A Cloud On The Horizon

"Please stop! don't beat my mummy again" Diana cried. Victor did not stop until Esther could not raise her arm anymore. He flanked Diana like a player would flank a ball on the football pitch, not minding if she hit her head on the wall. He left the house looking like a hungry tiger.
Victor was once a billionaire who was making cool cash before one of his mistress introduced to him a virtual business.
Suzzy was an international proustite who had made fortune from her job. She is curvaceous and smart that most politician do like to take her on their business trip.
She introduced Victor to a business that could make victor the richest in the country but to every business there attach a risk.
Victor was ready to take the risk. He withdrew all of his savings, packaged it in a sack and was ready to travel to Dubai with Suzzy. Two days before the trip, Victor was robbed.

Hello ma, mummy, it's me (sobbing)..
Esther "omo mi" what's wrong? Felicia, Esther's mother asked. Mummy he has started again ooo, aye mi ti baje ooo (I'm doomed), as she continued crying on phone. "Don't cry anymore. When its 4'o clock, just pick your things and leave his house. I will be home by then just come straight to me" Felicia said.

At exactly 3:30 pm, Esther hurriedly picked up her box, filled it with her clothes and Diana's clothes. She went straight to the sitting room to draft a note for her husband.

"Victor, I have loved you so much even than I loved myself. I have worshipped you like a slave would worship her king. Everyone had warned me not to marry you but I failed to listen due to my ignorance and the fake love you showed me.
I'm gone and gone for good. Don't bother to look for me as the next time you will be hearing from me will be from my lawyer.
Thanks for all the wasted time. May we never cross path again and if we do not as your wife. Good day.!"
She removed her ring, dropped it on the note she drafted and placed it on the center table where she was certain that Victor would see it. She dragged her box with her right hand and held Diana's hand with her left hand. She wept bitterly as she walked out of the compound.

During her university days, Victor would call her ten times a day. Promising her heaven and heart. Esther would even brag about having the best boyfriend among her friends. "I am the luckiest of you all. Can someone just tell me who had ever received a gift worth of 50k from her boyfriend among you?" She asked mockingly. "I urge you all to look for a better boyfriend like Victor and stop following those riffraffs you call boyfriend" she added.
Ronke and Mary would always feel bad anytime she teased them with poverty. But they just had to succumb to her ill words because it is from the food Victor buys for her that they would eat dinner. Sometimes Mary would go to bed hungry but as for Ronke, she doesn't play with her tummy. So she would even beg Esther despite knowing she was wrong.

"Ekule ooo", Esther greeted. "Ekaabo" Her mother replied. Tears was about rolling out of Fellicia's eyes when she saw the scars on her daughters face. Esther wanted to start talking but her heavy heart turned her to a stammerer. Felicia shut her mouth." Pls relax and eat your food, I have prepared your favorite meal. By night we will talk".

At exactly 7:00 pm Esther took Diana to bed as she was already dosing off. She returned to the sitting room where her mother was sitting.
"Esther I have already called my lawyer to file for your divorce" Felicia stated. "Ah! Mummy, but I love him. He is still the father of my daughter" Esther exclaimed.
"Do you think I will allow you to go back to that scum? I told you not to marry him but you woudn't listen. See, a failed marriage is better than a dead child. You will remain here till everything is over" Felicia said in a stern voice.

Early Monday morning, Lawyer kunle went to Victor's house to inform him about the divorce proceedings. As he entered the house he met Victor smoking Indian hemp. He tendered the divorce papers to him but Victor was high in spirit.  Lawyer Kunle  lured him into signing the divorce papers. Lawyer kunle had said to himself, " I wouldn't want my daughter to be raised by this kind of man". He left the compound almost coughing out his oesophagus.

Two weeks later, Felicia made an arrangement for Tope a businessman who is also a son to her friend to meet Esther. Tope was also a victim of a failed relationship after Vickie had duped him on several occasions. He has always been a gentle man to the core.

That same week lawyer kunle called Victor to remind him about the court sittings that will take place the following week. "Hello good morning Mr Victor, hope you are prepared for the court sittings?" He said. "When did i sign those papers? well, I have a better lawyer and she must return home" he bragged. Didn't I pay her bride price? "Useless people" he lamented!

On Thursday morning everyone had arrived at the court. Both lawyers were seated and the judge was ready for judgement. After several arguments, evidences, and proofing of points, the Judge gave a verdict.
"By the power vested upon me, I hereby nullify this marriage and you Victor, your daughter will only visit you once in a month till she is old enough to decide where she wants to stay.Arise!"
Victor's eyes were red. He knew he had lost everything. And his anger grew even worse. He left the courtyard without saying bye to the lawyer he appointed.
Two months later, Tope finally proposed to Esther. It was a moment of joy for Esther as she said yes!. Tope vowed not to treat her badly and promised to take care of her child. Tope became a shield for Esther and Diana.

It was a visiting day for Diana and Victor. Tope took Esther and Diana to the agreed place of visitation. Esther came down from the car and took Diana to her father.
After 30mins, it was time to leave. Esther held Diana's hand and was ready to leave. Victor grabbed her hand wanting to stop her. He felt a sharp pain in his finger. It was a bruise caused by Esther's new engagement ring as she was trying to forcefully withdrew her hand.
"Esther, are you married?" Victor quarried! What does it look like? She replied.  "You were supposed to be on my windscreen, giving me the best view of life and wiping my tears but you chose to stand and watch me cry. Tope is now on my windscreen and you will forever be standing close to where I'd see you through my rearview. You are a thing of the past and so shall it be. Good day!"
As she turn towards the door, Victor brought a pistol.
Join us next Wednesday for episode two.
Abdulraman Mutiu Olamide
Abdulramanmutiu@gmail.com