As the car glided towards the governor's villa, Boma couldn't shake off the feeling of surrealism coursing through her veins. The mere thought of attending such a prestigious event, one broadcasted live on television, filled her with a mix of excitement and gratitude. Now, Boma turned to Donovan, her heart brimming with appreciation. "Thank you, Donovan," she said, her voice laced with sincerity. "I never imagined I'd be part of something like this. You've changed everything for my family." Donovan smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting her gratitude. "You deserve every bit of it, Boma. I'm just glad to be by your side through it all." Arriving at the villa, Boma was greeted by a flurry of activity and a sea of well-dressed attendees. As they stepped out of the car, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at the sight of her parents waiting at the entrance. Rushing towards them, she enveloped them in a tight embrace, feeling the weight of their journey and the magnitude of thi
Boma stood by the ornate entrance of the event center, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. The murmurs of the guests around her were drowned out by the rush of blood in her ears as she scanned the crowd for Donovan, searching for the opportune moment to make her move. Her parents were felicitating with other people. Donovan's parents were also doing thesame. Ronald was with Donovan talking. He seemed bent on convincing Donovan of something after making her excuse them. She prayed his influence would not surface again. His siblings were busy enjoying the lavish dishes served at their table. As the ceremony progressed, she felt a surge of determination welling up inside her. This was her chance, and she wasn't going to let it slip away. "Excuse me," she murmured to the nearest guest, a polite smile plastered on her face as she edged her way through the throng of people. With each step, her pulse quickened, her senses on high alert for any sign of Donovan's watchful gaze
Donovan checked around the hall and could not find Boma. He had been distracted, engaged in a discussion with his grandfather after the latter requested a word with him, stealing him away from Boma. Ronald was upset with him, angry about Donovan's compliance with Boma to delay childbirth. He was asking Donovan to reconsider and be the man he was meant to be, that it was not too late. Donovan remained adamant but since his grandfather was begining to get angry, he told him he would think about it, just to get him off his back. Afterward he sought to be with Boma. It bothered him that he had seen her around sometime ago but for a while now he hadn't. He walked outside to check if perhaps she went out for some air but he couldn't find her. He returned inside and walked over to his siblings at the table. Drawing Sharon's attention, he spoke with her. "Where is my wife?" "She went to the rest room." "Oh. Okay. But I feel like it has been a while so please go and check." "Okay."
Donovan watched as Boma continued to stare at him, speechless. "You're supposed be in a dress and this..." He observed her fully now, noting the slight swell of her handbag. The little ruffling of her well styled hair and somewhat smeared make up indicating a quick change of clothes. He shook his head unable to comprehend what was happening. His jaw tightened with suspicion and disappointment gearing towards anger. "Where have you been, Boma?" He asked, his voice calm but stony. "Where are you coming from?" He noted the logo on the top she was wearing. Wasn't that the new restaurant he had been hoping to check out? "Explain yourself!" he half growled. "Christ!" He started looking around. "Where is Sharon?" He said through gritted teeth. Then he took out his phone and began dialing her number. Sharon was sipping water when her phone rang with Donovan's call. Without thinking much, she took the call. "Get back here, right now." Donovan said before she could speak a word. Then he e
Boma sniffled."Please." She started pleading.Donovan was moved to indulge her but this time, he decided otherwise. "Number four," he continued. "You will not be home late because of any night shifts. You will be home latest by 8:00 Pm." Boma continued to cry but he didn't stop. "By 8:00 pm you should already be in the house. This means you're leaving your work place by 7:30 pm in order to meet up this deadline. That's because you must have adequate rest and be alert for your studies. Number 5...""D, please..." She tearfully pleaded again. "Please stop.""I'm not finished. Don't interrupt me again."Her crying continued, softer now but heavy with turmoil."Since you want to work, it means I no longer have to give you money. I best allow you to fend for yourself and have the experience you so desperately need."She vehemently shook her head, alarmed. "No please," she nearly choked on the words as a sob escaped her lips bringing a fresh outburst of tears."No?" He questioned. "I tho
Donovan stood outside talking with his men shortly before bed. They were at his place and their families had left the island as soon as the party was over. Ronald stayed back at a suite in the governor's lodge. Being grand patron of Donovan's cult, it was an opportunity for the student members to meet him briefly and Donovan was making arrangements for that meeting. Ronald was scheduled to return to the city the following day. Boma caught a glimpse of Donovan chatting with Phillip and Standfast outside. She got into the room and put a call across to Fidelis. She needed to talk to someone about her ordeal. His phone rang without an answer, so she called again. This time a girl responded. "Hello." She said. Boma was speechless. Who was this girl? Fidelis never mentioned he was seeing someone. "Um, he's in the bathroom, sorry. But he said I can take the call." Boma frowned. The girl's voice sounded familiar, but she could not place her finger on it. "Oh. Okay Please have him ca
Without a word, he rolled off her and stood at the foot of the bed, bare chested. Then he turned on the light, brightening up the cozy bedroom. It was a contrast to the tension between the two at the moment. "You're going to talk, Boma." He said. "Because I can tell, he said something to you." "He did not." She cried out. "I swear, Ronald did not say anything to me." He turned away from her and moved to the closet. She sat up in alarm as she saw what he was doing. It was an all too familiar scene. The determined look, the tightened jaw, the stony gaze, the menacing belt he was retrieving and folding in half. She didn't want to go back to that life again. She began shaking her head fervently. Then she recoiled to the headboard of the bed."No, D please, you promised." He took slow determined steps as he approached her. "Tell me what Ronald said to you, or I am prepared to go back on my word tonight." "Please." She whined. "He did not..." "I'm not playing with you, Boma. You kn
Ronald stared at Donovan for a beat. He wasn't surprised that Donovan was standing up to him. He had always been proud of him because he was his replica. But now, he was disappointed. "I cannot believe you are turning your back against me." "This is not about me turning my back against you." Donovan replied. "This is about you respecting my marital home." Ronald's intimidating stare failed to make Donovan flinch. Ronald rose. "I guess we are done here." He said dismissively. Donovan rose. "Please, try and understand..." "We are done here." He snapped. "You are no longer the man I thought you were becoming, strong, in charge, in control. You have become weak. A woman..., a girl has weakened you. Remember I warned you against this. But I guess you did not listen. First your dream of giving birth early is now dead. Then you have let her add her father's name instead of answering just your name. Now you both live separately. Who knows what else she will make you do? Huh? Who knows?"