Boma sniffled. "Please." She started pleading.Donovan was moved to indulge her but this time, he decided otherwise. "Number four," he continued. "You will not be home late because of any night shifts. You will be home latest by 8:00 Pm." Boma continued to cry but he didn't stop. "By 8:00 pm you should already be in the house. This means you're leaving your work place by 7:30 pm in order to meet up this deadline. That's because you must have adequate rest and be alert for your studies. Number 5- ""D, please-" She tearfully pleaded again. "Please stop.""I'm not finished. Don't interrupt me again."Her crying continued, softer now but heavy with turmoil."Since you want to work, it means I no longer have to give you money. I best allow you to fend for yourself and have the experience you so desperately need."She vehemently shook her head, alarmed. "No please," she nearly choked on the words as a sob escaped her lips bringing a fresh outburst of tears."No?" He questioned. "I thought
Donovan stood outside talking with his men shortly before bed. He and Boma were at his place and their families had left the island as soon as the party was over.Ronald stayed back at a suite in the governor's lodge. Being grand patron of Donovan's cult, it was an opportunity for the student members to meet him briefly and Donovan was making arrangements for that meeting. Ronald was scheduled to return to the city the following day.Boma caught a glimpse of Donovan chatting with Phillip and Standfast outside. She got into the room and put a call across to Fidelis. She needed to talk to someone about her ordeal.His phone rang without an answer, so she called again. This time a girl responded."Hello." She said.Boma was speechless. Who was this girl? Fidelis never mentioned he was seeing someone."Um, he's in the bathroom, sorry. But he said I can take the call."Boma frowned. The girl's voice sounded familiar, but she could not place her finger on it."Oh. Okay. Please have him call
Without a word, he rolled off her and stood at the foot of the bed, bare-chested. Then he turned on the light, brightening up the cozy bedroom. It was a contrast to the tension between the two at the moment."You're going to talk, Boma." He said. "Because I can tell, he said something to you.""He did not." She cried out. "I swear, Ronald did not say anything to me." He turned away from her and moved to the closet.She sat up in alarm as she saw what he was doing. It was an all too familiar scene. The determined look, the tightened jaw, the stony gaze, the menacing belt he was retrieving and folding in half.She didn't want to go back to that life again. She began shaking her head fervently. Then she recoiled to the headboard of the bed. "No, D please, you promised."He took slow determined steps as he approached her."Tell me what Ronald said to you, or I am prepared to go back on my word tonight.""Please." She whined. "He did not-""I'm not playing with you, Boma. You know me all t
Ronald stared at Donovan for a beat. He wasn't surprised that Donovan was standing up to him. He had always been proud of him because he was his replica. But now, he was disappointed."I cannot believe you are turning your back against me.""This is not about me turning my back against you." Donovan replied. "This is about you respecting my marital home."Ronald's intimidating stare failed to make Donovan flinch. Ronald rose. "I guess we are done here." He said dismissively.Donovan rose. "Grandpa, please try and understand-""We are done here." He snapped. "You are no longer the man I thought you were becoming, strong, in charge, in control. You have become weak. A woman- a girl has weakened you. Remember I warned you against this. But I guess you did not listen. First your dream of having children early is now dead. Then you have let her add her father's name instead of answering just your name. Now you both live separately. Who knows what else she will make you do? Huh? Who knows?"
Donovan started the car and hit the road."How was the tutor by the way?""She's awesome." Boma said warmly."Wow, judging by those two words, I can see you were impressed." he observed."Yes. She explains things really well."Donovan was pleased with the report."That's great to know." He said.TWO DAYS LATERBoma was on the evening shift for her first day of work. None of her colleagues agreed to switch, hence she had to work even though it clashed with her home class.At about 3:00pm, Donovan dropped by to see her and stayed until the tutor arrived at 4:30 pm. Teni watched from the window at Boma's apartment as Boma saw Donovan off to his car. He kissed her goodbye. As they shared a kiss, Teni turned her face away, her jaw tightening.She took out her phone and stared at the photograph of a beautiful girl. Then she deleted it.***Boma returned to the house and met Teni inside. They both waited until Donovan was gone."Thanks for covering for me, okay? I promise to keep to time by
As the car rolled along the dimly lit streets, Boma's mind churned with a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. She stole glances at Teni, wondering if she should confide in her, even though she could not help but feel a sense of unease settle in the pit of her stomach. Would Teni understand? Teni noticed Boma's troubled expression and furrowed her brows. "Is everything alright, Boma?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern.Boma hesitated, her fingers nervously fiddling with the straps of her bag. "I'm not sure, honestly," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Donovan's on his way to my place with surprise chocolates, which should make me happy, but- I'm also nervous."Teni arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Nervous? Why's that?""It's just-" Boma struggled to find the right words, her thoughts jumbled. "He was with me earlier when you came for our tutoring session, right?"Teni nodded. "Well, if he sees you dropping me off after work, he'll defini
Boma shrugged. "She's really friendly.""You guys just met, please. It sounds odd."Boma wanted to confess but held back. She realized Teni would help her in maintaining her job just the way she had done the previous day. If Teni really liked her then Teni was an asset.With that thought, she smiled. "I like her. She makes me understand really well.""Hmm. Okay, what can I say? Thank God she's not a guy."Boma could feel guilt pangs hitting her but she fought them off and just smiled. He smiled at her. But then, she noticed his demeanor darken a bit."Is everything alright?" She asked."The elections. I'm quite worried. I want the students to be happy. I need to do things they will like. I know I'm no saint but, I still like to be impactful. You know me, I'm a leader. Harry is out there just trying to compete with me, really. I still hold a kind of soft spot for him and he knows it. He knows what I can do but he still tempts me. I don't want to hurt him."Boma was touched to see him op
The day of the election for the Student Union President position had arrived, and tension gripped Wilberforce Island University as everyone eagerly awaited the candidates' manifesto.The auditorium where the event took place was filled with students, observers and management of the school. While some students genuinely wanted the best person to win, others' judgments were clouded by favoritism, influenced by their connections to the candidates. It was unfortunate, but this was the reality they all had to contend with.As Harry stepped up to the podium, Donovan sat poised in his seat, his eyes fixed on his opponent with an unreadable gaze. Dressed in a sharp suit, Donovan exuded an air of confidence and authority, his presence commanding attention even in the midst of a crowded auditorium.Boma's friend Hilda leaned over, her voice barely above a whisper. "Look at Donovan," she murmured, her eyes tracing the lines of his profile. "He's positively captivating, isn't he? So handsome and
IntimacyDonovan spoke to Boma in the morning about moving in again, stating his concerns. She considered it and said she would think about it. They were both in bed, her hand on her waist.“Great.” He said, smiling.“You did this to me.” She whined. “I’m so round.”He laughed. “You’re the one who won’t stop eating.”“I can’t help it.”“I know. It will pass, Sweetheart.” He planted a kiss on her cheek.She smiled, then frowned. “D, please rub my feet.”Donovan obliged her. But she pointed to her knee. “No, there.”He laughed and indulged her. “Hope you won’t be the death of me.”She glared at him. “Are you complaining?”He lifted his hands in mock surrender, shaking his head. “Me? Complain? How dare I complain about taking care of the Queen of my heart?”She started to smile then frowned. “My feet, D, please massage.”He didn’t oblige her this time. He kissed her lips and murmured in her ear. “I know what you need, Sweetheart. You want me. Don’t worry, I will be gentle and come in fro
The Dark MeetingAmong the attendees were representatives from the minor cults on campus, including an all-female cult that had often operated in the background, carefully observing the landscape of power. Their leader, a sharp-eyed girl with an air of authority, stood to address the group.She recalled her altercation with the girl Donovan married. She had thought maybe Donovan would grow tired of her, but it was not happening. Also, she thought she had moved on, but the more she saw Donovan’s success, the angrier she got. She wanted his downfall over this and had orchestrated everything by getting all the rival cult groups together.“Look at him,” she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “Donovan thinks he’s some kind of hero, but we all know better. He’s just a fraternity member like the rest of us, and it’s time we remind him of his place.”As she turned off the video, the room fell silent. The atmosphere shifted, igniting the simmering animosity rising within the members. “W
Donovan’s LeadershipAs Donovan dove back into his responsibilities as SUG President, his passion for improving campus life grew stronger. He focused on the promises he made the school during his manifesto.One of his first initiatives upon resuming his role was addressing the issue of inadequate transportation on campus.The student body had long complained about the lack of school buses, leading to overcrowded rides and long waits. Donovan, refusing to let this linger any longer, called for a meeting with the university's management. Armed with facts, surveys, and the frustrations of his fellow students, he laid out his proposal: the school needed more buses, and the government had the resources to help.After hours of discussions, Donovan sent a formal proposal to the state government, making a strong case for why they needed to invest in the transportation system for the students.His tenacity paid off when his proposal was received positively, and a few weeks later, several new b
Back to School – One Month After the HoneymoonThe late afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the sleek SUV as it made its way back to campus.Boma leaned against the plush seat, her hand resting gently on her small but noticeable bump, a tender reminder of the new life growing inside her.Beside her, Donovan sat silently, his fingers interlaced with hers, his protective presence a constant source of strength.Phillip, Donovan’s right-hand man, was focused on the road, driving them back to the reality of school life after their whirlwind honeymoon.It had only been a month of travelling the world as newlyweds. Now, they were returning to their roles as students, but life had changed dramatically. Boma wasn’t just a student anymore; she was Mrs. Donovan. She was also carrying his child, and while her heart was full of joy, she found herself longing for some semblance of the independence she once cherished.As the car rolled through the gates of the university, Boma’s thoughts l
AFTER BOMA’S FULL RECOVERY The trauma from Boma’s ordeal with Harry was fading, thanks to Donovan’s gentle care and devotion. The school holiday was in full swing, and as promised, Donovan decided it was time for their honeymoon abroad. THE HONEYMOON Boma felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she sat beside Donovan on their flight. It was her first time flying, and though Donovan had wanted to book first class, she insisted on experiencing it in economy for her first time. Donovan agreed on the condition that their return flight would be first class. This way, she would experience both options. Boma accepted. Meeting each other halfway was becoming their norm, and Boma was beginning to enjoy the equality she had longed for. Donovan, always wanting to see her happy, indulged her wishes, adjusting to this new dynamic of negotiation in their relationship. His palm rested gently on her stomach as the plane began to take off. She breathed deeply, her eyes wide with a mix of fear
In the depth of his grief, Donovan clung tightly to Boma."No, you can't leave. Come back to me. Please, come back to me. I know you can hear me. I choose to believe you can hear me. Boma!"The family doctor gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "She's gone, Son. I'm sorry.""No!" Donovan shook off the doctor's hand and looked at Boma's face, growing cold in his arms. "Boma, hear me! Come back to me. It's D. Don't go, please!"Boma, floating towards the light, heard a distant voice calling her. The light beckoned her, but so did the voice. She heard her name, then the words, "Don't go- Come back to me- It's D- I love you- Please-"The voice grew louder, pulling her back. The light faded as she heard, "It's Papa- please don't leave me. Live again!"She gasped, her eyes shooting open. Seizures wracked her body, and she became aware of herself in Donovan's familiar arms. A beeping sound filled the air.People in white coats surrounded her, and she realized she was on a hospital bed in Do
Ken stood before a pacing Harry in the living room of the cabin. As a frat house it was simple, rustic with minimal furniture."Calm down, bro." Ken said, causing him to pause."That bastard is not taking me seriously." He shouted. "Does he think I'm joking?" "No. But it's just his way to assert his power. You are still the one in power. You have the leverage, so calm down."Hearing that, Harry sank down on a chair. Ken followed suit as Harry called Donovan who picked up after the second ring. This delay also infuriated Harry. Donovan should be desperate, calling him all the time. "I will kill your wife by tomorrow if you've not resigned by 12:00pm." He declared and ended the call.He sat back, satisfied that this time, it was he who had ended the call."Good one, bro." Ken praised."Thanks for having my back.""Anytime bro."They were silent for a while, anticipating their victory."Look at this place. It's a mess." Harry said. "Once we get the money by any means necessary, we'll pu
After what felt like an hour, the car finally slowed down, bumping along a rough road.Boma sensed they were far from the island, possibly near the city outskirts. God, where were they taking her?The car stopped, and her captors dragged her out. She heard nothing but forest sounds. Maybe they were at a cabin in the woods, she thought. Barely able to struggle, she was carried into a house. The creaking of boots on wood told her it was a wooden structure. A door lock clicked open, and she was carried inside. The air was stale, as if the place hadn't been aired out in ages. She heard a window opening, letting in some much-needed ventilation. Inwardly, she was grateful; she could have suffocated otherwise.Finally, they dropped her to the floor and removed her blindfold. She faced Harry. His gaze was cold, devoid of the compassion she once saw in him. He was a man consumed by envy and a thirst for power. She wanted to speak, to appeal to his better nature, but her lips were sealed.Fear
Donovan called Hilda, his fingers tapping impatiently against the phone as it rang."Hello, Hilda," he said as soon as she picked up. "I need to talk to you. It’s about Boma."Hilda's voice, already laced with worry, deepened. "What’s going on, Presido?""I’ve been trying to piece together where she might be. The security guard saw her leave with someone in a black car. Do you remember anything unusual about her recently?"Hilda paused, thinking hard. "The last time we saw her was at the faculty block, and she was alone but was later joined by Harry. They went to check his exam results together."Donovan’s grip tightened on the phone. He remembered encountering her that day as well. He had even seen Harry's car as he left. "Harry? Are you sure?""Yes," Hilda replied. "We didn't like it and didn't think much of it at the time, but now- it worries me.""Thanks, Hilda. I’ll do all I can to handle it from here," Donovan said, ending the call abruptly.His mind raced, fury bubbling to the s