Chapter 5 A Glimpse of Hope

Gabriel, I thought you are my friend

why didn't you tell me that you are an agent? Victoria asked. Why did you keep such a secret from me?

Some things are better left unsaid. Gabriel answered. I was going to reveal myself to you when the mission is over, but am glad you found out.

I can vividly recall the day we met in California, you offered to walk me home when you met me crying at the beach.

after that day, we became close friends, and you told me of your plans to move back home someday.

I practically begged you to hasten your decision and travel with me immediately. you didn't hesitate, of which am grateful. not knowing that it was all part of a mission.

Hmmm, my friend, I must confess that you are an impeccable professional. Victoria praised.

Yes, Victoria, this mission is bigger than you and I, it's bigger than everyone else, as it stands now, time is of the essence, let's focus on the mission for now. Gabriel replied.

yes, we have to hurry up and complete the mission, before that pig hurts more people. As it stands now, every minute counts. Victoria said calmly.

Sophia, calm down and listen to me, I need you to brace yourself for what am going to tell you now.

Stop crying am going to help you. Nina urged Sophia!

Ok, Sophia answered, forcefully wiping the tears on her face.

She took a deep breath to calm down.

I want you to stop beating yourself up, nothing will happen to your father, he is under our protection.

What protection are you talking about Sophia ask?

I have been helping you since I came to your side, and I will continue to help you, Nina continues talking without bothering to answer her questions.

But you haven't answered my questions Sophia asked? and you talk as if you have someone else behind you.

The most important thing is that am going to help you. am not going to answer your questions until you are safe and sound. nothing else matters to me other than your safety.

Thank you Nina for giving me a glimpse of hope. thank you for bringing me back to life. Sophia said.

You are right, I need to be strong.

She placed her hands on her chest, as she speaks to her spirit.

My pain

I refuse to let you hold me back anymore.

I will live my life to the fullest

I will love so hard

I will be so happy as if my life depends it.

I will not give room for any shit to crawl in.

I will survive this battle,

for I am a conqueror

Am gonna live.

I will be free!

Yes, that's the spirit. Nina cheered.

but now we have to carry on like we used to, in order not to raise any suspicion.

Why are you here Mr. Leon asked?

As the Nigerian used to say, the toad does not run in the afternoon in vain. Solange replied

In-law, you learned quite a lot from the Nigerian man.

Yes, I did. I came here to see my little devil, but the little witch sent me out. here I was so ecstatic to meet her but she almost killed me. Solange said with pure hatred in her eyes!

Why do you hate her so much? Leon asked.

You ask why I hate my daughter so much, Mr. Leon, hatred is an understatement, I despise her, and I want her to suffer.

I could have a good life if not for her and my miserable husband.

That man promised me heaven and earth, he lured me into his poverty-stricken world and I became even poorer than a pauper!

if not for the Nigerian, Mr. Avril.

Hmmm. Solange paused and laughed, I don't know where I would have been.

When he came along, he spoilt me with gifts, good life, and what have you, I know he lured me into this business but, she paused and continued, it better to sell my soul to the devil and have a better life than to die wretched. "You only live once".

My dear mother-in-law, I still remember the first assignment we entrusted you to do, I remember how you trembled and almost refused to complete the task until we mentioned one million dollars.

That was the exact amount you sold Sophia to me. now you are in charge of a great empire. Hmmm, how time flies. let's drink to that, Leon said, proposing a toast!

Cheers

Cheers

they clicked, their glasses together, and starts drinking.

I know you haven't told me the whole truth. Leon continued, what are you hiding from me, is Sophia your daughter?

Solange remained silent and maintains a poker face.

No response huh. my dearest-in-law. sometimes silence means yes.

So she is not your daughter?