From Housemaid to Oga’s Wife Episode Four
Martins sat on the edge of his bed, thinking of how risky it had become to continue sneaking into Nnenna’s room. Jessica was already suspicious, and it was only a matter of time before she found out the truth. He needed a new plan. The idea came to him suddenly—he would rent a hotel room and use it as their secret meeting place. That way, nobody would disturb them. Early Saturday morning, he told Jessica he had some business outside town and left the house with a small bag and a big smile on his face.
The hotel Martins chose wasn’t too far from town. It was in a quiet street where people minded their business. He entered the reception and spoke to the manager directly. “I want to pay for one room for a full year,” he said. The manager raised his eyebrow in surprise. “Are you relocating?” he asked. Martins smiled. “Something like that. Just give me a room that is private. No disturbance.” The manager took him to a room at the far end of the building. Martins checked it out and liked it immediately.
He paid in full and collected the keys. The room was clean, with a small bed, a table, a fan, and a fridge. It wasn’t as big as the one in his house, but it was enough for what he wanted. He took time to arrange the room and even added some of his own items to make it comfortable. When he was done, he relaxed on the bed and smiled to himself. “Now Jessica will never know,” he muttered. By evening, he left the hotel and drove straight home.
That night, Martins waited until everyone had gone to bed. Around 11pm, he knocked on Nnenna’s door. She opened it quietly. “I’ve found a better place for us to meet,” Martins said in a low voice. Nnenna looked surprised. “Where?” “A hotel,” he replied. “I paid for one year. We won’t need to sneak around anymore.” Nnenna nodded slowly. “That’s better,” she said. “This place is too risky now.” Martins smiled. “You’ll like the place. We can go there tomorrow.” Nnenna agreed. She was tired of always being scared that Jessica would catch them.
The next morning, Martins gave Nnenna the address and told her to come in the evening. She promised to be there. But later that day, Nnenna called Martins and said she wanted to talk to him. He went to her room. She sat him down. “Martins,” she began, “I think it’s better I stop living in this house. Jessica is beginning to suspect me. It’s only a matter of time before everything scatters.” Martins scratched his head. “You want to leave the house?” She nodded. “Yes. I can come to work from my own place.”
Martins thought about it. “Will you still be able to see me?” “Yes,” she said. “That hotel you paid for is a good idea. That will be our meeting place. But I need to stop living here before Jessica finally puts her eyes on me.” Martins understood. He knew she was right. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll rent an apartment for you. Somewhere not too far. Just let me handle it.” Nnenna smiled and held his hand. “Thank you,” she said. “This is better. Let her think I’m gone for good.”
By the next day, Martins had already found a small apartment for Nnenna. It was a one-bedroom flat, not too fancy, but decent and quiet. He paid for one year and helped her move in quietly. Nnenna packed her clothes and personal things, and Martins gave her some money to buy a few things she would need in the new house. That same evening, she left the main house. Martins made sure Jessica didn’t notice anything unusual. Everything was going according to plan.
Later that evening, Martins sat with Jessica in the living room and told her about Nnenna’s decision. “She said she wants to be coming from her house. She’s not comfortable staying here anymore.” Jessica didn’t ask too many questions. “It’s even better,” she said. “Let her go. I don’t like the way she’s always too free in this house. Sometimes I feel like she forgets she’s just a maid.” Martins nodded. “I think it’s for the best.” Jessica stood up and went to the kitchen. Martins quickly sent a message to Nnenna. “She bought it. We’re safe.”
The next few days went smoothly. Nnenna started coming to work in the mornings and leaving in the evenings. She cleaned the house, cooked food, and did laundry like before. But once in a while, Martins would tell Jessica he was going for a business meeting and would rush to the hotel to spend some time with Nnenna. Their love was growing stronger. They both knew they had to be careful, but they also knew they couldn’t stop now. It was risky, but they were ready to take the risk.
One evening, after work, Nnenna was in her apartment preparing yam and egg sauce when Martins came in unannounced. “You didn’t even tell me you were coming,” she said. Martins smiled. “I missed you. And I wanted to see how you’re settling in.” Nnenna placed a plate before him. “Eat first. Then you can talk as much as you want.” Martins sat down and started eating. “This food is sweet,” he said. Nnenna smiled. “You say that every time.” “Because it’s true,” Martins replied. “No one cooks like you.”
After the meal, Martins pulled her close. “I don’t regret anything,” he said. “If I could go back, I would still choose you.” Nnenna didn’t say anything. She just looked at him. After a while, she spoke. “Do you think this will ever end well?” Martins held her hand. “I don’t know. But I will make sure nothing happens to you. Just be patient.” Nnenna nodded. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Martins ki.ssed her forehead. “Trust me.” That night, he left her apartment and returned to the hotel. He wanted to keep both places available for emergencies.
Meanwhile, Jessica started observing her husband again. Something still didn’t feel right. She noticed that Martins was always dressing well and spraying perfume in the evenings. Sometimes he left home and came back smelling like food she didn’t cook. One day, she asked him, “Where are you always going in the evenings?” Martins laughed. “Business meetings, Jessica. You know how my work is.” Jessica didn’t argue, but she knew something wasn’t right. She decided she would not ask again. She would watch and wait.
To be continued
