Chapter 9: Submit samples for DNA
As Kosi plotted, the doorbell interrupted her, its chime echoing through the room like a sudden alarm. She called out, "Come in," her voice firm and commanding. Nosy and K entered one after the other, the soft creak of the door and the sound of their footsteps filling the silence.
Kosi raised an eyebrow, questioning their unexpected visit, her gaze piercing like a question mark. K explained, "It was Nosy's idea for me to come with her as her bodyguard. I have nothing to do with this," his voice laced with a hint of fear, his eyes darting nervously between Nosy and Kosi.
Nosy laughed, knowing K was exaggerating his fear, the sound of her laughter like music, easing the tension. Nosy said, "Some people can't differentiate between us, although we're not identical. I've come to discuss our identity with you. Please share your hair so K can send it with mine for a DNA test. Our connection, resemblance, and shared birthday are haunting me more than ever," her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Kosi's expression shifted from surprise to relief, her face softening like a mask removed. "I was planning to steal your samples for the test. I've had the same feeling today. Ban was going to collect your hair tomorrow when we visit Joyce. I think she or your mother knows something," her words hanging in the air like a promise of secrets to be revealed. K took the samples and left, the sound of the door closing behind him a decisive end to the moment.
Nosy shared her story about the USB she'd been carrying, and they inserted it into Kosi's computer to watch the secret within, the screen glowing like a portal to the unknown. The anticipation was palpable as they waited for the video to load, the hum of the computer the only sound in the silence.
Meanwhile, at Victor's house, formerly Mabas', Joyce was in the toilet, the dim lighting casting shadows on her face as tears streamed down her cheeks like a relentless stream. She clutched David's picture, the frame digging into her palm as memories flooded her mind - the day David discovered her affair with Victor.
The sound of his gentle voice replayed in her mind, the words echoing like a haunting melody: "Why did you cheat on me? I loved, respected, and cherished you the most. Even my family never received this kind of affection from me. Tell me, where did I fail you? I'll apologize and forgive you." Joyce sobbed uncontrollably, the sound of her own despair echoing off the cold tile walls, as she remembered her husband's kindness despite her infidelity. The scent of the toilet paper and disinfectant filled her nostrils, a stark contrast to the warmth of David's love.
She recalled how she'd scolded and insulted him without reason, her voice a harsh echo in her mind, blaming him for uncovering the truth. Instead of apologizing, she'd plotted with Victor to eliminate David before their divorce, aiming to claim the properties and businesses for themselves. Now, those businesses belonged to Victor, and Joyce was left with nothing, the silence and emptiness of the room a harsh reminder of her loss.
The weight of her past actions crushed her, the feeling like a physical burden on her chest. She had to sign everything over to Victor just to survive, the thought a bitter pill to swallow. Desperate, she thought of meeting Kosi, hoping she might know a way to reclaim her husband's businesses, a glimmer of hope flickering in her mind like a candle flame.
Joyce knew that Kosi must not be willing to share the business with her if they got it, the thought burning like a fire in her mind. Although she was not ready to be nobody, owning nothing, she was already given everything to her lovely Victor, only to be betrayed, the memory of his touch now repulsive.
It had been a long time she was being bullied, and her monthly allowance was for Victor's mistress now, the realization a bitter pill to swallow. After crying, she made up her mind, the tears drying on her cheeks like a resolve hardening. She was no longer dependent on Victor now, a newfound determination coursing through her veins.
She had to play smart, although she was just a weak woman, the label a weight she was determined to shed. Who only survived because of Kosi's father David, the memory of his kindness a distant warmth. If it weren't David's capabilities, she wouldn't have entered the elite social cycle, the thought a reminder of her own limitations. Although she completed college, her arrogance, lack of talent, and greed wouldn't allow her to achieve anything, the knowledge a harsh reality. She liked short cards, the thrill of the game a fleeting escape.
That was a reason for selling Kosi's twin sister, the memory of the transaction a dark stain on her conscience. She wanted that $100,000 from that desperate, infertile woman, the thought of the money a motivating force. She didn't think about the child's health, needing her original or her husband David, the memory of his love and trust now a distant memory. He had a right to know he had another daughter, the thought a nagging guilt.
Joyce settled into her spacious resting area, the soft music floating through the air like a gentle breeze. The scent of fresh flowers wafted in, but she didn't notice, lost in thought. She pondered ways to deal with Victor, the man she truly loved. Memories of her past decisions swirled in her mind like a bitter storm. She had used David's intelligence, charm, and business acumen to further her own goals, hoping to benefit herself and Victor. The sound of her own heartbeat was the only sound she heard, a steady reminder of the choices she'd made. As she sat amidst the plush cushions, her eyes gazed blankly into the distance, her thoughts consumed by the past. The music continued to play softly, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. Her mind was a maze of emotions, and she was trapped.
As Joyce lost in her mind she think of the idea. What if Kosi have some tricks now, she is still a girl and she is her own daughter, she have to listen to her not threatening her. If she may get a man more powerful than Victor's friend and Victor himself she might get her business back from Victor. Her mind wandered to everyman she now trying to find a best candidate.