*Episode 13*
(Love and Deception)
As soon as the uber driver dropped Belinda off at the front of Gideon’s company, She saw Felix who had gone there very early in the morning to wait for her.
“Hi Belinda.” He called waving at her.
“Hi Felix. Good morning.” She replied smiling as she walked up to him.
When she finally stood before him, he said,
“Actually Belinda, I don’t know what to say. Honestly, I feel so ashamed talking to you right now.” He said bowing his head in shame.
“I’ve been longing to ask you Felix. Why did you do it? Why did you lie to me?.” Belinda asked folding her arms.
“I guess I was scared. I had this low self-esteem that I wasn’t good enough. Maybe if I take Benjamin out of the way, then I might have a chance. So I thought. But with was I’ve seen so far, you wouldn’t have accepted me even if I didn’t lie to you.” Felix said smiling.
“Yeah hahahahaha. You are right. It has always been Benjamin all along. But I was clueless and I tried fighting my true feelings. I tried denying the truth. But fate brought us back again. And I’m sorry if I misled you or gave hope in any way.” She said.
“It’s okay. I just wanted to make peace with everyone before I return to the states. I don’t think there’s anything left for me here. Cause I actually returned because of you Belinda. And I thought that I could use this opportunity to finally get into a serious relationship with you. But I guess you and Benjamin are fated to be together against all odds.” Felix said.
“I actually trusted you as a friend. And I was free around you.” Belinda said.
“Too bad I destroyed that trust and friendship with lies. How do I make it up to you Belinda?.” He asked.
“By putting everything back in place. Everything your lies took away from me. So, if there are still some hidden or reserved truth that I still need to know, then I think bringing it to light will make me believe that you’ve changed for good. So tell me, can you do it?.” She asked.
“Sure. I can reveal every truth that I’ve hidden all through the years. If that will make you accept me as a friend again. And as for Benjamin, I don’t even know how to approach him yet.” He Said.
“No need for that. Cause I’m here already.” Benjamin said walking up to them.
“Good morning boss.” Belinda greeted.
“Good morning Belinda. Sorry I couldn’t call you last night.” Benjamin said rubbing her hair.
“It’s fine. I understand. I’m sure you received an earful yesterday.” She said.
“Yeah. I heard so much that I nearly lost my hearing abilities. I will tell you the rest later.” He said.
“Alright. I will be inside. Felix, remember what we discussed.” She said smiling at him as she turned and walked inside the company.
“How did you handle the situation yesterday?.” Felix asked as soon as Belinda left.
“Bro. I never expected it to be this much of a big deal. Like, what’s wrong with Belinda? She’s beautiful, she’s intelligent, she’s educated and hardworking.” Benjamin said
“Yeah I know, that’s why I fell for her too.” Felix said. Then he noticed the jealousy on Benjamin’s face. “Oh my bad. I’m sorry.” He said laughing.
“You better be.” Benjamin said smiling. “Hmmm. Being born into a rich family comes with lots of rules and regulations. Your parents always think they know the best for you. Sometimes i just wish I had my way with things.” Benjamin lamented.
“Is it really that bad?.” Felix asked.
“Yeah bro. They’re requesting I bring Belinda home?.” Benjamin said.
“What for? Have they accepted her?.” Felix asked.
“Hmmmm. As if they would easily accept the innocent girl without stressing and scaring her. I used to watch it in movies. But I never knew my life would one day play out like those movies.” Benjamin said
“Have you told Belinda about it?.” Felix asked.
“Not yet. I don’t want to scare her. I’m really scared because of how angry my father was yesterday.” Benjamin said
“You need to be a man and defend your woman. If you can’t be man enough to stand by her in times like this, then you better give up on her now. She is acting all strong just because she believes you are in this with her. So you better keep your head straight.” Felix said
“You really know a lot about Belinda.” Benjamin said
“Yeah. I took my time to study her. And that’s why I couldn’t remain in the friend zone with her kind of person. The more you get to know her, the more you desire to have her.” Felix said.
“Wait a minute. I hope you have never had any carnal knowledge of my girl? Cause I really do not understand you these days.” Benjamin asked.
“Is that jealousy I see in your eyes? Hahahaha. My man is really in love.” Felix said laughing at Benjamin’s jealous attitude.
“It’s not my fault though.” Benjamin said smiling.
“Hey friend. I hope you would be able to forgive me someday. I really fucked up. And I’m ready to make things right. By letting everyone know the truth.” Felix said.
“Of course. We men do not bear grudges for long like women. But what truth are you talking about?.” Benjamin asked curioused.
“The whole truth my friend. I would like you to invite Beatrice and Belinda to your house.” Felix said.
“Why Beatrice? Do you want to host third world war in my house?. I can’t believe you are asking me to do that.” Benjamin said.
“Trust me friend. If you want to know the whole truth, then you must do as I say. This is my last favour to you as a friend.” Felix said.
“But how? Going to meet Beatrice now will warrant me facing the wrath of your parents. I’m not ready to indulge in such.” Benjamin said.
“Trust me. I will help you all the way. And once the truth is out, your parents will have no choice but to accept Belinda. Cause the truth will expose the real gold diggers. And once I’m done, I will be leaving for the states.” Felix said
“Already?.” Benjamin asked.
“Yeah. It’s obvious that i’ve overstayed my welcome. I have spoken with my dad and he has given me his permission to go and manage his business over there.” Felix said.
“Alright. Just make sure you let me know when you are ready to leave.” Benjamin said.
* * * * * * *
Inside his office, Benjamin called Belinda to have a brief discussion with her.
“You called for me.” Belinda said as soon as she entered the office.
“Yes I did. Please have a seat. I have something to discuss with you.” He said.
Belinda sat down facing him.
“My parents would like to meet with you.” Benjamin said.
“Should I be nervous or optimistic?.” Belinda asked.
“I won’t lie to you. I’m actually nervous. But I don’t think you should be scared of them. You did nothing wrong by falling in love with me. And I’m unapologetic about my feelings for you either. So, you have to be bold when meeting them. Don’t let anyone intimidate or tell you that you are not worthy of my love. Cause you deserve everything good in life just like the rich men children that they would want me to marry. Let them know that aside money and fame, we are all thesame. And should be treated equally.” Benjamin said.
“I understand what you mean. I’m not going there to lose to anyone. Or get humiliated because of my background. I’m going there to show them that I also have a worth. And I have every right to love just like other rich men daughters.” Belinda said.
“Exactly. I love this spirit. And just so you don’t look surprised, tomorrow, Beatrice would be joining us along with her family.” Benjamin revealed.
“Why?.” Belinda asked.
“Although it was all Felix’s idea, but I think I kind of agree with him. I mean, you can now have the opportunity to make her spill the truth. And Felix kept emphasizing on revealing the truth. Whatever it is, I think the truth Felix would be revealing, would help my parent to accept you.” Benjamin said.
“What could this truth be?.” Belinda asked curioused.
“I don’t know either. But i believe we will hear about it tomorrow.” Benjamin said.
Back at Johnson’s mansion, Felix was about knocking at Beatrice’s door when he overheard she and her mother having an argument.
“No mom. You can’t be possibly thinking of getting Belinda killed. I won’t be a partaker of such evil plans. I mean, there are other means to scare her away from Benjamin. Not necessarily you killing her.” Beatrice said.
“A mistake once ignored, would grow into bigger mistakes. There is nothing bad in erasing her out of the picture like you did during your interschool competition, scholarship examination and in Benjamin father’s birthday party. Just that this time around, she will be gone forever. And you will save yourself the stress of always competing with her.” Her mother said.
“Mom?.” Beatrice called.”What if we end up in jail because of our endless pursuit of what I don’t even know? Mom don’t you ever get tired?. I have lost friends and everything I once loved all because of this endless greed of yours. Tell me mother, why do you even want me to marry Benjamin?.” Beatrice asked heartbroken.
“What other reason could there be other than the life of comfort that comes with marrying into the Gideon’s family? Do you know the kind of cars my friends drive? I want to be powerful. So powerful that other women will come begging for my attention. And Incase you don’t know, I’ve told them how close you are with Benjamin. And they have been respecting me since then. There are levels to wealth my child. I understand your father has money but his money can never be compared to that of the Gideon’s.” She said.
“So what if the Gideon’s goes backrupt tomorrow? Would you advise me to remain in the marriage or walk away?.” Beatrice asked.
“Why would you waste your time on them?. If they go bankrupt today, you will replace them immediately. No time for dullness.” Her mother said.
“So your daughter has now become a tool for business? I thought you loved me mom?.” Beatrice asked in pains and disappointment
“Yes I do sweetheart. And that’s the more reason why I want the best for you. That’s why I don’t want you to experience defeat, poverty or intimidation from anybody.” She said placing her palms on her cheeks.
Just then, Joshua knocked at the door.
“Yes come in.” Belinda’s mother said looking at the door to see who it was.
“Good afternoon ma’am.” He greeted.
“Good afternoon Felix. How long have you been standing at the door?.” Belinda’s mother asked
“Standing? I’m just coming now. I have some good news for Beatrice.” Felix said
“Oh. Okay. And what is it?.” Belinda’s mother asked.
“Benjamin’s parents would like to meet with all of us at their home tomorrow. And guess what, Benjamin is going to publicly apologise to you.” Felix lied.
“Really?.” Beatrice shouted jumping from her bed.
“Yes Beatrice.” Felix said.
“This is indeed a good news. Finally Benjamin is back to his senses.” Beatrice’s mother said.
“Exactly.” Beatrice agreed
“So what of Belinda?.” Beatrice’s mother asked.
“She will also be coming to render an open apology to Beatrice.” Felix lied.
“Wow. This is perfect. I love this. Thank you so much for this information.” Beatrice said jubilating.
As soon as Felix shut the door behind him, he took a deep breath and walked away.
Later that night, Beatrice’s mother gave Beatrice a drug that would help her put Benjamin to sleep during the reconciliation process.
“What would I gain from putting him to sleep?.” Beatrice asked Confused.
“Are you still a kid? You can make him drop you off at home. Then you drug him and make him lay with you. All I just need is evidence that he has slept with you then, his parents will have no choice than to push through with the marriage plans. Or you can make it look like rape.” She said.
“Mom?. Why are you always like this?. Now you don’t even care about my pride?.” Beatrice lamented.
“What pride? Please throw away whatever pride you have and lay with him. Even if you can’t, you can just lay beside him n***d till in the morning so I can raise the alarm. All you have to do is tell his family that he raped you.” Beatrice’s mother said.
“Mother. This is too much. I’m not doing this. Please count me out.” She insisted.
“Just like 7 years ago, you still haven’t changed madam Grace.” Felix said entering Beatrice’s room.
“Felix! Don’t push me. I have told you to always mind your business.” Beatrice’s mother warned.
“No. Beatrice is part of my business. I can’t stand by and watch you destroy my sister’s life with your unsatisfiable greed. You monster in human form.” Felix raged.
“How dare you?.” Beatrice mother raged. She quickly picked the stool that was beside her and hit it on Felix’s head.
“Mother? What have you done?.” Beatrice asked in fear.
Felix fell to the ground and lost consciousness.
“We need to do something about this. What will happen if your father finds out? Won’t he chase you away from his mansion?.” Beatrice’s mother lamented.
“But mom……” Beatrice said almost crying.
