EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL

NEW LIFE

Stella couldn't comprehend why her manager could send such an extemporaneous message to her. She picked up her phone and read the message again, she grappled with confusion.

“Your service is not needed again please leave as soon as possible”

"What's exactly my offense?" Stella asked, still trying to wrap her head around the whole issue. She was still battling with her thoughts when Linda walked in.

Linda noticed Stella's troubled expression and asked, "Your face is not bright, what is it again?"

Stella didn't utter a word; instead, she handed the phone to Linda.

Linda's expression turned serious as she read the message. "This is serious. I mean, what must have prompted the manager to relieve you from your service? You're the best staff; every client always prefers you over everyone else," Linda remarked, looking concerned.

Babe, I feel cursed, believe me, yet I don't know who I offended. I will start from square one again. What is all this now?" Stella lamented, feeling overwhelmed by her situation.

A few minutes later, the manager walked in and ordered Stella to start packing her belongings, instructing Linda to assist her. The two friends began packing when they heard Jeff's car honking outside.

"Who's that?" Linda asked, and both of them peeped out to see Jeff. Stella went outside to receive him.

"Babe, I believe by now you are ready," Jeff asked as Stella greeted him.

"Ready for what exactly?" Stella inquired, puzzled.

"Does it mean your manager didn't deliver my message?" Jeff questioned, growing frustrated.

"Very well then, I will close down this place," Jeff threatened, his tone becoming more intense.

Stella remained confused, trying to understand the situation, when suddenly the manager ran out of his office.

"Hey old man, so you didn't deliver my message?" Jeff roared with a thunderous voice.

Oga, I did. I have been forcing her to pack up quickly and leave this premises," the manager defended himself.

Stella was very scared upon hearing the fire in Jeff's voice. "Please calm down. He told me to leave," she pleaded.

"Wait, does it mean you are the one that forced him," she pointed at the manager, "to fire me?" Stella asked, her anger rising.

"Well, yes. You don't belong here anymore. I've already gotten you a new apartment in Lekki," Jeff finally revealed.

Stella couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Wait, are you okay? You're funny. Even if you had this kind of plan in mind, courtesy demands that you inform me first. What do you take me for, some kind of hopeless girl depending on you for survival? Is that what all this is about?" Stella asked angrily.

Please, you have to calm down," Jeff continued. "What I did was from the heart, out of love. Besides, I wanted it to be a surprise for you, which is why I didn't inform you beforehand. Plus, your friend Linda is aware of this plan."

At the mention of Linda, Stella screamed her name from outside. Linda, who wasn't surprised, came out smiling, while Stella gave her a suspicious look.

Hey, calm down, don't look at me like that. Besides, Mr. Jeff gave me money that can seal my mouth," Linda teased, pointing at Jeff with a smile. They all laughed, and Stella later joined in.

"Girlfriend, I'm happy for you. I pray the same fortune happens to me someday," Linda prayed.

"Amen," replied Stella.

Jeff was already inside the car waiting for Stella, honking again to signal it was time to leave. The two friends embraced each other and bid each other goodbye. Stella went to join Jeff in the car, and they zoomed off to Stella's new apartment.

Less than an hour later, Stella was already in her newly acquired duplex. She fell in love with the compound and the surroundings, so neat and captivating. Walking into the rooms was another round of accolades to Jeff and the house entirely.

Babe, this is beautiful. What could I ever do without you?" Stella asked in a soft voice.

"It's nothing serious, dear. Trust me, you deserve better than this," Jeff reassured her.

"Awww, you're making me blush already. Please stop," Stella replied, laughing.

They both laughed as Stella pulled Jeff towards her, and they sank into the bed, later making love.

The next day, Jeff didn't hesitate to share the encounter with his father, Senator Bernard, who had often urged him to find a responsible partner.

This time, the senator was pleased with Jeff's choice and the potential for a suitable match, easing the tension between them caused by previous disagreements about Jeff's love life. Jeff had avoided visiting his father to escape the recurring lectures on finding a suitable wife.

Despite the Senator's initial disappointment upon learning that Stella doesn't come from a wealthy background, he is shocked to discover that her father is just a government school teacher. Feeling compelled to remind Jeff of their family's status, he said;

'Son, no and no! This is not going to work or have you forgotten who your father is?

Jeff you are my only son, you are an eagle. You are not supposed to be flying with chicken. You deserve better.

In a stern tone, the Senator warned Jeff against pursuing a relationship with Stella, suggesting an alternative match with Sharon, the daughter of Governor Kowe. Jeff attempted to reason with his father, but the Senator remained adamant, insisting that Jeff deserved someone of higher status than Stella.

Jeff expressed his frustration with his father's decision, questioning why his happiness seemed insignificant.

'Father, why do you always do this to me? For crying out loud I am mature enough to make decisions. Dad, does it mean my happiness doesn't mean anything to you?

He defended Stella, emphasizing that his father hadn't even met her yet and was quick to judge her. Senator Benard began to feel guilty, realizing he should give Jeff more autonomy in decision-making.

Jeff pleaded with his father, arguing that happiness outweighs societal class distinctions. Eventually, the Senator relented, granting Jeff permission to invite Stella to their home. He affirmed his love for Jeff but warned him of potential consequences.

Jeff's greatest joy is that his father didn't find out about Stella's past. With this, he's relieved and not willing to disclose it to his father.

Jeff and Stella's relationship is now three months old and is filled with peace, love, and joy. Stella couldn't have asked for a better man than Jeff, who truly loves her unconditionally. Jeff, on the other hand, is satisfied with his newfound love, Stella.

They were both in Jeff's house when he started a serious discussion.

"Babe, you know it's been months now since we entered this relationship. I love you, and I want us to start thinking about making it official," Jeff said earnestly.

"Well, I am thinking the same thing," Stella replied. "Although I have a major fear, which I know won't come between us," she added, looking sad.

"A major fear?" Jeff questioned.

"Ok, let me guess, my dad. You think my dad will be the stumbling block?" Jeff guessed.

"Yes, baby, your dad. I mean, there's no way Senator Bernard will allow his only son to marry a lady like me," Stella admitted.

"And what about you?" Jeff asked. "Everybody has a past. Moreover, I will not be the one to tell him about your past unless you want to tell him," Stella reassured him, reluctantly shaking her head in rejection.

"Good! So calm down. My dad has gone the extra mile to search for information about you. All the while, he couldn't find out about your past, so please let's bury it and allow it to remain in the past, please," Jeff pleaded with all seriousness.

"Okay, oh! I hope so. I just pray everything goes well," Stella replied.

"It will, okay," Jeff assured her, standing up to leave. Stella walked him to his car.