CHAPTER 39

TADE

Tade, Tade's only sister, Tinu, and their parents rounded up their discussion on how to handle Tade's estranged husband. Tade thanks her family for standing by her and never for once

chastising her for the bad decision she made and how it cost the family its reputation despite their warning against the marriage and how disobedient she was to them. Her father informs her it was a lesson that needed to be learned and he is glad she learned her lessons already. He reassures her that they wouldn't honor the meeting Jide's family called for and that if they try to do anything to hurt her, he would sue them in court and make sure they pay for defamation and fraud with every of their last cent. Tade's mother also begged her not to think about the situation, she told her to cast all her worries to Jesus and that she will also be with her in prayers and do all she can to get her a very good lawyer just in case Jide and his family members try to outsmart them. Tade knows the kind of parents she has, they are diplomatic, kind, respectable, easy going but are disciplinarians. They don't condone terrible attitudes or nonsense from anybody, they treat people respectfully and they demand it to be reciprocated. Her parents warned her against this marriage like they foresaw the chaos to come but she was so obstinate about Jide, even her sister who was her closest friend spoke to her but it fell on deaf ears. She was clearly in love, despite Jide not being her first love, he swept her off her feet with his caring nature, his humor, charisma, and his approach to life. Little did she know it was all an act until she became a victim.

Tade's mother packs some meals for Tade in

different dishes, emphasizing that she eats to gain some of the weight she has lost. Tade brings out two envelopes and gives her parents one each, they both said some prayers for her, for her business to grow and for peace to be restored in her life. She announces Susan's forthcoming wedding ceremony and her parents rejoice, sending their prayers and love to Susan. Tinu warns her sister to seal the wedding planner deal for her and threatens to reach out to Susan herself if Tade isn't willing. Tade insists she foregoes any sort of respect if she wants a contract from her, she informs her she is the one in charge and she would treat her strictly as she would treat any service provider, Tinu insists she has no problem with the disrespect as far as it

will win her a contract, Tade wanting to break her

sister's patience said "What if I choose to be the lousy customer that beats up any service provider?" her sister cajoles her to come closer to see some wedding designs that could be useful for Susan's wedding, Tade goes closer to Tinu's phone only to be held and pinned down and unable to move, Tinu teases her sister "Lousy customer, I thought you said you want to beat me up". Tade's parents burst into laughter at Tade's cowardice, they smile as they watch their two children play around like babies with joy and satisfaction.

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WEDDING CEREMONY

Susan can't help smiling as her friends hover around her for photographs. The wedding was a success even though it started like the beginning of the end earlier that morning when Henry's mom kept flinging each of her friend's name tags off the reserved seat after they arrived from the registry. Her mom and friends stood by her strong enough against any emotional imbalance. Susan flaunts her ring as the photographer takes the final shot. Tade pops a bottle of champagne and pours it into four glasses for them to cheer to, each of her friends has one or two emotional words to let out, and the tears wouldn't stop flowing. Chichi's phone notification beeps and it restores the breath of fresh air, she announces her job promotion which includes an offshore transfer and the girls let out a shout of congratulations. Susan knew this was the right time to let her friends know that she will be moving to the States with her husband and the girls were in shock. She announced that it wouldn't be for a long time as plans to relocate back to Nigeria will be worked upon after her honeymoon. The girls confess their displeasure in the division but are happy it is for a good cause. Henry's mom calls their attention for a group dance and they all joined the family in the whole merriment.