Nearest Love- the Only Crime Is Love...

by Eu Aristos

  NEAREST LOVE

  The Only Crime is Love

  Eu Aristos

  Aristos Publications

  Copyright © 2020 Eu Aristos

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN- 9798654436979

  Cover design by: Art Painter

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

  Printed in the United States of America

  This work is dedicated to all those who strive for the enthrone ment of good over evil. And to my family members who are my forever Nearest Loves.

  “You have to know who to keep near you and those you should be far away from.”

  Israelmore Ayivor

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Epigraph

  Foreword

  Preface

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Epilogue

  About The Author

  Books By This Author

  Foreword

  Nearest Love tells the story of that young woman who gets entangled in a crazy and overwhelming situation where she's directly on the recieving end of any shorts fired both from the antagonist and the protagonists

  But that is not just what I see in this story. I see a reflection and representation of the complexity of human relationships. You know someone who knows another person and who when you wrong, affects another person. Its just crazy.

  Everyone should read this story to understad that complexity in human relationships. Should we say theres a play of fate in this story? Well yes. Nk's meeting of Mama and Frankie through Kunle reflects that a lot.

  We have to commend the author for a good job. His ability to take us on a ride is indeed mavellous. His combination of a love struggle and a struggle for supremacy is highly admirable.

  All in all, this is a great book!

  Preface

  The writing of Nearest Love was a uniqe experience. It came to me at a time when I felt alone and needed a dose of self-motivation. It is my first attempt at writing extensively and i don't think it came out badly.

  Nk was a random name that is a short for "Nkemjika" an Igbo name which means "what I have is greater".

  Observe the use of pigin English in some section of the story as well as my attempt to reflect sound and actions in words. They are intentional and should not be seen as mistakes. For those who do not undestand pigin English, I sincerly apologize.

  Happy Reading!

  Prologue

  One Year Ago

  Just as she set down her bag, her phone beeped and it was an email from her office. She sat down gently to check what the email was all about. Opening the mail, she see that it was a promotion letter to the position of Vice President in the company. She was so happy that she shouted out in joy. She quickly picked up her phone to call her Vicky her bestfriend when a call came in. It was her mum calling.

  She was silent after she picked the call. Their convesation was brief as her mom called to remind her of her obligation to rerun hom during the christmas. She had dreaded that call because she didnt want to face the family again as the only unmarried daughter. After the call, she didn't talk to her friend anymore.

  That year during the holidays, she insulted the husband of one of her sisters and made caricature of the husband of the other after she felt saturated with the entire house asking about when she would bring a man home. So she went into a heated argument with the entire household. She vowed not to go back home again. At least, not until she gets herself a man.

  Chapter 1

  She just didn't understand why she had to shut him down each day he tried to compliment her looks. But that's the whole aim for looking good right? To get compliments...

  ∞∞∞

  Nkemjika was not the best of beauties, but she was just there. She could comfortable laugh when the ‘yarber yarb’ the ugly, and blush-smile when the beautiful are acknowledged. She was also intellectually beautiful. This gained her a VP position in her work place. Aside the monetary benefits, that position entitled her to a driver and some high level of respect. She was indeed attractive to say the least, but she still could not understand why she was single. This and many thoughts crossed her mind that faithful morning.

  "Kai... Madam you are beautiful today oo." Kunle interrupted her thoughts. Kunle was her official driver.

  "Are you trying to say I am not beautiful on other days??" She said unapprovingly.

  "No maa... Just...”

  "Concentrate on your driving Kunle...” She interjected rather meanly.

  "OK ma."

  Aside being her driver, Kunle was a good guy who enjoyed what he did. Driving was his passion and so he was always dedicated to his duties. She liked that about him. He was also smart and could keep her going with sound conversation. He was neat and with an adorable...

  "Shit... I can't possibly be thinking this." She murmured to herself.

  She just didn't understand why she had to shut him down each day he tried to compliment her looks. But that's the whole aim for looking good right? To get compliments... Very few guys did that these days. Not even those wannabes in that office. She imagined.

  "Ma, would you like to stop for a coffee today?" Kunle interrupted her thoughts again.

  "No...Please... We are..."

  "You promised the young boy Frankie at the door, that you'll come see him today.”

  "Oh… So bad…I can't. I'm late." Their eyes met at the rear mirror she spoke. She quickly looked away. Oh such beautiful eyes...he's got...

  "Kunle is not in my class. He's my driver...Kunle is not in my class...He's my driver...Kunle is not in my class. He's my driver..." She repeated to herself without responding to him. She did that since her secondary school days, anytime she wanted to convince herself or try forgetting something. But today, it was failing her.

  “Madam…”

  "Yes Kunle, let's stop at the coffee shop Kunle." She said.

  "OK ma. He said smiling. I don’t know you as someone who would relent in your words" From his voice she felt his excitement at having his way. Maybe it’s because he likes kids... She thought. But she kind of felt naturally obliged to obey him. She smiled weirdly but it was a brief one as she came back to her senses.

  "Oh no... What's happening to me....? She thought. She was determined to win over her head.

  "Kunle just drive to the office. It’s almost 7:30 and I have to finalize my reports before the team arrives..." That was a lie.

/>   "Aahhh...but ma..."

  "No 'buts' Kunle."

  "OK ma." He said. Again, their eyes met on the rear mirror. She looked away shyly. It’s been ages since she last felt shy. Why does she feel that way today? As she alighted, she didn't bother saying her usual "thank You" to Kunle. She opened the car door herself and walked towards the office. Kunle looked back to see she had forgotten one of her phones and so picked it up and ran after her.

  "Excuse me ma..."

  "What?!" she said, turning abruptly.

  "You forget your phone." She just took the phone from him and walked away. Kunle was always transfixed at her meanness. It was normal for him and so didn't affect his attitude to work. So gently, he turned to leave.

  "Kunle..." She called him and he turned. "Thank You"

  Kunle smiled.

  ∞∞∞

  At the office, she bumped into Kunle 7 times. Once, she stood behind the door listening to what she thought was a flirty conversation between Kunle and her PA.

  "What brought him to this place now?" She asked herself. "Mtcheew...." She hissed jealously.

  Innocent Kunle was having fun. He was a lively guy with a life that seemed without worries but hidden beneath it, was the pain of losing his wife and kids. She had to go answer a call from her superior and she met him again at the corridor.

  "Good day ma." He greeted as she approached from a distance. His smile was second to none.

  "Kunle...Don't you have something like an office or you just like walking about?" She asked as she passed him.

  "Ah. Ma... I don’t like the office thing. It’s boring so I just go out and come in for fresh air." They were standing still now.

  "Uhmmm" She eyed him waving her head.

  "Anything I fit do for you ma?" Kunle asked as she was about to leave.

  "No. Stick to your duties." She blurted out. "And please stay in your office."

  "OK ma." Kunle said with a bow

  At 6pm she figured it was time to go home. She knew it was another moment to face Kunle in the car. She was beginning to find it tedious considering the new 'obsession' since he started driving her 6 weeks ago. When she was down, Kunle had already positioned the car and sighting her, rushed to open the door.

  In the board meeting that afternoon, Nk had requested that her driver be replaced. When asked why, she just said she wasn't comfortable with him.

  "But finding a good driver could take 2 weeks including the processes and all that." The clerk said.

  "Just get it done." She ordered.

  "Good evening ma." Kunle greeted.

  "Uhm" She murmured her response avoiding Kunle's eyes as much as possible. Once in the car, Kunle didn’t waste any time to ask for her plans.

  "You want to go anywhere first?"

  "No... Just take me home."

  "OK."

  5 minutes into the drive Kunle turned on the radio and searched for a particular station. Once he got it, he let it be.

  "Kunle my head is filled up. Turn off the radio."

  "Ma... I just need to get traffic info so that we will know how to get home fast..."

  "...the Avenue leading to Diamond estate is bedeviled by heavy traffic. We advise motorists to use the new king’s road axis which was just constructed.... Thanks to the government....................." The voice from the radio said.

  He turned off the radio and turned right following the instruction on the radio. She observed him all through wondering what was on his mind, how he got home each day and where he even stays. She waved her head to free it from such thoughts.

  From the rear mirror, Kunle noticed the wave.

  "Are you OK ma?" Kunle asked

  "I'm fine" she replied almost sharply. Looking outside, she noticed that was the route that usually takes them to the coffee shop.

  "Make a quick stop at the coffee shop." She demanded.

  "OK ma." She was not in the mood for a coffee but she needed to fulfill her promise to the little boy at the shop. So getting to the cake shop as Kunle drove in, she noticed the change in weather. She went to the little boy who was already smiling as she approached. He was the son of the woman who sold fruits salad just in front of the coffee shop.

  "Aunty good evening..." He greeted in a babyish manner.

  "Hello Little Frank" NK stretched her hands and touched his head.

  "I'm not little Frank..." He said meanly.

  "Oh sorry.... What are you...?" Silently, he picked his fingers with his fingers.

  "He says he’s Frank the great." Kunle spoke up. She turned to see Kunle with hands akimbo watching her. ‘Was that admiration he saw in his eyes? Oh... No, no, no, concentrate.’ She told herself.

  "Ah madam, you come?" Mama spoke up.

  "Yes ma, good evening." She greeted, genuflecting mildly.

  "I greet you my daughter." Mama responded.

  Nk’s phone rang. "Sorry mama let me take this call." She said as stepped outside.

  "OK..."

  "Mama Weldon oo" Kunle greeted with a warm smile he went on to give her a hug.

  "Kunle Kunle... How work na..?" she returned the smiles.

  "Ma we thank God oo..." he raised and spread his hands.

  "How's she treating you?" Mama gestured with her jaw towards Nk.

  "She's a good boss. Aswer..." He was smiling and staring occasionally at her as she made her call.

  "Uhmmm… ok oo. But I tire for you oo. Wonder why you decide to work for her even when you know sey...” She stopped short after sighting NK was close.

  "Mama forget oo, we want to live... You know sey...” Kunle continued. But mama gave him an eye sign and he looked back. Sighting her too he kept quiet. Nk noticed their attempt at discretion but pretended not to care.

  "Mama how much is that banana." She ask

  "My daughter na just 500 naira" Mama said with a broad smile.

  "OK ma. I'll take it. I just noticed I haven't had any fruits in a while...”

  "OK my daughter e good." Turning around mama ordered Frankie “Oya bring leather make we package am." Frank the great went inside to do as he was told.

  Mild lightening indicated an impending rainfall. So Nk looked at her wristwatch. It was almost 6:30. How did she get here in the first place...? She wondered and unconsciously touched the back of her head. She got acquainted with mama and the little boy because Kunle was fond of playing games with him anytime he was waiting for her. Surprisingly she has never tasted mama's fruit salad, even though she had once paid for one. Kunle was fond of making her get close to people even when she didn't feel like.

  "What's wrong with that guy?" She asked herself.

  From his side, Kunle and mama stole glances at her as she waited patiently. She seemed lost in thought. Soon the first droplets of rain visited earth. He could see she moved into the shade. He smiled. "After all, I didn’t send you to put on sleeveless to work” Kunle laughed in his heart.

  "Madam... you can go to the car now, I’ll collect your parcel and make sure it gets to you." Kunle suggested.

  "No don't worry. You can go get the car started. I'll join you shortly."

  "OK ma." He bowed and went to get the car.

  "Aunty see the banana." Frankie said while handing her the leather containing the banana she ordered.

  "Oh. Thank you." Nk smiled. She opened her purse and handed him a 1k note. "Keep the change. You'll tell me what you used it for when I come again. So make sure you use it wisely." She said smiling.

  "Hahaha… No wahala, thank you." Mama thanked her. "Frank you no go say thank you to aunty?" Mama asked him. But shy Frankie didn't say a word. He just stood smiling and shaking his body left to right. He was 8.

  "No problem mama... Good night ma." Nk said as she touched Frankie's head and turned to leave. It began to rain heavily.

  "Ah, my daughter, please wait. For this your heels you no go fit run enter motor. Make I bring umbrella." Mama said having observed that the distance between the car and the shop was much.

  "Ah ah..
.mama this is nothing." Nk tried to fend her offer off.

  "No my daughter, Frankie Oya go bring that umbrella wey dey inside." She ordered Frankie who ran in to find the Umbrella. Nk stood at a side waiting. Mama left her counter section and came over and stood at her side.

  "Ehee, my daughter, I wan thank you for watin you do for Kunle life." Mama sounded grateful.

  "Ah mama, I didn't do anything oo. He's just my....... driver." Nk smiled then blushed.

  From where he was, Kunle knew that the rain was an issue considering that the umbrella was left in the other car. From inside the car, he also noticed that mama was talking to NK.

  "Ah... No talk like that. A nova see am happy like this for long…” Mama said motioning with her right hand straightened as NK smiled. "…especially since the accident" Mama concluded.

  "What accident???" NK’s eyes brightened. “I thought he said he has never been involved in an accident in his CV?" She continued.

  "No no no, not him…" Nk looked confused. "…his family, his wife and two kids."

  "Oh..." Nk said with her mouth ajar. She covered her mouth with her right hand and turned looking towards the car.

  "Mama a no see the umbrella oo" Frank distracted them.

  "My friend, check behind those cardboards on top, besides... no let me meet you there. No bi you use the thing last?!"

  Kunle was wondering what he could do about the rain. He decided to drive the car closer and stepping out, to use his coat as cover for her. "I hope she will not be angry sha..." He wondered.

  "Ma, let me use this to cover you, so that rain will not beat you as you enter the car." He said as he carried out his plans. She hesitated a bit, but then obliged.