Things have really improved these past few months. Femi has been wonderful, he's been kind. No lashing out, no verbal outbursts.
"Wow, problems really can humble a man o." Sade said as she laughed hysterically.
"Sade, stop it, you are making jest of my husband you know. I will not take that. "
"No vex madam wife. It won't happen again," she said as she feigned seriousness.
"Hope he is sha taking his treatment seriously, I'm praying to be a godmother soon. "
"He is o, and praying seriously too. We fast thrice a week and pray together thrice a day."
"That's great as long as he keeps it that way."
"Stop being pessimistic Sade, we need to be in agreement of faith for our prayers to be answered.
Meanwhile, I'm praying for you too."
"For what? Husband matter abi? Abeg leave me alone. I'm fine. Just fine. Gbenga will soon be through with his PhD and he will be back home."
"Okay oooo if you say so."
"Yes, I say so. Let me be on my way before your husband gets back. We see over the weekend shey?"
"Hmm, maybe, I don't know if Femi has made plans, so I'll let you know."
"Hehehe. Let me just go jeje. Goodnight".
They wave at each other at the front door as Sade gets in her car and drives off.
_____________________________________
"Have you been sleeping with any other man?"
Femi asked this question with so much coldness in his voice that it sent chills down her spine. She didn't see this coming. They were having lunch after church service this fateful Sunday.
"Honey, why would you ask me such question? What have I done to warrant such questions. You know I could do no such thing. You were my first and so help me God, my last. I would never cheat on you!"
"You think I'm a fool? You think I'm stupid? You think I don't see through your miss goody two shoes attitude?"
"No, Femi, no. I am not cheating on you!"
But he wouldn't hear any of it, He kept on shouting and raving, roaring like a lion, threatening fire and brimstone.
She just sat down there like a sheep. Quiet, scared, afraid, shocked!
Things had been going fine the last three months only for him to start his accusations out of no where.
She didn't want to respond for fear of infuriating the more, neither did she want to stay mute so he doesn't say she is deliberately ignoring him.
"Erm, erm, actually, ......"
"See, guilt! You are guilty, that's why you can't speak up."
"You are a fool, a good for nothing prostitute, I don't know how and why i married you!"
"No", she said meekly.
"Whattt? What did you just say to me?"
"I said NO! She screamed. I have had enough of this madness. You abuse me and my ancestors at every provocation, you hide your medical problem from me, you spend your salary on God knows what and I have to take care of the home and bills alone, you don't want any of my family members visiting our home, you accuse me of not being respectful or nice enough to your family members and to cap it up, you add accusations of adultery into the mix! So, no, I am not a prostitute, I am not a fool, I am not worth......
She hit the ground before she could complete the sentence. This time around, He didn't stop at that, He kept punching and beating her while on the ground. He just wouldn't stop, not until she was quiet.
When she stopped crying, it was then he knew he was in trouble.
___________________________________
"I'm so sorry Doc, she lost the pregnancy, she has some bruises here and there and a concussion. We would be carrying out some x-ray tests to be sure nothing is broken. Why was she on a motor bike by the way?"
"Pregnant? I said it, she has been sleeping around. If not, how come she's pregnant. She deserved the beating after all."
"Ehn? What did you say? I thought you said she was involved in a motorcycle accident ?"
"Never mind Doctor James, I was just thinking out loud, I need to be somewhere. Take care of her."
_____________________________________
Femi found his way to the nearest bar and drank to his fill. He just received the license to practice open adultery.
He had been keeping his activities secret but now, no more.
"Hello, Angela, meet me in my house now. I'm on my way."
"Your house? What of your wife?"
"She's not home, just meet me there now!"
"OK o, on my way oga."
Written By Tolulope Fakayode-Faniran
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