Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 20*" Crossroads and Conversations"
The afternoon sun filtered gently through the curtains in Richard's living room. Chisom Loretta sat comfortably on the arm of the couch, her feet curled underneath her as she sipped a glass of juice. Richard was opposite her, casually flipping through a magazine, but his eyes kept drifting toward her.
"Richard," Chisom began, her tone calm but curious, "can I ask you something?"
He looked up and smiled. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
"It's about Charles," she said, setting her glass down. "I know he's your friend… but something about him doesn't sit right with me. He comes off as proud, even arrogant. Are you sure you know him well?"
Richard chuckled. "Charles? Yeah, we've been friends for years. He can be intense, yes, and sometimes he carries himself like he owns the world, but… deep down, he's just dealing with a lot."
Chisom raised a brow. "Still, people like that can be dangerous, especially when they hide it behind charm."
Richard sighed. "You're not wrong. I've told him a few things he didn't like hearing, but that's Charles. He doesn't take correction easily."
The two continued their chat, moving between topics, while the quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the background.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Queen Preshido was stepping out of the house with Michael. The day had started like any other, but Michael had a surprise up his sleeve.
"Where are we going?" she asked, frowning slightly as he opened the car door for her.
"You'll see," he replied, smiling.
They drove for a while until they pulled up in front of a modern car dealership.
"Michael!" she gasped, stepping out. "What are we doing here?"
He turned to her with a proud grin. "Pick any car you like. It's yours."
She stared at him in disbelief. "Are you serious?!"
Michael nodded. "You deserve it."
She squealed and ran to him, hugging him tightly before rushing toward a sleek white SUV. Moments later, she was behind the wheel, her excitement radiating from every movement.
As they pulled into the family compound, Queen Preshido spotted her father standing near the front porch.
"Daddy!" she yelled joyfully, stepping out of the car and running to embrace him.
Michael followed behind, respectful and smiling.
"Welcome, Michael," her father said warmly, shaking his hand.
"Thank you, sir. It's good to see you again," Michael replied.
They all went inside, and over drinks and laughter, Michael mentioned he would soon be traveling to Ghana - and he wanted Queen Preshido to go with him. Her father, seeing the bond between them, agreed without hesitation.
Back at the house, I was outside by the gate with Osaho, the gatekeeper. We sat on a low bench, the late afternoon breeze brushing past us.
"I don't know," I said. "Charles is too harsh. Too quick to anger."
Osaho nodded, leaning back. "Ekene is better. Even when things get tense, he keeps his cool."
"I miss them," I said softly. "Ekene and Nancy. Any time from now, we might hear good news - maybe they've had their baby."
We both smiled at the thought, the conversation drifting to happier memories.
Later that evening, Charles was on the phone with his mother. He paced slowly around the living room, phone pressed to his ear.
"Yes, Mama… Nigeria is fine," he said, sighing. "Business is tough, but I'm managing."
His mother's voice crackled through the line. "You need to take care of yourself, Charles. And that girl - be good to her."
He didn't respond right away. Instead, he looked toward the stairs, his face unreadable.
"I hear you, Mama," he finally said. "I'm trying."
The call ended, but his thoughts didn't. The silence in the room only grew louder.
Let me know if you'd like Chapter 21 next.