I continued with the cooking. After turning the amala and setting it aside, I called Bolaji.
Sarah: "Where can I see ijabe (Broom whisk) to mash the gbegiri and ewedu?"
Bolaji: "Ah, I've forgotten you're from the village. You don't need ijabe here. Use this blender instead."
He handed me the blender, and I quietly continued with the cooking until everything was ready.
When I was done, I warmed the leftover rice, dished some for the security guard, and carried Bolaji's food to the dining table.
After serving him, I told him I wanted to give the security guard his food. The guard thanked me, and I returned to eat my own rice quietly.
Bolaji looked at his plate and frowned.
Bolaji: "Why did you give me just two pieces of meat? Do I look like a child?"
Sarah: "I'm sorry. I thought that was okay… I also took only one."
Bolaji: "That's you. Do you even eat meat in your father's house? From now on, my protein must be at least four. Do you hear me? You're not the one buying it."
Sarah: "Okay."
Bolaji: "Do you even know my age?"
Sarah: "No."
Bolaji: "I'm 31. Do you know how many years I senior you?"
Sarah: "No."
Bolaji: "You don't know? You're 18, I'm 31. That means I senior you by 13 years. Do you understand?"
Sarah: "Okay."
Bolaji: "Stop saying okay like that. Put respect to my name. I'm not your mate."
I sighed.
Sarah: "Okay sir."
Bolaji: "Good."
Just then, my phone rang. I stood up quickly to pick it. Bolaji hissed and muttered under his breath: "I need to stop her from using that phone."
I went inside and picked the call. It was my parents. I tried hard to hide my tears.
Barely 24 hours with him, I already didn't feel loved. I was beginning to dislike him.
They asked how I was doing, and I forced myself to say I was fine. Then they reminded me to be good to my husband.
Sarah: "Please… when am I coming home?"
Mum: "Home? That is your home now."
Sarah: "Am I going to continue living with him like this? I thought this was just engagement."
Mum: "Sarah, listen. Are you not ashamed? Do you want to come back to this poor house? Stay calm and enjoy your home. Very soon you'll get admission into school after JAMB."
I sighed deeply and nodded, even though my heart was heavy.
....
It had been six days since then. That morning, I was arranging the house when Bolaji walked in.
Bolaji: "Be fast. My friends are coming today. I want you to prepare amala with egusi soup. Make sure it looks presentable. Don't waste time—they'll be here before 10am."
Sarah: "Okay sir."
I quickly finished arranging the house, then went into the kitchen. I cooked the food, served it neatly on the dining table, and hurried to change into a better dress.
A few minutes later, I heard him laughing and welcoming his guests. I decided to step out and greet them…
But to my greatest shock, it was the same lady—Sandra—and another woman with her!
To be continued…