(066c - The Enemy of My Soul Part 3)
Before I go full into the intro, you guys should do be a favor and check out "To Hate Jamani King" by TheOfficialNisola. I'm just one chapter in and I'm officially hooked. Y'all really need to read it🔥.
P.S. Dedun_Herself sent me a picture that looked like what Adela was wearing that had Jidenna's head turnioniown.
Omo, how I was able to get this chapter completed in just one week plus still dey shock me😂. It's doing me mirinmirin waranwaran, e be like film trick. I hope I am able to keep up with this energy as time goes on. I'm not promising sha, so don't really expect.
So someone said in the last chapter that maybe Adela's mum and Jidenna's dad has a past😂😭. Biko, which yeye past? I reject it for Mrs. Yongo o. Our eyes shall not see evil in Jesus name. Amen.
But I kinda hinted how... or let me say why she reacted that way to Jidenna introducing himself as Kingsley Okojie's son. Some people picked it up, some didn't, and that's okay. I think this chapter will reveal more of that.
I hope 🌚.
Enjoy... or not💀.
Hehehe, I'm just kidding!
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
𝐉𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐀
(Jidenna Leo Okojie)
Oh, Fuck no!
One minute, I was standing bare-chested in the middle of the room, the next minute I was scavenging like a caveman for my jacket, looking for a way to cover up my body as fast as I could.
But the damage has already been done. Adela has seen it all, every single thing.
The numerous scars splayed all over my back.
I was so caught up in the heat of our moment that I didn't realize the dangers of putting off my shirt, the dangers of exposing my bare skin to the open... to Adela. My regret swirled within me like a storm.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
How could I have been so careless? So fucking stupid!
How could I have allowed my guard to slip?
Cussing repeatedly in my head, I hastily slipped on my jacket and turned to face her. Her expression mirrored the horror and shock I feel coursing through my veins. Her mouth hung open, her eyes locked directly on me like she was trying to make sense of the situation, of what she just saw.
We stood there, shrouded in the dimness of the room, our silence enveloping us like a heavy fog, thick and suffocating, choking me.
I wasn't sure what to say at the moment, desperately searching for the right words to salvage the situation, to explain the situation. But deep down, I doubted if there was any explanation that could justify the multitude of scars that painted the skin of my back like an artist's brushstroke.
A canvas of pain and anguish.
The scars held memories I wished to forget, memories of battles fought in the confines of The Room, both physical and emotional... even mental. They were a roadmap of the pin I had endured in the hands of Kingsley Okojie, at the mercy of his blade-laced koboko, each mark telling a story that was etched deep into my being.
But how do I tell Adela all this? How do I confide in her that my father has been abusing me for as long as I can remember without scaring her away?
My mind raced and my heart thudded in my chest. I was fighting my will with the decision of whether to tell her the truth or shield her from it. I weighed the risk of exposing my vulnerability, my fears colliding with the desire for honesty.
The silence between us only her heavier, suffocating the air between us. Adela remained frozen with horror. I wished I could find the courage to break the silence and find the words to ease her concerns. But for now, all I could do was stand there, wrestling with my demons.
"Adela..." I started but my voice trailed off because I had no idea what else to say after calling her name.
She opened her trembling lips to speak, struggling to find her words. Not even a sound escaped, only a hollow laughter that resonated through the room. Shaking her head, she met my gaze again, her eyes seeking confirmation even before she spoke.
"I'm not delusional, right?" She asked, her voice quivering with uncertainty. "I'm not seeing things. I actually saw those lashes on your back, right?"
My throat tightened and I remained silent, unable to think of a good response to give, not to talk of form the words in my mouth. The weight of her question pressed down on me, choking me even more.
I didn't want to lie.
But at the same time, I feared what the truth might do to her. To Us.
Before I could speak, she interrupted, asking another question.
"What are they?" She asked me, making her way toward me, her steps cautious and deliberate, as if she feared that I might bolt out the door and never return.
I swear, I was heavily considering it.
With every step she made closer to me, my heart pounded louder and louder, threatening to burst through my rib cage. I backed up till my back met the cold resistance of the counter, trapped between it and her. Adela closed the distance in just a few strides, now standing just inches away from Kez
The horror still etched on her face, contrasting with the gentleness in her eyes, sparkles that told me that I could trust her, that I could confide and explain things to her.
But I was scared.
I weighed the consequences of revealing the truth. The horrors of my story, the scars that adorned my back were enough to send Adela running miles away from me in the opposite direction. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, losing what had just begun between us– a connection that made me feel alive.
A connection that made me feel special.
But I also couldn't bring myself to lie to her.
All I could think of doing was pacify her and make her believe that she had nothing to worry about.
Struggling to find my voice with tears brimming in my eyes, I attempted to speak one more time.
"Adela..." That was all I could bring myself to say, cussing myself inwardly for sounding like a broken record.
"Tell me." She pleaded, her plea piercing through the heavy air, tears welling up in her own eyes.
This was the first time I'd be seeing her this emotional, torn... and it was on me. All on me.
My heart shattered.
"I... I can't,"
I managed to stammer, my words punctuated by a tremor. My head shook slowly as if trying to deny the painful reality that lay hidden beneath the surface. I wish there was another way to shield her from the darkness that had shaped me.
Adela let out a shaky breath, her shoulders slumping in dejection and my heart shattered even more. I reached out, my hand trembling, but stopped myself. How could I even offer to give her comfort when I am refraining from telling her the truth?
At that moment, the door creaked open and little Aaliyah popped her head in, looking between the both of us.
"Adela?" She called her sister, not sure what was going on. Adela subtly used the back of her hand to clean her face before rushing over to her sister at the door.
"I'm here. Is everything okay?" She sounded composed, a perfect contrast to how I was certain she felt.
"Mum just went out." Aaliyah relayed. "She said she was going to check Dad up at the office and they might not be back till late in the night because they have some business," She said the last word with air quotes.
"Oh," Adela mumbled, then nodded. "Alright then? Is there something you need? Are you hungry?" She asked her. Aaliyah shook her head, her beaded cornrows bouncing with every bob.
"I'm good. I just wanted to let you know. I'm going to watch PJ Mask now." She said and Adela chuckled. Even, my lips twitched a bit.
"Okay. Knock yourself out."
Aaliyah looked over Adela's shoulders at me and I froze. Because of the distance and the dimness of the room, I really couldn't tell of what expression she had on her face, but I tried to muster a smile, just in case she was picking up any weird vibes.
She waved. I waved back.
Then she skipped away and Adela shut the door. In no time, the air in the room was back to being heavy with tension, each breath weighed down by a multitude of emotions.
Adela was already back to standing right before me, her gaze holding mine, completely devoid of the sadness that had filled her eyes earlier. Although a hint of redness remained from the little tears she had shed earlier, her expression now held determination. She wanted answers, and her eyes demanded the truth from me.
The unfiltered truth.
I exhaled, feeling the weight of her expectations bearing down on me mightily. I had no words left, and zero explanations to offer. I didn't know what more I could say.
"Adela, I can't tell you,"
I repeated, my voice and entire demeanor laced with a sense of helplessness. Some truths are just too painful to disclose, to tell anyone, and I was hoping she'd understand that, see reasons and let this go.
But I guess I must have forgotten how incredibly stubborn Adela was.
"That's bullshit, and you know it." She shot back, her index finger stabbing into my chest, her voice gentle but laced with an edge. Her words struck me, letting me know the depth of her longing for honesty. Her eyes were still unwavering from mine, making me see that she refused to be kept in the dark.
Her stubbornness... her Determination penetrated through my fog of fears, causing my frustration to mount even higher.
"What do you expect me to tell you?" I threw my hands up in exasperation, my voice trembling and strained.
"The truth, Jidenna. The truth!"
She insisted, her gaze never faltering, her determination unyielding. Her words landed with a resounding impact, her voice carrying a conviction that pierced through my defenses.
And yeah, she wasn't done talking.
"After everything we have been through– you have been through, this is not the time to be holding out on me," She said to me, her voice revealing the depth of her emotions.
"I thought we were way past this, Jidenna. We are so beyond keeping things from each other, you are so beyond keeping things from me!" She declared, her hand landing firmly on her chest emphatically.
The silence that followed was heavy, the only sound in the room our labored breaths. A jolt of realization coursed through me, her words striking a chord within me, exposing the fragility of the trust we have managed to build over time.
This was Adela. She wasn't just anyone.
She was someone who didn't take no for an answer if she has her mind set on finding out facts- truths, even if she had a gun to her head. I shouldn't expect her to simply accept the scars without explanation, to dismiss the questions that haunted her.
Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, my chest heaved, and my breath was erratic. The walls I had erected was shaking under the weight of her insistence, threatening to crumble to dust.
Before I could gather my thoughts, Adela took my hand and started pulling me toward the doorway.
"Adela, wait," I pleaded, attempting to wring my hands out of her grasp, but her sudden strength surprised me, overpowering my resistance. Her hold only tightened around my wrist, as if she had tapped into a reserve of strength I didn't know she had.
She led me out of the darkroom and through the hallway. She continued pulling me until we found ourselves in another room, one that I assumed to be hers. Before I could comprehend the sudden change in scenery, she pushed me into a smaller room within that room, and it was only then I realized we were in the bathroom.
The distinct sound of the lock turning echoed through the room, alerting me. I turned to see Adela, her face resolute as she locked the door, throwing the key in a direction she didn't even bother to look.
"Adela, this is so unnecessary–"
"We are not leaving this place till you tell me the truth about those scars." She cut me off, stating point-blank, folding her hands across her chest stubbornly.
Oh, bloody hell.
In the confined space of the bathroom, the walls seemed to close in around us, amplifying the intensity of the moment. We stood face to face, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Adela's gaze held mine, her eyes searching and her heart yearning for the truth.
I couldn't bear the thought of her unraveling the pain and darkness that lay beneath the layers of scars on my back. Right now, all I could think of that could cage me from this was pulling the defensive card. It was a feeble attempt to shield myself from the vulnerability that threatened to consume me.
I let out a frustrated sound.
"You are making this more difficult than it is," I told her, my voice edged with a touch of annoyance.
"No, you are the one making this more difficult than it actually is, Jidenna."
She retorted, her eyes piercing into my soul as she jabbed her finger against my chest, causing me to veer back till I was against the basin. Her closeness was overwhelming, her words cutting through my defenses.
"How did we get back here?" She questioned, her voice filled with a mix of disappointment and concern. "After everything that has happened– after everything you have been through, you want to go back to running? To hiding?"
Her words struck a nerve, unraveling the tangled emotions that had been gnawing at my insides. I clenched and unclenched my fists repeatedly, trying to steady my heart rate, my breathing, and my emotions. But nothing was working.
Adela was getting to me.
"You know where running got you to in the past. You know how it almost destroyed you," she continued. "Yet, you want to venture down that road again? And you really think I'll sit back and let you make that same mistake again? Never! I won't allow it!"
The persistence in her voice resonated through the room, her support intertwining with her frustration. The floodgates of my emotions threatened to burst open, angry tears welling up in my eyes as I felt myself overwhelmed with helplessness.
This wasn't the first time I'd felt exposed in front of Adela and feel vulnerable, but the depth of my feeling this time overwhelmed me. I hated that it had to be this situation, my scars, that brought us to this point. And in that moment, all I felt was an intense, and probably unhealthy surge of anger and hatred coursing through my veins.
Anger and Hatred towards Kingsley.
"You have to stop."
I pleaded with Adela, my voice choked with core emotions I couldn't even place. But Adela being Adela refused to back off.
Ignoring my plea, she reached out to help me out of the jacket that hid my scars from her gaze.
"Let me see." She said.
"Stop."
I warned again, my voice more insistent, desperate. Yet, she remained unyielding, reaching for my zipper.
Caught in the grip of impulse and defense, I swiftly caught both her hands with both of mine in a grasp, eliciting a surprised gasp from her. And in one move, I jerked her backward till her back met the solid surface of the bathroom door, another sharp gasp leaving her lips at the gentle impact.
My body pressed against hers and I leaned into her, pinning her between my frame and the wooden door. I swerved her hands backwards, clasping both in one grip so that my left hand was free. I brought my free hand to rest right beside her head while my other hand trapped hers, pinning them against the door behind her like a cuff.
The charged air cracked with electricity, tension thickening the atmosphere. The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the distant sound of dripping water and our erratic breathing, each breath an echo of emotions that pulsed between us.
We were inches apart, our bodies heaving in unison, heat radiating from our bodies and mingling. I could feel the warmth of Adela's ragged breath, tentatively grazing my face, engulfing my senses, and heightening my emotions. Our eyes locked in an intense and intimate stare-down, neither of us willing to back down.
Adela didn't struggle against my grasp. She didn't fight me, her trust evident in her stance.
I also refused to let her go, feeling a strange combination of vulnerability and control at that moment.
Time stood still as we stood there in each other's space, suspended in our silent confrontation, our hearts beating in sync. The look in her eyes made me want to let lose in front of her, to surrender completely and tell her the truth. Just the look in her eyes did that.
The effect she had on me was maddening.
I couldn't control it, even if I wanted to.
"Let. It. Go." I spelled out to her, my voice escaping in a raspy whisper.
"No." She didn't budge, her resolve unwavering.
But it was different this time. It wasn't defiance or resistance; her tone was gentle, understanding... hypnotic–like a siren. She exhaled, melting against my body. Her eyes held sadness and pity– for me.
"It's me, Jidenna. It's Adela."
She whispered hypnotically like she was trying to get me to remember who was standing in front of me, trying to remind me that she wasn't just anyone to me. Her voice was tender, filled with compassion.
"You don't have to run away from me," she continued, her voice gentle as she tried to appeal to my emotions. It was working. "You don't have to hide from me. I have seen you... all of you and I haven't left. I'm not going to leave now, and you know that. I also know that you don't want me to."
"I don't want to lie to you." My voice trembled.
"Then, don't."
Her words pierced through my defenses, crumbling the walls I have built to protect myself, brick by brick. Her words reverberated through my very being, striking a chord deep within. Gradually, my grip on her hands loosened, and I surrendered to the vulnerability that enveloped me.
Adela leaned in, closing the minuscule gap between us, our faces barely centimeters apart. She brushed the tip of her nose with mine delicately, her breath mingling with mine. Instantly, I felt myself thaw, tears welling up in my eyes once again. Only that this time, they weren't tears of anger.
They were tears of pent-up pain, suppressed sadness, and everything in between.
Finally, my hand releases hers and my face dropped, tears falling from my eyes like beads.
Adela swiftly placed her hands on either side of my face, lifting it slightly so that I could meet her gaze.
"Look at me," She cooed, her voice cajoling. "Let me help you, okay? Please let me help you." She pleaded, her hands framing my face, their warmth seeping into my skin.
But it didn't stop me from saying the undeniable truth.
"You can't," I shook my head weakly, my voice in a whisper. "No one can," I admitted.
Adela exhaled shakily but nodded slowly, accepting the weight of the bitter truth. She couldn't help me. There was so much she could do, and saving me from my father wasn't one of them.
"Okay." She said. "I'm going to ask you three questions, and I need you to answer me honestly, alright? You don't have to say a word. Just nod or shake your head, yeah?" Her voice trembled, her fragility mirroring mine.
I have realized that Adela's unwavering support and unyielding determination were all I needed as an anchor that could guide me through this storm. I just had to find the strength to face the truth and offer her the fragments, the shards of my broken soul.
So I nodded, preparing myself for whatever question she wanted to ask.
"Is someone abusing you?" She asked, her voice filled with concern and an undertone of anguish.
The answer to the question was quite obvious, but I nodded nonetheless without batting an eyelid, my admission weighing heavily on both of us.
Adela's breath caught in her throat, her hands flying off the sides of my face to cover her mouth, attempting to stifle a gasp that already escaped. My tears flowed freely, a wave of shame coursing through me. This was beyond embarrassing for me. But I needed no one to tell me that it had to be done.
Despite her own trembling body, Adela steadied herself, mustering the strength to go on.
"Is it someone at home?" She asked, her voice careful like she was trying not to trigger me.
Again, I nodded, and she let out a shaky breath, fear clouding her eyes as she mentally prepared the last question.
"Is..." she paused to swallow, gathering her thoughts. "Is it your Dad?" She asked, her voice quivering with a desperate plea for truth, her eyes begging me for confirmation.
I met her gaze, my eyes filled with both pain and affirmation. Then I nodded one more time.
I guess the cat is out of the bag.
"Oh my God,"
Adela choked out, her hand covering her mouth again, tears filling her own eyes. Tears continued to cascade from mine, my lips trembling as I sobbed quietly. She fought to get a hold of herself, but her body visibly shook, her quivering lips betraying her inner turmoil.
She struggled to find her words, her voice stuttering as she tried to gather her thoughts.
"C-Can..." she started but trailed off, her voice faltering. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "Can I see?" She didn't have to spell it out before I knew she was asking to see my scars again.
There was no reason to hide it from her anymore.
Her request hung in the air, delicate and sensitive as she reached out again to the zipper of my jacket, seeking my permission to take it off. I held her gaze, silently granting her access to reveal the truth.
With trembling hands, Adela pulled the zipper down, exposing my chest first. Her eyes remained locked with mine as she cautiously reached my shoulder, pushing the sleeves off and down gradually, my heart pounding louder as it revealed my back inch by inch till the jacket slipped off completely, landing softly on the floor.
I was backing the mirror that hung over the basin, so my entire back was exposed to the reflective surface. Adela rested her hands gently on my shoulders, standing on her tiptoes to peer over my shoulder and see the reflection. The bathroom was well-illuminated in contrast to the dimness of the darkroom, allowing her to see everything.
Every Single Scar.
I was stood there, completely bare to her gaze now.
A strangled, petrifying cry escaped her lips and my sobs immediately intensified, my shoulder shaking vehemently with every sob that left my lips.
"Oh God..."
Adela chanted repeatedly, her voice saturated with horror. With trembling hands, she reached around me, her touch delicate and careful as she traces my scars, mindful not to reopen any wounds.
"Oh God, Jidenna." She whispered, her breath coming out in short puffs.
A wave of emotion washed over me, coupled with immense exhaustion. My head fell on her shoulder and I allowed myself to surrender to the unending torrent of emotions.
I cried, wailed even, releasing the pain and suffering that had burdened me for far too long.
Adela held me, her presence a safe harbor to the storms raging inside me, her touch a relief to my wounded heart. She let me cry, cradling me against her as she whispered soothing words of peace to my soul.
She didn't run. Just like she promised.
And at that moment, I felt a glimmer of hope– a flickering light that assured me that I wasn't alone anymore.
For the first time in forever, I began to glimpse the possibility of healing.
Maybe there was saving me.
Just Maybe.
I was now seated on Adela's bed, waiting for her.
As she had initially wanted to, before this whole fiasco, she went to put my shirt in the washer to get the developer stains out and she was yet to return. That was okay because the privacy gave me enough time to think and the quietness of the room made it even easier.
For the first time, I had confided in someone outside my family about Kingsley's abuse. It was a secret that had burdened me for far too long, and saying it out loud that I was being abused brought a sliver of relief, easing a lot of weight off my shoulders.
But even with this, I still wasn't sure how I felt about it... or rather, how Adela feels about it.
I can't begin to imagine what was going on in her mind, what she might be thinking, and how differently she might be looking at me now. And despite her promise not to leave, I couldn't help but feel like I'll still scare away by how utterly complicated and messed up my life was.
No one would want to be associated with me in all this because my life was one hell of a ticking time bomb, waiting to implode. I wouldn't want that for Adela, and I'm sure she wouldn't want that for herself.
And though I wouldn't blame her if she did leave, the mere thought of it still scared me to bits.
The creaking of the door jolted me out of my reverie, and my gaze lighted to meet Adela's entrance back into the room. She shut the door softly behind her, leaning her back against it, her eyes fixated on me. Her gaze was gentle, her expression calm, but I still couldn't tell what was going on in her mind.
Adela has never been the easiest person to read, but it was so much harder now, especially with such a crucial situation.
I wish I could read her.
I wish I could tell what was going on in her mind.
An uncomfortable silence settled between us, stretching the seconds into an eternity. I felt exposed, stripped bare before her– not just physically because I was still shirtless, my scars still exposed to her gaze, but also emotionally and mentally. I felt utterly vulnerable, my soul laid bare before her.
I felt Naked.
I couldn't even hold her gaze for long, I had to drop it, clasping my shaky hands together. I didn't like the way the silence was dragging for so long, so I had to speak.
"You are awfully calm for someone that just saw something rather disturbing." My voice came out in a whisper, mixed with a small laugh. Her lips stretched in a small smile.
"Trust me, I'm trying so hard to keep my composure." She answered, her calm demeanor unwavering. If really she was affected and was only trying hard to keep her composure, then she was doing a very good job. She didn't look the least bit affected.
Adela pushed herself off the door and began to make her way toward me, her movements purposeful and deliberate. With every step she took, my heart pounded louder, its rhythmic beats reverberating against my chest.
Finally, she settled down right beside me, her presence overpowering my senses. I was acutely aware of her proximity, her scent enveloping me like an embrace. I inhaled involuntarily, allowing her essence to wash over me.
Her hand reached up, delicate fingers gently grazing my face, guiding my gaze to meet hers. A shuddering exhale escaped my lips.
"Are you scared?" I whispered, my voice trembling with uncertainty. She tilted her head, her eyes searching mine curiously.
"Scared of what exactly?" She asked. I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts.
"Of everything," I answered, my voice laced with vulnerability. "Of... me," I added, my tone barely above a whisper. A soft laugh escaped her lips, followed by a gentle shake of her head.
"The only thing I'm scared of is the thought of your father inflicting pain on you." She confessed, her fingers tracing patterns on my face, a subconscious motion. "But you, Jidenna? I could never be scared of you. Why would I be?"
I couldn't find an immediate answer, my gaze faltering as I looked away from her again.
"I don't know," I admitted, my voice tinged with doubt. "I just... I can't shake this feeling that I'll eventually scare you off–"
"Hey," She cut me off softly, her voice a gentle caress against the skin of my face. She gently tugged my face toward hers, making sure I was looking at her again.
"Never underestimate how much I care about you, Jidenna." She said, speaking to my soul. "Yes, this entire situation is extremely terrifying. The mere thought of it sends shivers down my spine. But as I told you before, you won't scare me away.–
It's you and me, Jidenna. It's us." She whispered, looking into my eyes as she said the words. "And I'm here to stay. I'm not going anywhere."
The deeper meaning behind her words washed over me, offering a glimmer of strength in this mole of weakness.
I exhaled, resting my head in the curve between her shoulder and neck, burying myself in her familiar scent. I sensed her shaky inhalation, followed by an even shakier exhalation, and then her hand found its way around my shoulder.
For a brief moment. It lingered there, before trailing down my scarred back, leaving a trail of comfort in its wake.
We stayed in that position for a moment, a serene silence in the air. Adela's hand continued to trace the contours of my back, her fingers gracefully gliding over each scar. I could sense her curiosity as she tilted her head back to get a closer look.
Normally, such a moment would have sparked insecurity in me. I didn't need anyone to remind me that my back wasn't the most visually appealing sight. But with her, I didn't feel an ounce of insecurity.
"How long has it been going on?" She asked, her question hanging in the air. She wanted to know the duration of Kingsley's abuse, how long it has been going on.
I couldn't stop the bitter, scoff-like laugh that left my lips.
Can I even remember the exact timeline? I asked myself, gently lifting my head off her shoulder to meet her gaze.
"I stopped keeping track after it went on for five years," I told her, causing her to sharply inhale, muttering Oh God. "But I guess it all started after my mum passed. That was about ten years ago." I said.
"You were seven." She couldn't hide her shock, it was very evident in her voice and her expression.
"Kingsley doesn't care," I said, scoffing. "In his own twisted and malicious way, he believed he was disciplining me."
"That's not discipline. That's torture!" She stated, glancing at my scarred back. "It's barbaric! Cruel!"
Trust me, I know that all too well. I thought, a sad smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
Suddenly, talking about it became easier, as if a barrier had been lifted, allowing my words to flow freely... without restriction.
"Do you want to know how he does it?" I asked Adela. She didn't respond verbally, but she sat up, a clear indication of her curiosity. "We have a room at home. We call it 'The Room'. That's where takes me to torture me," I explained, the words weighing heavily in the air.
Adela's face contorted in a deep grimace. A clear sign that the revelation disturbed her.
"A torture room." She said, her voice filled with revulsion, her expression reflecting horror.
"Exactly," I affirmed. "Whenever I fail to meet his expectations in a test or exam, or even for the most trivial things, like not scoring a goal in American football match, he would have his men bundle me ho to that room, tie me up–"
"Tie you up!" She exclaimed, her eyes widening in terror.
"Like a fucking animal," I responded, a pained laugh escaping my lips. "He'd bind me up like someone about to be crucified cross-wise; legs apart, hands apart–"
"Fuck," Adela cussed, looking and sounding mortified.
"– and gave his men, or sometimes himself, beat me up mercilessly with razor-coated whips... often until I lose consciousness."
"Jesus!" She whispered harshly, her eyes reflecting sheer horror, her hand instinctively covering her mouth. Then in that same moment, her eyes shone with realization.
"Wait," she began, her voice trembling. "That time you were absent from school for an entire week, and we met at the park, was it..." her words trailed off, but she didn't need to complete her question before I knew what she was asking about.
I nodded.
"My first test result was one giant flop," I started explaining. "I actually thought I would escape him because he was out of the country at the time. But I flew back, just to 'discipline' me."
I chuckled sadly.
"He was furious, and he beat me till I passed out. Was unconscious for three days."
I recounted, shaking my head as memories of how each slash of whip met my back painfully resurfaced– the echoes of my screams reverberating through that dreaded room, my desperate pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears.
A shaky breath escaped Adela, her chest heaving as she took in the weight of this revelation. I couldn't begin to fathom the burden she now carried by having all this information dumped on her. I shouldn't be doing this to her, it was way too much for her to handle.
"Maybe I shouldn't go on." I expressed, meeting her gaze as I spoke. "Sharing this is taking a toll on you–"
"No." She shook her head, cutting me off gently. "I want to know everything." She said shrewdly, grasping my hands and giving them a reassuring squeeze.
Then she locked eyes with me.
"Tell me everything." She whispered, her tone almost hypnotic. And in that moment, I found myself pouring out every detail.
I told her how Kingsley's torment transcended beyond academics and sports; how it seeped into my emotions, a relentless assault on my very being. I told her how he never regarded me as man enough to be his son, how there were times I even doubted I was his son.
"You know, most parents would be angry if their kids got into a fight," I began, and Adela nodded in agreement. "But Kingsley doesn't get mad if I get into a fight. He gets mad if I don't win the fight," I told Adela.
"What?" Her incredulity was evident, and even I couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer absurdity.
"When Kizito beat me up in the hallway because of what happened with Hilary, a video of the incident went viral and he saw it. When I returned home that day, he asked if I managed to land a punch on Kizito. When I told him I didn't, he slammed my head against a glass table, resulting in this deep cut right here," I pointed to the scar on the side of my forehead, and Adela's gaze followed, her finger tracing its outline.
She sighed and shook her head.
"He is always telling me that I'm weak, always telling me that I'm not his son, that he could never have a son as spineless as me," I laughed once more, the memories flooding back. "Sometimes, I actually do believe it. Because it's the only logical explanation for why he treats me the way he does.–
–Because I'm not of his blood."
"Jidenna..." Adela whispered, her voice quivering and her expression forlorn.
I divulged more, recounting everything I could remember. Tears welled up in Adela's eyes, yet they didn't cascade down her cheeks. Pain radiated from her gaze, sadness etched on her face... all for me. Witnessing her in that state made me want to cry, so I lowered my gaze, trying to hold back the tears.
"So..." her voice trembled, brimming with a multitude of emotions. "You've endured all of this for ten years..." she trailed off as her voice quivered. I mustered a smile and blinked, a single tear escaping from the corner of my eye.
"You did mention that I have a high tolerance for pain," I remarked, amazed that I could still find humor and maintain a smile amidst all the anguish.
Enduring this kind of torment for a decade was no easy feat. It had taken an immense toll on my mental well-being, breaking me in ways that might never fully heal. Damn it, I've had nightmares—nightmares that led to terrifying episodes of sleep paralysis. I feel suffocated, as if someone was pressing a pillow against my face, intent on snuffing out my life.
That's what the past ten years have been like.
That's what they have felt like.
A living death.
"No. You can't accept this," Adela shook her head, using the back of her hand to wipe her teary eyes. "You cannot keep living like this, with something so unbearable, and be okay with it. It's not okay. I won't allow it."
"I know it's not okay, and if I could, trust me, I would have run away a long time ago," I told her, holding her gaze. "But I can't. It's not that simple. Besides, even if I had somewhere to escape to, he would find me... and he's capable of killing me."
Fear filled Adela's eyes, and I felt her visibly shudder at my words.
"You have brothers, right? There has to be something they can—"
"They are just as helpless as I am, Adela," I gently interrupted her.
Jidekenne and Jidechukwu might as well never set foot in this country as long as Kingsley was alive. That was the agreement, to the best of my knowledge. They might never return.
And Jideofor? There was nothing he could do to help my situation because he was just as much a victim as I was.
"There has to be something you can do," Adela spoke frantically, her mind working in wheels. She desperately wanted to solve this, to fix everything. If only it were that simple, that easy.
"My parents are lawyers, human rights advocates—"
"Adela," I cut her off, bringing my hand to rest on her face and tilting it so she could focus on me.
Only me.
Her lips quivered, her eyes filled with fear and anxiety, all for me. She wasn't the one experiencing this firsthand, yet she was relentlessly searching for a solution to everything that was wrong in my life.
If I had any doubts about my feelings for her before, i didn't have any now.
God, I love this girl.
"Thank you,"
I began, my voice barely a whisper. Her eyes glistened with confusion, and I knew she was trying to grasp what I was saying. Despite my pain, I managed a small smile and trailed my fingers from the side of her face to beneath her chin.
"Thank you for being so amazing..."
"Jidenna," she shook her head, and a lone tear rolled down her cheek.
"Thank you for being so supportive throughout this," I continued, undeterred. "Many people would have run away because I'm a walking red flag, thanks to the man I call my father."
"You are not a red flag," she immediately refuted, bringing her face closer to mine. "And I made a promise to you. I'll stand by it." Her voice held firm determination.
"I know," I nodded. "But you have to sit this one out... for me, please."
"Why!" She cried.
"Because I don't want to put you at risk," I explained. She fell silent, her gaze dropping. But I didn't let her look away.
"Look at me," I gently nudged her face toward me, and she turned back to meet my eyes. I sighed. "Kingsley Okojie is an extremely dangerous man, Adela. You have no idea—"
I didn't want to delve into the details of his level of danger, not wanting to scare her further. She wasn't scared of Kingsley; she was scared for me. That's how brave and bold she was.
Revealing what I witnessed weeks ago, and also the dreadful rumors about him would only give her an incentive to do something unimaginable just to help me out. She was that daring. But, I couldn't risk putting her in such a perilous position. She might end up getting hurt.
And that's the last thing I want.
"The last thing I want is to put you, or any member of your family, at risk just because you want to help me. I can't involve you. I can't do that to you. You mean so much for me to let that happen."
"And you mean so much for me to sit back and watch that man do all this to you," she retorted. "If I don't try to help you, who will?"
"We—I will find a way," I assured her.
"How?" She asked, searching my eyes.
"I don't know," I admitted because I truly didn't know. "But we will find a way. I promise."
"We just need a miracle." I whispered.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
As the sun set, its last rays spread across the room, creating a soft and comforting darkness. The dimly lit space felt peaceful, like it was holding its breath, bringing a sense of calm and serenity.
Adela had connected her phone to a speaker, and Ckay's 'Love Nwantiti' filled the air. The soothing melodies gently embraced us, creating a cocoon of tranquility. Each note carried a comforting touch, as if the music understood the weight of the troubles that was present before.
The heavy air, filled with sadness and anguish, dissipated like mist, replaced with a cool evening breeze that whispered through the room, bringing a feeling of relaxation and release. The chill in the air blended with the melodies, adding depth to the peaceful atmosphere.
"You know you don't have to do this, right," I said to her, a faint smile forming on my lips. She rolled her eyes, but there was a playful glimmer in her eyes.
"You don't want me to help you the way I'd love to, so let me do this for you," she replied. "And I'm not taking no for an answer." She crossed her arms, determination evident in her stance.
I sighed, realizing she wouldn't back down.
When Adela realized I wasn't changing my mind about seeking help concerning the issues with Kingsley, she let it go, and we held each other for a moment. Then out of the blue, she suggested giving me a massage. I wasn't expecting it, so I wasn't sure how to react.
The idea had me feeling some type of way... and it wasn't a bad feeling.
The mere thought of her hands on me stirred something in me, something pleasant that made me forget my problems momentarily. I kinda anticipated what this one would feel like. Whenever she had touched me before, it had always been in public, but now we were in the privacy of her bedroom, with me sitting on the bed and leaning against the headboard while she stood.
It was just the two of us.
Her touch went beyond the physical. It was both innocent and sensual, always stirring up deep emotions within me and intensifying my feelings, pulling me out of my comfort zone into a realm of primal pleasure.
I knew this could be a dangerous game, but I was ready to indulge.
"Fine," I finally agreed.
"Good," the smiles on her lips turned into a smirk, perhaps unintentionally seductive. "It's not like I was asking for your permission anyway."
As she said that, she casually pulled her knitted sweater over her head, and my eyes widened.
Underneath the sweater, Adela wore a grey sports bra that left little to the imagination. Her arms were bare, and so was her chest, displaying a hint of her cleavage, her toned tummy also exposed for me to see. The knitted trousers she wore with the sweater hung low on her waist, showing off the waist beads that dangled around her hips.
Damn.
My head tilted to the side as my eyes raked over her frame, taking her in and memorizing every inch and detail of her body subconsciously, pulling my bottom lip in between my teeth instinctively.
Adela is beautiful. Inside... and definitely outside.
"You're going to catch a cold," I said, my voice coming out raspy and breathless. She looked at me before tossing the sweater onto an armchair a few feet away, then shrugged.
"I'm not complaining," she said, her smirk still present. "Besides, it's not fair that you're shirtless while I'm fully clothed. I need to get comfortable for what I'm about to do." She stated with a shrewd shrug.
You are one piece of clothing short.
I wanted to say that but stopped myself. Though it was teasing statement, to pass as a joke, it was also testing the limit in a way. So, I didn't bother saying anything. So, I just decided to feed my eyes with the beauty that was her.
Ashewo. My subconscious taunted me, and I suppressed a smile.
"Lie down fully and turn around." Adela instructed.
I did exactly has she said, lowering my back from the headboard and turning onto my stomach, facing away from her. I folded my hands over the pillow, propping my head up with it. For a moment, there was silence, only the sound of shuffling behind me as Adela prepared herself.
Soon, I felt the bed dip, indicating that Adela had climbed on. And just when I thought she would kneel beside the bed to give the massage, I felt one of her legs crossing over my body to my right side while the other leg remained on my left. Then her weight settled on my lower back.
Yeah, she was straddling my back.
I inhaled shakily, trying to act like that little action wasn't affecting me, causing goosebumps to sprout on every inch of my skin. She wasn't even touching me yet, but I could feel my body responding to her.
Like it recognized her.
This is some juju level shit!
"The last time you massaged me," I began, wanting to ease the tension with some conversation. "You nearly amputated my leg with your bare hands," I reminded her of the time she massaged my sprained ankle during American Football training for the Paragon.
That was our very first encounter.
Adela laughed.
"Hey, it wasn't that bad," she defended herself. "And look on the bright side. The massage worked. You were able to play the game the next day, right?" She punctuated her question with a soft hum. I chuckled, seeing the point she made.
"Fair point," I agreed. "But take it easy this time. I have a delicate back." I turned my head to the side, using my peripheral vision to look at her.
Adela didn't respond immediately. Instead, she leaned forward, pressing her chest against my back, her head mirroring my position. I could feel her breath against my face, her lips gently brushing my skin. My body responded even more to her proximity.
"Don't worry," she whispered, her lips brushing against my earlobe, causing me to inhale sharply.
"I'll be gentle."
Fuck.
As innocent as those words might have sounded, they carried a double meaning. The way she said it, something told me Adela knew exactly what she was doing and the effect it had on me. This girl was playing with me. She had me between her finger, swaying me in directions only she wanted.
And, I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold myself back.
Adela placed her hand on my shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. I exhaled at the feel of her hands on my naked skin.
"You are tensed," She whispered, her voice coming in soft and hypnotic. "Loosen up, Jidenna," my name flowed from her tongue like melted chocolate. I relaxed in her command, surrendering myself to her touch.
As Adela's hands made contact with my shoulders, a wave of warmth and relief washed over me, a soft sigh escaping my lips as my eyes fluttered close. Her touch was gentle yet firm, her fingers skillfully working their way through the tension that had built up in my muscles.
I could feel her fingertips tracing the contours of my shoulders, applying just the right amount of pressure to release the knots that have formed.
"Fuck..." The cuss word escaped my lips before I could stop it, my voice coming out in a husky groan when I heard a crack, an indication of an unknotted muscle.
"That feels so good," I growled into the pillow.
"Yeah?" There was a small laugh in Adela's voice as she whispered, leaning forward a bit that I could feel her breath on my back. I involuntarily shuddered.
"Yeah," I affirmed with a slightly frantic nod. "Don't stop."
Her movements were deliberate and precise, gliding effortlessly across my shoulders. The rhythm of her touch lulled me into a state of deep relaxation, as if all the worries and emotional stresses of the day were being massaged away.
That was exactly how it felt like.
As her hands continued their journey, they seamlessly transition from my shoulders to the broader expanse of my back. The motions are fluid, as if she was dancing across my skin, soothing every muscle in her path. I could feel the tension slowly melting away, replaced by a sense of tranquility and ease.
It felt so good.
Her hands glided effortlessly, exploring the contours of my body with purposeful intent. From the nape of my neck down to the muscles of my back, she worked her magic, releasing the tightness in my muscles and inviting a sense of tranquility to wash over me.
"Right there," I called out as soon as she touched a spot that turned my entire body into jelly, my voice coming out in soft, breathless pants. "Fuck, that's the spot."
I didn't care if I was embarrassing myself at this point, sounding like a wanton mess because of a girl hands on my body. I didn't give a damn.
I wanted her hands all over me.
What is this witchcraft for God's sake?
Adela didn't relent, her hands taking me oblivion and back. But it is when her hands reached my lower back that I truly felt the magic of her touch, causing me to groan into the pillow. She knew exactly where to target, using circular motions and strategic movements to bring relief to this sensitive area.
She was transcending me to plains beyond this world. Somewhere beautiful.
Somewhere I wanted to be, with her.
Each stroke was like a soothing balm, easing away the stress and tension that has been weighing me down. Her fingers danced across my back with such grace, creating a symphony of relaxation within me.
But suddenly, I felt something unexpected— a soft sensation on my neck. Adela's lips brushed against my skin, leaving a trail of delicate kisses in their wake.
I couldn't help but groan in both surprise and pleasure.
"Adela, what are you doing?"
I managed to breathe out, my voice filled with a mix of anticipation and desire. Her actions caught me off guard, but I couldn't deny the excitement that coursed through my veins.
"What does it feel like?"
She whispered, her warm breath causing shivers to run down my spine and her words dripping with a seductive tone. Her lips brushed against my earlobe, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I couldn't help but let out a low curse, overcome by the intensity of the moment.
"Fuck!"
I exclaimed, my breath hitching as I struggled to hold myself still. Adela's touch, both through her kisses and her hands exploring my back, was driving me wild with desire.
"Hold still." She commanded.
I wasn't sure I could do that at this point.
Adela's tender, yet inciting kisses continued, trailing along the curve of my neck and over my back. Each touch, each gasp escaping my lips, intensifying the growing desire within me.
Struggling to resist, I unclasped my hand from beneath my head and spread them out on either side of me, tightly gripping the sheets between my fingers. Adela's hands followed mine, intertwining her fingers with mine.
The intimacy that brought was unlike anything I have ever experienced or felt before. The air crackled with an intense chemistry, the kind that had the power to ignite the entire house into flames and burn it all down to ash.
No matter how hard I tried to hold back, I was tethering over the edge into a primal abyss.
And when Adela brought her hands down to the sides of my back and moved towards my chest area, slightly brushing his pecs, I lost every single bit of self control I was holding on to.
One minute, Adela was on top of me, and the next we had switched positions, only that this time, Adela back was pressed against the bed. I wasn't sure how I did it, how I was able to switch us up like, but I did.
A surprised yelp escaped Adela as she suddenly found herself beneath me, both her hands pinned on either side of her head with mine, my body hovering above hers, her legs trapped in between mine.
She wasn't going anywhere.
I hovered above her, my chest rising and falling heavily, mirroring the rapid rhythm of her own heaving chest. The surprise in her eyes was undeniable, unable to hide the astonishment of what I had just done. She never expected me to take control, to switch the dynamics and position myself above her.
To be in charge.
The mere thought of it made a smirk play on my lips, my head tilting to the side, savoring the delicious power shift.
"It's not so fun to be teased," I growled, my voice deep and husky, a timbre I never knew resided within me. Adela's lips formed a small smirk in response.
"You sounded like you were enjoying it," She countered, her tone equally husky, laced with a hint of dare. She knew exactly what she was doing, and I was acutely aware of it.
A soft laugh escaped my lips as I shook my head slowly.
"You're daring me, Adela." I warned, a surge of exhilaration coursing through my veins.
"And what are you going to do about it, Jidenna?" Adela's words hung in the air, another daring challenge thrown my way, the final straw.
I couldn't resist any longer. The sheer intensity of the moment, the fiery tension between us, pushed me beyond restraint. I was reveling in this newfound authority, fueled by a potent mix of desire and dominance.
The boundaries blurred as my mind delved into uncharted territory, embarking on a journey of exploration and passion. This was my opportunity to show Adela just how commanding I could be, to revel in the intoxicating dance of power and desire.
Burying my face in Adela's neck, I unleashed a cascade of kisses that that ignited a fire within us. Her hands were helplessly trapped within my grasp, but she tried to maintain composure, pretending not to be affected by the onslaught of sensations.
But, it was impossible to hide the soft whimpers and moans that escaped her lips, her eyes fluttering close, betraying what she really felt.
Smiling against her velvety skin, I moved my lips trailing them from her neck to the curve of her exposed collarbone, and then slowly up to her jawline. Each tender touch elicited a gasp from Adela, as she couldn't help but writhe in my arms, a futile attempt to break free from my hold.
"Jidenna," She gasped breathlessly when I nibbled against a spot on her neck, her back aching off the bed and her voice laced with both desire and surrender.
"Hold Still," I commanded, using her own words against her, my voice husky and laced with authority.
In that moment, I realized that being with a few girls, before and after Hilary, and even with Hilary, it has never felt like this with them, this intense. None of them had ever stirred such a profound intensity within me.
With Adela, it was an entirely new experience, a thrilling exploration of uncharted territories. The contrast between her usual strong and assertive demeanor, her boss lady persona, and the vulnerable surrender she displayed now made it all the more intoxicating.
And I reveled in it.
Adela's soft moans and wanton whimpers only fueled my desire further, confirming that she too relished in this intimacy. She liked to be controlled. The fusion of dominance and submission, of passion and surrender, bound us together in a dance of shared ecstasy.
My kisses traced a tantalizing path up to Adela's face, our lips barely grazing each other's, causing a gasp to escape her parted lips. When she opened her eyes to meet my gaze, I found himself breathless, utterly captivated by the intense emotions reflected in her eyes, knocking the air out of my lungs.
Fuck, she's beautiful.
"Not so tough now, are you?" I teased, in a breathless whisper, taunting her newfound vulnerability.
"Fuck you, Jidenna," She retorted, her voice laced with equal breathlessness and a hint of defiance. A smirk stretched at the corners of my lips as I wiggled my eyebrows playfully.
"Not yet," I teased back, relishing in our playful banter.
Laughter bubbled between us, our voices intertwining. My face fell back in the hollow of her neck. I released her hand that was trapped in mine, and she immediately wrapped her arms around my neck, drawing me closer to her. Most of my weight was now on her but she didn't seem to mind.
Now I was the one resting between her legs, her thighs propped up on either side of me. My hand rested on one of them, holding it against me.
"Alright, you win," Adela admitted when our laughter subsided, beaming with a wide smile. I smiled back, reveling in the satisfaction those words brought to my ego.
Returning my focus back to her neck, I doused her skin with soft, delicate, and lingering kisses, surrendering to her intoxicating scent. Then I felt her sigh of contentment, her hand tightening around my neck.
As the effects of the massage began to kick in, and drowsiness washed over me.
"I feel sleepy." I whispered into her neck, my voice barely audible.
Adela's response was soothing, her fingers tracing soothing circles on my back, luring me deeper into a state of tranquility.
"It's okay," she reassured me, her voice a gentle whisper. "Don't fight it."
I let myself go, surrendering to the drowsiness and allowing myself to slip into a sweet slumber, free from the clutches of nightmares, pain, and suffering. Free from Kingsley.
In my dreams, only Adela stayed, a beacon of solace and warmth.
(UNKOWN POV)
I stood outside Adela's house, my face scowling deeply as I stared at the building. Between my index and middle finger, a cigarette dangled from my hand, its tip resting against my lips.
Taking a drag, I exhaled a thick plume of smoke into the cold night air, taking a peek at my wristwatch. It had been five minutes since I texted her to come out, and the fact that she hadn't appeared infuriated me.
Who the fuck does she think she is, keeping me waiting in the freezing cold? I scoffed, a humorless laugh escaping my lips as I ran my fingers through my hair repeatedly.
Another drag, another puff of smoke.
"I'm going to clip her fucking wings. Fucking bitch!" I muttered under my breath, pinching the bridge of my nose.
The sound of the gate opening caught my attention, and I saw her emerging from the house. At first, she paused, looking around as if searching for someone. Then her gaze met mine, and she started walking toward me, taking her sweet time before finally reaching me.
When she stood in front of me, hands buried in the pockets of her thick pullover, she stared at me impassively. It was already dark, with only the streetlights casting a faint glow.
A small, sardonic smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I closed in on her, invading her personal space, asserting dominance.
She didn't move back. Didn't flinch.
"You sure took your sweet time to come out," I said to her, tilting my head to the side. She shrugged, rolling her eyes with a bored expression etched on her face.
"And you must have a really good reason for calling me out at this time of the night," She replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She seemed to like she wanted to be anywhere else but here, and her nonchalant demeanor infuriated me.
With a tired sigh, she massaged her temple.
"What do you want, Tekena?" She asked me. "Unlike you, I don't waste my time on frivolities." She glanced at the cigarette in my hand as she said that, then looked back at me.
Looking up at her house, a deep frown creased my face at the mere thought of him being up there.
"He is up there, isn't he?" I asked, and she raised her eyebrows in question. There was no need to spell it out for her; she knew exactly who he was referring to.
Exhaling, she shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. That was the first reaction I'd be getting from her— a fucking smile. And it infuriated me even more.
"Not like I owe you an answer," She began, bringing her hands out of the pocket to fold across her chest. "But just to get the satisfaction of seeing a scowl on your face, I'll give you one. Yes, he is up there, sleeping... resting."
Her words elicited a scowl on my face, just like she had predicted. Just like she wanted to.
I let out a bitter chuckle to hide my frustration, taking another drag of my cigarette. Puffing out the smoke, I aimed it toward Adela's face, but she remained unfazed.
"You think you're one hotshot, right?" I shot at her, pointing my index finger in her direction. Her response was a simple eye roll and head shake—no words.
It only fueled my anger.
"You're finally getting what you've always wanted all this whole, Jidenna's attention. Congratulations," I sneered.
"Whatever." She retorted with a shrug, her nonchalance pushing my buttons.
I clenched and unclenched my fist, my head throbbing with a painful headache—courtesy of her. I wanted to get to her, to see her crumble under my feet and crush her fragments into dust. But she stood tall, and I hated it.
I want to break her.
"Do you really think he sees you the same way you see him?" I continued to taunt, a malicious smirk spreading across my lips. Adela blinked back, refusing to give me a response.
Undeterred, I continued.
"Do you really think you mean something to him?" I raised my brow mockingly. "He is just using you to pass the time, Adela. Just like the rest of the girls. Once Hilary forgives him, he'll forget about you with a snap of his fingers. You'll be gone, faded away like dust, and that relevance you seek so badly will never be yours—"
"I don't give a fuck." She spat, cutting off the rest of his words.
Then she laughed—a beautiful, annoyingly captivating sound that echoed through the streets. I just had to begrudgingly admit that her laugh had my skin tingling.
"Do you really think I'm like you?" She went on. "Leeching off Jidenna just to feel important, capitalizing on his ignorance, and using it to my advantage? Bitch, I'm nothing like you!"
The audacity of her words left me dumbfounded, and she wasn't finished yet.
"You say Jidenna will leave me as soon as Hilary forgives him. That's fine," She surrendered, lifting her hand in a dismissive gesture. "It's perfect, even. I don't care who Jidenna ends up with, as long as he's away from your manipulative and malicious ass!" Her finger stabbed at my chest.
Is this bitch joking!
"You have no fucking right to call me—" I tried to close in on her, but she matched his movement, causing him to veer back.
"Call you what? Manipulative? Malicious?" She dared to repeat, scoffing. "That's exactly what you are, Tekena Tamuno, and you know it. It's just sad that Jidenna doesn't, and you're using that to your advantage, capitalizing on his good heart and vulnerable soul.–
–But I see right through you, Tekena." She moved even closer, invading my personal space. "I see what you're doing. And there's no way in hell I'll sit back and let you use Jidenna like a pawn in your sick, twisted game."
It seemed like she was finished, turning around to walk away from me. My chest heaved, and my eyes widened with disbelief. She had just schooled me, taking control of the situation without batting an eyelid or breaking a nail.
I hated it.
I hated how she had the last say.
I was the one that called her out, intending to threaten her, but she had ended up threatening me.
There was no way I would let that happen.
"And what do you think he'll do when he finds out that your parents are in charge of all his father's cases?" I called out, hoping for the reaction I wanted.
And yeah, I did.
She stopped in her tracks, turning to look at me. The sardonic smirk returned to my lips. I was finally getting what I wanted.
Adela closed the distance between us once more, her expression still impassive, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes. Curiosity wasn't what I wanted to see. I wanted to see shock. But curiosity was okay. I could manipulate it, twist it to my advantage and provoke the reaction wanted.
"What are you saying?" She asked, folding her arms across her chest.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Adela Yongo," I fired back, mimicking her stance.
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Humor me, Tekena Tamuno."
Now she was taunting me. I knew this game all too well—I was the master at it, and I wouldn't allow a wannabe "bad bitch" to run me over. So, I indulged her.
"Your parents' firm is the one handling every Kingsley Okojie case," I stated confidently. How I knew that was unimportant; I could be a researcher if I wanted to.
"From the allegations of him being a killer to embezzling billions of money from the state and the country. And I've also heard some very interesting rumors about him sleeping with young girls," My eyes roamed over her body, my tongue darting out to sweep over my bottom lip.
"Girls like you, Adela," I added, wanting to provoke her.
But she remained unfazed, refusing to show any cracks in her composure.
So, I decided to deliver the final blow.
"Do you know he hits Jidenna?"
The mention of Jidenna's name finally got a reaction from her— a subtle raise of her eyebrows and a tilt of her head. It was enough for me to know I had struck a nerve there.
"He beats the poor boy to a pulp, to the brink of death sometimes."
"Why are you telling me all this?" She asked, indulging me. My smirk widened; I was finally getting under her skin.
"You know I can easily spin the story and tell Jidenna that you're only with him for your parents. I can tell him that you're using him to gather information to give to your parents, information that can bring down his father.–
–You know I can turn him against you with a snap of my fingers. I have Jidenna wrapped around my little finger, and I can make him do whatever I want."
"Give it your best shot, Tekena," Adela's words hit me like a sudden gust of wind, catching me off guard and causing me to come to a sudden halt. Her challenge hung in the air, leaving me momentarily stunned.
"You want to spin a story I know nothing about just to turn Jidenna against me, go right ahead. I really want to see how that turns out for you," she continued with a cool, sardonic smile playing on her lips.
What! I blinked in astonishment, my eyes widening at the audacity of her claim.
Adela closed the remaining distance between us, that sardonic smile still playing on her lips. Her confident demeanor grated on my nerves, intensifying my frustration.
"But you know what," Her smirk widened as she spoke. "I can just be as devious and malicious as you are, and give you a taste of your own medicine. I just found out about Jidenna's dad today. He told me about it."
The fuck!
My mind reeled in disbelief. Jidenna had chosen to confide in her, unveiling a secret that he had kept hidden from me. Anger surged through my veins, mingling with the sting of betrayal. My obvious reaction only seemed to fuel Adela's amusement, her smirk widening as she savored the impact of her revelation.
"And from the look on your face, I can boldly say that he never actually told you about it, and you found out on your own. That's perfect," she taunted, tilting her head to the side and raising her eyebrows.
Her words struck a nerve, slicing through the air with painful accuracy. The accusation pierced my conscience, triggering a surge of guilt. I had known about Jidenna's father's abuse and had witnessed his suffering for far too long, yet I had done nothing.
"You have known about his father's abuse for God knows how long, yet you did absolutely nothing about it," Adela's voice dripped with disdain, her words a painful reminder of my complicity. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, washing over me with a surge of regret.
"You sat there and watched your best friend being tortured continuously by that man called his father, probably relishing in the sick pleasure of it," Her tone dripped with contempt, each word lashing out like a whip against my conscience.
"You preyed on his weakness, feasted on his vulnerability, all because you wanted to control him," The truth of her assessment reverberated within me, amplifying the anguish that twisted in my gut and clawing on my insides with guilt.
"How do you think he will take it when I tell him all of this? That you are just as much of an enemy as his father is?" Her brows arched, a taunting smirk playing upon her lips.
The challenge in her voice hung in the air, daring me to imagine the devastating impact of her revelations. The thought sent shivers down my spine, a knot of apprehension tightening within me.
I gritted my teeth, feeling the anger and frustration welling up inside me, my fist involuntarily clenching.
"He won't believe you," I managed to squeeze out through gritted teeth, my voice laced with defiance. Adela's smirk vanished, replaced by a deep grimace that twisted her features.
"Don't fucking test me, Tekena Tamuno," she jabbed her finger into my chest forcefully, causing me to stumble back, almost losing my balance. The pain shot through me, but her words held a power that cut deeper than any physical blow.
"And don't underestimate what I feel for Jidenna," she continued, her voice dripping with determination.
Promise.
"I Love Him," She declared, her eyes locked with mine, unyielding. "And unlike you, I care a great deal about him. Don't think I won't go the extra mile to make sure he is okay, because I can... and I will."
Her words resonated within me, striking a nerve. The weight of her dedication and the sincerity in her voice shook me to the core. I fought to regain my composure, my clenched fists and gritted teeth betraying the intensity of my emotions.
"Stay out of my way, Tekena Tamuno. That's a warning."
She finished, her words hanging in the air. And with that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving me standing there, transfixed in the middle of the road. I watched her retreating figure until she disappeared from my sight.
A surge of boiling rage erupted within me, a volcanic eruption of frustration and anger. Unable to contain it any longer, I unleashed a primal scream into the air, the intensity of my emotions reverberating through the empty street.
"FUCK!"
𝐀/𝐍
Please, can we all bow down and pay homage to King Adela😭🔥. That is my role model fa! Jeez!
See the way the king gave TK wotowoto! Omo, you can't get into an argument with a lawyer o, they will finish you. I know that from experience. TK should just go and rest... but you and I know that he wouldn't.
And can we talk about how hot 🥵 Jidenna is when he is charge! Damn 😭🔥. I felt like crying writing that part. See how neck kisses be, when e reach time for kiss nko. We will just off cloth because of heat😂. Even Adela mellow!
For those that guessed Adela's mum is working on Kingsley's case, you were very correct. Clap for your set. And the revelation that TK has known about Jidenna's abuse for a while, who saw it coming? Hehehe 🌚.
A few chapters and we will officially me at the center of this entire book, then we can start counting down to the end. I want to finish this book by the end of this year (probably not going to happen), but Godspeed to me.
Till the next update, you know the drill. Kisses 😘.