He Thought Vanessa Was Peace… Until Trouble Began | Nigerian Marriage Betrayal Part 4  

He thought he had escaped the pressure of family, but he had only entered a new prison. Who is that? Nobody important. Nobody important. Vanessa, I KNOW YOU ARE INSIDE. THAT does not sound like nobody. Daniel, please, let me handle it. So, now you are hiding. Lower your voice. You borrowed money from me quietly.

 You will pay me quietly or loudly. Choose one. Borrowed money. Daniel, go inside. Ah. So, this is the new sponsor. Get out. I want my money by Friday. How much? Vanessa. I said I will handle it. You asked me to leave my home. And you did not think I should know men are coming to your door demanding money? Do not start acting like I forced you.

You came here because you wanted to. David, you need to eat before school. I am not hungry. You were hungry last night. Daddy used to make my toast too brown. Yes. Your father believed toast must suffer before it is eaten. Can I call him? You can call him after school. Will he answer? I hope so.

Mommy, when Daddy comes back, will you still be sad? Mommy is healing. Healing takes time. But this house will still be full of love. I promise you that. Vanessa, this is not small money. I know. There are rent arrears, event vendor debts, personal loans. You are reading my life like a court charge sheet.

Because you hid all of this from me. Would you have come if I told you? Exactly. That is manipulation. No. That is survival. You made me believe you were stable. And you made me believe you were brave. I left my children crying. Do not put that on me. I am not putting it on you.

 I am realizing what I did. Do not start regretting me on the first morning. What is all this? Bills, counseling options for David, legal advice, my own therapy, everything I avoided thinking about cuz I was waiting for Daniel to remember us. This is good. It does not feel good. Strength rarely feels good while it is growing.

I do not want my children to hate him. Then do not teach them hatred. Teach them truth with kindness. How? By refusing to lie for him, but also refusing to poison them. I can do that. Yes, you can. How was school, champ? Fine. Did you finish the science project? Mommy helped me. I am sorry I missed it.

Daddy? Yes? When are you coming home? I will come and see you soon. That is not what I asked. Daniel, dinner is getting cold. Please. Is that Auntie Vanessa? Please, can we go and eat? I am tired of waiting. Welcome, Mommy. Oh, my sweet girl.

How was school? Fine. Debbie, my daddy said that your daddy ran away with your mommy’s friend. What does that mean? It means some people speak about things they do not understand. Everybody knows? You have nothing to be ashamed of. Never mind. Everything will be all right. But I am ashamed.

I know, my love. What happened? Amara called again. Why are you holding my phone? Because it kept ringing in my house. Give it to me. You said you left her. She is the mother of my children. That sentence is becoming very convenient. Vanessa, give me the phone. No. I want to know why she still has access to you.

Because I have children with her. Then maybe you should go back and continue pretending to be a perfect family man. So, every time she mentions those children, you will run? Those children are mine. And what am I? Danielle. What happened to David? He had a difficult day at school.

Why did you not call earlier? I did, several times. Did she have your phone? Danielle, whatever you choose to do with your life, do not let your children become visitors to your attention. I want to see them tomorrow. You can come after school. Can I see you, too? You will see me because I am their mother.

Do not confuse access to your children with access to my heart. Amara, I am sorry. Be sorry with decisions, not words. What have I done? The wrong door may open easily, but it does not always lead to peace.