Y.O.L.

O
You Only Live Once

By Olufayo Omolayo
 DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the lord Almighty, the sweet

Holyspirit who divinely inspired me and revealed this
story to me. It is also dedicated to anyone who has lost
the true definition of what it means to exist. I pray you
find what true purpose in life means.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals who

have played a significant role in my life and the creation of this
book:

To my loving mother, Dcns Jadeshola Olufayo, who persistently

encouraged me to attend church, leading me to receive Christ.
Your unwavering support means the world to me.

To my big sister, Mrs. O.Omowunmi, your excellence and

mentorship have inspired me greatly. Thank you for taking me to
numerous formative seminars that shaped my growth.

To my dear kid sister, Omolara, who cared for me during my

illness as I wrote this book and was the first to read my book. Your
kindness and support are deeply appreciated.

To my best friend and E.I.C of Icons Organization, Philip Owolabi,

who offered honest reviews and unending support. You reignited
my passion for writing again, and I am forever grateful.

To my spiritual leaders, Pastor Godwin Ifeanyi, who sowed the

foundational seeds of God’s word, and Pastor Oriowo, the most
supportive pastor I’ve ever met, along with his lovely wife. Your
guidance has been invaluable.

To my mentors, Papa Eben and Pastor Ayodele Olatimehin, who

taught me the power of effective prayer and called forth the
writer in me. Your impact is immeasurable.

I also acknowledge the influential authors and ministers who have

inspired this novel through their teachings and writings: Daddy
E.A Adeboye, the late Myles Munroe, Rick Warren, Joyce Meyer,
Apostle Joshua Selman, Apostle Femi Lazarus, Apostle Iren,
Andrew Wommack, and many others. I am a product of your
collective wisdom and grace.

To the entire Daughters of Zion sisters, King’s Throne family,

Daniel’s Generation family, my dear classmates and class
representatives, Transcendence, and my lovely friends, I
appreciate your love and support.

Finally, I thank Professor Kehinde Ayoola of the English

department OAU, for his guidance, as well as all my lecturers and
H.O.D Professor E.T.O Babalola for their invaluable contributions to
my growth.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

 Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP

He has made everything beautiful

and appropriate in its time. He has
also planted eternity [a sense of
divine purpose] in the human heart
[a mysterious longing which nothing
under the sun can satisfy, except
God]—yet man cannot find out
(comprehend, grasp) what God has
done (His overall plan) from the
beginning to the end.

What you’re about to enter into is a

journey

To some it may go windy and to others

sunny
 Just prepare your tummy

To be filled with wisdom so yummy

CHAPTER ONE

The Lagos sun beat down on Banana Island, painting

Tade Johnson’s luxurious bedroom in a golden glow. But
inside, Tade wasn’t feeling the warmth. He woke with a
jolt, sweat clinging to his skin, breaths coming in heavy
gasps. He snatched a glance at his fancy alarm clock –
10:00am! Shock melted into anger. “Tade, what in the
world?” he roared at himself. Never in his life had he slept
in this late. Not on the morning of his new branch
inauguration! Everyone would be waiting, expecting their
boss to arrive in a crisp tuxedo and his brand new Ferrari.

A massive mirror hung opposite his bed, strategically

placed for Tade’s morning ritual of admiring his reflection.
Today, however, self-admiration was the furthest thing
from his mind. “You handsome devil, you,” he usually
muttered, tracing his sculpted face. His pride lay in his
thick, curly hair, full beard, and smooth, dark skin. But
most of all, he loved his chiseled jawline and rock-hard
abs – a guaranteed lady-magnet at any bar. Well, for Tade
Johnson, the number two richest tech boss in all of
Nigeria, and the seventh in West Africa, who wouldn’t fall
head over heels?

Just last week at the bar, he remembered a similar

experience. He sat down sipping a sweet strawberry
daiquiri, looking sharp yet casual for a hangout with his
best friend, Alfred Osayi. Alfred, a frequent latecomer,
hadn’t shown up on yet. Frustration bubbled up, and Tade
sent a playful voice note via WhatsApp: “Guy, you no get
sense kobo? I bet you’ll be late to your own funeral,
idiot!” He chuckled softly.

Suddenly, a woman in a revealing dress and light

makeup approached him. “I love your perfume,” she said
seductively, drawn in by his scent. “Who wouldn’t?” Tade
smirked to himself, remembering it was shipped straight
from Dubai. He was surprised by her boldness.

“Let me get your bill,” she declared to the bartender,

offering to pay.

Tade puffed out his chest. “Do you even know who I
am? I’m Tade Johnson! I can buy this whole restaurant!”

The woman, momentarily taken aback, apologized

and winked, leaving a card on his table before sashaying
away. Tade roared with laughter, almost causing a scene.
“Even ashawo (prostitutes) have class these days,” he
muttered, not caring if she heard. He felt insulted. With
his wealth, he could buy her whole family, or so he
believed.

Just then, Alfred burst in, apologies tumbling out of

his mouth. Tade glared before collapsing into laughter.
“Guy, you caused all this drama! A girl just walked up
here acting like a rich woman, offering to buy me a drink!
Imagine…me…Tade Johnson!”

Alfred joined in the laughter. “You have serious

spiritual problem, Tade. The girl was just being nice.”

Tade was stunned. Alfred hadn’t even been there!

Sheepishly, Alfred admitted, “Yeah, I sent her. You’re
always so uptight, like a church boy with all that money. I
knew she’d get your attention by offering to pay. You hate
cheap girls, remember?.”

Tade, speechless for a moment, finally retaliated with

a laugh, “But you know I’m a Christian, I don’t like
indecently dressed ladies.”
 Alfred countered with a playful jab, “See who is
forming Christian, when last did you go to church?”

Tade, momentarily stumped, deflected, “Oga leave

that one, I’m still a serious Christian… please leave that
one, so that girl na hookup girl?” He continued laughing,
picking up the card and reading her job title: “Human
resources management…ah, Jesu!” The laughter roared
through him once more.

Tade doubled over with laughter, the memory of their

night vivid. She did spend the night with him. He woke up
the next day with a tinge of guilt, but quickly brushed it
off. Romans 8:1, he thought, reciting his favorite verse:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus…” He conveniently stopped short of
the end, before it got to the part which read “…who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
 Today, though, the words wouldn’t come. He
reached out, expecting to feel the familiar texture of his
full beard – but nothing. Panic clawed at his throat as he
tried to touch his sculpted abs. It felt… distant, like
pushing on a thick cloud. A terrifying scream ripped from
his lips as his body began to tremble violently. He
scrambled off the bed, only to see another Tade Johnson
lying there, unmoving, unconscious.

He stumbled back, eyes wide with horror. Rushing to

the mirror, he met his own terrified gaze reflected back.
“Oh my God,” he choked out, voice shaking. “Am I dead?”

The words hung heavy in the air. “No, no, no!” he

denied frantically, tears stinging his eyes. “I can’t die
now! Not now, when I’m finally living the good life!” His
cries turned into sobs. “No! Please God, no!”

Fear that felt like it had a human hand, ran through

him. How could this be happening? Tade Johnson, the
number two richest tech guru in all of Nigeria, the
seventh richest in West Africa, and on the brink of even
greater success – dead? It was unthinkable.

Tick tock tick tock

 Goes the Chime of the ancient clock

No one will rush you to work

Imagine if your destiny could talk

What would it say about your luck

CHAPTER TWO

Tade rushed to his bed side that was electronically

built to charge his phone overnight. It had built-in
charger. Unlike ordinary beds, his was a marvel of
modern technology. His phone itself was a symbol of his
wealth, a sleek status symbol he posted with at
international meetings. It flashed with the incoming call
notification, the name 'Osas’ displayed on the screen.
Osas, his personal assistant, knew better than to disturb
him during sleep. But today, Tade desperately wished
she’d burst into the room, whisk him away to a hospital,
anywhere but this chilling paralysis.

He reached out, his hand trembling, aiming for the

phone. But his fingers passed through it as if it were mere
air. His panic went to raise to power hundred He lunged
at the phone again and again, each attempt proving
futile. The phone continued its insistent ringing, a
mocking reminder of a life he could no longer control. He
stumbled back, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. The
opulent room, usually a source of pride, now felt like a
museum where animals were caged.

“No, I can’t be dead now,” he rasped, the words

catching in his throat. “Not now, not after just winning the
award for youngest entrepreneur…”

His gaze darted towards a meticulously arranged

display of trophies and plaques, each gleaming testament
to his success. A bitter laugh escaped his lips. What good
were these awards now? He couldn’t even hold the
phone. He sank down onto the carpet, the plushness
offering no comfort. His mind raced, searching for
answers. Was this some elaborate nightmare? A twisted
prank orchestrated by Alfred?

He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself awake.

But the chilling numbness remained, anchored to his
core. A single tear rolled down his cheek. He walked over
again to his lifeless body and tried laying on himself. “oh
God please!, I just have to go back in!”, he yelled loudly
as he stood up and his immaterial form stood up while his
physical body remained motionless.

Tade suddenly remembered when in University. That

was where he caught the fire of revival and was busy
chasing thousands. Well, all that died after he graduated
from school. A lot happened after that that really
transformed him completely to a business tycoon chasing
the bag.
 Tade’s phone kept ringing and Osas’ name kept
popping up. He knew the guests must have arrived and
were expecting him, especially the minister of technology.
What could be their thoughts about him? The always
active Tade, the workaholic-Tade or the fun-Tade. “Who
even cares what they think now?” Tade angrily muttered,
“who’s opinion about me even matters now that I’m
dead?”.

He lunged towards the door, hoping to escape the

confines of his room, but his hand passed through the
solid wood like it wasn’t there. Gasping, he stumbled
back. Then, in a moment of desperation, he threw himself
at the wall. He braced himself for impact, but instead of
the expected pain, he found himself inexplicably passing
through the wall, emerging on the other side in his
lavishly decorated sitting room.

He stopped shot at the sight of his mother on the

picture on the wall. Her smile reminds him of the warmth
of the love of Christ. She has always been so prayerful
that nothing like this could have escaped her notice,
especially not this. Tade wondered how his mother had
not seen dreams about this. Her warm smile radiated an
almost tangible love, a contrast to the chilling emptiness
that had gripped him. He remembered her unwavering
prayers, an invisible shield that had protected him for so
long. His mother possessed a remarkable intuition, an
almost supernatural ability to sense trouble. When he'd
begun to drift from his faith, she felt the shift. She had
such high spiritual sensitivity that she could smell
anything fishy. She knew when Tade started drifting away
from Christ. It all started when Tade started developing
apps. Initially he was so gifted with teenagers that he
knew their next move. Tade would tame the most
stubborn teenager in Obaki just with a simple discussion.
Parents would call on him from all over whenever their
child was not responding.

He just had the right words and he was engraced by

the almighty to understand them well.

Abike, Tade’s mother, warned him that she saw a

vision of him during the 15th day of one her numerous 21
days prayer and fasting. She'd come to him, her eyes
filled with concern, and recounted the vivid vision. It was
a vision of him holding a big gleaming golden bowl, it was
very heavy because of the quality of the gold. A man
appeared, offering to help him carry this precious object
because Tade kept complaining that the bowl was too
heavy for him. In exchange, the man presented him with
a smaller, more manageable golden bowl. But upon
closer look, the golden bowl revealed its true nature – a
cheap plastic replica coated in gold paint.

He cried bitterly in that vision that His mother cried

as well as she groaned in prayers. After she narrated it to
Tade, he brushed it off that she’s always fighting battles
from his father’s house, maybe that’s why she was
having such vision. He was so sure she was just
hallucinating because how else would such a big
testimony come his way on the morning the vision was
narrated to him. Abike was shocked to hear him speak
insensitively. He started narrating what he meant by “a
big testimony”.
 He had enrolled in an online app developing
competition and he was selected as the best. In fact, he
got his first international contract to design an app to
track moving buses and help people avoid missed
connections in Ontario, Canada. It was this app that had
launched his success story, and he’d naively dismissed
his mother’s concerns as mere worry.

He appreciated his mother for being so prayerful and

helping him access this kind of favour. However, her
unease grew stronger. The exorbitant sum he received for
that first project pushed him to move them out of their
home, a decision that coincided with his neglect of his
ministerial duties in their village of Obaki. Back then, Tade
had been a beacon of hope for the village children. He
didn’t have a pulpit or a church but he always saw young
children warming up to him. They would open up to him
about secret things they could never tell their parents or
guardians.

There was an upcoming football match, he had been

planning before that time. It was a divine strategy the
Holy spirit gave him to minister to young boys and girls. It
was supposed to be his grand evangelism event, a
chance to win the hearts and souls of all, especially the
teenage boys in Obaki, who often grew up to become
touts and leaders of shanties. Tade wasn’t alone in his
mission; Rita and Essien, two other passionate young
adults, shared his vision. Every one of their evangelical
trips had been blessed – God’s presence was always with
them.

Then came the bombshell – a trip to Ontario was

made compulsory for him to meet more investors for this
new app. Shockingly, the date of the meeting clashed
head-on with the football match. The decision didn’t take
Tade long. He was so grateful to God for such a mighty
breakthrough. He had the nudging to pray against it but
he silenced the thought because to him, the devil is at
war against his testimony. So he decided hastily that he
was going to go. Pool He delegated everything to Rita and
Essien, entrusting them with organizing the children. He
even dropped a hefty sum – 100,000 Naira – for the
outreach program. They were stunned. Just a week prior,
they were scraping everywhere for 23,000 Naira for the
outreach, relying solely on faith for provision.

Tade recounted the story of the unexpected app deal,

and Rita jumped out of excitement. They started singing
praise and worship songs. They were sincerely happy for
him. But amidst the celebration, a realization dawned on
them – this meant Tade was leaving. Their joy morphed
into sadness. Essien, ever cautious, inquired about Tade’s
plans to return to Obaki.

In his mind, Tade scoffed. “Good riddance,” he

thought. He had always hated living in Obaki, the stifling
poverty that clung to its inhabitants. This app deal was
his golden ticket out, a chance for a new life, and he
wasn’t going to let it slip away.

However, he couldn’t reveal his true feelings.

Instead, he put on a show of sadness, announcing that
they were moving out of Obaki. Also, that he’d secured a
better life for himself and his mother in the city of Lagos.
Essien could only let out a bitter sigh, his heart heavy
with unspoken disappointment.

Tade and his mother left Obaki behind, the dusty

roads and small houses fading into a distant memory. The
big city welcomed them with luxury and towering
buildings that scraped the sky. Tade’s investors said they
wanted him to be comfortable before his trip so they got
them one of the best service apartments. Here, Tade’s
career skyrocketed. Each contract seemed bigger and
more lucrative than the last…

News eventually trickled back from Obaki. The

football outreach, despite Tade’s absence, had been a
resounding success. Many of the boys, however, had
been disappointed upon learning Tade wouldn’t be there.
This included John, the houseboy for the only somewhat
wealthy family in the village.

John had been battling a pornography addiction, his

innocence already teetering on the edge. When he met
Tade, he was already at the beginning stages of
masturbation. But Tade, with his genuine warmth and
fervent prayers, had been a beacon of light to him. John
saw him as an angel, a savior sent from God himself.

The poor boy was living a double nightmare. Not only

was he consumed by an unhealthy addiction, but he was
also being abused by his madam. Tade, fearing to cause a
public scandal, decided to take a different approach. He
anonymously wrote a letter to John’s employer, detailing
the abuse. The letter sent shockwaves through the
household. The husband confronted his wife, a heated
argument erupting when he caught her sneaking toward
John's bedroom, just as the letter described.

John was eternally grateful to Tade for rescuing him

from that living hell. He learned of Tade’s departure but
couldn’t bring himself to talk about the overwhelming
emotions he felt. He just become distant from everyone.
 Meanwhile, back in the city, a seed of doubt had
been planted in Tade’s mother’s heart. Her son’s sudden
abandonment of his evangelism work shocked her. She
couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed
within him, a shift she couldn’t quite define. The Tade she
raised, the boy who burned with faith and passion,
seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a man
consumed by ambition. Well, he had to move out when
her complains wouldn’t end, especially her constant
reminder for him to go church.

A jolt ripped through Tade, tearing him from his mind

journey. The sitting room door creaked open, revealing
Osas standing hesitantly on the threshold. She was afraid
of being shouted at but she composed herself.

“Mr. Johnson?” she called out, her voice barely a

whisper.

Tade strained, wishing he could answer, to reassure

her it was okay. But his voice remained trapped within his
invisible form. Osas had strict instructions – never to
disturb Mr. Johnson during his naps. He’d drilled it into her
head on numerous occasions, his tone leaving no room
for argument. Now, the weight of that rule seemed to be
crushing her.

“Mr. Johnson?” she called again, a knock louder this

time. Hesitantly, she walk towards the bedroom door and
opened the door. She peeked into the room, her eyes
scanning the luxurious interior. She stopped at the bed,
her gaze lingering on the still form lying peacefully
beneath the crisp white sheets.

“He looks so… peaceful,” she murmured to herself, a

flicker of concern flickering across her features. She
inched closer, her hand hovering over the bed like a
nervous butterfly.

Tade yearned to reach out. The thought of anyone,

especially Osas, feeling his cold, lifeless form filled him
with dread.
 Taking a deep breath, Osas finally reached out, her
fingertips brushing against the sheets. A gasp escaped
her lips as her hand felt his cold body. Her eyes widened
in horror, her face draining of color.

“Mr. Johnson?” she shrieked, her voice cracking with

fear. “Mr. Johnson, are you alright?”

Tade remained silent, trapped in his unseen body.

Tears welled up in his eyes, a silent scream trapped in his
throat. Here was Osas, his trusted assistant, the one
person he could always rely on, and he couldn’t even
alert her to his predicament.

Panic surged through Osas. She stumbled back,

knocking over a vase that shattered on the floor with a
loud crash. The sound echoed in the room.
 “Oh my God,” she whispered, her voice trembling
uncontrollably. She darted to the door, her mind racing,
desperately searching for an explanation. Had Mr.
Johnson finally cracked under the pressure?

It may look like a joke to you

But your purpose is due

This truth is not so new

But I pray to you it glues

 CHAPTER THREE

Osas stared, transfixed, at Tade’s still form. Had the

relentless pressure of work finally broken him? Or was it
the relentless barrage of online rumors about the shady
origins of his wealth? Her mind spun.

Driven by a desperate need for confirmation, Osas

leaned forward, her fingers trembling as they brushed
against Tade’s wrist. She’d taken a basic first-aid course
years ago, the memory hazy but she could still remember
how to check for a pulse. Briefly, she searched for the
telltale rise and fall that signaled a beating heart. Her
heart was beating fast in her chest as she struggled to
detect anything more than a faint pulse as she raised his
hand to check.

Just then, the bedroom door slammed open with a

bang, startling Osas from her examination. Alfred stood
framed in the doorway, eyes widening in horror at the
sight of Tade’s body.

As be moved closer to the body he saw how

motionless it was, he let out a scream of terror, “Tade!
Tade! No, it can’t be”

“What did you do to him?!” he roared, his voice a

chilling whisper.

Osas recoiled, dropping Tade’s limp arm like a hot

coal. She started stuttering, a desperate attempt to
explain the unexplainable. “Me? I… I… I didn’t do
anything to him! I… I found him this way!”
 Alfred wasn’t buying it. His gaze flickered between
Osas’ panicked face and Tade’s unmoving form. “That’s a
lie!” he spat. “You probably spiked his drink!”

Osas’ face flushed with anger, momentarily she had

to overcome her fear. “Are you crazy, Mr. Alfred? Why
would I do that?”

“Because you…” Alfred’s voice trailed off. He knew

Osas. He knew her loyalty to Tade was unwavering. He
had caught her once praying over his car and taking
prayer walks around the house. She has always been like
a cloud over Tade unknown to him.

“Then what happened?” Alfred’s voice softened.

Osas sank onto a nearby chair, the weight of the

situation crashing down on her. Tears welled up in her
eyes, blurring her vision. “I came in to wake him up for
the party we used the whole of yesterday to plan, and…
and he wouldn’t respond. I checked his pulse, and it’s…
it’s so weak.”

Osas straightened up “We need to call an

ambulance,” she said, her voice tight with urgency.

Relief washed over Alfred’s face when Osas

mentioned the faint pulse. “A faint pulse!” he exclaimed,
a hint of joy creeping into his voice. “That’s a… that’s a
sign he can still be revived!”

“I’m calling an ambulance,” Osas declared, reaching

for her phone.

“Wait!” Alfred interjected, his voice laced with

urgency. “We need to call a special doctor, someone
discreet… someone I know.”

Tade, invisible to both of them, watched the

exchange. Thankfully, his two closest companions were
present, and they were taking action. He desperately
wanted to come back to life. His future just started
overflowing with possibilities he hadn’t even begun to
explore.

“Don’t you know that we are wasting time Alfred,

please we need to call an ambulance as soon as possible
“ Osas angrily muttered.

“An ambulance?” Alfred scoffed. “Don’t you

understand, Osas? If they get here, the news will spread
like wildfire. Tade has always hated unnecessary
attention. And besides…” Alfred’s voice dropped to a
whisper, “God forbid anything happens, but if they
declare him dead… my friend can’t die. He will live! Just
wait, let me call Dr. Justus.”

Osas, ever practical, shook her head. “An ambulance

can get him to the best hospital on the island, Alfred. We
can’t waste time with this your doctor.”
 “You don’t understand,” Alfred insisted, his voice
tight with frustration. “Dr. Justus is discreet. He’ll come
here, treat Tade in private, and no one will even be aware
that he fell ill. Besides, you might need to call the event
planners to tell him to announce that Tade went on a
quick a trip…”

“I can’t lie, Alfred,” Osas said firmly, her voice laced

with righteous anger. “Lying is a sin.”

Tade winced. He remembered a similar situation in

his office a while back. Alfred, always the smooth talker,
had needed Osas to deflect a client who had been
delayed for a while, due to his discussion with Tade but
Osas, unwavering in her Christian principles, had refused
to lie. Tade, though initially furious, couldn’t bring himself
to fire her. There was something about Osas, a quiet
serenity and peace he felt whenever he was around her,
despite her stoic principles, what Alfred might call
“stubbornness.”
 “Look,” Osas finally said, breaking the silence, “I can
tell the event planner he’s fallen ill and needs some
treatment. But that’s all I can do.”

Alfred threw his hands up in exasperation. “Osas! We

need to act fast! Every wasted minute…” He trailed off,
the frustration evident on his face. “Fine,” he sighed, his
voice laced with defeat. “Do what you have to do. All the
big boys in Lagos are gathered in that place for Tade. We
wouldn’t want to say something that bad. Blogs will go
wild” , he angrily said and walked out because Osas just
gave him a very nonchalant look.

She has never for once cared about the

consequences of standing with the truth. She didn’t care
about losing her job or any other thing. It’s been an
attitude she had grown with where she lived with her
grandmother in northern Nigeria where Christians faced
intense persecution. They were ostracized from the
community but they never stopped preaching the gospel.
Osas didn’t even get why God instructed her to do a
white-collar job. All she cared about was her call as an
evangelist, so even the exorbitant salary she got as an
assistant to the all mighty Tade Johnson, wasn’t so
exciting. She angrily hissed at Alfred for his annoying
request, knowing fully well that she would never budge.
She still didn’t get why he wouldn’t want her to call an
ambulance. Something didn’t seem right.

Tade, desperate for a solution, followed Alfred out of

the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alfred’s plans and
understand what was happening. But as he trailed behind
his friend, he heard the most shocking thing ever. The
words hit Tade like a physical blow.

“Guy,” Alfred hissed, his voice tight with a mixture of

anger and fear, “did you put everything I asked you to
put in his drink?”

Tade’s jaw dropped, a silent scream trapped in his

throat. This couldn’t be real. Alfred, his best friend, the
one person he thought he could always rely on, was
talking about poisoning him? Tears welled up in his eyes.
Never, in his wildest nightmares, had he imagined this –
Alfred, his closest confidante, the one person he trusted
implicitly, wanting him dead.

He wanted to scream, to confront Alfred, to demand

an explanation. But his voice was a prisoner trapped
within his invisible form. The ground beneath him looked
more appealing than such painful experience.

“It… it not have been Alfred,” a thought flickered

desperately in his mind. “Never. Not Alfred.” But the
memory of their heated exchange about the ambulance
and the doctor, Alfred’s insistence on secrecy, echoed
cruelly.
 The one closest to you may be the
poison

The reason why you haven’t risen

To your true season

Find out who before you spill crimson

 CHAPTER FOUR

The revelation shattered the very foundation of

Tade’s world. Never, in his wildest dreams, had he
imagined Alfred capable of such evil. Sure, Alfred was a
mischievous soul, a regular at strip clubs and late-night
parties, but murder? That seemed beyond him.

A memory surfaced, a scene from a club altercation.

Alfred, caught in a messy encounter with a woman he’d
refused to pay after a night together. Instead of being
apologetic, he denied ever meeting the lady and even
threatened to show her his true colour, all to save face in
front of his friends. Tade, ever the peacemaker, ended up
settling the bill. The lady tried to hit Alfred and he almost
pinned her to the walk with his elbow if not for Tade being
present there. That’s the height of monstrosity that Tade
has ever seen Alfred express.
 Shame washed over Tade. How could he have been
so blind? How did this self-proclaimed “friend” become his
closest confidante?

The answer came rushing back to him. They had a

shared WhatsApp group for a competition that had
launched Tade’s career. Alfred, a fellow competitor that
didn’t make it through at all saved Tade’s contact and
started offering companionship ever since. He never quite
achieved the same level of success despite starting his
own company from a sum of 1 million naira which Tade
gave him as a loan, which he never paid back till that day.
Yet, each year, his company was often at the brink of
bankruptcy. Alfred also had a lavish lifestyle despite being
a very broke man. He had high tastes at restaurants and
always wanted something bigger than his status.

Tade recalled the numerous pleas of Alfred to be

introduced to his “juju” man, because he thought Tade
must have been involved in a spiritual means to attain
such feat. Tade would simply boast of his faith in Jesus
and his praying mother. Now, the pieces clicked into
place. Alfred’s constant presence, his unwavering support
– a façade masking age long jealousy.

Now, all he felt was regret. He remembered his

mother’s warnings about Alfred, a vision of him
appearing as a mouse nibbling away at a cake. Back
then, Tade had dismissed it as a harmless dream, even
suggesting a rat catcher for her “rat-infested” house.
Blinded by his own naivety, he’d laughed at his mother’s
intuition.

This Alfred, the man he’d trusted completely, the

one who’d shared his laughter and his secrets – this same
Alfred wanted him dead. The weight of that betrayal was
a crushing blow.

Fury twisted Alfred’s face as he barked into the

phone. “You lying little fool! Did you do exactly what I told
you?”
 “I did exactly what you said, boss!” the boy’s voice
crackled through the receiver. “Poured the whole thing
into his Chapman, just like you told me.”

Tade, watching the scene unfold with a chilling

clarity. He stared in disbelief. A Chapman? He’d always
stuck to non-alcoholic drinks which Alfred always mocked
him for. He had said jokingly to Tade several times that he
doesn’t know how to spend his own money. Tade always
laughed at his cynicism because he considered alcoholic
drinks foolishness or “paying money to buy death”. Now
he understood Alfred’s jokes.

“The whole thing?!” Alfred roared, his voice laced

with a dangerous edge. “If it was the whole thing, he’d be
dead!”

Tade watched in horrified fascination as Alfred’s true

colors were laid bare. He’d tried to kill him? This
desperate act spoke volumes about the evil lying within
Alfred. It wasn’t the first attempt, apparently. Tade
realized there had been others, perhaps, but something –
or someone – had intervened.

“Mama…” Tade thought. “And maybe…Osas”

He remembered the many times Alfred had

pressured him to fire Osas, citing her “negative attitude.”
Back then, Tade had simply talked him out of it, thinking
it was due to Alfred’s usual impatience. But now, it all
made a horrifying kind of sense.

Alfred’s frustration was evident. Tade, despite his

success, hadn’t budged. He wouldn’t fire Osas,
unbeknownst to him, stood as a silent guardian angel. So,
Alfred had resorted to poison.

A bitter envy twisted Alfred’s features. “Why him?”

he muttered to himself. “Was he even the best?”
 Tade flinched. The jealousy that had festered for
years was finally bubbling to the surface. Alfred had
hated him ever since he’d won that competition. Yet, Tade
was not aware, blinded by a misplaced trust and Alfred’s
pretentious loyalty, besides, the only friends he had at
that time were more interested in church activities and
not necessarily how to grow wealth. Alfred was the only
one who offered friendship when he ventured into the
tech industry.

“He did everything I asked,” Alfred continued.

“Anything I wanted. Such a fool… so easy to manipulate.”

A wave of despair washed over Tade. He had been so

kind, so willing to help, and this was how it ended? He
looked at Alfred, then up at the skies, a silent question
hanging in his throat. Why would God allow this to
happen? Why did Alfred, harbor such hatred for his
success? It was a question that, for now, remained
unanswered.
 A jolt of awareness ripped through Tade, pulling him
from his deep thoughts. A voice, gentle and soothing,
echoed in the space around him. “Every time humans ask
weird questions like ‘why me?’” he chuckled, “why not
you?”

Tade spun around, searching for the source of the

voice. A figure materialized before him, covered in a soft,
white light that seemed to shimmer in the sun. The man
smiled warmly, and Tade felt an unexplainable sense of
peace all over him.

Tears, he hadn’t realized he was holding back,

streamed down his face. Before he could even speak, the
man spoke again.

“Why did you waste so much time without expressing

your true self?” He asked, his voice like a gentle breeze.

“true self?” Tade echoed, confused. “What do you

mean, sir?”
 The man chuckled softly. “ I will explain everything to
you in due time. But first, we need to go somewhere.”

Tade nodded slowly, still trying to process everything.

He hesitated, however, a question burning on his tongue.
“Please,” he stammered, “Am I… am I dead?”

The man’s smile didn’t falter. “Not quite,” he replied.

“You’re in-between.”

Tade’s eyes widened. “A coma?” he gasped, piecing

things together. “But Alfred… what will he do to me now?
I’m not dead like he planned!”

A reassuring hand settled on Tade’s shoulder. “As

long as Osas is by your side, you have nothing to fear,”
the man said. “She is a powerful intercessor, a
gatekeeper”
 Tade’s jaw dropped. Osas, his ordinary assistant, was
a… guardian?

“We don’t have much time,” the man continued, his

voice laced with urgency. “Come, let’s go.”

Tade stole one last glance at his house, where Alfred

was just entering. He felt a flicker of fear, but the man’s
presence calmed him. With a deep breath, he turned and
followed the man in white, stepping into the unknown.

“Oh! my friend’s gift looks so

beautiful”

Hey, it may look ugly on you

 If you don’t want to be sorrowful

Envy only your tomorrow’s hue

CHAPTER FIVE

Osas stared at Tade’s still form, a knot of worry

twisting in her gut. This sudden coma, it felt…
orchestrated. Her suspicion immediately fell on Alfred.
She recalled that strange morning weeks ago. The day
had just begun when she arrived at Tade’s home office,
ready to prepare his schedule for the day.
 There, she’d found Alfred by the entrance, muttering
strange words over a dead chicken placed ominously at
the doorway. Disgusted and afraid, she waited until he
left before approaching. Without hesitation, Osas scooped
up the fowl and tossed it far into the gutter. Silently, she
prayed a powerful prayer, covering Tade and the entire
house in a shield of spiritual protection.

These kinds of attacks were nothing new to Osas.

Growing up with missionary parents in the north, she’d
witnessed firsthand the lengths some went to in their
traditional practices. Her parents themselves had been
targeted, both spiritually and physically. Those
experiences had hardened Osas, making her tough.

She was so disappointed in Alfred. Why would Alfred

want to harm Tade? From that day on, Osas decided to
take it upon herself to become a secret guardian. Every
morning, she arrived early at Tade’s, her voice silent in
prayer as she sought divine protection for him and his
home.
 Tade, she knew, wouldn’t understand. Blinded by
Alfred’s supposed friendship, Tade would dismiss any
concerns. Osas had initially questioned why God placed
her in such a white collar job – a personal assistant –
when her heart yearned to follow in her missionary
parents’ footsteps. But then, on a prayerful night, a vision
flashed before her eyes – Tade’s face.

In that moment, she understood. God had a special

assignment for her, hidden within the confines of a high-
powered businessman’s life. What she’d seen as a
tedious job was actually a vital ministry, a silent war
fought with prayers.

Now, with Tade lying unconscious, Osas couldn’t help

but feel a deep sense of responsibility. She had failed to
protect him. Tears welled up in her eyes as she vowed to
redouble her efforts. This wasn’t over. She would fight,
with every spiritual weapon at her disposal, to bring Tade
back from this coma.
 The door creaked open, revealing Alfred, his eyes
red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. “The
doctor’s on his way,” he announced, his voice thick with
emotion. “But in the meantime… can we just pray for
him?”

Osas glared at him suspiciously. How could someone

so callous suddenly suggest prayer? “I don’t think waiting
for your doctor is the answer,” she retorted, her voice
laced with anger. “If it’s such a problem, I can take him to
the hospital myself.”

Alfred flinched slightly at her icy tone. “Of course, of

course,” he stammered. “Money isn’t the issue. I just
want him to get the best care possible.”

Suddenly, a notification buzzed on Osas’s phone,

shattering the tense silence. She unlocked it to find the
news of Tade’s coma had exploded online. Blogs were
abuzz with headlines like “Tech Mogul Tade Johnson
Chronically Ill and Facing Death” and an anonymous
account was already soliciting funds for his “life-saving
surgery.”

“Ah!” she gasped, clutching the phone to her chest.

“Who could have leaked this? Mr. Alfred,” she blurted out,
her voice trembling.

“Maybe it’s that foolish boy at the gate, he must

have heard me make a call to my doctor outside” Alfred
said angrily.

It was clear to Osas that Alfred was behind the leak.

What could possibly be his motive? Her mind raced,
searching for answers.

***

Meanwhile, miles away in a quiet Lekki flat, Tade’s

mother, Abike, received a notification on her phone. It
was a women’s group chat buzzing with a shocking
headline: “Young Billionaire Reportedly on Death’s Door!”

Mama, her vision blurry without her glasses, fumbled

for them and squinted at the phone screen. The
accompanying photo made her heart skip a beat. It was
her son, in his ever bubbly smile.

A scream tore from her throat. “God forbid!” she

cried out, her voice thick with disbelief. “God forbid… it
can’t be my Tade… the Tade I just spoke to last week!”

Her housemaid, startled by the scream, rushed into

the room. “Mama, what happened?”

Mama, still clutching the phone, held it out to the

girl. “Please help me read this thing, Jo (please),” she
pleaded, her voice trembling.
 The young girl took the phone, her eyes scanning the
screen. “It says… a 35-year-old billionaire and owner of a
top tech company reportedly went into a coma,” she
began reading aloud. “There are rumors… rumors that his
wealth is diabolical.”

Mama’s breath hitched. “What did they say is his

name?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“Erm… Omotade Johnson, ma,” the girl replied, her

voice hesitant.

Mama’s scream echoed through the house once

more. “Ah God! Ko je je be!” (It can’t be possible!) She
snatched the phone back from the girl and dialed Tade’s
number with trembling fingers. The phone rang.

***
 Alfred’s eyes darted to Tade’s phone as it rang. When
the caller ID flashed “Mummy of Life,” a flicker of panic
crossed his face. He snatched the phone from Osas’s
hand before she could react.

“It might be someone unimportant,” he mumbled, his

voice tight. “I’ll get it.”

Osas shot him a withering look, her anger simmering.

But before she could protest, Alfred pressed the phone to
his ear. A moment of strained silence followed, then his
façade crumbled.

“Uh, yes, Mrs. Johnson,” he stammered, his voice

devoid of its usual bravado. “This is Alfred… yes,
everything is… under control.”

Alfred listened for a moment, his eyes darting

nervously around the room. Finally, he sighed and
conceded defeat. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, “I’ll give
the phone back to Osas.”
 With a sigh, he thrust the phone back into Osas’s
hand. Osas met his gaze, her expression a mixture of
shock and anger. Taking a deep breath, she answered the
call.

“Hello, ma,” she said professionally, using the same

voice she reserved for callers Tade would often refuse to
speak to. “Mr. Tade Johnson isn’t available right now, but
you can leave a message.”

“I want my son here now!” a voice boomed through

the phone. It was Mama Tade, her voice thick with a mix
of fear and fury. “Osas, abi ki lo ruko e” (or what is your
name), “I want my son brought to me now!”

Tade had introduced Osas to his mother on one of her

visits, and Mama Tade had taken an immediate liking to
her. Abike, as everyone called her, had a booming voice
and an air of authority that demanded obedience. Her
only soft spot was Tade. Even Alfred, despite his façade,
found himself afraid of Abike’s presence. He knew she
had never quite trusted him, and he resented her
constant watchful eye.

Osas, caught between Alfred’s frantic whispers of

“Say no!” and the raw fear in Abike’s voice, could only
manage a hesitant, “Yes, mama…”

“God forbid,” Abike continued, her voice cracking,

“my son Omotade cannot die… ehn… God forbid.”. Osas
could hear Abike’s voice fading, a fervent prayer echoing
through the phone. She finally ended the call.

Alfred was fuming, his face contorted in a mask of

frustration. “Oh no!” he hissed, pacing the room like a
caged animal. “My plans to finish the idiot are ruined. My
doctor was supposed to come here and inject him with
the final dose! Why does this guy never die?!”
They can help you do every other thing
except one..

Purpose! It shows how in life you won

The breath you cannot buy or born

Peculiarity cannot be bygone

 CHAPTER SIX

A gentle smile graced the man’s lips as he

introduced himself. “Raphael,” he said, his voice a
soothing melody.

Tade, still bewildered by this surreal experience,

nodded. He cast a curious glance at the gate ahead.
“Where are we going?” he asked, his voice barely a
whisper.

“To the wealthiest place on earth,” Raphael replied

enigmatically.
 Tade furrowed his brow. Dubai? Tokyo? Maybe
Beijing? He’d gone to all the richest places on the globe,
setting foot in all these financial powerhouses. Where on
earth, he wondered, could Raphael possibly take him that
he hadn’t already seen?

As if responding to his unspoken question, Raphael

raised his hand. In a blink of light, they were no longer by
the gate. Tade gasped, his immaterial form hovering over
a lonely graveyard.

“What… what is this place?” he stammered, his voice

filled with shock. “Where have you brought me?”

Raphael remained unfazed by Tade’s outburst. He

simply smiled. “This,” he said, his voice ringing with quiet
significance, “is the wealthiest place on earth.”

Tade scoffed. A graveyard? Wealthiest place? It was

absurd. “Are you joking?” he blurted out.
 Raphael’s smile widened. “Not at all,” he replied
gently. “A great man in your world once said this: ‘The
wealthiest place in the world is not the gold mines of
South America or the oil fields of the Middle East. It’s not
the diamond mines of Africa or the banks overflowing
with money. The true wealth lies just beneath the surface,
here in the cemetery.’”

He gestured towards the tombstones. “Buried here

are companies that never took flight, inventions that
never saw the light of day, bestselling novels that
remained unwritten, and masterpieces that never graced
a canvas. Here lies the greatest treasure of all – untapped
potential.”

Raphael’s hand hovered over a weathered

tombstone. “Professor Rufus,” he read aloud, his voice
carrying a quiet reverence. “They say he brought out the
best in his students, a true inspiration.”
 Tade squinted at the inscription below. “’Professor
Rufus, one who brought out the best in us, you’ll remain
immortalized on our hearts.’” He scoffed. “Sounds
impressive on a tombstone, doesn’t it?”

Raphael’s gaze remained fixed on the inscription.

“But is it the whole story, Tade?” he asked softly.
“Professor Rufus… he was meant to be a pediatrician,
saving the lives of children in Somalia. His dream, a
calling whispered in his heart.”

Tade’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”

“His father,” Raphael continued, his voice laced with

a hint of sadness, “had other plans. A professor of
geology, the family legacy. So, young Rufus buried his
dreams, following a path not his own.”

A wave of realization washed over Tade. “Professor

Rufus,” he whispered.”
 Raphael moved on, his hand settling on another
stone. “See this one, here?” he said, his voice gentle. “A
talented artist lies beneath. Her family albums overflowed
with sketches, glimpses of a soul yearning to create.”

“But,” he added, his voice trailing off, “her school

principal convinced her mother that artists were destined
for a life of struggle. ‘she would sell art works in traffic’,
so he said…she became a doctor,” a hint of bitterness
creeping into his tone, “a career she hated, failing exams
year after year.”

Tade held his breath. “What happened then?” he

managed to ask.

“She eventually graduated,” Raphael replied, “after

struggling for ten years on a course that wasn’t hers to
start with. They stole her passion. She loved a very
unfulfilled life.”
 Tade looked around the cemetery, each tombstone a
silent story, a potential unrealized.

Raphael’s voice broke the silence. “So many stories,

Tade,” he said, his voice filled with a deep sadness. “Lives
shaped by external forces, the whispers of their true
calling silenced. They chased dreams that weren’t theirs,
blind to the purpose woven into their very being.”

Tade listened with rapt attention as he viewed his life

from all of these. “There are so many others I can’t talk
about now…oh wait see that young chap over there…”
Raphael continued pointing at a most recent gravestone,
“football was his passion, in fact that was the first
thought that ever came to his heart when he was asked
what he wanted to become, but majority of people in his
class responded that they wanted to be doctors, nurses,
engineers so he followed suite and said he wanted to be a
lawyer…
 Tade felt a pang of sympathy. “He became a lawyer?”
he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“it was in law school that he had an accident and

died unfortunately.”

“Oh no!” Tade blurted painfully.

“He was to be an evangelist as he went around the

world to play football. The Almighty God would have
saved many lives through the specific fields he placed
these people in but they just thought everything was
about their goals, their families goals or that of peer
pressure” Tade’s mouth was wide open as he listened
attentively. “Humans never ask the creator what they
were made for, so they go on to live for other people…”

Tade felt a cold dread grip him. Was he one of them?

Had he strayed from his own path, chasing a dream
fueled by societal expectations? The thought sent a
shiver down his spine.
 Tade’s heart crumbled. Tears welled up in his eyes,
he couldn’t help but ask, “Am I one of them too?”, a sob
escaping his lips. “Am I destined to become another
forgotten dream in this graveyard of potential?”

“There’s still time,” Raphael continued, his voice

laced with a hint of promise. “But we need to go
somewhere else…”
 What happens when you flee

From your reason of your glee

You will end your days in pleas

Come back to your wonders, see!

CHAPTER SEVEN

A jolt passed through Tade as Raphael led him

through a shimmering portal. They landed with a soft
thud in a bustling, unfamiliar place. The air hung thick
with a strange mix of smells – a combination of damp
earth, fish. Tade wrinkled his nose. It was a bustling,
chaotic scene – a rural settlement in Makoko, Lagos. The
stench of stagnant water filled the air.

“Where are we?” Tade couldn’t help but ask, his

voice laced with confusion. “This place… it smells awful.”

Raphael offered a gentle smile. “Sometimes,” he

replied enigmatically, “the most beautiful things can be
found in the most unexpected places.”

Without further explanation, he led Tade through the

maze-like alleyways until they arrived at a small, rundown
room. Inside, a young man, probably in his late teens, sat
slumped on a rickety chair. He was bare-chested, his eyes
bloodshot and glazed over. A rolled-up sheet of paper,
emitting a pungent smell, lay forgotten in his lap.

Tade gasped, a jolt of recognition shooting through

him. It was John, the troubled teenager he’d helped years
ago during his evangelistic days. Back then, John had
been a lost soul until he met Tade. He started reading his
Bible and praying. He was still a new babe in Christ when
Tade left. He had gotten so connected to him because
Tade had poured his heart into helping him, guiding him
towards a brighter future.

Now, seeing John in this state, his once bright eyes

were dull, his youthful frame slumped in defeat. Shame
and regret were all He felt now. He had sent money for
John’s continued support, trusting his friends Rita and
Essien to help him. Apparently, that trust had been
misplaced.

Tears welled up in his eyes. John looked up, his face

momentarily clearing the haze.

“This is the consequence, Tade,” Raphael said softly,

his voice carrying a hint of sadness. “You gave these
young men hope, a chance to escape their
circumstances. But when you walked away, you left a
void. They looked up to you, a beacon of faith and
strength. Now, lost and alone, they seek solace in the
very things you tried to save them from.”

Tade tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.

Shame choked him, it left a bitter taste on his tongue. He
had thought money could replace his presence, his
guidance. How wrong he’d been.

John, oblivious to their silent exchange, reached for

the rolled-up paper again.

A flicker of hope flickered in Tade’s tear-filled eyes.

“But what happened to Rita and Essien?” he croaked, his
voice hoarse. “I sent them money to take care of the
outreaches, to help John and the others.”

Raphael shook his head gently. “Money can provide

resources, Tade,” he explained, “but it can’t replace
purpose. Finding your purpose, your calling, is like a
miner discovering his own land. No one can dig it for you,
no matter how much they help you find it.”
 Tade understood the metaphor, but a particular
curiosity remained. Where were Rita and Essien now,
after all these years? As if reading his mind, Raphael
offered, “If you wish, I can show you.”

With a blink, they found themselves outside a

modest house. A young woman, her features vaguely
familiar, was scolding a crying child on the porch. It was
Rita, her youthful exuberance replaced by a weary air.

“Will you keep quiet?” she snapped, her voice devoid

of the warmth Tade remembered. “Am I your mother?”

Tade flinched at her harsh tone. This wasn’t the Rita

he knew, the one who had shared his passion for helping
others. He looked at Raphael, seeking an explanation.
 “She’s trapped in a role that doesn’t fulfill her,”
Raphael said softly. “Just like Essien,” he added, gesturing
towards a figure emerging from the house.

Essien, once Tade’s right-hand man, looked older

than his years, his shoulders slumped with a burden Tade
couldn’t identify.

Suddenly, a timer materialized above Essien’s head,

a stark red countdown ticking down: 19 years, 16 hours.

Tade gasped, a cold dread gripping him. “What…

what is that?” he stammered.

“A reminder,” Raphael replied gravely. “Time is a

precious commodity, Tade. Wasting it on a path that
doesn’t lead to your purpose is a tragic loss.”

The timer seemed to ignite a spark within Tade. He

looked around at the children playing in the orphanage
courtyard. Above each head, a timer hovered, relentlessly
counting down their lifespans. A six-year-old girl had 67
years, 1 hour left. They were all hurtling towards an
unknown future, some closer than others.

Tears streamed down Tade’s face, a torrent of regret

and urgency mixed with a newfound determination. If he
had only known about this limited time, this precious
resource called life, he would have done things so
differently. He wouldn’t have wasted years chasing empty
goals, neglecting his true calling.

Raphael’s voice softened. “Tade,” he said gently,

“understanding the brevity of life can be a powerful
motivator. But it shouldn’t lead to despair. Imagine if
everyone knew exactly how much time they had left.
Wouldn’t they scramble to fulfill their purpose, to make a
difference, to truly live?”

Tade considered this, a sliver of hope flickering within

him. “But what’s the point of seeing more of the same?”
he pleaded, his voice heavy with guilt. “My heart aches
for John already. What really happened to Rita and
Essien? Despite the money I put in those outreaches.mm”

Raphael sighed, a hint of frustration in his eyes.

“Money is a tool, Tade,” he said, his voice firm. “It can’t
replace purpose. You were like a beacon to Rita and
Essien. They were meant to support your vision, to walk
alongside you. But without you, they became lost, adrift
in a sea of good intentions.”

He paused, letting his words sink in. “Look at it this

way,” he continued. “Remember Moses in the Bible? He
needed Aaron and Hur by his side, but without Moses
leading the way, what purpose did they have? They were
simply waiting, existing.”

Tade’s eyes widened. The analogy hit him hard. “So,

Rita and Essien…”
 “They might appear to be doing good, running an
orphanage,” Raphael interrupted. “But it’s just a façade, a
way to fill the void left by your absence. They’re stuck,
unable to find their own purpose without the leader they
once followed.”

Anger sparked in Raphael’s eyes. “Perhaps,” he said,

his voice low, “the Almighty is offering you another
chance, a chance to redeem yourself.”

Tade flinched. “Another chance?” he stammered, a

mixture of disbelief and hope washing over him. “I don’t
deserve it. All I’ve done is cause pain and wasted
potential.”

Raphael’s expression hardened. “Humans are a

stubborn lot,” he stated. “They waste opportunities, make
mistakes, yet the Almighty keeps offering them chances
to learn and grow. Now, are you ready to face the
consequences of your choices, or will you keep hiding
from the truth?”
 Tade stared at the ground, a war raging within him.
He knew Raphael was right. Taking a deep breath, he
looked up, his voice trembling slightly. “I… I’ll face it,” he
whispered. “But please, can’t we just talk about it here? I
can’t bear to see another broken life.”

Raphael studied him for a moment, his gaze filled

with an unreadable emotion. Finally, with a sigh, he
conceded. “Very well,” he said. “But this journey isn’t
over, Tade. You have a lot to learn, a lot to make amends
for.”
 “I will do it tomorrow”

Says a man who want to live to borrow

Excuses charm him like a furrow

Who will help him out of his sorrow

 CHAPTER EIGHT

The wail of sirens shattered the quiet evening,

announcing the arrival of the ambulance. The emergency
unit wheeled Tade in, his body a limp form on the
stretcher. Osas, her face covered with worry, had
contacted the hospital beforehand, ensuring Tade would
receive the best care possible.

Abike, alerted by Osas’ frantic call, burst through the

doors just as they wheeled Tade past. The sight of her
son, pale and unconscious, hit her like a physical blow.
“No, Tade cannot die!” she wailed, collapsing onto the
floor in tears. Her voice, thick with anguish, echoed
through flat. “Oluwa oo (Lord),” she cried out.
 Her housemaid rushed to her side, attempting to
hold Abike back, but the older woman’s grief was a force
to be reckoned with. “No, not my Tade, Jesus!” she
shrieked, her voice cracking with despair. “I served you,
Jesus! I worshipped you with all of my being! No, not my
Tade!”

Osas, her calm face barely holding back the tears,

knelt beside Abike, trying to offer comfort. “Mama,
please,” she pleaded, her voice trembling. “He will be
fine. The doctors here will make sure of that.”

As the medical personnel bustled around, setting up

equipment and transferring Tade to a room in her big flat
which Tade rented for her just some years ago, Abike
watched. She clenched her fists, her gaze fixed on the
tube being inserted into Tade’s throat.

Suddenly, Abike lurched to her feet and stormed

towards her room. Slamming the door shut behind her,
she fell to her knees, tears flowing freely. “Ah Jesus,” she
choked out, “what have you asked me to do that I didn’t
do?”

Her voice rose, laced with anger. “I pray and fast 21

days out of every month! I pray for other people’s
children, I pay my tithes, I give big seeds to churches! In
fact, I have more than ten pastors on salary! What have I
done to deserve this?”

Her faith, once a fortress, now felt like a crumbling

wall. How could God, the God she served so diligently,
allow something like this to happen? All the signs, the
premonitions she usually felt – nothing. Was her spiritual
antenna broken? Was it the movies she started watching
lately that dulled her sensitivity?

For years, Abike had been a pillar of her church, a

woman known for her unwavering faith and fervent
prayers. No challenge seemed too great, no prayer too
difficult. But now, faced with this devastating blow, a
single question echoed in the silence of her room: where
was the loophole?

“It can’t be God,” she whispered, clutching her head

in her hands. “It must be me.”

A deep breath escaped her lips as she closed her

eyes, “Emi mimo (Holy Spirit),” she whispered, “please
show me what is going on.”

In that quiet desperation, an impression dropped

within her mind – a passage from the Book of Ephesians.
She rose to her feet and rummaged through her Bible
until she found the Book of Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8
to 10.

As she read the words, a sense of understanding

came up on her: “For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of
works, lest any man should boast. For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them.”

Shame and regret flooded Abike’s heart. “Ah, I’m so

sorry, Holy Spirit,” she murmured, the weight of her pride
lifting. “I’ve been boasting, haven’t I? I thought it was my
good works that kept me alive, kept Tade safe. Forgive
me.”

Abike flinched at the gentle rap on the door. It was

Osas. Her voice, muffled through the wood. “Mama,
please,” she pleaded. “He’ll be fine. I just know it.”

She wiped her tears hurriedly and opened the door.

Osas, her voice trembling but resolute, spoke softly.

“Mama, please. He’ll be fine. God spoke to me.”
 Abike stared at her daughter, a flicker of life
returning to her eyes. “God… spoke to you?” she said, her
voice cracked from crying.

“Yes, Mama,” Osas insisted, her hand reaching out to

gently squeeze Abike’s. “He said Tade will be alright. And
for that evil man behind this…”

She trailed off, her voice catching. Abike’s eyes

narrowed, a spark of defiance igniting within her. “Evil
man?” she rasped. “Who? Who is behind this?”

Regret was all over Osas’s face. She had spoken too
quickly. She needed to be sure that it was Alfred before
she says anything about it. “Mama, nothing,” she
stammered, backtracking rapidly. “Nobody.”

Abike wasn’t convinced. She looked at her

surreptitiously. “Osas,” she said, her voice firm despite
the tremor in her hands. “Are you talking about those…
those wicked people from my husband’s family?”
 Osas was confused. “What wicked people, what are
you talking about mama?”

Tears welled up in Abike’s eyes once more, spilling

over onto her cheeks. “Oh, Osas,” she sobbed, her voice
thick with emotion. “I had to run away with Tade… when
they almost killed me.”

“Who are you talking about, Mama?” Osas

whispered, her voice barely audible. “Who wanted to kill
you?”

Abike looked up at Osas, her eyes filled with a deep

sadness. Patting the space beside her, she beckoned
Osas to sit.

“Come,” she said, her voice hoarse, “let me tell you

everything. Tade was the last one… the only one they
didn’t…kill”
 Abike’s voice trailed off, replaced by a shuddering
breath. She closed her eyes, ready to finally unburden
herself of the terrifying secret she had carried for so
many years.

When I find out I’m alive

I start living

When I find out why I’m alive

To impact, I start cleaving

 CHAPTER NINE

Abike closed her eyes, her voice heavy with sorrow

as she began her tale. “Osas,” she said, “I married a
prince back in our hometown, Ilesha. He was wealthy, a
man of high standing. Everything was perfect… until the
time came for him to become king.”

Her voice hitched, the memory clearly painful. “They

waged serious spiritual battles against us,” she
continued. “such a strong attack against him, that he
became ill… and died.”

Tears welled up in Abike’s eyes again. “Then, one by

one, my children… they started to fall sick and die.” She
looked at Osas, her fear palpable. “Tade was seven then,
always getting sick. I was afraid the same would happen
to him.”

A flicker of hope entered her voice. “That’s when I

met Jesus,” she said. “I made a promise, a vow. I
consecrated Tade to God. I said if He kept him alive, Tade
would be used for His purposes only.”

She sighed, a deep breath that spoke volumes.

“That’s why I was scared when he stopped doing those
outreaches with the boys. He had such a gift, Osas. They
would listen to him, do whatever he said, pray for hours.
Then, this strange award came… this calling that made
him run away.”
 Abike paused, her brow furrowed. “At first, I was
terrified. What if he died because of my pledge to God?
But when nothing happened, I thought maybe this was
God’s plan too.”

Osas listened intently, piecing together the puzzle of

her brother’s life. “So, Tade was an evangelist?” she
asked softly. “But how did he become this… tech guru
everyone knows?”

Abike wiped her tears, a bittersweet smile gracing

her lips. “Honestly,” she admitted, “I enjoyed the money
he sent. We suffered so much in Obaki village. Tade hated
that place. He would do anything to get us out.”

Osas didn’t offer empty words of comfort. She knew

Abikeneeded to speak, to purge the fear and confusion.
“Mama,” she began, “we need to pray for Tade. But
there’s something else. You see, I actually got a job as his
assistant. I didn’t know it was more than just a job…”
 Osas hesitated, then continued, her voice dropping
to a whisper. “One morning, I saw something with
Alfred…”

Abike became curious. “Alfred?” she repeated. “What

did you see?”

Osas leaned closer, her voice tense. “He… he placed

a dead fowl at the front door of the office…”

Osas began narrating everything she had observed

Alfred do. Abike’s face hardened as Osas described
Alfred’s actions. Every word fueled a growing suspicion.
“Diabolical,” Osas hissed, “that’s the only way to describe
him, Mama. There’s something wrong with that man.”

“And you didn’t tell me any of this?” Abike’s voice

rose, laced with anger. “Why keep something like this a
secret, Osas? This could all be connected to what
happened to Tade!”
 Osas flinched under her mother’s accusatory gaze.
“I… I didn’t want to worry you more, Mama,” she
stammered. “Besides, I didn’t have any proof. It was just
a feeling, a suspicion.”

“A feeling? A suspicion?” Abike sputtered, her voice

trembling with a mix of fear and frustration. “Tade is lying
unconscious in a bed and all you have is a feeling? We
can’t wait for concrete proof, Osas! We need to act now!”

She stood up abruptly, her eyes flashing with

determination. “We are going to the police station,” she
declared, her voice leaving no room for argument. “We
are going to report this Alfred and tell them everything
you just told me. Maybe, just maybe, it will lead us
somewhere.”

Osas nodded. “You’re right, Mama,” she agreed. “but

can we pray first… I mean for Mr. Tade… the book of
James 5:14-15 says Is anyone among you sick? Let them
call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint
them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer
offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord
will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be
forgiven…I still believe God can heal Mr. Tade”

Abike raised her brow a little as though she just

received a revelation. She asked “duro na oo(wait first),
who did Tade sleep with?”

Osas knew at that point that it was no loner the

ordinary mama but the prophetic one that was speaking.
“what do you mean mama?”

“Tade slept with someone a week before this

incidence!” she said accurately. Osas now remembered
that a fair lady walked out of the house one morning she
came over to the house to prepare Mr.Tade’s schedule.

Abike sat alone, the weight of the Holy Spirit’s

conviction heavy on her shoulders. For years, she had
been a champion of sexual purity, a role model in their
church. She’d fiercely questioned any girl who dared to
linger near a boy, reporting whispers and rumors to the
head pastor like a hawk. Punishments were swift for the
girls, while the boys received a slap on the wrist and a
stern warning.

But now, the Holy Spirit was gently unraveling her

bias. He reminded her, through scripture, that sexual
purity wasn’t a one-sided coin. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
echoed in her mind: “Flee from sexual immorality. All
other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he
who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not
know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is
in you, whom you have received from God?”

The word "body" resonated. It wasn’t just the female

body that was a temple, but both men and women. Yet,
Abike had focused solely on the girls. Memories surfaced
– Tade, the heartthrob of Obaki, with girls swooning at his
feet. Abike brushed it aside, attributing it to his good
looks. But Tade knew it was wrong, conflicted by his
beliefs and his mother’s silence. Abike, a firm believer in
the consequences women bore, had unintentionally
created an imbalance. She reasoned that women have an
obvious evidence after every sexual encounter, especially
the loss of value that came with it. This indifference
showed in her countenance to girls with unwanted
pregnancy. “why did you open your legs for the boy?” She
would often ask, ignoring the fact that boys were also to
blame for indiscipline with their own urges as well

Even their pastor, she realized with a jolt, focused on

preparing girls for marriage while neglecting the boys. As
if unprepared boys wouldn’t one day marry the prepared
girls. Virginity, a virtue praised for females, was a joke for
males. The Holy Spirit nudged her that time because she
had a voice in the church, a role she could have used to
push for change. But she had remained silent.

Tade himself hadn’t viewed his virginity as a treasure

to protect. No one would praise him for it, his friends
might even mock him. It was never something hammered
in his ears growing up, especially not from his mother.
 Osas remembered how jealousy sparked in her chest
that morning she saw the woman leaving Tade’s room.
She had kept her feelings buried because she had to be
loyal to her duty.

“That lady Tade slept with is a time swapper!”, Abike,

with her sharp intuition, had recognized the woman as a
threat instantly.
 Dear body counter,

You seem to be having fun but I’m

here to counter

What you call fun is deadly

It saps from you, sadly

 CHAPTER TEN

Raphael, his brow furrowed, led Tade back to the

dimly lit bar. The scene was a blur of loud music and
flashing lights, a stark contrast to the urgency in
Raphael’s eyes.

“This is where you met her,” Raphael said, stopping

in front of a high table. “Do you remember anything,
Tade?”

Tade squinted at the familiar surroundings, a flicker

of recognition sparking within him. “Yes,” he croaked, his
voice hoarse. “I… I met a woman here. Alfred introduced
us.”

Raphael nodded grimly. “Yes, and Alfred had a hand

in this, but the true cause lies deeper, Tade.”
 Confusion clouded Tade’s features. “Deeper? What do
you mean?” he rasped, his throat tight with unease.

“Your coma,” Raphael explained, “it wasn’t just

poison in your drink. It was a physical manifestation of a
spiritual attack.”

Tade stared at him, bewildered. “Spiritual attack? I

don’t understand.”

“Remember the woman, Tade?” Raphael pressed

gently. “You took her home… what happened there?”

A wave of shame washed over Tade as the memory

returned. “Yes,” he mumbled, looking down. “We… we
slept together.”

A flicker of sadness crossed Raphael’s face. “That

woman, Tade, was no ordinary woman. She was a time
swapper.”
 Tade’s eyes widened in alarm. “A time swapper?” he
echoed, fear creeping into his voice.

Raphael sighed. “Many humans see sex as a simple

act of pleasure,” he began, “but it holds a deeper spiritual
connection. It’s a joining, Tade, a merging of souls and
spirits. 1 Corinthians 6:16 tells us, ‘Do you not know that
he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in
body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But
whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.’”

He paused, his gaze locked on Tade. “Humans

believe they can simply have sex and walk away, with no
consequences. But there’s always a spiritual exchange,
Tade.”

Tade felt a cold dread grip him. “Consequences?” he

whispered, his voice barely a tremor.
 “This woman,” Raphael continued, “belonged to a
hidden cult of witches. They trade life force, Tade. They
steal time from the dying and grant it to others.”

Suddenly, it all clicked into place for Tade. The

woman’s strange aura, the feeling of being drained after
their encounter. “She… she took my time?” Tade cried
out, his voice thick with terror.

Raphael nodded solemnly. “She gave the stolen time

to a dying chief in Ekiti, in exchange for a hefty sum.”

Tade’s face contorted in fear. His own life force,

bartered away for someone else’s gain. The revelation
felt like a crushing blow, stealing the breath from his
lungs. He sank to his knees.

“There has to be a way out of this, right?” he choked

out, desperation clinging to his every word. “Please, sir,
tell me there’s a way to get my time back!”
 ***

In Abike’s house, a fervent prayer session had begun.

Abike, tears streaming down her face, raised her voice in
a desperate plea. “Lord, have mercy on Tade!” she cried.
“Please forgive him!”

Osas echoed her mother’s prayer, adding her own

words. “Lord, forgive him for walking away from your call.
Forgive him for his mistakes.”

Even the housemaid, caught up in the raw emotion,

joined in. “Father Lord,” she implored, “please forgive
uncle for all he has done.

As the initial wave of anguish subsided, Osas felt a

shift within herself. The time for pleading had passed,
now came the fight. Taking a deep breath, she began the
warfare portion of the prayer.

“Oh Lord!” she declared, her voice ringing with

newfound resolve. “We contend with anyone contending
against the soul of Mr. Tade! In the name of Jesus, we bind
all demonic activity!”
 Abike, sensing the change in her Osas' prayer, joined
the fight. “Every time swapper, let them be destroyed by
fire!” she roared in prayer, her voice trembling with
righteous anger.

The air crackled with a tangible energy as they

continued their fervent pleas. Their prayers, filled with
love, forgiveness, and a fierce determination to protect
Tade, rose upwards, a beacon in the spiritual realm.

***

Meanwhile, in the strange space where Tade found

himself with Raphael, the young man continued his own
desperate pleas. “Please, have mercy on me!” he sobbed.
“I’m so sorry for turning away from the assignment you
gave me, Lord. I’m sorry for wasting precious time!”

Raphael watched him with sympathy. Tade’s remorse

was genuine, his heart filled with regret. Perhaps, there
was still hope.
 “There’s one more place I must take you to Tade…are
you ready?” Raphael asked placing a hand on his
shoulders.
“Choose me!”, your purpose screams

But You chose where money seems

The longer you push her

The further your fulfilment lingers

 CHAPTER ELEVEN

A blinding flash engulfed Tade and Raphael,

transporting them to a familiar sight – the dusty football
pitch in Obaki.

“Do you remember the outreach you planned to hold

at this place, Tade?” Raphael asked gently, gesturing at
the pitch.

Tade nodded solemnly. “Yes,” he whispered, a wave

of regret washing over him. “I… I had so much planned
for those boys.”

“And what did you think God had planned for you
after that day?” Raphael pressed.
 Tade hung his head. “Honestly,” he admitted, his
voice laced with shame, “I hadn’t thought that far ahead.
I just wanted to share the message.”

Raphael smiled faintly. “There’s more to your calling,

Tade, much more. Look closer.”

He pointed towards the dusty road leading to the

pitch. A sleek black car, the kind driven by the wealthy
and powerful, emerged from a cloud of red earth.

“See that car?” Raphael asked. “The man inside

planned to be there that day. He was drawn to the energy
of your outreach, a whisper from God leading him here.”

Tade squinted at the car, a flicker of curiosity

sparking within him. “A rich man?” he echoed. “Why
would he come to a football match in Obaki?”
 “He was terminally ill, Tade,” Raphael explained. “He
had a lot of money, no family, and a heavy heart. He
prayed to God, asking what to do with his wealth.”

Tade listened intently.

“God’s answer surprised him,” Raphael continued.

“He told the man to give his wealth to the young man
leading the teenage boys on the football pitch.”

Tade gasped, his eyes widening in realization. It was

him. The wealthy man’s fortune, a fortune beyond Tade’s
wildest dreams, was meant for him.

Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt, its doors

slamming shut. A well-dressed man emerged, his gaze
scanning the empty pitch. Confusion clouded his features
as he noticed the postponed match announcement.
 “What happened?” he muttered, his voice laced with
disappointment.

Just then, Rita and Essien rushed over, Essien visibly

deflated at the low turnout for the rescheduled game. The
rich man approached them. He learned about the
postponed outreach.

Tade watched the scene unfold, his heart sinking with

each passing moment. The man eventually left, his plans
altered by the turn of events.

“A few weeks later, the man had passed away. His

vast wealth, instead of falling into your hands to further
your ministry, was donated to a non-governmental
organization aiding war victims”

Tears welled up in Tade’s eyes. He finally understood

his mother’s dream, the golden bowl that symbolized his
calling. It wasn’t a literal object, but the potential to
impact lives in a way he never imagined.
 The stress of leading the boys without resources, the
frustration of feeling like a failure, all came flooding back.
He had walked away from what God had planned, and
now innocent people were suffering the consequences.

Grief and regret fell upon Tade heavily. He fell to his

knees, his voice thick with emotion. “Lord, have mercy!”
he cried out. “I never knew… how many people were
waiting on my manifestation. Romans 8:19 says, ‘For the
creation waits in eager expectation for the children of
God to be revealed.’ Please, Lord, I can’t die like this! I
want to die empty… I want to fulfill my purpose! Please,
have mercy!”

His sobs echoed through the empty football pitch, a

desperate plea for a second chance.

***
 Abike and Osas, their voices hoarse from constant
prayer, shifted their focus. Pleading for mercy had turned
into a battle cry for restoration. Osas flipped through a
worn Bible, her finger landing on a verse.

“Lord,” she declared, her voice ringing with

newfound resolve, “we claim restoration for Tade’s stolen
time! Just like you promised in Joel 2:25, ‘So I will restore
to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…’”

Abike’s eyes blazed with fervent agreement. “Yes,

Lord!” she echoed, snatching the Bible from Osas’ grasp.
Her own finger traced familiar verses. “Job 14:7-9, Lord,”
she cried out. “Your word says, ‘For there is hope for a
tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again… Though its
root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in
the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring
forth branches like a plant.’ Lord, please let Tade come
back to life in the name of Jesus!”
 The raw emotion In Abike’s voice hung heavy in the
air. Each word was a weapon, a desperate plea for a
miracle. Tears streamed down her face, but her spirit
remained unbroken. She continued her aggressive prayer,
her voice rising in intensity.

Suddenly, a vivid image flashed before Abike’s eyes –

a bowl overflowing with clear water being poured onto
the stump of a withered tree. Life pulsed through the
dead wood, new shoots unfurling towards the light. A
gasp escaped her lips, and a joyous smile broke through
her tears.

“It’s working!” she cried, her voice filled with hope.

“He’s coming back!” She started to sing praises to God
“Yahweh, your name is Yahweh, the miracle-working
God!”

The power in her words resonated through the room.

Osas, catching Abike’s fervor, joined in the song of praise.
Their voices, raw and powerful, filled the house with a
newfound faith. The housemaid, drawn by the change in
atmosphere, fell to her knees and began praying in
tongues, her voice adding a layer of spiritual intensity to
the room.

Together, they joined their faith in a battlefield of

prayer, determined to wrestle Tade back from the
clutches of death.
 Are you sure you still got time?

Every morning sounds come from your

alarm

A reminder of a new day to climb

Up the mountain of the real Adam

 CHAPTER TWELVE

Tade felt a cold dread grip him as Raphael spoke.

“Brace yourself, Tade,” Raphael said solemnly. “We must
prepare for eternity. You can only live once, remember?
YOLO, as humans like to say.”

Tade’s heart hammered against his ribs. “YOLO?

What does that mean?”
 “You Only Live Once,” Raphael explained gently.
“After this life comes judgment, Tade. Just as Hebrews
9:27 says, ‘And as it is appointed for man to die once,
and after that comes judgment.’”

Tade’s face paled. “Judgment? But… but I’m not

ready!” he cried. Panic clawed at his throat, stealing his
breath. He fell to his knees, his voice thick with
desperation. “Please, Raphael, I beg for mercy! I haven’t
fulfilled my purpose! I haven’t done everything God
wanted me to do!”

But as he spoke, Tade felt a strange sensation. His

body began to flicker, fading at the edges like a dying
candle flame. “What’s happening?” he shrieked, a serious
fear gripping him.

His pleas were drowned out by a deafening silence as

he was ripped away from Raphael’s presence. He tumbled
through a void of darkness, his screams echoing
unanswered.
 Suddenly, a jolt of electricity surged through him,
and with a gasp, Tade found himself back in the bed
where his body laid. He coughed violently, his body
wracked with convulsions.

“Jesus!” Abike screamed, her voice laced with terror.

“Osas, call the doctor!” Osas scrambled for her

phone, her heart pounding in her chest.

A team of medical personnel rushed in, their faces

grim. They swarmed around Tade, their actions
coordinated. They grabbed the defibrillator and did a
countdown, jolting him at the end of every third count.

Meanwhile, in the background, a chorus of desperate

prayers filled the air. Abike, Osas, and even the
housemaid, united in their faith, bombarded heaven with
pleas for Tade’s life.
 Then, a miracle. Tade’s eyelids fluttered, and with a
weak groan, he opened his eyes.

A collective cry of joy erupted in the room. Tears

streamed down Abike’s face as she lunged forward,
engulfing her son in a tight hug. The doctors moved her
away quickly so that she doesn’t disconnect the tubes
connected to the ventilators.

Osas let out a sob of relief, her knees weakening

beneath her. Even the doctor and nurses, hardened by
years of witnessing life and death, were shocked.

The world came into focus slowly for Tade. Shapes

blurred into familiar figures. First he saw Raphael, but
when he opened his eyes fully, he fades from his view. He
saw his mother Abike, and Osas. Osas!
 Suddenly, she seemed to glow with an unseen
beauty he hadn’t noticed before. Her smile lines, crinkled
with recent worry, looked endearing now. How come he
never saw how beautiful she was?

He watched as tears streamed down her face. They

were all in tears but it was Osas who truly stole his breath
away.

Nurses bustled around him, their movements brisk as

they changed syringes and injected something that made
him feel pleasantly drowsy. Soon, he slept off again.

“Oluwa seun oo (Thank you, Lord),” Abike cried out,

her voice filled with relief. Words could only tumble out in
Yoruba.

Osas also echoed a big “Thank you Jesus!”

 A doctor, approached them. “We need you to stay
quiet,” he said gently. “His internal organs are weak from
the poison. It’s a miracle he’s alive, but he needs rest.”

“Hallelujah!” Abike shouted, unable to contain her

joy.

“Let somebody shout Hallelujah!” she declared, her

voice ringing with newfound strength.

Osas chuckled, a warm sound that filled the room.

She helped her Mama to her feet. “Thank you so much,
my daughter,” Abike murmured, her voice shaky with
emotion. “Thank you for joining me in prayers for my son.
I don’t know you from anywhere, neither have I done
anything to deserve this kindness…God bless you my
daughter.”

She suddenly remembered the story of Ruth and

Naomi in the Bible. She always prayer for such a
daughter-in-law that will stand with her no matter the
situation. How she wished Osas would become Tade’s
wife…

“Mama,” Osas said snapping Abike out of her reverie,

“we give all the glory to God. Now it’s time for the
physical battle. We need to get Alfred arrested.”

Abike’s eyes hardened. Alfred wouldn’t get away with

this.

“My daughter” Abike called out, her voice laced with

concern, “how are we going to get Alfred?”

Osas, straightened in her chair. “Leave that to me,

Mama,” she declared.

She wasted no time. In an instant, she launched an

online campaign. Across social media platforms, she
plastered Tade’s story, painting a picture of the tech guru
betrayed by his closest friend. Posts detailing Alfred’s
crimes, complete with a picture of his smug face, flooded
the internet. A hefty reward for his capture was offered.
Soon someone took a picture of him in an Uber car close
to the Lagos Airport.

Osas didn’t stop there. Deep in her memory, a spark

flickered – a police officer, Inspector Bello, who had
rescued her years ago when she ran away from the North
after her parents’ martyrdom. With a deep breath, she
dialed his number. He soon picked and Osas explained
the situation.

Officer Bello, a man of action, wasted no time. He

assembled a team and raided the embassy. Within hours,
they had Alfred cornered. The trail of social media
exposure led them to the Airport. There, Alfred,
attempting to flee with Tade’s land documents in his
possession, was apprehended.

News of the arrest reached Osas after some hours.

 “Mama, Tade,” Osas announced breathlessly, “we
got him!”

Tears welled up in Abike eyes as she thanked God for

sending Osas as an angel into their lives.

Abike’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Alfred? You found

him?”

Osas nodded vigorously. “Thanks to Inspector Bello.

Apparently, Alfred, in his desperation, tried to flee the
country. He was caught at the airport, trying to get a visa
with a stack of land documents – Tade’s land documents!”

She turned to Osas, her voice thick with emotion,

“My daughter, you are a godsend. Thank you, thank you
for everything.”

Osas squeezed Abike’s hand reassuringly. “We did it

together, Mama. Now, let’s focus on Tade getting better.
He needs his strength for the work ahead.”
It’s fictional to think you can live twice

So if you can't, can you pay the price?

A currency of labour to matter

In this world more than substance or

mere matter
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Mama?” Tade called out, his voice hoarse.

Abike, who had been dozing in a chair beside him,

jolted awake. Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she
rushed to his side. “Tade, my son! You’re finally awake!”

Relief flooded through Tade, warm and comforting.

He reached out, squeezing his mother’s hand tightly.
“Yes, Mama. I’m awake.”

For the next few hours, Tade recounted to his mother

the story of his journey with the Angel Raphael. He
described the strange realm, the time swapper, and
Raphael’s explanations about his purpose. Abike listened
intently, her eyes filled with wonder and a touch of fear.

The door creaked open and Osas walked in, carrying

a tray of fruit and water. She was dressed in a simple yet
elegant midi-length dress, the brown fabric hugging her
curves tastefully. Her smile, when she saw Tade awake,
was like a burst of sunshine.

Tade felt a blush creep up his neck. He had never

really noticed how beautiful Osas was – the way her smile
brought out the dimples in her left cheek, the way her fair
skin glowed. Tade felt a sudden jolt. Here she was, the
woman who’d stood by his side through thick and thin,
the one who’d never given up hope. He felt a warmth
bloom in his chest, a shyness he couldn’t explain.

He quickly averted his gaze, reminding himself of the

bigger picture. He had been given a second chance, a
chance to fulfill his purpose. But a voice, seemed to
whisper in his mind, “Who says she isn’t a partner in
fulfilling your purpose?”

Tade frowned, unsure if he’d imagined it. Then, the

voice of the Holyspirit spoke again, clearer this time, “Yes,
Tade, she is your wife…”
 Overjoyed, Tade said to himself, “But… but she’s
perfect. Too perfect for someone like me.” He
remembered his past behavior towards her, the harsh
words and the thoughtless actions; the harsh words he’d
hurled at Osas in his anger. Shame washed over him.

“But I need you to wait, Tade,” the Holyspirit cut in,

“It’s not yet time. You need to find yourself first. You can’t
lead someone when you don’t know the road. Walk in the
path I’ve ordained and you’ll see how I’ll arrange
everything”

Tade sighed, the weight of the Holy Spirit’s words

settling on him. He was right. Before anything else, he
had to get his own house in order.

Just then, Osas cleared her throat. “Mr. Tade,” she

started, her voice gentle, “how are you doing today?”
 Tade, lost in thought, didn’t hear her. Abike nudged
him playfully. “Se o gbo ni?” she teased, “Can’t you
hear?”

“Ah mama, he’s just recovering o” Osas said

laughing.

Tade blushed, sheepishly turning to Osas. “Yes, I’m

doing fine today, beauti…” he stammered, “sorry, Osas.”

Abike let out a hearty laugh. “Well, you two take care
of yourselves,” she said, winking at Tade. “I’ll be outside if
you need anything.”

As Mama exited the room, a comfortable silence

settled between Tade and Osas.

An awkward silence hung heavy in the air as Osas

settled into the chair beside Tade’s bed. The room, once
filled with the easy flow of conversation between Tade
and his mother, felt charged with unspoken emotions.
Neither of them quite knew how to break the ice.

“Hi, Mr. Tade,” Osas finally ventured, her voice barely

a whisper. “Just came to check on you and see how you’re
doing.”

Tade, caught off guard by her sudden presence,

stammered a reply. “Oh, yes, Osas. Thank you. I’m… I’m
doing much better.”

He cleared his throat, feeling a nervous flutter in his

stomach. The conversation they’d overheard about his
purpose, the unexpected warmth he felt towards Osas – it
all swirled in his mind, creating a confusing tangle of
emotions.

“So,” Osas continued, hoping to ease the tension, “I

thought I’d give you a quick update on the company.
Everything’s running smoothly – no hiccups at all.”
 Relief washed over Tade. His business, his legacy,
was in good hands. He owed Osas a debt of gratitude for
her unwavering loyalty when everything seemed to be
falling apart.

“That’s a huge weight off my shoulders, Osas,” he

said, a genuine smile gracing his lips for the first time.
“Thank you. You’ve been… amazing.”

He hesitated, then blurted out, “How do you do it,

Osas? How do you stay so strong, so wise?”

Osas’ cheeks flushed, a question mark forming in her

mind. Mr. Tade, usually gruff and reserved, was
complimenting her? Was it the coma talking? Or maybe
this near-death experience had somehow changed him?
 “Well,” she stammered, trying to regain her
composure, “it’s… it’s the Holy Spirit within me, guiding
me, giving me strength.”

Tade nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his

face. Perhaps, just perhaps, the Holy Spirit was offering
him answers too. The journey towards fulfilling his
purpose was still unclear, but one thing was certain – he
wasn’t alone. He had his faith, his family, and maybe, just
maybe, a newfound connection with the strong, wise
woman beside him.
 Imagine Samson on Brazilian hair

It could never make him the real heir

No matter how your head the thief clear

The maker of hair will restore you to full

flair
 CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Tade’s hospital bed became his personal Mount Sinai,

a sacred space for prayer. He devoured the Bible, its
words offering solace and guidance. He yearned for the
strength and grace to embark on this new journey. In his
prayers, he begged God for direction – should he focus
solely on evangelism like before, or was there a role for
his tech company?

Days turned into weeks, each sunrise a testament to

his second chance. Yet, a clear answer remained elusive.
Finally, a whisper of wisdom broke through the silence. It
wasn’t a booming voice or a blazing light, but a gentle
nudge deep within his spirit. The message was clear:
“place Osas in charge of the company…” that wasn’t
what he all be wanted to hear. Finally he heard “…after
you marry her” that was the best instruction he has
gotten thus far. He can give her all. He literally owed her
his life.
 Meanwhile, Osas had her own divine revelation about
Tade being her husband but fear coiled around her heart
like a serpent. Three anxieties gnawed at her: Did Tade
even have feelings for her? Did she even fit into his
league? And worst of all, would their newfound life
together become a competition for spiritual superiority?
Because he just rededicated his life to Jesus.

Little did she know, Tade’s had gained stamina for

staying on that bed for weeks. Several nights, he held
vigils seeking the face of God concerning all the
teenagers in Obaki village, especially John. He had grown
a new resolve for fervent prayer. Weeks of seeking God’s
guidance had replaced his nature, plus he was
consistently consuming the word of God in large volumes.

***

Tade had been waiting patiently for Osas to visit. He

got scared when he didn’t see her for almost a week. On
on faithful day, Osas came to visit him. Tade, pretended
to be asleep. As soon as she entered he feigned a
convulsion, Osas was so afraid. Just as she was about to
scream for help, Tade reached out, capturing her hand in
his.

“Osas,” he whispered, “I’ve never met a woman

more selfless than you. You loved me even when I didn’t
deserve it. God has spoken to me, Osas. All I need is your
‘yes’. I want to pursue a relationship with you. I can’t
bear the thought of losing such a treasure.”

Osas was speechless, her mind reeling. “Mr. Tade…”

she stammered, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

He chuckled softly. “Please, come off it, jare,” he

teased gently. “Call me Tade, my love.”

The endearment sent shivers down her spine, but a

part of her remained cautious. “Tade,” she said finally, a
nervous laugh escaping her lips. “This is all so sudden.
Can I have some time to pray about it? I also need to talk
to my pastor and spiritual leaders.”

Tade was so relieved. At least, It wasn’t a ‘no’, that

was all that mattered. He was willing to wait, patiently
and with newfound hope, for Osas’ answer.

***

Eight months flew by in a whirlwind of planning,

preparation, and a wedding ceremony filled with joy and
blessings. Tade and Osas stood before God and their
loved ones, exchanging vows.

Abike beamed, her heart overflowing with happiness

as she finally welcomed Osas as her official daughter-in-
law.

Their journey together began not In a bustling city,

but in the heart of Obaki village. They returned to the
familiar dusty football pitch, to take as many teenage
boys for Jesus. Well, while Tade focused on the boys, Osas
focused on the girls.

Their outreach program blossomed, a haven for

teenagers grappling with identity, peer pressure, and the
yearning for purpose. Osas, ever the capable woman,
seamlessly transitioned into her new role as director of
Tade-Tech International. But for her, family and ministry
came first. She embraced the opportunity to work
remotely, ensuring a healthy balance between her
professional and personal life.

Looking back, Osas couldn’t help but marvel at God’s

perfect timing. The job gave her a sense of fulfillment,
but the ministry, the chance to spread the gospel
alongside her husband. Her prayers, the ones whispered
long before she met Tade, had finally been answered. She
had always dreamed of being a missionary, and now,
hand in hand with her husband, she could live out that
dream. God, in His infinite wisdom, had answered Osas’
prayers. Marriage wasn’t just a union; it was a fulfillment
of her own purpose.
 Tade, too, felt a renewed sense of purpose. His brush
with death had been a wake-up call, a reminder of his
true calling. Evangelism, once a forgotten passion, now
burned brightly within him. Together, they formed a
formidable team.

Obaki village, once a place of memories and regret,

became a beacon of hope, a testament to second
chances and the power of love, faith, and purpose. And as
Tade and Osas watched their young congregation grow in
spirit, they knew this was just the beginning of their
incredible journey together.

THE END.

If you feel lost and confused about your life and destiny,
concerning why you were made, let’s take this short
prayer together:
“Lord Jesus, I thank you because you made
me first to love me. I thank you because you
are the pillar that holds my life. I pray that
you open my eyes to see what you have
made me for. I pray you direct me on what
path to take in my career, in my friendships,
in my marriage and ministry. Lord please
help me to trust you and walk with you. You
have never mismanaged anyone’s life, so put
my life in your hands. Please help me to be
all you have created me for. In Jesus name.
Amen”

If you don’t even know where you stand in eternity and

you do not know the person of Jesus Christ as the way the
Truth and life, kindly say this short prayer:
“Lord Jesus, Forgive me my sins, wash me with your
blood. I believe you died for me, on the third day you rose
again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe that my
sins are forgiven; I'm justified by your blood; I'm born-
again; I'm saved; I'm a child of God; I'm free from the
power of sin to serve the living God.”

If you have said this prayer, I’m so happy for you. You are
welcome to the family of God. Kindly find a Bible
believing God to get fed on God’s word. Also start reading
your bible and praying. If you’re confused on where to
start from, start from the book of James.
 If this story has had a positive impact on your life,
please take a moment to say a prayer for the author,
Olufayo Omolayo, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to
write it. Additionally, if you feel led to support the author
and her ministry in producing more life-changing stories
and movies, your gifts are greatly appreciated – whether
financial or in-kind donations.

Account Details:

OLUFAYO OMOLAYO

0087601762

Access(Diamond) Bank

To contact her,

Mobile Phone no: 09163148940

WhatsApp: 08090823488

Instagram: @Unique_Layo1

Email: [email protected]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olufayo Omolayo is a Nigerian author, writer, and

storyteller. She is from Osun state but she was born and
raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed a passion
for writing at a young age. With an incoming B.A in
English Language from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo
University, Omolayo has honed her craft through years of
writing and editing for various publications while joggling
an amazing career in fashion designing. She is also a
professional screenwriter, with well over twenty
screenplays and two edited books.

Her writing is inspired by her faith in Jesus, her

culture, and her experiences as a woman in modern
Africa. She is passionate about telling stories that inspire,
uplift, and empower others.
 She is currently working on her next novel. You can
connect with her on social media @Unique_Layo1 or
through her email [email protected].