Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 13: The Price of Love
The evening breeze stirred the curtains slightly as Charles parked his black SUV outside a modest but well-kept lodge on the outskirts of Lekki. The sun had dipped low, casting a warm orange hue across the walls. In his hand was a small designer suitcase - *Princess Soma's* bag - the same one she left behind after the chaos at his family home.
Charles stepped out, took a deep breath, and walked towards the entrance.
Room 208.
His heart raced with every step. He knocked.
The door swung open sharply, and there she was - Soma, arms folded, cigarette between her fingers, eyes like thunderclouds.
"You finally decided to come?" she said, her tone biting.
"I brought your things," Charles said gently, lifting the bag. "Can I come in?"
She stepped aside without a word. He walked in. The air was thick with tension. Her perfume and the faint scent of smoke lingered in the room.
"Soma, I'm sorry," he said as he placed the bag down. "I had no idea they would do that to you. My parents… they - "
She cut him off. "Don't even start. They humiliated me, Charles. Threw me out like trash. Is that what I deserve after everything?"
"No, no, not at all," he rushed to say. "I've been trying to fix it. I argued with them. I've not had peace since that day. Please forgive me. Forgive them."
Soma turned, her eyes softened just a little. "They don't like me, Charles. That much is clear. But I'm not here to beg anyone for acceptance. I'm here to build something for myself."
"I know," he nodded, stepping closer.
She pulled away slightly, raising a brow. "Speaking of building - what about the business I told you about? You said you're interested."
"I am," he replied. "I'll send the money. I'm making arrangements already."
"Good," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "The sooner I get it, the sooner I start. The returns are heavy, Charles. You won't regret it."
He sat beside her, took her hand gently. "I believe in you."
***
Back at the mansion, the mood was lighter. I, *was alone in the spacious hallway, holding a mop and dancing to one of my favorite Igbo highlife songs playing from my small Bluetooth speaker. The music carried me, and I twirled with my bucket in hand, unaware of the eyes watching me.
"Ahem."
I froze. Turned slowly.
*Sir Frederick* stood near the staircase, arms folded, a mixture of surprise and amusement on his face.
"Sir!" I gasped. "Good evening, sir! I'm - I'm sorry, I didn't know - "
He raised a hand, smiling faintly. "No need for panic, Choma. You dance well. Just… not on duty."
I nodded quickly, grabbed my bucket, and all but scurried away, my cheeks burning.
***
Later that day, Charles was at his office, deep in conversation with *Mr. Olumide*, the company's financial controller.
"How much can we release without raising attention?" Charles asked, lowering his voice.
Olumide hesitated. "Sir, that depends. For a large withdrawal, I'd need proper documentation. We also need board awareness if it crosses a threshold."
Charles leaned closer. "Then keep it quiet. I need you to arrange the release of *₦200 million*. I'll sign whatever you need."
Olumide exhaled slowly. "I'll get it done, sir. Just give me a day."
"Make it fast," Charles replied firmly.
***
Far away in Europe, in the balcony overlooking a picturesque city, *Nancy* was glowing with joy. Her phone rested on her palm as she spoke with her new god mother, seated beside her.
"I'm pregnant," she whispered gleefully.
"Two weeks now."
Their hous maid, suzan*, who had been adjusting the table setting behind her, gasped.
"Nancy! Are you serious?"
"Yes, Mama. We'll be going back to Nigeria soon."
her eyes welled with tears. "Thank you, God."
***
Meanwhile, at a luxurious residence in Ikoyi, *Queen Preshido* reclined on her floral couch, sipping juice as her close friend *Evelyn* visited.
"You've been quiet," Evelyn said, nudging her. "What's wrong?"
"It's Charles," Preshido murmured. "He's been acting strange. Not picking my calls, not visiting."
Evelyn looked curious. "Who's Charles?"
Preshido reached for her phone, opened the gallery, and handed it to her. "This is him."
Evelyn's eyes widened. "Wait - this guy? I've seen him… I've seen him a few times with a certain lady. Rough type. Always smoking."
Preshido sat up straight. "You're sure?"
Evelyn nodded. "Positive."
Preshido's heart sank. "So this is why he's been avoiding me?"
She muttered to herself, "He's changed. Something is wrong."
***
That evening, Charles sat in his car, parked outside a quiet hotel. The line connected, and Soma's voice came through, chipper and triumphant.
"Baby," she said, "I just received the money. The full amount."
Charles smiled. "I told you I'd make it happen."
"I'll start the business immediately. You'll get ten times the return, trust me."
"I do," he replied, unaware of the storm brewing just beneath the surface.
The wheels were turning - and not all of them in his favor.
ready for chapter 14