STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER FIVE

Mr. Collins Babalola tries to hang unto his dear life as his wife cries beside his bedside. The family lawyer was summoned and the family Will was updated and signed by Mr. Babalola. He felt he wouldn't make it.

"I feel so weak Bimbo." He said in a shaky voice and closed his eyes.

"Don't talk like this Collins. You are not leaving me o. You are going nowhere." Bimbo said defiantly as tears wet her beautiful face.

Just at that moment Funmi entered the bedroom.

"I came as soon as Mother told me."

"You've killed him Funmi! If you haven't been si stubborn, this wouldn't have happened.  He kept thinking of how else to save you from that notorious Mr. Richard." Bimbo said harshly.

That same minute Antonio also arrived looking worried but as handsome as ever.

"Don't come close you murderers! It was your case that he didn't cease to think about before this attack happened. What will happen to his best friend Niyi if he leaves? What will happen if that ugly and evil Richard marries Funmi? You are both selfish. This is not a set up if you think it is!" She stood up and began to shake in anger.

"You want to make me a widow! You will not succeed both of you! God will punish you both!" Tears ran down Funmi's face and she walked slowly towards her mother's best friend and hugged her.

"I'm sorry.  I am so very sorry.  I didn't realise the magnitude of the problem at hand and the length you are going to save my future." They broke apart and Bimbo sat back down next to her man.

Mr. Collins opened his eyes.

"Darling, are you okay? How are you feeling now that your children are here?" She took hold of his right hand and kissed it.

"Bimbo..." he whispered but loud enough for all to hear.

"Yes honey," She replied with a smile.

"Promise... promise me that Antonio marries Funmi."

"Darling, you have to be there with Niyi to walk her down the aisle." She replied gently with hope in her eyes.

He smiled weakly.

"Promise me you will get better Collins." Bimbo said in desperation.

"I want to rest." He said and closed his eyes.

The attack wasn't a very serious one and the Doctor assured Mrs. Babalola that all will be well.

Funmi left without saying anything and went down to the lounge. She sat down, crying all by herself.  The tears flowed down in torrents. She knew at that moment that her fate was sealed.

Antonio walked in amd sat opposite her.

"You are a fake and you know it. Are you a child that everyone is watching over you like hawks?" He said with bitterness.

Funmi just cried the more.

"Why are you shedding crocodile tears Funmi? I will marry you, not for anyone's sake but my Dad's. I will never love you! Just you know, I despise you for putting me in this position and I will never forgive you as long as I live." He stood up and walked to the stairs to go back to his parent's bedroom. Funmi stood up, called out to him and he stopped.

"Is that all? Insult me and hate me all you want. Don't forgive me but I know I am innocent." She replied tightly.

"Are you done Ms. Holier than thou! You can take your leave now." He said sharply.

He took two steps on the stairs and stopped. He didn't turn back and said,

"But I promise you, I'll make you suffer for turning my life upside down. You will pay for hurting Sharon. You will surely pay."

"You think I want to marry you? You are being unfair! "

"I don't care! All I know is that all this is because of you!" He said and began walking down as his eyes darken in anger.  He stopped right in front of her.

"Do you love me Funmi? Is this your plot to have me? You are a wicked soul! Go and celebrate with your friends, you have succeeded in getting Nigeria's most eligible bachelor into your miserable life." He didn't wait another second and left.

Funmi broke down into fresh tears and began to pray.

"Lord please take this cup of suffering away from me." She has only tasted a sip from the bowl of sorrow. The worst was yet to come.