The Homeless Widow — Episode 3

“What is happening to me? Have I lost my senses? Am I still normal?” Loveth asked herself.

For many days Loveth was in deep confusion. She was roaming the streets with her children, crying and begging God for help. Sometimes she would just sit down to think of her life. She was weak, hungry, confused and broken.

People who saw her whispered among themselves, “That is Jacob’s wife. See how her life has turned upside down.”

Her children were looking weak because of hunger. Loveth thought her life was finished. But one afternoon, as she was sitting under a tree, something suddenly entered her mind like a flash of light. She jumped up quickly and held her head.

She remembered that she still had money in her bank account. Jacob used to send her millions of naira every week when he was alive. He always gave her money for shopping and for personal savings.

“My God! Sorrow has made me forget that I should not actually be stranded. I can take steps to help myself and my children.” She said.

Her husband was generous in giving her money. Loveth never spent much from the money because Jacob provided everything she needed. She suddenly realized that she had saved a lot. She remembered that there was no need for her to continue begging Ndu for her phone or ATM card.

She could go directly to the bank and withdraw with a withdrawal slip.

“God, how did I forget this all along?” Loveth asked herself.

That very day, she carried her two children and walked straight to the bank. Her body was shaking as she entered the banking hall. She went to the customer service desk and spoke softly.

“Good afternoon sir, I lost my phone and ATM card. I need a new one. Please, help me.” She said.

The banker smiled and said, “No problem madam. We will block the old ATM card and give you a new one immediately.”

Loveth sat down and waited. Her heart was beating fast. After some minutes, she was asked to fill a form. Later, the banker returned and gave her a new ATM card.

“Madam, the old card has been blocked. Nobody can use it again. Here is your new ATM card,” the banker said. Loveth almost cried tears of joy. She rushed to the ATM and slotted in the new card.

When she checked her balance, she opened her mouth wide in surprise. Her account still had N25 million. These were the monies she had been saving from the gifts her husband gave her. She knelt down and thanked God.

“I’m so happy.” She said.

Immediately, Loveth withdrew N5 million. She held the cash in her hands and could not believe it.

“So, I have been suffering outside while I had all this money waiting for me. Thank you Lord for opening my eyes,” she said. With the money, she rented a very nice apartment for herself and her children. The house was beautiful and safe. For the first time since Jacob died, Loveth slept peacefully that night. Her children also slept happily on their new beds. She cooked them good food, and they ate with smiles on their faces. Loveth’s hope returned.

The very next week, Loveth enrolled her children back in school. When they wore their uniforms and carried their bags, tears of joy filled her eyes.

“Mummy, thank you for sending us back to school,” her daughter said. Loveth hugged her tightly.

“My children, I will do everything possible to give you a good life. Your father may be gone, but I will stand for you,” she said. From that moment, Loveth became a different woman. She was no longer the weak widow crying on the streets. She was now a woman ready to fight for her future. That week, she bought a new phone and retrieved her SIM card number.

One evening, as she sat down in her living room, Loveth spoke to herself.

“Now that I have settled down, I will fight Ndu to the last moment. I will not allow him to take over my husband’s wealth. I will use the money I have to fight him. I will fight for what belongs to my children.” She said.

Her eyes were red. She was no longer afraid. She knew Jacob would not want her to give up. She knew her children were too young to fight for themselves, so she had to fight on their behalf.

That night, as she lay on her bed, she suddenly remembered Jacob’s lawyer. Jacob always told her, “If you ever need anything, contact my lawyer. He knows everything about me.”

Loveth quickly stood up and searched her phone. Luckily , after she retrieved her SIM, her saved contacts returned. She found the lawyer’s number. She dialed his number and prayed he would answer.

“Hello, is this Barrister Okeke?” she asked.

“Yes, this is Barrister Okeke. Who is speaking?” a male voice replied.

“This is Loveth… Jacob’s wife.” The lawyer’s voice became calm and respectful.

“Oh madam, I am so sorry for your loss. How are you coping?” He asked.

Loveth could not hold her tears. “Barrister, I am suffering. Jacob’s family threw me out of the house. They took everything from me. Please, I need your help. Did my husband write any will before he died? Please tell me the truth,” she asked.

The lawyer was silent for a while, then he spoke.

“Yes madam, your husband wrote a will before his death. Everything was documented and signed. Do not worry. I will bring the will myself and read it at his house in the presence of everyone.” The lawyer said.

“Thank you, Barrister. Thank you so much. May God bless you. Please come quickly. My husband’s family is enjoying everything he worked for. They want to destroy my life and that of my children. Please come and help me.” She said.

“Don’t be afraid, madam. The law is on your side. I will come to the house and read the will. Then we will see who is the rightful owner of Jacob’s wealth.”

The Homeless Widow — Episode 2: https://ha.colofandom.com/wadcxy

The Homeless Widow — Episode 4: https://ha.colofandom.com/fa3t01