EPISODE TWENTY SEVEN
Theme: She is getting married
Arike's POV
FIVE YEARS LATER
"Seems like my little princess still needs to get some sleep." Uncle Badejo carried sleeping Iteoluwa from the couch and swirled her around to keep her awake.
"Grandpa! Grand...pa!" She giggled.
"Wake up! Wake up! It's time for school!" He tickled her.
She laughed.
I handed some of the kids backpacks to them as I call the names on each tag.
"She didn't sleep early!" Uncle Badejo glared at me.
I went to him. "Yes dad..she didn't get enough rest."
"Why?"
"She was up talking to her godmother and won't let me have a chat with her." I explained.
"Is that true princess?"
"Yes Grandpa...big mommy promise to..to..to
EPISODE TWENTY EIGHTTheme: She is in loveArike's POVBeing happy for Busayomi was an understatement not after what she went through in the hands of her ex boyfriend. That doucheface wasn't ready to have a forever with her. He just wanted a bedmate even though Busayomi was deeply in love with him.“It feels good to see you happy like this. You deserve it.” I smiled.“Thank you.” She nodded.“It’s plenty..The CEO’s wife.” I teased her.“That’s me o!” She laughed.“So very soon you’ll join Lagos CEO wives group.” I teased her again.“Which kain yeye group? Abegi!abegi! I want a private wedding not this elaborate one you watch on TV.”“So have you discussed it with him?”“No we haven’t discussed yet but I am sure Paul will only do what I want.”she responded.“Awwwnnnnn! I
EPISODE TWENTY NINETheme: Home callArike’s POVI haven’t heard from Dayo since I left Nigeria. He tried to get in touch with me through uncle Badejo but he was told that I wasn’t in the same state with them and I haven’t been in contact with them too. To him, I made it look like I lied about my dad involved in an accident just to leave the country. I deleted his contacts,deleted my social media accounts (not like I was that active) and I did my best at cutting him out of my life completely. It was really hard but I did my best at not giving in to the urge to call him cause I know his number by heart.There are times when I wanted to just pick the phone,call him and tell him everything. Those moments when I had craved for intimacy,to share happy moments with him especially when I found out I was going to have a baby girl,when my baby kicked in my belly and down till the day I had my baby.To be honest it wasn’t easy bec
EPISODE THIRTYTheme: Black WomanArike's POVI walked out of my room and made my way to the garage where I could find Daniel. He was alone but the on phone with his back against me. I stopped to not attract his attention,hoping to find out the reason why he wasn’t going home to his family.“We already talked about this..” he said. “I am not coming home this Christmas...I have a lot to do at the foaster home.”I couldn’t hear what the other person was saying because the phone wasn’t on speaker. But Daniel was lying to whoever he was conversing with.“Mom can you just forget about the black woman? It is not about her.”Black woman? Who? I haven’t seen him with any black woman and I am not sure Daniel has been seeing any woman. We are a bit closer enough for him to tell me about it if he has one in his life.“This is none of your business. Whether it is a black
EPISODE THIRTY ONETheme: His confessionArike’s POVI tried to move away. “I should get going..” but he stopped me.“You just asked me to confess to the woman I love.”“Okay..so you want to practice on me?”“Can you love me,Arike?” He asked with a serious.It took seconds for me to realize that I was the black woman. My eyes widened in shock and surprise as realization hit me straight in the face. This must be a joke!“Wha...wh..at..are..you..saying Daniel?” I tried to laugh it off as I stuttered.“I want to make a love confession like you adviced.” He shrugged with a serious face. Then I knew he meant it and wasn’t joking.I avoided making an eye contact with him. “You are the black woman I love.” He added.I moved away from him. “You can’t be serious,Daniel.” I tried to hit his upper arm playfully but I sto
EPISODE THIRTY TWOTheme: You can’t hide foreverArike’s POV“Busayomi needs you more than ever now.” I nodded in agreement. “And it means you have to travel to Nigeria.”“Yes ma, but she wants Iteoluwa to be her little bride.”“Oh that’s nice.”“But mommy..do you think it’s a good idea to bring iteoluwa to Nigeria?” I asked.“Why is it not a good idea? Oh because of Dayo?” She laughed.“Yes what if we run into him?” I asked,panic almost rising within me.“And so? Is he not the father of your child?” She snorted.Why is she acting like she doesn’t know the consequences of Dayo finding out about his child.“So you think Iteoluwa will let us rest if she doesn’t see her mom? Or you have forgotten the last time you traveled to Connecticut for a week,you need to see the way your daughter was d
EPISODE THIRTY THREETheme: Home sweet home Arike's POVTWO MONTHS LATERIt was on a Saturday morning,we were all set up to travel back to Nigeria for Busayomi's wedding which was just in few weeks time. I had made the decision to return to Nigeria even before the date for the wedding was set. I didn't want to miss Busayomi's wedding,neither do I want to be the selfish mother who purposely kept her child away from her father.This is the time Busayomi needed my help as a sister and I also have to repay her for the good deeds. I actually don't care if we run into Dayo whenever we return back to Nigeria. I am ready to face him at least for my child who needed to know her father."Grand...pa.." Iteoluwa's voice jolted me out of thought."Yes..princess.." he glanced at her before focusing back on the road
EPISODE THIRTY FOURTheme: Thinking about himARIKE’S POV“Well I hope so too." I heaved a sigh."Come on, I know what you are thinking." She said as our gaze locked. "It's about Dayo right?" She added."I don't even know what to think," I said sincerely."You don't need to worry -""I am just worried about Iteoluwa." I sighed.Even though I had decided to face whatever will happen during my stay here,I am still worried about my child. I don't want her to blame me or see me as a bad mother. I don't think I will be able to take it if my child decided to hate me for keeping her away from her father."Don't think too much about it. And even if he finds out about her,I am sure he will understand your reasons.""You think so?""I know so." She responded."I can thank you enough for ever
EPISODE THIRTY FIVETheme: Welcome to NigeriaArike’s POVWhen we finally reached Busayomi’s house, her mom and husband to be were present at the place. I had to carry Iteoluwa inside because she was still asleep.“Welcome back to Nigeria!” Mr Paul exclaimed as I exchanged pleasantries with him.“My baby must be really stressed out from the flight.” He added.“Yes she tends to sleep after a flight.” I smiled.“Awwnnn...she’s so cute whenever she sleeps too.” He complimented.“Good afternoon ma.” I greeted Busayomi’s mom, kneeling a bit.“Arike, how are your parents?” Busayomi’s mom asked.“They are fine ma
HER BABY’S SECRETFINAL EPILOGUE (2)Arike’s POV“Mommy..you haven’t told me who we are seeing today?” Iteoluwa jumped by my side as we made our way toward Dayo’s apartment.“Iteoluwa, I told you that we are meeting someone special to us.” I answered.“Perhaps is it grandma? She promised to attend big mommy’s wedding.” She said.Iteoluwa refused to let me help her up the staircase. My child has really changed ever since Busayomi made her realize the essence of having a mother. She was starting to do things herself without needing much of my help.We were meeting her father but I didn’t mention it to her. Busayomi had suggested that it would be fun to surprise her.“Mom..is this the place where they sell ice cream?” She asked.Iteoluwa was really anxious to know.“Baby..you
HER BABY’S SECRETEPILOGUE (1)Arike’s POVMrs Moyosoreoluwa and I walked out of the courtroom. I met Dayo exchanging a handshake with Bamidele and then he moved on to barrister prosper. No doubt, Adedayo must have made up his mind to forgive Bamidele for what he did to him in the past. And I was glad to see them reconciling after all these years.Adedayo’s eyes met mine and he flashed me a smile that was filled with happiness and endearment. Slowly he started towards me while I walked at a close run and threw my hands around him for an embrace.“Arike...” he embraced me tightly.Tears streamed down my cheeks as we stayed hugging for several seconds before Adedayo pulled away from me. He had tears in his eyes when I looked up at him.“Adedayo...” my hand shot out to his face.“Please don’t cry...” we
FINAL EPISODE SEVENTY THREETheme: A disguised sponsor Arike’s POV“Arike...” a familiar feminine voice called my name.I turned to see Mrs Moyosoreoluwa there in the court room.“I thought you didn’t attend until I saw you when I was about to leave with my family.” She folded her arms.I just nodded my head. “Where is Dayo?” I asked.“He is reconciling with barrister Bamidele, settling issues from the past.” She answered.“Alright..well I have been thinking -“ she interrupted me.“How I found out about your daughter.” She completed my intended statement.“Yes.” I said.She walked closer to me. “How did you find out about my child?” I asked.“I think about two years ago.” Mrs Moyosoreoluwa answered.My head s
HER BABY’S SECRETTheme: Victory at last Arike’s POV •••15 MINUTES LATER•••“All rise the court is now in session.” The bailiff announced.The judge entered the courtroom and sat at the bench and then she told everyone to be seated.She called out the counsels to give their closing statements. The prosecuting counsel pointed out that justice be served for his client while the defense attorney pleaded not guilty and asked the judge for a fair verdict for his client.The female judge cleared her throat. “In all things, justice must be served. I have the statements of the counsels and I have also looked into the evidences presented by the defense counsel. And this is my verdict.” The judge paused and the whole courtroom was silent.She cleared her throat and spoke up after som
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SEVENTY ONETheme: The only witness Arike’s POVA loud gasp was heard in the court from the spectators and even the prosecuting attorney was speechless. I was sure that Shalewa would be shocked to find out that I had recorded our conversation that day.“It is clear that Mrs Shalewa framed her husband just to enact revenge on him and she doesn’t feel remorseful about her deeds. My lord, with your permission I shall now call a witness to confirm the facts of text messages and test results. I call Doctor Nelson.” Bamidele said.“Doctor Nelson!” The court bailiff called out.Doctor Nelson stood up from where he was seated and went to the witness box. The court bailiff came to the front of the box.“What’s your religion?” He asked.“Christianity.” Doctor Nelson replied.The bailiff handed him a Bible and Doctor Nelson took it in his right hand.“Please rep
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SEVENTYTheme: Court in session Arike’s POVFinally the day to prove Adedayo’s innocence was here. We all hoped and believed that he would be acquitted and declared not guilty.I left home as early as 7:00am with the plan of meeting Bamidele and barrister Prosper at the law firm but I was delayed by a stand still traffic.Bamidele and Barrister Prosper had successfully processed Dayo’s bail yesterday and I was told that Mrs Moyosoreoluwa was around at the station to bring Adedayo to her home.I didn’t get a chance to talk to Adedayo yesterday because I was nervous and a bit scared. I was also bothered if Mrs Moyosoreoluwa already told Adedayo about my child.I arrived late at the court. The Lagos State Judicary High Court was full of reporters and spectators attracted by the sensational nature of this case. I managed to get into the courtroom and found an empty space at
HER BABY’S SECRETTheme: He just wants to be free Arike’s POVAfter Bamidele disconnected the call, I sat down on the bed slowly and reached out to wipe my face clean from tears.“Hey..what’s up?” Busayomi asked.“They can now process Dayo’s bail.” I answered with tears threatening to spill again.“Ah! Thank God! He will put our enemies to shame over this case!” She danced around.I just let the tears flow when I couldn’t control it and a feeling of relief washed over me.“Dayo would be free to go home.” Those words echoed on my mind.I was excited that we were getting close to rounding off this case. Tomorrow would be the day everything would end.If Shalewa believe that she has everything to fight Adedayo in court and the law was in her side, I am sure she would be terrified now. She doesn&rsq
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SIXTY EIGHTTheme: Who gave out the recording? Arike’s POVThe handful of comments by the viewers on Instablog naija still got me thinking if it was right for Moyosoreoluwa to have posted the recording online. A strong evidence we wanted to use to fight Shalewa in court and I also pondered on how she got the recording.“Omo..Arike..see comments we can’t even read it. Jesus! This reactions are hot! I need to visit Shalewa’s page..that stupid sly. Arike, this is what I suggested to you the other day. I said leak the recording online and let everybody know the true criminal but you decided to do things in a lawful way. Omo! I love Mrs Moyosoreoluwa...no dulling.” She scrolled up and down her phone.“This stupid woman didn’t post any video! Why can’t she come out now and make another video to counter Mrs Moyosoreoluwa’s video!” She hissed out loudly.
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SIXTY SEVENTheme: Viral Video Arike’s POVThe video stopped playing and I couldn’t help but exchanged glances with Busayomi. There was a picture of Dayo, Shalewa and Jamal pasted in the video too.“Oh...this stupid network has started nonsense now.” Busayomi complained.Some seconds later the video resumed playing.“Everybody is blaming Adedayo for a crime he didn’t commit. My brother has never raised his hands to hit any woman before and everything Shalewa Oriola told the police were all lies. We will be in court in two days time but before that I want to reveal the truth because I don’t trust our country’s judicial system. As it is now Shalewa is ready to do anything to send my brother to jail for some family related reasons which I am going to tell you now. I am sure you watching this video must know act