The Fall Out

Alake couldn't shake off the memory of Oranmiyan's proposal. She had been taken aback by his sudden declaration, and her mind was still shaken from the implications.

Days turned into weeks, and Alake found herself thinking about Oranmiyan more and more. She couldn't deny the connection they shared, the spark that flew between them when they were together.

What would her uncle, Ade, say about this? She knew without doubt that Yewande would not even support the marriage. How dared she even think about that when she had the option of slaving for her all her life?

She remembered the time the head blacksmith's son, Aremu, took a liking for her. He would visit her with baskets of fruits and bounties from his hunting expeditions. It was all rosy until his family decided to make things serious between them. The realisation that she would be leaving her house maid duties to get married made Yewande spark. She refused vehemently to give her hand in marriage because she could not afford to lose her maid and nanny.

Yewande had two children, Titi and Kolade, for her uncle after seven still births. Alake remembered the first time she met her uncle's wife. She was carrying her first pregnancy and was bustling with happiness. In Ayedun, the first child was usually a source of joy to new couples. This proofed that the gods had blessed the union.

Losing seven pregnancies made Yewande bitter. She would always lament about how she was cursed by the gods. It was the death of Alake's parents which led to her living with her uncle that Yewande conceived and birthed Titi. It was as though she was the bringer of good luck.

Yewande was sweet to her after she birthed Titi but things turned awry a few months after. The once sweet woman that welcomed her with open arms became extremely wicked to her. The birth of her son did not change anything for good but even made things worse.

The realisation that accepting Oranmiyan's proposal would make things worse for her with Yewande made her afraid. She knew that her aunt would lose it if she found out that she had been chosen by the god of wisdom and prosperity as a wife.

One day, as she was walking through the market, Alake saw Oranmiyan standing by the river, his eyes fixed on the water. She felt a flutter in her chest as she approached him.

"Oranmiyan," she said softly, not wanting to startle him.

He turned to her, a smile spreading across his face. "Alake," he said, his voice low and husky. "I've been waiting for you."

Alake's heart skipped a beat as Oranmiyan took her hand, leading her away from the market and into the forest. They walked in silence, the only sound being the rustling of leaves beneath their feet.

As they walked, Alake felt a sense of excitement and anxiousness. She knew that she was taking a risk by being with Oranmiyan, but she couldn't help herself. She was drawn to him, body and soul.

Finally, they reached a secluded clearing, surrounded by tall trees and a rippling stream. Oranmiyan turned to Alake, his eyes burning with desire.

"I want to be with you, Alake," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I want to feel your skin against mine, to taste your lips and hold you close."

Alake's heart was racing as Oranmiyan pulled her into his arms. She felt a rush of excitement as their lips met, their bodies entwined in a passionate embrace. Gently, he pulled her dress and his mouth found its way to her body. This sent a shiver down her spine and she could not help but surrender to him.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the forest, Alake knew that she had made her decision. She would be with Oranmiyan, no matter the cost.

Their affair was secretive, hidden from prying eyes and wagging tongues. They met in secret, stolen moments whenever Oranmiyan could get away from his duties.

Alake's life became a whirlwind of excitement and passion, as she navigated her secret relationship with Oranmiyan and her normal life. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, that there would be challenges and obstacles along the way.

But for now, she was content to be with Oranmiyan, to bask in the warmth of his love and the passion of their affair.

As the days turned into weeks, Alake found herself falling deeper and deeper in love with Oranmiyan. She loved the way he made her laugh, the way he challenged her to be her best self.

She loved the way he held her, the way he kissed her. She loved the way he looked at her, with eyes that burned with desire and adoration.

Alake knew that she had never felt this way about anyone before. She had never felt so alive, so happy.

But she also knew that their love was forbidden. She was not yet married to him and her family, Akin and Yewande, was ignorant of their relationship. Their love was a taboo, and it could have serious consequences.

Despite the risks, Alake couldn't help herself. She was drawn to Oranmiyan the more. She was willing to risk everything to be with him.

Eventually, someone would find out, and there would be consequences. Alake didn't know what the future held, but she knew that she was willing to risk everything to be with Oranmiyan.