BETRAYAL

Chapter 4: The Weight of Her Secret

For the next two years, I focused on building myself, my career, and my beautiful Jasmine. I moved out of my parents' house and into one of my dad's houses in Lekki with Jasmine. My routine was simple: take Jasmine to school, then to my office, and finally, check in on my fashion store, which I'd opened a year earlier. I had no time for petty or trivial issues. But one day, Jasmine came to find me in my study.

"Good evening, Mummy," she said.

"Good evening, my baby. How was your day?" I asked.

"I'm fine, Mummy. I want to ask you a question."

"What is it?" I asked, looking up from my laptop.

"Mummy, don't I have a daddy? Where is my daddy?"

Her question shocked me. The memories came rushing back, but I managed to compose myself.

"Jasmine, can we not talk about this right now? I'll come to your room later."

"No, Mummy! I want to see my daddy!" she cried. "Every day, my classmates make fun of me for not having a daddy. I want to see him. Call my daddy!" She stormed out of the study.

I didn't know what to do. Everything felt confusing. I held my head and tried to calm down. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

Mimi, Jasmine's nanny, entered.

"Ma'am, I need to speak with you."

"Is something the matter, Mimi?"

"Ma'am, I think it's time you tell Jasmine the truth. At this rate, she won't stop until you do."

I sighed. "I don't know. Honestly, I'm confused. How am I supposed to tell her?"

"Madam, I advise you to make a decision quickly."

"Alright, you may leave. Thank you."

The next morning, I went to Jasmine's room, only to find her still lying in bed.

"Mimi!" I called.

"Yes, Madam."

"Why isn't she dressed for school yet?"

"She refused to go."

"Jasmine, what's wrong? Is anything the matter?"

"Mummy, why are you hiding my daddy from me? I want to see my daddy."

"Jasmine, I'll take you to see your daddy very soon. I've already called him."

"Really?" she shouted happily. "I love you, Mummy!"

"Now get dressed for school."

"Okay!"

With that lie, I managed to keep Jasmine under control.

Two months later, a new assistant director, Emmanuel, was transferred to my company. We began working together on projects. Nobody knew I had a child; everyone saw me as a single lady. One afternoon, after closing hours, Emmanuel came to my office.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am."

"Afternoon, Emmanuel. What can I do for you?"

"I came to give you this," he said, handing me a dinner invitation.

"A dinner invitation?" I asked suspiciously.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'd appreciate it if you could attend. Please don't say no."

I sighed. "Alright then. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright, Ma'am."

The next morning, I went to the restaurant. After checking the invitation, I saw Emmanuel. To be honest, he was handsome and well-mannered. We sat, ordered food, and struck up a conversation.

"This place is lovely," I said.

"Yeah, it is. I made sure to pick a place according to your preference," he replied.

I chuckled lightly. "Thank you."

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Yes, go on."

"Do you have a man in your life?"

I was stunned. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Hmm, I want to be the man in your life. I know I'm not perfect, but please accept me."

I was overwhelmed. He went down on one knee. "Please be my girlfriend."

I was embarrassed and shy. "Yes, I'll be your girlfriend."

"Thank you!" He kissed me.

He drove me home, and I bade him farewell. When I entered the house, Jasmine noticed my happy mood.

"Mummy, did you win a jackpot? You look happy."

Jasmine had a way of making me smile. Sometimes, I wondered if she was a child in an adult's body.

"Yes, my darling! I'm happy," I responded. After eating, I went to my bedroom, unable to stop thinking about him.

The next few weeks were wonderful. Emmanuel took me on dates, bought me gifts, and checked up on me every day. But I was scared of what would happen when he found out about Jasmine. The thought of the aftermath kept bothering me.

One weekend, Sandra visited. While we were talking, Emmanuel called.

"Hello, darling. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you, dear. Where are you?"

"I'm at home. Okay, I just decided to check on you! Thank you, babe. Bye."

Sandra was surprised. "Who were you talking to?"

I smiled. "My boyfriend, Emmanuel."

"Congrats, bae! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Sorry, Sandra. I've been busy."

Meanwhile, Jasmine returned from the amusement park (I always asked the nanny to take her out when I had visitors, except for my parents).

"Mummy!" she exclaimed, hugging me.

"When did you come back?"

"Just now. Good afternoon, Aunty!" she greeted Sandra.

"Good afternoon, my dear. Hmm, Jasmine, Mummy has a visitor. Go and play."

"Okay, Mummy."

"Daisy, who is she? And why did she call you Mummy?" Sandra asked.

I took a deep breath. "She's my daughter."

"What? When? How? Who's the father?"

"I had Jasmine during university. Adeoti is the father."

"Why didn't you tell me? How could you possibly do that?"

"It's complicated."

"I understand, but I'm really surprised."

After a while, Sandra took her leave. I later introduced Sandra to Emmanuel. I didn't know I was inviting the devil.

After some time, I noticed Emmanuel becoming distant. The calls became less frequent, and whenever I tried to talk to him, he responded nonchalantly. I became suspicious and decided to confront him. One afternoon, I went to his house unannounced. When I entered, I saw women's clothing and underwear. I went into his bedroom and found him in bed with my so-called best friend, Sandra. They were engrossed in their actions.

I screamed, "Sandra!"

She was surprised to see me.

"Emmanuel, how could you do this to me? With Sandra?"

He said, "What did you expect? That I would marry a single mother? Or a prostitute who couldn't control her loins?"

I was dumbfounded. "Sandra, you told him? How could you? You were more than a friend. I trusted you."

Sandra walked up to me. "Maybe Emmanuel was never yours to keep! Now leave. I don't want you influencing me with your wayward ways."

I left in shame, tears streaming down my face. As I drove home, I couldn't concentrate. Why? Why did Sandra betray me like this? I loved her like a sister! What did I do to deserve this? I got home, ignored everyone's greetings, and went to my room. I soaked my pillows with tears that night. Jasmine came in.

"Mummy, why are you crying? Who hurt you? Mummy, please don't cry."

She continued to pet me, but I couldn't stop crying. I fell asleep with Jasmine.

The next morning, I woke up to phone calls and messages. The worst I feared had happened: Sandra had spread the news that I had a child out of wedlock. There were many hurtful messages: "I never knew she was a slut!" "I never thought my role model was a single mother!" "She's disgusting!" "I wonder how she'll raise the child!" I was devastated. My entire world collapsed. Jasmine came back from school, crying, telling me her classmates and their parents were calling her the daughter of a prostitute. We both cried in each other's arms. My mother had to come over to look after Jasmine and me. One morning, I decided to commit suicide. I'd already tied the rope when my mother walked in and screamed, "Daisy, please don't do this! Oko mii, shanu mii! I'm begging you, please come down!" I had to let go of the rope and hugged my mother, crying. My mother sat me down and had a heartfelt conversation with me. "My dear, this is not the end of the world. You have to stand strong and find your footing. In any disappointment, there is also a blessing." I thanked her and went to check on Jasmine. She was fast asleep. I knew I had to be strong for my girl.

The following morning, I took Jasmine to school and warned her teachers that if they made her cry, there would be consequences. I left for work, went about my business, ignoring everyone. Even hurtful words couldn't stop me. I continued to brace myself, even though I wanted to give up. I thought of Jasmine. A few weeks later, Sandra and Emmanuel were getting married. He came to my office with a bottle of wine and an invitation card. I congratulated him and continued my work. I got home that night very tired. I was about to sleep when Jasmine strolled in.

"Mummy, I want to talk to you!"

"What is it, my dear?"

"Mummy, is it true that my daddy doesn't want me?"

I was surprised. "Hmm, my dear, it's not like that."

"I'm sorry for troubling you, Mummy. I promise I'll never ask about him again."

I drew her close and gave her a hug.

Sandra and Emmanuel got married. Though I was heartbroken, I wished them the best in their marriage. As for me, I am content with my Jasmine.

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BETRAYAL

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