SHADES OF LUST (Inspirational Touching Story, full of LOVE ,BETRAYAL ,ACTION..)

Inspirational Touching Story, full of LOVE ,BETRAYAL ,ACTION..

Title: SHADES OF LUST by Valentine 

This story is a life Changing Story, one in a million ( Bless later )

In front of an uncompleted one story building, stood a boy of about twenty three years old. He was standing in front of a fresh grave, holding a candle with his right hand as tears fell from his eyes.

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My name is Jude Ibeh, a half Nigerian, and half American. Yes I used the term because my mother was a white American while my father was a Nigerian, however I never got to know my mum because she died when I was two years old leaving me solely under my dad’s care who did a good job raising me up. All I inherited from my mother was her skin color and smile.

I grew to love my dad with all my heart even though we disagreed on many things because he was so traditional and had a sort of old school mentality. He believed a lot in tradition and wanted me to accept all his beliefs which never went down well with me.

I was forced to return to Nigerian for my university education after high school without caring for my feelings. Yes Nigeria is a great country but the temperature, attitude of the people and everything about the country never suited my lifestyle.

I was admitted into Imo state university to study industrial chemistry and it really was hell for me. The lecture rush, the intonation of lecturers, the overcrowding of lecture halls, the noise and the struggles really left a sore taste in my mouth. I simply managed to pass over to my second year with lots of carryovers and yes the second year was equally stressful but much better because I was slowly adapting much to my dad’s pleasure.

But on my third year when I was finally about becoming a full time Igbo boy, my dad left me all alone in the world. He returned to Nigeria on March 1st 2012 for a little business but never lived to see the next day. You can’t imagine the shock I had when I got a call from one of my uncles that my father was dead. That he died in his sleep.

I simply couldn’t believe my ears. It sounded so unreal and unbelievable but on getting home I found out that the only person I had in the world was gone. My life instantly came to a standstill. I just felt like killing myself and leaving the world as well.

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My dad’s burial was quickly organized by my uncles who didn’t give me any say in the matter since I wasn’t yet recognized as a man. I knew my dad was murdered but I had no evidence. I had no money. I equally wasn’t man enough to challenge anyone.

I simply was in a tight corner and all I did was observe and cry out my heart.

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After the burial, I was left all alone to manage and cater for myself. I just didn’t know what to think or where to start reorganizing my life. I wasn’t good at any type of hustling. Menial jobs just weren’t for me and my uncles never seemed to care.

My dad equally never left much for me apart from the uncompleted building at home and the little he had left in his bank account after the burial ceremony.

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As I stood before my father’s grave, crying out my heart. I was at lost. I was so empty and alone. I never knew life could be so difficult and mean. I badly had the urge to abandon my studies and return to America but none of the options before me looked easy.

I felt a strong hand land on my shoulder. I turned to see one of my senior cousins smiling at me. I looked at him and swallowed hard. Kelvin was the only person who cared of my well-being during the course of my father’s burial but then his father was equally one of my uncles that I was suspecting over my father’s strange death which made me not to trust his kind gestures towards me.

Kelvin was around twenty eight years old. He looked quite rich and had two expensive cars that rolled people’s eyes but then no one could say exactly the business he was into and he never cared what people felt about his source of wealth.

‘’I know how you feel right now. I know you think the world is nothing but hell. I’m here to help you. I’m here to turn you into something you never imagined you would be. Stop crying for your dad. He is already done. It’s now left for you to continue his legacy. You are going back with me to the city and I will teach you how to survive in a Nigerian way.’’ He said with a smile while I curiously stared at him a bit confused over his words.

‘’How to survive in a Nigerian way’’ I muttered over and over to myself as I stared at him.

Episode 2

Jude’s side of the story continues

are you for real’’ I asked breathlessly as a new kind of relief filled my entire being. I wasn’t expecting such generosity. It really came as a great surprise to me.

‘’we will leave for the city in two days. You will stay with me until you get your spirit back’’ he answered, tapped my shoulder and left with a smile. And that was how I became very close to Kelvin.

We left the village two days later and headed to his house as he promised. He owned a very cute bungalow, well furnished and designed with superior taste.

‘’this is my house. I pay no rent to anyone’’ he revealed as we walked into the plush apartment, leaving me gasping with disbelief as I imagined how much he’s worth.

‘’this is not only my home but yours as well. In no time you will understand a lot. You will get answers to the questions I know running through your young mind’’ he said with a savvy smile. I shrugged and smiled at him.

Kelvin’s side of the story

My uncle’s death really came as a great blow to me. He was the only uncle that encouraged and regularly sent me money when I dropped out of school due to my stupidity years ago.

Before his death, he confided in me that he planned returning permanently to Nigeria to run a business. He never told me the details of the business or who was helping him with it. Hence my great surprise to learn of his death, just a day after his arrival to the country.

Yes it definitely looked like murder to me even though the medical report obtained said he died of natural causes. I was just so helpless and couldn’t do a thing than to observe as my father and uncles speedily buried the unfortunate man, leaving his young son who really didn’t know much about life or Nigeria to fend on his own.

Jude was more of an American than a Nigerian. The color of his skin, his voice, his behavior, the way he walked and everything about him was just American. I took pity on him and had to offer him a life even though what I was offering was a life of crime but then with it he could maintain his rich lifestyle, finish his education and be a good man.

So what exactly do I mean by a life of crime? Hmmmm

Yes having dropped out of school, my parents cursed and left me on my own. I had to survive. I had to do everything to make money and of course I succeeded.

I had to join some friends in yahoo scam, we lied, we duped, we robbed unfortunate victims but it never stopped there. We upgraded to kidnapping and oil theft. In two years I had a house in Owerri where I based, plus a very fat bank account. The easiest way to make real money was through crime but it equally was the easiest to die.

Young Jude had the looks, the charms and the brain for business. Everything about him was good for business and as his new guardian, my job was to take care of him and help him to the top via any means.

Nevertheless I still had my doubts. Jude looked so tender and gentle. Somehow I was scared if he could really live up to expectation.

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HOURS LATER;

Jude’s side of the story continues

‘’Thanks Kelvin for everything. You are the last person I expected to help me’’ I said to him with a heart filled with gratitude as we enjoyed an evening meal in a very plush fast food joint. He smiled and nodded.

‘’so tell me, are you ..a virgin  he suddenly asked, leaving me totally embarrassed. I almost choked with embarrassment.

‘’come on be free with me” he urged with a short laugh. I shrugged with hesitation as my school life flashed back to my head. I never had a girlfriend but my affluent lifestyle and look really left a dozen girls on my speed dial.

‘’no, I’m no virgin’’ I stammered softly. He laughed and offered his hand for a handshake.

‘’that’s good’’ he surprisingly said, leaving me wondering what he asked the uncomfortable question for.

I had my doubts about Kelvin but he was a very likeable parson and the only one that offered me what no one else cared to offer me. I had to be strong and focused to survive and dig out those behind my father’s death.

I bet u, you wont regret reading this Very Interesting Inspirational Story

Episode 3

Jude’s side of the story continues

‘’So how about I arrange a girl to cheer you up?’’ Kelvin suddenly suggested, putting a tempting offer before me. I quickly shook my head.

‘’I just buried my father. No I don’t need a woman now’’ I breathed with a frown.

‘’that’s cool, but you should learn how to put aside your grief and move on with life’’ he advised softly. I sipped my drink, kept quiet for a while before throwing him a very curious look.

‘’my father was murdered. Do you have any idea who could be responsible?’’ I asked, leaving him extremely surprised with my question. At first he looked quite shocked but quickly composed himself.

‘’actually I have no idea of what exactly led to your father’s death but supposing I have something about that, I won’t tell you because you are in no position to do anything about it. You have to first relax, face your life, survive before asking questions unless you wish to die at a young age’’ he answered guardedly , leaving me shrugging with resignation.

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‘’I really want you to join my line of business. That’s the only way you can survive, make enough money to pay your bills and live a much fulfilled life. You see I run a string of networks that cut across multi million Naira scams, forgery, gambling and so on. I have been doing it for years and yes I currently have everything I want in life. I shouldn’t be telling you all these but I think it’s my responsibility to open a good road for you. Your dad helped me when everyone turned against me. I have to reciprocate that gesture but I don’t know how strong you are’’ he breathed as we headed home minutes later.

I threw him a quick look, unable to say a word. Of course crime is something that always sends a chill through an innocent man’s heart. I felt suddenly cold.

‘’apart from the car your dad left behind, how much money do you have left?’’ he asked. I shrugged and breathed deeply.

‘’it’s not much. It won’t even last up to five months’’ I answered. He smiled.

‘’I easily could pay your school fees and support your education but after that what next?. Having a university education is no longer a guarantee of getting a good job. Most graduates now end up working at factories and workshops of school drop outs like me. Believe me, if you can be part of my network, you will have a company of your own within four years’’ he said seriously.

‘’but why are you telling me all these bro?. You know we are not that close for you to be opening up to me this way?’’ I asked curiously. He smiled.

‘’yes I know but I always follow my heart and this time it led me to you’’ he answered.

‘’but what truly are the chances of being caught?’’ I asked.

‘’hmmm well I sincerely can’t say because no one in my network has ever been caught. We don’t pull any deal without first making sure it’s safe. We have people in every key country and bank. You have nothing to fear bro’’ he answered, leaving me totally convinced. I breathed deeply and nodded.

‘’fine I’m good to go” I breathed, leaving a very big smile on his face.

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I ended up spending three weeks at his house and what a hectic three weeks it was. I learnt a lot. I learnt that social networks just weren’t there for chatting alone, but also a very good fishing ground for scam victims. I learnt the act of fishing, profiling, packaging and presentation. I learnt to assume many identities. I even learnt some foreign ways of communicating. I learnt a whole lot with Kelvin who used the first three weeks I spent with him to teach me the secret behind online scamming.

At the end of three weeks I returned to my hostel to see if I could continue with my university education from where I abandoned it months earlier.

I returned to school a different person. I returned to school with a different mindset.

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My hostel mates all rushed into my room the moment they learnt I was back to pay their condolences. I had lots of questions to answer and no matter how hard I tried to be free with them; they all noticed that I was changed.

One after the other they soon left, finally leaving Tracy and I alone in my room.

Tracy was my course mate and someone very dear to me. She really helped me a lot in my first year and equally was very helpful in my second year.

I had to move over to my current hostel earlier in the year just to be closer to her. But my feelings for her were simply pure and harmless. I saw her as a very innocent girl who never deserved to be harmed and I never for once had any strange or bad ideas for her.

Even when I had sharp quickies with other girls, I made sure she never got to know about it. She was the only girl that understood me. But for the first time in my life, I was very uncomfortable being alone with her.

‘’you lost your dad and you never invited anyone to his burial, including me. I only got to hear about it from a course mate. And now you are acting so strange and different. What’s really going on?. You can still confide in me’’ she demanded, drawing close to hold my hand. I looked away, avoiding her gaze for no just reason. Her presence made me feel totally uncomfortable.

‘’I lost my dad. He was killed. I have no one else. I’m all alone in a country that is still a bit foreign to me. I have bills to pay. My school fees, hostel rent, test book, feeding and everything. Why won’t I look different with such problems bugging me?’’ I asked breathlessly.

‘’I understand. That’s why you should always confide in me. I’m not from a poor family. We can always find a way out, just like we did in our first year. ‘’ she said tightening her grip on me. I quickly broke. free from her, stood up and breathed deeply.

‘’never mind, I already have found a way out. I have a new means of taking care of myself’’ I said without thinking, leaving her staring at me with great astonishment.

‘’what in the world are you talking about. Can you put me through please?’’ she demanded like a caring wife, leaving speechless as I instantly searched for a lie to cover my outburst but couldn’t find any.

I really liked Tracy but I had to keep some things from her to retain her respect.

Episode 4

Jude’s side of the story continues

‘’listen Tracy. I’m no longer the spoilt good for nothing rich dude you used to know. I’m now nothing. I’m now nobody. I can’t even afford to take you out or buy lunch for you like I used to do in the past’’ I confessed for no reason, leaving the young girl totally shocked with my comment.

‘’are you trying to insult me or what?. Are you trying to say that I have been your friend all these while for your money or what?. I see you have nothing to talk about. You know where to find me when you get a grip of yourself’’ she replied with great energy, hissed and headed to the door. I instantly regretted every word I said to her.

It really was the first time she was getting angry with me. I kind of felt it.

‘’I’m so sorry for attacking you. I just haven’t been myself since I lost my dad and returning to the hostel really disorganized my head. I’m sorry’’ I apologized.. She stopped, turned and faced me.

‘’sharing your feelings, confiding in someone you trust can be helpful in your present condition. I suggest you talk to me. Open your heart to me. Share your feelings with me’’ she demanded soothingly, drawing close to me once again. I bit my lips and stared at her for some seconds.

‘’You won’t understand how I feel right now’’ I breathed, staring deep into her eyes.

‘’My dad was murdered. I was told he died in his sleep but that’s a mystery I’m so eager to unravel. My uncles all teamed up and organized a quick burial without considering my feelings with the pretence of cutting costs. My dad was in the country for a business he told me he was setting up the last time we talked. He equally had plans of completing his house in the village and marrying a new wife. No one has been able to give account of how his money grew winds or why he died so mysteriously. Now out of nowhere, one of my cousins is offering to help me stand on my feet. But I don’t trust him. I feel there is more to his help. I was with him for three weeks and he taught me stuffs that I never knew were real, Stuffs that I’m so ashamed to talk about. Here I’m so confused, so empty and so tired of life’’ I poured out solemnly, covering my face with my palms. Tracy drew closer, took down my hands and searched my eyes for a while before surprising me with a hug. And yes I badly needed the hug.

‘’you have every reason to be suspicious and concerned. You have every reason to seek for the truth but you are not yet ready for such because if indeed your dad was murdered, it means the murderer is still out there observing your movements. You have to let it go for now at least until you finish your education’’ she advised softly.

‘’you said your cousin is teaching you stuffs?. What exactly is he teaching you?’’ she suddenly demanded, throwing me off balance with her question.

‘’Tracy please don’t ask me that question. I beg of you. Let’s just forget about all I said to you’’ I begged softly. She stared at me suspiciously before shrugging with resignation.

‘’you have to be careful Jude. I hope no one is trying to manipulate or put you in trouble after murdering your father’’ she breathed, leaving the idea embedded in my heart as we stared at each other.

‘’perhaps Kelvin could really be behind my father’s death’’ I wondered for the umpteenth time as Tracy’s eyes met mine.

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meanwhile @joe’s Gym, works layout,

Kelvin’s side of the story continues

(Inside the gym; Kelvin and his friend Joe are seen having a heated discussion. The two guys have been friends for a long time)

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‘’so I hope your young cousin is learning very fast?’’ Joe asked me.

‘’yes the boy is a quick learner. He has the brain. But seriously I do feel guilty for his father’s death. You can’t believe the man called me to be with him the day he arrived town but I couldn’t honor his invitation because I was busy with Cynthia. I feel the man was murdered and perhaps I would have prevented it supposing I honored his invitation to be with him’’ I confessed with great guilt.

‘’jeez’’ Joe breathed.

‘’I feel so responsible. You can’t believe that the man’s money and everything just disappeared without a trace. He confided in me before coming to the country that he was setting up a business in Nigeria. I don’t have details of the business or names of his partners. His death was just so clean and untraceable’’ I added, shaking my head.

‘’he died in the village?’’ Joe asked. I nodded.

‘’yes and that’s the most confusing thing. The man always spent the night in the city whenever he was in the country but I was surprised that he spent the night in his small old house in the village. You know the old house behind the new building?’’ I explained to Joe who nodded silently.

‘’whoever killed him will have me to battle. Tomorrow I will be going to the village to confront my father. I feel he is hiding something with his brothers’’ I resolved while my friend shrugged.

‘’you are not good at playing the good guy. I hope you don’t fail in this new quest of yours’’ he grinned, lighting up a cigarette as I looked down with great worry.

Episode 5

Kelvin’s side of the story continues

Early the next morning, I headed to the village to confront my dad. Deep down I was extremely anxious. A part of me needed the truth while another part of me was scared of what the truth could reveal. I prayed for my dad not to be involved in the silly scandal. Of courses his involvement would affect my plans and everything I stood for.

I just wasn’t myself as I drove into our compound that early morning. I arrived home quite on time to join my parents on breakfast. Dad was of course so surprised with my unannounced visit and as soon as we were alone, he threw the first serious question.

‘’I know you aren’t here for breakfast, so what brought you home this early?’’ he asked curiously. I smiled, studying him keenly.

My old man really was a nice man who had the best plans for me. He wanted me to be a medical doctor. He wanted me to be the first doctor in the family and when I dropped out of school, he was so totally devastated, to the extent of washing his hands off me.

However when I left for the city and started making my money, he was forced to tolerate me once again, even though the pain of disappointment was still very much in him.

‘’it’s because of Jude that I’m here dad’’ I breathed while he drew back with concern.

‘’how about him?. Don’t tell me something happened to him?. You know I was glad when you took him to the city’’ he muttered anxiously.

‘’the boy is fine but I just want to know how his father really died and why you guys hurriedly buried him?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’oh not again’’ he breathed looking down.

‘’you know the boy’s father was a brother i cherished the most. He never kept anything from me till his death. I was with him the evening before his death. He spoke of many things. He told me about a shipping business he was about starting in the country. He equally told me about the lady he planned marrying. Yes the lady was with him that evening. He introduced her to me but I really didn’t pay a very close attention to her because of my bad eyesight. But she’s very pretty and a bit advanced in age. She looked about thirty to thirty three years old. Things played out so fast my son. In the morning we discovered my brother dead and all alone. The woman wasn’t there and there wasn’t any way to find her and you know leaving my brother’s body in the morgue for such investigation could drag on to a year. Who would foot the bills?. Moreover the hospital we took him to said he died of natural causes. We had no choice than to bury him’’ he explained while I shook my head with anger.

‘’dad I’m totally disappointed. You and your brothers just buried one of your own like a dog just because of this silly excuse. Can I have the keys to my uncle’s house?. I know you still have the spare?’’ I demanded with a raised tone, leaving him indecisive for some seconds. He finally rose up, went to his room and returned with the keys.

‘’find the woman and perhaps, you would get all the answers you seek’’ he said with a solemn tone as he handed the keys over to me.

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I quickly headed to my late uncle’s old house to see if I could find anything that would lead me to the mystery woman. I made my way to his room and calmly searched every bit of it. All I could find was his suitcase which had many documents inside. I couldn’t go through the documents that minute, instead I grabbed the suitcase and left the house with it. My plan was to take my time in going through the documents in my house.

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I returned to the city two hours later, so anxious to go through the documents. The first thing that greeted my eyes as I opened the first envelope I saw inside the suitcase was a signed Cheque meant for a lady with the name ‘’JESSICA SIMON”. My hands shook as I stared at the paper, trying to come out with an idea. But I barely had the time to think out anything when I got a phone call from Cynthia that she was being detained at a police station.

‘’please come bail me dear. I can’t stand this place’’ she begged, leaving me with no choice than to abandon all I was doing and head over to the station to bail her a-s out.

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That very same day,

Jude’s side of the story

I stared at the huge lecture notes before me, clueless on how to photocopy all of them. I really missed a lot of tests and assignments even though Tracy did her best in covering some for me.

‘’I don’t how this semester will be. I give up’’ I breathed to an astonished Tracy.

‘’you just have to relax; little by little you will cover everything. Tomorrow we can start by meeting the lecturers you missed their tests to explain your situation.’’ She suggested.

‘’I have to go. I have to go cool off’’ I breathed, standing up.

‘’don’t tell me you are leaving the class?. It’s barely 12pm and we have lecture by 12:30pm’’ she reminded me but my mind was already made up to leave the class.

‘’we will see in the hostel. Just take care’’ I said to her, walked out of the class and headed to my dad’s car, where I relaxed for some seconds before driving away. I headed straight to Kelvin’s house to cool off.

On getting to the house, I found it locked, but I had the spare keys he gave me. I easily let myself in, fetched a can of coke from his fridge, switched on the TV and settled down to rest. When I tried changing the channel, I couldn’t find the remote and had to go over to his room to see if he left it there. But on getting to the room, a strange sight greeted me.

‘’I FOUND MY DAD’S SUITCASE AND DOCUMENTS SCATTERED OVER HIS BED’’ I couldn’t believe my eyes as my imaginations ran wild.

‘’how could I be so stupid to believe his friendly gestures?. Of course he killed my dad. This is strong evidence’’ I shook with great rage as I backed out of his room and headed to the kitchen to grab a knife.

I bet u, you wont regret reading this Very Interesting Inspirational Story

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