THE ONE

SEVEN

Two days later,
The Bankole's Residence.

"So sad we had to cut our trip short because of your father," Jasmine said wrapping her arms around Ise's neck and kissing his chin.

"I am sure it was really important for Nick to have left a message about his visit." He replied holding her waist and kissing her back on the lips.

"Well, I guess you be on your way. I am sure your father already knows we are back." She said rushing him out of the house and placing the car keys in his hands while he steals a quick kiss and exits the house.

Jasmine waved him goodbye and closed the door. She went into the kitchen to start dinner hoping it was not a serious issue. Her father-in-law was a retired army officer who never tolerated any nonsense from anyone or even his kids. He never liked being called an officer but preferred being addressed as Mr. Tobi or dad.

Ise was freaking out over his father's visit to Nick's office. He knew there was more to the sudden need to know his whereabouts and contact him. The good thing was he could hide his feelings in Jasmine's presence and not raise an alarm or make her worried. He slowed down while approaching the front gate and waved at the soldiers who recognized him, letting him through as he drove up the driveway and parked his car at the front of the house.

The house didn't look different from his last visit some months ago; in fact, much has not changed except for the renovation done years ago before his wedding. He climbed the short steps to the front door and pressed the bell. In less than five minutes, his mother opened the door smiling with open arms.

He kissed her cheeks, "Good evening, Mum. How are you?"

Bisiola hugged him close, "I am fine, dear. I heard you and Jasmine were not around. I do hope everything is okay?"

He smiled, "Yes everything is okay. We just needed a little vacation from our busy schedules."

"Now that sounds romantic. Should we be expecting our grandkids anytime soon?" she asked as they walked into the sitting room where his father was seated watching a football match.

"Very soon mum". He bows and greets him, "Good evening, Dad."

"Good evening son, how was your trip?"

"It was good, dad. How are you doing? Nick informed me about your visit to his office."

"I am doing fine, son. Let's go to my study. We need to talk." He said.

They made their way to the study as he noticed the exchanged looks between his parents and the sudden mood change. He sat opposite them while they occupy the couch. It took a few minutes before his father broke the silence with a paralyzing question.

"Do you know anyone called Juliet Eke?"

He swallowed hard, "Yes I do. We attended university together." He replied.

"Good. Was there more than a class relationship?"

Ise scratched his head, wondering why the questions and what point his father was driving at. Of course, they had more than a classroom relationship. She was his rebound girl anytime he had disagreements with Jasmine which only lasted for months and it was always easy to fall back into routine without any suspicions.

"Yes, dad. We had a thing going on for a while but it never lasted long. Please, what's going on?"

Tobi shook his head finding it hard to break the news and allow the inevitable to happen to his son's marriage. Still thinking about how to approach the subject, his wife took over the conversation.

She took Ise's hand and look him straight in the eye, "Son, she is dead and supposedly has a seven-year-old daughter."

He looked bewildered, "Okay. How does this concern me?"

Tobi interrupted his wife, "That child is yours, Iseoluwa." He said pouring himself a drink and taking a huge gulp.

Ise jumped up knocking down his chair, "What?" He said pacing around with a shocked expression.

"It can't be true. How did you find out?"

"Apparently, she left behind a will and a letter in the possession of her lawyer which was to be handed over to you following the time of her demise including your daughter. She passed away two days ago from breast cancer."

"I just don't get how she could have kept such a secret from me and not bother to reach out or give me the chance of meeting my daughter sooner."

Tobi raised his voice, scolding him, "That should be the least of your worries. What you should be trying to figure out now is breaking the news to my daughter-in-law about having a seven-year-old child from a lady you used to have ties with during your college days while you both were still dating." He said taking the last gulp and walking out of the study.

Ise felt devastated. His father had a point. He loved the idea of being a father but he doubted Jasmine would take it easy especially, after reconciling their differences and making an agreement to do better with their marriage. This was messed up.

Bisiola stared at her son while deep in thought wondering how best he could handle the situation. She knew the first right thing to do was to inform his wife and prepare her for the journey ahead. He made a mistake and cannot avoid dealing with the consequences.

"Your father is upset about the situation due to your carelessness and inability to handle your affairs properly. We do not regret having a grandchild but wished it could have been done the right way. Jasmine needs to know the truth before bringing your daughter into your marriage. The lawyer would be at your house by Sunday which gives you ample time to face this situation." She kissed his forehead, "We are always here for you. Do not worry; everything will be fine. Goodnight son." She exits the study leaving him alone looking more scared and confused.