Episode 11 : Fights for Love
Few minutes later i open the box he gave me on Christmas day. I opened it that same day around midnight when i couldn’t sleep it contains a necklace which signifies first and eternal love with a letter he used to express his love for me.i remember how happy i was that night but that love is crumbling right under my face. Its not even up to two months yet and we are already keeping malice with each other.
Everything Bukky said is just like boring opera in my ears i couldn’t listen to her. Still staring at the diamond necklace almost crying i drop the box wearing the necklace. Bukky’s eyes widened in shock watching my actions. “ but you said you were fine without a boyfriend ” she said but i just clean the tear gently not to mess my make up.
“ Bukky i think I’m really falling in love ”.
“ you are not falling you already fell into that trap called love already. Don’t worry I’ll cancel all your schedules for this week take a break have fun with your boyfriend ”
“ what about the lady that pick the phone? ” i asked like a clueless teenager who just failed a maths test.
“ well she may be his sister or a friend so go visit your boyfriend tomorrow ” Bukky said patting my shoulder she is a great friend. Forget about the insult-like words we use every time. We really care about each other.
She left the office to arrange somethings but she enter again.
“ Ma’am Mr Samuel is here to see you ” she announced swinging into work mood.
“ let him in ” i replied putting the box in my personal safe.
“ hey long time no see Cordelia ” Samuel said with his over friendly voice and laughter i just manage to smile back.
“ so what’s the occasion? ” i asked not in the mood for chit chats
“ i heard you have a boyfriend now don’t you think you should tell me I’m your best friend now ”
“ i don’t know when the guy that use to go aeound saying he loves me became my bestie? ” i said with a sarcastic tone but he just laugh it off as if it is nothing.
“ hey i gat a new crush now i don’t need to worry about you i wish you well in your new relationship ”
Hours later we are done discussing the clause of the new contract so i walk him to the elevator.
“ but Cordelia you offend me o ” he started.
“ what did i do? ”
“ well then when i asked you out you clearly told me you won’t date a rich man you want someone ordinary like you but now you are dating a rich man ” he said and its my turn to laugh this time.
“ does it hurt you so much? ” i asked jokingly.
“ yes na haba well wish you luck ” he said as he finally got into the elevator. I turn around to see Ryan standing behind me.
“ i see you are having fun with him ” he said trying hard to hide his jealousy. I couldn’t look at his face before but seeing him trying to hide his jealousy made me laugh.
“ he is my friend ” i said.
“ a friend more important than your boyfriend that you can even create time for ” he said dragging the matter to another direction.
“ hey Ryan don’t tell me you are jealous Samuel is my business partner ” i said holding his hand which invite an unintentional smile from him.
“ I’m not why will i be? You are mine after all ” he whisper in my ears while the lady incident just flash through my memory.
“ beside who was the lady that picked your call earlier ” i asked.
“ my friend too ”.
“ friend? But she sound like a side bae ” now its my turn to hide my jealousy.
“ Lia are you jealous right now? Anna is just a friend”.
Episode 12 : Ryan’s Jealousy and Cordelia’s Defense
“ well anyhow, you refuse to pick my calls but sound happy with your so called friend ” i said but he just look away.
“ you disappointed me that day but well what’s a ticket to Paris next time i will amaka you too ” he said and i almost hiss i just control myself i don’t have any strength to argue.
“ but i already text you that I’m busy i was in a meeting with important clients that day but i didn’t know i will be so late ” i try explaining things but he thinks i don’t care. Well i already told him i don’t want this relationship to disturb my business. Oh no i can’t believe I’ve become so engross in my work well that’s what i am a workaholic.
“ so you can’t excuse yourself from them? i don’t even know if you even love me as much as you claim ” he turn around to leave but i just stay there why can’t he think about me? Why can’t he understand me? Its my first time doing this and at least I’m trying. He should see my sincerity at least.
“ Ryan i thought I told you i don’t want this to disturb my work I’m a very busy woman and you know that before you ask me out don’t you? ” its my time to defend myself now.
“ well as if I’m a less busy man but i still create space for us to spend time together why can’t you do same? ” he finally press the button on the elevator.
“ Ryan!! ” i called.
“ i think my presence is not needed here bye” .
Oh my goodness! What is this??
As the drama unfold the sneaky labisi is watching them quietly. She initially came to taunt Cordelia but seeing this she let out an evil smile. Finally she is going to carry out her revenge of many years. She left quickly.
First she did a thorough research on Ryan who he is? And which position he holds and she likes what she found out, if she succeed in driving a wedge between them then seducing him afterwards will give her great things.
What an evil thought!
Cut to Bryan’s house
Ryan enter his brother’s house looking so angry with himself and his girlfriend. First he thought he shouldn’t have let his anger got into his head and two both his brother and Cordelia were right he should consider the fact that its Cordelia’s first time in a relationship.
“ you guys fought again? ” Bryan said without a word of greeting just studying his brother’s expression he knew what exactly happened no need to ask.
“ how did you know? ”
“ well the look on your face said it all you guys fought you did fight! ” Bryan said with a smile but a message stop Ryan from talking what he saw shock him to his toes.
I pace around the office thinking about what Ryan said earlier, i was even happy he came but must he ruin everything? I will just finish everything up and pay him a surprise visit at his house.
Then boom mum is here again.
“ Good afternoon mum ” i greeted and for the first time in six years my mom replied my greeting with a smile not that serious stern look which always mean one thing “ when are you going to get married? ”
“ i brought you a gift ” my mom said smiling hey wait is this really my mom? Oh seriously.
The gift happen to be a necklace a pretty one and i like it.
“ since you’ll be getting married soon i don’t know what to get you since you have everything already hope you like it? ” my mom said hmmm here we go again. “ oh thanks mom but i don’t remember discussing wedding plans with you ” i try to protest but she just smile.
“ i know you guys just met but I’m just too happy for you and i hope this relationship lead to marriage ” she said hugging me oh i feel so emotional.
My mom left not knowing I’m already having problem with that blockhead why can’t he just understand me? Seriously.
I pick my phone and i dial his number luckily he pick it this time.
“ don’t try my number again! Cordelia i have finally know who you are and it’s over between us! ” he said and he hang up. Kini? Itumo? What is happening? Know who i am? You don’t know I’m a workaholic before ni? Wait did i just got played?
Episode 13 : The Breakup and Emotional Turmoil
Midnight…
What is wrong with him all of a sudden. I agree he is angry but must he end it? Or is he playing me since this days? Just to boast to his friend that he dated the Almighty Cordelia no he seems like a good person. My heart beat clearly matches with his. I can see the love in eyes but what exactly.
You can fake words and smiles but not feelings, wait what do I know? sef hmm. I’ve never been in a relationship this is my first time so how am i suppose to know if a guy is deceiving me sef. I sha hope its not what I’m thinking sha.
“ Lilly!! ” Bukky shouted in her drunken state frightening the hell out if me.
“ oh you scared me! ” i shouted holding my chest as if to hold my heart in place.
“ Bukky when are you going to learn the art of knocking people’s door before you enter their house? Ah seriously ” i said sitting down again whew.
“ I’m sorry ” she said dropping her bag she take a seat beside me she is not even drunk did something happen to her? She always behave like this when she is hurt.
“ Bukola what’s wrong with you? ” i asked her knowing something must be wrong somewhere.
“ my new boyfriend call another girl his sweetheart right in front of me he doesn’t even respect my presence ” she cried hugging me instantly. “ hey Bukky you don’t fall in love na don’t tell me you love this guy o ” i tried to be funny but its not funny.
“ i love him. I don’t know how i did it i want to just date him and dump him like i use to do with other guys but i end up falling for him ”
“ ah Bukky i don’t get so you actually like him but he doesn’t feel the same? Sorry ” .
“ do you know the most irritating part? I ask him what are we? Hoping he will answer that we are couples but he said we are children of God ” she said with teary eyes she must have love him so much to get hurt like this.
I couldn’t hold my laughter, i forget my problem with Ryan instantly. I swear men will not make heaven. Children of God lol.
I wonder if Ryan really meant what he said then am i really going to date another person? And my mom is already planning wedding i swear.
“ you don’t look so well yourself what happened? ”bukky asked pulling me out of my thoughts. I just sigh with a fake smile.
“ i need to see Ryan maybe tomorrow ” i said wearing my glasses again.
“ don’t tell me you miss him so much that you even look moody like this ” she said jokingly and i just laugh i want to find out the real problem first.
The next day
I stand in front of Ryan’s house pressing the doorbell. A man in his late forties open the gate he told me Ryan hasn’t been at home for the past two weeks. Oh but he came just yesterday so he is not even sleeping in his own house what’s all this?
Phone rings…
I don’t even know this number who is this? Maybe Ryan? Oh calling me with another number?
“ hello? ” i said.
“ Ryan is with me. He is in my house he doesn’t want to see you but just come to this address. I will send it immediately after this call ” the manly voice replied not even letting me ask who he is. “ excuse me who are you? ” i asked but just hang up. He did send the address and the place is not that far.
The estate is big just Ryan’s and i locate the house quickly i press the doorbell and a young man open the gate. He keep saying how much he adore and respect how he became my fan bla bla bla everything like that. I took the grocery bag from him i want to hold it myself.
I dismiss him immediately i got to the main door.
I knock twice and Ryan himself open the door surprised to see me but he became angry immediately after seeing me so he want to close the door but i quickly enter passing under his arms. Thank God I’m short.
“ I don’t even understand why you are doing this. I told you my situation which I’m trying to change because of you must you end the relationship? Ryan we have to be together i can’t live a day without you ”.
Episode 14 : Cordelia Seeks the Truth Behind the Photos
“ Cordelia there is nothing between us again! How can i date a girlfriend who doesn’t have time for me? But for other men? Who doesn’t hang out with me but with other men? I swear i can’t i just cant! ” he said angrily and i just sigh dropping the bags.
Oh i thought we talk about this before? Why must he bring that up again?
“ hey i told you Sam is just a friend ” i said laughing i don’t know why i feel uneasy i swear.
“ yeah with benefits. What pain me most is you cheating on me sleeping with another man behind my back you’re so cruel ” now the matter is no more funny me? Cheat on him? When? How? Where? Did i sleep with someone in my bedroom that i don’t know? I’ve never sleep with a man not even him so what is all this nonsense.
“ and i wonder who told you all those lies about me? Wait ryan i can tolerate the cold attitude you are giving this days but accusing me of something i know nothing of is what i can’t tolerate! ” i also yelled feeling my anger building inside but trying to control it.
“ they told me you will deny your roots. I even made you my role model not knowing you slept your way to the top! ” he growled and that’s when my anger burst out.
“ who are they? Who are the idiots that don’t want to be something in life that keep painting me wrongly in front you? You are the first man in my life i can swear boldly in that! ” i shouted and he seems surprised to see this side of me.
“ when i was suffering, praying, working hard to achieve what i have today i see nobody! Nobody! Except my parents and God and now i finally decide to fill the space i left empty all my life working! Those useless being came out of their hiding and started telling you rubbish and you believe it? I’m disappointed in you Ryan i thought you are different from others but you are just like them ”.
“ don’t try to blackmail with your emotions i have proof with me here ” he took his phone and he show me a picture which left me paralyzed for a moment. I swear some Nigerians don’t value their jobs i swear so they had to look for someone who look almost the same like me to do this rubbish? A whole me? Cordelia with this fat pig on bed naked? I don’t want to curse but i know that person will never know peace in his or her life.
There are even more, i couldn’t even close my mouth as he keep scrolling them for me to see i just shake my head and i laugh.
“ what’s so funny? ” he asked suprised by my sudden reaction.
“ I’m laughing at how stupid you are Ryan because you can’t even think. That girl is not me and I’m telling you I’ve never sleep with a man in my life never! ” i said carrying my handbag and storming out of the house.
I just went to my office straight away, I’m so angry and embarrassed. Who is that idiot that sent that ridiculous thing to Ryan i swear I’m going to kill that person with my hands myself. Bukky enter hours later with a file she looks so angry as she drop the file and her phone.
“ it was labisi who sent them. She want to drive a wedge between you and Ryan ” Bukky announced and i just burst with anger i couldn’t take it
I’m going to kill that witch i swear now the photos are not only with Ryan but everywhere on the internet. I’m going to make sure she rot in jail for this. This is the height of what i can take I tolerate every silly words she used on me but ruining my face in public is one thing i will never take never!
My legal team quickly serve her a notice she won’t know what’s coming for her. You know how Nigerians are, some are criticising me while some are defending resulting in a big internet clash both on instagram and Facebook. Weeks passed and even months i refuse to pick Ryan’s call. I can’t move on with someone who doesn’t even trust me.
Finally, we found proof that the sender is labisi even Ryan helped a little by giving us information about the sender. The whatsapp number was traced to labisi’s brother which means they work together.
Episode 15 (Final) : Reconciliation and New Beginnings
After the court hearing, wait I don’t even know what later happened to labisi though my legal team handle the case. But for now Ryan and I are not in good terms i can’t continue the relationship he doesn’t really tryst me which is killing the love.
Bryan his younger is the one who always chat with.
Me every time but he didn’t really mention anybutng about our relationship.
Few months later…
I try to live like bukky, spend my life designing a little and using the rest to enjoy myself at the beach. In short I dump all the work on my secretary’s head. She holds most of my fashion shows and the sales while I slack around abroad or home anyhow. My mom still complain about I couldn’t handle my relationship as if I’m at fault.
Even as at now I don’t have any intention to date any man I just want to enjoy myself. I became friends with Anna fray too she is now my company’s main model. During one of my vacation to Europe she followed me and we went shopping together too sharing many things. She even told me she use to love Ryan secretly and even hates me because all he always say is my name every time.
I was relaxing in my vacation house when Anna called me she want to see a movie with me. I quickly agree, getting to the cinema she told me to place her ticket on the counter that she will soon join me. I agreed and go ahead to see the movie I think I saw someone who looks like Ryan but maybe I miss him too much I’ve started seeing things. But I don’t miss him.
Someone sit beside but it wasn’t Anna “ someone is… ” I try to say but when I saw the face I couldn’t talk I just continue the movie. My heart is beating faster its being so long I saw him I didn’t think he will appear in front of me one day like this but he did that’s shocking.
The movie ended I notice my legs are shaking because I’m nervous but I hide as I quickly stand up to probably run away because I don’t think I cab wait any longer I will just die. During my attempt to run I slip and fell right into his arms oh my that’s same gaze.
“ Cordelia I’m sorry ” he whispered before kissing me .
I became paralyzed instantly I don’t know if I should get angry or kiss back I just want faint I swear.
“ let me go ” I said finally regaining my strength I pushed him away breathing hard. He look confused and hurt but I try to ignore which I couldn’t. My heart still belong to him and I can’t fight it.
I walk as fast as my legs could carry me and he follow me immediately. We are already attracting stares but I didn’t stop I just keep walking but my car isn’t outside anymore I guess they all plan it together with Anna.
About to call a taxi Ryan grab my hand and he pull me closer. Part of me want to fight him, part of me want to just hug him I miss him so much but the latter feeling is much stronger than the first one.
I follow the second instinct and I did hug him crying on his shoulder he hug me tightly saying g he miss me so much and he is sorry.
Few weeks later….
Well fight ends and we are back together, scandal is gone and I’m back on my feet like before. I start designing again which made bukky so happy.
Workaholic Cordelia is back but not like before I create a lot of time for myself so Ryan and I can hang. Samuel and Anna are in a relationship, Bryan and bukky too.
End
Last Words
Cordelia and Ryan, despite all the hurdles, misunderstandings, and those pesky rumors, find their way back to each other. Love wins, right? Cordelia learns to balance her passion for work with her love for Ryan. They mend their relationship, and life becomes a beautiful blend of career success and personal happiness. Cordelia’s story reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes and that true love often requires a bit of patience and understanding. So, here’s to love, resilience, and the magic of second chances!