Chapter 18: Visiting Our Sister 1

    The King froze mid thought, his eyes widening in concern. He immediately turned to his wife, panic lacing his voice. "Ebere''s in the hospital? Why didn''t anyone tell me? What happened to her?"

    Caught off guard, Queen Chioma shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hands clasping the edges of her gown. "Ebere isn''t in the hospital... He''s talking about Nnenna."

    A flicker of guilt flashed across King Ikechukwu''s face, a momentary lapse that didn''t escape Somto''s sharp gaze. However, the first prince chose to remain silent, letting the middle aged man process the revelation.

    "Nnenna''s in the hospital?" King Ikechukwu''s voice was noticeably weaker now, the words weighed down with something unsaid.

    "Yes, Dad," Somto confirmed, his tone steady but unyielding. "She was in a coma for four months. From what I''ve heard, she just woke up a few days ago."

    The weight of guilt grew heavier on the King''s shoulders as his thoughts drifted. Memories of a woman long gone but never forgotten surfaced unbidden, Nnenna had always reminded him of her.

    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice laced with a resolve that hadn''t been there moments ago. "Alright, we should visit her... the whole family. She''s one of us, after all."

    He trailed off, lost in thought for a moment, before adding, "This evening. Yes, this evening will be good."

    Somto gave a slight nod and excused himself. His purpose in bringing up Nnenna was clear, to encourage the family to show her the love and care they had long denied. After all, who wouldn''t want a visit from their family?

    But what he didn''t know was that the last thing Nnenna wanted was a visit from her so called "family." In her past life, it might have been her greatest wish, but after everything she had endured, the idea now felt like a cruel joke.

    Deciding to use his time wisely, Somto made his way to check in on his siblings. It was something he made a habit of whenever he returned home, despite their differing paths in life.

    Somto raised an eyebrow. "And how''s that going?"

    "Oh, it''s... going well. Very well, in fact!" Obinna answered quickly, but his tone betrayed a lack of confidence. "Lots of ideas in my head."

    Somto nodded slowly, not calling him out on the obvious uncertainty in his voice. "Good to hear," he said simply, before adding, "I actually came to tell you that we''re going to visit Nnenna this evening."

    Obinna froze for a moment, his pen halting mid scribble.

    "What?" Obinna stared at Somto, disbelief written all over his face. "You actually want me to make time to visit that girl? No way! I don''t have time for that, and honestly, I don''t think you should go either."

    The memory of his last visit to Nnenna suddenly replayed in his mind. It was a day he would rather forget. Somehow, he had ended up doing something he still couldn''t believe, he had apologized to her. Yes, apologized!

    And for what? He wasn''t guilty of anything. At least, that''s what he kept telling himself. The moment he returned home that day, he had sworn never to go back.

    To him, Nnenna must have done something, manipulated him somehow, to make him feel that way, to twist his emotions until he felt guilty for nothing.

    Somto''s expression darkened, his calm demeanor turning ice cold. "I wasn''t asking for your opinion," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I already told Father. All of us are going this evening. Whether you like it or not. So, make sure you prepare."

    "I don''t want to go! You can''t force me!" Obinna''s voice rose, his frustration boiling over as he glared at his brother. He had momentarily forgotten who he was talking to.

    Somto wasn''t always around, and over time, the fear and respect Obinna once held for him had started to fade. Somto''s long absences had given him the false confidence to push back.

    Somto''s sharp eyes narrowed as he silently observed his second brother. He stood there, calm yet intimidating, his presence suffocating. "Are you questioning my decision now?" His voice was low, but the chill it carried froze Obinna in place.