Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 4

The Arranged Marriage Episode 4

Ikenna has never forgotten about Temidayo. He is aware that when his parents are done joking, he would go ahead to marry the love of his life. A few weeks after his wedding with Nnenna, he contacted Temidayo.

"I'm coming to your place." Ikenna said over the phone. Temidayo is still upset and she didn't want to hear his voice. But Ikenna insisted and quickly drove to her house even before she had the chance to say no.

Ikenna knocked on the small brown gate and waited. He went there in the evening. After some minutes, Temidayo opened the gate and stood with her arms folded. She looked at Ikenna with a face that showed no emotions. It's clear she is very upset.

"What are you doing here? You think I'm your spare tyre? After abandoning me, you are back to sing into my ears like mosquitoes?" Temidayo asked.

"I came to see you, Temi. I miss you. I still have you in my heart. You are the only woman I have truly loved." Temidayo looked away as if she didn't know who Ikenna is.

"It's too late, Ikenna. The ship has left the seaport. You think I will be here waiting for you?" Temidayo asked angrily.

"Please Temi, at least, let me come in first." Ikenna said.

She stepped aside and let him in with another word. Ikenna entered the small living room where he used to feel at home. Nothing had changed. Temidayo sat down opposite him and crossed her legs.

"So, after dumping me because your parents didn't want me, you now remember you love me?" She asked. Ikenna looked down in shame.

"I didn't dump you. I was forced to make that choice. You know my parents threatened to disown me if I married you. I was afraid, Temi. But you are the one I love." Ikenna said tearfully.

"You were not afraid Ikenna. You were just weak. When they insulted me, you said nothing. When they called me names and told me I was not good enough, you just stood there like a statue. You never defended me. You never fought for me. Ikenna, that hurt me more than anything. I expected you to speak up, to protect me. But you stood by and watched them disgrace me. And now you want to come back? After marrying another woman? No. don't want this." Temidayo said. Her voice was getting loud.

"I understand, but please hear me out." Ikenna pleaded with her.

"I know I failed you. I regret everything. My parents are already regretting their decision. Nnenna is making their lives miserable. They can't even sleep well in their own house. She doesn't cook. She insults them. She acts like she owns everything. I don't even touch her. I know the marriage won't last. I just need to endure it a little more. When the time comes, I'll chase her away. In fact, my parents will be the ones to chase her away because she beat them up even on the wedding day. This will be over soon. And then, I'll be free to make things right with you. That's why I came here. I want us to start again, Temi. Please." Ikenna's voice sounded romantic. Temidayo looked into his eyes to see if he was saying the truth.

"So let me understand you clearly. You want me to be your backup plan? You want me to wait until your marriage collapses so you can come back and marry me? What if she gets pregnant before then? What if you change your mind again?" Temidayo asked.

"She will not get pregnant. I have never touched her. I'm avoiding it on purpose. I know the moment I sleep with her, she might get pregnant, and I'll be trapped forever. I don't want that. I never wanted to marry her. I only obeyed my parents." Ikenna responded, trying desperately to convince Temidayo. Temidayo stood up and walked to the window. She stayed there for some time before turning around to speak again.

"Ikenna, I loved you with everything in me. I gave you my time, my heart, my dreams. I was even ready to fight your parents. But you left me to fight alone. I felt abandoned. I cried for days. I thought I was not good enough. You broke me. "She said with tears. Ikenna stood up slowly and walked towards her.

"I know, Temi. I know. And I hate myself for allowing it to happen. But please give me another chance. I won't let you down again." He said.

Temidayo walked back to the couch and sat down. She looked at Ikenna for a long time.

"Do you still love me?" Temidayo asked softly.

"Yes. More than anything," Ikenna replied.

"If I say I forgive you, will you stay this time?" she asked.

"Yes. I will stay. I will fight for us this time," Ikenna replied again.

"Then prove it. Right here. Right now. Prove that you still belong to me and not to that village wife they forced on you." Temidayo said with a romantic voice. Ikenna pulled her close to himself.

They held each other tightly for a long time, like people who had been lost and just found their way back. There were no more questions. No more blame. One thing led to another. Their clothes came off, and soon, they were in each other's arms on the bed. It felt like old times. It felt like they were never separated. The walls that had divided them collapsed in that moment. Ikenna knew what he was doing. He was fully aware that he was married, but he didn't care. All he wanted was Temidayo.

As Ikenna lay on Temidayo's bed, he remembered Nnenna. She was probably in their house shouting at his mother or fighting over TV remote. He smiled. He didn't feel guilty. He had no interest in Nnenna. From the day they got married, he made up his mind not to touch her in the bedroom. He didn't want to bring a child into that mistake of a marriage. She had tried to lead him to her headquarters, but he always found an excuse. Sometimes he even slept in the guest room.

Meanwhile, back in his father's house, Nnenna knocked on Ikenna's room and found it empty.

Episode 5 coming soon.