Bitter smile

"I'm sorry ma'am but she has limited time to live, I'll suggest you raise the money for the surgery within 72 hours to avoid loss" those words kept stuck into Dara head as a constant reminder of her need for a urgent solution

A light tap brought her back into reality " I'm done" the friend (Zara) said with a bewitching smile

Dara stare at her self in the mirror, it was a sight to behold.....

Her face rumple in displeasure" Zara don't you think this is too much, I mean the just take a look at my revealing cleavage, I feel like a prostitute right now" she complained, covering the part she felt were exposed

Zara gave her a deep frown " you look just good, and by the way the way it's too late to late to complain... Demilade is already waiting for you at NIGHT STARS HOTEL"

"Who's Demilade"Dara asked curiously

Zara gave her a light spank on her forehead" he's your catch" she said while walking out of the room

Dara stare back at the mirror , exhale sharply"..... I am ogundele oluwadarasimi ,my Dad is late, my mom can barely feed us, my twin is laying sick with heart turmoil at the hospital with only 72 hours limited time to live without a surgery,I was born into a poor family on the 18 of April 2007 and gosh... should I be doing this????"she momentarily asked herself almost in tears

"Madam,let go" Zara grasp her shoulder leaving no room to surrender

They both have hail a cab to night star hotel with Zara giving a handful of advice on the way

"Be good" Zara said one last time , as she leaves Dara at the room door nudging her to go inside

Dara watch her retreating back as she takes in a sharp breath , grasping all the confidence she can as she twist the door knob

she walks in shrugging off every hint of discomfort

Her eyes collide with the captivating dark aesthetic interior of the room....even the air feel different.....she almost lost her stand......

" Done drooling" His hoarse voice brought her out of her trance

That was when she realized that she was standing face-to-face with her "catch"

Àanuoluwapo demilade Austin....

"You look gorgeous and young"his hand wrapping around her slender waist

Her mind screamed "run!!" , but her body seems to forsake her at this point, she felt herself melting down at his touch

" I can't do this"she mumbled, but her voice seems to fail her

"you smell nice"she found her self saying, succumbing to his seduction

He effortlessly lift her into a bridal style leading the way to the king sized bed

He caress her tenderly whispering soft word into her ears with her hands wrapped around his neck

He claimed her lips pouring out all his hunger and lust in a soft suckle.......

________The next morning________

Dara woke up with a sharp pain underneath her thighs

she felt a pang of guilt and regret hit her....she should never had done this

she quickly put on her clothes with the cheque in her bag, hoping not to cross path with her doom

______ One month later______

Dara ran outside to throw up for the second time that morning, with her mother her eyes peering deep into her

" Darasimi come here" she commanded whilst standing akimbo

she sluggishly walk up to her mother with her hand on her aching stomach

"sit" her voice came up again, Dara simply obeyed, doing as told

"Are you okay?" she asked looking at her as if the word held another meaning

"I'm fine, Mother," Dara replied, trying to brush it off.

But her mother's gaze lingered, filled with concern and intuition. "Dara, you've been acting strange for weeks. Is everything okay?

" Mom I'm fine"Dara argue weakly

"Dara, I know you're not fine," her mother said, her voice firm but gentle. "You're pregnant, aren't you?"

Dara's eyes widened in shock. How did her mother know? She hadn't even taken a test yet, but the symptoms were getting harder to ignore.

"Dara, answer me," her mother pressed, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and disappointment.

Dara felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She nodded slowly, unable to deny it any longer.

Her mother sighed, pulling Dara into a tight hug. "Oh, my child. What have you gotten yourself into?"

Dara felt a wave of relief wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, her mother could help her figure out what to do next.

But then her mother pulled back, a stern expression on her face. "Tell me, Dara. Who is the father?"

Dara broke down in tears. "I shouldn't have done anything like that "she thought

she felt guilty and to consider the fact that her mother knew nothing about it

"I'm so sorry, Mother," Dara sobbed, her body shaking with guilt and shame. "I was desperate, and I made a mistake. I didn't mean to hurt you or our family."

Her mother's expression softened, and she pulled Dara into another hug. "Oh, Dara, my child. I'm not angry with you. I'm just worried about you and the situation you're in. We'll figure this out together, okay?"

Dara nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way out of this mess with her mother's help.

But then her mother asked again, "Dara, who is the father?"

Dara hesitated, unsure of how to reveal the truth. She knew her mother wouldn't approve of Demilade, and she didn't want to disappoint her further.

"Mother, please. I don't want to talk about it right now," Dara begged, feeling overwhelmed.

Her mother sighed. "Okay, Dara. We'll talk about it later. But for now, let's focus on getting you the help and support you need."

Dara nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to make things right.

As Dara lay in bed, she couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and shame. She kept thinking about that night, about Demilade, and about the consequences of her actions. She felt like she had let herself and her family down.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number. "Dara, I know what happened. We need to talk."

Dara's heart skipped a beat. Who was this? How did they know?

She hesitated for a moment, then typed out a response. "Who is this?"

The response came quickly. "Someone who cares about you. Meet me at the park at 5 pm if you want to know the truth."

Dara felt a mix of fear and curiosity. What truth? What did this person know?she became alarmed

Dara quickly got dressed and sneaked out of the house, trying not to alert her mother. She made her way to the park, her heart racing with anticipation and fear. Who was this person? What did they know?

As she arrived at the park, she saw a figure waiting for her on a bench. It was a woman, dressed in a long coat and sunglasses.

"Dara, thank you for coming," the woman said, her voice low and mysterious.

"Who are you?" Dara demanded, trying to hide her fear.

"My name is not important," the woman replied. "What's important is that I know what happened between you and Demilade."

Dara's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know?"

The woman smiled. "Let's just say I have my ways. But I'm here to help you, Dara. I know you're in a difficult situation, and I want to support you."

Dara felt a mix of emotions. Could she trust this woman? Or was she just trying to manipulate her?

Just then, Dara's mother appeared from behind a tree, her eyes fixed on the mysterious woman.

"Who are you?" Dara's mother demanded, her voice firm.

The woman stood up, a smile still on her face. "I'm someone who cares about Dara's well-being," she replied.

Dara's mother narrowed her eyes. "I don't believe you. What do you want from my daughter?"

The woman sighed. "I want to help her. But I think we should talk about this in private.

Dara's mother grab her by the hand " is either you reveal yourself or you forget about speaking with my daughter"

the woman smiled"I am demilade mother and I want him to be responsible for his actions for once"

Dara's eyes widened in shock. "Demilade's mother?" she repeated, trying to process this new information.

Demilade's mother nodded. "Yes, I'm his mother. And I'm ashamed of what he's done to you, Dara. He's always been reckless and irresponsible, but this...this is a new low."

Dara's mother's grip on her hand tightened. "What do you plan to do about it?" she demanded.

Demilade's mother sighed. "I want him to take responsibility for his actions. I want him to be involved in the pregnancy and help raise the child. He's always shirked his responsibilities, but I won't let him do it this time."

Dara felt a mix of emotions. Part of her wanted Demilade to suffer for what he'd done to her, but another part of her wanted him to take responsibility and be a good father to their child.

she wanted her child to experience the want of a fatherly love but she doubt if damilade will accept a po

or uneducated girl like a

her

Dara's mother's expression softened, and she looked at Demilade's mother with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "You want him to take responsibility? But what about Dara's well-being? What about her education and future?"

Demilade's mother nodded. "I know my son has wronged Dara in many ways. But I also know that he has the potential to be a good father. And I want him to have the chance to prove it."

Dara felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't know if she wanted Demilade involved in her life, let alone their child's life. But a part of her wanted to believe that he could change, that he could be a good father.

"What makes you think he'll take responsibility this time?" Dara's mother asked, her voice skeptical.

Demilade's mother hesitated before speaking. "Because I'll make sure he does. I'll make sure he knows what's at stake. And I'll be there to support him, to guide him."

Dara felt a mix of emotions. Could she trust Demilade's mother? Could she trust Demilade? a total stranger?

Dara is torn between her desire to keep her child and her doubts about Demilade's ability to be a good father. Demilade's mother, determined to make her son take responsibility, arranges a meeting between Dara and Demilade. Dara is nervous and unsure of what to expect, but she agrees to meet him with her mother coming along.

Mrs bisola(damilade' s mother) took them both to her house in her car

Dara's heart raced as she entered Demilade's mother's house, her mother by her side. Demilade sat in the living room, his expression unreadable.

"What are you doing here?" he asked gruffly, his eyes narrowing.

Dara's mother stepped forward. "She's pregnant, Demilade. And you're the father."

Demilade's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly regained his composure. "That's not true! She's just a gold digger trying to trap me with that thing in her, I possibly can't be responsible for that, she should take it elsewhere to her numerous boyfriend''

Dara's eyes widened in shock and hurt at Demilade's words. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "How can you say that?" she asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "You know as well as I do that this child is yours."

Demilade's mother stood up, her face stern. "Demilade, that's enough. You will not disrespect Dara in my house. She is carrying your child, and you will take responsibility for your actions."

Demilade scoffed. "I don't know why you're taking her side, Mom. She's just trying to trap me."

Dara's mother, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "We don't need this kind of disrespect. Dara, let's go."

But Dara stood her ground. "No, I want to hear what he has to say. I want to know why he thinks he can just abandon me and our child."

Demilade sneered. "You're just a foolish girl who got herself pregnant. You should have thought about the consequences before you spread your legs."

Dara felt a surge of anger, but Demilade's mother intervened before she could respond. "That's enough, Demilade. Apologize to Dara right now."

Demilade's expression faltered, and for a moment, Dara saw a glimmer of the boy she thought she knew. But then his mask slipped back into place, and he shrugged. "Whatever. Sorry."

The apology sounded insincere, and Dara knew that Demilade still didn't take responsibility for his actions. She realized that she might have to raise their child alone, and the thought filled her with a mix of emotions.

"Demilade, you are taking responsibility for this pregnancy and that's final," his mother said, her voice firm.

"But mom, I have a fiancée," Demilade protested, his face scrunched up in distaste.

"I don't care, you should have considered that before sleeping with a naive and helpless 17-year-old girl," his mother retorted, her eyes flashing with anger. "You are taking Dara with you back to Lagos next week, and you better not maltreat her."

Dara's eyes widened in shock at Demilade's mother's words. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You want me to go with him? After what he's said and done?"

Demilade's mother turned to her, her expression firm. "I know this isn't ideal, Dara, but I want to ensure that my son takes responsibility for his actions. And I want to make sure you and the baby are taken care of."

Dara's mother spoke up, her voice hesitant. "I don't know, Mrs. Bisola. I don't trust him."

Demilade's mother sighed. "I understand your concerns, but I assure you, I will be keeping a close eye on him. And Dara, you will have my support and protection."

Dara felt a mix of emotions: fear, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Demilade's mother could help him become a better person.

Demilade, on the other hand, looked furious. "This is ridiculous," he muttered, standing up. "I won't do it."

His mother's expression turned cold. "You will do it, Demilade. You will take responsibility for your actions, or you will face the consequences."

The room fell silent, with Demilade's defiance hanging in the air. Dara wondered what would happen next.

"fine, I'll take her with me"Demilade said blankly, to the shock of everyone

Dara's eyes widened in shock at Demilade's sudden agreement. She couldn't believe he would just give in like that.

"Good," his mother said, her expression firm. "I expect you to take care of Dara and the baby. You will provide for them and be a responsible father."

Demilade nodded, still looking furious. "Fine. I'll do it."

Dara's mother spoke up, her voice hesitant. "I don't know if this is a good idea, Mrs. Bisola. He's not exactly being cooperative."

Demilade's mother turned to her. "I understand your concerns, but I assure you, I will be keeping a close eye on him. And Dara, you will have my support and protection."

Dara felt a mix of emotions: fear, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Demilade's mother could help him become a better person.

"Okay," Dara said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll go with him."

Demilade's mother nodded. "Good. I'll make the arrangements. You will leave for Lagos next week."

The room fell silent, with only the sound of Demilade's heavy breathing breaking the silence. Dara wondered what would happen next

Dara's mother stood up " we'll get going now, Dara has taken in enough already, she should get some rest and prepare for next week"she said, holding Dara up

Mrs bisola nodded in reply and watched them leave

As they left Demilade's mother's house, Dara's mind was racing with thoughts and questions. What would happen next week when she went to Lagos with Demilade? Would he really take responsibility for his actions?

When they got home, Dara's twin sister, Boluwatife, and Zara were chatting happily in the living room. But Dara's mood was far from happy.

"What are you doing here?" Dara asked Zara, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm sure you came to mock me after ruining my life"

Zara's eyes widened in shock as Dara grasped her. "Dara, what's wrong? I'm here to support you, not mock you."

Dara's twin sister, boluwatife stepped in, trying to calm Dara down. "Dara, stop. Zara is our friend. She's here to help."

But Dara was beyond reason. She was angry and hurt, and she needed someone to blame. "You should have told me about Demilade's true nature," she spat at Zara. "You should have warned me."

Zara looked taken aback. "Dara, I didn't know. I thought he was a good guy. I'm so sorry."

Dara's mother intervened, trying to calm the situation. "Dara, stop. This isn't Zara's fault. She's here to support you."

"But now I'm pregnant"she cried weakly, shocking Zara and her twin

l

Zara's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back, releasing herself from Dara's grasp. "Oh, Dara, I...I had no idea," she stammered.

Boluwatife, Dara's twin sister, stepped in, trying to calm the situation. "Dara, let's talk about this calmly. Zara is our friend, and she's here to support you."

But Dara was beyond consolation. She felt like her world was crumbling around her, and she needed someone to blame. "You should have warned me about Demilade," she repeated, her voice shaking with emotion.

Zara looked like she was about to cry. "Dara, I swear, I didn't know. I thought he was a good guy. I'm so sorry."

Dara's mother stepped in, trying to calm the situation. "Dara, stop. This isn't Zara's fault. She's here to support you. We'll get through this together."

But Dara just shook her head and ran out of the room, tears streaming down her face. She felt like her life was over, and she didn't know how to pick up the pieces.

Her mother consoled her with the help of boluwatife

After she calm down, both her and her mother explain everything that happened at Demilade mother's house

Boluwatife broke down in tears" I'm sorry Dara , all this wouldn't have happened if you didn't try to save money for my treatment, now I'm all better but you are the one facing the consequences.I'm just a curse to this family"she said, sobbing in between

Dara's heart went out to her twin sister as she saw the pain and guilt in her eyes. She immediately hugged Boluwatife tightly. "No, Boluwatife, this isn't your fault. You're not a curse to this family. Demilade's actions are not your responsibility."

Their mother joined in the hug, trying to comfort both her daughters. "We're in this together, as a family. We'll face whatever comes next with love and support for each other."

Boluwatife pulled back, wiping her tears. "But if I hadn't gotten sick, you wouldn't have tried to save money for my treatment. You wouldn't have met Demilade."

Dara shook her head. "Maybe, but maybe not. Maybe I would have met him anyway. The point is, this isn't your fault. We can't change the past, but we can face the future together."

Boluwatife nodded, a small smile on her face. "You're right, Dara. We'll get through this together."

As they hugged again, Dara felt a sense of determination. She would face whatever came next with courage and strength, knowing that her family was behind her.

"Dara, it alright you should get some rest"Zara said from behind, breaking the family moment

Dara turned to Zara, feeling a mix of emotions. She was still hurt and angry, but she also appreciated Zara's concern. "Thanks, Zara. I think I will get some rest. and Zara I don't hold a grudge against you any longer" Dara said easing her self off the burden

Zara nodded and smiled weakly. "I'll be here for you, Dara. We all will."

Dara's mother spoke up, "Zara, why don't you stay for dinner? We can talk more about what's going on."

Zara hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay, thanks for having me."

As they all sat down for dinner, Dara couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that she had a long and difficult road ahead of her, but with her family and friends by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

As they sat down for dinner, Dara's mother tried to lighten the mood. "So, Zara, how's your family? How's your mom doing?"

Zara smiled, grateful for the change in subject. "They're doing well, thanks for asking. My mom's still busy with her catering business."

Boluwatife spoke up, "That's great! I love her cooking. Maybe we can have her cater for us sometime."

Dara's mother nodded, "That's a great idea. We'll have to plan something soon."

As they continued talking, Dara couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her family and friends. They were all trying to support her, even in the midst of this difficult situation.

After dinner, Zara got up to leave. "Thanks for having me over, guys. I'll come visit again soon."

Dara walked her out, feeling a sense of closure. "Thanks for coming, Zara. I'm glad we could talk things through."

Zara hugged her tightly. "Anytime, Dara. I'm here for you."

As Dara watched Zara leave, she felt a sense of determination. She would face whatever came next with courage and strength, knowing that her family and friends were behind her.