from disturbances, the interior is so spacious that even if you're having your naming ceremony and your village people want to come. It can occupy them" she complained holding my shirt. "Mr. Henry Babalola, what more do you want from me?" She shouted and I laughed. "I was going to say I don't know if i like the color of the second room and I may have to change it" I blurted out and she smiled. "You're taking it?" "If Adesuwa agrees" "What if she doesn't?" "Janet I'm sorry" "You better just fire me cause all these trouble, why did your sister even call me gan? I'm in the only house agent in Nigeria?" She snapped and I laughed. *** I took Adesuwa to the house in the evening. "Do you like it?" I asked and she chuckled. "Henry don't you think it's too big? How much does it cost?" "You don't have to know" I answered and she chuckled. "You've stressed this woman's life enough. If I were her I would have punched you silly" she answered and I wrapped my hands round her waist. "I haven't stressed her that much" "Henry this is the sixth house you've checked so far." She snapped and i laughed. "I want something perfect, a home where we can start a family." "I don't care about how the building looks. You're home to me" she answered and I planted a kiss on his lips and we lingered for minutes sucking on each other's lips as though our lives depended on it. "I better call Janet up and let her know" *** I paid for the house, I had it furnished and some changes made. I didn't leave the hotel till the house was set. Sex life with Adesuwa has been on the zero level, I didn't want to expose Adesuwa to more gossip from the hotel staffs more than it was already. We wanted each other but we had to wait for the right time. Just before i completely moved in, Emmy came into my office since I sought her attention concerning an issue she had with one of the kitchen staff. "How's the restaurant work going?" I asked, since the restaurant was going through refurnishing. I wanted to use that to start up the topic. Emmy threw her gaze on the wall. "I wasn't paid to supervise the work. There are supervisors there" she answered and I shook my head. I wonder why I still haven't fired her. "I learnt you had an argument with an employee in the kitchen" "That's what you could have just said rather than beating about the bush. She wasn't doing her job so I told her to..." She stalled. "Emmy I'm tired of hearing complains about you" "Do you even care about Jummy or how she feels?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. She has always been so perfect at going off point. "This isn't about Jummy" "Now you're going everywhere with your precious Adesuwa. You think she's good. She's not miss perfect, that girl has more skeleton in her cupboard than you even care to know" "Emmy you can leave now" "I know all there is to know about Adesuwa" I lied. "This is all her game. A game in her sick head! She has been doing this for long, playing with the heart of every manager. She makes them fall in love with her, she has practically slept with all the managers since she came" "That's ridiculous!" "I dare you to ask her Henry. . Maybe Jummy doesn't deserve you, Adesuwa doesn't deserve you either" she snapped leaving my office. **** As much as I didn't want to put the word to heart, I did anyways. I packed my belongings to the new house. I went along with Adesuwa. She helped me set up a few things. We were in the sitting room. I laid on the floor in my singles and a three quarters short, I leaned my head on the couch. I was tired. I watched Adesuwa walk up to my music player. She turned it on and an high life song filled the room. Adesuwa walked up to me with a wide smile on her face. She mounted on me kissing me on the lips and I kissed her back. "I've been dreaming of this day" she confessed and I pulled her even more closer. She slowly took off my singlet. I won't deny that I've also been waiting for this day but I couldn't concentrate; I needed to find out if Emmy was saying the truth. "Emmy came into my office earlier in the day" "What drama did she display today?" She asked and I laughed faintly. "She..." I pulled her close wrapping my hands around her waist. I didn't know whether to ask her. I didn't want it to look as though I was entertaining doubts in a new relationship. "Urgh!" I groaned. "What?" She asked, "Henry are you okay? What did she say?" "Was there anything between you and the other Managers?" I asked and she moved back. Adesuwa stood up she had a blank expression on her face. "Good night Henry" she picked up her bag then walked towards the door. "Come on, you don't have to leave, all I want is the truth" I stood up and she turned back at me. "Good night Henry"

come on bro, you just killed the mood

Tell her the truth because all is not about money...

Henry don't destroy ur beautiful relationship based on what u heard

*Hotel Palava - Episode 29* Adesuwa's POV I felt bad about the way I left off things with Henry. I didn't want to leave but I had to. He had no idea how much I hate talking about my past. I hated the fact he questioned me based on a statement and gossip from the lying lips of Emmy. I didn't understand why he had to believe the lies that came from her mouth. *** I went into his office the next day. He raised his head at me giving me a look . He was definitely still angry at me. Well I deserved it for walking away the way I did. "Good morning dear" I greeted, "Good morning" he answered. "How was your night?" He asked and I scoffed. "It was horrible because of the way we left off things yesterday. I'm sorry about last night" i apologized and he rose up. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have doubted you. When Emmy said that to me and I just..." He stalled. "Whenever we talk about your past, you avoid the topic, you're not comfortable with it. When she told me you've slept with all the managers, I just thought maybe that's why you're being secretive. I was just curious" "Emmy lied, I never slept with any of the managers" I lied, not like I entirely lied. I just wasn't in the mood to tell the whole truth. People find it hard to believe me when I tell them the truth . I didn't want him to look at me negatively. When Odion came to me after hearing the news, he was like a raging lion, he didn't ask questions, he assumed the rumours were true. I still remember his quote like as though it happened yesterday. "People have always said you're a slut, I didn't believe it until today. Adesuwa you're a slut." I snapped out of my thoughts. "I didn't sleep with Segun, I never slept with the rest. When my fiance heard about it, he believed it without asking questions. He broke off our engagement" "I'm sorry" "At least you asked" I added and he pulled me closer to him wrapping his arms around my waist. "That's the only thing rational thing to do. I'm sorry I was doubtful" "It's okay" I finally smiled. "It was his loss, at least I got you at the end" he added and I thought of all the circumstances that had brought us together. The funny occurrences, Mrs. Haruna's mistake and i laughed. Henry parted my lips with his and we had a passionate kiss. We were so lost in the thick of it that we didn't we've even realize Mrs. Haruna had walked in. "This is unprofessional. We might have to rethink on Emmy's idea to move you to the receptionist counter" she said and we laughed. "I better go" I answered leaving. Henry's POV After Adesuwa left, Mrs. Haruna gave me a stern look. "You seem happy Sir" "I am" "I'm glad you are. Adesuwa seems happy too." She smiled. "Where are you going with this?" "Adesuwa has been hurt by several men and she has been through a lot. I will hate to see her suffer in the hands of another" "I'm not a bad person, you should know" "I do Sir... I'm only worried about those that might be out to hurt her" she said and I understood what she meant. She was referring to Jummy, Emmy and Mom. "I want you to be there for her and protect her." **** At night, I decided to get comfortable in bed with nothing but my shorts on. Adesuwa was taking her bath. I scoured through the internet and stumbled upon an idea from a big time hotel in Port Harcourt. I could use it for the hotel. "Adesuwa, you have to see this!" I yelled and I saw Adesuwa come out in a towel tied around her waist. My eyes lingered on her smooth lap. "What?" She walked towards me and I close the laptop. "It's nothing important" I answered sharply and she laughed. She obviously knew there was something. "Are you sure?" She asked, "It's nothing that can't be checked tomorrow. We've attended to business all day. Now it's time for 'us' time" I wrapped my arms around her and she chuckled. "I was thinking of what you said about me not opening up to you. I'm willing to, even if I won't entirely tell you all." "My name is Adesuwa Ighodaro. My birth certificate has Adesuwa Falana but I had it changed. I'm the bastard daughter of Micheal Falana and a well known politician who as at that time was my mom's boss." "Seriously?" I asked, "Does he know you exist?" "He does" she answered with a scoff. He knows very well that I exist, according to mom he sent her packing when he found out she was pregnant. She was already four months gone. I didn't want to bear the name of the man who hurt my mother" she paused. "Mom raised me up, she was my mother and father." She added in tears. I didn't want her to speak again, I just didn't know what to do or how to stop her. "Adesuwa" I called out. "This is who I am, who life made me, a damn hustler and my ill-luck has just.." "That's going to change" I assured cleaning her tears. "Your mom would have been proud of who you've become and I love you for who you are Adesuwa" "Thanks" I slid my arm around her waist and drew back looking at her watery eyes. Then we kissed again, slowly and carefully at first then it became urgent. I was already hard. I've been that way since I saw her walk out of the bathroom. My hands roamed Adesuwa's body; my body ached for her. She pushed me to the bed then she climbed on me taking off the towel. Her smiled widened. Deji's POV I went clubbing with some of my friends. They suggested I get out of my sinkhole and just have fun. An old friend of mine, Dami walked up to me. She used to be a lover, one of my friends with sexual benefits. "Deji?" She called out and I raised my eyes in shock. I haven't seen her in years. "Wow long time no see" she added. **** The next thing I knew, we were in a hotel room kissing and pulling each other's clothes. Just as she knelt down to take off my belt, I stopped her. "I can't" "I don't understand, what do you mean by you can't" she answered and I sat on the bed disappointed. Ever since I left Lagos, having sex with others have proved difficult. I haven't successful had sex with any girl. "I don't understand, you don't just bring a girl to a hotel room and just stop halfway" "I can't, I'm sorry. I'll pay you" "You can keep your money where your mouth is Deji, I don't need it. Deji I've known you for years. You're not the kind to reject s"x and s*xual offers. Who's the girl?" She asked and I hissed. "Open up" she sat close to me laughing. "Her name is Lilian and I hurt her." "The Deji I knew doesn't believe in love" "It's not love, it's more of guilt. I feel guilty for what I did" i answered and she gazed in disbelief. "I'm serious, it's not love" "Whatever! So what did you do?" She asked and I sighed. "Lilian works as a maid in a hotel in Lagos" "Why would you date her at first when you knew she was a maid" "That's the point, I didn't know. I got to find out and I was ashamed of it. I did as though I didn't recognize her in front of mom" "That's horrible" "I deserve the worse punishment I know" I admitted and she shook her head. "I was ashamed that mom saw her and quite honestly, I didn't see her as someone I can introduce to dad or anyone. What if they've seen her at the hotel before?" "That's crazy Deji" "To think we broke up just when we just made love." I laid in bed. "It was one of my best nights" I muttered. "The sex wasn't that wow sef... The night was just perfect. That moment you feel like everything's right for the first time" I answered and i heard Dami laughed. "Are you crying?" She asked and I wiped some tears off the corner of my eyes. I didn't even realize I was crying. "Deji if you want my advise, I think you better go back to this babe. She might be the one" **** I went back home by past six am. I found mom in the sitting room with a Bible in her hands. "Where were you?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. "I went to the club" I answered, "And where did you spend the night?" "I met a friend and we went over to the hotel" I answered and she gave me that familiar look. "What are you doing awake?" I asked her and she hissed. "I woke up from having a two bad dreams about you. I woke up immediately and I started praying seriously. Your father said I shouldn't disturb him, so I came down here where I can cry out freely to my God" "And you didn't use the other rooms" I snapped and she sighed. "I was waiting for you" "Deji come and sit with me" I recognize that voice. She was definitely going to advise me. "I want to sleep, I have work tomorrow" I answered as a shield but it wasn't strong enough for her. "Akanni mi, please sit" Whenever African Mothers call their kids by another name other than their first name, we all conclude the situation as a daring one. I took my seat beside mom. "Deji" she sighed. "When would you settle down?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. I saw it coming! "At the right time when I find the right woman" "This isn't the right way to go about looking for a woman Deji I'm scared for you, especially with the revelation I had this night" "Mom those are just silly dreams" "I saw you sinking in a pool of water, there were a lot of girls surrounding you, people that could have helped but no one helped you. Deji you were helpless. I pitied you, I stretched my hands but I couldn't reach you" "Mom those are silly dreams. You don't have to worry about me. I won't be going to the pool anytime soon" I joked laughing at my own joke. Of course I understood what she meant by the dream. "This isn't a joke Deji, when last have you prayed to God?" She asked and I remembered my prayer to God to make Dad whole again. "Mom I have to prepare for work" I excused leaving mom alone. Mrs Babalola's POV I woke up without Theophilus besides me. It was already past six, it was 8th of December my birthday. I walked down the stairs, the light was off. Suddenly the light turned on, "Happy Birthday!!!!" They all screamed. I observed the people present, Theo, my sister, three of her kids, the workers were present too. I felt tears building in my eyes. Henry and Tosin weren't present. Thier surprise was followed by a 'happy birthday' song. "Oh my God" I faked a smile. "Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the gesture" I announced and Theo walked towards me with a host in his hands. "Happy birthday to the most amazing woman in the world" he said and I almost rolled my eyes. I knew it was to feed the eyes of the people present. I collected the gift anyways. "Awwn" my nieces and nephew muttered. My sister Toyosi walked up to me , i usually call her TY. She's the last child of the family, she's forty years old and her oldest kid was sixteen. "Happy birthday sis" she kissed me on the cheek. "When did you arrive?" "We flew from Ghana yesterday, I had to beat traffic this morning to see my favorite sister" she explained and I hugged her the more. I appreciated her effort. The kids hugged me afterwards. Suddenly I walked away into the room and TY followed me. I busted into tears the moment I walked in. "Aunty se ko'o si? (I hope there's nothing wrong?)" She asked and I started sobbing. "Can you believe Theo threw a birthday surprise and my own children didn't show up" I snapped and she sat on the bed giving me a look. "Aunty, no offense, but what did you do?" She asked and I took offense. Must I always do something wrong? "Why do you guys always assume the worst of me? Even you TY" "Aunty Doyin, you're my big sister and I love you and respect you for all you've done for me but I know you so well. You must have done something to provoke them especially Tosin. That girl has put up with your rubbish since she gave birth" "What did I do?" "Your mouth, things you say. They hurt and you don't know" "A mother disciplines her children, it doesn't warrant that they... I haven't even received a call from any of them. Henry is always the first to call me." "What did you do?" "I did what every good mother would! I told Tosin to get married to a very wealthy man that would give her a solid stand. Henry is dating a maid, a common maid at Aunty May's hotel" "She's human, she's not common" "Don't even make me angry with you. If you don't want to be on my side. Feel free to take a flight back to Ghana. I'll pay for your tickets" "See! I came all the way here for you and now you're saying things you shouldn't say." She stood up in anger. "Are you going? Don't go now" i begged. "Somebody cannot play and be angry again?" I asked and she sat back. "I need you today more than I've ever needed anyone" "Aunty Doyin" she called out and a incoming call interrupted. It was a call from Mr. Omojola. I smiled and picked it up. Maybe he was going to wish me a happy birthday. "Good morning Chief" I began, "There's nothing good about the morning oh" "What do you mean?" I rolled my eyes. I almost hissed. He wasn't calling me to give me birthday wishes. "It's Deji" "What happened? I hope he's okay" "He is... Remember the plan you suggested that I go along with" he began and I nodded as though he could see me. The day Mr. and Mrs Omojola came in to Lagos. After I left their hotel room, I got a call from Chief to meet him at a bar. He was with prominent friends drinking and smoking. I walked up to him with a grin on my face. "Chief Chief!" I hailed and he laughed. "Iretiola, looking as pretty as ever. How's Theophilus?" He asked and I sat on a chair. "He's fine" I answered and he begged that his friends excused him. "Your wife told me you're having issues with your son." He poured a drink into an empty glass before me. "I'm tired of that boy! God had to punish me one son. I have tried with other people apart from my wife and nothing is happening" "Kids react strangely and they tend to care when you manipulate them" "It's as if you don't Deji, he's unmanipulateable! If such word exist. You cannot bend him to do anything" "He took after his father. He's a total womanizer" I joked and he laughed. "What should I do?" "As you like this, you don't have any strange illness" "The stupid doctor said I should stop smoking that it's not good for my heart. It's just one small chest pain that would just happened like that." "You still don't get what I mean" I added and he smirked. He finally got my point. *** "What has happened?" I asked Chief and he sighed. "Business is failing and I'm still forming as if I'm sick. I'll just stand up and tell everyone that it's a miracle." "I'll think of it" "Ireti" "Chief please, it's my birthday and I'm nursing a headache; the last thing I need is more headache from you. You're not the only one with rogue children, I have mine and some of us are trying to figure out how to solve our own problem so just find yours" I snapped then I hung up. I knew I might have to call back to apologize. Lilian's POV Felicia woke so we have the usual morning devotion. . It wasn't even six yet. I grudgingly walked towards the whole family. Felicia asked that I take the praise and worship section and I did. I began with the classic, "Good morning Jesus, good morning Lord" I didn't even complete" I know you come from" when I felt my belly churn. I rushed out of the sitting room into the bathroom where I vomited. "Lilian are you okay?" Felicia asked and I nodded. "This has to be typhoid" I answered. "Dr. Lilian, you just took malaria drugs and now you're saying this one is typhoid. Typhoid kor, diarrhea ni" "Lilian when was the last time you had sex with your boyfriend" "I don't have one" "The last one kor" "We broke up" "And you didn't tell me" "It wasn't important" "Did you have sex with him" she asked and I kept quiet. "Answer my question Lilian!" She yelled, "Did you?" I gave a gentle nod. I knew what she was insinuating. I can't be pregnant! "Was it safe sex? Did he use a condom, were you two protected?" She asked all at once and I shook my head. "I'm not pregnant!" I answered and she shook her head. I saw disappointment in her eyes. "Take your bath and dress up, we're going for a test"

*Hotel Palava - Episode 30* Henry's POV I opened my eyes to the sight of Adesuwa working on my laptop. "Morning babe" I muttered and she turned towards me. "Good morning dear" she moved close to me kissing me on the lip. "What are you doing?" I asked, "Mrs. Haruna asked me to get this stuff typed" she answered raising a notebook up. "How long have you been awake?" "For an hour now" she answered not taking her eyes off the laptop. "It's mom's birthday today" I blurted and Adesuwa raised her brow in shock. "Call her" "I can't" I argued and she shook her head . "No way, you have to call her. She's your mom, she might be annoying and all but she did carry you in her womb. You owe her that respect to at least wish her a happy birthday" "I don't want her troubles. Dad told me he would throwing a early morning surprise for her and I declined" "Why?" "I'm trying to avoid a lot." "Henry I don't want to look like that bad person here and if I know your mom enough, she'll definitely blame me for keeping you." "You're not keeping me" "She won't see it that way. Trust me Henry . You have to call her. What happened to 'Iya ni wura, baba no jigi'? (mother is gold, father is silver) " "Later" "Now" she demanded and I rolled my eyes dialing her number then I placed the phone against my left ear. "It's busy, she's definitely on a call." I dropped the phone and she glared at me. "You're not even putting an effort" "She's on a call. She must have a lot of people calling her, I'll call her later" She didn't take her eyes off me. "I'll call her later" **** Dad came into the office rather early while Adesuwa and I were working on the project we admired from Port Harcourt's finest hotel. "It's your mom's birthday" he began before I could even greet him. "Good morning Sir" Adesuwa greeted, "Good morning Adesuwa" he greeted then fixed his gaze back at me. "It's your mom's birthday" "I heard you the first time and I didn't forget" "Have you called her?" "I forgot" I answered and Adesuwa opened her eyes in shock. "I thought you already did" "I said I was going to" "But you didn't" "I forgot" "How convenient Henry, are you trying to make me look like the bad person here?" "I don't want her saying things that would ruin my mood" I answered and she picked up her phone from the desk. I knew she was mad at me. "I better leave you two alone" "No" Dad answered. "I think it's better for you to stay dear. Since you're becoming part of the family; I think you should hear this. Maybe you can convince him" "Ok Sir" "I'll be throwing a party today for his mom at the house later in the evening." "I'll be busy" "Come on Henry! I know you're angry at your mom but you should learn to forgive and move on. Your mom is annoying but I'm still married to her" "I'll try" "He'll be there" Adesuwa assured touching my shoulder and I turned over to her chuckling. "Thank you Adesuwa" Dad replied and I turned over to him. "I haven't even agreed" "Do not underestimate the power of a woman Henry. I'll see you both at the party" "I...I ... didn't say... I was" Adesuwa stammered and Dad chuckled so did I. She thought i was the only one that would be dragged to the party. "See you two later" he chipped in leaving the office. "I'm not going oh" Adesuwa complained. "How convenient Adesuwa, you want me to go and you don't want to" "You're not the one she hates" she whines. "I'll go if you go" "Your mom hates me, she might embarrass me or throw me out" "She won't. I'll be there to protect you" i answered and she shook her head. "Let's negotiate on this" "Negotiate ke? This one is not negotiable" I answered and she laughed faintly. "You're evil" she mouthed, "I love you too babe" I replied. Tosin's POV I got a call from Dad just as I walked into the lobby of the hotel. It was a busy Monday, I wanted to see Fatai and it was also Mom's birthday. "Hello Madam where you dey?" He asked and I laughed. "Good morning Dad. I'm at the hotel" "Which hotel is that one again?" "May hotel" I answered laughing. "Perfect, where are you I'll meet you there" "I'm at the lobby" "I just left Henry, I'll be there in five minutes or ten" I found a seat to sit. Dad sat close to me afterwards. "Hey dear" he smiled at me. "Are you here for your brother?" He asked and I shook my head. "What are you doing in a hotel then?" He asked and i laughed. "I came to see someone" "A man?" He asked and I smiled. "This one that you're blushing, Tosin who is he?" "He's a friend dad and I don't want to have this discussion with you" "Does he have a name?" "He doesn't" "At least nah, give me briefings about him" "Daddy, next topic please!" I requested and he laughed. "How are you?" "I'm fine dad" "My twins, how are they?" "They're in school but they're fine" "I miss them a lot sha," "Dad you most times visit them" "I miss them at the house. I miss their troubles and the house has been too quiet these days." "It's mom's birthday, that was why you wanted to speak to me" I began and he gave a gentle nod. I didn't understand why he was beating about the bush. "Your mom is sad that you didn't call" "I wanted to" "What happened?" "I had second thoughts, she doesn't deserve it" "Tosin," dad called out, he sounded disappointed. "I thought you were a lot more mature than this" "Mom doesn't deserve my wishes. Right now I'm living as though I have no mother." "It was your choice to leave" "I left cause I had to just free myself from her strong grip. Dad you need it too" "You want me to file a divorce against your mom." "No. I just want you to stand up for yourself" "I'll be throwing a party later in the day. It would mean a lot to your mom if you're present with the twins" "No" "Tosin" "I'm not coming dad, don't insist" Fatai's POV Tosin called me in the morning to let me know she was coming. She didn't sound too well when we spoke on phone. I begged for mom's assistance in case she comes. "If she comes let me know" I instructed Joan for the fifth time. "And for the hundredth time, I will. Why your body dey hot like this?" "His girlfriend is coming na" mom answered and I heard laughter from corners of the kitchen. Even those that pretended they weren't listening were also listening. "She's .... she's ...not my girlfriend" i answered and Joan laughed. "Because you haven't asked her out nah" one of the chef yelled and opened my mouth in awe. "Look at all this people oh, everyone get back to your job. No more interruption" I stated and Joan left the kitchen. She came in almost immediately. "She's here, she's here!" She yelled and I rushed out almost immediately. There was no one. I walked back in and Joan laughed along with mom. "So it's your boss you're pranking shea?" I asked and she laughed even more. "If not that you're my friend, I would have fired you right now" I hissed and mom laughed. "Look at the way he ran" Mom pointed out and everyone laughed. She tried it a second time and I fell for it. I refused to fall again. "She's here" Joan walked in when I was blending some fruits. "You fooled me once, fooled me twice, I don't think I can be fooled again" "I'm serious" "You said that the last time" "I swear to God, if I dey lie make ogun kill me" she snapped and I shook my head. I went back to slicing some pepper and carrots. Suddenly I felt a hand over my eyes. "Joan's hands are not that soft" I smiled, "Tosin" I guessed and she took off her hands laughing. "Nice guess" she answered. She had hair net on. "Joan's hands are not that soft?" Joan asked, "Seriously?" She asked leaving and I laughed. "Eka'aro Ma (Good morning Ma)" She greeted in Yoruba and mom smiled. Mom likes her a lot and has insinuated a lot of times that I ask her out. "Iyawo mi, ba wo ni? (My wife, how are you?)" "Mo wa ma (I'm fine Ma)" I turned over to mom. I didn't understand why she would have to refer to her as 'My wife'. I was too embarrassed, that was way too intimate. "Awon omo ko? (How are the kids doing?)" She added and Tosin smiled. "Wo wa. (They're fine)" She answered now turning towards me. "What are you doing?" She asked pointing at the carrots. "I just wanted to make vegatable sauce" "I see" she answered. "I'm sorry about what mom said. The whole 'Iyawo mi' thing" I apologized and she waved her hands. "It's nothing" "It's embarrassing" I insisted. "Well parents exist to always embarrass you" I added. "How are you feeling? Earlier on when you called me you sounded sad" "I was, I needed someone to talk to" "I'll meet you after I'm done, or I could just..." "It's mom's birthday" she blurted out and I nodded. I understood what she meant, since we've been talking a lot about her mother. "I haven't called her yet" "That's bad Tosin" "I have my reasons" "Your reasons don't justify anything, Tosin we're talking about your mother. You're a mother, how would you feel if your twins wake up someday and they don't give you birthday wishes or even call or visit" "Fatai have you been listening to me?" "Yes I have. Your mom, even though I haven't met her before but from what I've gathered, she's being childish and if you're trying to play on her terms, it will put you on the same grounds with her. Bunch of kids avoiding themselves, why don't you try to be the bigger one?" I asked and she shut her eyes rubbing her forehead. "You don't know my mom the way I do." "Even though I don't, you're not taking this matter the way you should. Surprise her, give her a call or visit her" "There's a party this evening" she added, "I don't want to go" "Go" I advised and she shook her head. "I don't want to be embarrassed, that woman might have something evil planned out for me" "She's a mother, she can't be totally heartless" "Follow her nah" Mom suggested and I turned to her. "Ma'ami that's extreme" "No it's brilliant. Follow me" Tosin agreed. "I can't, I'm not a family member neither am I friend" "You're my friend and more than ever I'll need one to face mom. I'll go if you go with me" she proposed and I gave a deep thought. "Taye and Kehinde would be happy too. Please" she continued. "Fine. I'll go" I answered and she hugged me. "Thanks" she pulled away then looked me in the eyes. She had this wide smile on. I was lost in her amazing smile. "Would we go together?" I asked and she nodded. "You can meet me at my house" "I've never been to your house" "I'll text you" she answered chuckling. "Thanks" she added, "For what?" I asked and she shrugged. "For being a good friend" she answered kissing me on the cheek then she left. I was smiling uncontrollably then I heard someone clear his throat. I turned back and the chefs were laughing. "Fatai, I know you like that girl, just date her already" Mom snapped in Yoruba and I turned to her. "I like her but it's not that easy" "What's not easy?" Mom asked and Tosin walked back in. I turned to her worried she might have heard what I said. "Were you there all this while?" "No. i didn't tell you the time. Meet me at the house by four" she added leaving. I spoke to Mr. Henry and he permitted to leave the office earlier than I should. I went home, ironed one of my short sleeve shirt then I tucked it in a black Chinos trousers. I followed Tosin's direction and I got to the estate where she lived. I knocked on the gate and a guy opened the gate. "I'm looking for Tosin" "The lady with the twins?" He asked and I nodded. He pointed to a building and I walked towards it. When I got to the door I gave it a gentle knock. The door opened and Taye and Kehinde hugged me, it was almost as though they were expecting me. "Where is your mom?" I asked and I walked in. Tosin walked in with her bra on, apparently she wore a gown halfway. I quickly looked away. "I'm sorry" I apologized. "Why didn't you tell me Uncle Fatai was around?" Tosin asked, "You can look now" she said and I turned towards her. "I'm sorry for..." "It wasn't your fault don't apologise. What's there that you haven't seen before? Stop acting like a silly virgin!" She snapped and I laughed. "The dress is nice, you look really nice" he added and she turned her back. "Help me zip up" she demanded and I pulled the zip up quickly. **** We got to the house, it was a beautiful duplex. We walked in, I saw Mr Henry with Adesuwa. They were both shocked to see me there. "You didn't tell me you would be coming over" Mr. Henry said and I laughed. "I'm sorry" "I begged him to come with me. I need him to help me with mom, I can't do this alone" Tosin answered and Mr. Henry laughed, "I know the feel, trust me" . "Are you two..." Adesuwa asked and I laughed looking at Tosin. "Nah.. we're not" I answered and Adesuwa gazed in unbelief. "Have you seen mom?" Tosin asked and Mr. Henry nodded, "And she didn't annoy you?" "She's drunk" "What?" "Yes... Mom is drunk" he affirmed walking away with Adesuwa. "Mom is not the type to get drunk, the last time she got drunk was..." She stalled. "Watch the kids for me, I'll be back" she said leaving. *** A while later, she came back still looking around. "I haven't seen mom" she said to me. "You sound worried" "Mom doesn't get drunk, I just want to..." "It's totally normal to care. It shows you're human" I noted and she chuckled. "See who the cat dragged in" I heard a woman say, Tosin shut her eyes then she turned to her. "Mom" She called out, Taye and Kehinde jumped on her happily. "Happy birthday grandma" they both chorused and she touched their cheeks and kissed them. She stood up looking at Tosin. "So you finally came" "I've been looking for you" "You didn't search well, or maybe you weren't really looking for me" "Mom" "Mom?" She scoffed. "Are you sure I'm even your mother?" "Mom I came here to simply" I held her hands, she was already raising her voice. "Okay" she exhaled. "Happy birthday Mom," she wished and I nodded. That was the only right thing to do. . "And who's this?" She asked and I smiled. "Good evening Ma, my name is Badejo Fatai" "My daughter's boyfriend?" She scoffed, "No, I'm just a friend" I answered. "What if he's my boyfriend?" Tosin snapped, "What will be wrong with that" "Nothing" she answered moving close to me. "Do you have a job?" She asked, "Mom" Tosin muttered in a warning tone, "It's okay Tosin, I do Ma" I answered. "Where do you work?" "I work as a chef at the hotel" I answered and she laughed. "You could have just said no when I asked if you had a job. My dear that's no job to take care of my daughter and her two kids." She snapped and I nodded smiling. "Jesus, mom!" Tosin yelled. "What's wrong with you?" She asked, "Tosin it's okay" "Fatai It's not okay, this woman is sick" "She's your mother don't call her sick" I snapped. "Please let's just leave" she added, "Wait" "Let's leave, please I already did my side of the deal, I came here, God sees my heart that I tried my best." She dragged the kids out and I followed her. I watched Taye and Kehinde walk into the car, she was about to get into the car when I requested that we spoke for a while then she closed the door. "That's why I didn't want to come" "You didn't have to react that way" "How else would I have reacted? Did you hear what she said about you" "She said it to me not you" "I felt hurt by it, that's Mom for you. She looks down on anyone that isn't rich. She didn't even appreciate that I came" "I'm pretty sure she does" "How do you know? Why are you even supporting her?" She asked and I laughed. "Thanks for coming anyways" she appreciated and I nodded. "It's fine, what are friends for?" I asked and she laughed. "It's really not that difficult you know?" She chipped in and I wondered what she meant. "What do you mean?" "Telling a girl you like her. I heard you saying it's not easy" "Jeez! I can't believe you heard that" I slapped my palm on my face, embarrassed. "It's ok" she held me hands down. "It's really not that difficult, you just go ahead and tell her you like her" she advised and I chuckled. The shy part of me was starting to come out. "What are you trying to say?" I asked, "I'm saying that I like you too" she answered kissing me on the lips. To be continued...

Ok

@atermarial why shall u shy naa ?

@atermarial thy shall not shy @henrymary some people dey shy.......

Love is greater than money...

*Hotel Palava - Episode 31* Lilian's POV Felicia took me to a hospital so I can have the test. I went back to work afterwards. I was hoping to get the results the next day. I went back to the hotel, then to Adesuwa's office. I just wanted to talk to someone. "Hey" I waved at her and she stood up. "Why your face be like this?" "Nothing happen, body no just sweet me at all" "But you just treat malaria" "I'm really not feeling too well" "You should rest" "Am I the only one that will be taking permission to go on sick leave?" "This one we you dey do like this, sure say you no get belle" she teased and I bowed my head. "Jesus Lilian!" She slapped her palm on the table then she turned back as though Mr . Henry would come out. "I told you, I told you, you could have used protection or taken protective measures" "Why are you making assumptions? I just had the test done, I'll get the result tomorrow. There's no need to fret" "I feel it my guts that you're pregnant Lilian" "Ade" "Are you going to tell him?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. "I don't need anyone's support to raise my child . I'll do it on my own" Adesuwa's POV I tightened my fist in anger at the possibility of Lilian being pregnant. I thought of what would become of her. I thought of Felecia and how disappointed she would feel. I was mad at Deji and his craftiness. I just wished within that I could see him and just give him a piece of my mind. I walked into Henry making a call. He was on it for a while. "When would you get here?" He asked waiting for the caller to speak. "Just let me know when you're in town" he added then hung up. "Who was that?" "It was ..." He hesitated, "Deji" he added and I hissed. "What does he want? Whose heart has he broken again?" "He's coming back to Lagos for the Christmas holiday" "Seriously?" "I know you still don't like him" "And you know I have my reasons" I answered now leaning on the table. "I shouldn't tell you this but.. there's a chance that Lilian might be pregnant" "Are you serious?" He asked and I nodded. "She went for a test but I felt it from the first day that something was wrong. I don't know why it had to happen" "Mistakes happen" he supported, "What if it happens to you" "Henry, I refuse to get pregnant without your mom's acceptance. I refuse to be a single mother" Henry stood up immediately, he had laughter at the corner of his lips. "You're doubting me right now, I do hope you realize it" "Henry I've watched a lot of movies, you might end up choosing your mom's side so....I can't afford to make mistakes" "Adesuwa, I don't care if mom doesn't accept you, you're my choice" "Until something will happen that would make you change your mind" I added and he laughed. "Have you been watching telemundo?" He asked and I shook my head. "I watched 'When you're mine" and 'La ravancha' enough to know that mother-in-laws can do the worse to keep their sons from getting married to the woman they don't like" I snapped and he laughed. **** I went back home before 4pm. I wore a gown, it wasn't the most prettiest of gowns. It was one of my favourite church gowns. Henry picked me up and we went over to his family house. The party was held outside the house. I was happy, that I didn't have to go inside. There were a bunch of rich folks in there. I sighted Emmy, I knew Jummy wasn't far away. A guy walked up to us with a big smile on his face. "Henriko!!!!" He hailed shaking Henry's hands. "Taye Taiwo!" He answered and they both hugged. "Long time oh" the guy added and then he looked at me. "Who be this angel?" "That's my girlfriend Adesuwa" "Adesuwa, beautiful name Adesuwa" he stretched his hands at me and I smiled. "Thank you" "I might not have a British accent but I'm a lot more handsome than him if you're looking for a second choice" he teased and I laughed. "My eyes are locked on him already" "Tell him" Henry added and we all laughed. "Good to know cause I'm anticipating marriage very soon" "If you marry, you go die?" Henry asked and Taiwo laughed. "Please, our first lady Adesuwa, you might want to excuse your royal highness here for a while. There are a lot persons itching to see him" "It's okay" "I don't want to leave her" Henry objected, "I'll be fine" I answered and Taiwo took him away. Emmy walked up to me, it was almost as though she was waiting for me to be left alone. "I can smell cheap okirika material from afar, how much did you get it? It's probably five hundred naira bend and select" she laughed and the other girl dragged her by the hands. "AY leave me alone!" Emmy yelled. "You're just embarrassing yourself" she added moving towards me. "See Adesuwa, I have nothing against you except that you're an intruder that stopped what could have been sweet between Henry and Jummy. Henry's Mom hates you, Jummy hates you, please I'll advise you leave if you want peace in this party" she suggested leaving with Emmy and I gave it a thought. Coming here was starting to look like a very bad idea. Suddenly I sighted the last person in this world that I wanted to see- Segun Olaniyi. He was staring at me with all seriousness. His looks could undress me. I was beginning to boil with so much anger. Henry came afterwards. "I'm sorry for taking long, I saw mom" "Oh" I said scratching my neck. "Are you okay?" He asked and I cleared my throat. "Yeah, sure" I answered waving my hands carelessly. "How is she? How did she react?" I asked and he sighed. "She hugged me, she was really happy but she was drunk" "Seriously?" "Yes. I haven't seen mom drunk before" he answered. "Henry can we leave now?" I asked, "I have a bad feeling already" "Seriously? What happened? Babe, did anything happen when I left?" "Nothing." I answered. Just then we saw Tosin and Fatai. "You didn't tell me you would be coming over" Henry said and Fatai laughed. "I'm sorry" he apologized. "I begged him to come with me. I need him to help me with mom, I can't do this alone" Tosin answered and Henry laughed, "I know the feel, trust me" . They both looked good together. I was starting to think there was something going on between them. "Are you two..." I asked and he laughed looking at Tosin. "Nah.. we're not" he answered and i gazed in unbelief. There has to be something! "Have you seen mom?" Tosin asked and Henry nodded, "And she didn't annoy you?" "She's drunk" he answered. "What?" "Yes... Mom is drunk" he affirmed then he held my hands away from them. "I think Fatai like Tosin" I gossiped and he laughed. "I also think the same. Tosin likes him too" Your mom is in for a double heart break" I announced and he laughed again. "Henry my man!" I heard a familiar voice thunder and I turned to see Segun. "Segun shege!" Henry hailed back and they both hugged themselves. "Mehn it's been a while" he added and I threw my gaze away. "You must have met Adesuwa" he pointed out and I rolled my eyes invisibly. "Yes I have, at the hotel." He answered giving me that annoying smile. "Wow... So you two are together together?" He asked and Henry smiled. "She has captured my heart" he answered and Segun laughed. "You don't say" "Yes she has" Henry answered smiling. "I better have to see someone Henry, it was nice to meet you again Adesuwa" Segun added walking away. "He was talking with you" "I don't like him Henry, I never did." "Segun is not that bad, he's crazy at times but, come on" he added and I sighed. "Let's not talk about him please" I snapped. Henry looked at me for a while, "Okay.. anything you say." Henry's POV Taiwo Introduced me to some distant relatives then i spotted mom's sister, aunty TY. I walked up to her smiling. "Good evening Ma" I bowed my head, "Good evening dear" she said pressing a warm hug against me. "Thank God you're here. Maybe finally your mother can be at peace" she added and I wondered what she meant. "Where's mom?" I asked and she pointed her fingers behind. There i saw mom chatting with a man. She was holding a glass of wine. I summoned all manner of courage and I walked up to her. "Mom" I called out and she raised her finger up at a guest probably excusing herself. "Henry dear" she called out then she hugged me stretching the glass away so I don't get stained. "Happy birthday" I added and she smiled almost in tears. "Thank you" she staggered backwards and I held her hands. Mom laughed afterwards. "Mom are you ....drunk?" I asked and she laughed again. "Drunk? I've only had two glasses" she answered and Dad collected the wine from her. "Give me back" she complained. "Thank you for coming" Mom hugged me again. Dad dragged mom away then he turned back at me. "Thank you" he mouthed. I returned back to Adesuwa who was wanted to leave the party because she didn't feel comfortable anymore. I knew something was up but I just couldn't place my hands around it. I agreed, but we ended up meeting Tosin and Fatai. Afterwards we met Segun Olaniyi my cousin. He made Adesuwa fell uneasy and I wondered why. "I don't like him Henry, I never did." "Segun is not that bad, he's crazy at times but, come on" i added and she sighed as though she was already tired. "Let's not talk about him please" she snapped. I looked at me for a while, "Okay.. anything you say." A lot were happening and I tried to shield my mind away from it. For instance I didn't understand why Adesuwa didn't like Segun, my mind travelled back to our previous discussion and discussions with other staffs. She has always had issues with the managers. Perhaps she had one with Segun. . My mind wondered what it could be. "Let's leave Henry please, I don't like the way I'm feeling" "I'll go tell Dad" "I'll be by the gate" she said and i nodded. Dad was in the house with some guest. I told him I was leaving and I left only to be stopped by Jummy. "Hey there" she said to me and I sighed. I really have been avoiding her all evening. "Hey.. I have to go" "Why?" "Adesuwa is waiting for me" "Is she using charms on you?" She asked and I scoffed. "Because of her you hate your mom" "I don't hate my mom" "This has to be charm" she moved closer to me. "Henry I still love and she took that away" she cried out. "I love another person Jummy and I don't need to tell you who" "I know I just, don't you still love me, there has to be something left there... something you feel for me" "There's nothing" "Are you sure Henry, are you sure?" She asked kissing me on the lips. I kissed her briefly out of impulse then I pulled back. "Stop this Jummy, stop this madness!" I yelled leaving her. On my way to the gate I saw something I wished I could un-see. Adesuwa's lips were locked in Segun's mouth. In microseconds I wallowed in thought. I didn't understand what was going on, wasn't this the same Adesuwa who felt irritated by Segun's presence. Why was she kissing him?

*Hotel Palava - Episode 32* HOTEL PALAVA Henry's POV I blinked my eyes, maybe I was seeing wrongly but it was real, It was damn real; Adesuwa was really kissing Segun on the lips. In those microseconds, Adesuwa gave him a slap on the face. She turned back at me then she cleaned her lip. "Henry!" Jummy yelled. Apparently she was still following me . Emmy and Ayo were behind her. There was shock glued on her face. "Henry" I muttered and i quietly looked at Segun. "It's not what it looks like Henry, I can promise you" "How could you Segun?" I turned to my cousin and he raised his hands up. It's not my fault cous, she came at me" "That's a lie Segun and you know it!" "He kissed me! Henry you have to believe me, he kissed me. Henry if I kissed him, I wouldn't have slapped him" "She probably saw you coming" Segun guessed and I placed both my hands on my head. "Shut up Segun! What's your gain in this?" Adesuwa asked in tears. "I don't have any neither am I playing at any game. Henry, we kissed, she obviously was asking for it" "Oh shut up Segun! You've never been a good kisser" Adesuwa snapped and I took note of that statement. "You've never been?" I asked and Segun looked at me in shock. "What do we have here?" Segun grinned, "He doesn't know does he?" "Segun" Adesuwa called out and he laughed. "Know what?" I asked completely clueless. "This isn't out first time kissing" "Henry I can explain" "We've kissed a lot of times, I bet you don't know we've had s*x" "Segun please shut up!" Adesuwa cried and I felt my own tears build up . "It not what it seems" "Have you two kissed before?" "Henry" "Answer the damn question Adesuwa, have you two..." I trailed off. "We have but it was" "Have you two had s*x?" I cut in and she covered her lip with both her palm. "Henry it's not as it seems" "Tell him Adesuwa, we had s*x" Segun added, "Segun shut up I wasn't asking you" I snapped and he raised his hands in surrender. Did you or did you not have s*x with him" "I did but" "I said it!" Emmy yelled. "I told you!" Emmy pointed out. "She's a damn sl*t!" "You lied Ade" "It's not what it seems, I swear I can explain to you. Henry you have to believe me, it's not what it seems" "There's nothing to believe Adesuwa, I've been blinded all these while." "Henry I can explain it all. I thought I wasn't ready but I am now" "You lied to me Adesuwa! You lied. No explanation can change that big fact. Let's go I'll drop you home" "I'm not leaving unless you listen to me" "I'm leaving Adesuwa. I can't take this anymore." "I'll follow you home" Jummy suggested and I shook my head. She was trying to monopolize on my vulnerability. "I'll go back alone" I snapped going out of the gate, I entered into my car which was parked outside along several other cars then I drove off. Adesuwa's POV While i stood by the gate waiting for Henry, Segun approached me. I instantly felt irritated. I just wanted to spit on his ugly face! "I swear to God if you move an inch close to me I'll break your head with something" "With what Adesuwa" he asked and then laughed. "Did I mention you look amazing tonight?" he asked and I rolled my eyes. "Save your useless compliments for any girl idiotic to believe you" He laughed then moved closer to me. "I miss you Ade. I miss you so much, I miss your smile, your face, your lips and even better your body" "Shut up" I snapped as images riled up in my memory. "The taste of you on my lip" "Shut up Segun, you disgust me!" "You won't deny that you miss it too." He added then he pulled me close kissing me on the lips. He was just as irritating as he was years ago. I raised my hands up giving him a slap on his face. I noticed he looked behind me, I cleaned my lips and I turned back seeing Henry. It all made sense! He probably kissed me intentionally. How will I begin to explain things to him? I asked within and when Emmy and Jummy came out, it made more sense. I bet Mrs Babalola was also in this. Segun took advantage of the situation to paint me as the bad one. "We've kissed a lot of times, I bet you even know we've had s*x" "Segun please shut up!" I cried, "It not what it seems" "Have you two kissed before" "Henry" "Answer the damn question Adesuwa, have you two..." He trailed off. "We have but it was" "Have you two had s*x?" He asked and I covered my lip with both palm. "Henry it's not as it seems" "Tell him Adesuwa, we had s*x" Segun added, "Segun shut up I wasn't asking you" Henry snapped and it gave me great joy. Segun raised his hands. "Did you or did you not have s*x with him" Henry continued, "I did but" "I said it!" Emmy yelled. "I told you!" Emmy pointed out, "She's a damn sl*t!" "You lied Ade" "It's not what it seems, I swear I can explain to you. Henry you have to believe it's not what it seems" "There's nothing to believe Adesuwa, I've been blinded all these while." "Henry I can explain it all. I thought I wasn't ready but I am now" "You lied to me Adesuwa! You lied. No explanation can change that big fact. Let's go I'll drop you home" "I'm not leaving unless you listen to me" "I'm leaving Adesuwa. I can't take this anymore" "I'll follow you home" Jummy suggested and Henry disagreed. "I'll go back alone" he added going out of the gate. Segun smirked at me. "Screw you! You all planned this right?" I asked and Jummy laughed going in. "Asewo like you!" Emmy clapped her hands then she followed Jummy in. Ayo stood still. Segun held my hands, "We could go home, i have the house to myself" he suggested and I slapped him one more time. "Adesuwa" "Where's that wicked woman, I know she had something to do with this. This was all a plan right?" I asked going back in. I walked into the house. Just as I walked up the stairs, I busted into tears. I sat down crying inrespective of who might see me. I needed a drink. A waiter passed by that moment with a tray of drinks and I called on him taking a glass. I gulped it all then coughed, it was damn too strong. "Did you think it was juice?" I heard Mrs. Babalola asked from behind then she hissed. I stood up, turning towards her. "You did it right?" I asked and she raised her brow at me. "What's this one blabbing about?" She asked, "You probably planned this with Jummy to have Segun kiss me and make me look bad in front of Henry" "To have Segun kiss you? Why would I have..." She paused then she gave me a look. "Segun Olaniyi?" She asked, "Which other one do you think?" "Wait, you kissed Segun?" She asked and I became confused. I didn't know if she was putting up a act or not. "He kissed me and you probably planned it" "I never knew there was any relationship between you and Segun" "There's no relationship between me and that dog!" "For there to have been a kiss, there must have been some kisses before" she paused sitting on the stairs just above me. "That's why I never liked you. There's just something about you that I didn't like" "I don't like you either Ma. I guess the feeling is mutual then" I snapped sitting on the stair case and she laughed. "Does that mean you two have broken up?" She asked and tears poured down my eyes. "Hallelujah, I should celebrate this" "Celebrate what?" I snapped, "I'm hurting here" "The hurting won't last. This is God answering my prayers. I promise to compensate you" she stood up. "I'll go get my cheque. That's if I can see what I'm writing" she snapped and she laughed. "I don't need your damn money Ma!" I yelled and she sat back sighing. "Jesus! You're a really sturbborn girl" "See Adesuwa, let me tell you how the world works, the rich goes for the rich, the rich understands the rich but the poor, they don't understand the ways of the rich. They can never understand the ways of the rich" "Geez, is that the values you gained while growing up? Wow you must have had a tough time" I assumed and there was a long paused. I turned back at her, she was leaning on the stairs railings. "Mom made me get married to the rich, I was rich and I got married to a rich man. She was rich and she got married to a rich man. That's the way life goes" "Welcome to the 21st century Mrs. Babalola, life doesn't work out that way anymore. . We meet people and we talk and we fall in love. Do you even know what that means?" "I don't know how it feels Adesuwa but you'll get over it" "Get over what? The fact I love your own son?" "You're just in love with his money, Henry has a future and you want to monopolize on that. I can feel it in my guts" "Your guts? Mam you should be the last person to talk about guts cause you have none your guts are clouded by sentiments because you want Jummy and not me" "Do you know how long Henry and Jummy has been building up for a life together?" "I don't care" "And how long have you been in his life? Three months and you've ruined it all for Jummy for our family alliance and for me. I lost a lot of money because of you" "It's not about the money Ma, it should never be about the money. There are those little things that matters to a man. Things like Happiness, love and moments, living in the moment that gives you peace. But you have no idea what that means do you?" "What do you mean?" "Look at yourself ma, it's so clear that you're not happy and if you're not, you possibly can't wish anyone to be happy" "I hoped above all things that my children be happy but you weren't painted in that future." "Hate me all you want Mam, I don't care, I love Henry and I believe I can make him happy. The last time we spoke, you said it's going to be a war, you can kick and scratch or throw whatever weapon you have in your arsenal at me but the truth Ma is that I'll never stop fighting for Henry. I'll never" *** I boarded a taxi to Henry's house. I needed to clarify everything. Whether or not I don't feel ready for it, I just have to let him know the truth, the whole truth.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 33* Hotel palava33 Adesuwa's POV I knocked on the gate, Henry has not yet hired a security. He opened the gate slowly. He was in his pyjamas. "Hey" I began. "Can I come in?" I asked and he shook his head. "Please" I begged and he opened the door and I went in. "Let me explain myself Henry" "Explain what?" He locked the gate. "Explain why you were kissing Segun? Adesuwa I've had enough of today . The last thing I need right now is another reason to be angry" he walked away and I followed him. "So you're no longer angry" "Adesuwa I'm still very much angry. The reason I let you in is because it's late" "Is that it Henry? Is this the end of us? Are you.." I paused in tears. I couldn't complete it. "Are we breaking up?" "You and Segun" "Whatever I had with Segun was I the damn past, are you dating me or my past?" "You kissed him in the present Adesuwa" he opened the door walking into the house and I followed him. "I didn't kiss him Henry, do you want my explanation or you're just going to make some sick assumptions?" "I know what I saw" "He kissed me! I swear to God Henry, what you saw was quite different" "Why did you lie to me about not having s*x with your managers" "Manager, not managers. I didn't sleep with all of them . Henry just listen to me, l tell you all my secrets" "Why did you lie?" "I didn't want you to look at me differently, I wasn't sure if you would believe me okay?" "Why would I look at you differently?" He asked and tears poured down uncontrollably from my eyes. I didn't even know where to start. "A year ago when Segun took over from the previous manager who I had fired." "Had fired?" "I've been the one sending emails to Mr. Olaniyi. They only wanted to have sex with me and other employees but I didn't agree. When Segun came in, that damn pig!" I exclaimed. "He tried all his best, he gave me gifts. I rejected his offer several times since he was married as at that time and I had a fiance. He would kiss me and I would revolt. There were times the wife would come and throw in jealousy fits. Soon he got separated from the wife." I paused in tears. "Afterwards, he asked me out on a date. I refused but he insisted and since it was a friendly date in one stupid restaurant, I agreed to follow him. The date didn't turn out greatly, that was when..." I paused in tears. "You had sex with him" "I didn't have sex with him Henry, I was r*ped. Segun paid to have my drink drugged and he raped me. Fine sex occurred but it was without my consent" "I swear to God I'll kill that idiot" Henry answered then charged toward the door and I pulled him back. "God!" He shouted slamming his hands on a table. "That was what happened. I didn't want to tell you, I've only told Lilian, Mrs. Haruna and Mr. Niyi Olaniyi. "Niyi didn't tell me" "I had to let him know" I cried and Henry pulled closer to me, I could see tears In his eyes. "Segun's a bastard!" He yelled, "I swear to God I'll kill him when I catch him" he added. "Jummy kissed me" he confessed and I folded my hands. I didn't know my emotion that moment. "I kissed her back, only briefly" he continued and I nodded. "It didn't mean anything to me" "You were angry with me for kissing Segun when you kissed Jummy, seriously Henry?" "Im sorry, I was jealous, i'm sorry Babe" He apologized, "I'm sorry about what happened?" "Does it change the way you feel about me?" "Not a bit Ade. I love you, inrespective of what happened.'' I moved my face close to hers and our nose nuzzled against each other playfully. "Thank you for telling me" he added kissing me on the forehead and I nodded. "Any more secrets that I might need to find out about?" He asked and I shook my head. "None for now" I answered and he chuckled. Jummy's POV I totally forgot about Mrs. Babalola's birthday. I only remembered after I got a notification on Facebook. Everyone's on Facebook these days! I called her to give her my best wishes and she invited me to a party Mr. Babalola threw for her. I didn't want to go but I knew Henry would be there and I was still trying to kiss that woman's ass in case of any eventualities; in case Henry returns back to me. These days without him have been crazy. I've been filled with so much resentment against Adesuwa. Truthfully, I've had second thoughts on picking Emmy's option and just ending her life but I didn't want to be pinned as a suspect. **** The party wasn't too good, I went along with Emmy and Ayo. I net a few persons i knew, chatted with them before I decided to see Henry's mom. I walked into Mrs. Babalola crying in the room with a glass of wine in her hands. "Mom" I called on her just like I usually do, then I sat on the bed with her. "Tosin and Henry haven't called me yet" she blurted out. "I'm sorry Mam. It's probably that Adesuwa's fault, she probably has Henry wrapped in her charms" "I also think it's charm. It has to be shea?" She asked and i nodded. "How will you explain Tosin?" She asked, "Tosin is a witch, she's a horrible person. I don't know what I ate when I gave birth to her" she answered for herself and I gave a gentle shrug. I began to wonder how much she had drank that evening. "I brought you gifts, there are down the stairs" "Thanks" she hugged me. "You're a better candidate Jummy, you're better than that tramp she added. **** I walked out of the room then I heard moaning sounds I couldn't ignore. I walked into Segun's Olaniyi, one of Henry's long line of cousins having s*x with Emmy whose gown were raised a bit up. She was standing and leaning on a dresser table while he was ramming through her from behind. Typical Segun! I rolled my eyes and she pulled away dropping her gown after she noticed me. "Keep it down at least" I went out closing the door and Emmy followed me. "It's not what it seems" "It's not what? I can't believe you would open your legs and let that idiot use you" "Like you're any different Jummy" she snapped and I folded my hands staring at her. "I had a itch and he was scratching it for me. I don't judge you for your actions Jummy, I never have so don't judge me" she snapped leaving me alone. She was right about that. Emmy barely judges me. She has been a friend in times of need. Segun came out and I walked away. "Seriously?" He asked, "Is that how it's going to be? You just walk past me" "How it supposed to look like Segun? You prefer that I kiss you and hug you like you're my boyfriend" "You didn't have any problem doing that all the while Henry was in London" "He was in London Segun! You're a prick if you think you can use this against me." "I'm not, I just missed you" "Well I don't miss you. Segun can we never speak of this. You don't know how much you irritate me, you're not even good in bed and Segun if you feel the need to do something, go and reconcile with your wife and stop trying to make life difficult for others" I snapped and he laughed. "I was going to see the celebrant but I would rather speak to you" he stalled and I rolled my eyes as we both walked down the stairs. "Don't even try to torture me Segun." "Deny that I'm not the least bit good in bed. I have to be better than Henry" "You don't even stand a chance of winning that competition Segun" I answered. We walked outside then I sighted Henry and Adesuwa. My heart broke on seeing them together. I felt tears building up. "What are they doing together?", Segun asked and I blinked my tears in. "Haven't you heard? Henry's dating the maid" I answered and he laughed. "Seriously?" "He made her secretary now she's his woman when it should have been me" "She had always had a thing for managers" he answered and I remembered Emmy and the rumours about Adesuwa sleeping with all the managers" "So it's true? You've slept with her?" I asked and he gave me that smirk. "And the other managers?" "Nah, she's not that loosed" He answered chuckling. "She's not that loosed and she had s*x with you" "At least it was a one time thing, I've had sex with you more I can count" "Six times Segun" I whispered. "See who's counting, why are you judging her when you're the worst?" "Why are you supporting her?" I asked and he laughed. "My old feelings are coming back to me," "Go after her then. Take her away from Henry" "Henry's my cousin" "You didn't care about that when you were screwing with me. I love Henry and I'll do anything to separate these two. I don't know if you're as desperate as I am" "I'm not desperate dear, I'm just willing" he grinned. "Think of it, we can work something out" I proposed leaving him to think of it. **** Henry has been avoiding me all evening. When I saw him go into the house, I followed him. My efforts to have his attention proved futile. He told me adesuwa was waiting for her. "Is she using charms on you?" I asked and he scoffed. "Because of her you hate your mom" "I don't hate my mom" "This has to be charm" i moved closer to him. "Henry I still love you and she took that away" i cried and he shook his head. "I love another person Jummy and I don't need to tell you who" "I know I just, don't you still love me, there has to be something left there... something you feel for me" "There's nothing" "Are you sure Henry, are you sure?" I asked kissing him and he kissed me back. Even it didn't last three seconds. It was worth the try. "Stop this Jummy, stop this madness!" He yelled. I was happy he kissed me back. That had to mean something. "Henry still loves me" I muttered following him. "Jummy" Emmy called out my name but I didn't pay attention to her. All I wanted was to catch up to him and just let Adesuwa know we kissed. That should put a rift between them. I bumped into an argument between Henry, Adesuwa and Segun. Apparently Henry had caught Adesuwa and Segun kissing. I didn't plan it, I only gave Segun a push. I looked up to the heaven and I thanked God. Lines were falling into pleasant places for me. Thank you Jesus! I sighed within. ***** We left the party shortly, "Did you guys plan the whole scenario with Segun and Adesuwa?" Ayo asked while I drove. She was sitting close to me. I shook my head laughing. "I didn't." I answered, "God has finally answered my prayers . They'll definitely break up and then I'll have a chance with Henry" "Can't you just move on?" AY asked, "I really pity this Adesuwa girl. She doesn't look like a bad person; I'm just saying, maybe if you can just move on" "Weren't you the one advising me to shoot my shot before someone steals him away?" "The way you guys are going about the matter, it's turning into a war" "It's war AY," Emmy answered from behind. "She stole our friends man and we have to stand behind Jummy's until she let's him out of her evil grip." She added. "It's charm, I'm sure of it" I maintained and Ayo scoffed. "This thing does not look like charm to me. Henry sincerely loves that girl" I pulled over at a corner looking at her. "Are you sure you want to go home with me?" I asked and she raised her brow at me. "Are you seriously asking that?" "AY, we should be supporting our best friend not supporting the enemy" Emmy advised. "I won't fold my hands and watch you guys die in bitterness. This doesn't make sense, it's not healthy" she answered. "Jummy at the rate you're going, you'll get mad eventually and I promise you Henry would still be sane but guess who would end up crazy. You!" She answered getting out of the car. "Ay come back in" I begged, "Good night Jummy" she slammed the door. "Ayo!" I called out and Emmy hissed. "Abeg leave her! Don't let her bother you, if I were you, I would go over to Henry's place right now to comfort him." "Not now, I'll go tomorrow" I smiled. Mrs. Babalola's POV After the guest left, I folded my leg in bed unwrapping gifts. I raised the one given to me by Theophilus. It looked small and it was flat and rectangular in shape. I unwrapped it to my disappointment it was a family picture of us on Christmas day. Henry was just four, Tosin just began to crawl then. Theophilus was struggling to place a cap on Tosin's head. She never liked wearing caps. She has always been sturbborn. Theophilus walked in that moment. "I see you've finally opened the gift" he smiled and I raised it up. "Why would you give me this?" I asked and he chuckled. "You don't like it?" He asked, "It not worth anything, others got me gold and actual valuables. This is nothing" "Those are priceless moments. Baby you used to love that picture" "I still do but.." "You've given money and valuables more priority in your life than family" "That's a lie" "You have. You used to cherish family times, and family moments. Remember that day in the picture?" He asked sitting on the bed with me and I smiled, "Let me refresh your memory" "I remember" "Seriously?" He raised his brow in surprise and I opened my mouth in shock. "I still remember it like it was yesterday. You wore that Ankara that I hated so much," I paused and he laughed. "Why did you hate that shirt again? Yeah that reminds me, because you saw a taxi driver wear the exact style" he answered and I laughed. The picture was taken It was taken in London. When we used to leave there. It was Tosin's first time there. My labour came in earlier when I was in Nigeria. I was away from Henry who was with a friend in London for months because I had complications in Nigeria while giving birth to Tosin through Ceasarean section. I examined the picture once again. "Tosin didn't want to wear the cap, she scratched your face with her fingers and you requested that I cut her nails" "That was when I stole a kiss from you" he paused planting a kiss on my lips and i kissed him back. We haven't kissed that way in a while. Theo wrapped his arms around my waist and I pulled back. "You were always a woman that treasured memories and happy moments. What happened to you?" "You happen Theo, do you still want me to remind you of what you did?" "If we're throwing blames here, aren't need supposed to share if? You changed too. You stopped caring after you had Tosin, after the surgery. You thought you weren't looking perfect enough even though I told you it was perfect. You blamed me whenever I bring up the topic of sex. You would always play the victim. Can you count the number of times we had after we had Henry?" He asked and I cried. "We had countless! And how many times did we have sex since you had Tosin? After you had Tosin you changed. You started hating sex" "You were being inconsiderate. Theo i just got out of an operation and you wanted me to jump into sex" "Doyin Iretiola, I gave you two years. Two years to heal, two years and I struggled not to look at any woman apart from you. Doyin two years was too much!" "Doyin Iretiola Seriously? You just called me by my first two names? You must be really angry. If you're tired, you can as well tired you can file for divorce". "You would want that right?" He asked and I blinked back my tears. "All I wanted was to feel you close to me, have one more child with you" "I just got out of operation" "The doctor said we could have another" "Well I was scared!" I admitted. "I was scared of dying and leaving my kids because of a..." I blinked. After Tosin's birth I decided not to have any kid again despite Theo's dream to have one more. He insisted and I had a hysterectomy done. He was really angry about it. Years later, I had a feeling that Theo was cheating and I followed my instinct and I found out he had a concubine or as people call it these days, he had a freaking side chick. The lady had a girl for him. I threatened to let Henry know and he begged me not to. He knew Henry would be disappointed. "You didn't have to cheat" I snapped and he nodded. "I know and I've apologized a million times. I'm just tired of you using it against me. You've turned bitter over the years. I mean using your bitterness against your own children and fighting their choices. It doesn't make sense" "Goodnight Theo, you'll be sleeping in the other room" "I'm not sleeping in any other room except this room" "Are you challenging me? Okay! I guess I'll leave then" she stood and I scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous Doyin," "Choose one Theo? Leave me alone or I'll leave and if I do I promise you, I'll let Henry know that his father isn't the person he thinks he is. Choose wisely Theo" I threateneded and he sighed. "Maybe I should just file for a divorce and pull myself out of this misery called marriage. I sent you those pictures maybe you could remember your old self. I miss the woman i got married to. The soft obedient woman who loved her family, I don't even know who you are anymore" he walked out of the house and I cried my eyes out covering my mouth. I didn't want him to hear me cry, I didn't want anyone to hear me cry. Jummy's POV I set out very early the next morning in a short gown and a light make up. I knocked the gate and Henry opened up. He wore a white top and blue shorts. "Good morning" I greeted walking in. "Good morning" he answered. He seemed uneasy. "How was your night?" He asked and I shrugged. "I couldn't sleep, i was worried about you. The way you left yesterday" I placed my palm on his chest and he moved back. "I won't bite Henry, I just came to see how you are" "I'm fine" he answered. "Are you okay?" I asked, "You seem uneasy, were you busy with something?" I asked and he pointed towards the house, " I was about to take my bath" he answered and i smiled. "Can I come in?" I bit my lip and he shook his head. "Why? You haven't invited me since you got the house. It looks like a nice place but you do know I had better plans" "Jummy I'm kinda busy...." He paused then I saw Adesuwa open the door. She was in a robe. . I blinked my eyes in shock. "What's this cheat doing here?" "She's not a cheat, what happened was a misunderstanding" "She probably lied to you Henry" "You won't understand" he added and i shook my head. "This has got to be charm. Henry wake up, she's got you wrapped in her witchcraft" I warned and Henry laughed. "I'm fine with being charmed by her." He answered and my heart broke. "She had sex with Segun, you can't over rule that fact" "That was in the past. Let bye gones be bye gones" he said firmly and I cleaned a tears that had made way down my cheek. "Jummy" he called out, "I knew that tone so well. It sounded like something that would be accompanied by, 'I'm sorry' I refused to be pitied. "Bye Henry. Have a nice life and don't say I didn't warn you about her" I snapped walking out of the gate. I entered into the car busting into tears then I opened my bag bringing out cigarettes from it. I lit it up with a lighter and I sucked it then puffed it out still crying. "Screw you to hell Henry!" I slammed my fist on the steering. "Screw you!" I yelled. I got a call from my modeling agency then I threw the cigarette out the window. **** While driving, I couldn't take my mind off Adesuwa and the fact Henry was having a good time with her. He seemed happy more than he ever was with me. Noises from the environment brought me back to earth. I realized there was a trailer parked right in front of me. I think it was spoilt. People signaled for me to stop but I didn't realize it until this moment. "Oh shit" I muttered as my car bumped into it.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 34* Lillian's POV I went along with Felecia to get the test result. It came out positive. "What would you do?" Felecia asked and I shrugged. "I don't want to get an abortion" "I'm not advising an ab*rtion Lilian. The father of the child, let him know" "I can't tell him" "Why?" "Cause we broke up, he's ashamed of who I am, of my job. Why should I give a damn whether he knows or not?" "Cause whether you like it or not you have to let him know . He has every right to know you're having his baby" "I don't think I can go through any form of denial from him, I'll just break down" "Then we'll take care of your child with or without his help. First thing first Lilian, let him know" **** I went to work, i met Mr. Henry walking through the admin block close to the manager's office. "Good morning Sir" I greeted, "Good morning Lilian, how are you?" He asked and I nodded. "Deji.." he stalled, "With all due respect Sir, I don't want to talk about him. I want to see Adesuwa" "She's at Mrs. Haruna's office" he answered and my bowed head. "Thank you Sir" *** I knocked on Mrs . Haruna's office then I walked in. I had tears in my eyes. "Lilian are you okay?" Adesuwa asked and i shook my head. I removed the letter from my handbag then I handed it over to her. She refused to collect it. She already knew what had happened. Mrs Haruna collected the test results. "Don't tell me this result belongs to you" she asked and I cried. "My life has finished" I blurted out and Adesuwa hugged me. "It's okay. Are you going to tell him?" She asked and I shook my head. "I don't know" "What's going on here?" Mrs Haruna asked. Tosin's POV After the kiss with Fatai, I've had Taye and Kehinde on my neck. They wanted to know why I kissed him. I slept like a baby, I've never felt this way about anyone in a long time. I like Fatai and I wasn't ashamed to admit it. My criteria in a man is one that must be loved by kids, one who would also in the same vein love them as much as I do. Fatai is the man I'm willing to start and continue my life with. I woke up to see both my kids over me. "What's it again?" I whined and they laughed. " it's morning, "Thanks for the observation, I didn't notice it was morning" I added sarcastically. "Will Uncle Fatai marry you?" Kehinde asked and I shrugged. "But you two kissed, that means he would get married to you" "And I'll gladly say yes I do" "Can I call him Daddy?" Taye asked and I laughed. "I don't know, why don't you ask him personally?" I joked and they both looked at each other. "Okay" they both answered. I stood up in my jammies. "Oya take off your clothes, let's take our bathe" I yelled going into the bathroom to urinate. When I came out, I heard my twins talking on the phone with someone. It was clearly on loudspeaker. "Are you guys talking to Grandpa?" I asked and Kehinde laughed. "Can, can we call you Daddy?" Taye asked, "Mummy said we should ask you if we can call you Daddy" I heard Fatai laugh and I shut my eyes a bit embarrassed. "If that's fine by your mom" he answered and I collected the phone from them. "Jesus! I didn't tell them to ask you or maybe I did but I didn't mean it that way. Can't you guys just take a simple joke?" I asked and Fatai continued laughing. "Hey baby" I called out, "I hope that's fine with you?" "It is, how was your night?" He asked and I smiled. "Mommy is blushing, look at her she's blushing" Kehinde teased and I laughed. "It was fine, slept like a baby." I answered, the twins were still talking and I had to move into the bathroom. "These girls can talk!" "They said you're blushing, I heard that" "Yeah... I hope you know you will have to share me with them and it might be annoying and frustrating" "I'll be more than honoured to" "Where are you?" "At the hotel" "Already?" I asked and he laughed. "I dreamt of a recipe" he answered, "And I haven't taken my bathe yet" I answered and then girls walked in naked. "That's a cue for I have to go" I added. "Have a lovely day" he laughed. "You too baby" "Mommy said you too baby" Taye laughed. "Uncle Fatai has turn into a baby just like that" Kehinde added and I rolled my eyes. "It's not Uncle Fatai, it's Daddy" Kehinde corrected and I laughed. **** Dad called me up, he didn't sound too happy. I told him I had gone to drop the kids at their school so we agreed to meet at a park. I watched dad gaze at some kids playing on a swing. He laughed unconsciously and then I sat close to him. "What's bothering you?" I asked and he chuckled. "Your mom" he answered. "Anything new?" I asked and he laughed. "We had an argument last night, I was really angry and maybe I said what I shouldn't have" "It's okay to be angry, trust me I know Mom and I sometimes wonder how you do it. She's annoying" "I love your mother and I didn't mean to cheat on her, it just happened" "I understand, there's no point crying over spilt milk. You have to let Henry know beat her at her own game" "Why do you hate this woman so much?" Dad asked and I laughed. "She's my mother, I don't hate her, I just want her to change. I miss the soft part of her, the fun part not this..." I hesitated and dad laughed. "I even suggested taking her offer to file for a divorce" "Perfect" I answered and dad glared at me. "Do you want me away from your mom?" "Not exactly Dad. I want you to use it against her. Mom would never agree to a divorce, she'll breakdown. Your divorce proposal might humble her a bit" "What if she signs the divorce settlement? Your mom might be annoying most times but I love her. She has always been the love of my life" "It's worth the try Dad. She's getting controlling and out of hands" "I guess I have to make some calls then." He added and I smiled. "I hope this works" he brought out his phone and i smiled. "I'm dating" I announced and dad raised his brows in surprise. "Who's the man that's making my daughter blush this way? The man you met the other day at the hotel?" He asked and i laughed. "He's an amazing man, full of wisdom" "He's also the same person you came with to the party?" He asked and I nodded. "I wouldn't have gone to that stupid party if not for him" I snapped, "Dad I wish you can get to know him. The kids love him" "You seem in love" "Dad I am. I am forever indebted to him for saving Kehinde from that pervert." "Seriously? He was the one" He asked and I nodded. "That was the first time we met. He had just been given a proposal to be the head in the hotel kitchen that was when he saved the twins. I like him and it's not because he saved my kids. He's just amazing and he's a good cook" "He's currently a chef?" Dad asked and I glared at him. I recognized that tone. "Princess you should know that I care less about titles, it's your mom I'm worried about. She'll have a heart attack" Dad assumed and we laughed. Henry's POV I received an incoming call from Mom, I was surprised but I picked it anyways. "Good morning Mom" I greeted looking at my wrist watch, it was almost twelve. "There's nothing good about today Henry" "What complains do you have again?" "Wunmi Coker just called me now. Jummy got involved in an accident" she announced to my shock. **** I informed Adesuwa then I rushed over to the hospital where Jummy was admitted. Both her parents were there, Emmy and Ayo were also present. The look her father gave me was enough to send me running away but I didn't. Mom had left already, she had to attend to work. Jummy's mom was sitting around the corner. "How's she?" I asked and she raised her head at me, her eyes were all red and swollen. "Hey Henry, your mom just left" "She told me. I was asking about Jummy" "Why are you asking like you care she even dies" Mr. Coker snapped and I ignored him. "How's she?" Mrs. Coker blew her nose into a handkerchief she held. "The doctor said she's battling with her life" "When did this happen?" I asked, "The people who rushed her said it happened in the morning before seven" I shut my eyes in guilt, the accident definitely occurred after she left the house. "Why do you care Henry?" Emmy snapped and I rolled my eyes. "Do you have any idea you're talking to your Boss" "You can take your damn job! The only reason why I needed the job was to be Jummy's eyes and ears. Now she's lying in that bed because of you!" "How is it my fault?" "You were the last person Jummy saw before the accident" she blurted out and Mr. Coker turned to me. "Is that true?" He asked and I tightened my fist. "Answer now, Mr. Manager, you guys better ask him what he did to your daughter" "Emmy!" Ayo shouted and she hissed. "I didn't do anything to Jummy" "Why was she at your place then?" Mr. Coker asked and I looked down. "Answer me boy!" "She came to see me, I was with Adesuwa so she left" "If anything happens to my daughter," Mr. Coker grabbed my shirt. "I promise you Omo oshi yii (You this nonsensical child), I will make sure you rot in jail" he pushed me away and I sighed. "Please get away, I don't want to see you here" "Sir" "Get out!" He yelled and I walked away. ***** I waited for hours, I didn't want to leave without hearing a news that Jummy was out of danger. I called Adesuwa from time to time to let her know what was going on. Ayo walked towards me, she looked really sad. I just hoped to God the worst hasn't happened. "Any news about Jummy?" I asked and she nodded. "She's out of danger" she answered and I sighed. "Thank God" "However..." She paused and I glanced back at her as she sat on the chair busting into tears. "The doctor said she may not be able to walk again" she added and my legs felt weak. **** I couldn't bring myself to leave anymore, I wanted to wait till Jummy was fully awake. I wanted to talk to her. "Are you sure that's advisable?" Adesuwa asked after she came visiting. "You'll be the last person she would want to meet" "I just have to see her. You have no idea how consuming this has been. I feel really guilty" "I feel the same way too Henry, I saw her before the accident." " To think that I saw her before this and I could have stopped this" "There's nothing you could have done" she said and I sniffed. "Have you been crying?" She asked and i nodded. "This is last thing I wanted for her" I noticed Emmy coming down the stairs with Mr. Coker who was on a call. Suddenly two policemen walked in and Emmy pointed at me. "He even had the guts to bring his dirty girlfriend" Emmy snapped and the officer walked towards me and I stood up. "What's going on?" Adesuwa asked, "Officers arrest him immediately, he's a murderer!" Mr Coker pointed at me. "Mister Man, you're under arrest" "For what?" Adesuwa and I asked and he held my hands, "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say will be used against you in court" the police man attempted to cuff my hands and I dodged. "I haven't done anything" "Mister Man I said" "I have my rights!" I yelled and the police man cuffed me by force. I signalled that Adesuwa remove my phone from my pocket and she did. At least she could make some calls with it. Adesuwa's POV I called Mrs Babalola and she picked up. "Henry I'm not in a good mood to" "This isn't Henry" I cut in and she hissed. "Before you hang up, why don't you just take time and listen to me. I wouldn't call you through Henry's number if it wasn't important" "What's going on?" "Henry has been arrested by Mr. Coker" I announced and she immediately hung up. I called the father to also let him know the situation, I called Tosin afterwards. **** At the police station, Henry was released after Mr. Babalola placed one or two calls- the power of influence. "What right does that idiot have to have you arrested?" He asked outside the station and Tosin scoffed. "Family of mad people" she answered and Mrs. Babalola scoffed. "Do you think they're not hurt by what happened to Jummy?" "So are you saying their action of arresting your son was right?" I asked unconsciously and Mrs. Babalola hissed. "Just keep your dirty mouth shut there, we're talking family matters here one useless tramp is putting her mouth" "Mom would you stop insulting her?" Henry snapped and she scoffed again. I should have kept my mouth shut, I thought within. "After all she's family now and besides she made a good point" Tosin added and I exhaled. "I should have kept shut" I said and Mrs Babalola hissed. "Adesuwa you're part of the family, you shouldn't feel left out" Mr Babalola said to me and she glared at him. "Is this a gang up?" She asked. "Where are you going to?" Mr Coker asked arranging his agbada. He slammed the door of his car. "Who let you out?" He asked and Mr. Babalola moved close to him. "Festus, it must have been a misunderstanding but I learnt you had my son arrested" he began and Mr. Coker shrugged. "You're wrong, it wasn't a misunderstanding, it was intentional. I arrested your stupid son because of the situation he put my daughter in. He's a bloody murderer" "And you're a bloody illiterate!" Mr. Babalola snapped back. "Have you ever opened your dictionary to know what the term murderer means? Have you ever owned a dictionary" "It's your father than doesn't have dictionary!" Mr. Coker retorted. "Festus don't even make me angry" "Me that I'm angry nko?" "How is it my business? I'm I the cause of your daughter's paralysis?" He asked. "Your son is" "Did he manipulate her brake? Or was he the one driving? Festus you had no right whatsoever to arrest my son" "I will make him rot in prison" "Wo' o bi e da! (You're not capable!)" Mr. Babalola stormed, I've never seen him that angry. . "E mi?" He asked patting his chest and Mr. Babalola hissed. "Who are you? I've had enough of your rubbish" "Me, rubbish? Festus Coker son of Ogunlana Coker" he tapped his chest again like a ragging gorilla and I just gazed in awe. "Where were you guys when I started making money in this Lagos? The money that I have, even your grand father has never made such. Your children, your entire family has never made such, your generation can never make it" "Please Sir, don't even bring generation to this matter at all" Tosin snapped. "What's this idiot saying? People are talking you're also talking, ordinary teacher that you are. What have you obtained? Useless family!" "Gbenu dake jhoor! (Shut up!)" Mrs. Babalola yelled in her high pitch tone. "And I'm keeping quiet and he's still vomiting rubbish" "Ha han, ireti, it's me oh" "Who? If you don't respect anything in this life at least respect the useless grey hair on your hair" "Doyin" he called out again. "Eh hen? What are you feeling like Festus, do you know when i started making money in Lagos" she micmiced him and I almost laughed. "How old are you gan? Are you older than my father? Is it not this same Lagos we all started making money. We all know your source we all know how you started. So why are you bragging?" "I make my money" "You think we haven't heard that you've used the children in your wife's womb? Do you want me remind. Onika oshi ( Wicked man)" "Cheap gossip! I hope you know it's me you're talking to Ireti" "Let this be the last time you insult my family. You can mess with anything, my business, don't even dare insult my family" "I'll ruin you!" Mr Coker yelled leaving. "Ruin oshi, spell the 'ruin' now. Educated Illiterate!" She chipped in. Afterwards she turned to us then hissed at us as though she has been possessed. Afterwards she entered into her car then she drove off.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 35* Jummy's POV If one could cry till blood comes pouring out, blood would have poured out from my eyes. I was yet to accept the breaking news that I may not be able to walk again. I heard from Emmy that dad had Henry arrested. It didn't make me feel better. Henry in jail would not bring back my legs would it? Ayo hasn't left me since I woke up. She blamed me for my current position . I wanted to send her out, but I needed a friend that moment. "Henry has been released" Emmy entered into the room. "All these policemen! Upon the money your dad paid" she added. "The Babalolas are also rich too" Ay pointed out, "Henry has guts oh" Emmy sat on my bed. "Imagine that he brought that bitch to this hospital so they can mock at you" "Are you trying to make Jummy feel better or worse?" Ay asked, "I'm just letting her know what's going on" Emmy answered. "You're being insensitive!" Ay yelled and I requested they leave the room. I wanted some peace and quiet. Henry stopped by afterwards. He apologized for the turn out of his rejection. I cried my eyes out . "I hope you can put this in your conscience Henry, this is your damn fault. I'm this way because of you" "I didn't do anything Jummy" "It's your fault I lost focus, it's your fault that I clashed into that damn trailer! Henry i may never walk in my life because of you and I hope the guilt kills you!" I yelled. "Get out of here Henry! Get out!" I yelled and he looked at me one last time. "I'm sorry Jummy" he apologized leaving. Mrs. Babalola's POV After the drama with Festus, I went back to work hoping to keep my mind busy but I couldn't because of Jummy. I went to the hospital but Jummy insisted she didn't want to see anyone so I went back to home. I was shocked when I saw Barrister George, our family lawyer outside the gate. He drive off in his car before I could catch up with him. I received the greatest shock when I found my bag in the middle of the sitting room. "What's George doing here and what's my bag doing in the middle of the sitting room?" I asked and Theo stretched a document to me and I opened it. Behold it was a divorce paperwork. "You must be crazy if you think I'll sign this" "You don't have any choice Doyin" "You must be joking" "I'm dead serious, I'm tired of your control. You're too controlling, I want my Doyin back and if I can't get her back, it's not worth living with a stranger. I want out of this he'll home." "That's a lie you tell yourself, you're probably doing it to go back into the arms of your lover!" "I swear on my life and the life of everything I hold dear, I haven't cheated in a very long time" he moved close to me. "Years ago when we got married, I couldn't breathe without you. Now, I can't even breathe in the same house you're in" he snapped and I slapped him on his cheek. "How dare you? I should be the one saying that, you broke our sacred matrimony" "You pushed me to do it Doyin and I'm done apologizing for it, I've done everything a man could think of. It's either I have my Doyin back or you sign that and leave." "I'm not signing" "You have to leave the house but because it's late, I'll let you spend the night" "We built this house together" "You can't throw me out of the house" "I can Doyin. Get ready to leave tomorrow" "You're an idiot Theophilus, I seriously wonder why mom match-made me with you! I don't have to sleep for the night. I'll leave so you can call all the sluts you want" The maids came back with more bags. They were now looking at me. "What are you looking at?" I snapped. "Come and carry the bags out before i slap somebody here" "None of you is expected to help her, let her carry it for herself if she can't ask nicely" "I employed them" "Not anymore, now they work for me" he answered. "Is that how you wanna play this game Theophilus?" "Good night Doyin" he added sharply walking away. I dragged my bags out personally. I had tears in my eyes. I felt humiliated. I thought of where I could spend the night. I thought of my parents house, but I can't go out if shame. We had other houses we rented out and some that are still vacant but I didn't have the keys to it. I didn't want my friends finding out that Theo threw me out of the house. I thought of going over to Tosin's house then I remembered she lived in a self contained apartment. Then the thought of spending the night at the hotel popped into my mind but if I get caught rumours will spread. They might even accuse me of cheating. I know these things so well. I've seen it happen to people. Henry was my only way out. I didn't inform him. I didn't want him springing excuses so I decided to surprise him. **** After confirming who it was, Henry opened the gate and I drove in. He was in his shorts and singlet. I came out of the car slamming the door. "Mom what are you doing here?" He asked, "Well I came to see my son, is that a bad thing?" "Mom" "Can I stay for the night?" I asked and he raised his brow in shock. "Your Dad threw me out" I said withholding my tears. "Your father had the nerves to throw me out of my own house" "What did you do?" "Why must you all assume that I did something bad? I didn't do anything. I walked into the house and he gave me the damn divorce papers to sign." "Dad would never do that...he's not exactly the kind to do that" " Your dad is not exactly the kind to do a lot of things but he does it anyways" "What do you mean by that?" He asked and i opened the car boot removing one of my bag and he removed two others. I wanted to tell him but I witheld it. I didn't know why I did. "Keep those bags, I'll deal with this madness tomorrow. I won't be staying here forever" I answered and he returned the two bags and collected the one I held. "I'll talk to Dad" "Don't even talk to him, we have more than one houses in Lagos. Your father thinks I'll go back to my parents house, he's kidding. I haven't been working all these years for nothing" "I hope that maid isn't around" i asked while we walked into the house. "Henry I'm waiting" I heard a voice call out. "Why didn't you tell me she was around?" I whispered and Henry opened his eyes in shock. "You didn't exactly ask me" he answered. "I'm going, I can't stay under the same roof with her" Adesuwa came out with a sexy lingerie. "Who was at the gate?" She asked before she noticed me. Her eyes fell on my bag. "Good evening Ma. Henry what's going on?" She asked and Henry moved over to her whispering some inaudible words to her. "Ma you're more than welcome to spend the night" "I can't do that, I'm probably interrupting..." I pointed at the two of them and they laughed. "We were about having movie night, something to put Henry out of his bad mood" Adesuwa answered chuckling. "I'll go arranged the other room" she scratched her neck. "After all you're a maid, it's still your job" "Mom" Henry warned and I raised my nose. "It's okay Henry, it's still my job" she answered leaving Henry and I alone. "Mom" "It's just one night Henry and I'll out if your hair before you know it" she slapped my cheek softly. Henry's POV After Mr. Coker put his drama, we all entered dad's car. I suspected that something was going wrong after Tosin entered the front seat instead of going into her own car. "Henry I have something to tell you" Dad blurted out and Adesuwa pushed the door open. "I better excuse you all" "I told you Adesuwa, you're now part of the family. There's no point hiding anything when he'll definitely let you know" Adesuwa closed the door now looking at me. "I'll be filing for a divorce" dad blurted out and I shut my eyes. That was the last thing i needed to hear that moment. "Don't be scared Henry, dad is not being inconsiderate, we know you're going through a lot as it is with Jummy's situation." "Is it necessary?" I asked and Tosin chuckled. "It's fake" "Who's gave that ridiculous idea?" I asked and Tosin raised up her hands. "Why?" "Something to bring back mom's humanity" "I don't see that possibility, mom can never change not when I'm with Adesuwa" "I'm with Fatai now and If I'll need to get married, I'll need her blessing and this wolf we have as a mother would not accept. All she cares about is money and properties" "What's the aim of the divorce then?" "Mom would not accept divorce. If dad states his claims properly and let's her know that he wants the old Doyin back, she might change" "You're forgetting one tiny fact" "What?" "Mom is stubborn, she might agree to the divorce" "You don't know mom the way I do Henry, she won't, take it from me. Mom would never agree to a divorce" Tosin answered and i sighed. "Henry I'm not happy about this either, i want the woman i got married to. I want her back." Dad explained and rubbed my hands on my forehead. "After the divorce proposal what comes next" "Ill tell her to leave the house" "That's extreme" "If there's anything that scares mom, it's divorce and the thought of a married woman going back to her parents house" Tosin pointed out. "The mother I know would do all in her power to control dad and of course this is where this second part comes in she added now looking at dad. "What second part?" "She'll try to threaten me." Dad answered, "With what?" I asked, "Henry i have to apologize for what I'm about to say to you. It might change the way you feel about me" "What?" I asked. Could dad have cheated? I asked within. I hope not! "After your mom had Tosin, we had complications," "I heard about it" "Your mom had phobia to give birth again, the thought of s*x scared the living daylight out of her. She was advised to go for therapy but she didn't. I was deprived for two years although it doesn't justify what i did" "You cheated" i guessed out and dad nodded. I bowed my head in shame. I was ashame of my dad's choice. I've always had this high opinion of him. I've always seen my dad as a good man incapable of mischiefs and incapable of being unfaithful. "What happened to all the lessons you taught me?" I asked. "I never meant to do it, i regret it till now" I turned over to Tosin, "How long have you known?" I asked and she shrugged. "Since i was in junior secondary school" she answered smiling. "You're not angry" "Imagine getting married to someone like Jummy and Adesuwa turned up" she snapped her fingers and i gave it a deep thought. Good point, i said within. "Dad was suffering but you didn't realize it, you were naive and always busy with Deji, Taiwo and Jummy. I've always been smarter than you" Tosin paused. "We have a sister Henry, she's cool, nice, but mom hates her." "Why didn't you let me know?" "Dad cares too much about how you feel about him" Tosin answered. "Mom has been using it against him for three years now" "I love your mother more than I've ever loved any other woman. I need her salvation and you all are going to help me out with it" **** I went over to see Mummy once again. I was allowed to see her but she cursed and blamed me for her accident. *** I went back home feeling hurt. Adesuwa suggested movies to keep my mind from thinking about Jummy and dad's secret. Mom's visit shocked me. Fine I knew about mom's plan but I never knew she would choose my house of all places to stay. I guess she didn't want anyone knowing dad threw her out. Adesuwa set the guest room in shape and Mom moved in. I walked into Adesuwa chuckling, "What's funny?" I asked sitting with her and she played the movie. "Your mom, she's clearly not happy but she's still acting like everything's fine. She's like me, I don't like being vulnerable" "She wasn't always that way" "You said she was strict" "Strict like every mother, but she was sweet too. She cared too much about family, now she prioritize business over everyone. Then we would observe holidays and family thanksgiving especially during the Christmas holidays. It was always fun, they haven't done that in years" Adesuwa paused the movie looking at me. "Why don't you throw one?" "Why?" "Cause you miss it, look at the way your eyes lights up whenever you talk about the past and your mom. I was actually scared of dating you at first because I thought you were Mama's boy" she snapped and I laughed. "Why don't you guys throw a Thanksgiving like those times" "Nah, with everything happening? The timing is just too bad" "There's nothing like the right time, I hope you know that. Your mom still hates me, Jummy still hates me, I'm sure she hates me even more. If you're waiting for a right time to do anything, you might as well wait forever" "I never meant for things to end like this" I bowed my head in my palms crying. "None of this is your fault Henry" she raised my head up. "Hey" she called out. "I don't want you blaming yourself for anything. I chose a comedy for us to watch, it cracks me up every time. We're going to watch this and you're going to laugh whether it's funny or not" she threatened and I laughed. "Deal?" She asked and I nodded. "Deal" Adesuwa's POV I woke up from having a dream where I had an accident. I woke up said a short prayer. I noticed I couldn't breathe properly, I felt like my nostrils were blocked with something and the thought of Jummy crossed my mind. Then the cold hit me, it must be the harmattan. I covered my whole body with the bed sheets. Maybe i was coming up with cold. Henry walked out of the bathroom naked he was cleaning his body with a towel. "Are you okay?" He asked, "I'm cold" "Is it the AC?" He asked, "I'll turn it off, I know in your village there's no AC there" he teased and I laughed. "Thank you very much" I answered I sniffled. "It's catarrh and the harmattan. Don't you feel the cold?" I asked, "Cold?" He asked laughing. "Have you ever been in the snow?" He asked and I raised a thumb up. "Good point" I answered and he laughed. "This one is just a tip of the iceberg, don't worry we'll go there whenever you want" he said and I shook my head. "Let me stay in my country" "Village woman" "Let me be a village woman and be alive" "Snow doesn't kill" "Wait till I be the first woman it kills" I snapped and he laughed kissing me on the lips. "Good morning dear" he greeted and I smiled. "You seem awfully happy today" "That's the result of having a woman who makes you happy" he answered and I smiled. "Your mom?" I asked, "She's still sleeping" "I might come in late to work today" I announced and he nodded. "You're lucky you're dating the manager" he answered and I laughed again. I made breakfast before Henry left. Mrs. Babalola walked in already dressed she was pulling her luggage too. "Good morning Mam" "Where's my son?" She asked and I pointed at the door. "He just left" "And you couldn't even tell him to see his mother. I was still sleeping and you didn't even care to know if I was dead or alive" "We thought" "Yes you thought cause you're stupid. A good woman would care to know whether I'm breathing or not" "Do you want breakfast?" I asked and she hissed. "I don't want to be poisoned dear so... Sorry I don't want your food" she snapped and I sniffled. "Are you going out?" "Are you blind?" She asked, "I'm leaving this house. I can't be under the same roof with you. I'm sure you must be mocking me but I want you to know that i'm moving back into my husband's house. No thanks for the accommodation cause it's my son's house you're living in" she snapped leaving the house and I sneezed. I was definitely coming up with cold so I called Henry to let him know I wasn't feeling too well. "Are you okay?" "I am, I'm really not good with cold it has managed to turn into a running nose" I blew my nose into an handkerchief. "Turn off the fan and try to stay warm for me. I'll be there later to give you warmth the best way I can" he answered and I laughed. "Gosh you're naughty!" I snappy playfully and he laughed. "You don't have to stop by. I'll be fine dear. See you in the evening, don't miss me too much" I added and he laughed. "Take care babe" "Thanks" I chipped in hanging up then I increased the volume of the TV program I was watching. **** Aunty Maggie called a while later. "I hope say you realize say that man house no be your house" she asked and I rolled my eyes. "Aunty good afternoon" I greeted and she hissed. "You no dey call sef" "I think say i send you text message say I no go come house yesterday" "I no see any text oh, you no even call me since morning! Which kain life be this?" "Aunty Maggie no vex, e get as that yesterday being take be" "Why your voice sound like who chop frog?" "Body no sweet me" "Ade you don chop cockroach? (are you pregnant?)" "How the belle take enter?" I asked and she hissed. "You be Virgin?" She asked and exhaled. "It's just the cold" "You sure? Rumour dey spread for street say Lilian don chop cockroach too" "How them find out?" I asked, "So na true? I being think say Lilian na virgin oh" "Aunty Maggie, I dey fine" I chipped in to change the topic. "Make I con visit?" She asked, "Landlord show yesterday oh, the rent go still expire and this one wey be say you no dey gree sleep here again." "Why you no ask Chidi" "I get small shame Ade" she answered and I laughed. I was shocked to hear her say that. I've always thought she had no shame. "Make I see wetin I fit do" I answered and she laughed. "Adesuwa, adesuwa! See as your voice take sound like rich woman own finish" "Na my savings I wan give you oh" "Your manager ko?" "Me sef get shame" I answered, "Ivie introduction na next week oh" "I'll put it in plan" I answered. "Thank you, God bless you ehn?" she added and I hung up. Someone banged on the gate. I opened it and Mrs. . Babalola walked in. "Good afternoon Ma" "What's good about the afternoon" she asked, "Do you how many times I knocked, or how many times I horned or how long I've been outside. Look at the way she's even saying the good afternoon sef" she snapped and I scoffed. I knew she was angry over something and was definitely transferring her anger at me. "What are you doing back here?" I asked blowing my nose in the handkerchief I held. "This is my son's house and you have no right whatsoever to ask stupid questions" "What's so wrong about what I just asked?" "She's still asking questions!" She snapped. "You're nothing but a maid. Why not make yourself useful maid and just open the gate and let me in then remove my bags from the boot into the room. "Into the room?" I asked and she nodded. "Yes Adesuwa, into the room. Apparently, for the time being, you have yourself a flatmate. I'll be living with you guys until my husband turns sane" "Are you serious?" I asked, "Don't be stupid Adesuwa and make yourself useful" she snapped and I rubbed my hand on my forehead. I was having headaches. "Can at least try to be nice about it or say it pleasantly, or add please to it" "Why would I add please to a maid like you?" She asked, "I've tried to be nice with you. I've tried to take all your excesses but you don't even appreciate my efforts. Not once have I ever insulted you mam but all you've done is call me names and attack at every turn." "How is that my business? my business right now is for you to open the gate and get my stuffs inside" An inspiration came to me, I wasn't ready to take her insults anymore. If I don't stand against it she would keep bullying me and there's nothing I hated more than bullies. "Well it's none of my business too, just open the gate, drive in, when you're done, get your bags and you know the rooms already" I added leaving. I suddenly turned back at her, she was shocked. The look on her face gave me inner joy. "That reminds me, lock the gate after you're done" Tbc

hahahahaha ? ? ?... Adesuwa, Adesuwa.... e be like say you don swallow cockroach truly o

I hope dis daughter Mr Theo is talking abt isn't Adesuwa oo else na incest oo... I hope say Adesuwa no be pregnant oo!!!

mad oh, this episode is full of savagery, chaiii next o

Well-done girl very impressive,keep it up and put her in her place.

And u later shock am

Lolz, I can imagine d look on her face

@ladyg come see wetin only me see.......

Hmmmm d palava too much o @harzaroboy.

@jummybabe

Nice one adesuwa, u put yr mother in-law in her place

@ladyg hope you dey enjoy the palava........

*Hotel Palava - Episode 36* Hotel palava36 Mrs Babalola's POV I went to the house but the security refused opening the gate for me, Theophilus' order. I walked into his office. I was seriously fuming. "What game are you playing at?" I asked, "First you sent me packing out of our house. The house we've made so much memories in" "I'm kind of busy Doyin"he cut into my complains and I scoffed feeling so insulted. "Give me the keys to any of the mansions that hasn't been rented at Ikoyi or anywhere" "I'm sorry I can't do that unless you sign the papers. You haven't read it have you?" "We worked our ass off together to see all this happen and now you're cutting me off . This isn't fair Theophilus" "Henry told me you spent the night at his house" "I can't spend a minute more in that place. I can't live with that maid. You know how much she makes me itch" "Go back to your parents house" "Are you crazy?" "You do realize you're talking to your husband do you?" "I wouldn't ask that question if you were acting sane. I'm sure you've gone bonkers! Are you trying to disgrace me?" "I'm not trying to disgrace you Doyin" "My parents would be embarrassed if I go back . I'm the big sister for crying out loud!" I snapped hitting the table. "Can you leave the office?" "This is also my company too" "I'm not disputing that legally but this is my space, my office and I have every right to my privacy." "Theophilus, please" she begged me, I haven't said that in a long time. I don't remember the last time I begged my husband. "Oko mi please, please I'm begging you, don't put me to shame. What would people say?" "You know me Doyin, I've never cared about what people think." He answered and I cleaned my tears, "You're an idiot for making me beg, imagine I just said please for nothing" she hissed leaving the office. **** I went over to the hotel. I stood outside for minutes, I was in deep thought. I couldn't imagine myself going back to Henry's house with that slut in it. But then going into the hotel was worst! This would be social suicide! It would tarnish my image and my family's image. There was no way I was going to sign those divorce terms. Theophilus was definitely high on something, I had to find a place to be till he cools down. Henry's place was the only place I could be in. I had no choice but to drive back to the house. I horned twice, came out of the car and barely knocked for two minutes when Adesuwa opened up. I chastised her for opening late as though I've been knocking for twenty minutes. I was in a bad mood and when Doyin is in a bad mood, she definitely finds someone to transfer it too. I told her to make herself useful and get my bags for me. Adesuwa bluntly refused. She asked that I do it myself. I almost cried, I felt insulted. I waited till Henry showed up in the evening. I was already by the door when I heard him horn. I watched Henry open the gates for himself and he also drove in. "Why didn't she open the gate for you?" I asked and he went back to locking it. "Mummy good evening" he walked to car removing a customer's bag from the car then he closed the car. "Why didn't that girl open the gates for you?" "Mom she's not feeling too well" he answered. "So? She's too rude and incompetent, you're making her lazy" "Mom please, I just got back" "I haven't even started you're complaining, Henry, can you believe what that tramp did today?" I asked, "Mom don't call her tramp" "Sorry, I meant what that stupid girl did today" "What did she do?" "I told her to open up the gate to get my luggage and my bag from the car and she refused! She told me to open the gate myself, drive in and get the damn bag" "Seriously?" He asked and I nodded. "She's so disrespectful. Jummy would never treat me this way" "Mom you probably didn't say it nicely" "Is that all you can say?" "I'll deal with it later" "Okay. I made dinner for you" "Geez mom! I've seen this happen in diverse movies, I really don't want to experience it in my own house. Adesuwa made dinner already mom, I'll have to decline" "Dinner that she was sneezing all over" I answered and he laughed. "Even if she coughed in it" he answered leaving. "Your father has finally gone mad!" i complained and I saw him shake his head. Henry's POV "I just finished making dinner, I'm about to retire to bed" Adesuwa said to me in a hoarsy after I put a call through to her. "If this was how you sounded before I fell in love with you, I wouldn't have fallen in love at all" I teased and she laughed. "I was playing dumb when you fell in love with me" "I wasn't in love then, I was just infatuated" I answered and i heard her chuckle. "I'm on my way home babe" "I'll unlock the padlock, I'm not feeling too strong to stand up." "Are you sure you're okay?" I asked, "What do you want me to get for you?" "Ice cream?" "You have catarrh and you want to take ice cream" "Is it your catarrh?" She asked and I laughed. "Expecting you dear. Love you" "I love you too" I answered and she hung up. I stopped by at an eatery, I got a plate of ice cream for her and I went home to Mom's chattering and complains. I walked in the room with a loud groan. "Urgh!" I rolled my eyes. "Sounds like you've met your mom" Adesuwa said with a bed sheet covered over her. "Hey babe" I dropped the Ice cream on the dresser table then i leaned in to kiss her on the lips. "How are my babies doing?" I asked and she glared at me playfully. "I'm not pregnant" "I know, I just felt like asking" I answered and she chuckled. "Fatherhood will look good on me" I answered taking off my shoes. "How are you feeling?" "Cold, I'll take some drugs tomorrow. They make one really sleepy that's why I avoid them" she answered. "Where's my ice cream?" She asked and I brought it close to her. She sat up crossed her leg then started scooping the ice cream. "What happened between you and Mom today?" "Oh.. that" she answered and I nodded. There was no need to ask the rest of the story, Mom wasn't exaggerating then. "I told her to be nice and she wasn't so I demanded that she open the gates and take her baggages in all by herself" she answered and i withheld my laughter. "I didn't want to do it, she pushed me to it. She has to learn how to be nice, I'm not going to take her insults anymore. I won't fold my hands and let her bully me" "This is going to be war" "For a good cause" she scooped a spoon of ice cream into my mouth and I chuckled. Adesuwa's POV Henry left for work in the morning and I was left home with Mrs Babalola. I sat in the sitting room watching TV with a bed sheet covered over me. The room suddenly got colder, someone had turned on the AC. It was no other than Mrs. Babalola. She walked into the sitting room, "Does this look like a bed room?" She asked pointing at the bed sheet over my body. She took the remote off the table then changed it to CNN. "I was watching something before you..." I stalled shaking my head. "It's so not worth it" I muttered, "What did you say?" She asked and I scoffed. "I'm nursing a headache, I don't want to add to it so you can have the sitting room to yourself" I stood up then i felt a bit queasy and I staggered. "Are you okay?" She asked and I turned to her.I saw concern in her eyes. "What's wrong with this one?" She asked and I touched my head. "I'm not feeling too well" "Are you sure you're not pregnant" "I'm not" "Are you sure?" "I can't afford to get pregnant now" I answered and she asked to know why. "It's none of your business Mam" I answered leaving the sitting room for her. I went into the room and I remembered how worried she was when I almost staggered. A thought then occurred to me, if she was worried about me when I wasn't too sick; what would she do if I actually become sick. I knew all I was going through was just mild cold but I could exaggerate it a bit. I thought with a smirk. Maybe the universe was on my side finally, maybe this whole situation , her choice to live here wasn't just a coincidence but it was rather an opportunity to draw me close to her and improve our bond. I wasn't sure if it was going to work but I had to try it anyways. I walked into the sitting room and I realized she wasn't there, I checked her room to realize she has left. I went back into the sitting room and I took back my sleeping position with my bed sheets over my body. Lilian stopped by afterwards. "How body?" She asked as we both walked into the sitting room. "Manager say you no well and you for like company" "It's just cold" "Are you sure?" "I sure" "The same thing I said before I learnt I was pregnant" "I knew you were pregnant from the first day you had sex with Deji" I answered and she chuckled faintly. "I'm sorry I talked about him" "It's nothing" she waved her hands while I laid on the chair. "I heard people are already talking about your pregnancy" "I have no idea how they found out. Why didn't you call me to let me know you were sick?" "I didn't want to bother anyone, it's just cold. I go take drugs later" "Which time e start" "Yesterday morning" I answered blowing my nose then I coughed. "Ehya, and you dey bad for catarrh matter" "Abi" "And since when you don dey plan to buy drugs?" She asked and I shrugged. "Since yesterday" "Adesuwa you no go buy that drugs. No be you again? If na medicine matter, you go procrastinate until the matter worse" "That's a lie" "Remember it rained in January and you had cold?" She paused, "No be June you con take treatment?" She asked and I nodded in guilt. I've always avoided taking drugs. I've always seen myself as having strong antibodies, I barely get sick. "I have strong antibodies" I answered and she hissed. We heard the gate open and someone drove in. It was definitely Mrs. Babalola! "Who's that?" "Mrs Babalola" I whispered then I covered the sheet all over my body. "Cold dey catch you?' Lilian asked and I nodded. "Not that kind of cold," I answered and I looked towards the door. "What's she doing here?" She asked, "She just moved in here" "Why?" She asked and I looked at Lilian. I knew I had to get into character sooner or later. "Something happened and she...it's all part of the plan" "What plan?" She asked and Mrs Babalola entered. I shivered the moment she walked in. "Good afternoon Ma" Lilian greeted rising up. "What is she doing here?" She asked, apparently she knew Lilian. "She's... my best friend" I manage to answer. "Why didn't I just take a guess" she answered and I batted my eyes at Lilian. "How e dey do you Ade? Na cold?" She asked and I raised my brow in shock. She was supposed to pity me or act in a way that would make it look like I was really sick. "See as your body they hot" she added and then i heard Mrs Babalola's footsteps gradually fade. "What are you doing?" She asked and I groaned. "She don go!" Lilian whispered tapping my arm. "Aw!" I rubbed my hands on the painful surface. "What are you doing? Are you pretending to be sick?" "I'm not pretending okay maybe I am, a little bit" "Mr. Henry thinks you're sick, Adesuwa you're lying again. This is going to be like you playing dumb all over again. Your cup go full oh" "I'm actually not feeling too well I'm only exaggerating it" "Why?" She asked and I sighed looking towards the direction of Mrs Babalola's room. I had to explain it all to Lilian. "You think that kind of woman woman would care about you" "I know what I saw, try to imagine how she would react if I fainted" "Right now I'm worried about you. The thought of you living here scares the living daylight out of me, What if this woman tries to kill you" "I'll be fine, they said she's not that bad and I'm just putting my faith on the hope Tosin, Henry and Mr. Babalola have on her" Mrs. Babalola's POV I couldn't concentrate on the news I tuned in to, so I drove out, I didn't have any destination. I went to Tosin's house. Lucky for me she was home. "Can you believe your father drove me out of the house" i complained almost in tears. "I heard" "And you couldn't call" "I was busy" "I won't sign those divorce papers" I sat down, "What would you do then? Dad is really serious about it. You must have made him angry" "Tosin I didn't do anything, I swear I wasn't even as annoying as I would be on a normal day." I sniffled. "I can't sign the paper, I can't go back to being single" "Have you spoken to Dad?" She asked and I nodded. "He has finally gone mad! He wants me to go down on my knees and beg him. I mean for what? I haven't done anything wrong. The only thing I'm guilty of is getting married to him. He's a complete idiot" I snapped and she shook her head. "Can you talk to him, he listens to you. Just let him know that I was wrong and I can't go through with the proceedings. I love him, I love that idiot so much" I paused and I bowed my head sobbing. "You must have really pushed him to the wall for him to react that way. I'll try to talk to him Mom, just do your part to apologized" she advised and I hissed. "Henry told me you moved in" "I did... I have to live in that place with that tramp" "She's not a tramp mom, Adesuwa is cool. She's a good person if you get to know her" "Clem is also a good person" "Mom I'm curreny dating" she blurted out. I didn't need her to tell me who. I had my guess already. "Tell me it isn't that chef you Introduced me to" "Fatai" she called the name and i rose up. "Tosin you're a carbon copy of your father, he passed his stupid gene to you. I should have just let you die when the doctor told me you had low chances of survival" i raised my bag leaving the house. **** I needed to go elsewhere, I was completely shattered. I felt like my whole world was crumbling. I had friends but I didn't have any good one to tell my problems to. The only good friend I have is Deji's mom, the others were bitches. I cried severally until a man walked up to me and asked if I was alright. "Does it look like I'm not alright?" I asked in tears,"Sorry, I was just asking" "I'm sorry" I apologized, "I'm fine, I'm fine. I'll be fine" I knew I had to talk to someone. Wunmi Coker wasn't an option, I had to see an old friend, Adebimpe Falana. I haven't seen her in a while. "Doyin Iretiola Babalola" she laughed as she walked down the stairs. "I was shocked when the house help told me you were here" she added walking towards me. "There's definitely fire on the mountain, what's going on?" She asked sitting on the chair and I passed the divorce paper to her. She read it for a while then she laughed. "Theophilus finally had the guts to do it" she said and I glared at her. "What?" She asked, "I don't want it, I don't want a divorce" "What do you want? Aren't you angry with him again" "I am" I cried, "But I still very much love my husband" "I told you years ago that your husband was cheating but you refused to believe me" "Because you always believed every ladies husbands are cheating" "Cause all men are cheats and if you don't wrap them around your hands and make them know you're boss, they'll continue to cheat" "Everything is crumbling down Bimpe, my marriage is crumbling down" "Your marriage crumbled years ago you never realized it" "What do you mean?" "First off was denying Theophilus sex for two years and after you two finally had sex, you starved him. Twice in a month? It's as if you didn't learn from me" "I didn't come here to receive blame" "I'm not going to comfort you either. Wasn't I the one who helped you find out about Theo's extramarital affairs? I told you to kill them off but what did you tell me?" "I can't do it. Everyone would blame me for it, I'll go to jail" "There are more than one ways to skin a cat Doyin, no one would know you did it just like the way I got rid of my own threat. Remember?" She at and I nodded. I'll forever hold it in my conscience, I remember that day like as though it happened yesterday. I was pregnant with Tosin. When Bimpe found the hide outs of the woman her husband had cheated on her with. I thought we were going there to warn her, but instead Bimpe summoned some area boys to burn down the house her husband had bought for the prostitute. I saw myself as an accomplice to the crime. After my complications with Tosin, I even felt as though God was punishing me for being an accomplice in the murder of a pregnant woman. "I'm even less bothered about Theophilus" "What if he brings that woman into the house?" She snapped and I shut my eyes in tears. "Henry's dating a maid, a nobody and Tosin is dating a Chef" "What happened to Jumoke omo Coker? (Jumoke daughter of Coker)" "He left her for this maid" I answered and she laughed. "Your life is one hell of a soap opera" "This isn't funny" "It is funny, if I was in your shoe, I would have gone through a lot of drastic measures. Stay here and be dulling yourself" "Have you offered them money?" "I offered Henry's girlfriend six million, she refused. I'm tempted to think he has been charmed" "If I tell you to come with me let's go and meet one Herbalist, you'll say no oh" "I don't do that kind of thing" "Stay there and be dulling yourself na" **** When I got home, I opened the gate for myself and I drove in. Adesuwa was inside with the bedsheet over her. She was with the maid I saw at the hotel. "How e dey do you Ade? Na cold?" The maid from the other day asked Adesuwa while she laid in that bed. I turned to the both of them. "See as your body they hot" she added and I walked away into the room. "What's even wrong with her?" I asked and I hissed. I remembered seeing her almost fall down in the morning. "She better not be pregnant" I complained throwing my hand bag on the bed then I laid in bed as memories of my day breezed through my mind. Hotel palava36 Mrs Babalola's POV I went to the house but the security refused opening the gate for me, Theophilus' order. I walked into his office. I was seriously fuming. "What game are you playing at?" I asked, "First you sent me packing out of our house. The house we've made so much memories in" "I'm kind of busy Doyin"he cut into my complains and I scoffed feeling so insulted. "Give me the keys to any of the mansions that hasn't been rented at Ikoyi or anywhere" "I'm sorry I can't do that unless you sign the papers. You haven't read it have you?" "We worked our ass off together to see all this happen and now you're cutting me off. This isn't fair Theophilus" "Henry told me you spent the night at his house" "I can't spend a minute more in that place. I can't live with that maid. You know how much she makes me itch" "Go back to your parents house" "Are you crazy?" "You do realize you're talking to your husband do you?" "I wouldn't ask that question if you were acting sane. I'm sure you've gone bonkers! Are you trying to disgrace me?" "I'm not trying to disgrace you Doyin" "My parents would be embarrassed if I go back. I'm the big sister for crying out loud!" I snapped hitting the table. "Can you leave the office?" "This is also my company too" "I'm not disputing that legally but this is my space, my office and I have every right to my privacy." "Theophilus, please" she begged me, I haven't said that in a long time. I don't remember the last time I begged my husband. "Oko mi please, please I'm begging you, don't put me to shame. What would people say?" "You know me Doyin, I've never cared about what people think." He answered and I cleaned my tears, "You're an idiot for making me beg, imagine I just said please for nothing" she hissed leaving the office. **** I went over to the hotel. I stood outside for minutes, I was in deep thought. I couldn't imagine myself going back to Henry's house with that slut in it. But then going into the hotel was worst! This would be social suicide! It would tarnish my image and my family's image. There was no way I was going to sign those divorce terms. Theophilus was definitely high on something, I had to find a place to be till he cools down. Henry's place was the only place I could be in. I had no choice but to drive back to the house. I horned twice, came out of the car and barely knocked for two minutes when Adesuwa opened up. I chastised her for opening late as though I've been knocking for twenty minutes. I was in a bad mood and when Doyin is in a bad mood, she definitely finds someone to transfer it too. I told her to make herself useful and get my bags for me. Adesuwa bluntly refused. She asked that I do it myself. I almost cried, I felt insulted. I waited till Henry showed up in the evening. I was already by the door when I heard him horn. I watched Henry open the gates for himself and he also drove in. "Why didn't she open the gate for you?" I asked and he went back to locking it. "Mummy good evening" he walked to car removing a customer's bag from the car then he closed the car. "Why didn't that girl open the gates for you?" "Mom she's not feeling too well" he answered. "So? She's too rude and incompetent, you're making her lazy" "Mom please, I just got back" "I haven't even started you're complaining, Henry, can you believe what that tramp did today?" I asked, "Mom don't call her tramp" "Sorry, I meant what that stupid girl did today" "What did she do?" "I told her to open up the gate to get my luggage and my bag from the car and she refused! She told me to open the gate myself, drive in and get the damn bag" "Seriously?" He asked and I nodded. "She's so disrespectful. Jummy would never treat me this way" "Mom you probably didn't say it nicely" "Is that all you can say?" "I'll deal with it later" "Okay. I made dinner for you" "Geez mom! I've seen this happen in diverse movies, I really don't want to experience it in my own house. Adesuwa made dinner already mom, I'll have to decline" "Dinner that she was sneezing all over" I answered and he laughed. "Even if she coughed in it" he answered leaving. "Your father has finally gone mad!" i complained and I saw him shake his head. Henry's POV "I just finished making dinner, I'm about to retire to bed" Adesuwa said to me in a hoarsy after I put a call through to her. "If this was how you sounded before I fell in love with you, I wouldn't have fallen in love at all" I teased and she laughed. "I was playing dumb when you fell in love with me" "I wasn't in love then, I was just infatuated" I answered and i heard her chuckle. "I'm on my way home babe" "I'll unlock the padlock, I'm not feeling too strong to stand up." "Are you sure you're okay?" I asked, "What do you want me to get for you?" "Ice cream?" "You have catarrh and you want to take ice cream" "Is it your catarrh?" She asked and I laughed. "Expecting you dear. Love you" "I love you too" I answered and she hung up. I stopped by at an eatery, I got a plate of ice cream for her and I went home to Mom's chattering and complains. I walked in the room with a loud groan. "Urgh!" I rolled my eyes. "Sounds like you've met your mom" Adesuwa said with a bed sheet covered over her. "Hey babe" I dropped the Ice cream on the dresser table then i leaned in to kiss her on the lips. "How are my babies doing?" I asked and she glared at me playfully. "I'm not pregnant" "I know, I just felt like asking" I answered and she chuckled. "Fatherhood will look good on me" I answered taking off my shoes. "How are you feeling?" "Cold, I'll take some drugs tomorrow. They make one really sleepy that's why I avoid them" she answered. "Where's my ice cream?" She asked and I brought it close to her. She sat up crossed her leg then started scooping the ice cream. "What happened between you and Mom today?" "Oh.. that" she answered and I nodded. There was no need to ask the rest of the story, Mom wasn't exaggerating then. "I told her to be nice and she wasn't so I demanded that she open the gates and take her baggages in all by herself" she answered and i withheld my laughter. "I didn't want to do it, she pushed me to it. She has to learn how to be nice, I'm not going to take her insults anymore. I won't fold my hands and let her bully me" "This is going to be war" "For a good cause" she scooped a spoon of ice cream into my mouth and I chuckled. Adesuwa's POV Henry left for work in the morning and I was left home with Mrs Babalola. I sat in the sitting room watching TV with a bed sheet covered over me. The room suddenly got colder, someone had turned on the AC. It was no other than Mrs. Babalola. She walked into the sitting room, "Does this look like a bed room?" She asked pointing at the bed sheet over my body. She took the remote off the table then changed it to CNN. "I was watching something before you..." I stalled shaking my head. "It's so not worth it" I muttered, "What did you say?" She asked and I scoffed. "I'm nursing a headache, I don't want to add to it so you can have the sitting room to yourself" I stood up then i felt a bit queasy and I staggered. "Are you okay?" She asked and I turned to her.I saw concern in her eyes. "What's wrong with this one?" She asked and I touched my head. "I'm not feeling too well" "Are you sure you're not pregnant" "I'm not" "Are you sure?" "I can't afford to get pregnant now" I answered and she asked to know why. "It's none of your business Mam" I answered leaving the sitting room for her. I went into the room and I remembered how worried she was when I almost staggered. A thought then occurred to me, if she was worried about me when I wasn't too sick; what would she do if I actually become sick. I knew all I was going through was just mild cold but I could exaggerate it a bit. I thought with a smirk. Maybe the universe was on my side finally, maybe this whole situation , her choice to live here wasn't just a coincidence but it was rather an opportunity to draw me close to her and improve our bond. I wasn't sure if it was going to work but I had to try it anyways. I walked into the sitting room and I realized she wasn't there, I checked her room to realize she has left. I went back into the sitting room and I took back my sleeping position with my bed sheets over my body. Lilian stopped by afterwards. "How body?" She asked as we both walked into the sitting room. "Manager say you no well and you for like company" "It's just cold" "Are you sure?" "I sure" "The same thing I said before I learnt I was pregnant" "I knew you were pregnant from the first day you had sex with Deji" I answered and she chuckled faintly. "I'm sorry I talked about him" "It's nothing" she waved her hands while I laid on the chair. "I heard people are already talking about your pregnancy" "I have no idea how they found out. Why didn't you call me to let me know you were sick?" "I didn't want to bother anyone, it's just cold. I go take drugs later" "Which time e start" "Yesterday morning" I answered blowing my nose then I coughed. "Ehya, and you dey bad for catarrh matter" "Abi" "And since when you don dey plan to buy drugs?" She asked and I shrugged. "Since yesterday" "Adesuwa you no go buy that drugs. No be you again? If na medicine matter, you go procrastinate until the matter worse" "That's a lie" "Remember it rained in January and you had cold?" She paused, "No be June you con take treatment?" She asked and I nodded in guilt. I've always avoided taking drugs. I've always seen myself as having strong antibodies, I barely get sick. "I have strong antibodies" I answered and she hissed. We heard the gate open and someone drove in. It was definitely Mrs. Babalola! "Who's that?" "Mrs Babalola" I whispered then I covered the sheet all over my body. "Cold dey catch you?' Lilian asked and I nodded. "Not that kind of cold," I answered and I looked towards the door. "What's she doing here?" She asked, "She just moved in here" "Why?" She asked and I looked at Lilian. I knew I had to get into character sooner or later. "Something happened and she...it's all part of the plan" "What plan?" She asked and Mrs Babalola entered. I shivered the moment she walked in. "Good afternoon Ma" Lilian greeted rising up. "What is she doing here?" She asked, apparently she knew Lilian. "She's... my best friend" I manage to answer. "Why didn't I just take a guess" she answered and I batted my eyes at Lilian. "How e dey do you Ade? Na cold?" She asked and I raised my brow in shock. She was supposed to pity me or act in a way that would make it look like I was really sick. "See as your body they hot" she added and then i heard Mrs Babalola's footsteps gradually fade. "What are you doing?" She asked and I groaned. "She don go!" Lilian whispered tapping my arm. "Aw!" I rubbed my hands on the painful surface. "What are you doing? Are you pretending to be sick?" "I'm not pretending okay maybe I am, a little bit" "Mr. Henry thinks you're sick, Adesuwa you're lying again. This is going to be like you playing dumb all over again. Your cup go full oh" "I'm actually not feeling too well I'm only exaggerating it" "Why?" She asked and I sighed looking towards the direction of Mrs Babalola's room. I had to explain it all to Lilian. "You think that kind of woman woman would care about you" "I know what I saw, try to imagine how she would react if I fainted" "Right now I'm worried about you. The thought of you living here scares the living daylight out of me, What if this woman tries to kill you" "I'll be fine, they said she's not that bad and I'm just putting my faith on the hope Tosin, Henry and Mr. Babalola have on her" Mrs. Babalola's POV I couldn't concentrate on the news I tuned in to, so I drove out, I didn't have any destination. I went to Tosin's house. Lucky for me she was home. "Can you believe your father drove me out of the house" i complained almost in tears. "I heard" "And you couldn't call" "I was busy" "I won't sign those divorce papers" I sat down, "What would you do then? Dad is really serious about it. You must have made him angry" "Tosin I didn't do anything, I swear I wasn't even as annoying as I would be on a normal day." I sniffled. "I can't sign the paper, I can't go back to being single" "Have you spoken to Dad?" She asked and I nodded. "He has finally gone mad! He wants me to go down on my knees and beg him. I mean for what? I haven't done anything wrong. The only thing I'm guilty of is getting married to him. He's a complete idiot" I snapped and she shook her head. "Can you talk to him, he listens to you. Just let him know that I was wrong and I can't go through with the proceedings. I love him, I love that idiot so much" I paused and I bowed my head sobbing. "You must have really pushed him to the wall for him to react that way. I'll try to talk to him Mom, just do your part to apologized" she advised and I hissed. "Henry told me you moved in" "I did... I have to live in that place with that tramp" "She's not a tramp mom, Adesuwa is cool. She's a good person if you get to know her" "Clem is also a good person" "Mom I'm curreny dating" she blurted out. I didn't need her to tell me who. I had my guess already. "Tell me it isn't that chef you Introduced me to" "Fatai" she called the name and i rose up. "Tosin you're a carbon copy of your father, he passed his stupid gene to you. I should have just let you die when the doctor told me you had low chances of survival" i raised my bag leaving the house. **** I needed to go elsewhere, I was completely shattered. I felt like my whole world was crumbling. I had friends but I didn't have any good one to tell my problems to. The only good friend I have is Deji's mom, the others were bitches. I cried severally until a man walked up to me and asked if I was alright. "Does it look like I'm not alright?" I asked in tears,"Sorry, I was just asking" "I'm sorry" I apologized, "I'm fine, I'm fine. I'll be fine" I knew I had to talk to someone. Wunmi Coker wasn't an option, I had to see an old friend, Adebimpe Falana. I haven't seen her in a while. "Doyin Iretiola Babalola" she laughed as she walked down the stairs. "I was shocked when the house help told me you were here" she added walking towards me. "There's definitely fire on the mountain, what's going on?" She asked sitting on the chair and I passed the divorce paper to her. She read it for a while then she laughed. "Theophilus finally had the guts to do it" she said and I glared at her. "What?" She asked, "I don't want it, I don't want a divorce" "What do you want? Aren't you angry with him again" "I am" I cried, "But I still very much love my husband" "I told you years ago that your husband was cheating but you refused to believe me" "Because you always believed every ladies husbands are cheating" "Cause all men are cheats and if you don't wrap them around your hands and make them know you're boss, they'll continue to cheat" "Everything is crumbling down Bimpe, my marriage is crumbling down" "Your marriage crumbled years ago you never realized it" "What do you mean?" "First off was denying Theophilus sex for two years and after you two finally had sex, you starved him. Twice in a month? It's as if you didn't learn from me" "I didn't come here to receive blame" "I'm not going to comfort you either. Wasn't I the one who helped you find out about Theo's extramarital affairs? I told you to kill them off but what did you tell me?" "I can't do it. Everyone would blame me for it, I'll go to jail" "There are more than one ways to skin a cat Doyin, no one would know you did it just like the way I got rid of my own threat. Remember?" She at and I nodded. I'll forever hold it in my conscience, I remember that day like as though it happened yesterday. I was pregnant with Tosin. When Bimpe found the hide outs of the woman her husband had cheated on her with. I thought we were going there to warn her, but instead Bimpe summoned some area boys to burn down the house her husband had bought for the prostitute. I saw myself as an accomplice to the crime. After my complications with Tosin, I even felt as though God was punishing me for being an accomplice in the murder of a pregnant woman. "I'm even less bothered about Theophilus" "What if he brings that woman into the house?" She snapped and I shut my eyes in tears. "Henry's dating a maid, a nobody and Tosin is dating a Chef" "What happened to Jumoke omo Coker? (Jumoke daughter of Coker)" "He left her for this maid" I answered and she laughed. . "Your life is one hell of a soap opera" "This isn't funny" "It is funny, if I was in your shoe, I would have gone through a lot of drastic measures. Stay here and be dulling yourself" "Have you offered them money?" "I offered Henry's girlfriend six million, she refused. I'm tempted to think he has been charmed" "If I tell you to come with me let's go and meet one Herbalist, you'll say no oh" "I don't do that kind of thing" "Stay there and be dulling yourself na" **** When I got home, I opened the gate for myself and I drove in. Adesuwa was inside with the bedsheet over her. She was with the maid I saw at the hotel. "How e dey do you Ade? Na cold?" The maid from the other day asked Adesuwa while she laid in that bed. I turned to the both of them. "See as your body they hot" she added and I walked away into the room. "What's even wrong with her?" I asked and I hissed. I remembered seeing her almost fall down in the morning. "She better not be pregnant" I complained throwing my hand bag on the bed then I laid in bed as memories of my day breezed through my mind.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 37* Henry's POV I received a call from Deji after a board meeting. He called to find out if I was at the hotel. "Wait, are you in Lagos" "I just flew in from Ekiti," "I thought you were coming during the holidays" "I just wanted to check something out" "Lilian?" I asked and there was a brief silence. "I'm at the hotel sha" I answered, "See you there" he added then hung up. Lilian knocked and walked in, she wanted to know why Adesuwa didn't show up for work and I told her best friend wasn't feeling too well. I permitted her to meet Adesuwa at home since she would be in need of her best friend's company. ***** Deji came in with dark shades on. "It not sunny in here" I snapped playfully at him and he laughed taking the glasses off. "Hey Henry" he answered and I frowned at him. "Mehn I'm still mad at you" "I've apologized a thousand times" "I'm not the one you should apologize to, it's Lilian . Have you even called her since you left?" "Where is she?" "She left already" "She left?" "Adesuwa isn't feeling too well, she went to see her best friend" I answered and he raised his brow. I didn't know why he did. "How is that going? Your relationship with Adesuwa" He specified and I smiled. "It's been fine" "How do you cope with the whole attention, family and friends....." He asked and I laughed . He probably was wondering how I cope with family tensions and conflicting opinions about me dating Adesuwa." "It hasn't been easy" I confessed but I don't care about what others think. What matters is my love for Adesuwa." I answered and I watched him sigh, he was a bit disturbed. "If you like Lilian" "Henry you know me now, you know how I'll always insult friends who end up getting married to people that are..." "Are...." "Everyone would be waiting for me to be with a girl with a good job, good sense of fashion" "In order words you're " "I'm scared! I'm scared of how people would view me, they'll mock me. I won't take long in Lagos, I just came back to see her, I'll be gone before you know it" "For what exactly? If you're here to reconcile, fine but if it's just to see her, I think you should just leave. You don't want to hurt her again." "I've been having nightmares about her, I'm talking really messed up nightmares and Mom with her superstition has managed to get to me. I just have to see her" "Whatever you say man, I'm just saying, the moment you take time to think of what you want for yourself than what people think of you, things would work out more smoothly, take it from me. It all matters what the heart wants." **** Adesuwa was still ill when I got back home. It had become more serious. I suggested we went to the hospital but she declined, she said she'll be fine before the next morning. I just had to let it be. I couldn't go to work the next day, I was scared to leave the house for a minute. "I can stay home and watch over you" "You shouldn't" she declined and I wondered why she was being stubborn. "I'll call Lilian to come take care of you, what if I call your cousin Ivie?" I asked and she shook her head. "I'll be fine dear" she repliedly weakly. "Are you sure?" I asked, "You're scaring me" "I'll be fine, " she answered and I kissed her on the lips. "Bye dear" i added leaving the room then I knocked and i walked into mom's room. She was in her night gown. "Aren't you going to work?" I asked and she shook her head. "I'm mad at your idiot of a father so I won't go to work. I'm on strike" "You don't that with or without you, the company moves on?" I asked and mom glared at me. "What's your point? That I'm going on a fruitless strike" she asked and I smiled. "What right do I have to question your reasons for striking" I asked in a sarky tone. "Are you mocking me?" She asked and I kept quiet for a while, of course I was making mockery of her response. We both busted into laughter. I noticed a Bible in her hands. "I never realized you still have one of those" I chipped in and she laughed sarcastically. "Someone is trying to be funny this morning" she moved close to me, "I'll just use this Bible to hit your head" she added and I laughed. "Maybe I should try it, maybe your brains can reset from Adesuwa's juju" she added and I nodded. "Oh the charm theory" I added sarcastically and she nodded. I've missed this playful side of her. "I was actually praying to this God, maybe some justice can come out for me after all. I was praying for God to fight against every injustices, for God to kill my enemies beginning with your father" he added and I shook my head. "I'm waiting for an apologetic response from Theophilus, are you guys even talking to him. He's been stubborn" "Have you called him?" "Over my dead body!" She went high-pitched. "I'm leaving for work" I added and smiled. "Have a blessed day son" she placed the Bible over my head. "You can actually open up a church business, it might really work for you" I added and she raised her brow in shock. "How about I employ you as my prophet?" She asked chasing me with the Bible and I ran out playfully. "I've missed this part of you" I said and she scoffed. "I've always been this way" "You changed. When I got back, you were different, I would really love to see this side of you more often" "Please help me take care of Adesuwa" I chipped in with all manner of seriousness. "I know you don't like her but I want you to help me, I really need your help" "Take her to the hospital, I'm not a nurse" "Mom please, help me out" "Maybe I should try out my healing power on her, she might be my first member" she added and I laughed. That was definitely a yes. "I'm not making any promises Henry. She makes me itch" "Thank you Mom" "I'm not making promises oh" she complained and I kissed her on her cheek. "Thanks" she added and she groaned. "Please don't thank me" she added and I walked out. Mrs. Babalola's POV Henry left me once again with Adesuwa. I stayed indoors reading old novels I've read before. I was seriously bored. I went to the sitting room where I found Adesuwa walking almost lifelessly. "Are you okay?" I asked and she greeted me. "Are you sure you're okay" "You know greeting are meant to be reciprocated ma" "Are you sure you don't need to be rushed to the hospital? You look pale" "I'm fine" she answered. "I'm about to make breakfast" she added sneezing and covering her nose with her palm, she was indirectly asking me if I wanted to eat. "I don't want to eat something you've sneezed on or anything cooked by you. No thanks" i answered and she walked into the kitchen while I sat In the sitting room tuning the T.V channel to Channels news. After a while, I heard a thumping sound from the kitchen. I walked in and I found Adesuwa on the floor. I panicked immediately. "Adesuwa!" I tapped her but there was no response. "Adesuwa" I called out again and she just laid there unconscious. I became scared. Then I remembered what Henry said. I called Henry then I carried her to the hospital. **** I heard Adesuwa was awake so I went to get her food. I hated being in situations like this. I walked into the room where she was. She turned me, "What am I doing here?" She asked and I hissed. "You fainted" I answered. "I did?" "Stop asking stupid questions Adesuwa, you fainted and I brought you here." "Why?" "I didn't want anyone to die on me, someone should not say you died in my son's house" "Thank you for bringing me here" she said and I paused, "Don't thank me" I answered bringing out the food. "I bought food from the restaurant down stairs, I don't know how it tastes. I realized you must be hungry" I said placing the food in front of her. "You were about making breakfast right?" "I'm not going to eat this, who knows, it might be poisoned" she answered and I moved back feeling insulted. "Give me back my food" she dragged the food from me. "Imagine the insult, why would I poison your stupid food. If I wanted to kill you I would have done it another way" I answered. Then I thought of how hungry she might really be. I opened the food then I ate it, "See it's not poisoned," I answered giving it back to her. "I'm sorry" she answered weakly. "Thank you" she added with a smile then she slowly began to eat the food. I dragged a stool then I sat down. "I was fine In the morning " "Don't say rubbish Adesuwa, you were looking pale, I'm going to ask again, are you pregnant?" "For the how many times now? I'm not pregnant. I shirk from taking drugs and my sickness eventually comes up. It's a normal thing" "Seriously?" She asked, "That sounds like something I would do before" "The traffic was mad, I'm sorry I couldn't get here early" Henry walked in meeting Adesuwa. "Hey babe" he said kissing her on her lips. "Hey dear" Then he finally noticed me. "Good afternoon Mom" "Good afternoon dear. Have you seen the work you had to put me through?" I asked and he laughed. "Thank you Mom, I owe you one" he answered touching Adesuwa's cheeks. "Are you okay?" "Thanks to you Ma" she added, "Are you kissing my ass?" I asked and she laughed. "No" "What did the doctor say?" "They're conducting series of test" i stood up, "I better leave you two alone" I added leaving. Adesuwa's POV "I'm about to make breakfast" I said to Mrs Babalola. It was a cue for 'Are you interested in eating?' then i sneezed, covering my nose with my palm. "I don't want to eat something you've sneezed on or anything cooked by you. No thanks" i answered and i walked into the kitchen. I boiled water for tea then I took two eggs breaking it suddenly I felt woozy, my head was literally spinning. That was the last thing I remembered until I woke up in the a hospital. I never knew the sickness would result to being very much real. **** I was diagnosed with Malaria, the joy on Mrs Babalola's face when he found out I wasn't pregnant. I was discharged and taken home with prescriptions from the doctor. That night I decided to watch a soap opera. "The heat is too much for me" I heard Mrs Babalola complain, then she walked into sitting room. "Things I go through because of Henry's girlfriend" she added and I chuckled. I've suddenly moved from being a tramp to being Henry's girlfriend. That had to mean something good. "What do you guys enjoy in all this soap operas, it's the same thing" "It has it lessons" "That?" "Even with a wicked and ruthless mother-in-law, there's hope for a good future with the man you love" "Ouch" she answered and I laughed. "I wasn't referring to you" "Yes you weren't" she answered sarcastically. "I just came to check if you weren't dead. Why do I have to worry about you all of the sudden?" She asked, "Maybe you're begining to like me" I answered and she scoffed. "Like and worry, they're two different things. I don't even care about you, I'm just worried that someone's child would have to die in my son's house" "Sounds like care to me" "Have you taken your drugs?" She asked and I pointed at the drugs lying there. "It still sounds as though you care" "You're impossible!" She rolled her eyes and I chuckled. "Thank you very much for your help" I added and she walked away. "You're welcome" she finally answered. Deji's POV I told Henry I would be coming back to Lagos for the Christmas holiday but I had a change of mind after I personally had the sinking dream. Twice in a week was enough for me to change my mind. I was sinking in a pool and no one could help me. It was different from what Mom explained. I wasn't surrounded by girls. There's was just one person stretching her hands at me; it was Lilian. When I swam close enough to reach her hands, she dragged her hands back angrily. I was so dissappointed, I drowned. I woke up arranging my bags. Mom was shocked when I told her I was leaving. "Why?" She asked, "I'll finish up somethings in the office before traveling, i have unfinished business in Lagos" i answered and she nodded. "What kind of unfinished business?" She asked and I sighed. "You won't understand" "Try me and see" "I offended someone and I need to apologise to her before I go mad" I answered and she nodded. "A woman shea?" She asked and I nodded. "What did you do?" She asked and I shook my head. "I'm just being disturbed, I haven't had a good sleep in a long time. I think I've been cursed by her or something" "I thought you don't believe in those things" she said and I slapped my forehead. "How are you sure it's not by other women" "Cause I made it clear to other ladies that I was out for the sex alone," I zipped my luggage. "I didn't make it clear to her. I thought I could start up something with her but then the plans changed" "Did she do anything wrong?" She asked, "She didn't, I was a jerk to her and I just want to apologise" "Deji do you like this girl?" She asked and I shrugged. "I'm not sure about my feelings, all I know is that she's a good person. The sweetest person I've ever met" "Let us see her then I want to see this girl" I ignored her and I picked up the bag. Only if she knew she has already met her. "I'll be back after I've dealt with this issue" "Deji" "Later mom" I snapped. **** The first day I got to Lagos, Lilian wasn't at the hotel. I called her later in the evening but she refused picking up my calls. I didn't stop calling. She finally picked up my call the next morning. "Thank God!" I sighed, "You haven't called for weeks and now you decide to disturb me with calls overnight. Are you okay?" "Can we meet?" I asked, "I really want to see you" "Why? Why now? I told you already, I don't want anything to do with you" "I won't stop disturbing you unless you agree to see me. It's important Lilian" I answered and i heard her sighed. "I'll be at the hotel" she answered. "Perfect, I'll meet you there" ***** After being shown to the maids quarter I found Lilian there. She folded her hands looking at me. I smiled on seeing her. I've never been so happy seeing someone in my entire life. "Hey" I moved close to her and she slapped me on the cheek. "I deserve that" I answered she scoffed. "What do you want from me?" She asked and I clasped my hands together. "I missed you Lilian" I said and tears poured down her eyes. I didn't even know when I said it. "Is that what you're here for?" She asked, "To tell me you miss me" she added and I chuckled. "I miss your smile, what I'll give to see you smile again" "Deji, stop beating about the bush and just .." I kissed her before she could complete her sentence. She kissed me back then she slapped me on my cheek again moving backwards. "I'm sorry" I apologized, "I felt the need to kiss you again" I answered and this time she initiated the kiss, I wrapped my hands on her waist, placed her on a table as both locked our lips passionately and she bit her lower lip softly. I missed watching her do that. I was turned on that moment. "I missed you more than you missed me" she confessed chuckling. . "That's the Lilian I know" I chipped in and she laughed. "I have something I want to tell you" she added and I wondered what. "I also have something I want to tell you" I replied and she nodded. She demanded I go first and I nodded. "I know I've wronged you and I've hurt your feelings, I came all the way from Ekiti to ask for your forgiveness" "Are you willing to accept me? It looks like you're willing to accept me as ...." She stalled as she noticed my raised brows. I was a bit confused. Then it dawned on me that she must have misunderstood my reasons for coming. "You didn't come for reconciliation did you?" She asked and I opened my mouth in shock. "It's not that I ... I didn't plan for it to happen this way" "The kiss?" She asked, "I just... It's complicated" I answered. "I felt like kissing you" i answered and she jumped down from the table. "Liliy it's not what it looks like" "You fooled me twice" she cried, "I can't believe I thought you..." She held a pole leaning on it. "Lilian" "Leave me alone Deji. Please leave me alone!" She yelled and I rushed out. I was heart broken about the way I left her. I didn't know whether to go back in and make things right. I looked up to heavens and I cried. "God you better give me some kind of inspiration before I get mad." I paused covering my mouth soth my palm. "What am I supposed to do?"

*Hotel Palava - Episode 38* Adesuwa's POV Mrs. Babalola brought me breakfast in bed, bread and tea. I was shocked. "Seriously?" I asked and she scoffed. "Don't be too excited, I did it cause Henry asked that I do it and give you your drugs" she brought the drugs from the dresser table then handed it to me. "Things I do for my son" I tore the bread then i threw it into my mouth. "Henry seems like your favourite" I said and she laughed. "What gave that away?" "You treat him specially, you don't treat Tosin that way" "I love my kids equally" "No mother can love her children equally . They don't have that grace. I'm sure God doesn't even love is equally" I added and she chuckled. "I gave birth to Tosin through operation. I had complications during birth so.... I had an operation after spending a day fruitlessly pushing. "So you hate her because of it" "No... I don't hate her, she's my daughter buy she's just stubborn, very stubborn" "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?" I asked and she scoffed. "I'm not stubborn, their stubbornness is so annoying" "You're the most stubborn person I've ever come across with" I snapped and she raised her brow in surprise. "You're the worst! Six million naira can change your status." "You can shove your six million into your ass Mam, I don't need it. I love Henry more than I love money" "And you call me stubborn" she argued and I chuckled leaning on the pillow. "Are you okay?" "I don't have the appetite" i complained, "You have to take your drugs and you can't do that on an empty stomach." "If I can have chicken pepper soup, I'll be more than please to take the drugs" "You're a thief!" She snapped and I laughed. "The last time I checked, you don't have a maid here, you guys haven't even employed a gate man . I can't be filling the position of a gate man and a cook" She raised the mug up to my lips. "You have to drink it to have strength, I have to be somewhere and you're wasting my time" she begged and I drank the tea and then she gave me the drugs. "Thank you" I muttered and she covered my body with the bed sheets. "Don't thank me again, you're making me look like a nice person" she complained and I chuckled. Mrs Babalola's POV Adebimpe Falana called me up in the morning, she said she had a solution to my problem. As much as I didn't want to go, I had to. After taking care of Adesuwa's needs I left the house over to the Falana's. Adebimpe was already in the sitting room waiting for me. I sat down and she had a smirk glued on her face. "Whenever you have that look, I'm always scared. What's going on?" "I have a solution to your problem" she brought out strange looking leaves from her hand bag. "Why does this look diabolic?" "I got it for you. I took your case up and from the message you dropped yesterday about her being sick, all you have to do, is put this in her tea, she'll die slowly and you won't even realize it. It would look like a bad sickness." "Are you serious?" "I'm serious, she'll get dry as these leaves are. It will be painless, you don't have to worry about her feeling pains. She will barely feel it. She'll last about maybe two days and the next she'll be history" "I can't" "Don't dull yourself Doyin, or will you fold your hands and watch your own son get married to a maid. Doyin I swear I won't attend the wedding" "I'm worried about getting my hands stained with blood" "See it this way Doyin, see it as though you're trying to help the universe get rid of one problem. See yourself as an hero and this obstacle as one of those enemies you must kill" "Was that how you convinced yourself about killing Cecelia?" I asked and she hissed. "Don't call that name within the corners of my house" "Why?" I asked, "You're scared your juju on Falana might stop" I added and she hissed. "I'm not using juju to hold my husband. What's wrong with you now? I'm trying to help you, why are you being defensive" "Do you know why I try not to visit you?" I asked, "Cause it reminds of what you did" "What we did" "Bimpe I didn't do anything" "I told you I was going to deal with her and warn her to stay clear from my husband and you followed" "As a good friend but you shouldn't have burnt them, she was pregnant. Sure, there were other punishments" "Why are you all soft about it after all these years? I'm trying to help you get rid of a threat Doyin. Are you interested or not?" **** I gave it a thought then I went back home. I made lunch, rice and chicken pepper soup as she wanted, I poured the leaves in it. Then I removed it after it boiled. I didn't know whether to take the step or not. I dished the rice and peppersoup in two different plates. I called her into the dinning room and I saw her sniff. "Why do I smell chicken pepper soup?" She asked looking at me and I pointed to the two plates on the dining. She gave me a wide smile. "Someone cares after all" she said giving me a big hug. I felt disturbed by it. "Don't hug me abeg" I pushed her away. "Thank you" she added walking to the dinning and I followed her. I sat close to her. "Why do you have to play the role of a hardened heart woman it doesn't fit you," "What fits me? The role of a sweet mother-in-law who cooks rice and chicken pepper soup for her daughter-in-law" "You stole the words right from my mouth" she answered pouring the pepper soup all over the rice and I laughed unconsciously. "You just called me daughter-in-law we're making progress then" "That was a mistake due to the sarcastical analogy i was making. Stop making me look like a nice person." "I'm glad you came to live here" she added raising the spoon up. "Why do you say so?" "Cause...I got to realize you're not entirely a bad person. At least you have a soul" "I... I.." I stammered. "Thanks for doing this for me. Mom was my go-to person to play maid when I get sick. When she died, I just.... Stopped falling sick cause I knew no one would be able to take care of me the way she did. My aunt is a lazy bag" she laughed, "Besides I became the bread winner of the house so I couldn't afford to get sick. I had to grow and form strong antibodies. Thanks for the motherly treatment" she scooped the rice then raised the spoon up to her mouth and I pushed it away. "Don't eat it!" I yelled and she gave me that shocked look. "Please don't eat it" I added and she stood up shaking her head, she finally understood. "There's poison in it?" "She said it's supposed to make you look sick and then get you out of the way. I can't do it, I'm not a murderer" "Jeez I can't believe you would think of...." she looked at me so repulsively. "You..." She nodded. . "Give me one reason I shouldn't tell Henry?" She asked, and I clasped my hands together. "Henry would hate me for life. Please don't let him know" "Gosh you don't deserve love, you don't deserve anything from your children. How could you?" "I wanted to get you out of the way!" "I've tried to condone you Ma, yet you try take my life." "I stopped you didn't I?" "Because I said those things I did. If I didn't tell you those things, you would have killed me" "I wouldn't have had the guts.. I was just" I paused in tears and she walked away. I became scared I knew she would definitely tell Henry. My days of living here would be over, my days bof having a son would be over. I cried my eyes out. I needed to be strong. I locked myself in until in the evening when I heard a knock on the door. I opened and I found out it was Henry. "I know you she must have told you already" "Yes she ..did" I noticed he was stammering. "I didn't mean to poison her, maybe I did mean to but I had a change of mind" "What?" He asked in shock. Then it dawned on me that he had no idea and I just managed to confess the whole thing to him. *I'm sorry it's short*

*Hotel Palava - Episode 39* Mrs Babalola's POV "I didn't mean to poison her, maybe I did mean to but I had a change of mind" "What?" He asked in shock. Then it dawned on me that he had no idea and I just managed to confess the whole thing to him. My heart beat faster and louder that i feared he might hear it. "Why did you come here?" I asked, looking for a way to avoid the question. "You didn't come out when I came back from work and I just came to check up on you . Mom don't try to change the topic" he shook his head. "Adesuwa didn't tell you did she?" I asked and he shook his head. "You tried to poison her?" He asked and I clasped my hands in tears. "I did. I admit it, but I changed my mind. I don't know why but I changed my mind" "Get you bags ready, you'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning" he walked out and I followed him. "Henry please!" I begged. "Just listen to me" "Listen to what?" Henry barked at me. "Listen to how you had a change of mind not to poison the woman I love. No, thanks I would rather listen to something else!" He added and I cried. "I'm sorry" I stomped my feet on the floor. "I was pushed to do it. Sweetie I'm sorry" I begged and Adesuwa walked out of the room in her nighties. "What's going on?" She asked and Henry pointed at her . "When were you going to tell me she tried poisoning you?" He asked and Adesuwa folded her hands looking at me. "I wasn't planning on telling you anytime soon" she answered, "Why?" "Cause she's your mother and I didn't want you to hate her" "I want her to leave first thing tomorrow" "She's not leaving Henry" "Give me one reason why I shouldn't kick this woman out right now" "One reason, she's your mother" "Adesuwa she's heartless! She almost killed you" he snapped and Adesuwa pulled him close. "But she didn't, she could have kept quiet and watch me eat that thing to it's side effects but she warned me." I didn't know why she was begging or why she was supporting me. Could she be on to something? I thought for a moment. "Henry you can't send her out," she moved close to her whispering something to him. "What If she tries to kill you again?" I heard him ask, Adesuwa turned to me. She was quiet then Henry left. I went back in and I continued crying. I knew our relationship that moment had changed. I knew Henry would never trust me, neither will Ade. I picked up my phone then I made a call to a friend. "Is everything okay?" He asked on hearing my voice, "I need a place to live in for a while" "What happened to your house?" "It's for someone" "But you said.." "Mind your business Philip" "Well define a while" "A month or weeks" "That would be difficult judging from the fact that most Landlord would not agree unless it's for six months or a year. If they eventually agree, it will be costly" "I'll take anything" Henry's POV I fumed at the thought of Adesuwa's near-poison situation. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I didn't know which I was most infuriated about, the fact that she intended to poison Adesuwa or the fact that Adesuwa hid it from me. I haven't let my anger show in a very long time, I just couldn't contain this one. The whole thing scared me and I was also irritated by the fact that mom did it. I demanded that mom leave but Adesuwa came in just in time to beg on her behalf. "Henry you can't send her out," she moved close to me, "She's changing gradually." She whispered to me, "What If she tries to kill you again?" I asked, Adesuwa turned to me, she obviously didn't have anything to say. I walked into the room and she followed me in. "She has to leave" I insisted, "Please Henry, how else do you want me to beg you?" She asked, "Should I kneel?" She asked and I busted into tears sitting on the bed. "Mom is beyond saving. I thought she was..." I paused and she sat down with me now cleaning my tears with her hands. "I can't risk her living with you. What if she kills you someday?" "She didn't kill me today, when we started this whole plan, you guys gave me hope on who your mom might really be and this days with her has opened my eyes to the possibility that your mom might not be entirely bad" "She tried to kill you" "It was just an attempt. It could have been worse. She could have kept quiet and let me eat that food but she didn't, she pushed the spoon off my hands. I'm just as angry as you are baby, but at the same time" she sniffed, "I'm grateful to her for sticking up for what's right. Maybe she's worth saving after all. I believe I can change her" "Babe I'm scared... I'm scared for your life. I'm sorry for having a mother like her" I said and she hugged me. **** I left the house the following morning without informing Mom, I went over to Dad's company very early to see him. "You don't look too happy" "Mom cannot continue living with us again, I don't know how you're going to do it, just let her back in" "She's having issues with Adesuwa right?" "Not exactly" I answered taking my seat. "You won't believe what Mom did yesterday, I'm even ashamed of her." "What?" "She poisoned Adesuwa's food" "I hope Adesuwa's fine" Dad asked, worried. "She told Adesuwa not to eat the food just before she did" "I can't believe this" Dad exclaimed and I tightened my fist. "I'm ashamed to even call her mother. She's a shame to motherhood, why would you attempt to take someone's life" "I'll call her back, I guess the plan is off then" Dad said and I remembered what Adesuwa said about trying to change her. "Adesuwa doesn't want her to leave, she thinks she can singlehandedly save Mom from being a monster." I paused cleaning my tears. "How is she going to do that?" Dad asked and I shrugged. "I'm sorry" he apologized afterwards. He was beginning to feel guilty. "I never thought she could...." "Your mom is all but a murderer, there are times she would make threats and get angry, she's no murderer. If she was, your sister would have been long dead. We simply agreed that they move elsewhere to avoid conflicts." Suddenly I remembered about my half- sister. "Don't you think it's high time I meet my sister?" I asked and Dad sighed. "She's currently running her Masters program in University of Nsukka." "When do I meet her?" "We'll fix a day" dad answered and I feigned a smile. "We've not intensively talked about this topic," "I understand" I promise you, the only connection I have to the mother is the fact she had a daughter for me. Incase you're worried about..." "It's okay Dad... I just have to get used to the idea. It's odd but..." Deji called me afterwards, he was already in Ekiti. "When did you get there?" "Last night" he answered. "I screwed up when I saw Lilian and I made her cry again. I can't be doing this to her, it's hurting me." I heard his voice break. Was Deji about to cry because of a woman? "I'm just really angry at myself," "What happened?" "I was happy when i saw her, I really was and we kissed and.... Then I screwed up" "What did you tell her" "She thought I came back for her but I told her I came to get her forgiveness, I felt stupid. Mehn I don't know why I keep screwing every thing up. I've been screwing up with dad's company, I'm a mess. I need to get my life back and I don't think I can do that without Lilian." "Are you trying to say you're in love with Lilian?" I asked and there was a brief silence at the other end. I heard him sniff, "It's mom, I'll call you back later" he said as though he was whispering then he hung up. Adesuwa's POV While I was having breakfast, Mrs. Babalola walked in that morning in a top and a trousers. She passed by then she turned back at me. "I know I'm the last person you want to talk to right now but how are you feeling?" She asked, "I'm not dead" I answered and she nodded. "Your drugs, have you taken it?" "I will after eating, why are you asking?" I looked at her suspiciously. "Has it been switched?" "No. I just wanted to ask" she answered. "I'll leave as soon as the house agent finds me a good place. I'm sorry for any inconveniences I may have caused" she sniffled leaving. "Why did you do it?" I turned back at her and she turned to me. "Cause I took someone's advise to get you out of the way. I've never killed anyone in my life, at least not intentionally" she added and I wondered what she meant by it. "But you hated me so much that you wanted me dead. That's just what it means" I shrugged and she nodded. "I thought I hated you until I saw you raise that spoon up then I had doubts. You haven't done me any wrong, why should I have blood in my hands for something that isn't worth it?" She asked. "And you didn't do it so Henry could go back to Jummy Coker" I answered and she scoffed. "Festus is a parasite! He has insulted me more than twice and I have endured his shit for so long. There's no way I could have... That day I spoke to him marked the end of any business with him. Festus has always been a vengeful person, I knew he would be looking for a way to ruin me and my family. I don't want anything to do with him again." "Why didn't you kill me?" "For a lot of reasons, because I saw you in me, i realized we have a lot in common and for all the good moments we've spoken, I felt like there could be a good relationship between us. You're not a bad person, even if I refused seeing it, from the very moment you rejected that money from me, I had doubts about you. And these days, I realized you truly make my son happy and how sad Henry would feel if anything happens to you. That was why I changed my mind" "I was also jealous of you" "Why?" "You have everyone's love, just one look at you and my husband likes you, Tosin likes you, she doesn't even like me her own mother" She busted into tears. "She thinks I don't realize it, i do realize it, you make Henry happy and I'm just so jealous how things could be good for you and I'm the one everyone tags as a witch." "It's nobody's fault, it your fault" "How?" She asked and I took the chance to dump it all on her. I stood up pointing at her. "Tosin wants to live her life without control, Henry wants the same. Have seen the way you treat your husband and your entire family. It's wrong, if you were my mom, I would have poisoned you a long time ago" I snapped and tears trickled down her eyes. "My mom was an amazing woman, an example of who every mother should be. She never influenced my choice, a mother supports her children's dreams and aspirations,and a mtmotjer doesn't crush it. The sacrifices mom made to make me happy." "I've made sacrifices for my children too. . I swore to give them the best in life" "What's your definition of best Mrs. Babalola, oh you mean wealthy husbands and prosperous wives, whether or not they're interested in them" "Mom did the same thing for me and I never complained! Not once! I've always been obedient to my parents, I've never been rebellious, I never went against them. Why does Karma have to pay me back with rebels?" She asked falling on the floor, It looked as though she was too weak to stand. "Have you eaten since yesterday?" I asked and she sobbed. "Henry hates me, my whole family hates me, nothing matters anymore" she stood up entering into her room. I went back to my breakfast and I realized I already lost my appetite. ***** Aunty Maggie called me afterwards, she wanted to know i would visit her. "Aunty which Kain question be that nah? you know say I no well" "You never give me address yet now make I visit" "I go send am" "Make I come today? I hope say you dey chop eba well as you take like am" she asked and I laughed. "Today is not a good day" "Tomorrow nko?" "I hope oh" ***** Mrs. Babalola resumed some activities after a while, I didn't know what she was doing, I just wanted to ignore her. After the house became quiet, I heard banging on the gate. I opened the gate to see Mr Babalola rush in, his car was still parked outside. "Where's Doyin?" He asked and I shrugged. "She should be in the room," I answered and he rushed in. "What's going on?" I asked, He seemed worried. "My wife sent me a message fourty five minutes ago. I know Doyin so well and I have a bad feeling about this. Where's the room?" He asked, I pointed and we walked in together. Love and behold, Mrs. Babalola was hanging from the fan with a side stool pushed to the ground. "Jesus!!!" I yelled in fear.

*Hotel Palava - Episode 40* Adesuwa's POV Mr Babalola quickly mounted on the stool holding her up. He probably did it to stop the rope from strangling her in case she was still alive. I saw him struggled to remove the rope. The stool was shaking too. I was nervous, I didn't know whether to hold the stool or get something to cut off the rope. "Get me a knife or scissors" Mr. Babalola demanded and I rushed into the room, i opened the third drawer in the dresser table then I removed a scissors. I carried a longer stool, I placed it side to side with the stool Mr Babalola stood on then I mounted on it cutting off the rope. Mr . Babalola brought Mrs. Babalola to the bed then he tapped her cheek. "Doyin" he called out, then he felt her pulse. "Is she still breathing?" I asked, "Come on Baby you're still there, please don't die on me, please" he begged pressing her chest with his palms then he blows air into her mouth. Tears pours down my eyes. I didn't want her to die. "Come on Doyin" he cried and went through the process again. This time she gasped then coughed. "Thank God" I sighed . Mr. Babalola sighed hugging her. "Thank God" he added and Mrs. Babalola held him tightly. **** Tosin came in ten minutes later. She came running after she saw the similar message her mother left her. She had a feeling Mrs. Babalola was going to do something crazy. She came in late because of the traffic. If Mrs. Babalola's life was to depend on her she would have been long dead. Thank God Mr. Babalola came in just in time. Tosin has been pacing side to side since she came in. "Stop it you're making me nervous" Mrs Babalola snapped. "Nervous? Mom I can't believe you just said nervous when I rushed here only to find out you almost committed suicide." "Wouldn't you have loved it?" She asked and Tosin scoffed. "Mom, you don't even feel remorse that's what I hate about you." "Wouldn't it have made you happy? Wouldn't it have made you all happy" Henry was on his way, probably stucked in a traffic too. "I did it cause I wanted one less problem out of your lives" "If I had come here and you were dead, I would have spat on your corpse, I won't even attend your burial. How would you think I'll want my own mother dead?" Tosin broke down in tears, "How would I have explained it to Taye and Kehinde?" she asked leaving the room into the kitchen. I went into the kitchen to check the food I was cooking. "She just went through a lot, you have to take it easy on her" I said opening the pot and she busted into tears again. "I almost lost my mother, and the best she could say is, wouldn't I have loved it? How does that makes sense to her?" "She thinks you hate her. You act like you hate her most times" I chipped in closing the pot and she cleaned her tears. "If her life depended on me getting here, she have died" She added, "the same thing I thought" I answered and she laughed admist her tears. "Henry told me she tried to kill you" she added and I nodded. "There's hope with your mom, she's not entirely bad. I think she's just being influenced and she's just bottling up a lot of crap that isn't healthy for her. She needs therapy" "She has a therapist" Tosin answered and I raised my brow in shock. She didn't look like someone hmthay has ever gone through therapy. "Mom is naturally stubborn, you're not wrong about the friends part, I don't like any of her friends. Except mummy Deji. That woman is amazing, she's my dream mother" Tosin confessed and I laughed. "I'm serious, she's so down to earth" "Seriously?" I asked and we continued conversing. She helped me with the cooking too. Mrs. Babalola's POV My heart broke when Tosin mentioned the twins. I busted into tears after she left. "Don't listen to her, she doesn't mean it" Theophilus assured. "She meant every word, she's my daughter and I know what she's capable of. Why do you think she hates me, apart from the fact that I told her to get married to Clem, what else did I do wrong?" "You watched her leave the house, you went back to threaten her about her kids" "Don't you see how skinny those kids became since she left? They're probably not eating the right food" I complained and he laughed. "You don't even see the wrong in what you did. That's why she's still angry with you. You justify every wrong with a righteous reply. They are just excuses and until you admit it, you'll have your daughter as an enemy" he answered and licked off the tears that had made way to my lip. I placed my palm over his, "Thank you saving me. I saw my life flash before my very own eyes. I still love life" I confessed and Theophilus laughed. "I still have a long way to go. Henry has not even started having kids, I realized that I want to see the grandkids Henry would give me even if it's from Adesuwa, Tosin would get married to someone influential." i added. "She's dating a chef" "Henry is a man and he can carry Adesuwa along, what will this chef have to offer?" "He's our daughter's choice" "I'll just die of heart attack because of these kids. Didn't she see lecturers to marry?" "If she hears you she'll be angry" Theo warned and I looked towards the kitchen. "You're right" I whispered. "Have you officially met this guy?" I asked and he shook his head. "The last time I met him I may have said cruel things to him" "May have?" He asked, "Okay I said a thing or two. Urgh! I just want a situation where I can introduce my son in law as this, the civil engineer in one big company. Not meet Badejo Fatai, my daughter's girlfriend, he's a chef" "You still remember his name" he teased and I hissed playfully. "He makes our daughter happy" "Will she eat happiness?" I hissed again. There was a brief silence git a moment. "What about us?" She asked, "Why did you come back for me?" I asked and he laughed. He brought out his phone swiping through it, "Aya mi (My heart), Ife mi (My love), The first and last, i have been your companion and we've had good times and bad times but through it all, it was nice knowing you. I'm sorry" he read out the message I sent to him before I attempted committing suicide. "Aya mi, ife mi, those were the names you used to call me. You never called me by my name. Three ago, you said you would only call me those sweet names when you're dead" he paused. "I was scared there for a moment; I thought I had lost you" he added and I hugged him. "Thank you Theophilus" I added and he gave a disappointing nod. I recognize that look on his face. He thought I would call him by those pet names. "You wanted me to call you call you by ...." I stalled and he scoffed. "No. God you were really heavy when I lifted you up so the rope could strangle you less. I was so sure you were dead" he added, it was his way of digressing bit I didn't stop him, I only laughed. Tosin's POV I walked into the sitting room Mom and Dad were laughing. I haven't seen that in a while. "I better go back to the kitchen" "Wait" she turned over to Dad, "Can we speak?" She asked and I shrugged. "This Henry's house does not have where to ...I'll be outside" he left us alone. "I'm sorry I tried to commit suicide" "Sorry doesn't count, what if Dad didn't come in time to save you? it would have been a different story entirely" "I know and I'm sorry for even thinking of it. I felt like you guys would feel better off with me out of the way." "You're my mother, I would have been devastated" "So you don't hate me as much as I think you do" "No, I don't . Even if I've said it before, I said it out of anger" "We all say foolish things out of anger, like when I threatened you" she added and I chuckled. "I know i haven't been the mother you've always wanted. I haven't been supportive of your choices, even if I don't agree with you dating that chef." "Mom!" I rolled my eyes, "What's your point?" "I'm going to try to be that mom. I can try even if it's going to be difficult. I'll support you in anyway I can and I just wanted to say you can go back to the house with me away. The twins do not like that new house, it's small" "It's best thing I've ever done for them. My twins are learning how to appreciate the little things that life has to offer" "I've tried my best" "Yeah..." I paused then I laughed. "I know, it's the closest you've come to an apology and admitting your wrongs" I said with a wide smile then she hugged me. "For a moment there I felt like I wouldn't see you again" she cried and I patted her back. "It's okay" I tried not to cry. Adesuwa's POV "Lunch and dinner is served!" I announced, "Is it is served or are served?" I asked and Tosin laughed. "I'm not an English major oh" she answered placing a jug on the table. Mr Babalola checked the time on his wrist watch. "That's what anyone would do to avoid eating a person's food" I answered and he laughed. "I have to go dear" "I won't forgive you if you don't at least eat one spoon out of it, you probably haven't had lunch yet" "Seriously Adesuwa" He looked at Tosin who laughed arranging the table. "I'm not a world class chef, at least I can add curry and spice together to make jollof rice so.... you have to eat" I smiled and he walked up to the table eating from a plate. "See, I've taken one spoon" "Just one spoon?" I asked and he laughed. "Dad that's my food" Tosin complained. "Women and their problems" he chipped in and Henry walked in. "Thank God there's a man in the house now" he left tapping Henry. "Good evening dad" he greeted and Mr. Babalola walked out the door. "Hey Babe" he said wrapping his arm around my waist and I wrapped my hands around his neck. "How are you?" He asked, "I'm better" "Your temperature is still high, the AC is on, why did you leave it on?" "I can't inconvenience them for my sake. You didn't even ask of your mom" "How's she?" He asked and then I saw him looking at someone. I turned to find out it was Mrs. Babalola. "You should talk to her" "I can't" he whispered. "She almost died Henry" "It doesn't matter" "So you would have preferred her dead." "I didn't say so Adesuwa, you know I didn't. I'm still angry" "This should overrule everything she has done. The woman felt remorseful about what she did and how you reacted" "In order words it's my fault she almost committed suicide" "I didn't say so" "So what are you saying?" "I'm saying you should show a little concern, Tosin is even trying." I answered then I paused. "I made dinner," "I'm not eating if she'll be on that table" "Are you being serious right now?" I asked and Mrs. Babalola walked up to us. "You guys should not argue because of me, please. I'm begging you it's not worth it" she clasped her hands. "I'll be in the room. Someone just managed to put me off dinner" I snapped walking into the room. *** I turned on my data to check if I had messages from anyone. I had a message from Lilian, she wanted to know how I was doing. Henry walked in with a tray of food. I almost rolled my eyes. "Room service" he said and I tried to keep a straight face. "Just laugh it out" "Laugh what?" I asked and he dropped the food on the bed. "I'm sorry for being a jerk" "I don't trust mom anymore and it's going to take a while to trust her. Just because she tried committing suicide does not change the fact she tried to poison you" "Just let the matter go" "I wish you saw her when she was hanging from the fan. It was a terrible sight, I was so scared" "I'm sorry about the way I reacted, I brought dinner in bed" he replied and I smiled. "I'm sorry about the way I reacted too" "You need to take your drugs and get well quickly" he added pulling my lips close to him them we kissed. "Let's eat together" I suggested and he smiled. ***** The next day, I walked into Mrs Babalola cleaning the flat screen television. "Are you cleaning?" I asked and she scoffed. "I'm farming with my hoe and Cutlass, what else do you think?" She asked and I chuckled. "I needed the distraction. I haven't done the cleaning in years, I'm just looking for opportunities to humble myself" "Let me help out" "You need to recuperate faster, you won't want to inhale dust and all." "Weldone Ma" I answered sitting on the chair. "Thanks" she answered. "How long has it been since you cleaned?" I asked and she turned to me. "More than twenty years, after we had kids and I wanted to go back to school fully so we employed maids" "Go back to school fully?" "I got married at the age of nineteen, I was so young, I was in school in London, Theo was done with school already and the parents were looking for someone he would get married to, I was pushed to him. My parents were typical African parents. I didn't decline, I married him." she answered laughing. "Wait we were talking about cleaning here and I'm already talking about Theo" "Tell me about him, I'm interested" I asked and she she sat close to me. "I remember the first time I met him. He was a stranger to me, he was handsome and funny. He would make me laugh. Theo looked at me and he was like, hey, if you're not comfortable with this arranged marriage, it's fine by me and that moment I knew if I wanted to spend my life with anyone, it would be him" she laughed. "We were so good together, I lost my virginity to him that was why I called him my first and last." She paused in tears. "Things suddenly turned bad and here we are" "What happened?" "I haven't told Henry yet, I don't want him to think the worse of his father. I've always threatened Theo that I would tell. I mean I make a lot of threats, it's not a first time" she paused and my heart melt. Of course I knew what she wanted to say. "Three years ago I found out Theo cheated on me. My friends have always told me but I refused to believe until I got an address and I decided to check it out. Tell me Adesuwa, if you were the one, won't it make you crazy to know the husband you've been holding high all these years has been cheating" She asked and I gave it a thought. It's really not that easy. I can relate with her. "Fine I admit a bigger part of it was my fault" "How?" I asked as though I didn't know. "After Tosin's birth I had phobia for giving birth. I pushed a whole day and nothing happened. I was in pains and the next day the doctor talked about operation. Months later, Theo wanted sex but I told him I didn't want it cause I was still healing. A year passed, two years passed" "That was way too much" I complained. "I finally agreed but it was once or twice in a month. Theo wanted to have more children, I had my womb removed and he got angry. Maybe that was when we cheated, I don't know. I felt hurt because I didn't expect it from him, being the person he is, I expected him to talk to me about it. He didn't, he just...." "I'm sorry but the deed is done, you can't let your past dictate your future. We have to move on one way or the other" I paused. "Do you want me to be honest Mrs. . Babalola" "Please" "Every man wants s*x, especially when you're in a relationship, if Mr. Babalola could last that two years without cheating. He has tried a whole lot. No man in his right sense would not cheat. I'm being sincere, except you stopped loving him" "Not once, that's why I'm hurt. I love the idiot, I love him so much" she cried and then we heard a knock on the gate. "Are you expecting anyone?" She asked and she cleaned my tears. "Yes... My aunt" I answered then I walked out of the door down to the gate. "Adesuwa" she called out, and I opened the gate "Good morning" "How body? See as you take fresh, you sure say you no well? Boyfriend dey take care of you well oh" She added barging in. "Na wa oh, na only una dey live for this house?" She asked and I nodded. She didn't stop chatting even till I opened the door to the house. "As you take open the door, the first thing we hit me na the AC. Adesuwa you're living the life" "Because of AC wey I dey receive for work." "AC is different from fan" she added and I laughed. "Aunty abeg no do like village woman abeg" I begged and we walked into the sitting room where Mrs. Babalola was. "Jesus!" She exclaimed shutting her eyes. "Wetin happen?" I asked, "Where do I know you before?" Mrs Babalola asked and Aunty Maggie turned towards my direction. Suddenly I remember how she reacted the other day she saw her. "Why you no tell me say this witch dey around now?" She asked and I turned over to Mrs. Babalola who seemed clueless about who she was. To be continued...

This story is really mind blowing

I am beginning to feel that Adesuwa's aunt is Mr. Babalola's ex girlfriend..... or maybe the daughter of Mrs Babalola friend's kid or....?????

Hotel Palava Episode 41 Adesuwa's POV I was staring at Aunty Maggie and Mrs Babalola, wondering how in the world they knew each other. "How you take know her, and Aunty please no lie for me again" I added. "No tell me say you being sleep with her husband?" "I don sleep with many men, but her husband no join. Calm down Adesuwa" She didn't take her eyes off Mrs. Babalola. "Shebi she dey ask where she know me from" She paused, "Well madam, my name is Magarette, Maggie, sister to Cecelia, Cece. I hope say e ring bell to you". She asked and Mrs. Babalola sat down pointing at her then she pointed at me. "Cecilia's daughter??" She asked and Aunty Maggie nodded. "I thought they..." "Died?" Aunty Maggie scoffed. "What's going on" "Adesuwa I can explain" I noticed Mrs Babalola panic. "Cecelia was a prostitute a friends husband was sleeping with" "My mom is not a prostitute don't insult her!" "She was, I'm not lying, you can ask your aunty. She was sleeping with my friends husband despite the fact she knew he was married" "That's a lie. Cecelia never knew Michael was married. I think I'm in the better position to explain things to my niece" Aunty Maggie pointed out then sat on the arm chair. "Permit me to explain in pidgin, its not as if I cannot speak this English but I am more comfortable with pidgin" She pointed out and I nodded."Adesuwa, your mama and I were orphans, we come Lagos the land of hustle to con hustle but things con hard. Housemaid work con tough, food no con dey to chop, them come pursue us commot for the house wey we dey squat. As things con take hard na, naim your mama and I join the hustle life" She explained and tears built up in my eyes. Of course I understood what she meant by the " hustle life" I just couldn't believe it that my mom was a prostitute. I never pictured her as the promiscuous type. "Na for the hustle life your mama con jam Michael, your Papa. I fit swear to anything, Michael never said anything about having a wife. He even tell your mama make ein move enter him Mansion that time. Na for there she stop the hustle life, your father promised her heaven and earth. He promised to marry her, I con dey even jealous my sister like how man go take ashewo for road con still like am. Michael loved your mother but you see this witch" She pointed at Mrs. Babalola. "Them spoil everything" "Wetin them do?" I asked, "I didn't do anything" "All of una na the same thing. When Michael madam come, this people them no allow us rest for Lagos. These women them make sure say we no rest. By then your mama don chop cockroach go far. Beatings wey I collect for people wives ehn, beating wey your mama collect nko?" "I can explain that part. We formed a club, to remedy the hurt of cheating husbands. We dealt with husband snatchers that was the objective. We were doing it for good." "Is murder a part of the objective?" Aunty Maggie snapped and Mrs. Babalola cried. "Please let me explain this part" she begged. "Explain what? How you almost killed Cecelia?" "What?" I asked in shock. "Mom died from being sick, what are you all talking about?" "Adesuwa I wasn't the one who..." "Adesuwa, your Papa move your Mama and I go one estate, him rent one fine house like that for us. I was just on my own when my boyfriend that year, na cult guy him be, him con give me gist say Madam Adebimpe get plans to burn house wey we dey live. As I take reach house tell Cecelia, naim this woman here and that witch Adebimpe reach house. We run, we no carry anything commot for that house. That's how they join with agberos them burn that house. For their mind, them think say Cece die, them no know say God wey dey heaven pass their own. That's why we move go ghetto where Adebimpe no fit reach us." I turned towards Mrs. Babalola in tears. "I swear I didn't know Bimpe was going there to kill your mother. I followed her because she told me she wanted to give you a little warning. It was supposed to be a harmless warning. The next thing I knew when we got there, there were touts everywhere hailing her holding kerosene. I begged her not to do it but she did it anyway. Adesuwa, the only thing I'm guilty for is not reporting the incidence when I should have and there's no day I don't regret it." "I need to be alone" I muttered and walked into the room. **************** I felt disappointed, waking up one day to find out my mother was a prostitute. It finally made sense why some ladies in the street called Ivie and I prostitutes. My aunt came knocking after a while and I cleaned my tears. "Not now!" I yelled. "Abeg open door now!" She begged, "No carry thinking kill yourself, wetin happen don happen" She added. "I know say you being dey think say your Mama being be saint. Na condition make us do that kain hustle. We didn't wish to do it, but your Mama change." She said but I still laid in bed. I didn't want to see anyone that moment. I wondered why series of events had to happen to cause me pains. "Abi na your Papa matter they make you cry?" She asked. "Abeg open door na. At least open door make we talk about the money wey you promise to give landlord na" She added and I laughed. That had me going. I stood up and I opened the door, Aunty Maggie opened her arms wide. "You want hug?" She asked and I hugged her then I blew my nose behind her. "Abeg no blow catarrh for my body" She quickly wiggled herself out of my hug. "You no fit wait make I hug you finish before you blow catarrh?" She asked entering my room and I shook my head laughing. "Until everything touch my body before you go know say I care. Oya make we talk money matter for here. Even if I sleep with ten men as I dey, eno fit fetch that rent." She added sitting on the bed and I joined her and then I bursted into tears for no reason in particular. "No use your tears change topic na" She complained and I nodded bringing out my phone. "I'm sorry about your mama. No allow am change wetin you feel for that woman. Your mum was a good woman till she took her last breath. I just wish say that sickness no take her life make she dey alive to see say her God no dey sleep" "Why didn't my father do anything? Why does mom speak badly about him?" "Your Papa hurt her feelings now, your mama just be like you. Small thing, her feelings don crash" "Why didn't he claim me or show some concern" "Cause he was scared of what his wife would do". She answered and Mrs. Babalola walked in. "Your Aunty is right. Adebimpe was heartless, she has always been heartless. She gave me the poison to kill you" "Poison?" Aunty Maggie asked, "Why are you still friends with such a person till now?" I asked and she shrugged. "Cause I don't want to feel alone, I've known them for years and they make me feel loved." Mrs. Babalola answered. "Life is a small world, we have to be careful of what we do, the steps we make cause they may come back to bite us on the ass. I'm sorry in any way I may have hurt you. You've been a good friend, these few days with you have been enlightening and eye-opening." "That sounds like a suicide speech" I interrupted and she chuckled. "No. It's not. I want to see someone" She answered then walked out of the house. I waited till evening but she didn't come back to the house. I called her and she told me she was in a hotel. "Why would you go to a hotel" I rushed into her room. "I needed to clear my head" She answered and I opened the wardrobe, her bags were missing." You packed out" "Soon I will be out of your hair" "Mrs. Babalola I called out "I've made my decision Adesuwa, even if I have to deal with the shame, I deserve it. I've hurt my family, I've hurt more people than I can apologise to. I've come to realize that I'm a horrible person" "Mrs" "I'll be out of your hair in no time" "Where are you? I hope you're not attempting any more suicide, let's sit and talk this out" "Have a nice life Adesuwa, make Henry happy" She hung up and I quickly dialled Henry's number. "Your mom just left the house, she took all of her properties, she just called me and please just look for her, she might be on to another suicide attempt" "What happened?" "What happened doesn't matter now, just find her. She said she's in a hotel, I don't know which" "I'll check the hotel first. This has got to be a horrible week" I heard him groan Mrs. Babalola's POV I watched Adesuwa's aunt knock on Henry's room. "Abeg open door na. At least open door make we talk about the money wey you promise to give landlord na" She added and Adesuwa opened up. I eavesdropped on their conversation before I walked in just in time to let her know Adebimpe was a heartless bitch and Michael Falana was left with no choice but to let them be. I told her I was going out to meet someone but rather, I packed my luggage's and I left the house quietly. I lounged in a hotel room and I reflected on all the wrongs I could remember. All the people I've hurt including my children and husband. I brought out the divorce papers and I read through it all. Maybe I would be doing Theo a favor I thought to myself before inscribing my signature on it. In the evening about a minute pass five, after Adesuwa called, I drove over to Theo's office. Calls were trooping in from my children and husband. I knew they had probably heard the whole story from Adesuwa. I didn't pick up their calls. I met Theo in front of the company. "I was about looking for you" he began and I wondered what for. "How?" I asked, "Adesuwa called, she said she was worried about you and that you sounded off on the phone. I was worried" "I'm sorry. Good evening I greeted and he sighed. Thank God you're here. Let's go to the office" He suggested and we went there. "What happened?" He asked, "I just met Adesuwa's aunt and I realised I know her, she's Cecelia's daughter, remember Cecelia? I thought she was dead." "Please don't let Bimpe know" He answered and I rolled my eyes. He knew! "Michael kept it away so bimpe would not find out, I didn't tell you cause I knew you were tight friends with Bimpe, after the fire you guys put up" "I didn't do it, I just followed her. I'm just an accomplice for not reporting. After the failed attempt to take Cecelia's life, they both relocated to a local street. Michael stopped interfering in their lives so Bimpe doesn't find out they're alive. Who would have thought the daughter would turn out to be Adesuwa?" He asked and I shrugged in tears. "You've cried too much, you might get sick" He said in a concerned tone and I sighed. "That's why I've made a choice, I'm leaving" "To where?" "A holiday to any country I guess, I have hurt everyone. I have hurt you, I've hurt my children, I've hurt Adesuwa. I don't deserve anyone's forgiveness." I sniffled bringing out the divorce papers from my bag then gave it to him. "There you have it, I've signed on every requires spot. Are you happy? I hope you can find happiness more than you found with me. I hope another woman would be able to show you love than I've ever shown. I didn't deserve you, you were too good for me" I added "You're wrong Babe, we were so compatible, we've always been. We deserve each other, and all the happy times I've had, I had them with you. Not anyone else" he confessed tearing up the paper except the binded part. "What are you doing? Wasn't that what you wanted?" I asked and he shook his head. "They are meaningless, this was all planned by Tosin in order to get to see this soft part of you. I haven't seen it in a long while. Remember the first day we met?" Hr asked and I nodded. My mind was divided though, so all these were planned? To what extent? "You were so young and shy. You were nice and down to earth. I fell in love with you instantly," he continued "Then I changed" "I still loved you, even when I cheated. I shouldn't have. I'll never get tired of apologizing. I'm sorry" he moved close to me placing his hand on my cheek. "I'm sorry for pushing you away" I apologize. "I don't see myself living with any other woman if it isn't you Baby" he said and I laughed. I initiated a kiss and we lingered in for minutes until we got interrupted by an incoming call on Theo's phone. "It's Henry" he picked it up putting on loud speaker. "Hey dad, have you seen Mom?" He asked, "Yes she..." Theo cleared his throat. "She stopped by at the office" "Thank God, please keep close watch on her and don't take your eyes off her" "Yes Sir" he answered and I chuckled covering my mouth. "Don't worry, I'll make sure I tie her to a pole" he answered then hung up. "He's really worried" "I was worried too. Baby, your children love you more than you can think. All you just have to do is make sure you don't piss them off anymore" he moved close to me, "I'll try" I answered and we rubbed nose together. "It's nice to have you back dear" "How did you guys know I'll end up in Henry's house?" "We didn't see that coming, that just happened out of coincidence and I'm glad it happened. I guess it helped you discovered yourself" "Yes it did." I replied then I thought of Adesuwa. "I think Adesuwa hates me" "Give her time" he answered. "I have something I have to do" "What?" Theo asked, he was in suspense. *************** I drove into Rashidi Bello street and I pulled over at Adesuwa's house. "Is Adesuwa's aunty at home?" I asked and a boy shook his head. "Aunty Ade no dey house, she don travel since!" Then I realized he didn't understand what I meant. "I dey ask if Ade big Aunty dey house" "E never tay wey she enter house" he said then he ran inside. Maggie came out shortly after. "Abeg I no want any wahala" she began and I shook my head. "I'm not here to cause trouble Ma, on a contrary, I came to apologize to you for the house. For everything you guys went through because of our movement to deal with you guys and your business". I being collect beatings that year oh" "And I'm sorry. I can swear on anything that I didn't partake in the burning of that house. I only witnessed it "Weytin happen na? That time we being dey fear all of una oh. Una dey cause wahala very well. You con look different" "I'm sorry, I thought I was doing the right thing. You guys were sleeping with married men intentionally." "No be our fault say we sleep with them, we being need money" "I'm not here to judge you either" I brought out a check and a pen from the car. "What's your name?" I asked and she raised her brow in shock. "Are you doing what I think you're doing" "What's your full name" "Magarette Ighodaro, the oghodaro is spelt as.." "I know the spelling" I answered with a faint smile. "All my life, I've been making investment and putting my money on things I shouldn't. For once in my life I want to do something right" I answered and she looked at me as I wrote on the check. "Jesus!" She yelled as she saw the figure on it. "Madam I for no fit collect am, e con be like say you dey pay me off" "Please I don't want you to see it that way, I'm not paying you off. I want you to have a better life. I overheard you talking to your niece, you can't keep on living that life, you can start a business or move to another house." I stretched the check at her. "I no fit collect oh" She answered collecting it from me. "Ma this money too much. If I collect am now, my conscience go dey judge me" she looked at it then sighed. I chuckled at the display. "Thank you for accepting it" "No. Thank you" She answered, "God bless you" "Amen" I answered and I felt this relief. For the first time in a long time, things were falling in place.

Hotel Palava Episode 42 Deji's POV After I messed up with Lilian, I went back to Ekiti. I bumped into mom and dad arguing. Mom has never been the kind to raise her voice. I walked in and they stopped immediately. "Oko mi, ka'abo (My husband, welcome), but so fast? You didn't even spend up to a day" "I .." I suspiciously looked at both of them. "Why were you arguing?" "Arguing ke" Dad asked, "I heard you guys from outside. "Its just your mother and her wahala that I should take drugs" "Wahala wo? (What kind of problem)"She asked and dad blinked his eyes at her continuously as though I was blind and will not see him. "What's going on?" I asked and mom sat down singing a song, it was definitely self composed. She sang with a popular Yoruba beat. The song connoted the idiom, "One day for the thief, another day for the owner" I watched the two of them for a while. "Wo oko mi, what would you eat jare?" She asked. "I don't have the appetite" I hope all is well "All is well" ************* "I dey Ekiti oh" I announced to Henry the following day. "When did you get there?"Last night" I answered. "I screwed up when I saw Lilian and I made her cry again. I can't be doing this to her, it's hurting me." My voice broke and came out in a huskily. I withheld my tears. "I'm just really angry at myself," "What happened?" "I was happy when I saw her, I really was and we kissed and ..... Then i screwed up" "What did you tell her" he asked and I shut my eyes, "She thought I came back for her forgiveness, I felt stupid. Mehn I don't know why I keep screwing everything up. I've been screwing up with dad's company, I'm a mess. I need to get my life back and I don't think I can do that without Lilian." "Are you trying to say you're in love with Lilian?" He asked and there was a brief silence at the other end. I heard mom's footsteps so I turned back. I sniffled, "It's mom, I'll call you back later" I whispered. "Was that Henry you were talking to?" She asked and I nodded. "Are you crying?" She asked and I cleared my throat. "Wh..wh..why would I cry?" I asked. "You haven't eaten since last night" "I'm not hungry" "Lai sepe nkan sele? (Not as if something happened) Are you sure you're okay?" "Yes" I answered and she gazed in disbelief. I saw her raise her nose. "How was your visit to apologize to that girl?" "I didn't see her" I lied. "Seriously?" "Yes, she travelled. There was no point waiting" "Is that so?" She asked again, "When would you go again?" She asked and I shrugged. "Maybe next year" I answered. "Okay" she answered leaving. I began to wonder if she was eavesdropping on my calls before she entered. Perhaps she knew I was lying to her. ******** Mom informed me later at night that she would be going to Lagos the next day. "What are you going there for?" "To solve someone's problem" "When did you turn problem solver?" I asked, "In this life some people cannot solve their problems themselves. Some are not man enough to deal with it. Some people don't have the grace to deal with problems but God has given me wisdom" "When would you come back" "After I've done the whole thing" "Are you leaving cause you angry with dad?" I asked, "That too." She answered. She didn't like, "What happened?" I asked, "I'll tell if you're ready to tell me what happened in Lagos" she answered and I disagreed. "I'll drop you at the airport" I volunteered, "Airport ke? I will use the car, I have called Lateef to drive me there. I don't like the turbulence of airplane, the last time I entered with your father, I almost got sick. I don't know what you and your father likes in it" "Shey e binu? (I hope you're not angry)" I asked and she chuckled. Lillian's POV I went over to Mr. Henry's house in the evening after Adesuwa informed me that she was looking for Mrs. Babalola who packed out of the house. "Have you guys seen her?" I asked and she nodded. "Henry just called me, she's with her husband oh" "Thank God" Lilian sighed. "I don't understand the story you were explaining about Mrs. Babalola on phone, abeg come give me full gist" ***** "So what you're saying now is that Mrs. Babalola knew your mom and dad in the past and now you're dating her son" she analysed and I nodded. "Your life is a soap opera" "Your own nko?" "I guess my case would be like those single mothers who end up looking for love, it's not going to be a fairy tale" "What if Deji comes back running into your arms". "The same Deji that I know? Two days ago I let my gaurds down and I welcomed him back with open arms cause I thought he came back for me. Deji just needs a miracle in his life" "Or he needs to mature up. Henry's justification is that he's a player and he's scared of commitment but he needs to be ever committed with the baby on it's way" *********** The next evening while I slept in my room, Bright woke me up then informed me I had a visitor. "Who is it?" I asked. "An old woman" "Seriously? Are you sure it's not Mrs. Haruna?" I asked, "I know Mrs. Haruna but I don't know this one. She's with Mommy in the sitting room" "I didn't even know that there was a child, I would have brought gifts" I heard a voice say. It sounded familiar. "There's no need for that" I heard Felecia reply I raised the curtains passing underneath then I saw Deji's mom right in the living room. I blinked my eyes severally in amazement then I turned to Felecia. "Ha! It's even you. So you're the Lilian" she smiled. "Good evening dear" Mrs. Omojola greeted. I'm sorry, good evening Ma, I was just..." "Shocked, anyone would be shocked. I know you must have questions running through your mind. How did I get here? How did I get your address?" She asked and my heart thumped in fear. "Who is she ?" Felecia asked, "She's erm...' "I stammered and my eyes scattered the whole room in search of what to say. "Is she the grandmother of your unborn child?" She asked, "Sister" I cut in. "Is she here to do the proper thing?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. That was so intentional! She definitely wanted her to know. "You weren't supposed to say this in front of her!" I snapped, " But you had to do this intentionally she's? Are you that desperate for me to leave your house? I don't want the support of anyone to raise my child, I'll do it on my own even without your help. You shouldn't have... "I hesitated and I watched Mrs. Omojola gaze in shock. Suddenly she smiled, the next minute she started dancing and singing. For a moment, I began to wonder why she was dancing. Suddenly she came up to me touching my belly and I moved back. "I'm sorry, I'm just excited" "Why are you excited?" I asked and she chuckled. "This would be my first grandchild from the sin I gave birth to. Don't get me wrong my dear, I have grandkids but I've always thought Deji would be up to forty or fifty before.." She paused when she noticed me frowning. "You don't look happy. You don't want the child ni?" "I do Ma, I'm just not comfortable with you being happy over it" I snapped and she sighed. "Lilian!" Felecia snapped and I faced the wall. "Leave her, I understand where her pain and anger is coming from. Can I be alone with Lilian please? She asked and Felecia left with Bright. "I came precisely because of Deji but I never knew you were pregnant. I wanted to find out who Lilian was but I'm fortunate to find you and find out about this good news." "This isn't a good news, it's a mistake, a stupid mistake I made" "Shhh" Mrs. Omojola snapped, "No child is a mistake, be careful of what you say. How long gone are you?" "Barely two months" I answered. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for someone to trap my son with pregnancy?" She asked and I felt angry. I just couldn't describe the way I felt, I just felt as Deji was right in front of me. I was transferring my anger to the mom. "What are you here for Ma?" I snapped "I'm here because I overheard a call my son made with his friend Henry, and my son severally mentioned the name Lilian. I heard that he broke your heart" she paused. "He didn't say what he did, Deji can be too secretive at times. I have never seen Deji cry over any woman but for the first time in history, he does over a woman named Lilian. My coming here was to find out who Lilian was and find out how my son have hurt her and I have come to seek forgiveness" she asked and tears poured down my eyes. Suddenly I saw her go on her knees. I knelt down too, "Please Ma" I begged, "Don't kneel" I added. "Please leave me to be on my knees. My son has hurt you and you have refused to forgive him" "I don't understand" "You're angry over him, I'm not spiritually blind Lilian. You're holding something strong over him and you have to forgive him" I felt insulted, was she assuming that I've used charms? I thought. "I swear to God that I've never been to any herbalist home" "I don't mean that. Hell has no fury like a woman's scorn. "She pointed out and I shut my eyes in tears. "What happened between you and Deji, did he refuse to take responsibility for your pregnancy?" "He doesn't even know" "What happened then?" She asked, "Please my daughter, tell me lets see how we can remedy this situation" *********** Adesuwa's POV "Can this week get any worse?" Henry asked in his singlet and boxer and I chuckled. "I'm sorry about your mom and ...my mum." He added and I nodded. "This week has been trying, there has been temptations here and there, trails ro break us apart, to drive a wegde between us...Adesuwa, I know what ever I say cannot change what happened." He mounted on the bed and I moved close to him. We both took kneeling position in bed. "Henry, we have a future before us, I know it's going to be hard to forget all these things, I just want us to put this behind us so we can move on. We've been jumping over every obstacles and I'm sure we'll jump over more. I don't want you to hate your mom because of me" "I don't" "Your mom is a new person, hopefully she has learnt a lot of these past few days. We're going to start a new family. A family , even with our different backgrounds, we'll be stronger and united for ever" Henry held my hands kissing the back of my palms. "I have to be the luckiest man on Earth to have an amazing woman like you. I want to have as many kids with you. My children would be lucky to have you as their mother" he kissed me on the lips wrapping his hands on my waist and I moved my hands over to his erection and I bit his lower lips seductively. "You're sick" "Says who?" I asked and he chuckled. "Are you scared? I promise to go gentle" I added and he scoffed. "Okay you asked for it" he replied taking over his singlet and we resume kissing. ********* The next morning, I received a call from Aunty Maggie. "Abeg help me thank your mother-in-law oh" she began and I creased my brow in thought, I wondered what she did. "Wetin she do?" "She come back our house con find me for night. She sign check give me with six zeros. Adesuwa I don turn to millionaire over night" She whispered. "Seriously?" "She con beg serious beg. As a humble person we I be, I tell her say I no collect the money. This woman do like say na by force say I go collect. I tell her say like six times if no be like seven times say I no want her money make e no be like say she dey bribe me" she answered and I raised my nose in disbelief. "As the beg con be like say... " she stalled. " I con collect am. I being no want tell you in case say the cheque bounce. As I take dey so, your mother in law send consultant make him con see me.. I follow am go bank and my dear. It is real, I'm a millionaire" she answered and I smiled. "Congrats" I said to her."See as I con take be millionaire before you Adesuwa." She added and I laughed. "Thank you ehn" she added and I wondered why. "Why you dey thank me" "Na you God use save me, now I go commot for that nonsense house, go house wey better. My God go bless you" "I hear, oya send my fourty thousand come back" I joked and she became quiet. "Ade, you don don commot for network coverage oh" I heard her make static noises. "Ade I no hear.." She added hanging up and I laughed. "Once a cunny man, forever a cunny man" I muttered laughing. I clled Mr. Babalola to find out where she was and she told me she was still at the hotel. I felt bad for her. *********** Later in the evening, I got a call from Mr. Babalola to be at the house. I called Henry immediately. "Your dad just asked me to be at the house" "He called me too" "What's going on?" I asked, "We're about to find out" he answered. ********** I was the last to walk into the house. Tosin was already there with her kids. "Hey dear" I moved close to Henry and he kissed me on the cheek. Mr. Babalola was with Mrs. Babalola. He has his arms around her waist. I don't know what was going on, so I turned over to Henry. "Anything I should know?" I asked and he smiled. "They are back together" he answered "When?" "Since yesterday" "She told me she was still in a hotel" "it's supposed to be a surprise" he answered and I chuckled. "I called for this meeting to formally announce that I'm back with my husband and to also apologize to everyone I've hurt." "Grandma why are you apologizing?" Kehinde asked. "Cause your grandma has been bad all these years and when you know you've done something bad, you should apologize for it" she knelt down before Kehinde. "That's one lesson I had to learn" she paused rising up. "To you Henry, Tosin, Adesuwa and Ife mi" she turned to her husband. "I'm apologizing again. EEven if I don't deserve it, I ask for mercy." She paused walking towards Henry and I. "Adesuwa, Henry I know you're both mad at me, you have every reason to be. I'm sorry, I can't change the past, I can't have Adebimpe arrested but all I have is this show of guilt" she apologized and Henry hugged her. She busted into tears and I joined in the hug. "Thank you" she muttered then she pulled back cleaning her tears. "I'll try to be better, it's not going to be easy but I will try to be the mother you all deserve; a mother that shows support to her children even if she's not totally comfortable with all their choices" she added and Tosin rolled her eyes. "This calls for celebration" I suggested, "We should celebrate this I mean, its the beginning of a new system. Henry once told me there used to be an annual thanksgiving" "We haven't done that in a while" Tosin answered skeptically. "Lets have it this year" I suggested and Mrs. Babalola smiled. "That's a wonderful idea," she said walking away. "Mom gets too excited about thinkgs like this" Tosin chipped in and I smiled. Suddenly I felt cold in my heart and I moved away from Henry and he followed me. "Bane are you okay?" "Yeah.. My heart felt heavy, I'm having cold feet. I haven't felt this since I started dating" "Like?" "Like things are going too smoothly, what if something bad happens?" "We've had a messed up week. What could go wrong again?" Henry laughed and I sighed. "Things don't usually go smoothly in my life, I told you already" "Hey" Henry nudged my chin up. It's going to be fine, just push away your superstitions and all. Nothing is going to stop us from being happy;nothing

Hotel Palava Episode 43 Jummy's POV My condition has stopped me from doing alot. My assistant took over the running of my modeling agency. I still couldn't bring myself to letting people see me this way. Emmy moved into the house to ease my stress. She quickly took the offer when Dad made the request. I laid in the hospital bed, Mom and Dad took me for my regular check up. "Did you feel that?" I heard the doctor ask, "No" I answered, "Did you feel this other one?" He asked and tears trickled down to the side of my face into my ears. "No" The doctor took my parents out. The nurse put me back into the wheel chair and after a while Mom walked in. "Your father had to go to the estate. He has a meeting with a commissioner" she said and I frowned. "What did the doctor say?" I asked, "What?" "Mom don't play dumb, what did he say" "That we might have to fly you abroad" "I can't go" "Why?" "I can't go without seeing Henry pay for all he has done" "Jummy, he doesn't deserve you, just forget him. There'll be many more guys, you're pretty" "And in a wheelchair because of Henry. I ca can't let it go" "Jummy" "Just take me home already" I snapped and she exhaled. "Whatever you say dear" ********* I was watching tv when I heard the maid call my attention. I turned back to see Adesuwa standing behind her. "Madam your friend say" "Which kain friend!" I yelled, "Send her out this moment!" "Jummy" "Don't call my name!" I screamed on top of my voice."Send her out this instant!" "Madam abeg con do commot" the maid said to her and she clasped her hands. "Please Jummy, just hear me out. Give me two minutes of your time". "I can't even give you one" "Give me thirty seconds. Please just hear me out" "You better start talking" "Jummy" she moved close. "You had better not come close" I snapped and she nodded. "I'm here to apologise for whatever hurt you may feel, I know you might partially think this is my fault" "Partially?" Jummy asked, "it was entirely your fault" Adesuwa went on her knees, I was bewildered. "Henry has apologized already and you've proved difficult but on behalf of Henry and I, I beg that you find a place in your heart to forgive" she begged and cried. "I've learnt not to judge a book by it's cover, I've learnt that there are more to every individual than their appearance. I know with all this bitterness there has to be something good in there, perhaps you're being pushed by Emmy to do stuffs you don't want to do. She's not a good friend" "She's the only friend I have damn it! Get out of my house" "Jummy" "Get out!" I yelled and she rose. "There is a Thanksgiving at the Babalola's house this 25th, I'm using this meduim to invite you" "Out!" I snapped and the maid escorted her out. *********** Emmy came back afterwards with shopping bags and I told her everything that had happened. "Why wasn't I at home?" She asked, "I would had beaten the hell out of her" she added. "She would have beaten the hell out of you, Emmy you can only cause trouble, you can't fight" "The security would have dealt with her" "You don't have a job and you're shopping?" "My parents are filthy rich" "Should I remind you that they've cut you off and most companies are not willing to employ you because of your bad records?" I asked and she laughed. "Okay you want to know the truth, I'm dating a very rich old man" "What won't we hear from you Emmy" "Babe I need the cash. I'm low on cash" "And you still keep spending" "That's the essence of having money baby" she replied and I chuckled. " I bought something for you" she passed a bag to me and I opened it removing some crop tops. "Seriously? Are you mocking me?" "Who says because your legs are immobile that you can't look sexy?" She asked and I laughed. "You're still pretty girl. Look sexy" "I love you Emmy. Thank you" I appreciated and smiled. "You are welcome" Emmy replied hugging me. ************ Adesuwa's POV The thanksgiving began past eleven, people were coming in one by one. I noticed Deji was present, even his mom. She had put together a plan to bring Lilian and Deji together. Lilian whom I invited as a friend was supposed to play a server at the party if Deji would bring his pride down to accept her. Mrs. Omojola said she call him up, demand that he accepts her pregnancy but she wanted him to accept her personally. I walked into the kitchen, Fatai was talking to Joan and Lilian, they were both in a black and white shirt for the servers. "How una dey?" I asked and Joan smiled. "See as Ade dey glow" she commented and I laughed. "You want swell my head shea?" I asked and she laughed. "Deji is around" I said to Lilian and she sighed. She walked out of the kitchen unbuttoning the white shirt she wore. She wore a bit top underneath. "I'm not doing this," "What?" I asked. "This plan to get Deji accept me. If I suffer another headache again, I'll just die" "So you're going to throw away the plan Mrs. Omojola has worked her ass to execute?" "This is about Deji, I'll just die if I look into his eyes and he looks at me as though he's ashame of me" "Then you're free to slap him silly. I'll personally slap him silly" I added and she laughed. I'm scared" she added. "It's totally understandable. Just do it". *********** While walking around in search of Henry, I bumped into Deji. "Hey" he said and I ignored him. "Maybe I deserve that" he added and I turned back at him. "I mean I've always been rude, I never liked you" "No one did. Mrs. Babalola didn't now she does. I don't care about that but what you did to my best friend. You don't deserve to be ignored, you deserve worse" "You don't understand a thin" Deji answered and I scoffed. "I understand that you don't love her and that you're ashamed of her" "It's not" "It's not just that" "If you didn't like her, why did you play with her feelings?" I asked and he shook his head. I didn't want to play with her feelings" "But what happened? Then your mom saw her and you cowered like a little child. Yes she told me everything. I know every single thing that happened" I answered and he scratched his head. "You're scared of your parents will not accept her, Deji you're not just a coward but a grown one" "I'm not" "Prove it then, Lilian is here at the party, prove that you're not a wimp" "I don't have to prove anything to anyone" he answered and I hissed. "Wimp" I added leaving. That should give him something to think of. *********** During the course of the party, Henry called the attention of everyone, Lilian was absent, I wondered where she was. I haven't seen her with the other servers since I saw her talking to Deji a while ago. While I thought of this, I saw Henry kneel down then he brought out a black ring box from his pocket. I was smiling beyond control. "This is something I'll never dream of doing, I'm always scared of doing this in public but because this is a special day, I ask in front of this gathering today; Adesuwa Ighodaro, would you marry me? He asked, "Whoa!" I heard Tosin yell and I laughed. "Yes I will" I nodded and he rose up kissing me and everyone clapped. ********** Segun walked up to me smiling. "I guess congratulations are in order" he said and I rolled my eyes. "Can you just let me be?" I asked and he chuckled. "You look pretty" "What are you doing here?" I asked, "I received the invite" he answered with a smirk. I wish Mrs. Babalola knew about him! "Just go your own way, let me go my own way" "Let's talk" he held my hands and I slapped him on the face. Eyes turned towards us and I sighed. Henry walked towards me almost immediately. "Who invited you here?" He asked, "I was invited by your mom" he answered and Henry threw a punch on his face. "Henry!" Mrs. Babalola yelled and I held Henry back. "Someone better show that idiot the way out before I do something stupid" Segun rose up, he was bleeding from his lip. "What did he do?" Mrs. Babalola asked, "What did he do?" She asked again. "Better show him the way out" Henry thundered and Mrs. Babalola took Segun out. "That felt good" Henry sighed and I chuckled. Mrs. Babalola came back afterwards while Henry and I were talking about Deji. "Why did you punch your cousin?" She asked, "Mom don't bother asking" "Leave Adesuwa and I alone" she added and Henry left. "What happened?" She asked and I shook my head. "It can't be nothing. Henry and Segun have been friends. Something must have happened" "Something happened. Segun kissed me during your birthday and Henry and I fought because he found out I've had sex with him"" "Okay... I'm not going to judge you" "Ma I didn't have sex with Segun, he drugged me and raped me." I answered and she shut her eyes. "Why would..." before she could complete her sentence, a gun shot was fired towards my direction. I heard one of the servers scream, she was on the floor bleeding. "Jesus!" I yelled looking towards a direction and I saw a man hiding. "That's him" I pointed and he ran away. People were scared to chase after him since he had a gun with him but a call was put through to the police men at the estate gate. The girl was rushed to the hospital. The party ended that very moment. News got yo us that the man has been caught. I was asked to come to the police station for face recognition and I confirmed it was him. That gunshot was supposed to be fired at me. I wanted to know why so the police began investigation. "Thank God they failed" Lilian answered and I turned to her. "Where were you? You were no where to be found" I asked and she tried not to smile. "What happened" "I was with Deji," she answered and I gazed suspiciously at her. " What's going on Lilian, I asked and she giggled. ******** The man who tried to kill me confessed he was sent by Adebimpe Falana to take me off the picture. I was shocked, I began to wonder how she found out about me. Mrs. Falana was arrested. With Mr and Mrs. Babalola and Henry solidly behind me, I decided to press charges. The matter was taken to court afterwards. Her children stood by her, including her husband. Then justice took a good turn after Mr. Falana my biological father deserted Mrs. Falana and took my side. Even if he didn't want to because he was worried his children would not be in his support of it. The first day I had a personal encounter with him was at the Babalola's duplex when he drove in with his policemen. Mr. Babalola begged but he refused once again. "Aunty Maggie said you loved my mother" I began, "I'm beginning to doubt her claim" "I loved your mother, but this is a war and if I choose sides, my children would hate me" "I'm not asking you choose sides, I'm asking you do the right thing. Your wife is a terrorist who deserves to be locked in jail. This is my life we talking about. If she's let out to roam free, she'll kill me. Is that what you want?" I asked and he shook his head. "Then the reason why I let you and your mother go would be lost." He answered. "Please, if we have your support, we'll be sure to win this case." "I know you guys are trying to bribe the judge, I have Intel already and Adesuwa would lose this case". Henry and I took time to discuss about the wedding date and we made a decision. It was fixed on the 9th of February; two weeks after Ivie's wedding. Jummy's POV "Merry Christmas" mom said to me as I laid in bed. "Merry Xmas mom" I smiled. "Are you going out?" I asked and she nodded. "I have three functions to be at including the Babalola's own. I was given the invite. Your father doesn't want to go but I will" "Why?" "I don't know, there's nothing fun to do at home. I'll only be depressed" "Because of me shea?" "Because of lots of things, your father would go to the estate running his business and I don't like being depressed on Christmas day. Follow me Jummy" "I can't" she answered "I'm sorry" I later had a change of mind after she had left. I thought of going there would make some people uneasy and unhappy. Emmy helped me with a short red gown and the driver drove off. Halfway our destination, I had a change of mind. The driver drove me home, I noticed the maids were outside. The shock on their faces when I drove in. The driver took out my wheels from the boot then placed it close to the car then he mounted me in it. "What's going on?" I asked one of the maids, "It's..." She pointed. "its your friend oh" she added and I wondered why Emmy sent the maids out. I'll deal with this" I said and he pushed the door open. "You can go" I said to him and he walked back. There was loud music playing, I wheeled myself in and I heard moaning sounds. "Go harder Daddy!" She groaned and I wheeled in to see Emmy bouncing on my own father. I screamed in anger and she jumped off covering her private with a pillow. The same pillow I lean on when watching tv. I screamed! "Dad" I muttered to dad who zipped up his trousers. "How can I un-see this!" I yelled. "Princess" Dad called out. "Don't princess me!" "You should be ashamed of yourself Dad, my best friend" "Its the devil? Emmy my own father. A man you call Daddy and you have the right to hop on him.... Go harder? Are you crazy?" "What's all this sef?" She asked, I can sleep with anyone I want to" "So he's the old man you're dating" I added and she hissed putting on the gown she wore before I left home. "You could have respected my mom" "Respected what? It won't be the first time in doing this with your father" "How long has this been going on?" I asked and I saw dad try to beg her using his eyes. "I've been sleeping with your dad far back in our university days" "if I could stand, I would have slapped you silly." I cried. "Please don't let your mother know" Dad begged. "Emmy leave my house!" "I'm not leaving!" "Leave the house Emmy" Dad demanded and she hissed. "You must be drunk" "I said leave the house or I'll call security on you" Dad threatened. "Me Festus?" She asked. ********** You won't believe what happened at the Thanksgiving," Mom walked into my room. "They fired a gun at Adesuwa" "Seriously?" I asked and she nodded. "It didn't hit her sha, someone else is in the hospital because of it." "I wonder who must have done it." "They are suspecting you for it" she added and I scoffed. "I didn't do it" "Emmy?" She asked and I shrugged. "They caught the person sha oh. They have taken the person to the police station" "Dad is cheating" I announced and I didn't see shock on her face. "You knew?" I asked and she nodded. "Your dad has been cheating for a very long time. We're women, we know these things, we're not stupid." "With Emmy" "What?" She asked, "Did...did you just say with Emmy? The same Emmy I take as my own daughter." "I caught them this afternoon" I added and she sat on the bed, mom busted into tears. "Where is that shameless man?" She asked and I cried. "Mom I don't want to stay here any longer. I'll take the doctors offer to tale treatment abroad. Anywhere! Not just here in Nigeria" I cried and she hugged me.

Hotel Palava Episode 44 Lilian's POV I held up a tray containing three glasses of wine then I walked around serving drinks. Mummy Deji was with Deji, "Good morning Ma, good evening" I paused looking at Deji, "Sir" I continued. "Good evening to you dear," Mummy Deji answered. "Why does her face looks familiar?" She asked and Deji shrugged, "I don't know" he answered and my heart sank. "The face is looking like the one face I saw at the hotel. Have you ever worked in a hotel?" She asked and I nodded "Yes Ma'am" "Now I remember where I've seen her, remember that day we came to Lagos and we..." I walked away immediately. I couldn't bear to listen to anymore rejection again. I went inside and I cried. I saw Joan coming towards my direction. I'm leaving" I announced, "So fast? I can't stay any longer" I sniffed. "Are you crying?" She asked, "I have to go, I'm not feeling too well." "Please can you help a bit? I know you were not supposed to be serving in this party but please just help out. We need you" she begged and i nodded. I resumed serving drinks Deji walked up to me then he plunged his hands into his pocket. He looked so frustrated. "Can we talk?" "As you can see, I'm really busy" "I'm sorry about what i said in front of my mom. I didn't mean to" "I'm used to it" i snapped. "Please Lilian" "You don't care about me Deji, you're ashamed of me and i totally get it. I don't mean anything to you, just leave me and stop hurting me. "Deji yo!" Two guts yelled and they shook Deji's hand. "The baddest" they added and i attempted walking away" "Lilian" He called out and i rolled my eyes. "We're not done" "You're with your friends" "Who be this one?" One guy asked, "Maybe na one of him catch" the other answered hailing Deji, "Baddest!" "Make una park well abeg" Deji snapped, "I no know say Deji dey follow dey colombi low class na. I know say Deji fit fuck anything but this one?" I heard the first guy retort and i felt like pouring a glass of champagne on his face. "You dey mad?" Deji asked, "You well so?" He added. Even if i colombi am na your business? Stanley, why don't you just mind your business? I was busy and you guys just came here to start saying rubbish" He snapped and i stood there shocked that he even had the balls to support me. "Rubbish Deji? Na una guys you dey talk to oh. Wait.." The first guy paused then he laughed. "Are you dating her?" They asked and i looked at Deji. I dared him to answer the question. "Even if i am no ones business" he answered and i dropped the tray walking away. Deji followed me. "Hey dear!" He yelled and i continued walking to the backyard. "Lilian" he held my hands and i pushed it away. "Just hear me out okay?" "I'm sorry about my friends, they were acting obnoxious" "Mmmmm" i hummed and he nodded. "They were being rude and you don't deserve such treatments" "Seriously?" I asked sarcastically. "I remember very much the first person that treated me exactly that way" i answered and he scoffed. "Was that how i reacted?" He asked and i rolled my eyes. "It was worse than that Deji! Their insults doesn't do a thing on me but you Deji, you were my boyfriend" "And am sorry... I was too worried about what people think" "You clearly didn't love me. Oh wait let me use the smallest expression, 'like'. You never liked me" "Lilian you are wrong, i cared alot about you then. I was going to get serious with you, i was just ashamed" "What's done is done, let's just go our ways. I'm done crying for you" "We can't go our separate ways Lilian, we can't go because I've come to realize i can't be happy without you. I've tried but i can't, you're the only woman who understands me, the only woman who isn't out for money, the only woman who actually listens, who gives me good advice. You were an amazing girlfriend and i know you can be more, there's no one i want to be with other than you" "And you're not scared what your parents or friends might think?" "I don't know what I'm scared of anymore" he answered. "But i know what i want. I want us back together" "I thought you wanted my forgiveness" i asked and he pulled me closer. "I want that with you too, I'm sorry for being a dick. I don't know how I'm going to tell my parents this, but i will and i pray for strength" I'm pregnant" I chipped in. The shock on his face was glaring. "We're having a baby and i wanted to take care of him or her alone... I thought you should know" "I'm scares" he answered and i folded my hands in anger. "It's not that am having a double mind, it's just.. You know how much I suck with babies" "I'll make you better" I answered and he smiled then he kissed me on the lips and i reciprocated. Suddenly we heard gun shots fired in the air. Deji's POV We rushed to the scene only to hear that Adesuwa was almost gunned down. Lilian grew worried, I shared a bit in her worry. My biggest concern was how i will let Mom in about dating Lilian. I trust that woman would take it lightly, Dad would flip! I drove mom to my house, i didn't want her staying at the hotel any longer. We stopped at the hotel first to get her stuffs. She didn't stop talking about the Thanksgiving and the gunshot "On a whole Christmas day. A day to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ and love as a whole. God is slow if i was God, i would have just let him shoot himself" she commented walking in and i chuckled pulling her luggage in. "So how was the party for you?" She asked, "It was just... there" "I didn't see you for a while, where were you?" "I was taking a stroll" I answered. "So nothing special happened, it was just there. Is that one a reply?" She asked and i shrugged. "It was great" "Why was it great?" "I said that because you wanted a real reply, there you have" "Are you being sincere?" She asked and i nodded and i took her to her room. The room was dusty, it hadn't be cleaned since i left. "It's... a bit dirty but" "You call this a bit?" She asked. "Mom" i called out while she was about to close the door. "The party was great, not because of anything but because.... because" i hesitated. "For the first time in my life, i got to make a decision in my life, or second time in my life. The first was when i decided to get my own job." "What decision did you make?" "Remember the girl I spoke to you about? The one i needed to apologize to, Mom, I'm currently dating her" I blurted out and mom gave me a 'serious' look. "She's um... She..not rich, she works as a maid in May hotel. Remember the girl in the room that day you guys came to Lagos? Yes she was my girlfriend as at that time but i was really foolish not to realize that i love her. Mom i don't care if you and dad would not accept, I'm getting married to her; she's having my baby" I ranted and mom gave me the serious look then she laughed. "It's about time!" She answered and i creased my brow in thought. I was confused. "What's going on?" I asked and she continued laughing. "I wish I recorded that so Lilian could hear" "How do you know her name?" I asked and she closed her mouth still laughing. "Remember i said i was coming here to solve someone's problem. I didn't think you would have the balls" "I... I'm confused. I would have asked if you had this all planned out, but how would you have?" "I overheard your call that day and i heard just the name i wanted. I asked Henry and an employee named Michelle at the hotel. I got the address and that was it. I talked to Lilain and i found out she was pregnant. I knew i had to do something" "I never knew you were that cool" I teased and she laughed hitting the back of my head. "You're ready Deji" "How about Dad, he will flip" "Your dad isn't really sick" she confessed and I raised my brow in shock. "That was the same look i gave when i found out. Ireti Babalola gave him the idea to pretend as though he's sick and he took it" "Henry's mom? I asked and she laughed. "Yes, i wasn't surprised. That was why I was angry at your father." It finally made sense why i caught them arguing. "You father will have no option but to accept Lilian, trust me on this one. I just wanted to find out if you were ready to take up this responsibility" **** Adesuwa's POV Mr. Babalola called me to his office and i quickly reported there. I didn't know why he called me. I walked in filled with suspense. "You have the job" He announced. I was surprised since i never had any discussion with him about needing a job, neither did I submit my resume. "What job Sir?" I asked. "I saw the resume you submitted" "I didn't submit any" "Someone must have done that for you." "I'm lost here" "I went through it and i thought you should have that position" "What position?" "Personelle manager, the last one was fired recently" "I'll have to think about it" I replied and he nodded in understanding. ********* I went back to Henrys' office. He was with Mrs. Haruna, "Just the two persons i wanted to meet." I said and Mrs. Haruna look at Henry. "What's going on?" Henry asked, "Remember your Dad asked me to come over" i hinted off. "He offered me a job, i don't remember submitting any resume. It must have been either Mrs. Haruna or you Henry" "I didn't do anything" Mrs. Haruna replied. "I only thought it would be a nice idea, Adesuwa you deserve more than just being a secretary". She added and I turned over to Henry. "I guess i found the culprit". "I'll leave you two" she added leaving the office and Henry stood up. "I can explain" "Why would you.."I stalled and he smiled. "Cause you deserve more than being a secretary by the door, there aren't much worthy jobs at the hotel so i dug your resume up from the hotel files." "Henry" "It was a difficult choice to make, I'll miss seeing you when I come out of the office but imI knew I was doing it for the best, for your future" he answered placing his hands on my cheek and i smiled. "Thanks" I muttered and he kissed me. "You're welcome" I resumed the job the following week. ******** After my wedding invite was printed, I personally went to the hotel to invite my friends. The wedding has definitely been announced. I knew a few persons that would want personal invitations. Mrs. Haruna smiled on seeing the invite. "Are you sure it's advisable to walk around giving this to the employees? You have enemies oh" "I don't want anyone to say they didn't come because I didn't invite them" I answered and she laughed. While I walked around the hall, i met Michelle with a laundry basket in her hands. "Michelle, how far?" I said to her and she hissed. "So you can still remember my name" she snapped and i rolled my eyes. "What's it with this attitude?" "I told you already, you guys left me. You just acted as though I didn't exist" "Do you know what I've been going through I've been going through hell, trying to make my life better. The last time you said i didn't come to see you, i being just dey look you as you take dey talk. I worked as a secretary, my ass was always on that chair for more than ten hours. I was sick, did you even care to visit? No! You heard i was engaged, did you even come to congratulate me, No! Who should be angry between the both of us? You can't just start getting angry and you feel like you're the only one that can get angry. Me saf sabi vex!" I hissed leaving and she followed me. So person no fit play with you again?" She asked and I turned back angrily and she smiled and I was forced to chuckle. "No just dish that shit again for me" "But you sef no try oh, at least you for call person. I being dey jealous say as una levels wan con change, una con wan throway me" "Why would I?" I asked and she hugged me. "Na the work wey you supposed dey do be that?" I heard Mummy B ask from behind and Michelle hissed. "Give am one word" Michelle whispered to me and I shook my head. "I'm not here for war, I came peacefully" "Go back to your duties" she demanded. "Good afternoon" I greeted and she hissed.. I brought out the card from my bag then I stretched it at her. "I'm inviting you to my wedding" I smiled and she hissed again. "Abeg carry your nonsense card commot for my front, husband snatcher! Asewo as you be, you steal person husband you con dey give me card. You have mind oh." She paused. "I'm inviting you to my wedding" she mimicked me and scoffed. "Your wedding or a wedding you stole from that fine lady, Jummy" "You no even happy say person don give you invite" Michelle snapped. "Why I go happy? I no come the wedding even if them they share one million" "Abeg no come, we no wan see your ugly face before" "Michelle na me you dey talk to oh" "So?" "You'll see the manager!" She said leaving and Michelle laughed. Abeg leave her, you don't need people like her on your wedding day. Abeg make we talk asoebi, what's the dress code?"She asked and I laughed. *********** I woke up feeling uneasy, like something bad was going to happen. The girls threw a spinster party for me the previous night including Tosin and newly married Ivie. She said she couldn't miss it for anything. Henry had left the house the previous day. He was at Deji's house making his own preparation. Lilian, Joan and Michelle walked in afterwards they were already dressed up in their uniform. "It's your wedding day!!" They screamed, "The princess has had her beauty sleep" Lilian yelled and I smiled. "What's the time?' I asked, "It some minutes before seven" It's late "The bride always come in late" Lilian answered and Joan laughed . "Seriously? Why didn't you guys wake me up?" "We wanted you to rest and you've had your rest. Take your bath, the makeup artist is here so.." Michelle replied clapping her hands. She was excited. "Today is your wedding day, it has to be special and then at the end of the night, you will give Henry the surprise" Lilian said and I smiled. "He's going to be excited about it" ********** After the preparation, it was almost nune and I was dressed in my wedding dress when I saw a text from Segun on my phone. "Can you please come to the house, it's important. It's a matter of life and death. I'm on the verge of suicide" I showed it to Lilian and she hissed. "Don't go, he might be trying to trap you" "What if he's about committing suicide, it will be on my conscience forever. What if I can stop him?" I asked and Lilian disagreed. "Let him commit the suicide then! He deserves it. The church wedding will begin" "Please let me just see him, I'll come back and meet you guys" "Let us go with you at once" "I won't want to stress you guys. You said it yourself, the bride always comes in late." I reasoned and she nodded. "Don't take long oh" ********* I had the driver drive me over to Segun's house. I walked in, there was no one by the door. The security was not at his duty post. I went into the house and from afar, I found Segun on the floor. Humanly I thought he had committed suicide then I walked closer and I saw blood on the floor from his head. "Jesus!" I screamed snapping my fingers. I picked up my phone to make a call when I saw some policemen walk in. "Hands up in the air where we can see it" they demanded and I did as said. A man walked behind me cuffing my hands. You are under arrest "I didn't do it" I cried, "I swear to God I didn't do it. "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say or do would be used against you in the court of law" he added and it dawned on me. This was all a set up! FINAL EPISODE DROPS TOMORROW AT 6PM

Chai stupid segun set you up on your wedding day That one bad o

Only God knows whats between Mrs babalola and adesuwa s aunt

Hotel Palava FINAL EPISODE Henry's POV At the church, before I made my way in, mom walked in arranging my collar. "My son is going to be a married man" she muttered and I smiled. ""Where is Adesuwa?" I asked, "She's on her way definitely. Every bride comes in late" she smiled and then dad pulled her away. By past ten while we waited in church, I grew worried. The pastor was already getting impatient. I wasn't with my phone, Deji had gotten my phone from me. I wanted to put a call through to her. I was still waiting when Mom walked up to me whispering into my ears. "Adesuwa has been arrested" she announced and I stood up in shock. "How's that possible?" ********* I drove like a mad person over to the police station where she was apprehended. Lilian and Michelle were there. They explained everything to me. Mom and Dad came with the attorney from the previous case. They pulled some strings and I was allowed to see Adesuwa. I was with the attorney. I walked in and my Adesuwa was seated in her wedding dress. I almost cried. We would had exchanged our vows already. I sat down with the lawyer. She was in tears. "I'm sorry" she apologized to ne, "I received a text message from Segun that was why I went there" "Lilian told me already" "I didn't kill him" "I believe you" She busted into tears. "Someone is trying to set me up but I wonder who must have done that." She answered then she looked at the lawyer. "Hey" "Hey Adesuwa. I want you to explain everything to me slowly, every single details. Including what you saw in the house, it can help out" Adesuwa nodded in tears. "So much for my wedding day" she rolled her eyes and I held her hands. "Hey listen, we're going to get you out of this mess and we're going to catch whoever did this" "I can't afford to be in this situation, not in my condition," she paused. "Henry I'm pregnant" she revealed and I squeezed her hands softly. "Mark, is there a way we can do this quickly?" It's a murder case, if there's no prove that can help her get out of this mess, we might just have to pay our way through and talk to Segun's family so they don't press charges" ********** The next day, Segun's death was all over newspapers. The matter escalated and hence forwarded to the court. ********** "Miss Ighodaro can you clearly tell the court what you were doing at Mr. Olaniyi's house at that time?" "I received a text message from Segun Olaniyi, he said he was about to commit suicide. He wanted to see me, my friends were present when I received the message. They advised me not to go but I did anyways. When I got there, he was already lying in the pool of blood. I swear on my life, I didn't kill him" She yelled and I withheld myself from crying. "Your honour, there's a possibility that the deceased may have been killed before my client arrived. My client has only been set up by the real murderer" The prosecuting attorney, Judith Ekpo came forth to cross examine her. Mark has given us a load down of who she is and what she's capable of. She's a smart and crafty woman who has never lost a case. "What were you doing at Mr. Olaniyi's house?" She asked and I rolled my eyes, "I already answered." "I believe there's more to it than you think" she smirked, "Objection my lord!" The lawyer protested. "On what grounds?" The judge asked and he sat down. "Your honour, she went to a house of a man if I'm not mistaken, fourty fives or so before her wedding. Which woman in her right sense would do such if the man didn't mean something to her" she asked, she was creating an impression on people already. "Didn't you hear what I've been saying? He said he was going to commit suicide" "Yes he did, and your defendant did mention something about Mr. Segun committing suicide. Mr. Segun didn't commit suicide, he was pushed, he hit his head on the table and then he fell on the floor according to forensic report" "How can you tell this precisely?" Adesuwa asked, "Because I get my facts right and there was blood on the table. You were the only one present there, you pushed him" "I didn't, someone set me up" "Okay lets assume someone did, what could have made the person do such?" "I don't know, I have lots of enemies, last year on the 25th of December I was almost killed by Adebimpe Falana" Adesuwa answered. "Is that a diversion from the fact you killed Mr. Segun Olaniyi?" She asked, "Objection my lord, she's judging my client and the judge sustained it. "What's your relationship with late Mr. Segun Olaniyi?" "I was his employee when he was the manager" "So no sexual relationship existed between you two" she asked and Adesuwa hesitated. "None" she answered, Okay. Your honour I would like to bring in one of our testifiers in" the prosecuting attorney replied and the judge nodded. "It's going to be alright" I whispered to Adesuwa, I was behind her. Mummy B was brought in. My heart pounded without rhythm. She took her stand and swore by the Quran to say nothing but the truth.."Do you know Adesuwa?" She asked and Mummy B nodded. "What's your relationship with her" "I was her superior when she was working as a maid" "Who is Adesuwa?" "Adesuwa is a user. She's a hypocrite and a very bad person, asewo oshi" she snapped. "Mind your language" the judge warned. "So you think Adesuwa is capable of murder" "Anything is possible with Adesuwa" "That's a lie!" Adesuwa yelled and the judge slammed her gavel on the block. "Comport yourself Miss Ighodaro!" "Why do you think Adesuwa would be capable of doing such?" Because a time came that she started hating him, shouting at him even in front of the employees" "Why?" "Because Mr. Segun was cheating on his wife with Adesuwa nah. Adesuwa probably wanted him to divorce the wife but he didn't want to" That's a lie! I heard Adesuwa mutter. Attorney Mark cross examined Mummy B. "I couldn't help but noticed your use of probably" "So?" "Are you sure Adesuwa had sexual relationship with late Mr. Olaniyi or its based on probability, remember you swore on the Quran. Are you sure or it's only based on probability?" He asked and Mummy B kept quiet. "I know that there was something going on" "How do you know? He asked and she shook her head. "But" "Your honour, these accusations against my client are nothing but mere assumptions" ********** Adesuwa's POV The prosecuting Attorney brought in Theresa, Segun's ex-wife and she swore on the Bible. "Miss Theresa George, what's your relationship with late Mr. Segun Olaniyi" "I'm his ex wife "Ex wife right?" Can you tell the court the reason why you filed for a divorce" "I filed for a divorce because my ex husband was cheating on me" "with who?" "With her!" She pointed at me. I shook my head. Who in the world was doing this? "My husband claimed to be in love with her. There was no place they didn't have sex, even in the office" "That's a lie!" Lilian yelled. "That woman is lying" she added and the judge angrily hit the gavel on the block. I've caught them before!" She yelled and I shook my head. She was definitely lying. I whispered into Mark's ears. I was ready to tell the truth. "Order in court!" "My honour we have established a fact that there was a relationship between the deceased and the accused. Then the accused definitely lied after swearing an oath. Your honour, members of the jury. Even without proof, I think an argument ensued between the deceased and the accused. The accused pushed him to his death" I was called back to the stand by the prosecuting Attorney. I'll ask Miss Ighodaro, what was your relationship with late Mr. Segun?" She asked and sighed. "He was my boss, a cruel one at that. I didn't have sex with Mr. Segun" I answered and the court murmured. "At least it wasn't willing, I was raped ny Segun Olaniyi." "Do you have witnesses of the rape?" She asked, "Objection my lord!" Mark yelled and the judge sustained. "Go straight to the point" the judge responded. "Segun drugged and raped me that was the only time I had anything intimate with him. The testimonies against me are lies, I'm not a monster, the real monster is Segun Olaniyi" I answered and the prosecuting Attorney walked up to me with a smirk. "You must have hated him for it" "Hate is an understatement" "Was that why you killed him?" She asked and I scoffed. She was trying to turn this around against me. "I didn't kill him, you're trying to use this against me" "Your honour, members of the jury, tell me this doesn't sound like the tone of a woman that can kill a man to avenge being raped." "I didn't" I cried. ********* Mark decided to cross examine Miss Theresa. "My client just confessed to the entire court that she was raped by the deceased but you hold a very different opinion that she was having an affair with your late ex husband" "She killed my Ex" "Let's not deviate Miss Theresa, you clearly told everyone present here that you're sure they were having an affair and you even caught them" "So what if I exaggerate? Mark, this bitch here was having an affair with my husband. Even when I called Olaniyi personally to fire her, he didn't. If Olaniyi didn't live abroad I would have said she's also having an affair with him" "Sounds like you hate her". Mark said and she rolled her eyes. "She's the cause of my divorce, my foolish husband fell cheaply in love with a maid. How would you guys feel?" "How am I sure it wasn't you who killed Mr. Segun Olaniyi and then pinned ot on Adesuwa?" He asked and I thought of it It might be true. "You're crazy, I'll never kill my husband" "We can't know that for certain" "I was at work, you can ask around. I didn't kill Segun". ************ The case was adjourned to another day with Theresa as a suspect to the murder of Segun. I thought of other possible suspects, of all people, why was I sent a message? Why not someone else? Jummy could have been a suspect if not that she had traveled out of the country. That was the only notable enemy I had. Who could have planned this evil against me? Emmy's POV My name is Emmanuella Okoli, I'm the daughter of Engineer Best and Doctor Chioma Okoli. They're both Deaconess in church, faithful Christians to the core. The church was always full of hypocrite's so I decided to join in the pretense. No one knew I was having sex with Dele, the G.O's son. I gained admission into tertiary institution at the age of sixteen, I was the youngest; more freedom alas! That was where I met Jummy. We became best friends for life, I would kill for her, there's nothing in the world that I won't do for her. I knew all about her dearest Henry, and I finally had the opportunity to see him. I got a good job after school, I was dating the CEO, the pay was great until a new person was hired. A new lady fair to her toes. My boss took interest in her, she was definitely screwing with him. It was a competition and I couldn't win. The thought of it made me angry. I hated competition so I decided to take her out of the way. I stabbed her twice but she didn't die. In order to overrule my crime, they concluded that I was insane. I was committed to a psychiatric hospital in order to get better but I didn't. My employment records got tainted, getting a good job was difficult because I was still crazy even when I was out of the mental home. I loved being crazy. My parents cut me off after news broke out that I was having sex with Dele who was now married. They threw me out of the house. Jummy gave me a place to live. The reason why'll forever be indebted to her. After she caught me with her Dad, I had to go back to my house. Mr. Festus cut me off and I tried other sources to get money but I had nothing. I wasn't the kind to save, I have never been that kind. Segun became my ATM card. I went to his house that day, I didn't think it would get bloody. I stole a huge sum of money from Segun the previous day. More like borrow, he called me up and I went over to his place. An argument broke out between us and ot got out of hands and I pushed him. Segun hit his head on the table then landed on the floor. Before I knew it, blood was all over the floor. I knew I had to do something. The security was outside and if I didn't act smartly, I would be caught. Then I remembered Adesuwa. I used Segun's phone in sending her a text message, I hoped to God that she would be foolish enough to come. I gave the security two thousand naira to go get toiletries and use the rest of the change for himself and I left. I took to my heels the moment he did. Then I went to meet an old friend of mine, Judith Ekpo. A well known Attorney, she's known for being cunny, she never loses a case. What people don't know about her was that, she's a lesbian. She has always been attracted to me. I decided to use that to my advantage. "What would I do?" I asked explaining it all to her and she closed her eyes in thought. "Judith na, what will I do?" "Let me think!" She yelled. "Let me just think! First thing first, the security at the gate, you have to kill him or pay him off." "I don't have money" "Didn't you say you stole from this guy?" "Isn't it advisable to stay off the crime scene? I want that bitch to pay for this" "Why?" "Cause I don't like her... She's a pest and I want her out of the way. Jude you have to pin this on her. I can't afford to go to jail please, help me". What's in this for me?" She asked and I pulled the arm of the gown I wore down to signify that I could use my body as a means of payment; wouldn't be a first. "If I know these rich folks, they'll try to cover it up, first thing we're going to do is take it to the media, and there it is, we push it to court, and I'll take up the case against her". "And I won't be pinned to the case" "I'm not promising anything but I'll try my best to help you out. We're going to need a lot of evidence we can use against her, there have to be a reason she must have wanted him dead, do you have any or persons that can testify against her?" She asked and I nodded. "I can think of a few" ********** Theresa walked into Judith's house angrily, while I was having a glass of champagne. "I was almost pinned as a suspect " she complained, "At least you were smart enough to tell them you were at work. At least your company would be able to attest to it" Judith answered. "As much as I want Adesuwa in jail for ruining my marriage and killing my husband. I don't want to be a suspect to a crime I know nothing of" "I hate Adesuwa as much as you do" I said. "Even more than you do and of we work together, we're going to make sure she rots in prison for killing Segun" "Do you want to know what I think sincerely?" She asked, "I don't think Adesuwa killed Segun, I think she was set up but I don't care anyways. She must rot in jail".."That's the spirit" I said giving her a glass of champagne I held and she frank it. *********** Henry's POV After the first hearing, we all went home with personal fears. "What are we going to do? How can we find out for certain who did this. It's looking impossible" Tosin said and I agreed. "All we have to do is find Usman, Segun's security or any of his house help. How is it possible that he dies and they all go AWOL" Mom asked and I sighed. "How are we going to find him?" "We have to find out if he was employed by recommendation or he just came on his own. Let's hope to God it was by recommendations or else Adesuwa would be toast" ********** On the second day scheduled for the hearing, Lilian was brought forward to the stand. She attested to Adesuwa being raped even if she didn't see it. "How was her reaction to the rape?" Judith Ekpo asked while cross examining her. "Just like the way any human would react, she was angry" "Angry enough to want him dead" "I thought the evidence presented was that she pushed him, I meant whoever did this pushed him, that means it wasn't intended to kill him" So you're saying she pushed him" "I didn't say so" "Everyone here heard you louder and clear" "Madam, don't twist my words here, Adesuwa only went there to stop Mr. Segun from killing himself. I saw the text message, why don't we just think of it this way after all we've watched a lot of movies. Someone sent Adesuwa a text message, she appeared only for him dead. She was definitely set up. What the police should be doing is investigating this case rather than trying to pin it on my best friend" she cried. "She didn't do anything" The judge adjourned the meeting until further evidence are bought. We were relieved about the adjournment but I was angry that Adesuwa and my baby were still detained. ******** Emmy's POV I finally found the security, while I was wandering around the Estate Segun lived in. In fact, a friend of his called my attention to him. It was so damn easy! It was more like God wanted us to see him. I invited him to Judith's home. There Judith and I gave him money and told him we would pay him off provided he testifies against Adesuwa in court. "I want you to tell the court room that you spoke to your Oga few minutes before Adesuwa came, he was alive and breathing" Judith explained, "The Adesuwa na the babe wey them arrest Shea?" He asked and we both nodded. I want you to tell them that your boss sent you on an errand and you left" "How I go explain why I run and I no show face again?" He asked, "You go tell them say you being dey fear say them go say you join kill am" "Sure say them no go arrest me?" "Them no go arrest you. As you take testify say you sure say na she kill your oga, the case go close." I answered, "But na you being enter now?" He pointed out and I shrugged, "Who go know say I being enter?" "Na you kill Oga nii?" He asked and I hissed. "I'm not paying you to ask stupid questions, it was an argument gone wrong. Nothing more. Si are you going to do it or not? Well pay you now and you'll get your balance later" "I go do am for the money" he answered and I smirked. "Good, very good" Mrs. Babalola's POV We found out Usman was a security recommended by one of the family friends. We finally got an address where his family lived. Henry and I set out that day. We knocked on his door and he opened. "Madam" he called out, he definitely recognized me from his look. Then he knelt down with his hands clasped together. "I swear to Allah, I no get hand for oga death" I looked at Henry, we were definitely the first to get to him. "You sure? I asked, "How I take sure say mo be you kill Segun?" "I never kill anybody for my life" "Who con kill am?" I asked , you better talk, innocent person dey prison because of you. You better talk or I go carry phone call police now" I threatened and he kept begging. "Do you think I'm bluffing?" I brought out my phone. "I go talk!" He yelled on tears. "Na Madam Emmy" "Which Emmy" "Emmy, oyinbo pepper, bleaching cream. Na she come the house" "What business does Emmy have with Segun?" Henry asked, "Many business, the two of them don dey since! I no fit count how many times she dey come here come spend night," Seriously?" "No be today oh. When she come out that day wey the thing happened, she gave me like two thousand naira make I go buy toiletries, make I con carry the change. Before I come back, I con hear say them arrest person. Fear no gree me to come near the house again. I sure say na she kill am" "Lets have Emmy arrested" Henry snapped and I shook my head. "We'll still have the same problem, no evidence!" "It's his word against Emmy" "We still need evidence and he's going to help us get it Henry" "She no go kill me so?" he asked and I shook my head in thought. "You have to be able to think like a criminal. She can't kill you, she'll want you to testify against Adesuwa so she can win the case." "She's definitely in this with the lawyer" Henry assumed and I nodded. "Usman, I don't know how you're going to find her and get her to talk. But you're going to and when she does, I'm going to need you to record her calls and make sure you have a recording of her making a confession" "I no get better phone Ma" "I'll get you a phone, an innocent person is in jail and you're going to help her out" ************ Judith Ekpo introduced Usman to the witness stand. She had a smirk on her fave. "So Mr. Usman" she called out, "What can you say about the day your boss died" "Na just normal day Ma, I see oga and him sef see me". "Do you know the accused?" I asked and he turned over to Adesuwa. He kept quiet for a while "Yes" he answered and I tightened my fist. He wasn't supposed to say yes. He has to be kidding me if he thinks he can double cross me. I was so disappointed that moment. For a minute I began to regret why I didn't bribe him, he has definitely being bribed and I've been fooled; Adesuwa is definitely screwed! Henry looked over at me and I shut my eyes. "Were you around when she stopped by?" She asked and he hesitated "Yes.. As she take come, oga send me say make I.... Say make I go buy something naim I go.." "Your honour, members of the jury, we all know that Adesuwa was caught in the sitting room with Segun's body on the floor. Of which she was the last person to see Mr. Segun, who else could be the murderer except her" there were murmuring in the court and the judge slammed her gavel on the block. "Order!" She yelled and Judith smiled. "Money no fit buy my conscience" Usman added. "I being dey lie, make I con talk the truth. You see this akuce? ( accuse)" he paused, "Abi wetin them dey call am, I never for my life see her before." I looked up to heaven and I sighed. "Thank God" I muttered. Judith whispered something to him. Abeg leave me!" He yelled. "Your highness, or wetin them dey say am" he turned to the judge. "I no even see when she enter, before she even come me I go errand wey madam Emmy send me. The person wey kill my oga no be this woman" he pointed, "Her name na Emmy, I know where una go see her catch. This lawyer saf know" he pointed to Judith and she scoffed. "You must be drunk" "Everybody make una listen, I no drink. Na devil almost use me make I lie. This lawyer with Emmy them bribe me make I keep quiet." "This has to be a plan concocted by the family of the accused" Judith maintained and I scoffed. "I get proof" he brought out his phone, he scrolled to the recording and the clerk got it from him. The recording was played, Adesuwa was discharged with Judith Ekpo arrested and the police marched towards Emmy's home to arrest her. Emmy's POV I saw victory before me, I wish I could let Jummy know that I was about taking revenge on her behalf. While I drank wine to celebrate the fall of Adesuwa, the policemen barged into my house. "What's going on?" I asked, "Are you in anyway Emmy?" One of them asked and I hesitated. "Depending" I answered rising from the chair. "Well Miss Emmy, you're under arrest they held my hands turning it backwards" "Aw" I groaned in pain, " I didn't say I was Emmy" "You have the right to remain silent" "Aw, you're hurting me" I complained and they pushed me forward. "Let's go" ************* Adesuwa's POV I got released and I went back home. The first thing I did was to take a long shower. I walked out of the bathroom and Henry closed the laptop smiling at me. "Good to have you back" he rose up and I smiled walking close to him. "I haven't slept here in awhile, I haven't even gotten a good sleep" "I'm sorry about that. I was really stupid, I'm sorry. I just thought I could stop him from committing suicide." "Lets just put it behind us" "It could have been our wedding day. I ruined it, all the food, the money, the effort" "We'll have a better one" he promised and I laughed. "Lets just dwell in that happy moment that you're back and you're not going anywhere". He kissed me then bent down touching my belly. "Hey little man" *********** We fixed our wedding once again in March. At the reception while I was being congratulated, I was surprised to see Jummy wheel towards me. She had a purple gown on. I was happy to see her. I had no idea who invited her but I was excited. When she got to where I was, she stood up to my shock. "Congratulations" she hugged me and I felt something pierced through my tummy. "Take that bitch?" She said and I woke up to realize it was all a dream. The last thing I needed after a court case was another drama to ruin my happiness. I placed my palms on my belly. It felt so real. Lilian walked in with a night robe with her belly protruding from it, "Why your face be like that?" She asked and I hisses. "Just had a bad dream" "You din come again oh" she snapped stretching her hands. "Oya give me your phone!" She yelled and I passed the phone to her. "No calls for you, no text messages and no negativity. God will not allow anything bad to happen. Just be positive" "Just be positive" I repeated. ************* I exchanged vows with Henry finally! That settled, my mind still troubled me, I just hoped for God sake nothing bad would happen. At the reception while I was walking around with my hands in Henry's arm, I sighted Jummy wheel towards us with her mom beside her and my heart beat faster in fear. She was dressed in a blue gown, which was quite different from the dream. "What's she doing here?" I asked, "Mom invited her and I didn't think she was going to come" Henry answered and Jummy wheeled over to where we were. "I'm shocked" I began and she chuckled. "I didn't think I would come either" she answered and I greeted the mom. "How's the treatment going?" I asked, it's going well" Her mom answered. "The doctors said she has a chance of walking again" she added and Henry smiled. "That's a very good news Ma" "We thank God" "Happy married life to you two" she wished and I smiled. Thank you Ma" I answered now looking at Jummy. I wasn't sure if she shared the same view with her mother. I've been thinking a lot about everything that has happened these past few months and I just want to say I'm sorry" she apologized, "Henry I don't deserve you and maybe the fact that I lost focus and had this accident was your fault but whether or not I want to admit it, it's more of my fault. I'm sorry Adesuwa in anyway must have hurt you." I nodded. I wasn't sure whether to trust her or not. "I wish you two a happy married life, may God grant you guys your heart desires and give you beautiful children" she added and I smiled. "Thank you" I replied and she stretched her arms at me for a hug. I hesitated for a while, then I bent down hugging her. I felt something sharp pierce my chest then I realized it was just a pin used in holding the materials together. "You look really pretty" she whispered and I smiled. "Thanks" I answered with a wide smile. "Thanks for coming" *************** Mrs. Babalola's POV Adesuwa's wedding brought out this joy in me. I was soo happy, I couldn't contain my joy. "Wasn't she the maid at the hotel?" Some persons asked, they were trying to make me feel bad. "I'm glad you made use of Wasn't she', I believe that's a past tense. Adesuwa works in the company now" "Because you guys are trying to polish her up, once a maid, always a maid till death" she said and two of her friends supported her. "Iya Gba fila (Mother of Gossip) and corporation" I turned toward the three ladies, "I want you to leave this party at once" "Ah han, kia gbe ki le ju? (What have we done to deserve this?" "You have five minutes to leave before I call security on you" "Ireti, sho'o to bee? (Has it gotten to that extent?)" "Just because we abused that maid" "It's your mother that is a maid" I answered. "It's as if you guys have not seen crazy, I'll show you guys crazy" I raised my phone up calling security. "Yes, there are three women here causing nuisance" I paused and they hissed leaving. "Is this one even party?" One of them asked and I hissed. "What rubbish!" I asked and then Tosin walked up to me. "What happened?" She asked and I pointed towards the ladies direction. "Can you imagine those idiots calling Adesuwa a maid? What nerve! What audacity, do they know that Adesuwa is like a daughter to me?" I asked and she gave me that familiar look. "You used to call her a Mai too" "No one deserves to be downgraded that way. I've learnt that the hard way." I answered and she smiled. Three men walked up to me, they were investors in the company. I didn't expect they would come but I was shocked to see them. "I guess congratulations are in order" one of them said and I chuckled. "Thank you Sir" I smiled. "This is my daughter" I introduced and Tosin gave me that familiar look again. She thought I was trying to match make her with one of them.. Fatai walked towards us in his chef uniform. He raised his hands trying to get my attention. "Please Ma, I would like to steal Tosin. Tosin can we talk?" he asked and I pulled him close. "Do you know who this is?" I asked my investors and I saw them creased their brows in thought. "This is Badejo Fatai, he's an excellent cook, the magic meals in this party were made by him." "Wow" they answered. "Yes, he is highly talented and best of all, he's the man that has captured my daughter's eyes, he is my daughter's fiancee" I added and I saw Tosin smile. Fatai was shocked too. Thank you" Tosin mouthed and I nodded. The smile on my daughter's face was priceless. My eyes scattered around and I saw Adesuwa laughing with her husband, my son. Deji was pushing a chair for Lilian to seat. "I'm fine!" She yelled. "You should rest, the baby deserves to rest. You've been working all day" "Seriously?" Lilian asked, "You're spoiling me" "Let him spoil you" Mummy Deji answered and I smiled from where I stood. I looked at my husband who was with some guests and he winked at me. I was looking at the world from a whole different eyes. Mom was right and wrong, sure money is important, it makes the world go round and round but looking at my life, Henry, Tosin and Deji's life also, who needs money to be happy she you have someone who loves and understands you? THE END Thanks for following 'HOTEL PALAVA' sorry about the time though, .you know African man time

At least, what God has joined together let no man put asunder.... Wonderful story....

Wonderful ending!

Wow Nice ending

Welldone god bless you for the story

Welldone GOD bless you 4 the story

What a great story. God bless the writer

Nice story

I had a great time reading this story

.

Awww! nice Tori, adesuwa you have learned from this, not all call you will answer na

Happy ending More grease to your elbow@Igwe

Las las Adesuwa lived happily ever after with Henry. Nice story with great lessons

Wow!! Loved it to the end :*

DAT was really awesome... Kudos!!!

Just finish reading very interesting

Wow! nice story!

a big palava indeed

What a nice story kudos to my author