SHADOWS OF DECEIT
Episode 2
Chidi sat amidst the eerie silence of his lavish Lagos home, his heart heavy with grief. The once-vibrant walls now seemed dull and lifeless, a reflection of his shattered soul. His phone rang, breaking the stillness, and he hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Obinna, my guy…,” Chidi’s voice cracked, unable to hold back the emotions.
“Chidi, what’s wrong? I can hear you crying. What’s going on?” Obinna asked, concern etched in his voice.
Chidi took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. “Nneoma left me, Obinna. She said she can’t keep waiting for us to have a child and that she needs to find her own happiness. She packed her bags and left this morning.”
Obinna’s voice was filled with empathy. “Ah, Chidi, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m coming over right now, Have you eaten anything?”
Chidi shook his head, even though Obinna couldn’t see him. “No, I haven’t eaten since morning. I don’t have an appetite.”
“Okay, I’ll bring some food and drinks. Just hang in there, my friend,” Obinna said.
As Chidi waited for Obinna to arrive, he couldn’t help but think about his marriage . He thought about all the times he and Nneoma had prayed for a child, all the times they’d tried and failed. He remembered the countless nights they’d spent in hospital waiting rooms, the endless doctor’s appointments, and the disappointment that followed each negative pregnancy test, he knew it was his fault ,he watched Nneoma suffer “, he sighed sadly ,
Obinna’s arrival snapped Chidi back to reality. His friend walked in, a look of concern on his face, and enveloped Chidi in a warm hug.
“My guy, I’m here for you. We’ll get through this together,” Obinna said, holding him tightly.
Chidi broke down again, this time with Obinna by his side. As they sat there, Chidi began to open up about his feelings, his fears, and his doubts. Obinna listened intently, offering words of encouragement and support.
Chidi sniffled, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. “I don’t know, Obinna. I feel like I’ve failed her. We’ve been trying for so long, and I just can’t seem to…can’t seem to give her what she wants.”
Obinna’s expression turned somber. “Chidi, you can’t blame yourself for this. You know Nneoma has left, and its your fault , She needs to find her own happiness.”
Chidi nodded, feeling a pang of regret. “I know. I should have been honest with her about my low sperm count. Maybe things would have been different.”
Obinna placed a firm hand on Chidi’s shoulder. “Chidi, listen to me, You’re an amazing person. Nneoma’s decision to leave was not just about you, but about her own journey.”
Chidi sighed, accepting the truth. “You’re right. I need to focus on myself now. I need to heal and move forward.”
Obinna nodded in agreement. “That’s the spirit, Chidi. We’ll get through this together. You’ll find happiness again, and maybe someday, you’ll find someone who loves you for who you are, and when you do don’t keep this from her again”,
Chidi smiled weakly, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Thanks, Obinna. I couldn’t do this without you.”
To be continued……..
Story by Vivi
