Esaaba could hardly contain her excitement. The moment her shift ended, she dashed over to Ruby’s place. Ruby, a trader, spent her days at her shop, so Esaaba often stopped by for a chat even after Ruby relocated. She couldn’t wait to show off the ring Reggie had given her.

“Ruby, look!” Esaaba held out her hand, the ring sparkling under the light. Ruby’s eyes widened as she gasped, “You got married without inviting me?!”

“Oh, no!” Esaaba laughed, “He only did the knocking and paid my dowry. He said he doesn’t want to rush the ceremony because of the pregnancy. He wants me to give birth first, and then we’ll have the wedding. But I told him I wanted a ring, so he got me one!”

Ruby’s mouth fell open in delight, her excitement bubbling over. From that day forward, Ruby warmed up to Reggie completely. She’d cook for the couple, bringing food over to ensure Esaaba’s pregnancy went smoothly. Esaaba felt cherished, wrapped in the care of her best friend, her fiancé, and even Reggie’s mother, who sometimes called to check on her. Esaaba believed she was speaking to the woman she had once met at Reggie’s family home, not knowing it was Nancy’s mother she was chatting with.

Then, one early morning in her ninth month, her water broke. They rushed her to the hospital, but complications arose, and the doctors recommended a C-section. She was wheeled into the theater, leaving Reggie anxiously waiting outside. Suddenly, Nancy appeared, rushing over to him with a sense of urgency.

“Has she delivered yet?” Nancy asked, barely containing her excitement.

“There were complications, so they took her into surgery,” Reggie replied, his voice strained. “I’m scared… that’s why I’m standing here. Ruby’s inside with her.”

“Good,” Nancy muttered under her breath, a twisted smile forming on her lips.

Reggie’s eyes narrowed. “What’s good about this?” he snapped, his fear turning to frustration.

Nancy’s voice was low, but her words cut deep. “Because this will make it easier for the nurse to execute our plan. Our plan, Reggie.” She leaned closer, her voice cold and calculating. “Why are you so worried when we’re this close to making our dreams come true? Stay calm. Within the next few minutes, everything we’ve been working for will be ours.”

Reggie’s breath hitched. He glanced toward the theater doors, where Esaaba’s life—and the life of their child—hung in the balance, yet he couldn’t shake the tension coiling within him. The wheels of their scheme were set in motion, but for the first time, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Other Chap: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22