Chapter 4 THE SUDDEN CHANGE

Cherish could sense that there's ulterior motives behind the type of care she's receiving from the family, especially from Mrs Woods but she can't place her hands on it.

Suddenly, everything changed. Their kindness and warmth began to fade, replaced by resentment and disdain. Cherish thought and thought to see if she could trace the cause to the sudden change but she couldn't.

It started with Mr Wood and spread to every member of the family.

"Cherish, you're a burden to this family. We've tried for you and would appreciate it if you can go out there and get something doing so that you can support the family" Mrs Woods said one day, her voice laced with venom.

Those words sent shivers down Cherish's spine. She could not believe her ears. She has not seen Mrs Woods this way before ever since she came to the office.

"Please Aunt, what do you mean? Cherish asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I mean that it's time for you to start contributing to the needs of this family. We started taking care of you when you were a few weeks pregnant. Now that you're months pregnant, there are a lot of things that you need and we can't be taking care of you without your input" she explained, showing a lackadaisical attitude.

Cherish's eyes narrowed.

"You're not a guest, Cherish. You're a member of this family, and it's time you started acting like it".

Cherish felt this fear wash over her as she realized that the Woods family was no longer the safe place she had thought. Everything has changed and still changing and she was beginning to feel like a prisoner in their home.

Despite the subtle and sudden maltreatment, Cherish still tried to make the best of her present situation. Her pregnancy was becoming heavier but she still helped with household chores, cooked meals and tried as much as possible to fit in whatever is needed to be done in the house.

One day, Mrs Woods approached Cherish with a proposal. "Cherish, we've been contemplating on something... you know, you're a very beautiful young woman and don't deserve to suffer. We have a friend who's very interested in meeting you. Infact he's in love with you and your baby" Mrs Woods' voice was so sweet making Cherish wondered what's she's up to this time.

"Who is it?" Cherish asked her with so much curiosity.

"Oh, he's a wealthy businessman and also a politician. He loves you and he's willing to take care of you and your baby. You don't have to struggle anymore" Mrs Woods said, her eyes gleaming.

Cherish could not fathom what was going on at all.

She felt shivers run down her spine. She did not like this offer at all because something in her mind was telling her not to accept whatever it is.

"I appreciate the offer, but ma please I'm not interested in meeting anyone right now," trying to sound calm but firm.

Mrs Woods' expression immediately turned cold. All those gleaming smiles disappeared.

"What did you mean by that? I don't understand," Mrs Woods asked

Cherish hesitated then took a deep breath.

"Aunt, please what I meant is this: I'm not ready and also not interested to have anybody in my life now if that would happen, it would be later" Cherish responded, her voice still very firm..

Mrs Woods saw that Cherish's heart was made up, she put on a faltering smile. "Well, suit yourself, baby girl. I can't bring a deer to a stream or a place where water is and also force him to drink. But think about it. This could be that opportunity you've been searching for years now. This is the way for you to secure a better life".

As the days passed, Cherish thought everything would die off but noticed that the Woods family was becoming more pushy and insistent on this, especially Mrs Woods. They would mention the businessman, hinting at how good, handsome and wealthy he is and how her life could be if she accepted his proposal.

The whole thing was not going down well with Cherish. She started feeling trapped, uncomfortable and manipulated.

The Woods family saw how her mind was made up that she was not getting married to any wealthy businessman and politician, they decided to bring the man to the house to see if Cherish would accept him

One evening, Cherish was at the balcony receiving fresh air when she started hearing some noise not quite far from their building.. She was about to run but suddenly saw a different fleet of cars driving inside their building. She stood watching them till they all drove in.

She was still contemplating what her people were celebrating when Mrs Woods ran out.

"Oh..my in-law has arrived. My handsome son-in-law, you're welcome. Please come in so that I can attend to you properly" Mrs Woods exclaimed.

Cherish looked at the man Mrs Woods was calling her in-law but he was nothing close to what Mrs Woods said about him. He was a very elderly man who was old enough to be her father but because he is wealthy, it was not really telling on his body

."Cherish!!! Cherish... Come and meet your husband" Mrs Woods interrupted Cherish's thought.

Cherish walked into the living room to meet her so-called husband.

"Beautiful woman. My name is Elvis, the man that is willing to marry you alongside your baby. I've been in this house several times and have observed you closely. You're a wife material....

Before he could finish, Cherish interrupted.

"With due respect sir, I'm not interested" She said and walked out on them.

Mr Wood and his wife could not believe their eyes as they were very embarrassed.

The next evening, Cherish was walking in the garden, she overheard a conversation between Mr and Mrs Woods. They were discussing something that made Cherish's blood run cold.

"he's willing to pay a handsome sum for her hand. How do we get her to accept him" Mr Woods said, his voice very low.

"Yes, and we'll be set for life. No more struggles" Mrs Woods replied, her voice dripping with greed.

"We'll push harder , perhaps she'll agree," Mr Wood said. I think we should flaunt her around with money then bring up the proposal, I think it'll make her accept it" Mr Woods continued.

Mrs Woods hesitated, then took a deep breath.

"Yeah... I got it. Something dropped in my mind right now, and it's a better idea that'll yield results faster. Trust me and what I can do" she bragged.

"That's my brave and intelligent wife" Mr Woods praised his wife

"Please give me a hint of the idea".

Mrs Woods flapped her hair around

"Don't worry, when I carry it out, you'll know" she responded.

Cherish became afraid. Look at the type of plan going over her head.

But what could this plan to get her accept the proposal be all about?

And how can she dictate it so that she would still say no?