Chapter 24

Cushane's pov

"Hey baby, why did you tell the wedding planner to hold off a bit?" I call and ask Lamais.

"We'll decide about everything together after service on Sunday," she reply curtly.

"Okay, so why is she still calling me? Okay I'll let her know" I said feeling relieved at her response.

The call ends and I get back to work, she had rejected my visit twice so I better just chill and wait until we can spend sometime together on Sunday. I was not looking forward to church service if Nicole is going to be there again, can't she find someone else to cool her desires for her? I ask in my mind then took a deep breath and continue to do my work.

I was in an undecided state on attending church service this Sunday morning, I am afraid of lying to Lamais and I think of every possible excuse to skip service and just meet with her afterwards. After deciding that it would look weird I drive slowly there hoping the demon went to her church today. I park on the curb over by Lamais's yard gate and spent a good fifteen minutes looking inside my car bonnet, church was well underway and I didn't see Nicole come, hopefully she isn't inside.

I walk briskly into the church yard greeting Shanty with a nod by the door and going inside, I groan inwardly seeing Nicole and made a bee line to the opposite side. I was sorry the church hadn't more people and I wanted to curse and cry at the same time. I and Lamais's wedding will be announced this week, why does Nicole leave her church to come here?

Lamais was looking down at me as everyone stands for the reading of the scripture, I drop my gaze glad for the excuse of looking for the scripture in my bible. I could feel someone looking at me and I look over to see Nicole staring at me, I glance away quickly with a nasty hiss of my teeth. I could not focus on what was being preach by the visiting Pastor and it made me feel bad, I am going to tell her not to come back here I think angrily seething with rage, I took up my bible to leave quickly through the door as the service ended but Shanty directs me into Lamais's office.

I was nervous the whole time and hope Nicole leaves before I came out, because it was unusual for Shanty to direct me here. Lamais came in and directed her gaze at me, I look away and-

"Look at me!" She says and my gaze immediately flew back to hers at the tone of her voice.

I looked away again quickly realizing she was reading me, her hand came flying with a hard slap across my cheek. I knew instantly that it was because of Nicole as I saw the pain in her eyes, I touch my cheek as she stood over me looking at me with a deep anger and hurt.

"I can explain," I tell her softly hearing voices outside the door.

The door was knocked and she walk over to open it, my face stung and I hiss and stood up on seeing Nicole entering. I look at her with open hatred as Bro. Kirkland and Sis. Roper enters the office, she had no idea what she has done to me and more so Lamais. I glance at Lamais's left hand and didn't see the engagement ring, I wanted to shout all kinds of insult a-

"Bro. Callaghan, you have been made aware of the rules of the church regarding principle discipline and conduct, our sister in Christ, Nicole here has claim to be pregnant with child for you and it has been brought to the church's attention. In light of what she has told our Bishop we as the head of the church would like to hear what you have to say in order to proceed in giving proper advice and taking action," I allowed what Bro. Kirkland tells me to digest before speaking.

"This woman is a demon sent from hell-" I started to say.

"Brother please, do not speak out of anger this woman is carrying your child," Sis. Roper said cutting off my angry words.

I laughed painfully and said to Nicole. "You had known exactly what you were going to do. I am going to press charges against you for rape, you should have think about the consequences of hurting other people when you barged into my office and force yourself upon me. I'll never own that child you opportunist!"

I stood and pushed Shanty out of the doorway and walked out, I got into my car and drove to the beach. "Oh God," I moan and lie down in my Armani suit on the sand.

Lamais's pov

I think about every reason to not leave Cushane but I had to, it was not just a fling the woman was carrying his child and desires to attend my church. I could not just turn her away, he is just as guilty as her. I cried day and night, I can't hate Nicole for falling for him. He is handsome, charming and had the full package, I felt physical pain each time I remember us being together. I have had sexual intercourse with him to ease his urge and he had still gone and have sex with another woman, how had he even have the nerve to come and stand before me?

In the days that follows I could hardly cope, my crying ease somewhat and I manage to eat as long as Shanty's children were present. I force my hurt aside and made myself happy for Shanty's and Msrah's blossoming love, I host dinner dates for them and did babysitting when they went out. I found happiness in their happiness. It was hard to not see Cushane in church and a sad Nicole, he had only sent one text to me and I deleted it after the third night I find myself crying and looking at it- but it was still imprinted on mind no matter how hard I try to cast it off.

Lamais I'm sorry to hurt you, I truly did not mean to. It was only a moment of weakness and I regret it more than anything. I love you from the depths of my heart and I will forever.💖💕💞
Please forgive me

Deep down in my heart I know he loves me and I'll forgive him so that I can continue doing the Lord's work, but that's it for me where men is concern. My grandma had remained celibate for twelve years after my grandfather died and she had dedicated the rest of her life to God. Many nights we talk about my school work, the importance of my gift and serving the creator.

Pastor Shanique Lester of our sister church came to visit unannounced one evening, it was then I remember that Nicole used to attend her church and hoped she didn't come out of thinking I stole her member.

"Peace be unto this household, happiness be unto this household, restore the joy that is taken mighty God!" She shouted coming in.

I was about to look at Shanty questioningly but was immediately taken over by the holy sport. "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" I shouted seven times and then spoke in tongues as the spirit gave utterance.

Afterwards it feels like I had  use up a ball of energy after my spirit was calmed, I did not fully understand but could not question it at the moment as Pastor Lester begins to speak.

"Bishop Heavens, my dear sister I hear something from a member of my church and I decide to just come over to see you, I hope the timing is quite alright?" Pastor Lester said and ask.

"The timing is just right my sister, can I offer you anything?" I tell her then ask calmly.

"A glass of beverage if you have any in your fridge will be all my sister," she says and Shanty nods to me and went off quickly inside the house.

"Sister I heard that you were engaged to a certain member of your church is that so?" She said and ask.

"It is," I answer feeling a little uncomfortable about disclosing my personal business.

She puts her hand in the air and say. "Mighty God of Daniel take charge."

Then to me she said. "There is a member from my church that is now attending your church, her name is Nicole Evans. She had brought the brother who I am told is your betrothed to visit my church some time ago, he had visited maybe twice. You see Nicole had been sleeping with a brother and it had caused a terrible fiction and scandal in the church, so I had admonished her and told her that if she did not get her act together that I will stop her from attending church. Only to hear now that she is pregnant for the man who turns out to be your expected spouse."

"Here you go pastor," Shanty says and place the glass of juice on the small table beside pastor Lester.

"Thank you my humble sister," she thanked Shanty and Shanty whispers.

"You're welcome," and went back inside the house.

"Sis. Nicole is trouble. Someone tells me that the man is no longer here and she has been visiting his apartment and not able to find him, I come to warn you just in case you haven't drawn it up. Be careful and do not let anyone bring shame and scandal upon you and your church. Thus saith the Lord," she finished.

"Amen, I've heard you and will be cautious my sister. Thank you," I said then tell her.

She stood and said. "Thank you for having me, I'll be taking my leave now."

I walk her to the gate and bid her safe traveling before she drives off in her beautiful silver BMW. Me and Shanty spoke about what pastor Lester says until it was dusk, I give her her pay and wish her a pleasant weekend.

To be continued...