In The Dark – Episode 36

A Story By Stanley Oluwatosin

“Now that I have revealed the bitter truth. I will like to move to the business of the day. My story was In the past, this is the present, Now let’s face the future.

I know how greed runs in my family, this is the reason why I’m making this will for my child. She might not belong to the Williams, she still belong to my family.

All the properties I will mention should be handed over to my baby after she gets married. She might misuse the wealth if she get it while she’s still young.

Nancy, Dear family members, this are my properties.

My guest house- A. J Palace, worth 75 million naira.

My boutique – Queens and kings, worth 52 million naira.

I have a restaurant – N&N, worth 25 million naira.

I have a salon – Williams unisex salon, worth 24 million naira.

Your dad owned a construction conpany- he named it BIN construction, worth 90 million Naira.

We have an estate in Abuja- Williams estate, worth A billion naira.

Lastly, I own a departmental store in dubai- worth a billion naira.

I have 5 million naira in my account, your dad has 15 million naira in his. You are the only signatory to it, you are our next of kin. I just decleared my entire asset. This is the little I will be leaving behind. Work hard and leave more for my grandchildren.

Now to my will. I’m willing 10 million naira to my brother (Mike). 15 million naira to the entire family. It should be shared equally among you all. I’m donating 5 million naira to any orphanage of my daughter’s choice.

I’m handing over A. J palace to Nelly, the remaining properties belong to my daughter (Nancy). Including our house.

Since most of my assest are secret establishment, I have people in charge of it all but now that I have handed it all to my kids, all the people in charge should vacate position unless my daughters are ready to work with them. Any act of disobedient to my will should be dealt with by law. I’m sure Berry is capable, that’s why she is in charge.

To my daughters I love you both. Live a life you will be proud to tell your kids your story.

This is all about Lillian Williams and her will.

Have a good day people, thanks for your time”

My mom ended her speech and the video was brought to an end. I was so lost and confused. I carried a fake identity all my life. I was looming in darkness. “so Nelly is my twin sister and her dad is my dad. I’m not an orphan after all but how can my biological dad be so cruel? How can my dad love me so much? Even his family?” those were the questions I asked myself.

Just the way I was confused, everybody was and most of them did nothing to hide their pain.

I broke into tears right there and wished I never knew the truth. I was leaving just fine before the video but I knew it would change lot of things about me. I wasn’t even blood related to Khloe and my foster parent. My family are not my family and the person I knew as a family friend was my real identity.

With weak eyes I looked at Kelvin and said “Take me home”

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With weak eyes, I looked at kelvin and said “take me home”

I didn’t even know what to think about who I was who I was going to become. My heart was so heavy and it got to a point that my mind went blank, just because I had too much on my plate. The man I thought was my biological father turned out to be just a foster dad, even the friend [Nelly] I thought I wasn’t related to turned out to be my biological twin sister and her dad turned out to be my biological dad as well. I bet she never knew my mom was her biological mom before she was laid to rest. “If only I can turn back the hand of time I wouldn’t have fought Nelly over Jordan for years”. The thought of having sex with the same guy as my sister made me almost throw up in my mouth. I wished Nelly was not dead, I wished my mom was also around, I wished my foster dad was also alive but all of this were just wishes that could never be brought to life. It was as if the all of this people died and left me behind to fix the puzzle they all created.

“Baby, we’re home” kelvin said, bringing me out of my thought. I smiled and he helped me out of the car. I walked in slowly and went to our room. I didn’t even bother to eat, the only thing I needed was a long shower and a long sleep. Kelvin understood my mood perfectly and he helped me clear my mind by creasing my hair to sleep. I let my pain and worries flow away as I lost myself to the beautiful hands of sleep.

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[Three months later]

After the reading of the will and the revealing of secrets, I didn’t step out for three months. I needed time to think about my life and learn how my legs would fit into the big shoe that was left for me by my mom. I know I was left with lots of riches but my mind was also opened to the fact that it meant more trouble as well. I didn’t know if I would be able to fit into the busy business woman life style with my condition and my status. This made me retain all the workers in all the company allocated to me. Attorney berry visited me more often over this period of time and we became familiar. She made sure everything went according to plan and with her help, I was able to manage the companies from home. I was able to meet with the important officials and I had a long business talk with them as well. My uncle and his family were also made to vacate my late parent’s house and the entire building was locked up under strict vigilance. Everything was under control.

My foster parent and khole didn’t forsake me during this period of time and my in-laws were not left behind. I was showered with lots of care and affection. Everything was going on fine and all the people I needed in my life were present, except my biological dad [Stanley James].

Sometimes I tried to figure out the reason for his actions in the past and in the present, the only ting I came up with was that he was in human. For this reason I decided belive he never exist. Though, kelvin constantly reminded me of my mom’s wish to reconcile with my biological dad but the thought of him having the heart to shut me out even after he realized that I was his daughter made me decide to shut him out forever. If he had any fatherly love for me, he would have come for me when I lost my mom, he would have looked out for me and I would not have gone through all the rough periods I went through. I knew my time of hardship was a lesson for me and it made me stronger but I expected him to have reached out to me. I didn’t even feel connected to him in every way. Again I was thankful to those who stood by me even though we were not blood relations.

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After the three months of my pregnancy, I was beginning to have a pump. Lots of things had changed and I spent my everyday life trying to get comfortable with my body. Carrying a child is one of the most challenging roles in life. Kelvin was of help over this period of time, he even went to the extent of putting a stop to his work just to be with me. I received pregnancy tips from my foster mom and my mother in-laws as well. Everybody treated me like an egg and this made me tremendously increase in weight. All in all, my husband didn’t complain.

I was in my house one hot Friday afternoon, when one of the securities informed us that an unknown guest was at the door. According to him, the guest claimed to be a family member but he had never seen the person with us in the past. I made the security describe the guest and after spending minutes to relate who it could be without success, I instructed him to let the guest in.

I was about settling in a couch after calling on kelvin when the security walked our guest in. I could not believe my eyes when I saw who the it was. I looked at her from head to toe with my mouth widely. All I could say was “is this you?” more than ten years had pass without a word from each other.

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She walked in looking astonished as well. I could see the surprise in her eyes as she walked up to me. Forgetting all that led to our separation, we rushed at each other and enveloped ourselves in a warm embrace. I was so happy and surprised. Memories that had been buried came to life as I held her so tight to myself. I got emotional and so did she. We did not release each other until kelvin came into the living room and cleared his throat. Though I had told kelvin about her in the past, he had never seen her live. I released myself and led her to a sit before sitting close to her. Everything about her was different but I knew her kind heart could never change. I looked at kelvin and said “baby…….she is my one in the world sister, remember I told you about her? Meet lizzy, uncle mike’s only child”

Kelvin came forward and offered liz a handshake. They exchanged pleasantries and liz was entertained. We talked about this and that for a while before liz called my name and stated her reason for visiting me. According to her, she came in search of me after finding out about the video my mom left behind. At first I thought she was going to talk about her dad’s part of the will or her parent’s complaint. I didn’t understand her reason for visiting until she she explained all she had in mind to me to me.

According to Liz, she left home two weeks after I was made to leave my parent’s house as well. According to her, she saw the need to run from her devilish parent before their evil deeds would come calling for her. Though her parent didn’t want her to leave, they had no choice but to let her go when she threatened to commit suicide if she was obstructed. Liz left home with the determination. She was determined never to come back until the death of her parent. She wanted them to realize their bad deeds by turning her back on them. During this period of time, she receives information about home from one of their family friend’s. Through her friend, she got to know that her parents were still looming in their selfish life. According to liz, she was informed when I was about to get married as well but she chose not to come home, thinking that she might not be welcomed. Just few months ago, her friend informed her about the will and the actions that followed instantly. Liz was happy when she heard that I got my properties back and her parents were been sent out of my parents’ house. She decided that it was time to return and mock her parent, after which she would make them beg for forgiveness from me. She also promised herself to locate me and ask for my forgiveness, to her, she betrayed me by leaving when she knew I would still be needing her.Liz made her parent realize that she would never step foot in Nigeria if they fail to carry out her wish and they should forget ever having a child, talk less of a grandchild. According to her she was married with a kid.

Liz went on and on to ask for forgiveness for herself and her parents. I was so amazed at her level of humility and her great choices of words melt my heart. I found myself ready to forgive and forget all that happened in the past. I also asked her to forgive me for disrespecting her mother and she said she was sure I had no other choice. Her peaceful spirit made me see the need to be in peace with everybody. I decided to accept a simple sorry from all that had wronged me and allow bygone to be bygone.

After narrating a little of all that happened during liz absent, we had a simple lunch filled with talks about the past. Though all that happened was not pleasant to the ear. It was easy to laugh over it since it was in the past. Everything was just like a story, a tragic one. During the talked, I seek to be excused and I asked kelvin to come with me to the room. Immediately we settled in bed, I told kelvin I felt the sudden urge to meet with all my offenders and forgave them whole heartedly just as my mom said in the video. Kelvin was surprised and happy at my new decision. He held me close to himself and said “nancy….. I’m so proud of you. I never knew you went through all liz talked about and you are still here. You came out strong and gallant. No offences but you are truly your mother’s child. My only wish is for you to give birth to a child as strong as you are and not a weakling like me” we both laughed at kelvin’s joke and I was grateful to him for standing my me.

I and kelvin had a change of dress before we joined liz in the living room. I stood in front of liz, beaming with smile and said “take me to your parent Liz, I want to forgive them all”. Liz opened her mouth widely and murmured “it’s a lie” continuously before she stood up and hugged me. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes as she thanked me profusely. I only patted her back gently, as we all filled out of the house.

What good will come out of life with so much hatred and bitterness? Liz taught me to live and love and forgive all my offenders. Forgiveness is not an easy task but it is a necessity in life.

After about thirty minutes drive, Liz parked in front of a building. The securities and our driver also follow suit. I was about asking if she wanted to see someone before she would take us to my uncle’s apartment when she smiled and said “welcome to my parents’ abode”

I could not even reply her, I only starred at K9elvin and gazed at the building speechlessly. The building was and average building with worn out door and faded paint. I could not help but wonder what uncle Mike did with the money allocated to him and all the money he embezzled when he was still running my mom’s company. We walked to the door and Liz opened the door widely for us. I glanced at Kelvin with a confused expression before I slowly entered the house.

The living room was small and untidy. For once in life, I pitied my uncle at the thought of how he would survive after years of living in a mansion.

Few minutes after settling down, l

Uncle Mike came out of a room I guessed was the kitchen. He tied a towel around his waist and he was shirtless. At sight, I knew he must have been sick. Again, I wondered how someone can change so much in just three months. Uncle Mike exchanged pleasantries with us before he took his sit. Liz also went into the house and returned with her mom, who was holding a cute little boy whom I guessed to be Liz son. Aunt Nike sat with her husband after greeting us briefly. The room went silent until Liz took the bull by its horn.

Liz called her parents and said ” I know you are both surprise to see Nancy here with me. That is to show you that she is not ready to pay you back with evil and she has a heart of pure gold. Without beating around the Bush, I want the both of you to apologize to Nancy for all the maltreatment you made her go through. Beg her in any way she will accept your apology. I want the bad blood in our family cleared today.”

I was more than shocked at how bold and straight Liz was. I was more shocked when my uncle and his wife went on their kneels. I was expecting them to be stubborn but they willingly went on their kneels right in front of me. I hurriedly stood up and carried the both of them up before I told them that I had forgiven them. Aunt Nike made me more speechless when she burst into tears. I wasn’t sure if her tears were genieu or she was shedding fake tears but the way she bit her fingers as a sign of regret made me believe her tears were not for show.

Uncle Mike and his wife took turn to thank Kelvin and I, after which I asked uncle Mike the cause of their predicament. He shook his head figorously and said ” Nancy, I hope you believe in karma. Right now karma is dealing with me and it’s as if all the bad deeds I carried out is coming back to me ten times hard.

During my period in my sister’s company, all I did was to lavish funds and the little I thought I have invested went straight into the hands of a hungry Lion. While buying all the shares, I did not have the time for signing of documents. I entrusted everything to somebody, little did I know that my friend was my enemy. It was after the reading of the will that I found out that I made friends with a wolf. This guy was actually buying all the shares in his name and all the things I invested in was in his name as well. I could not even fight him with the law because I had no proof against him. I had to give up without a legal fight.

I also did not save money in my account. I was scared of been discovered, so I had a close friend whom I saved all my life earning with. To cut the long story short he eluded with my money.

This two sudden discovery came as a rude shock, I ended up in the hospital after about two weeks of the will reading.

I was consoled with the hope of having the ten millionaire my sister left for me and I had a secret apartment which we moved into as well. I decided that I was going to work hard and make the ten million grow into billions. It was as if I was under a spell, in fact, I’m sure I’m a spell was cast on me. After leaving the hospital, I met with a friend who introduced me to another friend of his. He was involved in oil business. He made me believe the business will only be profitable if I invest high amount. I decided to take a bank loan. In the process I used my apartment as a collateral. I got ten million from the bank and I had ten million as well. Everything I had was twenty million, I invested with the hope of making bountiful profit. My business partner eventually had a plane crash on his way out of the country. I also found out that he knew nothing about oil business but it was too late. He already perished with my money.

I had no where and no one to run to. I did not help any of my family members while I was still in money, so none of them were willing to help me. Before the bank would send me packing in disgrace, I decided to swallow my pride and come back to my former house. This is where we use to live before my sister’s death and this is the only building I own. I was given the chance to make people remember my name but I chose to make them remember me for bad. I stepped on so many people on my way up and now I’m been stepped on. The only lesson I learnt is never to trust nobody because trust is dead and buried.”

Uncle Mike ended his speech and buried his face in his hands. His eyes were red when he eventually raised his head and tears were in his eyes. Surely, karma is a bi**h.

Aunt Nike went next after my uncle, she talked about all the odd she did and apologized. Without wasting much time, I hugged her and told her everything was fine.

After the whole apologizing and forgiving drama, I cleared my throat and said “though you both left a scar in my heart, I’m willing to let go. Uncle, you will resume as the general manager of the construction company next week. I will personally take care of your allowance and official benefits.

Aunt, the boutique will be under your control. This is my token”

Uncle Mike and his wife went on their kneels immediately I ended my statement. Liz also hugged me tight with tears in their eyes. Kelvin helped my uncle up while I consoled Liz.

Before we left, Kelvin signed my uncle a cheque of 5 million naira and he promised him a new ride. He was overwhelmed and he could not hide his regret. I was happy I made peace with my uncle and his family. Making peace with them felt as if I transferred my burden to them. The hatred and guilt were off my shoulder. We left uncle mike’s house at exactly 3:00pm.

Immediately we stepped out, I looked at Kelvin and said ‘up next is the Stanley. I’m ready to battle words with the old man’

Kelvin looked at me and said ‘you are on the right path’

Nothing Could be More encouraging.

…to be continued