Obanma took a quick bewildering glance at the man she had come to see . His wife seemed truculent but mostly hurt and disappointed from her husband's actions.

They took turns to stare at her but remained speechless which made her impassive . Onyedikachi came to her side with one tentative glance his hands settling strongly in between hers while curious eyes converged on his person. They were all shocked by Mrs Obioma's revelation but most especially by Mr. Obidike's inability to counter her words.

Mr. Obiefune cleared his throat and encouraged Obanma to sit with her friend as he had noted while the twins quickly scooted over and almost left the couch for them.

Obanma's eyes met everybody's own , Including Mrs. Chioma who was also her half sister, her mother Obioma who stared at her dispassionately before stomping away. Chioma held her stare long enough for her to understand that she was still reeling in disappointment with her father's behaviour yet non judgemental about her presence. It was almost as if she had assured her that she'd behave.

Mrs. Obiukwu jumped to her feet to play hostess when she saw her husband get to his feet to address the family. She loved how steady the woman seemed to be despite the overwhelming emotions she could tell that often fitted a criss cross puzzle over her face.

Mrs. Obiukwu who had left briefly came back with items which she served to all. She had brought kola which anyone barely made a move to get.

Mr. Obiefune made Obanma feel welcome and acknowledged Onyedikachi's presence before turning to his father and urging him to clear up the situation.

Even he knew everyone wanted to know why the man had lied so blatantly to his own family. He tried his best to suppress his rage but also threw glances at his father which bore secret messages of enquiry.

"I am very sorry for bringing everyone here for the wrong reason. I know you all must be disappointed in me and I do deserve that and more. ". His eyes held Chioma's and Obanma's while he spoke and often rarely looked at his son.

"As you all know by now, Obanma is my daughter. " Hearing him call her his daughter almost made her cringe because she hadn't been prepared for the public admittance even though everyone there knew, including her friends, the twins.

"I found out recently even though I had always had my suspicions before. I was her mother's doctor for a few years and it ..... It wasn't an affair. It just happened once even though we were both married at the time. She had been in an abusive marriage and I tried to help "

Obanma's eyes fell to her feet as thoughts of Iheanyị clouded her mind. He had unjustly killed another man when the two children whom he thought were his weren't.

"I came six years later and she was all grown up with her twin. And I had asked her mother if she was mine but she denied. Deep down maybe I did know but I knew what damage it would cause to both our marriages . When I saw Obanma at the quad's birthday I couldn't help it , I had to know the truth and that's why we're here "

"I am here because I thought you were dying" Obanma declared breaking the silence that fell after Obidike's narration.

Obanma's gaze strayed from the twin's face to her biological father's who she felt disappointed in.

"I was worried for you, I had thought I was brash in my actions but now, you make it even easier not to regret it. You have a beautiful family who care about you, a wife who is heartbroken by my mere presence here and you choose to lie about your health, why?"

Her heart was breaking from the whole scenario Onyedikachi could tell, still she forced herself to continue.

"I wanted a relationship with you and when you said you wanted nothing with me ..."

" You decided to blackmail everyone into forgiving you. You know Mr. Obidike I'm beginning to realize that probably the only reason I find to make me happy about being your child is that I get to marry the man I love. You really need to fix your family . You hurt them.... you've hurt everyone"

"She's right " Chioma opined getting to her feet. "We were all disturbed by the situation. When Obiukwu came to me with a suspicion about Obanma being one of us God knows I never would have thought she'd be yours. I am a 35 years old woman who's discovered that I have a sister. Our mother has been wrecked emotionally most especially because we thought you were dying . Chioma wiped her tears as she spoke. "I am disappointed"

Obanma could see how attuned everyone's emotions were with Chioma's , she knew how much they all loved her.

"I am truly sorry about everything" Mr. Obidike managed to mutter

Obanma followed Chioma immediately as she sought a glass of water to help soothe her dry throat which was merely an excuse to speak with the two women that had stormed off. Onyedikachi had let her go alone because she had insisted that she would be alright. His protective streak led him to keep his eyes on her at all times and her body close to his .

She heard Obiukwu making her way to the kitchen with the snacks that nobody paid attention to.

When she kept the items ,she stood still with an unknown emotion playing out on her face.

Obanma turned to her with a half smile.

"You suspected I was part of the family"

Obiukwu managed a small smile as she walked closer to where Obanma stood.

"Actually my husband and I did. We thought you were his or Benjamin's but never his father. Don't get me wrong my husband hasn't cheated on me but he had a dark time and we thought maybe.."

"It would have hurt more If I were his" Obanma declared clearing her throat.

"It shouldn't hurt that much you know, none of it is your fault. And even if you turned out to be Obiefune's child I'd learn to love you as mine too because.."

"It'd hurt more because I'll be the reason for your pain and you have been good to me" Obanma gave Obiukwu a smile as she wrapped her hands around her.

"You won't be the reason for any pain, you're a lovely girl. It's the man who's responsible for bringing such a sweet girl like you into the world that should be held responsible for any pain not you"

"I don't think Mrs Obioma feels that way"

"She's hurt because he not only cheated but he lied. It's like learning that the man you're in love with had an affair. It doesn't really matter how old we get ,such betrayal does hurt"

Obanma thought deeply about her words , imagining how devastated she would be if she learnt Onyedikachi did such. She had been very jealous in the beginning of their relationship when she thought he had still been interested in other women. Mrs Obioma's greying hair came into perspective and the wrinkles that nature had begun to draw around her face made her wonder if she'd feel the same way at that age if Onyedikachi were to do the same.

"I understand , Mrs Obiukwu "

"Chioma is still disappointed but she'll come around. She's really a child at heart but she's been really hurt"

"I could tell ....but what about your husband. How does he feel about me?" Obanma asked noting how tenderly Obiukwu spoke as she held her hand.

"My husband understands more than everyone else and he was displeased to find out the truth. He was the first person his father told but he also knows that none of it is your fault. We've spoken about you so many times and he has been curious to find out if you'd also want to be a member of the family"

Obanma's lip pulled apart into a heart felt smile as she smoothened a non existent crease on her cloth. "You know...I have my own family and I didn't actually want to be part of this one.. You all are so different but in a good way but I can tell how much you care about each other"

"We are your family too. And now the boys will have more than enough reasons to raid your place "

"I know but ....it'll take enough time to get used to that" Obiukwu gave Obanma a small smile which she reciprocated.

"Mrs Obioma was really upset, she broke her favourite china ware."

Obanma's eyes fell to the plate rack whose doors were ajar and remembered the crashing sound of the plate the woman had hurled at her husband.

"She's a doctor too, I think that's why she found out he was lying" Obiukwu began anew as she returned slowly the snacks she had taken time to present to her guests into a container to be returned to her refrigerator.

"Do you think I should speak to her ?" Obanma had enquired as the woman's teary face appeared once again to her.

Stunned, Obiukwu turned to see her determined face. " If you truly want to"

"I need to"

" She's probably in children's room, the last room to the left. And you might also see Chioma there"

Obanma's phone rang and it had been Onyedikachi.
"I am fine" She had repeated so many times that even Obiukwu couldn't help the amusement that tugged her chin.

Obanma thanked Obiukwu as she turned to leave but was halted by her words.

"He is a lovely young man"

A tiny blush crept Obanma's cheek and she almost covered her face with her palms. Mrs Obiukwu had a strange effect on her that made her want to be so free with her.

" Thank you" She declared with a smile

"He also does really love you" She continued drawing Obanma closer to her

"I ... found out he broke up with me because he thought we were related. It turned out he and my brother suspected his father to be my real father"

"That must have been really hard on him... on you"

"That was why he didn't tell me and broke everything off . He felt he was protecting me from the shame"

"I can't even begin to imagine"

"I'm glad things turned out better and I'm also glad I met you and spoke to you about him. You helped me discover the truth"

"And now you're getting married to him"

"Let's say fate has been quite fair, maybe it's really our destiny to be together "

Obiukwu chuckled lightly as she turned to her chore remembering also similar words her husband had told her when they were younger.

Obanma arrived at the room she was directed to and knocked twice. Relieving herself of the tension she bore by exhaling deeply. She knew she hadn't pacifying words to give Mrs. Obioma but she still felt obligated to speak to her.

It had been Chioma who opened the door and was quite surprised to see her.

"Are you looking for Obiukwu?" She had asked as Obanma stood in front of her speechless.

"No..actually I came to see your mother and you" She blurted out regaining composure.

Chioma walked back into the room with Obanma trailing behind.

The pair sat on the bed but Mrs. Obioma had not been present.

"She is washing up, she'll be here in a minute"

Mrs Obioma appeared almost immediately surprised to see Obanma seated on the bed beside her daughter.

She scanned her with her piercing gaze and settled on the chair beside the bed.

"I am sorry for storming off in that manner , I should have at least spoken with you" The woman began in a soft manner.

Obanma had not expected her apology and was thrilled that somehow what she dreaded would be easier.

"I should be the one to apologise for everything. You must think I caused all of this"

"You're not my husband" Mrs Obioma had pointed out blatantly.

"I've always had a loving family and when I visited the twins I did appreciate this one, you were all so welcoming.... I never imagined this, being the cause of so much pain. I don't think I understand what it means to be in your shoes but I do plead with you to understand that I am not here for the wrong reasons. I never wanted to be a part of the family, I came because Mr. Obidike had told me what he told everyone else and I believed it to be the right thing to settle things with him. I am truly sorry for all of this"

The plea in her eyes got to Mrs Obioma who only nodded.

" I don't hold anything against you and my children don't. And no matter how we feel about you, it doesn't change the fact that Obidike is your father. You must know that he's a good man despite all of this" Wiping the tears that crept out of eyes Mrs Obioma turned to Obanma with a smile.

"Welcome to the family Obanmanjuru" She declared as she got on her feet.

"They must be waiting for us" Chioma began also urging Obanma to her feet.

"It is good that you came to her" Chioma had whispered to her as they exited the room with Obioma leading the way.

Obiukwu was pleased as she saw the three ladies arriving the living room, even though Obanma had no inkling of what she had done, she had aligned herself with the right pair. She knew Mr. Obidike also loved his wife dearly and understanding how hurt Obioma must have been with what happened simply made Obiukwu even more pleased with the girl.

The relief displayed on Onyedikachi's face as he saw Obanma arrive in one piece made Obiukwu fight an emerging smile. The young man was simply head over heels in love with the girl.

Mr. Obidike apologised again to his wife and children but this Obioma made things easier by welcoming Obanma into the family together with her children. Obanma knew she still had words to spare for her husband with the way their eyes spoke but she was happy to know that she wouldn't be treated like an outcast.

Chukwuebuka and Chukwuemeka seemed to stunned by the scenario to speak and had barely teased her as they did in the past when they were left alone. She understood that they were still shocked by all the revelations and needed time to process it as well.

"The good thing is that you're now part of this complicated family and the bad news is that I can never truly take you aware from him" Chukwuebuka opined as they sauntered about the compound.

Chukwuemeka offered a small smile before he held Obanma's hands. "How do you feel about us now?"

"The same actually, we're still friends you know just bound by blood"

"I can't believe you're my aunt!" Chukwuemeka let out still reeling in the shock.

Obanma couldn't help but chuckle loudly drawing Obiefune's attention to her. He had been deep into a conversation with Onyedikachi whom he felt was also his responsibility to investigate since he was to be wed to his littlest sister. Obiefune still hadn't adjusted to that fact.

"She is a wonderful girl" He had declared as his hounding had come to an end. Onyedikachi had answered all his questions with ease slightly amused by the subtle fiendish nature of the man.

His wife had approached them bearing drinks which he did appreciate. She had stayed back to hold her husband who offered little kisses on her forehead. The way the man's face had lit up when she arrived and his reactions made Onyedikachi understand then what Obanma had been pointing out.

Mr. Obidike beckoned on his son leaving Onyedikachi behind with Obiukwu who smiled radiantly at him.

"We actually do not bite you know" She had begun on a lighter note.

"I know ..I was quite worried about how things would turn out. Mma has been through so much and I feared the worst"

"Ama m I know..it would be strange if you didn't feel that way. This family has been through a lot too and we understand trust me we do."

"I am glad that you all do. I can see how comfortable she is"

"I am glad that you're getting married, Obanma mentioned. Congratulations are in order here"

" Thank you Ma ... Sometimes it feels surreal."

Obanma's eyes locked with Onyedikachi's at that instant and she offered a smile.

" I feel so lucky"

"Love does that to you, true love. Just few are lucky to find their true love"

"Just like you did with your husband" Onyedikachi opined with a smile.

Obiukwu couldn't help the blush that crept up on her cheek. She felt foolish that she could still react that way considering how long she had been married to her husband.

"I do hope Mma also reacts this way even after we're old and wrinkly"

"She will ... She loves you very much , it's hard not to see. But you also have to play your part well. Love needs grooming, it's like a business. You have to keep nurturing and investing in it, especially when it's with the right person. Marriage is easy with the right person, trust me." Obiukwu stood to leave when she heard Chioma calling out to her.

They all bade the couple farewell together with the exclusion of Mr. Obidike and his wife who had withdrawn for reasons everyone knew.

Leaving Umuahia gave the couple so much to talk about. It had been quite an interesting journey. And even Onyedikachi was convinced about the family.

Obanma couldn't help but recall Mr. Obidike's parting words. "I can't change the past but I can change the future. I'd love to be a part of your life please let me"

She knew she would at that instant. The sincerity and plea in his eyes had shaken her to her core.

"Papa Nnukwu is coming over tomorrow" Onyedikachi had revealed to Obanma who was very thrilled.

"He is very pleased about the marriage proposal "

"And I can't wait to become his daughter inlaw" She remembered how kind the old man was to her and wished he'd come sooner

"And he probably can't wait to hear us make love again" Onyedikachi declared laughing, leaving Obanma completely mortified.

"What do you mean hear us make love again? When has he ever heard us ?"

"The very first time, my love. Turns out it was the only thing he heard the whole night. You know he's quite applauded my skills to satisfy my woman and worries for his soon to be daughter in-law " He opined

"Oh my God! He heard us ! Onyi are you being serious right now? This is not a joke! "

"My dear Obanmanjuru, you have absolutely nothing to worry about"

Unsettled by his carefree attitude towards his revelation she began to sulk almost immediately.

"How am I going to look him in the face without remembering? I am supposed to be chaste you know. He probably thinks I'm cheap"
With her face buried in her palm she began ramble just like Onyedikachi had thought she would.

"You are very cheap though you know" He began as he peered over while she continued her harping.

"What's your bride price now ? 60 or is 70 naira ? Is it even to a hundred and fifty naira?"

Obanma turned to glare at him while he burst into what she considered an annoying laughter.

"You're really worried for nothing! Papa Nnukwu loves you"

"It doesn't save me from embarrassment"

"It's not as if you could resist this huge chunk of sexiness tossed into your hands on a platter of gold for long mmm Ada m"

Obanma scoffed irritated by his subtle hint of bragging. " I know one sexy man , extremely tall very regal, austere , handsome face, attractive lips has an overwhelming aura with a piercing gaze and his name begins with O"

"It's good to know we are on the same page" Onyedikachi heartily

Obanma fell into a fit of laughter leaving him quite confused.

"I wasn't talking about you, pffft ! I was talking about Obiora"

"The king? Mma the king!"

"He is a very handsome man and lately I have been wondering if he was successful in his wife hunt. He is a good man"

Onyedikachi's jealousy rose midway without his consent and he hate the words Obanma had used in describing the man. He had cringed so much mentally as the words resounded in his ears but even he knew he couldn't dispute that singular fact. The man looked good

"Can we stop talking about him now"

"You're not jealous are you ?" She taunted while he kept his lips sealed.

"He still couldn't get you" He had finally blurted realising how childish it was to be jealous of the man who lost out on a fight.

"Destiny had a different plan" She had replied with a smile which drew his lips apart.

"I love you so so much and in two weeks time you're going to become my wife" Obanma reached out to hold his hand

" I love more Onyi and I think two weeks is just..."

"Don't say close, I can't wait anymore. I want to be your husband as soon as possible, so that I can truly wipe every other male specimen completely from your mind"

"I was going to say it is just fine" Obanma declared with a smile. " I just have to tell all my friends"
Her face fell as she remembered Oluchi was still away because of everything her family had gone through. Her mother's siblings had insisted on taking them away even though they barely had enough to hold everyone together. It reminded her of daa Agatha's bravery the night they left Umuikpo.

"O gini?"

"Onyi I was just thinking of Oluchi.I wish she didn't have to go through all of that, those little children too but I'm grateful for all you've been doing for her"

"For you my love"

The rest of the ride was in silence because Obanma had let sleep claim her while Onyedikachi's eyes never ceased to admire her. She was going to be completely his in a short while.

Beneath the darkened skies enveloped by the thickness of shadows lurked two men who stood and waited . Though terrified, the young man couldn't help but sense doom as his father's gaze honed into the building where he worked.

Everything had been set in motion and his brother had successfully done his part still his father made no move to begin his sinister plan.

He knew he couldn't refuse his father for the sake of their mother who he held in a place he had no clue about. Threatening her with death kept he and his brother under his shackle of madness, under his leash. So he watched and waited cursing his luck for being the spurn of a lunatic.

" Is it today?"

"Mba" He had muttered

Reliving the embarrassing moment where he was pummelled to the ground and humiliated publicly, the old man ground his teeth. He recalled the exhilarating feeling of plunging the knife into the boy even as he pictured Iheanyị slumping to the floor. He hadnt meant to stab the boy, he had been paid to do otherwise. He had lost it completely when he saw him staggering to the same spot that his father had assaulted him. He had lost everything because of Iheanyị and Ngozi. His knuckles fisted even as he remembered how the villagers laughed and taunted.

Ngozi was back again and he knew she would come to him just as he had imagined so many times.

"Ekene the timing is not right yet , we just have to keep watching and waiting"

Hello Everyone

Hope you enjoyed the chapter

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❣️Michelle.