Chapter Five

No one ever develops courage by constantly being happy. 

Surviving difficult times and challenging adversities aids 

development. Every individual has got a story to tell. 

Sometimes, life can be unfair. It may not give you what you 

want but force you to take what it gives. 

"All my years, there was no sign that Mr. Anslem was my foster 

father. He treated me like his daughter. He stood out among 

many men and displayed maturity. He never got tired of me. If I 

so desired, he was willing and is still ready to train me further in 

school. But, why is all this happening to me and not someone 

else? What else is yet to be revealed still? I can't even imagine 

what my next moment will look like. Will I get into a sorrowful 

marsh and take shelter neath roots or find myself in a pinky 

castle where joy abides?

I shouldn't be brooding over this because I'm lucky to have 

gotten someone who sponsored me all through. Even at this 

point, I can't help it. I can't help but feel different, I feel so lost. 

Oh Lord! I need you more now"

While the wallowing lasted, Grace got a call from Henry, a 

distant relative.

"How are you feeling, Grace?"

"Good. How's everyone?"

"Not bad. Are you sure you're good?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine"

" It's fine. When are you coming home?"

"Pardon, I don't understand"

"You need to come home. Everyone's being waiting for you.

We all want to see you, it's been years and finding you is our

greatest achievement"

"Please. This isn't what I need now. I'll come but not now, when

the time is right. I'm not coming alone, my parents will come

with me, moreover, they are the ones bringing me. I can’t find

my way there. This means that you do not need to worry. We'll

come at the right time".

"Talking about the right time, this is the right time. How long

do you need to prepare? You need to step foot on your father's

land as as well bear his name even if it's once before you get

married".

"Will you let me breathe? What is all this and where is this

coming from? I have a name. Why are you being

unnecessarily worried."

"This man is not your dad. He is your foster father and it's better

if you bear your biological father's name"

"Excuse me! Listen well. Don't you ever repeat this statement,

not in your life time. Where were you when this man gave me a

reason to live, stood by me against all odds and stuck out his

head in the cold to make me who I am today? He nurtured me

when you and others were nowhere to be found. Listen to me,

don't ever call me to say this again," Grace flared.

"We looked for you everywhere. You mean the world to us, so

we care about you"

"You care about me now that you don't have to spend a dime on

me. Please, speak for yourself. You all care and you're just

finding me now. I'm not in the mood for all these. We can talk

later, that's if I’m better by then." She hanged up the phone.

"What is wrong with this guy? Is this really what we should be

discussing? I'm not going there, let's see if he'd pull me by the

leg" Grace was infuriated. Why would people be so selfish?"

She thought. She has to meet Laura and Becky, then it has to be

immediately. No! She needs to inform them first.

On my way to your place. Grace typed

Alright, waiting

Inform Becky as well. Need to talk to you both. She written

Noted. Be safe

She dipped her phone into her back pocket, took her blue

leather hand bag, lifts it high on her shoulder and headed for the

door.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yes mum. I'm meeting my friends"

"Come back soon. We'd need to talk"

"Sure. See you soon"

At Laura's house,

"Girls, finally my fears have turned into reality right before me"

"How do you mean?" Becky asked

"Mr Anslem is not my biological father." The duo girls looked

at her in bewilderment.

"You asked your mum and she confirmed it?" Laura asked

"Not really. Got home that day and later that evening, she and

my dad burst the bubbles"

"Oh my God. I thought as much, I had this strong hinge that he

wasn't your father" Becky claimed

"I understand how terrible you must have felt" Laura said

"You can't imagine, I felt more than terrible. I soliloquized with

a mouthful of rhetorics. I can barely process the lot. I'm

confused and trying so hard to accept everything. The more I

tried, the weaker my troubled heart got. I feel rather miserable"

"Stop it. You are strong, brave and courageous. I believe you

can make it through. This phase will pass soon, I trust you.

Listen, you can make it. This times may bring you burdens that

are too heavy to bear but I promise you one thing, at the end

you will be better." Laura encouraged.

"I can't tell you that I know exactly how you feel because I've

never been there. I know you to be a strong woman, you have

been through so much, I understand. But I'm definitely sure

you'll survive. We are here for you, speak to us at any time, we

are willing to hear you out. All you need to do is try to forget it,

please." Becky beseeched.

"Forget, you say? Alright. I've been trying persistently to forget

about everything, all trials end up futile. On the regular, I reflect

on the memories a thousand and one times in a day. This is too

much for me to handle" she wept bitterly.

"I try not to think that it could be the reason why I and my sister

don't connect. And then what if she finds out someday, she will have an opportunity to do whatever she wants to me. I feel like.  

I've been stabbed right at the back. I only see these things in

movie, I didn't know it would ever happen to me. If you check

my life from the very beginning down to this point, its obvious

I've only had terrible experiences. I always had to let go for

others to be happy, I consistently made sacrifices for others. I

feel so tired of life already, how long do I need to bear this

alone? You don't understand how I feel within me. A burning

fire inside of me which cannot be quenched totally. I want to

move on, I wish to let go, still, I can't help but remember

everything. I need help, I think I need help fast."

"Does your sister knows about this?"

"Unfortunately, she overheard the conversation."

"And?"

"What would you expect? She's being saying a lot of things.

How I can't be her sister and sort of. I feel so terrible right

now."

"Calm down, Grace. Life you see is not always a bed of roses.

Things happen, people lose their loved ones and other things

that seem dear. Some people don't even have families, source of

livelihood and even friends. Just look at you, your parents loves

you. They value and care for you. My dear, going through all

these are only preparing you for a greater task and a brighter

future. Someday, all will be well. Pull yourself together, you are

not a stranger, you are their daughter, their first child. Come

what may. I want you to do something for me".

"What could that be Laura?"

"Pull yourself together, rise up on your feet like an eagle, dive

into that storm, rewrite your goals and be ready to launch them.

This is a time to tell the world about your existence. It is time to

let the past go. It is time to shine that hidden light, let the gracein you dominate you, show the world your true potential, I want

to see a new Grace"

"How about Ann? What do I do?"

"Do not do anything. Let her be, she will get over it too, soon

enough."

Grace couldn't tell her friends that her sister claimed that

everything their father own belongs to her. She just kept staring

and sobbing, Laura's words lifted a great burden from her

shoulders. Laura had worked a miracle indeed and she suddenly

found her voice.

"If I ever come to this world again, you would still be my

friends. You don't know how grateful I am, you both never gave

up on me. Thank you"

"You're welcome darling. Anything for you"

"I got you a gift." Becky dipped her hand into her bag and

brought out a parcel "here you go"

"Oh, thank you. I'm opening it right here. I seriously can't wait

to see what's in it" she opened the parcel and found a beautiful

blue gown.

"I feel more like a little queen. Thank you so much"

"You don't have to thank me that much, I'm like your sister

remember?"

"Sure. I love you both"

"You need to come back quickly, my birthday is in three days"

Laura told Grace

" I totally forgot. I should be coming tomorrow then"

"Now you're talking. You better get me a gift or we'll fight" she

said tightening her fist

"Mike Tyson" everyone laughed "don't bother thinking of

fighting. I can do anything for you, I'm sure you're aware of

that"

"That's my Grace speaking. Can't wait to have you back. You'll

be staying at my place henceforth; you aren't allowed to stay

alone."

"You don't need to worry your head, I'm definitely coming

tomorrow. Thanks girls"

"Anything for the damsel"

"I have to leave, mom would be expecting me"

"Sure. It's fine. Just be careful"

"I will"

Grace left with a new spirit, a new mind, and a new desire. She

had to live for the people that love her true.

"Becky, she's going through pains. I do feel for her you know.

Sometimes, I wish I could lift the burden from her," Laura said.

"I feel same. I have faith in God and I believe that she is a

strong woman. She can pull through, certain. Seriously, I keep

wondering how she does it, I mean putting on a smiling face

always like everything is flourishing"

"That's a secret I'm yet to understand, but I love her so"

Grace got home and began to put a few items together. Mom

wanted her to spend some time, so she'd have to spare few

hours tonight. It's pretty late already and she isn't done yet.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Just then she remembers she

hasn't told Mom she was leaving tomorrow

"Taking a few luggage, I'll be leaving by morning"

"Why?"

"Laura's celebrating in three days and I have to help her out"

"Are you sure that the reason?"

"C'mon mom, that's it. Or was there something else?"

"I understand you might be very hurt finding out who your

biological father is..."

"Mom please. That is totally out of it. The truth is, I felt rather

different, more or like a stranger when I heard it. But I'm

grateful to you both, especially dad, who never saw me

differently. He was there to give me all the care and support I

ever needed. He found a daughter in me and loved me like

every other father would love their daughter. Mum, you never

gave up on me. You had the choice of getting into another

marriage, which was sure to have a great effect on me. But, you

never did. You made him accept me and you stood by me all

these years. What more can I ask for?"

Mom wept joyfully; her daughter understood everything.

"Thank you dear. I will forever stand by you, come what may.

Please give Annabel some time to come around. She is not

finding it funny, but I know she loves you."

"There is no need for all that, it has always being like this

between us. You don't have to worry yourself, just let her have

her way."

"Do you have any idea of what you are talking about?"

have an op"Yes I do. Let her have everything, I will work for every penny 

I'll spend. Do not bother about because I will be totally fine".

"No way". Her mom stated. "I never gave birth to a child who 

would not listen to me, both of you must reconcile." She said 

and walked away.

Few minutes on, mom surfaced with Ann.

"Sit." She commanded her. "Grace is your elder sister and you 

have no right to decide what happens in this home."

"Mom, is this why you called me here?" Ann asked.

"Meaning?"

"She has always been your favorite, she is the perfect one. 

Today be like her, tomorrow act like her. You do not know how 

much I detest her..."

"Will you shut it? What exactly is the problem? Why the 

jealousy?"

"Jealousy? I cannot be jealous of her in any way. No!"

"Listen, the earlier you come to terms with the fact that she is 

the first child of this home the better. This is final. Retrace your 

steps while you can." Mom finalized and stepped out of the 

room.

"You think you are wise right?" Ann fired. "I cannot pretend to 

like you, know that." She walked out.

“Here comes this wave meant to destroy and wash me away. I 

don't know where this tide is taking me to. My heart is heavy 

and my voice is drowned in tears. It's okay to cry, but not 

anymore because today, I rewrite my goals. I'll pursue my 

dreams head strong, I'll open my heart to a new relationship. No, portunity to do whatever she wants to me. I feel like I cannot start to crumble, I will never be shut down by life's

circumstances. Henceforth, I will not be underestimated,

Because I am who I am. That pathetic story of mine has found

an end, I can't be cut down and I can't be silenced. I refuse to be

broken or locked up in the cage of misery because the world

awaits my coming. This is a new me" she proclaimed looking

into a mirror.

Becky arrived at Laura's earlier than usual that day.

Immediately, they began to prepare. Balloons were blown and

used to decorate the doors, windows and the table meant for the

cake, lots of candles and light strings to decorate her room.

They had also ordered a cake which had arrived, she placed the

cake in the fridge while they decorated. She placed the light

strings in form of a heart shape. The candles were placed near

her side tables and on the tables. They did a quick survey of the

house again and this time, the outcome was perfect. Lots of

friends was invited of course, a precious damsel was celebrating.

Everyone was dressed up in their best attire but no one was

allowed to dress more than the celebrant. Laura looked elegant

in her black turtle neck gown. She looked so flawless, indeed

Chris was a champ. The celebration kicked off with Laura

introducing her friends to the invited guests, one of which was

Laurel who was Chris' friend. According to Laurel, he works as

a security guard at Hollando Ventures. "Really, Hollando is a

very big company"

"Yes. I haven't been with them for so long"

"Not so bad. You're welcome once again. Please have fun" He

only gave a sign of accord by nodding his head. She left to

attend to other visitors as it was almost time for refreshments. 

Laura received the most amazing gift from Chris, he gave her a

car key. This implies that she now owns a brand new

Lamborghini. Everyone was glad to be a part of the celebration.

Little did they know that the surprise isn't over yet, Chris was

on his knee, he asked Laura to marry him. You shouldn't be

expecting a negative response because it was a capital YES. The

party was something everyone wanted to keep talking about.

After the party, Laura offered Grace a job as the human

resource manager at Hollando Ventures. One of her course mate

was the owner of the company and so it was easy for her to

have connected to Grace.

It was Grace's first day at work, she had to be punctual, well

dressed and at same time be prepared for the day's task. She got

to the office and she met someone familiar

"Hello beautiful, nice to meet you again" the young man said.

Grace couldn't recall where she had met him

"Good morning" she said smiling, trying hard to recall fast

"It's obvious you don't remember me"

"Forgive me. My efforts to recall are all in vain"

"I'm Laurel. We met at your friend's party just two days ago"

"Oh my gosh"she hits her head "please, pardon me. I totally

forgot"

"It's fine. What are you doing here?"

"I got a job here"

"This is incredible, isn't it?"

"Yeah" she smiled "through my friend though because I've been

out on job for some time now"

"Sorry about that. You've got another now, you don't need to

bother"

"So, we are colleagues then"

"Well, if you so say. Not everyone is a colleague to a security

guard"

"That doesn't sound good. Does the position matter? No, it

doesn't"

"That's because it's you. You'd need to sign the attendance, I've

kept you here for long"

"you're right. Thank you"

She walked gracefully into the office while Laurel stood stirring

at her. He wondered what his heart was up to. Right from that

very night he'd seen her, all he wanted was her. He had never

seen a woman with so much confidence and honesty of heart.

Thank God for bringing her here, he was sure that this was a

good feeling.

Grace was introduced by the assistant manager to other

members of staff. He demanded that they cooperate with her

and Accord her every respect necessary. She was also

introduced to the human resource team as well. The job

description was mailed to her. Grace decided to keep herself

busy by going through the document.

It was time for lunch and she hadn't noticed that most of the

staff had gone out. She thought of Laurel and felt she should ask

him where she could have lunch.

"Hi Laurel. Sorry to bother you, is there an eatery close by?"

"The company has an eatery. It's easy to locate. You take the

right turn, before you get to the end of the base, make a left turn

after which you'll take another turn, you'll see the inscription

'eatery' written on the door by your right"

"Are you very busy?"

"Why?"

"I don't think I understand all you've said. Please, could you

kindly come with me. We could have lunch together too"

"Thank you, but I pass"

"I'm new here and apparently, you're the only one I know. Just

for today,I won't bother you henceforth, I promise"

"Fine" he said as he lead the way

They got to the eatery and she ordered for salad and chicken

while he ordered pasta and chicken.

"You can have whatever you want. Everything here has been

paid for, so long as you have your staff identity card" he noticed

she only ordered salad, so he had to tell her it was free.

"Great. But I'm fine with that" the waiter brought in their orders

"You sound rather learned to me. So why are you a security

guard?"

"I love my job. Does being a security guard stop me from

having the good things of life, living my life or getting the

woman of my dreams"

Grace looked at him with curiosity "well, it doesn't stop you

from getting any of that. I just feel you could have gotten a

Better job"

"I get it, but I love what I do"She stirred at him. Deep within her, she could feel that this guy

has lots of untapped potentials but why he'd love this job is

what she doesn't know "what if you have a better opportunity,

will you accept it?" He didn't answer her question neither did he

finish his meal. He stood up quietly and walked away. "Did I

say something wrong? Maybe I shouldn't have started this

conversation in the first place" she thought in her confused state.

She mustn't find out about me now. Not yet, I haven't finished

my assignment, if I had sat there still, she'll definitely get

answers from me. I wish I can tell her now but I can't. I'm really

sorry Grace. He thought.

At the close of work Grace thought it wise to apologize to

Laurel for interfering in his personal life. "Laurel, I take

responsibility for what happened today. I never meant to hurt

you nor your ego in anyway. I meant good"

"No no... I wasn't angry at all"

"How is that possible? You left without a word"

"I should be the one apologizing. Don't feel guilty for nothing. I

wasn't in a good mood that's why. Just let it off your mind,

please"

"Fine. I'm leaving for home"

Grace got home, she and Laura talked about what transpired

between her and Laurel at the office. Grace thought it was odd

to behave that way but she decided not to give it a thought since

he claimed not to be angry. After their discussion, they went to

bed for a peaceful rest.

Few weeks after, Laurel submitted a form for causal leave

which stated that he would be absent for three days. She wondered where he was going since he never really talked

about his family.

"So, you want to visit your family?" She asked trying to cross

check the form and give her approval

"No, why?"

"You'd be absent for three days, so I thought you'd be seeing

your family"

"You're wrong. I've got other task to accomplish" he said.

He is strange, unpredictable but has a great sense of humor.

Sometimes, he looks very tough and other times, friendly.

"Take care then" she wanted to find out who he was, but there

was nothing serious about him. There was no information about

him because the office didn't have any information about him

on their data base. This is strange, a staff information isn't in the

database? It was so frustrating. How would his information be

missing? She couldn't ask any of the staff because she didn't

want to be suspected. Why does she even care? It's better she

stays within her limit to avoid problems again.

After three days, he returned from his leave.

"Dinner?" He knew she would be astonished but he had to.

"Busy. Sorry" they were a lot going on in her mind concerning

him, it's still too early for that.

"Please. I want to have a chat with you" he can only win her

over through this, because she is always willing to listen to

others

"Time and venue?"

"7pm. Spunky's eatery. Thank you" he was happy. 

Grace kept thinking about Laurel till she got home. Why is his

attitude so weird? She really doesn't understand him at all. Is

this what she should be worrying about? No way.

"Baby girl, how was work today?" Laura asked while she serve

herself a cup of coffee

"Excellent. I'm having dinner with Laurel"

"Huh! The security guard?"

"He's human after all. He said he wants to talk"

"About what?"

"How on earth am I suppose to know that? She removed her

earrings "you know, that guy is very strange and unpredictable"

"This is interesting. You're falling for him already"

"Please, can you spare me that? I'm only telling you what I've

observed and you're saying something else" she began to

undressed

"Don't get mad at me. But he's handsome or haven't you noticed

it?" She knew Grace wouldn't say a word about that

"Where's my dinner ma'am?"

"Over there" she pointed to the dinning table "but that doesn't

answer my question"

"You haven't asked anything" she grabbed the bowl of fried rice

"Hey, you're eating out remember?"

"So, can't I have something first?"

"It's almost seven. Just be patient"

"How do I keep stirring at this food without having a taste of it"

"Go get dressed, else you'll be late" she left angrily and

murmuring to herself.

At spunky's eatery, Laurel was already seated. She appeared to

be the sun that lightened up his day. He could see why his heart

has always desired her.

"Please sit" he pulled the chair backward for her to sit

"Thank you" he sat as well "guess I'm late"

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. You look radiant"

She smiled peacefully "thank you"

"What would you like to have?"

"why don't you make the order"

"My pleasure" he beckoned on the waitress "can I have two

plates of stuffed jacket potatoes along with two glasses of

smoothie" the waitress took their order and in no time served it.

"Please enjoy your meal" he said. He kept looking and admiring

her while they ate.

"I fell very uncomfortable" she bowed her head

"My bad, please forgive me. The truth is you're a beauty to

behold"

"Tell me about you"

"What else do you want to know about me?"

"Do I even know anything about you? I don't. So tell me

everything I need to know"

"Everything? That's like asking me to explain every word in the

dictionary"

"Tell me about your family"

"There's nothing much about. We use to have issues just like

other family"

"It's evident you don't want to talk about it. So how could you

afford this expensive meal?"

"It isn't that expensive. I'm Laurel Gray, a security guard. Like

you said"

"Don't give me that. You don't have a place where you come

from?"

"I shouldn't be discussing that with you because they aren't

information that should be let out just like that"

"Are you for real? Telling me where you're from is a crime?

Who are you?"

"I'll certainly tell you but not now"

"Why not now?"

"Because.... I ... It's fine. Let it be"

"Go on, don't stop. Tell me what it is"

"Just be fine for me. I won't be available for sometime. But I'll

be back, so wait for me"

"Wait for you? For what? And where are you going?"

"I can't tell you anything now. Just eat you food"

Every word he said left her more confused than she was. That

wasn't a dinner because he ruined her mood. Where was he

going to and what is he going there to do? What kind of a

person is he? She thought endlessly.

"Hope you enjoyed your meal?"

"Don't bother asking. I'm going home"

"C'mon. What's the problem?"

"Everything is the problem. Don't call me for dinner next time if

you have nothing to say to me" she said angrily

"I'm sorry. I promise to tell you everything when I return"

"From where?"

"That also, I'll tell you. Do I accompany home?"

"I can find my way."

"Call me when you get home. I need to be sure your safe"

"I'll try." She left almost in a hurry

Days passed and turned into weeks, and weeks into months. She

hasn't heard a word from him. She couldn't find him because

she didn't even know who he really was nor where he is from.

Laurel would always say he was a ghost and her friend had

finally eaten with the king of ghost himself.

"I'm really worried about Laurel. I don't know where he is or

what he's going through right now"

"Girl, you are in love with a ghost" she laughed so Terribly

"Laura, what is this? I'm not in love with him. I just care about

him that's all"

"That's how it starts" she laughed again "caring for him and

soon you'll be falling for him"

"It's useless talking to you sometimes"

"I'm the best and you know that. Tell me, if he ask you to date

him, will you turn him down?"

"We are not discussing that. Please"

"Tell me, will you? Grace, this is love. You love the security

guard. Admit it."

"I can't admit what I don't know. I'm leaving this room for you"

she went to the living room in order to stop Laura from asking

further questions. Why is she thinking about him? She has to

focus, moreover, she doesn't have anything intimate with him.

Three months later, on a fateful Monday evening, she received a

text from an unknown number

Meet me at spunky's eatery. 8pm

Could this be Laurel. She thought

She decided to put things in order, since she just came in from

work an hour ago. Few minutes to eight, she took a cab and

headed for spunky's eatery. She decided not to tell Laura since

she wasn't sure it was him. Though she had her fears; what if it

wasn't him or maybe it was a plot to kidnap her? No, she had to

be positive about everything. She got to the venue and behold, it

was Laurel. She was happy and at same time, angry at him.

"Please sit down" she looked transfixed "please sit"

She sat down. All she could do was stare at him "where have

you been all this while"

"I'll tell you what you need to know"

"Then start talking, I'm beginning to lose patience"

"I went for an outside job, the company actually sent me"

"Then why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again. I promise"

"It better don't repeat itself next time""Do you love me?" That question threw her off balance, it came

out of the blue

"What?"

"You looked very worried about me earlier. It can only show

that someone cares for me"

"But that doesn't mean love, does it? Yes! I know I care about

you, I really can't tell why I'm bothered either"

"So you do care about me, I feel special. You care about a

security guy?"

"I've told you not to say that, you're human."

"So I won't be wrong if I date my boss?" He felt he might be

crossing the limits but he had to do it. This is his chance

"It isn't wrong but not me"

"Something wrong? Why not you?"

"I'm not interested in any relationship whatsoever"

"Someone broke your trust right?"

"How do you know that?"

"That is a major reason. It means I guessed right"

"Yes, you did. I loved and trusted him, so much like my life

depended on him. And he hurt me badly without looking back.

But it's fine, am over it."

"Wow! I'm impressed. I love your confidence and that's why I

need a woman like you. What do you say to that?"

"Are you asking me out?"

"All I need is a yes"

"I'm not prepared for this. I didn't see this coming" she

murmured

"How much time do you need to think about it?"

"I didn't say I would think about it. I'm leaving"

"You can't leave like that or is it because you're sitting with a

security guard and you don't want your friends to mock you"

"Stop it. I won't tolerate that. I'm tired, so I need rest"

"It's okay. I'll be expecting your response"

"Just let me be Mister. See you tomorrow at work"

Grace couldn't help but think Laurel as a great guy but what

would her friends say? They'll only mock her. Well, does it

really matter what they think of him, all that matters is what she

thinks of him. Where has her no relationship policy gone? Why

is she suddenly turning cold feet? She has to talk to the girls.

"This one you called us here, what's the update?" Becky fired

"Do you remember the guy I sat with at Laura's party?"

"Oh! She's talking about her security guard" Laura said

"I think I do. That dude is very handsome" Becky replied

"That handsome dude is a security guard" Laura fired back

"Laura, why are you doing this? I'm not saying a word

anymore"

"Don't mind this girl. Her upcoming wedding is affecting her

brain" Becky stated

"He wants me to be his girlfriend"

"And what did you say?" Laura asked

"Why do you care? You don't like him because of his status"

"Hell no! Don't say that. All this while was to tease you. You

vividly forgot your no relationship policy. You never wanted

anyone to say anything before opening your mouth to say, I'm

not interested, I don't want it. Here you are now, all drowning in

the ocean of love"

"I know I said that, but I can't even explain how it happened"

"That is love dear. I think he is a nice guy. Though we haven't

been close but seeing you both that night, I was sure something

good will come out of it"

"If you don't know him well, who invited him to your party?

Becky asked

"Chris did. I guess both of them are friends and it's being for a

long time"

"Girlfriend, please go for him" Becky pleaded

"But I haven't made up my mind yet. I can't just say yes"

"But you can't say no. Don't dare me, if you know what is good

for you, you'll say a yes else you'll have me to contend with"

Laura threatened jokingly

"Who is speaking? Please let me be"

"I'm serious now, that guy loves you, so go on"

"Fine. I'll think about it"

"No, you're giving him a reply"

"But it's so fast. You know the girl thing. So I'll take my time"

Everyone laughed "it's alright. But we need good news"

"It's done. Don't worry about it"

Two weeks later, Grace accepted Laurel and they began dating.

Three months into my relationship, Richard called asking for

forgiveness, he wanted to come back to her

"I'm sorry love. I know I made a mistake, but u want you back"

"That's impossible because I belong to another now"

"Grace.... You know I love you right? I just wanted you to have

some space"

"Which I did. And I realized who I was, that I deserved better

than all you've ever given me. I gave you my time, I invested

my emotions, my heart and everything possible. All you could

do, was to trample on it. I'm sorry too. I don't love you

anymore"

"You can't do this to me Grace, I never meant to hurt you.

Remember all we've shared together, the old memories, how we

started. Please, have a rethink"

"You never meant to hurt me, but you did. The memories, I

have burnt them. Listen carefully, don't ever call me again. You

had numerous ladies at your disposal, go get them. It's nice

talking to you after a long while. Enjoy your new life" she

hanged up.

Richard called over and over again without getting any response.

Just then he realized it was all over indeed but he refused to

give up. He noticed Grace was a new person, she had moved on

but he can't move on without her, he had to win her back just as

always. He thought.

Two days later, he decided to pay her a visit but on getting to

her place, he met her with someone.

"Who invited you here?"

"I said I'm sorry, I never planned all this, I never did"

"There's no need for all this drama Richie. I have a visitor and

I'll need to attend to him. Please, leave."

"You're ordering me to leave your house?" Richie heard

someone calling out

"Sweetheart, who's at the door?"

"I'm coming" she answered "Richie, please, it's over between us.

You left me and never thought if I would survive. Yes, I did

survive. All I need is for you to leave my life for good"

"Grace, you left me for someone else? You forgot everything

we shared?"

"Can you just let me be, please" Laurel came out because the

discussion was taking longer than expected.

"What's going on here?" Laurel asked holding onto Grace

"Babe, this is Richie. I told you about him, but I don't know

why he's.. "Laurel interrupted "hello Mister, I'm sorry

everything didn't work out for you two. You can see, she's with

someone else now, I'll advise you walk away like she has said.

I'm sure you'll find another"

"I'm sorry for ruining your moment. You have a great man

Grace. Please, take care of her. I promise never to interrupt.

And I must apologize one more time, Grace you were a strong

backbone to me, I'm sorry I didn't see that. Thank you so much

for your time and support. I'll take my leave now" Richard left

without another word

She smiled "thank you dear for helping me out"

"You welcome. Anything for you"

Few months later, Laurel went on another leave which lasted for

two months. Grace was worried sick, she asked the company if

they had sent him on an official assignment but they didn't. She

became confused because she couldn't even reach him on phone.

She feared that something would have happened, little did she

know that she didn't know who she was dating. After the two

months had elapsed, Laurel came back. Grace was so mad that

she refused to take his calls. He had to come to her house.

"What do you want here? Obviously all of you are the same,

isn't it?"

"I'm sorry for giving you such mindset. I will tell you the truth,

without keeping any aside"

"I don't want your truth anymore. The last time I checked, you

told me everything, what else do you have to say?"

"Can I at least come in, please"

She was quiet for a while, after which she let him come in "you

lied to me all this while, you built a relationship on lies, right?"

"Yes... I lied. I lied because I wanted to finish my assignment"

"What assignment are you talking about?"

"My name is Laurel Gray. My dad is American and my mom is

Nigerian. I'm not a security guard"

"Wait.... You're joking right? How is that possible?"

"I work with the State Security Service, as a special ghost agent.

I have been undercover as a security guard in your company.

There were some criminals who had been declared wanted and the police force couldn't do anything about it, so I was sent to

carry out the assignment, which I've just completed"

"I don't understand what you're saying?"

"Here you go" he brought out his identity card "check it out

yourself"

"You? But why didn't you ever tell me?"

"I'm sorry. This mission was a dangerous one, telling you who I

am will only endanger you as well. I wanted you to be safe. I

was already on the mission when I met you so I decided to

complete it first"

"You're a ghost agent. This is surprising. That reminds me, the

place you took me to, was that your house?"

"No. I stay at Lekki estate. It's temporary though. But I'm based

in the states. And yes, I'm a ghost agent. We work undercover

to capture criminals as well as protect certain individuals. And I

didn't tell you, because you are my weakness"

"You're based in the states. You lied about that too and I'm your

weakness?"

"Don't worry, soon you'll join me. I'll apologize over and over

again. I'm sorry Grace. I love you, and I'm glad you accepted

me into your life. Your life is peaceful, you've got friends and

family all around you"

"I'm your weakness, yet you love me?"

"You complete me Grace. You make me whole, the very first

day I met you, I prayed to have you, I'm sure with you in my

life, I'll have peace just like you"

"You're worth it. You lied to me, it's fine because you had

genuine reasons. But, I will not tolerate you lying to me. Even if you're going into the Lion's den, I want to know about it, I mean

every move." She said seriously

"Yes ma'am. I promise never to lie to you again. Do you forgive

me?"

She looked at him "you're forgiven. I love you Laurel and

you're worth all the love ever"

"Really? With my on and off attitude?"

"I understand that it's the nature of your job and I love you that

way. Just make sure to be safe always"

"I didn't hear you, did you say something?"

"Like what?"

"Tell me you love me again" he said smiling sheepishly.

"I love you so very much" she smiled broadly.

He searched her face "you look rather worried. Is something

wrong?"

"What?" She asked surpringly.

"I have observed you all this while. So what is the problem?

Maybe I could help out."

"Recently, I was told my biological father is late. I was raised

by my foster dad."

"Oh my God! I am so sorry."

Laurel imagined that she definitely do not know where she

came from. He was willing to help her locate her father land. Of

course, his guess was right.

A few days on, he accompanied Grace and her parents to her

home town. She met with her relatives and they were all happy to reconcile with their lost daughter. It could not have been

better. She was and still is the only child of Mr. Winston.

Laurel became her everything. Isn't this a dream come through?

He erected a four lettered tower, created a hedge of comfort

around her. Indeed her perfect man just arrived. Laura and

Becky could see the glow in her face when she had discharged

her boyfriend.

"My baby girl is blushing. I sense love all over" Becky said

clapping her hands

"You girls are funny. Guess what?"

"We can't guess, just tell us what it is" Laura brought three

glasses of juice "have this, so tell us"

"Laurel isn't a security guard. He's a ghost agent, who works

with the state security services."

"It's a lie. How is that possible?"

"That's what we were discussing. I saw his identity card as

well"

"This Angel is always Lucky. You're special and you deserve

the best"

She couldn't help but smile "thank you. Both of you have been

my backbone, you're the best". The night seemed longer, they

had late night dinner, danced, discussed about their partners and

after which everyone retired. It felt awesome having this set of

friends, with like minds. "Thank you for mending my broken

heart Laurel." She said and pulled her blanket over.

A week later, Laurel organized a small party, he asked Grace to

invite her friends which she did. He wanted to celebrate the

successful completion of his mission. Laurel had another motive, which he didn't want her to know, so at the end of the party, he

demanded to make an announcement.

"Hello everyone. I have an important announcement to make.

Can we come together please" everyone gathered immediately

"I met this adorable personality, she is everything that every

man would desire, she is the one who completes me, who

inspires me, I'm lucky, you know." Grace began wondering

what was going on. And here is Laurel coming to her "Having

you in my life, is my greatest achievement, from the first day I

met you, I was sure that my future lies with you. Please build

with me and stay with me forever" he brought out a diamond

ring "marry me Grace" she couldn't believe it because she never

thought it would come quickly. Her friends screamed yes even

before she had answered. "Yes, I'll marry you" she finally

replied. He slipped the ring onto her third finger. "We're

officially engaged" he announced joyfully. She took a moment

to thank God that led Laurel to her. He was God sent.

And a time came. And life happened. And man-made tough

decision as though they were fighting a chance to live, to love

and live again.