Chapter 42 Chapter Thirty Nine

Chapter Thirty Nine

'Once upon a time someone said true reconciliation wasn't cheap, because it is based on forgiveness that is very costly. The real question is are you willing to pay the price?'

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Daniella's Crib

Canada.

A few weeks later.

Amanda.

"Where have you been, you've been out since breakfast. Where have you been?" Amanda threw at Denola the minute he walked into the house carrying Kamila.

Denola frowned at her "Excuse me?" Denola returned a little surprised.

"I know you said I'm not entitled to your business anymore but you went out with Kamila without telling me anything. I was worried" Amanda said.

Denola nodded and closed the door "I've found a house Amanda, I'll be moving at the end of the week. I've talked with my lawyer and since Amanda Arinze is nonexistent and Amanda Mayfair is dead, our marriage is null. You can go back to answering your real name and I'm also a free man" Denola said.

Amanda stared at him in disbelief "I assume you're taking Kamila with you" Amanda said.

"We discussed this already, you will have her weekends and holidays" Denola said.

Amanda shook her head unable to say anything else, it was really over. Her marriage was over.

She remembered Daniella's words - to fight for her family, for her marriage but she couldn't even bring herself to talk to Denola about reconciliation anymore.

She was so mad at him, he was separating them because he was hurting and he was trying to hurt her to but he wasn't only hurting her in the process, he was going to hurt her daughter too.

"Alright Denola, you win" She said with resignation. "This is not a game Amanda" Denola said.

"Oh it is Denola, it's a game. I started it  and now you've finished it. If this is what you think is best for our daughter, fine. I won't fight you any longer, I just want what's best for Kamila" Amanda said.

Denola sighed and walked away ending their discussion.

*

Kamila cooed as Amanda tickled her sides. 'Who's a good girl, who's a good girl?' Amanda said adopting a baby like voice to communicate with her daughter.

Denola tried hard not to laugh at Amanda making funny faces at their baby. His eyes remained solely on the television but at intervals he stared at both mother and child from the corner of his eyes.

Amanda stuck her tongue out at Kamila again right before Daniella walked into the living room. 'Hey guys, I'm done with dinner prep. I suggest you two go upstairs and change while I set the table' Daniella smiled at the two of them.

Amanda looked up at her sister suspiciously, Daniella had been acting odd since morning. She'd started by making secret phone calls in the bathroom and in the afternoon she'd announced that she wanted to cook dinner instead of ordering from their favorite restaurant as usual.

Amanda had offered to help but she'd refused and had proceeded into the kitchen to cook up what seemed like food for a crowd.

"Change why?" Amanda asked. Denola was also staring at the sisters now.

"We're expecting company" Daniella beamed.

"Well why didn't you say anything since, I'm really not in the mood for company" Amanda hissed.

Daniella rolled her eyes "My bad Amanda, I didn't say anything so you two wouldn't chicken out of this with excuses. I want you two to go upstairs and look nice for dinner. My special friend will be here soon please" Daniella said.

Amanda scoffed and looked to Denola who was expressionless. She turned back to her sister "Alright, it's not like I have a choice" Amanda said getting up to go to the room.

Daniella smiled and turned to Denola "You too please, Just go freshen up and come back. Wear something nice" Daniella said.

"I'd rather just stay in my room Daniella, if that's ok" Denola said. Daniella shook her head.

"I insist... It won't take much of your time please and you'll really enjoy dinner"

Denola watched Amanda leave the living room and turned to Daniella "I know you're looking out for your sister but don't let her put you up to this...." Denola was saying when Daniella cut him off.

"Denola just go and get dressed let's have dinner. You're moving out with our baby soon, can we just spend more time with each other this period instead of this anger and silent treatment?" she asked.

Denola cleared his throat and nodded before walking out of the living room.

*

*

*

Denola got off the phone with Aliu after finalizing what time would be best for Aliu to join them here, he wanted Aliu to come with Jemila once he moved out with Kamila because he hoped it would lessen the void and hurt Amanda would feel after he left with Kamila.

Who was he kidding? Both mother and child would feel the void and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

Was he even doing the right thing leaving Amanda? Most couples remained together regardless of their differences for the sake of their children. Could he do the same, should he do the same?

He sighed and quickly slipped on a blue and green Tommy Hilfiger T-shirt. He put on his favorite scent before walking out of the room.

The minute he walked out of the room, he heard voices. Familiar voices, wait a minute, was that his mother?

He walked over to the banisters and saw Jadesola and his mother talking to Amanda and Daniella. His eyes saw red, he had been right all along.

Deceitful women, they'd conspired against him. Hissing to himself, he took the stairs downstairs ready to give them a piece his mind.

Atalia pulled Amanda into a hug, "My goodness, it's really you?" Atalia murmured holding her tight.

Amanda was surprised at this move of affection but hugged her back. "I'm so sorry, I must have given you all a scare. How is the dame?' Amanda asked as she pulled away.

Atalia wiped the tears off her face."She's doing well, she sends her greetings. She'd have been here if she could travel. I'm terribly sorry Amanda. Jadesola and I, this was all our fault. Rather than being a mother to you, I became your enemy. I'm really sorry" Atalia apologized.

Amanda nodded uncomfortably, she'd never seen Atalia like this before. "It's fine, it's not entirely your fault. I played my part too. It's all in the past now, let's move on please. I forgive you and I hope you can forgive me too" Amanda said.

Jadesola and Atalia nodded simultaneously "We made this mess, and we will fix it. I will fix it, Denola will listen to me, he will do what's right!" Atalia was saying when they heard footsteps behind them.

Denola....

Amanda sighed but refused to turn towards him. She knew he'd be pissed and would likely blame and accuse her but even she hadn't known that Atalia and Jadesola were coming over.

It was all Daniella.

"And what's the right thing to do mum?" Denola asked having heard the last bit of what his mother said.

Atalia glared at him "Is that how to greet your mother young man? I raised you better than that" Atalia scolded sounding like her normal self again.

Denola shook his head "Good evening mother, good evening Jadesola. I would ask how your trip was but what I really want to know is what you're doing here?" Denola asked.

Jadesola murmured a response before Atalia cleared her throat "My trip was fine, Jadesola and I arrived yesterday and we've been at a hotel. Daniella here has prepared dinner, we can talk about everything after that. Where's my grand daughter?" Atalia questioned.

Denola turned to Amanda who was now dressed in a caramel colored skin tight, turtle neck dress that did wonders for her curves. This was all her plan, no doubt. Just when he thought she was done scheming, this woman. No wonder she wouldn't even look at him.

"Amanda let's talk outside now" he ordered and walked over to the back door.

Amanda rolled her eyes "Kamila is in the bedroom upstairs, she's asleep now. Daniella can take you to her room, excuse me. I'll be right back" Amanda smiled at Atalia before following Denola.

What now?