Untitled chapter 1
ADOLESCENT LIFE
It was a peaceful and serene residential neighborhood. The roads were well paved and free from noise pollution. There were no taxi motorcycles, bars, or vendors with speakers of all sizes causing public disturbances. The only heavy trucks observed were delivery vehicles entering or exiting the newly built structures, never hindered by fatigue, age, or poor upkeep like those found on urban streets. Their tires were in excellent condition, fully roadworthy. They arrived to deliver brand new luxury cars, often celebrated with a toast and a small feast, as well as expensive furniture or drinks for the occasion.
The houses were spacious and enclosed by thick walls. Each property had security personnel and surveillance guards occasionally seen wandering about, and the streets were tidy. Most of the houses featured beautiful gardens and coconut trees reaching up to the fences. A few children could be seen playing with bikes and skates on the road after their parents successfully encouraged them to step away from their smart devices and online games. It was uncommon to see teenagers outdoors; they were typically spotted at night after coordinating fun outings through their various WhatsApp groups. The majority of residents were high-ranking executives, government officials, and expatriates enjoying their holidays abroad. This neighborhood stood in stark contrast to the usual overcrowded city slums filled with filth, large rats, and various insecurities stemming from social injustices.
Life was calm and tranquil in this small, exclusive part of the city. The streets were peaceful, and the vehicles were quieter than those on the bustling commercial streets, which could rouse even the heaviest sleeper. Here, the sound of motorcycles resembled war engines, unlike the irritating chirps from the bikes in the commercial areas. The properties were expansive, and the homes were roomy. Two children could enjoy an entire courtyard filled with expensive imported toy cars, while in the crowded urban areas, a family would be confined to a small one-room apartment and a parlor. They existed in entirely different worlds, yet they were in the same nation.
At the entrance of the residential neighborhood stood a police station. The officers in uniform were well-equipped and always on duty. Conversely, there was another police station where the officers mirrored the deteriorating system. They lacked sufficient arms to confront the rogues, rascals, and night kings who turned life in these slums into a nightmare. Their primary concern was to extort as much as possible during minor disputes from both sides, spending the proceeds on alcohol and cheap women. A mere US dollar was all they demanded from commercial taxi and bike riders. This fee had to be paid each morning to avoid disruption of their daily activities, regardless of whether the riders had the necessary documentation. Commercial truck drivers were charged ten US dollars, while heavy-duty vehicle operators had to pay twenty. The tips given to those in the residential areas were sufficient to fund their extracurricular activities. The sun shone and the rain fell equally on both regions, indifferent to wealth or poverty, or to corruption or integrity. The moon illuminated the dark hours for everyone, even though all the large homes in the tranquil area had solar panels and had eliminated their noisy industrial generators.
In that peaceful, charming residential area lived a nine-year-old girl named Jane, who had beautiful brown eyes. Her father was a prosperous pastor married to a Colombian woman with brown hair, affectionately known as Mamma Jezzy. Rumors circulated that her father was a former drug smuggler who had later turned to the ministry. Jane’s father was known for his generosity and owned numerous factories. He produced the largest quantity of refined cooking oil and several brands of laundry soaps in the country, outpacing all his competitors.
He also owned a chain of hotels and restaurants, a university, and a beauty lotion manufacturing company, in addition to managing a vast extension of his father-in-law’s church, which had numerous branches across the country. The young pastors would often go for months and days without food, fasting and praying in hopes of meeting him one day to spend some time together. He was an incredibly busy man.
Jane’s mother was his legal wife. Before he met her mother, he had two sons who continued to be a source of frustration for him. Their mother was a black French woman, an ultra-maximalist who was both demanding and lazy. He began dating her during a school trip to Paris, despite his father’s disapproval. Their connection deepened, but without his father’s blessing, he never honored her with marriage. In his youth, he was reckless, full of life, and enjoyed partying, yet his father always kept him close, ensuring he sought the board’s advice before making significant decisions regarding the company. He consistently consulted his father on important matters.
That was how he became the heir to the family business. After causing chaos and enjoying all the pleasures a wealthy young man could, he chose to relocate to South America for an agro-cultural exchange program. There, he met Jezzy, and a serious connection ignited. She was a lateral thinker, the only one brave enough to challenge her conservative father, the pastor. While others perceived her as rebellious and hostile, he recognized her vibrant energy, rich in diversity and beauty. He learned that to marry her, he would need to attain the status of an elder in the church. He informed his future father-in-law that he intended to be more than just an elder; he planned to attend pastoral school and establish a branch of his home country back in South America.
He cherished his two sons, but their mother had managed to turn them against him, and like her, they had been conditioned to be lazy. She aspired for them to hold key roles in the family investments, while their father believed they should earn their positions rather than constantly demanding things like their avaricious mother. Jezzy wasn’t as attractive as the French black woman who spoke nasally. Jezzy was a traditional woman and not particularly tall.
She had her own ideas about how the church should be run and, unlike her mother, she didn’t always say yes to everything a man proposed. Yet, she was a wonderful person with striking brown eyes and alluring hips. She loved to dress in traditional attire, which made her shine in the vibrant African garments. The slender, tall French woman couldn’t compete with her in front of the family matriarchs, whom she deeply resented. Merely giving him two sons wasn’t sufficient to earn their trust and approval.
Then there was Jones, the eldest son from a distinguished lineage of farmers. Their family had been engaged in farming for as long as oral history could recall. They possessed numerous hectares of fertile land, and to protect it from encroachment or government seizure, they converted it into plantations that produced both local and commercial crops, including rubber. The family exported high-quality tea leaves to South America and the Arab emirates, as well as plantains and bananas, and occasionally organized giveaways that provided substantial food donations to impoverished communities. The Jones family was the exclusive supplier to Jane’s family. They owned the land, while the Janes operated the factories equipped with heavy machinery. Together, they became the largest employers in the state after the government. Jones’ family cultivated rice, palm nuts, plantains, bananas, tea, and cocoa, while Jane’s family handled the processing into finished goods. These included chocolate paste, various tea products, cookies, plastic utensils and chairs, rice, palm oil, and refined cooking oil, among other ventures.
Both families had been in business for several decades, yet there was always a concern that the Jones family might eventually choose to reinvest their substantial earnings into finished production. They already had control over the raw materials, which would not bode well for Jane’s family.
Conversely, the Jones family worried that Jane’s family might decide to invest their considerable wealth in acquiring fertile land to cultivate their own raw materials. However, farming did not operate like machinery. It required months, and sometimes years, to yield their crops, unlike machines that could produce final products in just a few hours through various processes. Consequently, Jane’s family felt more vulnerable than the Jones family, but the solution was straightforward. They planned to merge their businesses into one massive enterprise, encompassing everything, including land, hotels, markets, and any income-generating activities, even those associated with the church. The idea of reuniting both families had been discussed for decades, but Jones’ grandfather was resistant to the notion. He placed a higher value on his land than on all the assets of his business partner and was opposed to an equal distribution of shares between the two families. He was a proud man who often told his old business associates that his land would continue to appreciate in value over time, unlike machines, which depreciate and require constant replacement due to evolving technology.
He insisted on a 70/30 split after a thorough audit to ensure there were no hidden clauses or debts to inherit. However, these negotiations finally gained momentum with the arrival of Jones and Jane, who proposed a 50/50 agreement. Both families were influential enough to pursue any dream they wished and had no prior issues with the government, trade unions, or tax systems. There was no need for prolonged discussions when they could thrive as a united family. This historic merger was set to take place with the wedding of the two families, promising to be a grand event.
Consequently, everything was arranged for Jones and Jane to grow up together and develop feelings for one another. At the time of this decision, Jones was twelve and Jane was nine, a conclusion reached after years of discussions
A ceremony was held to formalize the agreement. Kola nuts were shared along with palm wine among the heads of both families and the elders, while the few invited guests were treated to exquisite local African dishes such as Achu, Khatti-Khatti, and Kondre, accompanied by lavish servings of expensive whiskies and well-aged wine. Jane had her face and legs anointed with palm oil and was presented with a horn of wine to offer to her future husband, who was required to drink from it and then share the remainder with her. In return, he was to gift her a necklace of very costly sea pearls and cowries, which she was to keep as a token of her engagement to Jones.
Jones had known Jane since her crawling days. The families had envisioned a union through marriage for many years, and it was finally time to bring their children closer to make this dream a reality. He grew alongside her, caring for her like a devoted older brother. They would play and dig in the dirt together after school, often looking like pigs with mud smeared across their faces and clothes. Jones’ mother was gentle and allowed them the freedom to play, only scolding them when they crossed the line. In contrast, Jane’s mother was strict and adhered to the biblical principle of ‘spare the rod and spoil the child.’ Homework had to be completed promptly, and playtime was limited. Everyone was expected to finish their meals, and despite the many servants, chores had to be completed on time.
Jane’s mother was essentially the one managing both households and ensuring everything was in order. The kids adored her, but they were well aware that a mere snap of her fingers could lead to swift consequences. Jones’s mom would often talk at length, and if the desired outcome wasn’t achieved, her friend was just a phone call away. Even while she supported her husband in his pastoral duties, relishing the role of the pastor’s wife, she would always return in time to set things right and restore harmony. By the age of three, Jane was already proficient in reading and writing and knew how to keep her room tidy.
Jones had also mastered this skill. He felt it was important to set a good example for his siblings and for Jane. They were aware of their betrothal and often teased by schoolmates who referred to them as Mister and Misses, especially when their driver dropped them off at school. Jones remained unfazed by the teasing. Jane had been taught that she was destined for a significant future, which meant she needed to equip herself with extensive education and skills to meet the challenges ahead. To avoid being too close, they spent their long holidays apart; Jane traveled to Colombia to visit her maternal grandfather while Jones either stayed home or accompanied his father on trips across the country to inspect the farms. They both felt the weight of expectations and the need to learn as much as possible.
y the time he turned fifteen, Jones had learned to drive, was fluent in four international languages, and was attending high school. He had to grow up quickly, traveling extensively both domestically and internationally. By seventeen, he was already working as a personal assistant to his father while starting university. He had developed the demeanor of a gentleman and always dressed appropriately, although his frequent time in the field often meant he wore jeans and farm boots.
He possessed a remarkably commanding presence and communicated with great politeness. Raised to be a truly sophisticated individual, he, despite his many advantages, did not have a personal bank account. Instead, he relied on one of his father’s bank cards whenever he needed something, and he was required to submit monthly financial reports detailing his personal expenses to his dad. His two younger sisters were cared for by their mother, who had a more laid-back upbringing and appeared to relish the family’s wealth. They received all the luxuries they desired, celebrating extravagant birthdays and enjoying all the treats they wished for. Their only obligations were to maintain good grades in school and help their mother manage the household and kitchen. Meanwhile, their older brother had to quickly adapt to his father’s role and learn the intricacies of managing a vast mixed conglomerate merger. For his sixteenth birthday, he was gifted a brand new Kantanka four-wheel drive jeep, a fresh pair of farm boots, and a 25-year-old bottle of single malt whisky. He had always admired his father enjoying a drink in the evenings while working in his study, but receiving such a gift felt like a true honor. He held deep respect for his father and had never tasted alcohol, unlike his privileged friends who were already indulging in excess. He understood that his father would never buy him a sports car, as his dad had a vision for him and wanted to avoid distractions. Although he wished to keep the bottle as a memento, his father insisted that life was too precious and fleeting to overlook such experiences. His father encouraged him to open the bottle and share it with him. His dad was thrilled that his son was evolving into the man he envisioned, and most importantly, they were sharing this first whisky together. They drank throughout the night until the bottle was finished. For the first time in sixteen years, Jones experienced a new kind of joy coursing through his veins. He was now a man, permitted to drink in the company of his elders, gradually earning his place at the table of maturity.
He was slowly carving out his place among the council of elders. His friends teased him, noticing the car his father had gifted him. They vowed they would never ride in such a vehicle, yet they were astonished when Jones revealed the bottle he had shared with his father the night before in his study and how exceptional it was. He could sense the envy radiating from them as one friend even grabbed the bottle, struggling to extract the last drop, lifting it towards the sun and flipping it upside down. Jones shared that he had never experienced such a high before, and his dad had told him that this was the kind of whiskey he needed to become accustomed to as a successful man. This felt like mockery to his friends, who could hardly remember all the terrible drinks they had consumed. One even became ill after downing some counterfeit whiskey at a party and had to be rushed to the hospital.
At seventeen, Jones enrolled in a prestigious state university, majoring in agriculture and minoring in environmental science. He was then set to pursue a master’s in Business Management and another in Environmental Science before aiming for a doctorate in Agriculture. His father had meticulously mapped out his life. He was to undertake internships in countries like Asia and South America before returning for his wedding and taking over the family business. His sisters were to concentrate on business law, and Solii had made it abundantly clear that she intended to study business management, although her true passion lay in becoming a fashion designer and running her own company. Being the youngest, she always had her own perspective. Even their mother, Jezzy the fixer, could not steer her towards the family’s expectations. She refused to become a family automaton like her older brother. She was a free spirit, and her freedom was invaluable.
The family had completely taken over her elder brother’s life and future. He had been conditioned to marry the woman they chose, pursue the studies they preferred, and become whatever they desired. From the very beginning, he faced immense pressure to meet their expectations, to the point where he seriously questioned whether he even knew what he wanted. All of his classmates were already in relationships, but he couldn’t be, as he was already engaged to a pastor’s daughter. A daughter he wasn’t even certain would come to love him. Solii was the only person he trusted and confided in during his moments of sadness and stress. She helped him realize that he had to carry that burden for the sake of the family. They needed a man who could rise to the occasion, and her father was doing everything possible to prepare him for that role.
Some had to take on the role of night watch while the others rested. Jane, for her part, was aware that her uncles would always support him, but she had little faith in her cousins. To make matters worse, she did not allow her stepbrothers to approach her or her sister. She was the true daughter that Mama Jezzy had always hoped for.
Jones was a handsome, athletic young man, exuding elegance. He was the ideal type for all the ladies, yet he remained focused and dedicated to his responsibilities. From high school through university, every girl dreamed of getting to know him and being close to him. He was also known for his respectfulness and loyalty. He understood that engaging with another woman would be highly disrespectful to Jane and her family. He never allowed any woman with unclear intentions to get too close. Many attempted to entice him, promising to prepare him for his wedding night and teach him how to please his bride, whether they were older girls, younger girls, older women, or even married women. He kept himself so busy that he hardly had time to notice another woman. Their world was filled with opportunists, gold diggers, and parasites. In his free time, he enjoyed playing video games or accompanying his mother to church. The word of God played a significant role in their lives, especially considering his father-in-law, a highly respected pastor. He was determined not to tarnish the family name, which is why he remained a virgin until his final year at university.
Jane also felt the weight of expectations as the eldest of four siblings, with two older stepbrothers who firmly believed that the eldest should inherit their father’s legacy. Having known Jones her entire life, she was acutely aware of the importance their union held for the future of the company. She found him to be caring, intriguing, and held a deep admiration for him. However, she faced a dilemma; Jones was not one for romantic expressions. His focus was on her well-being, always standing up for her, even taking the blame when she misbehaved and her mother had to intervene. He helped her with her homework and chores. At school, she felt a sense of security around him. His dog would bark excitedly whenever she arrived, and treating her well was his top priority, yet he lacked romantic words. He showered her with care and concern, but at times, she longed to hear some sweet, simple compliments. He would take her to the farms on weekends and to a lovely, quiet spot in the evenings, ensuring she felt like royalty. If it weren’t for his sister’s nudging, he might never have complimented her outfit or makeup, but she knew he would protect her without a second thought. To her, life felt unfair. While she craved a soldier by her side, she also yearned for a romantic partner to occasionally sweep her off her feet and make her feel like a cherished young woman. Jones was practical, ticking off every box like a machine, fully committed to every task he undertook.
Jane had a close friend and older schoolmate named Abongwa. He was a self-assured individual and the only one brave enough to ask her out. She would laugh and consistently turn him down, reminding him that she was already promised to another man. Abongwa was kind and quite romantic, always taking the chance to compliment her and saying sweet things that she didn’t want to hear from him, yet they touched her heart. He was aware of her fondness for him and knew how to keep things discreet, avoiding any suspicion. However, the day he attempted to kiss her after making sure they were alone and out of sight from the school cameras, Jane slapped him across the face, marking the end of their friendship.
When Jane arrived at university, Jones was beginning his first master’s degree program. Due to their Christian upbringing, she chose to live in a different apartment from his. She had made a promise to her father to remain a loyal daughter and a virgin until he escorted her down the aisle to her husband. She intended to uphold this promise until the very end, despite the challenges of her late teenage years and the numerous girls who seemed to ignore her presence while vying for her man. She was confident in his ability to resist temptation. They had committed to focusing on their future together and only exploring their relationship on their wedding night. She had faith in their bond and recognized the importance of accepting each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Occasionally, Jane would drive over to spend the night at his apartment, but Jones never stayed over at hers. They would study, watch movies, cook, listen to music, and share countless stories. Eventually, they would cuddle in each other’s arms and drift off to sleep, sometimes in his living room or bedroom.
At the age of twenty, Jones was quite active in school social events and sports, while Jane, at seventeen, also participated. However, Jones particularly enjoyed weekends spent with friends, grilling and sipping whiskey. Despite being the youngest, he had a remarkable talent for wine tasting, easily identifying counterfeit wines. They would drink until tipsy and eventually drift off to sleep. In contrast, Jane preferred to spend her weekends with her mother and siblings, returning to school early on Monday mornings. During long holidays, both Jones and Jane traveled to other countries to work in plantations or factories, gaining valuable skills. They often spent their evenings engaged in virtual conversations, sharing their experiences.
Two years flew by, and Jones completed his first master’s degree and began his second. Meanwhile, Jane was in her final year of her BSc program at nineteen, engaged to her twenty-two-year-old fiancé. She had matured significantly, speaking five languages and having traveled extensively. Standing tall like her father, she was developing attractive curves reminiscent of her mother, complemented by her captivating brown Caribbean eyes and curly brown hair. Jane was a beautiful young woman, well-mannered, respected, and admired. Although temptations occasionally arose, she remained committed to the promise she made to her father on her sixteenth birthday in front of his friends and colleagues. Despite sometimes envying the carefree lives of her friends, she was determined not to break that vow.
By the time Jones finished his second master’s program, he was twenty-four, while Jane was twenty-one and in her second year of her MSc. He planned to leave the country for his doctorate, with the intention of returning only as he approached twenty-seven. This meant he would be away for two full years, unsure of how he would cope with the distance. Despite the mounting pressure, he remained a cordial, faithful, and respectful man, dedicated to his Bible studies and prayers.
His mother was supposed to accompany him abroad since his father was quite busy during that time with business matters. Jane was at school working on her research, so he decided to drive to her apartment and spend the remaining free time with her before leaving. They truly enjoyed their time together, hanging out and driving around town before returning to her prestigious residence. It was late, and this was the first time he would be spending the night in her apartment. She usually liked having a few friends over, but they had all left, leaving her alone. The area was well-secured, with security guards monitoring the building. Additionally, she always had a trained bodyguard keeping an eye on her movements while maintaining a respectful distance from her personal space. Inside, Jones used the guest room to take a quick shower and put his clothes back on, skipping his boxers and undershirt, which he had washed and left to dry in the bathroom.
ane had settled comfortably on the sofa, watching a movie. He joined her, wrapping his arms around her. He could feel her heart racing as his athletic arms enveloped her soft body. Her attention was on the television screen while she held the remote control. He loved the scent of her natural brown curly hair. She rested her arm on his chest, making herself more comfortable by folding her legs on the sofa. It was a wonderful evening. Although she was staring at the movie, she was not really paying attention to it. Jones gently held her chin and lifted it slowly so their eyes could lock for a moment. He admired her deeply, and she could sense the intense desire in his gaze. Without saying a word, he leaned in and kissed her lips, then pulled back to watch her. She welcomed the kiss, taking her time to open her eyes and gaze at him softly.
Jones leaned in for another kiss, and this time it lasted around five minutes, their eyes shut in deep passion, exchanging a lot of saliva as their tongues intertwined and mingled. He had never experienced his heartbeat rising like this before. It was a magical sensation he couldn’t quite articulate. In a moment of excitement, Jones lost control and slipped his hand into her blouse, touching her left nipple. The heat from it drove him wild, making him feel as if he had touched the heavens. He envisioned himself floating in the sky when suddenly, a sharp slap from Jane yanked him back to reality.
Jones quickly regained his composure and stepped back from her. He noticed her soft, angelic face had turned red, now bearing a demonic expression. She was furious, and it seemed as if her brown eyes had transformed into red ones. He could read the disappointment etched all over her face.
“I thought we agreed not to do this until our wedding night! What does this mean?!” she exclaimed.
Before Jones could even find the words to defend himself, she shouted louder, her voice reaching a high pitch, “Out!” while pointing sternly at the door. Jones was so bewildered that he didn’t know how to react. Like a well-trained dog, he quietly grabbed his phone, slipped on his black Timberland boots, and exited her apartment. Her voice was so loud that even the neighbors took notice. He spotted a few peeking outside, not wanting to fuel any gossip, so he lowered his head and quietly made his way to his four-wheel drive. He sat inside for a moment, trying to process what had just occurred. He felt utterly ashamed and dejected. He attempted to call her, but she had already blocked his number. Understanding her desire to uphold her father’s pride, he sent her a brief apology online, hoping that once she calmed down and unblocked him, the message would reach her.
It was 1 AM, and the drive home would take four hours. In his confused state, he questioned whether this was a wise choice. He opted for a hotel, booked a room, but ended up spending the entire night at the bar, drinking and talking to himself. When he finally opened his eyes at 10 AM the next day, he found himself in his hotel room. As he took in his surroundings, he noticed he had been refreshed, placed in bed, and covered with sheets, but he was completely naked and couldn’t find his clothes. He called the receptionist, who informed him that the woman he had been with had sent his clothes to the cleaners to be returned once they were washed and pressed. He couldn’t recall being with any woman.
He was acutely aware that many women would seize any chance to take advantage of him if given the opportunity. He learned that the woman had left very early in the morning to catch a flight and that she was white, which only added to his confusion. He struggled to remember what had happened earlier that morning. A slight headache plagued him, making him feel as if he had been drugged. He had no clue who this mysterious white woman was. He discovered that she had joined him while he was drinking, and they had spent the entire morning having fun chatting, during which he continued to drink. Eventually, she had to call for help from a male staff member, and together they brought him back to his hotel room.
Jones was in disbelief at what he was hearing and requested to see the security footage. He needed to identify the woman. He was taken to the security room, and when the footage from the early morning hours was shown to him, he nearly fainted. It was none other than Janet, a former schoolmate and sworn enemy from secondary and high school. Her father was a diplomat, and her mother was a British professor. She would stay with her mother during long holidays while attending school with her father back home. Jones had no idea she was in the country at that time, and the coincidence baffled him.
Why was it that the only moment he let his guard down, it was with the person he ended up with? It was evident that he was extremely intoxicated, not due to his own actions, but because she must have heavily spiked his drink, leaving him unable to recall what had happened. She had cleaned him up and tucked him under the covers; he didn’t want to think about what else might have occurred, knowing she was a girl full of mischief and resentment towards Jane. They had their own feminine conflicts, and he wanted no part in them. She always acted appropriately when he was present. He approached the hotel manager and offered him and the security officer a substantial amount to ensure the video was deleted and never seen again. Since he was still using his father’s bank card, he would definitely have to explain how six thousand US dollars had vanished in one transaction. That wasn’t his main concern; Jane had yet to unblock his number, and he couldn’t determine if he was still a virgin. He arranged for a driver to take him home so he could get ready for his trip.
