Chapter 4 Upgrade Living Space

The evening sun dipped behind the slum rooftops, casting long shadows through the narrow, dusty alleyways. Lina wore a loose hoodie over her maternity gown, blending in just enough to avoid drawing attention. Her eyes darted as she approached an open shed behind the corner mechanic shop. The air smelled of engine oil and grilled suya.

A tall, skinny man in sagged jeans and a sleeveless shirt stood when he saw her. It was Eric-smart, sharp, and known as the unofficial boss of the neighborhood. He whistled in surprise.

"Wow, Lina? Is this for real? Where have you been hiding? Your son's been growing up without a word from you!" he said, half-joking but clearly curious.

Lina gave a tired smile. "Eric, I've just been... busy. Let's say I've been on a special mission. Life got complicated."

Eric studied her closely. "Special mission? You didn't call or send a message. And now you're pregnant-twins, from the look of it-and that's the assignment?"

Lina chuckled softly but didn't meet his eyes.

Eric leaned against a wooden pole and crossed his arms. "I don't like poking into people's lives, but your disappearance got people talking. Someone's been asking around about you. I don't know him. Clean guy. Muscular. Smelled like money or a private investigator."

Lina's heart jumped. She looked up quickly. "A man? When did he come?"

Eric shrugged. "Last week. Came around twice. Said he was looking for a Lina Obi who teaches at Winner's Primary School. Didn't say why. Just gave me some cash to call him if I saw you."

Lina's hands trembled slightly. She reached into her handbag and handed him some money quietly.

"Eric, I need your help. Please find out who this man is. Keep an eye out for me. If anything strange happens, call me. And don't tell anyone I'm back-not even your closest friend."

Eric raised an eyebrow as he took the money. Then he nodded seriously. "You have my word. But Lina... this feels dangerous. Be careful."

Lina looked at him, her eyes filled with fear and determination. "That's why I need you. If you need more money, let me know. I'll call you from my private line."

Eric tucked the money into his pocket. "No problem. This is my street. If anyone even looks at you funny, I'll know. But Lina... don't let this pregnancy take you somewhere your heart can't come back from."

Lina nodded. "Thank you. Also... please keep an eye on Davis. From a distance. Just to be sure."

As she turned to leave, Eric watched her disappear into the shadows, his mind already spinning. Whatever she was involved in, it was serious. And whoever was looking for her was getting closer.

---

The ultrasound machine beeped softly as the doctor moved a cold probe across Lina's belly. Mara stood in the corner, arms folded, watching the screen closely.

"They're doing just fine," the doctor said with a smile. "Both babies are strong and healthy. They'll arrive in a few weeks."

Mara let out a deep breath. Relief flashed across her face.

"I want all birth arrangements to start now," she told the midwife nearby. "Everything must be ready."

The midwife nodded and opened her notepad. Together, they listed all the baby items-diapers, formula, cribs, clothes, name tags.

Lina sat quietly, half-listening. Her mind was elsewhere.

When the check-up ended and the midwife stepped out, Lina turned to Mara.

"Can I speak to you in private?"

Mara hesitated, then followed her into the doctor's office and shut the door.

"I haven't seen the travel documents," Lina said, looking straight at her. "Mine or Davis's."

"They're ready," Mara replied. "Only the tickets are left."

"Then bring them next week," Lina said firmly. "The babies could come any time, and I need to leave. I don't want to stay here and... start getting attached."

Mara said nothing for a long moment.

Then, to Lina's surprise, she nodded.

"Alright. I'll bring them."

Lina blinked. No sarcasm. No argument. Just a simple yes.

That scared her more than anything.

---

Lina entered the house quietly, worn out from the hospital visit. As always, she went straight to her room-the only space that still felt like hers.

Soon after, Uzo, the cook, knocked gently and came in with a steaming bowl of yam porridge and soft goat meat.

"I made your favorite, madam," she said with a warm smile. "You need to eat well for the babies."

Lina smiled at the smell. "Uzo, you're a blessing."

Uzo set the tray down and watched as Lina began to eat.

"This is amazing," Lina said between bites. "You've outdone yourself."

"Thank you, ma!" Uzo said happily.

Lina looked around. "Where's Davis?"

"In his room, ma. He's reading the storybook you gave him last night."

"Has he eaten?"

"Yes, ma. He finished his lunch."

Lina nodded, grateful. "Thank you, Uzo. Truly."

Uzo wiped her hands on her apron, hesitating. "Madam... where's Ifeoma? I haven't seen her since morning."

"I was about to ask you the same," Lina replied, frowning.

"She left early. Didn't say where she was going. That girl..." Uzo's voice dropped. "Madam, I know it's not my place, but be careful. She's been acting strange lately."

Lina paused. "What do you mean?"

Uzo leaned closer. "Twice I saw her near your wardrobe. Said she was cleaning, but she didn't look like she was."

Lina set her spoon down, appetite fading. "Uzo... if you notice anything else, tell me right away."

"Yes, ma," Uzo said firmly, then added in a whisper, "Just watch her closely. Something about her doesn't feel right."

Lina nodded slowly, a chill running through her.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

She stared at it, her heart pounding.