Chapter One: The Fold
At nineteen, Betel Johnson was known as a quiet, committed media personnel in Prophet Victor's church—a place ruled with an iron rod wrapped in scripture. Prophet Victor, known as Vicko, was both feared and respected, a man whose sermons stirred hearts and whose rules carved deep boundaries. Betel had found a home there, and more importantly, a best friend—Jenny.
Jenny, a vibrant and stylish chorister, was also nineteen. The girls were inseparable, meeting before every service, preparing together like sisters bonded by more than blood. Life felt safe in the walls of the church—structured, predictable, until Leonard arrived.
Leonard was charming, in his late twenties, and a member of the financial department. He quickly became a friend to both girls, joining them in long conversations after services. He was respectful, charismatic, and often carried an air of responsibility that drew trust easily.
Chapter Two: The Outing
One sunny afternoon, Betel and Jenny playfully convinced Leonard to take them out shopping. A date was set. As always, Betel traveled from her distant home to Jenny's, where Jenny helped with her makeup—her talent for beauty far ahead of Betel's own.
As they waited, Leonard called: "I'm bringing my best friend along." Hours passed. Sunset painted the sky with disappointment. The girls grew anxious, especially Betel, who lived with her strict aunty. Finally, Jenny suggested they go shopping on their own with the little money they had. Betel agreed.
At the mall, a stranger named Nicolas paid for their shopping after a brief friendly chat. Just then, Leonard called—full of apologies and excuses. He and his friend had arrived at the original meeting spot. Jenny gave directions, and soon the men picked them up, heading straight to a nearby restaurant.
There, Leonard introduced his friend Thompson, a well-dressed building engineer. "He's single and needs a partner," Leonard said, clearly directing the message toward Betel. Conversation flowed. So did drinks and laughter. But Betel wasn't easily impressed. Later that night, they dropped Jenny off first, then Betel.
Chapter Three: The Deception
Thompson seemed interested. He called often, even proposed a relationship. Betel, unsure, lied—claiming she had a boyfriend. But the thought lingered, especially after Jenny whispered, "Even if you don't like him, get the money bag first, then leave him."
Confused, Betel turned to her aunty, who surprised her with gentle advice: "You don't know who God will use. Give it a try." Weeks later, Betel called Thompson and agreed to meet again. Thompson brought along his so-called uncle, Thomas, and they met at a hotel lounge. Drinks. Food. Time slipped. It grew late.
Betel, uncomfortable, insisted on going home. Thompson persuaded her to call her aunty. With permission granted, they decided to stay the night.
That night, Thompson violated her trust. Despite her resistance, he forced himself on her. Betel cried in the bathroom, broken and silent.
Chapter Four: The Turning Point
Months later, Thompson reappeared. He invited her to a hotel room set like a private living room. There, he offered her a phone and a secret. "I have a child from a woman I lived with. The marriage failed. I'm not with her anymore. Will you still accept me?"
He apologized for the past. Betel, longing for peace, accepted. He gave her the phone. A smile broke through her weary face.
Fast forward to October. Her birthday.
Thompson pampered her—salon, spa, fashion mall. Jenny helped carry cakes and snacks. The party was loud, big, and memorable. After the celebration, they went to a club. More drinks. More noise. And then—a surprise proposal. Thompson slipped a ring on her finger. Cameras flashed. Jenny posted the video online.
Chapter Five: The Unveiling
Sunday came. Church resumed.
After service, Prophet Vicko summoned them. He held up the video—club, ring, proposal. His face grave. Jenny was suspended. Betel stood silently.
Then came the bombshell.
"Thompson is married. He has four children and still lives with his wife. Leonard told me everything."
Betel's world collapsed.
Vicko ordered her to pack her media files and stay off duty until she ended the relationship. Dismissed and disgraced, she left the office with her heart pounding.
Rage brewed. Confusion burned. She messaged Leonard. She called Thompson. She told her aunty everything.
The s
torm was far from over...
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[To Be Continued...]