Thinking it was all over, Jonathan exhaled in relief, wiping off the beads of perspiration that had gathered on his forehead. “That was close.” He muttered. Just when he was about to resume work, Divah appeared in front of him. “Sir.” She called, crossing her hands on her chest as her face contorted with a look of surprise and confusion. When she saw him the first time, she didn't believe her eyes until she got a closer look of him, strengthening her conviction. “I received an email this morning saying you would be unavailable for a month since you have a business class to be part of.” She reeled, the confusion on her face still etched on it. “It's not what you think.” Jonathan said, racking his brain on the perfect tale to say to her but his head was blank. He couldn't tell her his plans and not only that he didn't want anyone to know what he was up to. Rubbing his nape, he chuckled a bit as he tried to steal away but she was quick to pull him back. “I'm sorry but you can't l
“What is it?” She asked, locking eyes with him. “It seems you are acquainted with Vina Leighton.” “Yeah! We are co staff and mutual friends.” “Whatever it is but please, keep my identity hidden from her.” He said, falling back on his seat while she stared at him like she just saw a ghost.“How long are you going to keep up with this new identity of yours?” “Until I catch the perp.” “Perp?” She wanted him to reveal more but he wasn't going to fall for her scheme. Holding her hand, he helped her up and then swirled her in the direction of the exit, “Go home, you had a long day.” Divah didn't budge and so in anger, he grabbed his cup of coffee off the table and then stormed out with her trailing after him. He was about to flag down a taxi when Pearl walked up to him with a broad smile on her lips. “Jonathan Gray.” She called, grinning from side to side. “If you don't mind, I would love to speak to you.” She said and just then Divah who had been running after him, arrived, doubl
Whistling a nursery rhyme, Jonathan pushed his janitor’s cart into Karl's office for his usual morning routine. Today was two weeks since he began to work as a janitor. “Good morning sir.” He greeted in a cheerful manner and then commenced work, making sure to take note of everything his eyes could fall on. For the past two weeks, he had been trying to come up with a contingent plan to send Vina and Karl to their heels but he couldn't come up with any. Smacking his lips, he continued his job only to stop whistling when the telephone on his table began to buzz. “You're hardworking.” Karl said, using his fingers to comb through his beards. He had ended the call purposely because he couldn't afford to take it in Jonathan's presence. “I love putting in my best in everything I do.” Jonathan replied with a bright smile which he nodded to. “Since you took over my office, there hasn't been a speck of dust.” Titling his head to the side with his chin resting on his clasped hand, he said
“Am I speaking with Mr. Gray?” A masculine voice asked at the other end of the call.“Yes please!!" Jonathan responded with an enquiring tone.“I'm afraid you need to come to the hospital right now. This is Dr. Solomon speaking, your wife was admitted a few hours ago and it is very urgent, she has hospitalisation bills that needs to be sorted out, so your presence is needed right now." The voice said with a hint of urgency.A feeling of fear and agitation flushed through him and he spoke to the doctor in a stutter, “My wife? How come?"Jonathan was very sure he left her at home that morning, hale and hearty. She had held his hands and hugged him warmly before he left for work.“Doctor, is my wife okay?" Jonathan went on to ask.His palms are already getting sweaty. “First of all you need to calm down, and then come over to the hospital. That best answers your question.” the doctor added.Jonathan hung up the call that moment, walking out of the office to the hallways in fast strides.
Seeing the evidence right in front of her, Sarah knew she had been caught.Her eyes were suddenly filled with tears as she tried to cover up the truth. "Jon, please. I’m sorry. It’s not what you think. Please forgive me."But Jonathan's resolve was firm. "We’re done, Sarah. I want a divorce, there is nothing you or anybody would say that would change that." “ What about Hazel? If we get divorce, how do you intend to take care of her?” Sarah was trying to use their daughter to threaten Jonathan.Just then, his phone rang. It was their daughter, Hazel. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the hospital, ignoring Emily’s desperate, threatening words.Jonathan's hands were still shaking as he drove away from the hospital. Sarah's pleas echoed in his mind, but he forced himself to stay firm. She had betrayed him, and he couldn’t forgive her for that.His phone rang again, breaking his thoughts. It was their daughter, Hazel. "Daddy, when are you coming home?" she asked, her
"Rich Daddy." The phrase reverberated ceaselessly in Jonathan's thoughts. His wife had implanted such erroneous ideas in their daughter's mind, and the rage it incited within him was beyond measure. The notion that his daughter had been so deeply influenced by her mother's fabrications fueled a fire of frustration and helplessness that he struggled to contain.That night, Jonathan stood at the doorway, gazing at his beautiful daughter as she slept soundly. She had refused to speak to him earlier, their argument still fresh in her mind, and it was only in the early hours of the morning that she finally succumbed to sleep. Jonathan felt a pang of sadness as he watched her peaceful slumber, wishing he could bridge the growing chasm between them.He paced around Hazel's room for a few moments, his heart heavy with turmoil. He leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, a small gesture of love and regret, before quietly leaving her to her dreams.Heading toward the living room
Jonathan's heart sank as his wife's voice echoed through the spacious living room. She stood in front of him, her lips curling into a mocking smile as she reminded him once again."Don't forget, Jonathan, the land and the house are in my name. A little pre-marriage gift from you, remember? You built this house for me with your own hands."She laughed in a mocking manner.Each word she spoke felt like a dagger twisted into his heart. He had poured his sweat, blood, and love into constructing this home, believing it would be their sanctuary. Now, the very walls that once symbolised their shared dreams seemed to mock him. The thought of his wife living there with her lover was almost too much to bear. It wasn't just about the property; it was about the betrayal, the loss of everything he had worked so hard for.Jonathan laughed so much that tears gathered in his eyes. The lawyer who had already settled himself on the sofa urged him to sign the divorce agreement quickly. "Let's get thi
CHAPTER FIVEThe atmosphere in the living room was tensed up as Jonathan stood across his wife and Williams, the lawyer. Hazel's appearance had halted the argument.Jonathan looked at his daughter, small and innocent. He knew discussing about divorce in front of his daughter could have an emotional impact on her and hurt her. He was unwilling to do that. So he took a deep breath and reached out to his daughter. He opened his arms, ready to comfort her with a hug but before he could move, she looked at him, then looked at Williams the lawyer and finally her gaze settled on her mother.There was a moment of hesitation on Hazel's face, but then, to Jonathan's surprise, his daughter ran towards the lawyer, wrapping her small arms around his legs. "Daddy!" she cried out, her voice filled with joy. Hazel remembered this uncle who often came to her house, he would buy her many toys and her mother told her to call him "Daddy". She also didn't forget he got her the expensive Barbie doll for h