Chapter 10 : His desire

Tola and I had agreed to meet at the restaurant, and as I walked towards the table, my mind was filled with a flurry of thoughts. It had been such a long time since we had sat down together and had those carefree conversations we used to have. We would forget about the world, talk about our days after school, share stories about our families, and joke about everything that bothered us. I missed those moments dearly.

Tola had left South Africa a few years ago to return home to Nigeria and take care of her sick father. Now she was back, and I was excited to catch up with her and share the news of my children's birth. However, I never expected to see the changes in my friend. She used to be a good girl, someone who followed her mother's guidance, focused on her studies to secure a good job, and never relied on anyone else. But now, it seemed like she was dependent on a wealthy older man, living under his rules, and doing everything he told her to do, well, to some extent.

"Hello, Sam. I'm here for a lunch date with my friend Tola," I told the restaurant receptionist, waiting for directions to Tola's table.

"Hey, Dee, nice to see you back here. Although I must admit, I'm a bit surprised to see you alone. You used to come here every Wednesday and Friday night with your fiancé, but these days, you don't come as often," Sam commented, catching me off guard.

"Sam, I'm not sure what you're talking about, but we'll discuss it later. Just take me to Tola's table, please. I'm already running late for our lunch date," I replied, feeling frustrated, and Sam's shock turned into a smile.

"She's seated in the private section at table number 25. Let me know if you need anything. You and your fiancé have always been my favorites," Sam said, and I gave him a playful kiss on the forehead before hurrying towards Tola's table.

Ron had been spreading the rumor that he and I were engaged, creating an aura of protection around me. People believed that I was off-limits, belonging to the most feared man in town. No one dared to come close to me, knowing they would have to face Ronald if they did. That's why Sam spoke as if I were engaged, warning others to stay away for their own good.

As I walked towards Tola's table, I couldn't shake the feeling that people were looking at me oddly. It was as if they saw the wife of the devil walking into the room. They knew to respect me, follow my commands, and adhere to my schedule, or else they would face danger. Ron was the most feared man around, and no one dared to cross him. If anyone threatened what belonged to him or crossed the line, they knew the consequences. Some had tried, and their families paid the price.

Ronald was a heartless man, caring only about himself and what he possessed—money, family, and nothing more. 

"Tola, it's been too long. Come here and give me a hug, baby girl," I greeted, and Tola eagerly embraced me, although a hint of confusion crossed her face, reflecting the change she had noticed in me.

"Hey, bestie. I must say, money suits you," Tola remarked, and we shared a laughter.

"Oh, Tola, money has always had a way of looking good on me. It's just that my mother and I never had enough to make me look like this," I said, memories of my mother flooding my mind.

"I understand, babes. I'm sure your mother would be happy to see you

 now, looking like this," Tola replied with a warm smile.

"Yes, I know she would be thrilled for me. Even though she's no longer physically here, she's always with me in spirit," I said with a smile, but Tola's expression turned puzzled.

"I don't understand, Dee. What do you mean? Where is your mother?" Tola asked, her confusion evident.

"Didn't you get my message?"

"What message? I changed my number when I went back home, but now that I'm back, I'm using my old one."

"Well, my mother passed away, Tola," I revealed, and shock washed over Tola's face.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I was going to tell you that my father also passed away a few months ago," Tola disclosed.

"Oh my friend, please tell me you're joking," I gasped, taken aback by the parallel loss we had experienced.

"I wish I were, Dee. When I returned home, my father was critically ill, and we couldn't afford the necessary treatments," Tola explained, her voice filled with sadness.

Our conversation continued into the late hours, as we shared our grief and supported each other. Meanwhile, Ron tried to call me several times, but I ignored his calls. Though he had sent people to watch over me, my inner voice yearned to communicate with him. His presence, even from afar, ignited a fire within me. He made me want to believe in change, to become a better person.

But deep down, I knew that Ron would never change. He was a monster, caring only for himself. Selfish and stubborn, he had been raised by an abusive father, and his journey to success had been riddled with troubles. He had taken lives, destroyed people, and left them broken. He was nothing more than an evil man driven by money and his desire to make it in life.