Chapter 4 Preparing for the Unknown

Dara couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as she packed her bags for the trip to Lagos with Demilade. She had mixed emotions about leaving her family and friends behind, but she knew she had to face the reality of her situation.

As she folded her clothes, her mind wandered to the conversation she had with Demilade's mother. She wondered if Demilade would truly take responsibility for his actions and be a good father to their child.

Her mother entered the room, concern etched on her face. "Dara, are you sure you're ready for this? We can still try to find another way..."

Dara took a deep breath and nodded. "I have to do this, Mom. I have to try to make this work for the sake of our child."

Her mother nodded understandingly. "Okay, dear. We'll support you every step of the way."

Boluwatife, Dara's twin sister, burst into the room. "Dara, I have an idea! Why don't I come with you to Lagos? We can face this together!"

Dara hesitated, unsure if that was a good idea

"No Dara I'll be fine"she said, feeling determined

Boluwatife looked disappointed but understanding. "Okay, sis. I just want to make sure you're okay."

Dara forced a smile. "I'll be fine, tife. I promise. I need to do this on my own."

Her mother intervened, "Boluwatife, why don't you help Dara pack instead? Make sure she has everything she needs for the trip."

Boluwatife nodded and began helping Dara pack. As they worked, Dara's mind wandered to the unknown. What would Lagos be like? Would Demilade's family accept her? And what about Demilade himself? Would he truly take responsibility for his actions?

As they finished packing, Dara's mother handed her a small bag. "Here, take this. It's some money and a phone card. Just in case."

Dara took the bag, feeling a mix of emotions. She was scared, but also determined to face whatever came next.

The next morning, Demilade arrived at the house, his car packed with luggage. Dara took a deep breath, said goodbye to her family, and got into the car.

As they drove away, Dara felt a sense of trepidation.

The silence between them was deafening. Dara tried to break the ice, but Demilade's responses were monosyllabic. She wondered if he was regretting his decision to take her to Lagos.

As the hours passed, the scenery outside changed from familiar landscapes to unfamiliar cityscapes. Dara's anxiety grew. What would Lagos be like? Would she be able to adapt?

Demilade finally spoke up, his voice breaking the silence. "We're almost there."

Dara nodded, her heart racing. She could feel her palms getting sweaty.

As they entered the city, Dara's eyes widened. The towering skyscrapers and bustling streets were overwhelming. She felt like a small fish in a big pond.

Demilade's lived in a luxurious mansion in a gated community. Dara felt intimidated as they drove up to the gate.

she knew that her baby's first daddy was rich but she never expected him to be this rich

The gate swung open, and they drove into the compound. Dara's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the opulent decorations and lush gardens.

Dara forced a smile, feeling a mix of emotions. She was relieved to have arrived safely, but also nervous about what lay ahead.

her mind wander on how her life in damilade's mansion would be

As they stepped out of the car, Dara's eyes widened in awe at the grandeur of the mansion. Demilade led her to the entrance, where a stern-looking housekeeper greeted them.

"Welcome, Dara," the housekeeper said. "I'm Mrs. Adesola. I'll be taking care of you during your stay."

Dara nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you, ma'am."

Demilade handed Mrs. Adesola a key. "Show Dara to her room. She's tired from the journey."

Mrs. Adesola nodded and led Dara to a beautifully furnished room. As they walked, Dara couldn't help but notice the lavish decorations and expensive artwork adorning the walls.

"This is your room," Mrs. Adesola said. "You can rest here. I'll bring you some refreshments shortly."

Dara nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She was grateful for the comfortable accommodations, but also nervous about what lay ahead.

As Mrs. Adesola left, Dara approached Demilade, who was lingering in the doorway. "Demilade, can I ask you something?" she said.

He turned to her, his expression questioning. "What is it?"

"What's going to happen now?" Dara asked, feeling a sense of trepidation. "I mean, what are your plans for us?"

Demilade hesitated, his eyes avoiding hers. "We'll discuss that later," he said. "For now, just rest."

Dara nodded, feeling a sense of uncertainty. She knew she had to be strong for her baby's sake, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was in over her head.

As she lay down on the bed, Dara felt her eyes getting heavy. The softness of the bed and the exhaustion from the journey caught up with her. She closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh.

Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, Dara heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Adesola entered with a tray of refreshments. "I brought you some tea and biscuits, Dara. You must be hungry from the journey."

Dara sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. Adesola. That's very kind of you."

As she sipped her tea and nibbled on the biscuits, Dara couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She was in a new and unfamiliar environment, with no idea what the future held.

Just then, Demilade walked into the room. "Dara, I need to talk to you about something," he said, his expression serious.

Dara's heart skipped a beat. What did he want to talk about? Was it about their future together? Or something else entirely?

Dara sat up straight on the bed, trying to muster up some courage.

"I'm sure you are aware that I have a fiancée," Demilade said, his voice cold and detached. "And let's be clear, you're nothing more than a third party... or perhaps a surrogate. I expect you to stay out of my way and remain in your room at all times. Mrs. Adesola will attend to your needs, but do not leave this room. I won't have my fiancée see a... a woman of your standing."

His words dripped with disdain, and Dara felt a sting from his verbal jab.

Dara felt a stinging sensation in her eyes as tears welled up. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. A third party? A surrogate? The words cut deep, and she felt a wave of humiliation wash over her.

"How can you say that?" Dara asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm the mother of your child. I deserve some respect."

Demilade sneered. "Respect? You're just a poor girl from a village. You're lucky I'm even taking care of you."

Dara felt a surge of anger, but she knew she had to keep her cool. She couldn't let Demilade see her break down.

"I may not have your wealth or status," Dara said, her voice steady, "but I have dignity. And I won't be treated like a prisoner in your mansion."

Demilade raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what will you do if you don't like it here?"

Dara stood up, her heart pounding. There's definitely no way back

"I'll leave," Dara said, her voice firm. "I'll find a way to take care of myself and my child without your help."

Demilade laughed. "You're brave, I'll give you that. But you're not going anywhere. You're mine now, and you'll do what I say."

Dara felt a surge of fear, but she refused to back down. "I'm not your property," she said, her eyes flashing with anger. "I'm a person, with rights and dignity. And I won't be treated like a slave."

Demilade's expression turned cold, and he took a step closer to Dara. "You're pushing your luck," he warned. "Don't forget, you're in my house, and you'll do what I say. Or else."

Dara stood her ground, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had to be careful, but she couldn't let Demilade bully her. She was determined to stand up for herself and her child, no matter what.

" fine. I'll do as told" Dara said in surrender

Demilade's expression softened slightly, seemingly pleased with Dara's surrender. "Good," he said. "I'm glad we understand each other. You'll stay in this room, and Mrs. Adesola will bring you food and anything else you need. Don't try to leave, or... consequences will follow."

Dara nodded, feeling a sense of defeat wash over her. She knew she had to be careful, but she couldn't help feeling trapped and helpless.

As Demilade turned to leave, Dara spoke up. "Wait," she said. "What about my child? What will happen to us?"

Demilade turned back to her, his expression cold again. "Don't worry about that," he said. "My family will take care of everything. You just focus on... being a good guest."

Dara felt a surge of fear at his words. What did he mean by "being a good guest"? And what would happen to her and her child?

As Demilade left the room, Dara felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She was trapped, alone and pregnant, in a luxurious mansion with no way out. She knew she had to think of a plan, but for now, she just felt helpless.

she vowed to stay on her own and never get entangled with damilade

Just then, Mrs. Adesola entered the room with a tray of food. "Dara, I brought you some dinner," she said, her voice soft and kind. "You must be hungry."

Dara nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the housekeeper. "Thank you, Mrs. Adesola. You're very kind."

As she ate, Dara began to think of a plan. She knew she had to be careful, but she couldn't give up. She needed to find to take control of her life and her future.

_________________________

Her days in the mansion was really doing good on her, her skin was glowing and her pregnancy hormones was doing a good job by kicking hard on her each passing day

As Dara finished her dinner, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was grateful for the comfortable living arrangements and the kindness of Mrs. Adesola, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of loneliness and isolation. She missed Demilade, despite his cold and distant behavior towards her. She wondered if he would ever change and accept her and their child.

Just then, Mrs. Adesola entered the room again. "Dara, I have some news," she said, her expression softening. "Demilade will be returning today from his business trip. He's been away for a few weeks, and I'm sure he's eager to see you."

Dara's heart skipped a beat. She felt a surge of excitement and nervousness. What would Demilade be like when he returned? Would he still be cold and distant, or would he have changed?

As she waited, Dara heard the sound of the front door opening. She heard Demilade's voice, deep and commanding, as he spoke to Mrs. Adesola. His tone was firm, but there was a hint of fatigue beneath the surface. Dara wondered what had happened on his trip to make him sound so worn out.

Just then, her door swung open, and a young, handsome man stood before her, his bright smile catching her off guard. "Hey, I'm Alexis, Boss Demilade's assistant," he said, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Mrs. Adesola's told me so much about you, and wow... you're absolutely stunning! I can already see why Boss Demilade's taken a liking to you. You two will make an amazing couple!"

Dara's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of Alexis, Demilade's assistant. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at the compliment, but she quickly pushed it aside. She was here for one reason only - to secure a future for her child.

"Thank you, Alexis," Dara said, trying to sound calm. "But I'm not sure what you mean by 'great couple'. I'm just here to... uh... take care of myself and my child."

Alexis chuckled and walked into the room, his eyes scanning the space. "Oh, come on, Dara. Don't be coy. I know all about the situation. And I have to say, I'm impressed. You're even more beautiful than I imagined."

Dara felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. She didn't know what to make of Alexis's forward behavior, he was more friendly than damilade. she already liked his Aura

Just then, Demilade walked into the room, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "Alexis, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice cold.

Alexis turned to face Demilade, a smile still plastered on his face. "Just introducing myself to the lovely Dara, boss. I must say, you have excellent taste."

Demilade's expression darkened, and Dara could sense a tension between the two men. She wondered what was going on, but before she could ask any questions, Demilade spoke up.

"Alexis, I need to speak with you. Now."

Alexis nodded and followed Demilade out of the room, leaving Dara feeling confused and more than a little concerned. What was going on in this house? And what did Demilade plan to do with her and their child?