Estonia
THE nerve of this guy to call me his wife and not only that also ask for a kiss! I didn't mind his word but instead, I looked out at the window and tried to ignore his "What a way to greet your husband, huh?" he said while I continued looking out at the window of the car still not minding him. I didn't know where we were going and he was still not telling me either. "Ex, Travis. Ex-husband," I corrected him when I noticed he still wouldn't stop referring to me as his wife. "Alright, alright. Ex-husband it is," he teasingly answered. I didn't know what was with him and why he was acting like this, all of the sudden. "Where are we going?" I asked him, completely ignoring his last word. "I'm staying at a small hotel nearby. That's the most decent hotel I can find around here, "Why are we going to your hotel? I know a decent coffee shop in the next town. If you need to talk We can stop there and talk." I didn't see any good reason why we needed to go to his hotel. We might be have been divorced but he was still a man and I didn't trust him, neither myself. It's been a year already but my feelings for him didn't even change for a bit. My body still jumped at the single touch of his hand and my heart still trembled at the sound of his soft and seductive voice. "Why? Are you afraid of me?" he asked teasingly while not even trying to hide the smirk on his face. "Why would why? I just don't think that it will be appropriate for us to stay in a hotel just to talk" I defended. "See I need to attend an important conference. My laptop is in the hotel. Don't worry about it. I won't do anything against your will". I saw him smirked when I peeked at the rear view mirror. Our eyes met and it surely sent shivers down to my spine and my heart almost jumped off my rib cage. "Damn you, heart!". I mumbled I quickly shifted my gaze back to the window and never tried to look his way again. Few minutes later, we finally arrived at the only decent hotel around the area. It was located at the town proper, thirty minutes away from where I was staying. I didn't wait for him to open the door for me like he always did when we were still together. I was not expecting anything from him, He grabbed my hand while leading the way inside the hotel. I was not comfortable with the hotel staff staring at me like I did something horrible. I tried to snatch back my hand from him but the more I resisted, the more he tighten his grip. When I didn't succeed in removing my hand from his grip, I just bowed recognize me. "What are you doing?" he asked while frowning when we finally stopped in front of the elevator. "Stop talking and start walking will you? I need to get this over with, before anyone sees me. Gossips in this town spreads like a wildfire. I don't want people talking about me," I told him while I was still trying to bow down my head a low as possible. "You don't have to worry about that. You may not be staying here any longer," he said while shrugging his shoulder. "What is that?! What are you talking about?" I asked, surprised by what he was saying. I was about to bombard him with another question when the elevator finally arrived and he suddenly pulled me inside. He didn't bother answering me and just continued to ignore me. "Travis, I'm asking you--". "Patience, Hon. Patience," he said after cutting me off. "Patience your face!" I told him, then abruptly pulled my hand from him which took him by surprise that's why I easily took back my hand from his grip. I rolled my eyes at him when I saw him smirking Moment of silence wrapped the whole elevator and that was the most agonizing minutes of my entire life. Being confined in a small space with him didn't do me any good. He led the way to the right most part of the hallway where his room was located supposedly. He took out his key from his pocket and opened the door wide before letting me in first. He even gestured a courtesy that just earned an eye rolling from me. "My grandma is coming back home," he started. I quickly turned my face at him with a wrinkle on my forehead. "And what does it have to do with me?". "She still doesn't know that we already got divorced," he explained. Travis grandma was our witness when we got married in the UK where she's currently staying. "It has been a year, Travis, and you haven't even had the time to tell her about our divorce" "I was busy and it completely lost my mind to inform her about us." "You're busy with what? Your mistress?" I sarcastically asked him. "What? You still haven't gotten past that?" he questioned and started to get annoyed. Yeah, he's right. There was no use in bringing back the past. "Well to make the story short, she's not doing well that's why she's coming back to Nigeria in the first place ," he continued., "What? What happened to her?" I was surprised with the news about grandma P not feeling well "She's old and she wants to spend the rest of her life here with us and she's expecting to see us together. I can't afford to tell her now about what happened to us. It will break her. You know how much she loves us being together. He's right. Grandma P would definitely get sad if she finds out that her favorite love team was now totally broken "I need to discuss with you the other details, but i need to attend to a conlerence call first. After that, I'll be with you shortly. Make yourself at home," he said before walking towards the cabinet and took out his laptop. He assembled all his things in the small table that was placed across the room, near the bed This was definitely not the typical kind of room Travis would like to stay, but i guessed, he didn't really have much of a choice. Ewowan is a very small town in Benin, way far from the modern and sophisticated infrastructure of Edo state. I even wonder how he had managed to get here in the first place. There was a Queen size bed in the middle of the room and it has a small bedside table with a lamp There was also a small couch on the left side of the room that was facing against the wall where the 24-inch television was located. There was also a small personal ref inside the room. I heard him started talking, at first, I thought he was talking to me, but when I looked at him, he was now focused on his laptop. The conference that he was referring about had started now. I looked around the room to look for something to do while passing the time and waiting for Travis. I decided to open the mini-refrigrator and see if I can get something to drink. I saw a couple of beers in a can and some soft drinks. There was also chips inside. I took the beer and the chips and slumped against the couch. I started scrolling on phone my while drinking the can of bear in my handEstonia I WAS woken up by a hand caressing my cheek, I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep on the couch while drinking my beer. I suddenly remembered where I was and who was I with. I was at a small hotel that Travis' rented for a night, He's here to talk to me about moving back to his house because of Grandma P I didn't know if I should open my eyes or just pretend to be sleeping. But how could I do that if his touch sent turmoil to my being? My body still reacted to him like it was yesterday. I didn't know what should I do. I was torn between waking up and face him or pretend to be asleep and enjoy the soothing feeling of his hand against my cheek. "Wake up, sleepyhead," I heard him say when he finally stopped touching my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing that greeted me was his gold shiny eyes that reached to the depth of my soul. I remembered how I was so mesmerized the first time i got the chance to stare directly into his eyes He greete
I felt someone lifted me in the air. I could smell the familiar cologne and a mixture of beer and cigarettes. So, he was back in smoking again. I used to tell him to quit smoking when we were still together. It took him a while, but he eventually gave in and finally quit smoking. Though l didn't like the smell of cigarettes on him, I liked the feeling of his arms around me. I didn't want to open my eyes I already had an idea who was the one carrying me. Instead of opening my eyes, I buried my face into his neck so I could smell him even more. I was enjoying my position when he finally put me down to bed. I wanted to sleep beside him tonight. I missed him. I kept on pretending to be asleep so I wouldn't need to explain to him why did I want to sleep with him tonight. I wanted to protest when I felt him removing my arms that were wrapped around his neck so he could completely lay me down on the bed. I thought he was going to leave and rent another room since he let me lay d
Estonia I was Woken up by the sound of the loud banging of the keyboards. I slowly opened my eyes to ssee what was going on. I lifted my head and leaned both of my elbows on the bed to support my body before I turned my face to where the sound was coming from. I saw Travis sitting on the couch in front of his laptop. He kept on smashing the keyboard that created a sound, loud enough to wake me up from my sleep. He lifted his gaze from the monitor then looked at my direction. I almost burst into laughter when l saw him frowning while looking at me. From the look of it, I thought he didn't get any sleep last night. Why wouldn't he be? He's not used to sleeping on the couch, I reached for my phone that was over the bedside table and looked at the time. It was only 7:00 in the monrning, "Good morning,"I teased him. He was obviously in a bad mood I suppressed my smile so he wouldn't notice that I was enjoying his discomfort. I forgot what happened last nigh
Estonia Time ran so fast. The next thing I knew, I was here at the airport waiting for Grandma P to arrive. She insisted that both of us should be the one to pick her up at the airport. After we settled everything in Benin, Travis and l immediately went back to Lagos together. He didn't leave until I'm with him. He stayed in the hotel for a couple of days while was biding my goodbyes to the people in the shop. I also finished all my pending works before leaving. My aunt was hesitant to let me leave at first but she eventually understood the situation and let me go with Travis. "Stop frowning. It doesn't suit you," I heard him say while we were standing in the arrival section, waiting for Grandma P. I glared at him for a while before rolling my eyes at him. "Mind your own business," I Snapped at him, "You're so grumpy. Woke up at the wrong side of the bed?" he chuckled while teasing me. I didn't bother to banter with him. didn't want to be agitated when grandma P arrived. I wanted
Estonia "she is okay for now. Fortunatly, it wasn't a heart attack". Doc explained "But that doesn't mean that there will be no more episodes like this in the future, She fainted due to shock and exthaustion," he continued We are here at Orobosa medical Center currently, Grandma P faints after she barges into our room and saw us fighting. We are all standing around Grandma's bed. I was on the right side and Travis is on the other side with favour . Doc a friend of Lucas and our family doctor. He was about to talk to doc before this incident happened. He wants doc to personally monitor Grandma p's health. "Is she going to be okay?" Travis asked. "She will, But you need to take this seriously. Her heart is already weak due to her age and she will definitely can't handle anything that will break her heart," doc explained. "I suggest that you refrain from giving her a heavy heart". I was holding Grandma's hand when she started to move an
Estonia "Are you sure it's okay for Travis that you spent the night here at the hospital?" Grandma asked me while I was fixing all her things into the bag Travis ' parents are still overseas. They wanted to go home immediately when they heard about what happened to Grandma P but Travis assured them that Grandma is doing fine and they don't need to cut their vacation short. Travis parents had been nothing but good to me and i can't wait to see them. It's been two days since Grandma fainted. She spends another two days in the hospital because Travis ' insisted that Grandma should stay at the hospital for a couple more days so Doc can check up on her. Travis ' wanted to make sure that Grandma was already fit to go home. This is our last day here and I'm already preparing all our things. We are just waiting for Doc to give us our discharge slip before we can go home. I had insisted on staying here with Grandma instead of going home. I don't see any
Estonia The sun was almost set when I decided to move out of the room. I haven't eaten anything Since morning, that's why my stomach is now starting to grumble. I was walking past the hallway when I bumped into one of the maids who was walking in a hurry "Jesus madam!" she said with a shocken expression. "We've been looking for you for a while now. You've been missing for 6 hours now. Where have you been?" Clara said the middle-aged woman who has been working with Travis' family ages ago. "I'm sorry, clara. I've fallen asleep and lost track of the time," I told her. "Why, what happened?". I curiously asked. "The whole house was in turmoil and Sir Travis was furious He keeps on nagging everyone to come and find you" clara explained. I gave her an apologetic look for causing trouble before allowing her continue her job I volunteered that l'l tell everyone that 'm okay I went to the living room and i found all the maids lining up in one while roll Travis kept on shouting at them.
I continued making the meal after Travis left. I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts before I continued making my dinner. I was hesitant if I should make one for Travis or not but decided to pursue the former. I finished eating mine then cleaned up the kitchen a little bit before deciding to go back to our room. I know that he's going to sleep in his study room since that's the set up we agreed on. So I went upstairs and went straight to his study Room to bring him his dinner. I knocked three times but no one answered, I was thinking that maybe he's already sleeping but I tried to knock one more time. Stil, no one answered. I tried to turn the knob and look inside. I frowned when I found the oom empty. There's no sign Of anyone in there My eyes slowly widen with the thought that he might be in our room l quickly walk towards our roon labruptly opened the room and I was greeted by the scent of his body wash. I him standing right outsi
Looking Ahead The early morning sun filtered through the window of the cozy family home, casting a warm and gentle light over the peaceful scene in the living room. Estonia and Travis had always cherished these quiet moments, a brief respite from their bustling lives. Today was no exception, as they prepared to celebrate another special milestone—Grace’s first birthday had just passed, and their little family was basking in the afterglow of the joyful celebration. Estonia, now more comfortable in her role as a mother, was sitting with Grace on the floor of the living room, surrounded by toys and colorful play mats. Grace was exploring her new toys with boundless curiosity, her laughter filling the room with a delightful melody. Travis, meanwhile, was in the kitchen, preparing a light breakfast for everyone. “Good morning, sweetheart!” Travis called out, his voice filled with cheer as he entered the room with a tray of fresh fruit and pancakes. “Are we ready for another day of adv
A New MilestoneThe sun had risen over the small family home, casting a soft golden light across the nursery where Grace had been sleeping soundly. Estonia and Travis had spent the night with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Today was a significant day—Grace was about to celebrate her first birthday, a milestone that seemed to have arrived all too quickly.The house was abuzz with activity. Estonia was busy in the kitchen, preparing a special birthday breakfast and finalizing the arrangements for the party they had planned. Travis was helping with the decorations, transforming their living room into a festive space filled with balloons, streamers, and a “Happy Birthday” banner.As Estonia placed the finishing touches on a homemade birthday cake, her heart swelled with emotion. She glanced over at Travis, who was adjusting a balloon arch, and felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life they had built together. The past year had been filled with challenges and joys, and see
Living Their Best LifeThe morning sun filtered through the curtains of the cozy living room, casting a warm glow over the room where Estonia and Travis had begun to find their rhythm as parents. Grace’s laughter filled the air, a sound that had quickly become the highlight of their days. The small family had settled into a routine that was as comforting as it was joyous.Travis was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. He had taken on the role of resident chef, delighting in making healthy, delicious meals for his family. Today, he was working on a fresh fruit smoothie and a stack of fluffy pancakes, a treat that Estonia and Grace had quickly come to love. The aroma of coffee and pancakes wafted through the house, a sure sign that the day was starting on a happy note.Estonia, meanwhile, was in the living room with Grace. The baby was lying on a colorful playmat, reaching for the various toys hanging overhead. Estonia watched with a smile, her heart swelling with pride and love. Grac
First StepsThe morning after Grace’s birth, the hospital room was bathed in soft, golden light. The sun had risen slowly, casting a gentle glow over the room where Estonia and Travis were beginning to settle into their new roles as parents. The excitement and awe from the previous day had not dimmed; if anything, it had grown even stronger.Estonia lay in bed, propped up with pillows, her eyes fixed lovingly on Grace, who was sleeping peacefully in a bassinet beside her. The tiny baby was wrapped snugly in a soft pink blanket, her delicate features serene and perfect. Travis, who had been by her side through the night, was now sitting in a chair beside the bassinet, his gaze never leaving their daughter.The quiet moments they shared were filled with a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. Every little sound Grace made, every tiny movement of her fingers, seemed to bring a new wave of joy to the new parents.“How do you feel?” Travis asked softly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful at
The Arrival of GraceThe days seemed to blur together in a haze of anticipation and preparation. Estonia and Travis had spent countless hours ensuring that everything was ready for their baby girl. The nursery was complete, filled with soft colors and gentle decorations. The house was stocked with all the essentials, and their friends had helped with the final touches, making sure everything was perfect for Grace’s arrival.Estonia was now just a few days past her due date. The waiting had become almost unbearable, with every twinge and cramp making her wonder if this was finally it. She tried to stay active, going for short walks and keeping busy with light tasks, but the constant waiting was beginning to wear on her.Travis, ever attentive, was by her side, supporting her through the discomfort and uncertainty. He was a constant source of reassurance, and his calm demeanor helped keep Estonia grounded during these final days.One evening, as they sat together on the couch, watching
A New Kind of FamilyThe days following the gathering with friends were peaceful and full of quiet anticipation. Estonia’s pregnancy was progressing smoothly, and with each passing day, the reality of becoming a mother sank in deeper. Travis, ever the attentive husband, made sure she was comfortable, taking on more household responsibilities and ensuring that everything was in place for Grace’s arrival.One morning, Estonia woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window. She stretched lazily, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. Travis was already up, likely preparing breakfast downstairs. As she slowly sat up, she felt Grace’s gentle movements in her belly, a reminder that soon, she wouldn’t be alone in this body anymore.As much as she was excited, there was also a lingering sense of emptiness that she couldn’t quite shake. Growing up, Estonia had always felt the absence of a close-knit family. Her parents had passed away when she was young, leaving her in the care
A Gathering of FriendsThe sun was shining brightly on a crisp spring afternoon as Estonia and Travis prepared their home for a small gathering of friends. The air was filled with the scent of freshly cut flowers and the warmth of the season, signaling a time of renewal and new beginnings. Estonia, now well into her third trimester, moved around the house with a sense of purpose, her hands busy with last-minute touches.Travis was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a batch of his famous grilled chicken, while Estonia set out a selection of fresh salads and appetizers on the dining table. They had invited a few close friends over for a casual get-together, a chance to catch up and celebrate the upcoming arrival of their daughter. It was the first time they were hosting since Estonia’s pregnancy had become noticeable, and both were excited to share this special time with the people who meant the most to them.As Estonia arranged a bouquet of wildflowers in a vase, she felt
A Test of GraceThe snow had finally melted, giving way to the first hints of spring. Estonia, now in the final trimester of her pregnancy, found herself enjoying the little outings she could still manage. Today, she had decided to run a few errands, eager to get some fresh air and check off items on her growing to-do list. Travis had offered to accompany her, but Estonia assured him that she would be fine. After all, a trip to the local supermarket didn’t require much effort.The supermarket was busy, filled with the usual bustle of shoppers restocking after the weekend. Estonia pushed her cart slowly through the aisles, selecting fresh produce and other essentials for the week. As she moved through the store, she couldn’t help but notice the way people glanced at her growing belly with warm smiles. It made her feel connected, as if the whole world shared in her anticipation.She turned down the aisle with the baby supplies, planning to pick up a few more things for Grace’s nursery.
A Gift of Unexpected SupportThe first snow of the season fell quietly outside, covering the ground in a soft white blanket. Estonia and Travis sat by the fireplace, their living room aglow with the warmth of the crackling flames. Christmas was just around the corner, and this year, the holiday carried a deeper meaning for them. It would be their last Christmas as just the two of them; by this time next year, they would be celebrating with their daughter.As Estonia sipped her hot chocolate, she watched Travis hang the final ornament on the tree—a delicate glass angel that had been passed down through his family for generations. It caught the light from the fire, casting a soft glow across the room. Estonia smiled, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn’t felt in a long time. The past few months had been a whirlwind of preparations and emotions, but here, in this moment, everything felt perfect.“Travis,” she said softly, drawing his attention away from the tree, “I’ve been thinking