Novels by Titilope boluwatife

chapter 13Aretha's POV I took a cab to go back to the hotel, and the thought of what to do next flashed through my mind. The city that once held so many promises now felt suffocating, burdened by memories that weighed on me with every passing block. I wasn’t going to live in that house, at least not now. The thought ran like wildfire through my mind as the car honk shot me out of my reverie. I heaved a deep sigh, shaking off the heavy reverie for the moment before I stepped out of the car, walking towards the hotel's entrance. The door to the entrance was opened and I stepped into the hotel and took the elevator to my room.A new resolve surged through me."This is it," I thought.I was done with New York. Done with the weight of the past pressing down on me. I wasn’t just leaving the City, I was leaving all the pain, the betrayal, the suffocating expectations, the one from the people I thought were my family.I would close this chapter for good.Stepping into my room, I dropped

Chapter 12ArethaI stood up to head into the bathroom after making the calls with the estate agent, a small smile brimming on my face at the prospect of what would become of them in a month or two.The shower drizzled down on my body, and I ran my hand through the length, taking the shampoo on the stand to wash it."Exquisite..." I muttered with a smile on my face, the full-body mirror reflecting my shape.It turns out the unnamed hate I had for myself and the insecurities were because I never saw a full view of myself.Curvy in all the right places... in a word, I was beautiful. The annoying sound of my phone ringing broke my reverie, and I draped a robe over my body before leaving the bathroom to take the call."I've gotten the house, ma'am, and I would need you to come to sign the documents; it's already been done by them," the agent said, and I flashed another grin to myself."Text me where you are, I'll be there in half an hour," I replied before hanging up.I rummaged through

Chapter 11Aretha's POV"Hey, whore," I heard Mary, my aunt's daughter, call from the top of the stairs. Her voice grated on my nerves, pulling me out of my thoughts."I saw you perform your theatrics down there with Mom. What... who do you think you are?" she sneered, stepping down the stairs with an air of superiority that made me wish, just for a second, she’d trip and fall. Maybe a hard knock on the head would give her the brain cells she desperately needed."Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you know better than to keep your gaze on the floor? You dare to look at me like that!" she spat, nudging me backward with her finger. I could smell the faint scent of her cheap perfume mixed with the bitterness of her words.I slapped her hand away, disgust curling in my stomach. I didn’t want to deal with her now—or ever, really."You don’t get to leave when I’m talking to you, Aretha," she hissed, but her voice was nothing more than an annoying buzz in my ears. I sighed, feeling t

Chapter 10Aretha's pov I checked in for two nights at the hotel into the most exquisite room at the hotel."Here's your room card ma'am," she said and flashed a customer service smile at me.I recognized those forced smiles that had to be on one's face.Happy or not, it had to be there."Is there anything that you'd like while you're in your room, your meals will be made according to your preferences and our private chefs will be in standby," she explained, and I could hear the slight cracking of her voice underneath the facade safe was putting on."It's okay to be sad sometimes, I hope you know that," I said, offering the words that I wished to hear my self.She looked up at me, transfixed for a short moment."I'm sorry if my services have not been up to your expectations, she said again, her voice laced with an unshed tears."I'm telling you, Brittney that whatever it is you're going through, it will all be fine," I said and she nodded, wiping the tears that were eventually drippi

Chapter 9"Aretha..." The doctor called my name for the sixth time before I finally looked up at him. His eyes held a quiet concern that almost made me crumble again."Trust me, everything will be fine," he assured, his voice a gentle balm to the turmoil within me. I wanted to believe him, but the weight of my fears anchored me to the floor, pulling me back into the storm of my thoughts."Thank you, doctor," I whispered, accepting his hand as he helped me up from the cold, hard floor where I had collapsed. My legs wobbled, but I forced them to support me."I think I'll leave now. Thank you very much for your time," I continued, trying to hold onto the last shreds of my composure as I wiped the tears from my face."I'll see you off," he offered, his voice full of genuine concern, but I quickly shook my head."You've already helped me more than enough, doctor. From cutting the line to your comforting words... I really appreciate it," I muttered, my voice raspier than I intended. The tho

Chapter 8Aretha"The room is ready, doctor," the nurse's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I heaved a deep sigh, still struggling with the decision I’d made. But I remained adamant. This had to be done."Let’s go, Aretha," the doctor said, his tone gentle. I managed a weak, wry smile as I stood to follow him into the scanning room, my feet feeling as heavy as lead as I took each step, doubt whispered in my ear, but I shoved it aside. There was no turning backAs we walked, the doctor glanced at me, his brow furrowed slightly. "Are you still sure you want to go through with this, Aretha?" he asked, his voice tentative. "I mean—you’re still young, and you have a good chance of becoming a great mother."His words made my heart clench. A great mother? Could I really be that? I shook my head, trying to stay resolute. But he pressed on, his tone softening further."You could even consider adoption if taking care of the baby is what worries you." He paused, a