Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 45: The Crazy One 2

Kingsley's tall frame, clad in a black designer suit, stood at the door of the rented apartment. He pressed the doorbell, and Mrs. Nike answered almost immediately. The sight of him at her doorstep stunned her.

"Kingsley? Is that you?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Good morning, Ma," he greeted through clenched teeth.

"What are you doing here?" she frowned, her tone sharpening as she gasped. "Leave right now! You've been pestering my daughter for years. Only God knows how many abortions she's had for you before finding her husband. And now, here you are again? Leave, and don't come back!"

Mrs. Nike moved to shut the door, but Susanne's voice came from inside.

"Mum, let Kingsley in. I invited him."

Susanne stood behind her mum, adjusting her sleek black dress. The diamond necklace around her neck sparkled under the soft light, but her eyes were cold and distant as she prepared for yet another battle.

"What?" Mrs. Nike gasped, her shock now mixed with terror.

"Excuse me, Ma," Kingsley said arrogantly, raising his eyebrows. Mrs. Nike's face twisted in frustration, her lips tight with anger.

"I need to see your daughter. I won't stay long," Kingsley continued, stepping forward.

But Mrs. Nike blocked his way, her eyes blazing. "If you have anything to say, say it to me! You have no business with Susanne. You two broke up years ago! What gives you the right to show up here?"

"Mum, please," Susanne interrupted, her voice firmer now. "We have something important to discuss."

"Discuss? What could you possibly have to discuss with him? Haven't I warned you to stay away from him?" Mrs. Nike turned to her daughter in disbelief. "You're married, yet you're still associating with Kingsley? Of all people, Kingsley?"

Kingsley stood there, arms folded, watching Mrs. Nike with an indifferent expression as she continued her tirade.

"You were lucky Michael never dug into your past. Do you think he would have married you if he knew?" Mrs. Nike spat, her voice rising in anger.

"Ma, I understand you don't approve of me for your daughter," Kingsley replied, his voice tinged with guilt. "But that doesn't give you the right to judge me for my past. If I hadn't messed up, Susanne and I would've been married by now. But that's the past. I'm here to take responsibility."

"Responsibility?" Mrs. Nike scoffed, cutting him off. "What responsibility could you possibly take? For what, exactly?"

"The child," Kingsley said, his voice steady. "We need to put the child's needs first, and let go of our grievances."

Mrs. Nike's eyes widened in horror, her voice trembling. "What child are you talking about?"

Fear clung to her words as she looked at Susanne, desperate for an answer.

Susanne, arms crossed, finally faced her mother. "You thought Michael was the father, didn't you? Sorry to burst your bubble, Mum. Kingsley is the father."

Tears welled up in Mrs. Nike's eyes as the full weight of Susanne's words hit her. She lashed out, hitting Kingsley's arm in rage.

"Why did you come back? Haven't you done enough damage already? If not for my intervention, you would have destroyed Susanne's future with your lies. How much more do we owe you? I knew you were no good for her, which is why I didn't approve of your relationship in the first place. And now this? How did you get her pregnant? She will abort this baby, and you will be out of our lives for good!"