Bound by fate. (Completed)

Chapter 5: Amaka's True Intentions

Tayo positioned himself between Amaka and Ugo, his eyes locked on the former.

"What do you want, Amaka?" Tayo demanded.

Amaka's smile twisted. "Nneoma's inheritance. The Okoro family's wealth and legacy."

Ugo stepped forward. "You'll never get it, Amaka. Nneoma's the rightful heir."

Amaka sneered. "Nneoma's not an Okoro by blood. The will specifies 'bloodline' inheritance."

Tayo's grip on his phone tightened. "We'll contest it in court."

Amaka chuckled. "You'll lose. I've manipulated the documents, and Chief Okoro's associates will support me."

Ugo's eyes widened. "You forged the documents?"

Amaka shrugged. "Necessary measures. Now, hand over Nneoma's location."

Tayo's stance remained firm. "Never."

Amaka's expression turned cold. "Fine. You'll regret this."

With a swift motion, she pulled out a folder and handed it to Ugo.

"Recognize this?" Amaka asked.

Ugo's face paled as he scanned the contents.

"No... it can't be," Ugo whispered.

Tayo's curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Ugo's voice trembled. "Proof of Nneoma's true parentage... and my role in hiding the truth."

_The Bombshell:_

Ugo's eyes met Tayo's, filled with guilt.

"I'm Nneoma's biological father."

Tayo's mind reeled.

[10/27, 9:36 AM] Meta AI: Chapter 8: Ugo's Confession

Tayo's eyes widened in shock. "You're Nneoma's father?"

Ugo nodded, tears welling up. "I was young, foolish. I hid the truth to protect her."

Amaka sneered. "And now, you'll pay for your secrets."

Tayo stepped forward, shielding Ugo. "Leave him alone, Amaka."

Ugo's voice cracked. "Tayo, I never meant to hurt Nneoma. I wanted to ensure her safety."

Tayo's expression softened. "Tell me everything."

Ugo took a deep breath.

"I had an affair with Nneoma's mother, Ejima. She was kind, beautiful. When Ejima became pregnant, I knew Chief Okoro would never approve. I made a mistake, hiding the truth, letting him raise Nneoma as his own."

Tayo's mind reeled. "What happened to Ejima?"

Ugo's eyes dropped. "She... passed away shortly after Nneoma's birth. I was devastated."

Amaka snarled. "Enough sentiment. Where is Nneoma?"

Tayo stood firm. "You'll never find her."

Amaka's smile twisted. "We'll see about that."

With a swift motion, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

"Take care of Nneoma," Amaka ordered, before turning to Tayo. "You have 24 hours to bring Nneoma to me. Or else..."

_The Ultimatum:_

Tayo's grip on his phone tightened. "I'll never give her up."

Ugo's eyes locked onto Tayo's. "Protect my daughter, Tayo. I trust you."

The church fell silent, the air thick with tension.

Tayo swiftly escorted Ugo out of the church, his mind racing with plans to safeguard Nneoma.

"Where can we hide her?" Tayo asked.

Ugo nodded. "My friend, Father Emmanuel, has a secure location. We can trust him."

They arrived at Father Emmanuel's humble abode, where Nneoma waited anxiously.

"Ugo, what's happening?" Nneoma asked, concern etched on her face.

Ugo's expression softened. "I have something to tell you, my dear."

With a gentle tone, Ugo revealed his secret: he was Nneoma's biological father.

Nneoma's eyes widened, shock and emotions swirling.

"I... I don't know what to say," Nneoma stammered.

Tayo stepped in, offering support. "We'll face this together."

As night fell, they strategized.

"Amaka will stop at nothing," Tayo warned.

Ugo's jaw clenched. "We'll protect you, Nneoma."

Father Emmanuel provided a secure room, equipped with surveillance.

"I'll keep watch," Tayo said, determined.

Nneoma's eyes met Tayo's. "Thank you."

As the night wore on, Tayo's phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: "You think you can hide her? I'll find Nneoma."

Tayo's grip tightened.

_The Threat:_

Amaka's voice echoed through the phone. "You have 12 hours left."

Tayo's resolve hardened.

"We won't back down."