CHAPTER THREE.
Bryan is still sleeping in bed while Kim is awake, smoking and working on her laptop. Bryan wakes up to the smell of Kim's smoke. He opens the blinds that covered his balcony and beach view. Kim closes her laptop."Good morning." She greeted.Bryan slips his hands beneath her underwear to cup Kim's firm breast. "Beautiful morning to you. I know you had a great night, so what will you have for breakfast?""Toasted bread, chocolate tea, and peppered fish with snail."" I see you have good taste in meals. Lucky you, I will spoil you to the moon with my meals.""Can you cook?""My mother is a chef. She taught me well.""I'm embarrassed. I can't cook." She laughed at herself."I will teach. So tell me, what excites you, what do you do for fun, what makes you happy?""I love good music, food, vacations and good sex.""I hope last night was good enough?""Could be better.""I am Bryan, thirty five years old, single, my family lives in London. I make good music for a living.""I am thirty three, single. I'm a prosecuting attorney that resides in my mother land Nigeria. I am an orphan, I don't have a family and I don't want to talk about it.""Then let's talk about good sex." ***At the snooker board, Bryan, Andre and Gentle play snooker.Bryan looks at his wrist watch."Do you have any appointment?" Gentle wondered."Yes, I have a hike date with Kim, in Ghana.""Hike date in Ghana?" Andre asked.Gentle danced a bit. "I can even hear a smile in his voice. Somebody is falling in love.""Lover of every beautiful girl on earth. Be serious, how long will this fling last because the girls we ordered for from Dubai will arrive tonight." Andre said.Bryan shaked his head. "Kim is too good and special to be a fling. Honestly I want to keep her."Gentle chuckled. "Have you ever kept a girl in your life? Dude, you are incapable of genuinely loving a woman or being faithful.""I say we all have fun and forget about this genuine love thing. My only definition of love is heart break and regret." Andre said."I've had couple of sweet committed relationships in the past." Bryan replied."That ended in heart break and regret. Memories that went sore." Gentle snapped."I was never at fault. I was the one that got played and cheated on instead.""Yet you still want to give love another chance? I see you haven't learnt your lessons.""Love is beautiful." Gentle concluded.Andre laughed at him. "Caging someone for over ten years is not love Gentle. Free that girl, let her go.""I know what I'm doing."Bryan sighed disappointedly. "What do you think you are doing? Even God will not forgive you if you don't end up marrying Sharon. I have to go. See you guys when I see you.""New girls are arriving tonight, are you interested?" Andre asked."No, Kim is enough for me."Gentle smiled. "Have fun, say me hi to miss proud.""Her name is KIM." Bryan said, exchanging handshakes."Happy heart break in advance." Andre said in laughter. ***It is night. The path is lonely and dark. Pink is hurriedly putting on her dress. She and Nathan just finished having sex.They both walk home quietly with guilt and regret written on Pink's face. They stop in front of her gate, Nathan tries to speak but she runs inside her compound wiping off the tear on her cheek. Nathan slowly walks out of the Estate reminiscing on what they just did. *** Bryan and Kim were currently in Singapore, on a boat cruise. From Ghana they flew to Singapore. The country was indeed a beautiful place to visit. Kim is eating grilled chicken with vegetables, along side a bottle of chilled milk. Bryan is sitted beside her angrily scrolling on his iPhone.Kim asked. "What is bothering you, talk to me. Let me in.""Do you know this journalist and blogger called Blade?""She is the richest and most popular journalist in Africa, of course I know her. What about her?""I hate her with everything in me. She always make fun of my music and life in general.""She does that to every celebrity in the world. Don't take it personal, that is her profession. She is just trying to make money.""At the expense of constantly making people sad and pushing some into depression? That woman is the the reason I am facing a hate train in the black community now. This is beyond making money, she just loves trolling people. She is sadistic in nature.""People love her.""Because of her clown behaviour." Bryan frowned deeply. "Don't tell me you are one of her fans.""Does it matter?""It does. Because I don't like her. I hate her.""I'm i supposed to hate whomever you hate and love those you love?""It's about us being compatible enough to be friends or more.""Relax." She fed him a piece of chicken. "Can we just have a good time and forget about Blade?""She has managed to remain anonymous for the past years but I will find her one day." *** Nathan is sweeping the living room. Payson is painting her nails with red nail polish. Nathan stumbles on a picture of Kim when she was very young in her teenage years."Mom," Nathan called out. "who is this girl?"Payson becomes cold after looking at the picture. She tears the picture in tiny pieces. "She is nobody.""Then why did you react this way?""Are you questioning me?""Yes I am. Ofcourse I should. Is this not the same girl you and dad fought over last night? Who is she?""You are not entitled to explanations concerning the personal issues I have with your dad, especially when it doesn't involve you.""Then keep your personal issues private.""Excuse me?""I was in my room last night trying to compose a song but I couldn't concentrate because you and dad loudly quarrelled all night. If you insist it's a personal issue then I shouldn't be affected, no one should.""I am your mother, you don't talk to me in that tone. Instead of you to think of how to go back to school, you are busy composing songs that won't add value to your life. (A little pause.) Who are you, Chris Brown? Jay Z? One could hear you from the street as you kept singing 'ah-ah-ah-ah-'""I was trying to learn a new song for an audition.""Well it's very dumb.""You are drifting from the topic.""Go back to school Nathan, stop wasting your life. Go back to school!!! Your mates are in school studying and graduating with honours."Nathan angrily walked out."Silly boy!" She looked at the torn pieces of Kim's picture in fear. "Wherever you are, I pray you never come back, because if you do I will send you to a place of no return." ***Pink and Nathan sit outside her gate, nervous and quiet.Nathan broke the silence. "Why have you been ignoring my calls and text messages, why did you act that way that night?""How?"Nathan knew she was pretending, he continued. "I saw the disappointment and guilt on your face. Sincerely i was also disappointed in myself but I don't regret anything that happened. Baby i really love you.""Why?""Because I love you."Pink blushed, exactly what she wanted to hear. "I love you too.""Take." Nathan handed her a big packet of chocolate. "For you and Dalvin.""Thank you.""Should we take a walk round the hood?""Not today, my parents will soon be back from work, I need to cook.""Jude has a comedy shoot tomorrow at the beach and I'd like you to come for it. From there we could go to the cinema and watch a few movies.""I have WAEC classes tomorrow.""Tomorrow is Saturday.""WAEC tutorials." She corrected."But your two best friends Lydia and Ann will be coming for the shoot. You take school too serious.""School means a lot to me. I need to pass my WAEC, JAMB and gain admission into the university to study Nursing then get married and have four kids."Nathan laughed."What is funny?" Pink didn't find the conversation amusing."Nothing. I love that you are passionate about school.""Why did you drop out of school?""Baby, let's talk about this some other time.""When? I'll love you to go back to school. If you don't like your course and you can't change it, maybe you should sit for JAMB again, registration is still on going.""I will think about it." Nathan seemed very uninterested in the topic."I have to go now, I'm sorry I can't walk you outside the Estate.""I'll call you when I get home. Take care of yourself.""You too."They hug, Nathan pecks Pink on the cheeks, then walk down the street. *** In Kim and Jennifer's hotel room. Kim is working on her laptop while Jennifer is reading a romance book, on GoodNovel. Kim's phone ring continuously."How long will you continue to ignore Bryan's calls?" Jennifer asked."He is too emotionally attached.""I did not ask why you are ignoring his calls because I know you don't have a reason. Do you know how many women will kill to be in your place? Well i know i will.""Can we switch positions please?""With all pleasure ma'am. But we both know it's impossible. Bryan is a good man, I just wish he came for me instead.""I will call him later. I need to focus on work. Since I met Bryan my daily income has dropped because he doesn't give me space to work. All he does is take me on silly trips and cook me delicious meals. His company doesn't add any value to me, he demands too much attention.""We came to France for a vacation. Girl you need to unwind, loosen up. You are too uptight.""Even so, my profession is different from yours, you can afford to take a break from the hospital but I can't. I need to always work even when I'm not in the office.""Stop making excuses you workaholic. Bryan doesn't know you are Blade. If he did you guys won't even be here. The fastet way to get rid of him is to tell him you're Blade. But please don't, at least one of us should have a celebrity boyfriend. I envy you, good things never come my way.""Don't say that. You have the best things in life. You are a successful surgeon that earns good money, you have a family that loves you. You have me, what else do you want?""A celebrity boyfriend or husband."They both laugh heartily."Please call him back, he is the type of guy you will regret losing." Jennifer advised."Did I hear right? Look, I am the blue print. It will take Bryan a lifetime to find a woman like me.""Oh really?""Yes.""So tell me, how many inches, nine or eleven?" Jennifer asked.Kim ignored her, working on her laptop."Really? So you're just gonna keep me hanging, no exclusives?" Jennifer made the 'cute pit-me' face."Yes my darling, no more exclusives. Good night." Kim replied.CHAPTER FOUR. Nathan's father, Alex, had summoned Nathan for a family meeting. "Nathan you must go back to school this session and continue." Alex opened the conversation. "I made some calls, your department is willing to accept you back but you will have to repeat third year which is fair enough." Payson said. "The most important thing is for you to graduate with first class honours and become a lawyer." Onome added. "I will think about it." Nathan softly said. Felix, his uncle entered the conversation harshly. "Since last year you have been thinking, you have thought enough. It is time to go back to school."Payson nodded her head, agreeing with her brother, Felix. "Playtime is over son. Boys need a marketable skill, Nathan, because you've got to be able to support yourself. Come back to the real world honey, this is Nigeria. Don't let one little show at Checkers Beach go to your head.""It wasn't little to me." Nathan muttered."You are too young to be a school drop out." Pa
CHAPTER FIVE. At EDEN'S HIGH SCHOOL, school has just dismissed, Pink, Lydia and Ann walk down the road. Nathan comes out of the blue swinging Pink in his arms. He bends asking Pink to climb his back, she happily climbs his back.Jude is chatting with Lydia and Ann, they all happily walk down the road. Kim pass by in her car, she looks at the rear side mirror carefully studying Nathan's face. She stops beside them whining down her car glasses. "Good evening ma." They all greeted Kim in unison. "Evening. Please is there any ATM machine close by?" Kim asked, looking directly at Nathan. "The closet ATM machine is the one around my area and it's quite far from here. Are you new in town?" Nathan gave her a warm, welcoming response. One that melted her and made her heart smile. Kim smiled. "Yes I am. Please help me. I don't mind giving you and your friends a ride." She offered. "Come on in, I will drop each of you in your homes." Pink looked at Kim in suspicion, then whispered to Nath
CHAPTER SIX.{SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:Dear Readers, the doors of blessings shall be opened for you & your families throughout this season and forever. Happy Christmas, enjoy the holidays! ❤️Best Wishes,Pinkie Alaha.}Pink was seeing a movie with her brother, when their mother walked into the living room. She put her hand on her hips, tapping her feet impatiently. "Whose clothes are these?" Sarah opened a shopping bag, turning out all the clothes. Pink jolted. Dalvin let out a wicked laughter. "Pink I'm talking to you." Sarah said, walking to stand in front of the TV. "Mom please, I paid to see this movie. You and Pink can settle your issues outside." Dalvin said. "Pink?" Sarah called out. "Umm.." Pink scratched her hair. "Mom, those are not mine." "Whose then?" She asked. "Just tell the truth, Pink." Dalvin said, hissing. "Mom, her friends, Lydia and Ann bought them for them for her.""Why?" Sarah shifted her gaze back to Pink. "If you need new clothes why didn't you
CHAPTER SEVEN. "Who was that man that dropped you and your friends?" Nathan questioned. "Oh, that..." Pink smiled. "Yes, that.""He is Ann's boyfriend's driver." Pink innocently said."Oh."Pink looked directly in his eyes. "Someone can be jealous?""When it comes to you.."Pink interrupted. "Says the guy that flirted with almost every female that came to buy from his stand tonight. You think I didn't notice?""I was only being nice and friendly. It is called courtesy and customer service." Nathan explained. Pink made funny, but cute faces. "Over here we call it cheating.""Says the girl that was driven in a Venza to the governor's birthday party!" "By an unknown driver of my friend's boyfriend." Pink completed. "How did you get past that gate? For the little I know, it is an exclusive birthday party." "Ann's boyfriend is big." Nathan frowned. "Whatever." He said in a really cool accent, "How much do you need for your WAEC and JAMB fees again?"Pink blushed. "Oh my God! Is s
CHAPTER EIGHT. Kim had no plans of leaving Nigeria anytime soon. She sat on her balcony, admiring the big city, smoking and painting. Her close friends would testify she was a talented painter. She had tons of her artworks in the national museum, California, and Nigeria. She made quite a fortune from painting. A lot of people did not know her to be an artist. She preferred to remain anonymous in her artistry. She wasn't expecting to see Bryan walking to her balcony, she looked around in surprise when Bryan walked forward, towards her. Was she hallucinating? She exhaled hard when she saw Jennifer walk to the balcony as well, wearing a broad smile. Now she was certain she wasn't hallucinating, Jenifer must have let him into her house. Very quickly she covered her painting, looking at both in confusion. "Is someone hiding something from us?" Bryan teased, smiling. "No, ofcourse not." Kim scoffed. "I'm only trying to keep my client and his work anonymous." "I didn't know you wer
CHAPTER NINE.Nathan jogged from the studio, headed to his house. He tied his sweater round his waist. As he jogged, he buried his mind in thoughts.His mom was moving crazily and it hurt him. He slowed his pace when he noticed Kim's car parked in front of him.Kim whined down, "Come on, get in!" She said. "I'll give you a ride."Nathan opened the front door of Kim's car and settled into the seat. He shot her a grateful glance. "Hi, good afternoon ma." He drew a deep breath before beginning to talk. "You're God sent, thank you." "The energy you used while jogging, like an athlete." Kim said. "Why are jogging under this hot sun, it's ridiculous."Nathan looked away, ashamed. "Nothing." Kim studied his expressions. "Something is wrong, you look sad." "I am." Nathan replied. "Why? I won't give up easily." Kim persuaded. "Talk to me, I would help if I could." "Just a terrible unlucky day." Nathan said dismissively. "How have you been?" "Not bad. I'm alive." Kim replied casually. "
CHAPTER TEN.Kim was by the pool side in Bryan's mansion. She wasn't swimming even though she was in her bikini. She sat staring at nothing in particular, she ransacked her head, explored ideas on the best way to get her son back. She didn't seem to find the best idea yet.Bryan tip-toes to the pool using his hands to cover Kim's eyes, not in the mood, she sholves his hands. "Baby you have been giving me attitude since I came back from my music video shoot, why?""Music video shoot huh? I watched the thriller on your laptop, that is not a music video shoot, it is a porn shoot. More than ten girls were flashing their boobs and ass in your face and you call it music video shoot?" That was in no way the reason for her mood, but, Kim saw an oopportunity and used it. "Baby calm down, you are overreacting. I have had nastier music videos." Bryan stroked her hair gently. "Okay." The word came out before she realized she had said it. "Okay fine. I will re shoot the music video, anything
CHAPTER ELEVEN. "You're two weeks pregnant!" Jennifer announced, pulling a chair to sit beside Kim, at her balcony. She wanted to get her mind off a lot of things.Somewhere in her heart, she felt concerned about Payson, each time she remembered how angry and devastated he was when she left his office.Her painting brush fell off her hands. "Pregnant?" She asked."Yes." Jennifer nodded excitedly. "Congratulations! Our celebrity baby is on the way." "I didn't plan to have a child now but..I love babies so.. harari!" Kim smiled. "Perfect way to hold him down." Jennifer said."I don't need to get pregnant to hold him down." Kim rolled her eyes."Talk to me, what is happening? And when will you tell Bryan you are pregnant?""After the release of his Album.""He also needs to know you are Blade."Kim shook her head disapprovingly. "Do you know how much he hates Blade? I don't want to lose Bryan.""Yea, you shouldn't lose him. He is a celebrity. How big is the wedding going to be?" Kim
CHAPTER THIRTY - ONEThe sun was setting over the cemetery, casting a warm orange glow over the rows of headstones. Nathan sat by Pink's grave, his eyes fixed on the inscription etched into the stone."Beloved daughter, sister, and friend," it read. "Forever in our hearts."Nathan's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at the words. He looked a mess, his hair disheveled and his clothes stained with dirt and sweat. He had been sitting by Pink's grave for hours, drinking and smoking, trying to dull the pain that had been eating away at him since her death.As he sat there, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. It was as if Pink was still with him, watching over him from beyond the grave.Just as Nathan was starting to feel a sense of calm, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to see Jude, his friend, walking towards him."How did you know I was here?" Nathan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Jude shrugged, his eyes fixed on Nathan's. "I just do," he said, si
CHAPTER THIRTY Kim and her friend Jennifer strolled through the upscale shopping district, enjoying the warm sun on their skin and the sound of birds chirping in the trees. Kim was dressed in a stunning yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a loose bun, and her feet clad in strappy sandals. She looked like a ray of sunshine, and Jennifer couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.As they window-shopped, a sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up to the curb, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Kim's eyes widened as a live band emerged from the car, setting up their instruments on the sidewalk."What's going on?" Jennifer asked, her eyes scanning the scene.Kim shrugged, her eyes fixed on the band. "I have no idea."Just then, Bryan stepped out of the car, looking dashing in a tailored black suit. He flashed Kim a charming smile, and her heart skipped a beat."Bryan, what are you doing?" Kim asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Bryan dropped to one knee, pulling out a small box from hi
CHAPTER TWENTY - NINENathan slumped against the wall, his eyes fixed on the floor as he nursed a bottle of whiskey. The dim light of his room cast a gloomy shadow on his face, reflecting the turmoil that brewed inside him.He took a swig of the liquor, feeling the burn all the way down his throat. It was a futile attempt to numb the pain that had been gnawing at him for weeks.His mind wandered to his mother, Payson, sitting in a prison cell, serving a life sentence for a crime he knew she didn't commit. He felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him, his fists clenched in impotent rage.Why had he been so stupid? Why had he let things go so far? If only he had listened to Pink, if only he had been more careful...The guilt and regret threatened to consume him, and he reached for the pack of cigarettes on his nightstand. He lit one, taking a long drag as he tried to calm his racing thoughts.But the nicotine only seemed to fuel his anxiety, and he found himself pacing back and
CHAPTER TWENTY - EIGHT The lights shone brightly in the packed auditorium, casting a warm glow over the sea of faces. The air was thick with anticipation as the students, teachers, and parents waited for the prize-giving ceremony to begin.Dalvin, dressed in a sleek black suit, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, made his way to the stage. He was here to collect the awards on behalf of his sister, Pink, who had tragically passed away just a few weeks ago.As he reached the microphone, the principal, Mrs. Johnson, handed him a stack of six awards. Dalvin's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at the shiny trophies and certificates."Ladies and gentlemen, students and teachers," Mrs. Johnson began, her voice trembling with emotion. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the academic achievements of our students. And among them, one student stands out for her exceptional brilliance and dedication. Pink, our beloved student, who left us far too soon, has bagged six awards tonight."The au
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN Kim stepped out of her car and onto the crumbling asphalt of the prison parking lot. The sun beat down on her, casting a harsh glare over the entire scene. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.As she entered the prison, she was immediately struck by the stark contrast to the outside world. The air was thick with the smell of disinfectant and stale air. The fluorescent lights overhead cast an unforgiving glare, making every face look pale and gaunt.Kim made her way through the security checks and into the visiting room. Payson was already seated, her eyes fixed on Kim as she entered. Kim's heart went out to her, seeing the deep lines of worry and regret etched on her face.Payson's eyes filled with tears as Kim approached. "Kim, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I was wrong to do what I did to you, all your life. I was so blinded by my own fears and doubts. I was selfish, I am sorry." Kim sat down across from Payson, he
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXThe courtroom was packed, the air thick with tension. Nathan and Payson sat in the defendants' chairs, their faces etched with worry. Sarah and Dalvin sat on the opposite side, their eyes red-rimmed from crying.Judge Thompson, a stern-looking woman with a reputation for being tough, entered the courtroom and took her seat. She adjusted her glasses and surveyed the room before focusing on Nathan and Payson."So, Mr. Nathan and Mrs. Payson, you are here today to face charges of negligence and manslaughter in the death of Pink, the daughter of Mrs. Sarah. How do you plead?"Payson stood up, her voice shaking. "Your Honor, I plead guilty. My son, Nathan, had no hand in this. It was all my doing."Nathan's eyes widened in shock. "Mom, no!" he whispered urgently, but Payson ignored him.Judge Thompson's expression turned stern. "Very well, Mrs. Payson. And you, Mr. Nathan? How do you plead?"Nathan stood up, his voice trembling. "Not guilty, Your Honor. I didn't do anyth
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVEAfter performing at the club and taking Kim to his hotel room, that was the last he saw her. He woke up the next morning to her absence, she left him a handwritten note that read: "Dear Bryan, It felt good being with you last night and I enjoyed every second. You're a sweet soul but I have to go. Please don't look for me. Kim." Bryan sighed heavily, tossing the note aside. "Fuck you Kim..I will find you." He walked to the table and poured himself a glass of champagne. He focused on the trails of bubbles arising from his champagne. The days went by and Bryan didn't hear the end of it. His mother scolded him every day for his performance at the club. His freestyle at the club went viral worldwide and everyone was talking about it. Everyone wondered why he hadn't gotten married to Kim yet. Eva had made a press release addressing the public that Bryan and Kim did not have a relationship again and the club freestyle was a little show for fans. Bryan was unaware,
CHAPTER TWENTY FOURBryan drove into his mansion and walked to his bedroom. He was having a terrible migraine. He paused by the entrance of his bedroom, glaring at Beverly. She was standing by the mirror, naked. With a light groan, he closed the bedroom door and walked inside. "Superstar.." Her voice was sensuous, she turned to fully face him, smiling. "I've been waiting for you all night." "We need to talk." Moving closer to him, she said. "We're talking." Bryan moved back. "I'm calling off the engagement." He took off his jacket. "There are a lot of things I can't remember, a lot of things that aren't adding up. Look, I'm tired okay?" Beverly had expected rejection tonight but calling off the engagement? She didn't see it coming. She shook her head, trying to wrap her fingers around his neck. "Baby.." "I mean everything I've said tonight and still saying." Bryan pulled away, he walked to his wardrobe then pulled out a blanket, covering Beverly in it. "I am putting an end to a
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE"Who's there?" Kianna asked, tip toeing to the window. She stared outside the window trying to see who it was that was ringing the bell. Past 9pm and she was home alone, almost asleep. "I said who's there?" Her voice was louder. "Kianna, it's Pink," Pink responded in a low voice. "Please let me in." Kianna sighed, relieved it wasn't some serial killer or thief. She opened the door and Pink stepped into the living room. "Pink..." She said, locking the living room door. "How did you find... come in."Pink hugged Kianna tightly, crying softly. "I'm sorry for barging in on you this way, this night..I had nowhere else to go.." Kianna rubbed a hand over Pink's back, patting her gently. "Pink, let it all out if you have to..I am here for you." Pink pulled out from the embrace and lowered herself to sit on the couch, sniffing back tears. "I ran away from home.." "Why?" Kianna sat beside her. "What happened?" ***Bryan winced, and h