Tayo's unease grew as the creaks intensified. "Nneoma, I think we're not alone."
Nneoma's focus remained on the documents. "It's just the old house settling."
Suddenly, a file slipped off the shelf, papers scattering everywhere. Tayo rushed to gather them, noticing a hidden compartment in the fallen file.
Inside, a cryptic note read: "Ejima's fate sealed. Meet me at the old oak at midnight. -A."
"A" – Amaka?
Nneoma joined him, eyes scanning the note. "This must be connected to my father's death."
Tayo's grip tightened. "We need to leave, now."
As they gathered the documents, footsteps echoed outside the room.
"Amaka?" Tayo whispered.
Nneoma's hand found his. "We face her together."
The door creaked open, and a figure slipped in.
Ugo, Chief Okoro's loyal butler, stood before them, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and resolve.
"Please, you must leave. Amaka's patience wears thin. She'll stop at nothing."
Tayo's instincts screamed warning. "What's Amaka after?"
Ugo hesitated. "The Okoro family secret. Hidden in the archives."
Nneoma's grip on Tayo's hand tightened. "We won't let her have it."
Tayo's eyes narrowed. "Why help us, Ugo?"
Ugo's voice trembled. "I've served the Okoros for decades, but Amaka's actions... they go against the family's values. She'll destroy everything."
Nneoma's expression softened. "What's the secret Amaka seeks?"
Ugo hesitated, glancing around the room. "I'll tell you, but you must promise to protect yourselves. Meet me at the old oak at midnight. Come alone."
Tayo exchanged a skeptical glance with Nneoma.
"We'll be there," Nneoma said.
Ugo nodded, handing Tayo a small key. "For the archive's hidden section. Be cautious."
As Ugo departed, Tayo turned to Nneoma. "Do we trust him?"
Nneoma's eyes sparkled. "We have no choice. We need the truth."
Midnight approached, and they made their way to the old oak, surrounded by darkness.
Ugo awaited, his face illuminated by moonlight.
"The secret lies within the Okoro family's oldest artifact," Ugo whispered, leading them to a hidden chamber beneath the ancestral home.
Inside, an ornate box bore the Okoro family crest.
"Amaka seeks this," Ugo said, opening the box.
A gasp escaped Nneoma's lips.
_The Revelation:_
A document, sealed with wax, revealed a shocking truth:
Chief Okoro was not Nneoma's biological father.
Tayo's eyes met Nneoma's, filled with shock and questions.
"Who is my real father?" Nneoma whispered.
Ugo's expression turned somber. "That's for another time. Amaka approaches. You must leave, now."
Tayo swiftly secured the document, and they followed Ugo through the hidden passage. As they emerged into the night air, Amaka's voice echoed through the darkness.
"Ugo, you traitor!"
Ugo pushed them forward. "Run! The main gate is closest."
They sprinted through the compound, Amaka's footsteps closing in.
"Tayo, take Nneoma!" Ugo shouted, diverting Amaka's attention.
Tayo grasped Nneoma's hand, pulling her toward the gate.
"Ugo, come with us!" Nneoma cried.
"I'll delay Amaka," Ugo replied, his eyes locked on Tayo. "Protect Nneoma."
As they burst through the gate, Tayo's phone buzzed.
Ugo's text read: "Meet me at St. Mary's Church tomorrow. 10 am. Come alone."
Tayo's grip on Nneoma's hand tightened.
"What now?" Nneoma asked, breathless.
"We find answers," Tayo replied. "About your past, and Ugo's motives."
The night air swirled with questions.
_The Next Morning:_
St. Mary's Church, 10 am
Tayo arrived alone, scanning the empty pews.
Ugo emerged from the shadows.
"Amaka will stop at nothing," Ugo whispered. "Nneoma's in grave danger."
Tayo's jaw clenched. "What do you know about Nneoma's biological father?"
Ugo hesitated.
"I'll tell you, but first, promise me—"
Suddenly, the church door creaked open.
Amaka stood in the doorway, her eyes blazing.
"Ugo, you've made a grave mistake."
YOU ARE READING
Bound by fate. (Completed)
RomanceA story about a couple Tayo and Nneoma as they pass through many hurdles to attain love, but will they really see love🤔 will fate let them be?
