*EPISODE 12*
(LOVE AND DECEPTION)
Benjamin slowly pulled away from Belinda. And with a cute smile he said,
“Let’s go have our date somewhere else.”
“Sure.” Belinda said holding his left hand. And with a smile, they both walked away leaving Beatrice and Felix in disappointment.
“What just happened?.” Beatrice asked Felix who was lost of words. “Benjamin didn’t bring me out for a date and dump me for that cheap poor girl right?.” She asked.
“I understand that you are mad and frustrated at him but please, Belinda is not a cheap girl.” Felix said.
“Hahahaha. Mr. Lover boy. Why were you dumped like that?. You couldn’t keep a simple secret from Belinda. Now look at it. They’ve made a fool out of us.” Beatrice angrily said.
“I wish I didn’t listen to any of your advises. Maybe if I had approached her with sincerity instead of deceptions she would have given me a chance. But now that she has found out, I doubt if she would believe my words and feelings ever again.” Felix said in a sad tone.
At Grace’s apartment, Beatrice barged into her mother’s sitting room with her face completely frowned and unhappy.
“What is it? Why are you back so early? You don’t look happy. Did the date go well?.” Her mother asked all at once sitting next to her.
Before she knew it, Beatrice broke into tears.
“This is serious. Why are you crying? Talk to me Beatrice. Or did Benjamin say any hurtful or nasty words to you?.” Her mother asked placing her hand on her shoulder.
“How I wish he said nasty words to me instead. Mom, this guy practically humiliated me.” Beatrice lamented sobbing bitterly.
“Please tell me what he did.” Her mother said sitting upright.
“Mom, you won’t believe that Benjamin actually took me out for a date, then he abandoned me and went for another girl after kissing her in my presence.” Beatrice sobbed.
“What?. No no no …he didn’t do that.” Her mother said trying not to believe it.
“He did mom. What else could be more humiliating than this?.” Beatrice sobbed.
“Impossible. How dare he make my daughter cry?. So he had a girlfriend all these while?. Tell me, who is that cheap girl that dared to show up on your date? What household is she from?.” Her mother asked in anger.
“Mom, It’s Belinda.” Beatrice revealed.
“Jesus Christ!. This better not be true. How did he and Belinda end up meeting at that same venue?. That’s ridiculous.” She said.
“Mom, they’ve both found out about the truth. They now know that everything we made them believe for seven years were all lies and mere deceptions. Mom, Benjamin loves her.” Beatrice lamented.
“This won’t do.You know what, get up. We are going straight to his house.” Her mother said reaching for her car key.
At Gideon’s mansion, Beatrice and her mother drove into their mansion but were prevented from entering inside the sitting room by Gideon’s security men. After confirming their identities from Gideon, the security men allowed them in.
“Look who we have here.” Benjamin’s mother said smiling as she spread her arms trying to embrace Beatrice.
“Don’t touch my daughter.” Beatrice’s mother warned drawing Beatrice back.
“What’s the meaning of this?.” Benjamin’s mother asked in surprise.
“Madam Grace. What’s going on?.” Benjamin’s father asked from where he was sitting. .
“You two should ask your Son why he took my daughter out on a date just to humiliate her by inviting his girlfriend to thesame venue.” Beatrice’s mother raged.
This came as a shock to Benjamin’s parents who were certain that their son had no girlfriend.
“I thought Benjamin had no girlfriend. What is she talking about?.” Benjamin’s father asked Confused.
“I also do not know what she’s talking about.” Benjamin’s mother said.
“Okay then, you will know when this gets to mr. Johnson. Beatrice let’s go.” Beatrice’s mother said dragging Beatrice.
They both walked away leaving Benjamin’s parents in confussion.
“Why would Benjamin do a thing like this?.” Benjamin’s mother asked sitting next to her husband.
“I’m still trying to process the whole thing. Benjamin is not a trouble child. He has always listened and obeyed my instructions. What actually led him into humiliating me before the Johnson’s? I just hope this single act of his, would not jeopardize my relationship with the Johnson’s family.” Mr. Gideon said.
“And where is that Benjamin?.” His mother asked reaching for her phone.
She tried calling his line but it was switched off.
“Switched off?.” She asked trying the number again.
“No need for that. He will return whenever he is done playing around with the girl he went out with. And I will be here waiting for his return.” Mr. Gideon said.
Back at Johnson’s mansion, Beatrice and her mother drove into the compound and alighted from the car.
“When you go in there, make sure you let your tears flow like a river. Don’t give them the impression that you are strong. Let them know how painful and hurtful Benjamin’s actions towards you was.” Beatrice’s mother said to Beatrice who nodded in agreement.
Entering into the sitting room, Beatrice broke into tears.
“Beatrice?. What’s wrong? Why are you back so early? And why are you crying?.” Mr. Johnson asked standing to his feet.
Beatrice didn’t say a word. She walked up to him and embraced him while letting out tears from her eyes.
“Daddy…..” She sobbed.
“It’s okay my child. It’s okay.” Mr. Johnson said patting her on her back.
“Grace what’s going on? What happened to Beatrice?.” Mrs. Geraldine asked curioused.
“Benjamin invited another girl to their date and he made love with her before my daughter.” Grace exaggerated.
“What?. That’s the height of disrespect.” Mrs. Geraldine said.
“But I thought Benjamin was single? Why take my daughter out on a date just to disgrace and humiliate her?. I won’t take this from him.” Mr. Johnson raged.
That same day, Beatrice’s mother drove to Belinda mother’s business place.
“Grace??. It’s been years since we last saw each other. How have you been?.” Belinda’s mother asked as soon as she sighted her.
“Felicia. It’s obvious that you will never change and so is your daughter Belinda. Well, I’ve come to tell you to please warn your daughter. Tell her to keep away from my daughter’s man. I knew it from the very beginning that she was not a friend but a competitor. You know, you poor people will never change. Always looking for a rich man to rob.” Grace said.
“Wow. Look at who is talking. Aren’t you ashamed of your yourself?. Was that why you took in for a rich married man?.” Felicia asked.
“Watch your mouth Felicia. At least i know the father of my child. What about you?. Who knows if you didn’t take in from one of your Prostitution clients?.” Grace asked.
Belinda’s mother was vexed that she gave Beatrice’s mother a sound slap.
“You good for nothing woman. You think money is everything? You think because you have decided to remain a side chick to a rich married man then you’ve arrived?. Is being poor now a sin and crime to you? If you were so confident in your riches then why did your daughter’s man chose my daughter?. It just shows that you lack good character, manners and attitude. Who would like to end up with loosed puppies like you and your child? Gold diggers in riches.” Belinda’s mother insulted.
Their insults led to a fight.
Felix on the other hand, went to a bar and drank himself to stupor.
While all these was going on, Benjamin was busy taking Belinda to different fun places where they had enough fun and memorable romantic moments. Finally, he drove Belinda to the beach.
“Why are we at the beach when we are not even wearing beach wears?.” Belinda asked laughing at him.
“I didn’t come here to swim. I came here to watch you closely. At least to be sure that this whole thing is not a dream. Belinda thank you for giving me a chance to finally prove how much I adore you.” Benjamin said kissing her hand. Belinda could not help but blush uncontrollably.
Just then, her phone rang. It was her mother calling.
“Hello Mom?.” Belinda said.
“Belinda where are you?.” She asked.
“Uhm…..I’m….mom what is it?.” Belinda asked.
“I want to see you at home right now. You better don’t keep me waiting.” She said ending the call on Belinda’s ear.
“I hope all is well?.” Benjamin asked.
“I don’t know. She wants me back home immediately.” Belinda said.
“Alright. Then I will have to drop you off.” Benjamin said starting his car engine.
At Belinda’s house, they both alighted from the car. As soon as Belinda entered into their sitting room, she was shocked to see her mother looking tartared.
“Mom? What happened to you?.” Belinda asked walking up to her mother.
“Good day ma’am.” Benjamin greeted following Belinda from behind.
“Belinda….what have I done to you? Why have you decided to rub mud on my face?. Because of you, Beatrice’s mother attacked me at my business place.” Belinda’s mother lamented.
“What? Why would she do that?.” Belinda asked Confused.
“She said you snatched her daughter’s man from her. Belinda what is she talking about?.” Her mother asked.
“Ma’am. Please. Your daughter didn’t snatch me from Beatrice.” Benjamin said trying to clear the air.
“So you are the guy?. And who is he?.” Belinda mother asked.
“I am Benjamin Gideon of Gideon’s company. If you could remember, I am that young boy from 10 years ago, who came to check up on Belinda when she was hospitalized on the day we were supposed to have our interschool competition.” Benjamin said.
“Wait a minute. How come you are this grown? My goodness. You are now a young handsome guy. No wonder…..now I know why all these girls are going head over heels for you. So you chose my daughter over Beatrice?.” Belinda’s mom asked.
“Yes ma’am.” Benjamin replied.
“Have a seat first. Belinda go in and get him a juice or any cold drink. Let’s have a heart to heart discussion.” She said.
“Okay Mom.” Belinda said.
When Belinda left, she turned to Benjamin and asked.
“So tell me, are you her boss? The one that once requested to come here and rest for a while?.” She asked.
“Yes ma’am.” Benjamin answered.
“Interesting. So when did you start liking my daughter and why do you like her?.” She asked. .
“I started liking her from the day I visited her at the hospital 10 years ago. Her absence in class made me realize how much her presence meant to me. And I like her because she is Belinda. Belinda is unique and she gives me the kind of peace and happiness that I’ve always wanted. I don’t know if that’s enough reason to love someone. But that has been my reasons for loving her.” Benjamin said.
“Hmmmm. What about your parents? Do they know about this?.” She asked.
“Not yet ma’am. I’m planning to let them know soon.” He said.
“I’m afraid. Your love would only put my daughter in danger. Are you sure you can protect my daughter?. Are you sure you can stand beside her all through the storms and challenges she will start facing for loving the son of a rich man?. Look Benjamin. I know how rich people behave. And I don’t think your love for my child will be strong enough to withstand the heat that you will both be facing soon.” She said.
“Trust me ma’am. I truly love your daughter. And I’m ready to cross oceans of criticisms and objections for her. I know it won’t be easy. But I know our love will be able to overcome it all.” He said.
“I hope so too. But what’s the meaning of what Beatrice’s mom said to me today? What’s with you dumping her child for mine?.” She asked.
“That’s because, I was supposed to go on a date with Beatrice but I chose Belinda instead. And I’m sure that by now, my entire house hold will be waiting for my return to give me an earful.” He said.
“I don’t know why I don’t have a good feeling about this. I’m just scared that my daughter would be in great danger. Grace is not a type of woman that issue out empty threats. She is too ambitious and greedy that she can go to any length to satisfy her greed. I’m afraid that she might come for my daughter. She won’t take this case lightly at all.” She said.
“Hmmmmm.” Benjamin took a deep sigh.
When Benjamin left, Belinda’s mom talked to her. Warning her to be very careful.
“Do you love that young man?.” She asked.
“Yes Mom. More than you can imagine.” She said.
“Then you have to be very careful and vigilant. Cause from the look of things, Beatrice and her mother would stop at nothing until they bring you down. We’ve always lived in peace minding our business. But right now, we have invited war into our home. And the most scary part is that these people are all wealthy and we are helplessly poor. And you know how much the world favours the rich over us. I believe you’ve come of age to know what you want. So all I would do, is to guide you all through the way. Do not allow anyone to talk down on you because of your financial situation. You are only poor not stupid or unqualified. If Beatrice can have Benjamin, then you should be allowed to have him too.” Her mother said.
“Yes mom. And this time, I’m not backing out either. We must fight this fight to finish. All I have been doing all these years is to run. But this time around, I’m going to stand firm and secure my territory.” Belinda said.
“That’s the spirit. But still, just be careful. They might be planning something evil against you. And it’s only right if you get prepared.” Her mother said.
Back at the Gideon’s mansion, Benjamin’s father slapped him immediately he set his eyes on him.
“Why did you do it? Why did you chose to insult my personality by misbehaving the way you did?.” He raged.
“Benjamin. Why did you do what you did?. Beatrice was here earlier with her mother.” His mother said.
“Dad, mom, I don’t like Beatrice.” He said.
“And who said a business man marries because of Love?. We practice business even in marriage. And as a business man, you shouldn’t be investing in anything that would not yield profit.” His father yelled.
“No father, I’m not going to be like you. I’m not going to be too calculative. I want to marry for love and not for the sake of her family background.” He said.
“And you think we would let you marry a girl who does no know who her biological father is?.” His father asked.
“How….? How did you…?.” Benjamin stammered.
“I’m not Gideon for nothing son.” His father said.
“We were told that she was born out of prostitution. Can you imagine?.” His mother said.
“That’s a big fat lie dad. My Belinda is a nice and decent girl. Her mother is very nice and well mannered too. They are contented with what they have. You need to meet them first before jumping into conclusions.” Benjamin said.
“What difference would it make? Isn’t it obvious that she wants to milk you dry? Reason she started off as your personal assistant and now your lover.” His mother said.
“No mom we started as classmates. I have known Belinda since we were kids. And I can attest to the fact that she’s not a gold digger. You can make enquiries about her yourselves.” Benjamin said.
“In that case, we would like to meet this girl called Belinda.” His father said.
“Yes. Let’s ascertain her ourselves.” His mother seconded.
