The sound of the door unlocking echoed faintly in the silent living room.
Xavier walked in, tie loose, shoes scuffed, exhaustion carved into his face. His mother, Mrs. Adebayo, looked up from where she sat on the couch, a shawl draped over her shoulders.
"Mom, you still here?" he asked, voice low.
"Yes, I am," she replied calmly. "Where have you been for the past two days?"
He was already climbing the stairs, loosening his tie. "Work."
"Work?" she repeated, scoffing. "Are you walking out on me now?"
He sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'm not, Mom. I just… need to freshen up."
Mrs. Adebayo muttered under her breath, shaking her head. "What has come over this boy?"
Xavier paused at the door, hearing the soft sigh, then walked silently into the room.
The bedroom smelled faintly of lavender and something else — loneliness. Golden stood by the window, her reflection barely recognizable.
Xavier, half undressed, his shirt hanging open, turned toward her.
"Does my mom live here now?" he asked flatly.
Golden blinked, caught off guard. "She's here to be with me. So that I…"
"What?" Xavier cut in sharply. "Are you ill or something?"
Her voice wavered. "No, I'm not. She just—"
"Then why is she always here?"
Golden's voice softened, trembling. "To cheer me up, of course."
Xavier's eyes narrowed. "Cheer you up for what?"
Golden frowned. "Baby, you just walked in and you're already grilling me? Shouldn't you be explaining why you didn't pick my calls, didn't text back—nothing—for two whole days?"
He folded his arms. "Explanation, huh? You wish."
Golden blinked, stunned. "I wish? Xav… I wish?" Her voice cracked. "Don't I deserve one? After all we've been through? How could you shut me out like that?"
His tone turned sharp, almost cruel. "If you think you deserve anything—then give me a child, woman!"
The words hit like a slap.
The bathroom door slammed shut. Golden stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat. And then she crumbled. Her knees met the cold tiles, a sharp sting that barely registered through the storm inside her. Tears poured freely down her cheeks, trembling lips parting only to release broken breaths.
Inside the bathroom, Xavier stood frozen, palms pressed against the counter, eyes staring at his reflection. Guilt flickered briefly in them — a flicker he quickly smothered. His jaw tightened. He wanted to open the door, to say something, anything… but pride chained his tongue.
**********
The suite was dimly lit, smelling of wine and cologne. City lights blinked through the glass windows. A jazz tune played softly in the background.
Dee entered, wearing his usual grin, slapping Xavier's hand in a brotherly shake.
"Hey, man. What's up?"
Xavier was slumped in an armchair, tie gone, shirt unbuttoned halfway, a glass of wine dangling from his fingers.
"Dee," he muttered, forcing a small smile. "I'm good."
Dee chuckled. "Nah, I don't think so. Look at those dark circles. You even sleep anymore? How long you been holed up in this place?"
"Four days, I think."
Dee smirked, shaking his head. "Damn, bro. You need a hot girl in this room — one who can take all your stress away… and maybe give you a child while she's at it."
Xavier's expression darkened. "Dee, don't start."
Dee raised his hands, still grinning. "I'm just saying, man. Your wife—"
"DEE!" Xavier snapped, his voice slicing through the air. "Don't mention my wife again."
Dee let out a low whistle. "Alright, alright. Mr. One-Woman Army. Respect."
"Thank you."
They sat in tense silence for a moment before Dee tried again. "Work's going well?"
"As good as it can be."
"And Diana?" Dee asked casually.
Xavier's brow furrowed. "She's good. Why are you asking about her?"
Dee shrugged, sipping his drink. "Nothing. Just saying — she's been with you for years, man. Always there. And you know she's head over heels for you." He chuckled. "Plus, she's got mad curves… looks like a very fertile woman."
Xavier's tone turned cold. "Meaning?"
Dee leaned forward, smirking. "Meaning maybe you shouldn't keep seeing her as just your PA. Look at her differently, feel that connection."
Xavier growled. "DEE!"
Dee laughed, lifting his glass. "Okay, okay! Relax. I'm just looking out for you, bro."
Xavier didn't respond. His eyes were on his wine glass — but somewhere in the back of his mind, a flicker of Diana's smile appeared.
And he hated that it did.
Dee's Apartment...….
Music hummed low from the speaker. Dim lights, half-empty glasses, and the faint scent of perfume filled the room.
Diana sat opposite Dee, legs crossed, her expression sharp but anxious.
"So?" she demanded. "What happened? Did you talk to him?"
Dee leaned back lazily. "I did. But he's not buying it."
Her voice rose. "What do you mean he's not buying it? Isn't he your friend? You said you'd make it happen!"
"Yes, but I can't force him. He's stubborn as hell." He shrugged. "But don't worry. He might not bite now… but he will soon."
Diana's face lit up. "Really?"
Dee grinned. "What happens when you keep watering a plant?"
Her voice softened, hopeful. "Just make sure it works, Dee. Please. I love him. I've loved him for years. I can't wait to take that girl's place — she brings him nothing but pain."
Dee sighed. "Point of correction — she made him happy once. Things only got messy when the baby issue came in."
Diana frowned. "So what now? You're defending that village girl?"
"Just stating facts."
"Then remember what you promised, Dee. You have to make it work."
Dee smirked. "I told you I will… now come to daddy."
He pulled her into a kiss, deep and slow.
Moments later, the world outside the apartment disappeared as they sank together onto the couch.
⸻
Golden sat curled up on the couch, her face pale and her eyes red-rimmed. The TV was on mute — a silent film flickering across her reflection.
Mrs. Adebayo sat beside her, wrapping her arms gently around her. "Darling."
Golden's voice cracked. "Yes, Mummy?"
"When will you stop brooding over this?"
Golden wiped her cheeks. "I can't. I just… can't. My life is falling apart. I can't give your son a child, and you know how much he wants one. It's eating me up." Her voice trembled as tears returned, "I haven't seen Xav in four days. The house is like a graveyard. If it wasn't for you and Adenike, I—"
Mrs. Adebayo pulled her close, stroking her back. "I feel your pain, my darling. Truly, I do. And Xavier… I don't know what's come over him. He won't even take my calls—or his father's. But this child issue-isn't your fault. Nothing is wrong with you."
Golden sniffled. "I know, but… I'm just surviving, Mummy. Not living. I went to the store yesterday, and I saw a mother with her three kids. The way they laughed, their little feet on the floor… it's all I can see now. It's stuck in my head."
Mrs. Adebayo smiled faintly. "Golden… what if I told you there's a solution?"
Golden blinked. "A solution?"
"Yes."
Golden sat up, confused. "Then why didn't you say anything all this while?"
Mrs. Adebayo chuckled softly. "Because I didn't know how you'd take it if I presented the matter to you. And it's not a pill or a doctor, my dear — it's a Him."
Golden frowned. "Him? Who? Wait — are you introducing me to another man?"
Mrs. Adebayo burst out laughing. "Calm down, Gold. I'd never do that."
"Then who are you talking about?"
Mrs. Adebayo smiled gently. "Jesus Christ."
Golden froze. "Jesus Christ? Is he a sorcerer? A doctor? A magician?"
Her mother-in-law laughed harder this time, eyes glistening. "No, my dear. He's a miracle worker."
Golden stared, speechless. The name lingered in her mind like a strange echo. A miracle worker?
And for the first time in a long while, something—something small and fragile—shifted inside her.
************
Golden found a quiet anchor in the most unexpected place — a small church filled with soft music, warm smiles, and an unexplainable peace that wrapped around her heart like a gentle promise. Mrs. Adebayo's gentle words had pulled at something inside her; one Sunday she had walked forward, knelt, and let faith fold over her like a warm shawl.
After that, the Bible lived in the center of her living room, its spine softened from pages turned, tabs peeking out like tiny flags. She listened to sermons on her phone while cooking, read devotionals at night, and let the simple cadence of scripture steady her breath. Hope wasn't thunderous — it was a steady pulse now, a whisper that grew louder with each page.
One late afternoon, light slanting through the curtains, there was a sharp knock at the door. Golden's heart did a small, nervous skip.
She opened the door slowly.
Her face dropped, "Mom?" she said, voice small.
Ada brushed past her, shoulders set, face thunderous. "What!! Biko, shift. Let me enter this house."
Golden closed the door behind her and followed her into the living room. Sunlight found the Bible on the center table, the edges of the pages cupped with use.
"How are you doing, mom."
Ada dropped her bag and sat as if the world had just tilted, "I should be the one asking you that," she said, voice sharp as a knife. "There's supposed to be a fetus in your tummy by now, right?"
Golden tried a small, strained smile. "That wasn't the question, Mom."
Ada tossed the line aside like a rag. "I'm not interested in playing polite." Her eyes went straight to the book…..Shocked…She pointed at the Bible, "Wait — what is this?"
"Bi—" Golden started.
Ada snapped. "Bi what??!"
"Mom, calm down." Golden kept her hands raised, trying for gentleness.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Ada hissed, standing up fast. Her fingers found the edge of her headscarf and untied it in a motion that said she had come prepared for a fight. "What is this thing doing in your house? Or does it belong to your mother-in-law?"
Golden's voice was soft but steady. "No, Mom. It's mine. And it's not a 'thing'. It's the Bi—"
Ada cut her off, fury pulling her face taut. She slapped the air in front of Golden with an incredulous laugh. "Shut your mouth! Don't even say it!" Her voice rose until it cracked. "Don't tell me you've started doing what I'm thinking!"
Golden's hands trembled, but she took and held the book to her chest like a shield. "Whatever you're thinking… it's true."
Ada moved suddenly — a hand across Golden's cheek, sharp enough to sting. "You must be mad! No — you are mad, Golden! Are you hearing yourself?"
Golden pressed her trembling fingers to her cheek. Tears burned hot. "Mom—"
Ada's voice dropped into a low, dangerous rumble. "What happened to everything I taught you? The rules? The warnings? Your promise to me? I warned you about them. Now your mother-in-law has finally dragged you into her religion, hasn't she? What did she promise you? That this 'god' of hers would give you a child?"
Golden's eyes filled. "Please, stop…"
Ada leaned in, words sharp and fast at first, then softer, the cruelty shifting to pleading in its own way. "Listen, Gold. You don't have to do this. You can still denounce him, now."
Golden's voice came out small, trembling but grown. "I'm not a child anymore, Mom. I know what I want. And this"—she lifted the Bible slightly—"is what I want."
Ada stood back, as if struck. For a long breath she watched her daughter as if trying to read a stranger's face. Then a cold laugh slid from her. She picked up her bag with a decisive snap.
"No problem. That's what you want, right? No problem." She walked toward the door, voice like acid. "But I'll be back. And when I return, let's see if that god you've chosen will have given you a child by then." She hissed the words and stormed out, the door banging behind her.
Golden stood frozen a moment, chest hollow, then the air left her like the deflating of a balloon. She covered her face with both hands and let out a sound that began as a whisper and folded into a ragged sob.
"Yes—leave," she choked. "Every time you come around, you only add to my pain."
She sank to the floor, halting and exhausted. The Bible lay beside her like a quiet promise. Sunlight slanted across the pages. Golden pressed her forehead to the cool floor, letting the tears soak into the tile, while the small, steady whisper of hope from her new faith trembled, fragile and stubborn, somewhere under the rubble.