Few days later…
At Okoye’s house

On a sunny Sunday morning, the family was bustling with activity as they prepared for church. Bianca, looking lovely in her yellow sundress, hurried the children through their breakfast, reminding them to finish up quickly so they wouldn’t be late. Okoye was already outside, warming up the car and urging everyone to hurry along.

“Come on, kids! We don’t want to miss the service!” he called out, his voice echoing from the driveway.

The family rushed to finish their breakfast, and soon they were all piling into the car, with Okoye expertly navigating the busy Sunday morning streets. They arrived at Revival City Church of God, a beautiful, sprawling complex with a large, modern auditorium.

As they walked into the church, they were greeted by the friendly faces of fellow parishioners, all chatting and laughing as they made their way to their seats. Ada’s friend, Nneoma, came over to say hello.

“Ada, I’m so glad I saw you! You have to meet Pastor’s son, Chijindu. He just graduated from school and returned home. He’s helping out with the youth ministry now.”

Ada’s eyes widened as she caught sight of Chijindu, tall and handsome, with a bright smile and piercing brown eyes. She couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her chest as he greeted her warmly.

Nneoma leaned over and whispered, “Isn’t he just the most handsome guy you’ve ever seen? I heard he’s single too!”

Ada blushed and playfully rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the spark of attraction she felt. Little did she know, this chance encounter would set off a chain of events that would change her life forever.

As the church service came to a close, Pastor Clifford, a warm and welcoming man with a kind face, stood at the entrance of the church, greeting the congregation as they filed out. Okoye’s family approached him, exchanging warm smiles and handshakes.

“Pastor Clifford, good afternoon!” Okoye boomed, his voice full of respect.

“Ah, Okoye, my dear brother, good morning! How are you and your lovely family?” Pastor Clifford replied, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

Just then, Pastor Clifford’s son, Chijindu, appeared beside him, looking dashing in his sleek black suit. Pastor Clifford proudly placed a hand on his son’s shoulder.

“Okoye, I want you to meet my son, Chijindu. He just returned from school and is helping out with the youth ministry.”

Chijindu’s eyes scanned the group, and when they landed on Ada, he smiled brightly. Pastor Clifford continued, “Chijindu, this is Okoye’s family. Okoye, his wife Bianca, and their children, Michael, Chinonso, and Ada.”

As Pastor Clifford introduced them, Chijindu’s gaze lingered on Ada, and he felt an inexplicable jolt. Ada, too, couldn’t help but notice the way Chijindu’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

When it was time for them to shake hands, Chijindu’s warm palm enveloped Ada’s, sending a shiver down her spine. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the depths of each other’s gaze.

Ada felt like she was drowning in the warmth of Chijindu’s eyes, and she couldn’t look away. Chijindu, too, was captivated by Ada’s sparkling eyes and bright smile. The air was electric with an unspoken connection, and they both knew that this chance encounter would be etched in their memories forever.
Later that day ….
At Revival City of God

Chijindu walked into his father’s office, the familiar scent of old books and wood polish filling his nostrils. Pastor Clifford, a stout man with a kind face and a warm smile, looked up from behind his desk.
“Ah, Chijindu, my son, welcome back! I’m so glad you’ve returned to take up the ministry.”
Chijindu nodded, taking a seat in the chair opposite his father’s desk. “Thank you, Father. I’m happy to be back.”
Pastor Clifford leaned forward, his eyes serious. “I’m glad you’re back, but there’s something we need to discuss. Something important.”
Chijindu raised an eyebrow. “What is it, Father?”
Pastor Clifford’s expression turned stern. “I want you to get married, Chijindu. You’re 26 years old, and it’s time you settled down.”
Chijindu’s eyes widened in surprise. “Married? But Father, I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
Pastor Clifford’s voice took on a firm tone. “You’ll do as I say, Chijindu. You’ll marry Ada Mr Okoyo daughter ,she’s a good girl from a good family. And it’s time you settled down, especially after… everything that happened in university.”
Chijindu’s face darkened, his anger rising. “You mean the incident with my girlfriend? The one you paid the police to cover up?”
Pastor Clifford’s expression turned red with anger. “How dare you bring that up! I did what was best for you and this church. And now, you’ll do as I say and get married.”
Chijindu’s voice rose, his words dripping with venom. “I won’t do it, Father. I won’t marry some woman just to please you and your precious church.”

Chijindu’s voice rose to a shout, his words echoing off the walls of the office. “I won’t do it, Father! I won’t be a puppet for you and your church! You’ve controlled me my whole life, but not anymore!”
He slammed his fist on the desk, making the papers and pens jump. Pastor Clifford’s face reddened with anger, but Chijindu didn’t care. He was beyond reason.
“You’ve always tried to hide my mistakes, Father,” Chijindu spat. “You’ve paid off the police, bribed the media to keep my name out of the news. But I won’t be silenced! I won’t be controlled!”
He paced back and forth across the room, his anger building with every step. “You want me to marry some woman I don’t even know? Just to save face for this church? No, Father, I won’t do it!”
Pastor Clifford stood up, his eyes blazing with fury. “How dare you! You ungrateful child! I’ve given you everything, and this is how you repay me?”
Chijindu laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. “You’ve given me everything? You’ve given me a life of lies and deceit! You’ve given me a life of pretending to be something I’m not!”
He stopped pacing and turned to face his father, his eyes blazing with anger. “I won’t do it, Father. I won’t marry Ada, or anyone else you choose for me. I’ll make my own decisions, my own choices. And you can’t stop me!”
The room was silent for a moment, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two men. Then, Mrs. Clifford spoke up, her voice soft and soothing. “Chijindu, please, calm down… think about what you’re saying…”
But Chijindu just shook his head and stormed out of the room, leaving his parents staring after him in shock.

Mrs. Clifford followed her husband out of the office, trying to calm him down. “Dear, please, let’s not be too hard on Chijindu. He’s still young and impulsive. Give him time to settle down and make his own decisions.”

But Pastor Clifford was unforgiving. “You’re the one who spoiled him, dear. You’re the one who always gave in to his demands. And now look at him – impulsive, reckless, and disobedient.”

Mrs. Clifford’s eyes filled with tears as she tried to defend herself. “I was just trying to be a good mother.

But Pastor Clifford cut her off. “You’ve always been too soft on him, and now he thinks he can do as he pleases. He wants to marry some strange girl with a different background? No, no, no. We won’t allow it.”

Mrs. Clifford’s voice trembled as she begged her husband to reconsider. “But dear, maybe we should give him the freedom to choose. Maybe he’ll learn to take responsibility for his actions.”

But Pastor Clifford just scoffed. “You’re the one who’s always making excuses for him. You’re the one who’s always covering up for his mistakes. Well, I won’t do it anymore. He needs to learn to obey and respect my authority.”

Mrs. Clifford felt a pang of sadness and frustration as her husband’s words cut deep. She knew she had always tried to be a good mother, but now her husband was making her feel like she had failed.

As Mrs. Clifford stood there, feeling the weight of her husband’s words, she couldn’t help but think about the past. She remembered the countless times she had tried to reach out to Chijindu, to understand him, to connect with him. But Pastor Clifford had always been there, inserting himself between them, dictating how she should parent their son.

She thought about the times Chijindu had come to her with his dreams, his aspirations, only to be shut down by Pastor Clifford’s disapproval. She thought about the times she had wanted to defend Chijindu, to stand up for him, but had been too afraid of her husband’s wrath.

And now, as she looked at Pastor Clifford, she saw a man who was more concerned with his own image, his own reputation, than with the well-being of their son. She saw a man who was willing to sacrifice Chijindu’s happiness, his future, on the altar of his own ego.

Mrs. Clifford felt a surge of determination rise up within her. She knew she had to take a stand, to fight for Chijindu’s right to be himself, to make his own choices. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was ready.

Pastor Clifford’s face darkened as he scanned the breakfast table, his eyes searching for his son. “Where is Chijindu?” he thundered, his voice making his wife jump.

“I…I don’t know, dear,” she stammered. “He didn’t sleep at home last night.”

Pastor Clifford’s anger boiled over. “That ungrateful child!” he bellowed. “I’ll deal with him when I see him. By the time I’m done with him, he’ll never question my authority again!”

His wife, Mrs. Clifford, stood her ground, despite trembling inwardly. “You’re not going to destroy our son’s life, He’s going to marry whoever he wants, and you can’t stop him. You’ve dictated his life for far too long.”

Pastor Clifford’s face turned red with rage. “How dare you!” he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. “You’re just as disobedient as he is!”

Mrs. Clifford stood up, her eyes flashing. “I won’t sit back and watch you ruin our son’s life. I’m his mother, and I won’t let you do this!”

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Pastor Clifford seething at the breakfast table.

A few minutes passed, and Pastor Clifford’s anger slowly gave way to calculation. He would get Chijindu to comply with his demands, no matter what it took. He would use every trick in the book to ensure his son bowed to his will.

A sly smile spread across his face as he thought of a plan. “Yes, that’s it,” he muttered to himself. “I’ll show him who’s in control here.”
Pastor Clifford dialed the number of his old friend, a police officer, and waited for him to answer.

“Hello, Pastor. What can I do for you?” the officer said.

“I need a favor, my friend,” Pastor Clifford replied. “My son, Chijindu, is getting out of control. He’s disobeying me, and I need him to be taught a lesson. I want you to arrest him and bring him in on some charges.”

The officer hesitated for a moment before responding, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Pastor. What’s Chijindu done?”

“Just do it,” Pastor Clifford snapped. “I’ll take care of the details. And make sure it’s done discreetly. I don’t want any embarrassment for our family.”

Later that day…

Chijindu sat on a worn couch in his friend’s dimly lit living room, surrounded by the haze of smoke and the hum of music. His friend, Emeka, sat beside him, passing a bottle of whiskey back and forth.

As they drank and smoked, Chijindu’s anger and frustration boiled over. “My father is suffocating me!” he exclaimed, his voice rising. “He won’t let me live my life, always dictating what I should do.”

Emeka nodded sympathetically. “I know, man. Your dad can be tough. But what can you do?”

Just then, Emeka’s phone rang. He answered, listened for a moment, and then handed the phone to Chijindu. “It’s your father.”

Chijindu’s eyes widened in surprise, but he took the phone. “Dad, what’s up?”

Pastor Clifford’s voice was cold and commanding. “Where are you, Chijindu? I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Chijindu hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I’m just…taking some time for myself, Dad.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “You’re not doing what I called you to do, Chijindu. You’re not living up to your calling as a pastor in the ministry.”

Chijindu felt his anger surge again. “You never listen to me, Dad! You never care about what I want.”

Emeka put a hand on his shoulder, consoling him. “Hey, calm down, man. It’s okay.”

Just then, the door burst open and police officers stormed in. “Chijindu Clifford, you’re under arrest for assaulting Jennifer Lawal!”

Chijindu’s eyes widened in shock as the officers handcuffed him and read him his rights.
“You can’t arrest me! Do you know who my father is?” Chijindu shouted at the police officers.

“Yes, we do,” one of the officers replied. “And that’s why we’re surprised you’re involved in this. You’re under arrest for assaulting Jennifer, your ex-girlfriend from university, she reopened the case after stalking her recently online, she is scared for her life!

Chijindu’s eyes widened in shock. “That’s a lie! My father will never let this stand!”

At the police station, Chijindu demanded to call his father. When Pastor Clifford answered, Chijindu said, “Dad, it’s me. I’ve been arrested. They’re saying I assaulted Jennifer.”

Pastor Clifford’s voice was calm and reassuring. “Don’t worry, son. I’ll take care of it. Just stay calm and don’t say anything. I’ll be there soon.”

Pastor Clifford dialed the police officer’s number, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“Officer, it’s Pastor Clifford. I wanted to thank you for taking care of that little problem we discussed earlier,” he said, his voice smooth as silk.

The officer’s voice was neutral. “Yes, Pastor. Everything went according to plan.”

“Good, good,” Pastor Clifford said. “I appreciate your efficiency. However, I need you to keep my son in custody for a few more days. I need some more time to…sort things out.”

The officer didn’t hesitate. “Of course, Pastor. Anything for you, sir. We’ll keep him here for as long as you need.”

Pastor Clifford smiled to himself. “Thank you, Officer. I knew I could count on you. You’ve always been a loyal and trusted friend to me and my ministry.”

The officer’s voice was obsequious. “It’s my pleasure, Pastor. We’ll take good care of your son. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Few hours later…..

Mrs. Clifford stormed into Pastor Clifford’s office, her face twisted in anger. “You’re behind Chijindu’s arrest, aren’t you?” she accused, her voice trembling.
Pastor Clifford looked up from his desk, a calm smile spreading across his face. “Ah, my dear, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mrs. Clifford’s eyes flashed. “Don’t lie to me! I know you’ve been trying to control Chijindu’s life for years. And now you’ve gone too far.”
Pastor Clifford shrugged. “I’m just trying to protect our family’s reputation. Chijindu’s actions were unacceptable.”
Mrs. Clifford’s voice rose. “You’re not even trying to help him! You’re just using this as an excuse to punish him.”
Pastor Clifford leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “I don’t care if Chijindu rots in that cell. He needs to learn to obey me.”
Mrs. Clifford’s face contorted in rage. “You’re a monster,” she spat. “I helped you build your campaign, I supported you every step of the way. And this is how you repay me?”
Pastor Clifford’s smile never wavered. “You’ll do what I say, just like always. And if you don’t, you’ll suffer the consequences.”

Few days later…….
At the police station.

Chijindu was brought out in handcuffs, his eyes sunken and his face gaunt. His once neat hair was now disheveled, and his clothes were wrinkled and stained. He looked like he hadn’t showered or slept in days. His eyes had dark circles underneath, and his skin was pale. He walked with a limp, and his movements were slow and labored. He looked like he had been through a lot of physical and emotional pain. His eyes flashed with anger and resentment as he saw his mother, but he also looked defeated and helpless

Mrs. Clifford looked at her son, her face etched with concern. “Oh, Chijindu! Are you okay?” she asked, her voice trembling.

The policeman brought out Chijindu, who looked beaten down. Mrs. Clifford’s eyes widened in shock. “What happened to you? You look so beaten down,” she exclaimed.

Chijindu’s face twisted in bitterness. “He sent me here. Dad wants me to suffer.”

Mrs. Clifford’s voice took on a pleading tone. “I came here to tell you that your father has agreed to bail you out, but only if you agree to marry Ada.”

Chijindu’s expression turned defiant. “I won’t do it, Mother. I won’t marry anyone except the woman I love!”

Mrs. Clifford’s face fell, her eyes welling up with tears. “I can’t do anything about it, Chijindu. Your father is stubborn.”

Chijindu’s voice rose, his words laced with accusation. “You have never protected me, Mother. You let Father control me and abuse me!”

Mrs. Clifford’s defenses went up, her voice taking on a defensive edge. “What do you want from me, Chijindu? You’re the one who abused your girlfriend and got into trouble!”

Chijindu’s face reddened, his anger boiling over. “That’s not the point! You never stood up for me! You let Father ruin my life!”

At Pastor Clifford’s House

Mrs. Clifford walked into the house, her heels clicking on the floor as she made her way to her husband’s office. She opened the door, a sense of relief washing over her face. “Chijindu has agreed to marry Ada,” she announced, her voice trembling with emotion.

Pastor Clifford looked up from his desk, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Finally,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “He’s coming around. He’ll make a grea minister one day.”

Mrs. Clifford’s face lit up with a forced smile, trying to match her husband’s enthusiasm. “Yes, dear. He’s making progress.”

But as she turned to look at him,her expression changed. Her eyes flashed with anger, her lips pursed in frustration. She felt trapped, unable to do anything but watch as her husband manipulated their son.

Pastor Clifford’s smile grew wider as he leaned back in his chair. “I’ll start making preparations and plans for the marriage. I need to talk to the guest family, finalize the details.”

Mrs. Clifford’s forced smile faltered, her eyes flashing with anger. She knew that once the preparations began, there would be no turning back. Chijindu would be trapped in a marriage he didn’t want, and she would be powerless to stop it.

“Yes, dear,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do what you think is best.”

Pastor Clifford nodded, already lost in thought.

Mrs. Clifford turned to leave, her heart heavy with sorrow. She knew that her son’s fate was sealed, and she couldn’t do anything to change it.