The Other Man - S01 E05

2 years ago

The Other Man - S01 E05

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 5

My husband was so surprised to hear me scream like that, he rushed to me and demanded to know what was wrong. With tears in my eyes, I told him what my sister said. I wanted to leave for Lagos at that moment but he calmed me down and advised us to leave the following day. I couldn’t sleep that night as I kept asking myself why something like that had to happen to my sister.

My husband was kind enough to go with me to Lagos. Getting to her home, I was told by the gateman that she has been taken to the hospital by the driver. I collected the address of the hospital and went there.

My sister was lost in thought when I got into her ward and by the time she saw me, she started weeping. Oh! My sister had become a shadow of herself. I drew her into an embrace and assured her that all would be well.

Tolani: Teni, James is gone, he left me

Me: it is okay big sis, all will be well

Tolani: you don’t understand, he has relocated to the US and probably has plans to settle down with another woman. For almost two years, l have been unhappy, i only enjoyed my marriage for just a day. Teni, tell me that I am dreaming

Me: (crying) it is okay big sis

Tolani: I know I was at fault, I should have told him about the rape but I was afraid of losing him, I thought he would understand when I eventually tell him

It was a tough time for my sister and I. My husband who stood in a corner couldn’t help but shed tears. The nurse had to sedate her so that her rose blood pressure won’t send her into unconsciousness. I pitied my sister, I wished I could take her position, I wished she could be happy the way I was. She wasn’t supposed to be the one experiencing this.

My husband returned home because of work while I had to stay behind. Tolani was discharged when she became stable, I took her home and nursed her back to health.

After spending some weeks with her, she asked me to come back home because of my studies and my husband. Reluctantly, I traveled home but I was always calling to ask how she was fairing.

My sister started doing well. Gradually, she was getting over the incident. She focused more on her handiwork and her relationship with God. Luckily for her, the house she lives in was her husband’s and he willed both the house and car to her.

When I thought things were becoming fine, I received another blow. It was our Thanksgiving service and we were all to appear in new attire. My husband bought me a beautiful gown for this course.

The gown brought out my curves and my baby bump. I looked so beautiful and elegant that day that I walked majestically into the church. As I stepped into the church building, all eyes were on me. I thought they were admiring me.

The service began and my husband had to take the Sunday School in place of the teacher who was down with malaria. As he mounted the pulpit, there was an uproar in the congregation. Suddenly, I heard some say “Before he preaches to us, tell him to go and take care of the mess in his home”

My heart skipped a beat when I heard that statement, I suddenly developed goosebumps where I sat. Before I knew what was happening, the pastor summoned my husband and I into his office and showed us a video that was sent to the church WhatsApp group that morning. Alas! It was a picture of a man sleeping with me.

Being shocked was an understatement, my husband bowed his head after seeing it. I quickly went on my knees telling the pastor that I knew nothing about it. My husband suddenly stood up and ordered me to follow him home, I knew I was done for that day. How would I convince him that I was innocent all along when the evidence was so glaring?

Getting into the bedroom, my husband sat on the bed with his head still bowed to the ground. By the time he lifted his head, his eyeballs were red. I knew he was trying hard to fight back tears, I quickly went on my knees and tried explaining my innocence.

Victor: why have you decided to break my heart and tarnish my reputation? Haven’t I been a good husband? And to think that I was planning something big for you on our wedding anniversary

Me: ok mi(my husband) please, I need you to believe me. I am innocent, I don’t understand where all this is coming from. You have been a wonderful husband to me and I don’t take this for granted.