Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 25: The Call from Home"*
In a quiet apartment in Dubai, sunlight filtered in through the pale curtains. Ekene was seated on the couch, cradling one of his newborn twins while Nancy gently rocked the other in her arms. The peaceful sound of soft baby coos filled the room - until Ekene's phone buzzed on the glass table beside him.
He looked at the screen.
*"Sir Frederick"*
"Hello, dad!" Ekene answered quickly, adjusting the baby in his arms.
"Ekene," came the deep, weary voice of Sir Frederick. "How are you and the family?"
"We're fine, dad. The twins are doing great. Nancy is still recovering but holding up. Thank you for calling."
There was a pause, then Sir Frederick said, "I wish this was just a call to inform you of our visit to see the kids. But something serious has happened, and you need to hear it directly from me."
Ekene sat up straighter. "dad? What is it?"
"It's Charles," he began, his tone turning cold. "He stole from the company. Two hundred million naira. Gone. Without a word, without a trace."
Ekene froze. "What?! Charles did what?"
I trusted him, Ekene. I gave him responsibilities. And this is what he did. To make matters worse, Chioma hasn't return to the house. He told lies. Accused Richard of kidnapping her. Got the poor boy arrested."
"Oh my God," Ekene whispered. "I… I don't even know what to say. dad, are you sure about this?"
"I've stripped him of everything. His phones, passport, money. He's on the streets now, like a common criminal. I didn't raise him to be this way. But he crossed the line."
Nancy looked at Ekene with concern, mouthing, "What's wrong?"
Ekene covered the phone briefly and told her, "It's Charles… something terrible."
Sir Frederick's voice came again. "I'm telling you, Ekene, it's only Charles that knows the real reason Choma left. Whatever he did to her… it must have been serious. And now, look where he is."
Ekene let out a breath. "dad, I'm so sorry. This is unbelievable. But thank you for letting me know. I'll talk to some of my friends and we'll know how we'll get that money back."
"Thank you, my son. Take care of your family. At least you still give me hope."
The line went dead.
Ekene slowly lowered the phone and stared at nothing for a moment. Nancy touched his hand. "What happened?"
He looked at her. "Charles has destroyed everything."
Ekene lowered himself to sit on the edge of the bed. "He took money from the company. Two hundred million. Imagine that. Money meant for business, just gone. dad and mum are furious. He's lost everything."
Nancy's eyes widened. "Are you serious? Charles?"
"Yes. And... Chioma. She hasn't returned. She said shes fine and we shouldn look for her. No one knew where she went. It's only Charles that knows why she left. I just... I hope she's safe."
They both looked down at their children in silence.
**
Meanwhile, across town in the streets of lagos, Charles sat slumped by the sidewalk, his shirt grimy, his hair unkempt, and his eyes hollow from exhaustion. The once proud son of Sir Frederick was now a shadow of himself. No car. No driver. No money. His phones, passport, and everything that gave him status had been stripped from him by his own father.
People walked past him, some not even recognizing him. Others did, but quickly looked away.
His stomach growled again. Hunger had become his new normal. He thought of Richard - his one-time friend - but his pride was louder than his belly. He could never stoop to ask him for help. Not after everything.
His thoughts drifted to princess soma. Where is she now?
He shut his eyes, trying to block out the world. But the world didn't disappear. And neither did his downfall.
Let me know when you're ready for chapter 26.