The Reckoning

The 48-hour ultimatum felt like a death sentence. I spent the whole night thinking about my life. My job, my family, my reputation, everything I worked for was on the line because of one dangerous curiosity. By morning, I made a decision. I was not going to run like a coward.

I called Tolu first.

“Babe, I need your help. If anything happens to me, keep all the evidence I sent you.”

Tolu was scared but she agreed. Then I did something risky. I called Chinedu with a new SIM card I bought early that morning.

“I believe you,” I told him. “Tell me what to do.”

Chinedu gave me one name — Honourable Chief Balogun, the politician behind Emmy’s dirty deals. He also told me where some of the important documents were kept in Emmy’s home office.

That same day, I went to the office. My boss was waiting with a serious face.

“Ada, we are getting calls. People are saying you are having affair with one of our clients. This is damaging the agency. I have to put you on suspension until this blows over.”

I didn’t argue. I just collected my things and left. On my way out, I saw one of Ifeoma’s friends who also worked in PR. She gave me a mocking smile. The network was working.

In the evening, I went back to the estate. Emmy’s car was not there but Ifeoma’s was. I waited until it was dark, then I used the spare key Emmy had given me weeks ago to enter their house quietly. My hands were shaking as I searched his home office. I found some files and took photos with my phone — more transfers, fake contracts, and one letter from Chief Balogun.

As I was about to leave, the lights came on suddenly.

Ifeoma was standing at the door with a gun in her hand.

“So you are now a thief too?” she said coldly. “Drop the phone, Ada.”

I froze. “Ifeoma, please. I just want the truth.”

She laughed. “The truth? The truth is that my husband is weak. He likes pretty young girls like you. But I am the one who keeps this empire running. If you expose him, you expose me. And I will not allow that.”

We heard the sound of Emmy’s car entering the compound. Ifeoma quickly hid the gun.

When Emmy walked in and saw both of us, his face changed.

“What is going on?” he asked.

I brought out my phone and played the video of me and him in the garden. Then I showed him the new documents I photographed.

“Both of you have been using people. I am not going to be your scapegoat.”

Emmy tried to beg. “Ada, we can fix this. I love you. I will leave Ifeoma.”

But Ifeoma cut in. “You will do no such thing. Ada, you have 24 hours now. Leave quietly or I will release everything I have on your family. Including the truth about your father’s death years ago.”

That last sentence shocked me. How did she know about my father?

Emmy looked at Ifeoma with new eyes. “What did you just say?”

For the first time, I saw real cracks in their marriage. They started arguing in front of me — shouting about money, secrets, and power. I used the opportunity to slip out of the house.

As I ran back to my apartment, my phone rang. It was Chinedu.

“Ada, Chief Balogun knows about you. They are coming for you tonight. Run!”

I quickly packed one small bag. But as I opened my door to leave, two big men were standing outside.

“Miss Ada Okoro? You are coming with us.”

To be continued…