Walking aimlessly through the street of Ado Ekiti has become my hobby, waking up like every other tenants in my lodge, getting dressed and hurrying to catch a cab in pretence of going to work was my everyday routine. I am Aderinola, a 24- year old graduate of Psychology from Ekiti State. I grew up in Ekiti but was lucky to have schooled in UNILAG.

I served in Kebbi State and if there was a profession I hated, it was teaching…. I had gotten a job to teach at a standard secondary school in Odo- Ado but being a big Unilag graduate, I could not stoop so low to teaching a group of readymade spoilt brat who were coming to school to get a WAEC certificate….

My parents were based in Ilawe Ekiti, father was a reknown and ” rich farmer” and mother was a trader… But to my friends except Fiwasaye, my father was a retired “rich” soldier and my mother, a businesswoman who was based in clothing’s… Yes now! My mother was a businesswoman or is there any difference between businesswoman and trader… Both r selling stuffs! And she was into clothing’s too because she was selling inner wears to some local market woman in Ilawe Ekiti. I hate to admit my parents were illiterates, but they were… Stark illiterates!! My dad could speak Yoruba fluently and he could communicate in English a little but my weird mother was prone to our native dialect, she could not speak fluent Yoruba and she was never afraid to speak it not even when she came to Lagos to visit me while I was in school.

After my graduation, being their only surviving and educated daughter, my parents wanted me home but I bluntly refused., not after tasting the sweet life of Lagos but after much pleas from within and without, I agreed to settle down in Ado Ekiti, the state capital of Ekiti State, the fountain of knowledge and the state with the highest number of professors…

My parents rented a “self-con” for me in Falegan, a serene street along Ilawe road. I lived a double life, to my co- tenants, they believed I’m a lucky rich girl who worked in ACCESSBANK but truthfully, I dressed to kill. I took my time taking my bath and wearing makeup.

Bet with me, I can name 10perfumes that worth #200 which had sweet scents… I used Dallas perfume and pocket perf and a couple of sprays. I possessed one thousand and one suits, suits were my favourite, ranging from skirt to trouser suits… While in the university,I was being mistaken for a banking and finance student and it went on till my graduation. Fiwasaye knew much about my second life, the pauper village girl, she was fond of calling me corporate omo oko or corporate ashewo.

My daily routine: I woke up before five every morning, pray,brush my teeth and have my bath. Making myself up was my morning duty, none of my neighbours had mistakenly seen my natural look, I concealed all blackspot and pimples, I was always looking fresh in my makeups and truthfully, most if not all of my hard earned money goes into my makeups, if I don’t, how will I get more money? I rocked ombre lips better than most pro n models… After these, I go knocking on doors as I woke other tenants up before sweeping my room and veranda. If I had something to cook, better and if not, I would either eat at Mama Sikira or at Fiwa’s place.. It depended on my pocket. I leave home exactly 6 in the morning alongside my neighbours if I had money and before 6 if I don’t…

Anyone who have ever been to Ado Ekiti will know Falegan is not far from Bank road, you don’t have to pass through Ola Oluwa school… There’s a shorter way of doing that*winks… I trekked down to Bank road and being a regular customer in most banks, I entered freely to check if there was any possible vacancy and sometimes to fetch customers
One fateful day, it was one of the unfortunate days I trekked down to bank road, I entered into Zenith bank and sat at the reception even when I had no business in the bank premises. I was lost in my own thought of how to handle my dangling debt coupled with the fact that my carowhite cream was finished, so was my loose powder and I needed to buy a fake Brazilian hair.

“Can you lend me your pen” It sounded too angelic and I thought I was in heaven. I lifted my face to meet the gaze of a young looking handsome , oh no! guy… I won’t call that face that of a man. I starred straight into that eyes for some few seconds trying to fathom what planet they fell from.. The man shifted a bit and looked back trying to know if I was actually staring at something else.

“Hello miss, are you alright” my heart melt. It sounded rather romantic than been worried. I came back seconds later and adjusted vehemently in my seat. “Pardon my manners” I said in my best tone “You look pale, what were you thinking of” he asked still looking worried. “You asked for a pen” I said opening my bag searching for one.

“I was worried you would have left” He said stretching his hand in a bid to return my UBA inscribed pen.. I received it two years ago while serving in Kebbi. It was the pen the manager of the bank I opened gave me, he was my man friend. “I am stranded” It slipped rather too fast that I could not control it. My Princecharming stood rooted on a spot as he checked me out from head to toe… “I thought you work here”
“No, I worked with ECOBANK”
“OH! The bank the Governor locked” he said out of pity.
“Yes”
“Let’s get out of here” He said “Pardon!” It sounded more like, “let us go to my house”

My exact type of man, he was wearing a white shirt, a black pair of trousers, a wine blazer and the sun could not have shone the way his black shoes were shining. “You stare a lot. Follow me to my car” he made to move and I follow closely behind.

I followed him to his Car and we opted in, believe me, I knew I had hit a jackpot! This man was driving a G-wagon in this part of Nigeria. I started reminiscing and calculating those I was owing, my makeup kits, and all other expenses . I was lost in my thought that I did not noticed this guy had been talking to me. “Are you alright” he shook me vehemently.

“Yes, I am” I shifted confortably and concentrated. “Have been asking what your name is since and u were just staring at me blankly” “Oh! I’m sorry. My name is Riri”. ” Is that an Igbo name?” “Shortened form of Aderinola” “Oh! I am Shina, Shinaayomi” he added quickly. “Where do you stay” “Falegan” “My parents are based here in Ado but I’m based in lag even though I’m new in Nigeria” he explained calmly “I’ll be in town for some couple of months” “Oh really” I said smiling. “What are you doing in the bank” he asked “Ehm…. Ehm… I actually came to withdraw” I stammered

“To withdraw? But you said you’re stranded” he said confusingly. “Shina, it’s a long story. Two things brought me to the bank, to withdraw and search for work. My parents promised to send me some cash today.” I said soberly. That was one of the begging tactics I used on men. “Eeya. Can I take you home”

“Home?” It was still some minutes to two and I am not expected to be home yet at least as a banker. I was lost in thought thinking of an excuse. “You don’t want me to know your house, Aderin” He asked looking dejected.

“Why not, I stay in Falegan” I said quickly as the thought of losing that handsome man crossed my mind. Shinaayomi eventually took me home and gave me fifteen thousand naira with the promise to check on me the next day. It was my happiest day.

On getting to Fiwa’s shop, I greeted her and handed her the sum of five thousand naira. “Corporate Ashawo, wetin b dis” “Stop calling me that! You have customers now” I replied angrily. “No one is listening” “Does that matters, walls have ears” “Where you c money” “How much am I owing” ” 3,765″ “Who’s spending #5 in this period”
“You still have 1,235”
“Keep the change” I replied feeling fly
“Riri, who have you money”
“Iwa, you won’t believe I’ll be getting married soon” pardon me readers, In the “packaging” business, there is something you must know how to do well,
it’s “lying”…
I, Aderinola can sell the whole Nigeria with lies. I’ was born,bred and buttered in ” LIES”. My father could lie and my mother was always his witness so as we, the children. “Who will marrying our Almighty corporate…” “Shut it!” I shut her off

I left Fiwa’s shop and took a bike to Chuks, my makeup customer at the market. I was owing him the total sum of #550 which I paid and bought my loose powder and some essentials.(if you will agree with me: as either a makeup artist, or a makeup lover,never take more than you’ve budgeted to a makeup shop/studio or else you end up spending more than you have? I got some foodstuffs and soup ingredients and when I got home that evening, I had less than #2000. I was nervous that I could not sleep all through the night expecting Shina’s cal which seems like a dream not coming true. I was home the next day after feigning sick to my neighbours.

I dusted my CV and my trekking shoes and went back to the street. I was working down the street of GRA one hot Thursday afternoon lost in my own thoughts when a red car stopped by,at first I paid less attention to the car and walked passed it until the driver horned, I stopped to look at the driver but it was a tinted glass, knocked repeatedly but no response. I tried peeping through the tinted glass but all I could see is a couple arguing so I moved on,the car followed so I decided to pick a bike home. I had to borrow money from Mama Sikira to pay the biker rider. It was some minutes to 7 when a call came in and the caller asked to me to come outside. I was so eager to know who it was so I went so immediately

I saw a familiar red car outside my compound, it was the red car I saw in the afternoon. I was confused ,paused and was trying to fathom whom it was. I was lost in my own thoughts when I heard the car horn.I took grip of myself and went to where the car was parked. I knocked on the windscreen and it was wound down. Guess who?

It was my Princecharming!!! I screamed so loud that all my akproko neighbours rushed outside to see who it was. I felt embarrassed and entered into the car to avoid story that touched. “Aderin”
“Shina”
“Can I talk to you?”
“Where have you been? No calls, no chats, no messages”
“I’ve been through alot these past few weeks”
“Like what and what?”
“I’m going back to the states”
“Why?”

“Aderin, can I sleep here this night?”
“You mean…. My…my room?” I stammered
“Yea… I need somewhere to rest my head and cool my mind.”
“Hotel… There are five stars hotels around, why my room?” I regretted those words almost immediately.
“Are you trying to drive me away?” He asked disappointed.

“So you have a dirty mind?” He asked laughing out so hard. “Was it so funny?”
“Oh I’m sorry. I know all hotels around here but I just want someone to talk to. I need someone to lend me some listening ears. You fits into my demands, Riri. You are such an amazing woman.”

“Let us go inside” I opted out immediately and he locked his car and followed almost immediately. I was looking for the perfect lie concerning my unwashed p@anties but found none. As we got into my compounds, all my neighbours, I mean all my neighbours, my neighbours’ neighbours, my neighbours’ children,boyfriends,girlfriends and street members were hanging around all staring at my Princecharming. To be truthful,Shina smelt of riches, even though he was dressed in a joggers n tees, he was a head turner.

She would date both husbands and wives and some even hired her for 2-3sums. She was a w---e! But one thing about her, I was a thorn in her flesh. She never believed I was what I said I was, she would stalk me just to know my true identity but trust me, I was smarter.

My makeups customers was hers, so was my “benddown select” customer.
Onome was discussing with Shina who was sitting on a stool and surrounded by my neighbours.
“I’ve met you somewhere” she was talking to Shina in a tone I’ve never seen her used on a guy.
“I? Where was that?”
“I don’t know, where are you staying”
“I’ve been in this town.”
“Oh… Maybe in Prosperous”
“I’ve never been there”” I’m new in this area”
“Oh really, where were you staying before. Maybe it was from there we met.”

< “No, I’m being straight. I can’t stoop to the level of wooing a woman. We’re adults, matured adults”” I am going to take care of you. I wanna use you to get back to my parents”
“Your parents? How?

” Riri, I knew you saw the lady in my car! She was the hoe my parents want for me. How could they expect me to marry a lady all because we promised to love and marry each other while we were young…
Accepted I deflowered her and she aborted my baby but she is a w---e! She was going after all men in UNILAG while I was away and had several other abortions.” He was now shouting so Loud that I feared my neighbours were eavesdropping.

I was confused, even though I had started developing feeling for Shina, I was never ready for some kind of poo. “Shina, let us take things easy”

I was up for a moment thinking if my life. I was a blunt broke liar and my lying game took me nowhere. You have to lie to cover a lie. I’d leaving a fake like since my uni days and it never paid me. I’d lose a reasonable amount of good suitors because I could not afford to take them to my parent after bragging about being a rich kid.

I tried to cover up and that was when he asked to meet my parents, that was where kasala busted and I could not get a tangible lie to tell, I opened up and told him about my real parents, he broke up with me immediately but his words hurt more, he said he was dating me because he thought I was from a rich home and. Could not stoop too low dating the daughter of a village illiterates. He went ahead and got married to a lady close to my house. I made up my mind right then never to open up who my real parents were to any man. After all, I could rent parents.

“I want you to carry my babies” “not someone who had over three known abortions” Truth being told, I had six abortions before I met Shina, I knew instantly I was not the best for him.
“Shina, let us take things slow. I understand how you’re feeling but we shouldn’t rush” I said as I withdrew myself from him.

“That is better” before I could blink, Shina had kissed me, and right on that spot, my body and soul was vibrating, I felt a chemistry which I’ve never felt for a guy in ages. He noticed my strange feelings and stopped.

“Goodnight, my woman” he said as he la!d down facing the opposite direction. I relaxed so well thinking about the kiss and Shina. I felt strange, I was scared of s-x for the first time in my life.

I was afraid Shina was going to wake me up in the middle of the night and forced me to s-x. He was not sleeping neither, he kept tossing around till I feltasleep around 2am . I dreamt about getting married to Shina in a big way, and guess what, my parents came in the middle of the reception. I fainted on seeing them and Shina was shooking me trying to wake me up

“Yes Honey. I’m going home right now,something came up” he said adjusting his wristwatch. “To do what” I sprang up, deepdown, I love his company and I wanted to be with him more especially because of food.

“Mum needs me, I’ll be back in a jiffy” he pecked me n left my room. I slept a little more and decided to do some chores, I swept the room and on unlocking my door, I heard doors cracking and people coming out, I opened the door and the first person who greeted me was Sheyi.

Sheyi was my next door neighbour, he was so fake that even his hairstyle was fake, he also was a perfect ‘runsboy’who makes money from servicing old women, dear readers, Sheyi was a liar, serial cheat, womanbeater, imposter and a fraudster he afforded a tinted black Toyota ‘pencillight’ Camry and to him, it was a baby, the car was his wife.

He was a university dropout but lied to everyone that he was a masters student in EKSU. I did not believed him, he knew I knew he knew I never believed him, he could boast for Europe. He tried to avoid me always especially the day I caught him with our co-tenant’s wife and also our Almighty Onome, he hated me and was always doubting my lifestyle.

For the first time in 2015, he greeted me’ “Riri, morning to you” he approached smiling, I noticed almost everyone in the house was around that Friday morning and I knew their reason; APROKOS.
“Morning, Sheyi”

A case study was when Mr. Onabisi, a former neighbour traveled to Onitsha and on his arrival, Sheyi went to pick him from the park, it was later when Mr. Onabisi sent his wife packing and later packed out of the house that we knew Sheyi was smashing Mrs. Onabisi and the day he went to pick the husband, they strafed. Immediately, I knew he was up to something but trust me,I was smarter. “Thanks” I said

“Which one” I asked. By now, all my neighbours were either leaning on the railings or standing by their doorpost and little who were matured were peeping through their windows.

Mama Susan told Magic finger’s girlfriend Onome’s escapades when they were both making hair at a salon down the street, what actually happened was that, Onome was close to Caro (Magic finger’s girlfriend) and took her as her street sister,so Caro was at the salon making hair when Onome walked in, greeted her and left, that was when mama Susan opened the can of worms, how magic fingers would sneaked into our compound, how Onome was visiting him while Caro was in school and how they would go to an hotel and straffed in his car.

The d-day came and it was on a Saturday evening, Magic fingers came into our compound under the guise of coming to see Sheyi but later sneaked into Onome’s room, trust Mama Susan, she called Caro immediately and it happened…. ….

“Okay” Sheyi said and knocked. “Onome, come out o, na me” it was later we knew Sheyi knew Caro’s plan but decided to watch free match between Onome ’Pacquiao’ and Caro "mayweather".. He was seeing Onome and was jealous magic fingers enjoyed Onome more than him. Onome opened the door and before she could look up, Caro dragged her out letting her towel fell and believe me, she was stark naked, Mama Susan handed a readily prepared water and garri to Caro who bathed with it, they fought and Onome who was already naked tore Caro’s top revealing some fresh flesh, the fight was so interesting that everybody in the street including the Okada riders were all watching free p--n movie.

Even though, most of them had tasted Onome, Caro’s visible upper body was the center of attraction. Caro sighted Magic fingers who was almost escaping and they started another round of argument, Magic fingers exposed his girlfriend claiming he was not in love with her again because after spending his money on her, she still drew s-x timetable for him and Onome, the animashaun was there to service him.

They argued and fought for over 45minutes when we heard a shout… Onome ran outside in pain shouting on the top of her voice, she was followed by a man who was in boxers who ran speedily out of our compound , everyone was confused and lost, even Caro and Magic fingers had to step outside for the new episode of the seasonal movie.

A woman came out of Onome’s room with a bucket half filled with pepper, to cut the story short, when onome saw that Magic fingers and Caro were arguing and fighting, everyone was engrossed that no one knew when Mr. Hammed, the banker entered into her room, Mama Susan on seeing her rushed to call Mrs. Hammed who hurriedly brought along a bucket of pepper to serve justice to Onome and her husband. No one knew when Caro and magic fingers left our compound and the next morning, they were together, Magic fingers drove Caro to school, I SMH,

“Riri, can I come and make your hair for you?” Onome said, lest I forget, Onome was a talented hairdresser, she didn’t learn it but could make all types of hair, people were always begging her to make their hair but Onome preferred servicing men and women to making hair, the only few women Onome made hair for were her lesbian partners.I really wanted her to make my hair but I did not want any closer relationship with her.

“Your parents are your parents, Ade. We’re from Ilawe Ekiti, and have you forgotten what your parents went through to send you to school. Oh! You’ve forgotten you are the only graduate in your family?”
“Fiwa, why are they illiterates? Why are they poor?”
I barked at her.

“How am I suppose to treat them? I’m broke,I’m jobless. Aren’t you the one who fed me earlier? I don’t have a dime with me”
“What if their spirits are fighting you, you don’t treat them right, you’re not proud having them as your parents, why? Are they disabled? Your mum gave birth to you, your dad fathered you”
“I will go and see them next weekend, is that all?”
“No, that’s not. Stop living a fake life and get a life!”
“How do you mean, fiwa?” I eyed her
“Rinsola, there are lots of guys out there who are ready to help you, your pride and lies are chasing them off” she advised.
“Okay” I said and just then, my phone rang, it was Shina.
“Hello” I said immediately I picked his call
“Where are you, Riri? I’m outside the gate.” I sprang up.
“I came to see a friend, I’m on my way.”
“Just give me the direction and I’ll come and pick you.” I gave him the address and ended the call.
“Who was that?” Fiwa asked
“Shina”
“Is he coming here” She asked smiling
“Oh yeah” I said feeling happy

“My pleasure, Mr. Shina. I hope you’re not going to break my friend’s fragile heart?” She responded jokingly.
“Obviously not” They chatted for some minutes before we left her shop. On getting to my house, everyone was marvelled when they saw us alighted from the vehicle.

“Oga, wetin you carry come na” Mama Susan asked. Shina handed over some naira notes to her and we went inside. I heard Mama Susan and others arguing who should take the greater share.
“I’m sorry I was late” he apologized.
“Its nothing” “Mum wanted me to come back home, I told her about you already and she’s ready to meet you”
“Shina!” I was surprised.

“Riri,I know you like me” he winked. I later agreed to his proposal that night and we started dating officially. We chatted like a long time couples and slept late that night.
The following morning being a Saturday was less hectic, we were indoors in the morning and went to the market to get foodstuffs and soup ingredients, Shina bought them in bulk, we got back home, cooked,ate and when it was time to sleep, Shina asked me what I intended doing since I was jobless

“I’ll enroll you”
I was enrolled into MerryGold makeup school on Monday, that week went smoothly and I hailed respect from my boss, my colleagues and neighbours. I grew wings, I was no longer eating at Mama Sikira buka and after work, I would visit Fiwa at her place, I lied to my neighbours I retired my banking job because my fiancee was against it. Few weeks later, I was at Fiwa’s shop when Bola came in.

“Hello girls” she greeted
“Amber Rose!” We hailed her. Bola was Fiwa’s hostel mate while we were in school. We were not close because she always try to intimidate me, she was one of the people who doubt my “self-acclaimed rich babe” lifestyle. She was the CEO and managing director of the ” runs girl club” while we were in school.

Fiwa was no saint too, she followed her for the “runs” job anytime she needed money. My pride could not allow me to go with them, I did my thing my way, I was a one-man mopol, even though we met at hotels few times but we would pretend as if we never met not until one day an Alhaji invited me for two sums and Amber Rose was my partner, we were both shocked and even though we did our thing that day, Amber Rose knew I was living a fake life and reported me to Fiwa after she warned me to stop tagging myself as a good girl.

“I love you” I said sincerely, he was my first love, it was the first time I was loving a man with all my heart. I loved him not only because he was rich, but also he was truthful,sincere and caring. Shina and I never had s-x even though we had been together for a month. He was a perfect gentleman. We were a perfect couple. We packed into our new house the following my friend’s wish. I called Fiwa that morning to inform her about our relocation.

“Will I tell him my parents are illiterates? Fiwa, you’re the only friend I have, I’m just a victim of bad circumstances. My parents are poor and I’m jobless. If not for this guy, would I be a certified makeup artist? I found love! I found him!” I poured out.

That night while we were ready to sleep, Shina asked me if I had any secrets I was keeping which I denied vehemently. We made love that night and I could see through his eyes that he was disappointed but I didn’t know why. His actions and reactions the next day was cold towards me, he refused to eat breakfast before he went out. I went to see Fiwa the following afternoon after a makeup session and told her about Shina’s new behavior.

“I’m confused.you ruined it all from the beginning” I went home shattered that day. I was not happy and I started living in fear. I knew sooner or later, my secrets would be exposed. Shina stopped making love to me but he continued loving me. In a few week, I forgot my dilemma and it happened!

I was in the kitchen preparing lunch when I heard a knock… I was lazy to go check who was at the door so I pretended not to hear since Shina was in the bedroom. I continued with my work, when i heard Shina’ s footsteps and the door cracking. It was a familiar female voice, I listen carefully as they exchange pleasantry and decided to clear my doubt about whose voice it was, and seeing Dommy in my house that afternoon melt my heart. Who is Dommy?

I labelled her “dummy” because she was my diehard enemy, she hated me right from our days in Saint Louis Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti. I was a neat,pompous girl back then and all my school mates back then were jealous of me because every time we had the privilege to go outside our school gates, all “Anco” boys (Saint Louis Grammar School is a girls’ school while Annunciation *anco* is our male *version*) rushed me like houseflies. Everyone was jealous of me including Dummy. She crushed on Fife, Anco headboy while we were in SS3, but I ended up dating him. This made her hate me.

When we met in UNILAG, She was Amber Rose’s friend, which worsen her hatred for me. Amber Rose told her about my fake lifestyle and she labelled me “fake Rihanna Alakada”. What was she doing I’m my house, our house? I thought. She focused her gaze towards me immediately I came into the living room.

“What are you doing here? Do you work with Shina?” She asked smiling. “She is my wife, my fiancé” Shina responded before I could say anything. I looked into Dummy’s eyes and she looked into mine, I could see she was heartbroken,surprised and frightened. We exchanged gaze for few seconds before she announced her departure.

“Is food ready?” He asked as he retired into the couch looking tired. We ate lunch in total silence that afternoon. No one was speaking to another, I guessed we were both lost in our thoughts.
I visited Fiwa the following day and explained everything that happened to her. She was worried about me, and my past lifestyle.

“It would be better Shina hears from the horse mouth than from a third party. Aderin, open up!” I was weeping already, how could I look into Shina’s eyes and tell him I had six abortions, how would I tell his mum my mother was an illiterate! Life was so unfair to me and I wished death could take my soul. The thought of losing Shina made my dreams shattered, he was my love, my dream and I could feel no future without him.

“Here you are, husband snatcher!” I was confused, why would they gang up against me. “Wanna-be!!” Diamond clapped .
“What soap did u used? You used your village juju on my fiancée abi? I looked up,it was Bola who spoke.
” fiancée? “I asked looking shocked, I returned my gaze towards Fiwa, she was shocked also.

” I know you too well, Aderin. You purposely snatched my man. I’m not hear to listen to some craps.. I knew you lied, you think Shina can marry you. You’re no saint, my dear.”she said sitting on the stool.
“Riri, I know Shina is not aware of your past life, mine was better yet he left… So, get a life, sis. We’ve been together for over 15 years” “I’m giving you two good days. Leave my man!” She said as they stormed out. I was confused. I knew Amber Rose too well, Dummy was dangerous, Diamond was cunning. I knew my end is near, I smelt doom.

“Just get home and tell Shina about it. I warned you earlier… I do!” I was close to tears, I picked my bag and left her shop without any other words. I got home and locked myself in the guest’s room.I left a note on table telling Shina not to look for me, I told him I went to see my parents. I heard him reading it aloud,he called which I refused to pick. I was in the room for two good days trying to figure out what next to do, I was confused, shattered,tired and restless. I could not eat. I came out the third day fully prepared for the worst, I was going to tell Shina, I went to our bedroom, packed my clothes, showered and cooked. I was eating when Shina came in, he was surprised to see me and I could not conceal my sadness.

I wanted to tell him but I was scared, scared of losing the man I loved, scared of breaking his heart. We sat for hours when we heard a car horned and the gateman opened the door. I was alert. Diamond and Bola came in without knocking, I froze.
“Whoa! Lovely apartment” Amber Rose commented as they took their seat. My heartbeat increased, I wished I could disappear or die.

“What are you doing here, Bola?” Shina asked silently.
“To see my fiancé and his drama queen” she replied grinning.
“I knew trouble was looping around when Dominique came.
I knew she was a devil!” He shouted.
“Ayomi, we’ve been together for over fifteen years, why would you leave me for a cheap w---e you met barely two months ago?”
“You know the answer, hoe. Moreover, watch your tongue!”He barked.
” you left me because I had two abortion while you were away?
Ask her if she’s a saint” shina and I exchanged glances.
“Hey miss, this is my woman. I know her quite well, she is not what she claimed she is”
“Shut your mouth, you dummy” I screamed!

“I knew of four times you committed abortions at Kibwas hospital in school, Riri. We met once” she said laughing wickedly. I froze, Shina froze, even the breeze froze. Shina stood up and went into the bedroom.
“Is that all? Are you done? Are you through? Homewrecker!” I barked.

“Oh! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Lowlifer!” She stood up and they left. I knew right there that it was over. I lost Shina, I lost the man who loved me. I went to the room but he had locked himself in the bathroom, so I picked my bag and left. I could not look into his eyes.I knew I betrayed him. I left without a goodbye. The only thing on my mind was suicide. I wanted to be crushed by a running trailer. I left his house that day and went back to my old house.

I got to my former house quite late and everyone in their rooms. I went straight to our caretaker’s room,when he saw the state I am in, he was surprised.
He asked me what went wrong and I opened up to him, I told him what happened and about my fake lifestyle.
I told him my parents are from Ilawe and that they were farmers,he and his wife listened to me keenly and comforted me. He told me someone else had occupied my room but the guy was yet to pack in and I could use the room for a week.

I thanked in and went into my former room, they offered me food but I rejected. I retired in bed thinking about my life, I had a rough and fake upbringing. I vowed that night never to lie again even if it was at the point of death. I was in the room for three days doing nothing, I made few suicidal attempts but I was scared, I don’t wanna die. My caretaker and his wife would visit my room occasionally and the wife brought food which I would either eat or reject. On the third day,
I heard a knock, I thought it was Fiwa because she called me earlier and promised to check On me the following day. I opened the door and surprisingly it was Diamond, Dummy and Amber Rose, they dragged me out immediately I opened the door. They took turn raining insults on me as my neighbours were watching, they told them about my fake life in school, my head was buried in shame.

“I heard you told your neighbours you are working in Access Bank, abeg which of the branches because I’m working in its branch at Bankroad.?” Diamond asked. All my neighbours kept murmuring.
“Alasewo wannabe.” Dummy added.
“Aba me na!” Onome shouted in her native dialect.

I felt humiliated, I was devasted and my quench for death increased. She advised me to leave our lodge and go and squat with a friend till in able to get over it. I was in her house till evening and when I told everyone would be asleep, I thanked her and on returning to my apartment, everybody was outside, immediately they saw me, they started murmuring, laughing and pointing at me. I buried my head as I walked into my apartment.

“‘Mòmi, ké è shey o o?” (My child, what happened to you?)She asked in our native dialect. I dropped my bags and hugged her, she was my mother.. She loved me, I remembered those times I was young when she would do everything possible to cater for me. My parents loved Me, I was the apple of their eyes. Even though, I was the only girl and last child, I never lacked anything, I was the only graduate and both of them suffered to see me through. I blamed myself for abandoning them, it was over six month I saw them. I wept as I hugged my mum, I knew she was confused and worried.

“Shey wa loyun ni, ‘o mòmi?” (Are you pregnant? My child?) I could not respond, I kept crying. I cried for minutes but I took time narrating my past to my Mother. I apologised for denying her, she cried so much that my heart seized, I knewi was bad, I was trained well but material things took over my heart. My mum urged me to go back to Ado but I told her I wanted to start a new life. She told me people would make best of me if they knew I was back to Ilawe. I told her I would stay for a few weeks before I look for somewhere to relocate to.

Three weeks into my stay in Ilawe, my father came one afternoon and summoned a meeting, my eldest brother, Emanu was there. Emaanu(Emmanuel) was my parents’ first son, he was a semiliterate like my dad because he dropped out of secondary school. He worked as a gateman in FUOYE, Oye Ekiti.

“‘Mòmi, what do you want to do? You can’t continue sitting in this town like this, everyone is making jest of you and us. Will you because a man jilted you ruin your life? You should know by now he doesn’t love you.” I kept quiet. It was true the villagers were making fun of me. I remembered how Akin, my exboyfriend who deflowered me made fun of my predicament.

Akin was the first guy I dated when I was thirteen. I was in JSS3 and he was in SS2 in one of the secondary schools in my village. Akin was Baba Olowo’s son. Baba Olowo was one of the richest cocoa merchant in our village, every cocoa season, Baba Olowo would marry another woman. Akin was his favourite,
he was his eldest wife’s last son and he lacked nothing. I was so lucky dating him because he was so proud and hardly made friends with our mates. Anytime I came home for Midterm or holiday break, we would stroll around the village holding hands and we were termed ‘tokotaya'(couples).

He deflowered me on my fourteen, under a mango tree. Akin dropped out of school that year to look after his father’s business because the man was growing old. I stopped dating him when I gained admission into UNILAG. How would an undergraduate date a dropout? I disgraced him and also embarrassed his mother the day he claimed he came to pay my dowry, who does that? And since then, we had become sworn enemies. I was coming from the market the day he and his mother disgraced me. I was passing through his gate when his mother summoned me to come see her. I entered through the gate. I met Akin and his mother.

“Okun mòmi” his mum greeted,she asked me what I was doing in the village and I told her I came to spend sometime with my parents.
“You think we didn’t hear what happened to you in Ado? Unilag queen” Akin threw at me. I kept quiet
“You refused to marry me because you are a graduate, abi? In jare, ibo lin jasi?(please, what was the outcome)
“WO o, Akin ti n’iyawo o. Obirin merin lo gbesile” (see,akin is married, he married four wives” “Will you be my fifth wife, I’ll take care of you o… You will be in charge of this house, my work and farm” I was quiet,
I started weeping, I felt humiliated. They started laughing. “Wo fe GBE alákadàlá sule.” (You want to marry a fake lifer) I left the compound crying, I cried all the way home.
“Àbuù mi,you can’t continue staying under our parents. You are the glory of this family and I know you won’t put us to shame. Mòoòmi said you are into makeups” “Yes.”
“Baba gave me money to rent a shop for you in Oye Ekiti which I did, I’ve furnished it a little. Come with me to Oye and make money.” He said.

“No, I don’t want to be a makeup artist.” I replied quietly and started sobbing. Shina paid my Makeup tuition and going into makeups would bring back old times. I followed my brother down to Oye Ekiti where I was to start my new phase of life after persuasion from my mother. My studio was situated in the student area and I was able to make lots of customers and had few apprentices

“Riri, abeg why you dey look me that way?” I kept quiet. “Abi you don fall for my brother? See,my brother don marry o” he said grinning, I was shocked,heartbroken and scared, Shina was married. I knew I was close to tears so I picked my bag and went home. Kzee was confused so were others. I cried myself to bed that night. It was a bad day.

Around 3pm, a white SUV halted in front of my studio and my parents and brother Emaanu alighted from it. I moved closer to them because I went to visit them that weekend, I was afraid something bad happened and confused because the vehicle was strange. Who was the stranger who brought my parents?

“Who is Sisinlaw, are you here to joke right now?” I asked. Then, I saw him, I was not sure it was him but it looked much like him. My love walked into my room followed by his parents. I was confused, I la!d back in and I closed my heart, I slapped my cheeks as I wanted to wake up and face the reality.
It was Shina, my same Shina… He was with his parents, I was confused, I closed my eyes once again and I heard him ushered out everyone in the room.

“Baby, that was your past, we all had a worse past too. I love you not because you are pretty but because you are a great woman. You captivated my soul and my heart feel at peace anytime I’m around you. I met mum and dad and they told me you’ve learnt your lessons.”
“Shina, I aborted six times while Amber Rose had just two! Why would you love me better?”
“You see, Bola was never a woman I loved, she was always forcing herself on me right since we were teenagers. I love you and that’s all that matters.”
“Kzee told me you are married” I asked not wanting to be an option, a second wife.
“He’s right baby, I’m getting married soon” he grinned.

“I’m still on me kneels, my woman. Don’t punish me this far.” He said looking worried. I gently raised my hand and he slipped the ring into it almost immediately. “I love you, honey” he said as he stood up. He hugged me so tight that I cannot help it, it was cool to be in love. Everyone was clapping and hailing us. Our parents went to the living room.

“Which other party, Shina?” I was tired and was not ready for any other birthday party. He smiled at me and left. Kzee and the girl came in few minutes later, Kzee was in a blue agbada and the girls in different styles of the same native attire. Mo handed to me a white lace iron and buba and said Shina said that was my attire for the party. I was confused,who wears iro and buba for a birthday bash nowadays. Before I could say Lack Robinson, the girl dressed me up, cleaned my former makeup and applied another, tied my aso oke and it was wow! I was happy not because of my pretty look but because my apprentices were perfect.

“I don’t understand you guys, this look is a bride’s look o, why will you apply a wedding look for a birthday bash” I corrected professionally. The three of them stood laughing, I was pissed off.
“Riri, it’s a unique birthday for our unique boss” Ruth said.
“Let’s go out now, we’re late already” I said. Kzee was out of the room already.
“The party just started, we’ll go when they call on the celebrant.” Few minutes later, some group of women including my brother’s wife and my caretaker’s wife came in to the room.
“Mummy, what’s happening?” I rushed to meet Mrs Ojo, the caretaker’s wife.

“Congrats my dear!I’m happy it ended well.” She said as she hugged me. They ushered me outside my brothers compound to the next compound, what I saw made me turned back. It was my ENGAGEMENT. I saw people decorating that compound when I was leaving for the studio in the morning, I never knew it was because of me. I saw Shina sitting down a the”engagement “seat laughing happily. I smiled, it was my day. My caretaker, Onome, Mama Susan were sitting at one corner waving at me.

The event was successful and I was full of joy. My girls stood beside me till the end of the programme. People came from Ilawe, all my client and students of Oye were all present. I was happy, I danced and danced till Shina announced our departure and they took us all, our parents and we, to a nearby hotel. It was actually My Introduction not Engagement. I was happy being beside Shina, our wedding was slated for the last Saturday of August, 2016.

“I’ve missed you, girlfriend.” I said immediately she picked my call.
“Who’s that?” She asked harshly.
“Guess.” I replied jokingly. She disconnected the call immediately. I was surprised, I knew quite well that Fiwa could identify my voice in the means of people. Was it because I refused to talk to her for some months?
“Who was that?” Shina asked.
“Fiwa.” I replied.
“Do you still talk to that girl?!”

“Ademi, not everyone you make friends with deserve you. Fiwa is not who you should associate yourself with” he warned.
“Excuse me! We’ve been together since primary school. She’s my best friend.”
“Ademi, she almost ruined us, she ruined Dominique and Bola.!”
“I don’t understand you”

“She told me about your fake lifestyle and that you were not the saint you portrayed yourself to be. That was why I was disappointed the first day I made love to you, she told me you had abortions and that was why you were not tight down there so I made love to you to be sure. She was the one who told Bola about us, she described my house to Dominique and gave them your address the day they came to your apartment to embarrass you.” He explained as I listened keenly.

“Look here, Ade. She was not happy you met me, she was disappointed in how you could marry a good man despite your bad past. I had our WhatsApp chats here” he showed me their chats, all the negative things she told him about me. I was dumbfounded, Fiwa stabbed me in the back, I wept silently and vowed never to make close friends like Fiwa again. I shared everything with her, I never kept anything from her and she used them against me.

“I searched everywhere for you, I was sad and was indoor for five days, I love you and want you to be my wife, I went to see my mum who advised I go after you since you love me. In her words,’she saw love in your eyes’. She told me you will change and I’m happy Kolade confirmed it to me.” Kolade was Kzee’s real name.

“When I got to your house, they told me you packed out, I went to meet Fiwa, she said you travelled to Abuja with a man, so I withdrew. I went back to the states and that was when Bola called me, she was set up by Fiwa, Fiwa introduced her and Dommy to some guys who after sleeping with them hypnotised them, they shaved their private parts and since then, she was growing lean everyday. She told her parents who took her for deliverance, even though she was delivered, she could not have a child of her own except miracle happened.

We got married and relocated to the States, my parents were happy that they could boast of me. My wedding was the talk of the town because it was attended by prolific figures and money was wasted. All hotels within and without Ado and Ilawe were filled to the brim. Our villagers especially Akin and his mother came to check if it was true I married a rich man.

Girls should say NO to Abortions. It is so rampant this days that we ladies are not afraid to go through the pains of abortions.
Say NO to prostitution. We don’t mind who climbed us all in the name of money and love. Amber Rose and her friends regretted diving into prostitution.
Say No to bad gangs. Some children were brought up in the godly way but the kind of people they associate with destroy their future
Parents should take care of their children well and always check on them as they are growing up especially those in the boarding school.
Parents should detest bad behaviors because children follow the footsteps of their parents.
Finally, Say NO to fake lifestyle. Be yourself and maintain yourself.!