Everything around Onyedikachi grew hazy as he was seated staring into space. He could hear cracks and felt the sting of heartbreak as his heart tore into pieces. His breathing labourous even as he gasped for air. He needed clarity for the pandemonium of confusion that thrummed in his mind.

It couldn't be! His father was truly Obanma's father too!

The room grew hotter with every passing moment and he had to unbutton his shirt.

"Are you okay Mister?" The doctor enquired and all he could afford to do was nod his head.

"The other test result .." The doctor proceeded only to be interupted by Chijioke.

"There's no need doctor we won't be needing it anymore. We have all the information we need"

Chijioke and Onyedikachi left the hospital with dejection written all over their features. The pair only thought of the implications of what they had discovered.

"You know what this means for you" Chijioke opined as they approached the vehicle that had conveyed them to the hospital.

Onyedikachi only stared at Chijioke in disbelief. Did the man even know that he was in immesurable pains?

"We will have to tell her , I don't know if you would be the right person to do it or me ,but she has .."

"Chijioke please just shut up! Shut your hole up! Do you even care about how I'm feeling right now ! Do you know what this will do to Mma"

"Oh this is not about you Onyedikachi! This is more than both of us ! I have a father who is rotting in prison because of this! For years I've hated the man thinking he acted out of stupidity and it turns out his allegations were right ! I have a young sister who would be shamed or ostracized if words about this gets out . You should have never touched my sister "

"And you think now is the perfect time to toss blames around you bastard!!"

"She is in this mess because of you !" Chijioke barked angrily as he launched at Onyedikachi

Punches danced around as the pair threw themselves on the floor in a pointless tussle.

"Inukwa! So now you're blaming me for this ! You really are an inconsiderate pig. "

"My sister was just fine before you waltzed into her life and look at the mess you brought with you !"

"I had absolutely nothing to do with this! Enough already!" Onyedikachi yelled as Chijioke's final punch landed on his lips,tearing the flesh to release blood . The pair stood, panting in silence before Onyedikachi finally spoke.

"I am not going to be the one who breaks her heart. You're her only brother and that is the way it will remain .I suggest you keep this from Mma except you want the truth to come from your lips " Onyedikachi spat out blood ,taking note of the spectators that had gathered from afar. Their bodies were tainted with dirt and a patch of sand clung stealthily on the back of Chijioke's hair.

Chijioke nodded in aquiesance as he
reached out to shake Onyedikachi's hands for reasons he couldn't fathom. He had been furious with how powerless the test had left him . He was hoarding a news that had been eating him up inside and only lashed out on Onyedikachi to ease his discomfort. The young man was also a victim as much as Obanma and his own image could be tainted too.

Onyedikachi hesitantly shook Chijioke's hands and turned to walk away.

"What are you going to do? "Chijioke enquired as he watched Onyedikachi intently.

"I am going to disappear . It'll give her ample time to loathe and finally forget me"

Chijioke couldn't help the sense of foreboding that got over him as he watched Onyedikachi disappear. The people who had gathered seemed to whisper and point at him which led to him quickly jumping into the vehicle while waiting for their driver.

Chijioke got to Enugu with his disheveled appearance and bloodied face. His aunt and mother scolded him for minutes for being irresponsible but all they said never stuck to him . He managed to pull Nnamdi aside and revealed the truth to him . Nnamdi seemed as shocked as he had been when the doctor revealed the result of the test.

"Are you going to tell Obanma ? What about Ngozi ? " Nnamdi enquired as he heaved a sigh

"I can't say anything to them"

"Ngozi might remember sooner or later "

"I think it'll be best if she is the one who reveals this ugly truth "

"What about Onyedikachi? How..."

"He left ,he's gone "

Nnamdi managed to stare at Obanma who held his son to her bosom while she played with him and made faces at the baby. He felt sad looking at her and picturing how devastated she would become when Onyedikachi finally calls off their engagement.

"It is for the best Chijioke"

Chijioke nodded swiftly and walked away leaving his uncle with a dreaded secret.

Onyedikachi hadn't called Obanma for days much to her worry . The times she called she met no response and her texts were unanswered. Her exams were by the corner yet her mind was lost in an endless labrynth of worry. Terrifying scenarios played out in her mind and her only confidant had been kelechi.

Kelechi had revealed to her about her sudden relationship with one of the lecturers in their department who was interested in her.

Obanma had been worried as to how disastrous the news would be when ever it comes to light . Kelechi had assured her of their discretion and how the man was only interested in her hand .

She too had once been certain of everything before Onyedikachi went silent on her. Had he been kidnapped?

As days crept into weeks and slowly into a month Obanma decided that she had taken enough of the insanity.
She had become depressed and Kelechi had complained of her poor eating habits.

How she managed to study and write her exams was a mystery to her and she knew she was losing herself to sadness.

The final day of the semester exam came and they finished earlier than usual as the time was scheduled to be in the morning . She left the exam hall as soon as her papers were submitted and barely acknowledged any of her classmates .

Chukwuemeka and Chukwuebuka were the only visitors that came knocking. Kelechi had somehow stalled in returning to the lodge while Obanma busied herself with a movie .

Obanma ushered the twins in, they came bearing gifts including a plate of ice cream which they maintained was for her health. Kelechi had told them she was ill and had also mentioned her eating habits,leaving the main issue out which was what Obanma believed saved her roommate's neck.

She ate the ice cream slowly while the twins bickered as usual. She couldn't help but smile to certain words they spewed about the school life.

"Mom would like to know if you're going to be available for the birthday party. The driver is coming to pick us up tomorrow"

Obanma stared blankly at the boys because she had forgotten about the invitation.

"I don't think I can make it , please send my apologies to your mom"

The twins had left in the evening while she wallowed in loneliness and fear.

Obanma thought of visiting the village just to ask if he had been there . But who would she ask? Would Chidiogo be willing to share such information?

A beep from her phone drew her out of her ponder and she reached out to have a look at what caused it.

A message had come in and it had been from Onyedikachi . Her heart skipped a beat even as she quickly tapped on it .

It revealed a long apology for his absence and she found her nerves relaxing from worry. She read on and discovered he had deliberately been avoiding her .

"There's is no way we can be together Mma and I'm sorry for stringing you along for so long. It is best that we go out seperate ways."

Obanma tried so hard to make meaning out of what she had read as tears flowed endlessly from her eyes. It felt unreal , she could hear heart tearing into bits as she stared intently at her screen . The words blurred from her tears which she wiped immediately, then shook her head in disbelief.

She dialed his phone number immediately but he didn't answer. Obanma found herself sending numerous texts of enquiry which she barely proofread as she did other messages.

After two long hours it dawned on her that what she received must have been the truth. Was Onyedikachi that cruel? Didn't he love her as he had always claimed?

Her head ached from the tears, her eyes reddened and her face pale.

She lay quietly on her bed till Kelechi entered the room. It took minutes until she saw how devastated her friend appeared.

"Obanma what happened? O gini mere gi?"

Obanma couldn't speak at first and cleared her throat while shaking her head.

"You can't be serious, have you seen your face?"

"Kelechi I am fine , it's nothing"

"Has he called you ? Handsome pocket has he?"

Obanma gently shook her head in response until the tears began to flow again.

"He called off the engagement, he ..he ..he broke up with me " She managed to mutter with her face buried in her palms.

"Oh my God " Kelechi exclaimed hopping to the bed to engulf her friend with an embrace.

"Oba I am so sorry about that , what happened? How come?"

She reached out for her phone and showed Kelechi the text she had received from Onyedikachi.

"He is a big fool then , a spineless goat , an idiot . Obanma he doesn't deserve you and he doesn't know what he lost "

"I just thought he did love me.. I didn't do anything wrong or did I ? He won't even talk to me! ... We were supposed to get married and build a life. It seems ...so confusing. Oh everyone is going to tell me "they told me so", my family"

"It is not your fault inugo, you fell in love and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that . He is the one who is wrong and I can't help but think that pig just used you"

"I don't know how to deal with this pain Kelechi. It...it feels like my heart is being torn to shreds over and over again. I am plagued by the memories of the times we spent together and I keep asking questions. Was he acting the whole time? Had our relationship always been about how he would execute a revenge against my family , well if it was I'd say he did . Is this some sort of joke and why wouldn't he just talk to me!!"

"Nne, it is never easy . You just have to pick up pieces of yourself and try to move on . A day at a time that's it . You're not the one who should be suffering for his mistakes . If he chose the path of revenge then he is a big fool. And you deserve much better than him "

"Kelechi I love him"

"Well I liked him too and now all I can think of is how to vomit every chocolate that came from him " Kelechi added earning a weak smile from Obanma. She held her friends hand and gave her the most reassuring smile. "Everything will be fine "

Obanma rested her head on Kelechi's shoulder as they say in silence.

"Will you be going home?"

" I don't think I can face my family after this " Obanma replied dreading what she knew was an inevitable scenario.

"Why don't you go to Chukwuebuka's place , they told me you were invited"

"I feel like a mess inside , I look like a mess ,KC I don't think I can handle it"

"Obanma you're going to feel worse if you're alone and I won't be here all the time. Being around people helps you heal , you need to go . Infact I'll help you fix your face with make-up tomorrow and oh one more thing !" She reached out to Obanma's phone and quickly called one of the twins to inform them of Obanma's change of heart.

"I'll cancel by tomorrow and that will be on you " Obanma declared as she made her way into the restroom.

She hardly ate the noodles prepared by Kelechi and tried hard to pay attention to all the stories she told but Onyedikachi kept lurking around each corner of her mind. She thought of his tender looks, the times they made love . How could he ever do such to her ? Why did papa Nnukwu accept her ? Had it all been planned ?

Everything seemed too confusing

"Mma you're my destiny"

I love you !"

His voiced echoed incessantly in her head . But what had she done wrong ?

She barely slept through the night thinking about Onyedikachi and woke with a migraine.

She could hear voices outside her door and was surprised to see Mrs Obiukwu in her room accompanied by Kelechi.

" We didn't know you were sick , your room mate just told me now . How are you feeling?" The woman enquired with concern as she approached a clueless Obanma whose mouth hung open.

She had been expecting a driver not the woman she intended to turn her invitation down.

"The driver's wife put to bed , my husband drove us here . Nne have you had any medication" Obiukwu enquired as she gently placed her hand on Obanma's forehead to feel her temperature.

"I'm okay ma, it is just a headache. I am so sorry I made you drive out to this place "

"No ! Of course not . You're a friend of my boys , it means you're a friend of the family. In my home we value friendship so much because it has given us plenty" The woman declared with a smile while Kelechi only grinned from ear to ear. Mrs Ukaegbu also had that effect on her the first time they met .

"I'll have my boys fetch you some items and we'd have to get you more body building food. You also need to get enough rest, I know how stressful exams can be. You can go home to your parents, you don't need to bother about the invitation. We'll have you some other time "

Obiukwu turned to leave only to be halted by Obanma's voice.

'I'd like to come along with you Ma. It wouldn't be fair to have come all the way and leave without me"

Obiukwu gave a smile as she approached Obanma."Nne it doesn't matter inu, I do understand. You're not obligated to come"

"I would love to" Obanma opined getting to her feet while Kelechi practically threw all her clothes in her travel box in a second.

They waited for Obiefune to arrive with the boys and left immediately for Umuahia. Obanma slept all through the journey, she had barely gotten enough the previous day.

They finally arrived their house in the early afternoon with Obanma's neck craned on Chukwuebuka's shoulder.

He gently tapped her and she was surprised to see the vehicle in a compound.

Obanma yawned then stepped out of the vehicle as instructed by Obiukwu. The boys took Obanma's box alongside theirs inside the house.

Obiefuna came along with the items they got for their younger children while Obiukwu led Obanma in.

Obanma scanned the surrounding as she marveled at the sight of a mansion that stood in front of them.

Obiukwu caught the awe in her eyes and smiled. It reminded her of the first time her late husband Benjamin had brought her and her siblings to his house in Enugu. She hadn't thought him to be as wealthy as he was. She loved Benjamin's humility

"They never mentioned how wealthy you are " Obanma declared as she caught Obiukwu's stare.

"They would have me to contend with if they did, not that I can do much . It's funny how I teach my sons to be humble and their grandfather does the exact opposite. He started educating them of his networth when they were just 8 "

Obanma smiled imagining how the scenario would have been.

"You have done a splendid job with them Mrs Obiukwu. I'm sure you'd be pleased to know they often come to my lodge to share my gold mine with me"

"Gold mine?" Obiukwu enquired amused

"Garri"

Obiukwu couldn't hold her laughter as she heard the words .

She meant to say something before the door burst open with her children racing towards her.

What Obanma heard sounded almost like a stampede till the children all arrived .

She could see a quite disappointed look on their faces after they had excitedly greeted their mom and caught wind of her trailing behind.

"Mummy I thought you said aunty Chioma is coming too"

Obanma tried to concentrate on just one child as the six children encircled their mother.

The youngest who were girls had spaces in place of their front teeth.

Their two older sisters left immediately with two young boys while they clung to their mother's side.

"My last Children, Obiukwu and Chioma" Obiukwu gestured at the girls.

"We're expecting my sister in law too ,she's running a bit late."

Obiukwu called for her sons who led Obanma to the room that had been prepared for her.

Obanma was amazed by the size of the room. It was almost thrice the size
of hers at home.

Her thoughts wandered to Onyedikachi and the times they spent together but she quickly shook him away.

Little Chioma had come to remind her of lunch and she hurriedly had her shower and picked out one of her casual wears.

Obanma stepped out of the room to a loud noise and feet trampling from above. Apparently the children had sighted a guest and ran to meet the person. Even Chukwuebuka and Chukwuemeka albeit slower than the younger children tagged along .

Mrs Obiukwu was the one who declared excitedly as she came face to face with Obanma that her sister in law had arrived.

Mr Obiefune seemed glad as well as they urged her to follow them.

They came out to the compound to see Obiukwu's children throwing themselves excitedly at Chioma with a hug who was all smiles.

She patted the older boys on their head and forced them into and embrace while the younger ones couldn't wait their turns.

The driver helped her with her luggage while she led the children as a shepherd would a flock of sheep to where their parents stood in amusement.

"Aunty Chioma where's Judith ? " Chukwuemeka enquired as they approached his parents.

"She went to visit her grandma with my husband"

Obiukwu stepped forward to embrace her friend.

The pair were all smiles when they broke apart.

"Chi you are looking so beautiful"

"Says the woman who gave birth to all these children and still looks like Agbani. Obi how do you do it? "

"Chioma greet your only brother first before you go into gossip " Obiefune bellowed behind while his sister broke into a hearty laughter .

"SiS my only Sis " Chioma whispered into his ears while he grinned.

She halted her conversation with her brother when she spotted Obanma standing outside with a smile . The camaraderie between members of the family left her glued to the point with smiles.

"She's our guest from Chukwuemeka's school"

Chioma walked closer and urged the children to move ahead while she exchanged greetings with Obanma.

"Welcome to our home omalicha. Obi this one looks just like one of us " Obiukwu chuckled nervously when her friend reacted the way she did because they all could see certain semblance the girl bore to them.

The children and their father prepared the living room for their guests while Chioma and Obiukwu together with Obanma took charge of the gifts and food.

Obanma was led away by the quads who threw endless questions at her when she was directed to fetch more souvenirs from there store room. They had asked about her age, if she had a boyfriend which left her speechless. If she had siblings and if she was romantically involved with any of the twins

"Like I said Chi, there's something about her that is appealing"

"She is very beautiful,where is she from?'

"Umuikpo very close to our village but that's not what I meant"

Chioma genuinely seemed confused by what her friend implied .

"Chioma don't tell me you didn't notice anything at all. Your brother and I have been thinking about her"

"Why would you be thinking about the girl? Wait oo did any of the boys get her pregnant? Is that why she is here?'

"No ! Of course not! "

"What's with the yelling?Their father got you pregnant at their age . Obi what is the problem?"

"That doesn't mean I want the same for my sons. They're too young for that .I think Obanma might be your niece or possibly Benjamin's daughter"

Chioma broke into a throaty laughter.

"Obiukwu you are not serious are you? She looks as young as the twins and we both know when you got pregnant. Are you suggesting Obiefune was cheating on you then? Because I know for a fact that he wasn't "

"Well .. true it doesn't really add up. But you know how your brother was before he met me and after the accident. Maybe it was one of the girls he messed around with in church. "

"They don't even look that much alike . She's as fair as the boys with a curly hair and little semblance this is just a mere coincidence. " Chioma declared as she stirred the pot of stew on the cooker.

"What of Benjamin? "

"I wouldn't know of Benji's paramours Obi did you ask her of the famous Ukaegbu birthmark since you're certain of this intuition?'

"I can't ask her, can I ?"

"You can check her armpit ,her back it's the Ukaegbu logo"

Obiukwu broke into a deep laughter as she caught a hint of sarcasm in her friend's words .

"She is not Obiefune's daughter neither is she Benjamin's. The hope of the ball less are those two handsome boys in the living room trsut me"

Obanma arrived the kitchen with Virginia clinging to her side.

"Mr Obiefune said that his father has arrived" She had related to Obiukwu who seemed quite surprised.

"Mummy Obanma said she's 19years old. She is lying right? She said she's older than brother Emeka" Little Obiukwu declared loudly as she entered the kitchen with Obanma trailing behind.

"19?" Obiukwu answered taken aback while Obanma nodded quickly as embarrassment washed over features.

"It's totally unbelievable right? Just look at her she looks fairly older than I am" The little girl maintained while the elders broke into laughter.

Obiukwu turned to Obanma with a smile and tendered an apology.

"Don't mind my niece... children will always be children. Nne how are your parents? " Chioma enquired as Obanma sat on the kitchen stool awaiting further instructions on how to help. Being around the Ukaegbu's had helped keep Onyedikachi from her mind .

"They are all okay. "

"Would you mind showing us pictures of your family members? I'd really like to know how you look like this way . " Obiukwu chipped immediately

While Obanma brought out her phone to show the very curious women.

"This my Daa ,she got married last month. My Dede ,my aunt ,my uncle and my mom."

Obiukwu stared intently at the woman while Chioma smiled at the picture .

"Your mother is almost white "She noted while Obanma nodded with a smile

"That's where I get the looks from . People used to call her Ogbanje,they claimed she was too beautiful."

The two women could truly see how they had misinterpreted the things Obanma shared in common with the twins. The boys were light skinned but had always taken a semblance to their dead maternal grandmother. Their curly hair seemed so much like Obanma's and the lightness of her skin further pushed Obiukwu to the assumption.

She seemed relived staring at Obanma's mother, maybe it was really a coincidence. It was undisputable that the young girl bore a striking resemblance to her mother.

"My aunt told me my late grandmother was of a mixed race decent. My mother was the only one who got her features" Obanma spoke as the two women stared incessantly at her phone.

"She is a very beautiful woman" Obi complimented handing the device over to the girl.

"What about your father? " Chioma enquired

"He is not around" Obanma replied on a somber note

Obiukwu noticed how uncomfortable she seemed and simply diverted the conversation to another topic.

"People must assume you are related to my sons"

"A lot! We've gone into several arguments because of this . I believe it's just little similarities in our physical appearances. We have similar complexion so it's easier for people to make assumptions. Although it's strange how when you stare longer at the boys , it's as if I see bits and bits of me in them. "

"Yes my dear . Chukwuemeka and Chukwuebuka took after their maternal grandmother but you can see certain semblance with their father and paternal grandfather. They also have this huge birthmark they share"

"I've seen it before. There's a picture on their phone ,though they wouldn't tell me if it was Chukwuebuka or Chukwuemeka. It was a faceless picture, just his arm I think" Obanma noted .

"It's Chukwuebuka,his is on his armpit " Chioma added with a smile

"Do the other children have these marks?" Obanma enquired with awe

"Our two girls, they have on their stomach but different hues"Obiukwu replied

"No one in our family shares that kind of bond. We look quite different and people often mistake me as the adopted child"

"So you don't have any birthmark?" Chioma asked

"Just tiny dots scattered here and there, nothing special "

Obiefune arrived to bring the women out of the kitchen while he playfully dragged his wife to their bedroom. Chioma and Obanma brought out the food and drinks ,and wer amazed at the decorations Obiefune was able to put together with his children .

The guests began to arrive one after the other while the quads waited excitedly for their grandfather dressed in their best outfits.

"She's not your daughter" Obiukwu muttered to her husband's lips as he kissed her with fervor.

Obiefune paused briefly as he stole his wife just to make love to her. He didn't quite understand the hunger his body was able to muster for his wife even though they had been married for years.

"I always knew tata. That's something to be happy about" He added as he placed kisses on her lips but she pulled away.

"She wouldn't speak about her father , I'm beginning to think it was Benjamin. The woman she showed me ,her mother looks almost white. What of Benjamin had gotten someone pregnant?"

Obiefune pulled his wife into a warm embrace and patted her back while she exhaled deeply.

"We will find out with a DNA test then . It is nothing to worry about. I love you " He whispered into her ears and she quickly pulled away from him with a smile

"I am not letting you lure me into bed with you. Our guests have arrived and we must be courteous as hosts. "

"Daddy won't be coming,he said he got an emergency at the hospital mom is on her way"

Obiukwu seemed genuinely displeased to hear of Mr. Obidike's intending absence because she did love having him around.

"Well we have other guests to attend to including your mother "

Obiukwu made her way to the door when her husband quickly picked his wife and carried her to their bed.

Leaning over Obiukwu who seemed trapped he grinned .

"One kiss and you're free to go"

Obiukwu laughed noting that it was a trap he had laid for her. They were both responsive to each other

She placed a chaste kiss on his lips buy he didn't let her go. Obiukwu made another attempt which Obiefune exploited. He deepened the kiss with his hands exploring passionately.

The couple began to shed their clothes in the heat of passion only to be interrupted by the youngest son . He ran into their room to announce there arrival of Mr. Igwe when he saw his parents . He quickly raced out of the room yelling in disgust.

Obiukwu tried to remedy the situation but her husband only found it amusing. They had given their children what she had termed early sex education because they plagued her with incessant questions.

They could hear her son's voice echoing in the corridor as he relayed the information to his siblings.

"I saw them , I am scarred for life! They're about to make more babies!"

Obiefune couldn't contain his laughter while his wife quickly remedied her disheveled appearance to chase after her children.

The party was interesting as music blasted all over the house . The children received numerous gifts and their grandfather who Obanma identified as Mr Igwe placed huge bundles of cash into the hands of the little children.

Obiukwu was surprised to see Chukwudi with their daughter Judith. She had teased him of being incapable of staying away from his wife for too long and could note how Chioma blushed furiously upon his arrival.

Chioma led her husband into the house while her daughter played with her cousins.

Mr. Obidike arrived with his wife after the party had ended . Mr . Igwe thanked the guests as he tagged the children's birthday celebration his own memorial for his late son. Some of the guests got emotional including Chioma . While Obanma watched with astonishment how blended the whole family seemed.

Obanma was told to help distribute the souvenirs to the guests as they prepared to leave which she did with the twins.

A voice called out to her and she answered . She turned to look at the man but couldn't recall where or how they had met but he seemed strangely familiar.

"You've grown so much" He continued while she struggled to place a name with the face.

As he stared at her with emotions she couldn't fathom she began to note certain similarities in his features and where she had seen them before.

Was he Mr ...?

The thought had barely in her head before Obiefune appeared with a smile

"Daddy I thought you weren't going to make it . You've met Obanma,she's a friend of Chukwuebuka's. Chioma is here with her husband let's go meet them"

"I let Dr. Chibudo take over. They just wanted me to help settle few issues with the nurses . I'll tell you more later "

Obanma couldn't help but feel uneasy as the man stared at her even while his son led him away .

Hello everyone

How are we?

Hope we enjoyed the chapter

I can't wait for the next 🙃❤️