Patience is one of the important keys in marriage but what then happen when this begins to fade? No one can tell what the end of such marriage would be. Sometimes, marriage goes beyond the word "love", lots of strings must be pulled to make a marriage successful. Many marriage end in separation because they couldn't withstand the pressure. But if I may ask, why does love go sour? I've heard many sweet love stories turn into nightmare. No marriage or relationship should be built on lies. Any marriage built on lies already have a week foundation. Here is the second episode, next will be coming up on Sunday. Anticipate!!!
THE HIDDEN TRUTH
EPISODE 2
The wedding day finally arrived. The sun was shining, and everything looked beautiful. Simbi wore a white gown that made her look like a queen. Clifford looked handsome in his blue suit. Friends and family members came from far and near to witness the ceremony. The church service was peaceful, and the vows were exchanged with smiles and joy. Simbi was nervous inside, but she managed to hide it. Liliana stood by her side as her chief bridesmaid, smiling and doing her duties well. No one suspected the truth. Everything was moving just the way Simbi had planned it.
The reception was even more beautiful. The hall was decorated with flowers, lights, and lovely colours. People danced, ate, and laughed. Clifford’s friends praised Simbi for her beauty and humility. Her own family members, who already knew about Liliana, kept quiet. They did not mention anything about her being a mother. Simbi had begged them earlier, and they promised to protect her secret. Even her cousins, who were known to gossip, behaved well. Liliana played her role perfectly. She smiled, served drinks, and danced with the guests. Anyone who saw them together would think they were just close friends.
After the wedding, Simbi and Clifford packed their bags and travelled for their honeymoon. They chose a quiet beach resort outside the city. The environment was peaceful, and the hotel room was beautiful. Clifford treated Simbi like a queen, and she felt special. They went swimming, ate together, and walked hand in hand along the beach. Simbi tried to forget about the scar on her body. She knew there would come a time when Clifford would see it, but she hoped it would not raise any questions. She just wanted to enjoy her honeymoon and be happy.
That night, after dinner, they returned to their hotel room and began to kiss. The night was quiet, and the lights were dim. Clifford slowly removed his shirt, and Simbi followed. But when she took off her gown, Clifford saw the scar on her belly. It was an old caesarean section scar. He paused and looked at it closely. Simbi felt the tension in the air and quickly pulled the bedsheet over her body. Clifford said nothing. He continued what he was doing like he didn’t notice anything. They made love that night, but Simbi’s heart was not at peace.
After everything, Clifford turned to her and gently asked, “Simbi, what happened to your stomach? That scar, what is it from?” Simbi froze. She was expecting the question but didn’t know how to answer it truthfully. She smiled and said, “It was from a surgery I did many years ago. The doctors removed a lump from my womb.” Clifford looked at her for a few seconds and said, “Oh, I see. I hope you’re fully okay now?” Simbi nodded quickly and said, “Yes, it’s all in the past. I’m fine now.” Clifford smiled and kissed her forehead. “That’s all that matters,” he said.
Simbi could not sleep that night. She stared at the ceiling and held back tears. She had just lied again. She hated lying, but she felt like she had no choice. She remembered when she gave birth to Liliana nineteen years ago. It had been a tough time in her life. She was young, scared, and alone. The doctors had to carry out a caesarean section to save both her life and the baby’s. It was a painful experience, and the scar was the only mark left from that difficult period. Now, it had become a threat to her marriage.
The next morning, Clifford acted as if nothing had happened. He was cheerful and playful. He even brought her breakfast in bed. Simbi tried to relax and enjoy the rest of the honeymoon. They visited tourist centres, took pictures, and laughed a lot. Clifford bought her gifts and promised to make her happy always. Simbi smiled through it all, but deep inside, she kept wondering what would happen if the truth ever came out. Would Clifford forgive her? Would he understand? Or would he feel betrayed and leave like the others? She had no answer, so she stayed quiet.
After five days, their honeymoon ended, and they returned home. Friends and neighbours welcomed them with joy. Liliana was also home when they arrived. She hugged her mother and smiled at Clifford. “Welcome, sir,” she said with respect. Clifford smiled back and said, “Thank you, Liliana. I hope you’ve been fine?” She nodded and helped them carry their bags inside. Simbi watched her daughter carefully. She could tell that Liliana still felt uneasy about the lie. Later that night, Liliana asked her, “Mum, did he ask about the scar?” Simbi nodded and said, “Yes, but I lied again.”
Liliana sighed and sat beside her mother. “How long do you plan to keep lying?” she asked. Simbi held her hand and replied, “Until I am strong enough to tell the truth. I just need more time.” Liliana wanted to argue, but she stayed silent. She knew her mother was scared of losing happiness again. Clifford was a good man, but no one could say for sure how he would react to the truth. For now, they had to keep pretending. Simbi only hoped the secret would not destroy everything she had worked hard to build with Clifford.
Days passed, and Simbi continued living as a new bride. She cooked, cleaned, and played her role as a wife. Clifford never mentioned the scar again, and that gave her some peace. But at night, when everyone was asleep, Simbi would sit in the living room and think. She knew the truth could not be hidden forever. One day, something could happen, and everything would be exposed. She prayed every night, asking for strength and guidance. She wanted to be honest, but she was also afraid. For now, all she could do was wait and hope for the best.
To be continued.
Thanks for your time, and your comments will be appreciated.