AMBER ROMANCE, EVERY WAKING MOMENT

AMBER ROMANCE

EVERY WAKING MOMENT

CHAPTER THREE


Helen stepped into the fresh cool morning air. It was a bit chilly because it rained the night before. It was still dark and there were flashes of lightening every now and then. She wondered why she thought of a sun glasses and not a jacket. Then again the weather was hardly predictable these days; it might just become sunny in few hours.
She took measure of her surrounding, usually that was the first thing she did whenever she entered a place or came outside.  She had taught herself to stop looking over her back but habits were hard to break, especially when you didn’t have your memories and felt constantly in danger. It didn’t help that her earliest memory was waking up in the streets beaten to half inch of her life.  Someone was after her but she also knew that but if the person hadn’t made a move on her after almost three years she doubted if the person would. That was if there was really someone after her. She shivered again but this time not out of cold but out dread. The constant feeling of being watched or being followed was always there. Without waiting another second she docked into the first taxi that stopped in front her and gave the driver directions.
Unlike her friend Nma she didn’t own a car. At first she couldn’t afford it, now that she could, she suspected almost every man she met as the imaginary person after her, so she couldn’t face car dealers and their over enthusiastic smiles.  She had taught herself to stop being afraid. She also wasn’t sure she could drive and she didn’t want to find out. She might wreck the car or get killed or kill someone.
“You could just learn to drive” she told herself, of course she could. She heaved a sigh, maybe somewhere in her past she was afraid of driving and probably there was a good reason for it. She sat back and relaxed, trying to shut off her busy mind. She needed all her wits about her if she was going to survive facing Chucks Obi.

Helen watched terrified as the taxi drew to a stop in font of the mansion that was Chuck's house. Her heart dropped to her feet when she saw the giant of a gate with a two uniformed guards stationed there. She never thought of a gate and guards, she never gave a thought of how she was going to get inside the building. She should be glad that the charade was not going to happen after all but she found that she was disappointed and she became quite confused about that. Shouldn’t she be happy that she might not have to face Chuck anymore? Helen sat back transfixed not knowing what to do. The more she thought about it the more she realized that she couldn’t go back. The purse was the only connection she had to her past and that made it more important than anything she had and would ever have at least until she remembered. What she needed was a believable fib to get herself past those guards. She could tell them she was a relative that would explain her coming this early. She discounted that when she remembered that Nma told her Chuck more or less an orphan his only living relative was his rascal younger brother. Okay she got it she told herself; she would say she was sent by Nma to give him an important message. What message she asked herself. What could be so important and urgent that Nma would send her instead of just calling, which saves time and energy?
She heaved a sigh. She should face it, it would not work, Chuck would be at Nma’s party later in the day, and she could cease that opportunity to ask him for it. The only thing wrong with that plan was that she might never get the chance to ask him, his super model white girlfriend would glue to him like poison ivy shooting eye daggers at any girl who came close.
“We are here madam?” the taxi man said to her impatiently cutting into her thoughts.
Helen took a deep breath. It was now or never. She was going to do it. There was no going back; this might be a beginning of a good thing for her. Maybe what the guy needed was to see her like this, dressed up, sophisticated and alone to fall for her. Shocked at herself, she grabbed her bag and began to rummage inside for money to pay the driver. Where had that thought come from?  She would not deny that a part of her wished for that but the reality was, she wasn’t his type. Chuck dated voluptuous beauties. How is it possible that a man who is used to the most beautiful woman there are in the world would fall her? She laughed aloud but stopped when the driver gave her a look that suggested she wasn’t normal.
She quickly paid the man and came down on shaky legs and let out her breath as she walked towards the mansion. She stilled her thoughts as she stood and face one of the guards. Helen flashed him her million dollar smile hoping to soften the ground but the man didn’t bulge one bit, she decided to try the straight forward way.
“Good morning, I am here to see Mr. Chuck Obi”
“Who are you?” the asked her harshly
Helen almost forgot her name “I am Helen, from Nma”
“Is he expecting you?”
“Not exactly but Nma that is Mrs. Okoha said she will call ahead”
“Wait here”
The man went inside and Helen released her pent up breath. That was easy she thought. The lie made it all easy. Then she began to feel guilty. She shouldn’t have brought Nma into her scheme, what if Chuck called Nma to verify her story. Geez good work Helen, she said to herself in disgust. That would surely endear the man to her. She stopped; she wasn’t here to endear the man to herself.  She was here to get her purse simple and nothing more.
The man came out at that precise moment. Okay here comes the verdict, Helen prepared herself to enter the world of Chuck Obi.
“I am sorry miss but Mr. Obi is still sleeping and cannot be woken. You will have to come back”
The blow was surprising and disappointing, after all the trouble she had gone through to get here. She couldn’t just go back empty handed.
“No! I cant I have to get to work now”
“You can come after work”
“After work is Uche and Nma’s party”
“I am sure Mr. Obi would be there, that will solve the problem, good day miss”
The man began to turn around
“Hey come back, can’t I just wait for him I am sure he will soon be up, it is almost eight, who sleeps that long anyway”
The man gave her dismissal look. Helen couldn’t believe it for a moment, to be so close and yet…. A horn blared behind her and she turned in time to see low slung sport car drive towards her.
Please don’t let it be Uche or Stanley or Eva, she prayed. It would be the most embarrassing thing that would ever happen to her. Whoever was driving the car wound down the window and Helen’s heart skipped several beats.
“Hi” the driver said. He turned out to be a very handsome young man in his twenties.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
Helen was too busy thanking God that it wasn’t anybody she knew to answer the man. Then she heard the guard answering the question.
“She is looking for your brother; she is from Mr. Uche’s wife but your brother is still sleeping”
Helen couldn’t believe it, this handsome man is Chuck’s brother, Chuck is half caste and this man here is full black.
“From Nma right” the man asked
Helen nodded because she couldn’t bring herself to speak. He opened the passenger door for her. “Come in, I will take you to him”
Helen entered the car and suddenly she had the feeling that entering this kind of car wasn’t new to her. The nostalgic feeling was very strong. She had to say something to shake herself out of it.
“You know maybe I should take the guard’s advice and come back”
“Why” he smiled at her “when you can see him now”
“Are you just going to wake him for me?” Helen asked
“I bet he is not still sleeping. By the way I am Collins, he is my brother but you already know that”
“Yes I do and I am Helen I work for Nma but you already know that”
Collins laughed “That’s new”
“What’s new?”
“You just accept I am his brother, no questions asked”
Helen chuckled “I bet you get a lot of that”
Collins gave her a full lusty look and Helen cringed with the feeling of falling. What’s happening here? Please she prayed; don’t let this brother have a crush on her when she had her sights on his older brother. That would be a complication she was not be ready to face.
“Here we are beautiful” Helen got out of the car and looked around the house with awe.
“It is beautiful”
“Not as much as you are”
She decided to keep quiet as Collins led her inside.
“That was a compliment”
“Was it? I thought I was being compared to house”
He laughed again and opened the door and she was led into the most exquisite living room she had ever seen.
“Wow!” she couldn’t help the exclamation. The room was furnished with white and glass that was the best way she could describe it, and it was very airy, with a vast French window on one side. A light breeze lifted the white cottons hanging at the windows. Helen shook her head in wonder of it.
“You really want to see my brother”
Helen turned to face him with a smile
“That is why I am here”
“I have got to change my clothes, take a bath, so take the stairs to the first floor and open the first door you come to, you will see him”
“Helen frowned “just like that, I mean that is more like barging in on him”
“It is a suite, so you are not like barging in”
Helen wasn’t still convinced
“Do you want to see him or not, since you are already here I guess you want to see him”
He smiled
‘I do but I don’t think his girlfriend will appreciate it if I just showed up in their bedroom’
Collin chuckled ‘He is alone’
‘He is? I got it on good authority that the super model came back with him’
‘Well there is no authority more authentic than mine when it comes to my brother. I am telling you on better authority that his girlfriend is not here’
“Okay, first door, first floor”
“Right” he said leaving to disappear through of one the doors. Helen turned and began the climb the stairs she was told led to Chuck’s suite on legs that were shaky. Was she doing the right thing? Shouldn’t she insist that they announce her to him and maybe he would come to see her in the living room? Collins is his brother and knows the best way to approach the brother, she assured herself. or not she thought suddenly afraid. Maybe he was setting her up, he looked the kind to do that sort of thing and he certainly looked young enough to play that kind of prank on his big brother or on any unsuspecting female. Helen smiled trying to get a firm hold on her straying mind. It was very obvious the boy was used to girls falling at his feet and it didn’t help that he’s Chuck Obi’s only brother. She shook her head and knocked on the door before she could panic and turn tails. No one opened the door after her third knock so she turned the knob and walked into a smaller living room. It was empty save for the exquisite and masculine furniture so she came in and looked around. There were two large boxes on the floor yet to be opened. She then recalled that he came in last night. The room was too masculine for her taste. So where was he? She asked. She didn’t have time to wait until he appeared from where ever. All of a sudden she wanted the whole charade to be over and done with.
There was another door at the opposite end of the room so she walked to it and opened the door. It was a bedroom and her eyes connected with the bed.
And what she saw took her breath away with that went also her reasoning ability.
On the bed was six feet four of her every desire. He was lying on top of the bed spread; bare chest wearing only his jeans, the top button was undone. His long hair was unbound and spread all over the pillow. She swallowed hard. No one had the right to be this beautiful in sleep. One muscular hand was beneath his head and the other on his flat and hard stomach. She took a step forward, she couldn’t help herself. She could see herself leaning down to kiss those lips that usually appeared hard and stubborn but in sleep looked soft and beckoned on her to lean over. She took a step backwards, breathing hard. What was she doing? She should leave…at that particular time, she knew as she was sure  of the existence of a supreme being governing the whole universe that he was the only man for her.
Should she wake him? She thought against it. She didn’t have the heart to wake him, he looked so peaceful, and ruggedly sexy that she was afraid of what she would happen if she touched him, she knew that she wouldn’t stop at a mere touch. She would want to explore that beautiful body. What wouldn’t she do to have him open those metallic green eyes and smile her welcome? She shook her head. The reality was if he woke up he would be mad at her for intruding on his privacy. Geez his girlfriend could have been here! The best thing to do she thought was look around for the purse and leave before he woke up. With her mind made up, she walked to the first drawer and opened it and began to search them one after the other. So she didn’t notice him stir and wake.

Chucks woke to the feeling that he was not alone. he couldn’t remember coming into the room let alone falling asleep. What a day, he had a lot planned, first he wanted drop in on Stanley and see which of his friends was up to some exercise, these days Stanley was almost his only pal he could hang with, Uche and Charles having succumbed to married lives. Still he hated going to Stanley’s house because he didn’t like his gold digger live in girlfriend. He looked at his watch and knew that going over to Stanley’s house was out question. Stanley would be at work. That was when he heard the noise. He slowly looked and saw a girl going through his drawer. Chuck couldn’t believe it, maybe he was still dreaming, so he closed his eyes and opened them again but the girl was still there. How did she get in. slowly he sat up
“Found what you are looking for?”


If this is your first time of reading this story, catch up on chapter one and two by searching for them on the blog. Or read the first story of this series WHEN THE HEART KNOWS By searching for it.
If you found this story interesting or have any suggestions  plz comment. I would love to hear what you think.
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Yours Ever

Chioma.

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EIGHT TIPS TO A HAPPIER MARRIAGE.

Have you been in that marriage or relationship for a while now and you are beginning to feel unpretty and unattractive? You are no longer the size 10/12 girl he used to know or you catch him looking at prettier, younger, slimmer or more ambitious women and that makes you feel old, ugly and fat? Here are 8 tips to help you feel attractive and keep his interest like forever.

1. BE CLEAN:
so many women after being Married or being in a relationship for a while, begins to become too comfortable with their partner. They don't bath till night, some do in morning but don't at night. Some never remember to wash their hair. Some stop shaving even the most essential parts. Even the house is being neglected or the sheets on the bed yet you want that man to turn to you at night.  He won't and he would be too polite to tell you why. He will say he had long day and is very tired.
2. BE SEXY:
Competition is tight, a lot of young girls outside understand this and you see them buy sexy under wears and lingeries while married ones don't get that no matter how long you've been married you are still in competition with if not other women but your husband's memories of you when you first met. so they take it for granted that they already got the man and don't need to try. That maybe true but wait till your partner meets one of them sexy younger girls. So wear sexy night gown, lace and silk underwear. Do your make up right even when you are at home, even when you don't plan to go anywhere wear beautiful n simple n sexy attires all day long. I promise he won't wait for the kids to go to bed. He would rush home every night. Be what your husband want in bed, and give him your full attention, not even your kids should come into your mind at this stage.  Remember there are girls outside who are more than willing to show him the latest when it comes to sex.
3. BE ROMANTIC:
Romance comes natural to the woman more than the men. So make use of this free gift from above. Take him out for a romantic dinner, when the children are in bed, sit out for a while, drink wine and make small talk. Just enjoy the stars, moon the fresh air and each other. Think of some romantic ways to melt his heart. Wink at him when your eyes meet even if your grown up children are there. Take long strolls. Be romantic!
4. BE FUN:
The truth is that men never grow old. They still remember the fun you used to have when you started dating ages ago and still want it. No wonder they sneak around with girls your age when they first met you. Those young girls are fun. They go clubbing, they hang out at joints with them and to viewing centers. How many married women do you see in such places. Next to none but what about married men? They come with the single girls. Wise up ladies. Having fun must not include children. Most times family picnics with fussy and crying children bore and irritate men. So while you are planning family picnics and fun, plan for something only two of you can do.
5. BE CHEERFUL:
why do most married women keep long faces. Things are hard, you are worried about finances etc. Your long face and sighing is enough to drive him to the bars and into the hands of some woman. No matter how hard things get if your man is trying be that one source of happiness for him by keeping a cheerful face and attitude.
6. BE PEACEFUL: no matter how angry he made you or how trying your day has been. When you open the door for husband at the end of the day, do so with a warm smile. By doing this you are telling him it's okay to come home no matter how mad you are at him. Don't nag, don't be contentious and don't be argumentative. Your relationship needs a measure of peace to survive. If you need to let him know when he is not doing right, do so in a mature and firm conversation. Don't be violent.
7. BE HIS BEST COOK: a man's stomach they say is the easiest way to his heart. This is true. You don't have to be a chef to do this. Learn to be the best cook of all his favorite meals. Make sure that no girl can do it better than you. Be creative with food, learn some new recipes to tempt his pallet.
8. WATCH YOUR WEIGHT: One of the things that give woman complex and make them suspicious of every single girl is when they add weight. They begin to feel inferior to the still shapely single girls. Remember you are in competition, so watch your diet, exercise and loose weight if you have to.

These are not all but these eight tips will put you in the right course. Your marriage is worth fighting for and these are your weapons.

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HUNGRY HEARTS

WHO SHOULD I FORGIVE MY GIRL FRIEND OR MY BOY FRIEND

 Hello readers, my name is Comfort. I am 24 years old, I have a best friend, we share the same birthday that was how we became friends in the first place. We often tell people we are twins from different mothers that was how close we were.

One day we were just hanging out in a fast food when a very handsome man came in, we both noticed him at the same time but fortunately it was me the man spoke to. Before long we started dating.
Apart from being handsome, he was caring and generous and cool and I was in love for him. Time came when I had to go back to school. He calls every night, I knew it was his way of checking me out, I knew and didn’t mind cos I wasn't cheating. Then one night he called and I didn't pick  cos I was really ill and slept off.. this caused a big fight for us. I couldn't take all the accusations. For three days he didn't call. When I tried calling him, he didn't pick.
So I came back to Lagos to find out why cos I didn't want to lose him. When I got to his house, my best friend was there acting like his girlfriend. I couldn't believe it. We had a big fight in his house that day. My friend said she didn't snatch him from me that we have already broken up before she started dating him.
Three months later they broke up now my friend is asking me to forgive, not only forgive but to become her best friend again. As if that is not enough he wants me back, he calls all day, visit my school, buy gifts and begging.
I can't be a best friend to my friend and be his girl friend, how awkward would that be?

Please I need advice, who should I forgive, my best friend or my boy friend

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Chioma

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12 SIGNS HE WILL NOT MARRY YOU

So many women go into relationship with the hope that it will lead to marriage. The sad thing is that this hope can be fanned to last several years and still no marriage. Leaving the relationship becomes difficult because they feel they have invested so much into it. Why then didn't they leave the relationship at the initial stage, at the first sign he wouldn’t marry you? This can be attributed to not knowing signs,  And being afraid to take chances. But no more ladies, find out before it becomes too late if he would marry you or not with this ten tips.


1. Waiting for the Right Time-
 It sounds so mature and responsible for your guy to say that he will ask you to marry him as soon as "the time is right,” but this is just another stalling tactic.  Over the years we've heard all of the "it isn't the right time" excuses.  They've ranged from men waiting for that big promotion to one man who wanted his brother to have enough time to grieve after his divorce before he was “forced” to participate in wedding festivities.
People manage to tie the knot during less than perfect circumstances all the time.  Nearly every member of the clergy has a story about a bride or groom who had to hobble down the aisle after breaking a leg or having a serious injury before their wedding.  Remember these couples when you’re evaluating whether his reason for waiting really has any merit
2. An Engagement With No Date Set-
Many men find that presenting a women with a diamond ring is the king of all stalling tactics.   If the man has the financial means, he can often get several years worth of stall time with a large enough diamond. Now those are the classy men, what about those who would present an ordinary cheap ring with no date set.  If you’ve been engaged for more than a few months and you still don’t have a date set, then the odds of you walking down the aisle with this man are slim at best.  The same goes for wedding dates that are set two or more years into the future

3. HE DOES NOT MENTION YOU IN THE FUTURE

When he talks about his future and what he plans on doing, you never seem to show up in there. He never mentions you or having kids. He never says “our” future or what “we” are going to do. He never seems to include you in anything, not even future parties. Hmm…I don’t think he’s thinking about marrying you. Do you?

4. HE DOES NOT TELL YOU HE.LOVES YOU
Usually, “I love you” does not come after marriage, it comes before marriage. If you are in love, then you say that. When people are in love, they get married. Right? Usually. So, if he never says this to you, then it may not be a good sign.

5. A marriage minded man will always be positive about marriage
At any time you raise the issue of marriage, a marriage minded guy will surely speak positive of it as well as other people’s marriage. He will be open to such discussion and how both of you can quickly find ways to get it settled. On the other hand, if he speaks negative of it and condemn other people’s marriage, be sure, he’s not the marrying kind of man you want. If he’s seeing marriage troubles rather than the benefit, he’s not a kind of man that will accept marrying you even though; he may profess it with his mouth. He is never going to be committed and you should just gently find you way and get out of his life before he waste the good part of you

7. Your family affairs
Usually, a man who doesn’t insist on meeting a woman’s parents can usually mean that he doesn’t think that the relationship is serious and going down the marriage road.
He’s only thinking short-term goals with her.
The reason for this is that men, who are not serious about marriage, do not want too many wounded fatalities when it’s time to break it off with you.
Men with sincere intentions would not pass the idea of meeting your family. They wouldn’t be so hesitant to bond with your dad in the living room or make any effort to get along with your siblings.
A man who is head-over heels crazy for a woman he wants to marry will make every effort to be liked by her mother. He’ll even make sure the family dog loves him too.

8. Bachelor’s Pad
If you take a look at the guy’s place and see a stripper pole, a rotating bar in front of a pool table and an open Jacuzzi, then he might not be very ready to give up his bachelor life.
Men are very protective of their freedom. And if your guy keeps you off limits to his place then it’s probably because there’s something, or someone, in there that he doesn’t want you to see

9.He Can’t Make Big Decisions
 His reluctance to marry might not be about you at all. If he can’t decide on, say, what career path he wants to follow or where he wants to live, he probably doesn’t know himself well enough to settle down yet

10. He never owns up in public:
 If he downplays the relationship in front of his friends and family, often referring to you as his ‘good friend’, chances are he isn’t going to stick around for too long.

11. He sleeps during romantic movies:
 Okay, this might not sound all that important but trust me, if he high fives you when the hero leaves the bride-to-be and runs away, it might just be an insight into his marriage psyche.

12.Your dates aren’t serious:
If going out consists of crashing over at his place or renting a movie, chances are he is just having a casual fling. While comfort does tend to take over in a relationship, his lack of effort could point to a bigger issue.

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Have a blessed day.

AMBER ROMANCE

EVERY WAKING MOMENT


CHAPTER TWO

Helen came out of her house. She was dressed for the day. She locked the door to her self contained apartment and stood, trying to steady herself. The nightmare shook her more than she cared to admit. She pated the long human hair Nma had given her for Christmas, adjusted the red, black and white low waist flay gown she wore. On her feet were red wage and nature tone over size purse to set it off. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, she was ready for the day. She had a mission and she would get it done no matter what.

As she came down the short flight of stairs that led to her apartment, she found out that her land lady’s daughters were already out and getting their children ready for school. A more troublesome lot she was yet to see. As soon as they saw her, they started laughing and at what Helen couldn’t tell. She cared little for them today. She had come to the conclusion that their behavior is out of their own inferiority complex and envy. They were three of them and they each had like two children each for different men. What kind of a life was that to live, she asked herself ignoring them and walking on? A Painstaking cry and an equally violent beating of a child reached her ears and she turned around only to see one of the daughters flogging a child like the child was an inanimate object. The child wailed and rolled on the floor while the mother continued to flog him with gigantic cane. Helen’s heart went out to the child; it was even more painful that there was nothing she could do. The last time she tried to intervene had only made it worse. The child received an double dose of the flogging and she received a whole lot of insult for her trouble. She waved down a taxi, feeling very bad for the little boy. She wondered what would make a mother abuse her child that way. She wondered if the mother somehow blamed the kid for all the wrong choices she had made and the results too. Putting the ugly scene out of her mind, she took another breathe, getting ready.

 First of all she had to find out if Chuck was in town. He spent his last holiday abroad and had hardly been back since he started dating his white super model girl friend. She quickly pushed that unhappy thought out of her mind. Why she didn’t want to remember that Chuck was dating a white girl, she didn’t care to tell.  She wondered if he was settling down at last. He has been dating the girl longer than any other girl he had dated before. He flaunted her easily, posting pictures of the two of them on his instagram page. Their topic had been the hottest on all the gossip and celebrity blogs and magazines. It had hurt her real bad then but at last she was ready to get over her silly infatuation on him. She was moving on, taking back her life. She was taking the first step of recovering her memories, of finding out who she was. Seeing Chuck and taking back her purse was symbolic, she was not only taking her purse, she was taking back her life from him. She shook her head from side to side as if trying to clear it of the painful thought that Chuck might actually be settling down with another girl before she had her chance to show him…. Show him what she demanded. The man was out of her league; had she not told herself that. All she needed from him was her purse and nothing more. But she couldn’t help the thought that he might come back with his white girl friend.  And what if he does, she asked angrily, it was not any of her business what he did or who he came back with.  But she had to know how it would affect her mission, positively she answered firmly. With his girlfriend present he wouldn’t dream of playing any hanky panky with her. He would just hand it over if she asked just to avoid suspicion by his girl. She took another deep breath, she was over thinking it. She thought. First thing first, find out if he was coming for Nma’s son’s first birthday or not.

Arriving at the head quarters of NMA, Helen took a deep breath and walked forward unsteady and uncertain. But she couldn’t help the happy sense of achievement that overtook her each time she walked into NMA, to think that she was a part of this magnificent history, not just being part of it but a part of it from nearly level zero to this. After her marriage to Uche, Nma had expanded NMA. It now had 3 three boutiques and smaller shops in almost all the malls in the city. Nma had not done it alone; Helen had been there by her side. Doing all that was necessary to make the journey less painful and more successful. Now she was the co-owner and head designer of NMA lingerie line. She couldn’t be any happier. If only she had her memory of who she was, what she was, did she have a husband, children, fiancée, parents or siblings? Have they given her up for dead? It has been three years since she went missing. Would she easily give up a loved one for dead no matter how long it took without the proof the person’s death? She couldn’t tell. The truth was she didn’t know the kind of person she was, what she did, if she was loved or if she was even being missed.
Getting to the door of the building, she pushed the sad and confusing thoughts out of her mind even as she pushed the door open and entered into another world. A world of magic, magic created by the very best magicians in the field being headed by a woman whose creativity, decisions and personality she had come to respect and love so dearly.
Helen nodded to the greetings of some colleagues and sales executives and headed to the elevators. The work room and offices were located at the fifth floor and very private. Yes that was how big Nma had grown in less than two years. Uche had surprised his wife by buying her this ten story high rise to celebrate their one year anniversary and Nma being a tough and sensible business woman had put it in good use. The elevator door slide open and Helen walked into the Spartan hall way and walked straight to her office. She dropped her bag and sat down.
 Best I get it over it now, she told herself. She needed to know Chuck’s plan, to know if he was in town, though she was strongly expecting him to come back since Nma’s son is celebrating his first birthday in two days. Chuck being the doting uncle wouldn’t want to miss it for the world. He missed his church dedication, her mind reminded her. He couldn’t make it because it was in the middle of the season, she remembered someone making those excuses for him. So she was sure he wouldn’t miss this one.
You are just being a coward she said to herself and got up from her chair. With determined footsteps she went in search of Nma.

Helen knocked slightly and entered the beautifully furnished office. Nma was talking on the phone but smiled at her when she came in and waved her to a seat.
‘I love you darling but have to go now’ Nma said to the phone and blew a kiss.
‘Didn’t you guys wake up together this morning…’ Helen joked
‘What makes you think I was talking to Uche’ Nma rejoined and smiled and walked over to give Helen a hug
‘Who else would you be saying I love you to and then the kiss’
Nma laughed ‘when you love someone you would understand, right now it wouldn’t make sense to you’
‘You look radiant, I love that frock’ Nma complimented
‘As well you should, it is one of yours’
‘We are good, aren’t we?’
‘Better than that, we are the best’ Helen said
Nma laughed ‘your hubris is comforting’
Helen smiled; it was time to launch into the agenda of her coming here.
‘How is the birthday boy doing?’
‘He is destructive; I don’t know where he got that from’
Helen laughed
‘let’s see he broke his grandmother very rare and very expensive urn, what else, painted on his father very important merger documents’ Nma laughed ‘I have never seen my husband quite mad, confused and amused that way before’
‘He is a darling’
‘Luckily for him we love him more than all earthly possession so he can get away with all that for now’
‘my boy… does he miss me”
‘Does he miss ta hinhin’ they both laughed
‘Of course he does. He is only quite agreeable and quiet when you are around’
‘So how the party is plans coming up?’
‘We have decided that tomorrow night there will be barbecue with friends and family, since Uche wants to show off his newly acquired grilling skills’
‘Wow! So family and friends are…’
‘You know the usual bunch’
Helen was a bit frustrated; Nma wasn’t forth coming with information. She needed her to say if Chuck was coming or not.
‘You just looked a bit worried now’ Nma observed
Helen quickly smiled ‘me I am fine’
‘Helen I know you and I know you are not fine. So come on out with it’
Helen thought about it, she felt like a criminal taking advantage of Nma’s concern but there was no way she could really tell her that she had had amnesia for three years and didn’t have the guts to tell her after all they have been through. And now she only came to see her because she needed information on Chuck to get back her red purse which was her only connection to her past which could be the only means to her remembering her past. When put like that Helen thought, it didn’t look criminal it sounded downright diabolical.
‘Helen you know you can talk to me about anything’ Nma said jolting out of her thoughts
There was no choice for it, Helen thought and smiled at Nma.
‘It’s just that, everyone coming would be paired up, you know you and Uche, IJ and Stanley, Chuck and Star or the super model who knows. I seem to be the only who would be alone’
‘And maybe Star… she never had a chance before that white girl sank her claws on Chuck’
‘Wow’ was all Helen said
‘But on the bright side I am inviting our doctor’s son; he is a surgeon abroad so there will be someone you can pair up with’
‘Me and Star both, funny how the two of us will appear desperate vying for his attention’ Helen smiled. ‘Forget about me, I am just being my foolish insecure self.’
‘On the bright side there is still Stanley, we are looking for a way to save him from Ij, you could be his savior’
‘No not interested in handsome billionaires who think they walk on water and women should worship them’
‘Ouch! That was exactly my husband but look at him today, in love and loving every minute of it’
Helen smiled; ‘you are worth ten million of him darling’ Helen gave up trying to get information from Nma. This one she concluded, she was going to solve on her own.
‘Or Chuck’ Nma said suddenly
‘Chuck has a girl friend and he might not even come back?’
‘He wouldn’t miss it for the world, besides he is on break and we could always devise a means to keep him separated from his girl friend and…’
‘Stop please’ Helen laughed ‘we sound like two wicked step sisters’
‘Your call darling, his plane would touch down tonight, and you know I would do anything for you.’
Helen heaved a sigh of relief. she had just the information she needed but try as much as she could she couldn’t hide her sadness that Chuck wasn’t coming alone.
‘Helen you don’t have to worry about being alone, work with it and when the right person comes along, you will know it’
‘I am sure of it, and its okay. So enough with the heavy stuff, have we the time and date for the launch of the lingerie line’
‘not yet, but let’s talk about it later today, you own twenty five percent of it so it is not a decision I can make alone, you, me, Amber and Rose need to come together and discuss it first’
‘Fine then’ Helen got up ‘I had better head back to my department, have a piled up table’
Helen closed the door behind her and all thoughts of work cleared; she needed to get her purse tonight if possible.

All through the day, she did nothing but devise and discard one plan after the other. She needed an angle, a believable one to get her into Chuck’s house. She could just meet him at Nma’s son’s birthday and ask him for it, she decided. He asked you to come get it yourself. Her mind whispered. Yes and that was eons ago so he may have forgotten her. Forgotten the purse, forgotten their kiss. She looked down on her table feeling somehow sad that he could forget the kiss that was still on her mind every of her waking moment. No she would go get it herself if for nothing to get a closure. Her crush on him was something that she should have gotten over before this time. To prove if not to everybody but to herself that she was finally over him. Why she continued to moon over him she couldn’t say.  The man hardly knew she existed and hadn’t done anything to encourage her feelings yet the feeling seemed to grow even as his knowledge of her faded from his mind.
She would go maybe seeing him with the woman he loved would bring it home to her that this man wasn’t for her, would confirm to her foolish heart that the man was taken and no longer available.
All that day in her office Helen rehearsed in her mind what she would say to him, how sophisticated she would behave and the  nonchalant way she would sound. As she rode home in a taxi she tried to build a forte around her heart, her feelings, her body and all parts of her that seemed to lose control whenever he was near. It was rather a long list because it seemed every part of her was aware of him in their different capacity. This is not working Helen said to herself, as she walked into her modest house. She wished she had someone to talk to. Another woman who would understand how she felt and why what she was doing was beyond difficult. Nma would happily and eagerly play that role but then she would have to tell her about her amnesia. Nma would see it as a betrayal of trust that she would hide something so huge from her, when her own life was an open book for Helen. No she wasn’t going to tell Nma yet, she wasn’t ready to lose the friendship of the only woman who gave a hoot about her. She was going to do this on her own. If it back fired then she would live with.

The next morning Helen sat in front of her mirror and stared at herself. She had this uncertain feeling about the action she had decided to take. Was it the right one, would it be misunderstood? Would he think it was all a ploy on her part to get him to notice her? Yes he might see her like another desperate girl looking for his favors. But shouldn’t he be used to that, after all he was Chuks Obi voted world’s sexiest man alive and added to it, he was stinking rich and highly talented and then when he realized that she wasn’t there to jump him like he would think at first, he would be thoroughly disappointed. Helen smiled; maybe there was some enjoyment to be had in this mission impossible of hers.
She got up from the chair. If only she didn’t need her purse so desperately. It was her only connection to her past. A past that seemed so dark and foggy, she didn’t know if she would ever penetrate through it and find out what secret it held. Helen sighed as she did always whenever she thought of her past.
Her mind was made up; she was going to do it. She was going to Chuck Obi’s house. Thanks to her very best friend and boss Nma, she got to know that Chuck’s was expected back last night for his annual holiday. Some might question why she had to go this early in the morning but she had only one good reason. Tomorrow was Nma’s son’s birthday party and there was that barbecue party and she wanted to carry her red purse. She didn’t care if she was believed or not. She didn’t need to justify to anybody why she wanted her purse back even if her timing was way off.  It was the man’s fault that her purse ended up in his house. If he hadn’t stolen a kiss from her which got her so spooked that she ran out from the car forgetting her purse, she wouldn’t be here in her room afraid and at the same time excited to go. Try as much as she could to understand why she was so spooked by simple touching of lips, she never could.
She heaved a sigh and looked around the scantily furnished room. There was just a bed and an arm chair, her dresser at one corner. She used white lace cotton to separate the bedroom from the sitting room, that was even less furnished she had her television, music system and nothing else. music was a major part of her life. It inspired her creativity and helped her somehow to reach within herself. So she had that and a rug. She had never felt the need to add more furniture and never cared. She put that to not knowing where she was coming from. And she had to know where she was coming from before she could understand where she wanted to go. She didn’t want to put down roots or become too attached only to wake one morning and remember.
Dragging herself back to the present, it was no use, she chided herself. Thinking about it would never make it any easier. She just had to live with it the best way she could and wait and hope the she would hit her head and remember.
Then she turned to look at herself in the mirror, she was still half dressed, she took some steps back and looked at herself. She became a bit irritated. She was skinny and didn’t have all the curves that Nma was so proud of. Try as much as she could, she could never add an ounce. It just was not fair, she cried. Nma was so beautiful, that was why a man as handsome and powerful as Uche Okoha couldn’t resist her, saw her once and fell head over heels in love with her. Helen sighed, on the other hand she was plain, dark or cinnamon like Nma kept telling her. Ok she had wide beautiful eyes that only Nma had complimented. She had full lips that were too wide for her face. Her best features were her smile. The sun seemed to shine brighter when she smiled; okay for that one she had received compliments. But then again, she didn’t smile always. What did she have to smile about? Then she chided herself, she had her job, she was the head designer and co owner of Nma’s new lingerie line. She was talented and she looked back at the mirror and gave herself a once over. At least every body says she was talented, and tall. Standing at five feet seven, she was tall and she didn’t care what people said. But she was skinny, maybe she should be grateful that she wasn’t fat, she was curvy enough for a slim girl. Her breast should be tiny going by her size but it wasn’t and she wasn’t flat behind either. She had long shapely legs which she hardly exposed and she had nice eyes and million dollar smile.
Then she stopped “million dollar smile?”  Sounded like something someone had said to her before. She sat down and tried to remember but all she met was dark nothingness. With frustration she marched to her closet and threw it open. It was all Chuck’s fault if he didn’t make her forget her purse or if he had agreed to bring it to her at Nma shop like she asked him or if he had the good sense to spend his Christmas holiday in the country then she wouldn’t be in this mess. She wouldn’t be standing before her mirror trying to figure out what to wear. She didn’t want to look desperate or intimidated or defeated. She knew as much as she knew that Helen was probably not her name that clothes could have any of those effects on a person. She wanted to look classy, with an air of nonchalance but with a very simple sophistication. So she withdrew a soft yellow and chocolate sundress and marched to her mirror wearing the dress as she went. By the time she got to the mirror she only had to do up the short side zip. She smoothened the dress on her body. And stared at it, the gown stopped at her knee, it was cut like a tube  and clung to her bust except that it had short flay sleeves and  clung to her tiny waist and flayed out around her hips. She was impressed, she wondered what Chuck would think when he saw her. She wondered if he would be impressed.
“Come on Helen” she scolded herself. The guy only dated beauty queens and super models. That was correct she agreed and started on her makeup.  Making up was not her thing even though Nma always encouraged her and had even given her a few pointers. So she sat down and applied a soft pink lip gloss and outlined her eyebrows, and applied light eye shadow. She found out that it made her huge eyes appear dreamy and mysterious; she also added mascara to emphasize her long lashes. Then she brushed out her long waist length hair,. She smiled at the effect and took out her chocolate wage heels and a chocolate bag to match.
Helen stared at herself one more time, she was impressed.
“I look good” she told her reflection. Took out her brown sun glasses incase the sun became unbearable.
But she stopped as she was about to go, she heaved a sigh. Suddenly she was nervous. Okay she was attracted to the man best she accepted that and deal with it now before it came out the wrong time to bite her. But who wouldn’t be, No hot blooded woman with two good eyes wouldn’t be attracted to him but that wasn’t why she was going there today. She was going to get her purse because she needed it to compliment the dress she was wearing to the barbecue this evening. At least that was the angle she was pitching to Chuck as her reason for coming to his house. And she was going this early…she wasn’t sure why but she guessed she was going early because she might never have the time or the courage to go again. So she told herself through gritted teeth to stop being excited. Having said that she took a few minutes to calm down then she left her house with an over night bag she had packed in case she couldn’t leave Nma’s Eden Castles at a descent hour. It was no big deal, she had slept over number times there since Nma and Uche moved over there.


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Have a splendid day
Chioma

LIFESTYLE

TEN FOOD THAT KILL YOU

You’re Well aware of all the foods that are good for you, like fresh fruits and vegetables, but do you know about the foods that can kill you? And it is quite unfortunate that we consume these foods on a regular base but these foods are unhealthy, not good for you and  can lead to some serious health problems, especially if you eat them regularly  Want to know what they are? Well, keep reading!

1. Low-Fat Foods

A lot of people think that they are being healthy by purchasing foods that are labeled as “low fat”. Unfortunately this is not the case, as most of these foods are packed with unhealthy chemicals to make up for the lack of fat. These chemicals are extremely bad for your body and can even damage your health over time.

2. Margarine

People choose margarine over butter because it doesn’t have cholesterol in it, but what you need to pay attention to is what IS in it! Margarine is extremely high in trans-fat, which can damage your blood vessels and even increase your cholesterol.

3. Fruit Juice

A lot of shoppers think they are healthy when they purchase fruit juice, but these are actually very bad for the body. Not only are most made with artificial flavors and not any real fruit, they are packed full of sugar and other chemicals that can cause obesity and other serious health problems. Even real fruit juice is packed full of sugar that provides you with no nutritional value. It’s best to eat a piece of fruit instead of drink it, unless you’re juicing your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home.

 4. Processed Meats

The chemicals that are inside of processed meats have been linked to colon cancer and many other health problems. They are also packed full of sugar, salt and fat that can lead to obesity and diabetes. You’re always better off cooking your own meat from lean cuts and avoiding the processed meats all together.

5. Energy Bars

Energy bars are marketed as healthy snacks for people who want to lose weight and get fit. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t read the nutritional information on these bars in the first place. Many of them are made with a lot of sugar and fat, even though they are high in protein. You’re better off staying away from these and reaching for a natural snack, like almonds and cheese, instead.

6. Frozen Dinners and Lunches

Sure those frozen meals are convenient, but what price do you pay for that convenience? These frozen dinners, even those that are low in calories, are really high in sodium. They are also extremely processed, which means they really put your body through a lot of work in order to digest through your body.

7. Breakfast Cereals

There are really only a few breakfast cereals on store shelves today that are actually good for you. Even those that are labeled “healthy” generally turn out to be packed full of sugar and fat. You might be surprised to find that most of the cereals you love have more sugar than your dessert does! On top of all of that, cereals are normally processed quite a bit and made with chemicals to make them seem “healthier” to the consumer.

 8. Doughnuts

Speaking of breakfast foods, who doesn’t love a sugary doughnut when they are running late to start the day? Although they may taste good, these are a huge source of sugar, fat, trans fat and carbohydrates. In fact, just one of these fried treats is generally well over 300 calories. Since most people tend to eat more than one, this can lead to quick weight gain without even realizing it.

9. Soda

Regular soda is a huge source of sugar and a variety of other chemicals that have been linked to several different types of cancer. These provide absolutely no nutritional value to you and can lead to diabetes as well. Even diet soda carries risks, as it’s made with a lot of chemicals to make up for the lack of sugar, and these have been linked to diseases and cancers.

10. Potato Chips

Before you reach for that bag of potato chips; think again! These are filled with a lot of fat and calories, but did you know they are also loaded with dangerous chemicals? Most chips are made with acrylamide, which is created when foods are fried at extremely high temperatures. This chemical is linked to cancer, which can result in death.

Amber Romance every waking moment chapter two will be posted tomorrow, if you have not read chapter one please catch up on your reading by clicking http://amberromanx.blogspot.com.ng/2015/09/every-waking-moment.html?m=1

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Thank you my darlings and have an incredible day.

Chioma

HUNGRY HEARTS

HUNGRY HEARTS
Good day people

I caught my husband and my younger sister on our matrimonial bed.
I am ten years old in marriage, and childless. I am also a nurse. So sometimes I am on morning or night shift.
My younger sister got admission into our state university after many years of trying and since I live very close to the university my parents asked me to take her in.
one day I was morning shift, I was supposed to go to market from there but I forgot the money in my wardrobe. So I came home and found my husband and still on bed and not dressed. He told me he wasn't feeling too well but it was nothing to worry about. So I went to the wardrobe to get the money, he tried to stop me. I was surprised and insisted, he tried to stop me by force as we were struggling my sister came out of there naked and ran out.
I was speechless, I was broken, my sister ran out of the house. My husband was probably too afraid or ashamed to do anything but pace. after while I called my family, they came, my brothers beat up my sister. After everything I left with them.
Now my sister is pregnant and my husband is asking her to keep it since we don't have a child that after she has the baby, we will adopt it. He is also asking me to come back. My parents who have been on my side is beginning to see reasons with him. Only my brothers are saying no that the man is worthless and that both of us should forget him.
I have a feeling that if my sister has that baby, that somehow the affair will continue and she will become the second wife.
People are giving me different advice but they don't understand.
How can I forgive or forget or live in the same house with my sister who betrayed me as my mate? Or be a wife to a man who seduced and slept with my sister on our marriage bed?

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Plz comment to help this woman and plz share with others
Your advice can save this marriage

RELATIONSHIP

EIGHT SUBTLE AND SNEAKY WAYS TO GET A GUY YOU LIKE TO ASK YOU OUT

When a guy sees a girl he likes, it is easy and very acceptable for him to put move on her but it is so unfair that it is so different for girls. Most girls carry their secret and unreciprocated feelings to their graves because they are too afraid of how the man will react if they make the first move. So most end up marrying a man they don't love because the one they loved didn't ask them out.

But here are 8 ways to get the man you like to ask you and he will do so thinking it was all his idea.


1. Make Real Eye Contact.
Unfortunately, many women tend to turn away when they like someone, and avoid looking directly at them. This is a mistake! Whether you’re checking out a guy who hasn’t seen you yet, or started talking to one, make sure you look into his eyes for an extra few seconds.

2. Get your friend to call you both a couple

When you’re having a fun chat with the guy you like, ask a trusted girl friend to join both of you in the conversation. It would be preferable if there are other friends around too. And out of the blue, let your trusted friend comment to no one in particular in the group and say something like, “these two make a cute couple, don’t they?”
It’s an awkward statement, and one that’ll definitely lead to a few laughs around the group. But all said and done, no matter how embarrassed you pretend to be or how he behaves, the thought will still linger in his head.

3. Let him know your routine
During one of your conversations, let him know what you do every evening after work or school, especially if you have a neighborhood café where you like relaxing after the regular 9 to 5, or hit a particular gym every day. He might just take the hint and decide to check the place out or you can politely invite him, you know casually.

4. BE YOU
No one likes deception. Think about it. If a guy was extremely gentlemanly on the first date (opened doors for you, pulled your chair out, etc...) and all of that magically disappeared when the two of you got a little more serious, you would feel cheated right? So don't do the same thing. Yes, we all tweak our normal selves to impress the other person, but there is a fine line between tweaking and being downright fake. So listen to him when he talks about his favorite sport but don't pretend to be a born fan just to get him to like you and ask you out. This is definitely one of the top ways to get a guy to ask you out!

5. Dress and appearance
There are some things you can wear and then some clothes that you should just not wear especially if you are trying to impress a guy. Fashion trends are going to be the death of us one day! Don't follow them just to get a guy to ask you out because in the bargain, you might be highly uncomfortable and that's not the best thing for your confidence. Instead, figure out what suits your body and find ways to accentuate your best features. Draw attention to your killer legs, wear colors that bring out your gorgeous eyes, wear a belt to emphasize the curves of your waist, you get the point. Just remember that learning what looks good on you is a process. You may goof up every now and then but that's okay. Just be comfortable and enjoy the process!


6. Become the damsel in distress
The truth is that men are genetically programmed to help the women who need their help. You can come up with all kinds of excuses to ask for his help, such as having broken window panels, flat tyre, computer malfunction, setting up a new electronic etc.  you should ask for his help. If he likes you too, he will help you without hesitation. You should thank his generosity by  buying him lunch or dinner or home cooked meal. You can be sure that he will be more courageous next time and he will ask you out for a real date.

7. You might try pretending to be sick
We have to admit that this is a dirty move, but all is allowed when it comes to how to make a boy ask you out. Although it might sound like a cliché, you should pretend to have a headache of stomach cramps. Naturally he will offer you to take you home that you should accept. Invite him once you get home and change into something comfortable but not too revealing. Most probably he will wish to hang around to keep you company. This is one of the easiest ways of getting a guy to ask you out. For sure he will want to see you again after you get better.

8. Let him know that you are single
If you are still asking how to make someone ask you out it means that he still didn’t find the courage to make a step. In this case you could encourage him by dropping subtle hints that you are single but you are ready for a new relationship. If he didn’t have the courage until this point, this might be the final push that he needs. However, this is one of the tips on getting a guy to ask you out that might backfire as well. Just make sure that you don’t expose yourself too much; you don’t want him to think that you are desperate.

Ask him to drive you nearby
In case you have some errands to run after work, you might bump into him “by accident” and you may ask him to drive you nearby and help you with your errands. You can be sure that chivalry is not dead and he will be pleased to help you. Once you are done you should invite out for drinks, to an early dinner etc saying that this is the “least that you can do”. In a way he will feel like he owes you one and next time he will be the one asking you out to hang out and then you won’t have to ask how to get a guy to ask you out again.

EVERY WAKING MOMENT

HELLO READERS!

HOW ARE YOU TODAY? I KNOW SOME HAVE WAITED FOR ME TODAY TO FULFILL MY PROMISE. SOME ARE STILL WAITING AND SOME HAVE GIVEN UP.

BUT I TOLD YOU THE LAST TIME THAT THERE IS NO GOING BACK THIS TIME AROUND.

I WAS GOING TO POST CHAPTER TEN TODAY TO CONTINUE FROM WHERE WE STOPPED BUT I HAVE SOME NEW READERS WHO HAVE ASKED ME TO START FROM THE BEGINNING. FOR THEIR SAKE PLEASE BEAR WITH ME AND REACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY.

CHAPTER ONE

Through her mask she watched the gaiety of the light and sound filled hall. It was an exquisite hall with ten golden chandeliers hanging from the most amazing sculptured ceiling she had ever seen.  The marbled floor reflected the chandeliers and all who cared to stop and admire but no one did except Helen. This was because she has mastered the act of being the wall flower whenever she found herself in events like this. Which wasn’t often anyway, she had always managed to avoid attending parties but this one she could not say no to because… because… strange she couldn’t remember why she was here and she couldn’t recognize any of the faces here. She laughed softly; no one would blame her for not recognizing anyone after all everyone’s face was covered in mask. Without meaning to she began to play a game in her mind to see how many people she could recognize even with their masks on. Her first win was Nma, how could anyone not know that that petite and curvy body in white body con gown could only belong to the wife of the richest man in Africa and beyond.

Helen smiled as she remembered the intriguing story of how they met, their adventurous romance that nearly caused her life and the never ending happiness and love they now share. As she watched Nma dancing with a man, no doubt Uche her husband, she sighed as he whispered something to her and she laughed, raised his mask and kissed him. Only the Okohas would be this bold with their show of affection. Helen thought. If she was ever going to fall in love, if the depth was not going to be as deep as what Nma and Uche shared, she was not falling. She wondered if there was a man out there who would ever see her more than she was, plain Helen. Is there any man out there who sees beyond what the eyes present, who see through her soul and find out the great yearning for love. For someone to hold her, touch her, offer a solid shoulder to cry on because lately she had done nothing but wake up shivering from the most horrifying nightmare.

She shook her head from side to side trying to shake off the disturbing thought her life brought her. The thought that she couldn’t have a life till she found out who she really was, was not only frightening but heart wrenching depressing.

To distract herself, she began to look around at the other people mingling, laughing and enjoying themselves. Before long her attention was caught by a couple, a ruggedly built man dancing with a girl and she seemed to hang on his every word. Even without his silky shoulder length hair and tanned complexion one would always recognize Chuck Obi by the way the ladies flocked around him. Even if there wasn’t that, her heart would always remember the one it yearns for but couldn’t have.  She sighed deeply and as if she wasn’t tortured herself enough,  her eyes returned to Chuck and the girl clinging to him. She sneered noticing that there were those waiting desperately for the music to end so they could have their turn on the dance floor with him. Helen sighed with disgust and looked away only to find more interesting view of a couple who couldn’t wait to take it to one of the empty rooms upstairs or to a more shadowy corner. She laughed at their foolishness.

Suddenly a voice spoke behind her, the hair on her nape stood on end and she swirled around in anticipation.

“I have been watching you watch me’ a deep husky voice she could remember anywhere said behind her.

Chuck? When did he move from the dance floor? When did the music stop? Her heart stopped completely and she took several shallow breaths to normalize her center. To remind herself that the man was well out of her reach and an embodiment of conceit

‘I have not been watching you’ she turned away from him

‘Have you not?’ he demanded taking hold of her shoulder and turning her to face him. She stiffened her shoulders to stop his hands from spreading the slow melting of her organs that his voice started.

She slapped his hands off. ‘I know your arrogance would not take any other answer so why bother?’ she said instead

He laughed softly

‘That stiffening of shoulders tells me different’

She stared at him wildly, afraid that he might have guessed what was going on in her mind. She was totally speechless and didn’t know how to defend herself against this amazing but annoying man.

‘Care to leave this venue?’

‘With you, I don’t think so” she told him firmly even as her heart raced. Why would Chuck Obi want to leave the party with her? Did he really think that her stiffened shoulder meant take me home and do what you want with me and make the happiest woman on earth?

She turned to face him squarely summoning her remaining strength. She scoffed at him and turned to walk away but he caught her upper hand.

‘You know want to’

She turned to give him a piece of her mind and to put him in his place once and for all.

‘I too want that very much’

His words stopped her flow of angry words and she stopped speechless and confused and melting every second. She could feel her strength slipping away and while that frightening weakness for him took over her slowly.

 What is happening here, she asked herself. Was he becoming attracted to her or… she heaved a sigh of disgust. Chuck was a first class womanizer. That thought brought her back to earth, her equilibrium restored. He probably thought she had been blending with the wall, watching, waiting and praying he took notice of her. What better woman to take home for a one night stand than the one who would melt with longing and gratitude at first eye contact.

Okay was she insinuating that she was that woman who would melt with gratitude at first eye contact? She had had more than eye contact with him, he had touched and caressed and kissed her before and she didn’t melt with longing and gratitude. Yes you did her mind whispered. So much that you forgot your purse, so much that you are afraid to go back and get it.

‘Helen! Helen!’ he chanted ‘When will you ever let go and enjoy yourself’

‘I was enjoying myself’ she snapped at him

‘I was kidding’ he laughed

If he tried he would never know how much he hurt her at that time. So he thought she was play thing, a joke he could deepen his voice and deem his eyes for and say words that are… that are..

‘Look even from the dance floor I could see that you were enjoying yourself  as much as these walls are probably doing’

She heaved a sigh, there was no need getting hurt over someone who would ever care enough. It was waste of energy. That kind of negative energy she didn’t need at this point in her life.

‘What are you doing here? Don’t you have more women to charm?’

‘I have had enough and I think you have too, come on let’s go, I will take straight to wherever you want to go, scout honor’

Helen heaved another sigh. She had wanted to leave the venue for while now but had been too tired to go out and get a cab. She knew Chuck; he wouldn’t take advantage of her. He respected Nma too much for that.

‘I will get my wrap’ she said

He smiled ‘hurry I will be outside’

Did she know what she was doing? She asked herself. Was she aware that she was about to leave with Chuck Obi World’s number one playboy. Yes, she answered, she had already concluded that Chuck won’t harm her. Was she also aware she was letting Helen, world’s number one weakling for Chuck go home with him, ride in the same car, breathe the same air, No Chuck wasn’t the problem here, the problem here was Helen but Helen being a weakling could not change her mind because it was not every day she got to spend the time with the most exciting man on earth.

Helen got her wrap, and went in search of Chuck.

Outside she breathed a sigh of relief. The fresh air was exhilarating and healing. After all the noise and stuffiness of the hall, this seemed like paradise.

Where was Chuck? She looked around for him. Had he gone without her? He wouldn’t be cruel as to play a game on her. Why would he, she asked when dozens of women in there were falling over themselves to go home with him. She smiled and cautioned herself. It was high time she abandoned her phobia of abandonment. What game could Chuck probably play on her? Project let’s see how easy she would follow. She laughed at her joke.

‘Have you been waiting long?’

She smiled her answer and entered the car as the porter held the door open for her. As soon as the door closed he zoomed off. She had to hold on the dash board for few minutes before getting the courage to do up her seatbelt. She gave him side long glance and he was smiling. He was driving a Porsche in a lightning bolt speed and was smiling like he was a passenger in a cruise boat at the deck with the sea breeze on his face?

‘Please slow down a bit’

He glanced at her and grinned ‘afraid are we?’

‘No but some of us love to live to see the next day’

‘Don’t worry, it is two am, the road is mostly clear and I am not drunk’

‘What about the street light poles, pavements and all drainages?

‘Gush! For a quiet girl you have a black and suicidal mind’

‘Better that than an accident’

She smiled when she noticed the car slowing.

‘What exactly do you do for Nma?’

The question was sudden, she wasn’t expecting it. She had thought he spoke seduction and nothing more

‘I am the head designer and co owner of its lingerie and bikini range’

‘Interesting! I can imagine that’

Of course you could she added silently. There is no womanizer alive that would not appreciate her line of work. Not when that womanizer is the sexiest man alive for three consecutive years.

‘What is your favorite color?’

‘Red’ she answered off offhandedly

‘Mine too, I find that red lace and silk are the height of sexy’

‘It is just a job Chuck’

‘I don’t think so, if it were, you not be any good at it and I believe I have heard Nma sing your praises a time or two’

‘Okay yes it is my job to create sexy but it is more than that, I have to create elegance, class and innocence too…’

‘Who cares for elegance and class in bed, what kind of guys have you been dating?’

Good question she said to herself and thank goodness it was rhetoric or else there was no way she could tell this man that she had not been dating for years now.

‘Some advice, always think sex when you design…’

‘Look I can’t have this conversation with you. So change of topic’

He grinned and turned back to the road.

She smiled foolishly admiring his grin. Geez was there anything about him she didn’t find sexy?

She turned back to road, to clear her head and noticed that they were in a dirt road. Suddenly a feeling of foreboding came over her. She had been here before. She turned to Chuck in panic. But he was back in his mask. What was going on? She asked herself in increasing dread.

‘Why are you suddenly afraid?’ he asked,

He didn’t even sound like Chuck she noticed in heightened alarm

‘Where are we going?’

‘You know’

‘Why are you wearing that mask?”

He laughed eerily ‘But you know’

Did she? She asked in fear so incomprehensible.

‘Why are you clutching that red purse? He asked

She looked at her hands and found out she was holding the red purse. Then it came back, this was her past. Chuck was not in her past

‘We are almost there’ he said

She saw the red warehouse.  Was she in a dream? She had to wake up before he took her in there. There was evil there.

She began to struggle ‘Let me go! What do you want! He only laughed harder

And then the car door suddenly opened and she leaped out. Before she could fall on the ground, dreading the impact and the very painful rolling it would involve, she woke up on her bed.

Helen sat up in her bed, holding her head as if to wade off the heavy headache, fever and equally heavy breathing. The nightmare was not new, ever since she woke in the middle of a strange street beaten to the half inch of her life and no memory; she had always had this reoccurring nightmare. But this time the nightmare was a bit different, there was the red purse! Her red purse, it was the only item she had with her on the street that fateful day. It could mean something. It could be a connection to her past. It could help her remember.

She jumped off the bed to look for it. It wasn’t where it was supposed to be.

No! No! No! She couldn’t lose it no! It was the only connection to her past. Then she remembered Chuck. She left it the last and only time she was with Chuck, in his car. Then the dream began to make a sense to her. She needed the purse back. Chuck said she should come and get it herself.

She slowly sat down on her bed.

That she would very well do. She promised.

hello reader!

Someone said that he thought I have 'jet out'  he doesn't know how right he is, the truth is I thought I have jet out. For past few months I have battled several kinds of tribulations and trials.

 My television program suddenly came to an end, my facilitators were backing out left, right and center. The program i wanted to put on air did not happen. There was road block everywhere I turned, these are just but a few. I couldn't write not only did my eyes become very bad that i could hardly look at a computer, I lost the zeal to write because I was in a very negative frame of mind.

It was so bad that the little money I had to open a shop so i don't die of hunger.

Amidst all these challenges, something kept me going and that was the knowledge that God loves me. I knew i could be sure that. he knows my situation, he knows how bad i was feeling. I knew he was watching like a mother watches a child struggling to sit or crawl. the mother knows that the child is in pain but she would still not help him because she understands that only if the child overcomes his fears and pain would he progress.

That was my faith in God. His love is constant. In times of great tribulation and trial and awful changes we can be sure that there is something that does not change and that is the love of God. No matter, good or bad we are, He loves us and that became my reason, the reason I called one more sponsor, the reason I went for one more meeting, the reason I struggled to overcome in face of continuous disappointment, the reason I am at cyber cafe instead of my office writing. (no more internet subscription) the reason I smile and tell people I am fine when they ask.

I am not at the top of my game yet but as I sat in my office/shop. I heard the voice say no one is coming to help, you have to get out there and seek help. you have to start somewhere. I didn't bless you with a great writing talent for you to sit in a shop.  So here I am. we are back

I am not done with every waking moment but i will post on Monday becasue only my striving will I overcome. so please email your thoughts and and inspirational write up and it will get published here.

I love you all

this time around, there is no going back no matter what we face!

God is with us

In the name of Jesus Christ 

amen

hi everyone! to say it been a long time is an understatement of the century. but really it has been a long time. i know i have been missed. i truly i appreciate all those who asked, called, texted on social media etc. it is really blessing to be appreciated by people you try hard to please.

this is to let you know that we are back bigger and better. from now expect those juicy romance and beautiful tips

yours ever

Chioma