SWITCH AT BIRTH
EPISODE 4
As time passed, Queen Chioma’s affection for Ada grew exponentially. She showered her with gifts, attention, and love, making Ada feel like the center of her universe. Sarah, though grateful for the queen’s kindness, began to feel like a spectator in her own daughter’s life.
Ada, now the apple of the queen’s eye, started to spend more and more time in the palace, leaving Sarah to manage her new business and home alone.
Meanwhile, Prince Onyeka, once the focus of Queen Chioma’s attention, began to feel neglected. He would often try to get his mother’s attention, but she would brush him off, too caught up in her newfound love for Ada. The prince grew jealous of the attention Ada received, feeling like he was being replaced.
King Emeka, oblivious to the dynamics at play, continued to boast about his male heir, Prince Onyeka. But Queen Chioma’s priorities had shifted. She would often cancel meetings and events to spend time with Ada, taking her on lavish outings and buying her expensive clothes.
Sarah, though grateful for the queen’s support, started to feel uneasy about the situation. She would try to spend quality time with Ada, but the queen would always find a way to intervene, making it difficult for Sarah to bond with her own daughter.
As the days turned into weeks, Queen Chioma’s obsession with Ada grew stronger. She began to make decisions without consulting King Emeka or Sarah, much to their dismay. The palace staff started to whisper about the queen’s strange behavior, how she was prioritizing a commoner’s child over her own prince.
The tension between Queen Chioma and Sarah began to rise. Sarah felt like she was losing her daughter to the queen’s affections, while Queen Chioma couldn’t understand why Sarah wasn’t grateful for the opportunities she was providing Ada.
(King’s chamber)
King Emeka: “Chioma, my dear, I’ve been thinking about Prince Onyeka’s future. I want him to attend the University of Azura, it’s the best in the land.”
Queen Chioma: “Yes, my lord, that’s a great idea. Ada would also benefit from attending such a prestigious institution.”
King Emeka: “What does Ada have to do with this? I’m talking about our son’s education.”
Queen Chioma: “Well, I think it would be wonderful for both Ada and Prince Onyeka to study together. They could learn so much from each other.”
King Emeka: “Chioma, focus! This is about our son’s future, not some commoner’s child. I want him to study at Azura, not play nursemaid to some…some…”
Queen Chioma: “Ada is a bright and talented child, my lord. And I’m sure she would thrive at the University of Azura, just like Prince Onyeka.”
King Emeka: “Enough! I don’t want to hear another word about Ada. Can’t you see I’m trying to secure our son’s future?”
Queen Chioma: “But, my lord, Ada’s future is just as important. And I think-”
King Emeka: “Silence! I will not be swayed from my decision. Prince Onyeka will attend Azura, and that is final.”
Chioma: “But you know she is my goddaughter,my Lord. And just like a daughter I never had.”
King Emeka: “Chioma, my dear, you’re pushing me too far. Ada may be your goddaughter, but she’s not a member of the royal family. Your loyalty should be to our son and our kingdom, not some commoner’s child.”
Queen Chioma: “My lord, you’re misunderstanding me. As Ada’s godmother, I have a responsibility to ensure her well-being and future. And as queen, I have a duty to show compassion and kindness to all our subjects, including Ada. She may not be of royal blood, but she’s a talented and deserving child… and a part of our family, in my heart.”
King Emeka’s expression softened, his voice gentling. “Chioma, my love… I forget that Ada holds a special place in your heart. Very well, I will consider allowing her to attend Aura university alongside Prince Onyeka… as a token of our appreciation for your unwavering dedication to our kingdom and our people.”
Queen Chioma’s face lit up with joy and gratitude. “Thank you, my lord! Thank you for understanding!”
King Emeka smiled, his heart melting at his queen’s warmth and compassion. “I am a king, but I am also a husband and a father. And I will not deny our subjects, including Ada, the chance to flourish under our guidance.”
So on, Ada and Prince Onyeka’s friendship flourished at the university, delighting Queen Chioma. She envisioned their marriage, solidifying the kingdom’s unity. During holidays, Ada spent more time at the palace, rarely returning to Sarah’s house. Sarah complained, but Ada’s words always brought a smile to her face.
However, the tide turned when Prince Onyeka’s behavior shifted. He grew aggressive, accusing Ada of stealing his mother’s love. One fateful day, their confrontation escalated on campus.
“You’re a nobody, Ada!” Prince Onyeka sneered. “You’re just a commoner, trying to take my mother’s attention away from me!”
Ada stood tall, her voice firm. “I’m not trying to take anything away from you, Onyeka. I’m just trying to be a good friend.”
Prince Onyeka’s face reddened. “You’re not a friend! You’re a man!pul*tor! You’re using my mother’s affection to get ahead!”
The argument drew a crowd. Ada’s eyes welled up with tears as Prince Onyeka’s insults pierced her heart. Just as he raised his hand to point at her, Obinna, a 400-level student of the university, appeared, his eyes blazing with anger.
“Leave her alone,young man!” Obinna thundered, his voice echoing across the campus. “You have no right to treat her like this! I won’t stand by and watch you mistreat a woman!”
The crowd gasped as Obinna stood up to the prince. Ada’s tears dried, replaced by gratitude towards the stranger who defended her honor. Little did they know, fate had brought them together, unaware that they shared a bond deeper than they could imagine.
The story Continue
