Bolaji: "How dare you talk back at me? Where did you get your audacity? Since your parents refuse to train you well, that means I have to train you by force until you stop questioning… idi0t."
He hissed and left the room.
I was shocked. I had not expected the slap. I broke down in tears.
How dare he—how dare he slap me after cheating on me.
This is too much for me. Is this how marriage is? I'd said it before: I'm not ready. I'm not mature for marriage. Is this how I'll be b@aten for standing for myself? Am I supposed to watch and act like nothing happened?
No. This is not the life I want. My age may not be too young for marriage on paper, but perhaps I'm not mature enough. I don't even love him anymore.
Bolaji sat on the bed, still boiling.
Who does she think she is? How dare she… he thought. I think I've been too soft with her. That's why she thinks she has the right over me. She doesn't even fear me. I need to make her fear me and respect me more. I need her to know her place.
Then his thoughts flicked to Sandra. Why did Sandra send that picture? She must have taken Sarah's number from my phone… but for what purpose? She's really low. Who does she think she is? This will be the last time she ever sees me. She's really stupid. It's not her fault—it's mine for going to her place. I really let myself down.
He picked up his phone and dialed Sandra. She answered immediately.
Sandra: "Oh baby."
Bolaji: "You're very stupid. You're aware, right? And it's not your fault… what was your motive for sending her those pictures? To scatter our marriage? Do you think I would choose you over her? Then you're mistaken. The nonsense you've been doing since secondary school—you're still at it now. I don't pity you. You're only useful for trouble. If you ever call my number again, you can't—because I'll block you right now. Nonsense girl."
He cut the call and blocked her number immediately.
Sandra was ashamed. She hadn't seen that coming. She didn't expect Sarah to confront Bolaji. Now she felt very small.
Bolaji came out of his room and walked toward Sarah.
Bolaji: "Go and cook my food now before you see my worst."
Sarah refused to obey him. That only made Bolaji angrier—he started to charge at her, but she quickly rose to her feet.
Bolaji: "See… the next time you try to question me, I will make sure you regret it. I say let me change your life and that of your family..but you're here claiming nonsense. Who is supposed to act like deaf, blind more than you? Arrogant idiot. Come and go to school..and let me see."
He walked out, his final words lingering like a threat.
My heartbeat raced after hearing his last words:
"Come and go to school and let me see."
Was he threatening me? For what?
He had to be joking, because what would I even gain ?
I focused on the cooking and told myself silently:
"Be careful… At least let me write my JAMB first and get my admission. I know I will soon be free."
The JAMB form wasn't out yet—it would still take about three months. I promised myself to start preparing, maybe even enroll in a tutorial center. If not, I would study at home.
I finished cooking, served him his dinner, and waited.
Bolaji was surprised that I wasn't frowning while serving him. He called me back.
Bolaji: "Come and eat part of the food."
Sarah: "I'm not hungry."
Bolaji: "It's not my business. Just taste it."
I reluctantly took a bite, and then he continued eating the rest.
When he was done, I cleared the plate, washed it immediately, then went to freshen up before returning to the room.
To be continued…