Before she could answer, the gate opened and Kemi rushed out with a false smile.
—Tunde, my son, welcome home. Do not mind her. She stole from me.
Tunde did not look away from Amara.
—She was thrown outside while pregnant?
Tara stepped forward, still holding her phone.
—Brother, she is a thief. Mummy found out before she could run.
Tunde slowly stood. His voice was low.
—Open the gate.
Kemi’s smile vanished.
—Tunde, you cannot bring her back inside.
He looked at his stepmother with a coldness she had never seen.
—Move.
The guards opened the gate. Tunde helped Amara up gently and led her inside, past Kemi, past Tara, past the stunned maids. In the living room, he sat Amara on the sofa and turned to everyone.
—If anyone touches her again, insults her again, or throws her out again, that person will answer to me.
The room fell silent. Kemi’s eyes burned. Tara lowered her phone. Aunty Sade and Favour looked at the floor. Later that night, when the mansion became quiet, Tunde went to Amara’s small room behind the kitchen. She opened the door with fear in her eyes. He stepped inside, locked it, and held her as she cried. His hand rested on her belly, and the baby kicked. Tunde closed his eyes in pain.
—Tomorrow, I will not hide you anymore.
Amara looked up quickly.
—Not yet. We agreed to wait.
Tunde’s jaw tightened.
—They almost killed you today.
She held his hand.
—Then finish what you started. Expose the truth.
Outside the window, someone stood in the darkness, listening.
Part 2
