Cassandra season 1 (romance) episodes 41 - 61

Episode 41

‘’Cassandra please say something’’ I pleaded miserably as my dear Cassandra stood, facing me with a deeply coloured look. I just didn’t know what to make of her silence or what else to say to her. I equally couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind that exact moment.

‘’what do you want me to say huh?. How do you expect me to react?. How do you think I feel right now?’’ she suddenly poured out while I stared at her nervously.

‘’I feel so awful, so bad, so surprised, so confused. I’m still in great shock. Believe me no woman will be happy over what you just confessed. Gosh this is so terrible’’ she breathed colouring up more. I stared at her with great fear. I was scared of losing her. I was even scared of breathing.

‘’oh Cassandra’’ I stammered softly, keenly watching her with all my heart and soul. She covered her face for some seconds with her palms, breathing heavily as she probably pondered over everything. I prayed inwardly, begging God to help touch her heart. Cassandra definitely meant everything to me and losing her could destroy the remaining part of my sanity.

‘’okay fine, I believe things happen for a reason. Let’s look towards the brighter side of life’’ she suddenly said, surprising me greatly. I quickly drew close to her, staring deep into her eyes to be sure of what I just heard. She smiled, took a step forward and hugged me strongly, melting my heart with that singular gesture.

‘’I’m willing to make this sacrifice for you and I hope you will reciprocate by making me more happy?’’ she asked softly while I eagerly nodded without thinking.

‘’yes yes yes. For this singular act, I’m willing to do anything for you. I’m willing to do anything you ask for in appreciation. Just name it’’ I breathed with great happiness, breaking free from her to stare into her eyes once again.

‘’that’s okay. I believe we are cool with each other’’ she muttered, rolling her eyes seductively. I breathed deeply, planting a kiss on her forehead.
I really was extremely proud of myself for getting the courage to tell her the truth and equally very happy that things ended in my favor. Cassandra’s action to me was a very great sign that she really was in love with me. She could have walked away but no she stayed put.

‘’oh Cassandra’’ I breathed again and again.

———————————-

My mum called at exactly 6:30pm, asking me to come over to the hospital which I did without wasting time. The happiness on my face was very obvious that my mother and Nora exchanged quick glances as soon as I showed up at the hospital like a happy school boy.

‘’Nora has been discharged. We have to take her home first’’ mum ordered while I nodded in agreement.

‘’so how are you?’’ I asked Nora who breathed deeply, saying nothing.

———————————-

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at Nora’s apartment. Mum stayed behind in the car while I went into the building with Nora and her sister. It really was the only way I could show a little bit of care to the girl who I knew was suffering greatly.

‘’please just take care of yourself and our baby. Please don’t ever over stress yourself again. If it’s about money, I can easily provide your needs. Just be careful okay’’ I pleaded to her when we got to her room. She smiled and nodded.

‘’thanks for your care. I appreciate a lot’’ she breathed and blushed. I drew close and touched her stomach, trying to see if I could feel my baby. She stared at me with surprise before holding my hand and smiling.

‘’you know this is my first time. We are carrying this baby together. I can’t wait to see him’’ I breathed with all sincerity. She simply held my hand, saying nothing.

‘’you are going to be a good mother, that I’m very sure of but as for me I do know that no matter how hard I will try to be there for you and for our child, I will never always be there and he may grow up to hate me’’ I stammered softly, bringing down my gaze and breathing deeply.

‘’you know things really shouldn’t turn out like that. Do you think being with your Cassandra is worth losing the great family we can have together?’’ Nora softly asked, closing the gap between us as threw her body on me. I held her strongly, breathing in her scent and saying nothing for some seconds.

Of course I wanted a happy family. I wanted a great home filled with kids but with my Cassandra and not with Nora even though there wasn’t any doubt that Nora would be a good mother.
I couldn’t get myself to look at her face as I broke free and walked out of the apartment without another word.



Episode 42

I suddenly asked mum as we headed to my house minutes after the touching scene with Nora. She shrugged and breathed deeply.

‘’I like Nora very much and you are going to do the right thing with her. As for Cassandra, I really don’t know but she also acts like a nice girl. However your sister isn’t saying the same about her and you know she knows her much better ‘’’ she answered.

‘’I told Cassandra about Nora earlier today. She didn’t break up with me instead understood all I said to her. I really see that girl as a level headed person. Moreover she is very educated and beautiful. She will soon be a doctor and you will be her proud mother in law ’’ I said with a smile, forcing my mum to smile as well. Yes I believed Cassandra’s education was the only thing probably gaining my mother’s respect but then her new found motherly friendship with Nora was something I was intelligent enough not to overlook. At the end I knew I was the one to make the final decision but then in Africa we all know that family support or a mother’s support is very essential in a relationship.

‘’mum you know I couldn’t finish my education because of financial reasons. You also know that I’m ambitious and a good business man. Marrying a doctor will be good for the family and also good for business. I need your support’’ I appealed softly.

‘’supposing Cassandra isn’t educated, would you have noticed her?’’ mum suddenly asked, surprising me with the question.

‘’I really don’t thing you love that girl, because just like you said, you are simply blinded by what she is going to become in future and how good she will be for business’’ she added annoyingly.

‘’come on mum, don’t be like that. I love Cassandra. I know what I feel for her is strong to be called love’’ I defended quickly.

‘’how about Nora, what do you feel for her?’’’ she slowly asked, giving me a quick look. I breathed deeply, keeping quiet for some seconds.

‘’I really can’t answer that easily. I feel many things for Nora. I feel sympathy, respect and admiration but I don’t think I have enough love for her. No I don’t’’ I breathed slowly. My mother shrugged, saying nothing more.

My head really was filled with many thoughts as we silently made the rest of the journey back to my house. I couldn’t help but wonder what mum’s plans were. I couldn’t help but imagine what she could be thinking.
———————————

On getting to the gate, I stopped my car , alighted and tried to open the gate. A man instantly appeared from nowhere, taking me by surprise as he grabbed me from behind. My heart instantly stopped with fear.

‘’where is my Cassandra?. Where did you keep her?. Talk to me or I will slit your throat’’ the young man threatened loudly as he softly pierced my neck with the tip of a small knife. I instantly knew the fool trying to scare me was no other person than Edwin. I desperately struggled to free myself while my mother jumped out of the car.

‘’you are taking this too far. Let go of me Edwin’’ I barked, struggling with him.

‘’who is that old woman?, Is she comi8ng to fight me or what?. I guess you have lots of loved ones and yes I will destroy them one by one before killing you. Cassandra is my wife , let her be’’ he threatened, threw me forward towards my mother, and faced us with a defiant posture. The neighborhood was very dark and less busy. The noise also coming from hundreds of generators inside the surrounding buildings greatly added to the noisy evening.

‘’my son are you alright?,who is he and what did he say to you?’’ my mother asked breathlessly while I stared back at her unable to say a word because I was deeply shaken.
There wasn’t any doubt that Edwin could kill me and destroy my family.

‘’ahhhh I see she is your mother. Hmmmmmm’’ Edwin quickly chuckled while I stared suspiciously at him, wondering what his next move would be.

The guy was really, really sick in the head.



Episode 43

‘’what’s going on?, what does he want?’’ my mother asked, grabbing my wrist as she eyed Edwin.

‘’mum please get back into the car. Go back to the car, I beg of you’’ I quickly pleaded to her. She gave me a very long look before obliging to my request.

‘’listen, we shouldn’t be fighting over Cassandra and you shouldn’t place your hopes on that girl. She is meant for someone like me, not you. Cassandra is my toy and will forever remain so. She is just using you and nothing more. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt your family but if you push me, then I will . let go of Cassandra and I promise never to disturb your peace again. This is my last warning’’ Edwin threatened seriously. I scoffed, shook my head and drew closer to him.

‘’so I should leave Cassandra just because a boy like you is threatening me?. Fine, you are very courageous. I have heard you. You can go now’’ I said with a short laugh.

‘’don’t push me to hurt you please don’t push me’’ the silly boy threatened once again before disappearing into the night. I breathed deeply as I watched him disappear. I needed no telling that I have to come up with something. I had to come up with a plan to sink the mad kid before he destroys my life.

‘’what was the drama all about and who was that rascal?’’ mum asked as soon as I joined her in the car. I breathed deeply, very reluctant to open up to her but I had no choice than to tell her a little bit of the truth because she definitely heard almost all Edwin and i said to each other.

‘’he’s claiming to be Cassandra’s boyfriend. You know how all these campus kids behave a times. He keeps bugging the poor girl’s life. I just don’t know how to deal with him. Moreover he looks and acts like a drug addict’’ I explained. Mum shook her head and sighed.

‘’It’s better you leave Cassandra and her campus life alone and face your future with Nora. That young man I just saw is capable of doing anything. He can kill you. He can even kill Cassandra just to get back at you. Please we have enough problems already, let go of Cassandra. Let’s find a way to settle things with Nora’’ mum pleaded desperately while I smiled. It was very obvious she was using the opportunity that just played out before her to talk me into building a life with Nora.

‘’I have heard you mother. Let’s get to the apartment first. I hope Cassandra is alright’’ I breathed as I slowly drove my car into the compound.

——————

‘’Cassandra dear are you alright?’’ I quickly asked Cassandra as soon as I walked into my apartment with my mother. Cassandra really looked a bit colored and stressed up as if something was worrying her. I quickly came to the conclusion that she definitely saw Edwin that very evening.

‘’yes I’m okay. Why do you ask?’’ she answered curiously. I gave my mother a quick look before returning my gaze to Cassandra.

‘’let’s go to my room and talk’’ I commanded and headed to my room. She quickly followed me without another word.
On getting to my room, I turned, faced and studied her for some seconds.

‘’you look very anxious, did anything happen when I went out to pick my mother?’’ I asked suspiciously.

‘’nothing happened when you left the house and yes I look anxious because you are acting so weird’’ she answered intelligently.

‘’I ran into Edwin minutes ago. I believe you guys had a good time together. Don’t tell me you didn’t see him’’ I asked with a raised tone while she shook her head in denial.

”i didn’t see Edwin this evening. i can’t believe you ran into him. What’s the problem with that boy” she breathed in defense.

‘’fine , on Monday I will be going to your school with a team from the police Anti Robbery squad. It’s time to get that boy locked up and you are going with me’’ I said seriously, expecting a happy reaction from Cassandra but to my surprise she simply gasped with fear.

‘’no no no, you cant be serious. You can’t do that.’’ She cried.

‘’yes I’m serious. The kid has to pay for stealing your money,for threatening me and for terrifying my mother. You will be the one to show the police where the little rascal lives’’ I said strongly, very determined with my plan but Cassandra was far from happy about it. She quickly drew forward and held my shoulders.

‘’no you can’t do that. I’m going no where with you’’ she kind of screamed, leaving me with no choice than to ponder over how loyal and honest she was with me.

‘’I guess you have an explanation for that reaction. Don’t you?’’ I asked while she nodded her head in agreement as we stared deeply at each other.



Episode 44

‘’it’s not as if I don’t want Edwin arrested and dealt it but the problem is about my safety. Arresting Edwin means signing my own death warrant. His friends will come for my head and the police wont be there to protect me. I’m a young girl and I don’t want to lose my life over such thing’’ she explained, turning her back on me while I stared at her, not knowing what else to say. Of course her explanation failed to convince me and I kind of felt she was protecting the silly guy over something she wasn’t telling me.

‘’I know you wont understand my position. Of course you have never been to the university. You haven’t witnessed first hand how dangerous and careless the cult boys are. But I beg of you. Let me handle Edwin my own way. I promise he will never disturb you again.’’ she pleaded, turning to face me with a deeply shaken mood. I swallowed hard as I stared at her uneasily. She softly held my hands, pleading with all her soul.

‘’i’m very scared. You just have to understand that I’m fighting for my life. Yes I admit the idiot is my friend but come on, you should know that no girl in her right senses will have anything to do with such a rascal. I’m just in a pit that I cant escape. Let me handle Edwin my own way’’ she pleaded desperately.

‘’so I shouldn’t involve the police?’’ I asked with a deep breathe. She nodded instantly.

‘’yes involving the police will do more harm than good. Please for the sake of my life, let me handle Edwin’’ she pleaded one more time.

‘’okay I succumb to your pleas. But if I see that rascal ever again, I wont have any choice than to have him arrested. I said softly with a smile. She threw herself on me, hugging me tightly.

‘’thank you. Thanks so much’’ she breathed happily.

———————

After dinner, I headed to the second room to have a little discussion with my mother. I desperately needed to know her plans with Nora. Of course I had every right to know.

My mum smiled as soon as she saw me enter the room. It was very obvious she was expecting me.

‘’mum you know we still have some things to talk?’’ I stammered as I sat beside her on the bed. She nodded and breathed deeply.

‘’I’m heading home tomorrow and I guess you want to know all I discussed with Nora?’’ she asked while I nodded like a child.

‘’you see Nora and I reached a very good agreement. Her child belongs to the family and so will have every right as you and your siblings. Nora equally accepted me as her new mother and from now onwards I will play a very special role in her life. It doesn’t matter if you give your consent or not. She now has a stake in our family. However I still have things to discuss with your dad. The issue with Nora’s pregnancy still need to be settled between the two families. You are free to get involved, you are also free to abstain. It’s all on you’’ she said with a very serious demeanor , her eyes running through me.

I couldn’t say a word when she was done and even though all she said appeared normal in some way, I just wasn’t prepared for it. I felt empty and hopeless.

‘’I have heard you mother. Good night’’ I breathed, got up and headed to my room with a very clouded mind.

———————–

As I got to my room, I saw Cassandra sitting on the bed instead of lying down. She smiled as i walked in. The effects of the discussion I had with my mother still very much on me.

‘’hey sweet, I really was waiting for you’’ she breathed. I slowly sat beside her, staring at her curiously.

‘’I really don’t know how to ask you this but I desperately need your help.’’ She breathed, I urged her to continue.

‘’it’s the issue of my birthday. Yes it’s true I lost the money you gave me but I still need to go on with it. You know all the arrangements has been made and I cant just cancel the whole stuff’’ she stammered, looking very innocent. But for the second time, I reacted very angrily towards her. I instantly sprang up with great anger , surprising her with my reaction.

‘’you want another money to give away to your student boyfriend huh?. No no no. that’s not going to happen. I’m giving you no money for your birthday and that’s it”. I shouted at her.

‘’but you promised earlier in the day to do anything for me?’’ she quickly reminded me.

‘’yes I did but I cant give you another money for your birthday’’ I said once again.

‘’’okay thank you. Good night’’ she breathed, drew back and fell on the bed, while I slowly calmed down, regretting ever shouting at her.

I instantly felt bad seeing her go to bed with sadness in her eyes but for no reason I couldn’t get myself to take back my decision and do her bidding.

————-
I never gave her another money for her birthday but only gave her five thousand naira as she left early the next day. At first I thought she wouldn’t take the money but she did take the money with a drawn face.

As she left that fateful morning I couldn’t help but fear that our relationship might never remain the same again.



Episode 45

The months leading to November were very difficult ones for me. One of my shops in Onitsha got burnt and I had no choice than to temporarily relocate back to the city to get my business up and running.
However the difficult period didn’t stop me from caring for Cassandra nor did it stop me from sending her enough money monthly. The money I sent to her ranged from N15000 –N25000 every month and even though I was very far from her, I made it my duty to shower her with great love. I equally made arrangements in readiness to our traditional marriage which I planned for December.

Nora on the other hand never accepted any monetary support from me. All she needed was my presence which I wasn’t ready to give. At a point she stopped answering my calls and I only had to hear about her welfare from my mother who she now took as her own mother.

Finally on the last week of October, Nora gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and I must confess the news left a great ray of joy in my heart. I really had to round up everything I was doing and head back to the city of Owerri to see my new born child. But unfortunately for me, Nora denied me the privilege of seeing my little kid.

I still clearly remember that day as if it was yesterday. Yes I still have that memory at the fore corner of my head. The day Nora revealed her plans for me..
It was precisely four days after she put to bed. I arrived at her house with my friend Chinedu with great excitement and joy. The long drive from Onitsha did not in any way affect the excitement in me. To my dismay, Nora’s sister told us without mincing words that her sister wasn’t in the mood of receiving guests as if we were strangers. An alarm instantly rang in my head.

‘’you should just go and come back next week’’ the little girl added very coldly, swiftly turning my excitement into anger.

‘’what do you mean she isn’t in the mood of receiving guests?. I came to see my son and you can’t deny me that’’ I insisted with a slightly raised tone, while Chinedu shrugged, unable to say a word.

‘’please just go. You are not welcomed here anymore’’ the young girl pushed on. I just couldn’t believe my ears. I had to try my best to calm down. Nora soon appeared with a very angry look.

‘’what’s up with the noise?. Didn’t you hear my sister?. Please just go, I don’t want to see your ugly face anymore. You had your chance with me and you blew it. I waited for you nine good months, to come back to your senses but no you preferred chasing after shadows. My kid may bear your last name due to your parent’s involvement but you will never see my baby until he grows up to decide for himself. You can however be getting his pictures from your mother. So please leave my house right now’’ she screamed furiously, leaving me extremely stunned with disbelief.

‘’no you can’t be serious’’ I protested.

‘’you can’t deny a man the right to see his son’’ I insisted strongly.

‘’oh yes I can. I guess you have forgotten my cousin, the lawyer who met you sometime back?. He will soon serve you with a restraining order. You had your chance with me and you blew it. I have already destroyed all the feelings I had for you. Let Cassandra bear you all the legitimate sons you need if she hasn’t destroyed her womb already’’ she shouted, turned and headed back to her room with her sister, leaving Chinedu and I all alone to stare at each other.

‘’did you her?. What do I do now?. Does she have the right to deny me access to my kid?’’ I asked my friend with a boiling mind. He nodded and breathed deeply.

‘’I’m afraid so. But nevertheless let’s wait for her to calm down. We can come back tomorrow or next’’ he said softly, turned and headed towards my car. I quickly ran after him.

‘’but what if she is very serious about keeping the baby from me?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’well I don’t see why you should be worried. You still have Cassandra and she can give you all the children you need. I strongly advice you start up the marriage process with Cassandra’s family immediately, because with the way things are, Nora is definitely not her old self anymore and all you have now is your Cassandra to contend with. You better hurry because most campus girl’s aren’t loyal. Especially sophisticated girls like Cassandra’’ he said seriously, sending a great fear through my heart with his words.



☆☆☆☆

Episode 46

As I drove back to my apartment with a clouded mind, Chinedu tried to his best to calm my nerves.
‘’don’t get worked up brother. Just forget what I said earlier. I made the statement with anger. I wasn’t thinking properly back then. You know what I think now?’’ he breathed, throwing a quick look at me to see if I was interested in what he was saying. I nodded, urging him to continue.

‘’Nora is a good lady. I believe she will later allow you to see your son. Just give her time to be with her baby. It’s very normal for her to react the way she did’’ he said softly.

‘’As for Cassandra, if you are really serious about her. I think now is the right time to start the first stage of the marriage process just to be on the safe side, in case of the unexpected’’ he added seriously.

‘’yes I already planned meeting her family this month. By god’s grace Cassandra will soon be my wife’’ I said with a soft smile, throwing a quick look at my friend who gasped with surprise.

‘’come on! so you kept such plans from me till now?’’ he asked with excitement.

‘’brother I kept nothing from you. The plan has been in my head for long and with the current situation of things, nothing will make me happier than marrying Cassandra this Christmas’’ I breathed strongly.

‘’hmmmm that’s great’’ he shrugged happily.

——————————–

The rest of the evening was really a very dull one for me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking of Nora and my little son. It was as if Nora stole something from me. I just felt like someone who lost a very expensive treasure.
‘’oh God help me to stop thinking of Nora. Please clear my head’’ I prayed as I thought about my future and how to live a life away from Nora, our son and his love. It really was something I just couldn’t do. The little boy deserved the love of a father but with Nora’s new attitude, I couldn’t help but imagine the worst.

To calm my nerves, I tried calling Cassandra to hear her soothing voice but to my dismay her two phones were switched off, leaving me very worried as it dawned on me that it was the second day of not getting to speak with her.
‘’what could be wrong?. Why are your phones switched off Cassandra?. This hasn’t happened before. I hope you are alright’’ I wondered.

————

Early the following morning, I headed to Nora’s house, not minding Chinedu’s advice to stay away from her for some days. I couldn’t sleep a wink the previous night and I desperately needed to see the face of my son.

Nora was extremely surprised to see me at her house very early in the day. The look on her face as she opened the entrance door to see me was very revealing.

‘’what again Dave? What do you want?’’ she asked rudely.

‘’please I really want to see the face of our child. That’s all. I beg of you. Remember I promised to give him all the care in the world. We shouldn’t be quarreling over this. Please stop being mad at me’’ I pleaded solemnly. She stared at me for some seconds, breathing deeply.

‘’I’m a very hard working lady. I have my own money. I can provide anything for my son including a new father. There was a time I was dying to feel your presence. To hear your voice, To be with you, To be your slave but you treated me like a leper. All that is now in the past. You already made it clear that you never wanted me and without me you can’t get to my child. Just forget about him, your parents are capable of playing your role. Moreover I will soon get a new father for my son and everything about you will cease to exist in me. You have Cassandra, don’t you?. Be with her. Marry her and please don’t forget to send me the wedding invitation’’ she said coldly, shutting the door on my face and giving me no chance to talk at all.

I couldn’t believe it was all coming from Nora. A woman that badly wanted my touch and love in the past. I couldn’t believe she could have the mind to deny me my son and still have the guts to tell me about getting a new father for him to my face. I couldn’t believe it all. I felt it was all a dream.
Yes I never for once knew that a woman’s spite could be this repulsive. There wasn’t any doubt she meant every word she said to me. It showed in her eyes and I knew my chapter with her has reached its elastic limit.

It was time to forget about her. It was time to kill my plans for her son and concentrate on my Cassandra. My ideal woman, My pride and my love.

‘’oh Cassandra’’



Episode 47

Later in the evening, Chinedu and I discussed my future plans in his house. The day really was a very tough one for me. I desperately needed to cool off and come up with something but I found it hard getting any piece of mind. Moreover I couldn’t get Nora’s harsh behavior out of my head and I equally was yet to get my Cassandra on phone. It was now three days of not speaking with her.

‘’I plan going to Cassandra’s school tomorrow. I haven’t heard from her in three days and of course she knew I was returning to the city yesterday’’ I complained to my friend who nodded with understanding, giving me a long look.

‘’come on bro, what’s up with the face?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’you said you plan going to visit your Cassandra tomorrow in her hostel. How are you sure she will be there?. Hope you know that tomorrow is Saturday?’’ he asked, drawing out a frown from me.

‘’what are you insinuating?. She hardly travels home. That I’m very sure of’’ I answered quickly, throwing him a suspicious glance.

‘’okay but you do remember her hostel is a lion’s den. What if her boyfriend Edwin gets you there?. Have you forgotten what happened the last time you ran into him?’’ he said with a smile, bringing out more anger in me with his words.

‘’I don’t know if you are intentionally trying to make me angry or not. Anyway you are my friend and I can’t be angry with you, but please stop the silly comments.’’ I begged seriously.

‘’ will you accompany me to see Cassandra tomorrow?”” I asked hopefully. He quickly shook his head.

‘’no bro, I can’t. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow’’ he quickly answered while I smiled to his lie.

———————

By 10am the next day I was already at Cassandra’s hostel in high spirit. I had to visit so early in order to meet her, in case she had plans of going out but unfortunately I met the girl’s door locked.

‘’oh Sir Cassandra has been away for four days. She travelled.’’ A female neighbor informed me as she saw me standing in front of her door. I had no choice than to swallow my disappointment and walk back to my car. But on getting to my car, I met Edwin and two rough looking boys waiting for me. My heart skipped a beat on seeing them but I didn’t let fear take over me.

‘’hmmm I guess you came to look for my Cassandra again?. That means she isn’t with you. She definitely has left you to enjoy with another guy, hahahaha’’ Edwin laughed, while I tried my best to control my temper.

‘’I warned you to stay away from my girl but you didn’t listen. You showed up here once again and this time you are going to pay. I’m going to beat up like a dog’’ he said arrogantly as a loud thud quickly landed at the back of my head. The impact of the blow from behind by one of his men sent me staggering forward, towards him. He grabbed my neck, spat on my face and slapped me.
My head instantly boiled with great pain as I fell like a wounded Elephant. Nobody offered to help. No one came to my rescue. The quiet street quickly turned into a graveyard as Edwin and his gang took their time in hitting me with heavy sticks.

One after the other their blows landed on every part of me, wounding my flesh and tearing my soul. I couldn’t even dodge any of the blows. They came so fast and so heavily. I couldn’t even blink properly or open my eyes until they were done. It really was by God’s grace that I survived it.

‘’moron, next time it will be your sister that will pay with her life’’ Edwin threatened as he disappeared with his gang, leaving me so terribly humiliated, in full view of thousands of students peeping through their rooms.



Episode 48

Few minutes after Edwin and his gang left, I picked up myself and staggered to my car, not caring to check the level of injury done to my body. All that was in my head that moment was to get out of the place as fast as possible. I really was very humiliated and messed up by the silly boy and of course I was very ashamed of myself.
I really couldn’t stop the horrifying event from playing back in my head over and over. The idiots really paid no respect to my personality or age as they dealt with me as if I was their mate.

‘’’you will pay for this Edwin, I swear. I won’t mind killing you if the police fails to act on this” I swore as I drove furiously back to my apartment.
————————

On getting to my apartment, I took a quick shower, changed and first headed to a small clinic close to my house to get myself checked up by a doctor. Afterwards, I headed to the state police headquarters to lodge a complaint but I couldn’t make any headway with it because I was asked to first report my case to the divisional police station within the school community where the crime happened and if the police over there should fail to take any serious action that I should report back to them.

After a little argument, I had no choice than to return to my apartment and eagerly wait for Monday to come by. I just couldn’t wait to throw the little rascal and his gang behind bars.
————–
Sunday dragged by very slowly, offering nothing exciting to me. I spent the day all alone, suffering the great the pain from my injuries and thinking about Cassandra. I spent the day all alone like a man without friends and the painful part of it all was the feeling that Cassandra was probably having a good time that moment with another man. An idea Edwin consciously sold to me and yes I bought it because that could be the only reason why her phones where all switched off.

‘’I pray I’m wrong. I hope she isn’t with another man. God please I hope it isn’t true?’’ I prayed inwardly as my thoughts wandered dangerously towards what she could be doing with another man since the day she left her hostel.

‘’perhaps she’s safe in her house and I’m here thinking rubbish’’ I merely concluded after hours of ceaselessly thinking.

‘’but what if she is really seeing another man, what will you do?, can I bear the pain and torture?, can I stand to look her on the face anymore?. noooooooo’’ I breathed as the questions kept popping out of my mind every second no matter how hard I tried to suppress it and to be sincere I really had no answer for them.

————————–

Early Monday morning, I headed towards Cassandra school to make an entry at the police divisional headquarters located there. All that was in my mind was vengeance. I just couldn’t let the humiliation of the previous week go without taking any action. I badly needed to deal with the little rascal no matter what it takes.

Unfortunately for me, the policemen I met there were really something else. They were just very dull and lazy. The officer I reported my case to bluntly told me that there was nothing they could do about it at the moment.

‘’Mr. David I really understand how you feel right now, but unfortunately there is nothing we could do now than to carry out an investigation. The reason is because you really don’t know where we can get the hoodlums this minute nor know where they live. Supposing the girl in the center of this whole deal is available, perhaps she could easily lead us to them but unfortunately we have nothing’’ he said softly, leaving me extremely furious.
I shouted at him without reservation, without caring that I was in his office. I was very uncontrollable and mad. I refused leaving until the D.P.O in charge of the division showed up and appealed to me to calm down. He had to rally about six of his men and together we all headed to the place where I was beaten up on Saturday.

Unfortunately for me, we couldn’t get Edwin nor any of the guys that joined him to beat me. None of the students around were able to offer any help and Cassandra’s room equally was still locked as it was on Saturday.
————————-
I had no choice than to return to my apartment like a man who lost a battle. I couldn’t think properly. I just couldn’t figure out what else to do. I even found it had to eat. I felt like crying. I thought about my life journey so far. My business wasn’t going as planned. My resources were very low because of the huge investment I made in getting my burnt shop back to its former standard. The year was quickly coming to an end and I really didn’t know what to believe of Cassandra anymore.

‘’Cassandra I pray you are not cheating on me. I’m ready to use my last resources to marry you. Where are you?’’ I lamented as I dialed her phone numbers over and over, getting the same old response.
—————–

Finally later in the evening, my phone rang and it was no other person than Cassandra calling. I quickly answered the call, breathing heavily as lots of questions raced through my head.

‘’what’s up with you Dave?. I just heard you came to my school to make trouble . Why is that?’’ she asked bluntly, not caring to greet or even ask of my welfare. My heart quickly boiled with anger. I hate being disrespected.

‘’seriously I can’t believe you called just to ask these silly questions. Where have you been all these while?. Why are your phones switched off?. I demand explanations right now?” I demanded furiously, but to my dismay Cassandra hissed and ended the call leaving me totally stunned.



Episode 49

I quickly dialed Cassandra’s number once again, not giving her the chance to drop or switch off her phone. I really can’t describe how I felt that moment and seriously I equally was scared over everything. Cassandra answered after some seconds, giving me the chance to speak with her. I quickly cleared my throat while my heart pounded furiously.

‘’Cassandra why are you doing this?’’ I asked softly, trying my best to tone down my voice.

‘’what did I do?. I don’t understand” she asked quickly, pretending not to understand my question. I breathed deeply, uncertain of where to start. I really had lots of things to ask her but deep down I knew I couldn’t get myself to ask all the questions over the phone. I had to get her to my house first before asking the questions that could raise tensions between us.
I really was willing to do a lot for Cassandra. She was the first girl I had genuinely approached with the best intentions in my heart. It wasn’t a crime to wish the best for myself. It wasn’t a crime to wish to marry a graduate. It wasn’t a crime to sacrifice a fortune for a woman i plan spending the rest of my life with.
Oh yes I knew Cassandra wasn’t faultless. I knew she wasn’t hundred percent perfect just like everyone of us. She equally was yet to give me great reason to walk away. She had never given me cause to be angry, jealous or overly suspicious till the present moment.

‘’Cassandra’’ I breathed solemnly.

‘’yes Dave’’ she answered softly.

‘’why has your phones been switched off for the past one week and where are you right now?’’ I asked softly.

‘’I travelled to Lagos to see my cousin. There was power outage in her neighborhood since Wednesday and I hate charging my phones outside. Electricity was just restored an hour ago and when I switched on my phone I saw lots of messages from friends, telling me all you did behind my back. I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t believe you went to my school to cause trouble. Couldn’t you have waited for at least a week or more before doing all the things you did?. I just hate being monitored. If you still have doubts about my whereabouts I can give my cousin the phone right now so that you can speak with her. If you don’t trust me, so be it. No relationship works without trust. I can’t have anything to do with a man who doesn’t trust me’’ she poured quickly, leaving me a bit relieved and speechless at the same time.
I just didn’t know what to say to her for some seconds as the tension in me slowly disappeared.

‘’when are you returning?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’Wednesday’’ she answered.

‘’Stop by at my house on Wednesday. We still have a lot to discuss’’ I said softly, quickly making plans in my head.
‘’yes it’s better we discuss more when she shows up. If she comes out clean, I won’t mind proposing to her?” I reasoned deeply.

‘’okay fine, I will be there on Wednesday evening’’ she accepted quickly.

————————

Early Tuesday, I travelled to my village to see my parents. It really had been long I last saw them and yes it felt good being home with them.
My mother wasted no time in showing me pictures of my lovely son with the stories of how he was delivered.

‘’yes I was there my son. I witnessed everything with my own eyes. At a point Nora screamed out your name as the boy dropped from her body’’ she narrated as I stared at the pictures one after the other. My eyes melted with tears of joy.

‘’Unfortunately Nora now wants nothing to do with me mother. She hasn’t even allowed me to see my son’’ I Complained while my good old mother softly held my hand.

‘’you have to fight for her love if you really want her back in your life. She’s a good woman and I understand what she’s going through this moment. But are you still serious with Cassandra?’’ she asked , searching me with her eyes. I nodded immediately, her eyes quickly dropped.

‘’I hope you know what you are doing. I really do hope’’ she stammered softly.
————————

I returned to the city the next day to prepare and wait for my Cassandra who was coming over that very day. I really couldn’t wait for her to show up. At first I planned buying an engagement ring but later kept aside the plan. I decided to wait till she shows up.
‘’No Dave just give her the chance to prove herself before going further’’ I said to myself..
**********************

Cassandra showed up at exactly 6:45 PM looking very hot in her pink top, black jacket and tight fitting trouser. She really looked like a diva queen who just finished a photo shoot and all the reservations I had about her quickly disappeared as soon as I set my eyes on her.

‘’good evening Dave” she greeted as she threw herself on me.

‘’oh Cassandra’’ I breathed as I hugged her dearly. I really was charmed by her appearance and grace.



Episode 50

‘’so why did you travel to Lagos without telling me?’’ I couldn’t help but ask Cassandra immediately we settled down in my sitting room. She breathed and frowned.

‘’I traveled to Lagos because of money issues. I went to see my cousin who promised to help me with money for my practicals. You already know how difficult things are for my family. They hardly send me money and you hardly send more than twenty thousand Naira monthly for me. Moreover you haven’t sent me a dime this month and I didn’t want to disturb you because I know you have lots of problems to take care of. You really have been doing your best for me. It’s just that my department is a very difficult one. We spend a lot in , materials , practicals and text books. As a lady I also have to take care of myself. I’m really finding it hard to survive. Believe me’’ she poured out seriously while I stared at her not knowing what else to say. Her words, her composure , her appearance all looked too innocent. For a minute I couldn’t say a word as I studied her with my eyes.

‘’seriously I’m really in need of help. The year is slowly coming to an end and I still have lots of pending assignments to submit. I badly need all the help I can get’’ she added as tears quickly appeared in her eyes, unsettling me. I swallowed hard, very shaken and completely stunned. She slowly opened her handbag and brought out a wrap of Naira notes.

‘’this is all I got from my cousin. Just fifteen thousand Naira. I just wasted a week for nothing’’ she muttered, looking up at me.

‘’but, but how much exactly do you need and what do you need the money for?’’ I stammered curiously.

‘’we are having practical’s every Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays .They all involve money because we source for materials ourselves. I really have missed some of them and I have a lot of catching up to do which equally involves more money.’’ She added softly.

‘’so you mean my sister spends this much in school?’’ I asked suspiciously, quickly calculating how much I spent on my sister before she got married.

‘’I hope you know your sister is now married. I think her husband is in the best position to tell you how much she spends, moreover you cant compare when we were in our first or second year with now. Mind you your sister equally is under optometry and not pure medicine. I hope you understand the difference?’’ she slowly explained, getting me angry with the question.

‘’are you trying to insult me or what. Yes I didn’t attend any university but I know things. I can defend myself anywhere any time’’ I barked. She slowly touched me, smiling deeply.

‘’I’m very sorry. I never meant to insult or make you angry. I adore you for who you are’’ she apologized softly, calming me with the apology.

‘’but seriously , you really need to help me. I know you can afford helping me. You are a very generous person and God has been blessing you in return. Please don’t let me go back to my school in tears. You are all that I got now. I’m nothing without you. Please Dave I need your help’’ she pushed on and on.

‘’how much exactly do you need. How much will be enough for you to cover your practicals?’’ I finally asked, when her pleas became too much to ignore.

‘’just fifty thousand Naira. I will add it to the one I have and I promise never to bother you again for the rest of the year.’’ She quickly replied as her eyes brightened hopefully.

‘’I’m currently not financially strong like I used to be, but I will try to help you out. Just don’t disappoint me in the end’’ I softly said to her.

‘’oh dear Lord. Thank you Dave. You are one in a million’’ she screamed joyfully, throwing herself on me.

We ended up making great love all through the night and d--n , the girl was really super energetic. She fired me up with great energy, leaving me gasping as I asked for more. And yes she fed me with more.

‘’do you still want more?’’ she asked after the fourth round, caressing my joystick as i tried to catch my breath.

‘’oh Cassandra!, you are just too much’’ I gave up weakly, leaving a smile of satisfaction on her face.

_______________

Cassandra left on Friday morning with my fifty thousand Naira and after she left , I told my friend (Chinedu) all that happened between us. He really was amused as I narrated how we made love all through Wednesday night.

”if that girl doesn’t kill you with her demands, she will definitely kill you with her body” he joked.

‘’there is no doubt Cassandra is a very sumptuous lady. There is also no doubt that medicine is a very expensive course to study but I really think her demands are getting too much. She isn’t in a private university and I don’t believe her school will allow their medical students to spend the way she’s telling you’’ he said intelligently while i nodded in agreement.

‘’I guess I should call my sister and ask for her help. The only problem with it, is that she’s heavily pregnant and I don’t want to put her in harm’s way’’ I breathed as I dialed my sister’s phone number.

———————————-

‘’hey big bro, what a surprise. I cant believe you are the one calling’’ my sister greeted happily as she answered my call.

‘’I need help. I need you to get someone to watch Cassandra for me. Preferably someone close to her’’ I said without replying her greetings.

‘’hmmm that can be arranged very fast. I guess your eyes are now opening. Anyway just give me two weeks. I know Cassandra’s close friend who will snitch on her for a little fee. Just hold on for two weeks’’ she promised. I smiled and hung up.

‘’it’s done. We only have to wait for two weeks’’ I said to my friend, who smiled,

‘’so what if it turns out that you are being played. What will you do?’’ he asked seriously.

‘’I will kill her. I can’t live to see a girl like Cassandra dupe me and get away with it. i will die of heartbreak if i don’t take vengeance’’ I breathed strongly, leaving Chinedu gasping with shock.

‘’that’s a strong choice of words brother’’ he breathed.

‘’yes and I will do it’’ I promised, exchanging strong glances with him..

‘‘But did i really mean those words?”

hmmmm



Episode 51

On Tuesday of the following week, my mother showed up on her way to see Nora. I quickly offered to go with her, with the hope of using the opportunity to see my son whom Nora blatantly denied me the privilege of seeing.
———————

Nora was very happy to see my mother who was all smiles as they hugged strongly. She really was overjoyed to see my mother but her happiness never stopped her from showing her resentment towards me.
‘’mum you know David isn’t allowed in here. Why bring him along?’’ she quickly asked my mother, ignoring me.

‘’my dear, I do understand your position but please you can’t continue denying him the right to see his child. You have to allow him my dear, even if it is for once’’ she said to the angry girl who eyed me, breathed deeply and shrugged in resignation.
She quietly took us to her room where her little sister was playing with my boy.

‘’he was baptized on Saturday and I named him David just like you requested’’ she said to my mother who smiled with satisfaction.

‘’you are a very good and noble woman. I can’t believe you honored my request’’ my mother praised her as she carried my son while I silently watched on like a stranger, so touched but unable to contribute to the conversation.

I really was extremely touched and shaken as I heard my son’s name for the first time. I couldn’t believe Nora could be loyal and submissive even with the strong hatred she now felt for me. I couldn’t even make a move to touch my son. It was just as if I was scared of touching him, scared of staring at his face, scared of everything. My conscience really worked wonders on me that very moment.

‘’you no longer want to carry your son?’’ mum quickly asked with a smile. I composed myself, reached forward and carried little David, smiling foolishly as Nora, her sister and my mother watched me keenly.
Oh I was very, very nervous.

———————–

‘’we have to talk’’ Nora suddenly said to me after some minutes. I nodded in agreement, handed over my child to my mother and followed her to the kitchen.
On getting to the kitchen, she stopped and faced me with a deeply colored face. I swallowed hard as I stared back at her, wondering what she intended to tell me that couldn’t be said before everyone.
‘’listen David, I don’t like the way you always show up here with the slightest opportunity you get. I hate embarrassing anyone but if you continue with the attitude, I won’t mind embarrassing you in front of your own mother. Please stay away from me and my child. I don’t want him to have anything to do with you. Respect yourself and stay away. I beg of you’’ she said seriously while I stared at her, unable to say a word. I just couldn’t say anything to her. She had every right to be arrogant and disrespectful, but I felt she was taking things too far.

My silence however kind of touched her. She breathed deeply, smiled and drew closer to me.
‘’I know I’m not in the best position to advise you but I can’t help it. You have reduced a lot. You are no longer as big as you used to be. I know things are not going well with you. But the worst mistake you made was falling in love with Cassandra. The girl is just something else. You can’t believe my sister has been seeing her all over the place with one doctor that just moved into this neighborhood two weeks ago. I don’t know how she can have the mind to hang out with another man in the same city you live in. Well maybe the guy is her relative I don’t know but you have to be careful. I don’t see Cassandra marrying a guy like you’’ she said softly, throwing me back with the news. I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t believe her for some seconds. My heart simply froze as my head quickly did some calculations.

‘’I shouldn’t have told you this. I would have allowed you to find out things for yourself but I just can’t keep quiet anymore’’’ she added softly as I shook with rage.

‘’Cassandra was in Lagos two weeks ago. Yes she told me she travelled to get money from her cousin. Has Owerri now turned to Lagos?. How come she has the mind to be with another man in this city, knowing full well that this is a small world?. No, something isn’t adding up’’ I breathed furiously.

—————————-

I really wasn’t myself all through the rest of my stay at Nora’s house. My head was just full of thoughts and ideas. i badly needed to find out the truth. I badly needed to catch Cassandra red handed.
‘’But after catching her red-handed, what next?’’ I asked myself over and over as I drove to my shop, almost running over an old woman who was crossing the road without looking properly. I narrowly missed running over her because I wasn’t concentrating in my driving and had to stop to shout at her, but just couldn’t because she was too old to be shouted at. Instead I decided to caution her.

‘’please madam you have to mind how you cross the city roads. You almost put you and me in a very big danger’’ I advised. She smiled and looked at me.

‘’my son the danger you should be wary of, lives within you’’ she replied and walked away, leaving me guessing the meaning of her words..



Episode 52

‘’seriously what do you plan doing with Cassandra if your fears turns out to be true?’’ Chinedu asked as we enjoyed each other’s company on Friday evening at his house. Yes it really was three days after my visit to Nora’s house but all she told me were still very fresh in my memory.

‘’I don’t know brother. Is it a crime to love?. Is it a crime for someone like me to wish marrying a graduate?’’ I poured out in frustration. My friend shrugged, saying nothing.

‘’The irony of it all is that I’m still very much in love with Cassandra. She has this way of making me feel special. I just don’t know how to confront her. I equally don’t know what to do if all the stories about her are real. I don’t know what to do with that girl. I have invested a lot in her. My money, my heart, everything. I can’t just walk away and start from where?’’’ I cried.

‘’that’s one thing about relationships that I’m scared of. Finding someone you love is not easy and when you eventually fall in love, you may end up loving the wrong person or being in a relationship with a girl sharing you with two or three guys. Believe me most of the guys out there don’t know that their girlfriends are sharing them with other guys. Sixty percent of girls’ double date nowadays, another twenty percent is just waiting for the right opportunity to double date and just twenty percent of girls can be trusted but then they are very difficult to find. Most times the good girls are the ugly ones. Just five percent of beautiful girls can be hoped on but please don’t quote me’’ he lectured while I swallowed hard.

‘’but I thought it was poverty that makes most girls to cheat?. But in Cassandra’s case, I gave her everything she asked for. You can’t imagine how much I spent on her head, both the accountable and non accountable expenses. How can I just walk away as if nothing happened’’ I breathed.

‘’I don’t see the reason why you should be lamenting. You are yet to catch her red-handed and your sister is yet to give you any news. Just calm down and let’s see how things go’’ Chinedu added intelligently. I swallowed hard and shook my head. Losing Cassandra would leave a terrible blow on my body. All the time and energy I wasted on her would then be a thing of the past and a big waste. Starting a new life would definitely be very difficult. Moreover Nora no longer wants anything to do with me and I equally can’t go down on my knees , crawling and begging for her forgiveness.

‘’dear lord, help me. I’m tired of remaining a bachelor. Don’t let me do something nasty out of desperation’’ I prayed inwardly, hoping for the best. Just that moment, my phone rang and it was my little sister calling.

‘’Good evening Big brother. I have gathered all the information about Cassandra you need’’ she said excitedly. My heart instantly froze.
Even though I was dying to know all of Cassandra’s little secrets, I equally was very scared of what it could do to me.

‘’can you believe that Cassandra introduced one doctor Chris Eneh to her friends as her fiancée. I guess you haven’t met any of Cassandra’s friends talk more of being introduced to them?’’ she quickly poured out, leaving me gasping for breath while chinedu watched on with great concern.

‘’she met the dude some years back when he did his youth service in the school clinic. I think they lost contact or something but according to her friend, the guy appeared around May of this year and since then has been having a good time with her. He always sends a car to pick her up anytime he needs her presence. The guy is working at federal medical center Owerri and I heard they are very serious with each other’’ she summarized and hung up, leaving me so dead with the revelation.
‘’oh God!’’ I gasped as my heart stopped beating for some seconds. The pain was just too much.

I almost fainted.



Episode 53

‘’just take a deep breath and calm down brother. Don’t get yourself worked up’’ Chinedu calmly advised immediately after I narrated all my sister said over the phone to him.

‘’I do wish I can just close my eyes and forget about Cassandra. I just wish there is something I can do to make all these problems go away. I’m really devastated. You can’t imagine the pain I feel right now, believe me’’ I cried solemnly.

‘’how I wish I can be of more help. Seriously Cassandra is something else’’ my friend breathed with concern. I looked down with great pain.

‘’I will try to forget her. I will try to push her to the back of my memory’’ I promised myself but then it was just mere words. It was just a promise made with a confused mind.

I couldn’t help but think of Cassandra no matter how occupied I was over the days, and as much as I tried hard to get her out of my head, I found myself thinking about her more and more.
A week slowly passed by without me speaking to Cassandra and yes I used all the strength in me to restrain myself from calling her and surprisingly Cassandra on the other hand never bothered to check up on me. However, as the second week slowly wrapped up I couldn’t restrain myself any longer and I found myself calling the girl I swore never to call again.
Yes I was ashamed of myself as I dialed her number but the pressure and urge to hear her voice was stronger than the shame I felt for myself that very moment. It was just as if I was under a spell and of course I was under the spell of love. Cassandra was the girl I invested my heart, my feelings and my entire soul on. I was yet to reclaim myself and it was something that seemed impossible at that moment.

‘’Cassandra’’ I breathed as soon as she picked up my call. I couldn’t help but notice that the voice she answered with was devoid of the usual tone and softness that always followed it. It was as if she already knew that I was aware of her games. Perhaps it was my feelings that made me reason towards that direction. Perhaps I was right with the reasoning.

‘’hey Dave, good morning’’ she greeted.

‘’I’m fine; I’m really very surprised that you failed to check up on me all through the previous week. You never bothered to call my line even for once’’ I slowly complained.

‘’I have been busy with school’’ she answered.

‘’I really want us to see this weekend. How possible will it be?’’ I asked.

‘’I don’t think it will be possible’’ she quickly answered.

‘’how about next week?, Even if it’s just for few hours?’’ I asked but she surprisingly turned me down.

‘’I will be very busy. I don’t think we will be seeing till the end of the year’’ she replied and hung up without giving me the chance to say another word. I quickly dialed back her phone number but couldn’t get across to her because her line was engaged with another call.
I felt extremely bitter as reality slowly closed in on me. There wasn’t any doubt that I was scammed with love. My case was just a hopeless one.

——————————

The month of November unceremoniously ended with Cassandra neither visiting nor showing any atom of care towards me and as December slowly dragged by I became more desperate and erratic. I still found it hard to stop thinking of Cassandra and each passing day left me more emotionally weak and empty.
—————————–
‘’I think you should find a way to settle with Nora, since by the look of things Cassandra is already done with you’’ Chinedu was forced to advise when he couldn’t keep quiet any more.

‘’no brother, I’m not yet done with Cassandra. But I really do need your help. I can’t just let the girl go scot free. I must find a way to confront her. If it fails to work , then I will have no choice than to take my case to her parents’’ I poured out in desperation.

‘’and what’s your aim with this plan?. I don’t get you’’ he breathed with eyes wild open.

‘’relax and trust me brother. I’m really not thinking with my head this time around but I have a target’’ I answered while he shrugged, probably wondering if I was going mad or already mad.

‘’but how about Nora cant you just make up with her?. I think you still have a chance with that girl’’ he added softly, searching me with his eyes but my face fell instantly.

‘’Nora will never accept me back, not after knowing that I came back to her just because Cassandra played me. Moreover I haven’t seen Nora since the day I went to her apartment with my mother. Besides She made it very clear that she wants nothing to do with me when my memory was still fresh in her head, talk more of now that her wounds has healed. I’m just a failed man brother’’ I opened up.

‘’well just give it a try. Visit her tomorrow with the intention of seeing your son. Who knows things can still work in your favor’’’ he encouraged me and just like he suggested, very early the next day I headed to Nora’s house like the biblical prodigal son who returned to his father after squandering his wealth but unlike in the bible, I knew Nora wasn’t going to welcome me with happiness.
——————
One look at me that fateful morning, a scornful smile appeared on Nora’s face. It was just as if she read all my problems with just one look at me.



Episode 54

‘’what on earth are you doing here?. Haven’t I warned you countless times to stop bothering me?. I guess you do need a restraining order from the court after all’’ she fired angrily, blocking the doorway with her body. I stared at her, not knowing what to say to calm her down. There wasn’t any doubt that she still was very angry with me. .

‘’Nora I didn’t come to fight with you. I came in peace. I came to see my son and equally know how you are faring’’ I muttered, forcing out a smile to push my words but Nora was far from being sympathetic or should I say understanding. It was just as if she was waiting to pour out her anger on me over and over.

‘’I’m very much okay, same as my son. Please don’t bother about him. I have told you numerous times that you are not welcomed in my son’s life until he grows up to decide for himself. As for now, I’m deciding for him and my decision is that you stay away from us. Moreover you are the person that needs all the care and attention you can get. Just look at you. Just look at how pathetic you now look. You look so thin, so withdrawn and so unkempt. It’s very unfortunate that you now look like a skeleton while the girl who obviously put you in this condition is currently having fun with another man down the street’’ she poured out furiously, equally sighing rudely. I gasped as her words hit me like dynamite.

‘’Yes I saw Cassandra this morning with her new lover. I went down the street to buy things for my baby minutes ago and ran into them enjoying each other’s company in full view of the whole neighborhood, chatting and laughing shamelessly. She pretended not to see me and I equally ignored her. You have to get your acts together and move on because the Cassandra I saw this morning is definitely done with you and now frolicking with another prey. I guess you have learnt your lessons already’’ she added, leaving me totally devastated as sweat drenched my entire body.

‘’so Cassandra is in town and yet she found it hard to spare an hour to see me??. D--n’’ I cursed as the pain in my chest grew out of proportion. I felt like crying that moment. I felt so terribly bad and humiliated. I just didn’t know what to do with myself.

‘’how do I handle this shame?. This heartbreak?. What do I do?’’ I wondered, while Nora smiled with satisfaction as she saw how worked up I was.

‘’don’t ever show your ugly face here again, unless you are coming to present your wedding invitation with Cassandra to me. By the way, the doctor enjoying your Cassandra lives in the green duplex, two houses away from here. The house by your right when heading out’’ she added with a mockery tone before shutting her door on my face. An action that infuriated me greatly.

———————–

I had no choice than to pick up my miserable self and head back to my car. I was close to tears. My hopes, my dreams all looked shattered. I couldn’t help but wonder the type of story that would soon spread concerning me. I knew just like how the story of how I abandoned Nora spread, the story of how it all ended with Cassandra would soon spread, making me the laughing stock of the whole market community.
I knew Nora would like to get back at me by spreading the story with no holds barred.

Minutes later, I found myself stopping my car in front of the doctor’s house with no clear intention in my head. I just had no plans. I just didn’t know what I was doing. I just was emotionally wrecked.
I parked my car, sat inside and stared at the building for hours, while my head boiled as my heart pounded furiously. I just didn’t know what to do. I equally couldn’t control my feelings. I was just lost and hopeless. I needed to calm down but there was nothing to calm me down. I was nothing but a sore loser.
—————-

I sat in my car for close to two hours when I saw a young girl, walk out of the building. My heart froze as I stared at the girl who was no other person than Cassandra.

‘’cassandraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa’’’ I screamed with a very loud voice without stopping to think for a second. I jumped out of my car furiously, surprising the girl who froze with disbelief on seeing me.



Episode 55

‘’Cassandraaaaaa!’’ I screamed once again as I closed in on the shocked girl who stared at me as if she was looking at a ghost. Of course she had every reason to be shocked and scared but as a drama queen that she was, she quickly composed herself, weighing me up as I drew closer to her with a very angry look.

‘’my God! Dave!, what the hell are you doing here?. Don’t tell me you are stalking me?”” she asked quickly, taking a step backwards. Her question really got me very angry. She had the nerves to ask if I was stalking her. Such an annoying question it was.
I felt like slapping her that moment. I felt like squeezing life out of her but as a gentleman I controlled myself.

‘’so this is your school huh?. I guess you are heading to lectures huh?. Stupid liar. You are so despicable. I can’t believe I fell in love with someone like you’’ I poured out with great anger while she stared at me with fear in her eyes.

‘’Dave listen, it’s not what you think. How about you wait for me in your house?. I will meet you there in the evening’’ she begged, trying to calm me down. But I wasn’t ready to listen or reason with her. My head was just so filled with anger, with resentment, with fire. I just was like an enraged bull, looking for a fight.

‘’you know this is a very quiet neighborhood. We shouldn’t be drawing attention’’ she added quickly, throwing a quick look at the gate she just emerged from, as if she was scared of something.

‘’tell me, who are you staying with?’’ I asked, breathing heavily. She drew back and made to walk away but I quickly grabbed her hand stopping her. To my surprise she fought me, struggling to break free from my grasp and screaming like a possessed girl. In an instant it quickly looked as if I was trying to kidnap her under broad daylight. I couldn’t help but notice that some curious bystanders were already walking towards us to probably assist her.
I was forced to release my hold, which gave her the opportunity to run back to the doctor’s compound. She quickly locked the gate from inside while I furiously kicked on it like a mad dog.
————————————–

‘’what’s going on?” I heard a gentle man ask me from behind. I ignored him and continued hitting on the gate until a middle aged gentlemen emerged from the compound, staring at me angrily. I quickly concluded that he was the doctor enjoying my Cassandra.

‘’please can you tell me the meaning of this nonsense you are doing. Why are you chasing after my girl and why are you disturbing the whole neighborhood?’’ he asked with a loud voice as I seized him up.

Cassandra emerged once again from the compound and stood behind the doctor, eyeing me furiously. I swallowed hard as I looked around me. I could count about a dozen eyes staring at me.

‘’is she owing you?, what’s this nonsense all about?”’ the young man asked once again.

‘’I came for Cassandra and not for you. Cassandra is an adult capable of defending herself. My issue is with her and not you. She is my girlfriend and has been my girl since the beginning of this year’’’ I poured out in desperation, shocking the young doctor who stared at me with disbelief. I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes quickly went all over me.

‘’please don’t be offended but I find this extremely intriguing. Can you at least introduce yourself to me? Your name and what you do. We are gentlemen and I believe we can reason and solve the misunderstanding like men’’ he said intelligently, calming me with the matured words. But before I could answer Cassandra quickly interrupted.

‘’my dear don’t waste your time with him. He is just a trader from across the street who is very obsessed with me. You have work to do, don’t you?. Please don’t keep your patients waiting because you want to hear what this guy wants to say. He isn’t worth it or is he your level?’’ she chipped in rudely. The young doctor seized me up once again, probably surprised to know that I was nothing but a trader.

‘’just stay from my Cassandra or I will have you locked up. This is a residential area and not a market place. I can’t believe I wasted my time trying to listen to you. Of course I should have known that it’s only a tout or a mad person that follows a woman to her husband’s house. Just get the hell out of here’’ he said coldly, instantly becoming rude. His words crushed my ego, my feelings and the remaining pride I had left. I took a deep breath before doing the unthinkable.

I took a quick punch at the doctor, throwing him off balance with a knockout blow. Cassandra screamed while I waited for the young man to retaliate.



Episode 56

‘’oh my God!, you see not only is he obsessed with me. He is equally very violent. Please let’s go inside the house. Don’t put your dignity on the line by fighting him’’ Cassandra desperately said to the doctor who was obviously too stunned to react. I really felt bad after hitting him but the young man deserved it. He chose to insult me instead of being reasonable, something that i couldn’t take.

‘’Cassandra I don’t know what your plans are, but trust me, you won’t live long. I will make sure your life becomes a living hell. Trust me this isn’t over’’ I threatened as I backed away with anger.

‘’listen if anything happens to my Cassandra, you will spend the rest of your miserable life in prison. I swear, I will come after you with everything I got. Just get away from here before I call the police’’ the young doctor screamed at me. I scoffed, breathed deeply and left with a boiling heart.
————————————–
I really was close to tears as I drove home. The pain of losing Cassandra, All I invested in her. My heart, my fortune, everything were now all lost. I really can’t describe how I felt that very day. I couldn’t do anything other than think about my life. There wasn’t any doubt that Cassandra was gone for good and my heart boiled with vengeance. But no matter how desperate I was to get back at her, I just couldn’t figure out what to do to the d--n girl.

Later in the evening, Chinedu showed up at my apartment to check up on me, because i was unable to go to my shop due to the pain in my heart. I wasted no time in telling my friend what happened and yes he really felt for me.

‘’well that’s life. Simply move on and focus on your business. It’s true you aren’t getting any younger but I believe God will surely provide a way for you’’ he said softly.

‘’’I just can’t let Cassandra go scot free. I have to make her suffer. Girls like her overshadow the good ones out there and if we guys should continue letting them get away with their devilish schemes they will continue getting bolder. Come on don’t you know what she did to me was nothing but a big scam. She scammed me my friend. She made a lot of money from me and who knows how much she has already gotten from that silly doctor’’ I lamented desperately while my friend stared at me with an open mouth. He was very surprised with the words coming from my mouth.
‘’so what are you planning my friend?’’ he asked quickly.

‘’I will make sure she never enjoys a moment of peace. I will spoil any relationship she makes and I equally will spoil her name before her family’’ I said seriously. Chinedu gasped.

‘’you must be mad bro. how on earth are you going to accomplish that?. Don’t tell me you are going to abandon your future to pursue vengeance?’’ he asked curiously.

‘’I will soon be the laughing stock of everyone. I believe Nora and her friends will soon spread my story. I have lost everything already and I can’t go down alone. Cassandra must go down with me’’ I breathed.

‘’I really don’t understand you. You are too old for this. Come on be reasonable’’ he begged.

‘’on Sunday I will go to Portharcourt to see Cassandra’s parents. You are going with me and I don’t need any excuses this time from you’’ I said seriously, leaving him with no choice than to shrug with resignation. He knew well not to reject going with me. He definitely knew that my head wasn’t normal anymore. All thanks to Cassandra.

—————————

The rest of the week went very slowly and badly for me. I recorded very low sales in my business and just like I feared, the new development with Cassandra spread like wildfire. It got so bad that some nosy neighbors had the guts to ask me one on one if the gossips they were hearing were true. I ended up quarrelling with all my neighbors, apart from Chinedu who still stood by me and on Sunday we embarked on a strange journey to Portharcourt city.

Visiting Cassandra’s family was one of the plans I made without clear focus. You have to understand that I was very desperate, angry and visionless. I just wasn’t myself and the pain in my heart just refused to go away.

Cassandra took many things away from me. She took my heart, my future, my feelings, everything I held dearly and tossed them away without any remorse. If not for Cassandra, perhaps by that moment I would have been happily married to Nora. I would have been a happy family man but Cassandra gave me hope. She gave me a very fake picture of love which I fell for because I thought she was the best.

All I had left in my heart was vengeance. I badly wanted to get back at Cassandra, not by taking her life but by destroying all she valued the most and my plan was to first start with her family.

I know this sounds unbelievable. Yes I was just a hopeless man looking for some closure.



Episode 57

You can’t imagine the suspense in the air as Chinedu and I made our way into Cassandra’s family house. Of course my heart pounded furiously while my head did some last minute calculations as we made our way to the quiet house. Chinedu on his part was very loyal but fearful. .

‘’I hope you are not going to shoot anyone. Please don’t do it’’ he begged as we made our way to the living room. I smiled to myself, wondering what was probably going through his mind.
———————-

Cassandra’s mother luckily recognized me, saving me the pain of going through a long introduction. However Cassandra’s father failed to recognize me and I had to introduce myself all over again to him .

‘’so what really brought you here. We weren’t expecting you?” the old man asked, flashing a smile to put me at ease while his wife watched on. I kept quiet for some seconds before shocking them with the words that came out of my mouth.

‘’you see, your daughter Cassandra messed me up. She duped me. She made believe she was in love with me and duped me of my hard earned money. Before I continue, I need to tell you that I don’t believe your daughter is actually a student . Maybe she is using that as a cover to dupe men like me. She derives joy in jumping from one man to another when her mates are in school studying to better their lives. Anyway it isn’t my business anymore. I’m here to collect all your daughter duped me. Since the beginning of the year I have been spending not less than twenty thousand naira on her head every month. I equally paid her hostel rent, plus the large sum of money I gave for her birthday. The list is quite a long one. Here, take a look at this paper, I wrote down everything I spent on her, from day one we met’’ I said calmly, offering a piece of paper in which I wrote down account of every dime I spent on Cassandra’s head to her shocked mother, who took the list, read it and gave to her husband who read it and jumped up with shock. I doubt if they have encountered or heard about the kind of stunt I was pulling that calm afternoon.

‘’four hundred and fifty thousand naira! ‘’ the old man exclaimed with great shock. Chinedu instantly stared at me with disbelief.

‘’yes and I was kind enough to remove some unnecessary expenses from the list. Now listen; I want my money before the end of this year or your daughter won’t be free to celebrate the new year’’ I threatened and stood up.

‘’my phone number is equally on that piece of paper. You have to hurry fast because the year is almost over’’ I added, smiled and walked out with Chinedu, leaving the old couple extremely stunned. They couldn’t even call me back nor did they try to negotiate a settlement with me.

————————–

‘’holy me!, you got balls brother’’ Chinedu screamed as soon as we were in my car. I smiled and breathed deeply.

‘’I pulled it off very well, didn’t i?’’ I asked. He shrugged, unable to find the suitable words to use on me.

‘’but seriously isn’t what you just did a childish behavior?. Do you think Cassandra’s parents will simply run around and send you the money?’’ he finally asked after some seconds..

‘’you can think whatever you feel like. I’m already mad, so anything I do now is out of madness. Let’s just wait and see what happens next’’ I replied softly. He shook his head in disbelief, saying nothing else.
Deep down I felt a little bit of relief. I felt a little surge of happiness. Yes seeing Cassandra’s parents very shocked made me happy and I sure was ready to continue with my stunts.
————————-

I returned to my apartment around 8pm that fateful Sunday very tired and sleepy. I was about taking a shower when my door bell rang. I lazily headed to the door, wondering who could be visiting by that hour. To my surprise I saw Cassandra standing on my doorway with a nervous smile.

For some seconds I couldn’t believe my eyes.



Episode 58

‘’what do you want?, I can’t believe you have the guts to show your face here’’ I breathed angrily, weighing her with my eyes. I was ready for any surprises. I definitely knew she came for something.

‘’I came for us to talk. Please just give me five minutes’’ she begged.

‘’isn’t it late?. Come on what exactly do you want us to talk about?” I asked seriously.

‘’please can you at least let me in?” she begged softly, leaving me with no choice than to oblige.
She gracefully walked into my apartment, stopped at the center of the room, turned and faced me.

‘’I was in my hostel when my parents called to tell me what you did at my house. I left everything I was doing and hurried down here’’ she said softly, stopping to see if I would reply but I kept quiet , leaving her with no choice than to continue with her speech.

‘’listen Dave, I know it’s quite unfortunate that things ended this way between us but you have to understand and calm down. I tried to love you. I did everything to make you happy. I was obedient, dutiful and respectful towards you. I gave you my body; I spend countless nights with you. I did everything possible to love you but unfortunately we can’t tell the heart who to love. I tried so hard to fall in love with you but the connection wasn’t just there. We don’t reason alike, we don’t have anything in common. Our dreams are so different and my heart never for once stopped for you nor did I for a day tremble under your touch and caresses. I’m so sorry you found out the truth this way but you should know that I cared and still care for you. I wouldn’t have introduced you to my parents nor do a lot of silly things with you if I didn’t care for you. Please let’s stop this fighting and remain friends. I beg of you’’ she poured out solemnly, drawing closer to hold my hands. But instead of comforting me, all her speech did was to get me more annoyed. My heart boiled with rage. My soul was simply on fire. I struggled to control myself but just couldn’t.

Sensing the fire in my eyes, she quickly drew back, breathing with fear as she watched me cautiously.

‘’Cassandra, Cassandra, Cassandra!’’ I breathed with fire. She trembled, taking more steps backwards.

‘’you killed me. You murdered my soul. I’m now nothing but a shattered man. Why give hope when you knew quite well that there wasn’t any connection between us. Why lead me through these months with great hope and aspiration. Why make me invest on you, knowing full well that I meant nothing to you. I can’t stand what you just did to me’’ I barked, shaking with rage.

‘’I’m so sorry you feel this way but I equally can’t help it either. Please just forgive and forget everything. I beg of you. I will never forget the help you rendered in my life’’ she begged carefully, tears appearing in her eyes.. Instead of settling my spirit , her words made me more angry and before I knew what I was doing, my hands were already round her neck while she screamed and kicked as she gasped for breathe.

‘’please let me go, let me go please’’ she cried out. I slowly released my hold, biting my lips as I stared into her eyes. I swallowed hard as I gave her one last long look. I couldn’t believe it was all real. My beautiful Cassandra gone for real.

‘’you and your parents have till the end of the year to get me back the money I spent on you or I swear I will kill you. I will kill you with my bare hands, don’t dare me’’ I barked furiously as she ran to the door.

‘’Dave I can’t believe you have gone mad. Madddddddddddd’’ she breathed, shook her head and disappeared into the night.

I threw myself on my sofa and cried uncontrollably. I couldn’t believe I was now behaving like a mad man to the extent that the girl behind my behavior now calls me a mad man.

Unfortunately I never had the time to recover my head nor money. Just a week later, Cassandra was declared missing. All fingers quickly pointed at me.



Episode 59

On December 23rd , just three days to the day I planned travelling home for Christmas; I was in my shop going through my accounts when my phone rang, displaying an unsaved number on its screen. I quickly answered the phone-call thinking it was a business call but to my surprise the caller introduced himself as Cassandra’s father. I instantly became alert and excited, thinking he was calling to make peace with me, but the next words he said clearly left me stunned and speechless.

‘’Mr. Dave, please are you with Cassandra?’’ he asked immediately after introducing himself. I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t believe he asked the question and I only answered after he repeated the question one more time.

‘’Cassandra?, no I haven’t seen her in a week’’ I stammered, wondering the reason for such unexpected question. The old man kept quiet for some seconds, probably pondering over the next words to say.

‘’you mean you are not with my daughter?” he asked once again, leaving me very curious and suspicious over the direction his questions were heading.

‘’no I’m not with your daughter but what made you think that she’s with me after all I complained to you about her?. Have you forgotten what she did to me?” I quickly asked.

‘’I haven’t forgotten my friend, but you see on that very day you came to my house, I was told that she rushed over to see you immediately after I called her to confirm your allegations and according to her friends she hasn’t called nor returned to her lodge till this moment. Knowing how you threatened to deal with her, I’m very much inclined to think that you are probably holding her against her wish in your house’’ he said pointedly, leaving me totally perplexed.

‘’whatttttt!’’ I exclaimed.

‘’please I beg of you, if that’s the case, do release my daughter. I believe we can work something out to settle what she owes you’’ he pushed on as if he was very sure that Cassandra was with me.

‘’please sir, just like I told you the previous week, your daughter derives joy in hanging out with different men. Yes she came to see me that very day. She showed up at my house very late in the evening, we argued and she ran out. I believe she is somewhere having a good time with another man. Don’t get yourself worked up, she will return home or to her school whenever she feels like doing so’’ I assured the old man seriously.

‘’very well then, do have a good day Mr. David’’ he breathed and hung up, but something in his tone made me believe he doubted me and I couldn’t just understand why he was suddenly so worried about his daughter’s safety. Nevertheless I muttered a quick prayer on Cassandra’s behalf, because I knew I could be in danger if something bad happens to her. I equally had no choice than to tell Chinedu about the strange phone call from Cassandra’s father.

‘’you shouldn’t be worried; the girl probably is staying with her doctor friend or with some other guy and switched off her phones to avoid speaking with her parents. I believe she is hiding from her parents out of shame’’ Chinedu assured me, settling my mind.

I soon forget about the strange phone call.

—————————–

I travelled home on 26th December like an empty man. Yes I returned home like a man who failed to achieve anything all through the year. I failed marrying my Cassandra and yes it really dealt a devastating blow to me and my pride. I returned home to face my family who were clearly overjoyed over what happened to me even though they never openly showed it. I equally was left with no choice than to make a lot of unnecessary explanations as if they cared to know..
Nora on the other hand visited my family on 31st December to spend the last day of the year with us and as you can imagine, I hid away from her because I couldn’t face the shame of standing before her.

—————————–

The New Year soon arrived with great speed and with it came new resolutions and plans. Somehow I was scared of my future. I was scared and clueless on how to start a new relationship. I really needed the love and attention of a woman but I just didn’t know to how to go about it anymore. I equally was doubtful if I could ever love again.
———————–

January 2nd 2015 , Cassandra’s father called once again, this time around threatening to arrest me for kidnapping his daughter, according to him, Cassandra was yet to return home nor contact anyone. I couldn’t believe my ears.

‘’I hope you haven’t killed my daughter?, I’m going to hunt you down where ever you hide. I can’t believe you had the mind to carry out your threats. ’’ The old man barked over the phone, leaving me with the first shock of the New Year.



Episode 60

I returned to the city the very next day with great fear in my heart. I couldn’t imagine what awaited me. I couldn’t help but think of what Cassandra’s father could be planning for me. I kind of felt that Cassandra’s purported disappearance was nothing but a giant conspiracy to get back at me for my actions the previous year, perhaps orchestrated by the silly girl without the knowledge or with the knowledge of her parents. I just couldn’t believe that a girl like her could suddenly disappear without a trace.

All these were in my mind as I made my way to the residence of Cassandra’s new boyfriend immediately I got to the city. It really was with a strong mind that I made my way to the young doctor’s house. Yes I had no choice than to take it upon myself to search for the missing girl. I couldn’t just sit idle without doing a thing, not with her father on my neck.
I had the feeling that Cassandra could probably still be with the doctor, even though it kind of looked strange that a girl like her would simply decide to stay away from her family all through the duration of Christmas and New Year celebrations just because of the visit i paid her parents the previous year. No matter the direction I headed with my thinking, I couldn’t come up with any theory to solve the mystery.

On getting to the doctor’s residence, I met a woman selling bean cakes in front of the compound and on asking about the doctor, she told me that the young man travelled out of the country on 24th December of the previous year, which made me rule out all possibility of Cassandra being with him.

‘’where then could Cassandra be?’’ I wondered over and over as I dialed her number one more time and like in previous occasions, her lines were switched off. I dialed Chinedu’s phone numbers but none of his lines were reachable because he was still in his village, enjoying the New Year.

Tears slowly appeared in my eyes as I headed back to my car. I couldn’t help but wonder all over again if Cassandra and her parents were trying to set me up. I never for a moment believed that Cassandra could either be dead or kidnapped. I strongly believed that somehow she was trying to get back at me with her parents support but then her parents looked quite refined and polished for such deed which really left me clueless on what to think or believe.
I couldn’t imagine myself going to the police to answer for a crime I never committed. I regretted ever threatening the girl, I regretted ever trying to fight her doctor friend, I regretted ever threatening her parents. I definitely knew my actions were enough to pin me down as the main suspect if actually she was indeed missing.

———————-
I switched on my car engine without any direction in mind, but somehow my spirit led me to Nora’s house.
I ended up in Nora’s apartment without knowing how I got there. Perhaps it was because I needed someone to talk to, someone to pour my heart to; someone that would understand.
I found myself in Nora’s apartment, looking so miserable and scared. Luckily she didn’t embarrass nor send me away, instead welcomed me a bit warmly.

‘’I could have asked what you are doing here but I sense you are not fine. You look so bad. What happened?’’ she quickly asked. I quietly settled down and told her all that happened between Cassandra and I towards the end of the previous year. I equally told her all the untold stories between Cassandra and I plus how I threatened her parents only for the girl to end up missing.

‘’if something happens to Cassandra, I could be locked up in jail for a long time and you know I can’t last a week in such a place. You and my son are now what I have left in my life. I’m so scared’’ I cried miserably. For the first time after her childbirth, Nora drew closer to me affectionately and rested her hand on my shoulder.

‘’you shouldn’t be worked up or scared. Yes I know if Cassandra is actually missing, you could be in danger of getting locked up but don’t give up, the truth always comes out in the end’’ she tried to assure me. I looked up at her, shook my head and swallowed hard.

‘’yes in movies the truth always comes out in the end, but this is real life. Do you know how many people that are in prison currently awaiting trial over what they didn’t do?, it’s about happening to me. You know our justice system is very poor and the police don’t joke around with anyone accused of kidnapping or something similar’’ I pushed on with a deep sob. Tears slowly fell from her eyes as she pondered over the gravity of what I just told her.

‘’things really do happen fast. I can’t believe Cassandra is really missing. Can her parents be lying?, have you checked her school?’’ she asked with tears in her eyes.

‘’I don’t know what to think anymore, but seriously I don’t think Cassandra’s father is lying to me. His threat and emotions were very real when he spoke to me. I sensed it in his voice and I equally don’t think a girl like Cassandra will hold on from contacting her parents throughout Christmas. It just crossed my mind that something could have happened to her after she ran out of my apartment that fateful night we argued’’ I muttered quickly.

‘’ how about Edwin; (her school boyfriend)?, he shouldn’t be ruled out in this. You just told me the guy is very dangerous and then her doctor friend, who hurriedly left the country before Christmas, which was equally the timeframe of Cassandra’s disappearance. What if he did something to her and then left town?”’ Nora added intelligently.

‘’yes you are right; moreover she could equally have other guys she deceived in the past who no one knows’’ I breathed with resignation.

“I will have to call up my cousin, the lawyer you met sometime back to help you, in case Cassandra’s father comes to town to make trouble’’ she quickly offered, surprising me.

I stared into her eyes with disbelief. It was just as if for the first time, my eyes cleared before her. I saw real love, genuine care and a wonderful heart before me.

‘’no matter how much I presently hate you, I won’t let anything bad to happen to you for the sake of my son’’ she breathed, wiped tears from her eyes, grabbed her phone and dialed her cousin’s number.



Episode 61

I finally returned to my apartment a bit relieved and happy. I really was lucky Nora took pity on me and contacted her cousin to help me out. The young lawyer asked me to call him as soon as the police got involved in the case; setting my mind a little bit at ease, all thanks to Nora.

However just like I expected, Cassandra’s father wasted no time in calling me again. This time around he called with a very unusual request which I was obliged to accept.

‘’Mr. David, are you really sure you have nothing to hide concerning my daughter’s disappearance?’’ he had asked, when he called the very next day.

‘’Oh yes ‘’ I answered quickly, wondering what his next words would be.

‘’very well then, I will soon be in the city of Owerri to search for my daughter. I will call to tell you where to meet me’’ he added calmly. I accepted without any hesitation even though deep down, I was a bit skeptical of the meeting. I kind of felt he could use the opportunity to get me arrested but then I knew I had every reason to meet the old man.
—————————–

After careful thinking, I decided to let my story out in the public, I decided to have someone cover it for me, so that people could read, learn and understand, especially ambitious traders like me; men who had little or no education, because I sure knew that I wasn’t the only man facing such situation .
I decided to give you (coolval) the opportunity to listen to my story and perhaps play a role in it. I felt my story could spread with your massive audience all over Africa.

However as I was getting ready for our appointment early today, I got a call from Cassandra’s father asking me to meet him in front of the old Mr. Biggs building along Okigwe road by 9am. I had to hurry to meet you so that I could be done with my story before meeting the old man.

‘’That’s my story so far. Cassandra is missing. Her parents are suspecting me. I’m very innocent but my actions in the past could put me in jail forever if Cassandra isn’t found. I really don’t know if this is all nothing but a game being played by Cassandra to scare me or if she is actually missing. You got to help me bro. please accompany me to meet the old man. I can’t meet him alone. I could have called Nora’s cousin to brief him of the situation but I felt it isn’t wise disturbing him in this stage until I’m sure of what Cassandra’s father is planning to do with me’’.

‘’I hope you can spare the time to go with me. It equally will give you the opportunity to be a witness to my story…. I Can’t believe I’m starting the new year with such problem’’..

********************season 1 conclusion*********************

Val’s side of the story

Listening to Dave’s story really got my heart melting tremendously. Yes he made quite a lot of mistakes but that shouldn’t warrant him to pay for a crime he didn’t commit. Looking from a critical point of view however, the young man showed the motive to harm Cassandra before her parents and friends, which I knew could be all the police needed to pin the girl’s disappearance on him. But then his story kind of made me a bit drawn to him, it just looked as if I was already part of it and so I was willing to follow it to the end.

‘’I think we should go meet the man. It’s almost 9:30am’’ I finally breathed, taking a quick look at my watch. Mr. David smiled happily, got up and breathed deeply. I grabbed my jacket and together we headed out to meet Cassandra’s father.

‘’I will leave my phone in the car in case something happens, because I’m having a very bad feeling about this meeting. Nora’s phone numbers and that of her cousin are stored in there with their respective names’’ David informed me as soon as we got to the spot he was supposed to meet Cassandra’s father.

‘’there is the old man’’ he slowly breathed, pointing to a man who was making a phone call under a big tree beside the building.

‘’God help me’’ he prayed, alighted and headed towards the man while I followed him cautiously but before we could get to the old man, about six policemen pounced on us from nowhere, grabbing us strongly.

‘’yes that’s him’’ Cassandra’s father breathed furiously, pointing to David who struggled helplessly to free himself from the tight hands of the law. The policemen quickly released me while throwing David into a waiting police SUV which pulled up that moment.

‘’you are going to stay in jail till my daughter shows up. I pray you haven’t killed her yet’’ the old man screamed as David tried to plead with him.

‘’Val I’m very innocent, please call Nora, call her cousin. Please follow us to know where they are taking me to’’ he begged like a dying man muttering his last request.

I watched with a broken heart as the police sped away with David. I needed no telling that I have gotten involved in the action I never dreamt to be in and unbelievably the things that happened afterwards turned out to be more compelling and dramatic than the story he just shared with me…

‘’Dear Lord be my strength’’ I prayed as I went after the policemen..

THE END




The action only gets hotter in season 2 as more discoveries, gunfights, unbelievable dramas and heart compelling scenes takes over the day.

Is Cassandra dead or alive??, will David come out of this in one piece. Will he ever survive to love again??. Can the real love of a woman work wonders in a man’s life??.

What is stronger than the love of a woman??.

All these and more only on CASSANDRA SEASON 2.
Keep entertaining yourself and don't forget to drop your comments.