04/06/2026
Wanderlust (S2 E5) Test Of Loyalty
*MIA*
I had been carrying it in my chest for days: the dream, her face, her voice. Every time I looked at him, I felt the weight of her message pressing harder against my lips. But I hesitated. How do you tell a man that his dead mother came to you in a dream? Would he believe me? Would he think it was just my imagination? But today, watching him sit silently by the window and staring at the sky, I knew I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
"Honey," I said softly, stepping closer. He didn’t turn immediately. "I know you can’t stop thinking about her, about the lies you fed her, and everything. Each time you try to be happy, you felt like you don’t deserve it, because she never saw the truth." I sat beside him, sliding my hand over his. My heart pounded as I took a deep breath. "There’s something I need to tell you. Something… about your mother." His head snapped toward me.
"About my mother? What do you mean?" I swallowed hard, my eyes locking into his.
"She came to me...... In a dream." He froze, staring at me as if I had grown wings.
"Mama," that's the name he used to call his mother when she was alive. After our wedding, he started calling me that. I love it when he called me that because it carries respect. His mother was the only person he listened to, and now he had put me in that position. "don’t... don’t joke about that." His voice cracked on the last word.
"I’m not joking, I saw her." His eyes were searching mine for any sign of a lie.
"What did she say?"
"She said she was never disappointed in you. That she didn’t need a wedding to believe in your happiness. She only wanted to know you wouldn’t walk through life alone. She told me to tell you she is proud of you. That she loves you." His lips parted, but no words came out. His hand gripped mine so tightly it almost hurt, and then, slowly, his whole body trembled.
"Mama… don’t lie to me. Please."
"I swear on it with my life. She really said it. She saw your pain. And she has forgiven you." Tears flowed from his cheeks as he hugged me so tight.
"I’ve been waiting my whole life to hear those words again, and you… you brought them to me." We stayed like that, holding each other, the silence filled with his tears and my heartbeat. And in that moment, I realized that dreams weren’t always just dreams. Sometimes, they were messages: bridges between two worlds. And I had been chosen to carry this one.
*NGOZI*
My heart still hadn’t settled since my encounter with Lucas. His words echoed in my mind like a warning bell. Chidinma was the one who betrayed us. I wanted to dismiss it, to believe it was bitterness speaking. But deep down, I knew Lucas hadn’t been lying. Still, I needed proof. I needed to look into Chidinma’s eyes herself and test the weight of her loyalty. I arranged to meet her at her favorite restaurant. The place was quiet, with only the hum of a ceiling fan and the faint chatter of a few customers. When Chidinma walked in, she looked radiant as always, her dress neat, her smile quick to appear, her voice warm as she greeted.
"Ngozi! You didn't tell me about this meetup earlier. I just had to pick a dress and come." She said, sitting on the chair opposite me. I forced a smile.
"Nothing is wrong with the dress, Chidinma. I actually called you so we could have good times together and talk in private." I ordered drinks, exchanged small pleasantries, and for a while, everything felt normal.
"Wow, so what could that be?" I watched her closely. Finally, I leaned forward.
"Chidinma, can I ask you something."
"Sure, go ahead." She looked very calm.
"With the way Lucas was caught during the process of stealing De Rodina, I think someone among us revealed our secret. The one where we all agreed to protect the East’s mission and plans at all costs?" Something flickered in her eyes, just for a second. But then she chuckled.
"Of course, I thought that too. What we discussed in that meeting was not supposed to be heard outside. And look at how things turned out, I feel sorry for Lucas." I nodded.
"Who do you think is responsible?" I asked quietly.
"Why did you ask that? Lucas was the one who paid for the price. He’s the guilty one. The matter is settled. Besides, why are you concern about knowing the betrayal?
"Why am I concerned? Chidinma, where is this coming from? You sound like you know the betrayal and trying so hard to protect him or her."
"I don't know about anything, I just feel it's not necessary anymore. If this is why you call me here, it's time to call it a day." She stood up and was ready to leave.
"I heard Lad hired a new cook for you. I guess that's why you have abandoned your favorite restaurant." That statement hit her so hard. She froze for a moment, and then she turned to me.
"If you know anything, say it directly to me. Stop beating around the bush."
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. But one thing is certain: truth has a way of rising, no matter how deep you bury it." She forced a smile. I watched her leave. This made me believe so much about what Lucas said.
*ZAHRA*
I never thought I could healed from heartbreak so easily, but here I am looking strong and happy. I accepted my faith because I was rejected long time ago even before his wedding. I was just too foolish that I kept forcing myself on him. Just as I was about closing my laptop, the gentleman came into my office.
"Mr Lad, Oh sorry! Mr President." My voice broke down. He has become so matured. I could not even look directly into his face.
"Zahra..... I prefer you call me by my name. I'm sorry I was not able to come here all this while. My days are becoming very tight for me."
"I understand. Especially now that the whole work of ATC is on your head. You need time to balance all the mess and damages that has been done." I spoke with so much confidence. "So, what brought you here on a hot afternoon?" I asked.
"I had an encounter with Miss Chidinma. I was finding it difficult to believe what she told me." I cut in fast.
"That Lucas will return?" He looked surprised.
"Zahra, how did you know about that?" He asked.
"I know men like Lucas don’t accept defeat easily. Especially when he realized someone from his tribe must be involved. No one could know what they discussed in the meeting, if someone did not leak the information. He will take time to know the betrayal, and see how he can fight back." Lad leaned back, exhaling slowly.
"You knew all this and you did not tell me."
"I'm sorry. I don't want you to be like I'm still forcing myself on you. Besides, if you had heard it from my mouth first, you won't take it very serious." I rose to my meet, trying so hard not to break down in his sight.
"Zahra, don't be like that. You were never forcing yourself on me. And by the way, I always honour and believe your words." He replied. I noticed something has changed about him. He is not proud anymore, thanks to his wife.
"That’s all I’ll say for now. Just… be careful. The arrow might be strike from where you least expect." With that, I left slowly.
© Adams Abdulbasit A.