EPISODE 5 : Mark’s Hidden Life
Expressing love and interest in a relationship to someone you haven’t met in person requires sensitivity and honesty! Tell me why you love this girl! Marks father asked him.
I have no idea why I love her.
Mr John, a concerned father, sat his son, Mark, down in the living room.
“Mark, I want to talk to you about this girl you’ve been talking to online,” John said.
You’ve never met her, but you seem smitten. What’s going on?”
Mark took a deep breath. “Her name is Pearl as you already know,Dad. I wrongly dialed her number, We’ve been talking for months, and… I don’t know, it just feels right.”
John raised an eyebrow. “Feels right? You’ve never seen her, never hugged her, never had a real conversation. How can you be sure?”
Mark looked down, collecting his thoughts. “It’s not just about physical appearance, Dad.Pearl is kind, funny, and smart. We share the same interests, same values. We talk about everything.
“But what about trust? How do you know she’s genuine?” What if she’s in a relationship ? Marks father asked.
Mark smiled. “We’ve had deep conversations, Dad. I know her fears, her dreams, her passions. She knows mine. It’s like we’ve known each other forever.” She’s not in a relationship.
“I see. And what do you plan to do about this… long-distance relationship?”
“I want to meet her, Dad. I want to see if our connection is real. If it is, I want to make it work and since you’re asking me to get married I’ll marry her!.”
John smiled, seeing the sincerity in his son’s eyes. “Okay, Mark, I trust your judgment. But promise me one thing: be cautious, and prioritize your safety.”
“I promise, Dad.”
POV
I tried to control this new feeling for mark, I became addicted to him, I am always on the phone with him talking and laughing out loud, sometimes I wish I’ve seen him in person, I fantasize about him all the time imagining what he’ll look like! I kept waiting for him to come pay me a visit but his excuses is always “ you know my work , I don’t really have time, I’ll make it up to you!
Weeks later I became ill, it was so serious that I just went to the pharmacy to get drugs, hours after taking the drug I passed out due to bleeding, Victoria drove me to the hospital.
I woke up only for the doctor to say that I was pregnant and I’ve lost the baby!!
How? I asked while staring at Sam.
Sam never uttered any word, he just paid the bills. I tried explaining but he said I shouldn’t say anything till we get home!
I felt really bad!!
When we got home we had an argument.
Is it that you do not know that you were pregnant or you were trying to have an abortion? Sam asked in disbelief.
I’ve been sick so I thought it’s wise I just get some drugs, I never knew I was pregnant, I am sorry. It wasn’t intentional Sam!
I don’t believe you Pearl, this is not the first time we’re loosing babies, simply because you do not love me enough to keep it!
No, it’s not true! I said crying!!
What else do you want me to believe? Last year you intentionally took drugs even after I asked you not to! I do not know what I did wrong that you keep frustrating me, marry me NO, have my baby No! Who on earth go to the pharmacy without running a test? You knew you were pregnant Pearl! You knew!!
I can’t believe you’re accusing me Sam! The baby I lost last year was as a result of your carelessness, we had issues and I never took any drugs, I was upset and I took alcoholic, I never knew the baby is going to die!
I don’t think I want to talk to you! I’ll just drop you off, maybe we should let our parents know that we’re always having issues and maybe we need a break!! You do not love me enough to make sacrifices.
I don’t want a break! Please,
You need a break, you don’t love me! For the past months you’ve been distracted with things I have no clue about, your attitude changed, you are always with your phone, you think I didn’t notice how you turn off your phone each time we’re together? Are you seeing someone new?
I am not seeing anyone! I love you Sam , If you love me you will not hurt me, let’s take a break Let’s go Pearl! Sam said as he opened the door!
There’s no need dropping me!! I know my way home!
I left sams place to my home!!
When I got home I met Victoria,
Don’t tell me you and Sam had issues!!
We had issues, he feels I terminated his baby! I had no clue I was pregnant! It doesn’t matter anyway, he said he wants a break!
Pearl! Honestly speaking, your attention is divided, since you started talking with mark you changed towards Sam.
Don’t tell me about mark, he has nothing to do with this’ !
He has everything to do with this Pearl,
Is mark the reason I lost the pregnancy?
No, but he’s the reason you forgot you missed your period and couldn’t run a test before taking any drugs!
Wiping my eyes filled with tears, I responded to Victoria “ I forgot about everything! Mark is still not the reason Sam told me he needs a break, he wants space, he’s seeing someone!
Ring ring…
It’s mark! Victoria said and handed my phone to me.
Hello, mark said,
I responded with “Hey”.
What’s wrong with you Pearl? Have you been crying? Did anyone hurt you!??? What happened, please don’t lie to me I can feel you’re not okay!
I am fine, I., it’s just painful cramps!! I’ll be fine.
It’s okay, there’s something I really want us to talk about!
What’s it?
I want to see you Pearl, I am ready to meet you, my parents wants to meet you too, especially my father, he is on my neck ! Everyone knows I am talking to a girl!!
But we’re not in a relationship.
Pearl,from the moment we started talking, I felt an incredible connection. Your kindness, intelligence, and passion drew me in. I love our conversations and the way we support each other. I want to explore a relationship with you, to deepen our connection and see where it takes us. I understand we haven’t met in person, but my heart tells me this is something special.” I am ready to build something with you!! I’ve developed a feeling I can’t control for you!
Every text every call kept me connected, my feelings are growing each passing day! Can we make it work?
Mark, it’s too sudden right now I am not in my right frame of mind! Can we talk about this later?
Sure! But, will you come over?? I’ll pay for everything, the stress and sleepiness night!
Why don’t you come see me mark?
Cause my family are here and they want to meet you plus the nature of my work , I know it’s not an excuse, I want you here please!!
Let’s talk later !
I ended the call,
So!!!!!! Victoria said.
I can’t leave here, Sam will call me, he’s already suspicious, I can’t imagine myself being in another man’s arms, I don’t want to hurt Sam ! He hasn’t done anything!
POV
Nancy went to visit Sam in his office again!
Just one advice for you Sam!
Pearl intentionally had that ab0rtion! She doesn’t want your baby! Why be with a woman who doesn’t want to marry you? You’re wealthy, handsome and very caring, you’re loving too! I am not saying this cause I want you, just don’t waste your time building with someone who doesn’t know what it takes to build or nurse a relationship!
After Nancy left!
I got a call from my father!
Dad!
Pearl, come home, we need to talk, !! Sam called me.
Dad. Sam hasn’t called me for days!!!
Come now!!!
EPISODE 6 : A Chance to Meet Face-to-Face
When I got to my parents house I was surprised to see Sam and his family, I greeted them and went to meet Sam but he ignored me, I saw the look on his face , he wasn’t happy at all!!
For more than 3 minutes they were just staring at me like I k!lled someone!!
Why Pearl? Why did you do it? His mother asked.
Do what? I responded.
Why did you terminate sams pregnancy? My mother answered giving me a fierce look.
I did not do anything, why would I want to hurt my own child? It was a mistake and Sam is taking it personal!
Personal? Why won’t I take it personal when it’s not the first time you’ve lied to me about having a miscarriage,
What? Pearl ? Sams fathers jaw dropped!
Are we taking about my mistakes? Are you here to disgrace me?
I am not here to disgrace you, it hurts me so bad that you keep delaying our plans and you keep hurting me, what have I ever done wrong?
Where is all this coming from Sam? I thought we’ve passed this, why are you bringing up things that doesn’t make any Sense, I just lost a child and all you do is summon me? Why? We had a misunderstanding and you told me you needed space,
Why would you tell your fiancé you need space? Isn’t this what you both can settle amicably? His father asked.
Pearl has changed dad, the moment she moved out from my house to victorias house her attitude changed!
Are you trying to say my daughter is cheating on you? My father asked!!
She wouldn’t dare!! Sam’s father responded.
I really do not like what’s going on! I am out! I said and wanted to take a walk.
Don’t you walk out Pearl! My father shouted.
That’s what I am saying! Pearl has changed. Sam said.
What am I doing here when everyone is accusing me of something I didn’t do, when the man I love is being hostile towards me, talking about the baby I lost, accusing me of murder!
Ain’t you a murderer? , two babies Pearl, two, what were you thinking!!My mother said.
This discussion should end! It’s okay, Sam settle with Pearl.
No dad, I need space, it’s very clear that Pearl isn’t remorseful , she’s still lying! Let’s take a break! Until she realizes her mistake and change then I don’t know what will become of us!
It’s fine! I opened the door and went to my granny’s place!
Were you aware of the pregnancy?
No, I wasn’t, the other one I was angry with Sam and I took alcohol, I never knew granny, I swear !
If you knew would you have kept the baby?? She asked.
Answer Pearl, would you have kept sams child? Sam have every right to be angry with you, it’s a mistake, I know , Sam will never see it like that cause it’s not the first time it’s happening ! Who is he? Who is distracting you from your fiancé? Who’s the new guy ? I believe someone is out there competiting with Sam that’s why you do not want to marry him!
Granny , there’s no one!! I am not cheating on Sam, all this wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t advice me to leave sams house to victorias place!!!
Don’t be too fast, you’ll get caught, don’t be too smart it will affect you someday! If you’re still interested in Sam then talk to him.
I am done talking, he wants space so I am giving him space !
I stayed lil with my granny before leaving, on my way home I decided to get some stuffs. I got home with series of thoughts!
I sent a message to Sam “ I am sorry, I love you, can we meet? ” hoping he’d reply, he never did.
Days passed Sam ignored my calls and text messages,
I then found solace in mark, despite the fact that he never knew I lied to him about being single, we talked about so many things, the attention I was craving for was given to me by mark, he began sending money randomly to me!
I wanted i and sams fight to end, seems it’s not ending soon!
Nancy pretended to care ! Victoria adviced me to stay calm , she said Sam was going to call.
Mark brought up the relationship thing again with me, part of me wants him and the other part want Sam! That’s selfish!!
Using the slightest opportunity of i and sams misunderstanding I decided just play cool with everything!
I accepted his proposal on phone! We started an online dating, he is the first person I talk t every morning when I wake up and the last person I talk to Befor going to bed,
It’s a risk Pearl, what if you see him and you do not like him?you should have waited to ee him facially before accepting him! Victoria asked.
I’ve always liked him! Mark is someone that understands me better , I love the way he always know how to make me feel better, our late night conversation is the reason I wake up late! I guess I’ve fallen for him too!
I and mark started making arrangements on how and when to see, he said I will definitely stay a week or more with him! We fixed a day
I began having cold feet as the day draw near.
A day to when I was supposed to leave I got a call from Sam, I ignored, I guess it’s my turn to ignore him!
Mark sent money for shopping,Mark booked my flight, he said he didn’t want me to visit him by road as it will take two days to get to where he is
On Thursday night I packed just few things, I slept smiling like a little girl whose mum has gotten Christmas presents!
On Friday I woke up very early, told Nancy and Victoria to keep their mouth shut! Victoria offered to drop me off at the airport!! I called mark before we departed!
POV
My fiancé is arriving in the morning! Mark tld his family during breakfast.
Where is she coming? His father asked.
Here first, then my house!
Mark’s sister almost choked due to laughter!
You want to take her to your house and do what you’ve imagined ! His mother interrupted.
A taste of her won’t be bad! Mark joked.
Are you sure about this girl? Marks sister asked.
Very sure! I pray she likes me when we finally meet tomorrow.
What if she’s not who you’ve imagined?
She’ll be more than I imagined! I love Pearl and I am proposing to her!
The journey was stressful, I finally arrived at NEW EDEN!
I picked up my phone and called mark!
My driver is coming to pick you up! Mark said.
EPISODE 7 : Pearl’s Struggle to Juggle Two Lives
Due to hunger, I went to a restaurant to eat , I was feeling nervous and very tired, i called mark again , he said his driver was on his way!! I describe what I was wearing to mark so his driver can recognize me quickly!
Not less than 17 minutes, a young man walked up to me!
Mark! My heart called, I had the feeling it was him , my heart was already beating fast.
Hi, Mark sent me… he said.
Mark sent you or you’re mark? You talk like him!! Well, I am ready!!
He carried my luggage and I walked with him to where he parked his car,!!
I sat at the back seat staring at my phone, Sam was calling but I couldn’t pick! I raised my head and noticed he was staring at me from the mirror!!
I still have this feeling that you’re Mark! I said.
I am not, mark is my boss, he’s waiting for you, by the way you’re more than he imagined!
I smiled!
We drove for 25 minutes before arriving at marks place!! When he parked the car and came down. Something told me he is mark’.
He held my hand and opened the door without ringing the door bell.
The moment we got inside the house, I met lots of people including his friends and family!! I greeted everyone!
Uncle Mark is back! A young girl said!
I wanted to turn to know if anyone followed us but no one , then I realized my instinct didn’t lie, mark was the one who came to pick me up!!
You wanted to scare me? I’ve always known its you. I said to mark taking a step backward!
He dragged me close and hugged me! The moment we hugged I felt this unexplainable spark!
Mark is more than everything I imagined,
I didn’t want to scare you, I am glad you made it Pearl! I’ve been waiting for this moment! This is me saying it in front of everyone here that I love you, from the first day we spoke on phone I’ve been falling for you every day even without seeing you!! My parents will be with us shortly! Come, follow me, you have to freshen up before eating again!!
I followed him to his room, he waited till I had my shower , I got dressed in the bathroom!
I hope I am doing the right thing” I said to myself as Sam’s thought flashed in!!
You ready? He asked politely.
Yeah!
You seem worried, are you okay? Mark asked handling me an hair band.
Yeah, I am just tired, I had a long journey!
I am sorry for the stress you had to go through before coming down here.
I intentionally turned off my phone to avoid sams call.
We went back downstairs, his parents were already waiting for me!
Mum, dad, this is Pearl! !Mark introduced me.
Pearl, wow, you have a great sense of taste mark! I love her already, marks father said as he stand up to hug me!!
You’re welcome Pearl, mark has been worried about you and my son loves you soo much, welcome to this family. We will give you anything you want, anything at all. His mother said holding my hand!
I sat down and thanked them for accepting me on my first visit, seems everyone just love me here…!!
We had a nice time discussing, laughing over stupid things especially when mark and I began talking on phone,!
But why did you lie to me you’re not on social media,?
I am sorry, I didn’t want to fall inlove with you due to your physical appearance! Initially I thought my feelings weren’t true, but everyday your name keeps ringing on my head!! I’ve loved you before now Pearl , seeing you even made me love you more. Mark said.
Pearl, I hope you don’t disappoint us!! Marks father said.
We finished eating breakfast, I was excited to see mark, we went out for a stroll, shopping and playing of games, after having fun mark too me to his house, I even thought he stays with his family!
As soon as he opened the door, I saw the interior designs, the wall paintings caught my attention! Marks design so well, he’s talented!!
I decided to freshen up again in the evening after a long day, I got to his room and saw him drawing a portrait of me and him together!
Being an artist takes a lot, you’re very fast in drawing and painting mark!
Most of the paintings I have here talks about my life and when we met, you see that girl without a face?
The one with the heart 💜 Purple Heart? I responded!
Yeah, that’s you! You’ve made painting soo beautiful, I’ve actually gotten awards from it, and when I was asked why I painted a woman without a clear picture of her face, I always say “ sometimes we love and feel tings we cannot see, you can’t see air but you can feel it, I couldn’t see you but I feel your presence every day! I love you Pearl! You’re the mising piece I’ve been searching for!
Hearing that from mark means one thing! “ he’s crazy about me “”
I sat close to him listening to him and watching videos of his shows, audition and soo on! Mark already have a name! He is also wealthy like Sam! I couldn’t compare both when it comes to physical look!
I watched him as he finished drawing ✍🏻 us, he his bath and decided to join me on the bed!
Facing each other he started again!
“You’re even more beautiful than I imagined., “I’ve waited so long for this moment “I feel like I’ve known you forever.
“My heart beats faster with you here.” I responded to him.
“I’m so glad we’re finally together and I’m excited to start this new chapter with you. Mark said.
This moment feels like home and I’m so nervous mark, i love you but I am scared.
I mean every word that comes out from my mouth and lips, I love you so much, don’t be scared,, . “Let’s make some unforgettable memories.” Mark said as he pulled me close and we locked our l!ps, we began k!ssing,
Lettin out a l!l moan says it all! “ I want more of him! But how, I am still thinking about Sam and his thoughts has made me distracted.
Mark wanted to play but I held his hands, stopped him from touching me! I stopped him from taking off my nightwear !
Do you love me? Mark asked still k!ssing me.
Yeah! But.. I don’t want to go further, I feel it’s too early and we’re just starting our relationship officially!
I understand you, I’ll wait, I am not in a rush! I am sorry if you feel bad,!
We can just continue with the k!ss! I responded and k!ssed him.
I pretended to be pressed, I went to the bathroom and turned on my phone,
I immediately got a call from Victoria.
Pearl, I’ve been trying to reach you, Sam is worried, how’s mark? Did he have s*x with you? Victoria asked.
No, I couldn’t do it, I still miss Sam!! Victoria, I am scared!
Don’t be scared! Do you love mark? Is he what you expected.
He’s more than I expected, he loves me, I don’t know if what I feel is true! I am trying not to mess things up!
Knock knock!
I quickly turned off my phone.
Mark!
You’ve been here for many minutes,
I was just thinking about you and everything, I am sorry, I want more hugs!
The next morning Sam tried to reach me but he couldn’t get me, he reached out to Victoria but she didn’t pick up!
Sam was frustrated that he began pouring down his anger on his staffs!!
He was alone in his office drinking out his pain and my absence when his secretary walked in wit a mini gown.
EPISODE 8 : Sam’s Secret Life Comes to Light
I see the way you were screaming at everyone minutes ago, what’s the problem? Sams secretary patricia asked
Is that why you come to my office with a mini gown? What is your concern if I’ve been shouting at my staffs?? I employed them and I have every right to scold them if they’re not performing their duty!
But they’ve done nothing wrong, I’ve noticed you mr Sam, for the past days or weeks I haven’t seen your fiancé, I think something is wrong somewhere, I feel Pearl is the reason you’re always angry, take it easy on yourself and concentrate on the reason why you owned this company, if she’s not available then I am, I’ve always wanted you! Pearl is just playing with your feelings !
Enough of this, if you think I am actually going to fall for you then you’re a liar, I love Pearl and I’ll find her, now leave, go back to your duty post and change that mini gown!!
Patricia left sams office in shame!!
Sam left his office to Victoria’s place!!
Knock knock!
Nancy opened.
If you’re looking for Pearl she’s not here! Nancy said.
Where’s she? Sam asked.
Knowing Nancy will blow my cover Victoria quickly answered “We don’t know where she is”.
She’s your friend and she stays here, please just tell me where she is!
Sam, I haven’t heard from Pearl in days, she’s grown up and she can take care of herself!
I thought you were speaking with her last night Victoria! Nancy interrupted.
Nancy, I wasn’t talking to Pearl!
If you know anything about Pearl why not say it, atleast I should know where she is, I am just worried about her!!! Sam said and left.
Nancy, for Christ sake. Can’t you keep your mouth? You know how m@d Sam is gonna be if he finds out Pearl went to new Eden, why are you doing this?
Victoria, it’s high time we let these guys know that the woman they are crazy about is a chronic cheat, I heard you speaking with Pearl last night, she left to go be with another man, sam has sacrificed everything for Pearl, she’s soo confused that she doesn’t know what she wants in a man! If I am that lucky and opportune to meet someone like sam I would never disrespect him!
Why don’t I start to tel your boyfriend that you are cheating on him? I know you have your eyes on sam, Nancy, leave Pearl alone, I’ll definitely talk to her when she comes back. , afterall sam said he needed space , Pearl is just giving him what he deserves! Lastly, stay away from pearls relationship! She’s an adult!!
POV
The chemistry I and mark have cultivated over phone calls translated to real life, one Second I am happy to be with mark the other second I am thinking about Sam, I don’t have the courage to tell mark about Sam or tell Sam about mark,
I don’t want loose mark and I don’t want to hurt Sam, my heart is soo heavy wit this secret!
I struggled with guilt, feeling like I was betraying Sam by spending time with mark, but I couldn’t deny the connection I shared with mark last night
Knock knock!
Door opens,
Mark! Hello,!! You’re here!
Mark replied with a k!ss on my lip”.
Are you okay? You seem worried, what’s wrong?
I didn’t know when I started crying!
Pearl, talk to me, what’s going on?
I feel I am doing something wrong, I feel I am not supposed to be here, I feel cheap I feel bad mark, I am not saying this to hurt you, I just feel I am doing the wrong thing!
Is that why your phone has been switched off since you arrived? Are you hiding something from me?
I wiped my tears immediately!
No, I didn’t tell my parents I was leaving, so I am trying to avoid their calls,
Pearl! We’re adults and if there’s anything bothering you just let me know, by the way why didn’t you tell your parents you were coming here? You never told them about me?
I never did! My parents will surely scold me if they find out I went on a trip to see someone for the first time!
I think you should tell them, I’d love to speak with them too ! I want an open relationship! You’re safe with me, I’d never hurt you, get dressed we’re going out.
Out? Again? To where? Wait, don’t tell me that’s why you’re dressed.
We’re going to my company and from there we’ll go to a festival happening tonight , I want you beside me!!
Just excuse me let me dress up!
Mark went to the living room waiting for me to join him.
After dressing I joined him, mark complimented me with a hug,
“My love for you keeps burning like a fire, I hope you’re the one I share my life with” he said k!ssing my hand.
He drove me to his company , telling all his staffs about me and introducing me as his fiancé! After spending couple of hours in his company fixing and putting things in order we went to the art festival!
I finally met harry,
Is she the one? The Pearl? Harry asked.
Yeah, wrong dial right connection! Mark responded with a smile!
The table is set, they’re inside.
We went inside, I met lots of talented people who are marks friends, mark kept feeding, k!sing and petting me, no matter how tough the discussion get, he never got distracted, the joy on his face tells how much he loves me!
I’ve been watching you mark, you keep staring at her! Wait! Is she the one on the portrait you brought this morning? One of his friends asked.
You have eyes, but you do not make use of them, she’s the one!!!! Harry responded.
You’re lucky to have a man like mark! Mark is a lover , a supporter and a genius! Another said.
Attention everyone!! The MC said.
Everyone in the festival gave him their attention,
The show began and lots of artist were given praises on their drawings!
Mark was called upon to take his award for being the best again.
He got up holding my hand, I followed him up on stage and the award 🥇 was given to him, right on stage he handed it over to me! Telling the crowd, everyone present that I inspire him a lot, mark publicly and officially introduced me as his fiancé right on stage!!
After the festival we went back home, he told me he was driving out to get something, I wanted to go with him but he insisted I stayed back!
As he left I turned on my phone! And the first call That came in was Sams call.
I made sure the door was properly locked before I picked.
Hello, what is it? Why are you calling me? I asked.
Pearl, we need to talk, where are you?
I can’t tell you where I am, you said you needed space, so I am giving you space, you need a break right, I am officially approving it for you Sam!
Pearl, I am sorry, I was angry, I didn’t mean it that way, I miss you, I am tired already please, let me just see you and apologize properly!!
There’s no need for that Sam, you made my parents call me a murderer , you painted me black before your family and my family, you forgot everything, you never believed me, I even called and texted you Sam! You ignored me!
Pearl, please, I am sorry! Where are you?
Somewhere safe and peaceful! Bye Sam,!
Wai.. wait! Wait! I am on my knees, you can call on video call and see me right now, I am kneeling, please forgive me! I love you Pearl, you’re my life!
Door opens!
I quickly ended the call and turned off my phone! cause I know it’s mark!
I got some stuffs, I wanna prepare dinner for us! You look worried again, what’s wrong?
I am just thinking,
About what?
I spoke with my mother, she wanna see me!!
So, you wanna leave? Mark asked staring at me without blinking!
Yes! I wanna leave!
You just arrived and you wanna leave? You’ve been acting strange Pearl, it’s fine if you want to leave, I guess you don’t love me! Maybe you need time to figure out if you really want me, I don’t want to force you! Well, I’ll be in the kitchen cooking, I’ll let you know when I am done, you can start packing your stuffs, I’ll drop you off at the airport tomorrow morning! By the way! Tomoro is my mother’s birthday, she wanted you around but I’ll just tell her you have an emergency!. Mark said and left to the kitchen!
“PS: do you think Pearl will leave for sams sake!