Share

Assistance

last update Last Updated: 2022-11-08 17:46:26

Chapter 5

"Thanks for the food ma'am. It's luscious, I enjoyed every bit of it." Bella commended as she picked up the wiper to tidy her mouth.

"I'm glad you did."

"Let me help you with that." Bella offered as she watched Richard packing the already used plates.

"Oh! Don't bother." He said with a smile.

"Woah, you must be hardworking," Stella uttered as they moved to the living room.

"You think so?" Bella asked with a mischievous grin.

"Yeah."

"Well, I guess your assumptions are wrong. Bella is a lazy Ass." Bella said chuckling.

"Ha, I doubt that. Are you trying to say this gesture you've been showing is just a facade?"Stella asked menacingly with a lopsided grin.

"may-be." Bella shrugged with an impish smile.

 After Richard was done washing, he walked out of the kitchen to join them in the living room.

 "Hey ladies, it seems I'm missing out on something. I can hear your laughter in the kitchen." He said as he slumped onto the closest armchair.

 

 "It's nothing, we're just trying to bring up a conversation." Stella Replied.

.

.

"To be honest, that woman is an embodiment of beauty. She is damn pretty, tall, slender, fair-skinned, with portable breasts, huge hips, and well-to-do butts. She might be into modeling because that woman is "hot" Bella effused as she was giving Maria a sneak peek of how her day went with Jacob's family. 

 

"Wow!" 

 "That woman is lucky. To be sincere, I'm jealous of her, the kind of life she lives is the best definition of a perfect life. 

   You should have seen the way she and her husband were displaying all sorts of romantic stuff. Their Public Display of Affection is top-notch, I'm pretty sure she's not even up to 30. Yet, her life is perfect as that." She said with a smug on her face.

"Come on, there's nothing to be jealous about. Nobody's life is perfect," she said making emphasis on the word Perfect twisting her index and middle fingers together dramatically.

 "At times, most people you think their life is perfect or you think they don't have a problem are going through the hard mill.  it might not just be obvious. You know what is tagged as coverted problem?"

"Yeah, I know. But this is making me think otherwise, I mean what else is tagged perfect if not this? She is beautiful, she has a rich loving husband with two adorable kids. Isn't that perfect?"

"Of course, it is," Maria replied sarcastically.

"Whatever, I wish to have a happy family just like Jacob's family. Sweet, peaceful, and happy family. In fact, I want a husband like Richard." She said grinning from ear to ear. 

 Maria gave her a pensive look and said, "You're going nuts my dear."

Bella gasped in awe and then chuckled softly, "No I'm not going crazy. I'm just going through some phases that are bent on driving me crazy." She said followed by a peal of loud laughter. 

"So what's the difference?" Maria questioned.

"There is. There is a difference between that two statements".

"Whatever!"

"Arrgh, I'm done with this conversation." She said in a tone of weary cynicism and got up from the chair. 

 Maria stared at her retreating figure and shook her head ruefully.

 

"This is not the Bella I once know, the one I know is contented with what she has, she's not filled with rancorous thought." Maria maundered. 

 It seems the incident unleashed the dark side of Bella. She exhibits different kinds of poignant attitudes, most of her thoughts are vicious, malefic, and loony.

 

  "Well, Pain changes people."

"Lord, Bella needs your help," Maria muttered a short prayer.

.

.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Richard snapped as he climbed up the bed.

"Huh?" She asked with a raised brow.

"You seem to be lost in thought. Anything boggling your mind?"

 "No, not really. I'm just worried about Bella."

 

 "Bella?" He queried.

 

 "Yeah, I think she needs help."

 

 "Oh! About that? Yeah, she needs help."

 

 "You have the same feeling too?"

 

 "Yes, she's not fine, she's going through a lot. She is depressed, she's just using those smiles to cover everything up. That smile is a facade."

 

 "I noticed that too. Her smile and laugh look unreal. Even when we were discussing, it was  obvious."

 

 "She has not gotten over the incident and I guess it's normal, because who will go through that kind of trauma without almost going insane?

 

 "Yeah, but she needs to snap out of it and get back on her feet. She can't continue like this, she might just end her life."

 "What?" He gawked.

"Yes, she might just commit suicide if she feels everything is turning against her."

"This is serious. In what way did you think we can be of help?

"To be candid, I don't know because she needs help; Financially, psychologically even spiritually."

"Woah! This is serious," Richard exhaled.

"So which aspect did you think we start with?" He questioned.

"Honestly, I don't know."

 There was total silence in the room for a while.

 "How about starting with the spiritual aspect?" Stella suggested.

 

 Richard gave her a long pensive look.

 

 "Yes, we can start by inviting her to our church. It's only God that can help her. She's a Christian right?"

 

 "Yes, she is or should I say she was?

 "She used to be a devoted Christian back then in our University days."

 

 "Oh! Then what happens now? She's no longer devoted? Has she backslid?

 

"I can't answer that question," he said with a nervous laugh.

"Oh! This is the perfect time for her to draw nearer to GOD because he's the only one that can help her out."

  "Backsliding will not help the matter it can only worsen it if care is not taken. She could have just put everything in God's hands and let his will be done.

 

 "When you're heavily laden, you tend to be frustrated or make you do absurd things. It might even make you doubt the existence of God and it does not matter if you're devoted, righteous, or whatever position you hold in the house of God. We are humans, we have feelings and emotions, and blood runs through our veins, so it's normal to feel sad or downcasted because the Bible told us in John 16: 33; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

 

 So it's certain that we shall face trials.

 " Yeah, that's true."

 

"We can also help her to move closer to him. You know?"

 "True, maybe I should invite her to our Sunday service program and if she doesn't mind, we can take her to our pastor for prayer and counseling."

 

 "Good. After that, we can now help her financially. Or what did you think?" she asked.

 "Yeah, it's fine. We will help her in the little way we can. We want to see her get back to her feet."

 

"Yeah, that's the spirit," she said with a smirk.

Richard stared at her weirdly.

"What? Why are you staring at me that way? She was forced to ask.

Richard smiled and pulled her closer to him. "You know I'm so lucky to have you right?"

Stella giggled; "yes, I'm lucky to have you too."

"You're quick-witted, Beautiful, and Doting and your good personality is just beyond imagination. The way you care about people is outstanding."

"Aww, all this compliment for me? 

I'm flattered." She chortled using her hands to fan her face dramatically.

"I'm serious, you're just like an angel.  I promise to love the whole of you till my last breath." He said as he placed a light kiss on her forehead.

"I promise to love every inch of you." She replied as he placed a short kiss on her lips.

"Huh, time to sleep. Work begins tomorrow."

"Yeah. Monday, Money day." Stella said yawning lightly.

 

 

 

 

 

Related chapters

  • For Better or For Worse   Seduction

    Chapter 6 Bella pondered over the crazy idea that was popping up in her head and let out a sly grin as she rocked back on the swivel chair. "I have got to give it a try." She mussitated and brought out her small makeup kit in her bag, applied a retouch on her face, and combed her long artificial fixed hair to make sure it wasn't ruffled. "Yeah, I think I have that killer look renewed again," she winked as she adjusted her dress. She walked out of her office elegantly with her high-pointed heel shoe hitting the tiled floor with no mercy. She placed a soft knock on the door as she got to Mr. Richard's office. "Come in." His voice came from the other end of the room. She exhaled quietly as she twitched the door knob. She met him sitting behind his desk with his eyes glued to his laptop. "Hi, Good afternoon." She said trying to avert his attention from what he was doing. And just as she expected, he shifted his gaze away from his laptop. "Hi, Bella goo

    Last Updated : 2022-11-19
  • For Better or For Worse   Invitation

    "Are you going somewhere?" Maria inquired as she watched Bella get dressed that morning which was not typical of her, it's been ages since she attend any church Sunday service. "As you can see babe, I'm going to church," Bella replied as she applied concealer to the well-carved eyebrow she drew on her face. Maria's eyes almost popped out of its socket as she made the statement. "Are you serious?" "Why are you surprised because I said I'm going to church? I'm not the worst sinner on earth you know." She gushed as she took her lips in so that the lipstick can spread widely on her lips. "Come on, that's not what I mean. I'm just surprised that's all. This kind of change is impressive! I'm happy that you're considering this move. Just hurry up so that we can get there on time, remember going late to church is not appropriate." Maria prodded. "Spoiler alert, I'm not going to your Church." She uttered with an impish look on her face. "Oh!" "Yeah, Richard invited me to their ch

    Last Updated : 2022-11-19
  • For Better or For Worse   Counselling

    Chapter 8 RecapShe startled a little bit. "Oh! I'm just considering somethings. But, can I ask you a question?" "Yeah, go ahead and ask me," he urged. "Why are you so much keen in my matter? I mean, I can take care of myself and it's obvious that I'm trying to get back on my feet. So why the concern?" She asked making a puppy face. > > > > > > "Yeah, I know it's true. You're an a****n and I'm proud of you but strong people need help, remember we're human and there are somethings we can't handle alone." "Huh!" She scoffed."Yes, Bella, you need help." "Okay fine, let's go since you insist." She blurted. "Yeah, her office is over there. Let's go see her." * * * * * "Thanks for your time ma'am. I hope to see you on Saturday during our counseling program. Do you promise to be present?" Mrs. Adeoye, the counselor implored. "Yes ma'am. I promise I won't miss it for anything." Bella affirmed. "Okay, I will be expecting you, ma'am. Can I have your

    Last Updated : 2022-11-19
  • For Better or For Worse   Who is Bella?

    As she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, she was pleased with what she saw. "Indeed! I'm endowed with beauty." She said complimenting her looks, turning round to check her outfit. She was putting on a short, black, tight-fitted gown and the heavy makeup did enough work to embellish her face. She walked over to her shoe rack and picked a black high-heeled stiletto that matched her outfits. "Hey, Maria I'm off to work." She shouted as she walked out of the house hurriedly. "Hey." she waved trying to stop a cab. The man parked and wound down the windshield. "Golden Ville." "500 Naira " "Okay," she replied as she opened the passenger sit and hop in * * * * "Hey Good morning to y'all," she said lackadaisically as she walked inside the office. Only few people responded to her greetings because she hardly associate with them. Some of them tagged her as the "Proud peacock." The Accounting department office is a big and wide space that conveyed all their employee

    Last Updated : 2022-11-21
  • For Better or For Worse   Bella's target

    Chapter 10 As Bella walked over to the reception counter, she met a familiar figure standing opposite Shade. "Look who we have here," she mumbled to herself. "Hi, Good evening." Stella greeted Immediately she got to where he was standing. As he glanced back, his eyes Interlocked with those pair of lovely eyes for a while before she broke the eye contact. His face lit up with excitement as he almost pulled her in a tight hug before he restrained himself, else he had need one hell of an explanation to give, and he can't afford to get on her dark side at this early stage. He has to shoot his shot accurately. "Hi, pretty." He said flirtatiously. "Hi." She simply waved at him making sure her diamond ring flashed brightly across his face. He got the message immediately and his heart sank. "Shit! She's married." He cussed silently. "It's been a while, I have not be seeing you here even though I come here everyday. Do you work here?" He asked after regaining his composure. "Yeah

    Last Updated : 2022-11-22
  • For Better or For Worse   Dare

    Chapter 11 A few minutes after placing their orders, the waiter brought their food. They ate quietly, Bola was expecting her to bring up a conversation but she never did and they just ate in silence. The silence between them was odd and weird; at least, It is normal to chat while eating and then talk about whatever they have after eating but Bella never utter a word. "Hope you enjoyed your meal?" Bella asked as she picked up the wipes to clean her mouth after they were done with their food. "Sure, I did. We all know Vinnie's chefs are pros, they prepare delicious food." "Well, they're in the leading position for their outstanding characteristics and I believe their meal is also a constituent," Bella added with a smile plastered on her face. The conversation they were having was not what Bola was expecting. "Probably she's still trying to be friendly before hitting her with her main motive. "I wonder why she's going through corners before she strikes. Whatever she's preparin

    Last Updated : 2022-11-23
  • For Better or For Worse   Unyielding Stella

    Chapter 12 As Mr. Ekpeyong stepped out of the car, he walked towards the entrance of the supermarket tucking his car key in his pocket. He has made it a point of duty to come there every day even though he doesn't need what he was buying and he made sure he goes there towards the evening time so that he'd be able to see Stella. "It's just sad that she's married." At the pulse of the moment, Stella walked out making him almost bump into her. "I'm sorry about that," he apologized. "Oh! It's nothing," Stella replied with a brief smile. "Can you just stop flashing this lovely smile of yours because it seems to be driving me nuts," he muttered under his breath. "Oh, M.r Ekpeyong. Thanks for your patronage, we hope to see more of you here in our supermart." Maybe this was where Stella made it wrong because Mr. Ekpeyong construed the statement into another thing entirely."Wow! She hopes to see me?" He thought as a smile slowly crept onto his face. Stella arched her eyebrows wi

    Last Updated : 2022-11-24
  • For Better or For Worse   Uncanny revelation

    Gathering every little strength within her, she continued running as fast as her legs could carry her. She dare not stop, or else she was gonna die; not just normal death but an excruciating one at that.The strange old woman was also determined to get to her, the look on her face alone screamed DEATH. Though the woman looks feeble and frail, but her legs were strangely fast as she pursued her swiftly, holding the hem of her wrapper. She was carrying a shiny cutlass in her hands breathing heavily as she continued running. "I will chop off your head! It's just a matter of time before I get to you." She threatened, breathing heavily with her legs making a resounding sound.Stella glanced back at her as she made the statement. "Oh! Somebody help me," she cried as she was gradually running out of strength, sweating profusely with her heart beating with great ounce.There's no doubt, if this woman should get to me then I'll be dead meat." She thought as she continued running with ever

    Last Updated : 2022-11-26

Latest chapter

  • For Better or For Worse   Epilogue

    Truly, the past few months have been hard on Richard and his family but their tenacious zeal to save their union was enough to keep them out of the arduous phase. Although his wife was battling with an incurable malady, Richard never changed his attitude, he stuck to his vow, giving her affection, care, and compassion. It was the only thing he could do to save his dear wife from the hands of the lethal disease. Getting this kind of tenderness from Richard was more than enough for Stella to encompass this phase and get on her feet. He makes sure she visits the hospital whenever she has an appointment, goes for antiretroviral therapy, and takes the prescribed drugs. Their marriage was getting back to life, full of bliss and happiness just like it, was before the mishap launched.The vicious ally that infiltrated their life, whirled it through anguish, turmoils, and travail. Bella Jonathan was finally out of their life. If everything has gone according to the way Stella planned, th

  • For Better or For Worse   Trauma

    ~Recap" My God! What did we do to deserve all these from you? What was our offense?" Richard questioned in disbelief."I'm sorry I don't know, I was just following the instructions given to me.""Who instructed you?""Bella. Bella Jonathan did.""What!""Yes, Bella. Everything was Bella's plan, I only helped her to carry out the plan.""What!" They exclaimed in unison."No, this is not true. Impossible! I don't believe any of this. Why will Bella even do this to me?" Stella questioned, refusing to believe what Tochukwu just divulged. Richard did not find it hard to speculate, he has a gut feeling against Tochukwu right from time and he was aware of the obsessed love Bella has for him, but he never think Bella could take it to this extent.No! This is outrageous.""I see no reason why I should lie, the last thing I can do right now is to uncover the truth. And yes, this is true, you deserve to know the truth. I don't know Bella personally, not until she contacted me about this busi

  • For Better or For Worse   Revelation

    The news hit them like a huge bomb, it was too complex to take in. Of course, they had their doubt and were strongly against such news that it was far from being possible. They went to another standard Hospital just to confirm the uncanny revelation but unfortunately, the result was the same.Richard and the kids were compelled to conduct the test just to clear all their doubts but strangely, they tested Negative which means Stella is the only one with the deadly disease. How she contracted the virus was baffling at first, but after different investigations were made, it was traced back to the one-night stand she had with Tochukwu, which revealed that she got the deadly transmitted disease from him. "Ha! All this misfortune for ten minutes pleasure? I'm doomed!" Stella lamented biting her fingers in regret, wishing she could change back the hand of time to amend things. It was hard for her to accept the fact that she was truly an HIV patient, never in her wildest dreams has she e

  • For Better or For Worse   Complicated

    Stella's entire body was in the blaze as several thoughts ran through her head. To say she was confused would be an understatement; one voice was supporting the idea, the other was defying, and another one was taking both sides. Her heart kept thumping with great ounce as if she was having a heart seizure. Yet, a rain of hot tears gushed down heavily from her eyes. Without giving it a second thought, she darted back and scampered to where her father was sitting. Went down on her knees, hugged his legs, and placed her head on his knees."Father, I'm sorry.""I'm so..rry.""I'm sorry." This was the only sentence that escaped Stella's lip."No, Stella. Please forgive me, I have wronged you, wreak havoc on your life, and caused you pain. I don't know if there is still space in your heart for you to set me free?" Mr. Busari voiced, with tears trickling down his cheeks.They remained in that position, pouring out their encaged emotions. The only sound that could be heard was Stella's huf

  • For Better or For Worse   Confusion

    As Stella stepped out of the car, she stood transfixed on a point contemplating whether she was making the right decision. Coming to the house that haunted her does not seem like a good idea but then, Richard stood his ground reiterating that if she was not ready to come there then definitely he was not going to discuss anything with her again even though he was fully aware of the pains this vicinage caused her. "Well, I'm ready to do anything to save my marriage and if it means coming to this place then I am ready.""I have got to try this, without further ado," she muttered and with that, she walked towards the gate. After pressing the doorbell, a few seconds later the door creaked open revealing a young lady probably In her early thirties."Hi, good morning.""Oh! Miss Stella, Good evening, ma." the lady greeted with a smile plastered on her face. "Yes, ma'am, please, is Richard in? I mean Mr. Jacob?""No, ma'am, he's not back from work but you can wait for him.""Ugh! Is this

  • For Better or For Worse   Stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea

    They waited eagerly at the reception for the doctor to step out of the ward where Janice was been treated. Stella sat down at the far edge of the chair, her head dropped down in sorrow. Richard was pacing around, while Bella just froze to a point not knowing what to do. They were all on tenterhooks.After several minutes of waiting restively, the doctor walked out making all of them jolt out of their worry land. "Doctor, how is my baby?" Stella was the first to throw the question at him."Hmm, we thank God, she's stable for now," he replied simply."Oh! Thank you, Jesus." Stella exclaimed jumping up in relief."For now?" Richard questioned as he reasoned on the doctor's reply."Yeah, thank God she was brought here quickly before the matter got worse, she lost a lot of blood as a result of the shock she went through. Right now, we need to donate blood to her.""Doctor, I'm available."Stella volunteered, stepping forward."But, you're pregnant, ma'am. You're not eligible." The d

  • For Better or For Worse   Bad Tidings

    "I am sorry about the news, sir." Bella blurted, breaking the deafening silence between them as they were riding back home in Richard's car. "What news?" He befuddled."About the scandal that surfaced last night, I mean about your family..." "Oh!" He murmured in a low voice. "Yeah, it's sad and those mendacious bloggers have made a compulsive, heart-rending story out of it. They're the sole reason why this is trending.""That's not even the problem, I wonder who has been prying into our family matter and then taking it over to social media. This is not the kind of life I want for myself, I cannot even walk freely; you'd see them pointing at me and saying all sorts of filthy things. Honestly, I'm tired, confused, and..." He complained with a frustrating hiss."I am so sorry about this, sir, It's sad that your family is going through this tough phase." "To be honest, I still find this hard to believe because I never expect Stella to engage in such an immoral act considering her stat

  • For Better or For Worse   Suicide

    The following day, Richard was in his office busy sorting out his work that afternoon when a knock came through on his door."Come in," he ushered."Good afternoon, sir," Bella greeted immediately as she stepped in. "Oh, Bella! I never knew you came to work today, I thought your manager gave you leave?" He asked quite surprised because she just lost her father."Yes, she did sir, but I don't want to stay at home. I am not used to that kind of lifestyle and staying alone will make me start thinking of uncanny things.""Yeah, I think you're right. Hope you're doing well.""Yes, sir, I'm fine.""Hmm, it's lunchtime already, I guess you're busy, sir?" she asked with a slight grin. "Erhm, not really, I'm just trying to round up with this." "So, would you like to have lunch with me?" "Sure, this work can wait." He said getting up on his feet as they both walked out to his office and headed to the cafeteria. And that was how their friendship sprang up again, Bella goes to his office mos

  • For Better or For Worse   Stony Hearted

    Everyone who came to the burial rite was dressed in black outfits as they came to mourn with Bella over the death of her father.Just a few of her colleagues at work and Maria's long distant family were there. Bella looked awful and miserable, her eyes were puffy and swollen as a result of too many tears running out of her eyes. She couldn't stop the tears from flowing, as she watched them place him six feet below. She strode forward, clutched the shovel, and pour little sand on it. "Accept my heartfelt condolences," Richard muttered as he walked towards her occupying the sit beside her. Maria stood up and excused them. "Thank you, sir." She muttered sniffing."Please that's enough, cry no more. Life is a bale of tears and losing our loved ones is part of life right?" "Yeah, it's," she replied simply with a nod."Well, life has been like that to me right from time; life keeps snatching things so dear to me. Now my only hope is gone, I don't know how I will scale through this..."

DMCA.com Protection Status