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Jordan and Shika have successfully met each other’s parents, all was going smooth till a scandalous photo of Shika from the past resurfaced on a blog. This blog post questioned the authenticity of Shika’s salvation.

With the Osei’s, Zoe is still fighting her urges and thoughts towards Yaw who is still flirting with her like she is single. Dave’s actions towards Zoe do not seem to help distract her.

ZOE

I finally got my car back after weeks at the mechanic’s, I was driving on my way to work when Dave called me.

“Hello love, did I leave something at home?’’ I asked, surprised.

“No, but have you checked the news? Our girl Shika is trending and the church as well’’ he said.

“Trending? For what?”

I parked at the side of the road and grabbed my phone from the holder. My Jesus! she will be so devastated. I have an urgent meeting to attend this morning too. I want to rush to her side. I called her several times but her line was busy. I called Dave back.

“I have an important meeting this morning. Can you check in on her for me?’’ I asked

“Ermm…considering the nature of this issue, you are the best person. Let her know we are there for her, she should not be discouraged” Dave said.

In the midst of our conversation, an email from Shika addressed to Pastor Isaac and the church leadership in cc came in.

She was asking for permission to take some days off from participating in church activities till the news dies down. I personally think she should still come to church, don’t give the enemy a foothold. Before I could reply, Pastor Isaac answered “Good decision, we will be with you in prayers but remember that the church is your home”

I will deal with this later, let me get to work and finish this meeting.

After the meeting, Yaw, who I have been avoiding for two weeks and making our relationship strictly professional followed me into my office.

“How is Shika? I just saw the news. Should I be worried about my investment with Purple Linen?” he asked.

“No, Purple Linen will be fine. I am actually rushing to her place in a few minutes to check in on her. She has been declining my calls” I said.

“Ouch, her butt is tight though, not as sweet as yours but it looks good” Yaw flirted and I pretended not to hear him as I picked a file from the shelf and glanced through.

“Let me go with you to ensure that she is okay. After all, from my second visit to church, Dave insinuated that I get married to someone from your congregation. We run a business, she looks great” he said. I was shocked, slightly jealous that he was thinking of getting with her.

“Wait… what? Shika is with Jordan” I replied.

“Well, after today, your pastor might change his mind” he added.

“Why? but I thought you don’t believe in marriage? please don’t ruin Shika’s life, she has been through enough” I warned.

“Oh no, not marriage but date her, maybe a little roll in the hay since it has been a while. If I cannot get you, I will settle for the next thing” he said, inching closer.

“Yaw, forget me. I thought we agreed never to speak about the night in your study” I said, slamming a file I was holding on my desk.

“Tell me you don’t think about it, tell me you don’t want more. Because I can’t stop thinking about you” he stepped closer, close enough to feel the warmth of his body, his eyes searched mine. I froze.

“I don’t, I barely remember” I said avoiding his eyes.

“You know you are a terrible liar, right?” this time he was too close, leaning to my right ear. “I still have your ripped thong” he whispered against my ear and I felt a familiar rush between my thighs “I can still feel the way you responded to me that night” he added.

“I have to go” I cleared my throat and moved away from him.

Memories from that night came rushing back. I remember getting home after that night, washing myself like the act was evident on my skin. The same clothes have been washed and ironed, I cannot bring myself to wear them. There are moments where I regret everything. And some, I am curious to experience more. This moment is the latter, and like I tell my congregation, flee from temptation. This instance I work with this temptation, I see it everyday.

He stopped at my door, waiting for me to exit. I carried my hand bag and stopped because the doorway was too small for both of us. He did not budge.

“Yaw, excuse me” I said.

“There is enough space” he said with a mysterious smile “And I have all day”.

This so juvenile, I squeezed passed him while facing him. He moved closer to me and now we were stuck in the doorway with his chest brushing against mine, and he leaned to right ear again.

“If you think my hands were unforgettable” he murmured “Wait till you discover what my tongue can do” he added before letting me go.
I hated that I pictured it, my heart started racing as I scrambled quickly to my car to go see Shika.

Shika’s apartment

Melody, Shika’s friend let me in. Shika lay on the couch in a fetal position, eyes bloodshot and body warm, she has been crying. She was still in her sleep wear, a cotton T-shirt and shorts.
“It’s good you are here, speak to her. She has not eaten and I am asking her to issue a statement and then take legal action” Melody was exasperated.

“Baby girl, I am here. Relax, we are here for you. This too shall pass” I said as I pulled her up and hugged her. She buried her face in my chest.

“I understand what you are going through” I added.

“You don’t Mama, you have had a clean and spotless life” she said.

“Nobody is clean my dear, we all have something to hide. Forget the people judging you, theirs is not out there today” I said.

“I don’t care about them, people have always judged me. I am worried about two things. My singing in church and my future with Jay. I met his parents just a week ago and everything went well. Now see” she exclaimed with a shaky voice.

“You will definitely continue singing, trust Reverend Dave to speak a word to turn this around. I will not be surprised if he asks you to minister this Sunday to shame the devil. Have you heard from Jay?” I asked

“No, he sent a message about being offline the whole day because of his patients. I doubt he has seen the news. His sister has been calling me but I have been ignoring her” she said.

“Come on, just answer her”

“Her mother too keeps calling” Melody added.

“Pick your mum’s call” I said.

“I am not ready for Ruby’s things right now” she said.

“Come on Shika, she is your mother, she still cares”

She reluctantly took her phone and called her mother. I don’t know what her mother said but her mother asks to speak to Melody after their chat. Shika looked a little relieved.

“What did she say?” I asked.

“She says she will handle it”

“How?” I asked

“I wonder too, but l know I will definitely pay back this favour” she said.

I have met Shika’s mother once, Ruby, an elegant, fashionable and funny lady with an intimidating presence. The kind that seizes attention everywhere she steps, a light that shines, she will make a good pastor or cult leader.

I prayed with her, ordered food and forced her to eat before I rushed back to the office. I went online and there was a long post from Minister Keli, a former choir member in our church who is a now a popular gospel artiste.

✅Keli4Christ

I met Shika who you call Goldie 4 years ago when she joined Radiant Life. I was a member then, we had all heard about her past and avoided her. Shika minds her business. She comes to church, listens to the word of God and leaves. No socialisation, no wahala. We later became friends when she came to the studio where I was recording my first single. The sound was not just right so the sound engineer called her in to do the backing vocals. That was when I knew she had the voice of an angel.

⬇️

Shika is the kindest soul I have ever met, financially she came through for me when my music career was starting. She believed in me, she did the vocals for free and even paid for some of the recording sessions on my first album. There were instances I borrowed her car to go minister at high-level events. My first concert? she provided all my clothes for free. She is a true Christian in every sense of the word. Life has taken me on a different path so I have not had the chance to thank her properly.

⬇️

It breaks my soul to see her name being dragged by useless people who have not walked a mile in her shoes. That picture, you know the one I am talking about, you know what you were doing when you added it to that caption. Then again, do you expect her to wear kaba and slit to the beach? You senseless bloggers just string a few phrases out of context together to ruin people’s lives. And those of you piling on with your harsh and judgmental comments, your day is coming…Shalom( Matthew 7:1-2)

Minister Keli’s post looks like it had done some damage because other people were sharing their experiences with Shika, her kindness. There was an emotional post from one of her former staff members about her good heart.

SHIKA

I really love what I do in church, singing and directing the choir. For once, I have something I can offer to God for His mercy and blessings on my life. From now on, every time I stand in front of the church, people will just see that picture of me. I wonder how long I can avoid church, or should I change my place of worship? No way, I love Radiant Life, it is my home away from home. Yes, the church is not perfect but it gave me hope and a new outlook to life.

Melody read out Keli’s tweet, I totally forgot about him and the times I used to sort him out. We were close friends till his ministry started taking him places and travelling the world. I also eased on our communication, I noticed he was catching feelings and I was not ready to date. Jasmine kept calling, but I refused to pick up. Jay will be off his phone all day, I don’t expect him anytime soon. Immediately he came to mind, I heard his secret knock. Melody looked at me confused, I told her to let the person in.

She was so relieved to see him. He rushed to me and hugged me, I missed him and it was comforting to be in his arms.

“I thought you will be busy all day” I said.

“Yes, but Jasmine came to the hospital and briefed me. She has been trying to reach you. She is very worried and so am I” he said.

“It is okay if you don’t want us to be together, this is a lot for anybody and their family” I stated.

“Whoa, I know you will eventually get rid of me but not this quickly. I am here to stay, this does not change anything” he said as he held me closer.

“What do your parents think about this?” I asked.

“Shika, what they think does not matter, I am here, that is all that matters”

Just then Jasmine called him and he picked up. They spoke for a while before he placed the phone on loudspeaker

“Shika, I have been calling. It is good to know you are well. I was not calling to only check up on you but to ask what body oil you used in that picture to make your skin glow. Plus send me your butt workout” Jasmine said, I was in shock, Melody and Jay burst out laughing.

“Jazz, please” Jay said, exasperated.

“Hwɛ, anibre aba¹. Shika, that body is banging and I need to lose all this baby weight. Also, where did you buy that bikini?’’ she continued and now I started giggling.

“I will send you the details” I replied.

“Well, I hope you plug your business, tell them they can get the waist beads you are wearing in your store” she added, and Melody jumped in.

“That is what I have been preaching all day, you might as well take control of the narrative and sell your market” Melody added, now Jay and I could not stop laughing.

“Hwɛ, you are crying. For what? At least the picture they posted of you is a nice one. If they post any of my swim suit pics, I will be shy. See you looking like a model, my dear, forget them. Either you plug your business quickly or ignore. In two days, a new topic will trend and people will forget about you. Haven’t people forgotten about other celebrities whose nudes have been leaked. Kim Kardashian kwraa is walking free, even Wanlov is sleeping. My dear, rest” Jasmine ranted.

It was like Keli’s post had calmed the media outrage. Not long, KuukuTheBlogger and other bloggers took down the post and issued an apology. Melody and I were wondering why the sudden change in tone. Kuuku later did a live video saying he got calls from the Office of the President and another from one of the deadliest lawyers, threatening a lawsuit so he took down the post.

“I don’t want trouble please, Madam Shika Quist, Ofainɛ sorry. Thank God for your life. It is not my position to judge your walk with God. To my followers, I promise to do better. Stay blessed” Kuuku said.

Just then a text message from Ruby came through.
“Handled as I promised. Take care, my child”

I just smiled, for once being Ruby’s child has paid off. There were rumors that she was once the side chick to one of the African presidents. She never confirms or denies whenever it comes up.

“Ruby is really my girl for real, well, my work here is done” Melody said before leaving Jay and I.

I still could not believe Jasmine’s comments. It kept coming to mind and making me laugh. She even followed up with a text asking for the details.

“My love, I know you have had a long day and as much as I love being in your presence. I have a question to ask you, don’t get mad” Jay said.

“What is it?” I asked confused.

“Have you showered today?’ he asked and I shook my head in disagreement, stifling my laughter.

I playfully smacked him with one of the throw pillows on the couch before walking away.

“You don’t smell bad but you ain’t fresh either” he joked and we both laughed.

 It looks like it is time to call my therapist after today, it is so crazy how this triggered me and I sank into a deep hole. I finished bathing, came out dressed in a boubou gifted to me years ago by a friend which I have never worn. I walked into the kitchen where Jay was fixing something for us to cook. He lifted one eyebrow when he saw me.

“Ermmm…I will let this slide because you have had a long day, but please burn this boubou before we move into our matrimonial home’’ he said.

“Why? What is wrong?” I asked turning around. I knew what was wrong, it was unflattering and the pattern was hideous.

“Love, you know the answer. After seeing how bright my future is in that bikini, I will not settle for less” he said and I feigned a frown. I noticed panic rise in his face before I burst into laughter.

“Whew! I thought it was too soon for jokes” he said, relieved.

I went back to the room and changed into one of the clothes he had complimented before, a simple blue sweat shorts and a white crop T-shirt to match.

“Ahaaaa! Now that is my babe! Don’t give people too much power over you. What I saw brought me closer to you, your personality has kept me here” he said before planting a kiss on my forehead.

“So, it’s true, pastors love baddies” I remarked.

“I don’t know about others, but I love me a gorgeous woman” he said as he set the table for us to have dinner.

Reverend Dave called to check up on me and was insisting I still come to church, forgetting everything. My absence makes it look like I have sinned, when I clearly haven’t done anything wrong here. I admired his courage, but I will stay away for a month and join the service online.

Jay insisted on staying away too but after a long discussion, we concluded that it is better he still attends church.

After dinner, we sat together, huddled up in the couch watching a couple of music videos. At half past eleven, a call from Imelda came through on Jay’s phone. He put it on silent but she kept calling. He totally ignored her, then she started calling me. Jay then picked up the call and put it on loudspeaker.

“Hello” he answered.
“Who’s this? May I speak to Shika?” she asked

“Imelda, it’s Jordan, she’s asleep” he said

“I actually recognized your voice. I just wanted to be sure it was not another person, I mean it is kind of late. I was just calling to check up on Shika, after today’s news”

“She’s alright” he answered.

“Okay, what about you? how are you feeling after all that?’’ she asked.

“I’m good, we are good. This whole thing has actually brought us closer” he said.

“Oh…that is good. Well, I will keep you both in my prayers. Do not hesitate to ask for any assistance with Shika in these times, take care and call me when you get home” she hangs up.

He didn’t react, he just held me closer and planted a kiss on my cheek. Moments later,

“Love, it is late. I have to go home” he murmured in my ear, as I was dozing off.

“No, stay” I pleaded holding onto his shirt.

“Then let me tuck you in” he said as I led him to my bedroom.

JAY/JORDAN

Shika’s bedroom was clean, with beige and grey tones with a touch of gold. The light was warm and soft with a beautiful portrait of a black woman holding a wine glass. It represented her aura clearly, very soft-life as she says. Her duvet on her queen sized bed was made of Bogolan complementing the décor.

She settled into bed and I covered her, then switched on her AC.

“Don’t go, spend the night, please” she requested in sad voice.

How can I say no to that voice?

“I won’t leave, I will be in the hall” I said
“No, here” she said and closed her eyes.

“Shika…” I called
“Just tonight, one night will not kill you” she said.

 I agreed and excused myself. I went to the hall to switch off the TV and packed our used dishes. After, I washed my face and used her mouthwash. I slid into her bed, and cuddled her with my arm round her waist. I intentionally played music in the background to distract my third leg. In no time, we were both fast asleep.

We were awakened by my phone alarm. I saw a message from Jasmine, asking me to take three days off and that she has arranged for the locum physiotherapist to see my patients. The blessing in your family owning a clinic and your sister being your boss. I snoozed my alarm and slept for a couple of hours before waking up to make breakfast for her. Shika was still asleep so I left a note on the fridge before going home to shower and change my clothes. The moment I opened the front door, there stood Ruby. She gave me a mysterious smile before walking in.

“Your secret is safe with me” she said before I could utter a word.

“What secret? Shika is still sleeping so be quiet” I told Ruby before leaving.

I got to my car before I realized what Ruby meant, she thought I was doing the walk of shame. I shook my head and drove off.

At home

My mother walked into my room when I was done bathing, I picked an extra set of clothes. It is going to be a long day at Shika’s but I do not intend on sleeping over.

“Oh, how is Shika?” mother asked.

“She is good, I will be spending the day with her” I answered.

“That is good, are you still sure of settling down with her after the whole scandal yesterday?” mother asked.

“Surer than ever” I answered

“The Imelda lady doesn’t seem bad too” she suggested.

“You don’t know her mum, and everybody has a past. How will you feel if someone also broke up with me because of mine?” I asked.

My mother just smiled and gave me a hug before leaving. I grew up privileged, but I ended up in the wrong company in my teens. I got addicted to marijuana, intensely addicted. The addiction that makes you a different person, a liar, thief and a selfish person. My parents tried everything but it did not work. That was when they sent me the States to live with my paternal uncle. Uncle Joshua, who was a veteran, and right after rehab. He enrolled me in a military school, that taught me discipline and structure. My family is highly indebted to him, then from military school, I went to university and that is where I found Christ through a girl I dated. Since then, I have been clean.

I have not disclosed this to Shika, but I have to before it mistakenly slips out of Jazz’s mouth.

I spent the next two days at Shika’s, but did not sleep over. We both understood that one night was enough. She was more cheerful and back to her usual self in no time. Agnes and Tetteh also visited and cheered her up. On the third day, there was a scandal involving a musician and life went on like Monday never happened. Everyone’s attention shifted to that news.

On Sunday, the warm and welcoming lights of Radiant Life Ministries embraced its members and visitors alike. The prayer committee surrounded the altar speaking in tongues as Pastor Isaac led them in pre-service prayer. This always shifts the atmosphere in the church, making it ready for the presence of God.

IMELDA

I got to church early as usual. I am excited for today’s service; Minister Keli will be leading praises. Apparently, he reached out to Reverend Dave to assist the church during Shika’s absence. We had a lot of newcomers, I don’t know if it’s because of Minister Keli or Shika’s scandal. Either ways, the gospel will be spread today and people will hear the word of God.

So far, the choir has been amazing, one thing about Rev. Dave, he will preach the house down, as Jordan will describe it.  Jordan…I miss him, we have not had time to chat or hang out alone.

No one loves gossip more than church members, Shika’s issue has been on their lips. Some think this should not deter her from coming back to church, others too say they are afraid their husbands will be imagining her in the swimsuit as she leads worship and that will be a distraction. Another party thinks she should move to another church. Reverend Dave preaches about forgiveness and then concludes his sermon this way.

“I know you want me to address this week’s issue concerning our dearest sister Shika. I didn’t want to because I don’t think it’s necessary. Is she the first person to give her life to Christ? Is she the only person with a past? Even Paul who persecuted Christians is hailed till this day. I can imagine how the victims of his abuse will feel if they see how he is exalted. What surprised me when this started was the other believers writing epistles. Saying things like, that is why you should not do this, do that…. Will you SHUT UP? If we check the search history on some of you, your devices, even the devil will be shocked” he said, the whole church was dead silent, listening intently.

“If we can read some of your thoughts, we will not believe it. The one quote that breaks my heart is ‘there is no hate like Christian love’. This quote should not even exist. We should be an epitome of love. Jordan preached about love last week, even went ahead to demonstrate it and when our sister was in trouble because of her mistake from the past. Some of you rejoiced, some of you used it as an opportunity to kick her when she was down. Especially the married women, be angry at your husband for cheating not the woman who owes you no loyalty. That is another topic I will leave to my darling wife, Mama Zoe to preach” he continued.

A pit began to form in my stomach. Why did I have so much dislike for Shika? she hasn’t done anything to me. We both fell in love with the same man.

“Church, do you know who impressed me in all this? …Shika. When she started trending, her first act was to email the church leadership, first, to apologise that our name has been added to this, and second, excusing herself from choir duties in order not to disrupt or distract the service. I was impressed but also sad. Sad that she did not reach out to us to help her, she is so selfless in her service. While people were talking about her, she thought about the salvation, kingdom and the church first. I didn’t care, I still wanted her to come and even lead worship today. Because she is not the first person to change and find Christ. He came to save the lost, but Zoe and I understood and are giving her the time she needs. Some of you have been Christians for years but you will not even think about the church first.

I will also like to commend the choir members who went to see her, reached out to her. God bless you. She mentioned it to Mama Zoe, I am happy that one group is at least practising what we preach. Hallelujah! I like how we are gradually learning to care for one another.

Now, speaking of caring, I will like to use this opportunity to apologise, publicly say sorry to Kojo, Hilda’s son. I am so sorry for not visiting, for not reaching out when you needed me the most. I am learning to be a better person, we are all learning to be better and do better. Kojo, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me and the church…” he ended on an emotional note.

Kojo was absent but his beloved, Sena was in church. She will definitely tell or probably show it to him. The whole congregation was pensive after Rev’s preaching. We were all sorry for how we processed the situation. Those who extended grace to Shika were happy about the preaching.

I didn’t intend for the situation to go crazy like this. I went for the Christians in Content creation meeting, one of the make-up artists and I spoke about service. I then showed her the video of Shika singing beautifully. I know she does make-up for Honorable Dikan’s wife, but I did not ask her to talk to the blogger or anyone.

Well, I did not do anything bad but why do I feel guilty? I pray Shika makes it back to church and lead the choir soon. I noticed Jordan looked tired and stressed, I tried getting him alone to talk but he kept avoiding me.

Monday, the next day

ZOE

My husband is back! the way he shut that Shika issue down in church was amazing. It took me back to when I first fell in love with him. This week, he has been very sweet, buying me gifts and being frugal with our joint account. I loved how he was so concerned about Shika’s mental health and mine.

I was in the shower getting ready for work when he stepped in.

“What are you doing here?” I asked

“Continuing from last night” he said as he reached for my waist and I giggled, splashing water on him.

I was so elated to see my husband preach yesterday and apologise to Kojo publicly. This is the true man of God I know, not that sudden drive and thirst for money. He has been very attentive to my needs of late. Yesterday we made love like it was our honeymoon all over again. In that moment, I forgot about Yaw and his hands. I am in love with my husband, like our first time as beloveds.

We showered together after sex in the bathroom, this made me about twenty minutes late for work.

At work

I admired the box of cupcakes that just got delivered to me after lunch, it came with the note.

 “Thanks for last night and this morning- Your man”

I smiled as I texted Dave thanking him for making my day, I was so engrossed in my thoughts, I did not hear Yaw step in. He picked one of the cakes, I was too late to stop him from reading the card.

“Hmmmm, someone is finally getting some” he commented.

“Finally? I am not supposed to tell you this. But my husband and I have an active sex life” I retorted.

“No doubt about that, the thing about marriage is, eventually sex becomes a duty, it becomes an ordinary activity like eating bread, no passion, no desire, just plain like tea bread with no butter. Not everyone can spark the desire or keep it alive. Well, it is good to see Preacherboy back to his agenda as usual” he remarked.

“What agenda? Can’t a man love his wife?” I said and Yaw let out the loudest laugh, like he was mocking something.

“Let me guess, all this lovey-dovey tiny gifts and attention started a week ago” he stated.

“Yes…” I replied and he smiled. “What is it Yaw?” I asked, curious on how aptly he got the timing.

“After 19 years, you still cannot see the pattern, he is buttering you extra good this time” he added.

“What is it, Yaw?” I asked.

“You can’t see?” he asked

“See what?” I asked.

“For a woman so smart and prophetic, it is amazing how Dave is your number one blind spot” he commented.

“Look, if you do not have anything better to say, leave me to enjoy the goodies my husband sent” I said biting into my one of the cupcakes.
“Okay, did you see the Bloomberg article on Nubian making tons of profit this year?” he asked

“Yes, I work in finance, HELLO?” I said.

“When did the article drop?” he asked.

My eyes widened, it was exactly a week ago, the same day as Shika’s issue. My jaw dropped right after!

“Wait for November when he is extra nice because of 13th month salary, but you fail to see that too because that is your birth month as well” he added, as he used his index finger to shut my mouth. “Nice cakes by the way, he does well with pastry selections” he said as he bit into another and walked out of my office, leaving me to reflect on all the occasions Dave was the sweetest.

Author’s note
Thank you for a successful season one, I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Season 2 resumes on 20th June 2026 at 12 noon GMT.

In season two, some stories will come to a close as others will unravel. Stay on our instagram page (selimsaidso) to enjoy recaps and relatable reels shared on our stories.