Whispers of Judas

By Redwriter

Twenty-eight-year-old Kofi Ode is an educated Ghanaian business mogul stationed in the United Kingdom. Although he’s hardworking and successful, he is picky about his love life. His parents want grandchildren, but Kofi is determined to find the right woman before moving forward.

Then he meets Cianneh Taylor, a beautiful Liberian pediatrician, at his favorite café. After learning that she has been stood up by a blind date, Kofi makes it his business to pursue her. Finally, she agrees to date him. Little does she know he’s been chaste for eight years—and that he wants her to join him on his journey of chastity. Cianneh blindly agrees, but constant mockery and nudging from her best friend, Ijeoma, causes her to reconsider her decision. Cianneh is stuck with the choice of enduring her friend’s ridicule or taking Ijeoma’s advice and leaving the relationship to fulfill her sexual desires. Will she learn the importance of chastity in time to salvage her relationship with Kofi?

In this novel, a young, passionate couple faces the challenge of embracing chastity in the midst of world demanding that they choose otherwise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jan 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664207431

Redwriter

Redwriter was born and raised in Ghana but is Liberian by blood. She moved to the United States at the age of seven and had a hard time adjusting to the new culture, but she developed friends through the books that she read. Eventually, she was led by the Spirit to write books to edify the lives of others.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 Redwriter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-0742-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-0741-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-0743-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020918915

WestBow Press rev. date: 01/11/2021

CONTENTS

Dedication and Appreciation

Author’s Note

Chapter 1: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 2: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 3: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 4: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 5: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 6: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 7: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 8: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 9: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 10: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 11: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 12: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 13: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 14: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 15: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 16: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 17: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 18: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 19: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 20: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 21: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 22: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 23: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 24: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 25: Kofi’s POV

Chapter 26: Cianneh’s POV

Chapter 27: Kofi’s POV

Epilogue: Cianneh’s POV

Appreciation and Gratitude

DEDICATION AND APPRECIATION

It indeed takes a village to raise a child and a team to carry a vision. I am so grateful for my village and team that helped tremendously in the process of publishing my first book. It was no easy feat, and I thank God for everyone who contributed, whether with money or words of wisdom. Thank you for listening to me talk your ears off about Whispers of Judas.

To my family, I love you, and I’ll always appreciate the lengths you went to bring my dreams into manifestation. I want to give honor where it is due, and extend my gratitude to my parents who strived to make Whispers of Judas a reality. It was y’all wise words and optimism that brought me thus far. And to my big sister, Patience, and my amazing brother-in-law, Archie (AMG), words could never describe how happy you’ve made me. You guys kickstarted the publishing process by supporting me and making sure there was no longer a delay between me and my dreams. To see my first book change lives and be in the hands of people, is truly a blessing. Thank you.

A special thank you to my church, Harvest Intercontinental Unlimited Ministries- Charlotte and Pastor Darius Knuckles for the encouraging words and support. To my godmother, Ms.Darby Willis, who heard about the book and supported me all the way, I am so grateful for you.

I could not forget my amazing friends. Without them, I am convinced Whispers of Judas would still be saved on my laptop, and away from the public eye. A special thank you to my brother Dekontee for your encouragement, prayers, and the laughter you provided to take my mind off the stress of the book. My confidants, Darlyn, Ernestine, and Jojo, I thank God for you guys everyday. You girls stood with me in prayer, contributed financially, encouraged me, and even helped me edit to make the sure the book was up to par. I cannot thank you two enough. Jeremiah Menyongia, my personal editor, thank you for taking your time to dissect Whispers of Judas. Thank you for seeing my vision and helping me bring it to life with your edits. To every friend that I forced to read over a chapter, or discussed Whispers of Judas with, you played a huge role in this success. Thank You.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

To you, my reader, Whispers of Judas was written with you in mind. Although it is a work of fiction, it holds great morals and lessons that I pray you learn and apply to your own life.

I wanted to create a story that is both entertaining, heartfelt, and revelatory. The lives of these characters are completely fictional and are not in anyway meant to be a perfect example of a Christian relationship. It is merely a story of two broken people who’ve realized that God must be the center of both their lives and their relationship.

I hope to spark a discussion amongst the readers with Whispers of Judas and may your life be changed for the better by the grace of God.

Thank you for reading.

-Redwriter.

CHAPTER 1

KOFI’S POV

M eeting after meetings and project proposals after project proposals. I’d been trapped in my office. When I caught a break, I headed to my favorite café and bakery not far from my office building.

While I was walking to the shop, all my mind could focus on was all my failed business proposals. I had put my company in charge of a commercial for a bakery, and it was as if every idea my team had come up with was just not enough; none had the spark I knew my company for. I had to call for a break because every plan we came up with drew us further from our goal.

On my walk, my cell phone rang. I checked the caller ID and let out a sigh. I had already started developing a headache from a conversation I hadn’t even started yet.

It was my mum calling from Ghana. I already knew what she would rant about, but I answered the phone—not as if I had had much of a choice.

Hello, Mum, I said with fake pep in my voice.

Kofi, Kofi, Kofi.

Yes, Ma.

How many times did I call you? she yelled.

I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see me.

You called me three times, Mum.

Mmm. Eh? Eh? Three times. That’s more than the number of grandchildren you have given me. Kofi, how many grandchildren have you given me?

I sighed. I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation with her again.

Zero, Mum.

Yes, Kofi, zero. Zero. When will you give me my grandkids? I don’t want my wrinkles on my face before I play with my grandkids. Oh Kofi, I beg you!

Um, yeah, I’m fine, Mum. The business is substantial. We got a new client—

Oh, so is that what the UK has been teaching you, eh? Was I talking about business? So now you’re learning to ignore me, eh?

Mum, I really—

Kofi, you are twenty-eight, twenty-eight. Kofi, when will you find a wife? When will I get to bathe my grandkids? When will I have a daughter-in-law? I’m getting old. Must I die first?

Mum, I know my age. And I tell you this constantly—when I find a wife, you will get your grandkids. I cannot force myself to marry just anyone just so she can have my child.

She hissed, You’re just too picky. Every fine girl you see instead of marrying her, you complain and complain. She doesn’t fix her hair. She’s not serious. She’s too dirty. If you continue, my son, you will remain single forever. You hear me?

I rolled my eyes as I opened the door to the café. I couldn’t believe I was still on the phone. I heard shuffling and some arguing in the background. It sounded like my dad was trying to take the phone from her. I mentally clapped. He was the only one who could calm my mum down.

Hello, son.

I smiled and sat down at a booth. Hey, Dad.

How’s the body? How’s business?

The body’s fine, and the business is going well. Our revenue is increasing. We have some new clients. How are you?

I’m well, son. Sorry for your mum. Whenever she gets bored, she likes to complain.

I laughed after I heard my mum hiss in the background.

But you know, son, what she said is right. We want grandkids.

Don’t tell me he’s about to give me the same speech. So much for saving me from Mum, I thought.

But I forbid you to bring just any woman in front of us. Son, I’m telling you, choose wisely. You shouldn’t marry just because your mum and I are telling you. The girl you bring in front of us better be correct.

I nodded. Okay, Dad.

I’m serious, son. I’m not rushing you because I want you to take your time. Be so sure of the woman you present to us that you’d propose to her the very day we meet her.

I smiled and shook my head. My dad had been telling me those same words ever since I told him about my first serious girlfriend. I always laughed because I assumed he was joking about getting engaged on the spot. Ever since then, however, I introduced none of my girlfriends to my parents for that reason. I wasn’t very serious when I first started dating. My intentions with them were not necessarily marriage. And that was the story of most of my relationships, but I didn’t want just anyone. I guess I was as picky as my mum said I was, but I needed someone who wouldn’t only bear my kids but bear my last name with respect and honor.

You hear me, Kofi? my dad asked.

Yes, Dad.

Oh, Kojo, we don’t have grandchildren for this reason. Adwoa has already gotten three grandchildren, three! Her daughters are younger than Kofi. Why must I be put to shame like this?

Ohema, you know Adwoa’s daughters will bear for any men who come their way. Oh, my mouth! But anyway, Kofi, your mother and I have to let you go now. I’m sure you’re very busy.

Yes, thank you, Dad … and Mum for checking on me.

You’re welcome. Goodbye, son. Your mother says goodbye.

Goodbye.

I sighed in relief. After such a day at the office, I just wanted some peace, but my mum would choose such a time to call me about trivial matters. I headed to the cash register.

’Sup, K? How’s it going, man? Mark, the cashier, asked.

I smiled and shrugged. Just trying to get through today, ya know.

He shook his head. I hear you, man. So what are we getting today?

Uh, yeah, could I get a rustic Italian panini and a hazelnut coffee?

For here or to go?

To go.

Great. That’ll be thirteen pounds.

I handed him the cash and looked around the café. Nothing had changed; it still had its small and cozy atmosphere. The color scheme was vintage, and the decorations were what most would consider old fashioned, but that was what made Sugar & More a comfort zone for many regulars. It was not usually the busiest of spots, and it was mostly empty. Most of the people there I recognized except for one, someone I thought I had never seen there before. She was well put together and gorgeous; she was sitting by herself and continually checking her phone.

I guess my staring was obvious because Mark took it upon himself to answer a question that I hadn’t voiced.

Yeah, she’s new here. She’s been here for a long time now. Probably like thirty-five minutes. My best guess is that she was stood up and just doesn’t have the courage to leave.

I looked at Mark.

Bro, I saw a puddle forming from your drool. You’re so obvious.

I shook my head and leaned forward. Has she ordered? Do you know her name?

Nope. She came in and sat at the table. I asked her if she wanted anything, but she said she was waiting for someone.

Uh, okay. Let me get a chocolate croissant and an iced tea.

For her?

Yeah, for her. Could you make it quick before she leaves?

He scoffed. Trust me—she’s not going anywhere soon. The tea and croissant are on the house.

I was too busy focusing on the mocha beauty to even hear what Mark was saying.

K? K? Kofi!

I snapped back to Mark.

Here’s your food.

I nodded, took the food, and handed him a twenty.

Hey, I said it’s on the house.

Yeah. That’s your tip.

I headed toward the unnamed angel. As I approached her, I became nervous. The closer I got, the more I felt I’d make a fool out of myself. I should just turn back now. I thought. She’ll reject me so hard. I took a deep breath. Too late now.

When I appeared in front of her, her eyes lit up with excitement, and my heart felt like it would fly out of my chest. She was far more than beautiful. She was … I don’t even know how to explain it. She was marvelous.

Uh, hey, I stuttered as my voice got stuck in my throat.

Hello! Adam, right? she asked.

Her voice matched her beauty as well. Wait … Adam?

I cleared my throat. Uh, Adam?

She looked at me confused; her excitement died down a bit. Yeah, Adam. I was supposed to be on a date with him thirty minutes ago … You’re not him? she asked disappointedly.

I shook my head. No I’m not. I’m sorry, but may I sit down?

She sighed and looked out the window as if Adam would suddenly appear. Her gaze returned to me, and she shrugged. Yeah, sure. Why not?

I sat across from her and set the food down. You know, I’d ask what a pretty girl like you was doing sitting here all by herself, but I think I already got the answer to that.

She rested her chin on her hand and chuckled. Well, that’s good. That’s a lame pickup line anyway.

I laughed. You’re funny too. I’m Kofi … and you are …?

Bad at this dating thing. She sighed. I’m Cianneh.

Oh, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

She rolled her eyes. Yeah, that was the line I was waiting for.

I saw you from the register, and I was like … she must be hungry. So I ordered you a croissant and iced tea, I said pushing the croissant and tea toward her side.

She looked at me and switched her tea for my hazelnut coffee and the croissant for my panini. I raised my brow, but she only shrugged.

Are you sure you’re not Adam? Like you aren’t playing a joke on me?

Trust me, if you ever gave me an opportunity to go on a date with you, I’d be there thirty minutes early.

She frowned. I’m so stupid. I should have never agreed to this blind date.

If you don’t mind my asking, what all did you plan for the date?

She looked me up and down. We were to meet here, talk over some coffee and pastry, walk around town, you know? And just see where the night took us.

What do you mean see where the night took us?

You’re not twelve. Figure it out, she said sipping coffee.

I nodded. Mmmm, yeah, I figured that was the case. From my understanding, you’ve never met Adam before and you were planning to see where the night takes you after a first date?

She looked at me taken aback by my statement. Yeah? And so? You’re a stranger, aren’t you? And I accepted food from you and you’re getting all in my business after knowing me for only two minutes?

Cianneh, you don’t understand what I’m saying. You can’t just give yourself away on a first—

She got up. Her curly hair took possession of her face as it came out from behind her ears. She was looking down at me with rage, and I bet if she had had the chance to kill me, she would have, but even then, the only thing my brain could think of was, She’s beautiful!

You have no right to tell me what I should and shouldn’t be doing! Who are you? Dr. Phil? I’m not your child. I’m a grown woman who knows how to control her life. You hear me? she yelled.

I just stared at her unfazed by her anger.

She grabbed her purse and phone and headed to the door angry as could be. Before she could open the door, I called out, Cianneh!

She looked back with defiance in her eyes. What?

Will I see you again? I asked.

She rolled her eyes and headed to the parking lot.

I looked at her empty chair. She had left the panini and the coffee. Maybe I should run out to give it to her. I was about to, but I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Mark.

Bro, what did you do? Did you see the way she ran out of here? I swear I almost saw smoke coming from her ears.

I like her. She’s beautiful, bold, and the way her accent comes out when she’s angry … I like all of that.

Well, she apparently doesn’t like you. What did you do?

I shrugged, not wanting to tell Mark what she had told me. I was just being mean, that’s all.

My phone rang. It