People only bring up your past when they are intimidated by your present.
                              — Unknown

Dora and Gerald marched out of Jojos into the glistening sun an hour later. The duo was armed with a bag of food. A bag that contained their uneaten lunch.

Dora's squinted as the sun beat down on her. She watched Gerald raise a hand above his eyes to shield them from the sun.

Beads of sweat rolled down Dora's forehead as they trekked towards the parking lot and exit gate.

"Please let me give you a ride." Gerald's voice stopped her as she turned in the direction of the gate. 

She turned to face him with emotionless eyes. "No, thank you! I am fine," she said with a stubborn tilt to her chin.

"Please, I insist. We are going in the same direction." He sent her a pleading look.

Dora gazed at him with blank eyes. She searched his face for any sigh of ulterior motive but she found none.

Finally, she heaved a sigh and said, "Okay, fine; thank you!" She fell into step beside him.

Gerald's face lit up with pleasure. "Thank you!" He turned and led the way.

As they drew closer to the parking lot, a figure stumbled out from between two cars.

Dora gasped and stepped back. Her eyes bulged open and a wave of shock washed over her.

"Ayodeji," she whispered through trembling lips.

From the corner of her eyes, she watched Gerald take a protective stance beside her.

She crossed her fingers and prayed that Ayodeji wouldn't recognize her. But alas, it was too late; he was staggering towards her.

She felt Gerald move closer to her and she couldn't help but feel safe.

A breath caught in her throat as Ayodeji wobbled to a stop in front of her.

Her nose scrunched up as the pungent smell of liquor pervaded her senses.

"Ahhh. . . Adaora-a g-good to-o see-e you-u!" He slurred and his lips curved into a vicious smile.

Dora stiffened and balled her fist. Her face morphed into an angry scowl. "I'm not doing this," she muttered under her breath and sidestepped him.

"Where do you think yo-ou are going-g?" He blocked her path.  Hot breath fanned her cheeks and caused bile to rise in her throat.

Dora clenched her fist tighter and turned to him with angry eyes. "Anywhere I want to." She glared at him and moved to the side.

"That's not possible! I am not done yet!" His face twisted into a look of anger. 

A throat cleared from beside them. "I believe it would be better if you let us go in peace."

Dora whirled to face Gerald who was staring down at Ayodeji with dark eyes.

"And who are you?" Ayodeji snapped and glared at him.

"Dora's friend and well-wisher," Gerald responded with a leveled voice.

"Ha, that means you are no one!" Ayodeji cackled evilly. "I am her husband." He raised his chin.

"You are not my husband," Dora spat out.

Ayodeji laughed. "You are still legally my wife." He drew closer with an evil glint.

"In a few days, I will not be your wife." She gave a proud grin.

"I will never let that happen."

"You can't stop it!" Dora raised her head In confidence.

"We shall see about that!" He drew closer and smirked.

Dora's lips formed into a thin line as panic bubbled within her.

Was there a way Ayodeji could win the case?

Her heart raced at the horror if that happened.

She decided to speak with Kemi as soon as possible.

She masked her fear and glared at him with dark eyes. "God's will be done. You can't stop it."

Ayodeji released a sadistic smile. "I am never letting you go."

Dora stiffened as her blood turned cold. She bit her cheeks to restrain herself from showing fright.

She took steady breaths and stared at him with hard eyes. "I do not belong to you— never have and never will."

From the corner of her eyes, she watched a shadow of a smile form on Gerald's face and her heart couldn't stop from swelling with pride.

However, her brows scrunched up in confusion as the expression on Ayodeji's face changed. Unease crept up her spine.

She inhaled sharply as he took a step closer.  Her heart pounded as pain gleamed in Ayodeji's eyes.

"Don't leave me, Adaora," Tears pulled in his eyes.

Dora stilled and gawked with wide eyes as a pleading look cut across his eyes.

Lord, help me!

What is going on?

"Please, Adaora!"

The pressure of a hand on her arm was a sharp jab back to reality.

She wrenched herself free and took a step back. Fury burned in her eyes.
"You don't mean it. It is all a game to you." She shook her head and balled her fist.

And like passing lighting in a stormy night, Ayodeji's expression shifted to unconcealed rage.

"It's because of him, isn't it?" He roared and pointed a finger at Gerald.

"No, it's all because of you and your monster ways!" Dora said with a loud voice. She inwardly thanked the Lord that the parking lot was void of people. Otherwise, they would have been a spectacle.

"No, it's because you have been seeing him." He threw a dirty look at Gerald.
"How long has your little affair been going on for?" He asked with a mocking tone.

Dora's face morphed into a scowl. "It's none of your business what I do with anybody."

"Yes, it is; I am not going to lose you to him." His jaw hardened. "Or to anybody else." An evil glint appeared in his eyes.

Dora stilled and gaped at him.

A realization shook her to her toes.

It's was all about his ego.

With that newfound realization, she mustered all the strength she had, clenched her teeth, and shoved past him.

She vaguely heard him groan in pain as she stormed off.

Enough is Enough!

Those were the words that gave her limbs the strength to sprint across the parking lot.

Heavy footsteps sounded behind her but she couldn't care to see who it was.

Tears of frustration stung her eyes and blurred her vision.

How long will the test go on?

When will the scars of my healed wounds fade away?

When will the warmth of the fire comfort me?

Her feet carried her to the end of the parking lot and she stopped amid rows of various brands of cars.

Her eyes roamed around, looking for something familiar but she found none.

Footsteps drew closer and her back stiffened.

"The car is that way," Gerald muttered and pointed to the opposite side of where they stood.

Dora swallowed and turned to face him with glazed eyes.

A question popped up in her mind as she stared at him. 

Was he also back in her life just because of his ego and male pride?

                           ★★★★

Ahhh, poor Dora! She just can't get a break from Ayodeji😥

But she posed a very serious question. A question I want to know your answers to. And the question is, do you think Gerald is just playing games with her? Or do you think he is in for the long run?

Please fill the comment section with your answers and thoughts.

Anyway, on a lighter note, we have reached chapter twenty. Praise God 😁
I couldn't have done it without the support of all my readers. So thank you very much ❤

Anyway, our Question of the chapter is who is or who are your favorite characters so far? And why are they your favorite?

Hmm, as the writer, I would say that my favorite character is Kemi. I love her because she is bold and she cheers Dora on. XD

Also, don't forget to 👇

Until next time, stay happy! 😁