Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 32 - The Cracks Beneath the Surface*
Sir Frederick sat at the head of the dining table, slowly sipping his tea. Marita, seated across from him, pushed her plate aside gently.
"I've been thinking about something," she began, her brow slightly furrowed. "The day Choma brought Zehra to the house… the girl said something. Something about her father… but I didn't catch it fully."
Sir Frederick glanced up. "What did she say?"
"I'm not sure," Marita sighed. "It sounded like… 'Daddy doesn't play with me because I'm a girl.' Her tone changed. It wasn't just a random comment - it came from somewhere deep."
Sir Frederick leaned back in his chair. "Let it not be that Charles has been distant with that little girl. He's not treating her right, and maybe she's old enough now to feel it.?
"Or maybe she was just talking like kids do," Marita said, although even she didn't believe her own words.
***
Later that day, Blessing arrived at the house. Ziora ran to her, laughing. "Aunty Blessing! You said you would teach me spelling today!"
Blessing smiled and lifted her into a hug. "Of course, baby. Go bring your homework!"
They sat on the floor together, working through assignments. I joined them a few minutes later, carrying a tray of puff-puffs and fresh orange juice. "Let's eat something," I said.
We sat cross-legged, eating, giggling, teasing Ziora as she proudly spelled out big words. The atmosphere was warm and lively - until the front door opened.
Charles walked in.
"Good evening, Charles," Blessing greeted cheerfully.
He gave a dry nod without looking up and walked straight to the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him.
Blessing whispered, "What's wrong with him?"
I sighed. "I don't know. He's been like this."
***
Later that night, I was on a video call with Nancy. Her twins were bouncing with excitement when they saw Ziora.
"Ziora!" they squealed. "Come play!"
Ziora giggled and waved. "Hi! I miss you!"
I smiled and handed her the phone while I got up to fetch a drink from the fridge. As I opened it, I overheard Zehra asking, "Does your daddy eat with you?"
The twins answered yes.
"Does he play with you too?" she asked innocently.
"Yes!"
"Okay," Ziora replied softly, her smile fading.
I rushed back and gently took the phone from her. Nancy looked concerned. "What was she asking them?"
"Oh, don't mind her," I forced a smile. "She's just being a curious child."
Nancy nodded slowly. "Alright, if you say so."
We continued talking, though I could feel her hesitation.
***
The nex morning, Charles walked into the living room and saw me rearranging Ziora's school bag.
"You left the gas burner on again," he snapped. "You want to burn this whole place down?"
"What? That's not true!" I defended myself.
"I saw it myself!" he barked.
I stood up. "You always find something to shout about, Charles. Why are you like this? Always angry, always cold - to me and your own daughter!"
He scoffed and walked past me. "Whatever. You and your drama."
I stared after him, my fists clenched. It wasn't just a bad day anymore - it was becoming a pattern. One I could no longer ignore.
That evening, the house was quiet. My daughter was asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling gently. I sat in the corner of our room with Charles' phone in my hand. He had gone to take a shower and carelessly left it unlocked.
Something pushed me - an ache, a whisper, a nudge - and I opened it.
I wasn't ready for what I saw.
His chats with her.
The girl.
They weren't just casual. They were *deep*. Flirtatious. Intimate.
*Her:* *"I miss you, baby. When are you coming over again?"*
*Charles:* *"Soon. I wish I could just throw her and that child out, be free, and make you my wife."*
*Her:* *"I'm waiting. You know I'd treat you like a king."*
Pictures followed. Her pictures. Seductive poses, lace underwear, pouted lips. My heart stopped. I could hardly breathe.
He told her how miserable I made him feel. How I was a mistake. How the only thing stopping him from leaving was "timing."
He even told her that our daughter was "just there," and he couldn't connect with her because she wasn't a boy.
Tears poured freely from my eyes.
I held my chest, trying to breathe. My entire body trembled.
Without thinking, I picked up my phone and called Blessing.
She picked on the second ring.
"Hello, babe!" she said, cheerfully.
"Blessing…" My voice broke. "I can't breathe."
"Chioma? What happened?!"
"I - I saw his chats," I sobbed. "Charles… He said he'd throw me and our daughter out. He's planning to marry another woman. She's been sending him pictures - naked ones. And he said I'm a mistake."
There was silence for a second. Then Blessing's voice dropped.
"I swear, if I was there right now… Choma, no, no. You don't deserve this. That man is cursed."
I sniffled, shaking my head as if she could see me.
"I gave him everything, Blessing. I gave up my life for him. And this… this is what I get?"
"I'm coming over tomorrow morning. Don't do anything crazy tonight. Just hold your baby, okay? Hold her and remind yourself who you are."
I looked toward my daughter's crib, tears still streaming.
"I won't let him break me," I whispered.
"No, you won't," Blessing said firmly. "You'll rise, Chioma. And when you do, he'll regret every damn word he ever typed."
ready for chapter 33
final chapter