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Dave needs capital to start a business, he implores Zoe to take a loan from her pension scheme, she lied to him about it being impossible. In addition, he bought an expensive fridge from his church member, Madam Jessica on credit which he expects Zoe to pay for. Zoe is tired of being the sole breadwinner as Dave spends all her money with no regard for their future.

ZOE

I nearly gave in to Dave’s flattery again. He started buttering me up, trying to convince me to get another loan from the office to fund his business idea. I remembered Pastor Ewoenam’s advice on having boundaries with people that continually take and take from you. When Dave asked one more time and I gently declined, his mood changed. From the doting and caring husband to being cold and snappy. He has even withheld sex for some weeks now.

I wonder what is the way forward with this. I have decided to open up to Ewoenam about everything. We decided to meet up for lunch to discuss this. We prayed and I poured out my heart to her, even down to my ungodly encounters with Yaw.

“Hmmmmmm… I had a feeling your question during the brunch event had more layers. I mean, I always had my suspicions about Dave but I did not think it was that deep. I thought his expensive suits and kaftans were sponsored by a tailor, I did not know they were all yours. Even the car he drives, I thought it was a gift from a church member. Well, what is your next move? Have you tried talking to Dave about how you feel?” she asked after a long pause.

“About buttering me up before a request? No. Concerning spending, yes, we have spoken extensively on it over the years. He becomes frugal for about a month, then later he reverts to normal settings. Spending my money like a fraud boy” I said.

“Hahaha, well. You said he has resorted to emotionally blackmailing you and now withholding sex? Wow! Look, you know me. If there is hope that he will change, stay and work it out. Go for counselling, I believe in giving your marriage the best. Give it your best shot, throw everything at it, so you know deep in your heart, you made it work. If nothing changes, have an exit plan. Now, the mistake most women make is, they just get up and leave the marriage. You need to have a plan. Some can take five years, some ten but have one. Don’t just get up and leave. Consider all your factors closely. By the mercies of God, do not leave because of another person. That Yaw personality sounds like trouble, you will be jumping from frying pan to fire. The fact that another man seems to care doesn’t mean he is the right person for you. Do this for you and your children. Concerning your situation, I think jumping to divorce is a bit extreme, try talking to Dave more and counselling. Remember Yaw is not your escape” she said.

“Of course, I am not leaving Dave, moreover the boys need their father, Zack is only 11” I said.

“The kids will be alright my dear, trust me. They can feel the tension. But it is my prayer your marriage does not end in divorce in Jesus’ name. Amen”

“Amen”

We prayed together before I went back to the office. It is time to suggest counselling and see the way forward with this problem.

Back at home, Dinner time.

“Daddy, please I will need some appliances for the hostel, like microwave and an air-fryer” Davida requested mid-conversation.

“Yes, me too, I need a new pair of sneakers for school” Zack chimed in.

“Please do not ask me for money, I am not a business man, ask your mother” Dave shot back at the children and they turned to me.

“Sure, we will discuss this after dinner” I said.

After dinner, I sorted out their requests and went to the kitchen to supervise Fiona clean up and prepare for the next day. Just then, all three children walked in whining about the Wifi going off. I walked to Dave who was seated in his office.

“What happened to the WIFI?” I asked.

“Since you say you are the breadwinner, pay for it. After all, you do not appreciate my contribution to this family” he said.

The only bills that are Dave’s responsibility are the WIFI and DSTV, everything else is handled by me. I do not even get what the fuss is about. These two items, he uses them more than anybody else. I asked for the wifi details and he begrudgingly sent them to me and I paid.

Minutes later, as I sat at my dresser doing my skin care routine, Davida and David came running to me, with David holding a bowl of popcorn.

“Isn’t it too late to have popcorn?” I asked.

“It’s World cup season Mama, the DSTV is not working. I think it’s time to pay” David said.

“Have you asked your dad?” I asked them.

“He said we should come to you” Davida replied.

“Okay, give me a moment” I said, they still stood there.

“Mama, kick off is in five minutes. Can you hurry up?” David asked.

“No, you will not tell me what to do. Now go and wait for me. What if I don’t have the money to pay tonight? What happened to your manners?” I scolded them.

“Sorry mum” he apologised before they left.

I returned to Dave’s office.

“May I have the Dstv details so I pay?” I asked, his jaw dropped.

“And if I say no? Instead of you to humble yourself and apologise so I can continue my duties” he stated.

“Apologise for what exactly?” I asked.

“For saying I spend too much of your money, money I spend on our kids” he argued.

“That is not what I said, you know exactly what I am talking about Dave. Anyway, are you giving me the details or not?” I asked.

“Just send me the money” he said.

“Give me the details, I don’t mind taking over this from now on. Plus, I need to know how to pay for these things. What if you travel and it happens, what will we do? As your wife, it is just fair I know. Just like how you know the PIN to my ATM card” I said, in a soft tone.

He reluctantly gave me the details as well, and in no time. I was seated with the children watching the match.

Yes, Dave knows the PIN to my ATM card that is expiring next week. I am definitely not sharing the new details with him. In the beginning of the month, I redirected my salary into my personal account, not the joint. I decide how much goes into the joint account for us to spend on the family.

Dave retired to bed really late, making a lot of noise just to disturb my sleep. He switched on the main light, dragged his feet, intentionally gurgled mouthwash loudly and for the grand finale, flopped heavily onto the mattress as he aggressively rustled the pillow and covers. I refused to react, in order not to give him the satisfaction.

I managed to still fall asleep till it was time for devotion. Dave preached on submission, with emphasis on the man being the head.

“The husband is the head of his household, and a pastor is the head and shepherd of the church. So if your husband and father is also a pastor, that is double authority” his words.

For some reason, I was unperturbed by his actions. Some years back, I would shake and feel bad, but seeing his reactions these days? I am not even moved.

I dressed up and made my way to work.

YAW

Last night, Edem’s presentation kept ringing in my head. Initially, I thought I will not be convinced. But that look from that Nuerkie Nartey lady was stuck in my head. I mean, she wasn’t outrightly rude but the condescending look she gave me because of my baby mamas and children was a lot to take in.

Edem makes a convincing argument, this also forces me to confront the details of my will. I have shared everything equally for the children and a one-time lump sum payment to the mothers. But what if I pass when they are way too young? Initially, I had made Zoe the executor and controller but after seeing her weakness for Dave, I chose Edem instead but she does not know it yet. It will drive Regine crazy but Edem will do right by her. Probably marrying Edem solves all this…

It’s been a while since I had sex, quite a long time. This needs to be fixed. I texted one of my regulars and scheduled an appointment after work. I sent her some money to sweeten the deal.

At Work

Zoe and I had lunch in my office this time. Yesterday, she had a lunch date with a friend. She was quiet, and pensive. The only reason can be Dave.

“Your birthday is in two weeks, what’s the plan?” I asked, to distract her.

“Run away” she answered quickly before she realised that answer was supposed to stay in her head.

“Hmmmm…I thought you wanted to travel. What happened?” I asked

“Funds, still thinking about it. Now, it is too late to apply for a visa. Plus Davida is starting school, I have to buy her stuff” she said.

“Nothing stops you from travelling within Ghana, heck! you can go to Togo or Côte d’Ivoire. Make it a girls trip before Davida starts. You, Davida and maybe Esinam or Shika, relax and enjoy the weekend. In fact, it is my treat. Togo is even too far, I know this relaxing getaway spot in Prampram, the owner is a friend. I will sort everything out. Just let me know how many of you will be going” I said.

“No Yaw…” she started to protest.

“Tell Dave it was a gift from a client which HR or somebody else handed to you” I suggested.

“I hate lying to him” she said.

“How is he treating you? Buttering you up for the birthday?” I asked

            “Hahaha, on the contrary”

She narrated his stinky attitude and refusal to pay some of the bills. I noticed something I have never seen in Zoe towards Dave, this time she was a bit indifferent. No welling of tears in eyes or quiver in her voice. She was just devoid of emotions, bland. This is why I find it difficult to marry, people can just switch up on you. Someone can decide to just fuck your life up for no reason. Maybe, I need to rethink this whole Edem marriage decision.

I wrapped my left arm around her and stroked her arm in comfort. She did not wrestle out of it. I pulled her close to me, leaned back and placed her head on my chest and planted a kiss on her forehead. Just then, a text notification from Dave popped up on her phone, she opened it and immediately sat up.

“Come home early today, we need to discuss why you are sending money to the joint from your personal, instead of your full salary” the message read.

She let out a loud sigh.

“Ah, you used to send the money directly to your joint?” I asked and she nodded, she then told me everything, down to him accessing her ATM cards whenever.

“I like the fact that you are creating boundaries, Dave doesn’t come off as physically aggressive but he will fight back. Whenever you feel unsafe or threatened, my home is always open to you and the kids. If you will be uncomfortable in my main house, I have an apartment I usually rent out as a short-let. Just say the word”

“I hear, time to go. Wrap up for the day and see what my darling husband has in store for me” she said sarcastically as she walked away.

Back at home

She made her way to the bathroom as I admired her behind after such an intense intimate session. The wait has been worth it, it was everything I imagined and more. I really needed this… She was in the shower when I heard some ruckus happening at my gate. I checked the CCTV cameras, my security man was in a heated argument with someone in a car, it was difficult to see the figure. I made a mental note to trim the trees at the entrance.

I exited the main house in my boxers and flip flops, I walked to the kennels and brought out Gina, my Belgian Malinois. I kept her on a leash as I walked to the entrance.

“Emma, WHO BE THAT?” I shouted to the security and Gina started barking.

I got there, and it was Dave. “Assis” I commanded and Gina sat down.

“WHERE IS MY WIFE? I KNOW SHE RAN INTO YOUR ARMS. BRING OUT MY WIFE!” he belted as he stepped out of his vehicle.

“Calm down Dave, watch your tone. You are on my property” I said in a stern voice, still calming Gina down. It felt good riling Dave up.

“Bring her out!” he commanded.

“And if I wont, what are you going to do about it? Now, leave here. I have unfinished business” I said in a suggestive tone, knowing how I looked bare chested and sweaty.

“I WILL RAM YOUR HOUSE WITH MY CAR IF I HAVE TO, I AM NOT LEAVING WITHOUT HER!” he shouted.

“Osofo, take it easy ooo. Is this how to talk to your members?” I said, stifling my laughter.

“I will do anything for her, she is MY WIFE!!” he proclaimed, like Zoe will magically appear out of thin air.

“Then why are you asking me about her whereabouts? By the count of three, if you are not off my property, I will leave Gina to do what she does best” I threatened.

Just then, Hazel, the lady I just finished having sex with appeared and Gina started barking again and I calmed her down. Hazel was fresh out of the shower, wearing one of my shirts.

“What is happening here?” she appeared and Dave’s facial expression changed.

“Zoe is not here?” he asked in a calm tone.

“Who is Zoe?” Hazel asked.

“Just go inside, bring me my phone” I said and she walked off.

“Then why didn’t you say so earlier and wasted my time?” Dave exclaimed exasperated.

“You didn’t ask, you assumed. What is up? Now I am worried, where is she?” I asked.

“We got into a little quarrel and then she drove off in anger. I keep calling and she doesn’t pick”

Hazel returned with my phone. I called and Zoe picked up on the second ring, Dave signalled that I put it on loud speaker but I ignored him and turned away, loosening Gina’s leash a bit to scare him off. I took a few steps away from him.

“Where are you?” I asked in a gentle voice.

“I just need to breathe a little, Yaw” she replied.

“Just let me know, I will come for you” I said, while paying attention to the noise in the background. She just took a deep breath and cut the call.

I turned to Dave and shrugged.

“She won’t tell me. Zoe is a big girl, she will come home when she is ready. But check with Shika or Esinam” I suggested.

“I called them but they don’t know where she is” he said.

“Just go home and look after your kids, I will send the police or something to track her. Don’t worry, I will let you know as soon as I hear something” I reassured and he drove off.

I paid Hazel her balance and walked her to her car. Just then, I got a text from Zoe.

“Book the Prampram place for my birthday weekend. I will go with my girls. It will be Shika, Ewoenam and Davida”

I smiled to myself.

“Done, where are you?” I texted back.

“Sandwiches” she replied.

She was at the beach we briefly escaped to after our Abuja trip. I took a quick shower and entered my car. Yaw Djimah to the rescue as always…

ZOE

I returned home on time as Dave instructed in his message. I noticed a G wagon was parked in our house. Who is this guest? I walked into the living room, and there sat Mama Odame (Bishop Odame’s wife) and my mother with Dave.

“Good evening Mamas” I greeted, gently curtseying.

“Good evening our daughter, sit down. How was work?” my mother asked.

“Great, how are you doing? I was not expecting you two” I answered as I sat down. Dave avoided my eyes.

“Do we need a reason to visit our daughter?” Mama Odame asked.

“None, you are always welcome. Have you eaten? Drank anything?” I asked.

“We are fine. We are not here to chit chat, this is an emergency. You know how I love and care for you, Zoe. But Dave summoned us here this evening from our husbands’ house to tell us some interesting things. I just want to understand” my mother said.

“Okay… what did he say?” I asked, getting defensive.

“Ehem. He said you have refused to give him money for business. All of a sudden, he doesn’t know your salary anymore. That, you have even refused to allow him pay his side of the bills. We all know, through the prayers and anointing of your husband is how you got this job and even your promotions. For the past twenty years, your husband’s covering has sustained you and this family. Because he is a man of God, that is why you are blessed with this high paying job” my mother started.

“Now, you think you are better than him all because of the praises of other people. Let me tell you, forget them ooo. Sometimes, people lie to you in order to destroy your marriage. I hear you have started rolling with Ewoenam again, the divorced people’s pastor. She is still with her husband ooo and she is there destroying marriages. When I saw that picture of her on the flier for your program, I knew trouble was brewing. Look, what you have here is solid, no matter what you say or do, the man is the head. Yours is a man of God for that matter, when he tells you to empty your barrel of oil, you do. No questions asked, obey before complain” Mama Odame continued. I felt my blood boil, I have a lot of respect for these two women.

“My mothers…thank you for your word. But I don’t see anything wrong, I still provide for the house, I have put more than enough money in our joint account to take care of our expenditure and   more. The rest is in a fund for the future of our children” I explained.

“You have good intentions I can see, but what your husband says is final. Did you discuss this with him?” my mother asked.

“Yes, but he refused to reason with me” I replied.

“Zoe, because there is a need to be met. Don’t forget the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21, verse 22 continues, do not be anxious for nothing. The church needs money and you are storing it where?         What if all the money you are saving, tomorrow, you don’t wake up. Do you know the number of times Prophet and I have emptied our accounts and God has blessed us?” Mama Odame argued.

“Zoe, for peace to prevail. Do as your husband says” my mother pleaded.

“Yes, your children need the peace. How will they obey their father if their mother will not listen?” Mama Odame added.

I nodded my head just to keep the peace. They prayed for us and held a special deliverance session for me, dousing me and my wig in anointing oil before they departed.

Dave just kept thanking them till they left. I just kept quiet, took a shower and decided to retire to bed. I was applying lotion when Dave walked in.

“You see? our elders are on my side. Now, we can live in peace. Eheh, don’t forget to send money to Mama Jessica for the fridge” he said.

“I am not paying for that. You bought it on credit, figure it out” I said nonchalantly.

“Ah! Wait! Are you okay? Who are you and what have you done with my wife? Zoe, you better stop playing games” he warned.

“Dave, I am serious. I am not paying for that fridge, what I can do is, after there is some money remaining from buying Davida’s school items then I can start but this month, Madam Jessica’s fridge can wait” I said.

“Oh okay, I guess by next month. Your bonus will arrive then it takes care of it. What about the capital for the car business? When will it hit my account?” he asked.

A surprised laugh escaped me.

“Dave, it is like we are dreaming ooo. I told you I don’t have the money. If magical 20,000 dollars appear in my account then fine. But I don’t have it. Moreover, the bonus will be used to top up and buy me a new car. I need one” I stated.

“It is like you need another deliverance session, we need money for business and you want to BUY A NEW CAR?” he asked alarmed.

“How is this surprising? Weren’t you the one pushing me to change my car earlier this year?” I asked.

“NO! I HAVE TO CALL MAMA ODAME, that prayer clearly didn’t do anything” he said.

“Dave, even if they throw me into the furnace of fire, nothing has changed. As I stated, if magic money appears or the Holy Spirit tells me otherwise, everything stays the same. I don’t know why you are shouting, I even sent you extra 5000 for your personal items, aside from everything. That is higher than the minimum wage ooo” I said.

“I don’t know what has come over you but I am calling them back this minute!” he threatened and took out his phone.

“Involve them again and watch me walk out of this house tonight” I threatened.

“I DARE YOU! TRY ME ZOE, IF YOU HAVE THE BALLS! TRY” he shouted at me and called Mama Odame and asked her to come back.

As soon as he hang up, I wore my boubou, tied a scarf, grabbed my keys and walked out. He chased after me but I ignored him and drove off…

I was so angry, I called Ewoenam but it kept going to voicemail. I did not want to call Shika, Esinam too was out of the country. I am too emotional to see Yaw too, Ewoenam warned me against running to him. I kept driving till I got to the beach Yaw took me to. I locked myself in the car and kept the engine running. Dave, Mama Odame and my mother kept calling, I ignored them. Shika and Esinam also called but I was too distraught to pick up.

Just then, Yaw Djimah’s call came through…

There was this concern in his voice when I picked up. I had a feeling Dave was probably at his gate. I later texted him, sending my birthday request and then a clue, to my location .

An hour later, I was awaken by a knock on my window. It was Yaw, I unlocked the car and he slid into the passenger’s seat. He was holding bottles of yoghurt.

“Everything is closed at this time or the food is too unhealthy, I am not the one going to give you heartburns” he said as he offered me the drink.

I was kind of hungry. We sat in silence, drinking. He knew I was not ready to talk.

“I just need a minute” I said after a long period of silence

“I know, but you cannot spend the night here Zoe, I can take you to the short-let I mentioned earlier. Then we call any of your friends or family members” he suggested.

“I need to go back home to my kids” I said.

“I can go bring them to you at the apartment, there is a three bedroom one available, I am sure Fiona can help them pack” he said.

“Dave will not let them go without a fight” I said.

“That’s true, with the commotion he caused at my gate? Thanks to Gina, he calmed down a bit” he said.

“wait.. what? Gina? “ I was confused but slightly amused at the thought of his dog attacking Dave.

Yaw took out his phone and played the CCTV video from his entrance, narrating everything since there was no audio.I noticed Gina barking then a pretty lady wearing his shirt appeared. He quickly switched it off but it was too late.

“Looks like Dave interrupted something” I teased.

“Hahahahah, nah, nothing happened because I could not stop thinking about you” he said and I rolled my eyes.

“Yaw, not today, mabrɛ wai. It’s been a lot” I said.

“I know, allow a man to just put it out there. You know that I don’t slack. Imagine you were the one in the shirt!” he joked and we giggled.

“Let me get home to my lovely kids” I said.

“I picked the driver on my way here so let’s go in mine so he drives yours and follows us” he suggested.  I wanted to protest but Yaw’s car is more comfortable. We got down and walked to his as the driver walked to mine.

“You should go braless more often, I love how your boobs jiggle” he flirted as soon as I settled and wore my seatbelt.

“Djimah…” I warned.

“This will be a fun ride” he said with a smirk on his face.

After deliberately entering a few potholes to satisfy his eyes, I placed my hand over my bosom to support it. This made him play the song “Fefe Na Efe” by Tic tac. I just gave up and allowed him to amuse himself. That distracted me for while as we spoke about music and other things.

In no time, we were parked in front of my house.

“What’s the plan?” he asked.

“I don’t know” I replied.

“What exactly made you run out of your house?” he asked.

I then took a deep breath and narrated everything.

“Wow…I am happy you stood up for yourself but I hope the children did not hear you guys” he said.

“I am sure they were asleep, I don’t want them to wake up in the morning to my sudden absence” I said.

“Look, I am sure Dave is still heated up or worried so I will go first” he suggested and I agreed.

I gave him my keys and watched him make his way to the house.

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Author’s note

Please comment and like!! Now, was Zoe right to walk out of her house in anger?
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