Chapter 1 MEETING EVA

THE UNLIKELY

by

WINNIE WRITES

Eva's pov

I gasped tirelessly as I hurried up to work. I was late, and I was definitely going to face the repercussions of my constant late going. My boss wasn't kind to late comers and I've not been on his good books of late. I could hear from inside my restless mind his stentorian voice from yesterday😵😵

"I don't care what you do at home....even if you are saddled with the house expenses and responsibilities."

I sighed cos I knew he was talking about me😒

"This is a business, and it has to stand. I won't tolerate any more detrimental attitude in my workplace. Eva especially. Thus would be the last time I'd speak of it. "

It was hell inside of me, I wouldn't intentionally embarrass myself on a daily basis. But, I just have a lot to sort out as the breadwinner of my family. I have to get up early, prepare breakfast, and take care of chores. I also need to see that my siblings are well taken care of through school preparation, and I have to beat my 8am work time.😔

I steeled my nerves, took a moment to collect myself before walking in. This was definitely my death day 😪😪. Surprisingly, everything looked the same. My colleagues stared at me with the same disgust as I walked in, some in pity, others in admiration. That I can't explain. But I'll have to keep my job first to get an answer to it. Business went on as usual, lol. Did I expect it to stop for me. I quickly walked in to get changed. Luckily, my boss wasn't around, or so I thought🙃

Just as I walked in to get dressed, a colleague came to meet me inside

"Mr. Presley wants you in his office now," she said casually. I scanned thoroughly to see if i could get a hint of the reason from her face, but she stared emotionlessly as always.😶

"Do you know why?" I took my chance

"No," She said bluntly. "What was its expecting?"

"What was his facial expression? Was he sad, happy, or maybe disappointed or upset?"

Kim stared at me for a while, then walked away.

She's always carrying a cold face and maybe the world on her shoulders, and I could get she was going through a whole lot, much more than me, maybe. I sighed slowly, and I traced my steps to his office. I pray I don't lose my job today, I can't possibly look for a job that covers our needs with my low qualification, not even a certificate to my name. I know i haven't been an early comer, but I've been a good worker, and I've worked hard enough to be thrown away because of my inability to keep to time.

I slapped my cheeks lightly.

What was it saying??

No one is indispensable.

I did the cross sign before knocking. It took a mini second for him to let out a "come in." I can tell he was exactly prepared for me. I opened the door, walking into a fussed man

"Good morning......"

I didn't finish before be angrily shut me up.

"If I'd were you, I'll keep my good morning to myself,"

I stared at him with all seriousness, not the first time he's asking me to save my greeting. I already knew something like this would start up. I'm more interested in the end game.

"I can recall how many times I've emphasized the need for punctuality in this office. You've been stubborn and a miscreant, a bad example to others. Heaven knows I let you stay here because of your family situation, which you explained to me. But I'm done letting it slide. You can pack your things and leave. I'll send your balance later, " He said with a great deal of seriousness.

I took a deep breath, processing what I've read and even tho I expected it. It sounded terrifying to me. I sniffed back the tears that fought to get loosed.

"I'm so sorry, sir, you're totally aware of my condition, my family's condition, my siblings too. This job is our means of survival, please, sir. "

I got down on my knees pleading, maybe a change of heart. I hoped, but he was resilient. I did push him to his limit.

As I walk back home, in my sad and decapitated state. My life flashed before me, in its complicated tapestry. Was it always like this?

No, of course not.

I could remember the happy moments we shared, we had as a family. I, Mama and Dad. It wasn't as difficult as it was now. Mama was still alive managing her store, and dad had his job. If fun moments could be counted as "wealthy," then we were probably the richest people alive. I never lacked anything. Not even the love of my parents.

I could picture us running into the garden after a sweet game of hide and seek. It was always fun, filled with laughter, Mama and Dad were so in love. They wouldn't stand a moment without each other. But it all changed.

I could remember vividly the day my mum brought the pregnancy report, I was 12. It had taken 12 years for my mum to conceive again. My pregnancy was chaotic and almost killed my mum.....that i was told.

The excitement on dad's face was top-notch. It was the last time i saw his face lit up in much excitement.

"It's a boy!!"

"we're having a boy,"

We all danced around happily, fascinated by the fact that we were having a boy, probably more than the fact that mum was pregnant after twelve years.

His joy was turned, when mum told him it was a girl, not just girl....girls.

She had just returned from the hospital where she went for a scan. Dad couldn't go with her because he was out on a trip. When I saw Mum's face that day, I could sense the awkwardness she felt.

"Mummy, are you okay??"

My curious self asked.

"I'm fine, baby, you need not worry."

"Are we having a boy?" My mum smiled

"No, but we have two little pumpkins. you're having two little sisters, my dear. "

I was elated, and I wiggled my tiny waist, dancing around her in excitement. It wasn't so for dad. My room was close to theirs, and I listened to Mum break the news to him. Something about me wanted to catch his excitement to be excited, too.

"We can try again, right?" I could hear dad's hoarse voice. He didn't sound please, and I wondered why?

"No, no, John, I'm not doing this again. I'm not going under the knife the third time, the doctor said, is too risky. I've not even survived this one. You want to see me die??"

Who's dying???? i asked myself.

"it's just under the knife. You're not dying. We need a boy, Mary, not some bunch of females. "

I need to continue my lineage. "

I heard my mum whimpering, "What you talking about, why are you being archaic?"

I felt sad. It was the first time they raised voices at each other, and I didn't want to listen. Maybe I didn't want to ruin the perfect image I had of them.

Their flights became a constant. They argued like never before, about me, about expenses, business, the babies. Dad didn't want to get involved in their lives. He isolated himself without hiding the facts that he yearns for a boy. There were no fun moments anymore it was saddening.

Dad started drinking, and I'd see him at different joints with different women. He started womanizing, too. When mum confronted him about it, he said he wanted a male child that she should either get him one or get out of his way.

Then, one day, he got back home earlier than normal.He had lost his job. He was sacked over a case of fraud and embezzlement. He wasn't remorseful. It was like he changed overnight. He was completely different from the person I grew up with. I loved him regardless. He was my dad after all.

It started getting difficult for my family. Mum's earnings from the store couldn't sustain us. Or maybe dad constant invade into it made the business crumble.

As I strolled down the street, my mind a thousand miles away, a careless splash of water brought me back to reality. Someone splashed water on me, with his car, of course. How frustrating can today be, I grumbled loudly. I was always having a bad day, more like I was cursed. I loudly cursed the person driving the car as I tried to dry my body. I could hear the driver reverse, and I was surprised.

Trust me, it's so unlike them to come back and finish their victim.

"Heyyy, I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention," the guy said, walking in my direction. Believe me, you, i was lost. Was it the fact that I'd never seen a more handsome guy in my life or the fact that he was more like a demi god.

I forced myself back to reality, rich people are not kind, the way they treat people at the restaurant where i worked and the way I've seen them act, he's just like one of them.

"You should be sorry," I said as he got close. There's something about his presence that made my heart flush, something I've never felt before.

"Here," He said as he offered me his handkerchief

"I'm so sorry I spilled water on you, it wasnt my intention. i apologize. "

"It wasn't your intention??"

"You should have just rode me over since you're all high and mighty. A pedestrian isn't safe again, Blood spillers everywhere, " I said with a large sigh. I was taken aback by my own attitude, but I'm not playing the good girl game with anyone. I won't give anyone an opportunity to look down on me.

He chuckled. Wow, he's chuckling. I'm like a joke to him, really??? Maybe I look like a comedian

"I'm really not like that, I was just in a hurry, C'mon, I'll buy you a new dress, anything to make up for this."

"I already know you have money, don't rub it on me, I don't need new clothes, I have more than enough for myself." I said with a large sigh, I just lied, I barely have more than 4 outfits in general. Why's my stupid mind reminding me this.

"I should compensate you then. I'm serious about my apology, I wouldn't dare hurt a young lady. Let me make up for this, please, " He pleaded

"It's fine, I can take care of myself,"

I walked out immediately, I'm not going to let a stranger pay a fine for an accident

FRED'S POV

Fiesty!!

Wow!!

I watched her leave, Something inside me told me I was going to see her again. Wee Psychology said our mind brings us to people we meet and think about. I felt bad for ruining her dress with my recklessness. I was in a hurry.

Yes, I'm in a hurry, I'm late for my date. I suddenly remembered. Getting into the car, I hurriedly drive off, not wanting to keep the lady waiting.

If mum hears that I'm late, I'll have my head on a spike.

Pardon my manners

My name is Fred Damaero, Damaero?

You might be wondering. Yes, Damaero. The son of the wealthiest man in the state. It's not something to brag about tho and I'll willingly swap my life for a paupers.

Growing up, love was just a distant dream, something I couldn't grasp. it's a feeling i haven'treally felt before, something out of reach. I'm used to manipulations and punishments.

Behind our mansion's grand facade, my family's wealth was built on a foundation of expectation, fueled by fear and terror. Affection was a rare commodity, reserved for when I conformed to my parents' ideal expectations. I never did what I loved, I really wanted to be a lawyer, an advocate, buh here i am, doing something i now love doing..."medicine."

Childhood was more like a cage, tho i got all what i wanted. My emotional needs were ignored. To be honest, i dont even know my parents.My parents were too busy to notice, too consumed by their own ambitions. It wasn't physical abuse that hurt me, though that was present too; it was the emotional manipulation that cut deepest. They dictated my every step, my every decision, and even my emotions. Love was conditional, based on my performance and compliance.

Physical abuse??

Yes, i got them, too. But they were mild compared to the pain i felt being neglected. I'm more than grateful for my life, but I don't think it'll be greedy to want more. We can't get everything, tho.

Mum has fixed this date. She has been doing so for the past 1 month, linking me with her friends' daughters. It has been hectic, but what can I say...mum's words stand. At least, she didn't impose someone on me.I was given an opportunity to choose a bride. I'm more than grateful for that.

I packed outside the restaurant and headed in, I'll have to tender an apology to my date. It'll be normal to be angry, it didn't speak well of me, I pray she doesn't tell my mum about it. I spotted her already seated at the reserved table my mum made. She looked beautiful as she was focused on her phone.

"Hello, I believe you are Sophie, I'm Fred, Fred Damaero," I said, extending my hand for a handshake. She looked up with a wide smile. I could tell she was happy to see me. I guess I've made my mark, my charms, i guess.

"I'm so sorry, I was caught up with traffic. Believe me, this is unlike me." I apologized and sat down.

It was a long date, thanks to Sophie's endless talk. It was boring and I felt myself wishing to be at home. She spoke about everything at random, and I understood nothing. I kept wishing to leave and go home, but courtesy demanded I dropped her off. When she was done with her meal, she got obviously tired and wanted to go home. I then realized we didn't even ask a personal question. She talked about movies, trending news of influencers and celebrities. I wanted to ask a more personal question, but on a second thought, i kept shut knowing I won't be meeting her again.

I dropped her off at home as she requested, and I was glad it was all over.

"So. when are we meeting again?"

She asked, sensing the reluctance in me. Meeting again??

I'm seriously not doing this with her

"I don't really know, I have a busy schedule at the clinic, but i can create time. We can hang around if you want," I said, trying not to sound cocky.

"Okay, that's nice,"

I was about to go down to get the door for her when she stopped me.

"Where you going to?" I looked at her in surprised.

"I'm going to get the door for you,"

"Not yet,"

She said, holding my palm.

"I know it is too sudden, but i really do love you, Fred. I've watched you ever since we've been kids, and I'm so glad life is finally giving us a chance to explore love. This date really meant a lot to me, "

I stared at her as she stared at me. I felt hurt. If this was so important for her, I shouldn't be a spoiler.

"The date was awesome," I lied

"I look forward to having more with you,"

she reached out to me for a kiss, but i turned immediately, turning it to a peck.

"Sure, your parents will be waiting,"

I said, getting down to open the door for her. I gave her a short hug as I stepped back in.

I felt bad for lying, but I'd also feel bad if I had disrespected.

Driving home, I thought about the lady I came in contact with today.

"Damn, i forgot to get her name,"

I pray I find her again.

WRITER'S POV

As Eva stepped inside, earlier than normal. History was repeating itself. Earlier than normal often came with bad news attached. It happened to her dad, he got back home earlier than usual, his job has been taken from him. Mum, too, her shop was taken from her. Mary has used the shop as a collateral for cash. She really needed money to get her pregnancy needs, and since it was a cesarean section, it needed far more cash that she had imagined, and John wasn't cooperating. She now feared the man she got married to. He was the complete opposite of who she fell in love with.

"It's all a matter of time," She thought

He's going to come back. He's just dissatisfied that he hasn't gotten a male child. He'll come around. She kept on making excuses for him, but he never changed. He was more of a liability to the family. He pilfered, stealing money that was meant for the family's upkeep. He and Mary had a good fight about it, but he kept on doing what he wanted. Since he was obviously indispensable.

After the birth of Daisy and Dahlia, he still didn't change. He never visited neither did he save them a second glance at home. His hatred grew at the sight of them both and he never wanted to be in the same space with them.

Even after the death of Mary, eight years later, John was still John. Mary became very ill, Eva attributed it to work stress even tho a part wanted her to believe John killed her. She felt a raising dislike for him, for men. She became a sole advocate for Misandry. Her heart was dark and filled with contempt. She watched her mum cry on a daily, wiping her tears and treating her injuries as John turned into a woman beater. Hurting the woman he once loved and swore to protect.

That very day, she was home early, earlier than normal. Mary had gotten a job at the Damaero's mansion, it was a lot much better than the others she had before this one. There were times she did five different jobs a day to put food on their table. It was much easier with being a maid for the Damaero's mansion than those multiple jobs that paid little. Her payment was a little above their needs and she was more than grateful.

But she wouldn't forget the hatred of Miss P. Miss P was the oldest maid in the house, she was head over all and a turn in the flesh. She made life miserable for everyone including Mary, but Mary was more than determined to stay. Even when Mary was sick, she refused to grant her days off, she had to leave on her okay accord when she felt things were not right with her, even at the detriment of her job.

Eva was surprised that day to see the house open. No one was supposed to be at home. Dad leaves in the morning and returns in the evening. He's probably frolicking somewhere. The twin were still in school, and she was back home to pick up something she left behind

She was skeptical about going in

"Mum" she called out, but got no response. She almost screamed out dad, but these days that name has been nothing but terrifying to her. It creates a lump in her throat, anytime she calls him dad.

As she walked inside, she saw no one, her mother's bag on the table assured her that she was at home. But she feared her fears.

She walked in to find her mum, sleeping peacefully on her bed.

"I'll just leave her to rest" She thought,.but on a second glance, her mum was not really looking sleepy.

"Mama" She called her again, but Mary was as still as an ice.

What's happening??? Wake up, why are you still" Eva asked fearing the worst. Her heart beating wasn't doing justice to the situation and she feared the worst

"Mum please wake up, please" Eva said close to tears but Mary was far dead than alive.

Knowing what has happened and fearing the worst, she brought out her cell phone to call her dad, as usual, his line rang without a picker. He was drunk somewhere. That day her hatred grew.

She ran out to call her neighbors, beckoning them to come in. People who heard her screams were very much interested in the situation. But it was too late, all effort was made to resuscitate Mary, but she was dead. The hospital conformed her dead.

A tear dropped down Eva's eyes as she recalled these moments. Why is life unfair to her, that she didn't know. But is there really a light at the end of the tunnel. The darkness in her tunnel was far darker than normal.

She remembered how she assumed responsibility for her siblings. Dad didn't feel remorseful about Mama's death, he continued with his old habits tho sometimes she did hear him sob in their bedroom. She understood he was broken beyond repair and he could only now live in the past. There's nothing left for him anymore. They didn't speak, he lost the right to be a father to her and the kids long ago and they had nothing to discuss, he kept on being an ass to the kids.

Eva was 20, it was the plan that she would further her education after a year break from school. It was paused and she couldn't continue due to finance but after Mary got the job at the Damaero's, it was much easier. Things became smoother and she had a little to spare for Eva's education.

Eva waited for a phone call of consolation or maybe a token of compensation for her mothers work from the Damaeros, but she got nothing. It was as if Mary was never a worker in the mansion

Life became very tough. It was just a 20 year old girl saddened with the responsibility of not only fending for herself, but taking care of her two little siblings as well. It was worst trying to convince them that Mama was no more and it was more worst trying to put them together. Eva became a mother to them both. Taking care of both their emotional needs and physical needs. I'm sure Mary would be proud of her but it was tough. John continued pilfering, but this time he understood the situation, he maybe felt the grief of his daughters and limited the way he took cash from her bag.

A kind neighbor introduced Eva to Mr Presley and He felt pity for her took her immediately. He gave her a job for sustainance and a good closing time so she could spend time with her siblings at home.

But the work of a mother is more tedious than it seemed. Eva toiled daily to put food on the table and to send her siblings to school.

She let the tears flow as thoughts overwhelmed her. If only Mama never died, things would've been a lot better. There were times she felt like running away, from her responsibilities, from the task that overwhelmed her, but where would she go to. Mama would be sad if she did that. She had to fight, sustain her family regardless and that's what she would do.

She cleaned her tears, took a chill pill.

Easy peasy, she was going to find a new job tomorrow, a more better job. Mr Presley had been good, but he can shove his job down his ass.