Bitter smile

trip to Lagos with Demilade. She had mixed emotions about leaving her family

had with Demilade's mother. She wondered if Demilade would truly ta

her face. "Dara, are you sure you're ready fo

ave to do this, Mom. I have to try to ma

ngly. "Okay, dear. We'll supp

room. "Dara, I have an idea! Why don't I come

unsure if that

fine"she said, f

t understanding. "Okay, sis. I ju

be fine, tife. I promise. I

n't you help Dara pack instead? Make sure

d to the unknown. What would Lagos be like? Would Demilade's family accept her? An

ded her a small bag. "Here, take this. It's

emotions. She was scared, but also d

is car packed with luggage. Dara took a deep breat

, Dara felt a sens

the ice, but Demilade's responses were monosyllabic. She won

liar landscapes to unfamiliar cityscapes. Dara's anxiety g

his voice breaking the si

racing. She could feel

towering skyscrapers and bustling streets were over

on in a gated community. Dara felt in

t daddy was rich but she neve

pound. Dara's eyes scanned the surroundings, tak

ions. She was relieved to have arrived saf

ow her life in damila

e at the grandeur of the mansion. Demilade led her to the

aid. "I'm Mrs. Adesola. I'll be ta

g a bit overwhelmed

key. "Show Dara to her room.

d room. As they walked, Dara couldn't help but notice the

said. "You can rest here. I'll bri

was grateful for the comfortable accommoda

lade, who was lingering in the doorway. "D

is expression quest

ked, feeling a sense of trepidation.

ing hers. "We'll discuss that late

he had to be strong for her baby's sake, but she couldn

The softness of the bed and the exhaustion from the journey ca

, Dara heard a knock on the door. "Come in,

ments. "I brought you some tea and biscuits

es. "Thank you, Mrs. Adesol

ldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She was in a new and

. "Dara, I need to talk to you about som

want to talk about? Was it about their fu

n the bed, trying to m

g more than a third party... or perhaps a surrogate. I expect you to stay out of my way and remain in your room at all times.

isdain, and Dara felt a

couldn't believe what she was hearing. A third party? A surrogate?

oice shaking with emotion. "I'm the mothe

ust a poor girl from a village. You'

new she had to keep her cool. She cou

d, her voice steady, "but I have dignity. And I

"Oh? And what will you do

art pounding. There's

rm. "I'll find a way to take care of

you that. But you're not going anywhere.

your property," she said, her eyes flashing with anger. "I'm a per

r to Dara. "You're pushing your luck," he warned. "Don't fo

e had to be careful, but she couldn't let Demilade bully her. She w

as told" Dara s

said. "I'm glad we understand each other. You'll stay in this room, and Mrs. Adesola will b

ver her. She knew she had to be careful, but

oke up. "Wait," she said. "What abou

Don't worry about that," he said. "My family will take ca

hat did he mean by "being a good guest"?

. She was trapped, alone and pregnant, in a luxurious mansion with no way o

her own and never get

y of food. "Dara, I brought you some dinner," she s

tude towards the housekeeper. "Thank

e had to be careful, but she couldn't give up. She nee

________

her skin was glowing and her pregnancy hormones was do

gements and the kindness of Mrs. Adesola, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of loneliness and isolation. She missed Dem

said, her expression softening. "Demilade will be returning today from his bus

nd nervousness. What would Demilade be like when he returned?

and commanding, as he spoke to Mrs. Adesola. His tone was firm, but there was a hint of fatigu

lexis, Boss Demilade's assistant," he said, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Mrs. Adesola's told me so much about you, and wow

nt. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at the compliment, but she quick

But I'm not sure what you mean by 'great couple'. I'm j

"Oh, come on, Dara. Don't be coy. I know all about the situation. And I

e her embarrassment. She didn't know what to make of Alexis's forward

es narrowing as he took in the scene. "Alexis, w

red on his face. "Just introducing myself to the lov

sion between the two men. She wondered what was going on,

ed to speak w

ling confused and more than a little concerned. What was going on in