"Why do you go without telling me?" Toun wailed at Nathaniel who sat on the bed staring at her. He had returned to Ibadan late in the night. And his wife had been curious about his whereabout. He had refused to tell her where he was going and his mother won't tell her either. The only reply her mother in law gave her was that it was for the best and they need to pray for him.
The next day happens to be a weekend and he finally decided to tell her everything. But she didn't take the news well.
"But I already told you now. " He answered her.
"That's not a damn excuse Nathaniel. You are supposed to let me know before going to see him. You should have told me. What if something had happen to you? You know my father dislike you."
"He doesn't dislike me, he hates me." Nathaniel said. "But thanks for the concern. I am here alive and well. He didn't eat me." Nathaniel teased.
"It's not funny Nathan. I am very angry at you." She glared.
"I told you, I am sorry. I know you will act this way."
"What way?" She asked angrily.
"This way. Shouting and angry and hot."
"Nathan!"
He smiled, stood and walked up to her. "Look, I am sorry. I did not want to make you worry that's why I didn't tell you. You have a lot on your plate right now. I don't want to add to it. I was sure I can handle it and that is why I decided to go without telling you. But I am fine." He told her, wrapping her arms around her waist.
She looked at him with concern
"I know that is not true." She was certain that Nathaniel was hiding his feelings with a smiling face. She knew he was hurting inside. "You can't be fine after your visit to my father." She said calmly but concern.
"I am fine." He assured her.
"You don't have to lie to me Nathan. I know my father very well and I know my father.... hate you. I know he hurt you. He must have say something or do something or threatened you. And it's all because of me. Look at what he made you go through at the gate post. He humiliated you again." She said as her eyes pool with tears.
It really hurt her with everything her father was doing.
"And I am very sorry for what he did." She apologized as a tears drop from her eyes.
Nathaniel used his hand to wipe the tears away from her face.
"It's okay. Seriously." He smiled and pulled her into an embrace. She wrapped her tightly around him.
"I'm so sorry Nathaniel." She said again.
"You don't have to be. It's not your fault."
"It is." She said then she pulled away and looked at him. "I need to go and see my parents."
"Are you sure about this? Your father doesn't seem like he is ever going to accept me."
"Let me talk to them. I will beg them, convince them, try to let them reason with us. I will do all I can do to convince them to let us be. Just trust me."
Nathaniel sighed and then nodded.
"If you say so. When are you going?"
*****
A case had took Toun to Lagos, so she decided to call her old time best friend who stay in Lagos with her family. They have gone separate way two years after they finished their degree. Tobi had got married and her husband was Lagos based. So they only communicate on phone. But work and family life had made everyone so busy.
So she decided to pay her friend a visit after dealing with the case that had brought her to the city.
"So you decided to forget me." Tobi complained to her best friend when they've settled down in her living room and had exchanged pleasantries and hugs.
"I didn't forget you o Tobi. Work have made me so busy. Couple with family life. You and I both know how stressful it is to have a family."
"My dear, I understand o. I understand very well. My husband have to open a shop for me at the front of the house so I can have time for the family and myself because that work want to kill me."
"That is very good. I'm happy for you dear. You know I can never forget you. So when I heard that I will be coming to Lagos I was very happy. It was a chance for me to see you. So I was glad. Even Nathan was happy about it. He asked of you sometimes and ask me to send his greetings. "
"Awwwn, that's nice of him. It's been so long since I last saw him. So how is he? How is everything going on in Ibadan?" Tobi asked with a smile.
"I thank God. Everything is fine. We have a house of ours there and we are doing okay."
"Glory be to God. So how is my baby girl? Annabelle. I've miss her so much. I'm sure she is now a big girl." Tobi grinned.
"Yes o. Your god daughter is now a big girl. The girl is just surprising me every day. She is just like her father. I'm so proud of both them. You won't believe that Anna is now playing the guitar and piano."
"Oh my God! Seriously?" Tobi asked shocked.
"I am very serious. You should see her playing. My daughter is almost a professional in playing guitar and piano. The girl have so much determination in music. I'm happy she have a good role model." Toun expressed.
The thought of her husband came to her mind. Although Nathaniel was proud of their daughter but he doesn't seem surprised at her determination and love for music or her skills either. He always motivates her to do more. He challenges the little girl all the time and it makes her grow in her musical skill. She can't be any less proud of the both of them.
"Wow! That's really nice. I knew that girl is a blessing. I'm so proud of her. Like father like daughter. Nathaniel must be happy to have a copy of himself in the aspect of music."
"He couldn't be more proud. He cherish the girl like she is gold."
"You can't blame him na. Actually that is so beautiful. It reminds me of those days when Nathaniel used to play in school and party. He and his band."
"Yeah, me too." Toun smiled at the memory.
"Most girls were so jealous of you back then. Everyone was always flirting with the guy with the angelic voice." Toun laughed.
"Yes o. There was a time I almost broke up with him because of it. I was getting tired of all the attention those girls gave to him wherever we go to inside the school. Some of them will even body smug him and flirt with him in my presence. How rude!" Tobi laughed. "But God pass them o. I eventually get over it. The main thing was Nathan was faithful and he loves me sincerely."
Tobi agreed. "Yes. You two were so cute together. You would look at him like no one else was in the room."
"What can a girl do? He is my everything." Toun said with a smile and Tobi grinned at her. She knows how crazy her friend was in love with Nathaniel.
"It is beautiful, what you guys have. Very. Sometimes, I envy you guys back then. And I am so happy for you guys. You've both come a long way." Tobi said. And Toun nodded in support. "So how is everything now? Have your parents finally accept you guys together?" Tobi asked.
Toun exhaled deeply. "No, they haven't. I wished they can. But it doesn't look like it would ever happen."
"But why? What's wrong? All this years. Can't they decide to give you guys a chance?" Tobi asked bitterly.
"My dear, I am tired already. I have decided to move on without them."
"Move on? In what way?" Tobi asked curiously.
"I tried talking to my parents to let me be with Nathan but they are so adamant. They just hates him. I don't understand why they hates him so much. They hate the mention of his name. They don't even want to see his break light. I'm just so fed up. Dad is even trying to hook me up with another man despite he knows that I am already married and I love my husband."
"My God! This is serious o. Why is mommy and daddy doing that way? They should give Nathan a chance na. Can't they see how you've both been together since first year in the university. And I know how much that guys loves and cherish you. Can't they see that?" Tobi asked rhetorically, pained at the thought of it.
"No, they don't see it o. All they see is a poor man who can't give me the life they think I deserve. They see a man with no popular or rich father or with a family heritage. They see a jobless man. And I have tried to let them know that I don't care about all that. I don't need a man with all the riches. I don't need a man that is influencial or rich. I am happy with the man I have. Good job or not. Poor or not. I love him that way. And he makes me happy. I don't know what they want anymore. At least, it's my life and I can decide what I want. I'm just so fed up with the whole matter Tobi. They won't even give him a chance. They didn't want to know him or his intentions. They just hate him." Toun said sadly. "I don't know how anyone could hate Nathan so much. The guy is so loveable and good hearted."
"That is what I don't understand either Toun. I don't understand them a bit. This guy is so good. He loves you, respect you, cherish you, adores you and he is trying his best. Why can't they see that? His intentions are pure. He loves you sincerely. Almost everyone love him when he was in school. Lecturers, students... A lot of people do because he is a good guy. But I don't know why your parents don't want to see that side of him."
"They don't want to. Not even a chance. They believe what they want to believe and don't want to change their mind about it. They believe they are right and they are doing what is best for me. But instead they are hurting me with all this." Toun complained bitterly and she shakes her head. "To make it worst, Eunice is in support of what my parents thinks. She takes Nathan like an arch enemy as if they knew each other before. That silly girl doesn't know Nathan and have never met him before. But she takes it so personal and she is advising dad to give me a husband. Can you imagine that rubbish?"
"That Eunice must be very stupid." Tobi cursed angrily. "I never like her right from day one. What is her concerns in all this? She is suppose to even try to gain your trust and be on your side in this. But no, she is always against you. What kind of human being is she? I have never seen a sister like that your sister. She is just so out of it."
Toun heaved a sigh. "I'm tired of everything Tobi. So so tired. I have to choose between my parents and the man I love."
"I would be lieing if I told you that I understand you. It must be really hard for you. I'm sorry you have to go through all this. You and Nathan deserve better. You both does not deserve this."
"Thank you Tobi. What can we do? I have accept my fate."
"But what will you about the husband matter? Did you tell Nathan about it?
"I didn't tell him. He will be hurt and very worried. He is already on edge at the moment and I don't want to scare him any further. I'm never going to satisfy my father in this. I'm not ever going to let them force me into something that I hate. He can't make that decision for me. I already love someone that I am happy to be with it. Sooner or later, he will get to accept it and if he can't, then he should better disown me as his daughter because I am never going to leave Nathaniel. Never. He is my world and happiness and I won't let them deny me of it."
Tobi sighed, clueless on what to say. She knows how hard it took for Toun to come to such a conclusion. She love her parents and adores them. But there aren't ready to make her happy. She had been fighting this war against her parents since she met Nathaniel. And she doesn't want to give up. She loves the guy so much. And she can't blame her if she wants to fight for her relationship. The guy equally loves her.
And because of that, she have to make a hard choice by choosing between her family and her husband. She really felt for her.
"Dear, let just forget about that. I can't let my parents ruin my mood again today. It's been so long we've since each other. Let's not spoil the fun. How is Willy?"
Tobi chuckled. "That boy? He is in school now. I have taken him to creche so I can have peace of mind. Wilson is just so stubborn. Wahala re po. I just hope he won't be the death of me." Tobi complained. And her friend laughed. [He is problematic]
*****
Toun had recieved a call from her mother while she was at work requesting for her to come home that day that they have something important to discuss with her.
At first she was reluctant. She have not spoken with any of her family in the past six months since she walked out on them the last time she went to visits them and tried to convince them to let her be with Nathaniel.
The meeting didn't turn out well. And her father had been mad ever since. He called her sometime and send her letter about the guys he find worthy of which she could pick from to get married to. She had stop reading his letters and text messages. She wasn't ready to do their bidding. So she let sleeping dog lie.
But since her mother had decided to call her and she sounded like she need to talk with her urgently, she have no choice but to do so. After all she was still her mother.
She called her husband after the call and told him about her mother call. He told her to follow her heart. And she was glad in his trust in her.
She decided she would take the next flight to Abuja first thing the following morning.
******
Toun did as planned and she went to Abuja to see her mother. The house was all bubbly when she got home. Her mother had a big smile on her face when she arrived.
It was when she entered the house that she saw her father and some visitors in the house. They were two men - father and son and a woman, assumed to be the elderly man wife. She have no clue why they were there and why her parents looked so excited. They didn't even act like they have an argument the last time they saw each other.
When she had finally settled on the dining with everyone, her father decided to break the news to her.
"Adetoun, this is my friend and business partner. We've been together for years. And that is their son." Her father said excitedly.
"It is so good to meet you all." Toun said politely.
"It's good to see you too dear." The couples chorused. "You've grown to be a beautiful woman Toun. The last time we saw you, you were very young. In high school, if I could remember clearly."
Toun smiled at them. "That's a long time ago."
"Yes, it is. We moved to Italy some years ago." The man said to her and Toun nodded.
"That's good." Toun smiled. She noticed the son looking at her. And she don't like it. She was becoming uncomfortable with his stare. "And you..."
"I'm Desmond." The young man quickly answered her like he had been expecting Toun to talk with him.
"Hi, Desmond." She greeted with a fake smile.
"Hi, it's good to see you again. We attended the same high school. I'm sure you don't remember me." Desmond said.
"I'm sorry about that. It's a long time ago."
"It's no problem. I understand." He replied her.
"Thanks." She muttered and turned to her food. She noticed the smirk on her father's face but she ignored it.
After their lunch, Toun left the group to another empty room so she can be at peace and call her family in Ibadan. She was so uncomfortable in the meeting. They keep interrogating her about her personal life and work. Her father was talking so proudly like she was so kind of medal or something on auction and she hated it. Her mother was trying to make her talk with Desmond at all cost and it was getting disgusting and annoying. She just had to leave their midst.
She finished making a conversation with her mother in law and daughter while she was alone. She was about to call her husband when she felt the presence of someone in the room.
She turned toward the entrance to see Desmond standing there, staring at her.
"Hey." She said awkwardly at him. She was so uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her. He smiled at her and entered the room.
"Hi. Hope I didn't scare you?" Be asked.
"No, you didn't." She answered him.
He smiled and he took a seat opposite her and he crossed his legs in front of him, still having that stare on him.
"I'm so proud of all your accomplishments Toun. You're great woman." He complimented her.
Toun faked a smile at him. "Thank you."
"And you are beautiful too. As ever. You've always been so gorgeous Toun." Toun gave him no reply she just looked away. The guy chuckled. "Back then in secondary school, I always have a crush on you. But you were popular head boy girlfriend, so I have to keep my cool. I always like you Toun and I admire your family a lot."
"Thanks." Was all she said.
"I was so excited when daddy told me about the marriage offer. It was a dream come true. All my stay in Italy, I have been unable to have feelings for someone that isn't you. I..."
Toun quickly cut him short. "Excuse me what do you just say? Marriage what?"
"Marriage offer." He said matter of factly. Like she was supposed to know. "Don't you know about it? Your dad wants to unite our family. We are getting married and that is the most happiest news I have ever had."
"Excuse me." Toun said rudely to him and he was shocked. "What do you think I am? Some game or thing? Are you crazy? Let me tell you something. I didn't notice you then or like you back then and I won't do that now. You better don't get your hopes high. Here. Look at this." She showed him her wedding ring. "Don't let my parents decieve you. I'm married. I'm a married woman with a kid. I have an husband and I love him so don't bother. It won't work."
"How....how is it possible? Your father did not tell us that."
"Well, now you know. Put that in your brain. I'm taken and I am not searching. I love my husband and I am not open for anyone else. Excuse me." And she walked out of his presence.
******
Two hours later, someone barged into her room where she was talking with a client on the phone. She quickly have to end the call when she saw both her parent walked in with the smile that had been on their face when she arrived, disappeared.
"Toun, what did you say to Desmond?" Her mother asked immediately she walked in.
"Exactly, what he need to hear." She answered her immediately.
"Are you crazy?" She yelled.
Toun just stared at her.
"You just ruin our plan right. I am arranging a fruitful and deserving marriage for you and you have to embarrass me." Her father said.
"You brought this upon yourself dad. I already told you that I am not marrying anyone except Nathaniel. He is my husband and I love him."
"Don't you dare mention that bastard name again." He warned, pointing a warning finger at her
"My husband is not a bastard." She told her father and the next thing she knew was her mother hands in her face.
"Will you shut up? How dare you talk to your father like that. You are such a disgrace. You went behind us and keep a secret like that from us. You even disobey us by getting married that pathetic man. What does he have? What did he use on you that you are so unreasonable?" She spoke with anger.
"I'm not going to tell you again. You will go to Desmond and apologize and turn back the words you said to him. You are going to apologize to his parents and tell them you said somethings while you were angry at someone and you didn't mean what you say. You must accept the marriage offer because you are going to marry him whether you like it or not." Her father said.
"Never. I would never. I rather die than marry anyone who isn't Nathaniel. I'm never going to marry him." Toun stood firmly on her words.
"You will do as I say because I am your father."
"No, you should let me make my own decision. I'm a grown woman with a child of her own. My own life. I have every right to make my owm decisions. You can't control me like I am your little girl anymore. I have grown past that and you need to accept that fact. You should accept that I can make my owm personal decisions with or without you. It's my life and I can do whatever I please. I can choose whoever I want to be with. This is my life. My decision. I am tge one who will choose my soul mate. And I won't let you make a decision that I am going to regret for the rest of my life. Never. And I am never going to marry that man. Never. You know what, I'm leaving. Just forget you have a daughter called Toun." She said angrily and she went to pick up her bag.
"And where do you think you are going?" Her mother asked.
"Back to my husband's house right where I belong, wher....." The rest of the word was cut short when her father slapped her twice on the face, surprising her and her mother.
He had never raised a hand on any of his children or his wife either and it was astonishing when he hit their daughter.
"You are a disappointment." He cursed his daughter and tears stream down Toun face. "All I have ever done for you is to do what is best for you. I gave you everything you want. I give you a good life. And you want to throw it all away because of some stupid man. You want to ruin the name that I have built. My father's name because of some pervert. I'm never going to let you ruin my reputation. Enjoy it while it last. I'm not done with you. Mopelola, let go." He said to his wife. And he walked away.
Mrs Mopelola looked at her weeping daughter who had sat on the floor crying.
"I can't believe you will ever do this to us. I thought better of you. Now you see what you've caused. Your father raised a hand at you. Something he never does. You better come back to your senses." The woman said to her daughter and also left her in the room.
****
Knock knock knock.
Mr Joseph looked up from his computer. Someone was knocking on the door of his study, disturbing his work. And that is one of the things he hate most while he is working. He yelled a reply at the person at the door.
"Who is there and what do you want?" He asked.
The door opened and Eunice peek her head in. "I'm sorry dad but I want to talk to you. It's about sister Toun."
He heaved a sigh and he waved her in. She smiled satisfied and she walked into the office, majestically. She knew her father would do anything when it comes to her elder sister.
The man hasn't been himself since he slapped his sister - which still surprise her till date. Her father slapped his favorite daughter with his hand. It was shocking. And she can't deny that she was happy about it. Even if she knew that he wasn't happy with what he did. But he did not regret it either. And just quite well, she knew he would do anything to have that supportive, proud, intelligent daughter of his back in his domain. And that is why she had come to see him.
She might not be a fan of her sister or be happy that she had finally disappointed their parents but she will do anything to be of help to her father. She will do anything to make him happy and please him.
She took a seat in front of her father.
"You know I am working Folawe, you habe to hurry with whatever you have to say." The man said hurriedly.
"I am sorry but I have to tell you here because I didn't want mom to know about it." She said as she adjusted her sitting position.
"Why?" The old man quirked a brow at his daughter.
"Because I know she might not like my plan."
"And what is the plan? And what for?" He asked curiously.
She told him what she had in mind and he smirked when she done. A smile curled up Eunice face when she saw the satisfied and excited look on her face which was very rare. He was hardly impressed with anything. But he seem to be okay with her plans.
"That's a nice plan my dear. A very good one." He commented with a small smile on his face. Then he turned back to her. "I'm glad you suggested this. This is a perfect plan. It is the best thing to do for your sister. That will be the only thing that will change her mind. Good." He nodded again. "But I need to arrange a marriage for her before that."
"Yes, dad. That is what you should do." She supported his decision.
"Good. And you were right. Your mother might not like Nathaniel but she certainly won't agree to the plan. Toun got her soft heart from her." He said. to her plan.
"I will work on it. Your advice helps." He complimented her.
"Thanks dad. I am always ready to help you and she is my sister. We both want the best for her." She smirked.
*****
What do you think about this chapter? Who else hate Toun's parents? What do you think Eunice and her father are planning?
If you were in Toun shoes, what would you have done? Obey your parents and get married to a rich guy or stick with a poor guy that can't give you a good life because you love him?
I really love to your hear your comments. So comments your answers in the comments box or as an in line comment.
THANKS FOR READING.
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE and recommend to a friend.
Rhoda love you all.
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