The Billionaire's Secret Love Child(230)

“Hello there, cousin. How have you been?” He gave her a hug and kissed Tasia’s cheeks as a token of his appreciation to see her after years of without.

“I’ve been well. What about you?” She asked, although she already knew the answer.

“Can’t you see?” He spanned his arms, showing off his expensive attire.

“Yeah, I see….” She agreed as her head bowed repeatedly.

They sat together, letting the heat of the moment calm down. After a couple of minutes, he noticed she became quiet.

“Tasia, you’re ok?”

“Ha? Ah, yeah… I’m ok, Nigel. I’m just thinking of Mama.”

“By the way, how’s Aunt Tonya?”

“Yeah… she’s fine.” Tasia’s voice hinted resignation, which he quickly read. She could not lie to him. They grew up together, and he knew exactly that she had something in mind. Or otherwise, she would not have called him to meet up.

He was aware this was not just a casual meeting. She needed something.

“Tasia.” Nigel’s voice was stern.

“Yeah?” She lazily replied.

“Tell me the truth. Is everything fine with you and Aunt Tonya?”

“Ha?” She was shocked. Did he know already?

“Don’t lie to me. I knew something was up. What is it? Is it money?”

“Ummm… Actually, you’re right. It’s money. I don’t know if you already know but –“ She paused, thinking whether she should tell the truth or not.

“But?” Nigel extended his neck, waiting for her to continue.

“Mama is going to jail, and we’ll be evicted soon.” Tasia looked away, trying to restrain the tears welling up in her eyes.

“What?” He asked in disbelief. He’d never imagined them being destitute. As a young lad, he remembered her father giving him money just to attend school. His death was hard for him to accept, but ascertaining his beloved aunt would be imprisoned was even harder to take in.

“What happened?” He continued.

“Don’t ask!” Tasia said rudely, turning her back on him.

“Look, I don’t mean to offend you in any way, but I need to know how I could help you.”

“I need money. And I-I don't know where to get it. I don’t earn as much as you probably do, and all my wages go towards the bills. Oooh…. I don’t know what to do.” She cried silently, not wanting to attract anyone’s attention.

Nigel felt guilty. While he was earning tons of money by illegal trading on the Black Market, his cousin was problematic about her mother’s debts.

“Look. I know of something that could help you pay off your mom’s debts.”

Tasia’s countenance brightened. A glimpse of hope lightened her heavy laden.

“Really? Oh, thank goodness. What is it?”

“Before that, I just wanna ask you something.”

“Yeah, sure. Tell me.”

“Whatever you heard in this place, stays in this place alone, ok?”

Suspicion dimmed her mind.

“Ok?”

“Ummm… Not sure. Tell me first.”

“No. Deal or No Deal? Choose one.”

Sighing, she could not say anything but to agree.

“Deal.”

“Alright. Here it goes.” Then he paused and looked at her in the eyes.

Please, just say it. She thought.

“I work as a trader in the Black Market.” He began.

“What?” His words drummed against her ears. She couldn’t believe it.

“Remember what you said.” He reminded her, making sure her tongue wouldn’t slip off and put him in tremendous trouble.

“Right. Continue.” Tasia inhaled deeply.

“That’s why I get a lot of money to buy these.” He pointed at his jewelry.

“So… if you want to earn a lot of money in an instant, I would introduce you to my boss. He’s black too like us, so I think you’d be fine. Just make sure you dress properly. No skirt. No tight-fitting blouses. And most of all, no stripping naked.” He laughed.

“Hey…. I ain’t a whore.” She laughed as well, sharing her cousin’s humorous jokes.

“So, what do you think?” He whispered, making sure no one was listening.

“Ummm… Let me think.”

“You can’t prolong this opportunity. There’s many out there who’re waiting to get in. So what? Yes, or no?”

“Oh, man… I don’t know….”

Fist clenching her arms, Nigel wanted an instant answer. “Tasia. Look, you’re doing this for your mother. Think of her first.”

Drawing a deep breath from within, Tasia finally said, “Yes.”

Although against her will, she had no choice. Family first before herself.

Sorry, Papa. I’m not doing this for myself, but for Mama. She’s going to jail, and you don’t want that, right?

Her eyes fixed on the cloudy sky.





Chapter Three

Ivories from Africa lay on the floor, perfectly aligned, allowing the traders to choose the best ones with the best prices. Guns. Armalites. Bombs. All sorts of stuff were laid out for everyone to choose from.