MISSED TARGET

Please note: All characters in this story are fictional as well as the main locations related to the story. Hence, you may find some names of( persons or states) totally strange or very Unfamiliar

Chapter ONE

____ 17th July 1993

General Lati picked a meat from the grill on the fire, he had a bite and immediately dropped it :"This tastes Wack!. Gideon you don't know how to aim well now you can't make a smoked meat perfectly!" he rolled his eyes as he dropped the remaining meat on the grill with an unsatisfied and angry expression. The other officers on the field laughed so hard. They all sat around the fire. Gideon, a junior officer of twenty -seven year old looked down timidly and bowed his head: "I am sorry Sir"

"Come on guys! It's not funny. You can't believe Gideon was only able to get one target correctly in the fire arms last week. Now he can't smoke a meat!" Lati said annoyed. Gideon wasn't able to follow them to the war fronts as he was still lagging behind in the required skills. When they came back from the battle, Lati implored him to at least be useful and make them smoked meat.

"Come on Lati. The meat is not bad. It's just short of some spices! Besides Gideon has only spent a month here, I am sure he will catch up soon" Camp, an army officer and also a friend to Lati said in Gideon's defense as he also laughed.

"Well..what happened to the military school he went to? He didn't learn that? How come he is with a certificate? Was it Forged? I do not entirely blame him. He got so lucky because of his father's position that he got a job immediately in the State army. With that kind of shooting skills, he should still be in the remote places and still as a junior officer!" Lati said emphatically

"Come on Lati. Let's just give him more time. He will come around!" Camp, said his laughter gradually fading away from his face. Lati stared on with contempt. He further changed the topic stressing the fact that he wouldn't allow Gideon ruin his bad day. Actually the soldiers just finished fighting for the protection of the territorial integrity of their country from their enemy state and it was a victorious match. They sat down on the field and decided to celebrate and merry with bush meat made from the fire around them and lots of wines. The soldiers all had black temporary marks on their faces. Their state name, Liba while their enemy's state is Zerafi. Zerafi had a higher population of army than Liba. However, the Liba army was strong and well trained.

General Lati Hamzah was one of them and the second in command. Lati whose name at birth was 'Latif' a name from an Arabic origin' was fondly called 'Lati' by his paternal grandmother hence since when he was little, he had been addressed as "Lati' formally and informally. He was a fine officer in his mid-fifties; a man who never played around with his work. All his other colleagues were happy but he was the happiest. This was because they were finally done with the territorial war and he would set eyes on his only and precious daughter again after Six weeks of leaving home. He was a courageous soldier and his colleagues feared and respected him. He had won several wars for the territory and received outstanding awards and honours before being made the deputy General of the Liba Army. He was the second highest paid army officer in the state. He was a fine man in his mid fiftees. He had built a nice luxurious bungalow. He could be described as a rich man as he also had a big poultry farm where he sells birds, chickens and ducks. He sold it mostly for people who wants to sell it back as retail. The business was grooming well for him and he made quite lots of money from it ranging from one million plus to two million monthly. He employed about 5 staffs in the poultry house, he also employed some bodyguards, as some thieves had broken into the farm house at night twice to ransack and loot poultry animals. Ever since then he employed hefty and well trained bodyguards to secure the place.

About five years ago, Lati travelled to an European country on a work trip. He and his other officers lodged in a hotel. He was lucky to come across a successful business man, an Arabian millionaire who had resided in Europe for many years. He was the owner of the hotel. One of the hotel workers who had lived in Lati's country before told him he was a very skilled military man with numerous awards. The Arabian man was impressed and approached Lati. He asked him if he could privately tutor his son to pass the upcoming Military Academy practical exam in the Country so he could also be a successful Military man. Lati explained to him that he does not reside in Europe but another Continent entirely. He said he could only help him if he could come to his country. The Arabian man agreed and sent his son over. Lati used majority of his annual leave days to train the boy and even during weekends. All through the period,(Four months) the young man resided in Lati's home. He was very dedicated to helping him. The boy successfully passed the exams with distinction, an exam he had written four different times and failed. His father was very elated. He even came to Lati's country and appreciated him by giving him five million.

This money was what Lati used to begin his poultry business and it blossomed but not without Independent Service against corruption in the state investigating his source of wealth. During this investigation, the Arabian millionaire came out publicly to explain he had rewarded Lati with huge money for coaching his son to pass the European Military exams presenting the son's results and pictures of Matriculation. Lati was 'saved' eventually.

Lati's daughter, Mitah was still in her final year in the state university. She was twenty-four years old and his only child. Lati had lost his wife many years ago to a plane crash and all the care and responsibilities of their daughter fell solely on him. One thing was certain about the love he had for his daughter - he could give his life for her.

The next day Lati arrived home, a well constructed spacious bungalow with four rooms and tastefully furnished. The interior decoration was amazing. The person he saw with his daughter angered him. He angrily dropped his suitcase. It was his daughter's boyfriend, Dino. Dino was through with his first degree already as a trained pharmacist and was then pursuing his Master's degree in pharmacology. Lati wouldn't just let the gentleman marry his daughter.

"What are you doing here, you stupid boy? Haven't I warned you to stop coming here" He yelled at him. Dino immediately released his hands from Mitah's. Mitah who was at first excited to set her eyes on her father after months of leaving home for the war fronts was suddenly defeated in her expectation. She was frightened too and fed up with her father's unwelcoming attitude and hatred for her lover. However, she kept mute and folded her hands. Good day and welcome Sir". Dino greeted. He drew the tips of his shirt tightly beneath his chin and gave a bow "Keep your greetings. Now listen, the next time I see you around my daughter, I am going to shoot you to death. It is what I can do". Lati said raging and pointing his finger at him.

Mitah wanted to talk but he shut her off and told Dino to get out of his house immediately. Dino stepped out in anger and Mitah followed him. "Come back here", Lati called. Mitah ignored her father. She went ahead to meet Dino who had sat in his car ready to start it. He had a slightly furious expression on his face. "I am sorry" ... Mitah said talking to him through his car window. Dino heaved a sigh then said:" It's okay but I am just in how long this will continue". Mitah assured him she was going to keep talking to her father and if he still refused; she wasn't ready to leave him yet. Dino nodded and started booting up his car engine. He told her that they would talk later on the telephone. Mitah entered the car attempting to kiss him

"No..Mitah, not right now please. I do not want your father shouting at me on top of his voice again. Let me just go, I have some medications to approve to the teaching hospital".Dino said. Obviously, he was already angry. But Mitah wouldn't blame him, that would be the fifth time Lati would see them together and walk Dino out of his house or yell at him

"Its okay. Drive safe"Mitah muttered to him as she opened the car door. Dino nodded and zoomed off. After few seconds, she walked into the house. She met her father already sipping from a glass of whiskey, his favourite alcoholic beverage. He was seated ready to listen to the 4pm news broadcast "Dad, why are you being like this? Dino has done nothing wrong".

"Really? Lati said diverting his attention from the TV. "you are going on a perilous path if you don't know. Do you know the history of their family?" Lati queried.

But Mitah said she didn't care about any history and she loved him no matter what.

"Are you alright Mitah?" His father too was an ex-soldier of Zerafi, our enemy state. His father murdered over fifty of my men under my command in cold blood. He is more or less my enemy. Lati stressed.

"Dad, you have no point. That was during the war. I mean you killed his men too", Mitah argued.

"You can't understand, their family have a bad history. Believe me".

"No Dad. There is more to this than mere history you based your decision on. You have so much hatred for Dino's father, something else is behind this and I need to know".

Lati just stood up and went inside. He was tired and had no interest in the news broadcast anymore. Not in his lifetime would Mitah marry Dino". But Mitah wondered why her father despised Dino's family.

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Dino's father was a very rich man before he died and a Soldier. But he voluntarily retired and opted for politics. Dino had a younger sister, Amanda, who was staying at Dino's place. She was still pursuing her degree in Law. Their father left behind a couple of properties including four mansions, Six luxurious cars and money worth 70 million. His company was also later sold out for 150 million as Dino and Amanda said they were not interested in

managing it. However, Dino bought a luxurious bungalow while he refused to live in the mansions his father left. He had studied Pharmacy and already secured a job in a government hospital. He received a very good salary. In addition, he owned a big pharmacy where he employed pharmacists with certified diploma and degrees. Their father had left four houses. As his next of kin Dino rented out two of the house and was using half of the money for charity. He had given Amanda a duplex house which she let out for rentage. The remaining house, Dino allocated it to their maternal grandmother, Gwen, a 85 year old woman living in a far away town .Gwen was the one taking care of Dino and his sister in her house when their mother left their father, they were still kids then, but 10 years after, the woman came up with severe athritis, and the Children were transferred back to Paul's residence, while Martins employed a maid Nurse to take care of Gwen. Paul Martins had left no will, but Dino was his next of kin, hence Martins lawyer said he had the right to all the properties. In short, Dino and her sister are living in prominent wealth and did not lack anything. Their mother, Helen, divorced their father many years ago and refused to show up to claim her children even after their father's death, and rarely contacted her own mother too. It was later heard that she got re married to a prominent entertainer in Paris.

Mitah was a very attractive girl, fair skinned, who had a lot of admirers. She was slim and tall with a good set of legs and teeth. She had a lot of male admirers but then she chose Dino as She loved only him.

Dino was a caring guy with a lovely accent. He was an admirable, soft spoken man. He was also always calm unless terribly provoked. He loved Mitah and made up his mind not to let her go despite her father's strong refusal even though sometimes he felt quite despaired. Dino and Mitah had been friends since Mitah was in secondary school though Dino attended a different School but they started dating during Mitah's second year in the University.

But out of all Mitah's admirers, there was a guy who wouldn't give up, his name was Nopaz. He and Mitah were Secondary school mates. Nopaz was also from a very rich family but he was a spoilt child. His Father was the current Minister of Finance as at that time. That day he called Mitah on the phone to pressure her into dating him. It was the fourth time he was going to try to persuade her. The first time was in a restaurant, Mitah had gone to get some snacks and they stumbled on each other. The rest of the times were in a bank and through phone calls.

"Please, let me be alone. Nopaz, you are stressing me out! I don't have any romantic feelings towards you. We are only friends and that's what we will ever be! I have another man in my life I have told you this severally". Mitah screamed on the top of her voice angrily.

"I really want to know that your jerk of a boyfriend. Who is he? I have lots of money. Are you such a fool?" However, Mitah told him blankly she didn't need his money. "If you must know my boyfriend is rich too!" she added and hanged up on the telephone. What a pest! She said under her breath. Nopaz scoofed: "Well, let's see how it goes"

It was a weekend and Mitah decided to go see Dino. She told their maid, Lupam that if her father should ask of her, she should report that she went to the post office and should not disclose her actual location.

********************************

Mitah got to Dino's place, A nice mansion of four bedrooms. The interior and exterior had exclusive designs and everywhere speaks luxury. The appliances and furniture inside the house were made of pure Gold and one did not have to think twice before knowing it as a house of a wealthy person. After the Gate security opened the gate for Mitah, she met his sister just stepping out. Amanda was happy to see her. They exchanged pleasantries and she asked where Dino was Amanda told her he was indoors. Mitah proceeded into the sitting room and found Dino reading a magazine.

Dino was glad and surprised to see her as she didn't inform him she was coming. However, he didn't fail to acknowledge her beauty and also notice her new hairstyle.

"Wow! You look stunning" Dino said rising and beaming at her, his hands stuck in his pockets.

Mitah with a blush "Thank you", Mitah said sitting down

"So what would you like to eat? I will tell my sister to prepare it." Dino said.

"No Dino. Thanks, I 'm alright. I just wanted to see you. Come on, it's always your sister. You should try cooking for me too". Mitah said jokingly. Dino laughed. "You know my cooking sucks dear. I'm just not good at it. But for you, I'll try and learn." He said playing with her hair and he cuddled her: "Bring those sexy lips over here"

"For what?" Mitah teased him "you will start paying me for kissing my lips" Dino just giggled and playfully brought her lips closer to kiss her.

"So, if you won't want anything to eat what would you like to drink? I have champagne, vodka, iced tea.." Dino said already standing up ready to be at her service

"Uhm, do you have juice?" Mitah cut in as she didn't want feel like drinking any of what he listed

"So. It's juice we doing today uhmm?.." Dino asked raising his eye brows teasing her. Mitah laughed

"Oh, and you are so Lucky!." He marvelled as if remembering something " I made a fresh Pineapple Juice

yesterday night!. It's in the freezer. It's very tasty. Trust me" He said staring into her eyes as he leaned down towards where she was sitting.

"Are you sure about that?" Mitah asked laughing

"What insolence! Are you now doubting my juice- making skills too?" He said trying to put on a serious look but both of them knew he was joking.

"I am not!" Mitah replied jokingly. "You know what, just bring it already. I am thirsty and I can't wait to drink your personally made Juice!

"Of course. It will be here in a jiffy. Your highness" Dino said spreading his arms forward like a steward as he went ahead to the freezer. Mitah just smiled . "You are hilarious" she said

Mitah loved his presence than any other person and whether her father liked it or not, she wanted to end up with him.

Nopaz, Mitah's persistent admirer, was with his friend, Ali in a Bar. He had lately been fed up with Mitah's refusal to give in to him. It was obvious that it was affecting him.

"You need to give up on that girl. I mean, she isn't the only girl in the world. What's so special about her anyways?" Ali said to him, already irritated by his friend's headstrong keenness towards Mitah

"Shut up Ali. I love her. You wouldn't understand. You don't even have a girlfriend It's either Mitah or no one else." He smirked, gulping a full glass of vodka at a go. He beckoned to the waiter to get them their bill. Ali shook his head and smiled

____________________________________________'

General Rafa was Lati's superior in office. Lati was the second in command in the army. But one thing about General Rafa, he wasn't one to go to the war fronts. He only always dealt with administrative matters and he was so good at it

"I must commend you for a job well done. Without you, I don't think we could have won this recent war. I don't think I can stand Zerafi taking over and owning our men! Thanks to you. General Rafa said after summoning Lati to his office. Lati bowed and sighed. "It is my duty Sir." He said

. "And how is your daughter fairing? General Rafa asked. Lati answered that she was doing well. Soon, General Rafa dismissed him but not without handing over his PROMOTION LETTER to him. Lati got promoted to the General in command of the Liba Army. He was no more a deputy, as his superior, General Rafa, would be retiring the next two days. The ceremonial handing over would take place in a week's time. He got home and was very anxious to tell his daughter about his promotion. Mitah was also happy to hear the good news.

"Wow Dad! I'm so happy for you.

You're really good at what you do". She said filling her father's cup with wine. "I know right. " Lati said smiling but suddenly his smile faded. "I just wish your mother were here to witness my success every time".

"Same here Dad. I miss her so much, even though I was still a kid when she passed on". She said sadly.

"It's okay. Come here" he said as he hugged her sideways, a minute later, they released each other from the embrace

"Hmm. Where is Lupam? Tell her to serve my dinner. Lati said.

"Oh on the contrary, Dad. I cooked dinner today and it's your favourite, pasta and green vegetables". She said beaming happily

"Wow! Let's see then, that's so sweet of you." Her father said. Mitah went ahead to bring the food she prepared and she served him.

After her father had eaten and gone to his room, Mitah was told by her maid, LUPAM that she had a letter from the postman. She went ahead to give Mitah the letter. Mitah smiled upon receiving it. She knew it was from Dino. She was smiling and grinning from ear to ear while reading the letter when

Lati appeared unexpectedly." Hand over that letter to me" ... her father retorted. Mitah was shocked, but all the same didn't want to give her father claiming it was personal to her. Angrily, Lati snatched the letter from her. He read the contents and screamed at her "you are still seeing that boy. Haven't I warned you to stay away from him? You will be shocked at what I will do if you do not desist!" .... and with this he stalled out leaving Mitah in distress.

Lati left his house and went straight to Dino's house to threaten him that he should leave his daughter alone otherwise he should be ready to face the consequences. But Dino was courageous enough to tell him that he wasn't afraid of him anymore and he loved his daughter and would not give her up." I love your daughter very much and cannot imagine my life without her. Why can't you just understand that Sir?"

....

Lati raised his hands and slapped him. "I can't understand because you're from a family of criminals!... let this be the last time I see you with her". He said holding his throat firmly. "Or I will kill you! "... With this he left. Dino was unsettled and angry. He slammed the door and entered the house. Amanda who had overheard their conversation dropped the fruits she was slicing and faced her brother. "Dino I think you should let go of her".

"That can't happen. Amanda Mitah is my life. I have never loved any other woman like her.." Dino said with a genuine mind and bitterness in his voice. Amanda argued that she did not want anything bad to happen to him, especially considering the fact that Mitah's father is a soldier, reminding him of the fact that they had no parents already.

"I will be careful. I promise" Dino said.

Amanda heaved a sigh." Clara, our neighbour, came this morning when you went for a work out, it skipped my mind actually. She said she had been vomiting and feeling very cold. She wanted you to prescribe for her some antimalarial drug".

"I have told her to go to a hospital for a test first. I am not a medical doctor but a pharmacist. If it's positive, then I can treat her." Dino said, frustrated from Lati's actions a while ago. Amanda told him Clara said she had no money for hospital. Dino sighed tiredly, grabbed a pen and wrote her a combination of malaria medications, antibiotics and pain killers.

"Give her this please. Tell her to give them at my pharmacy. She shouldn't bother about paying" Dino said giving her sister the prescription.

When Lati got home, he placed a house arrest on Mitah. He didn't allow her to go anywhere except if she was going to school for her Projects and Lati's personal bodyguards would always follow her to school to keep an eye on her all so she wouldn't meet up with Dino.

Few months later, Mitah's convocation came and Lati was finally proud of his daughter. She had bagged a degree in Chemistry with an upper division. Though on her convocation day, Lati did allow Mitah a bit of freedom, since it was such a day of delight for her. But not without having a few soldier guards(junior officers) roaming around the arena randomly. The ceremony was held in a big hall in the institution with a lot of dignitaries, parents, honourable doctorate holders of the institution, lecturers, graduating students and parents amongst others. He allowed her some freedom whenever she needed to take pictures with her friends. Mitah finally developed a hint about how she could see Dino, as it seemed he was present at her convocation. He had informed her the day before that he would be seeing her at the convocation and would wait for her arrival in one of the rooms his cousin had rented in the school. He was glad he would finally be seeing her that day. Mitah decided to trick her father by telling him that she was going for a photoshoot with her friends in another location

"My men will escort you then" Lati said.

"No dad, don't make this seem more awkward than it is already" Mitah said," It's just a shoot I promise I will be back soon"

Lati nodded "Okay then do not stay for long".

With this she went ahead to see her lover. They had met in the intended place. Dino had missed her greatly. She rushed to give him a wild hug." God I Missed YOU...Your father is really hard on me you know.". Dino said to her.

"I'm very sorry Dino I was helpless. You won't believe the number of soldiers my father placed on me alone. Not his personal bodyguards anymore now soldiers!" Mitah said in frustration rolling her eyes

"It's okay sweet heart, I know how you must feel about it. Happy convocation. I am sincerely proud of you darling". "Thank you!"Mitah said . Mitah couldn't help but hug him one more time. His smile always attracted her and held her captive. His pleasant cologne filled her nostrils and she missed everything about him already. He brought his face closer to hers, gave her a long passionate kiss like a starved man.

"I missed you ". He groaned in her mouth caressing her bare thighs and her waist. They continued kissing each other, with Dino fondling with the buttons of her blouse, things grew more wild and they broke the vow they made to each other about waiting till their wedding night. They ended up having a passionate sexual moment together. ------------------------_--

Lati on the other hand was looking everywhere for his daughter. It's been an hour already. he ranted. He was already shouting at the men forgetting that he was the one that released her himself ". You guys are just useless! How could you let her leave your sight?

"You instructed us not to follow her Sir". The boys answered.

"Oh"... Lati replied finally realising that he was the one that gave the instruction. But where could she have gone?...

"I hope he isn't with that bastard".... He said thinking aloud. Meanwhile after Dino and Mitah's Passionate moment. They both lied down on the bed, covered in sheets. Dino gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you." He said to her

"We promised to wait" Mitah said laughing.

"I know. But I guess I am the one who couldn't control my desires. We have been apart for so long and it was killing me. I am sorry" He said caressing her sweaty hair

"I know. We both couldn't control it. So do not blame yourself. I didn't attempt to stop you". Mitah said staring at him smiling. Few minutes later, they got up from the bed and Dino presented a car key to Mitah as a convocation gift...which she accepted. But not without expressing her bewilderment.

"Wow! Don't you think this is too much?"

Come on. Nothing is too much for the woman I love." Dino said in a very cool manner.

"Thank you, I appreciate. My father must be looking for me by now. Let me get going. I love you." She said as she blew him a kiss and left.. She got to where her father was.

"Where the hell have you been Mitah?".. Lati screamed. Mitah gave a sigh and lied to him that her friend got wounded while she was taking a shoot and they had to go and treat it... "Oh and how is she?"

"She is well now"

"Thank goodness. I thought you had...Oh..never mind. Let's go home. The program has come to its end already."

After Mitah's Graduation, she had a plan to go for a diploma in Chemical Engineering. Her friend Queen came visiting her that day and they were discussing how she would go about it. Queen was her Secondary School friend, and her best friend also.

After a while, they decided to watch a movie together. They were in the middle of this when Mitah ran to the bathroom to vomit the food she just ate. She wasn't looking very fine. That was the second time she would do that. Queen noticed this and asked her when she came back from the bathroom; "Mitah is everything okay?"

But Mitah said she was fine and almost immediately, she ran to the bathroom to have another throw up. Lati was also present in the sitting room reading a magazine. He removed his glasses and asked her friend.

"Queen, you think your friend is okay? she has been throwing up a couple of times."

"I don't know Mr Lati. Probably she is feeling nauseous" Queen also said, getting worried. When Mitah came out of the bathroom, Lati insisted he would take her to the Hospital and Mitah initially refused; saying she was going to be okay and would probably take some fever medications

"No. You are not fine, Mitah. You need to see a Doctor. Remember you complained of feeling dizzy last night too" Lati pressed on.

"Mitah, you need to visit the doctor. You can't just assume on your own." Queen also advised

"Okay" Mitah finally said. Lati picked his car key and in a minute, they headed to the hospital. Lati dropped off Queen at the nearest junction as she later got an urgent call from her boss. A test was conducted on Mitah at the hospital which and the result did not take quite long. The doctor handed over the results to her. Lati watched her keenly as she was going through the contents. She looked quite surprised and unsettled. He was about to collect the result from her hand to check when the doctor spoke.

"She is pregnant. It's Three weeks" The doctor said. Lati stared at the doctor in shock, then he stared at Mitah.

*********************

They got home and a scene was created.

"I need an explanation for this. Don't you agree?" Lati asked dropping the car key. But Mitah said she could not understand what was happening.

" What do you mean?! The Doctor said you are pregnant and you said you don't understand. Are you a kid now? When?.When did you meet with a man?!" Lati asked furiously. He hoped it was not who he was thinking. Mitah was obviously scared and she was shaking. Her father shouted at her to reply him and tell him who was responsible for the pregnancy, and she answered. "It's Dino" she said staring at the ground

Lati suddenly felt a sharp headache; He was sweating "What did you just say? You got pregnant for Dino? You just killed me

Mitah!".. He said touching his forehead. He felt a feeling like he was stabbed in the chest. "Haven't I warned you never to get close to that boy again?!.. After the house arrest?.. When did that happen?.. "He was curious enough to ask..

"On that day, during convocation and we met a week after in his house" Mitah said as she folded her fingers together

"I placed the men on you!.. How did you..." He stopped, It's of no use asking right now, he thought within himself. "You're a big disappointment.!" With this he barged inside... Mitah couldn't describe how she felt anymore. The pregnancy did not come at the right time but she loved the fact that Dino is the father of her child. But nothing but her father's reaction made her devastated and have the feeling as if she made a mistake ."What could be the reason behind this resentment towards his family? ".. She mused. Is it because Dino"s father later joined the enemy state's army Zerafi?.. She was unsure, lost in thought. She shook her head and looked across the window, shifted the blinds and watched the birds hopping across the roof top in search of preys.

Later that night, Lati was thinking deeply. Mitah was his child, he couldn't despise her because she had gotten pregnant. He called her to his room and

sternly told her to cut off her relationship ties with Dino.

"No. Dad. I can't do that. I am carrying his child and you know it.

"You got pregnant for the wrong man, you must cut off ties with him and tell him you got pregnant for another man. He must not know that the child in your stomach is his. You can't get married to him. I forbid it. I can't watch you both build a family together"

"But, you can't just ..... Mitah was cut off.

"NO but! Do as I have said or his life is in danger. You know your father well", He finally said. Mitah was confused and worried too.

"It won't take me more than two seconds to get rid of him. It's my speciality. I have been holding back from killing him all these while, he has been such a pest!.but if you try to build a family together, that would be what will break the camel's back!"Lati added

"Dad this is not fair" She said but her father had gone to the bathroom. The next day, Mitah thought hard. It would be very difficult to end things with Dino. He was her happiness, her joy her everything. She paced all over her room that night, unsure of what to do. On the other hand, She did not want to risk Dino's life, her father can be very dangerous. He doesn't make empty threats too. She loved him, but she couldn't watch him get hurt by her father. She decided to see Dino, two days later, after her father's persistence and threats. She went with an intention to tell him that they should end things, but when she got there, she did not have enough courage to hurt him that way.

They met at a restaurant. This time she was without a guard. She told his father she would break up with Dino. Dino was angry at her. He wrote more than five letters to her and she did not reply. He also wrote it in the letters that they should meet but she never came.

"Mitah, what is wrong? Are you avoiding me? I Mean, I don't understand.

"I'm not avoiding you Dino I've been busy" she said nervous, scared and confused. She didn't know where to start.

"Too busy to see me? Dino asked.

"I am sorry Dino. You know I'm not like that..... I wanted to.....

"Wait.. Are you okay? You don't look fine to me" Dino asked worried

"No. I'm fine. There's something I want to tell you" she said.

"What's that?"

"I..... "She couldn't say it. It was too heavy too, she couldn't hurt him like that. She wasn't ready. She stopped "What is it?" Dino asked getting a bit impatient, he was worried. "Did something happen?

"No, nothing. I just wanted to tell you I want to go for my Diploma." Dino was relieved, "You scared me oh.. Diploma? That's nice. Chemical engineering right?" "Yeah" Mitah said swallowing hard. Dino thought for some seconds and remarked that was a good idea "Come on.. let's go to my place now. I promised you a good feet massage remember? I already set the equipment ready".. Dino said beaming and holding her hands, but Mitah gently removed her hand saying she couldn't. Dino was worried and surprised enough to ask the reason. "I have an appointment" she said sharply. "With my friend, Queen"

"Queen?.. Is it that urgent? "Yes Dino" She answered sharply.. Dino felt a bit awkward but all the same, he released her. I'll call your private telephone line".. Mitah said it was okay and she left

Mitah got home and made to walk into her room, ignoring her father. "Have you ended things with him" He asked "Not yet?" Lati stood up "What is keeping you? You think I'm joking right? That I can't Kill him? Or you think I'll be imprisoned if I do so? Oh,Hell I can't. I'm a soldier of this

State. If I kill anyone, It would be thought of as some protection of the citizens; so do.....

"Dad just spare me, you think it's easy to do that? What you're making me do is very difficult." Mitah cut in. Lati looked up as if in deep thought then Lati went inside and later proceeded to meet her in the sitting room clutching something at his waist that Mitah guessed was a Gun

"Bye ..off to Dino's place" but Mitah stopped him.

''Ok... Ok... Dad. I'll do it please''

"Be fast about it". Lati snapped; ''Tomorrow.... Give me till tomorrow please". She pleaded, Lati walked out, Mitah started sobbing.

The next day, she proceeded to Dino's place. She drove to the gate of his house and her tension rose. She decided to keep firm. This was for Dino's sake not anyone else. She would rather lose Dino than to let him die. Soon, the gate was opened and she entered their mansion. "Dino, I need to talk to you" she said, still standing. Her face looked sad

"Hey, Mitah.,What is wrong? "Dino asked her standing up, shocked by her approach. He was watching a football match earlier "We need to talk Dino'' She said again ''let us go to your room'' She added.

"Okay" Dino said as he stood up with a heavy heart wondering what she wanted to say.

''What is wrong Dear? "Dino asked worried

"Dino .its I.."she stammered. "What??..you are scaring me"..He said caressing her arm and cheek. Mitah tried to remove his hand

"Look, Dino stop and listen to what I have to say" Mitah said worried she might eventually fall into his arms

"I should stop touching you??..When did that start?..where is all these coming from?.what's happening??!"He queried surprised

Then she broke the news to him. "I am pregnant", she said. Dino at first, thinking it was 'good news' said in exclamation.

"Wow, I'm going to be a father then. Why were you hesitating to say that??"

"But it'...It's not yours." She finally said swallowing hard.

"What? what did you just say?"Dino felt he didn't hear her accurately

Again, Mitah repeated what she said and added: "I was raped... and I got pregnant for the guy and now I am getting married to him."

"Raped?.How did you get raped?.Who did that to you?"

"A guy,..I was just walking across and he attacked me...Now, I am getting married to him"

"I beg your Pardon!."Dino said as he stood up.."Wait, you've been babbling nonsense for the past few seconds. And this your rape story. I find it quite unbelievable. You were the one that told me your father had soldiers around you everywhere you go , so how on Earth did you get raped?!!! Besides I can sense it in your eyes. I know when you are lying and You're getting married to who?" Dino queried his eyes already filled with shock, worry and anger

"The guy that raped me. I am serious Dino. I'm sorry Dino. But I have no choice. I want to get married to him "She said walking away but Dino dragged her back forcefully.

"Come back here, Where do you think you are going Mitah?"

"Let go of me! You're hurting me can't you see?! She jerked off her arm and stormed out.

Dino thought he was dreaming. Is this his Mitah or someone else entirely? He was about going inside and he narrowly escaped his head being hit by the door. The rest of his day was un imaginable..