THE BLACK WIDOW

CHAPTER SEVEN

Michael cancelled their date at the last minute, but Sonia had already stepped out of their yard to meet him at a bus stop close to home so that her mother's relatives that just arrived for the wedding will not 'hijack' him. As she walked through a shortcut passage in the neighbourhood, Mrs. Rogers' henchmen kidnapped her, but David was already several steps ahead. He invited himself to the Rogers' mansion in the guise of an appointment with Mrs. Rogers.

David was ushered in by one of the security guards, who already 'confirmed' the visit with his boss. He sat down in one of their extravagant living rooms, waiting for the woman who was soon to be the mother- in- law of his best friend. From his research, Michael's ex-girlfriend Tiffany was not 'chosen' for him just because of her wealth, but mainly because Michael was not emotionally connected with her. If he marries her, the Rogers would become richer through mergers and collaborations but Michael would still be tied to his mother and under her full control. Sonia was an unexpected interruption and a terrifying obstacle to the mother-son one sided romance.

When Mrs. Rogers saw David, she smiled to herself.

"My son's love rival, what brings you here?"

David greeted her and requested to see her privately. She agreed and led him to her private office.

David did not notice the grand office nor the freshly made steaming coffee before him. He went straight to the point, asking for Sonia's release.

"We are alike in many ways David: we are both from the upper class and as you know, great minds think alike."

David smiled and replied, 

"A wise woman builds her house but a foolish one uses her own hands to pull it down. I believe you go to church Mrs. Rogers."

"Of course I do. Karl Max was right when he said religion is the opium of the people. I go there occasionally, why do you ask?"

David was appalled that an educated and wealthy woman like the one before him could be so heartless all in the name of control. He looked her in the eye and said,

"I am here to prove you wrong. I know you kidnapped Sonia and I am here to ask you to let her go."

"And if I don't?" She did not deny it at all. She refused to be intimidated.

"I will personally ask God to take special care of you. Don't forget that God has plans for everyone, including the wicked. Sonia did nothing wrong..." She cut him short.

"Oh yes she did! She is turning my perfectly planned life into a nightmare. First of all, I abhor, loath and hate anyone from the lower class and worse, she is taking Michael away from me."

David shook his head and gently reminded her of God's "leave and cleave" principle in marriage but she would have none of it.

He finally stood up and sighed. "I know that a 'lower class' woman stole your father's heart and tore your perfect family apart. You grew up with your wealthy mother who raised you and your sister. Today, you fear that you might lose Michael as you lost your father. Let it go."

"Why should I?" She punched the mahogany desk in her office. "I have given him everything! What more does he need from any other woman?"

"Mrs. Julianna Rogers, I have warned you. Sonia is a good woman and she loves your son. Don't start a losing battle because every battle has casualties."

"Those casualties will be Sonia and her wretched family!"

David smirked at her,

"I will be expecting Sonia home in the next thirty minutes and untouched." He bid her goodbye and left.

Mrs. Rogers' nostrils flared and her knuckles became stiff as she stood still. Dangerous storms were raging inside of her and she vowed to herself that she will never lose to Sonia. Never.

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Sonia woke up at nightfall inside her bedroom. She looked around her and was shocked to find herself home. She did not know how she got there but she knew she was abducted. Or, was it all a dream? Surely it wasn't. She checked herself in her mirror and realized she had no bruises or feel any pain except dull aches from her arms probably from being carried or pulled by the kidnappers. She walked out to the living room and could not find her mother among her relatives. She ignored their calls and continued to look frantically for her mother. She went back inside her room only to find her parents seated on her bed.

Sonia rushed in and hugged her mother tightly. She wailed as the realization of what happened dawned on her. Her mother consoled her like a mother should, whispering words of comfort and hope. When she was finally at ease, her Father began to speak.

"Sonia, we love you. I know we are not rich but God has been faithful. I want you to overlook everything you have been experiencing since the announcement of your relationship to Michael's family. You will become their daughter tomorrow, take that woman as your mother."

Sonia did not speak so her father continued.

"My daughter, I know what I am about to say might sound odd to you but please, don't send us any money for now. We will be only three now and will manage what we have even better. Save your money for yourself so that you will not become a liability in that family."

Sonia smiled and hugged her father.

"Papa, I have a lot of money now because I did not spend a dime on this wedding. Mrs. Rogers insisted on footing the entire bill except my wedding dress which you and Mum bought for me. She wanted to give her son a befitting wedding ceremony. I promise not to send you anything from Michael but from my salary, you cannot stop me o."

Her parents exchange knowing looks and smiled.

Her mother took her by the hand and said, 

"Sonia, please be a good daughter to the Rogers and a good wife to Michael. More importantly, take very good care of yourself."

"By the way, I saw an alert from the bank earlier." Her father said and looked at her intently.

"Papa, it is just a little to add to your business. Papa, I know you will miss me so stop acting like you are getting rid of me."

Her parents laughed and requested that she kneel before them. She complied. In the next ten or so minutes, the Moses couple prayed for their daughter from the depth of their heart and soul.

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Midnight came and Sonia turned and turned as she could not stop worrying about what Mrs. Rogers could do at the wedding. She was not the only one who could not sleep. David was on his knees interceding for his best friend and her husband to be. He had received a text message from an unknown number not long after he left the Rogers' mansion to collect Sonia right in front of his own home. He had driven back home and found a black Toyota Lexus parked in front. As he came out of his car, two men in dark sunglasses dragged out an unconscious Sonia and handed her over to him without exchanging a single word. He had put her in his car, took her to their private family doctor to check her before taking her home to her family. He felt pity for his friend but knew that God will see her through.

When his prayer was done, David sat up on his bed and a lone tear fell from his eye as he thought about how another man took his place in Sonia's life: an eternal separation. His heart ached beyond words could comprehend or present to the world. He wondered if he will be able to attend the wedding but if not for saving face, he must do it to give his friend calm and assurance.

"Lord, take this love away from my heart. I am in love with one already taken by another man. Lord, help me."

His parents were shocked and could not believe how things turned out as they were anticipating Sonia becoming their daughter - in - law. Upon the turns of events and seeing how their only son was affected by it all, they decided the best thing was for him to do his National Youth Service in another state and from there travel out of the country for his post graduate degree. Perhaps, with Sonia out of his sight, she will soon be out of his mind.