A New Presence

Chapter 3: A New Presence

Niva sat by the window, staring out at the vast fields surrounding their cottage. The thought of leaving her home, her father, and the memories of her mother filled her with dread. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as she realized she had to find a way to stay.

Just then, she heard voices downstairs. Curiosity piqued, she crept to the top of the staircase and listened.

Thomas sat at the kitchen table, his head in his hands. Catherine stood beside him, her expression one of determination.

Thomas: "Catherine, I don't know if sending Niva away is the right thing to do. She's all I have left."

Catherine: "Thomas, she needs stability and a proper education. This is for her good. Trust me."

Thomas sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him.

Thomas: "I suppose you're right. But it doesn't make it any easier."

Catherine: "I understand. But think of the opportunities she'll have. It's a chance for a better life."

Unknown to them, Niva had heard every word. She felt a surge of anger and determination. She wouldn't let Catherine take her away.

Catherine left Thomas in the kitchen and went upstairs to her room. She closed the door behind her and pulled out a small, worn photograph from a drawer. It was a picture of a young girl, about Niva's age, with strikingly similar features. A pang of guilt and longing washed over her as she looked at the photo.

Catherine whispered to herself "I'm sorry, Emma. I had to leave you behind. But soon, we'll be together again."

She placed the photo back in the drawer and locked it. Catherine had kept her past a secret, but now, as she planned Niva's future, she knew it was time to bring her daughter, Emma, into the picture.

The days passed slowly. Niva spent as much time as she could with Ethan, who had become her confidant and source of strength. They met in secret, sharing their fears and hopes.

Ethan: "Niva, I don't trust Catherine. There's something off about her. You need to be careful."

Niva: "I know, Ethan. But I don't know what to do. My father seems to believe everything she says."

Ethan: "We'll figure something out. Just remember, you're not alone."

Niva felt comforted by Ethan's words. He had become a beacon of hope in her dark world.

Catherine made her way to a small, hidden cottage on the outskirts of Sun City. She knocked on the door, and a young girl opened it. It was Emma, Catherine's daughter, whom she had kept hidden all these years.

Emma: "Mother! I've missed you."

Catherine "I've missed you too, my darling. But we need to talk. I have a plan, and I need your help."

Emma's eyes sparkled with curiosity and determination. She had always been eager to help her mother, no matter the cost.

Emma: "What do you need me to do?"

Catherine: "There's a girl, Niva. She's about your age. I need you to get close to her, and earn her trust. There's a wealthy man in Buea who has shown interest in her. We need to make sure she doesn't end up with him."

Emma: "Why? What's so special about him?"

Catherine: "He's one of the richest men in Buea, and If we play our cards right, you could be the one he falls for. It's our chance for a better life, Emma."

Emma nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities.

Emma: "I'll do whatever it takes, Mother. We deserve this."

Catherine smiled, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

Catherine: "Good. Now, here's what we need to do…"

Back at the cottage, Niva was preparing dinner when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it to find a young girl standing there, looking nervous and out of breath.

Emma: "Hello, I'm Emma. I heard about your mother's passing and wanted to offer my condolences. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love."

Niva felt a pang of empathy for the girl. She seemed sincere and kind.

Niva: "Thank you, Emma. It's been tough. Do you want to come in?"

Emma smiled warmly.

Emma: "I'd love to."

As they sat down to dinner, Niva felt a flicker of hope. Maybe Emma could be a new friend, someone who understood her pain. Little did she know, Emma had a hidden agenda, one that could change the course of Niva's life forever.

The stage is set for a web of deceit and manipulation as Catherine's plan unfolds. Niva's newfound friendship with Emma seems genuine, but with hidden motives at play, the twists and turns of this story are just beginning. As Niva navigates her grief and new relationships, she remains unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon