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Zoe moved to her apartment after Dave cut up her passport and ignored her when she confronted him. Nuerkie has not yet called off her talking stage with Kelly. What will finally push her to do so?

5 months later

It has been five months since Zoe moved into her own apartment. Though she is enjoying the bliss and solitude, going to the main house in the mornings and after work has been quite stressful, leading to her tremendous weight loss. There are some weekends the boys come and stay with her, they seem to be adjusting quite well.

After the third month, she returned for two days and it was filled with constant bickering and disagreements. She quickly went back to the apartment and resumed the daily visits. She still goes to church, but rarely sits at the front. She spends time with the Sunday school, tend to the new branch or assist Davida with the campus ministries. This, for some reason has increased the number of members at the new branch and campus ministry. There have been some events where she still goes with Dave, pretending to be a happy couple.

This is getting exhausting and she cannot wait for it to end.

DAVE

It has been months since Zoe moved out of our home. She is still being adamant and stubborn about handing over her salary to me. She refused to add me as a co-signatory to the so-called investment she is doing for our children.

The home and the children are well taken care of, we are just co-parenting at this point. I took Bishop Odame’s advice and practiced it for some time. After the first month of Zoe’s departure, I made Sis Serwaa, one of the zealous sisters in the church who has a crush on me, prepare dinner for a week. I ensured she served me whenever Zoe came around, but that did not phase her. Zoe just moved on without blinking an eye. I had to let Serwaa go because she started to demand huge amounts of money and there was an incident of disrespect. The last thing I want in my space is a broke and rebellious woman. All Bishop Odame’s advice seem to do was add insult to injury.

Therefore, after hours of prayer and fasting. I decided to speak to Pastor Armah, he has been divorced and remarried. Though his divorce was a public scandal, his minstry is still booming. I invited him over for lunch.

“Hmmmmmmm…I know the signs Dave. Nonchalance is greater than anger. You had another women serving you and she did not even budge? If she was angry or jealous, that means she had some emotion to spare you. But total disregard? Zoe has left this marriage, you are in it alone, you just don’t know it yet” Armah advised after my lengthy narration.

“But…after all that? What happens to the money we both have?” I asked.

“You mentioned she still does her part and will do anything for the children. That is a good step. She isn’t using them as a weapon. My ex-wife was deadly, she used the children as a shield during the divorce process. You know something, get ahead of this…talk to her and come to an agreement. If this gets dragged in court, your ministry is over. Bloggers, journalists and everybody including idiots will have an opinion and tear your hard-earned ministry apart” He said.

“But she just can’t walk away like that…” I exclaimed.

“Unfortunately, yes, Dave, I know this might be difficult for you. But trying to punish Zoe will cost you your ministry. I have regretted dragging myself in the mud with my ex-wife, my ministry nearly died if I did not remarry quickly. I should have given her whatever she asked for, because God gave me a triple portion of my blessings when I let it go eventually. I have known Zoe for a while, for peace to prevail, she might give you everything you want. But don’t be the one to file, let her do it. All I am saying is, come to an agreement with what you want to part with before you both talk to your lawyers. Trust me Dave, it is not worth fighting over. I know you want some sort of payback, don’t worry, I will give you just the right thing to do so you get out unscathed. Don’t worry, when this is over, I already have someone from my congregation lined up for you. Better than Zoe by far” he encouraged.

“Ei, who is that?” I asked, curiously. Pastor Armah has some influential people as his members.

“One step at a time, just work on this. Remember, the ministry is the most important aspect” he advised.

We prayed before he left me to my thoughts. After 20 years, I should just let it go. This does not sound right. But then again, the ministry is growing and doing wonders. Is this really the time to fight her? A messy separation will also affect the children. I cannot believe we are talking about divorce at this time, I abhor divorce so much but what can I do? You cannot force someone to stay, I have counselled multiple couples on this, I guess it is now time to take my own advice.

In the evening as always, Zoe came by to take care of David and Zack, helping with homework and attending to their needs. Because of our arguments, we take turns with the kids. I sit with them during morning breakfast while she rushes off to work, and she sits with them in the evening. I called her aside and demanded we talk once she put the children to bed.

I sat in my prayer room and office as I waited for her to come. She finally came in, looking breathtaking. Zoe is a beautiful woman, I don’t know if it is because she has moved out, but she is looking prettier than ever but tired. I mean, I did not chase her out, I can imagine passing by the house morning and evening might be taking a toll on her. I will let her have the children this weekend. Let’s see how far before she breaks.

“Dave, I am not in the mood to argue. I am so exhausted” she said as she took a seat.

“So am I, I am not here to fight you. After a lot of fasting and prayer, I have decided to give you what you want” I said.

“And what do you think I want?” she asked.

“A divorce” I answered and her jaw dropped, she quickly shut it.

“Why do you think that I want a divorce?” she asked, after a long pause.

“You don’t want to be here Zoe, you don’t want this marriage and I will not force you. I should have seen the signs, I just want us to agree on terms and conditions. The children do not need to suffer and be dragged. I want the house, my car, full custody and you continue with the upkeep as usual” I stated.

“What! So, all I have is my car? but it is my loan that bought this house? Full custody?” she was confused.

“Zoe… you have the investment account and all the money in the world. This is the least you can do, plus I will have full custody” I pleaded.

“Can I think about it?” she asked

“Sure” I answered.

“Why now? You have argued, tested my patience. Why this sudden change of mind?” she asked.

“The holy spirit led me to it” I answered.

“Okay…” she didn’t sound convinced.

We went over the other items we owned, as well as her responsibilities as a preacher. We also agreed to take the children for counselling to help them process such a significant change.

After two days, she returned and reluctantly agreed to the terms. We agreed to break the news to the public when the lawyers finish the paperwork. In about two weeks, all hell will break lose. We will announce it in church together while a press release is shared on all our social media platforms. We need to assure our members it is amicable and nothing will affect the ministry.

I guess this is really the end…

NUERKIE

It felt good to be strengthened and back to the office after that flu nearly took my life. I still haven’t had the chance to speak to Kelly and let him know that I’m not interested in a romantic future with him. Hopefully, I’ll get the opportunity to do so today. He asked if he could stop by later.

A few moments later…

Kelly came through with a small gift bag of shea butter products. They looked nice, but they were not the brand I typically use…

“Thank you” I said as I placed the gift bag in my bottom drawer.

“For your skin to shine, natural girl. Maybe you can reduce your make up to hide what is wrong with your face” he said.

“There is nothing wrong with it, I have a smooth face. I just like make-up” I replied.

“Okay…Ermmm… I feel bad for doing this. I have to run to the studio, apparently MOG will be there and I want a feature from him on my next album”

“That is great, you can leave. I don’t want you to miss this opportunity” I said.

“Yes, but there is an issue. My car broke down this morning. Can I borrow yours quickly? I will not need the driver. I should be back in 2 hours max. I am so sorry to inconvenience you” he said.

I am not comfortable with anybody driving my car, moreover I told the driver to take the week off. Also, what kind of person will I be if he misses this opportunity?

“Okay, I will be in a meeting by the time you return so just drop the keys with my assistant” I said as I handed him the keys. He thanked me profusely and scurried away.

Three hours later…

I finished my meetings, dehydrated, hungry and exhausted. As I was packing up, Efua announced Hakim Kanton was around to see me so I allowed him in.

“Here are some perfume oils I got for you from my last trip” he handed me a box.

“Thank you, what brings you here at this hour?” I asked, it was almost 8pm.

“I was on my way home and decided to drop in, I know you are a workaholic” he said.

“Ah! I see”

“How is the matchmaking going?” he asked

“I have stopped my mother”

“That bad huh?” he asked

“Not really, but it has drawn my attention to someone now. He has always been in life, present, understanding, ticks all boxes. I am just praying about it before I move” I said.

“Sounds like me” he remarked.

“Don’t flatter yourself Hakim, I am not second wife material” I said.

“I had to try. Anyway, it is good to see you. I can see you are exhausted, how are you going home? I did not see your car at the executive parking” he said.

“Really! Efua!” I called my assistant.

“Did Kelly drop my car keys with you?” I asked.

“No Ma’am”

“Okay…you can leave”

“What happened to Godwin your driver? Is Kelly his replacement or something?” Hakim asked and I shook my head as I took out my phone frantically searching for Kelly’s contact. He picked up after the third call.

“Hey…I am ready to go home but my car is not here yet” I said.

“Oh sorry, hmmm we kept too long in the studio and from there, I had to run a few errands. I can be at your office in an hour. I apologise or if you are in a hurry. Take a bolt, I will pay” he suggested.

“It’s alright, just bring the car to the house” I said, before hanging up, visibly frustrated.

Hakim stood there confused.

“I can take you home, it will not be a problem” he offered.

“Thank you” I said.

After doing a few random checks in the office building, we then entered his car. As his driver opened the door for me, Hakim took out his phone and placed a call to Farida, his wife. They spoke in Sisaala before he handed the phone over to me.

“My sister-wife, how are you?” she greeted gleefully.

“Farida, I don’t know what Hakim has been telling you but no way. I am not your sister wife, please. To answer your question, I am good and how are the children?” I asked.

“You mean ‘our children’, they are doing well. Anyway, we have to catch up some time. I have to leave. Hamida is shouting my name as you can hear” she said before hanging up.

Due to another church event, there was severe traffic congestion on our route home. We were conversing when my stomach betrayed my ego with a loud growl. I hadn’t eaten the whole day. We were stuck in traffic with no restaurant nearby, Hakim noticed a filling station a few metres ahead. Before I could protest, he got out of the car to go buy me some snacks. Watching him walk away reminded me of our childhood, how he used to go buy me snacks while I watched our mothers’ stores.

We have shared a few awkward silences and moments in the past but we both knew marriage was not in the cards. The religion factor is very important and none of us wanted to compromise.

He returned with a bag of goodies, exactly what I liked, potato chips and crackers. My love for salty snacks. I offered his driver some of the snacks.

“It is going to be long drive, remove your heels and get comfortable” he stated and I complied.

“Thank you for the ride, I cannot imagine driving through this” I observed.

“Allah directed me to your office. So, who is Kelly and why did he leave you stranded and hungry?” he asked and I laughed before narrating anything.

“Haba! Nuerkie, look at all this. Cut all ties with this man first thing tomorrow!” Hakim warned.

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” I agreed.

After two hours, we finally made it to my gate. It was lovely catching up with Hakim, I did not realise how long it took. I thanked him and leaned for a hug. He did not move away after the hug, instead, he held my hand and moved closer to me.

“What will it take for you to ever kiss me Nuerkie? Just once” he asked.

“Hakim, my life is simple. I have accepted our fate, you should to. You are amazing but we will not work. Plus, I know I deserve better than second place” I said, tapped his thigh gently twice before stepping out of the car.

It was almost 11pm when there was an unfamiliar knock on my door. I adjusted my pyjamas properly and wore my house coat before asking the person to come in. It was Kelly, I am sure my mother allowed him upstairs.

“Hello, before I give you a proper welcome, kindly take of your shoes. I have a no shoe policy in my room” I asked politely.

“Why? Is this the holy of holies? I also do not take of my shoes anywhere. It is a form of idolatry!” he refuted.

Throughout his brief visit, I did not hear a single word he said. I just watched him spread the germs all over my floor and rug with his shoes. Only God knows where they have been. After he left, I vacuumed the rugs and mopped the floor before I could sleep. This has to come to an end.

The next morning…

I woke up refreshed, sent a voice note to Hakim thanking him for the rescue and the snacks. I decided to let the wigs rest and go with my relaxed hair which I dyed brown. I should probably cut it one of these days.

After, I called Kelly to send me his address, I wanted to see him before work. He was excited, if only he knew what was coming. When I left the house, I drove to the nearest fuel station because he did not even replace the amount he used or be romantic enough to fill my tank. This realisation reassured my stance on cutting ties with this user. In addition, the unmistakable smell of kenkey and fish had filled my car. Did he eat in it too? I will let Efua arrange for it to be sent to the car wash.

This was my first time at his place, it was not bad.

“Miss me already?” he said as he opened the front door, making way for me to enter.

“Not exactly, let us talk here. I have to rush to work” I said, still standing on his porch.

“Okay, this sounds serious. Oh shit! You need the bolt money, send me the receipt” he said as he joined me on his porch.

“It’s not it. After a lot of prayer and deliberation, I think we should remain acquaintances. We don’t have a future as a couple, I have tried. I was not convinced on our first date and we are two different people. So, I just thought I will tell you in person. You are a great guy but not for me, I hope you don’t take this personally” I said. He paused for a while.

“To think just yesterday I wrote a song for you. Is it because I used your car? or your fuel? You are wicked and stingy!! I hope you find what you are looking for! No wonder you are single and your mother is begging people to marry you” he blurted.

In order not to let anger get a better part of me, I walked away and blocked my ears in order not to hear the rest of his words. Mama will definitely get a scolding when I get home after work. I have said worse to Terry’s advances but he never had the guts to insult me. I called Efua to cancel all my morning appointments.

I went back home, changed the car and asked Jonas to send the one Kelly used to the car wash later. I drove straight to Mayenii Restaurant, I know Terry’s schedule. Today is Tuesday, He should be back from the market, and supervising the kitchen hands to prep. I marched straight to the outdoor kitchen and there he stood in a simple t-shirt and shorts with his back facing me, helping them sort the vegetables.

I did not care about the people present, or what was happening. I walked to him and hugged him from behind. He was startled and turned to face me when I let go with a huge grin on his face.

“Stop stealing hugs” he warned gently.

“I miss you, I am tired to fighting and hiding. Let’s give us a try” I said, forgetting his workers were eavesdropping.

“I miss you too. Let’s take the conversation to your car. I don’t trust these ones” he said and they murmured in frustration.

We settled in my car.

“Forgive me, I smell like market” he said.

“Nah, you are good. So, as I said, I am here now. What next?” I asked.

“Is that all? You are not romantic kwraa, no flowers, or a date, just your fine face and hair, your fragrance, sweet…lips… wait, back on track, Terry. I demand to be wooed, you have to ron¹ me after making me chase you for over a year!” he said.

“Wow! T! Really!” I exclaimed.

“I am not playing; don’t worry I will not let you chase me for one year. I know you Nuerkie, it’s clear that you made this decision on the spur of the moment. You are a prayer warrior and a planner. Take your time and be sure. Or else, we will agree and by close of day, you will call me and say you don’t know what you were thinking. I am flattered, I have been dying to see you run into my arms but not this way” he explained gently, I hated to admit he was right. Running from Kelly to him was an irrational decision.

“I see” I said, disappointed.

“Now let’s go back in and let me fix you breakfast. You clearly haven’t eaten. I love your new look, it’s fire!” he changed the subject and I followed him back to the restaurant.

 I had the best chibom² with milo and we spoke about work. Some of the workers tried finding excuses to walk into the main restaurant to check on us.

“No work today?” he asked as he cleared my plates.

“Not this morning, cleared my appointments to see you” I said, getting up and grabbing my bag.

“Wow! That makes me feel special. I guess I need to reward you, don’t I?’” he inched closer and before I knew it, he plated a soft kiss on my lips.

“Now look who is taking irrational decisions” I retorted when he pulled back.

“I mean, have you taken a good look at yourself? Plus, I have to give you something to work with as you think through your decision. Let just call it a sample” he teased.

“Yeah, but when we date, sampling ends at just a kiss”

“Of course, I know my osofo maame” he teased before sending the dishes away.

It was difficult saying goodbye, I do enjoy his company a lot but we both have work to do. The world does not stop just because you get googly eyes.

ZOE

I just got back from first service in the new branch, I relaxed in my apartment couch with a warm mug of tea, I have agreed to Dave’s terms. Shika thought I was crazy and insisted I fight for the house, Ewoenam agrees with me. It has cost me, but at the end. It is some form of self-flagellation, punishment for not leaving him sooner. I got the job in Houston, it will just take longer to process my work visa.

Yaw does not even know I have moved out yet. I try to avoid him, I need a clear head to process everything. He is just another beautiful distraction, and I am still married. I want to be single for a while and enjoy the solitude. Davida comes over sometimes and we hang like girls. It is like this separation has brought us closer, Zack had some emotional outbursts but after his first session with a counsellor on Friday, he seems better.

This separation has drained my finances, no wonder women do not leave marriages. Everybody talks about the emotional struggle but not enough about the financial side. I cannot wait to finally move to Houston, earning in dollars will help recoup what I have lost.

By next week Sunday, the announcement will be everywhere. I am prepared to face whatever comes. We have a draft of our joint press statement, we finalise it on Thursday and then release on Sunday.

I finished my tea, switched on my music and stretched to take a nap on my couch. I will go to the house later to see the children when they return from church. I was awakened by the constant ringing of my phone, it was Yaw.

“Hello” I answered, still sleepy.

“Where are you? I went to the church, you weren’t there, I went to the house too, no sign of you. I called Davida and she mentioned you have moved out!! How am I the last person to find out? Where are you? How are you taking the news?” he rambled.

“Yaw, good afternoon to you too, I am fine thank you and you?” I replied in typical manner, like how he bursts into my office with his rants.

“You sure? Because the blogs are tearing you apart!” he stated and every trace of sleep left my body.

“What blogs? What are you talking about? I have been asleep!” I said.

“Send your location NOW!’ he insisted.

I sent the location and realised I had a lot of notifications and messages. One was a press release and another was a video of Dave speaking to the church.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reverend Dave Osei Announces End of Marriage, Says He “Exhausted Every Effort” to Preserve the Relationship

Accra, Ghana (6^th September 2026)— Reverend Dave Osei today announced that he and his wife, Zoe Osei (née Martins) are ending their marriage following an extended period of personal and marital difficulties.

In a statement released today, Dave Osei said that he had made every effort to preserve the marriage and had remained committed to reconciliation.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I did not enter this marriage lightly, and I certainly did not come to this decision lightly,” Dave said. “I have spent a great deal of time praying, seeking counsel, examining my own heart, and doing everything I knew to do to see our marriage restored.”

The pastor acknowledged that the decision to divorce was a difficult one, but said that after considerable reflection, the couple had agreed to move forward separately initiated by his wife.

According to him, the terms of their separation and divorce have been discussed and mutually agreed upon. Both parties have asked for privacy as they navigate the transition.

Reverend Dave said he remains committed to his faith, ministry, and the people he serves.

“This is not the chapter I wanted to write,” he said. “But I trust God even in circumstances I do not understand. My commitment to serving God and His people remains unchanged.”

He also asked members of the church and wider community to refrain from speculation or assigning blame.

Further details regarding the transition will be communicated at an appropriate time.

Imelda Hanson-Agyemang (comms@rlm.org)

Communications Head

Radiant Life Ministries

The press release was not as shocking as what he said in the video that was clipped from today’s service.

“By the end of this sermon, there will be a press release. I know some of you have already noticed Mama and I have not really been spending time together. The rumours are true, we are no longer man and wife. I mean not officially but currently we don’t live under the same roof.

Now, she will still work as a minister here. As you can see already, she spends more time in our new branch. It is not the end of the ministry. I mean, I tried everything but sometimes, let people go. Romans 12:18, even admits it is not always possible we can live in peace with everybody.

It breaks my heart, I love Mama and you all know it. But sometimes, a person’s companions lead them astray, Proverbs 13:20 says ‘Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm’. We have prayed, gone for counselling, invited Prophetess Odame and other people of God to intercede, including our own parents but Zoe said she is tired of me. What can I do? She is leaving me with our children. I will get full custody” Dave said in sad, clear voice.

There were audible gasps from the congregation coupled with exclamations of ‘Jesus’ and sighs.

“Don’t weep for me, this is when I need you the most. Don’t leave the ministry, let’s stay together. Don’t weep for me, Jesus is taking care of me. He will see us through. Now, I want you to do something for me, I will kneel and you will stretch out your hands and pray for me and my family. That is all we need right now, call my children please”

David and Zack were brought in, they knelt beside their father as Pastor Isaac led the church in a intense and emotional time of prayer.

I have to give it to the media team. They edited the video beautifully, with great angles and solemn music. It was touching, but I was still in shock.

On the blogs and social media, videos of Dave and I were circulating, especially the one where he surprised me with flowers in the office and the service where he raised funds to buy me a car on my birthday.

People were tearing me to shreds.

“What do women want?”

“Even romantic pastors are not safe from evil women”

“Fear Women!!!”

“Me that I am praying for a man like this, those who want never get!”

Poor Ewoenam was also being dragged because of the photos of us.

“Pastor Ewoenam is wicked, she will let women divorce their husbands but she will be lying in bed next to hers”

It was unbelievable, I tried calling Ewoenam but her line was busy. I am too angry to deal with Dave. He really just decided to feed me to the wolves…. I should have known he had something up his sleeve.

Not long, there was a knock and there stood Yaw once again…

He allowed me to cry as we sat in my couch, snuggled in his arms.

“You have to say something Zozo” he said as I dried my eyes.

“No, it is not necessary. It will just affect the children; the truth will come out one day” I said.

He distracted me for a while, and, in usual Yaw fashion, our eyes met. His gaze bored into me, lingering on my lips, but I remembered my commitment to my healing.

“I am still married, Yaw” I murmured.

“Not after what has happened today” he said softly

“I can’t…” I stuttered, fighting. He smelled good, I remembered how good his lips feel, his hands…

“Allow yourself to live Zo, carpe diem” he planted a kiss on my nose first…

“NOPE!” I wrestled out of his arms and walked far from him.

“Alright, maybe it is too soon” he said disappointed.

Instantly there was another knock, it was Ewoenam and her husband, Phil, coming to check on me. Ewoenam was unfazed by the blogs, it was not her first rodeo. They counselled me and agreed that I should not jump into the mud with Dave. Instead, I should focus on the children and their wellbeing.

Yaw later left us alone and asked me to take the week off work. He took my phone and other devices with him. I didn’t need to read what was being said about me.

Afterward, Ewoenam went to see the boys, letting them know that I was not doing so well and needed to rest. I spoke to them on the phone and promised to see them the next day.

Phil advised me not to see Dave and said that the following day, I should go to the house with someone. Dave might provoke me into reacting, probably even record it to use as evidence to support the salacious lies he had just spewed. They prayed with me before leaving.

I switched on the TV to check YouTube, but there was no internet. I opened the drawer to check the router, and there was a note from Yaw:

“IGNORE THEM AND SLEEP!!”

It made me smile a little. I had been warned about this by the actress. I was still stunned at how Dave has made himself the victim. DAVE!!!

I had to distract myself, it is not healthy to dwell on this. I opened my Bible and read until I drifted off to sleep.

Author’s Note

I know you love this series, but it is like you are allergic to the like button. Please share on all your media platforms, tell a friend!!! We need to get the numbers up. One more episode and we close season 2! We will go on a short break and then the final season is released!!! Take care and enjoy the weekend.

Do you think Zoe should address Dave? showing evidence of the torn passport? or should she keep the peace for the sake of her children?

LEXICON