Yes for him to go extreme just to have me, I believed he was ready to do unimaginable things to Val to get even.

I knelt down and prayed. I prayed to dear Lord, begging him to touch Charles’s heart, not for my freedom but for Val’s sake.
After about an hour or so later, Charles’s walked into the room, sweating heavily. I stared at him suspiciously, wondering why he was sweating heavily.

‘’what have you done?’’ I asked breathlessly. He laughed.
‘’your boyfriend is so stupid. Imagine he walked right into my house without invitation. That guy is really sick in the head’’ he mused as he sat beside me on the bed. I felt like hitting him but restrained myself.

‘’what do you plan doing with him?’’ I asked fearfully.
‘’hmmmm I don’t know yet. It all depends on you. If you treat me fine, I will spare his life’’ he muttered and licked his lips.
‘’how do you plan getting away with all these?. The police are already on you’re a.ss’’ I stammered, trying to frighten him. He laughed.
‘’that’s where you are mistaken my dear. Do you really think I got you here without the help of the police?. My dear I have everything all figured out and your Val is surely going to pay for turning me into a monster unless you make me change my mind’’ he added seriously while I held my breath. It really was obvious he had some bad police officers as friends but unknown to him I was relieved that he was yet to know that Val was a secret agent. The discovery was a big relief to me and I very much knew that for Val to make it to the house so easily that his colleagues won’t be far behind. The only thing I needed to do was to stall him as much as possible for the other agents to come to my rescue.

‘’fine I will do whatever you wish me to do. Just don’t hurt him. I don’t want you to keep hurting people. I don’t want you to be a monster. I will be with you if that will stop you from being a monster’’ I softly appealed to him, reaching for his hand as well. He drew back with surprise, like someone not too sure of himself. I kind of felt I made him suspicious with my composure.
‘’are you really doing this out of the love you have for him?’’ he asked to my surprise.
‘’no I’m not doing it for him. I’m doing it for you, for your family. You are following a dangerous path that will harm you in the end. I will do anything to prevent that from happening, including being with you’’ I breathed, shaking him with my words. He quickly snatched his hand from my grasp and left the room without another word. There was no doubt I got him shaken up with my words. Of course I never meant any of them; all I was doing was to stall him from doing anything silly.
—————————————–
Val’s side of the story continues
I woke up with a jolt as I felt the effects of cold water all over me. I noticed a huge guy grinning at me as he dropped an empty bucket on the wet floor. I was tied like a war prisoner who was about to be tortured. My two hands and legs were stretched out and tied firmly to iron poles. I couldn’t imagine how long I was out. Taking a quick look around me, I noticed that I was held in a basement perhaps an underground basement.
I quick blow on my face soon brought back my attention to the huge guy. There wasn’t any doubt he was enjoying every bit of my pains.
‘’I guess he’s now ready to talk’’ I heard Charles’s voice say from behind as he slowly walked towards me with a deep smile of satisfaction.
‘’you know I was having a difficult time with Clara until you stupidly showed up. Now she has accepted to be mine on the condition I let you go. But you and I know that’s not going to happen. You are not getting out of here alive unless you tell me how you got here in the first place and who else knows that you are here’’ he asked softly.
‘’I simply followed you from the city. I knew all along that you got Clara kidnapped. It was very easy to figure out and it equally was extremely easy to tail you’’ I answered with a short smile which left him frowning. A quick blow on my face soon showed me how pissed off he was.
‘’god knows I will torture you till you pass out over and over. I will sure make you regret ever coming between Clara and I’’ he threatened.
‘’how do you plan getting away with all these?. I guess you haven’t thought about that?, or are you going to keep Clara here forever?’’ I asked as I spat out blood from my mouth, spitting on him.
‘’maybe you are the scapegoat I need to get away with this’’ he replied with a smile as he landed three heavy blows on my nose. I passed out again.
————————————————–
Meanwhile at the office of the state director DSS; agent Jenifer is seen trying Val’s number for the tenth time with no success. The state director and agent mike are also seen frowning. The atmosphere in the room looked tense and it’s very difficult to figure out what’s going through their minds .
To be continued

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 23*

Val’s side of the story continues
I woke up once again to find myself lying on the floor. This time around my hands weren’t tied. Only my legs were tied together with a strong rope. I managed to sit up, resting my back on the wall as I thought of my next move and how to survive. Of course I was very lucky to still be alive. I felt it was just a matter of time before Charles’s decides to finish me up for good.
I only had a faint hope that my colleagues would soon start looking for me and with the help of the cell phone I left in my car, be able to trace my location. Yes it really wasn’t the best shot for my freedom and I knew I had to think out of the box to find a way to secure my freedom. I also couldn’t help but wonder what Charles and his gang did to the other phone I came into the house with.
I was still busy with my thoughts when another young man walked in with a plate of food. As he dropped the plate on the floor beside me, I drew back and stared at him suspiciously. Three tiny pieces of yam with red oil was the meal he brought for me in a plastic plate. I shook my head with disgust and looked the other way.
‘’I advice you eat this food because I don’t know the next time you will be served again’’ he said rudely.
‘’please what’s the time?’’ I asked. He scoffed.
‘’9:30am, Monday morning’’ he replied.
‘’are you really sure?’’ I asked. He sighed and left the room without another word while I shook my head and thought of how to escape.
It really wasn’t long before an idea came into my head. I smiled to myself and prepared my mind for it.
————————————————–
Hours later, the guy who earlier brought food for me came in to take the plate. His eyes instantly boiled with rage as soon as he noticed that I didn’t touch the food. But he said nothing, instead came forward and took the plate.
‘’I want urinate. I have been holding it all day’’ I said to him calmly.
‘’you can piss on yourself’’ he replied rudely.
‘’I also want to shi.t. You know I can’t shi.t on myself because you guys won’t be able to touch me afterwards and I know the stench will chase you all out of the building. So kindly take me to the toilet’’ I said with a cunning smile. He hesitated for a moment before walking away. Few minutes later, the huge guy that hit me the previous day showed up with a dirty smile on his smile.
‘’it’s only 4:30pm and you already want to shi.t tough guy’’ he breathed with a short laugh.
‘’I will take you to the toilet but don’t try anything funny because I won’t hesitate to shoot you and I don’t miss’’ he threatened, tucked the small pistol he was holding in his trouser, bent over me and untied the rope used to bind my legs while I heaved a sigh of relief.
Roughly he jerked me up and dragged me towards the toilet. He definitely was a strong guy and I knew I needed extra strength plus my training to beat him in a fight.
On getting to the toilet, he threw me inside and shut the door, whistling a song as he waited for me outside the toilet.
I soon settled in the toilet where I took time to rest and perfect my plans. After relieving myself, I flushed the toilet, made the sign of the cross and breathed deeply before knocking on the door to get the big guy’s attention.
Just like I expected, he opened the door to drag me out but unknown to him I was very much ready. Before he threw open the toilet door, I scooped enough toilet water from the toilet pit and splashed the water on his face as soon as he opened the door, putting him in great discomfort and disarray as he spit, cursed and wiped his face with great energy, putting down his guard. It was the opportunity I needed to put him down. One kick to the stomach plus a choke hold were enough to knock him out. I quickly grabbed his gun and headed to the room I heard Clara’s voice the last time.
….
Breaking into the room wasn’t easy and the noise it generated as I kicked on the door alerted the other guys’ guarding the house. But I still had time to break in and grab Clara before they could get to the room.
Unfortunately the difficult part was escaping with Clara. The girl was very weak and scared. She couldn’t run very fast and before we could get to the back of the building the other guys weren’t far behind. The only escape route was scaling the same fence I used in gaining access to the house but unfortunately Clara couldn’t do that without help.
Yes we luckily made it to the fence but in the process of lifting up Clara for her to grab the edge and scale over, the other guys closed in on us. One of them fired a round which whistled over my head, making me lose my grip on Clara, she instantly fell on the floor while I nervously pulled out the gun I had with me and got ready for a show off as they surrounded us and waited for my next move. I really was lucky the guys never kept firing at us.
I desperately counted them. They were seven guys in all. Four of them pointed their guns at me while the rest simply stood and waited for the next move from me. I was lucky they didn’t attempt shooting again. Perhaps they wanted me alive or perhaps they were scared that a shootout between us could lead to Clara getting shot.
I was totally surrounded and I knew there was no getting out.
‘’let the girl go and we will let you go. You know you stand no chance. you can’t shoot all of us without getting shot’’ one of the guys demanded quickly as my eyes went back and forth like a cornered rat.

 *THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 24*

Val’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
‘’let the girl go mister. Just take this rare chance we are giving you. You are totally outgunned and outnumbered’’ the young man demanded again while my heart furiously pounded as I wondered what next to do. Of course I knew I was in a tight fix. I equally knew they weren’t going to let me get away once I let them have Clara. Letting go of Clara or my weapon was never an option for me.
‘’you have just two seconds left to make up your mind’’ he demanded as he took a step towards me. I breathed deeply and aimed at him, I wasn’t going to let them take Clara again without a fight. I knew once I take the shot that the rest of the gang was going to fire at me but then I really saw no other option left than to die fighting. I saw death staring and beckoning at me once again. I never knew I was going to die so young. Sweat appeared all over me as I got ready to fire my last shot.
But fortunately for me before I could press the trigger I spotted agent Jenifer and three other agents closing on them from behind. The bad guys all stood facing me without watching their back, an opportunity Jenifer and the other agents used in getting close within range. I heaved a sigh of relief. Yes it was a perfect timing. They came at the right time to save my sorry a.ss.
‘’drop your weapons right now. You are totally surrounded’’ Jenifer instantly barked, shocking the hoodlums who all turned to see that they were all sitting ducks. They instantly dropped their guns without hesitation while four other agents jumped into the compound from the back fence I earlier tried using to escape with Clara. I was very much surprised and relieved at the same time. I never knew the house was already surrounded by my colleagues during the show off. Clara instantly got on her feet and hugged me tightly while agent Jenifer drew close and smiled at me.
‘’thanks for saving my as.s’’ I breathed gratefully.
‘’we heard the gunshot and that helped lead us to this corner’’ she replied with a smile.
‘’yes I was shot at when trying to escape with Clara, luckily the bullet missed its target. How did you find the location?’’ I asked curiously.
‘’the prints found on the bullets we got from the first crime scene came out yesterday. We ran it through the police database with us and discovered that it matched two officers working with the state police headquarters. We tried reaching you but couldn’t. After picking up the officers, they confessed that they gave out weapons to Mr. Charles but never participated in the kidnap. They gave us more than enough details to help. But when we still failed to reach you today, we had to track your phone signal which eventually gave the same location the police officers gave us during questioning. We had to get as many teams as we can to come over here because we didn’t know what to expect’’ she explained quickly while I breathed deeply.
Another agent soon showed up with a frown.
‘’we only saw one huge guy inside the house. Mr. Charles isn’t in the house’’ he informed us.
————————————————————
Clara returned to her relieved parents that same evening while I was asked to go home. According to my director, I still have to face disciplinary action, something I really wasn’t comfortable with. I felt after all the risks I took that everything was going to be fine.
‘’we still have some decisions to make concerning your conduct. So go home and wait for our call’’ was all I was told. Of course I felt bad. It really was painful to know that my efforts weren’t really appreciated. I almost lost my life for the job but no one took notice of it.
I returned to my apartment later that evening, so tired and hungry. I had a long shower before dozing off in my sitting room. I barely had slept for few minutes when a soft knock on my door brought me to my feet. I opened the door to see Vivian smiling at me. She looked so sexy in a cleavage revealing green gown which showed off all her curves. I swallowed hard as I stared at her.
‘’I came to thank you and equally apologize over all I said to you the last time. I made you a great meal. I know you will be very tired and hungry. I also heard rumors that you might be suspended from your job over all that happened. I’m here to keep you company. I’m here to be with you through the night. That’s my small way of appreciating you’’ she breathed softly, taking a step towards me and planting a kiss on my cheek that sent sweet sensations down my spine.
————————-
(Unknown to anyone, Mr. Charles was quietly seated in his car which was parked right in front of Val’s compound as he waited for nightfall. You can’t imagine the surprise on his face as he saw Vivian walk into the compound. Nevertheless nothing was going to stop him from finishing what he started).

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 25*

Val’s side of the story continues
After enjoying the delicious meal Vivian brought me, I regained enough strength to joke and play with her. But as soon as the clock stuck 8:15pm, I knew it was time to ask her to leave. Of course I was still reasoning with my head instead of my d---k and no matter how tempting her offer of spending the night at my apartment looked. I knew it was something I would end up regretting the next day.
‘’Thanks so much for the meal, you are really a life saver but please don’t bother spending the night here with me. I’m very fine on my own moreover I need to be alone to think over my life and the way forward’’ I finally managed to say to her with a smile. She slowly frowned and tried to insist.
‘’I offered to stay here with you from my heart. You don’t have to ask me to leave. I’m a big girl. You have nothing to worry about’’ she pushed on, trying to sound innocent and cool but I knew deep down things really weren’t as she said. And seriously I wanted to be alone to think over my life just like I earlier told her.
I stood up, drew close to her and rested my hands on her shoulders, caressing them softly.
‘’my dear I really wish to be alone tonight. I have some things to figure out and you being here won’t give me the space I need. I appreciate everything you did today but please I want to be alone’’ I begged. She reluctantly shrugged and stood up.
‘’very well then, let me pack up my things’’ she finally accepted with a smile while I heaved a sigh of relief.
——————————————-
At exactly 8:45pm, I led her to the door but on opening it we both saw Charles smiling devilishly. It was just as if he had been standing there for long. You can’t imagine the shock I felt. It was just as if I was facing a ghost. It looked so unbelievable and unreal. It was as if my eyes were playing games with me. I couldn’t believe a guy every security agent was looking for was standing right in front of my apartment as if everything was fine with him.
Before I could react, Vivian fell back on me, holding her stomach and gasping while Charles grinned as he stepped closer. I never realized he was holding a knife. I never saw it coming. I didn’t realize on time that Vivian fell back on me because she was stabbed. It really happened so fast moreover the doorway was a bit dark for one to notice much and before I could process everything, toss Vivian to a corner and defend myself, I felt a sharp pain on my stomach.
Charles wasted no time in stabbing me. He grabbed the opportunity without the slightest hesitation. He was just a man on mission.
I tried to hold myself and fight back but he was very much ready. He stabbed me over and over in the abdomen, forcing me down on my knees as I slowly hit the floor.
I gasped for breathe as I tried to sit up while he focused his attention on Vivian who was struggling to get on her feet. He reached for her, stabbing her multiple times on the back before throwing her body on me.
‘’you shouldn’t have come between Clara and i. you tried to destroy my hopes, my investment, my life. You turned me into this. I’m not proud of this dirty game but I have to do this to save my own a.ss. And to you Vivian, you shouldn’t have been here tonight. I never knew the b-----d was f--k.ing you and your cousin at the same time’’ he breathed as I fought with great energy to keep my eyes from shutting down.
‘’now please hold this knife for me’’ he added with an evil smile as he forced the weapon to my right hand. I was too weak to do anything.
‘’when the police eventually find your bodies tomorrow, They will quickly come to the conclusion that you Val came home very depressed and took it out on your girl who came to be with you. After stabbing her, you realized what you did and stabbed yourself. With the news Clara will confirm that you were never what she thought you were and it will give me the opportunity to reclaim my love. She will realize that I kidnapped her just to save her from you and not to harm her. good night Mr. Val’’ he added with an evil grin, pulled off the hand gloves he was wearing, tossed them into his jacket and left the room without another word.
I saw death before me once again. It was as if I was destined to die young. However the mistake Charles made was not making sure I was dead before leaving the house. Perhaps he wanted me to slowly bleed to death. The other thing I was equally yet to figure out was if he now knew that I was a federal agent.
Anyway I managed to crawl to the table where I left my phone and quickly dialed Jenifer’s number with my last strength.
‘’help’’ I breathed and collapsed.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 26*

Clara’s side of the story continues
I was so happy to be free, so happy to breathe in fresh air again. I couldn’t believe the events of the past few days were actually real. It was just like an action movie or should I say an action dream  . I couldn’t believe Charles actually kidnapped me just to force me into loving him. Yes talking about Charles, the desperation I saw in his eyes and the way he forcefully wanted my love looked more of an ambition and not real love. I knew our families had a lot to gain from our union but I felt he and his family had a whole lot more to gain from it. It was all about power, wealth and politics. Yes he even hinted on it when he was ranting like a mad man.
But then it equally was so sad and disappointing to know that my father drew back his interest and anger when he learned that it was Charles who kidnapped me. He instantly stopped talking tough and only assured me that he was going to talk to Charles’s father. He never said anything about throwing the boy in jail or taking a more decisive action. It was just as if dad was more interested in saving his political career than caring for my feelings. Nevertheless I slept peacefully, so happy to be home and so happy that Val and I were now in the same page. It was so wonderful seeing him break into the room to free me and it equally was so amazing running with him as we fled the scene.
Even though we failed to make it out of the house without outside help all that mattered to me was how he stood by my side against all odds. He put his life on the line for me. He was just the man. I dreamt about it over and over with a smile on my face.
I woke up the next day, yearning to see my val. We never really had the opportunity to talk much the previous day because I was instantly whisked away and brought home while he headed to his workplace to sort things out with his colleagues. I nervously dialed his number but he failed to answer. I tried his line two more times before a lady answered his call.
‘’hello I’m agent Jenifer. You are Clara the governor’s daughter right?’’ she introduced herself and asked while a thousand and one thoughts instantly filled my head.
‘’yes I’m, how about Val?’’ I asked.
‘’I’m sorry he won’t be able to talk to you at the moment. I’m coming over to the mansion to talk to you. Just wait for me’’ she replied and hung up, leaving me a bit worried.
Precisely an hour later, agent Jenifer walked into my room with a smile.
‘’how was your night?’’ she asked.
‘’I’m fine but I guess Charles hasn’t been arrested yet?’’ I asked. She breathed deeply and nodded.
‘’yes he hasn’t been arrested yet but I’m also sorry to tell you that your dad wants us to drop the case. I don’t know the reason for his decision and I don’t just know what to say about it’’ she informed me while I dropped my eyes. Of course the news never came as a surprise to me.
‘’anyway you have nothing to worry about. A female police officer plus a team of armed policemen will be assigned to guard you every minute of the day. So don’t be scared’’ she added with a smile.
‘’I’m not scared of Charles but how about Val?’’ I asked breathlessly. She kept quiet for few seconds.
‘’Val won’t be working here anymore’’ she muttered.
‘’but why?, I want him. He’s a good agent. I need no one else but him’’ I protested.
‘’how close are you with him?’’ she suddenly asked.
‘’we are very close. So close for him to risk his life for me’’ I fired quickly.
‘’there is nothing spectacular in what he did my dear. Every other agent would have done the same for you. By the way how close is he with your cousin miss Vivian?’’ she asked. I stared at her suspiciously.
I couldn’t help but wonder where the question was heading to.
‘’they are friends. She actually met him before me. She equally was the person that revealed to me that Val wasn’t an agent when she discovered something about us’’ I breathed, stopping the instant I noticed that I said much more than I was asked.
‘’what did she discover?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’it’s something private. Why should I tell you?’’ I answered weakly.
‘’because it could help in an ongoing investigation’’ she answered while I stared at her in disbelief.
‘’you see your cousin Vivian was found badly stabbed in Val’s apartment yesterday evening. Val was equally found stabbed. There wasn’t any sign of break in or forced entry in the apartment and we are about coming to the conclusion that perhaps Vivian went over to his house to spend the night or something similar and they ended up fighting and stabbing each other. It’s just a mere speculation for now though ‘’ she softly informed me as I gasped for breath. Many thoughts flowed into my head.
Of course the previous day, I barely had returned home when Vivian who was supposed to keep me company came in to tell me that she was going to a friend’s birthday party. I never bothered to ask her much because I was dead tired.
But with Jenifer’s revelation, It all started flowing back to my head. No wonder Vivian bluntly told me everything about Val that led us into quarreling. She never revealed Val’s identity to save me; rather she did it for us to break up. She did it for herself. She was trying to save her relationship with him.
I instantly felt used.
‘’oh my god’’ I breathed with great pain.
‘’so what exactly did she discover that made her reveal Val’s true identity to you?’’ Jenifer softly demanded, breaking into my thoughts.
‘’she told me everything about Val after I told her we were having an affair’’ I confessed with tears which filled my eyes. Jenifer drew back and shrugged.
‘’with the look of things its obvious agent Val was having an affair with both of you. I’m afraid to say that he is in a very big trouble right now, that is if he makes it out alive because his wounds are very deep and serious’’ she added with a frown while I took my pillow and covered my face with shame as I wept bitterly.
I regretted ever coming back to Nigeria.

 *THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 27*

Clara’s side of the story continues
Agent Jenifer soon left me all alone to myself. I spent all day crying and thinking over my life. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t do anything. I felt bad and betrayed. I really didn’t know whether to pray for my cousin and Val to survive or to wish them death.
Around 3:30pm, Charles surprisingly sneaked into my room with flowers. I stared at him with disbelief, wondering how he was able to make it to my room. For some seconds I was at lost on how to react because he was the last person I expected to see. He calmly drew forward and knelt beside me.
‘’my love, my princess I guess you must have heard what happened to your cousin?’’ he asked softly. I couldn’t say anything to him, instead I looked away. I couldn’t believe he was actually in my room to talk about Vivian after what he did to me. Yes a part of me felt he came to mock me over Val but then he dropped the flowers on my bed and reached for my hand, making me stare at him one more time. I instantly noticed he had a grave look and his hand shook as our eyes met.
He looked genuinely worried for me but then the events of the past few days were too heavy to ignore and they came flashing back into my head in full force.
‘’I came to apologize over using the wrong approach on you my dear. I was only desperate and acted out of desperation and frustration. There wasn’t any other way to get you to be with me, to get you to see the truth. I knew all along that Val wasn’t real. You have been away from the country too long to know how things happen over here. I found out very late that he was taking advantage of you and Vivian at the same time and I knew you would never believe me considering our relationship. I had to find a way to get you away from him. Yes I knew I took the wrong approach and I’m here to apologize and atone for the pains I caused you and your family. I will do anything to have your trust back. Our families have come a long way. I believe It’s better you trust the devil you know than the devil you don’t. My only mistake was kidnapping you instead of fighting like a man. Please forget all the silly words I said back then. I didn’t know what got over me. I was plain silly. Yes I’m ready to go to jail over it but please I beg of you, forgive me’’ he begged solemnly, leaving me extremely indecisive as he sobbed before me. I had never seen that part of him before.
Of course I was touched.
‘’’ My head is very much filled up right now. I can’t think properly but please stop kneeling for me’’ I stammered.
‘’will you then accept my flowers?’’ he begged seriously. I breathed deeply and took them.
‘’we are cool with each other Charles but I’m not promising anything yet. Moreover you wounded and humiliated me. You almost raped me. I need to come to terms with everything. I need to confront Val and Vivian as well. I need to tell them how I feel about their betrayal’’ I breathed with great energy.
‘’my dear, I really don’t think that will be possible. According to what I heard, your Val isn’t going to make it. He lost quite a lot of blood and he has been unconscious since the previous evening. And as for Vivian, arrangements are being made to get her out of the country for treatment. I think India or so’’ he revealed while I breathed deeply and shrugged.
‘’how much do you know about Val?, were you aware all along that he’s a federal agent?’’ I asked curiously, watching his reaction but unfortunately he gave out nothing. He appeared so cool, not revealing his feelings.
‘’let’s stop talking about that i.diot. I beg of you. I’m happy God has vindicated me” he softly muttered, holding my hands while I closed my eyes.
———————————-
7:38pm, The governor’s lodge,
Scene : Dining room,
: Clara’s side of the story continues
I went over to the dining room to have dinner with my family. It really was the first time in weeks I was having dinner together with mum and dad. It equally was an opportunity to discuss some family issues. Of course Charles left me a bit confused and indecisive with his apology and all he told me earlier in the day.
He finally left, promising to show up around 7pm to talk to my parents and apologize to them as well.
I was just so vulnerable like a young girl experiencing heartbreak for the first time. The news of my cousin’s romance with Val totally shattered me. I needed someone to lean on and it was as if Charles was just making good use of the opportunity to show a new part of him to me.
On getting to the dining room, dad instantly stood up and hugged me.
‘’my dear, you can’t believe how happy I’m to have you right here. Charles went too far with his games and I’m really sorry for not doing anything about it. I’m so ashamed of myself’’ he breathed with a painful voice.
‘’its okay dad, what matters the most is that I’m right here with you’’ I replied while mum nodded with a smile. Charles walked in on us that moment as if he had been around, hiding in a corner all along. He approached us and knelt before everyone..
‘’I’m so sorry for taking advantage of your goodwill. I’m so sorry for destroying my family’s reputation. My father is no longer talking to me and he already threatened to disinherit me unless I make up with you sir. Please take me back like a prodigal son returning home to his family. I only did what I did out of love and desperation. I promise never to bother Clara ever again’’. He begged with eyes filled with tears. He looked so genuine, so real and so convincing. I never knew when I drew forward and got him to his feet, not minding that he was addressing my father.
‘’dad, mum, you guys should forgive him. Sometimes we do silly things out of love and what he did isn’t an exception. Yes I now know love is never enough to make a relationship work, what matters most is understanding’’ I breathed, shocking my parents with my words. Even Charles was so surprised with all I said. He couldn’t believe himself.
‘’are you saying that you now understand Charles and he also understands you?’’ mum asked with great curiously, unable to hide the excitement in her head. I couldn’t reply her question but deep down I answered her in my heart.
Yes all that matter is ‘understanding’, Real unpolluted love only happens in movies.
———————————————————-
Meanwhile Val is seen helplessly lying unconscious in the emergency unit of a government hospital. A middle aged doctor, a team of student doctors and four nurses are seen working tirelessly on him as the clock hanging above them ticks away. Val’s mother can be heard crying so painful at the waiting room.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 28*

12pm, the next day @the governor’s mansion

(Clara is seen sitting calmly at the balcony in front of her room reading a newspaper, Charles joins her carrying a bottle of wine and two glass cups)

Clara’s side of the story continues

‘’Deji will be getting married on Saturday, hope you will be attending?’’ Charles asked curiously as he offered me a glass of wine. I shrugged and shook my head.

‘’Deji?, which Deji?’’ I asked, pretending not to recognize the person he was talking about.

‘’come on are you joking or serious?’’ he asked with disbelief while I smiled. Deji was the first son of former deputy governor of Oyo state (3rd republic). He equally was one of Charles’s most loyal friends. However I never had any idea he was getting married.

‘’well he never told me and I don’t think I will be attending’’ I answered.

‘’he sent your invitation through me. The wedding is on Saturday at Abuja. At least you will use the opportunity to meet old friends you haven’t seen for ages’’ he pressed on with a smile. I breathed deeply as I gave him a long look.
Oh yes I already forgave him over the stunt he pulled on me the previous week but I couldn’t get myself to forget it. I was still very much uncomfortable with him and no matter how hard I tried to force myself into feeling very secure with him I just couldn’t.

‘’we will leave for Abuja on Friday and spend the night at my place. On Saturday we leave for the wedding. Once the wedding is over you can decide how long you wish to stay in the city. My job will be to guard and serve you’’ he added pleasantly to impress me. I forced out a smile that never reached my heart.

‘’Charles you very much know that what you did to me the previous week will never leave my memory. I still find it very difficult to be free with you’’ I bluntly told him while he nodded, drew close and reached for my hand.

‘’of course my dear I know. And I will do everything possible to make you trust me again’’ he promised quickly. I breathed deeply.

‘’okay fine, I will attend the wedding with you. I haven’t attended any high profile occasion since I arrived the country’’ I accepted with a smile. His eyes beamed with joy.

—————————————

By 10am Friday , Charles walked into the lodge expecting to see me well dressed up and ready for the journey ahead. But instead he saw me in sitting room, busy with my phone. I expected him to get angry but Instead of getting angry, he drew close and knelt by my side.

‘’what’s wrong my dear?, you haven’t been picking my calls since 7am and you are equally not dressed up. Don’t tell me you are not going again?’’ he asked breathlessly. I couldn’t help but notice how tensed up he was. Of course he was trying hard to control his real feelings.

‘’I’m still indecisive. I don’t know if I will be going again’’ I muttered looking away like a spoilt child.

‘’come on my dear. I know you don’t feel safe with me but I promise I will never misbehave. I went through a lot of pains arranging for the helicopter that will take us to Abuja. Please consider my feelings as well. I already told Deji and his bride that I will be coming with you. You cant change your mind at the last minute’’ he begged desperately.

‘’okay fine but where will I be spending the night?. I don’t want to share the same room with you and I know it will be rude, leaving you to sleep over at my family house once we get to Abuja’’ I asked seriously.

‘’you will spend the night in my place but you have nothing to fear. I won’t be very much around because today is equally Deji’s bachelor’s Night and I will spend most of the evening at the party’’’ he answered quickly.

‘’so that means I will be all alone and lonely in your house?’’ I asked, putting him in a tight position with the question. He swallowed hard.

‘’come on why are you being so uptight. It isn’t fair’’ he cried. I laughed, got up and headed to my room to dress up.

———————————-

The trip to Abuja in a helicopter was another wonderful experience. It was my second time of flying in a helicopter and my first time of going on a long trip in it. Charles was all caring and nice. He was all out to impress me and yes I enjoyed every moment.

When we got to his house later in the day, he never tried anything silly with me, instead kept a respectable distance. He just wanted me to see that he was a changed person. Yes deep down I appreciated everything but to be sincere to myself I wasn’t in love with him and I never promised him anything.
All I did before my parents when he apologized for his wrong deeds was to forgive and accept him back as a friend with the hopes of perhaps getting serious with him in future. But with the way I was seeing my feelings I still had my doubts over how my future with him would turn out. There was no denying my parents were encouraging the relationship just like his parents were and yes it would be good for business and for everyone. That equally was the main reason I was trying hard to be free with him but still I never get turned on nor felt any sexual urge whenever I was with him. Yes I knew love no longer mattered these days but at least a little of it was all I wanted to feel for him.

———————

Saturday, Deji’s wedding

Deji’s wedding was a one in town society wedding that had almost all the personalities in Nigeria attending, From politicians to academia’s, business moguls and expatriates. It was just like an annual get together of the upper class. Almost all my friends were in attendance and yes none of us concentrated very much on the ceremony because of gossips and stories we had to share. It really was wonderful and I was so happy to be there.

The M.C, who was no other person than basketmouth the comedian, did what he was good at by making the second ceremony (reception) as lively as ever.

The event dragged on till around 6:30pm when the M.C, finally announced to everyone’s amazement that he will be in charge of another wedding coming up in few months.

‘’should I reveal the couple?’’ he asked in his usual funny manner, leaving a chorus of yes on everyone’s lips. He then asked the Dj to play him a song.
I laughed heartily as I watched the M.C, dance towards my table, not suspecting a thing. Then suddenly he stopped at the table I shared with Charles and three other friends, cracked a joke and handed over the microphone to Charles while the hall went silent as everyone watched. At that moment I understood what was about happening and my heart froze.
Charles softly took the microphone, pulled out a diamond ring and went on his knees before me.

‘’will you marry me Clara?’’ he asked in front of everyone. Our friends, family, the media, everyone that mattered were all there.

I felt angry, shocked and speechless. Rejecting him was close to impossible. It would be a huge embarrassment.

 *THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 29*

Val’s side of the story continues at the same time Charles knelt down to propose to Clara
I suddenly woke up from a seemingly terrible nightmare, springing up with great energy as if I was being pursued by a vampire while agent Jenifer who was surprisingly sitting by my side held me back strongly. I stared at her with surprise before taking a calm look round me. I instantly noticed that I was in a hospital.
‘’what happened?’’ I stammered as I felt a sharp pain in my head.
‘’thank God you are awake. I will have to inform the nurses on duty. You have been out since Monday and today is Saturday’’ she said with a smile, stood up and left the room.
I fell back on my bed as everything that happened on Monday slowly flashed back in my head. I couldn’t believe I survived Charles’s brutal attack. It was a miracle. I had a lot to tell Jenifer, I had a lot to learn from her concerning Vivian. But unfortunately as my memory returned, so did the pain I felt all over me increase. It soon became too much to bear.
I strongly fought it back as I waited for Jenifer to return, equally wondering at the same time if Vivian actually survived the onslaught or not. I couldn’t help but play back in my head how she was brutally stabbed while I did nothing to save her. .
Agent Jennifer and two nurses soon came in.
‘’how are you feeling Mr. Val?’’ one of the nurses asked.
‘’I feel pains all over me’’ I answered as the second nurse arranged a needle and syringe which she expertly used on me.
‘’how is Vivian?’’ I managed to ask Jennifer.
‘’she’s fine’’ she replied with a faint smile.
‘’that b.astard tried to kill us. Charles attacked Vivian and I in my house. I need to kill that b.astard’’ I muttered drowsily as the drugs injected on me took over my body. I was soon asleep once again and I really had no time to neither see the expression on Jenifer nor know if she believed me or not. Of course I knew the more time wasted to get Charles could make him bolder and more dangerous.
——————————————————
Clara’s side of the story continues
‘’will you marry me Clara?’’ Charles asked again as sweat instantly drenched his entire body. I never noticed I already spent enough time to give my response. The whole hall was just dead quiet. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through everyone’s mind. I hated Charles for what he was doing to me. There was supposed to be an agreement between us before pulling such stunt. No matter how surprising a lady might look when being prosped to, it’s never entirely surprising to her the way she makes it to appear to be because one way or the other she must have made plans with her man but in my own case there was no such plans hence my pure surprise and confusion. We weren’t even dating for Christ sake and I knew turning him down would turn a whole lot of friends against me. He just used the perfect opportunity to try pinning me down. I understood what he was doing. I understood the desperation and fear in him. I saw no clear way out of it all. Accepting him would make everyone happy but how about me?.
‘’please will you marry me?’’ he asked once again, this time around it looked as if he was almost close to tears. The fear in his eyes was so revealing. I knew he wouldn’t be able to live with the embarrassment if I turned him down in such a place. I pitied him. My heart kind of melted. I didn’t want him to be the victim of a public disgrace. I had to save his pride even if it was going to cost me a whole lot. I forced out a smile and was surprised to see tears form in my eyes. I knew it wasn’t tears of joy. I believe it was tears of confusion or something else. I was under pressure to accept him and I did.
‘’’yes yes I will marry you’’ I finally breathed while claps and shouts filled the air as Charles heaved a sigh of relief, drew close, softly entered the ring on my finger, kissed and hugged me.
‘’thank you Clara for making me a man, thank you for not disgracing me’’ he breathed.
‘’we need to talk’’ I whispered back. Of course we had a lot to talk. We had a lot to sort out.
‘’Is Charles really for real or am I actually following a path that would turn to misery and pain?’’ I asked myself. Yes as a lady I had this double feeling I couldn’t explain.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 30*

Clara’s side of the story continues
My phone was soon bombarded with calls and text messages as we headed home, giving me no chance to discuss things Charles. It was just as if some of my friends who weren’t at the wedding ceremony all got the news of my engagement in a flash. I really was in a very precarious situation. I was very much confused over how to follow things up. Charles on his own part kept smiling like someone who won a jackpot. We got back to his house without discussing a thing.
However as I settled on my bed to think things through, he walked in and sat on the bed.
‘’how do you feel my dear?’’ he asked calmly.
‘’I feel awful. You used me Charles. You took advantage of my trust and forgiveness’’ I replied with a raised tone.
‘’’but I only proposed to you before all our friends for you to see that I’m genuinely in love with you, For you to see that I very much want to be with you, For you to see my seriousness. Come on my dear, don’t tell me I did wrong again. Wasn’t it a good surprise?’’ he asked with an innocent tone. I sat up on the bed, pulled out the ring and offered back to him.
‘’I don’t need your ring Charles. Not now, not yet’’ I said simply, shocking him with my words.
‘’I beg of you Clara?, what is this madness?’’ he breathed, drawing backwards.
‘’I don’t want to be engaged with you yet. I only accepted your proposal in order not to hurt your ego; I did it to help you save face. I didn’t want to embarrass you before everyone’’ I muttered.
‘’then kindly keep the ring and still pretend that all is still fine. I can give you all the time in the world to make up your mind. I really see no reason why you are having a double mind all of a sudden. Every other girl would be happy to marry me but you are so unbelievable. This isn’t fair to me at all. This is supposed to me my happiest day’’ he sulked, trying hard to play the victim.
‘’I don’t care what you say or feel. Just take back your ring or I will throw it away’’ I threatened. He softly took the ring, stood up and left the room without another word. I fell back on my bed and cried. Of course I couldn’t say if I did the right thing or not.
———————————-
Early the next day, we headed back to the east in a cold mood. Of course after all that happened the previous day, I was so eager to head home because I knew the more I stayed with him the more uncomfortable I would be.
I couldn’t sleep the previous night and very early in the morning I had dressed up and walked up to his room to tell him that I was leaving. At first he appeared confused but when he noticed that I was very determined to leave on my own he had no option than to offer to take me home.
He silently drove, saying nothing to me while I busied myself with my thoughts. I had a lot to think and so his silence never got to me. When we eventually got home around 7:10pm, I simply muttered a quick ‘’thank you’’ to him and headed to my room without turning back.
At exactly 10pm, that same evening, mum surprised me by walking into my room. It was something she rarely did and I couldn’t even remember the last time she came into my room.
She softly sat on my bed, breathed deeply and placed her hand on my body.
‘’how do you feel my dear?’’ she asked
‘’I feel awful mum’’ I confessed.
‘’Charles told me everything and I understand how you feel but you should please act like an adult and stop behaving like a baby. You already accepted him publicly and as far as I know he is yet to do anything that would lead to a change of mind’’ she added softly. I sat up and faced her.
‘’I only accepted his proposal because I didn’t want to embarrass him’’ I defended weakly.
‘’I know but what good will it be for his image, for people to hear that you broke up with him the same evening you accepted him before everyone. It’s still the same as rejecting him publicly?. As far as I know you don’t have any other strong suitor you have feelings for. So take back your ring and act like an adult. You are engaged to him doesn’t mean that you are married to him. Wear his ring and still take your time to make a good decision. For now you are blinded by the past. You can still call it off in the end when have a good reason. You once told me that love is never enough. So calm down, and act like a woman. You already accepted him before the whole world. So take back your ring’’ she said strongly, leaving me with no choice than to obey and hesitantly take back Charles’s ring she brought along. I wore it and looked down. She drew close and hugged me
‘’when I married your father, I liked him, I was a bit fond of him but was never in love with him. I had other admirers who were more fashionable, handsome and presentable than him but I chose him because I saw he had a good future and ambition more than the rest. Now here I’m a governor’s wife and an envy of many women. So my dear, I totally agreed with you when you said love is never enough. You have my spirit and I know you are wise. Charles has all it takes to go far in life and you guys already have a history together’’ she added convincingly, caging my feelings with her subtle words.
——————————————–
Val’s side of the story continues at that same moment
(Val is seen talking to agent Jennifer who listens with great interest)
‘’so that was how Charles brutally stabbed Vivian and i that fateful evening and all I just told is exactly how it happened and the threats he made. Right now I’m scared of Clara’s safety and I know my story is hard to believe but I’m also disappointed that you guys didn’t investigate properly before concluding that Vivian and I had a fight and I stabbed her. I’m a trained agent and supposing I wanted Vivian killed, it wouldn’t have been messy as it is’’’ I summarized convincingly while Jennifer nodded.
‘’I believe you Val but for now you should lay low and wait to heal first. By then the department must have made a decision on your case. I believe by that time Vivian must have recovered as well and once she returns to the country, her words will be enough to nail Charles’’ she breathed softly while I returned her gaze with great gratitude. She really sacrificed a lot to keep my mum and i company all the time I was down. There was no doubt she believed in me.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 31*

one week later,
Clara’s side of the story continues
It’s now exactly one week after I got engaged to Charles yet I couldn’t stop thinking of Val. I had great need to confront him and hear his own side of the story but getting across to him was very impossible. No one was able to tell me anything about him, not even the security guys around. It was as if they had instructions not tell me anything about him. I also couldn’t understand how I lost his number I saved on my phone. When agent Jennifer returned my phone after the kidnap ordeal I discovered that his phone number wasn’t there anymore.
I was still busy with my thoughts when Charles walked in and squatted by my side. He observed me for some seconds before breathing deeply.
‘’you look worried my dear, what’s wrong?’’ he asked softly. I slowly returned his gaze.
It was the first time he was showing up after bringing me home the previous week. Yes we parted ways in an unfriendly manner and I had hoped he was going to stay away for sometime but he only stayed away for a week.
I breathed deeply.
‘’I’m thinking about val. I need to know how he is faring. I need to confront him. I need some kind of closure’’ I muttered strongly. He scoffed.
‘’why do you want to go through the pains of seeing him again huh?. That b.astard doesn’t deserve any consideration. I doubt if he is even still alive. I will investigate and get back to you’’ he promised while I stared at him with disbelief.
‘’are you serious?’’ I asked
‘’of course my dear, I will sacrifice anything for you to be happy. But promise me nothing is going to wound our relationship again’’ he replied quickly, grabbing my hand in an appealing gesture. I nodded in agreement. I just couldn’t make the promise with my mouth but I made it with my head and it seemed okay for him.
‘’I will try to find out the status of his health and get you to meet him if he’s still alive. But also promise me that after having the closer you desire with him that we are getting married by next month’’ he added, surprising me further. I instantly frowned and drew back while he quickly brought his lips forward and kissed me to prevent me from giving any reply to his last request. Unfortunately, his kiss only made me angrier.
————————————————
Val’s side of the story continues
(Val , agent Jennifer and Val’s mum are seen settling down in his apartment. He looks very okay and healthy)
——————————
‘’I’m finally home’’ I breathed with great happiness as I looked around; of course I was so happy to be alive. I definitely was one hell of a lucky guy.
‘’yes you made a very quick recovery. You are such a lucky guy’’ Jennifer muttered excitedly.
‘’Thanks to you my daughter, I hope you will come over to the village in few days time so that I can prepare palm nut stew for you’’ my mother asked happily. It was so obvious that she and Jennifer were getting along very fine. The days they spent together at the hospital really made them bond very strongly.
Jenifer blushed, walked over to my mum and gave her a strong hug.
‘’I don’t know mum, with the look of things I might be returning to my base in Abuja very soon. My work in this town is almost over’’ she answered with a sad tone while my mum gave me a quick look as if she expected me to say or do something.
‘’should we go to my room and talk please?’’ I finally managed to ask Jennifer after a little hesitation. Of course there was really nothing special to say or discuss privately with her. I just made the invitation because I really didn’t know what else to say to her.
She simply nodded and came over to where I stood. I smiled, grabbed her hand and led her to my room.
As soon as we got to my room, I shut the door, turned and faced her. We said nothing to each other for some seconds as we stared at each other, and then suddenly we found ourselves kissing.
I really can’t say if I made the first move or not but then the kiss was so intense and passionate as if it was something we had been planning to do all along.
That moment, I couldn’t explain if it was love, lust or heat.
———————————
At that same time, Vivian is seen lying unconscious in a well equipped hospital room. An Indian nurse is seen sitting by her side and watching over her, suddenly she opens her eyes and coughs. The nurse springs up with great excitement and runs out to call the doctor on duty.
‘’ वह जाग रहा है (vah jaag raha hai) (she’s awake)’’ she screams in Hindi.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER Episode 33*

Val’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
‘’can we go inside and talk?’’ Charles asked calmly as if we were nothing but friends. I scoffed and shook my head.
‘’say whatever you came here for and disappear before I lose my temper’’ I replied with a slightly raised tone while he laughed.
‘’you see the difference between us?. I think before I act while you act before you think. Anyway let’s keep that aside. I’m here to reach a compromise with you’’ he muttered calmly. I stared at him suspiciously.
‘’Clara and I will be getting married very soon and I wish to clear my conscience. I want to settle you handsomely so as for you not to cause problems for me again. I do know you have a pending case with the people you work for and I have the connection to make it all go away. I’m equally ready to pay you off with a reasonable amount. All you have to do is simply to forget everything about Clara and move on with your life’’ he offered softly while I laughed coldly. He words just appeared like a slap on my face but I controlled the anger in me.
‘’and what if I still chose to refuse your offer?’’ I asked curiously. He shrugged.
‘’that means you are putting your life and your family in danger. I already told you I think before I act. You have no idea what I’m capable of doing and it will be so disgusting for a young man like you to die over a woman in this present century. Anyway Clara sent me to check how you are faring. She really wants to talk to you. What should I tell her?’’ he concluded and asked, drawing out more suspicion from me. Deep down I felt he was trying to rope me into one of his games. I knew if Clara actually wanted to see or talk to me, he would be the last person she would send.
‘’get out from my house. Get out’’ I screamed, not caring about anything as I violently pushed him backwards.
‘’I’m leaving, but think over my proposal. I will check back for your feedback’’ he muttered and left calmly while I bit my lips in great anger. I really felt like going after him and finishing him off but I knew it was only going to get me in jail. I needed nothing but a tactical approach to deal with him but first I had to keep aside my pride and call Clara. I felt it was good I talked to her.
I rushed to my bedroom, grabbed my phone and called Clara.
‘’hey Clara it’s me’’ I breathed as soon as she picked my call.
‘’my God, Val!’’ she screamed over the phone. I couldn’t help but notice the excitement in her voice which made me wonder why she was yet to call me if she really was this excited to hear from me.
‘’we need to talk’’ I breathed.
————————————————————————
Vivian’s side of the story continues
(Vivian is seen fully awake as a young black doctor attends to her. Her eyes equally were surprisingly filled up with tears)

‘’so how are you my dear?. My name is Chinedu, I’m the doctor in charge of your recovery’’ the young handsome doctor said to me in a very affectionate tone as he checked me up. I stared at him, not exactly knowing what to say. I was extremely happy to be alive, happy to testify over God’s miracle. It was a lucky escape from death. I couldn’t believe that bast.rd tried to kill me. I really thought we were friends. I thought we were on the same side but no he turned against me with the slightest opportunity he got.
‘’where am i?’’ I managed to ask with a soft voice, knowing full well that I was in a hospital.
‘’you are in a hospital my dear. You are in Indian’’ the doctor answered quickly, smiling deeply.
‘’but you are a Nigerian?, your name sounds like…’’ I asked like a little kid.
‘’yes I’m a Nigerian but I work here’’ he replied with a smile, softly feeling my pulse.
‘’you made a magnificent recovery dear. You were in a very terrible state when you were brought in here but with the look of things, you will leave this hospital within a month’’ he added reassuringly as more tears dropped from my eyes. I couldn’t help but play back in my head the terrible incidence that happened in Val’s house. How I was badly stabbed and left for dead. I knew Val wouldn’t survive it because he really was the main target of Charles’s brutality.
The young doctor soon observed the tears flowing down my eyes, leaned forward and wiped the tears softly. I blushed. I really haven’t been this close to a man for long. The last time I was this close was when I was with Val and it led to nothing but calamity. But the doctor before me looked kind and caring. I couldn’t help but feel a tingling sensation.
‘’I almost lost my life because of a man. I was in a place I wasn’t supposed to be and the worst of it all is that I almost died for nothing, for someone that never cared for me. That’s the worst feeling one can ever have’’ I confessed, very much surprised with my outburst. I never knew what made me open up to him so easily.

‘’we all have a story to tell my dear. Without a story, without challenges our life would be so meaningless. You can’t believe I left Nigeria just to escape the humiliation and scorn of a failed relationship. Just try your best and recover quickly, I promise to tell you my story once you are very strong’’ he promised in Igbo language, bringing out a smile from my face with his words. I lifted my eyes to meet his gaze once again. I liked what I saw, but slowly the light in my eyes died down as I realized that it could also be the way he played with other patients. He was a doctor and his duty was to treat patients both emotionally and physically.
‘’why the sudden frown my dear?’’ he suddenly asked.
‘’I need to get well as soon as possible. I need to know the situation of things at home. My sister could also be in greater danger. Charles must pay even if it’s the last thing I do’’ I breathed with all my strength while the doctor smiled and caressed my shoulder.
Sure I was ready to make Charles pay.

To be continued