Unexpectedly His

Chapter Ten: Shadows of Doubt.

Chapter Ten: Shadows of Doubt.

The evening breeze at their favorite pleasure park was soft and comforting, carrying with it the laughter of children chasing kites and the sweet smell of roasted corn from a nearby stand. Lisa leaned back on the grass, sipping from her can of malt while watching the orange streaks of the setting sun. Beside her, Faith stretched out lazily, nibbling on a piece of suya they had bought earlier.

It had been a while since the two friends had escaped to this spot, and as always, it felt refreshing. This was their place…where they came to breathe, gist, laugh and sometimes cry. Today was supposed to be all fun, but Lisa noticed the way Faith kept signing in between bites, her eyes clouded with worry.

“ What with the long face?” Lisa asked, nudging her with a playful smile. “ Don't tell me the suya is too peppery for you?”

Faith chuckled a little but quickly grew serious again. She lowered her drink and stared straight at Lisa. “ Lisa think Kunle is cheating on me.”

The words hit Lisa, like cold water. She sat up instantly, searching her friend's face to be sure she wasn't joking. “ Cheating on you? Where is this one coming from?”

Faith hugged her knees and leaned closer. “ Yesterday, he got a call from a number saved as ‘Carpenter." But Lisa, the voice l heard on the other end wasn't a man's voice. It was a woman. A young woman. She quickly ended the call and acted like nothing happened.

Lisa blinked, trying to process her words. “ Are you saying just because a number was saved as a carpenter, and you heard a female voice, then automatically he's cheating?”

“It's just that," Faith insisted, her voice trembling. “ His behavior has been off. He hides his phone sometimes, and l swear, something doesn't add up. That's why l don't believe him when he tries to explain. I've decided I'll start paying more attention, maybe even check his phone when he is sleeping or in the bathroom “.

Lisa's eyes widened. She shook her head so fast Faith almost laughed. “No, no, Faith, don't even think about it. You shouldn't go through his phone. That will only make matters worse. If he finds out, you'll break his trust between you two “.

Faith folded her arms, pointing like a stubborn child. “ So what do you want me to do?" Sit here and pretend like nothing is happening while he is carrying on with some woman behind my back?”

Lisa sighed, trying to calm her. “ Listen, it's not about pretending. l just don't think you should jump to conclusions yet. You've never suspected Kunle of cheating before, right?”

Faith hesitated, then shook her head.

“ Exactly," Lisa continued firmly. “ This whole suspicion only started after Bella ran her mouth. If not for what she said, would you have ever doubted Kunle?”

Faith looked down at her lap, her silence admitting the truth.

“ Then don't let Bella's words plant poison in your beautiful heart," Lisa said, her tone softening. “Faith." Kunle loves and adores you very much, I'm very sure of that. Anyone with eyes can see it. The way he looks at you, the way he cares…it's rare. Don't ruin what you have by looking for ghosts that don't exist “.

Faith's lips trembled. “ But Lisa, l don't know what to believe anymore. What if I'm ignoring the signs? What if he's really hiding something from me?”

Lisa reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. “ Then talk to him. Face it directly. Not through suspicion, not through spying. Just ask him. If he loves you the way we both know he does, he'll tell you the truth.”

For a long moment, Faith was quiet, staring at the fading sun as if searching for answers in its glow. Finally, she gave a small nod, though doubt still lingered in her eyes.

Lisa checked the time on her phone and suddenly sat up. “ Oh, l need to get going."

Faith frowned. “So soon? We just got here."

“ I know," Lisa said apologetically, dusting off her beautiful blue gown as she stood. “ Ken is waiting for me. He said we should meet this evening, and l don't want to keep him hanging”.

Faith arched a brow, teasing. “ Ken again?" These days, it's like he's glued to you. Should l start getting worried that you’ll abandon me for him?”

Lisa rolled her eyes but smiled. “ Don't be silly. You're my sister. Nothing can change that. But you know ken…he can be dramatic if l keep him waiting for too long. “

Faith smirked, though the badness never fully left her face. Alright, go…greet him for me

Lisa bent down to hug her tightly. “And please, stop thinking about Kunle . Promise me you won't do anything rash tonight?”

Faith hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Fine, l promise. But Lisa, l still need to talk to you about something else later. Something very important

Lisa gave her a curious look. “ What is it?”

Faith shook her head. “ Not now. Another time. Just…be careful, okay?”

“Alright darling, l will “. Lisa said cheerfully.

Lisa picked up her bag, waved at Faith and started walking forward to the park's exit. As she left, Faith sat there, watching her friend disappear into the crowd, her heart torn between love, doubt and a secret she wasn't ready to reveal.

Lisa, on her part, felt her phone buzz as she approached the roadside. It was a message from Ken: “ Where are you?" I've been waiting for you. Hurry up, I'm in a deep mess. It's urgent”.

Her steps quickened. So

Something about his tone unsettled her. What could be so urgent?