SWITCH AT BIRTH
EPISODE 5
Prince Onyeka paced back and forth in his hostel room, his anger and frustration boiling over. He pulled out his phone and dialed the queen’s number, his voice trembling with rage.
“Mother, Ada has been !nsulting me in school lately, and I won’t stand for it!”
Queen Chioma listened patiently, her expression stern. “What did she say, Onyeka?”
Prince Onyeka exaggerated, “She said I’m a nobody, and she doesn’t need my friendship!”
The queen’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll handle it, Onyeka.”
She cut the call and immediately dialed Ada’s number.
“Ada, my dear, what’s going on between you and Onyeka?”
Ada explained, “He’s been spreading rumors about me, Your Majesty, and I stood up to him. He’s not been kind to me lately.”
The queen’s face darkened.
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She called Onyeka back, her voice firm.
“Onyeka, behave yourself! Ada is under my protection, and I won’t have you bully!ng her. Win her heart, not her scorn.”
Prince Onyeka’s voice rose in defiance. “Why do you favor her, a nobody, over me, your own son?”
The queen’s anger flared. “You are the nobody, Onyeka! Not Ada!”
She took a deep breath, composing herself. “My apologies, Onyeka. But know this: Ada is my chosen future daughter-in-law. Reconcile with her, or you’ll receive not a penny from me nor the king.”
The line went dead, leaving Prince Onyeka seething with resentment.
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Prince Onyeka’s pride swallowed, he dialed Ada’s number, his voice laced with false humility. “Ada, my dear, I apologize for my behavior earlier. I was wrong to treat you with disdain. My mother has made it clear that we will be married, and I want us to start fresh.”
Ada’s voice was cautious, “What do you want, Onyeka? You’ve made it clear how you feel about me.”
Prince Onyeka’s tone turned condescending, “I’m willing to put aside our differences, Ada. You should be grateful my mother wants me to marry you. It’s an honor, really. You’ll be a princess.” Ada, you should be grateful that a cute prince like me wants to marry you, a commoner.
Ada scoffed, “You think I should be grateful that you, a prince who’s only interested in his own reflection, wants to marry me, a commoner? Please, I’m not some damsel in distress waiting to be rescued by your ‘royal’ presence. I have my own life, my own dreams, and I won’t be reduced to a mere accessory for your royal ego.”
“Onyeka, don’t ever call my number again. I don’t want anything to do with you. Your mother may want us to marry, but I refuse to be forced into a relationship with someone who doesn’t respect me.”
Prince Onyeka’s face twisted in anger, his pride wounded once more. “Fine, have it your way, Ada. But if you refuse to marry me, I’ll make sure my mother stops paying your school fees. You’ll be back to the slum where you belong, and no one will even remember your name. You’re nothing without my family’s support, Ada. Nothing!”
Ada’s eyes flashed with anger, but she couldn’t bear to hear Prince Onyeka’s degrading words anymore. She ended the call, her heart racing with frustration and anger.
Ada’s eyes brimmed with tears as she dialed the queen’s number, her voice shaking with hurt. “Your Majesty, I can’t continue this charade. I can’t be friends with Prince Onyeka, and I don’t want you to continue paying my school fees. I don’t want to be tied to him or your family anymore.”
The queen’s voice was surprised, “Ada, what’s wrong? What happened?”
Ada’s words tumbled out, “He’s cruel and
man!pulative, Your Majesty. He thinks he can control me, but I won’t be held back. I want to forge my own path.”
The queen tried to interrupt, but Ada continued, “No, Your Majesty, please. I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t continue this farce. Stop paying my school fees, and let me go.”
The line went dead, and the queen tried calling back, but Ada was already on another call with Obinna, her new friend.
“Obinna, I can’t take it anymore,” Ada sobbed, pouring out her heart to him. “Prince Onyeka is suffocating me, and I feel trapped.”
Obinna listened attentively, his voice calm and reassuring. “Ada, you’re strong and capable. Don’t let him define your worth. You have so much potential, and I believe in you.”
Ada sniffled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “Thanks, Obinna. Just talking to you makes me feel better.”
Obinna’s advice was like a balm to her soul. “Ada, remember that you are the architect of your own destiny. Don’t let anyone else build your life for you. You have the power to create your own future.”
The call ended, leaving Ada feeling hopeful and determined.
After the queen couldn’t get Ada on the phone, she seethed with anger and frustration. Ada had ended the call, leaving the queen feeling powerless and defeated.
The queen’s face was red with anger as she dialed Prince Onyeka’s number, her voice fierce and commanding. “Onyeka, you f**l! Stup!d boy! Don’t you dare destroy my plans! Don’t you dare lose Ada’s affection! You must win her over, or you’ll face my wr@th!”
The line went dead, and the queen’s murmurs filled the room. “How dare he try to ruin all my efforts of the past years? I want him to marry Ada, so she’ll forever be under my watchful eye. But he’s turning the tables on me… If he doesn’t win her over, I’ll make his life
m!serable.”
Her eyes narrowed, plotting her next move. “I’ll not let him outsmart me. I’ll show him who’s in control.” The queen’s mind raced with schemes, determined to ensure her plans came to fruition, no matter the cost.
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