"They will be available for three months" Onyedikachi assured his terrified mother while the spoke over the phone. He was referring to the personal body guards he had assigned to protect his mother and his family

"An attempt was made on our lives and the police are investigating, I just want you to always stay at Arinze's"

"Nna m when will you come home again? " Chidiogo enquired from her son.

"I don't know, it will take a while before I'm done with this present work"

They ended the call on a civil note something he hadn't managed to do in a while with his mother.

Onyedikachi heaved a sigh as he plopped down on the chair in his office. He didn't know how he had remained sane for the past month and had buried himself totally in his work.

He fished out his phone and so many attempts at dialing Obanma's phone number. He would tap on her number and end the call even before a connection could be made.

He felt miserable and his leanness further spoke volumes about his predicament.

How had his father put everyone in such mess?

He couldn't think straight anymore and the picture of Obanma's devastated face haunted him daily .Maybe he should have spoken to her and handled things like a grown man. But what could he have said ?

Mma we are siblings and we can't be together. Mma it is true what your father said ,my father had an affair with your mother

He couldn't handle watching her heartbreak because of something they couldn't control.

Onyedikachi stood up and walked to the window where he stared at the workers in the compound. They had been producing asphalt that day for the road they had been constructing .

He saw a mirage of himself on the glass. He looked shabby with his untrimmed beards ,his cheek sucked in and his eyes seemed to be bulging from their socket .

Papa Nnukwu had called the last time to ask of his intentions and how ready he was to bring their wife home but all he did was stutter and lie. He was going to tell him that the engagement had been called off.

How had life taken such a terrible turn?

A knock sounded on his door and Ralph walked in even before he could speak.

Onyedikachi walked back to his seat ,waiting for the information Ralph wanted to pass across.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?' He had questioned as Onyedikachi sat in silence.

"What is it Ralph?" He enquired with a staid expression.

"Oh nothing ! Father wanted to know if you will be available for the job in Enugu in two week's"

"I don't know" Onyedikachi replied, terrified of the possibility of running into Obanma there.

"Is that what you would like me to tell him?"

"Ralph I'll think about it "He replied tersely hoping the young man would leave him be.

"You look like a ghost . What's happening with you ? "

"I don't think it's any of your business. I am fine "

"Is this about Obanma? You know I did you a favor in the past by walking away even though you might not believe me. "

"Nothing is about Obanma and mind your words "

"It's surprising that you can lie to yourself this way. The Onyedikachi I knew in the past would have hopped in with the contract in Enugu so long as it meant being close to Obanma.

All the workers know how you find time to frolick around with your lover"

Onyedikachi's face hardened as the words left Ralph's lips.

"If you're done with your father's message,I'll suggest that you leave"

" This is my father's company, I'll leave any office when I want to" Ralph declared with a taunting grin.

"Does it look like I care? I will drag you out of this office if you don't walk away" Onyedikachi's jaw clenched harder as he stared at Ralph.

Ralph managed a wry smile as he got to his feet. He was almost at the door before he turned to Onyedikachi who was already fuming .

"If you're out of the picture, it means I can have her now " A low chuckle escaped his lips as he walked out of the office.

Onyedikachi sat back releasing his anger with another deep exhalation . Ralph always found a way to get under his skin and his words about Obanma seemed to further torment him. Ralph wasn't good for her and neither was he. The angst he felt towards his late father and how helpless made him bang the table,sending his items crashing to the floor.

Onyedikachi picked up his phone and dialed the secretary to his boss to confirm his availability for Enugu . Maybe it was high time he stopped running and tackled his issues like a grown man.

Obanma had stopped briefly at her school to pick some of her items before they left for Enugu. She was pleased when Oluchi had called to relay information about her exams . While she spoke about the help Onyedikachi rendered she mentioned the stipends he had been sending across to her with the most recent being just days ago.

It made Obanma wonder what exactly he was up to. Did he continue fulfilling his pledge to Oluchi because of guilt ? It was an answer she couldn't help but think about. Maybe Mrs Obiukwu had been right . What if there was more to what happened and Onyedikachi bore a secret ?

Obanma decided that she was going to lure Onyedikachi to a meeting with her through Oluchi.
That was the only way she could get reasons out of his mouth .

Kelechi had not been home when she took her belongings. She texted her friend and promised to speak of her encounter with the Ukaegbu's when she did get back to Enugu .

The ride back to her house seemed longer than usual and her thoughts drifted to the first night she made love with Onyedikachi.

"Look at me..... Please "

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, we are going to be husband and wife soon.

His voice echoed in her mind as she held on to the emotions they exumed. She could see his face clearly, how often he caressed her . She remembered how terrified he had been when they were attacked at the village.

The way his face lit up around her ,the little touches and kisses he always gave.

How could all that be gone just like that?

Mma you're my destiny,be kind to me

Her phone vibrated in her purse,drawing her out of her thoughts. It felt strange to see the name as Ralph . It had been ages since they last spoke and Obanma felt quite disappointed with the way he disappeared on her

She tossed her phone aside while her eyes were glued to the screen.

"I love you"

She closed her eyes as she recalled the sound of Onyedikachi's voice when he declared those words to her. They replayed over and over in her mind ,her doubts merely sated by the numerous times she had imagined them.

Another beep caused her eyes to fly open and she quickly grabbed her phone to see a text from Ralph.

I will be in Enugu soonest,hope to meet you .

She wasn't interested in whatever Ralph had to say except there was a way he could reach Onyedikachi.

The thought made her grab her phone immediately to reply the text. Onyedikachi was working for Ralph's father , it meant Ralph to an extent knew how to reach Onyedikachi. Maybe she didn't need Oluchi after all.

Obanma arrived Enugu in the evening and was thankful to the Ukaegbu's for letting their driver take her home .

The house seemed too quiet as she stepped in and was relieved to see her mother seated in the living room.

Agatha and Nnamdi had not been available and her cousins seemed to be absent .

Ngozi helped her daughter move her belongings into her room and quickly prepared a meal while Obanma went to freshen up.

Obanma helped her mother with the preparation as she noticed how slow she was at the task.

"We're going to the village to see the king . "

"Is there any problem?"

"Your uncle Osisioma was arrested for fraud . One of your father's lands that had a pipeline was sold to Mazi Roland with fake documents. The land Chijioke wants to use for his gas plant.
They also want to know all I have remembered"

Obanma stared bleakly at her mother not certain of the emotion she was supposed to show for her uncle's misfortune.

"Do you remember anything?"

" I have been dreaming of certain things but none would reveal everything. It is quite frustrating"

Obanma understood how tiring her mother's predicament was. She was simply the key to everything and yet she didn't know much .

"We discovered Chukwura is not Nnamdi's son"

Obanma almost choked on the food she had been eating when she heard her mother's words.

"I don't understand! How?"

"A woman came here with a young man , the real father . It turned out Nnamdi was innocent of the girl's accusations. He never bedded the young girl. She confessed that he was too drunk to even notice her. She needed a way out and he was just a victim"

"I don't believe this !" Obanma exclaimed ,her eyes widening . "This is sheer wickedness! How is he? Aunt Agatha?"

"Agatha and Nnamdi are devastated. It feels like ripping a son away from their hands. They've nurtured this little boy from infancy"

"The young man has taken his son away "

"Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"You were busy with your exams ,we didn't want to distract you . Adaugo only found out few days ago. Chijioke was the first person we told"

Obanma couldn't help but feel sad for her aunt and uncle. Chukwura was just like family .

"I met a man at a friend's house , he said he knows you and he knew my name "

"Really ? Who is he ?" Ngozi enquired surprised by the revelation. Very few people tried to relate with her after she woke from coma. The whispers that spread showed that everyone still tagged her as adulterous .

"Dr. Obidike Ukaegbu" Obanma declared taking a bite of the well prepared roasted fish in her soup.

She watched her mother freeze at the mention of the name. She called out to her mother for minutes as she stood motionless staring at her young daughter.

"O di kwa mma? Are you alright ?". Obanma enquired as she tossed here plate aside to tap her mother. Her fear was the occurrence of another convulsions which had happened the last time.

Ngozi seemed to be trembling as her daughter held her hand .

"Are you okay?'

"Yes...I just need to rest "Ngozi declared rising to her feet. She gave Obanma a reassuring smile and encouraged  her to rest after her meal while she walked away.

The name her daughter had mentioned sounded so familiar it brought memories with it .

"She fell and lost the baby" Iheanyi had lied while Ngozi cried hysterically amidst groans .

"Dr. Obidike is on duty , please take her to the E.R" The nurse had promptly said as they wheeled her away.

Ngozi held her head as more memories flooded her mind.

"This is not the first time he is hitting you is it?"

She shook her head slowly as tears slipped out . Losing her child had left her devastated and not even Iheanyi's attempts at wooing her filled the emptiness .

The voices echoed in her head like some pre- recorded messages. She could picture everything and everyone even as she struggled to stay afloat .

"You'll have to go home sooner than later Ngozi ,you can't hide in this hospital forever"

"I can't go home yet, I do know how to face him yet.  Please help me "

She watched a much younger version of herself settled in a hotel room in the embrace of the doctor who had helped her.

He had help her in place while she wept profusely ,cursing her luck for falling into the hands of a batterer.

"Ozugo nu , you can't bring him back"

"You can stay here for tonight but you will have to go home . Your husband came by the hospital earlier " Obidike insisted even as Ngozi lamented

"I will leave tomorrow, he won't let our children see me. "

Ngozi sat gently on her bed as she recalled several instances when she met with the doctor. They budded a genuine friendship which blossomed into an attraction.

"This shouldn't have happened"  He had declared on one of the days they had been intimate.

"This was a mistake"

"Mummy!" A voice called out to her drawing her out of her thoughts .

She saw little Obanma playing while she spoke to Dr. Obidike. Ngozi tried to keep her away from items on the table as she reached out to drag the stethoscope .

She noted the enquiry he had made while he stared intently at the little girl who hopped around excitedly. Obinna had been admitted into the children's ward unbeknownst to the doctor who revealed that he only came back after six years to finalize arrangements with some of the doctors who were to develop a new hospital with him .

"She is not yours " Ngozi had tersely stated as their eyes met .

"If she is mine then .."

"She is not your child. I'm certain of it "

"Mummy aunt Agatha is home ! Mummy open the door!" A voice yelled incessantly drawing Ngozi out of her thoughts . She held her chest as she exhaled deeply struggling to make meaning of what she had remembered.

"What had she done?"

Obanma pushed the door aside and walked in to see her mother seated on the bed . She made her way to the woman and alerted her of Agatha's return once more.

Ngozi stood up letting her daughter lead the way ,thoughts of the strange doctor plaguing her mind. She wasn't certain of the paternity of her twins. She had committed adultery .

********

The next two weeks were further gloomy for Ngozi as she anticipated the visit of the doctor Obanma had spoken about.

Obanma had contacted Ralph and they had agreed upon a date . He had met her and apologized for his distance but Obanma had no care for his apology.

"My father is hosting his workers ,he will be present"

" I just need to speak to him that's all "

"He has not been himself, I know we're not close and he wouldn't consider me an ally but I hope to help make things right for the two of you. Gems like you are hard to come by "

Obanma managed a smile while Ralph exited the restaurant. She knew their plan had been set in motion and she desperately wanted to find out what had gone wrong in her relationship.

Obanma was surprised to be seated across a young man who recognized her almost immediately and extended a courteous greeting . It had been Jackson from her Secondary school and they had caught up on old times .

His father's affiliation with Ralph's father often led to gatherings like the one they found themselves in.

Jackson had promptly asked about Obanma's friends and if they had managed to attend the same university just like they had planned but Obanma's answer was a negative one.

She found her eyes searching the whole room for Onyedikachi because Ralph had assured her that he would be there .

The boisterous laughter of some workers could be made out in the room while the upper class men and women were seated quietly each making mere whispers when they tried to contact friends.

Ralph came back to his date ,which led to the exit of Jackson while he explained the situation of things to Obanma.

"I don't think Onyedikachi will be here. I've had one of the workers search around and no one has seen him. Maybe he just didn't want to come"

Obanma nodded in defeat as she stared at Ralph's truculent features. Her eyes wandered to the entrance where the guards had stopped a young man. He flashed an item which he picked from his pocket and they made way for him to enter.

Obanma's heart went into a frenzy as she caught wind of him.

"My father's security detail were replaced by the senator's own. He is here, make the best of the time" Obanma nodded swiftly as her eyes trailed her Onyi . The way he stopped to acknowledge each guest ranking from low to the highs . He showered high praise on his bosses and received the same and more.

Raking in cash for a company skyrockets the importance of a person.

Obanma watched him intently noticing how leaner he had become. He seemed taller but his appearance had something unusual about it , something she saw as rough.

She knew he hadn't seen her and she intended for it to remain that way until it was time for them to speak.

An ache grew in her head but she tried not to focus on it . It was simply stress and she had gotten loads of emotional ones.

"We would like to thank all of you and encourage you to put in your best as we begin the construction of the new road "

Obanma watched Onyedikachi get up and she followed suit. Ralph caught wind of the two but only smiled pleasantly where he sat . He hadn't even understood why he went all the way to bring Obanma there. The facade he gave was that he wanted to torment Onyedikachi,but there was more to it .

Onyedikachi had almost made it to his car before a voice halted his feet.

"Onyi! " He turned abruptly to see her standing right in front of him . He became speechless as he watched her walk closer to where he stood.

"Onyi do you want to talk?"

Onyedikachi stood ingrained at the position but his heart had almost burst out of his chest. This had been why avoiding Enugu was the first thing he wanted to do . Maybe it was truly best for them to talk, even he needed someone to talk to.

Obanma watched his figure noting his weight loss properly. His hair seemed unruly and rough ,his beards had not received a good trimming in a while . His eyes quite sunken as though he had lacked sleep but somehow he remained appealing to her.

"Please .." Obanma pleaded while he nodded

He led her into a nearby garden,thoughts of the first party they had attended in the past plagued his mind . How jealous he had been when the king took Obanma away.

They approached a ledge in the garden and she sat quietly and waited for him to do the same. She hated the awkwardness between them,she loathed how suddenly they acted like strangers around each other.

He seemed hesitant to sit then finally sat quite a distance from her.

Obanma took a deep breath reigning her emotions in as she began to speak.

"How have you been?"

Onyedikachi stared bleakly into the garden then managed a wry smile ." I don't think I know"

"How did you know I was here?" He asked suddenly throwing her next question back in her thoughts

"Ralph brought me " Onyedikachi didn't know why he suddenly budded rage towards Ralph but maintained decorum.

"I begged him to bring me here "

"Maybe you shouldn't have come "Onyedikachi opined getting to his feet. It was indeed a horrible ideà to think they could talk through the problems he faced

"Onyi what happened between us?what did I do wrong ?"

She began once again as he exhaled deeply reigning in the words he wanted badly to share with her. He could hear her voice breaking with each question,it meant she was the the war of holding her emotions in place.

He turned away not certain he wanted to see her glossy eyes. He couldn't handle seeing her heartbroken . He could remember how her little eyes haunted him for days after he had lied about the groundnut in the past.

"Onyi you're going to have to say something eventually"

He remained speechless,the words he wanted to speak seemed to clog his throat which he cleared.

"You called off the engagement after all almost driving me insane for a month ! I called, I texted . I even thought of going to ask your mother about your whereabouts!

You can't seriously be quiet right now , because you have a lot of explaining to do. Onyi I need to understand what went wrong "

Onyedikachi couldn't help the eerie silence that descended over them even after her raging questions.

"Onyi ! What did I do? M mere giri? What is it because of the attack in the village? Does it gave something to do with sex? Did I ....?"

"Mma that's enough please ozugo! "

"Is it enough? Is it really? I have been going insane because of this ! I haven't been able to think straight! I love you!'

"Do you think I have been doing okay? Look at me Mma! This has been hard on me too! Do you think I want to be miserable! This is not by choice!"

"Onyi it was your choice ! You chose to break everything off . You chose to abandon me , to walk away . Was it the sex that you wanted ? Was this about using me as a tool for a revenge?"

"Obanma! Please go home " He managed to say between gritted teeth . She should know him better he wasn't the kind of man she was painting him to be .

"And tell them what ! Go home and say what ! That the man I thought loved me abandoned me for no reason! That the man I fought for chose not to fight for me. "

"This is more than that and you know it "

" Mba! I do not know anything at all! Onyi tell me what this is about? All I can think of are the times we spent together. Everything you promised and how easy it was for you to walk away." The tears she had been struggling to hold in came flooding and she sobbed . "Tell me the truth Onyi , was I one of your playthings? Was it just about sex? Was it? Answer me! Why would you make me suffer like this when you said you love me!
"

His heart broke as he watched her cry but he couldn't even help her .

"Was it about the sex!"

"Mma enough already! Please ! This is not about you or me ! Everything that' has happened was because of my fa..... " Onyedikachi took a deep breath "You need to go home and forget about me "

"Your father ? Was that what you were going to say? " She felt a sharp pain on her chest even as the words echoed in her mind. Her question met no answer and she knew then that everything had been a farce , Onyedikachi had really been on a revenge mission and she fell for it .

She gave a bitter laugh as she approached him,staring squarely at his face. "It wasn't about your father the times you lied to me. It wasn't about your father when you proposed? You didn't think about him the times you made love to me! It wasn't about your father when it mattered but now ,it is about him. My family was right about you and your family. You are hateful and wicked and I regret ever knowing you "

"Thank you " She finally uttered with disappointment as he remained speechless. She spat violently on the ground and walked away.

Obanma's feet wobbled as she tried to walk away . She felt dizzy and nauseated, her body spoke volumes about getting away from Onyedikachi. She stopped low to remove the heels she wore and Onyedikachi only watched motionless.

She had barely moved an inch from where she stood when she slumped on the floor . Onyedikachi screamed for help even as he ran towards her .He lifted her into his arms and ran towards the party where he got the attention of the guards.

They helped him with water which they used in rescustitating Obanma . He noticed a cut on her hand and a bruise on her ear which led him to taking her to the hospital. He knew then that he had to reveal the whole truth to her no matter the consequence.

Hello Everyone!

How are we doing?

Hope we enjoyed the chapter !

Turns out there's hope for our love birds after all