Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 7 - Midnight Whispers and Morning Realities*
The house was eerily quiet when I stirred from my restless sleep. A throbbing pain pulsed through my forehead - sharp, steady, unforgiving. I sat up slowly, clutching my temples. It was past midnight, the kind of hour when even the walls feel asleep. The only sound was the low hum of the refrigerator from the kitchen. I needed water, and maybe a pill.
With sluggish feet and heavy eyes, I wrapped my shawl around my shoulders and stepped out into the dim hallway. The tiles were cold beneath my feet as I made my way into the kitchen. I opened the cabinet to reach for the painkillers and had just turned to grab water from the fridge when I heard footsteps behind me.
Startled, I turned quickly. "Richard?" I squinted into the shadows.
"Yeah," he said, stepping into the light, his voice groggy but gentle. "I saw you walking down. What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I have a terrible headache," I murmured, reaching for a glass. "I just needed some pills."
"Let me get the water for you," he offered, already opening the fridge.
I watched him silently, unsure whether to appreciate the gesture or question why he was following me around at such an odd hour. He handed me the chilled bottle and followed me as I made my way back to my room.
I turned to face him at the door. "Thank you. You should go back to sleep now."
"I just want to make sure you're fine," he insisted softly.
I sighed and pushed the door open. "Alright. Just for a moment."
He walked in and closed the door behind him. I sat down on the bed and reached for the pills. He handed them to me, along with the water.
"You'll be fine," he said, his voice calm and low. "Lie down for a bit."
"I will. You can go now."
Instead, he stood up, walked over to the door, and - to my surprise - locked it.
My heart skipped a beat. "What are you doing?" I asked, trying to sound stern but hearing the tremble in my own voice.
He walked back to me and gently lifted me up in his arms, cradling me like a child. "I just want to take care of you," he said. "You need rest."
"Drop me now, Richard! If anyone sees us, I'm finished o. I'll be in pepper soup!" I whispered urgently, my voice tight with fear and confusion.
"Relax," he said with a quiet smile. "Nothing will happen."
He laid me on the bed gently and sat beside me. I shifted away slightly.
"What do you even want from me?" I asked.
He looked at me - not with mischief, but something unreadable. "Very soon… you'll know."
We spoke quietly for some time - about the house, the family, the tension between Charles and everyone else. Before I knew it, sleep was calling me back. Everything else blurred into shadows and silence.
***
The next morning, I woke up alone. My heart jumped as my eyes scanned the room. Richard was gone. I sat up, quickly checking my clothes. Everything was intact. I let out a shaky sigh of relief.
"I hope nothing happened last night," I muttered to myself, brushing my fingers through my hair. "God, please."
I got up and went to the living room to begin my chores. The scent of fresh polish and warm air filled the room as I wiped surfaces and arranged pillows.
Soon, the house came alive.
In the sitting room, Ekene stood with his wife, Nancy, both glowing. His parents, Sir Frederick and Marita, sat on the couch, sipping tea. Ekene cleared his throat. "Mom, Dad," he began, "Nancy and I will be traveling to Dubai. It's a one-year project. I want her with me… so she can give birth there too."
Marita gasped and clutched Nancy's hand. "You're travelling?" she beamed.
"Yes, ma," Nancy replied."
Frederick rubbed his hands together, visibly pleased. "Good news upon good news."
"We'll be leaving in a few days," Ekene added.
Sir Frederick nodded. "That's alright. Your mother and I are also traveling next week. Just for six months."
Marita chimed in. "Charles, you'll take care of the house while we're away. And take care of her too," she said, pointing at me with a smile.
Charles scoffed. "Why me?"
"Because she's now family," Frederick said firmly. "The sister you never had. Don't argue."
Charles said nothing, but the storm in his eyes said it all.
Richard came out from his room and joined the gathering. Greetings were exchanged, and the house buzzed with planning, travel talks, and excitement.
***
Later, in Charles' room, he sat on the bed, his phone pressed tightly to his ear.
"Come on, pick up…" he whispered.
Princess Soma's line didn't go through - again. He redialed. Still nothing. Growing impatient, he grabbed his keys and left.
He arrived at the hotel, heart pounding. "Excuse me," he said to the receptionist. "Princess Soma. Do you have any record of her here?"
The woman shook her head. "She checked out three days ago, sir."
"No forwarding address?"
"No, sir."
Charles stood frozen, his face pale.
***
Meanwhile, Ekene and Nancy paid a visit to Patient Ozokwo, Nancy's mother. The older woman's eyes sparkled with tears when she saw them.
"My baby is pregnant!" she cried, hugging Nancy tight. They brought her gifts - food items, wrappers, creams, everything she could need.
"You'll come to Dubai once she gives birth," Ekene assured her.
"I'll be waiting," Patient smiled.
***
At the living room, Sir Frederick turned to Charles with a firm look. "Take care of the house. And her."
Charles nodded silently.
As the cars drove off, I stood at the entrance, a weight already forming in my chest. With the house now empty of everyone but me, Charles, and Richard… I knew something had shifted.
"This house is about to become a living hell for me," I whispered.
And deep down, I feared I might be right.
ready for chapter 18