The Heart of Jelousy

Chapter 8: The Heart of Jealousy

"Mum, when the time is right, she'll open her own shop. For now, let her be. There aren't many well-paying job opportunities for someone with her education level. Let's wait for God's intervention," Mr. Jack explained.

Happiness nodded, acknowledging the challenges of their situation.

Angelina had a disturbing dream about setbacks. In the dream, she found herself in her school uniform, carrying her school bag, and arriving late to school. She saw her classmates lined up to receive punishment from the principal. Anxiously awaiting her turn, Angelina remained in line.

Simba woke her up. "Wake up, it's 5 o'clock."

Angelina opened her eyes and began her morning prayer.

A week later, Mr. Jack faced financial difficulties. There was no food in the house, and there were still six days until his next salary. He asked Angelina to buy groceries on credit from their neighbor. Happiness noticed this and decided to cover the costs.

Concerned about Angelina's lack of employment, Happiness discussed the matter with her son. "Doesn't she have any skills from before your marriage?"

"She learned tailoring but hasn't completed her training," Mr. Jack replied.

"Why not send her to her parents so they can support her in finishing her training? We'll provide whatever assistance we can," Happiness suggested.

"I understand, Mum. I think that is a good idea."

"Okay, let's call her and tell her our plan."

"Mummy Joy!" Mr. Jack raised his voice and called for his wife.

Angelina set aside what she was doing and went inside the room.

"Come and sit down here; we need to have a discussion."

Angelina sat down on the bed behind her husband.

"Angelina, I think you should have your own shop. At least, if you have your own shop, you'll be making money as well. What do you think?" Mr. Jack asked.

"Yes, I would love that."

"Alright, I suggest that you visit your mother for a while and let them know that we would like you to have the freedom to pursue this. They should support you. When they're ready, I will also contribute what I can."

"Well, that's a good suggestion, but they could also provide their support while I'm still here."

"No, if you stay here, they won't be serious," Mr. Jack said.

"Okay, I understand. When should I go visit them?"

"During the first week of next month."

"Alright, let me go check on the food I'm cooking," she said and went to the kitchen.

The following month, Angelina packed her and her baby's clothes into a travel bag. She carried her baby and the bag and left to stay with her mother as planned.

A few days later, she was on the main road, waiting for a bus to her friend's house, leaving her baby with her mom at home.

A white Toyota Corolla passed by. The driver noticed Angelina and drove back. He parked beside her and rolled down the window.

"Angelina, how are you doing?" he asked.

"Fine, Ade."

"It's been a long time since we parted."

"Yes. How's work?"

"Good."

"Where are you going? Let me give you a ride."

She told him the location she wanted to go, and she got into his car.

Ade had dated her when they were in secondary school.

As he drove, Ade said, "Angelina, you're even more beautiful now than when we were in school."

"Thank you."

"Beauty, if not for my phone getting lost, we might still be dating."

"Well, that's in the past," she responded calmly.

"Anyway, if you don't mind, I'd like us to continue our relationship. I will make sure to take care of you with all the money I have."

Angelina laughed. "Ade, don't worry about that. I'm already engaged."

"Okay, well, I wish you the best of luck in your marriage."

"Thank you."

"Please stop me here." He parked the car and took her number.

Angelina got out of the car and went straight to her friend's house.

---

After two months at her mother's house, Angelina's period of freedom was over. During this time, her husband, mother, and many of her relatives had supported her financially.

A week after returning to her husband's house, Angelina walked into the sitting room to find her husband, Mr. Jack, sitting with a strange woman. They were watching a movie together.

Surprised, Angelina asked, "Who is this woman, and where did she come from?"

"She's our new housemaid," Mr. Jack explained. "She's been helping with the cooking and housework while you were away."

"A housemaid dressed like that?" Angelina questioned, skeptical.

"Haha, what's wrong with her attire?"

"She's wearing revealing clothes that would attract men, and she doesn't even cover her hair. If I had stayed longer at my mother's house, you might have been tempted by her. I'm not even sure if she's already been to bed with you."

"Angel, don't think like that. You know I'd never cheat on you."

"You're a man, and it's hard for a man to resist temptation when he's alone with a woman who isn't his relative."

"You're right, but not all men are the same. Trust me, I would never cheat on you."

"Okay, I hear you. But I want this so-called housemaid out of my house now."

"Alright, Jennifer, please leave. I'll settle your payment later; I'll send the money to your account."

"Alright, sir," Jennifer replied respectfully as she left.

"What money were you going to pay her with?" Angelina inquired.

"I was going to pay her for the work she's done. She was even cooking in the kitchen when you arrived."

"I'll take over the cooking. Where's your mother?"

"She has gone back to Ghana."

"Okay," Angelina said, heading to the kitchen.

---

Angelina went out and came back with groceries she had bought at the market. When she entered the sitting room, she saw her husband coming out of the bedroom wearing only a singlet and boxers.

Ignoring his greeting, she dropped the groceries and headed for the bedroom, but Mr. Jack stopped her.

"Take a moment to relax; the room is too hot right now," he suggested.

"Leave me alone!" she snapped, pushing past him into the bedroom.

There, she discovered Jennifer, half-naked, in their bed.

"What? In my room? No wonder you didn't want me to enter. So you were lying about her being the housemaid."

"I'm sorry, dear. It was the work of the devil."

"Which devil's work are you talking about?"

Angelina went straight to Jennifer, who had hidden under the bed, and dragged her out. She began to beat her.

"You idiot! You've come to scatter my family. I will make sure I kill you today."

As she was beating Jennifer, Mr. Jack tried to intervene.

"Please, stop! Don't hurt her!"

In a fit of rage, Angelina slapped her husband three times.

"Let me deal with her first, then I'll come back to you." Jennifer seized the opportunity to flee the house, with Angelina in hot pursuit.

It was eight in the evening, and Angelina was lying in bed, deeply troubled by everything that had happened. A few minutes later, she fell asleep.

---

Growing suspicious of her husband's behavior, Angelina visited her friend and confided in her.

Her friend gave her a tiny camera to keep an eye on Mr. Jack.

Returning home, Angelina carefully attached the camera to one of his shirts.

The following day, Mr. Jack put on the shirt and left for work, unaware of the hidden camera. Angelina watched the footage intently, hoping to uncover the truth.