Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 15: Homecomings and Hidden Fears
The late morning sun cast a golden glow over the compound as the gates of the Frederick mansion slowly opened. A sleek black SUV pulled into the compound, its tires crunching over the gravel driveway. Out stepped *Ekene*, tall and glowing with post-honeymoon happiness, and beside him, *Nancy*, visibly glowing too - though not just from love, but from the early signs of pregnancy.
The house was already alive with excitement. *Marita* rushed out, arms wide, nearly tripping in her slippers.
"My son!" she cried. "My daughter!"
They embraced tightly. Sir *Frederick* followed behind her, grinning from ear to ear. "Welcome home, Ekene! I've missed you, son."
"Daddy, we missed you too," Ekene said warmly.
Nancy hugged her father-in-law. "Papa, you're looking younger!"
He laughed heartily. "And you're looking… rounder. Should I be congratulating someone?"
ma rita gasped and turned to Nancy. "Wait… so it is true?"
Nancy smiled shyly and nodded. "Two weeks gone."
Marita screamed in joy, pulling her into another hug. "God, thank You! My first grandchild!"
I came out cheering. Even *Osaho*, the gatekeeper, joined in the warm welcome. But one person was missing.
"Where is Charles?" Ekene asked, looking around.
Sir Frederick's face hardened slightly. "He's not home. He's been… running around."
Ekene exchanged a glance with Nancy but said nothing. The celebration continued.
***
in a luxury apartment filled with soft music and cool air-conditioning, *Queen Preshido* lay back on her plush white sofa, resting her head on *Michael Godson's* chest. He ran his fingers through her hair gently as they talked, laughed, and exchanged soft kisses.
"You know I can't stay too long," Michael said.
"I know," she murmured. "But I'm just happy you're here now."
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "You're more beautiful than the last time I saw you."
"And you're more annoying," she teased, slapping his chest playfully.
They both laughed, their voices mixing with the jazz playing from the speaker. She traced her fingers along his arm.
"Do you love me?" she asked suddenly, lifting her head.
He met her eyes. "I came all the way to Nigeria for you."
That was all she needed.
***
Later that day, *Ekene* and *Nancy* arrived at a humble yet well-kept home. The door opened before they knocked.
"Hey mama!" Nancy called joyfully.
*patience ozokwo*, her mother, beamed as she saw them. "My children! Welcome!"
She opened her arms and hugged them both tightly. "You didn't tell me you are back to nigeria !"
Ekene smiled, handing over several shopping bags. "We wanted to surprise you."
Her eyes widened as she looked into the bags - spices, clothes, cosmetics, foreign groceries, even new wrappers.
"My daughter!" she cried. "You brought the whole of abroad!"
Nancy laughed and hugged her again. "Mama, I have something else to tell you."
Patience looked at her suspiciously. "Don't tell me…"
"I'm pregnant."
Patience screamed. "Oluwa ooo! This is double blessing!"
They all laughed and sat down to chat over freshly poured malt drinks.
***
Charles sat in his parked car, his brows furrowed, phone in hand. He had called *Princess Soma* over seven times already.
No answer.
He called again.
Still switched off.
He stared at the screen, biting his lip. "Where are you, Soma?" he whispered.
There was a tightness in his chest, something that hadn't left since the last time they spoke.
Was she okay? Or… had Richard been right?
***
Back at home, the scent of fried tomatoes, onions, and pepper filled the kitchen air. I was at the stove, stirring a thick pot of jollof rice. A pot of goat meat stew simmered nearby, and a bowl of chopped vegetables was ready to be sautéed.
Nancy walked in, already laughing. "Chioma! You've turned this kitchen into a restaurant!"
I turned with a wide smile. "Big Madam is back! Come and taste chef's soup o."
She picked a piece of meat from the pot and blew on it.
"Ah! Chioma! This your hand is dangerous. When are you opening your own place?"
I laughed. "When your brother-in-law stops disturbing my peace!"
We both burst out laughing as she leaned against the counter, helping me chop onions.
In that moment, in the heart of the house, things felt warm, whole, and for the first time in a long time - peaceful. But somewhere in Charles's world, a storm was quietly brewing.
ready for chapter 16