Chapter 10

"This forest seems denser than any I've encountered before. My husband has endured days without sustenance here? Oh, the anguish he and his mother must have endured in this treacherous wilderness. Thank you, Egu, for aiding me. Your assistance is unforgettable. But please, let us hasten. I yearn to reunite with my husband. His absence has weighed heavily on my heart." Titi expressed her concerns as she and Egu traversed the winding path leading to the captors' lair. She reached into her bag, retrieving dark sunglasses to shield her eyes from the intrusive insects and vegetation along the narrow trail. Despite Egu's assurance of safety, fear still gnawed at her.

"I sense your apprehension, but fear not. This territory is ours, and no harm shall befall you as long as I'm by your side," Egu reassured Titi as they veered left, drawing close to their destination. Yet, unexpected danger loomed ahead. Titi glimpsed her husband, Madu, appearing emaciated, akin to a famished lion. Her heart shattered, envisioning the suffering he endured.

"Freeze! Where do you think you're headed?" Betty interjected, brandishing a firearm as she emerged from concealment, catching Titi and Egu off guard. They hadn't anticipated this twist, assuming the captors had been pacified the night prior.

"Surprised, aren't you? You're dealing with me, Betty. My reach extends far, and your clandestine intrusion hasn't escaped my notice. Did you truly believe you could infiltrate my hideout undetected? A minion divulged your scheme last night, affording me ample time to counter your move. Titi, my co-wife, your folly in forsaking the city for this village pursuit played into my hands. This trap was meticulously laid, and you've unwittingly fallen into it. Now, you, your mother-in-law, and your husband are at my mercy, destined to wither away in captivity," Betty proclaimed.

"You shall not enact such cruelty," Titi retorted defiantly, advancing toward Betty despite the looming threat of the gun.

"I'll spare you, for now. Witnessing your demise alongside your husband is my intent," Betty declared.

"I refuse to perish, and I will depart this forest with my husband alive. Your demise is inevitable if you persist," Titi asserted, refusing to yield to Betty's intimidation. Armed with courage, she prepared to confront their captor, though the gun wielded a menacing presence.

As Betty advanced, Titi and Egu retreated, hands raised in surrender. Reaching the hideout's entrance, they complied with Betty's commands. Summoning the informant who betrayed them, Betty compelled the unveiling of Madu and his mother. Witnessing their plight, Titi succumbed to tears, her heart wrenched by their emaciated state.

"My beloved! Look at the toll this ordeal has taken! You are a fiend! What have you done to them?" Titi cried out, rushing to support Madu, weakened by captivity.

"You've yet to witness the extent of my resolve. The demise of all three is my objective, for your collusion to humiliate me," Betty declared, asserting her dominance.

Before Betty could execute her grim design, the remaining captors emerged, unleashing a volley of gunfire. A bullet felled Betty, ending her tyranny in an instant.

Egu's foresight had divided their ranks, ensuring timely intervention. "Gratitude to divine providence for our deliverance," Egu remarked, surveying Betty's lifeless form.

"Your aid in rescuing my family merits boundless gratitude. I cannot adequately express my appreciation," Titi conveyed to Egu, as the remaining captors assisted in conveying her husband and mother-in-law to safety. Upon their return to the village, Titi fabricated a tale of their fortuitous discovery.

Escorting her family to the city, Titi's relief was palpable as they received medical care. Madu's mother, upon regaining speech, offered a heartfelt apology for her role in their ordeal.

"I, too, apologize for the injustices inflicted in my pursuit of progeny. I vow never to subject you to such pressure again. Our progeny will come in due time, by divine decree," Madu expressed remorsefully, acknowledging his misdeeds.

"Speaking of progeny, I am pleased to announce my pregnancy," Titi announced, eliciting astonishment from Madu and his mother.

"Yes, it's true. I discovered it upon our return. My monthly visitor's absence prompted a test, confirming our blessed expectation," Titi shared, radiating joy. "I have transitioned from the rejected stone to the cornerstone of our familial foundation," she declared, embracing her husband and mother-in-law in celebration of their impending addition.