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TWENTY-TWO: A COME BACK
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Nneoma arrived her office fully in control of her emotions. With struggles, she had relatively forgotten Richard. As usual, customers filed into the bank for one reason or the other. Nneoma had a busy time tackling her duties. She was working on some figures on her computer when she heard someone say.
'Excuse me.'Nneoma looked up and saw a young man with a pronounced floral emblem on his shirt. She understood he was a florist.'Are you Miss Dike?' the man asked.'Yes. Nneoma Dike.''I'm from Claribel, a floricultural outfit.'Nneoma nodded, her eyes going to the beautiful bouquet of pink roses he was carrying.'Someone sent you this bouquet,' he said proffering it her.'Who?' She received the aromatic flowers.'A note accompanies it.' He pointed out to her.Quickly, she pulled out the note from the bouquet and opened it.My Dear Nneoma, I hope you have a nice time at work. Could you join me at LaRelated chapters
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: CONSOLIDATE
Throughout the week Nneoma was happy. This was evident in her eyes. She laughed at the slightest provocation. Gladys whom she had told of her reconciliation with Richard was happy for her. Richard phoned her thrice that week. On the third occasion, she was resting on her divan around 20:00 N.T. She grabbed her phone eagerly.'Hello,' she cooed.'Hi,' Richard replied richly. 'How are you?''I'm fine and you?''I'm fine too. So, how was the day?''Enjoyable but I'm tired.''Have you eaten?''Yes, I have.''Why don't you take some pain relievers?''It's not that serious. It's just … it's just…' Her voice trailed off as a yawn over took her. 'I'm sorry,' she apologized chuckling. 'In a couple of few minutes I will feel fine.''You are really tired,' he noted. 'I wish I were there to soothe your nerves.'Nneoma laughed softly. 'What about you? Being at the helm of affairs in your hotel must be trying.
RESCUED HEART TWENTY-FOUR: TWO HEARTS, ONE LOVE
For the next two months, Nneoma and Richard saw a lot of each other. They stayed together most weekends reluctant to part. Sometimes, they dined out but most times they were indoors, enjoying one another's company at Nneoma's residence. They shared jokes, problems and life in general.On Sunday evening, relaxed on Nneoma's settee, they exchanged jokes and funny experiences, the epitome of a happy couple.'I was very fond of having tea and bread for breakfast,' Nneoma told him, eyes alight with amusement. 'And there came a period of bread scarcity in town. Most stores were short of bread. My mother presented biscuits to me in place of bread and I refused because, I normally dunked my bread in the tea so the biscuits did not work.'Richard smiled.'I was around four years old then,' she continued. 'Chika was still a baby. That morning, my mother was busy and I wanted bread by all means. My mother gave me N 10.00 to go to the nearby store and see if they had bread.
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: YOU, ALWAYS
The time was 11:00hrs N.T. Richard drove into his parents' compound in Port Harcourt, beside him was his bride to be, Nneoma. They were there for a formal introduction to his parents. The security man closed the gate as Richard drove further into the compound. He parked his vehicle neatly at the drive turning to Nneoma.'Here's our abode,' he smiled.'I can see,' she said softly, gazing at the white duplex, standing grandly in its aesthetic beauty.'Come on, let's get out.' He opened his door likewise Nneoma.Richard was attired in a green brocade mini jumper artistically embroidered. He was as usual posh and elegant. Nneoma was dressed in a shimmering dark blue lacy skirt and blouse, beautifully sown. She wore Richard's birthday gift; the gold jewelry. Her hair was beautifully twisted and a pair of black slippers graced her feet. She was as usual charming. They were still closing their doors when a lady in her early twenties came out of the house, excited,
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER ONE: COMING HOME
Anuri arrived her hometown around six o'clock in the evening. In her hand was a black leather suitcase, which bore her clothes, clothes she had not worn for the past four years. Four years of hunger, of pain, and distress. Four years of severe suffering. Yes, Anuri had known suffering, her hair was cut low, her very fair complexion toned down considerably and she was emaciated.Four years ago, Anuri was a raving beauty but the events of the past years had undermined her beauty. Presently, she wore a navy blue formal suit, which, were a bit oversized as she had lost weight considerably.Anuri, a graduate of Secretarial Studies from a Nigerian Polytechnic was twenty-four years old when she got an invitation from her cyber friend, Mrs. Stonehill, an elderly Briton to come to England for a vacation. She had been exhilarated at the prospect and had rejoiced greatly. Mrs. Stonehill had sent her the wherewithal for the journey so all she had to do was to o
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWO: A FRESH START
Chapter TwoAnuri decided to make the best of her life. True, her friend's betrayal had made her wary of many people. But she counselled herself to be free minded and not paranoid. She just had to be more careful with people. She went through her secretarial books and attached herself to a business center in the village where she brushed her computer skills. She nurtured the hope of getting a secretarial job in a flourishing firm soonest.Six weeks after her return, Pa Joshua's first son, James offered to assist Anuri. He told her to join him and his family at their Aba residence. He promised to help her find a job. She was happy at this offer and was willing to leave. It would be better for her. She remembered James' wife and her heart almost stilled. James' wife, Ogadinma was not a hospitable woman. She knew from experience. Infact, the woman disliked associating with her husband's relatives for reasons best known to her. Anuri wondered if it was advisable
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER THREE: MOVING ON
Chapter ThreeIt was Sunday evening. Anuri sat in the living room watching a Nigerian movie. Suddenly, Christopher who was there with her turned to her.Hesitatingly, he began, 'excuse me, aunty.’'Mmh?’'There's something aunty Ogadinma said that has been bothering me.’'What is it?' She frowned slightly. 'Is it about me?’'Yes.''Yes, go on,' she urged him.'She said that you might have HIV.’Anuri was shocked. 'Wh-what did you say? Goodness gracious me,' she gasped in hurt, her hazel eyes darkening with emotions. 'She said that?’'Yes.’She shook her head. 'How could she?…' Her voice trailed off.'She said that most people who come back from the prison have HIV. That is why she does not let you help in cooking.’Anuri stared into space, her eyes becoming misty. 'Dear me…' This
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER FOUR: WITHOUT A JOB
In high spirits, Anuri arrived her workplace. It was Monday morning, the last week of May. She looked beautiful and poised in her white linen suit. She exchanged greetings with some of her colleagues and chatted lightly for a few minutes; then she left for her office. An official envelop on her desk caught her attention. Frowning slightly, she picked it up. She recognized her boss' handwriting on it, which bore her name. Anuri wondered the portent of this. Her heart began to pound with apprehension. With slightly trembling hands, she opened the envelop and pulled out the letter. It was hand written. Miss Uchechi,I inform you formally, to stop work this morning, not later than 10:00am owing to the new revelation I received about you. Your services will no longer be needed in this firm. Realizing that you are an ex-convict of drug trafficking, which you concealed perfectly, I can no longer trust you as my secretary. Collect your salary from the bursary and leav
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER FIVE: A RACING HEART
The weather this morning was cool and invigorating. It had rained heavily the previous night. Even the morning sun was reluctant to come up, still bleary eyed with cold. It was Monday, 1st of July.Anuri arrived Golding Cosmetics Limited, slightly breathless with anticipation. She was clad in a turquoise suit of beautiful design. Her black shoes accentuated the elegance of her legs and her hair fixed in Yaki was artistic and beautiful. A pair of golden earrings adorned her ears and her make up was moderate. She was formal and poised, quite beautiful.She reported to the personnel department and was led by one of the officers, Mr. Ndukaku to the managing Director's section of the company. He stopped at the door stenciled: The Secretary. He unlocked it and pushed it open. Stepping in he said, 'here is your office, Anuri. Hope you'll like it.’Anuri moved in. She gazed round the neat, well furnished office while the other opened the sliding windows. This
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RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: YOU, ALWAYS
The time was 11:00hrs N.T. Richard drove into his parents' compound in Port Harcourt, beside him was his bride to be, Nneoma. They were there for a formal introduction to his parents. The security man closed the gate as Richard drove further into the compound. He parked his vehicle neatly at the drive turning to Nneoma.'Here's our abode,' he smiled.'I can see,' she said softly, gazing at the white duplex, standing grandly in its aesthetic beauty.'Come on, let's get out.' He opened his door likewise Nneoma.Richard was attired in a green brocade mini jumper artistically embroidered. He was as usual posh and elegant. Nneoma was dressed in a shimmering dark blue lacy skirt and blouse, beautifully sown. She wore Richard's birthday gift; the gold jewelry. Her hair was beautifully twisted and a pair of black slippers graced her feet. She was as usual charming. They were still closing their doors when a lady in her early twenties came out of the house, excited,
RESCUED HEART TWENTY-FOUR: TWO HEARTS, ONE LOVE
For the next two months, Nneoma and Richard saw a lot of each other. They stayed together most weekends reluctant to part. Sometimes, they dined out but most times they were indoors, enjoying one another's company at Nneoma's residence. They shared jokes, problems and life in general.On Sunday evening, relaxed on Nneoma's settee, they exchanged jokes and funny experiences, the epitome of a happy couple.'I was very fond of having tea and bread for breakfast,' Nneoma told him, eyes alight with amusement. 'And there came a period of bread scarcity in town. Most stores were short of bread. My mother presented biscuits to me in place of bread and I refused because, I normally dunked my bread in the tea so the biscuits did not work.'Richard smiled.'I was around four years old then,' she continued. 'Chika was still a baby. That morning, my mother was busy and I wanted bread by all means. My mother gave me N 10.00 to go to the nearby store and see if they had bread.
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: CONSOLIDATE
Throughout the week Nneoma was happy. This was evident in her eyes. She laughed at the slightest provocation. Gladys whom she had told of her reconciliation with Richard was happy for her. Richard phoned her thrice that week. On the third occasion, she was resting on her divan around 20:00 N.T. She grabbed her phone eagerly.'Hello,' she cooed.'Hi,' Richard replied richly. 'How are you?''I'm fine and you?''I'm fine too. So, how was the day?''Enjoyable but I'm tired.''Have you eaten?''Yes, I have.''Why don't you take some pain relievers?''It's not that serious. It's just … it's just…' Her voice trailed off as a yawn over took her. 'I'm sorry,' she apologized chuckling. 'In a couple of few minutes I will feel fine.''You are really tired,' he noted. 'I wish I were there to soothe your nerves.'Nneoma laughed softly. 'What about you? Being at the helm of affairs in your hotel must be trying.
RESCUED HEART TWENTY-TWO: A COME BACK
Nneoma arrived her office fully in control of her emotions. With struggles, she had relatively forgotten Richard. As usual, customers filed into the bank for one reason or the other. Nneoma had a busy time tackling her duties. She was working on some figures on her computer when she heard someone say.'Excuse me.'Nneoma looked up and saw a young man with a pronounced floral emblem on his shirt. She understood he was a florist.'Are you Miss Dike?' the man asked.'Yes. Nneoma Dike.''I'm from Claribel, a floricultural outfit.'Nneoma nodded, her eyes going to the beautiful bouquet of pink roses he was carrying.'Someone sent you this bouquet,' he said proffering it her.'Who?' She received the aromatic flowers.'A note accompanies it.' He pointed out to her.Quickly, she pulled out the note from the bouquet and opened it.My Dear Nneoma, I hope you have a nice time at work. Could you join me at La
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: RESTART
Seven years gone by, Nneoma was hale and hearty. She worked as an accountant in a reputable bank in Aba, the second city listed in the world gazetteer popularly called the Enyimba city, situate in Abia State, Nigeria. Courtesy of her uncle who had introduced her to the Utos years ago and her parents, she eventually graduated with a second class upper division degree certificate.Nneoma, through a magistrate law court had for six years formally paid back Pius approximately all he spent on her. And with the approximate last kobo paid, that sad episode was finally closed.Nneoma, in her thirtieth earth year was a raving beauty. She suffered a lot of advances from men which amused, pleased, or irritated her at times. Suitors came her way but she refused them. It was as if she had sworn off men. Her parents were worried. Wouldn't she settle down? Why did she joke with marriage? She was almost thirty! They gave her sermons on the reasons why she should make the most of her
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER TWENTY: RETALIATION
Nneoma!’ 'Aunty,' she responded quietly, unable to smile. ‘Come in, come in,' Ogechi said, taking the former's hand. She led her into her living room. Nneoma dropped her bag on the floor and sat down on one of the cushioned seats.'You look troubled, Nne. What's the problem? And how is your mother?' Ogechi gazed at her concernedly, subsiding on the adjourning seat.'She's fine, I believe but I'm not so sure.''You are not so sure? I don't understand.''Oh, aunty Oge, I ran away from them.''Ah… Nneoma?'She began tremulantly, 'Pius came home.''Your fiancé?''Yes, he came home for the Easter Holiday. When he called at our house, I was not yet back from school. When I came home, my parents said I should visit them as they desired…''Mmh.
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER NINETEEN: RUN AWAY BRIDE-TO-BE
The bus arrived the Eastern Heartland at exactly 20:45 N.T. At the ITC Park, Nneoma alighted from the vehicle. She felt very tired and weak.She gazed up the night sky. The sky was bluish black, sprinkled with myriads of brilliant stars. They told her life could be smooth rough, beautiful or ugly depending on how one played his cards. Shaking her head, she looked around for a cyclist.Minutes later, the motor cyclist arrived at Gladys' residence which was in Aladinma Layout. She dismounted and paid the cyclist. She knocked on the black gate and waited patiently. She was the epitome of a run-away soldier. Just then, the gate was opened by Gladys younger brother, about eighteen years old.''Joseph.'He was visibly surprised. 'Ah, Nneoma, good evening!''Good-evening,’ she answered with a weak smile. 'Is Gladys in?''Yes, yes, come in.' He stepped back and Nneoma entered the compound. Joseph locked the gate and moved toward their white bungalow
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: PIUS COMES HOME
The door bell rang musically. Nneoma stood up to answer the call. She was at the Uto's house having arrived an hour earlier. This was her second visit to the Uto's residence. Opening the door, she saw her father in-law to be, Mr. Silas Uto.He exclaimed in joy: 'Ah, Nneoma, you're already here.''Yes sir, good morning, sir,' she greeted respectfully.'Good morning.' He patted her back as he came in. 'How are your parents?''They are fine. They sent their greetings, sir.''Good, good.'She looked curiously, towards the door. 'Where is Pius, sir?''He's coming. Pius, what are you still doing there? Nneoma is here!' Pius' father said with flourish looking at the curtained entrance.Alarm bells sounded distinctly in Nneoma's ears as Pius Uto walked in. They stared at each other, her heart beating wildly. No…no… This won't work… Nneoma felt like breaking down. He was not her type… she moaned silently. Seeing him live has
RESCUED HEART CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: APPREHENSION
When the hour struck 15:30 N.T, Nneoma leapt from her bed. She dressed up again in her earlier clothes. She retouched her makeup and made sure she looked good. Selecting the relevant books, she left for Gladys' room. Since the latter was ready too, both of them left the hostel.'Do you know the particular class?''No but we will find him without any problem. Come on, Richard keeps to time and if you don't he leaves. That way, he teaches his friends to stick to time.' Gladys increased her pace.Moments later, they arrived at the Blue classes. Looking through the windows, they sought for Richard. In the sixth class, they found him. Nneoma felt a peculiar joy well up within her just at the mere sight of him. He had not seen them yet. He stood before a wall map looking very engrossed. At the sound of their foot steps, he turned round. Richard wore a cool black T. shirt over a deep blue jeans looking grand in casual clothes. He smiled, his eyes lighting up as they fell on
