Eli's wife 7

Sena was reading the article the journalist wrote about Eli and his ex. She was so busy that she didn't notice Eli enter her office. She almost jumped when she saw him. "Easy, it's just me. Your secretary left her post." He said. Sena nodded. She looked down at the paper. She closed it quickly and looked up. He read her expression. "I'm sorry for invading your space but I need a favour. You don't have to hide the paper. My dad has told me about the articles. I really don't care about them." Eli said, sitting down. He sounded different. Sena was surprised. Almost speechless.

"The doctor who took care of Tina called me an hour ago..." Eli started. His eyes started to water but he fought the tears well. "He said…he said Tina was 3 months pregnant. She didn't tell me. I had no clue but he said the autopsy suggests that her death wasn't natural," he finally said. Sena's mouth opened. "You think someone killed…you think she was murdered?" she asked. Eli nodded. "I want to find who did this but I can't trust anyone. If I pursue it myself my father will be on my case. You are a lawyer. No one will suspect anything. Please Sena." he said. Sena agreed to help. He deserved to know the truth. Everyone did.

 The next few weeks Sena got a few detectives to delve into Tina's death. She and Eli even had a party at their house and attended more events together to throw their parents off. They acted very much like a real couple. Enyonam was very pleased and so were her parents. Sena was almost at peace. The only thing bothering her was Charles. He was even more persistent about them taking their relationship a step further. It used to be just a little reminder here and there but recently he had become a little more persistent. She sort of understood him but she couldn't bear the guilt now that Tina had died and Eli was a mess. Just a little longer. His love just had to endure a little longer.

   "Tina's parents didn't know about the pregnancy. It looks like she didn't want anyone to know about it, but her best friend found the tests she used in the trash. She told her not to tell anyone because she was going to abort it but I'm guessing she didn't. The doctor probably refused to do it." Detective Kwei said. Sena thought hard. He added that he didn't know who the doctor was. He added that the car was not tampered with. Sena nodded and handed him his cheque. Sena took out her little notebook with all the evidence her detectives had collected. She added what she just found out and tried to make sense of it. Then her phone rang. She smiled when she noticed it was Charles. He insisted in taking her to dinner saying she worked too late all the time. Sena couldn't resist him.

"Good morning." Eli said when Sena walked into the kitchen. They planned to discuss Tina's evidence when Sena got back from work but her little dinner with Charles turned out to be longer than she imagined. She apologized and handed him the book. "Do you know Tina's doctor? Or a doctor she used to trust? Maybe family or a friend?" she asked. She poured herself a glass of fruit juice. "I don't know about family or friend doctors...but my doctor used to help her out with some notes for work when she needed a day or two off. Doctor Richard. He's our family doctor. Whenever there's a crisis..." Eli started and looked straight at Sena. "No but if she went to him he would have told me." Eli said completely forgoing his bacon and eggs. Sena nodded. "Which hospital does he work in?" Sena asked picking up a piece of bacon from Eli's plate to quiet her noisy stomach. "He has his own little clinic at Labone." Eli answered. Sena looked up at
him instantly. "That's where she had the accident." Sena revealed.

 To be continued ...

Eli's wife 6

 

Tina passed away. There was nothing the doctors could do. "We don't know what caused the seizure but accident cases can sometimes cause the brain to set them off." The doctor explained to Tina's family when they arrived. Eli was in pieces. Sena tried to comfort him as she drove him home. When they got to the house he went straight to the kitchen and poured himself a drink. Sena wanted to talk him out of it but she changed her mind and went to her room. She called Charles. "Hey, do you want me to come over so we watch a movie after work?" Sena asked. Charles agreed immediately "Are you ok? You sound sad" he asked. She shrugged and said she was just tired. Sena realized how short life was. She decided to do what made her happy.

 Eli didn't go to work for the next few days. He just drunk a lot of alcohol. He wouldn't even answer any calls. He was miserable. Enyonam made one of her trips to Sena's office and told her to get him back to normal because he had very important meetings to attend. One night she walked into his room. He was sitting on a chair and staring at the glass of whisky he was drinking. "Everybody is worried about you. I know you are very sad but you have to talk to somebody." She said sitting down. She poured some more whiskey into his glass and took a sip. She hated the taste of it but she wanted him to open up and that would help.

  Eli looked up at her. "Why are you here? The mighty Sena. Lawyer of the year, hasn't lost a single case, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country. You are smart, strong and I must say beautiful too. Why are you stuck here?" Eli asked. Sena sat down next to him. She wasn't sure what to say. "What about you? Only son of the president. Who aspires to be president one day. Country Director for the Organization of African Union. Little did we know you will grow up to be good looking but you did." she said and Eli gave a little smile. "Was I that bad looking as a child?" Eli said changing the subject. For the first time since their marriage they had a friendly conversation.

Enyonam walked into her father's office and put a few documents on his desk. "I spoke with your financial advisers. They think the deal with the Japanese is a good one. I personally think you should take it, learn their technology and ditch them. It will be more profitable. We asked for the contract to be made so we can terminate it..." she explained. Her father stopped nodding when his phone rang. By the way he was talking Enyonam noticed it was the president. After the call her father sighed. He told Enyonam that the journalist who wrote about Eli had another story out and a radio interview too. "I really thought Sena would make the perfect wife for Eli. She is smart, strong and very influential. Why she isn't straightening that boy? I don't understand and that annoying journalist, why is he so fixated on them?" he said. Enyonam rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll take care of him." She said in a cold tone.

To be continued ...

Eli's wife 5

Enyonam paced in her office. She wasn't happy with what the journalist wrote about Eli in the papers. She noticed her phone was ringing and answered it immediately. It was her father. He wanted to know if she had spoken with her little sister. "Dad I don't think Sena can do this. She doesn't even think the article is a threat." She said rubbing her eyes. Her father could sense her worry. He told her the president had an idea. Enyonam sat up immediately. "Is he going to pay the journalist off?" She asked curiously. "No, that is too risky. We don't want to add blackmail to this. He didn't give me details but he trusts his plan. I leave for a meeting with German investors. I will call you after." her father answered and hang up. A minute later, Enyonam's personal assistant came into her office. "I found the information about the journalist you wanted." he said. Enyonam nodded and took the papers he was holding.

   Sena left work very early. She couldn't concentrate much after what Enyonam said. She realized her sister had a point and it affected her too. If she wanted to ever have lunch with Charles again she had to fix this. She called her security man to find out if Eli was home and rushed to the house.

  She met Eli in jeans and a Tshirt just sitting in the hall with his phone in his hand. It was when the phone slipped and fell that she noticed he was asleep. She put the newspaper into her bag and walked closer to him. He heard her and woke up immediately. His eyes were red with tiredness. His eyes wanted to close again because he lacked sleep. "Hi." Sena said and Eli nodded. His phone rang and he rushed to answer it. "Yes, ok. I'll be right there." He said and grabbed his car keys. "Where are you off to?" Sena asked. Eli stopped and stared at her. He was a bit surprised at concern in her voice. "I'm going to the hospital. My girl..ex girlfriend had an accident and has been admitted." He said walking past her. "I'll drive you there." Sena offered. Now Eli felt strange. "Why? I have a car you know." he said sarcastically. "You are a mess. We don't want another accident." She said taking the keys from him and putting it on the table. He knew she was right he had had very little sleep and a lot of alcohol so he agreed.

  Sena sat on a bench at the hospital while Eli went to Tina's room. She looked around and saw that the sick people around made her mood worse. Then she thought about Charles. Was there any hope for them? Should she tell him the truth? She was going to wait in the car when her phone rang. It was the president, her father in law. She wondered if she would ever be happy about that. "Hi Sir." she said. He went on for a few minutes about how Sir was too formal and suggested Daddy or his first name. Sena pretended to giggle. He asked how she was doing and next to speak with Eli. She blinked. He had never done that before, call her phone to speak with Eli. Maybe this was his way of bringing them closer.

 Sena walked to Tina's room. Eli saw her signal for him to come out. He said something to Tina and left the room. "Your dad." Sena said and handed the phone over to him. He walked a few steps to talk to him alone. It was less than 10 minutes after Eli walked out when the machine Tina was on started beeping. A nurse rushed into the room and a doctor followed. Eli tried to get inside but the nurse held him back. "Save her, please." he pleaded with tears in his eyes. Sena just stood there staring. She did not know what to do.

 To be continued...

Eli's wife 4

"Sorry my place is not as interesting as yours." Charles said to Sena handing her a glass of wine. Sena smiled. He had no idea she wasn't living in her own apartment anymore. She changed the subject quickly. Charles sat next to her and put his arm around her. Sena rested her head on his chest. She could hear his heart beat. It was beating just as fast as hers. Then Charles held her chin and raised her head. He leaned in and kissed her. Sena felt a chill. She moved closer to him. The kiss got deeper. Charles reached for the zip of Sena's dress and opened it almost halfway before she moved back. She thought about Eli and her wedding ring in her pocket. "I thought you were ready." Charles said. Sena stroked his chin. "I thought so too but maybe we are rushing this." She replied trying not to look into his eyes. Charles nodded. Sena made up an excuse and got up to leave. Charles tried to talk her into staying but he wasn't successful.

  Sena cried as she drove home. When she got to the house she noticed Eli's car was not in the garage. She looked at her watch. It was 10 past midnight. Eli was usually home before 9. As she walked into the house. She said hello to the security man and asked where Eli was. He explained to her that he left the house in a hurry 30 minutes ago. Sena found that strange. She went straight to her room, took a warm shower and tried to sleep. "What am I doing?" She asked herself.

  The next morning Sena was dashing down the stairs in order to get to work on time when she saw Eli entering the house. He looked like he hadn't slept all night. He went straight into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of beer. "Isn't it too early to be drinking?" Sena asked. "I look like shit, smell like shit and that's the first thing you ask me? What a perfect wife you are." Eli said. Sena was hurt. She turned around and left. She felt bad leaving but she didn't want to fight. At least not this early.

 Sena was just about to go out for lunch with Charles when her sister popped up into her office. Sena was not amused and it didn't look like a pleasant visit either. "I'm living with Prince Charming what do you want again?" She asked sarcastically. Enyonam didn't even smile. She just dropped a newspaper in front of Sena. Sena picked it up. She read all the top stories and found what Enyonam wanted her to read. It was a story about Eli's visits to his ex-girlfriend's place and how he spent the whole night in the hospital with her the last night. The writer was suggesting that his marriage to Sena did not make sense and that it was just a way to keep Sena's father funding the president's campaign. Sena looked down and saw the page number. "Nobody will take this guy seriously. He will sound like a desperate reporter who wants attention. He's at the bottom of page 12." She said. Enyonam leaned closer to Sena. "Fix your marriage. Keep your husband in the house. Daddy worked too hard to get us the power and recognition we have. You are going to be first Lady in some years to come and who knows, maybe your son will be president. Sena don't mess this up." Enyonam threatened in the darkest of voices. She turned around and walked out leaving Sena speechless.

 To be continued...

Eli's wife 3

Breaking the news to their parents that they intended to postpone their honey moon was hard for both Eli and Sena. Eli lied about work he had to do and Sena blamed it on bad health. At least they had their way in this one. The couple left the hotel to their own house. The presents from the wedding filled a whole guest room. The house was big, modern and very beautiful. It had a big backyard and a nice little swimming pool. When the movers came with some of Sena's stuff she put them in another room. She wasn't planning on sharing a room with Eli. He understood. The house was easy to live in. There was a maid who did the laundry and cleaning, a cook and 24-hour security man. Eli introduced Sena to the staff. He wasn't sure how things would go with Sena in the house but he could only find out.

The very next day she went to work. She had plans to meet Charles for lunch and she did. Just before she got out of her car she noticed her wedding ring on her finger. Her heart missed a beat. She took it off immediately and put it in her pocket. Charles looked more charming to her for some reason. They ordered food from her favorite restaurant and talked. She never got tired of talking to him. He loved talking to her too. She was the most straight forward and honest person he had ever known, or was she? Sena was glad Charles didn't pay much attention to local media or else her little secret would have been out. As she listened to Charles talk and laugh she realized her life wasn't that bad after all at least that moment wasn't.

In Eli and Sena's matrimonial home, both of them lived their separate lives. They could go for days without a conversation. Each one had their own room and Sena eat in her room when Eli was sitting at the dining hall. One evening, about 10 minutes after Sena came back from work she heard a knock at her room door. It was Eli. She asked him to come in for the first time since she moved in. "There's a fundraiser we are to attend. The Charity ball. It's on Friday at 7." he said noticing the changes in the room. He dropped the invitation card on her bed and turned to leave. Sena didn't want to go. It was just an event for wealthy people to show off. Her father made it a point to always attend and his donations were always among the biggest. She knew she couldn't get out of this one.

On the day of the Charity ball, Sena wore a beautiful gown and her husband, a lovely suit. Just before they entered the hall Eli grabbed Sena's arm. "Everyone is going to ask plenty questions. Act like we are the happiest couple in the world so they don't need to ok?" Sena was caught off guard but she nodded in agreement. Eli was right. She put on a fake smile and they walked in. It was just as always, expensive suits, rich kente and evening gowns that cost a lot of money. There was a jazz band playing and a performance by a renowned highlife artist. In no time at all Sena and Eli were surrounded by people congratulating them. "We were surprised you two got married. Your fathers are so close you would think they cooked this up." The Minister of Finance said to Eli. He smiled and nodded almost unsure what to say. "Technically they did. Eli and I grew up together and just fell in love." Sena said quickly and held his hand. He nodded relieved. The man seemed convinced. Sena and Eli pretended to love each other the whole night and their parents were so pleased. When they got back home, Sena went to her room and Eli his without saying goodnight.

Eli waited for Sena to leave the next morning and drove to Tina's house. She had started talking to him again but the conversations were never the same. She was not the same. He managed to convince her to take a ride with him so he shows her something. Tina agreed and they drove to his house. "You want to show me your wife? Really, Eli?" Tina said when they got there. Eli shook his head and told her that Sena was not at home. He just wanted to show her something. She got out of the car and they walked upstairs. He showed her Sena's room. He explained to her once again the nature of their marriage. "We are just together on paper." Eli said. He took Tina to his own room and pulled open the wardrobe. Tina saw some of her clothes neatly arranged. She even saw her toothbrush in his bathroom. Tina smiled. Eli held her close and kissed her. She kissed him back. Then she felt his cold wedding ring on her face. "Eli I can't do this. You are married." She said and rushed out of the room.

To be continued...

Eli's wife 2

"There you are. I was wondering where my bride had run away to." Eli said. He was standing with his sister. "The limo is waiting. I'm sure you are tired." Sena's sister said walking to them. Sena told Eli and Afi to take the lead. She wanted to have a word with her older sister. They nodded and left. "Baby First Lady. That's what dad calls you now." Enyonam, Sena's sister said. Sena rolled her eyes. "Enyonam, I don't love him." she said, almost in tears. "Oh my goodness! Calm down. He's the president's son, what is there not to love?" Enyonam replied. Sena shook her head. Her dad and her sister had always thought alike. Sena frowned and turned to leave but Enyonam held her hand. "Give him a chance. He can make you happy." she said. Sena just shook her head and walked off. Trying hard to walk fast in her full gown.

"Do you want me to carry you inside?" Eli asked when they got to their hotel suite. Sena remained silent and walked inside. The room was beautiful. The lights had been dimmed and there were candles all over. The whole room smelled sweet like vanilla. There were rose petals at the foot of the bed. There was also a gold bowl of chocolates on the center table as well as a bottle of champagne with two glasses. 'Wow', Sena said in her head. For a few seconds she loved where she was then she snapped back into reality. 

"I'm so tired." She said. "Now that's a downer." Eli teased. Sena dropped her bag and turned to look at him. "This whole marriage is fun to you isn't it? Let me guess I should be lucky to be married to you because you are the president's son huh? Well I don't know about you but forcing two people to get married is just stupid!" Sena let out. Her fists were clenched. Sena didn't mean to raise her voice but she was tired of bottling it inside her. Eli looked at her and shook his head. "You think I like this?" he asked in a more serious tone. "Well you seem to be having a ball." Sena shot back. "What do you want me to do? Be bitter like you?! Let's face it, Sena, we are married and, no offence, but I am not excited to be with you either!" Eli said raising his voice. Sena was quiet. "A week ago I had to tell my girlfriend that I was getting married. You think that was fun for me? We are in too deep and the sooner we find a way to get over this the better." he said, sat down and poured himself some wine. "How are we going to do that?" Sena asked still standing. Eli did not have the answer to that question and Sena knew it.

That night, their wedding night, Eli slept on the couch while Sena used the bed. Just before she went to sleep she took out her phone. There was someone she had been meaning to talk to. Charles. She called him to say goodnight. After the call she slept like a baby. Eli kept waking up not because he wasn't used to sleeping on a couch but because he kept thinking about her, Tina. He had called her 15 times that day and she returned none. He missed her. 

To be continued...

Eli's wife

Sena sat down next to Eli. She really didn't want to sit there but she had no choice. Her parents were watching her very closely. She faked a smile when Eli's father asked if she was fine. She nodded and took a sip of her drink. She looked around and saw her sister chatting with her father. It looked like everyone except her was having a good time. "Are you ok?" Eli will ask her from time to time. She would either say yes or nod. She never imagined her wedding reception like this. It wasn't the decorations, the food or the number of guests that was different. Those were far more elegant than she imagined. It was her groom, Eli.

Sena had known Eli since they were kids. They had been family friends since she could remember. He used to be very small for his age and Sena and all the other kids made fun of him but time changed all that. He had grown up to be a tall and very good looking man. 'Akiti', that's what Sena used to call him. She never imagined marrying him, ever.

"Let's welcome the couple to have the first dance?" The MC of the reception said and the crowd started cheering. Eli took one last gulp of wine and stood up. He took Sena's hand and helped her off to the dance floor. Her full wedding gown sweeping the tiled floor. The DJ played a slow love song. "I hope I don't step on your toes." Eli whispered into Sena's ear. She looked at him sternly. She caught him smiling and she smiled too. He took her hands and put them around his neck and put his hands on her waist. They moved left and right, slowly. Sena really wished the song would end. "My feet hurt." she lied to Eli. He nodded and led her off the dance floor.

Sena glanced at the gift table. It was overflowing with gifts. So many that the book for signing names was full and the names were just written on the gifts. She glanced at a table filled with her friends. Pat was sitting there too. The person she always dreamed will be her maid of honour. She glanced at Afi, Eli's sister who was her maid of honour. For the whole ceremony they had barely spoken. The dance floor was open to everyone now. The floor was filled in no time.

After all the many fake smiles and thanking guests for coming Sena poured herself a whole glass of red wine and went to stand at the back of the tent. There was a beautiful view of the beach at night there. She sat down on a bench and began to cry. She took out her phone from a little clutch she was holding. She saw messages and a lot of missed calls. She looked for a particular one and found it. It was from Charles. She met him a few months ago and took a liking into him. He seemed different. He seemed to like her for who she was and not her money or her status in society. He wasn't intimidated by it too. The message said, ' hey I called you a couple of times today. Wanted to pass by.' Sena managed a smile.

To be continued...

Your arrow killed me

We were not afraid to fight the enemy

Even though they had a much bigger army

My heart was determined to fight for victory

But some way some how your arrow killed me

We were a few steps to making history

I guess the excitement blinded me

Coz you raised your bow in my direction, I didn't see

It went deep from my back until your arrow finally killed me