Web of Lies

Mr. and Mrs. Owen enjoyed a contented and comfortable life in a single-room self-contained apartment in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, one of Nigeria's largest cities. Mr. Owen served as a registrar at the Benin National Museum, while Mrs. Owen worked as a chef in a local restaurant. Their incomes were modest but sufficient to cover their needs comfortably. They maintained a small safe for emergencies, though it seldom saw any use.

One day at the museum, a group of affluent gentlemen from Lagos State visited, and while they were being shown around by the Museum Educator, Mr Owen overheard two of the men discussing. “Dealing with the absence of my driver has been quite a challenge lately. And the new cook isn't up to par either, so most times my wife ends up cooking herself, and you know how she is, especially after her nail appointments,” the first man chuckled as they walked slowly behind the rest of the group. “I am confused. What does your driver leaving have to do with the cook's performance?” The second man, intrigued, questioned. “Ah! I forgot to mention that my driver was married to the former cook. So when he resigned and relocated, she went with him. We really miss them, especially her cooking, ” he replied. Curious about their coping strategies, especially regarding transportation, the second man empathetically asked about the challenges knowing his friend suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a near-miss experience that almost claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and her three-year-old son. “Phew, he would never forget that day in a hurry,” he thought to himself as he waited for the first man's response. “Well, I have avoided driving altogether after that traumatic incident. It has been Bolt, Uber, or InDrive for me. Feels like I've met every driver in town” he laughed. With a playful nudge the second man suggested, “You should consider hiring a new driver ASAP!” Then they started to move quickly in order to catch up with the rest of the group.

"Ọdor mwen n'uwa," she called out in her local dialect, meaning "my beloved husband." "You seem preoccupied; you've hardly touched your food," Mrs. Owen remarked as she settled beside her husband. "You know you can confide in me about anything; after all, we don't keep secrets in this house," she playfully teased, giving him a light peck on the cheek. With a deep breath, he replied, "I'm not worried, my dear. I've just been pondering something I heard at work today. You know how I've mentioned relocating to Lagos? Well, it seems an opportunity unexpectedly arose, and I believe we should seize it.” 

After recounting the conversation he had overheard to his wife, she became both skeptical and concerned. "We've only recently settled into this neighborhood, which appears tranquil unlike our previous residences. Moreover, our neighbors have become like family, and we've been blessed with everything we need by God's grace. I believe we shouldn't rush into decisions impulsively. While I acknowledge our previous discussions about moving to Lagos, there's more to consider, my dear," she expressed, hoping to persuade her husband. Although they had a little back-and-forth, in the end, Mr. Owen conceded that his wife was correct in pointing out that they had only just begun to recuperate from the strain of relocating within the same city, let alone contemplating a move to another state.

Everything appeared to be going smoothly, at least in Mrs. Owen's perception. Unbeknownst to her, her husband had been conducting research on the man from the museum and was determined to fulfill his selfish desires at any cost. Without informing his wife, he had approached the man under the guise of networking, obtaining his business card and promising to stay in touch. After examining the man's personal and professional backgrounds, Mr. Owen was convinced of his immense wealth. "This is a remarkable opportunity," he mused to himself, envisioning the financial gains and his dream of relocating abroad, with or without his wife. "Thank goodness Adesuwa is an excellent cook, and I'm a skilled driver; it must be fate," he continued to reassure himself.

“Nonýaenmwen (“Darling” in English), guess what? We landed a massive outdoor catering contract today from a major company in Lagos. According to our supervisor, the owner couldn't stop raving about our food after trying it,” she said excitedly, barely giving her husband a chance to respond. His excitement soared even higher upon learning it was the man from the museum (Mr Roberts') company. "It feels like everything's falling into place effortlessly," he thought. Stealing a soft kiss from her lips he said to her “This is the beginning of great things Ọýunuan which translates to “Bliss” (it was the pet name he gave her while they were still dating and she loved it). No one would have a taste of your food and wouldn't want more. You know how everyone in my office looks forward to sharing my food with me.  Keep me updated on the details.” At this point she likely believed she had the most supportive and wonderful husband. If only she knew what he had been up to, but I suppose she'll discover it sooner or later.

Mr. Owen had forged a strong bond with Mr. Roberts, who was impressed to discover that Mrs. Owen was the culinary genius behind the delicious meals he had at the restaurant. He even expressed his interest in making her their new cook as he was sure his wife would love her food too, while Mr. Owen could become his driver, given their growing fondness for each other. On the day of the event, Mrs. Owen and her team surpassed expectations yet again, leaving everyone, including Mrs. Roberts, eager to take home some of the food. The Pounded yam and Black soup disappeared quickly, prompting Mrs. Roberts to express her amazement to her husband. “S.H, (Sweetheart) where did you find these people? I can't believe this is my third plate of food already. The Coconut rice is the best I have had in a long time. The Ogbono and Eba made me dance. Now with this Black soup and Pounded yam, I feel like taking the Chef  home with me. I want to be selfish, I want these delights all to myself,” she teased as she licked each of her fingers with satisfaction. “Aren't you surprised that I am eating with my bare hands?” She inquired further. “ I was going to ask you the same thing,” he replied. He then explained how he and the other men had randomly gone to a local restaurant that fateful day after their museum visit. They were amazed at the high quality of the food offered at such a low price. Impressed, he spoke with the supervisor and decided to give them a chance, and that was it.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been struggling in their marriage. Mrs. Roberts suspects her husband had an affair with their former cook, and her intuition tells her he might be involved with their current cook as well. Without concrete evidence and knowing her husband is cautious, she has not confronted him yet. The couple has three beautiful daughters. As descendants from the Western part of the country, there has been no pressure to have a male child. Mr. Roberts is very protective of his daughters, never denying them the best in life while ensuring they are disciplined. The girls are exceptionally bright, earning scholarships to prestigious institutions: Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and Stanford University, despite their father’s ability to afford their education. The daughters, each just a year apart in age, are often mistaken for triplets. Their parents prioritize family time, visiting them frequently and ensuring they spend holidays and birthdays together, creating cherished memories. And the award for the year goes to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts!!! Lol!!!

After successfully completing their first outdoor job, the team cleaned up and returned to their hotel. Despite being exhausted from waking up early to set up and prepare, they found solace in the fact that their first outdoor catering service was a great success, delivering top-notch service. Unfortunately, they didn't have business cards, social media handles, or a website to give to the numerous people who requested them. Instead, they had to provide Mrs. Owen's phone number, as she was the team lead. “Nonýaenmwen,” she said excitedly, as she began to tell her husband how people couldn't stop coming back for extra plates. They both burst into laughter when she mentioned that the black soup and pounded yam were the first to run out. Her only regret was not making more, as she had been uncertain about the demand. "I hope you didn't let any man woo you?" he teased, while she recounted how many contacts she had saved in her phone and joked about it potentially crashing from the thousands of calls she had received. "Arhuẹmwonmwan (Love), God truly answers prayers. Who would have thought a day like this would come? I used to see wealthy people and luxurious lifestyles only in movies, but today, I experienced it firsthand. The caliber of people at the event was incredible, and the tips my team and I received were astonishing. I alone received two hundred and fifty thousand in total, and a white man even gave me a hundred-dollar bill. I've never held such currency in my entire life. I wonder how much my team members received, especially those who did the serving." She continued, finally concluding, "God bless the day Mr. Roberts came to the restaurant, and even more so, God bless the voice that convinced the rest of the group to come eat here. He's such a kind and generous man. He booked us into the most luxurious hotel in Lagos State. I've never seen a building like it in my life! The hotel staff treated us like royalty, and we've even been offered a complimentary spa session with massages and other indulgences. The food is exceptional, and Mr. Roberts ensured we traveled in style, upgrading us from that rickety bus from Benin to a master'scoach.” They both laughed again. "I am so exhausted, I need to get some rest now. Don't miss me too much as I will soon be back. Goodnight, my love," she said, blowing him an imaginary kiss. He responded, "Goodnight, Ọýunuan.”

Owning one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, Mr. Roberts had pioneered a revolutionary mental health therapy, breaking new ground in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders that affect people from all walks of life. To maximize its impact, he transformed the launch into a 5-day event, featuring a comprehensive workshop that empowers individuals and professionals concerned about mental health to become agents of change. This innovative solution and training program have the potential to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including mental health professionals, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and business leaders from various industries, united in their commitment to improving mental health outcomes and supporting those affected by mental health disorders. Since their marriage, Mrs. Owen had never spent more than twenty-four hours apart from her husband. Now, she was about to embark on a week-long trip to Lagos - seven whole days, or one hundred and sixty-eight hours, as she excitedly calculated. As a woman of exceptional intelligence, mathematics was undoubtedly her favorite subject. While many expected her to become a mathematics teacher or lecturer, Mrs. Owen had always been passionate about cooking and had chosen to pursue a career as a chef, bringing her immense joy. Mr. Owen, a sapiosexual on the other hand,  was drawn to her, because of her intelligence, a trait that had captivated him since their secondary school days.

She was missing her husband so intensely that it was affecting her physical health. Despite having a spacious suite to herself, she felt chilled to the bone, even with the thick duvet, due to the overactive air conditioning. All she craved was her husband's warmth and presence. “I wonder what he's doing right now,” she thought, “I can't seem to reach him on his mobile phone. Is he missing me as much as I'm missing him? I wish he had joined us on this trip; he could have taken his annual leave. After all, he's entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid vacation.” Her mind was racing with thoughts, but exhaustion soon caught up with her, and she drifted off to sleep.

Mr. Owen had taken a six-day leave from work, citing family issues in the village as the reason. However, in reality, he was having the time of his life with his long-time girlfriend, Rita. They had planned a mini vacation as soon as his wife, Adesuwa, shared her Lagos trip itinerary with him. Mr. Owen and Rita had a complicated history; they were lovers before he married Adesuwa, but Rita ended their relationship because she valued her freedom and couldn't marry someone who had cheated on her severally in the past. Despite this, they remained friends with benefits. Interestingly, all three - Mr. Owen, Rita, and Adesuwa - had attended the same secondary school, but Rita and Mr. Owen were the rebellious ones, starting their romance in secondary school and continuing it in university. Adesuwa, on the other hand, was a focused and studious individual, more interested in academics and making her parents proud. She was the senior prefect girl back in secondary school, achieved the highest JAMB score in her set, and earned a scholarship from the Edo State governor to attend one of Nigeria's top private universities.

It may have been fate that Adesuwa and Omoregie (Mr. Owen) reunited during their NYSC program in Akure, Ondo State. Although Adesuwa had secretly admired Omoregie in secondary school, she was too shy to express her feelings, and Rita's possessiveness had created a barrier. However, during their NYSC program, they reconnected and became close friends, despite being in different platoons. They often spent their free time together, particularly at Ahmed's assorted noodles stall in Mami Market, their favorite spot. One evening, after a long day, they visited Ahmed's kiosk to relax and chat. As they sipped chilled soft drinks and waited for their food, Omoregie took Adesuwa's hands and asked, "Will you be my girlfriend?" His piercing gaze seemed to seek the answer in her eyes. Caught off guard, Adesuwa felt a flutter in her stomach, and her response came out in a stutter: "Y...yes, Yes!" Omoregie lifted her up, still holding her hands, and they shared a warm hug and their first kiss. There were several reactions from other Corp members that were there too “You guys should get a room please” one said jokingly. “ I go love ooo!” another said as he teased them. “Awww, God when? Am I a toothpick?” Francis, their closest friend in camp, had protested. Everyone let out a loud laugh as he had been known as the camp clown. 

After completing their NYSC, they returned to Benin and eventually got married. Their initial plan was to relocate to Canada, as Adesuwa had been promised a master's degree scholarship by a prominent figure in her village, while Omoregie was saving to join her later. However, fate had other plans. The scholarship benefactor passed away suddenly, leaving Adesuwa devastated. Thankfully, she found solace in her husband and family's support and began to rebuild. Just as they were recovering from this setback, Omoregie fell victim to a scam, losing the savings they had accumulated for his Canada travel plans. Adesuwa found strength in her faith, deciding to trust in God's plan and leave their dreams in His hands. With renewed hope and an open mind, they started anew, believing that their dreams would eventually come to fruition.

As soon as Mrs. Owen and her team returned to Benin City, she was greeted by a mouthwatering aroma wafting from someone's kitchen. "Whoever is cooking this must have attended Hilda Baci's master class - what an incredible aroma!" she thought to herself. As she approached her room, the scent grew stronger, and before she could even knock, her husband flung open the door, embracing her like a long-lost love, complete with a warm hug and kiss. "Welcome home, my love! I've prepared your favorite jollof rice and peppered turkey - I just know you'll love it!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he helped her with her luggage. "I'm sure you're surprised I cooked, but I watched some YouTube videos and decided to try my hand at it - and I think I outdid myself!" he continued, heading towards the kitchen. "Go freshen up while I set the table," he said with a smile. They enjoyed a romantic dinner, or so Omoregie called it, and indeed the food was exquisite. However, the culinary mastermind behind the meal was none other than Rita, a fact that would have left Mrs. Owen feeling frustrated and tempted to exclaim, "Damn you, Omoregie!" But sadly she had no idea.

The arduous journey had left them exhausted, with their rickety bus breaking down repeatedly, requiring them to push it to get it started again. As a result, Omoregie and his wife had barely spoken. The next day, after returning from work, Adesuwa decided to share some news. "Ọdor mwen n'uwa," she began, clearing her throat and adjusting her position. "The Roberts offered me a job as their new cook, and they also need a driver, which I recommended you for. Interestingly, they were pleased to learn we're a couple, just like their previous cook and driver. The Roberts are incredibly wealthy and can provide us with unparalleled luxury. They live in a grand mansion with numerous spacious rooms, so we won't have to worry about rent or food; everything will be abundantly provided." She paused to gauge her husband's reaction. "This is great news, Ọýunuan!" he exclaimed, his excitement evident. However, his enthusiasm was short-lived as she revealed Mr. Robert's inappropriate advances and her concerns about their safety if they were to live in the mansion. "You worry too much, my darling," he said reassuringly. "Who wouldn't be drawn to a beautiful and endowed lady like you? Rest assured, I'll address this with him directly and ensure he respects boundaries. I won't hesitate to defend what's mine; I don't share!" He kissed her, trying to alleviate her fears and make her feel secure.

Five years and six months had passed since the Owens began living with the Roberts, and they had formed a tight-knit family. However, Mrs. Owen had recently been experiencing morning sickness, fatigue, and exhaustion, accompanied by mood swings, food cravings, and tender breasts. One morning, Mrs. Roberts playfully teased her, "You're glowing and have gained weight; I think you might have a bun in the oven!" Mrs. Owen was perplexed, thinking, "But I'm still having my period, and the flow is heavier than usual; how can I be pregnant?" Despite her doubts, she eventually gave in to her husband's and Mrs. Roberts' persuasion and took a pregnancy test. To her surprise, she was four months pregnant, explaining the strange sensations she had been experiencing. The news was met with excitement, hence the Roberts celebrated with a grand feast, congratulating the expecting couple.

Rita noticed Omoregie's worry and disinterest and asked, "What's wrong?" Unbeknownst to Adesuwa, Omoregie had rented a luxurious studio apartment on the mainland for Rita, who had relocated to Lagos with the Owens. Rita seemed to be the love of Omoregie's life, and he was obsessed with her. Omoregie's work trips with his boss took him to different places, but Rita always seemed to know his whereabouts. She would join him in Lagos, or wherever he was, and they would spend time together, much to the unawareness of his wife. When she congratulated him on Adesuwa's pregnancy, he revealed, "I'm not the father of the child." Rita was taken aback, asking for confirmation, "What did you just say?" Omoregie repeated, "I'm not the father, and I'm sterile." Rita felt betrayed, wondering how long he had known this and why he kept it a secret. She was hurt that he had been buying her birth control pills, feeling deceived and angry. She packed her things, thinking, "I need to leave before I end up dead."Storming out of the room, she slammed the door behind her, leaving Omoregie unsure of how to resolve their first major fight. Meanwhile, he was still wondering how Adesuwa could try to pin another man's pregnancy on him.

To be continued….

Lucchi writes ✍️