Chapter Twenty-Seven

Adesua was in the mansion's backyard, busy folding the clothes she had dry-cleaned earlier that morning.

She had nearly forgotten about the clothes she had washed earlier, which was understandable given the stress she was under. If you were in her place, wouldn't you have forgotten too?

The house chores were overwhelming for her alone. Despite having some staff to help, Adesua was responsible for most of the cleaning and cooking in the mansion. Her duties were greater, and her pay was significantly higher compared to the other staff.

She hummed a pleasant tune as she folded the clothes neatly. Just as she was finishing up, a large shadow appeared on the floor behind her, and she felt a solid presence overpowering her from behind.

One arm reached out to take the last red T-shirt she was holding. "Let me help you with that," said a familiar masculine voice.

Turning around, she saw her lover, Darin.

She marveled at how lucky she was to have him around almost every day. His broad smile brightened her face like sunshine breaking through the clouds.

She wanted to kiss him first but focused instead on the clothes she was holding. "How did it go? Any news about Sharon?"

Darin, looking exhausted, put his hands in his pockets. "Sharon is safe, but I'm afraid she won't be coming back to this mansion."

"Won't be coming back? Why not?" Adesua's confusion showed as her brows furrowed. "This is where she belongs. What's happening?"

Darin explained the situation clearly, making sure she understood. Adesua's heart broke as she grasped the news. "Oh dear, poor Sharon, ending up in a mysterious place."

"A very wild one," Darin added with a shrug.

Adesua paused, then asked, "How come Madame Adria's twin sister remained a mystery all these years? Who knew she had a twin?"

"Seven years ago, Adira hinted that Mom might have been involved, but it seemed too vague to be true. Even after Adira left, I tried to understand her actions and reconcile with her. Mom always spoke well of Adira, trying to bring Dayo and her together."

"Darin," Adesua sighed. "I don't think your mom ever truly liked her. She's good at pretending."

Darin doubted this. "No, babe, I believe it was genuine. Mom might dislike you, but she always spoke well of Adria until everything changed."

"Well, if you say so."

"Dayo will only have the chance to visit Sharon at Adira's place twice a week," Darin added.

Adesua was shocked. "Twice a week? That's a tough task for a grown man."

"Yes, but it's the best option," Darin said before something strange happened. Adesua suddenly clutched her chest.

Darin, worried, grabbed her. "Babe, are you okay?"

She nodded weakly and tried to continue speaking but began coughing, as if something was caught in her throat. She grabbed Darin's sleeve tightly, as if she were suffocating. Darin, terrified, tried to help her as the clothes fell to the ground.

"Adesua?" Darin called repeatedly, shaking her, but she became weaker and fell to the ground. "Adesua, say something. Stop playing games with me. Adesua?" He called out desperately before shouting for help. "Mom? Dad? Dayo?" He looked down at her, her eyes closed and blood trickling from her nose and mouth. His fear grew as he feared the worst. "Adesua? Babe? Talk to me, my love, Adesua!!!"

*************

Minutes later, the family doctor was called to examine her. Adesua remained unconscious, fighting for her life. Darin, panicked and distraught, sat beside her, unable to forgive himself for not protecting her. He was also suspicious that someone in the room might be behind this.

Kunle Ayomide stood by the door, arms crossed. Dayo stood with his mom by the window.

"Doctor, we were just talking about my niece, and suddenly she clutched her chest and bled," Darin explained, still frustrated.

Doctor Ben hung up his stethoscope, looking grave. "I'm afraid she's gone."

"What?!!!" Dayo and the others were in shock.

"Gone to where?" Darin outburst, "No........!!!!!!!" The shock made him pass out.

"Darin?!!"

****************

Dayo snatched all the empty wine bottles from the table and floor after the doctor's grim announcement about Adesua Adeleke, 25. Darin was devastated and collapsed when he heard the news. Doctor Ben revealed she was poisoned, which puzzled everyone since Adesua was in charge of cooking and food preparation.

The mansion felt like a graveyard. Staff wept and gossiped while Kunle and his team prepared to bury Adesua in her hometown of Ibadan, Oyo State. Dayo grabbed a glass of Martell wine from his intoxicated brother. "I said stop it! Have you lost it?"

"Yes, brother!" Darin snapped, staggering. "I, Darin Ayomide, have completely lost my memory." He cried, "Do you know how it feels to lose someone you love? Maybe you do, with Sharon so far away, but you haven't lost as much as I have!"

He pointed at Dayo. "You don't know how bitter and grieving I am right now."

Dayo stood helplessly, wishing he could help.

***************

Two days later, Damian was on the phone with Alicia, telling her he would return soon. His personal guard, Nathaniel, interrupted.

"Boss," Nathaniel said. "Can I trust you to handle what I'm about to say?"

Damian, relaxed, replied, "Nathaniel, just say it."

Nathaniel took a deep breath. "Sir Darin was in a severe car accident last night—"

"What?" Damian was stunned. "How? When? Where?"

"Sir, it—"

Damian grabbed his phones and rushed upstairs. "Cancel my flight and call my chopper now!"

"Yes, boss."

***********

Damian and Nathaniel arrived at the hospital. "Darin, are you okay?" Damian asked, hugging him gently.

"Ouch, careful with the arm," Darin complained.

"Sorry," Damian said, sitting beside him. "How did this happen? I just left for London, and now this? What's going on?"

Darin stared at the ceiling. "There's no smoke without fire. Something is definitely behind all this."

Damian agreed. "Yeah, something isn't right."

Darin, agitated, said, "Adira is a twin—"

Dayo's phone rang, interrupting. He stepped out to answer.

Nathaniel left as a nurse entered.

A young nurse named Thandeka Dlamini, dressed in a white uniform, checked on Darin. She introduced herself and asked, "Are you feeling better?"

Darin, still in pain, managed to sit up. He insisted, "Take them back with you. I promise I'll be fine."

"But Dar—"

"Deka, for once, just do as I ask," Darin interrupted.

Thandeka agreed and left.