Anita returned home with her parents, who had rushed to her school to witness her graduation ceremony.
Her mother beamed joyfully, while her father maintained his usual stoic expression as he drove them home.
He admired Anita for not letting her beauty affect her success in life, but he was puzzled as to why she stood out as the most beautiful among his daughters.
Despite his wife not giving him a son, he seemed unfazed by it, as their tradition allowed a woman to inherit her father's property even if she was already married to someone else. However, he still pondered whether he was Anita's biological father.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he headed home since the university was conveniently located closer to their city residence. Upon returning home, he pulled into their modest compound and parked. Their residence was a humble bungalow featuring 4 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and 5 bathrooms.
Mr. Joshua Baker owned the house, having acquired it directly from the previous landowners. Anita and her mother followed suit and stepped down before him. Anita's sisters Flora, Esther, Favour, Lisa, and Glory were all inside, yet none bothered to come out and greet them upon their arrival home.
Mrs. Tonia swiftly entered the living room, with Anita close behind, struggling to carry her boxes, as her father stayed in his car, engrossed in a phone call.
"Mom!" Esther and Favour eagerly approached their mother first while Lisa and Glory followed closely behind.
Each of them had separate rooms that they shared. Anita and Flora shared one room, while Esther and Favour shared another. Lisa and Glory shared the last room, which was occasionally used as a guest room.
"Welcome back, Mom. How did the event turn out?" Favour, an 18-year-old girl, consulted her mother first.
"Sure, why don't you consult Anita for more information? She was recognized with two prestigious awards for her exceptional achievements - one for being the top graduating student overall, and another for her outstanding performance in her department," Mrs. Tonia responded promptly with a faint smile, while Favour expressed her disinterest and replied, "Who cares, Mom?"
"Be quiet. Beloved, playful girl. She's your older sister, and showing her some respect is essential!" Mrs. Tonia cautioned Favour as Esther swiftly retorted, "We're not concerned, Mom!"
"Esther!" Mrs. Tonia also warned Esther, who responded by rolling her eyes and standing by the middle door entrance, holding the curtain.
"It's alright, Mom." Anita approached their mom and gently tapped her shoulder, only to receive a blaming response from Mrs. Tonia: "All of this was caused by your father." Mrs. Tonia was on the verge of tears, but her emotions were interrupted when Mr. Joshua entered the living room and inquired, "What happened?"
Mrs. Tonia hastily brushed away her tears and responded, "Nothing. I was just discussing something trivial."
Mrs. Tonia hurriedly walked away into the kitchen as Mr. Joshua's gaze narrowed at Anita, who gave him a faint smile. Despite not being an albino, her beauty was undeniably captivating. Just gazing at her dimples and chubby cheeks made her appear angelic.
"Sure, go ahead and take all these bags inside. By the way, where are your sisters? Flora, Favour!" Mr. Joshua promptly called them out, and they promptly responded, "Yes, Papa! Evening, Dad. Welcome back home."
Flora swiftly passed by Anita, who was struggling with her boxes, and approached their father to warmly embrace him.
"Assist your sister and take that luggage to your rooms," Mr. Joshua instructed Flora after giving her a warm hug. She bit her lip in frustration and finally helped Anita carry her second box to their shared room.
Anita remained silent as Flora swiftly carried her box to the room. However, as Flora prepared to depart, Anita mustered a brief expression of gratitude. Regrettably, Flora did not acknowledge the gesture. Instead, she returned to the living room where her father awaited, leisurely removing his shoes from the couch.
"How's your day going, Flora?" Mr. Joshua finally asked Flora, and the rest of his daughters emerged at that moment.
"Father, do you still recall our agreement about visiting a private university?" Esther inquired.
"Yes, I recall, but you have yet to pass your Jamb exams despite attempting them alongside your younger sister, Favour, multiple times. Why don't you both take a lesson from your older sister, Anita?"
"No, father...." Esther and Favour both responded, leaving their father astonished and speechless.
"What's gotten into you ladies? If you continue struggling to pass your exams this year, consider alternative paths, such as learning a trade or acquiring practical skills. I can only afford to support you both at a private university if you can meet the requirements for a government university. Now, please depart from my presence, quiet youngsters. Please take a moment to learn from your elder sister, Anita. Can't you appreciate her impressive grades, even though she is more attractive than all of you?"
"Father....." Flora, Esther, Favour, and Lisa all expressed their disappointment.
"Quiet down and do not bother me. I have been a caring and devoted father to all of you, yet I feel disappointed by the lack of reciprocation in our relationship. Fail your exams again this year and witness a different side of me!" Mr. Joshua cautioned, rising from the couch. At that moment, his wife emerged from the kitchen and gazed at him and their five daughters in the living room, while Anita remained in her room.
"Excuse me!" Mr. Joshua swiftly passed his daughters and entered the room he shared with his wife, fully aware of his responsibility. He now deeply regrets how he treated his eldest daughter, Anita, and how he made her feel like an outcast compared to her sisters.
Additionally, he's currently dealing with challenges at his office, as discrepancies were found in some transactions under his records. If the error isn't corrected, he could potentially lose his job as a banker in a government-owned bank. His brows creased as his wife entered their room shortly after.
"Are you not being too harsh on our daughters today?" Mrs. Tonia inquired, but Mr. Joshua simply glanced at his wife, choosing not to respond as he gazed into the distance.
He loosened his necktie with a sense of urgency and swiftly removed his long-sleeve shirt.
"I'm getting dinner ready; it's getting late already." Mrs. Tonia tried to inform him, but he continued to be unresponsive, even managing to misplace his trouser belt.
"Honey, why are you not responding?" Mrs. Tonia wasted no time asking him, to which he responded, "What do you expect me to say to you? Can't you see that I am occupied with other tasks?"
Mr. Joshua swiftly walked past his wife and entered the bathroom to freshen up while Mrs. Tonia sighed and shook her head with a tinge of sadness. She knows something is off with him, as his behavior has been unusual lately. He even seemed happier when Anita was announced as the winner of two prestigious awards. However, his joy quickly turned to disappointment when he noticed Anita's approach. Anita seemed to believe that he despised her and was not proud of her accomplishment, as she did not smile upon approaching.
Mrs. Tonia reminisced, a faint smile gracing her face as she recalled her husband's reaction to their daughter's victories. Despite the modest rewards offered by the school, consisting of cash and medals, Mrs. Tonia firmly believes that her daughter's certificate will pave the way for a lucrative career in their country.
Mrs. Tonia swiftly exited the room she shared with her husband, who was indulging in a refreshing bath.
She swiftly entered the kitchen, finding the okra soup she was preparing already warmed. With efficiency, she carefully portioned it into separate soup plates.
At that moment, Glory entered the kitchen to help and brought the food to the dining room, which was next to their living room.
Glory is a 14-year-old girl. Her children are close in age, with only a two-year gap between them. Glory is currently in Junior Secondary School 3.
"Mom, I want to become a business administrator like my big sister, Anita," Glory said, holding the tray of soup carefully as she looked up at their mother.
"That's not an issue, Glory. You should also put in effort and dedicate time to studying. I'm here to provide you with guidance and support, like Anita," Mrs. Tonia beams at her youngest child.
"Hey, mom, is big sis planning to tie the knot anytime soon?" "Chika told me about her big sister's situation, as she mentioned that she won't be returning home since she's pregnant and expecting a child with her fiance," Glory inquired.
"No Glory!. I don't have all the details; Anita's priority is finding employment before establishing a more permanent lifestyle. Your big sister is focused on her goals and values her independence, not wanting to depend on a man for money," Mrs. Tonia replied.
"Oh, Mom, you rely on our father for financial support?" Glory asked, catching her mother off guard.
"No Glory!. Alright, let's wrap up this conversation. Hurry and bring the soup out immediately to prevent it from getting cold. Wow, Anita is already here to help us." Mrs. Tonia's smile was barely noticeable as Glory shifted her attention to Anita standing near the kitchen door.
Anita caught wind of their conversation, and a subtle smile also graced her face.
"Why are you just standing there and staring at us? Join us in helping to serve the dinner promptly. I'm sure your father will be at the dining soon," Mrs. Tonia said. However, Anita's smile vanished as she heard her father's name; she held negative feelings towards him.
Mrs. Tonia offers a faint smile to Anita as she gracefully steps aside for Glory to pass with the tray of soup. Anita quietly enters the kitchen without speaking to her mother, her face reflecting a deep sadness that Mrs. Tonia can empathize with. "Anita," Mrs. Tonia calls her first daughter's name with urgency. "What's the matter, mom?" Anita inquired while strolling alongside her mother. "I just want to assure you that your father genuinely cares about you and your siblings and fully supports your success," Mrs. Tonia reassured, gently holding Anita's hand. "Hmph," Anita sighed. "I understand, Mom, but that's not a concern. Whether he has feelings for me or not, it's all good. I will forever regard him as my father, and that's all," Anita said. "Anita," Mrs. Tonia expressed. "Mom, where is the fufu?" Flora swiftly entered the kitchen, catching Anita's attention. She went to the kitchen cabinet where their mother was waiting. "Mom, why are you holding her hands and talking to
Mrs. Tonia did not say anything as Flora left the room. Instead, she sighed and walked over to sit by Anita on the bed, while Favour and Esther also left. "Do not be harsh with your sister. Fighting with her was unnecessary," Mrs. Tonia said to Anita as she sat beside her on the bed. "I know, Mom, but they keep disrespecting me too much and are getting out of hand," Anita said. "It is okay. I understand, but do not change yourself because of them. Keep being my sweet and calm daughter," Mrs. Tonia urged. "Okay, Mom," Anita sighed as she looked at their mother. Glory moved up to sit on the bed with her. "I need to depart immediately and join your father," Mrs. Tonia said. "Glory, go ahead and pack your bags and come join Anita here." "Okay, Mom," Glory replied, standing up from the bed and walking out of the room, going to the room she shares with Lisa. Flora was already in the room, arranging her bag of clothes into the wardrobe, but she didn't say anything to Glory, who stepped
Anita couldn't say anything more after their mother left them and returned to the room to be with their father. She sighed and looked back at Flora, who appeared concerned, as they returned to the couch. "What do you think is the problem?" Esther inquired, but Flora shook her head and responded, "I'm not sure, but I'm concerned about something serious." They sat back on the couch, waiting for their father or mother to come out and speak with them. Anita sighed and finally walked back to her room, as she had no idea what the problem was, but she believed her mother would inform them even if her father did not want to, as she noticed her father was already prepared to leave for work before learning whatever news had crushed him. Anita quietly prayed in her heart, "Let it not be that my father has lost his job." She shook her head and returned to her room, suspecting that her father's scream was related to his office duties. She sat on her bed, picked up her phone, and began composi
Liam stepped into his office, took his seat on his executive office chair, and swirled it sideways while glancing around. He smiled and rolled up his sleeves to begin his new day at work, leaning forward to his desk and turning on his computer to check the company's records while waiting for it to finish booting. Liam tick-tocked the time while he waited for the computer to finish booting, and just then his secretary knocked, and he said, "Come in." Margret entered his office, holding a file, and smiled slightly at him. She looked down briefly before coming to a halt in front of his desk. "Yes.. What's your name again?" Liam inquired as he looked up at her. "Margret Jonathan," she murmured, still smiling. "Okay, Miss Margret. What do you want, and how can I help you?" Liam inquired, and she moved forward. "Sir, Mr. John Patrick brought this file this morning and told me to hand it over to you," Margret remarked, staring at him. "Okay, come drop it here," Liam indicated to the side o
"Hello, boss," Margret answered the office phone. "Come into my office right away," Liam said, and Margret gulped and jumped up from her office chair, dropping the phone line. She noticed Bambam smiling at her as she prepared to attend to the client sitting in front of her. Some clients enter Margret's secretary office to see her. However, she swiftly directs them to other staff members working on the third floor office to attend to them, since she knows the new boss does not enjoy being kept waiting. Margret stepped quickly to Liam's office door, knocked lightly on it, and heard his icy reaction. "Come in." Margret gulped as she unlocked his office door and entered his luxurious office to see him. "What took you so long to respond to my call?" Liam questioned as he continued working on his computer, his gaze remaining fixed on the monitor screen as his fingers tapped faster on the keyboard. "I'm sorry, boss, I arrived late from lunch," Margret said, and Liam paused his typing an
Temisa is at her father's mansion because their home is a typical duplex on a government-owned estate, which her father purchased as a new home. "Father, have you submitted my CV and letter of application to the new boss?" Temisa questioned as her father entered the living room. She sat on the large couch, filing and brushing her long nails. Mr. John simply stared at his daughter. Instead of standing up and greeting him, Temisa sat comfortably on the large couch, polishing her long nails and asking him questions as if he were an errand boy. "Temisa, you're quite unbelievable; not even a welcome greeting from you to your father?" Mr. John inquired as he placed his briefcase on the living room center table and gradually untied his necktie. "I'm sorry, dad. Good evening, Father. "Welcome home," Temisa remarked, dropping her leg off the couch where she had previously rested it. She relaxed while polishing her long nails. "Where's your mother?" Mr. John inquired. Temisa said, "She went
"Mom, I cannot work with them if that is what their boss now expects of them," Temisa stated as she stood up from the couch. She had earlier been seated with her mother when Felicia departed with the car key and proceeded to empty the boot. "I understand you, Temisa, but know that your father went through a lot to get your application sent to their boss. And it will be very disrespectful to your father if, when their new boss approves of you, you do not return to them. Remember, your results aren't even the best, and they still want you to work with them," Mrs. Bianca spoke. "But mother..." Temisa was speechless as she looked at her mother, a lovely, big black woman. "Think about it, Temisa, and go easy on yourself. You're fortunate that your father is doing everything he can to help you rise to the top of your class. As he told me personally, the CEO's father wants you to be connected with his son, and the only way you can do so is to get closer to him and form a bond with him." "
Felicia was busy serving the excellent Oha soup she had prepared. She was serving it up on tiny soup dishes when she heard the kitchen door snap open. Felicia turned and gazed at the person, and when she realized it was Martin, she quickly looked aside, wondering what he needed in the kitchen. Martin looked at Felicia's back and down to her small, voluptuous waist as he admired her. Despite having a girlfriend, he isn't in love with his girlfriend as much as he loves Felicia. He knows he's supposed to think of Felicia as his sister, but they're not connected by blood. He's not sure how he'll approach her and tell her his genuine thoughts. When he wants to express his thoughts to her, he gets caught on the words that won't come out of his mouth. He saw her grow up and has always admired her, knowing that his mother also likes her. So he stands at the kitchen door, scratching his head in confusion as he thinks about Felicia. He truly wants her, but she's still his sister. He dislikes ad