New Birth Novels

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 New Birth Novels

WHISPERING HOPE

BY MOYOSORE TENIOLA

All rights reserved. No part of this novel may be edited,

copied or reproduced into any form without a written
permission from the copyright owner. Plagiarizers,
beware!!!

©New Birth Novels

2018

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APPRECIATION
First and foremost, my greatest appreciation goes to THE
ALMIGHTY GOD, MY LORD and MY GOD, the one who
has deemed it fit to count me worthy to be a vessel in HIS
HOLY hands and to fulfill purpose. May HIS name alone be
exalted forever more.

I appreciate my dear husband for his constant support and

encouragement at all times. Ministry wouldn‟t have been
this easy and my writing career wouldn‟t have been this
interesting without you. Typing wouldn‟t have been this
easy likewise. Thank you for being there for me all the time.
And my darling children, thanks for understanding me too.
Most times, I spend so much time writing and couldn‟t play
with you the way you want me to. Thank you for supporting
this ministry in your own little way. I appreciate you.

I appreciate my parents, Late ELDER P.N. BALOGUN & my

dear mother, MRS R.O. BALOGUN for bringing me into this
beautiful world and for their unrelenting efforts over my life.
I appreciate my dear mother for her endless prayers and
words of advice. May the Lord spare you ma and may you

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eat the fruits of your labour.

I want to appreciate my siblings, Olamide, Kayode, Ajibola

and Abisoye BALOGUN for their kind words of advice and
support at all times. God bless you real good. You are the
best family I can ever have.

I appreciate all the darling sisters of VIRTUOUS WOMEN,

JUST SINGLE SISTERS and ESTEEM LADIES
FOUNDATION. Thank you all for believing in me and
supporting me. Life with you has been so wonderful. God
bless you and all that is yours.

And finally, to all my wonderful readers, thank you so much

for reading my works. Thank you for the motivation all the
way. If you wouldn‟t read, my writing would have been in
vain. Thank you so much. May God bless you and yours.
Amen.

I love you all.

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DEDICATION
This novel is dedicated to MY MOTHER and to every
prayerful woman in the world. May you conquer as you fight
on your knees.

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CHAPTER 1
Caroline Thomas toweled her face and body swiftly. She
picked up her body lotion and applied it gently on her skin,
then walked to her wardrobe to make a choice of the nightie
she would be wearing for the evening. She picked one, a
plainly transparent silky black lingerie and slipped into it.
She walked to the mirror and observed her seductive body.

“He can‟t escape this tonight. I will give it all it takes to put
him in the mood” She smiled...

The doorbell rang. She was very sure it was her husband.
She walked briskly to the living room and called out,

“Who is it”?

"It‟s me!" Victor replied from outside.

Caroline opened the door and Victor walked in. A small

briefcase was in his hand. He was wearing a moody face.
Caroline tried to brighten his countenance.

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“Welcome darling. What happened to my baby? Why the

long face?"

Victor walked past her and sat on a chair in the living room
without even looking at her.

“What happened sweet heart?” Caroline pressed further.

“Why this mood tonight?” You didn‟t even care to take a
look at me.”

“I am sorry honey. I am so exhausted and worried at the

same time. How was your day?”

“It was fine... What is the issue? Why are you worried?” She
asked as she sat beside him on the chair.

“We have just being transferred.” Victor replied.

“Transferred? Transferred? What do you mean by that?”

Caroline responded with a blank face.

“Haba Caroline! What part of being transferred is it that you

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do not understand? We have been transferred to another

congregation, in another town. The branch of the church
at..."

“Hey!” Caroline interrupted him. “You and who? See, I have

told you already that this pastoring of a thing is your own
idea. You chose this life, not me. I didn‟t marry a pastor and
I never bargained for this entire pastor‟s wife of a thing, so
what is my business with some transfer?”

Victor bowed his head in total dismay.

“Caroline, when will you stop being a thorn in my flesh?

Why do you choose to be a stumbling block to the work of
God? When will you stop this attitude?"

“I will stop when you put an end to this whole drama Victor.
When you put an end to this night mare and you go back to
being the original man I got married to, not some confused
clergy you suddenly became overnight.”

Victor raised his head sharply.

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“What?! Do you realize you are sinning against God? Why

are you so adamant? Fine, I did not plan to be a pastor but
when God later called me in to this ministry, do you expect
me to refuse his call, just because I have a wife?”

“Victor, don‟t bring all that please. God called you doesn‟t
mean that you should totally neglect your conjugal duties as
a husband in this house. The God we serve is not an author
of confusion, he cannot call you to serve him in order to
destroy your home. Tell me dear husband, when last did we
have sex in this house? Only God knows!” She replied
pacing the living room aggressively.

“I don‟t have the time to exchange words with you tonight. I

am serving God and that is final!” Victor answered.

“Do you listen to yourself? You are serving God, so who is

serving Satan? Just look at me, as young and energetic as I
am, you want to turn me to an old machine? Each time you
come back home, you are either tired or you are not in the
mood. Other days, you are fasting and all sort of excuses...

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Are you the first person to be a pastor?”

Victor didn‟t respond. He picked up his briefcase and

walked to the restroom in the Master's bedroom to have a
shower.

*******************

Vivian just woke up. It‟s 3:00am. She looked at her husband
Alex, snoring heavily beside her. She yawned and tapped
him.

“Wake up sweet heart.”

Alex stirred, turned to the other side and continued

sleeping.

"Alex wake up!” Vivian repeated. She rose from the bed and
went to the bathroom. She returned in a jiffy, Alex was still
sleeping. She slapped his back this time around.

“Sweet heart, come on!"

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Alex opened his eyes finally and sat up lazily

“Come on, let's make love.” Vivian said and started to
massage his back in order to arouse him.

“It is okay…. Let us pray first.” Alex replied.

“Pray? Pray about what again?” Vivian asked.

“Prayer is never too much. At least, this is our first time after
we wedded, let us put God first”.

"Really? But we prayed last night before going to bed. Let's

do it on time joor. Why are you so spiritual about it?” Vivian
asked.

“Prayer is never too much. Let us pray."

He knelt beside the bed and started the prayers. Vivian was
so reluctant at first to join him but she yielded later. After
praying for about fifteen minutes, Vivian stood up and cut
him short.

“Alex, it is okay. Is it not supposed to be a short prayer? I

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mean, we prayed before we went to bed, so what is the

meaning of all these drama?"

Alex opened his eyes and replied.

"Excuse me Vivian, did you just call prayer a drama? I can‟t

believe that this is coming from you. Were you not the
prayer warrior leader in your church before I married you?
Are you sure you are even born again?!"

"Heeey!!! Please, don‟t give me all that. Haha?! What has

been born again gotten to do with having fun with
someone's husband? There is a time for everything. Three
days into our marriage, no sex yet, and you are here telling
me stories... Fine, we were both tired on the first night and
you advised we postpone till the following morning. You
woke up that morning complaining about a serious
headache and I decided to let you rest. In the evening too,
after we came back from the trip, you still complained of
tiredness, I didn‟t disturb you, now you are talking about
prayer. Where is that done? Please undress and let us do
this thing once and for all jare."

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"Can you listen to yourself Vivian? Why are you so carnal?

Are we not supposed to be with each other till death do us
part? Why are you in so much haste to have sex? Hunh?
How can you be this aggressive about sex, just on the third
day of our marriage?”

"Really? Are you for real?” Vivian asked. “Hehehe!

Someone should please come to my aid… Like seriously?
So, what exactly are you driving at now? What are you
trying to say?”

“In short, you are annoying me... And to think that I married
a Christian sister!” Alex exclaimed.

“Of course you did dear husband! See honey, I struggled a

lot to keep myself pure during courtship... I mean, we had a
lot of temptations when we were courting but we overcame
them all… Now, it is time for us to enjoy each other, what is
stopping us? I am so eager to have it. I thought you should
look forward to it too, what sort of a man are you? Waking
up next to your wife for two days without touching her?”

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Vivian asked. She started rubbing his chest in hope that he

might give in.

“What kind of problem is this? That's why i wanted to marry

a virgin oh! A virgin will not give me problems like this."

"Virgin? Are you a virgin yourself? We both were not virgins

before we met Jesus, so why the self-righteousness? Alex,
come on, are you pulling my legs? Let's do it."

"Na wa oh! Must we do it now? I have my reasons for

delaying it. We need to be sensitive.” Alex put in.

“Sensitive? About what? I abstained from sex all these

years in other for me to enjoy it with my legal husband. Tell
me, what reason is strong enough to deny us our pleasure?
Are you impotent?”

Alex hissed and said,

“I can see that you don‟t understand at all. See, you can‟t
force me okay? I‟ll just sleep right away.”

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He laid on the bed turning his back to her. Vivian felt

confused. After some seconds, she grabbed him and
started to pull at his boxers forcefully.

"It must be tonight!” She said.

“No!” Alex retorted.

“Yes!” Vivian continued to pull at him while Alex struggled

with her...

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CHAPTER 2
Victor walked out of the bathroom into the bedroom.
Caroline was already lying on the bed. He stripped into his
night wear and joined her. He sat with his back to the bunk
and said,

“I know you aren‟t sleeping yet. Won‟t you at least ask me

where we were posted?”

Caroline sighed and answered.

“Darling, if you still want to continue talking about ministry

here on this bed, count me out.”

She sat up and continued,

“Victor Thomas, you know how necessary food is to the

body, but it is a pity that you are not feeding this marriage
with the kind of food that is essential to make it grow… I
have missed you Victor, can‟t you see? We no longer talk
about us again. It is either you talk about church, ministry,
prayers, vigil and all that… You have practically replaced

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your wife with the ministerial assignment, our marriage is

suffering… We are no longer as intimate as before… When
last did you take me out Victor? You keep attending
meetings upon meetings, you barely have time for me…
Look at me, see my hair, it has been long I visited the salon,
yet you don‟t even care to know why… This is so unlike the
man I married… You forsake your conjugal duties to me
and come up with different stories everyday…It is either
you are tired or you are fasting. Why Victor? I am tired of
this man I am seeing. I want the man I got married to. We
now have sex only twice, or at times even once in a month!
Why?” She cried.

Victor shifted uneasily. He reached out to his wife and held

are hands.

“I am sorry dear. Everything will take shape very soon…

You know, I am new in the ministerial work, if I have failed in
some areas, please forgive me, I will make amends.

“This is what you keep saying all the time… When will you
make amends? Can't you just do so right now? Is this the

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same way other pastors like you treat their wives too? Do
they abandon them like this?”

“There you go again Caroline. I just told you to be patient,

the next thing you do is to compare my home with that of
other pastors. My dear, you are the one that needs to
understand 'us'! We are in this work of the ministry together.
The earlier you understand and accept this fact, the better
for both of us… Other pastor's wives you see out there
cooperate with their husbands, that is why you see the
ministry succeeding… You need to stop seeing it as “my
ministry,” it is our ministry, be patient with me, things will get
better…”

"But I have run out of patience Victor!” She interrupted him.

“Okay then, there is nothing else I can do.” Victor replied

angrily and walked out of the bedroom. Caroline burst into
tears.

***********
The following morning, pastor Victor was seated at the

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dining table, having breakfast… The doorbell rang.

“Just a minute please!” He replied and walked to the door.

He opened it and saw Andrew, a member of his church.

“Wow! Brother Andrew, you are welcome.”

“Good morning pastor, how was your night sir?”

“Very fine Bro. We bless God and yours?”

“Fine thanks sir. How is mummy?”

They entered the living room and settled on the chair.

“She is doing fine.” Pastor Victor replied and called out.

“Honey, Bro Andrew is saying hello!”

“Just a minute please!” Caroline answered from the

bedroom.

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“Welcome bro, but you didn‟t say you will be coming this
early. I hope all is really well? Pastor Victor asked.

“Sincerely sir, all is not really well...” Andrew started… He

was interrupted by Caroline.

“See who we have here! Bro Andrew, it‟s good to see you!”
She greeted.

“Same here mama! Good morning ma… you look as

gorgeous as ever. My pastor is really taking good care of
you.”

“You can say that again my brother! Thanks, you look good
too… How is sister Rose?”

“She is fine ma.”

“Good… What do we offer you? Juice? Tea?”

“Oh! I am very okay for now ma. Thanks so much?”

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“Alright then. I will be in the kitchen. I need to tidy up.”

“It is all right ma.”

Caroline exited the living room and Pastor Victor turned to

Andrew.

“So Bro Andrew, I am listening”.

"Yes sir. The issue is, I am really tired of Rosemary. I am

afraid, can she really be submissive when we get married?
I hope she has not been pretending all these while?"

“Spill it out bro. What really happened?” Pastor Victor

inquired.

“Okay, She got a job at a five star hotel, as a receptionist

precisely. But, I don‟t want my fiancée to work in a hotel. Of
all jobs... No, I can‟t allow her. She insisted that she had to
take the job, that she needs money for the wedding
planning and preparation and I have told her no way! To my
surprise, She still went ahead to take the offer. She will be

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resuming next week Monday… Pastor, I don‟t think I will

marry her, she is too stubborn.”

“Is that all?” Pastor Victor asked.

“That is all sir." Andrew replied.

“Okay…. You see, my brother you need to take things easy

okay? Not everyone who works in a hotel is wayward. The
job of a receptionist itself, personally I do not see anything
wrong with it… Your fiancee is a Christian, so why don‟t you
trust her? If she will be happy on the job, allow her to do it.”

“Pastor, I don‟t feel comfortable with her working in such an

environment. She will be exposed to diverse temptations
that will not be helpful to her spiritual life, not that I don‟t
want her to be happy. Try to understand me sir."

“It is alright. I will call her to come over. I will engage her in
some discussions. You see, the Bible says “Can two walk
together except they agree?” If both of you will marry each
other, you must be on a common ground. One of you have

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to make sacrifices for the other person… I will talk to her. If

it is because of the money she needs, it is not bad for her to
take the job, you just need to understand. Temptation can
come to anyone anywhere, whether you work in a hotel or
not… But be that as it may, I will talk to her, if she is willing to
let go of the offer for peace to reign, fine.”

“Okay, thank you sir. I am really grateful.

“Let's thank God bro.”

****************

Alex was about to leave the house. Vivian walked up to him.

“And where do you think you are going dear husband? We

have an unfinished business last night, we need to sort it
out, you are going nowhere! You locked yourself in the
visitor‟s room, just so we wouldn‟t have sex. What the hell is
wrong with you Alex? You refuse to make love to me. It's
been three days we got married. Today is the fourth
day…You are going nowhere today. Read my lips,

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nooo-where!”

“But wait Vivian, did we get married only to have sex? Is

that all there is to do in marriage? What if I traveled for a
long time? What would you do?”

“Hey husband, don‟t compare two things that do not look

alike. If you are not here, I would know that you aren't here
but if you are here, then you must be here really!” She
hissed and blocked the entrance with her body.

“Okay...Now, answer my first question, is sex the only

reason why we got married?”

“Thank God you know it is one of the reasons.” She hissed

again.

“You know what? Just leave my way peacefully. I don‟t want

trouble. I need to meet the man that did our wedding video
coverage to sort out some things with him. We will iron out
this issue when I am back.”

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“Back from where? You‟re going nowhere! You keep

postponing this issue like it is one big deal of a thing. No
one is going out of this house today, till we have enjoyed
ourselves to the fullest. You own your business; I am on
leave, so no one can mandate anyone of us to appear
anywhere.”

“Vivian, don‟t be a trouble maker, get out of my way.”

“No Alex, you are going nowhere. And I mean every bit of
it.”

Her cell phone which she held in her hand rang. She picked
it,

"Hello! Yes? Wow! Rita is that you? Are you back? Oh!
Thanks girlfriend! She released her grip on the door and got
carried away with the conversation she was having with her
friend... Alex quickly seized the opportunity to escape from
her. He opened the door quickly and stepped out.

“Come back here Alex!” Vivian shouted after him. She

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spoke through the phone,

“You know what girlfriend? I will call you back… This is your
number right? Okay… Bye.”

She jumped out and followed Alex to the compound.

“Alex! I said come back here!”

Alex didn‟t answer her. He opened the gate swiftly and got
out of the compound. Vivian sighed and said to herself “You
better come up with a good explanation for this action of
yours when you are back. You will meet me here” She
snapped her fingers, and walked back into the house.

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CHAPTER 3
After Andrew had gone, Caroline walked to the living room
and waited for Victor who had left the house with Andrew in
order to see him off. She placed her hands on her hips,
ready to confront her husband...

Just as Victor walked in through the door, she bellowed,

“So you can really counsel intending couple right?

Hehehehe!" She clapped her hands together... "I could
overhear you telling the brother to allow the sister pick a job
of her choice. So, why can‟t you apply that same counsel to
yourself and allow me to live my life too instead of forcing
me to join you in the ministry?”

“It‟s okay Caroline, don‟t provoke me this early morning. It‟s

too early to argue please.”

“Early right? It's okay, I am going out in search of a job today.

I am not arguing with you any further.”

“Caroline, how does brother Andrew and his fiancée‟s case

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resemble ours? Tell me, is he a pastor like me? Look

Caroline, you can‟t get into any paid employment now,
knowing fully well that we don‟t get to stay in a location for
too long before being transferred. Why can‟t you just be
supportive for once?"

“And why can‟t you be selfless for once too? Did I go to

school to become a pastor's wife? I am a chartered
accountant for Christ sake! Allow me to practise my
profession!”

"So, did I also go to school to become a pastor? Have you

forgotten that I used to be a Civil Engineer before the calling?
I sacrificed all for the sake of Christ!”

“Yes you should do that because you were the one that God
called and it was your choice to yield to his call. You weren‟t
under duress to do it. No one forced you, so don‟t force me.
Let me be myself and be fulfilled.”

“God called us both Caroline because we have become

one, and the earlier you come to terms with this fact, the

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better for you.”

"God called you, not me. How can I be called into ministry
and I wouldn't know? I need a job! I want to practise my
profession. Period!”

“Must you? Caroline, I gave you an idea about a business

we can….”

"I am not doing any business!” Caroline interrupted him.

"It‟s alright then. Suit yourself!"

******************

After Alex left home, Vivian got dressed and went to visit
her friend Stella at her salon in town.

“Wow! See who we have here. The latest bride in town!”

Stella hugged her cheerfully.

“How are you sis? Good to see you!" Vivian replied

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“I am fine dear. How you too?

“I am good.”

“Haha! You didn‟t even tell me you would be coming… Nice

to have you anyway… look at you! You are glowing already.
You have started enjoying that thing very well." Stella
teased.

“What thing? Naughty girl… I came to get some groceries

so I decided to seize the opportunity also to check on you...
Then, these artificial nails don tire me. You know I am not
really comfortable with fixing nails. I only did it because of
the wedding… Abeg, help me get rid of them.”

“No problem girl, at your service. Come and have your

seat." Stella replied and added, “How is Alex?”

“He is doing fine thanks.” Vivian replied.

“And how is the honeymoon? Won‟t you gist your friend?”

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Stella asked smiling mischievously. “Oya gist me now, how

far? You don dey enjoy the thing?” Stella pressed Vivian
further.

Vivian frowned her face and ignored her question. Stella

observed her closely and asked, “Come on girl, what‟s
wrong? I know something is wrong. Why not share it? A
problem shared is have solved.”

"Nothing really, maybe it‟s just the stress of trying to adjust

to marital life."

“Haba! What stress is tied to your married life yet? I mean

you are still on your honeymoon. It‟s not like you have
started going to work and there are no kids yet, so what
stress?”

“You won‟t understand.” Vivian replied smiling.

“Really? Okay oh, Mrs. Married woman. We are not on the

same page yet. But you know my wedding is in three
months‟ time, I guess I will understand better after I get

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married too.”

“Maybe” Vivian replied absent mindedly.

“Or is it the bedroom activities of oga that is weighing you

down like this? Oh! I see! You don‟t sleep well in the night.
Alex should take it easy on my friend oh!”

Vivian laughed.

“Hahahaha! Stella, you like amebo... Why are you this

inquisitive? Well, how I wish?”

Stella look surprised and asked, “You said what”?

“Nothing” Vivian quickly added, shifting her gaze to the

nails that Stella was working on.

“What do you mean by 'how I wish?' Stella asked. Don‟t tell

me that Alex is not good in bed. They say tall guys are the
baddest. And a Christian brother like Alex, he should still be
very agile because he didn‟t waste himself on girls before

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marriage.”

“Henhen… okay oh, if you say so.” Vivian replied.

“Tell me how has it been? Or are you sexually active than

he is?" Stella pursued.

Vivian frowned her face and continually gazed at her finger

nails. “I don‟t know” she replied.

“What do you mean you don‟t know?”

“Because we haven‟t even had sex yet!” Vivian blurted out.

“What? Why? Wait, Vivian! You mean Alex hasn‟t touched

you yet?”

“No, he hasn‟t.” Vivian replied feeling uneasy.

“Abeg, wetin happen nah? Are you guys fasting on your

honeymoon or what kind of thing is this?”

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“Sincerely, I don‟t know why Alex is doing this but I believe it

is for the good of both of us. He said he has his reason for
delaying, spiritual reason I guess but I am not comfortable
with the whole thing at all, I mean, I really want to have sex!”

“Spiritual reasons? And you didn‟t deserve to be aware of

the whole thing before now? You have a right at least to be
informed before now, I mean, who does that?”

“Abi oh! See my life oh Stella. I‟m even scared”

“Hmmmmm….it is well. Don‟t be scared, if not that I knew

him before, I would have been scared too but Alex is a good
man, a child of God to the core, just that the whole thing is
strange... Or is he embarking on a personal fasting
exercise?"

“At all my dear. He eats every day. He just keeps saying it is

not yet time whenever I bring up the issue”

“He is not fasting… Haha? So what is the point? It is only a

man that is fasting that wouldn‟t want to touch his wife…

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Wait, are you sure you didn‟t offend him? Maybe he is

getting back at you, some men do it”

Vivian thought for a while and responded,

“Offend? No... I don‟t think so. We did not have any
serious misunderstanding before the wedding.”

“Wow! This is strange! Could it be that he is impotent? I'm

sorry to ask."

"No Stella... He has done it before... Alex used to have

numerous girlfriends before he became born again. He's
not impotent. At all."

"Really? This is strange then... So, what do you want to do

now?"

“I don‟t even know. I feel there is something he is not telling

me...”

Stella nodded her head slowly and said “Hmmmm it‟s

possible oh!”

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“But what I don‟t understand is why he refused to tell me

before now. Why did he even marry me when he knew very
well that he is not ready for it yet? I kept a holy courtship all
these while, only for me to get married and still be denied
sex. This is crazy!”

“Really crazy my dear… Well, just take it easy. Take your

mind off it and give him more time okay?”

“Alright. Thanks dear. But I will make sure I force something

out of his mouth tonight.”

“It is well… Just take it easy…. God will intervene.” Stella

advised her.

Vivian bade her farewell and went back home.

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CHAPTER 4
Caroline stood in the middle of the living room, agitated...
She was on a call with her big sister...

“You know what sis? That man is really driving me crazy... I

don‟t seem to understand him anymore.”

The voice at the other end replied,

“Cool down dear, you have to take things easy okay? You
know, as it is now, you are a Mother in Israel to the ladies in
your church, most of them might see you as their role model,
so be careful of…..”

Caroline interrupted her.

“That is where the problem lies… I don‟t even want to see

myself as a Mother in Israel, Mother in Zion or whatever. I
just want to be happily married to the man I fell in love
with… I never bargained to be a pastor‟s wife, so they
should look elsewhere for their role model… All these
things are driving me crazy!”

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“Caroline, marriage is about sacrifice… Since it is your

husband's idea, vision, dream or whatever, then support
him. You two have become one. He needs support from
you, most especially...”

Caroline interrupted her again.

“But why isn‟t he supporting me too, if that be the case… If

he wants me to support him, he should support me too!”

How? I don‟t seem to get you.” Her sister replied.

“I mean Victor doesn‟t want me to work and I really want to.

I don‟t like staying at home all the time, doing next to
nothing. He said because of the nature of the ministerial
work, he gets to be transferred often, so I shouldn't apply for
any paid job… You see what I‟m saying? He is active, doing
is own pastoring, fulfilling his vision, while I waste away!”

“Oh…. I understand you now… Honestly sis, I am so short

of words.‟'

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"Oh-Ooooooh! You see what I‟m passing through?‟‟

„‟Hmmmm, all the same, my dear. if you begin to see that

ministry like yours, you will begin to see where you will fit
in and before you know it you both will get busy for God.”

“See big sis, I want to pursue my career... Most times, I

really wished I had gotten a job before we got married, at
least he wouldn‟t have the guts to tell me to go and
resign…”

“I understand your point... This is serious… If he doesn't

want you to work, how will you be able to assist him
financially?”

“Abi… He said he will support me if I decide to run a shop,

maybe daily need items or food stuff so that I can generate
some income… But you know I am not into all that... Doing
business is not just my thing.”

“Hmmmm... My dear, it is well… I am really short of words. I

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just pray God will help you both to reach a common ground.
Please be patient.”

“Seriously! I will go out in search of a job I need to do

something… The man I married has disappeared…. It‟s like
I am dealing with a total stranger now… I don‟t seem to
understand him anymore… Thanks for your time sis. I will
call you later.”

“You are welcome dear. I pray God guide you… Take care
of yourself… I will also call you some other time… My love
to Victor.” Her sister replied and hung up.

Caroline bathed and got dressed. She picked up her

handbag and left the house. She headed for her husband‟s
church office… She soon got there and knocked on the
door.

“Yes come in!” Pastor Victor replied. Caroline entered.

“Jesus! What is this?” Victor nearly screamed.

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Caroline was a bit scared. She checked out herself

wondering what was wrong.

“What is what? Did you see a ghost?” Caroline asked.

“Why are you even here in the first place? Are you tired of
the job search you said you would be going for?”

“No, I decided to check on you at the office first, collect the

cash I need to make my hair and go straight to the salon for
today. The money on me wouldn‟t be enough.”

“Dressed like this? Tight fitting trousers and a body hug. A

pastor‟s wife!”

“Like how? What is wrong with my dressing? Since when

have I been dressing like this? I remember you used to love
these type of outfits oh! You know what, I don‟t even care
about what you are talking about, I need to sit and relax a
bit before I go. I am kind of tired."

“Sit where?” Victor asked.

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“Here of course! Or I can‟t sit in my husband‟s office again?”

“Caroline you are not even ashamed of yourself. A whole

pastor‟s wife, dressed like this… Please, you can‟t sit here,
kindly take your leave. I can‟t afford to allow people to meet
you here dressed like this.”

“Enh-enh! I said it! I know you must have been having an

affair, that is why you refused to touch me for a very long
time… You are trying to chase me away so that your
girlfriend won‟t meet me here right? What is wrong with the
dress I‟m wearing? You are only finding excuses. I‟m going
nowhere hubby. This same kind of outfit is the type you
used to admire and even buy for me.” She hissed.

She settled on the couch, crossed her legs and adjusted

her top.

“What kind of a woman is this?” Victor exclaimed.

“And what kind of a husband are you too?” Caroline

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responded.

“Besides, I thought I left two thousand naira with you when I

was leaving home yesterday morning. How come you don‟t
have enough cash with you again?”

“I spent part of it already and you know the kind of hairstyles

I make too, they are sophisticated ones, did you just marry
me today? Victor, don‟t complain to me about money at all.
You were the one that dropped your well paid job to become
a full-time pastor… I asked you to allow me to work, you
said no. So, please give me money. I can‟t shout!”

“My God! This woman! I pray for patience… More

patience…

“Whatever!” Caroline replied.

****************

Vivian was watching a TV programme... There was a knock

on the door. She checked the time, it was half past seven.

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"Yes? Who‟s there?" She inquired from where she was

seated.

“It‟s me.” Alex responded from outside.

“You who? Who is „it is me?‟ You don‟t have a name?”

“Will you stop the game sweetheart and open this door?”
Alex replied.

“Well, I know it is you dear husband, but you have a price to

pay for running away from me in the morning. You made a
fool out of me.”

“Just open first I will explain everything to you.” Alex

pleaded.

Vivian walked to the door and spoke to Alex from the

window,

“Do you think I am a fool Alex? I am not opening this door

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for you tonight. You left home since morning to God knows
where, just to avoid me. Now, you come home, asking me
to open the door. You didn‟t even bother calling me all
through the day... You will spend the night there Alex.”

“What?!! Vivian, spend the night outside, in a house. I paid

for? This is ridiculous!”

“Well sweetheart, you do not need to remind me that you

were the one that paid for this house, that is none of my
business, since we were joined together in matrimony,
whatever you have is mine, this is my house and you are
not entering tonight. In short, there will be no peace in this
house until you stop this drama you are playing.” She
hissed and walked back to the chair she was sitting on. She
settled on it and continued watching T.V.

Alex shouted from outside,

“Vivian, open this door now before I unleash the beast in

me.”

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Vivian laughed and replied,

“I wish I can see the beast in you right on our bed."

She laughed again and continued watching TV... Alex

knocked louder and harder this time.

“Vivian open this door now!”

“Alex go away, you are disturbing our neighbors. You

wouldn‟t want to let them know the reason why you were
locked out tonight would you?”

"Now, before I count to three, you must open this door for
me. One!...."

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CHAPTER 5
Caroline stood before the mirror in her matrimonial
bedroom, wiping her face with a cotton wool and at the
same time dancing to a hip-hop music she was listening to
from her phone. Her husband entered the bedroom, went
straight to the phone and switched off the music. Caroline
frowned at him through the mirror.

“Yes, what is it again? I didn‟t cross your path tonight oh, I

am on my own lane, so how may I help you?” She asked.

“Which lane are you? Caroline aren‟t you ashamed of

yourself? See the kind of music you are listening to, a
pastor's wife for that matter. What if any of our members
come around unannounced?”

Caroline interrupted him vehemently.

“Excuse me!” She barked, with real anger in her eyes.

“I am still talking!” Victor shot back.

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“And I said excuse me!” Caroline insisted and continued.

“Victor Thomas! Let this be last time you would ever talk
about church member, ministry or whatever in this house
especially whenever I am having fun or else…?”

“Or else what? Caroline... Or else what?"

Caroline stood up quickly and walked to where Victor stood,

her chest almost touching his and replied him,

“Or you will have to face the lioness in this woman standing
before you!” She hissed and walked out of the bedroom
angrily.

Victor stood confused.

“I married the devil herself.” He murmured.

"Come back here Caroline!” He shouted and followed after
her.

“What is the meaning of what you just did? You walked out
on me?" He said as soon as he entered the living room

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where Caroline sat, shaking her foot vigorously.

“Yes I did! See, Victor I want to be on my own in this house,

can‟t I live my life? Anything I do, you start talking about
church member, ministry… What is it? You have relegated
me so much to the background in this marriage, you don't
care about my feelings or preferences anymore. Your
church members come first almost in everything. You
consider them and their feelings first in nearly all we do in
this house. The ministry is nearly destroying my home right
now!”

She stood and faced her husband, tears running down her
cheeks.

“When last did we go out together to have a nice time? You

even didn‟t notice that my hair was unkempt for a long time,
very much unlike you. You have no time for me anymore. It
is one church programme after another, meetings upon
meetings. You fast almost everyday and use that as an
excuse not to touch me. If you are no more interested in this
marriage, then let me know!”

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Victor went sober. He replied,

“No, Caroline dear, it‟s not what you think at all, I still love
you very much. This ministerial work is so demanding, try to
understand me too.”

“Understand what Victor?” She screamed in tears. “Are you

the only pastor? Does ministry destroy relationships
between wife and husband? The man I got married to is no
more here. That romantic, sweet and energetic husband of
mine…. He is hidden inside you, somewhere... I want him
back. You are a total stranger now and it is really driving me
crazy.”

Victor held her hands.

"It‟s okay my dear. I will make a change, just give me some

time.”

“That is what you say all the time. Give me some time…
Things can't continue like this!” She replied and walked

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back to the bedroom.

“How I wish this woman understands this ministry and stop

being a thorn in my flesh. God please change her.” He
prayed.

*****************

Alex appealed to his wife again from the verandah where

he had stood since she refused to open the door for him.

“Vivian it‟s 10pm already and it‟s really cold out here. Will
you open now? Okay, I‟m sorry for what I did in the morning.
I will explain better when you let me in.”

“Are you sure you are ready to sleep in this house tonight?”
Vivian asked.

“What do you mean? Why won‟t I want to sleep in my own

house? Do I have any other option? Vivian, it‟s too early for
neighbors to be hearing our arguments and fights.”

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Vivian moved to the entrance again and replied,

“You will be allowed in when you agree that we will

consummate our marriage tonight. You know what I mean?

“Okay. I understand. No problem about that, just open the

door for me please.”

“You promise?” Vivian asked.

“Yea.” Alex responded.

She opened the door for him. Alex entered with a deep
frown on his face and gave Vivian a resounding slap on her
face. She screamed in horror.

“In my own house Vivian! You locked me outside in the cold

for over 2 two hours, are you the husband here? You must
be very silly to do that.” He fumed with anger.

Vivian held her face, still in shock, she looked at her

husband as if she didn't believe what just happened.

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“Alex, you slapped me?”

„‟Oh yes I did and I have no regrets for doing so. I need to
reset your brain and remind you of the fact that I am your
husband!”

He walked away and left her where she stood in shock. He

got to the bedroom and undressed in order to have a warm
shower. Vivian walked slowly into the room and said almost
in a whisper,

“Alex, just four days into our marriage, you slapped your
bride?”

“And just four days into our marriage, you locked your
groom outside in the cold. What kind of a bride does that?
It‟s only a crazy bride!”

He continued to undress himself and then walked to the

bathroom to have a hot shower. Vivian sat on the bed,
picked her phone and dialed her pastor‟s number. Alex

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peeped out of the bathroom and noticed that she was trying
to call someone.

“And who are you trying to call?”

“It‟s none of your business.”

“Okay, we shall see who will applaud you after you might
have told him or her that you locked your husband out for
good two hours!”

Vivian removed the phone from her ear and replied him.

“And we shall see who will congratulate you for not having
fun with your bride and afterwards slapped her just four
days after the wedding.”

The pastor didn't pick her call. She dropped the phone
angrily on the bed. She was really upset... Then her phone
began to ring… Pastor had called her back when he missed
her call. Alex came out of the bathroom with soap all over
his body and moved closer to check who the caller was.

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Vivian hid the phone from his sight.

“Who is that?" Alex asked.

“Why do you want to know?" Vivian growled.

He snatched the phone from her and walked out of the

bedroom. Vivian followed him immediately.

“Come back here Alex, you have no right to seize my

phone!” She screamed and bolted after him.

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CHAPTER 6
Alex got to the sitting room and picked the call.

“Hello sister Vivian! How are you doing?” Pastor greeted.

“Good evening sir, we are doing fine, it‟s Alex sir.”

“Oh it‟s you Bro Alex, how are you doing? How‟s your wife?”

“We are doing great sir, she‟s fine too… We just wanted to
say hello but she is busy at the moment, that‟s why I picked
your call sir.” He lied.

Vivian tried to snatch the phone from him but he got hold of
her hands.

“I am sorry Pastor, I need to attend to something here

quickly sir.” Alex said.

“Okay bro, my regards to sis…”

Alex ended the call before the pastor could finish his

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statement.

“How dare you pick my call without my permission?” Vivian

charged at him.

“It‟s too early for us to be exposing our misunderstandings

to people. Have you quickly forgotten what they told us
during counseling? We have to learn how to manage our
issues and settle our differences amidst each other.‟‟ He
replied with a frown and shifted his gaze to the TV.

“You should have thought about that before slapping me!

Alex, are you like this or you are just acting? Tell me all that
we passed through this short while in our marriage is just a
dream… You slapped me few days into our marriage and
you expect me to keep calm as if nothing happened? My
God! She sobbed.

"It‟s okay sweetheart, I am so sorry… It wasn‟t intentional.

You pushed me to it... You shouldn‟t have locked me
outside because of what happened in the morning. It‟s very
wrong. All the same, I am sorry okay? I promise that this will

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never happen again.”

Vivian continued crying…

“Alex, our honeymoon is turning to a night mare… Why are

we having problems, just four days after our wedding? Why
have you refused to make love to me? Did I offend you? Or
am I not attractive enough?"

“That is not the problem my dear. Whoever says you are not
attractive must be a fool. You didn‟t offend me either… I just
need to settle some things in prayer and I want you to
cooperate with me."

“What are those things that I do not have a right to know?

How do I cooperate with you when I don‟t know what
exactly to pray about? I mean what could be so strong to
the extent of preventing you from having intercourse with
your newly wedded wife? This is not making sense at
all….Tell me what the problem is exactly Alex, I need to
know, I have a right to know! Please!!!” She pleaded.

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“I will tell you when it is time.” He replied.

He stood up, walked up to her and drew her into his arms.

“I am sorry for all that happened okay? I am deeply sorry

dear. Forgive me will you?” He kissed her forehead while
she continued sobbing...

“It‟s alright.” She replied.

“That‟s my girl. I love you so much.”

“But why didn‟t you explain this to me before we got

married?" She asked.

“There is a time for everything my dear. If I told you then,

you might not understand... I didn't want you to leave me.”

Vivian shook her head and replied

“This is selfishness Alex... Okay, if you insist it's not yet time
for me to know the details, then how long will I wait before

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you touch me? When exactly are we going to consummate

this marriage on our matrimonial bed?”

“It won‟t be long my dear… let‟s say three months highest,

then we will be good till forever.” He smiled.

“What?!!! What did just say? Did you just say three months?
Three good months! Alex has killed me! I am in a big trouble
oh!”

“No trouble my dear. Trust me... Just trust me. You will
understand very soon.”

Vivian continued to sob.

***************

Pastor Victor summoned Andrew and his fiancée,

Rosemary to his office for a meeting. They both got there
and took their seats.

“God bless you both for coming. The Lord will honour you.”

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Pastor Victor began. He said a short prayer and continued,

“In order not to take too much of your time, I will go straight
to the point… Sister Rosemary!”

“Yes Pastor?”

“Bro Andrew came to me to explain some things pertaining

to you both and I want to hear your own side of the story…
Now, don‟t pick an offence against him for coming to me, he
is only trying to ensure that things work out between you…
So, he told me about the job you just got in a hotel… He
said he is not comfortable with it. What is your own take
about it?”

Rosemary eyed Andrew and replied,

“Thanks so much sir… I really appreciate you… It is not a

bad job pastor. It is the work of a receptionist not as a call
girl or anything sir. Or is the work of a receptionist bad?”

“Not at all!” Pastor Victor replied promptly.

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“Thank you sir but Andrew just doesn‟t want me to take up

the job. The issue is, he is just too jealous and possessive.”

“Me? Jealous?” Andrew asked.

“Yes you Andrew, you are too jealous!” Rosemary replied

him.

“How?” Andrew asked.

“It‟s okay Bro Andrew,” Pastor Victor came in. “Sis Rose,
can you explain why you said that? I am listening.”

“Thank you pastor, Andrew has been like this since I met
him... My dream profession has always been Banking. I
loved to work in a bank… So, I decided to pursue the
Banking career... I studied Banking/Finance and I
graduated with a Second Class Upper... I was about to start
my professional courses when I met him... He convinced
me to change my mind about my dream career, claiming
that…”

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Andrew interrupted her by clearing his throat. He shifted

uneasily in his chair and tapped Rose on her thigh to stop
her from talking further.

“Leave me Andrew. I am ready to tell Pastor everything.

You want to paint me a bad person, I will let pastor know
how much you have done in my life!” She snapped at him.

Pastor Victor looked at Andrew, but he bowed his head to

avoid his gaze.

Rosemary continued,

“As I was saying sir, Andrew said bankers are flirts… That it
is not a good profession for a decent girl, and that most of
them are prostitutes in disguise, that men run after them a
lot, that it's not a good profession for a woman...
Bla…bla…bla… So, because of the love I had for him and
for peace to reign, I changed my mind…"

Andrew interrupted her again.

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“You changed your mind because you wanted to, that was
not my fault at all. I only gave an advice! I never forced you!”

“Oh really! Now it is I who wanted to change my mind? It is

not your fault.” Rosemary replied and shook her head.

Pastor Victor turned to Andrew and said,

“Bro Andrew, I will appreciate it if you allow sister Rose to

relate her own side of the story. I will listen to yours later,
please don‟t interrupt her again.”

“No problem Sir.” Andrew replied.

Rosemary wanted to continue her story but Andrew cut her

short again.

“Enough Rose! Is it because I said I am not comfortable

with you working at a hotel, that is why you want to start
telling false stories?”

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“Excuse me! Which of the stories is false? That I changed

my mind about my dream profession because you insisted?
Or that I am attending this church with you because you
said if I don‟t, you would walk out of this relationship? Or the
fact that I used to wear trousers before I met you and you
banned me from wearing it till date? Or that a bank even
called me recently for an oral interview but you insisted I
mustn't go just because you don't want your wife to work in
a bank? Which of the stories is false? Enh? Tell me! I did all
that for the sake of love, but now, my eyes are opened, I am
not willing to live to please you anymore! I couldn't pursue
my dream career all because of you... I got a job as a
receptionist again, you still said No! What exactly is your
stress?!” Rosemary blurted out.

“You know what? I think you have a lot of issues bothering

your mind aside the ones I am aware of. Let us go
somewhere to cool off, then we will come back to see
pastor later…
Pastor, please kindly permit us to take our leave.” Andrew
replied.

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“I am going nowhere with you Andrew. I am not crazy. I

haven‟t lost my mind. I know what I am saying… You know
what? At this junction, I refuse to continue in this slavery
you call a relationship, if this is how life will be with you in
marriage, I will rather remain single for now.” She screamed
at him.

"It‟s okay sister Rosemary. Be calm, I understand you…..

Do you still have anything to say apart from what you have
said?” Pastor Victor put in.

Andrew cut in before Rosemary could reply.

“Never mind pastor, we will go and settle our differences, it

is the devil at work.”

He gripped Rosemary's wrist and pulled her up from her

seat. Pastor Victor sat back watching them.

“Let us go now!” Andrew ordered her.

“And what if I don‟t?” Rosemary asked.

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“Then consider the wedding cancelled!"

“Yes! Typical of you. I know that would be your response!

So be it! No more wedding!" She replied calmly.

“You said what?” He asked.

“You heard me Drew... Do your worst! I don‟t need to be

afraid of your threats anymore. I am tired of them already...
I will be glad to leave you and live to please myself for
once... I need my freedom to do something meaningful in
my life!” Rosemary replied confidently, raising her voice
again.

Andrew turned to pastor Victor and said,

“Did you just see that pastor? I told you, she is so full of
herself.”

“Oh Really? Then, what do you have to say about all the
allegations she raised against you? Do you mean to tell me

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that a lady of her age doesn‟t know what she is saying?”

Pastor Victor asked.

“Pastor, they are only excuses. She wants to get out of the
relationship. All she said are all lies…”

“What? Me? Lying? Oh! Thank God we aren‟t even married

yet, you know what? This relationship is over. I am out of
here. Pastor, please permit me to leave.” She picked her
bag and headed for the door.

“Sis Rose wait!” Pastor Victor called her back.

“I am so sorry pastor, I have to leave sir, I will personally find

time to come and see you. Please sir. I'm upset..."

“Alright then, you can go.” Pastor Victor replied.

She walked out without looking back at Andrew who was

still shocked about her reaction. Pastor Victor faced
Andrew and said,

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“Now, it‟s man to man… Do you really deny all that your
fiancée just accused you of? Is it really true or she is indeed
lying?”

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CHAPTER 7
“Yes? Bro Andrew, I am awaiting your response. All that
Sister Rosemary said, are they true?” Pastor Victor asked
again.

Andrew couldn‟t speak. He kept staring at the files on the

table.

“Oh! Meaning that she was actually right! How can you be
so possessive my brother? Why? What do you want to gain
from doing all that? My God! Bro Andrew, you really
disappointed me. I never expected all these from you. And
you even accused the innocent sister of lying. No wonder
she just had to leave. This is so annoying… You of all
people... A teacher of the word for that matter. How can
you be so proud and domineering? The same pride made
you not to admit in her presence that you really did all she
said, instead you lied.”

“I… I… am so sorry sir.” Andrew stammered

“You should be sorry for yourself bro. The way I see her,

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she is fed up with you and I doubt if she would ever come
back. Her mind is made up already.”

“Ha! Please pastor, help me to talk to her….. I was only

trying to protect what belongs to me, that was why I did all I
did.”

“What belongs to you? Belongs to you indeed! Have you

wedded her yet? Protect? Just listen to yourself! Is she your
property? And if at all, she is even being protected in that
your own definition, is that how to go about it? What a
heresy!”

“Please sir it is not my fault. It‟s because of what I once

experienced in the hand of the lady I courted before I met
her. That was why I decided to dominate her fully thinking
that would make her mine forever.”

“Indeed. So, you want to damage her own self esteem just
because of some silly experiences you had in your past. Is
this the kind of counsel you will be giving to young brothers
under you at church?”

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“Pastor, I am so sorry for being so selfish. This wasn‟t the

real me actually before I changed… Please help me to beg
Rosemary. I promise to make amendments… I wasn‟t like
this before. I thought the lady I dated before her
misbehaved because I had no grip over her, that was why I
was so hard on Rosemary. Please pastor, help me to talk to
her… I don‟t want to lose her… I was only pretending to be
strong, I can‟t let go of Rosemary. Please help me sir.
Pastor Victor sighed.

“Are you sure you really want this relationship? He asked.

“Yes pastor. I love her.”

“And you are ready to make amends where necessary? No

more jealousy and possessiveness?”

“Yes sir.”

“Well then, I will talk to her. I promise... But the bulk of the
work still lies in your hands. You know her better than I do.

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Just swallow your pride, go to her and apologize… Allow

her to have her freedom, let her take the job… There is so
much joy in living the life you want to live and not what
others want you to live… Bro, love is about giving and
sacrifice. If you love her, you must allow her to make her
choices and give her what she wants to make her happy.”

“Yes sir.” Andrew responded.

“Then get this understanding too. Don‟t ever treat a woman

like your property. She is an individual just like you. She
deserves to live a life she desires, to pursue her visions and
ambitions. Her fulfillment should not be tied to your own
desires alone. Do you understand?”

Andrew nodded repeatedly and Pastor Victor continued.

“So, go and apologize to her. I will call her and explain some
things to her too. All will be well."

“Thanks pastor, please tell her I am really sorry sir. I will

prefer you call her first. I am scared she might make good

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her threats. I have never seen her speak to me the way she
did before she left here now.”

“Don‟t worry. I will talk to her.”

“Thanks pastor I really appreciate you. I will go now sir.”

“Alright, let‟s have a word of prayer...”

************

Vivian decided to visit her mum. She was so disturbed

about what was happening in her marriage... So, after Alex
left home to see a friend one morning, she also bathed and
off she went to her mum‟s place which was about an hour
journey in the same city where they lived. She decided not
to tell Alex about the visit because she knew that he would
definitely prevent her from going. But she knew she had to
go, all that was happening in her home seemed to be
beyond her.
“In the multitude of counsels, there is safety.” She had told
herself. She switched off her phone, so Alex wouldn‟t be

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able to reach her.

“Wow! How‟s my baby girl doing?” Vivian‟s mum asked her

after she had settled comfortably in her mum‟s living room.

“I am not fine mum.” Vivian replied.

“Why? You look so gloomy really. What is the matter my

dear? I hope all is well?”

“All is not well mum.”

“Jesus! Have mercy on me. Don‟t let my enemies mock me.

Vivian, have you started having issues with your husband
already? What exactly is the matter?”

“Mom, can we go to your room to talk? We need some

privacy for this matter. The wall has ears.”

“Definitely my dear, after you… Loretta! Come and clear

this dining table.” She called out to her maid.

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“Let‟s go my dear. I was planning to go out before you came

in but with this your look, there is fire on the mountain. I am
suspending whatever or wherever I will be going for today.

“Please tell Loretta to give me a cup of chill water mum. My

head is seriously aching.”

“Sorry my dear. She will bring it to the bedroom. Just go, I

will join you soon.”

Vivian went to her mum‟s room and soon her mum joined
her with Loretta coming behind her carrying a tray of water.
After Loretta had gone, her mum asked,

“Vivian, what is the matter?”

“Mum, Alex refused to make love to me till now!” She

answered without mincing words.

“What? Why?” Her mum asked in disbelief.

“I don‟t know mum, up till now, no tangible reason, he said

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he will explain to me later that it‟s all for the good of both of
us.”

“Ha-ha? This is unbelievable. It‟s unheard of… Wait, did

you notice if his manhood rises at all?”

“Yes mum. I have checked that out… I still did this morning,
he is okay. But I don‟t understand why he is refraining from
touching me.”

“Hmmmmm….. And you are sure you didn‟t offend him

before the wedding.”

“No mum, we are good. Nothing at all… He just said I

should give him some time, maximum three months.”

“Jesus! What? Is he fasting? What kind of fasting is that

without the consent of one‟s wife?”

“Mum, Alex is not fasting oh! He eats everyday!”

“This is mysterious! Her mum exclaimed.”

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“Yes mum. I am equally confused.”

Vivian‟s mum sighed and thought for a while…

“You know what my daughter, be patient. A proverb says, “If

the eye stares down, it will see the nose.” I want you to be
patient and watchful. Your marriage is very important and
you must treat it as such. Have you prayed over this issue?”

“Sincerely mum, I wouldn‟t lie to you, I haven‟t prayed about

it at all. I don‟t even know what exactly to pray about!”

“Hmmmm, my daughter, marriage is a rose, a beautiful rose

full of thorns, though, it may look beautiful on the outside,
but there will be some issues to deal with within… No
marriage is free of challenges… You must talk to God
through prayers...”

“But not this early mum, I am losing my mind… I feel he has

other issues he is hiding from me.” Vivian interrupted.

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“Like I said earlier my dear, be patient and be prayerful.

Whatever the matter is, God will intervene. It is too early for
me to interfere directly into your affairs… I will be praying
for you here. Just focus on taking care of your home for now
and pray that the Lord, who is a revealer of secrets, should
reveal everything that has been hidden and expose them. I
am certain that something is wrong somewhere. It‟s not
normal for a man to refuse to touch his wife.”

“Thanks mum… I will do exactly what you said... Ermmm, I

have to go now. I didn‟t tell Alex about my coming here. So,
I don't want to stay long.”

“Ha, oya come and be going oh! Don‟t forget everything I

told you. All will be well.”

“Thanks mum, you are the best.”

Vivian left her mum‟s place and went home straight away so
that Alex wouldn‟t get home before her.

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CHAPTER 8
Caroline walked into the premises of Fragrance Bank. She
entered the banking hall and approached one of the tellers.

“Good afternoon. Please, I want to see Mr. Fred Ikoku.”

“Good afternoon ma‟am. Please do you have an

appointment with him?” The lady asked cheerfully.

“No.”

“Okay ma‟am what is your name?”

“Tell him Caroline … Mrs. Caroline Thomas… She

emphasized the Mrs. as if to assure the teller that she isn‟t a
call girl.

“Okay ma‟am, take a seat over there while I put a call

across to him.

“Thanks so much.” Caroline replied and went to sit. The

teller soon got through with the call.

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“Madam!” She called.

Caroline walked up to her.

“Go up the stairs ma‟am, his office is the first on your right.”

“Okay... Thank you very much!”

“You are welcome ma‟am.”

Caroline went up the stairs and knocked at the door of the

office... The office of Fred Ikoku, the Branch Manager of
Fragrance Bank, a senior colleague of hers at the
University when she was still an undergraduate... He was
two years ahead of her in the Department of Accountancy...
They also attended the same fellowship while on Campus...

“Yes? Come in! Mr. Fred replied from within.

Caroline entered.

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“Wow! Caroline is this you or I am dreaming?” He rose from

his seat and gave her a hug.
“Quite an age!” He added.

“You can say that again… So good to see you again Fred.
You have become a big man!”

“Same here... You look more matured and beautiful too.

How are you? Please come and take a seat.”

He led her to the other side of the office where he normally

relaxes. There were cushion chairs and a table in the
middle... Caroline glanced around the office and felt
impressed with the aura of affluence displayed in there...
Fred opened his fridge, brought out a bottle of wine and
picked two glasses.

“Be comfortable... Do you mind?” He asked, showing her

the bottle of wine.

“Thanks, I hope it is not alcoholic.”

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“Haba! No now, I can‟t make you drunk and besides, I don‟t

take alcohol!”

They both laughed.

“I was so surprised when one of the tellers called me on the

intercom earlier and mentioned your name… But how were
you able to locate me? How come?”

He poured the cold wine into the glasses and handed over
one of them to her.

“Thanks.” Caroline replied and added. “I actually met Praise

at the wedding party of a friend late last year. She was the
one who told me that you are the manager here.”

“Really? Praise-Praise… It‟s been long we talked too. Since

she relocated to the U.S, we only talk once in a while…
That is life for you. We all cannot stay together for years.
We got to move on.”

“Yea…” Caroline replied and sipped some wine. She said,

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“Actually I didn‟t just drop by to say hello. I actually wanted

to see you for a very important issue. Can we just fix a place
and time for our discussion? I understand that this is a work
place.”

“Hmmmm... No problem…. I hope all is well? Can‟t you just

brief me right away? I am less busy right now.” Fred replied.

“Are you sure?” Caroline asked

“Yea… Cock sure. Just go ahead, I am all ears.”

Caroline cleared her throat and said

“Fred, please I need a job. I mean, I am desperately in

need of a job and I know that you can help me.”

“Really? Is that why you came? That won‟t be a problem at

all… And I was at first scared…” He smiled.

“That is all Fred. I really need a job.”

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"It's okay… Let me have your number, I will send my email

address to you via whatsapp… Just send your C.V to my
email address. You can attach all the necessary
credentials… That is not a big deal at all. I will do something
about it. You are now a Chartered Accountant right?”

“Oh! Thanks Fred. I am really grateful! Yes, I am by God's

grace.”

“Good... What are friend for? I can‟t turn down a request

from an old friend and not even Caroline of all people!” He
laughed.

“I really appreciate it Fred. I will be grateful if it will work out

eventually.”

“If? Forget about „if‟ Caroline. Just consider it done my dear.

You have gotten a job already… Na me dey talk now.” He
laughed.

Caroline smiled excitedly. Fred continued,

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“Eermmm, it may not be in this bank though and it may not

even be a bank but I will make sure I fix you up where the
pay will be good.”

“Anywhere Fred, as long as I am gainfully employed. It

shouldn‟t necessarily be your branch or a bank.”

“Good. It‟s a deal then.”

“Thanks Fred. Wow! I am so happy right now!” Caroline

replied excitedly.

Fred laughed as he watched her jubilating for joy on her

seat

“Come, have you been home for that long? This one that
you are so excited like this?”

“My dear, it‟s a long story oh!”

“Really? Come on, tell me. How has it been with you?

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“Since I got married, I haven‟t worked.”

“Really? That‟s how many years now if I may ask?”

“Close to five years now.”

“Wow! Is it mother hood stress that made you take that

decision or just that you couldn‟t get a job?”

“Hmmmm…….it is well...” Caroline replied, tears welling up

in her eyes. Fred noticed the tears and said,

“Come on, I have always known you to be a strong woman,

do you want to talk about it?”

“Not at all Fred… I will like to go now. I really appreciate

your concern. I really do.”

“No Caroline. You can‟t go like this... Just spill it out. What
exactly brought tears to your face? Is it about your
husband?

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“No… The issue is, I have no kids of my own yet, so my not

working has nothing to do with motherhood stress...
Actually, my parents once advised me not to take up a job
yet so that the stress won‟t prevent me from getting
pregnant… But right now I need to work. People go to work
every day Fred and they still get pregnant. I am tired of
staying back at home… My husband is a full time pastor
now, his salary cannot cater for us both conveniently.”

“Hmmmmm... I see… Caroline, it is God that gives children.

At the appointed time, He surely will. Don‟t give up. Just
have faith.”

“Thanks Fred. I am so grateful... I will like to take my leave

now... See you some other time.”

“Okay then. It‟s nice having you around... I will call you
soon... Do take care of yourself, my regards to your
husband.”

"Okay... Thanks, I will."

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Caroline left Fred's office and waited at the road side to get
a cab to take her home. Her phone rang. She checked
through her bag and brought it out. It was her husband.

“Hello.”

“Hi babe! Where are you?” Victor responded.

Caroline checked the screen of her phone again as if to be

sure of the caller and then replied,

“Victor? Hehehehe! What came over you? Did you just

resurrect? When last did you call me babe? It seems you
just won a lottery right?”

“Aren‟t you my babe anymore? I won no lottery… I am just

trying to be the man you married back then or isn't that what
you want? Anyway where are you?”

“Somewhere in town, around Christopher way, just about

going home.”

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“I see... But you didn‟t tell me you would be going

somewhere today.”

“Yea… I will gist you about it later.”

“Alright then…. Please, I will like to have fried rice and

chicken for dinner with fruit juice too. I don‟t even know
where the appetite came from.”

“Oh I see! That‟s why you called me babe right? All for fried
rice and chicken… it‟s alright. I hear you.”

“No, not because of fried rice na!" He laughed. "You are my

babe, I am trying to change, you want the man you married
so I am trying to adjust, can‟t you see?”

“Okay oh... I pray so. I will stop at the market to get the
ingredients now. See you later.”

“Alright then, will be home soon. Love you baby.”

“Love you too. Bye.”

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He ended the call. Caroline smiled and said to herself,

“What suddenly came over the guy? Baby, baby up and

down, since when? We shall see oh... I pray things go on
like this.”

She waved down a taxi and entered.

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CHAPTER 9
Andrew knocked on the door of Rosemary‟s room. She
opened it and frowned immediately she sighted him.

“Good evening sweetheart. Can I come in?” He pleaded.

“Come in if you want!” She replied nonchalantly and went

inside.

Andrew entered and knelt beside her.

“I am so sorry about everything my love… I was just afraid

of losing…”

“Do you listen to yourself? Rosemary interrupted him

angrily.

“Calm down Rose… I am sorry...”

“Oh! Now I should calm down. After calling me a liar before

Pastor Victor, you now come to apologize to me privately?"

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“I am sorry… I already confessed to him that I am the liar. I

am the bad person... Rose, you are all I need in a woman,
please don‟t leave me…”

Rosemary looked away from him, her hands folded across

her bosom. He tried to touch her but she shoved him away.

“Please stand up Andrew. I will think about it... Just leave

me for now. I need to think... I am not sure of having peace
of mind with you. I need a man that will give me peace of
mind in marriage, not the one I will be fighting battles with...
We are supposed to come together to chase ten thousand
after marriage, not fighting each other.”

“I promise you Rose. I will change. I wasn‟t like this.

Situation and circumstance turned me into who I am…
Please, give me another chance to prove my genuine love
to you.”

“Okay…. I have heard you. I will get back to you when I

make up my mind.”

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“Thanks dear... Please give us another chance please…”

He pleaded again.

“Andrew I need to think about it... By the way, I was about

going out when you came in. I need to get some stuff at the
market.”

“Are you sending me away?”

“Not at all. I just need to go quickly before nightfall.”

Andrew had no choice than to leave. They both left the

house and parted ways at the junction of the market.

*************

“Who is it?” Alex asked after he heard a knock on the door.

“It‟s me.” Vivian answered from outside.

Alex had reached home before her. He had tried her line
several times but it was switched off. She got home a bit

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late because she was held down by the traffic on the road.

“Oh! You are back after all… So, where have you
been?”Alex inquired as he opened the door and Vivian
entered.

Vivian walked to the fridge to get a cup of water. She gulped

it down and replied,

“I went to see someone in town.”

“Really! So, I do not deserve to know that you were going

out. You didn‟t inform me about your whereabouts; your line
had been switched off and that really got me worried.”

“Alex, can I go in and freshen up? We can talk about it

later.” She replied.

“No! We must talk about it now! Alex growled.

He fixed his gaze on her. Vivian dropped her bag and sat on
the couch in resignation.

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“Yes? I am all ears. Where have been? I am your husband.

I deserve to know about your movements.”

“I was at mum‟s place.”

“Yea… I thought as much… So, why did you just leave

home suddenly without informing me that you would be
visiting her?”

“Alex, are you asking me why I left home? Oh please! I am

losing my mind Alex. I am losing it already! The bliss and
joy I so much looked forward to in my marriage is gradually
become a mirage… You told me we can't have intercourse
till about three months from now, and you expect me to
keep calm about that? About such an abnormal situation?
No, I can‟t… I needed to talk to someone so I could retain
my sanity!”

Alex sighed and replied, “So, you think the next thing is for
you to begin to announce it to family and friends right?”

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“Announce? I only went to mum‟s place to clear my head of

too much worries. I don‟t want to lose my sanity.”

“Okay… So, what did she say?”

“Nothing.” She replied. She stood up and walked towards

the bedroom.

“What do you mean nothing? You are walking out on me?”

“Alex please, I am really exhausted. I need to go and have a

shower.”

She walked to the bedroom and began to remove her

clothes and accessories. Alex entered the bedroom too and
sat on the bed watching her. As she was about to enter the
bathroom, she stopped in her track and said,

“Let's have shower together.”

“Why? I don‟t feel like. It‟s a bit cold tonight.”

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“At least if you deprive me of sex, we can just have some

romantic moment together, you know.”

Alex sat on the chair as firm as a rock, not moved a bit by

the sight of her half nude wife.

“What kind of man are you?” Vivian blurted out in deep

frustration. “Tell me Alex, are you a ghost? What are you?
Do I have to seduce you over and over before we have sex?
Oh my God! I am in a deep mess!” She murmured.

Alex stood up and held her shoulders.

“Vivian just try and be patient. I am not a ghost. I will explain

everything to you soon.” And with that, he walked out of the
bedroom.

“This marriage of a thing is filled with surprises.” Vivian

whispered to herself and navigated slowly to the bathroom
to have a shower...

She soon got through and afterwards slipped into her

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nightie... Alex walked into the bedroom with a tray in his

hands.

“Sweetheart, I made you dinner.” He announced.

“Thanks. I am not hungry.” Vivian responded without

looking at him.

“Come on, it‟s your favourite.” He persuaded her...

He moved closer to her and placed the dish on the table

near the bed. He hugged her but she pushed him off and
said,

“Wait, is this a drama or something? Why all these? One

minute you are angry, the next minute, you are trying to be
nice. What kind of a roller coaster relationship are we
having, in the early days of our marriage at that?!”

Alex frowned slightly and sighed deeply. He sat on the bed

and drew her to sit near him. She turned her face away from
him. There was silence for a few seconds... He cleared his

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throat breaking the silence and said,

“You know what sweetheart, everything will be fine. Just

trust me okay? Don‟t allow the devil to come in between us.
I know what I am doing, you just trust me… All of these will
be over very soon, I mean it. If Jesus tarries, we will have a
long-long time to enjoy each other. Give me just a little more
time.”

Vivian bowed her head and responded,

“Little time? Okay what will you be doing with little time?
Fasting, praying? What? Tell me, what secret are you
hiding from me? Why can‟t you have sex with your lawfully
wedded wife? It is so obvious that a lot of things are wrong
somewhere. Just tell me the truth. Are you a cultist?”

“Blood of Jesus! God forbid! I am not in to any form of

cultism my dear... Please be patient with me, I will tell you
when it‟s time.” Alex interjected.

Vivian burst into tears.

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“This marriage is just a scam, a mirage!” She cried.

“No my dear, please it‟s not. Stop crying... Can you just do
something for me? Eat your meal and be refreshed before it
gets cold. I will get you some cold juice from the
refrigerator.”

Vivian sniffed, nodded her head slowly and wiped her tears.
Alex made her sit comfortably and placed the tray of food
on her laps.

“Let me go get some juice, I will be right back.” He said and

left the room.

Victor arrived home earlier than usual that evening.

Caroline just got done with dinner... She dished out some
fried rice and chicken into a plate. She then set it on a tray
and carried it to the dining table where Victor was eagerly
waiting to be served. He smiled broadly as she brought in
the tantalizing plate of rice.

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“I trust my darling!” Victor said excitedly.

Caroline pretended not to hear him. She set the plate of rice
before him and turned towards the bedroom door. Victor
grabbed her wrist and asked.

“Aren‟t we eating together?”

“I have eaten already.” She replied dryly.

“Why?” That is unlike you. You know you always waited for
me so we could eat dinner together.” He challenged her.

“Since when? So, you just noticed that really? Congrats... I

hope it is not that you just remembered that you have a
wife?” She laughed sarcastically.

“I am sorry dear. It‟s the demanding work of God. Please

bear with me.” He apologized

“Okay can I take my leave now? She asked.

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“No please sit with me at least.”

“Why?”

“Just to talk… It‟s been long we did that you know.”

“Talk about what exactly?” Caroline asked further.

“About us.”

“Okay..." She replied and pulled a chair to sit on.”

“I‟m all ears.” She announced.

Victor devoured his plate of rice like a famished lion.

“Hmmmmm... Tastes so good. Thanks darling!” Victor said.

Caroline‟s face broke into a smile.

“You are welcome.” She replied, glad that he loved the
food.

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Victor continued to eat...

“So, when should we move to our new location? When do

you think is convenient for us?” He asked after gulping
down a glass of water.

“What location?” Caroline asked.

“I mean the new town they transferred us to of course.”

“Is that what you wanted to discuss with me? And you said
you wanted to talk about us?”

“Yea, it‟s part of it, at least it is important to us now, isn‟t it?”

Caroline hissed, stood up immediately and walked out of

the dining room. She went to the bedroom without saying a
word. Victor finished up his meal and went to join her in the
bedroom. Caroline was already on the bed, her back turned
to him. He laid beside her and placed his hand on her
shoulder. He rubbed it and tried to place a kiss on her cheek.

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Caroline pushed him away and snapped angrily,

“What is it?”

“Can‟t I touch my wife again?”

“Oh really? So you have a wife now?” Caroline responded

as she sat up angrily.

She adjusted her night wear to cover her bust and laid
down again, turning her back to him. Victor tried to touch
her again. She slapped his hand, sat up again and shouted,

“Look Victor, I don‟t want trouble in this house tonight...

Ha-ha? So, it is only when you need sexual gratification that
you remember there is someone at home right? No wonder
you came back home early… That is what you want to be
doing right? To satisfy yourself when you need to, then later
leave me to burn alone when I need you?”

“It‟s not what you think my dear…” Victor tried to calm her
but she interrupted him.

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“It‟s not what I think? I am not a baby Victor. Do you know

the number of nights you left me so cold and lonely? It‟s
either you travelled for a ministration or you were home but
not just in the mood for unjustifiable reasons. I have been
enduring that all these while but now that you feel horny,
you want immediate satisfaction, forgetting all you have put
me through… It doesn‟t work that way husband man. That
is selfishness of the highest order. Wickedness in high
places!”

She hissed, stood up from the bed and walked out of the
bedroom.

“Caroline! Come back here!" He called after her.

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CHAPTER 10
“Nonsense!” Caroline shouted angrily, shaking her feet
vigorously as she sat on the sofa in the living room…

“Since I have been burning alone, he never cared, now he

wants immediate satisfaction for his sexual desire tonight,
no way! Selfishness of the highest order. You will also feel
what I have been enduring tonight.” She hissed angrily.

“What is the meaning of what you just did? Victor charged

at her. “So you want me to beg you for sex right? After all
these days, should I be denied for just today?”

“Okay oh Pastor, who told you that you have the right to
deny your wife of sex while you get your own satisfaction
whenever you desire it? Enh? Who says so?”

“I never denied you. The reasons why I couldn‟t do it then

was obvious to you.” He replied.

“E yah... Really? My own reason too should be obvious to

you! See, I don‟t even have time to trade words with you

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right now. My own is that, you are not having your way
tonight. Period!”

“You must do it and you will.” Victor commanded.

“I must?”

“Yes, you must! Why are you behaving like Jezebel? Are
you the only wife in this compound? Ha-ha? Must we fight
always? How many times do we hear other couples
fighting?”

"That is because those husbands are caring and

understanding unlike you!" She shot back.

"No! You are the most stubborn and quarrelsome wife in

this compound!"

"Really? Thanks for the compliment! And I will show you

how stubborn I am indeed tonight!"

"That is your business, not mine... All I know is that having

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access to your body is my right... I paid your bride price and

I must have access to it tonight!"

“You must be joking! Come and rape me now!”

“Well, if that is what will happen, so be it!”

He grabbed her legs and tried to force himself on her. She

screamed and kicked him hard on his testicles with her foot.
He collapsed on the floor and passed out...

Caroline rose up slowly and bent low to check him where he

laid on the floor. She started to panic when she noticed that
he seemed to be lifeless. She shook him vigorously.

“Victor! Sweetheart! I am sorry... Please wake up. I will

allow you now.” She whispered in fear.

Victor didn‟t respond... She screamed loudly with fear and

tried to lift him up.

“Somebody help meeeeeee!” She screamed again.

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There was a hard knock on the door. Caroline quickly rose

up to get the door. The couple in the neighboring flat rushed
in. They had heard her scream...

“What happened?” The husband asked.

“It was an accident.” Caroline replied with a shaky voice.

“We had an argument, we struggled with each other and...

And... And then he slumped in the process.” She stuttered,
trying to cover up the actual action that led to her husband's
collapse.

“Oh my God! Let‟s get him to the hospital fast!” He advised.

Caroline started weeping loudly. They managed to lift Victor

up, carried him out of the house and to the car. Caroline
wept silently all the way to the hospital.

“How do I tell people that I was preventing my husband

from having sex with me? Oh God. Please keep my

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husband alive for me.” She prayed silently in her heart.

****************

Vivian stirred on the bed and opened her eyes slowly. She
reached out to touch her husband but he wasn‟t in bed. She
picked her phone to check the time. She sat up and
yawned.

“It‟s 7:30 am already! I really had a long sleep!” She

whispered tiredly.

She got up and thought,

“Where is Alex?”

She opened the door of the bathroom.

“Alex!” She called.

“He is not here.”

The bedroom door opened. Alex walked in with a tray of

food in his hands. He smiled at her.

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“You really had a long sleep. Courtesy of my sumptuous

meal!” He teased her… He placed the tray on the table
beside the bed and planted a kiss on her forehead. He held
her hands and looked into her eyes.

“How was your night my dear?”

“Fine sweetheart and yours?” She responded.

“Great! So, eat your breakfast and let‟s get ready for
church.” He said pointing to the tray.

“Again? Mr. Nice. You brought me dinner in bed last night,

and breakfast again this morning. I hope you are this nice
and you will continue to be.” She smiled.

“Babe, it‟s our honeymoon. Forget about the distractions

earlier. We are supposed to enjoy every bit of it together.”

Vivian smiled…

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“Yes give me that smile always.”

She laughed loudly. Alex smiled too…

“What do you have there?” She asked.

“Corn flakes and milk.”

“Thanks. Have you eaten too?”

“Not yet. Probably when I get back from church. I don‟t have
an appetite this morning. I will go ahead to bathe now...
Enjoy your meal and be fast with it so that we won‟t be late.”

“Okay... Thanks dear. I can‟t wait to be in church. I have

missed Sunday service plus I am eager to meet your
church people.”

“I am sure they are eager to see us too, especially you.”

Alex replied from the bathroom.
Very soon, he came out. Vivian also bathed and they both
got dressed.

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“Should I put on this long gown?” Vivian asked.

“Yes.” Alex replied without looking at her... He concentrated

on the tie he was knotting in front of the portrait mirror
attached to the door of their wardrobe.

“It will complement your grey tie and trousers.” She

remarked.

“Anything will do.” Alex replied still focused on his tie.

“Okay how about my shoes?”

“Oh-oh-oh! Vivian, you know I am not really into all these

things. I trust your sense of fashion. Just get something
nice and let‟s zoom off. We are getting late already.”

“Na wa for you oh! You are not concerned about your
bride‟s first appearance in your church. At least, just look at
the shoes and say. 'This one is okay for you.' Period!”

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“Chai! Married men dey try oh!” Alex murmured.

“You said what?”

“Nothing!” He smiled. “You can put on the silver heel shoes,

I will be waiting outside. I need to warm the car engine and
do the necessary checkups...

Some minutes later, Alex called from the living room.

“Sweetheart, aren‟t you done yet?”

“I am coming now!” Vivian replied from the room.

She soon came out dressed in a beautiful short but free

magenta gown with silver heel shoes and hat to match.

“Wow!!! This is so cool! You look so gorgeous and breath

taking.” Alex complimented her.

She walked towards him majestically like a beauty pageant

and whirled around slowly as she reached him. Alex held

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her by the waist and kissed her check.

“No doubt, you are really the latest bride in town and of
course you will definitely be the most beautiful woman in
church today!”

“Thanks honey. I am blushing!” She replied.

“After you my Angel.” He ushered her out of the room while

she smiled joyfully all the way.

***************

“Doctor, please how is my husband? How about the result

of the scan? Hope nothing serious?” Caroline asked hastily
as she entered the doctor‟s office. She had relayed the true
version of what actually happened to the doctor when they
got to the hospital. She ensured the couple who helped her
to bring her husband to the hospital were not there then....

“Calm down Mrs…”

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“Thomas.” Caroline completed his statement.

“Mrs. Thomas, all is well okay? Your husband is fine. I

have gone through the results of the tests and scan too…
Everything is perfectly okay. No cause for alarm at all. All
he needs now is just some rest and that will be all… Every
necessary medication he needs has been administered to
him, so he will be fine.” Doctor responded.

“Oh thank God!” Caroline sighed. “Thank you so much

doctor. My mind is at rest now.”

“You are welcome madam. But if you wouldn‟t mind and if

you don‟t see me as just a doctor, that I am, can you explain
briefly what really led to this incident? I just have this
feeling in my spirit that you need some counsel.”

Caroline dropped her chin on her right palm with her right
elbow resting of the arm of the chair. She sighed and
replied,

“Thanks doctor we actually had an argument which

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eventually led to a quarrel… My husband is a pastor in one

of the Pentecostal churches in town…”

“Really?” Doctor replied.

“Yes sir.” She replied and rested here back on the chair,
wearing a totally exhausted look.

The doctor leaned forward on his table to pay a rapt

attention to what Caroline was saying. She continued,

“Since we got married, all has been well. Our

misunderstandings started when he resigned from his
secular job and became a pastor, that was about three
years ago. He had claimed that God called him… Since
then, my husband literarily abandoned me and got
consumed with the zeal for the pastoral ministry.” She
paused as a few drop of tears escaped through her eyes.

“It‟s okay Mrs Thomas, just let it out. It will make you feel
better.”

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Caroline blew her nose in her handkerchief and continued.

“At first, I played along, hoping he would come around. I

tried to be understanding, I reasoned that God‟s work
demands a great commitment and devotion, so I supported
him…
But as time went on, I couldn‟t take it any longer. Victor was
so into ministry that he hardly had time for me and that was
how it had been till now. It‟s so bad that even if I didn‟t make
my hair for days, my husband would not even notice it at all.
Hmmm… Doctor, he hardly stayed at home and whenever
he did, he sits in the study room all day long. Our sexual
life went down the drain. Whenever I felt horny, he came
up with many excuses. It‟s either he was tired, he was
fasting, he has a ministration he had to prepare for and so
on… In short, I got tired. It‟s just as if someone else had
replaced the man I married… Yesterday evening after
dinner, he asked for sex and I turned him down too... I
wanted him to feel the pain I had been feeling… We started
arguing and he tried to force himself on me, I kicked him on
his testicles and he collapsed. It was an accident doctor. I
didn‟t mean to injure my husband. I love him...” She started

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crying again.

“Hmmmmm… It‟s alright madam. Doctor replied. “Your

husband is fine. Let‟s thank God for that. Now, have you
ever prayed that God should give you the wisdom to handle
all of these?”

“I won‟t deceive you doctor. My husband‟s attitude is really

driving me crazy that most times, I don‟t even feel like
praying. I would just be so depressed sincerely…”

“Don‟t be depressed my sister, marriage is a life-long

contract. You can‟t afford to give up at this stage... Be more
open in your communications with your husband and pray
for wisdom too... Wisdom will help you to handle this matter
the proper way you should... The Holy spirit will give you the
wisdom to use to settle all of these, if only you can pray to
Him for help... Remember the Bible says in Proverbs 14
verse 1: "The wise woman builds her home but the foolish
pulls it down with her hands."
Be patient with your husband madam and don't ever be
aggressive about the matter, it won't yield a good result, as

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you can see... I pray God will help you and lead you aright.”

“Thanks doctor. I really appreciate your counsel.”

“You are welcome madam… So, by tomorrow unfailingly,

he should be discharged.”

“Okay sir. Thanks so much!”

“You are welcome… Just stay strong and talk to God about
your challenges. He will see you both through it all… And
please whenever he comes to you, never refuse him again.
Don't allow the enemy to have a foothold in your home. All
will be well.”

Caroline nodded, thanked the doctor again, and left his

office.

****************

“Hey! Sweetie, Happy Sunday!” Andrew cooed behind

Rosemary after church service was over. She looked

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behind started walking away as soon as she sighted him.

“I wish you the same.” She murmured and left the spot.

“Rose! Haba, wait now. Do you mean you haven‟t forgotten

about all the misunderstandings we had? Come on…”

“Andrew, I have told you I wanted to think about it... Now, I

have made up my mind... It‟s not going to work between us.
Maybe we aren‟t meant to end up as a couple… We
frequently have issues even in courtship. We are not
getting along well, can‟t you see?”

“Don‟t worry dear, I promise to adjust.”

“Yea… That is what you keep saying over the years…

Andrew, I can‟t take it any longer. You are too selfish and
possessive for my liking. A broken courtship is better than a
broken marriage. I don‟t want my marriage to be a hell…”

“Neither me Rose. I want us to have a blissful marriage.”

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“I‟m sorry Andrew. It can‟t work between us.”

“Is there any other thing you are not telling me Rose? Is
there someone else?”

“Andrew, you don‟t get it. I am really after my future, my

home. I need peace… Marriage is a life contract, so it is not
about having someone else. I made up my mind to quit so I
won‟t regret not doing so later.”

“Sister Rose!” Someone called out from behind them,

interrupting her speech.

Rose looked back and saw Paul, one of the brothers at

church approaching them.

“Oh! Bro Paul. I am sorry. I nearly forgot about the visitation.

Is it time for us to go?” Rosemary asked.

“Yes. We are set to leave.” Paul replied after saying hi to

Andrew.

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“I will see you later Andrew.” Rose said as she was about to
follow Paul.

“But I am not done talking to you!” Andrew retorted.

Rose gave him a disdainful stare.

“We have a visitation appointment now, I am a part of the

team.” She replied and left without waiting for a response
from Andrew.

Andrew frowned as he watched them both chatting away

happily. He felt so jealous and sank in a nearby chair.

“I suspect this guy... He is always over her... I love you Rose

and I am ready to change. I won't allow someone else to
take you away from me. He murmured.

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CHAPTER 11
Pastor Victor opened his eyes slowly and tried to sit up on
the hospital bed.

“Oh! Thank God. Let me help you sit up well honey.”

Caroline said and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“What am I doing in a hospital?” Victor asked as he looked

around him... Paul, Rosemary and one other sister were in
the ward too... They all greeted him.

“Bro Paul, sister Rose, haha? Sister Meg… what‟s

happening here?" Victor asked, still puzzled at the fact that
he was in a hospital.

“You were hospitalized after the injury you had dear.”

Caroline tried to explain.

“Injury? Where? How? Oh! I see…”

Caroline quickly interrupted him in order to prevent him

from speaking further. People mustn't get to know that they

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had a fight... At least not their church members.

“Honey, rest. The doctor said you should get lots of rest.”

“Sorry sir. The Lord is your strength. We actually decided to

check on you after service today. I mean, we the visitation
team. We missed you and mummy at church sir.” Paul
announced.

“Oh! Thanks so much. So, how was the service today?”

“It was fine sir.” Rose and Meg replied.

“Thanks for the visit. I so much appreciate… God bless you

all.”

“Amen. You are welcome sir… We will like to leave now, so

you can rest. God will perfect your healing sir.” Paul replied.

“Amen... Thank you.” Victor replied.

Paul left the hospital ward with his team...

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Caroline turned to Victor.

“I am sorry honey. I am truly sorry for all that happened. I

didn't intend to do this to you... Please!”

Victor laid on the bed, turning his back to her. He refused to

respond to her pleas...

**************

Alex visited his friend Arthur at his place that Sunday

afternoon.

“So, you are okay with just juice? You have started proving
married man to me now abi? You don‟t want to eat here so
that Vivian will not fight you if you don‟t eat her food when
you get home.” Arthur teased Alex as he settled down
beside him on the couch in his living room.

“Abi now.” Alex replied and continued. “You know one thing
that pains women a lot is if after sweating for several

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minutes in the kitchen, they put down the food and you say
you are not hungry or you just eat little out of it... My brother,
you don declare war be that oh!”

They both laughed out loud and sipped their juice.

"Alex, you are really looking good oh. Just one week, you
are already glowing like this.” Arthur complimented him.

“Really? Thanks... You too, do go and marry oh!”

“Abeg, na you go tell me abi? So, because you first me

marry now, you dey prove levels... Go and sit down
somewhere joor.”

They both laughed again...

Arthur changed the TV channel to a sports station. They

were showing a life football match... They started watching
the football match with so much frenzy...

“Arthur, I have a reason for coming to see you oh! My friend,

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trouble is brewing in my home already as we speak.” Alex

said after a while.

“Trouble ke?” Arthur replied as he lowered the volume of

the TV set. “God forbid bad thing oh. Guy what‟s that?”

“That same issue oh my brother. Vivian is not taking it lightly

at all.”

“Really?” Ha! What will you do now?”

“You know, she‟s kind of getting scared... She was like it‟s
something too strange so she‟s worked up somehow.”

"Hmmmmm... But did you use the logic I taught you?”

Arthur asked.

"Which one? Fasting? Oh boy, that one can‟t work for me

oh! How can I pretend to be fasting every day when we
are home together? I simply told her that I am not ready for
it for some important reasons, that she will understand
better later on…”

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Arthur interrupted him with a loud laugh.

“What‟s funny now? You have started your hilarious

games abi?”

“Sorry, but it‟s funny now... Alex, are you for real? How can
you tell her that for some important reasons, you will like to
abstain from touching her and you expect her to understand?
No now, you fuck up big time bro.”

“So, what do I do now?”

“Hmmm… Let me brainstorm for a while.” Arthur replied.

“And it‟s like she already told her mum about it.” Alex put in.

“Really? Chai! Then you must act fast. Let me think about
it, I will feed you back... But wait, this thing never work still,
like whenever you are in bed beside her, it does not prick
you for real?”

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“See, I am fed up. I don‟t know what is wrong with me or

maybe she is the one something is wrong with sef... After
the last doctor I visited treated me before the wedding, I
expected to see visible changes. But it's still the same. ”

“Maybe you should just tell her about it then... At least, you
both will be able to pray and fight it out together. Abi?”

“Arthur, I can‟t imagine doing that… I can‟t bring myself to

telling her, I can‟t… How will I say it? Hmmmm... And
come to think of it, whenever I wake up in the morning, it
rises but once I sight my wife like this and I think of doing it,
everything comes down. Arthur, I have tried several
medications to no avail... Since our courtship days, I
noticed whenever she was around me back then,
everything would just come down but once she leaves, I felt
strong again... Though it was an advantage back then
because we wanted a pure courtship... But now it is an
abnormality. I need to do the needful. I am fed up... How
can I live like this? Legally married, yet I can‟t enjoy my
wife... It's not that I have never had sex before I met her, so
what the hell could be wrong?”

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“That is why I said you should tell her. I feel this is more of a
spiritual battle. Tell her so you can both pray about it
together.”

“Hmmm… Okay then... I will try to do so and give you a

feedback. I thought as much too... It couldn't have been
ordinary.”

“I feel it isn‟t… Just try to tell her and if you can‟t do it alone,
then carry your pastor along. Try that.”

“Okay bro. Thanks always.”

***************

THE FOLLOWING EVENING.

Victor had been discharged from the hospital and they had
gone back home.

“Dinner is ready. Should I bring it here?” Caroline asked her

husband.

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Victor had been lying on the bed for over an hour relaxing
with a Christian novel he had been reading... He turned to
her and sat up.

“What if I died after that blow you dealt me? What if I didn‟t
survive it? You would have just mourned me for a while and
then go ahead and remarry? Is that your plan Caroline?”

“I reject it! I shall not be a widow in Jesus name.” She

replied sharply... She settled beside him on the couch,
massaging his arms slowly and said,

“Honey, even if we are having issues in this marriage, God

forbid I wish you dead... I am sorry for all that happened... I
never meant to harm you in any way. You know I love you
and you are all that I have.” She hugged him and kissed his
forehead. “I am so sorry dear... Truly sorry... And I miss you
too...”

“Hmmmmmmm… I‟ts alright… If you did miss me, you

shouldn‟t have refused me that day.”

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“Let us not go over that again honey, let us forget the past
and thank God for everything, okay? Come and eat dinner
so you can take your drugs on time.”

“Okay then.” He replied and followed her to the dining table

while she held on to his hand like a mother leading her
toddler.

*****************

Alex and Vivian both sat beside each other on the bed.
Vivian was busy chatting with a friend on her phone while
Alex was flipping through a magazine. A call came through
Vivian‟s phone.

“Sweetheart, it‟s mama, your mum.” Vivian said.

“Really? Enh, pick it.” He responded, his eyes fixed on the

magazine he was reading.

“Hello mama.” Vivian greeted her mum in law.

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“Hello my darling daughter! How are you doing?”

“I am fine mama. How are you too?”

“I am fine too… I can sense you are doing fine too through
your voice.”

Vivian laughed and replied,

“Mama, Alex is taking care of me big time.”

“Are you sure or you are just covering up for him? See, if he
ever did anything funny, tell me oh! I still have the cane I
used on him when he was a child. I can still flog him, you
know?”

Vivian laughed out loud. Alex collected the phone from her.

“Hello mama, what are you both talking about that she is
laughing like this?”

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“Hey! Mr man, what is your own? Mind your own business

and give the phone to the owner jare. Jealous soul.”

Enh-enh… me abi? No wahala... He gave the phone back

to Vivian.

“Hello ma.”

“Hello Vivian. Don‟t mind him joor… So, you two should
take good care of yourself okay? I am sure you are enjoying
your honeymoon.”

“Yes mum. It‟s been fun all the way.”

“That‟s good… I just wanted to check on you. Take care of

yourselves okay?”

“Okay mama.”

“Goodnight my daughter. The Lord be with you both.”

“Amen. Goodnight ma.”

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She dropped the phone on the bed and smiled.

“Mama and her humorous nature… She is such a nice and

kindhearted mother. May the Lord preserve her for us.” She
prayed.

“Amen oh! That‟s my mum for you.” Alex replied smiling.

"Ermmm... I want to say something... Ermmm... Never
mind."

"What? Say it now." Vivian urged him.

"Hmmmm... I want spaghetti but never mind, I'll prepare it

myself." He replied.

Vivian laughed and said,

"Dont worry, I will prepare it for you."

She left the room immediately.

"How do I bring myself to telling her?" Alex thought.

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*****************

Andrew paced through his room, his hands on his waist. He

has been dialing Rosemary‟s number for the past thirty
minutes but she didn‟t pick up. He kicked the wall furiously.

“Aaaaaaaargh! I have really gone overboard with this girl. I

really have… I thought I was too slack with Francisca, that
was why she treated me the way she did and now this? I
have been firm with Rose, probably too firm, now she has
had it to the fullest and doesn‟t want to see me again. Why
am I so unlucky with ladies? If Rose leaves me, I will never
forgive myself.” He kept talking to himself…

He sat angrily on the bed and broke down in tears.

“Andrew, you were not like this before. No, you used to be a
very caring and gentle young man. How come you choked
her this much to the extent that she doesn‟t want to see you
again? Come to think of it, what the hell is wrong with the
work of a receptionist in a hotel as long as there is trust? Oh

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God! I thought she would comply to my instructions just like

before… Who will I call to help me to talk to her now?....
No Andrew, you can still talk to her. Put your pride behind
you and apologize the more... I know Rosemary, she will
never refuse me, she won‟t. She is just still angry. I am
sure.” He soliloquized.

*****************

Rosemary on the other hand was sitting on her bed all

through the period that Andrew kept calling her... His call
came in again. She hissed and dropped the phone on the
bed.

“My mind is made up Andrew. I am done with you!” She

hissed and picked up her bible to read.

She was about to pray and retire to bed for the night when
her phone rang again. It was Andrew!

"Andrew again?" She hissed and ignored the call... She

prayed and lied on her bed but she was unable to sleep.

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“Lord, should I give Andrew one last chance?" She let out a
loud sigh. "Hmmmmm… Father, please let your will be
done in my life... I don't want to make a mistake... I prayed
about Andrew before I started this relationship and I was
convinced, he was convinced too. I am sure he is your
choice for me... He is so nice and zealous for your service
Lord but he is just too jealous and possessive... Should I
still go ahead with him Lord? As much as I don't like this
character of his, yet I feel I should know your mind
concerning my decision to leave him as I can't take a step
without you... What do you really want me to do? Lord
speak to me. I am so pissed with his attitude and I feel like
just ending everything with him... I love him but his attitude
is driving me crazy! I await your leading as usual Lord...”
She prayed.

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CHAPTER 12
“It seems your phone is ringing in the bed room.” Victor told
Caroline while they were watching Television after eating
dinner.

“Oh! I will go get it now.” She replied and quickly headed

to the master‟s bedroom where she had earlier left her
phone. “Who could that be at this time of the night?” She
murmured as she went to get the phone. She picked the
call.

“Hello! Who am I on to?”

“Hello Caroline, this is Fred.”

“Oh! Fred, I don‟t have this number… How are you doing?
Thanks for the other time.”

“Yea… It‟s a pleasure… So, you need to report at JOANS

FINANCES tomorrow for an interview by 10:00am. Though
the interview shouldn‟t be a threat… You will get the job. I
have a colleague of mine there. She is their HR

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Manager… You know the company right?”

“Really? Wow! I am so excited. Thanks so much Fred,

God will bless you real good.”

“What are friends for? Ensure you get there in good time
okay? I hope you know the company... I am sure you do…”

“Sure, I do. Thanks so much.”

“Okay, Good… So take care and best of luck… my regards

to your husband.”

“Thanks Fred. My regards to your family too. I will call you

tomorrow after the interview.”

“Alright then... Bye.”

Caroline sighed and started smiling excitedly. She walked

calmly back to the living room not wanting her husband to
suspect anything.

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“Who was that?” Victor asked as soon as Caroline settled

on the couch with him.

“An old colleague back at school. I am not sure you know

him.”

“Hmmmmm… His name?”

“Fred.”

“Fred… Fred… which Fred? The same guy that used to

disturb you a lot when we first met?

“No, not that one dear.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course… Ha! You enh? You too dey jealous. This Fred
is not the one you used to know. This one was a senior
colleague at school… We just got each other‟s contact
again through a female friend of mine.”

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“Hmmmmm… Okay, I hope it will be a platonic friendship.

Be careful of old time friends oh!”

“It‟s nothing dear. Fred is not even that kind of person...”

“Okay.”

*****************

Vivian turned in her sleep… then she woke up suddenly

startled. She just had a nightmare. She quickly sat up in
fear and grabbed her Bible by the side of the bed and
began to pray seriously. She slapped Alex‟s thigh trying to
wake him up.

“Wake up Alex!”

“Hmmmm? What?” Alex asked, still sleeping.

“Wake up! I just had a terrible nightmare. Let us pray.”

Alex murmured, turned to the other side and continued

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sleeping. Vivian shook him rigorously again. He grumbled,

“Oh oh oh God! What is it now?”

“Please wake up. I had a very scary nightmare.” Vivian

answered, still frightened.

He yawned and replied,

“What is it all about?”

"Let us just pray first." She replied.

She quickly held his hands and knelt on the bed, she
started to pray.

“Father Lord, I come against every spirit of demonic dreams

in this house in the name of Jesus. Fire of the Holy Ghost,
consume every evil power in this environment right now..."

Alex lazily replied "Amen… Amen," at intervals, then he

later slept off again...

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Vivian shook him vigorously to snap him out of sleep, all to

no avail. She later left him alone and rose up, praying
fervently around the bedroom.

******************

The following morning, Vivian was setting breakfast on the

dining table. Alex came out of the bedroom fully dressed
for work. They both ate their breakfast silently. Vivian was
the first to break the silence.

“Sweetheart, were you that tired that you couldn‟t join me in

the prayers last night? I told you I had a nightmare and I
was really scared. All you could do was just to doze off
while I was praying…”

Alex continued eating without responding to her complaint.

“Alex, I expect you to be the head in everything. In this

house, you should be the one leading the prayers, not I.”

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“Says who my dear, says who? I am sorry I slept off, I was

just too tired… But see, whoever is led can pray, not
necessarily the husband… You know I went to bed late, I
was busy discussing with some of my clients on phone till
late in the night, so I was really exhausted.”

“It‟s okay… But remember God‟s word that says; One shall
chase a thousand and two?”

“Ten thousand.” Alex replied.

“Good.” Vivian answered.

“Thank you my Sunday School teacher. I have to go now.”

He said and rose from his seat.

“And don‟t you care to know what the dream I had was all
about?”

“I am really sorry dear. I really have to go now. We will talk

about it when I am back. You know I told you some of our
goods will be arriving this morning, I must catch up with

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those guys early enough so they won‟t tamper with my

goods. I get to go.”

Vivian shrugged her shoulders and replied,

“Can we at least have a word of prayer before you leave?”

Alex picked his bag in haste, kissed her forehead and said,

“I am sorry dear, please pray for us… I will pray on my way

as I go… See you soon… Love you!”

And with that, he left the house.

“Okay, take care dear, byeeeeee…” Vivian called after him.

As soon as her husband left, Vivian sighed and sat back at

the dining table soliloquizing.

“God, what is happening in my marriage? Something is not

just right. In short, many things are out of place… God help
me.”

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*************
Caroline dressed in a smart black skirt suit with a pink
camisole and pink shoes to match. She checked herself in
the mirror and picked up her black handbag. Victor was still
sleeping… He turned slightly in his sleep as Caroline was
about to step out of the bedroom. She checked him to see if
he was awake but he was still fast asleep. She removed her
shoes, tiptoed out of the bedroom and closed the door
gently. She got to the living room and said to herself,

“Thank God, the drugs doctor gave him is making him sleep
well. Nothing will stop me from attending this interview and
taking up this job offer. She picked a pen and wrote on a
piece of paper:

“I have gone to town… Will be back soon. Your breakfast is

in the food flask on the dining table… Love you.”

She placed the paper on the table in the living room and
placed the flower vase on it. She quickly slipped into her
shoes and left the house.

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*************
The intercom on Rosemary‟s reception desk rang. She left
what she was doing and picked it.

“Hello sir… Okay sir… Alright sir… I will do just that…”

She dropped the receiver and sat back on her chair trying to
search for a file. Just as she settled down, Andrew walked
into the reception room. She jumped to her feet
immediately she sighted him.

“Andrew, what are you doing here? I hope you know that I
am on duty at the moment, why coming here without even
calling me ahead?”

“Easy Rose…Please take it easy… Can I see you for a few

minutes?”

“No! You can‟t even see me for a few seconds. I am at work

and it is just too early in the morning. Are you trailing me
again? You want to know how many men talk to me per day
right?”

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"No dear... You haven‟t you been picking my calls Rose?

That is why I had to come... Why have you been this cold to
me? At least, pity me now… I have been calling and calling
all these while…”

“Pity? You didn‟t pity me when you told pastor that I was
lying…”

“I am so sorry about that dear, I have…”

Please, don‟t bother about apologies… I already told you

that it‟s over between us. Don‟t you get it?”

“Just like that?”

“Yes! Just-like-that! And don‟t ever come looking for me

again.” She replied, even though she still sensed it within
her that God hasn't given her a go ahead to end the
relationship.

Andrew sighed. Rosemary sat back on her chair and

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started to flip through some files, ignoring his presence.

“Okay, can you grant me one last chance to see you after
close of work today? I need to explain some things to you.
Please don‟t say no. At least, consider the fact that I had to
come here first before I report to work. Please don‟t let my
coming be a waste.”

“Okay.” She replied with a frown on her face. Her eyes still
glued to the files.

“Thanks… So, what time should I pick you up?”

“I don‟t know yet. You can call me around 4pm, I‟ll let you
know if it will be possible for us to see. Please go now, I
am not comfortable with you being here. I don‟t want to get
into any trouble with my boss.”

Just then, a fine young man walked into the reception room.

“Go now, I need to attend to a customer!” She whispered

fiercely to Andrew.

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“Okay, I will call you later.” He replied.

The young man approached Rosemary‟s desk.

“Good morning sir! You are welcome to Sam's Hotel. How

may I be of help?” She greeted the guest cheerfully.

****************

Victor was reading his bible in the living room when

Caroline walked into the house. It was past midday.

“Hello darling! How have you been?” She cooed as she

bent low to kiss his forehead. Victor avoided her and
replied,

“And where have you been? You didn‟t tell me you would be
going out today.”

“Yes darling. I am so sorry… It was very urgent and since

you were fast asleep, I had to leave. Did you see your

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breakfast on the table?”

“Yes I did but I haven‟t eaten it yet. I only took some tea. I
don‟t have an appetite for now… I called your line severally,
you refused to pick up. It was later on that I saw the SMS
you sent. So, where exactly were you?”

“Don‟t worry darling, I will give you the full gist soon, let me
warm your food first. It‟s past noon already, you need to eat
so you can take your drugs… I will also need to fix lunch in
good time, so let me go in and change. I will be right back.”

She kissed him again and walked to the bedroom,

humming a song.

“Why is she so excited?” He thought. “I just hope she will

continue to be like this… So lively and warm… Whatever
made my wife this pleasant should not stop.” He smiled.

Very soon, Caroline was back with a steaming plate of jollof

rice and chicken. She set the table before her husband.

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“Aren‟t you eating too?” He asked.

“No… I don‟t feel hungry yet. I already took some oats

before I left home earlier.”

“I see… Hmmmmm… This tasted so good!”

“Thanks dear.”

He soon finished the food and asked,

“So, what was it that made you so excited all of a sudden?

You promised to gist me.”

“Yes dear. It‟s good news. Let me clear the dish, I will be
right back.”

“Okay oh... Be quick and let‟s put an end to this suspense

once and for all.”
Soon, she came back to him and settled beside him on the
couch in the living room, cuddling his hands.

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“Hope you no longer feel any pain now?”

“Not at all... I am much better now.”

“Thanks to God… So, when are we moving to the new

location where we were transferred to?”

Victor looked at her like someone in shock.

“Honey, what did you just say?”

“Of course, you heard me darling. When are we going to the

new church? When exactly are we expected to report?”

“Hehehehe! This new Caroline is amazing me! Really?”

Caroline smiled and said,

“There is nothing God cannot do.”

“Wow! Glory be to God in the highest oh!”

“Hallelujah!” She responded and they both laughed.

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“So, what is the good news? I am eager to know.” He asked

again.

“Oh yeah! Darling, I got a job!” She replied happily, beaming

with smiles...

Victor frowned immediately and replied,

“You did what? I mean, what did you just say?”

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CHAPTER 13
“Darling, you heard me right. I just got a job.”
Caroline repeated.

Victor looked away from her and focused on the T.V without
responding.

“Darling, you are not saying anything.” Caroline questioned

him.

“Yes, because I think you are only cracking an expensive

joke which I don‟t find funny at all. Caroline, are you sure
you want this marriage to work at all?”

“Darling, there you go again… How or why on earth would I

work against my own marriage? You know what? You being
fulfilled and happy working as a pastor is the same with me
being gainfully employed. It will make me happy and
fulfilled, can‟t you see? A happy spouse makes a happy
marriage, a frustrated one will make the home bitter. Victor,
please let me… I beg you enh? In God‟s name... I want to
be fulfilled.” She went on her knees.

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“Caroline, it's not like that... Don‟t ever think that I don‟t
want your happiness or fulfilment. I insisted you should not
take up a paid job because of the nature of my ministerial
assignment, I may not get to stay in a location for long
before being transferred… You know, and it wouldn‟t be
healthy for us to stay apart especially when it is so far...
How do you want us both to handle the temptations that will
arise when we are apart? I mean, it is for our own good and
the good of this marriage... You yourself can testify to one
or two marriages under us at church that are having issues
right now just because the husband and wife don‟t stay
together because of their jobs… And also, considering the
fact that we are even still trying to have a child of our own…
We are still trusting God for children... How do you conceive
when we are apart... Those are my reasons. Try to
understand me... Caroline, there is a time for everything.
Maybe when God answers us and you have a baby
because I am sure you will carry my children... After you are
done nursing them, then you can go job hunting."

“Ha! At what age Victor? Time is not what we have. Age is

not on my side. I will be thirty-three in November. For how

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many years will I then have to stay at home?”

“Yes my dear. I know age is not on your side and the more
reason why we have to consider this issue of childbearing
as of paramount importance than the job. Medically too, the
earlier for you, the better.”

Caroline went sober for some minutes and replied,

“Darling, it is God that gives children. I have waited on him

for five good years… At the appointed time, I believe he will
give us our own children.”

“Sure... I believe that too but my dear, stress is not also

good at all for a woman trying to conceive. It‟s not, at all.”

“Hmmmm… Victor, I have seen women who do very

stressful jobs everyday, yet they get pregnant. I don‟t
believe in all those schools of thought that stress delays
conception… I believe when God is ready, ours will come,
whether working or not. The fact is that, my being lonely all
the time is depressing me, it may give me a high blood

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pressure…”

“It won‟t! God forbid… I reject it. It won't be your portion in

Jesus name!” Victor replied.

There was a moment of silence before Caroline spoke

again.

“You haven‟t even asked me about the nature of the job, the
company or its location.” She put in.

“That was because I didn‟t like the idea of you working yet.”
Victor answered her.

“Hmmm... Darling, it‟s a miracle oh! I am to resume as the

new accountant at JOANS FINANCES... With an official car
and lots of other allowances and incentives. And the salary?
You wouldn‟t believe it! You wouldn‟t just believe it!” She
tilted her head to whisper into his ears. “Two hundred and
fifty Thousand Naira!” She enthused.

“Really? That sounds great! Wow!” Victor replied in total

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surprise.

“Yes darling. I don‟t even mind if you take the whole salary
from me every month, manage it the way you deem fit, and
give me my own portion. I know you won‟t squander it. All I
just want is that you grant me this opportunity. Please!"

“Hmmmmm… Women! You? As if she can release all her

money just like that. Let me hear word joor.”

Caroline laughed and replied,

“Seriously! I mean it oh!”

"You mean what? Two fifty thousand naira? Abeg...”

Caroline laughed again...

Victor sighed and reflected on the information he just heard.

Caroline fixed her gaze on him, anticipating his response.

“It is indeed a tantalizing offer. How did you hear about the
job? You didn‟t even carry me along when you were called

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for the interview.” Victor queried.

“I am sorry about that darling. I was scared that you might

not support it if I had told you… I got it through a friend.”

“Really?”

“Yes oh... He is the manager of FRAGRANCE BANK… The

Fred I told you about last night. I went for the interview this
morning when you were sleeping and I did excellently well.
The MD was really impressed with my credentials and my
performance during the interview. So, she asked me to
resume work tomorrow.”

“It is well…” Victor replied with a sigh. “But you know how
much I like praying about important issues like this before
venturing into them which is very ideal as a child of God. I
just don‟t feel at ease about the whole arrangement.”

Another silence…

Caroline stared at her fingers still anxious about her

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husband‟s final take on the matter.

“Okay… All will be well… Since it will make you happy, you
can go ahead and take the job. I want you to be happy.” He
finally replied.

Caroline jumped at him in excitement.

“Thank you Victor! You are a darling! I love you so-so

much!” She shrieked like an excited toddler.

“I love you too. Congratulations dear. I am happy for you!"

He grinned.

“Thank you darling! You know what? You just don‟t worry
about getting to see me on weekends. I will make sure I
travel down to our new location every Friday evening to be
with you. It‟s just an hour and thirty minutes‟ drive from here
minus traffic. That won‟t be a problem for me at all. I will
always be in church on Sunday mornings. You can travel
over here too whenever you are less busy on week days,
you know… We will cope darling, we can!”

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“Okay… Let‟s hope so and trust God.” He replied.

“Yea… I believe everything will work together for our

good… Thanks darling! You are the best! Let me leave you
to rest a bit while I go fix lunch. I will make your favourite
swallow dish this afternoon.” She announced with ecstasy.

“Hmmmm… I hear you oh…”

They both laughed… Caroline hugged him and skipped

excitedly to the kitchen to commence the cooking.

*************

“Rosemary, I am sorry… I am so-so sorry for everything I

have put you through… See, the Andrew you know is very
different from who he used to be. It is not my nature to be
so over protective or jealous... Rose, please hear what I
have to tell you now.” Andrew pleaded.

They had both met at an eatery near Rosemary‟s office

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after close of work. Rosemary looked away from him,

staring at the road through the transparent glass walls.

“Andrew, I have loved you all these while... I have pleased

you in virtually everything. I sacrificed a whole lot of things
because of you… In short, I have been so stupid and
gullible, yet all for love, I overlooked all… But now, it seems
I am choked. I can‟t take it any longer. I feel I am a shadow
of myself… I feel imprisoned… I just want to live my own life
henceforth and not by anyone‟s dictates… I want to be „me‟
for once. I am sorry, that new me can‟t work with you
Andrew. No way! I am ready to let go of all the sacrifices
and commitment to you… I believe God will compensate
me. So please, let‟s call it off.” She replied, tears gathering
in her eyes.

Andrew saw the tears and quickly brought out his

handkerchief. He wiped them and held her shoulders.

“Rose, look at me. Give me one last chance to explain

myself. Afterwards, you can take your decision. I want to tell
you something I never told you since we met. I decided not

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to tell you because I feared you might tow the same line that
person followed.”

“What person? What are you talking about?” Rose asked

sniffing back her tears.

“Before I met you, I met her.” He began. “She is Francisca

by name… She was all I needed in a lady but because I
thought I wasn‟t ripe enough to handle a relationship, I kept
my distance. I was 23, she was 20. It was my second year
on campus, we were both workers in my fellowship back
then…” He paused, a slight frown gathering on his face.

Rosemary focused on him with rapt attention. He

continued.

“Somehow, we got closer in my fourth year at school, we

both found ourselves in the same department at the
fellowship… Then we were both made executives at the
fellowship later on...

Along the line, we started a relationship and our love began

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to grow. She was my first love… I tried all my best to make

her happy. I graduated a year before her and went for my
youth service in one of the Northern states, Adamawa
precisely, as you know. Even then, I still travelled miles just
to see her.

Francisca is a very beautiful lady. She had lots of guys that

wanted to date her back then but she was glued to only me,
or so I thought... She also graduated and went for her
youth service. At that time, I was already done with my own
youth service and had gotten a job as a marketer in a
furniture firm. Because of the nature of my job, I got to
travel a lot of time... So, anytime I had the opportunity to
travel to a place close to where she was serving, I did pay
her a visit. On one of such trips, I decided to give her a
surprise visit and lo and behold, I met her in her room with a
guy…” He paused and sighed.

“Rosemary, do you believe she sat on the guy‟s laps and

they were kissing each other, I mean, they were in between
a deep hot romance, which would eventually lead to sex no
doubt… It seemed they forgot to lock the door… I nearly

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went crazy… A girl I loved with all my heart...

I left there terribly angry and disappointed... The rest is

history… I was deeply hurt. Despite all my devotion and
commitment to that relationship, she eventually broke my
heart… We broke up in the end… She begged me several
times but I shut the door of my heart to her because I know
I can‟t cope with an unfaithful partner...

So, I vowed never to allow any lady to break my heart again.

I decided to be the one always „in charge.‟ That was my
state of mind when I met you a year after that incidence. I
decided to dominate you, to be in control of all your choices
because I thought Francisca broke my heart just because I
allowed her to be herself. I thought I had no grip on her…

If not for the fact that I hold God in high esteem in my heart,
I would have vowed never to keep a relationship without
sleeping with the lady... But God helped me to overcome
the evil thought. It really pained me that despite the fact
that I didn't touch Francisca, yet she was giving her body to
someone else... But after I met you, God still helped me to

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keep a pure courtship but the decision I made to be tough

and possessive is what is affecting us now.

Please Rosemary, I am only pretending to be strong, I can‟t

live without you. Please don‟t leave me… I promise to make
a change. We have been through a lot together in this
courtship, please don‟t let go now. I beg you." He pressed
his palms into hers.

A few tear drops escaped from his eyes. Rosemary noticed

the tears... She used her left thumb to wipe them, then
stood up and went to his side. She pulled him up, and
hugged him.

“Please forgive me.” Andrew whispered.

“I forgive you baby.” She whispered back and added

"Francisca did that to you probably because that was just
who she is... Your being nice to her is not a fault neither is it
a reason for her misbehavior. Please I want the real you
Andrew... The real person God told me you are when you
proposed to me, that is who I want."

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“Yes sweetheart, you have it already... Let‟s have a new

beginning. I promise to make it up to you. I promise never
to hurt you again. Please keep the job… Do whatever
pleases you… Live like who you want to be… I need you in
my life Rose… These few days without you has been like
hell. I love you so much and I will never let you go.”

“I love you too baby.”

A warm applause erupted from the other guests in the

eatery.

“Lovely couple!”
“That‟s so cute!”
”Wow! I go love oh!...” And many other expressions
greeted them from different angles in the restaurant. They
both smiled back at the small audience in appreciation.

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CHAPTER 14
Caroline entered the house at exactly 9:00pm. Victor was
seated in the living room.

“How are you darling?” She greeted.

"You are back. Welcome dear." Victor responded, still

focused on the magazine he was holding.

"I am so sorry darling, work was so hectic today plus the

traffic. I will just go prepare dinner for you right away.”

“Dinner?" Victor laughed. Dinner at this time? When will

that be ready? I have gotten some food to eat at the
cafeteria in the street on my way home... You just go ahead
and sort yourself.”

“I am sorry darling.” She apologized again and settled

beside him.

“No problem… But just for the records, you said it would be
an 8:00am to 5:00pm job, now I don‟t understand why it

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took you this long.”

“I am sorry darling. I never knew it would be this time

demanding... The work load is hectic.”

“Yes... That is how the offers look simple on the outside.

When you get in there, everything changes. Just prepare
your mind to work even on weekends some times.”

“Weekends? Nooo! I won‟t accept that. No job is worth

putting my marriage on the line… I have just the weekends
to be with you.”

“Indeed... Okay then. We shall see.”

“Prophet Victor. That your prediction won‟t come to pass.”

"Amen oh, for your sake and mine, let's hope it won't... So,
how was your first day at work?" He asked, stroking her
hair.

"It was fine... I like the work environment. My colleagues

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and subordinates seem to be nice too."

“Okay, that's fine... Ermmm... I hope you remember that we

will be moving this coming weekend?”

“Sure. How can I forget that?”

“Good… We have agreed to retain this house right?”

“Yea… I prefer staying here abeg… I don‟t need to get

another house… You know, there will be days you might
want to come around too. So, let‟s retain this one. We can
renew the rent. I am used to this house already."

“It‟s okay… I am just thinking about the distance from here

to your workplace.”

“Thanks dear... I will still cope. Let me quickly shower and

get something to eat, I am so famished and exhausted.”

“It is well with you oh! Na you wan work. Shey work don find
you now, no complain oh.”

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“Thank you man of God.” She laughed.

***************

“Hey sweet! How was your day?” Vivian chimed as her

husband walked into the living room. He had a gloomy
expression on his face.

“Fine honey and yours?” He managed to respond.

She hugged him and replied,

“Dull and boring as usual… I can‟t wait to resume work.”

“Sorry about that... Is dinner ready?”

“Sure.”

“Okay… I will just go freshen up… I will join you soon.

“Alright dear... But why are you looking so dull tonight?

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Anything the problem?” She asked, placing her arms on his

shoulders.

“Nothing really. Maybe the stress at work plus the traffic.”

“Oh! Sorry… Go and shower, I will set the table.”

Soon, Alex joined Vivian and they both had dinner.

“About the dream I had…” Vivian began.

“Oh! Sorry honey. I am sorry I didn‟t ask you again. Yes,

what was the dream all about?”

“It‟s such a scary dream… I saw a beautiful fair lady with

long hair, coming out of a river. I was sitting beside the river,
waiting for you. As soon as you appeared, the lady grabbed
your hand and pushed me away. She started to drag you
towards the river. I screamed in fear, shouting after you to
come back. She looked back at me and laughed. She
said,

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"Alex is mine and as long as you choose to be with him, I

will make sure you don't have joy in your union. This is just
the beginning.” She laughed again and pulled you away.

I screamed in fear! You followed her till both of you

disappeared… I woke up very frightened and started to
pray. That was when I woke you up too to join me in the
prayers. Alex, we need prayers, that dream is not an
ordinary one at all... It is not.”

Alex ate the last morsel of his food and rested his back on
the chair.

“It‟s indeed strange dear and scary too.” He replied.

“I think we should fast and pray tomorrow.” Vivian said.

"Yes we should, as a matter of fact, we must.”

“Good… Another thing I am confused about was your

reaction during the dream. You didn‟t even fight to come
back to me. You followed her willingly, like you were just

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helpless... Despite all my cries and my pleas… Alex, are

you in a covenant with any lady before I married you?”

“Covenant? Not at all… I know I dated different girls before

I met Christ but I never had a blood covenant with anyone
of them.

“Hmmmm… Are you very sure?"

“Of course… I mean, who still does that nonsense in this

civilized age? No covenant whatsoever between me and
any girl. Not at all… I am very sure about that.”

“How about the numerous sex escapades. you had with

them? Don‟t you think it's a form of covenant too?”

Alex dropped his head in his hands and sighed.

“Hmmmm… We shall continue to pray about the dream. I

am in Christ now, a new creature. I believe I have obtained
mercy for my past sins... God will throw more light in this
issue and fight for us. She is a liar! We shall have joy in this

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union in Jesus name.”

“Amen… It‟s alright. But can you just be sincere with me

honey? Please, I want to ask you again. Why have you
refused to have sex with me? Why?”

“Vivian, don‟t worry. I will tell you when it is time.”

Silence…

“It‟s alright then… You know, I have been thinking about this
issue. I think I have made up my mind as you have left me
with no option. I can‟t be waking up everyday next to my
husband and yet, he refuses to touch me. I am not an
angel Alex. I have blood flowing in my veins… I think I
should just go and stay with my mum till the time you are
comfortable to do the needful. We haven‟t consummated
this marriage till now, so let me just excuse you for a while...
The dream i had is enough proof to show that something is
fishy but you choose to keep mute. Why are you so
secretive like this for crying out loud?!”

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“No sweetheart, please don't go… Your going to stay with

her will bring up suspicions from people.” He pleaded.

“You are leaving me with no choice Alex. For how long will i
be in the dark? I prayed to God to reveal whatever it is that
you are hiding from me before I had that dream. So, it's
obvious that you are hiding something.”

“Okay I will tell you why I haven't touched you till now... I will
right away...”

“Alright then. I am listening.”

“Just promise me you won‟t condemn me. Promise me you

will fight this battle with me and you will not leave me to be
on my own.”

“Alex… You are scaring me… What battle?”

He sighed and stared at the empty plate before him.

“It all started about two years ago…”

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CHAPTER 15
“Yes, I am listening.” Vivian replied, her eyes glued to Alex
in anxiety.

Alex shifted on his seat, unable to gather the courage to

confess to his wife. Vivian noticed this. She held his hands
and said,

“Alex, we are both in this together. We can‟t give in to the

devil. We must fight. I promise to stay by you…” She
assured him.

“You promise?”

“Yes, I promise... I said „Yes I do‟ to you, remember? So

whatever your burden is, we bear it together. It‟s our
burden.”

Alex paused again then stood up and faced the wall near
the dining table.

“When it first started, I thought it was just a body

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dysfunction but as time went on, it seemed to be bigger

than what I thought it to be… I had met you then and we
were already courting...

The first thing I noticed was that each time we sat close to
each other then, I would release semen in my body within
just a few seconds and I would feel drained immediately,
like I just finished having intercourse. If you noticed, I hardly
moved close to you then, hiding under the cover that I didn't
want to be tempted but the truth is, I wanted to avoid the
embarrassment I felt each time that thing happened...

I realized this was an abnormal condition so I started

booking appointments with different doctors. They
prescribed diverse kinds of drugs for me, all to no avail... I
didn‟t have enough courage to tell you. I kept assuring
myself that I would get a cure and all would be over.

When we started planning for our wedding, my friend Arthur,

referred me to a specialist doctor. He placed me on a
medication for 10 days and assured me that by the time I
was done, I would have been back to normal. I finished the

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drugs a week to our wedding, hoping that all would be well

thereafter but to my dismay, it was the same. Immediately
we slept on the bed on the night of our wedding, I released
on my body within a few seconds and my manhood went
limp just as usual… Sincerely, I don‟t know what is really
happening to me…”

“Oh-my-God!” Vivian exclaimed slowly in a whisper, bowing

her head.
“Alex, you should have known that this is a spiritual battle. It
is not something you can cure medically, otherwise you
should have found a solution by now. With the dream I had,
it is certain that there is more to this.” She submitted.

“I agree with you hundred percent." He replied and sat

down again. "So, what do we do my dear? I have been
postponing having sex with you hoping that one day, my
body would be back to normal but it never did till this
moment.” He sighed like a helpless child before his mum.

“Don‟t worry darling… Though I wish you had told me all

these while, even before we got married so we could fight it

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together, but all the same, it‟s never too late.” She
encouraged him.

“I am sorry dear. I couldn‟t just bring myself to telling you

such.”

“Sweetheart, you need to know that we are one. Don't hide

things from your wife, it won't help our marriage. The Bible
says, "The man and his wife were both naked and were not
ashamed." We must be naked to each other in everything,
so that our consolidated effort can fight the enemy. But It‟s
alright, I am certain that since God has revealed the secret
to me, we will continue the same prayer I prayed, that God
should reveal the secret of this battle to us…

I will suggest we meet with pastor and explain the challenge

we have so he can join us in prayers. And also, I will
suggest we embark on a seven day fasting and prayers
immediately, starting from tomorrow. We can‟t afford to take
any chances anymore.”

“Sure. It‟s very okay by me.”

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“Good… Victory will be ours in Jesus name... I believe.

Let‟s just trust in God okay?”

“Amen…Thank you honey. Thank you so much for

encouraging me. I feel relieved.” Alex smiled gratefully at
her.

He gathered her into his arms and gave her a warm hug.
“What would I have done without you?” He whispered.

***************

A day after Alex's confession, they visited their pastor after

close of work that evening.

“It is an arrow, my brother.” Pastor had told them. “But with

God all things are possible. Thank God you took the step to
confess to you wife and you both have started the prayers
already. I will also join you in the prayers and I believe by
God‟s grace, the enemy will be defeated. The devil will be
put to shame.”

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“Amen.” They both chorused.

Alex and Vivian embarked on the seven days prayer and

fasting... Within that period, Vivian ensured that she woke
Alex up at 12am every midnight to pray. They prayed the
prayers seriously and fervently.

One night, exactly five days into their fasting, they just
finished their midnight prayers and they went to sleep...
Alex had a dream. He saw himself tied down in the dream.
A fire was burning beside him and was about to engulf him.
He was sweating heavily and terribly scared. He tried to get
free from the strong ropes but he couldn't. A lady he
couldn't recognize stood nearby and was laughing at him.

At a point, the fire got so close to him that it nearly touched

his skin. He cried out and started praying seriously.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, who shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be
afraid?.…

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The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs

into it and he is saved." I run into the name of Jesus!"

Suddenly, the ropes were broken, the fire was quenched

miraculously and he was free. The lady screamed loudly
like someone in pain. Alex quickly stood up and looked at
her and he suddenly recognized her.

"Banke!" He shouted.

The lady whimpered in pain again and disappeared.

Alex woke up sweating profusely.

"Banke!" He screamed.

Vivian woke up and quickly sat up.

"Who is Banke?" She asked a bit scared at the way her

husband suddenly screamed from his sleep.

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"Ha! Baaa-n-keeee!" Alex said again.

"Who is Banke? What happened to her? Did you have a

dream? What was it all about?" Vivian asked him
impatiently.

Alex narrated the dream to her.

"Hmmmmm..." Vivian sighed and said,

"Thank you Holyspirit... So, who is Banke? She asked her
husband again.

"Banke was one of my ex-s... Our relationship didn't last

though. She was a very nice girl to me but I didn't really like
her personality that much, I only dated her because of her
body shape and beauty, so I dropped her after having
numerous sexual escapades with her. She didn't want to let
me go. She wanted us to get married, so she begged me a
lot. She tried so much for the relationship to work but my
heart wasn't with her at all. I didn't want her for a wife. I
finally dumped her despite all her cries and pleas... She
was heartbroken but she moved on since I refused to see

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her again...

I dated other girls after her before I gave my life to Christ

after which I met you... That was my past, I didn't know
Christ then..." He said with regret in his eyes.

"Sweetheart, I won't judge you. We all have our pasts. I

can't condemn you. Hmmmm... So, now that God has
shown us the secret of this battle, we shouldn't relax yet.
We must intensify our prayers. And we must ask God for
mercy."

"Okay... Can we pray again?" Alex asked.

"Sure." They held hands. Vivian led the prayers.

"We are going to pray now for mercy to prevail over

judgment in our lives...

*Every battle we are fighting now as a result of our past

relationships, Father have mercy and fight for us.

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*Every sworn enemy that has determined to torture us,

father in your mercy, deliver us.

*Every hand gathered together against the peace of this

union, father scatter them in Jesus mighty name.

They prayed for another one hour, using verses of the

scriptures.

****************

TWO WEEKS LATER

Alex woke up that Saturday morning and felt somehow

different in his body. A feeling he never had for a long time.
He held his wife, his heart beating so fast... He had the faith
that God has healed him so he decided put his faith to test
that morning... And God dit it! They finally consummated
their marriage.

After they were done, they were so excited. It seemed to be

the happiest day of their lives since they got married. They

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sang praises to God and rejoiced with great joy! Alex took
Vivian out later in the evening. They went to one of the
finest restaurants in town and they really had a nice time.

"Our honeymoon just began," Vivian said.

"Yes oh! Thanks for fighting with me sweetheart. You are

the best woman in the whole world." Alex kissed her. "I
bless the day I met you." He added.

They enjoyed their marriage all the way... Alex was such a
caring and wonderful husband. They did virtually everything
together... He never did anything without the informing his
wife, they were that close.

They loved each other so much... A lot of their church

members who are single even asked God to give them a
home like theirs.

Along the line, Alex relaxed in prayers. He usually give

excuses of being too tired to wake up to pray...

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They did everything together apart from prayers... Vivian

remained fervent but along the line, she couldn't keep up
with the midnight prayers again because of stress at work.
They both got carried away with their career and daily
activities...

Little did they know that the enemy doesn‟t easily give up
on its prey.

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CHAPTER 16
EIGHT MONTHS LATER...
“You are pregnant?!!!" Victor shouted at Christiana. “How?
Why did you allow that to happen to you? Despite the fact
that you know the implication of this to your spiritual life?”

“Excuse me Victor! Don‟t even patronize me! When two

people have intercourse, what does it result to? Is it not
pregnancy?” Christiana fired back.

“So, what are you driving at?” Victor pursued.

“Pastor Victor! Read my lips! You own this pregnancy and I

am not going for an abortion, so let it stick!” She hissed and
left his office without waiting for his response.

****************

Christiana was a member of pastor Victor‟s church... The

new church he was transferred to... She was a member of
the choir and she stayed not too far from Pastor Victor's
house, about three streets away... She was 33 years of age

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as at that time but still single.

“Jesus! I am done for!” Victor murmured. He sat back on his

chair and recollected all that had happened to him within
the few months that Caroline started her new job and he
had moved to his new location...

At first, things were going on smoothly in the first one month

of their separation. Caroline travelled to Victor‟s new
station on Friday nights and returned very early on Monday
mornings. Like thrice, Victor visited her too during the week
days and each time he did they had a nice time together.
Victor kept his promise, he really adjusted. Their sexual life
returned back to normal... Victor went back to the agile,
romantic and caring husband that Caroline had married.
She was really happy for this new change…

Trouble later started when Caroline could no longer travel

on weekends. Her workload was getting unbearable. She
had to work on weekends and at times even on Sunday
afternoon, just as her husband had earlier predicted. At
first, Victor had played along, trying to be understanding but

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it got to a point that he could no longer take it again.

SOME MONTHS EARLIER

“Caroline, I have done my part in sparking up the love we

have for each other again.” He had blurted out during one of
their phone arguments on a weekend when Caroline didn‟t
show up as usual.
“I have revived our sexual life, giving you all the attention
you have always asked for, but now this your job is coming
between us. What is happening Caroline? I am sick and
tired of all these excuses. It‟s been three good months, you
haven‟t showed up here, and you haven‟t been in church! I
managed to come twice but you haven‟t been here since.”

“Victor, please bear with me… Sweetheart, I promise to

come this weekend come what may, I must, I promise…”

“And you know I am not a good cook, I don‟t like eating out
either. All the foods I managed to cook were not as tasty as
yours…” He sulked like a toddler.

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“Ssshhhhhhh! Sweetheart, I said I am sorry okay? I

promise to make it up to you. I will cook a nice delicacy next
weekend and stock up the refrigerator for you and guess
what? I will give you some super-hot rounds on bed that
you won‟t recover from in a jiffy. I promise!”

“Are you sure?” Victor asked. He had softened up as he

listened to her.

“Okay, I will say you said so... You have whetted my

appetite already. I can‟t wait!”

“I will give it to you all the way you want it, any style. I will
make up for those three months, trust me. I will also cook
your favourite dishes."

“Okay then…”

“Thank you darling. I have to go now.”

“Alright dear. Take care of you.” Victor replied.

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“I love you sweet.”

“I love you too. The Lord be with you.”

“Amen. Thank you pastor.” She replied laughing.

Victor hung up reluctantly…

***************

Later that evening...

Victor was washing the dishes at his kitchen when the

doorbell rang. He went to get the door.

“Oh! Sister Christiana! How are you? You didn‟t tell me you
would be coming. Please come in.”

“Thank you Sir. I am sorry but I have been trying your line
for the past few minutes, it rang but you didn‟t pick.”

“Oh! Really?” He asked checking his phone to confirm what

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she said...

"Oh! That‟s true. It‟s on a silent mode. I left it here in the

living room... I was doing the dishes in the kitchen. I am
sorry about that.”

“Ah, no problem sir. I actually came to see a friend on the

next street, so as I was about going back home, I felt I
should check on you.”

“Oh! That‟s kind of you. Have your seat.”

“Thanks Pastor.”

“Just a minute. I will be right back.”

“Okay Sir.”

Soon Victor came back to the living room and switched on

the TV.

“Please feel comfortable. What do I offer you?”

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“Oh… Don‟t bother sir, my friend gave me some snacks

earlier on... Thank you sir.”

“Oh… That‟s nice of her… You didn‟t go to your shop

today?”

“I went there earlier today but I closed early. I just decided

to come home to relax, say hi to some friends, and unwind
a bit.”

“That‟s good. It‟s necessary.” Victor replied.

“How is mummy sir? Hope you do hear from her?”

“Oh Yes! We still talked today.”

“That‟s good... Please extend my regards to her sir.”

“Thanks my sister. I will.”

“Ermmm... Can I help you with the dishes Sir?”

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“Oh that? Don‟t bother about it.”

“No please. I really want to do this just to assist you sir.”

Victor paused a bit, then said,

“Okay then... You can... I appreciate.”

“That‟s nothing sir.”

She stood up and went to the kitchen to assist Victor with

the remaining dishes.

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CHAPTER 17
While Christiana was cleaning up the dishes which was
certain had been used up for days because they were many,
Pastor Victor showed up at the entrance of the kitchen.

“Sister Christy, please I need to go check on someone. It‟s

an emergency... I was just called that one of our kids at
church was hospitalized and in a serious condition.
Please use the spare key I put on the table in the living
room when you are done. I will collect it back at church
tomorrow.”

“Oh! No problem sir. You can go.”

“Thanks a bunch.” He replied and rushed out.

Christiana soon got done with the dishes... She opened the
pots in the kitchen and observed that they were all empty.
She opened the small freezer. No food, no fruits...

She brought out her ATM card from her wallet and quickly
went to the mini market in town to get some fruits and fresh

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food items to make some stew and soup for him. She
stopped at her shop on her way back from the market and
took some beverages and seasonings...

She got back to Pastor Victor's house and made a pot of

stew with assorted meats for him... She also cooked two
different kinds of soups separately. She stored some in the
freezer and left part in the kitchen... She prepared some
semovita and also stocked the fridge with lots of fruits. By
the time she got done, it was already 9:20pm in the evening.
Victor wasn‟t back yet, so she locked the house and went
home.

Victor got back home... The aroma of the soup greeted him.
He saw all that Christiana did... He opened his mouth wide
open as he checked the pot of soup. His mouth watered…
A message popped in on his phone. He checked the
screen.

“I am sorry that I didn‟t ask for permission before I did it sir.

It‟s my own little way of assisting mummy. I noticed there
was no food and you might come back home famished.

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Please accept it Sir. You will find two wraps of semovita in

the small cooler on top of the shelf - Christiana.”

Pastor Victor at first wasn‟t comfortable with the whole

arrangement. He felt somehow about it but just when he
remembered the inviting pot of soup, he couldn‟t resist it
any longer. He flung the bread he had bought on his way
home on the kitchen table. He opened the pot, scooped
some soup into a plate and devoured the food immediately.
He wanted to get some cold water in the refrigerator when
he noticed Christy had stocked it up with soup and different
kinds of fruits too.

“How much did this lady spend today? My God!”

He picked up his phone and sent a message of
appreciation.

“I really appreciate all that you did. God bless you real good.
Thank you so much!”

He took a cup of cold water and settled on the couch in the

living room with a great sense of satisfaction.

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“It‟s been long I ate a good homemade meal like this.” He

smiled.

The following day at church, pastor Victor thanked

Christiana for her help the previous day but he forgot to
collect back his house key from her.

The next Saturday, pastor Victor was on a phone call with

his wife, Caroline... Christiana came around and was about
to knock on his door when she heard his voice.

“Caroline, don‟t give me that story. You whet my appetite

already, now you are telling me this? What the hell is wrong
with you? I don't expect this. You should be here by now... I
am human for crying out loud and I need you beside me.
You shouldn‟t be doing this to me.”

“Baby I am sorry. It‟s beyond my control… The MD didn‟t

even inform me of the trip before now. I just got his
message yesterday morning that we will be travelling for a
conference.”
“You and him? Why you of all people? I hope he is not trying

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to play some games?”

“Oh! Victor darling, don‟t have any dirty thoughts okay?

He is not that kind of person.”

There was silence…

“Are you still there darling? Hello!” Caroline said.

“See I don‟t like all this. I don‟t... That is why I didn‟t want
you to work in the first place. Caroline you are quitting that
job period!” He said angrily and ended the call.

Christiana waited for about two minutes before knocking on

the door so that Victor wouldn‟t suspect that she had been
eavesdropping on his conversation with Caroline.

She knocked on the door and Victor replied,

“Yes? Who is it?”

“It‟s me Sir... Christiana” She answered with a low voice.

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Victor opened and she entered.

“Good evening Sir.”

“Good evening my sister. How are you doing? Please

come in.”

“I am fine sir and you?” She replied, taking a seat.

“I am good too… Thanks so much for your kind gesture last

week… I really appreciate it. My God will bless you and
replenish your pocket.”

“Amen in Jesus name. Thanks you sir. Please don‟t

mention… All for God Sir... Ermmmmm… You forgot to
collect your spare key on Sunday Sir.

"Oh really?"

“Yes sir… So I brought it because I might forget to bring it to

church tomorrow.”

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“That‟s kind of you.”

She hadn‟t brought out the key out of her bag yet when
Pastor Victor stood up and said.

“Let me get you a drink. I will be right back.”

“Don‟t bother pastor. I am very much okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes Sir… Besides the key is the first reason that brought
me here Sir. The second reason is that I need your prayer
over a very urgent issue sir.”

“Really?” Victor asked taking a seat opposite her. He

noticed that she sat down carelessly, her skirt revealing her
under pant but he carefully shifted his gaze to her face in
order to avoid the temptation.
“Pastor, there is this painful lump in my breast. I have
visited the doctor, they have prescribed drugs, yet it
remained. I am so scared because some people say it

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leads to cancer of the breast.”

She stood up quickly and knelt before him. She brought
out the upper part of her left breast before victor could
protest.

“See it sir...” She continued, pretending not to notice the

effect her action was having on Victor.

“Please sit down.” He managed to say.

“Let me remain like this sir. I need you to pray on it, the pain
is getting unbearable.”

Victor stole a glance at the fair succulent breast. He

already got the message… Christy was only trying to
seduce him…. Truly, he had been sex starved for a while
now. He laid his hand on the breast as if he wanted to pray
on it. As he was about to start the prayers, he felt a strong
touch on his manhood. Christiana had gotten hold of him
and that was it. They had intercourse right there in the living
room…

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Since that day, Christiana came to pastor Victor‟s house

whenever she felt like... She already had the keys…
Victor wept with full remorse after their first intercourse but
each time Christy came around, he lacked the courage to
drive her away. Each time he made up his mind to pursue
her, he found himself going deeper and deeper with her. It
seemed Christiana had all the keys to his weak points. She
gave him rounds of intercourse regularly till Victor stopped
longing for Caroline to come home.

Caroline on the other hand noticed that victor no longer

disturbed her about travelling home for the weekends and
she concluded that he had probably gotten used to her new
schedule. She came around only once in a month and to
her all was well… It‟s been eight months and now
Christiana is pregnant for her husband.

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CHAPTER 18
Victor couldn't sleep... He turned in bed for what seemed a
million times...

When he couldn't fight the thoughts any longer, he rose up

from the bed and began to pace his bedroom. It was half
past two in the midnight...

Everything that happened seemed like a dream to him...

"How I wish this is a dream and I wake up thanking God...

How I wish I can undo this mistake of mine... Oh my God!
How do I face Caroline to tell her that I impregnated a lady
within this short period? A church member at that?! The
same Christiana that she usually give counsel to... Victor,
you are done for... Your ministry is gone... No more hope for
you... Why would you give in to the devil? Ha! I am
finished... He soliloquized and crashed on his bed with his
face down, weeping bitterly.

"God have mercy on me! I have desecrated your altar, I

have defiled the holy place in my selfishness and

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carelessness...

What a pity! How are the mighty fallen! If I had visited

Caroline that very weekend that Christiana seduced me...
Only if I had delegated the Sunday sermon to one of the
deacons and I had travelled to her place, this wouldn't have
happened, at least, I would have saved my marriage. Now
my ministry is ruined! Jesus have mercy... I have been
zealous and have been on fire for you Lord, but I have
been stupid... I have allowed the fleshy desires in me to
consume me... I thought I could control it... I am busy and
fervent in pastoring your church but I am careless in
managing my home... I have caused trouble in my marriage
with my own hands... Forgive me Jesus! Have mercy on
me!" He wept bitterly like a baby.

The next day which was Saturday was to be Rosemary and

Andrew's wedding ceremony at the bride's hometown but
Victor couldn't attend the wedding... He was indoor all
through, drowned in depression...

*************

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Vivian struggled to get out of bed that morning. She felt so

weak up to her limbs. She was eight months pregnant and
gradually drawing near to her delivery date. She recalled
again the events of the past months…

After Alex was delivered and he started performing his

bedroom activities normally, she got pregnant a month later
and their sexual life had been normal...

Though Alex wasn't as fervent as before in prayers, Vivian

tried her best to keep the fire burning, but most times she
got so tired that she slept off, courtesy of her condition...

That very morning, she remembered what Pastor had told

them both after Alex was delivered.

“At the point of victory, the devil is not happy, he

restrategizes on how to get back into the lives of his
victims... Be prayerful and vigilant...”

“Is that what is happening right now?” Vivian asked herself

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as she remembered pastor‟s counsel.

For some weeks now, Alex has changed from the husband
she used to know. At first, she thought it was the stress of
his job taking its toll on him, but later on she knew there was
more to it… Alex became a very dry and aggressive
husband. Each time she challenged him for being so, he
just ignored her and left the home, either to go to work or
visit his friends…

She checked the time, it was 8:30am. She had stopped

working when the pregnancy got so challenging for her.

“He must have left for work without informing me as usual.”

She murmured as she struggled to get up from the bed.

“Lord, please touch my husband and take control of my

home.” She prayed.

She dragged herself to the kitchen to get some water... She

decided to call mama, her mum in-law...

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Her mother in law has been there for her... She is a mother
indeed. In short, Vivian loved her just like her own mum…
She dialed her number.

“Hello, mama how are you?”

“I am fine my daughter.”

“Good morning ma.”

“Morning my dear. How is your husband?”

“He is fine ma... He has gone to work.”

“Okay... It is well with you my dear. I hope you do take all

your routine drugs well? And your antenatal appointments, I
hope you don‟t skip them?”

“Yes mama… I…”

“Make sure you take lots and lots of rest oh! Don‟t stress
yourself at all. And the herbal solution I recommended too,

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take it at least once a day, eat a lot of fruits…”

Vivian rolled her eyes tiredly as her mother in law gave out
her seemingly endless instructions in her usual manner.

“Sorry my dear. The labour will be short and sweet, both

you and the baby are preserved in Jesus name…”

“Amen mama. Ha, Maaa-maaa! Someone that doesn‟t

have enough airtime on her phone cannot call you.”

“Thank God you know that… I will always say everything I

want to say, no need to remain am for my belle. If airtime
finishes, I will call back…”

Vivian laughed. Alex‟s mother has a way of bringing her out

of her dark moods.

“Mama, I called you for something very important ma. I feel

I should let you know…”

“What happened? How is the baby?” She interrupted her

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in fear.

“Mama the baby is fine. No problem at all… I just want to

seek counsel from you. It‟s about Alex… Alex has changed
of late…”

“Really? What did he do?”

“Mama, Alex comes home late every night now which is

quite very very unusual of him. He has started spending
time with friends till late in the night. He is no more the
caring, gentle and understanding man I used to know…
Mama, my husband has changed… He doesn't talk to me
again... He gets easily provoked each time I confront him
about his late night movements... In fact, he nearly hit me
last night…”

“Jesus! Was he drunk ?” Mama asked in disbelief.

“He wasn‟t mama. Alex does not drink. He only comes

home late... Mama, please talk to him… I feel so lonely
these days… He sleeps off immediately he gets home at

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night and leaves very early even before I wake up from bed.
We barely talk… Each time I called him during the day, he
doesn‟t pick up, claiming he is busy. Mama, I'm losing my
mind, what could have happened to my husband?" She
cried.

“Jesus Christ! What kind of a man in his right senses

abandon a heavily pregnant woman? Talk more of trying to
hit her? What has come over my son? See enh? Vivian
don‟t worry… Tomorrow is Saturday right?”

“Yes mama.”

“Very good... I will arrive at your house latest by noon, by

God‟s grace. I will make sure I leave here very early.”

“Thank you ma. I hope I am not bothering you mama?”

“Bother ke? Alex is my son, I must ensure he doesn‟t fail in

his marriage. Don‟t worry at all. You just put your mind at
rest oh! Please, don‟t think about it at all. You know high
B.P. is not good for your condition, enh-enh… So just relax.

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God will take control… what should I bring for you people?
Do you still have palm oil? Crayfish and dried fish nko? Or
snails?”

“Mama… Don‟t bother carrying load, we have them here.”

“It‟s a lie. That‟s how you said last time... Don‟t worry, I will
carry the load. Shebi is my hand…”

“Mama, I am so grateful… You are a mother indeed to

me...What would I have done without you? Thank you so
much.”

“Don‟t mention my dear… You just don‟t tell him you called
or told me anything oh. I will find out the reason for his
misbehavior myself by the time I come around. He is my
son, I know how to arrest him in his wrong doings.”

“Okay mama... Safe journey ma.”

“Thank you my daughter. Take care… See you soon.”

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Vivian sighed with relief... She felt comforted after her mum
inlaw assured her that all would be well...

Soon, it was evening... Alex came back home with a very

big surprise that shook the entire being of his wife.

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CHAPTER 19
Alex entered the house that evening very late as usual but
this time around, he didn't come alone, he came with a lady.
The lady had a small luggage with her.

"Welcome dear, how was your day?" Vivian greeted him.

She looked at the female guest and gave her husband the
'who is she?' look.

Alex said,

"Lilian, here is my wife Vivian... Vivian, meet Lilian, my

friend and colleague... She will be staying with us
henceforth.” He added after the introduction.

The words sounded like a bombshell to Vivian. She looked

at Alex again.

"Like? I am not getting you honey... You mean she will stay
here with us? Till when?"

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"I said henceforth... She is not leaving anymore!" He barked

at her and turned to Lilian, "Let me help you with the bag
baby."

"As who?" Vivian asked in a shaky voice.

"Oh! You really want to know?" Alex asked.

"Oh yes Alex! I deserve to know why you brought a sudden

guest into our matrimonial home without my consent, a
female adult at that!"

"Okay then, if you insist, I will tell you. Meet Lilian, my

girlfriend. She presently has issues with her house rent, so
she will be staying with us henceforth... I wanted to save
you from the heartache before but it's like you don't want
that."

Vivian looked dumbfounded as if trying to process the

information she just heard. Alex pulled Lilian towards the
bedroom. Vivian jerked back from her shock as she noticed
that Alex was leading Lilian to their matrimonial bedroom.

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"And where are you taking her to?" She shouted after them.

"Are you blind? To the bedroom of course!" Alex replied

calmly.

"Our bedroom? You mean this lady will sleep on our

matrimonial bed?" Vivian nearly screamed.

Lilian eyed her angrily and Alex replied,

"Yes, do you have a problem with that?"

"Alex! Where are you? This is not the Alex I married... No,
this is not my husband!"

"What's she saying?" Alex asked Lilian. They both laughed

at Vivian and then entered the room. Vivian followed them
and barged into the room.

"Vivian, if not for your condition, I should have given you a

serious beating. Did I ask you to come in? Have you lost

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your manners? You should knock before entering a room!"

Alex shouted at her immediately she entered the bedroom.

"Me? Knock before entering our room? Oh! Now I

understand." She turned to Lilian,

"You, whatever you have done to my husband will be

undone soon, I mean very soon. I serve a living God!" She
cried.

"My friend get out!" Alex shouted again and shut the door
after she left.

"Baby, I am sorry about all that just happened, please feel

comfortable while I go get some refreshments for you."

"Okay baby... I wouldn't mind a cup of cold juice please."

"No problem... At your service!" He smiled pecking her

cheek. "I will be right back."

***********

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"Mama, pick this call!" Vivian whimpered in tears as she

dialed her mother in law's number for the umpteenth time
but she didn't pick up the call... She lied down tiredly on the
bed in the visitor's room where she was forced to retire in
after Alex pushed her out of their bedroom. She felt a pull in
her tommy... She adjusted her lying position.

"God please, intervene in my marriage! Save my home

from crumbling. God help me! Something is wrong with my
husband, Lord do something!" She cried.

She felt the pull again... "Oh! Baby, you are hurting
mummy." She whispered.
Her phone rang... It was her mum in law.
"Oh thank God!" She shrieked.

"Mama! My home is on fire!" She nearly screamed into her

phone.

"God forbid! I reject it in Jesus name. What really happened?

Where is Alex?"

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"Mama, Alex brought his girlfriend tonight... He said she will

be staying with us henceforth... He even asked me to leave
our bedroom for them. I am presently in the visitor's room
as we speak... Mama, this is not ordinary." She cried.

"Wait Vivian, girlfriend? How? How come? When did Alex

become like this?"

"Mama, I am finished! Vivian wept.

"Henh-hen! Stop saying negative things to yourself. That's

what I don't want." Her mother in law cautioned her. "You
are not finished... Whoever that girl is will go back to
wherever she came from. She can't take your home... Wipe
your tears my daughter. God will fight this battle for you...
Are you still there?"

"I am with you oh mama."

"Good... Listen to me. Your condition now is the most

important issue here. Make sure you don't brood over the

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matter. Instead of thinking, begin to pray. Are you hearing

me?"

"Yes mama... Hmmmm... Alex even threatened to beat me

up, mama what is happening? Everything is like a terrible
nightmare... Is there still hope for my marriage?"

"Sssshhhhhh... Stop the lamentations... There is hope for

your marriage... Even if the hope seems not to be in sight,
your marriage will stand. Hold on to God and have faith
okay?"

"Yes mama."

"Alright, I will reach your place by God's grace, before noon

tomorrow. Just avoid him as much as possible for now.
Don't argue with him okay. Don't even ask him questions till
I come. Do you understand me?"

"Yes mama... Thank you so much ma. I appreciate you."

"It is well my daughter, I will be praying for you here... Jesus

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will take control."

After mama had dropped the call, Vivian called their pastor,
she explained all that happened that night to him.

"Sister Vivian, remember what I told you after we fasted and

prayed about Bro Alex's condition months back... The
enemy doesn't surrender easily... That dream you had
about that lady is coming to pass now... So, I want you to
stand firm and intensify your prayers... Victory will be yours
in Jesus name... Don't panic, remember your condition...
Just relax and don't forget God's word in Psalm 46:10 that
says: "Be still and know that I am God." Jesus is in the boat
of your marriage sister Vivian, it can never sink... You just
be calm. The storm is raging but Jesus will calm it."

"Thank you pastor, I really appreciate you sir."

Vivian picked up her Bible after she got through with pastor
on phone and started to pray fervently for about an hour
before she slept off.

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**************

Christiana knocked at Pastor Victor‟s door at around

8:45am... She knocked for a long time, but there was no
response... She dialed his number, it rang but he didn't pick
it. She became persistent with the knocking till Victor woke
up.

"Today is Saturday." He murmured as he opened his heavy

eyes.
"I don't have an appointment with anyone, who could that
be?" He thought.

He dragged himself out of bed, a dull headache clung to his

forehead. He had wept a lot in the night, he didn't sleep until
the early hours of the morning...

"I am coming!" He managed to reply so that whoever it was

would stop knocking. He entered the bathroom and washed
his face before he went to get the door...

"Christiana!" He gasped as he opened the door.

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He wanted to shut back the door but Christiana was smarter.

She got hold of the handle of the door and flung it open.
She entered the living room and sat comfortably in one of
the chairs.

"What are you doing in my house?" Victor challenged her

trying to suppress his anger.

"Oh really? Because of the pregnancy now, my presence is

no more welcome here right? When I was giving you
pleasure, you didn't chase me. Hmmmmm... Men! You all
are the same... I thought a pastor, a man of God would be
different."

"Shut up!" Victor shouted at her.

She eyed him disdainfully and hissed.

"Now listen to me!" Victor continued. "When you are done,

you leave my house!" He commanded and went to back to
the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

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************

Vivian just woke up... It was some minutes to 9:00am...

Someone was knocking on the door of the visitor's room
where she had slept the previous night. She looked around
her... It took her a few seconds to remember where she was.
"Oh! The guest room." She thought. Everything came
rushing down her memory... She remembered that she had
prayed for a long time before dozing off... She struggled to
get out of bed, wondering who it was. She opened the
door... It was Lilian.

"What do you want?!" She nearly screamed at her.

Lilian brushed her aside and entered the room.

"Get out of my room now!" Vivian ordered her, breathing

heavily.

"Hey! Relax... Remember your condition doesn't want this."

Lilian replied.

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"Don't pretend to me that you care. Now, out of my room!"

"Well, let's thank God that you quickly got used to calling
this place your room, because you will be staying here
henceforth."

"I reject it in Jesus name. You are the intruder here, you will
leave my house for me."

"Hahahahaha!" Lilian laughed. "Babe, it's better you wake

up on time and face the reality, your husband is now mine!"

"Oh! It's a good thing that you said "my husband." Oh yes,
he is my husband. He wedded me legally and in church,
you are the intruder here." She replied her, flashing her
wedding rings before her face.

"Vivian!" Lilian called her with all seriousness. "You can't

know peace in this home until you finally leave. So, let that
sink!" She said on a final note and left her room.

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"I reject it in Jesus name! It is not my portion!" Vivian

shouted after her.

***********

Vivian woke up! It was all a dream... The last statement of

Lilian in that dream brought back the very scene of the
dream she had about nine months back when she just got
married.

"Ha! Is it that my dream is just coming to pass? No! Lilian,

you are a liar! The devil has failed over my marriage!"

She picked up her Bible, and switched to a prayer mode.

She managed to get up from the bed as she was getting
heavier by the day. As she began to pray, someone
knocked on the door. Her heart nearly stopped.

"Who is it?" She asked in fear, thinking the dream she just
had was about to come to pass.

"My friend, open this door for me!" Alex shouted at her.

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AT ROSEMARY'S HOMETOWN
"Do you take Rosemary as your lawfully wedded wife, to
love and to hold, to cherish her for better for worse, in
sickness and in health... Till death do you part?"

"Yes I do!" Andrew replied beaming with smiles as he fixed

his eyes on her bride... Marrying Rosemary was a dream
come true for him...

Soon they got through with the exchange of vows, and then
came the thanksgiving... It was the happiest day of
Rosemary's life. She kept smiling, her heart full of joy. She
looked so beautiful in her flowing white gown and she
danced with so much ecstasy. They got wedded in a church
at Rosemary's parents' hometown...

While they proceeded to leave the church after the wedding

program, Rosemary whispered to Andrew,

"I haven't seen pastor Victor today, have you?"

"No I haven't too... I wonder why he hasn't arrived yet... He

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is probably on his way."

"Maybe." She replied.

*************

Victor came back to his living room about an hour later and
saw Christiana still seated comfortably.

"Leave my house now!" He ordered her in a calm manner.

"Man of God, I am going nowhere until you tell me what you

have decided concerning this pregnancy." She hissed and
resumed the game she was playing on her mobile phone.

"Christiana, were you sent to destroy my ministry? It is

obvious that you are on a mission... Yes, I had intercourse
with you as a result of my carelesness, my sex hormones
were on the rush that day because I was expecting my wife
before she later called that she couldn't make it... You came
later that day and seduced me till I fell and since then you
never stopped coming..."

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Christiana's face was glued to her phone. She ignored

Victor all through his lamentations. Victor continued.

"I should have been more careful... I allowed the flesh to get
hold of me... I really doubt you are a child of God that you
claim to be because you had never for once felt any iota of
remorse all the way... Now, listen and listen good, I love my
wife so much and I will never allow a whore like you to ruin
my marriage. No! It can never happen. So, I will advise you
to take that thing you are carrying to whoever is responsible
for it and leave my life forever!"

"Hahahaha!" Christiana laughed. "Just like that? Yeye dey

smell... All those things you just said, are all stories for the
gods... You love your wife indeed, yet you cheat on her.
Love indeed!"

"Who are you to judge me? Leave my house now!"

"I am going nowhere!" She shot back angrily.

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The door to the living room suddenly opened. Caroline

walked in calmly with her luggage. Both Victor and
Christiana were so surprised to see her, especially Victor.
Caroline never came around without informing him ahead...

There was a perfect silence.

Christiana was still on her seat eyeing Caroline

disgustingly... She hissed at her...

Caroline smiled and said,

"You heard what my husband said Christy, now leave!" She

ordered her calmly but Christiana remained seated
unmoved by her words.

Caroline repeated her statement this time, raising her voice

a bit.

"Leave now! Leave my house before I call the police you

intruder!"

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Victor thought he was in a dream. "Caroline asked

Christiana to leave? Has she heard everything and yet
remained this calm? The Caroline I know can never be this
calm..." His thoughts were interrupted by Christiana's voice.

"Madam, I am going nowhere. I am pregnant for your

husband."

"Yes? So, what's the big deal? You getting pregnant for him
doesn't make you his wife automatically. I am still his wife
and I love my husband. This is my home,my territory, you
are an intruder... I know your type, home wrecker, that is
what you are! Now, listen! When you have the baby, we can
take him or her in after we would have confirmed that the
child is truly ours... Now, leave!" Caroline ordered her,
pointing at the exit door.

Christiana was thrown off balance... She wasn't expecting

such a reaction from Mrs Thomas after she heard that she
was pregnant... She picked up her bag angrily and left the
house. Caroline followed and shut the door after her.

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CHAPTER 20
Victor prostrated flat on the floor before Caroline after she
had shut the door. He couldn't look at her in the face. He felt
sure that trouble was imminent... He spoke while still lying
prostrate before her...

"Caroline, I beg you, please forgive me." He pleaded, still

avoiding her face. "It was a terrible mistake borne out of my
carelessness and I regret it already... Please, I love you, it is
you I love... It was my carelessness that led me into this
mess, please pardon me..."

"Ssshhhhh..." Caroline interrupted him. She knelt before

him and raised him up to a kneeling position with her... She
placed a finger on his lips.

"I heard everything... Every bit of your conversation with

her.” She said.

“You did?”

“Yes I did… Please don't say anything again sweetheart, I

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caused it all... If I had been home frequently, this wouldn't

have happened to us... I forgive you with all my heart Victor
and I am so sorry for all that I have put you through."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sweetheart, I am back home to make my marriage

work... I resigned!" She replied calmly.

Her statement struck Victor.

"You did what?!" He asked in astonishment.

Caroline smiled. "Yes, you heard me right... I resigned..."

She rose up and sat on the couch, pulling Victor with her.
After they both had settled down, she continued.

"For a while now, I lost my peace concerning the job. I kept

having this feeling to be with you and take my place in the
ministry... Two weeks ago, I had a dream about you... I saw
you trapped inside a burning house. I was outside, I couldn't

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help you. I woke up and I didn't know the meaning of that

dream but I prayed about it... After praying, I totally lost my
peace about my job... Each day I spent at work afterwards,
I felt terrible. My mind was constantly drawn to you and the
work of the ministry. I had a constant feeling of being in a
wrong place...

So, I made up my mind to resign... I tendered my

resignation letter two days back and I felt a strong inner
peace after I did... Immediately I got to the entrance of the
house this morning and I listened to your conversation with
Christiana, a voice within me said,

"That is the fire that is about to engulf your husband. He is

trapped in it. Go and rescue him!" That was how it all
happened."

"Oh father, thank you for not giving up on me." Victor wept.

"It's okay sweetheart." Caroline drew her husband to her

bosom. I love you Victor... Without my career, I was fine but
without you, I had no peace... I am back to make things

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right. I love you above my career and I am ready to sacrifice

everything and give you all my support... If not for God, I
nearly lost my marriage... I am fully back for you and for
God. I surrender totally to Him... We will fight this together.
Your mistake is my mistake. We are in the ministry
together... I am so sorry for all I caused you, I'm sorry for
everything..."

"Ha! This is a miracle... Thank you Jesus." Victor went on

his knees again, thanking God.

Caroline's words pulled him out of his depression and gave

him a renewed hope over Christiana's case. He stood up
and hugged his wife.

"I love you so much honey... I appreciate you for standing

by me in this trying period... Thank you for believing in me."
He whispered.

"I love you too baby." Caroline whispered softly.

**************

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Vivian opened the door of the visitor's room slowly. It was

her husband, Alex.

"So, you don't know that breakfast should be ready by now,

and we have a guest for that matter.”

Vivian's first instinct was to say, "What stupid guest?" But

she remembered her mother in law's warning and kept
calm.

"I give you fifteen, maximum twenty minutes to fix breakfast,

else you will be in trouble." Alex warned and left.

Vivian looked at her husband as he walked away, tears

flowing down her face.

"God, please break the chains or whatever has tied down

my husband." She prayed.

She dragged herself to the kitchen to make breakfast... She

felt a strong pull under her tommy and felt like lying down

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again but when she remembered her husband's warning,

she managed to make some fried eggs and set the table for
Alex and Lilian. She was placing the slices of bread on the
plates when they both came out of the bedroom laughing
heartily like lovebirds. Vivian was hurt but she maintained
her calm. They settled down to eat.

"So, you can't greet?" Alex asked Vivian.

"Greet who?" Vivian asked.

"Lilian of course, are you blind?"

Vivian ground her teeth in anger but she managed to keep

calm. She replied,

"Good morning Lilian."

Lilian snubbed her. She refused to answer her greeting.

"Don't worry sweetheart, you will soon get used to her."

Alex told Lilian and they continued their meal.

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Vivian went back to her room. She sat helplessly on her bed,
weeping.

"Alex didn't even asked if I have eaten... God, despite all

the prayers I prayed in the night. What kind of storm is this?
Please Lord answer me speedily... I'm going crazy
already..."

A knock on her door interrupted her prayers. She quickly

wiped her tears and went to open the door. It was Lilian.

"Get us some juice." She ordered and turned to leave

without waiting for a reply.

"Lilian!" Vivian called. "You are a woman like me and you

see my condition like this, yet you choose to stress me.
What does it cost you to get the juice yourself? What
pleasure do you have in destroying another woman's home?
Listen to me, the Lord will give me victory in this battle and
you will lose your hold over my husband soon... I know you
are an agent of the devil but I am a child of God. The Lord

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will fight for me!"

Lilian moved close to her and gave her a slap in her face.

"How dare you talk to me like that? Are you mad?"

Vivian screamed... She was about to retaliate when Alex

came around. He held back her hand, then slapped her on
the other cheek. Vivian screamed in horror, her mouth wide
open, tears running down her face.

"You want to slap her? What guts have you?" Alex asked
fuming with anger.

He held Lilian and they both went back to the dining table.
Lilian looked back at Vivian and pulled out her tongue in
mockery. Vivian followed them to the dining table.

"Alex, you slapped me because of this lady? You don't even

care that I am carrying your baby?"

Alex hissed. He stood up and said to Lilian,

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"Let's go. We need to leave the house for this idiot. Out of
my way!" He shouted at Vivian.

"And what if I don't?" Vivian asked angrily.

Alex pushed her and she fell, hitting her tommy hard
against the wall. They both left the house without looking at
her.

"Alex!" She whispered in pain. Her water broke and she

collapsed on the floor.

The pain became excruciating... After some minutes, there

was a knock on the door...

Pastor and his wife entered and found Vivian lying almost
lifeless on the floor. Vivian saw pastor and his wife trying to
pull her up before she passed out.

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CHAPTER 21
Vivian opened her eyes...
She felt pains all over her body. Her mother in law was
sitting beside her bed.

"Mama, what happened?"

Her mum in law smiled at her.

"Congratulations my daughter, you just had a baby girl!"

"Baby?" She touched her tommy and she noticed it had

come down a little... She looked at mama.

"Yes, Vivian... You have delivered a baby girl... I was on my

way to your place when your pastor called me to meet him
at this hospital because Alex refused to show up when they
were bringing you... They saw my number on your mobile
phone I guess... You were brought in unconscious after
your water broke, so the doctor quickly brought out the
baby in order to save her. I thank God you are alive." Mama
smiled joyfully.

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Vivian remembered all that happened immediately.

"Where is Alex?"

"My daughter, just leave Alex alone for now please, okay?
Don't bother your head, he will soon come to check on you."

"Mama, Alex and her girlfriend slapped me hard on both

cheeks." Vivian cried.

"Ssshhhh... Don't let that spoil your joy... You know I

promised you your marriage will work by God's grace. Alex
will come back to his senses. Except if I don't serve a living
God. Let us rejoice over the gift of this new baby. The fact
that you are even still alive is enough to overlook every
other thing for now and begin to praise God... Let me bring
your baby for you."

Mama stood up and brought the beautiful baby girl to Vivian.

Her face lightened up as she saw her princess.

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"God is great, she is so beautiful, just like her mum!" Mama

said.

Vivian sat up and carried the baby in her arms... She

smiled… Her heart melted with so much love for her.
"I love you my angel" She said, tears of joy wetting her
eyes...

After some minutes, she returned the baby to mama and

said,

"I feel some pains all over my body mama, please hold her,
I need to rest."

"Yes my dear, it's normal. Sorry, you will soon get better."
Mama replied, taking the baby from her.

"Congratulations grandma!" Vivian smiled weakly as she

laid back on the bed.
"You are just like my real mum. Thank you for taking me like
your own daughter... What would I have done without you
mama?"

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"Let's thank God my dear... And that reminds me, your mum
was here with me earlier. She just left here some minutes
back to get some of the drugs that the doctor prescribed for
you."

"Oh! I see..." She replied and closed her eyes.

*************

Victor and Caroline both went before the congregation to

confess the sin of adultery that Victor committed with
Christiana. The whole church was dumbfounded after the
confession... One could hear the sound of a pin if it had
dropped... The silence was thick... Caroline collected the
microphone from Victor and said,

"I apologize to the whole church for not being there for my
husband... I left him alone to 'burn' most times just because
I wanted to pursue my career... If I had stayed back this
wouldn't have happened... I appeal to you all my dear
sisters, please never abandon your home because of your
job, I nearly lost my marriage but for the grace of God... We

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pray for forgiveness and we trust God that He will help us

and restore all that has been lost in our moments of
carelessness... I have resigned from my job in order to
support my husband in the work of the ministry...”

"Awwww... Awwwww..." The congregation murmured in

empathy for the couple...

The way Caroline stood beside her husband to bear his

faults with him really melted their hearts. Some of them
started stretching their necks to see if Christiana was in
church but she wasn't... She wasn't ready to face the
church to confess her sins.

When Victor told her about his intention to go before the

church, he advised her to do likewise but Christiana
couldn't bring herself to do that. She had felt deflated and
defeated with the way Caroline handled the whole issue...

After the confession, Pastor Victor was suspended while

someone else took over the pastoring of the church
immediately, but Victor and Caroline remained in that

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church just like ordinary members... For Victor, the shame

was much but Caroline stood by him all through, giving him
courage. They both bore the disciplinary process in humility
of heart.

Some months later, Pastor Victor was reinstated and

transferred to another congregation in the Northern part of
the country.

"North!" He had exclaimed with bulging eyes when he

received the letter of Pardon, Reinstatement and Transfer
sent from the church headquarter.

"Yes baby." Caroline answered after going through the letter.

"Do you have a problem with that? At least, you don't have
issues with how to see your wife on weekends again... We
are going together, we are doing ministry together... The
Lord will go with us, we are not alone. You have my support
all the way darling. Congratulations on your reinstatement."
She smiled broadly at him and hugged him. "I'll be there all
the way with you Pastor Victor."

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Victor laughed loud. His joy was immeasurable.

"Thank you honey. I bless the day I met you... Thank you for
staying firmly beside me even when I strayed, how do I
repay you?"

"I am doing it for us baby. You don't need to repay me.

Thank God we both came out of it, strong and victorious!"

Victor swept her off her feet in ecstasy and swirled round
like a father carrying a toddler.

"I love you so much honey!" He kissed her.

"I love you more dear!"

"Let's go and play on the bed."

"I am not in the mood!" Caroline replied laughing.

"You and who? Let's go joor..."

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He carried her in his firm hands and marched to their

bedroom in anticipated excitement.

***********

The next month, Christiana delivered a baby boy. They

named him Daniel... There was no need for a DNA test
afterall because the baby looked exactly like Victor. The
resemblance was striking...

Christiana later went for confession at church too... She

also apologized to both Caroline and Victor and sought for
their forgiveness. She confessed to the couple that she
actually wanted to take advantage of the fact that Caroline
didn't have a child for Pastor Victor, so she could seize the
opportunity to take her place...

Caroline wept a lot during Christiana's confession while

Victor consoled her.

"I forgive you Christiana... If God can, then who am I?"

Caroline surrendered.

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Christiana weaned Daniel when he turned a year and six

months old after which Victor and Caroline adopted him.

Daniel automatically became their first child. They took him

with them to the North.

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CHAPTER 22
Vivian was discharged from the hospital with her baby two
days later. Alex never showed up at the Hospital. He even
refused to pick his mum's calls after which he switched off
his phones.

"Don't worry my dear. You can move in with me till

everything has been settled... I don't want you to go back to
that house while Alex is still under the influence of that
lady... I am sure he has been hypnotized but I trust the God
I serve, my son will be free " Mama told Vivian.

"Mama... How can I leave my husband's house while I'm

still married to him. Let me go back home, at least, he
should see his baby."

"I understand you Vivian. I know how you feel but I don't
have a release in my spirit concerning your decision.
Something may go wrong... Your safety and that of the
baby is important. Don't worry. We will engage in warfare
prayers together till victory is ours... I didn't tell you before
but I'll tell you now. Alex told me this morning before coming

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down to the hospital that he doesn't want to see me in his

house again, neither you or the baby... Hmmmm, that girl
Lilian, she will soon realize that she had chosen the wrong
path. I'm a praying woman. No one messes up with my child
and go scot free. Vivian, let us go. Trust me, you will be
fine."

"What?! Mama why? What have I done?" She wept.

"Nothing my dear... It's a phase in your marriage. It will

pass."

"Mama... Is there still hope for my marriage? That lady has

captured Alex's heart completely... My husband said she
doesn't want to see me and even his child! God!" Vivian
wept uncontrollably.

"Vivian, don't talk like an unbeliever. There is always hope

for a child of God, no matter how terrible the situation is. I
see hope when I look at Jesus. As long as my God lives, my
hope is alive and I want you to have this same mind. Vivian,
it will end in praise. I can even hear the whispers of hope

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already. Victory is near. Can't you hear?" Mama said

smiling at her.

Vivian managed a smile...

"Thank you Grandma. I love you."

**************

Vivian agreed to follow her mum in law. She moved in with

her... They named the baby Zion, the name Alex and Vivian
had agreed on before she gave birth...

After six months, Alex never showed up. One year passed,
yet no sign of Alex but Vivian never gave up. Her mum
inlaw kept encouraging her all the way.

Vivian's mum called her one day and said,

"My daughter, are you sure Alex is still interested in this

marriage? You are still young and I don't want you to waste
your time. I want the best for you."

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"Mom, the Lord is with me. My Redeemer liveth, He can't

leave me at this point... You always taught me to fight mom.
Are you discouraged? Alex is still my husband and I am
very sure that one day, he will come back to me. I'm
hopeful."

"Hmmmmm... That is good Vivian. I love your faith. I will be

with you in prayers. All will be well... My regards to my baby
Zion and mama."

TWO YEARS LATER

Alex suddenly walked into his mum's house. He saw a little

girl sleeping on the sofa. Vivian came out of the bedroom
and was very surprised to see him all of a sudden. He
looked so rough and unkempt.

"What are you doing here? How did you even enter?" She
queried him.

She quickly picked up Zion from the sofa as if to prevent

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Alex from kidnapping her.

"Vivian, please I am very sorry. Where is mama?"

"Sorry for what? Please just leave here right now!" She
shouted at him, pointing to the door.

"I don't want you around me or my baby. Please leave!

Now!!!!" She screamed angrily.

"Haha! Who are you fighting? Grandma asked as she

walked into the house from outside. She saw Alex and was
shocked. She hissed and clasped her hands together.

"So, you are back, finally back to your senses. Or you have
come to insult me again?"

Alex prostrated before both of them...

"Mama, please I am sorry. Help me to beg Vivian... I don't

know what came over me... I just woke up this morning and
everything around me was so abnormal... I realised

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something wrong had happened somewhere when I didn't

see Vivian... I have sent Lilian packing before I found my
way here... Mama, Vivian, please forgive me." He pleaded.

"Ha! My God is so good. Lord you finally broke the jinx.

Thank you faithful father." Mama replied and continued.
"Alex, do you remember that you chased me out of your
house the day I visited you and met you washing Lilian's
clothes and cooking at the same time, while she was
seated comfortably watching Television in the living room? I
complained to you that this is not right and I told you that
you should at least come and see your wife and baby... You
chased me out and told me never to come to your house
again... That was over a year ago... Since then, you never
stepped your foot here. Ha! God, you are faithful... Jesus I
thank you." Mama went on her knees, thanking God...

She then stood up and said to Vivian who was already

crying,

"Vivian, my daughter... You are indeed a woman of virtue...

Please forgive your husband... We both know it wasn't

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ordinary. Let's just thank God that all our prayers, fasting
and vigils in this house all because of Alex had not been in
vain..."

"Mama thank you." Alex replied as he rose from his lying

position. He embraced both Vivian and Zion."

"I have been through a lot Alex... If not for mama here, only
God knows how I would have coped." Vivian wept.

"I know... I will never leave you again... I promise. I am so

sorry for all the years I haven't been there for you and our
daughter... All that happened was as a result of my weak
prayer life... I am back and we are fighting together this time.
I will be strong for you, and for us... I love you so much."

"I miss you Alex... Those years of separation were like hell
for me... We owe mama a lot. She is a good mother
indeed."

"I miss you too my sweetheart. I don't know what came over
me! Mama, thank you for being there for us and for not

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giving up on me. Thank you for taking care of my wife and

daughter."

"Let's thank God my son, if I don't fight for you, who else
will?"

"Mama, you said it... You said my marriage won't fail... You
gave me hope when I had none left in me... Thank you
Jesus for bringing back my husband to me." Vivian said and
embraced her mum in law.

Alex carried Zion and smiled.

"My angel is beautiful, just like her mum." He remarked.

"Na me she resemble joor." Grandma replied and they all

laughed.

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EPILOGUE
After two years, Alex and Vivian had another baby girl.
They named her Beulah. Lilian never came back again.
They had rest on every side.

God answered Caroline's prayers. She took in and gave

birth to a set of triplets (two girls and a boy). It was exactly
the eighth year of their marriage. Victor was filled with so
much joy. They have four kids altogether including Daniel.

God is faithful to His words. Whoever works for him will

never be put to shame. Caroline kept supporting her
husband in the work of the ministry...

Christiana too later got engaged and got married two years
after she gave birth to Daniel.

Rosemary and Andrew were also blessed with a bouncing

baby boy, a year after their wedding.

To God be the glory!!!

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THE END.

"For there is hope for a tree if it is cut down, that it will

sprout again..."
- Job 14:7a

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Written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by

Moyosore Teniola

To read more inspiring stories by the author, follow her

on her Official Facebook Page @
Moyosore Teniola - New Birth Novels.

For questions and counseling, contact the author via

any of the following:
Mobile: +234-8062087777
Facebook@Moyosore Balogun Teniola
Instagram@moyosorenewbirthnovels
WhatsApp: +234-8062087777
Email: [email protected]

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OTHER NOVELS BY MOYOSORE TENIOLA

*HUSBAND’S HOUSE
*MY LIFE PARTNER
*THE PUZZLE
*THE AGONY OF BEAUTY
*THE HONEYMOON
*OMOSHALEWA
*EHIMWENMA

This novel is written through the inspiration of the Holy

Spirit to bless lives. Feel free to share with your friends
but do not edit, copy or tamper with any part of the
storyline. Do not reproduce this story into any form
without an express written permission from the
copyright owner. Plagiarizers, BEWARE!!!

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If you are led to donate money to help this ministry, we

will appreciate your gift of love. Kindly send your gift
through the account details below:

BALOGUN ELIZABETH MOYO

2020424658
POLARIS BANK.

God bless you and enlarge your coast. Amen.

JESUS LOVES YOU.

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