Web of Deceit

Chapter3

Peters sat on his chair, swirling it to each side, lost in thoughts. He stared blankly into space grinning at whatever he was thinking about. He sat up and picked up his phone, dialing a number."The usual." He said to the receiver. Peters flung his phone across the table as he rested his back on the chair. Peters sat in his plush office, swirling his chair, lost in thought. The events of the day weighed heavily on him. Losing the contract, his father's disappointment, and his brothers’ taunts. He rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension. He sighed, a plan forming in his mind. Peters leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. A few minutes later, peters' mysterious phone call set events in motion. A sleek black car pulled up outside his office building. A well-dressed woman stepped out, her eyes scanning the area."Mr. Peters," she said, entering his office. "I've arranged everything."Peters nodded, his grin widening. "Excellent work, Rachel." Rachel handed him a folder containing documents and photographs. Peters scanned the contents, his eyes narrowing."This is perfect. Ensure everything goes smoothly."Rachel nodded, her expression professional. "Consider it done."Meanwhile, Flora faced another challenge. Her boss summoned her to his office."Flora, I've received complaints about your tardiness," he said sternly."Boss, I have never been lazy for once. I'm facing something currently. That's why I'm like this.""You're not expected to speak. I can sack you this instance." Her boss threatened.Flora apologized profusely, explaining her situation again, but this time calmly since she knew what would happen if she lost her job. Her boss listened intently."I'll give you another chance, but meet this deadline," he said, handing her a folder. Flora nodded, determination burning within her. As she left the office, Clevin caught up with her."Hey, need help with that project?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Flora hesitated before accepting his offer. She had second thoughts about handing the project to him but she needed his assistance. She shrugged the thoughts off as she beamed at Clevin. She is going to be staying at the office for overnights at this point if she is to meet the deadline. She decided to wait till they closed so she could get home and tell her siblings so they wouldn't worry about her. "I have to get home immediately after we close." She said to Clevin."Why? Hope there is no problem?" He replied to me back curiously."Not at all; I just want to inform my siblings of my intention of staying overnight today.""That's good. Let me accompany you.""No, no, no. I don't want to stress you .."..."You're not stressing you wifey. You're the one who looks so stressed. Let me assist you in my car." Flora smiled at him gratefully as she packed her hags following Clevin to his car. Flora got to her home and met the worst. What she thought of and knew would happen already happened. Faster than she expected. She met her siblings outside their compound in tears. She rushed to them."What's wrong with three G's? What are you doing outside?""Father sent us out of the house." One of them replied."Father? Okay, wait here." She rushed back to Clevin, who was in the car and told him to give her a few minutes to sort some things out. Clevin nodded in understanding as she dashed into the compound. She banged the door loudly, and it was eventually opened by her angry stepmother."What is it cursed child? Do you want to break down the door? Do you think your merge salary will repair even half of it?""I don't have your time, woman, and I'm also not here for you. Please leave the road, I need to meet my father." She said before pushing her out of the way ignoring the inward curses from her stepmother. Flora scanned the living room before stepping gingerly into her father's room and met him on the bed picking his teeth."Ahh, you're back, Flora. Right in time.""Father, what's the meaning of what you're doing? Why did you send my siblings out of the house?""It is so simple. Your time here in my house is over.""Do you just say your house father? Your house or my mothers'? You really can't do this at this point, Father. It's really hard for me to send my siblings to school, and now you want to send us out? The load is heavy, really heavy. Father, please, I'm not saying you should feed us; just accommodate us till I find a place for us to stay because right now, I'm stranded." Flora begged on her knees with tears in her hand."Flora, it's not necessary those kids go to school. I've tried my best for you all, it's high time you left." He landed. Flora looked at her father, who didn't seem to give any damn care to what was happening around him. She knew it was going to be futile arguing with him. She turned her back, ready to leave, but was stopped by her father's voice."You all can stay. For the main time." These words gladdened Flora's heart, and she burst into tears."Thank you, Father." She moved out of his room, jerking in tears, going outside to call her siblings in. After settling them, she left for Clevin's car."Clevin, thanks for waiting. I appreciate it.""Flora, I can see clearly that you're going through a hard time. What if you live with me? Yunno, it will reduce the stress and all.""Don't bother, Clevin. What you've done for me and my siblings is enough. I wouldn't like to put our burden on you." He tried convincing her, but she stood her ground because she knew it was not going to be a wise decision to make. Before they returned to the office, he took her out to buy food.