EPISODE 9 : Choose One, Let the Other Go
My thoughtless words hurt Mark…
This is a man that has taken me as his priority Before seeing me, it’s his award night and I’ve said things I am not supposed to say to mark who presented everything to me, I am at the cross road, I don’t know if I should end everything with Sam or Mark! Both loves me,
I went to the kitchen to meet him, he gave me a stare and continued slicing the veggies, the silence between us began to hit me.
Have you packed your bags? He asked.
I felt the tension in his voice.
“Mark, I was wrong to hurt you. My words were thoughtless, and I’m truly sorry. You mean everything to me. Please forgive me.” I was hoping you’d understand me as my mother called me to come back.
I understand you perfectly well that’s why I said you should pack your stuffs, your parents are important too ” mark said, his voice laced with pain.
You don’t understand me mark!
What do you want me to say to you? I can’t convince you not to leave, I know I want you here but I can’t make you take a decision against your will!! It still doesn’t change the fact that I love you and I If going back home will make you happy then you’re free to leave, after all you caused everything by lying to your parents, if you had just told them about me from the start all this wouldn’t have happened.
I listened intently, tears streaming down my face, I got confused, I didn’t know what to say! I’ve never been in this situation before and I don’t know how it works,
I hate it when you cry, I am sorry if my words hurt you!
“I am sorry,”. “You’ve shown me you’re committed to our relationship., I am staying back, we’ll attend your mothers birthday party tomorrow!
Mark wrapped his arms around me”I love you pearl. Forever and always.”
I succeeded in joining him in preparing the food, we ate together before retiring to bed.
The next day we went shopping in the morning to get some cake ,drinks and gifts , we were trying to hurry up so we can go to his parents place, after getting what we need we went to his parents house only to see everywhere fully decorated!
Marks mother ran to hug me!
I’ve been waiting for you my child! She said smiling at me!
She wanted to leave mum! Mark interupted.
No way! You’re staying here Pearl, you can leave after one month, don’t be scared mark is going to take good care of you, you’re my daughter in-law! Mark’s father added.
The party started , something happened and I decided to wave sams thought off my mind!! I am with mark so I need to feel at home and be comfortable till I go back home to meet Sam!
My mind instantly became free as I vibe with everyone, laughing , eating and dancing with mark, the joy I felt was overwhelming! We took lots of pictures and videos together!!
Family , friends and loved ones of marks mother presented their gifts, I gave her mine too, after the end of the party marks parents gifted me a box off jewelry’s ! I wasn’t expecting it cause it’s her birthday and she’s not supposed to gift me anything!
I thanked her, but how will I put it on when the one sams father gave me is still on my neck !
She pleaded with me to pass the night , mark refused!!!
Can I have a word with you mark? His mother said dragging Him outside.
What’s your plan with Pearl? When are you proposing? His mother Asked him.
Soon mum, I want I and Pearl to talk more about us, but I’ve made up my mind to propose soon.
You really love this girl mark, I love her too, she’s nice and everything is just perfect!! I want her to still here before going back to her base, I’d also want us to communicate with her family!!
It’s alright mum! I think we need to leave now.
Make sure you get her pregnant before she leaves okay??
Mark laughed.
He came back and we went back home together!
I looked at the time it was past 9pm.
I freshened up before mark!
Would you love to marry me? Mark asked.
Mark, I… let’s take things slow please!
I am ready to marry you Pearl. I want you close, this distance is more like a barrier!
We can still visit each other!
What if my parents wants to meet yours!?? Mark asked.
I don’t like pressure, let’s not rush anything for now,
Turn on your phone! Your parents might wanna ask why you haven’t showed up! Mark said.
My heart skipped, I turned it on praying to God not to receive any call from Sam.
My phone rang and it’s my father!
I never wanted to pick but I had to!
Pearl! Where are you? Everyone has been looking for you, where have you been? My father said shouting
Dad, calm down !!
Don’t tell me to calm down, I want you here tomorrow morning, if I do not see you tomorrow consider yourself not being my child! You’ve done enough! He said and ended the call.
Can I talk to him? Let me tell him you’re with me! Mark said.
There’s no need, you’ll only make matter worse, you see , I told you they’re the reason my phone has been off! I said taking a deep breath of relief.
It’s okay! I’ll just book your flight and drop you off at the airport tomorrow! This is heart breaking! I am gonna miss you! Mark said as he began to k!ss me passionately,
It’s our last night together today! Don’t be scared, I know you’re not ready, I just want your l!ps against mine, Mark said as he grabbed my lips,
I never allowed him to t0uch me. The only thing we did was k!ss till I fell asleep !
He booked my flight and helped me pack my bag after I fell asleep. , I was lucky he never went through my phone!
He woke me up very early! I only had my bath and ate breakfast before realizing he had already arranged my stuffs properly! , I thanked him by hugging him soo tight, telling him how much I am gonna miss him and his family!
Promise me you won’t change , promise me you’ll always love me!
I love you, I am beginning to enjoy my stay, don’t worry we’ll see soon!!
We drove to the airport, mark waited till we take off!
EPISODE 10 : Mark’s Passion Collides with Reality
Spent many hours on air thinking of mark smiling and falling asleep,
The Plane landed the next morning!
Feels good to be home anyway! I said to myself.
I took a cab down to victorias place, when I opened the door , Nancy and Victoria were surprised to see me!
Victoria stood up while nancy maintained her position.
You didn’t tell us you’ll be coming back today! Victoria said as she assisted me in bringing my stuffs in.
It was unexpected Victoria, I got a call from my father threatening me, it was funny but he kinda did me good! I responded.
Did you good how? You didn’t like what you saw? Nancy asked.
What do you mean? I don’t understand! I answered.
I mean, you didn’t spend a week there, well, maybe he is not what you expected, I understand the feeling ,that’s why he never wanted a video call with you. Nancy responded back.
There’s no time for any explanation, I need to go see my mum and dad..
Wait, mark didn’t give you anything ? Victoria asked.
He paid for my flight , he didn’t give me money, I never went there for his money Victoria!
But atleast, you left Sam and your family he should have appreciated you! Nancy added.
I had a good time with mark, he took care of everything when I got there, I don’t think money is a proof of love!!
That guy is not a giver, when you love someone you give them things, you gift them all the time, Sam is better, you left Sam to meet someone who doesn’t value you. Nancy said.
Nancy, I know you, your boyfriend doesn’t give you anything that’s why you’re messing up yourself!
I quickly called Mark, I told him I’ve gotten home and thanked him for having me and also for being soo kind, I also told him to extend my greetings to his parents and apologize to them on my behalf for not informing them about my sudden travel!!
“ Thank God you’re back home safe” have you gone to see your parents? Mark said.
Not yet, but soon I will! I’ll call you later..bye!
I opened my box and noticed mark packaged the portrait he made, I brought it out and continued searching for what to wear, in the process I saw an envelope ✉️, I opened it and saw lots of money.
I called mark immediately.
After helping me arrange my stuffs you put money and a portrait of us in my box, why didn’t you tell me? I am just finding out, mark thank you but that’s a lot of money!
You deserve more, I wanted to surprise you but it’s fine, I love you, thanks for coming! I’ll talk to you later , I am on my way to the office! Bye..
I turned to Nancy and said “ now we do not have to argue or compare Sam to mark, both are givers!
Wow, if this is mark then I must confess that he is everything a woman needs, he drew this ? Victoria asked holding the portrait.
Yea, he’s an artist, there’s more in his house! I responded.
Nancy dragged it from Victoria, looked at it!
Well, this is just a portrait, let’s see the real mark, show us his pictures.
I brought out my phone gave it to Nancy she went to my photos and saw the videos and pictures from the birthday party! After watching and viewing she passed the phone Victoria.
I continued with what I was doing before taking back my phone!!!
You’re lucky Pearl, his family already love you! Victoria said.
Yeah, his mum gifted me a box this box of jewelries , I answered opening the box and showing it to them.
Nancy couldn’t say anything anymore,
Did you later taste him? Is he good!? Tell us I am curios! Victoria said.
No, we only k!ss!
I showered , got dressed and left to my parents place!
Why don’t we tell Pearl to give us mark or Sam? She can’t play the game, she hasn’t done it before and she’ll get caught, she has to choose one! Nancy said
Allow Pearl, I know you have eyes on both! Victoria responded.
Not really, it’s just the money and the good time!
Nancy, don’t get involved in pearls affairs.
I got home only to see my granny there!
Pearl, you got us worried ,wher have you been? My granny asked.
You left without any permission, you were having issues wit your husband to be and you left, ain’t you suposed to look for a way to sort out your issues? Why are you acting like you did a good thing? Where have you been! My father asked.
I am calling Sam right now! My mother interupted.
You don’t have to call Sam, I’ll call him when I am ready!
No Pearl, Sam has been coming here looking for you, he even went to Victoria place! I will call Sam and tell him that you’re here!
You’ve not answered my question, where have you been?
Dad, I lodged, I was in the hotel because Sam needed space, I just wanted to think straight!
You disgraced this family by terminating your own baby!
Don’t you think it is past now? Pearl is back you don’t need to remind your own daughter of her pain! My granny said.
I came back cause you called and if this is what I wanna keep hearing I think I’ll just go back and have my own peace.
Door opens.
It’s Sam!
Hey Pearl! How are are you?
I am fine!
Can we talk in my car? Please.
Please? You’re pleading now after those words you used on me!
Follow him outside, let me have your phone! My granny said.
I handed my phone over my granny and followed Sam to his car!
I’ve been a bad fiancé, I’ve done things I am not proud of, I know I made a mistake in bringing your family into stuffs we can handle together’ I am not perfect but I promise you I’ll do better Pearl, I am sorry I don’t need any space, you never knew you were pregnant that’s why we lost the baby, I believe you I believe everything !
You know what made me angry Sam.
Let’s nt go there Pearl, let’s forget about it!! I’ve searched everywhere for you, I almost went cr@zy, I had to transfer aggression to my staffs!
No wait! You really did me wrong, acting up in front of my parents concerning the two pregnancies like you’re a saint, I don’t want to remember what happend and what you said to me when I was first time I was pregnant!
That was in the past Pearl, we were dating without the knowledge of our parents, we were both scared! Those words I said were trash’ I know okay! I miss you . The break is over right? You still love me? You miss me?
I don’t know!
Can we go out? We can go on a date, we can go for shopping, just mention what you want.
I don’t need anything Sam! I am fine!!
Ain’t you hungry?
I am fine, let’s go back in.
We went back inside, my parents advised us before Sam left!
I went to my room, my granny walked in.
Since you and Sam have settled your differences I think you should tell him to stop calling you. , I’d also advice you put a password in your phone,
I don’t understand, what are you saying granny?
The person you went to meet at New Eden, He’s handsome too! Tell me about him.
I took a deep breath.
Granny, you shouldn’t have gone through my phone!
Are you cheating on Sam?
I know he doesn’t it but honesty I don’t know how it happened, believe me when I say we haven’t done anything,
What do you mean you both haven’t done anything?
We didn’t have s*x!
But he k!ssed you, you k!ssed him back! You passes two nights with him! Why?
Granny. , mark is not a bad person.
I never said he is! You left Sam to go be with a man! Where did you guys meet?
It’s a long story!
Do you love Sam?
Yes I do, I love Sam!
You don’t love Sam, if you love Sam you will never cheat on him, people do not cheat on who they love! And if you love him you will never think of having a secind fiancé! Don’t worry I will not tell your parents but, make your choice before you lose both! What if they find out.
They won’t! I am scared of hurting Sam, I’ve lied to mark and I am sacred too.
Ring ring…
It’s Sam!
Hello!
Pearl, I called your mum and she said you’re still home, I am coming to pick you up.
EPISODE 11 : Love vs. Commitment
Isn’t Sam too controlling? I never said I was following him home!
Are you just noticing it? That’s how he has been! My granny responded.
What do I do now? What if mark call me when I am with Sam?
That thing that you did that made mark not know about Sam maybe you should do it to Sam, Pearl, life is easy , if you don’t want Sam tell him, if you don’t want mark tell him! You can’t handle double dating, it messes with your brain, it traumatizes you! Be careful Pearl.
I don’t want to think about it granny, !
Door opens.
Pearl, Sam is waiting for you! My father said.
I turned off my phone immediately.
It took me five minutes before going to the living room.
Pearl, I wanted to talk with you but since Sam is here it will be next time, have fun and make sure you behave yourself. My mother said.
I entered sams car while he drove me to his house! Throughout the journey I never spoke to him,
He went out to get dinner, I was angry so I didn’t touch the food!
It’s running late and I want to leave!
You just arrived Pearl, I thought we’ve talked about this, I thought you’re no longer angry with me.
Of course I am not, I am just wondering why you would call my mother to confirm if i was still there , you’re always taking me away without my consent, what if I am at work or what if I have an emergency or an important meeting! I think we should always fix a day to meet!
I am sorry, I tried reaching you but it wasnt available that’s why I called your mother!
I still want to leave!
You’re not leaving!
Sam, I really do not want us to start having issues again, I respect you that’s why I followed you here, please just let me leave,
I think you should just shower, some of your night wear’s still here! Sam said as he walked to his room.
Convincing him will do nothing but get him upset so I decided to just avoid another set of argument by listening to him,
I went to his room only to find out that he had already showered, I looked at the wall clock ⏰ it’s almost 5pm, I thought Of mark cause I know he must have been trying to reach me!
I sat down for a while wishing I didn’t followed him home.
Since there’s nothing I can do, I had my bath, put on my nightie and joined him on the bed!
Where’s your phone? He asked.
My bag! I turned it off, ! I answered.
Sam tried to t0uch me, I refused!, he tried to k!ss me too I still told him to stop.
I feel like I am not important to you , why are you refusing me? Did any man t0uch you while you were away?
“I wish mark did” I said to myself.
No one touched me, I am not just in the mood Sam, there’s time for everything and now is not the right time to make l0ve.
But I miss you Pearl! I’ve apologized to you countless times, this is not you, you’ve changed.
I haven’t changed Sam!
Then why all this negativity, why? Don’t you love anymore?
I love you and you know it! Refusing you doesn’t mean that I h@te you,
If you don’t h@te me then prove it!
How?
I wanna make l0ve to you Pearl, if you’ve forgiven me and you still love me then let’s bond, I really miss t0uching you I miss you!
I already know that’s what he wants, so I allowed him to gently take off my wears , Sam ate me like I starved him!
Our issues became solved!
There was no way to call mark, I prayed for morning to come fast, the more I pray the more the time becme slow!
Sleep left my eyes, I watched Sam cuddle me and I felt really bad for him, my heart is yearning for Mark!
The moment I closed my eyes I heard sams alarm clock ring!
I quickly got up, had my bath, woke Sam!
I waited for him to shower, we had breakfast and he dropped me home before he went to work.
I turned on my phone and got a text from mark “ I hope you’re safe, I’ve been trying to reach you, I miss hearing your voice, call me when you see this message”.
I called him and lied to him that I left my phone at my fathers place, mark believed me!
As days goes by my feelings for mark keeps growing.
As fate would have it, Mark and I continued talking, Our phone calls became a daily routine bridging the distance between cities.
I confided in Mark about my flaws. Mark shared his own experiences, offering empathy and support to me. Our connection deepened.
Despite My initial reservations, i found myself falling for Mark every day. The excitement of secrets and forbidden conversations drew me in the more
Mark, too, developed strong feelings, He sensed a connection he couldn’t ignore.
As months passed, My guilt grew. I struggled with feelings for Mark and my commitment with Sam,
Most times I and mark talk about meeting again.
I learnt how to play the cheating game without getting caught and without them knowing, I was physically and emotionally available for Sam, marks case is so easy, I could actually bend him and make him believe my excuses.
POV
An unknown number called mark.
Hello mr mark!
Good day, who please.
This is mr Felix, I’ve seen your work and I am inviting you over to Pineview to showcase your talent , I am hosting a show and I’d want you to be here
That’s great!
I’ll pay for everything including your hotel room,
Don’t worry mr felix, I’ll pay for my trip and my hotel bills, I’ll honour your invitation! Thank you.
I’ll send you the invitation card on WhatsApp, all details are there! Bye mark.
This is an opportunity to meet with Pearl, again the show is happening in her base!
Mark saw the card and decided to call me.
Pearl I know we’ve been planning to meet again, I just got invited to where you live, I’ll be coming over by weekend!
EPISODE 12 : Testing Loyalties
I knew Marks arrival would put my deception to the test. I meticulously covered my tracks:
I Deleted all text messages and call logs with Sam !
I wanted everything to be smooth and stress free, I thought of what to do with sams number but nothing was coming up!
I quickly went to my granny’s place, I told her about marks arrival soon, she told me to be careful as she’s not in support of what I am trying to do!
I can’t think of any other way granny! I said.
Sam will know that you’re with another man, you can’t start what you cannot finish, I think it’s time to just make your choice so that the next person can leave now that is early!
I can’t choose between them. I’ve know Sam for soo long but when I speak with mark it feels like I’ve known him forever, feels like we grew up together! Granny I have fallen for mark, I still can’t dispose of Sam!
Pearl, you can’t serve two masters at same time, If it’s mark then go for him, if it’s Sam then go for him , I’d love to see mark when he arrives! Granny said
Granny, I am scared of giving myself to mark, I feel I am going to get stucked.
Pearl, follow your heart!
I am scared of following it!
I got a call from sam but I didn’t pick up, I know we already agreed to meet, I told him I was going to be at his office by 3pm unfortunately for me i and my granny finished talking by 1pm, I ordered a ride to sams office without calling or taking his calls.
POV
Nancy walked into Sam’s office without knocking!
I’ve told you to stop barging into my office without knocking Nancy, and why are you wearing revealing clothes?
Don’t you like what you see? I know you’re my friends fiancé, but I can’t sleep at night without thinking of you Sam, I am dying to be in your arms!!, Pearl doesn’t love you, give me a chance to prove my love for you ,. Nancy said removing her clothes, going close to Sam and throwing herself at him!
I know you want me! Nancy said as she touched Sams laps kissing him softly!
Sam who got lost fell into her trap, they started smooching and k!ssing heavily, Sam was already on, he started from the table till they found themselves in the bathroom having s*x.
I arrived unexpectedly, finding Sams door open, I entered closing it gently,
Sam’s office was in disarray, with papers scattered everywhere , wondering what was going on, I heard a loud m0an from the bathroom,
My heart began to race very fast,
I walked slowly to the entrance of the restroom, peeping from the door not properly closed, I saw Sam and Nancy having s*x
I felt my heart leave my chest as my jaw dropped!
Am I better than Pearl? Tell me! Nancy said as Sam kept hitting her from behind.
I wanted to go in but then I realized Nancy will definitely tell Sam I am cheating too with mark,
I held back and heard footsteps approaching.
I quickly ran to hide myself under the table.
It was Victoria, she also heard the bedroom sound and rushed to see what was happening.
Jesus Christ! Nancy !!!! What is going on here,? She asked.
Sam quickly dragged his trousers to his waist, and zipping it, while Nancy walked to put on her clothes.
Confronting Sam and Nancy, Victoria demanded answers.
Tom’s excuses crumbled.
What are you doing here if you’re not into Sam? Nancy asked Victoria.
I came to look for Pearl as she’s not taking my calls, I can’t believe you could do this to Pearl , Sam why?
It was a mistake, Victoria you know how much I love Pearl, I’ve never cheated on her I don’t know what happened! Sam said defending himself.
You know how it happened Sam, are you trying to say I forced you? Nancy asked.
Victoria please, it will never happen, I don’t want Pearl to know about this , no one should tell her! I did wrong and it will never happen again.
Only God knows what you’ve been doing in this your office!
No one is a saint Victoria, Pearl is doing worse! Nancy said.
Nancy please leave my office!
Nancy took her bag and left.
I am highly disappointed in you Sam! Even if yu want to cheat it should have been someone else, someone far from here, not Nancy, how do you expect Pearl to react if she finds out?
She will not find out only if you do not spill, I don’t want to loose Pearl,
You should have thought of that before you decided to have s*x in your office with Nancy, excuse me!! Victoria said and left!
Being confused on what to do, Sam drove out of the office!
I got up and went back home, I met Nancy and Victoria arguing but the moment they saw me walk in they stopped talking !
Why are your eyes red? Victoria asked!
Nothing, I responded softly,
I wanted to confront Nancy but how? She’ll likely tell Sam about my secret affair and everything will get messy.
It takes a strong man to resist me!! Nancy said scrolling down her phone.
I knew she was referring to Sam, I ignored her and went out to get some fresh air, I never imagined Sam would do this to me, I couldn’t give myself to mark cause I was trying to be faithful at first, how am I gonna keep my relationship with Sam knowing that he slept with Nancy!!?
I couldn’t stop thinking about what I saw , everything that happened kept playing in my head, increasing the tears flowing from my eyes! I want to voice it out but I can’t cause I am guilty too , !!
Being lost in my thoughts mark called me!
Pearl, I’ll be leaving tomorrow, everything has been booked! I am very excited to see you again! You’ll take me to your parents right?
Yea, I will!!
POV
I’ll be leaving tomorrow! Mark told his parents.
I wish I can go with you to see Pearl , extend my greetings to her and her family, please mark do not forget to meet with her family! His mother said.
That’s the aim mum! I was already planning to meet with her parents, we’ve spoken about it already! My bags are packed and I am ready to leave in the morning, I spoke with the man and he is ready to receive me!!!
The next day mark morning, mark got ready , went to the airport with excitement.
I got a call from Sam , he said he wants to see me.
I am with my granny, you can come over! I responded.
Pearl, is everything alright? Why are you sounding like that?
Sam, I can’t leave my granny’s place, if you want to see me then you can come over! I angrily dropped the call!
What happened? My granny asked.
Nothing!
Sam drove to victorias apartment.
Victoria, did you tell Pearl anything? Sam asked.
Are you scared now? Victoria answered.
I am scared Victoria, I regret what I did.
I haven’t told her anything yet!
Where’s nancy?
She went out, why? You want another round?
Stop it, Pearl is acting strange, I think I’ll go to her granny’s place to see her!
Then what?
We’ll go somewhere, maybe she’s just stressed! Tell Nancy I’ll come and see her, if she wants money I’ll give her money just to shut her up!