Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 47: An Accident

Grace tiptoed toward the mansion's massive door, her heart racing as she took in the eerie silence that filled the house. It felt as though the entire place was holding its breath, the quiet so loud it unnerved her. She had just brushed her teeth, taken a quick shower, and combed her natural hair, though a visit to the salon was long overdue. Still, there was no time for such things now. Grace slowly opened the door, half-expecting someone to be standing there, eavesdropping, or lurking in the shadows. But there was no one. Shutting the door quietly behind her, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts to call Susanne. She had grown worried about her sister.

Meanwhile, at another corner of town, Kingsley was feeding Susanne a bowl of Golden Morn mixed with milk and strawberry sprinkles. She sat comfortably on a foam chair, allowing herself to be pampered like a child, while Kingsley, perched on the edge of the table, brought the spoon to her lips. The sudden buzzing of Susanne's phone startled them both. Susanne’s annoyed hiss broke the calm atmosphere.

"Mum, help me with the phone, please. Who's calling?" she asked, turning to Mrs. Nike, who stood nearby. Her mother handed her the phone with a puzzled expression.

"How come you're calling yourself?" Mrs. Nike asked. Susanne ignored the question and signaled for her mother to leave the room.

"Sis," Susanne spoke into the phone as soon as her mother left, "I'm really sorry I didn't make it yesterday. I had everything planned out, but then I fell and broke my knee. It was just one thing after another. Did you wait for me all night?"

"Yes, I did," Grace replied, her voice laced with concern. "Are you still in India? How are you feeling now?"

"Yes, I'm still here because my results aren't out yet. But I told the doctor to send them to my email so I could come back sooner. I didn't want to make you feel guilty for waiting. But in all the rush, I fell and hurt myself," Susanne explained.

"Is it that bad?" Grace asked, the worry clear in her voice.

"It’s not looking good. The doctor insisted I stay back for treatment and wait for the results," Susanne replied, her tone growing distant. "I don't know how long I'll be here. But..." Her voice cracked, and the line suddenly went silent.

"Hello? Susanne, are you still there?" Grace's voice was tense.

"I think the network is bad," Susanne lied, ending the call abruptly.

Back in the room, Kingsley had been watching her closely, his eyebrows furrowed with curiosity. "Who did you give your phone to? Does your husband know that you’re in Gwagwalada?" he asked.

Susanne scoffed, her expression twisting into defiance. "And why would I tell them that when I found my twin sister?" she replied, folding her arms.

"Your twin?" Kingsley echoed in disbelief. "You never mentioned you had a twin. And you asked her to take your place in Michael’s house? Are you serious?"

"Yes," Susanne said, a tear slipping down her cheek as she straightened up. "I’m pregnant, and I’ll have this child before I return. God is helping me through this."

Kingsley’s expression shifted to a bittersweet smile. "How much do you trust her? Isn’t this risky, relying so much on a stranger?"

Susanne shook her head, a confident smirk curling her lips. "Grace is not a stranger. We keep in touch daily, and everything is going according to plan. Besides, Michael never really paid attention to me; he won’t notice the difference."

Meanwhile, at Auntie Funke’s house, Cryst was sprawled out on a massage bed. "Auntie Funke, why did you tell my dad about my fight with Michael?" she whined.