Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 1

The Dying Billionaire Episode 1

Chief Omenka had not spoken to anyone that morning. He just lay quietly on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. The private ward was silent, except for the soft beeping of the machine beside him. The air-conditioner was working, but he still felt hot. The nurses had come in earlier to give him drugs and check his temperature. Now, he was waiting for the doctor.

When Dr. Philips walked in, Chief Omenka sat up slowly. The doctor pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. He opened the file in his hand and looked at the old man.

"Chief," the doctor began. "We have the final test results. I won't lie to you. Your cancer has reached stage four."

Chief Omenka nodded slowly. "So what are you saying?"

"We've tried all we can," Dr. Philips said. "At this stage, the cancer has spread. We can only manage the pain and keep you as comfortable as possible."

Chief Omenka looked away. "How long do I have?"

Dr. Philips adjusted his glasses. "Three months, Chief. 100 days at most."

The room became quiet again. Chief Omenka stared at the wall. He didn't say anything for a while. Dr. Philips stood up and placed the file on the side table.

"I'm very sorry, sir," he said before leaving the room.

After the doctor left, Chief Omenka spoke to himself.

"This is how life is. You spend all your years working hard, making money, building houses, and now look at me-just 100 days left. It's alright. I will prepare myself and my house."

He reached for his phone and made a call.

"Ebube, come to the hospital immediately. Bring Dike with you. I want to speak to both of you."

Thirty minutes later, the door opened and Ebube stepped in. She was wearing a long brown gown and flat shoes. Dike walked behind her. He was twenty-five years old, tall and fair, with a slim build. He looked like his mother.

"Good afternoon, Daddy," Dike greeted.

Ebube sat on the chair beside the bed. "Chief, what is going on? Why did you ask us to rush here?"

Chief Omenka sat up again and looked at them.. "I have something important to say. The doctor told me this morning that I have only 100 days to live."

Ebube's mouth opened a little, but she didn't say anything.

Dike moved closer to the bed. "Daddy, are you serious?"

"Yes," Chief Omenka replied. "I have cancer. It has spread. Nothing more can be done. I've accepted it. Now I want to put my house in order before I die."

Ebube sat still. She stared at the floor.

"I have already written my will," the Chief continued. "Everything I own-my houses, my cars, my company, my bank accounts-everything will go to you, Dike, and your mother."

Dike looked at his father in surprise. "Thank you, sir."

"But before that," Chief Omenka said slowly, "there's something I must do."

Ebube looked up.

"There must be a DNA test," Chief said. "Right here in this hospital. I want to confirm that Dike is truly my son."

"What?" Ebube asked. "Why would you say such a thing?"

Chief Omenka didn't raise his voice. "I have reasons. Many years ago, I found something that made me doubt your faithfulness. I didn't talk then, but now that I am close to death, I cannot carry that doubt to my grave. I must be sure that Dike is my son."

Ebube stood up from the chair. "Chief, I don't believe this. After all these years?"

"You heard me," he said. "If Dike is truly my son, then the will stands. If he's not, I will change everything."

Dike stood still, watching both of them. His face was hard to read.

"So you've never trusted me?" Ebube asked.

"This is not about trust," Chief said. "It's about truth. Let the test be done. If I am wrong, I will apologize before I die. But I must be sure."

"It's okay. Let the test be done. I'm sure you are my father." Dike said.

Ebube looked at her son and nodded slowly. "If this is what you want, fine. Let them carry out the test."

Chief Omenka pressed the bell. A nurse came in.

"Call the doctor," he said. "Tell him I want a DNA test done today. My wife and son are ready."

The nurse left to make the arrangements.

Chief Omenka leaned back on the bed and closed his eyes for a moment.

Ebube sat down again. "Chief, do you remember how we started? Do you remember when we had nothing? Why would you think I would cheat on you?"

"I said I have my reasons," Chief replied without looking at her.

Dike folded his arms. "Daddy, I've always seen you as a man of truth. If doing this test will bring you peace, then let it be done. I just hope you're ready for the results."

There was silence again in the room. The air-conditioner continued to hum. Outside the window, the leaves on the tree were not moving. It looked like the whole world had paused for that moment.

A few minutes later, Dr. Philips came in with another nurse. The nurse was carrying a tray with cotton wool, tubes, and a small cooler box.

"The lab technician will be here soon," Dr. Philips said. "He'll take samples from the three of you. The results will be ready in a while."

"Thank you," Chief Omenka said.

The nurse started with Dike. He stretched out his arm, and she took a small blood sample. She did the same for Chief Omenka and then Ebube.

When they were done, the samples were placed carefully into the cooler box.

"Three days," Dr. Philips said. "I'll let you know once the results are out."

They left the room again. Ebube stood up to go.

"We'll come back in three days," she said.

Chief Omenka didn't stop them. Dike looked at his father before turning to follow his mother.

When they left, Chief remained on the bed. He stared at the ceiling again.

"I don't care what the result will be," he said quietly to himself. "I just want to know the truth before I die."

To be continued