THE GENERAL’S WIFE
Episode 4
Kola was home.
Teni should have been happy. She should have felt safe in his arms. But as she watched her husband move around the house, unpacking his things and adjusting to civilian life again, all she felt was fear.
Fear that he would find out.
Fear that everything would come crashing down.
She moved carefully around him, making sure to avoid his sharp eyes. Kola was a trained soldier; he noticed even the smallest details. One wrong move, one slip, and he would sense something was off.
That night, as they lay in bed together for the first time in months, Kola turned to her.
“Teni,” he murmured, pulling her close. “I missed you so much.”
Teni swallowed hard. His strong arms wrapped around her, his warm breath tickling her neck. This was the moment she had been dreading.
She placed a hand on his chest, forcing a smile. “I missed you too.”
Kola kissed her forehead, then her cheek. His hands roamed over her body, and Teni felt her stomach twist.
She couldn’t let this happen.
Not now.
Not when she was carrying another man’s child.
She pulled away slightly. “Kola, I… I’m not feeling well.”
Kola frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Teni turned her face away. “I’ve been feeling weak lately. Maybe it’s stress.”
Kola studied her, his sharp eyes scanning her face. “You look pale,” he admitted. “Have you seen a doctor?”
Teni nodded quickly. “Yes. They said it’s nothing serious. Just fatigue.”
Kola sighed and kissed her forehead. “Alright, my love. Rest. Your health is more important.”
Teni exhaled in relief as Kola turned off the light. But even as he fell asleep beside her, she knew she was running out of time.
How long could she keep this secret?
The next morning, Kola sat at the dining table, sipping his tea while watching Teni move around the kitchen.
Something was different about her.
She was thinner in some places but fuller in others. And there was a glow on her skin—one he had only ever seen on pregnant women.
A strange feeling stirred in his chest.
Could it be?
No. That wasn’t possible. They had been trying for years, and nothing had happened. How could she suddenly be pregnant?
Still, the thought refused to leave his mind.
“Teni,” he called.
She turned around, holding a tray of food. “Yes?”
Kola smiled. “I was thinking… maybe we should go for a check-up together. You know, just to be sure you’re alright.”
Teni’s hands tightened around the tray. “A check-up? Why?”
Kola shrugged. “I just want to be sure you’re healthy. And maybe…” He hesitated. “Maybe we can check if there’s good news.”
Teni’s heart pounded in her chest. “There’s nothing to check, Kola. It’s just stress. I’ll be fine.”
Kola’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing.
Teni quickly changed the topic, distracting him with talk of his mission. But deep inside, she knew Kola’s instincts had been triggered.
And once Kola started suspecting something, he never stopped until he found the truth.
Days passed, and Teni tried to act normal. But one evening, as she was clearing the dishes, Kola suddenly asked:
“When was the last time you had your period?”
Teni froze. The plate in her hand nearly slipped from her fingers.
“What?” she asked, her voice shaking.
Kola leaned back in his chair, studying her. “I just realized… I don’t remember you mentioning it in a while.”
Teni forced a laugh. “Kola, why are you suddenly interested in that?”
Kola smirked. “Because I’m your husband. And I know you.” His smile faded. “Tell me the truth, Teni. Are you pregnant?”
Teni’s breath caught in her throat. This was it.
The moment she had feared.
She turned away, pretending to wipe the table. “No, I’m not pregnant.”
Kola was silent for a long moment. Then he stood up, walked over to her, and gently turned her around to face him.
“Teni,” he said softly. “Look into my eyes and tell me the truth.”
Teni’s heart raced as she stared into his dark, piercing eyes.
For a moment, she thought of confessing everything.
But then she remembered Richard. She remembered the shame, the guilt, the fear of losing everything.
So she did the only thing she could.
She lied.
“I’m not pregnant, Kola,” she whispered.
Kola searched her face, his jaw tightening. Finally, he nodded. “Alright.”
But the way he said it made Teni’s stomach drop.
He didn’t believe her.
And she knew it was only a matter of time before he found out the truth.
And when he did…
The unexpected would happen.
TO BE CONTINUED…